“We’ve taken down tyrants before. Who’s to say we can’t do it again?” —Solomon
Starring:
Robin Lord Taylor as EDWARD REMAR
Paul Rudd as SOLOMON REED
Emilia Clarke as KATE BLOODSTONE
Michael Shannon as GERALD ROLAND
Nick Frost as RANDALL FORSTER
Daniel Sharman as DANIEL ROCKWELL
Jon Hamm as JON MATTHEWS
Stephen Gevedon as DEAN HOWARDS
Steve J. Palmer as AUSTIN KINGSTON
Robert Pattinson as WILLIAM REYNES
Scarlett Johansson as REBECCA DAWSON
Tom Holland as LLOYD WALLER
Kenneth Branagh as CLYDE ROLLINS
David Emge as ALDUS PAXTON
Also Starring
Jamie Lee Curtis as LINDA GUZMAN
Owen Wilson as TOBIAS DUKE
Ming-Na Wen as LEONA HOLLOWAY
Kat Dennings as NANCY WARNER
Christopher Mintz-Plasse as ELLIOTT ROWE
Henry Czerny as WAYNE GUZMAN
Emma Stone as GENNA BROHEM
Michael Kelly as ALLAN WHITE
Kristian Bruun as JUSTIN BENNETT
Toni Collette as NAOMI STAFFORD
Keira Knightley as CLAIRE NOBLE
Special Guest Starring
Laila Robins as NORMA CROVETTI
Clancy Brown as DON CLEMENTS
Walton Goggins as COLE PEARSON
Dave Fennoy as DAMERAE BADRICK
Samuel L. Jackson as DERRICK WILLIAMS
Guest Starring
Rosamund Pike as SANDRA PENNINGTON
Peter Serafinowicz as ROY DICKSON
Angela Sarafyan as BONNIE HARRELL
Katee Sackhoff as JADIS MILLER
Pete Davidson as DAMIAN HOLT
Austin Crute as LAMAR ADAMS
Sean Gunn as STANLEY PECK
Ha-Seung-lee as KYORI HYOTEKI
Emma Mackey as LILLIAN MAKAROV
David Boat as LAYTON ZIMMERS
Rick Overton as PAUL BAIRD
Alison Wright as HEATHER SOLIS
John Lithgow as BUD DAVIS
Roger Ashton-Griffiths as CHESTER STAFFORD
Wes Bentley as JORDAN GATLON
Michael Nyqvist as ROMAN STROUD
Rafi Gavron as FLETCHER ROLAND
Xander Berkeley as FATHER DONOVAN
Gaylen Ross as MARY DAVIS
Scoot McNairy as BRYAN MARSH
Lino Facioli as MILES PENNINGTON
Co-Starring
David Rasche as WALTER
Steve Coulter as RON ROBSON
Julie Ann Emery as PAM SMITH
Freddie Fox as BORIS CROVETTI
Shawn Ashmore as ETHAN NEWPORT
Freddie Stroma as JIMMY STONE
Rhys Ifans as RAYMOND SINCLAIR
William Sadler as KENNY
Charlie Tahan as SETH HAYNES
Maddie Phillips as KARA
Elsie Fisher as CARRIE EISNER
Devon Sawa as JOHN EISNER
Martin Starr as MARVIN YOUNG
Nadia Hilker as TIFFANY
Archie Madekwe as SIMON
Ivanna Sakhno as ULGA
Max Carver as MAC STEINER
Charlie Carver as JAC STEINER
Joe Anderson as KEVIN NORTON
Jake Gyllenhall as CODY WAKEFIELD
Vivien Lyra Blair as KELLY NEUBLE
Darko Perić as GORAN
Keiko Agena as JOSLYN LARKIN
Lena Headey as MAEVE
Robert Wisdom as NORMAN
Dean-Charles Chapman as TRENT COLLINS
Danny Huston as ANDREW SMART
Alex Ferns as HUTCH
John Pirruccello as DAVE
Ray Campbell as TERRANCE
Peri Gilpin as BETTY WHITE
Matthew Gorman as CARL LUDD
Richard Riehle as BARRY CHALLIS
Matthew Edison as TREVOR ASTLEY
P.J. Byrne as MATTHEW MATHESON
Richard McGonagle as VINCENT WOODS
Kathryn Erbe as CAROLYN WOODS
Ben Miles as CHARLES HOPKINS
Phyllis Smith as DOROTHY
Arian Moayed as OMAR
Erin Moriarty as AMBER KENNEDY
Robert De Niro as DOUGLAS PENNINGTON
Alan Ruck as ERIC CLARK
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Scene #1
WILLAMETTE TOWN HALL - SECOND FLOOR
EDWARD REMAR slides the cloth along the barrel of his shotgun, finally finishing cleaning it. Satisfied, he gently places the weapon to the side, leaning it against a wall. His gaze is directed ahead of him, looking out of a window, focusing specifically on Willamette Parkview Mall in the distance in all its glory.
The floor creaks behind him, a man entering the room.
Badrick: Edward, my friend. I’ve just received some important intel about some of the locals here. Why don’t you ride along with me? I’d like for you to see something.
Edward: (He nods slowly, turning around) Of course, sir. W--what is it?
Badrick: Walk and talk, my friend. Come.
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Scene #2
WILLAMETTE STREETS - AFTERNOON
The limousine cruises along a street in Willamette, with EDWARD REMAR and DAMERAE BADRICK seated in the back.
Badrick: Driver. Just up ahead.
The driver of the vehicle nods, seeing the destination ahead of them, on the right.
Badrick: (To Edward) Isn’t this exciting?
Edward: You haven’t told me what we’re doing yet.
Badrick: Oh, come now, Edward. You’re no fun. I suppose you weren’t one for surprises, were you?
Edward shakes his head.
Badrick: Well… if you insist. (He places a hand on Edward’s shoulder) This little suburban den you’ve led us to is just filled to the brink with goodies. So many people, no? I thought it was the end of the world! That apocalypse had struck! And yet here we are, hearing of so many settlements and movements. Do you know what that means for us, my friend?
Edward: I can’t say I do.
Badrick: Capital. Lost sheep that are currently without a shepherd. That’s where I come in, my friend.
The vehicle rolls to a halt.
Scene #2 Cont.
WILLAMETTE OFFICE BUILDING - AFTERNOON
The two men exit the limousine, staring up at a large office building in front of them. Standing by the front doors of the building are seven Rastas.
Badrick: Report.
DERRICK WILLIAMS nods his head respectfully.
Derrick: Sir. We discovered a small group living inside. Five of them. They’re in there, waiting for you.
Badrick: Thank you, my friend. (He pats Derrick on the shoulder) Accompany me and Edward inside, will you?
Derrick: Of course, sir.
Derrick’s eyes flicker to Edward for a second, one of them twitching. Badrick also turns to look back at Edward.
Badrick: You are going to watch and learn, my boy. For we are conquerors. We show lost souls the way.
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Scene #3
WILLAMETTE OFFICE BUILDING - MAIN LOBBY
DAMERAE BADRICK swaggers ahead of EDWARD REMAR and DERRICK WILLIAMS, being the first one to enter the main lobby/receptionist area of the building. Sitting there on some couches: five nervous looking survivors.
Badrick: Greetings, my friends. May I speak with the man in charge?
ERIC CLARK stands from his seat, clearing his throat shakily.
Eric: That would be… me. That would be me.
Badrick: Why it’s so good to meet you. I was so excited when I learned that I had neighbours so close to my own humble abode.
Eric: Well, the pleasure is all mine.
Eric smiles, the corners of his mouth trembling with nervousness as he extends a hand. Badrick grabs hold of it, gripping it firmly as they shake hands.
Badrick: Oho, a firm handshake like that means good business. I’m Damerae Badrick.
Eric: Eric… Eric Clark. These are my friends, D--
Badrick: Wonderful.
Badrick waltzes right past Eric.
Badrick: Eric, I’d like you to meet my protege, Edward.
Eric: Your… protege?
Badrick: You are unfamiliar with the term? Really?
Eric: No, not at all. I’m sorry, I just thought it was a little strange, nevermind--
Badrick: You think Edward is strange? (He frowns) Well, that seems a little unfair, being that you just met him and all.
Eric: No, I really, uhm, I didn’t mean to offend. (He shakes his head, flustered) It’s… nice to meet you, Edward.
Edward: Hello.
Badrick: He is helping me to renovate this fine little town into… well, something finer (He smiles)
Eric: That’s… Wow. That’s ambitious. You know, with the outbreak and all, we were just… hunkering down here and waiting for the military to--
Badrick: The military will not be coming. The government collapsed in a few mere days. There is no second coming, my friend. I am sorry. But that’s okay, because you have me now.
Eric: I mean… World can’t just… can’t just be over like that? Surely? Uh-- uh, I’m sure, if we give it a few more weeks, the military will--
Badrick: Will you stop that? I told you they are not coming. Do you think me a liar?
Eric: No, sir.
Badrick: The term you have coined… about the world being over… it’s so depressing, don’t you think? Quite the mood killer. No, I do not think the world is over. Think of it more as… a new beginning. That’s what I like about my friend, Edward here. It’s a barrel of new opportunities… a chance to carve out something new. No more corrupt politicians and useless governments. No, the world has returned to its more primal state, its natural state. When man had to fend for himself and build his home from scratch.
Eric: I suppose… I suppose you could look at it like that, I just--
Badrick: You don’t need to speak (He waves a hand, silencing him). I am just here to tell you that you can live in this office on my behalf. You can work for me and be part of the sweet little ecosystem that I am building here.
Eric: Of course… We, uh, we’d be grateful for all the help we can get. Honestly, it’s just nice to meet someone friendly and--
Badrick: Wonderful. Now… kneel.
Eric: I’m… sorry?
Badrick: Kneel before me, Eric.
Eric: I…
Badrick: Get on your knees. Now.
Eric looks around, eyeing Edward, and then his friends behind him, before he swallows and does as asked. Badrick begins to cackle, his laughter filling the entire room.
Badrick: You see, Edward? Subjugation.
Edward: I see…
Badrick: In this land of opportunity, as we build an empire, we will encounter thousands and thousands of spineless survivors like this man here… and what you do is assert your authority and take control of what is theirs. These weak men are no use on their own, but if you take them under your wing and sharpen them, they can be useful. Some will resist and act tough. Those - those are the ones you make an example out of (He smiles sinisterly). And once you've done that, well, that's when you can be friends with your subjects. So long as they mind not to bite the hand that feeds them.
Eric: I’m… Listen… (He stands up) I… I’d be happy to be your… ally. But… but you’re talking of me and my friends like we’re… like we’re dogs. We’re not… subjects. With all due respect, okay?
Badrick: Who gave you permission to stand?
Eric: You see - that’s what I’m saying. That kind of attitude, it’s… it’s horrible. The correct way to earn someone’s loyalty and respect is to… treat them properly. What you’re doing is… Well, it sounds barbaric.
Badrick: I see. So you think you know more than me… is that it?
Eric: No, I- I didn’t say that. I’m just trying to… trying to reason with you, it’s--
Badrick: You call me barbaric… You insult me. I can show you barbaric, if you’d like?
Eric looks at him, beads of sweat starting to trickle down his temples.
Eric: There’s… really no need, me and my people, we- we’re willing to work with you, we don’t have any weapons, we’ve just been--
Badrick: You have disrespected me, and I am deeply hurt by your words. Edward (He snaps his finger).
Edward: Yes?
Badrick: Raise your shotgun. Aim it at his four friends in the corner there. If any of them try to move, blast their bodies open.
Edward: I…
Eric: Wh--
Badrick: The shotgun, Edward. Now. Do not make me ask again.
Hesitantly, Edward raises his shotgun, the barrel pointed towards the couches. The four survivors raise their hands, one of them squealing out in fear, pleading for their lives.
Eric: This is… You’re… you’re not a good person. No, you’re… a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Badrick: Derrick.
Derrick: Sir.
Badrick: I need you to walk over to Eric here and bust his kneecaps.
Eric starts to step backwards, raising his hands. His voice is shaky, his eyes beaming with fear.
Eric: Wait… Please stop this. I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t mean to disrespect you.
Badrick: Now, please.
Eric: Wait - please, don’t do this!
With a nod, Derrick marches forward, backing the man against a wall. His arms shoot forward, grabbing the scruff of Eric’s neck, and slamming him against the wall. Derrick then throws the man to the ground as if he weighed nothing.
Eric: Please--
Derrick raises one of his legs and brings it down as hard as he can onto Eric’s left knee. He stomps again and again, each blow being accompanied by the crunching of bone. Eric screams out in pain with each stomp. The people in the corner of the room cry, pleading, watching in horror as Eric is beaten.
Derrick does the same with Eric’s other knee, huffing and puffing as he destroys the man’s knee. Finally, Derrick backs away, over to Badrick and Edward, leaving Eric to writhe in pain on the floor.
Badrick: Very good. Now, give me your machete.
Derrick: As you wish, sir.
Derrick unsheathes a pristine machete, the blade long and shiny. He offers it out to Badrick, who takes it and beckons Edward over.
Edward: But, sir - what if they--
Badrick: You can lower the gun, Edward. They will not move. Trust me, my friend.
Edward looks at the four people over by the couches in the corner of the room. One of them is curled up, tears streaming down their face; another is on their knees with their hands behind their head. With hesitance, Edward lowers his shotgun and walks over to Badrick.
Badrick: (To Derrick) Hoist him up and bend him over the table, will you?
Eric: Please… you… you don’t have to do this… you…
Badrick swaps weapons with Edward, handing him the machete while he takes the shotgun. Meanwhile, Derrick approaches Eric, pulling him up and dragging him over to a table, bending his body over it so that the back of his neck is exposed.
Badrick: I’m going to give you a taste of real power, my friend.
Edward: What… do you mean?
Badrick: I would like for you to chop off his head. Derrick will hold him still for you.
Eric: NO, NO - NO, PLEASE--
Eric desperately tries to scramble away, but his legs are completely useless, and Derrick is pinning the upper half of his body to the table.
Edward: I… really don’t… want to do that, sir.
Badrick: Oh, but you have to. I would do it myself, but I don’t want to dirty my suit. You know how hard it is to remove stains on whites.
Edward: Have… Derrick do it then, or don’t do it at all.
Badrick: Edward… (He frowns, his voice becoming stern) That would defeat the purpose of the exercise. We are making an example out of him. You will be shown what real power is… You will do as I say, and you will chop off his head.
Eric: PLEASE… DON’T DO THIS… DON’T LISTEN TO HIM! IT’S SICK! THIS IS SICK!
Edward: I don’t think we have to do this. He’s broken. He’s loyal.
Badrick: Oh, but we do. It’s weak to go back on your word. So, chop chop, my friend. Quite literally (He smirks).
With a rough pat on the shoulder, Edward begins to approach Eric and Derrick slowly, clutching the machete.
Eric: PLEASE, YOU CAN’T DO THIS… YOU CAN’T DO THIS TO ME, PLEASE!
Badrick: Do it, Edward.
Edward begins to raise the steel high above Eric’s neck, his hand shaking.
Eric: Please… please…
Badrick: Kill him.
His grip on the machete tightens, preparing to bring it down.
Badrick: Yes… ‘atta boy. Do it now. DO IT!
With a fierce yell, Edward slams the machete down. Eric cries out, screaming -- as the machete hits the table right next to his head. He blinks rapidly, his breath shuddering. Edward exhales, looking over at Badrick, who stands there in a silent rage, clenching his fist.
Badrick: I am disappointed.
Edward: We don’t need to go that far, sir (He drops the machete on the table).
Badrick: Oh, Edward, my friend. You have a ways to go in your learning. But when I show you my way…
Badrick approaches, placing one hand on Edward’s shoulder while the other grabs hold of the machete.
Badrick: You will come to understand.
Edward: No, wait--
Badrick takes hold of the machete with both hands and swings it down into the back of Eric’s neck. Blood flies outwards, staining Badrick’s white suit.
Eric: GGRRGGHHHH--
Eric croaks out, choking on his own blood. His body spasms, still being firmly held in place by Derrick.
Badrick: A pity… I didn’t want to ruin this suit.
Badrick swings the blade into Eric’s neck again. Derrick turns his head to the side, blood spraying against the side of his face. A little bit of blood even reaches Edward’s cheek.
The next swing is the one that chopped Eric’s head clean off. The machete clatters to the floor, as Derrick stands up straight, allowing Eric’s beheaded corpse to flop to the floor.
Badrick grabs Eric’s head by its hair, raising it up, blood still dripping from the bottom of it.
Badrick: (To Edward) Now watch and learn…
Badrick steps towards Eric’s four friends in the corner, the head still raised in his hands.
Badrick: Kneel before me. Grovel at my feet and dedicate yourselves to me.
Edward looks over with a frown, and watches as the four people do exactly what Badrick asked, kneeling before him and groveling at his feet, begging for forgiveness, announcing their loyalty to him. As he stares at the man in the blood stained white suit, Edward would come to realize that he is working for a tyrant. A very effective tyrant.
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Scene #4
WICHITA - BANK
Linda: Mm, that’s a good boy. I know how stressful it is being in charge… You did so well out there yesterday. You were so brave to do that.
LINDA GUZMAN runs a hand through EDWARD REMAR’s hair, the man being cuddled up next to her with his eyes closed, comfortable but more vulnerable than ever.
Linda: Oh, you’re such a dirty little man. Do you want me?
Edward: What?
One of Edward’s eyes shoots open in concern.
Linda: You heard me. Do you wanna touch my breasts? Do you wa--
Edward: No… no.
He sits up, shaking his head and shuffling away from her.
Edward: No.
Linda: Well then, what the fuck? What the fuck are we doing here?
Edward: Wh-- you’re, you’re making it weird.
Linda: No, you’re making it awkward. Seriously, what the fuck have we been doing if not… if not…?
Edward: Your husband is locked up a floor below us! He isn’t dead!
Linda: An-- and? Like that makes what we’ve been doing any less weird?
Edward: Just… ugh, why did you have to go and talk so much?
Huffing, Edward stands up, grabbing hold of his cane.
Linda: Oh, baby, no. No, no. I’m sorry if I set you off, I just thought…
Edward: I don’t… like you like that. I don’t…
Linda: What?
Edward: This isn’t a… It’s not a sex thing!
Linda: Then what the fuck is it?! My fingers have been in your mouth! I’ve been caressing you regularly… like some sick, twisted fucking foreplay. Seriously, what is this? From the moment we met, I saw you eye-fucking me from the GET GO, Edward! The get-go!
Edward: That’s… Okay, no. I was not doing that.
Linda: Wh--?
Edward: What did you think this was?
Linda: I THOUGHT you were into… OLDER WOMEN! I mean jeez, I saw you undressing me with your eyes all the time, you little freak. You made me start to yearn for that attention, and…
Edward: Well, it’s not - that. It is not.
Linda: Oh for the love of God… I have been sitting in here comforting and cradling you like a bab--
Linda pauses, coming to a sudden realization.
Linda: …like a baby… Oh my fucking god, how could I have been so stupid? You were looking for a fucking mommy, like an actual mommy.
Edward: It’s not--
Linda: Oh my god. I thought it was a mommy kink, or maybe some kind of deeply rooted mommy issues, but GOD, I… I'm sorry, did--
Edward: It was comforting! That’s all! (He turns away from her)
Linda: You were using me as some… mommy stand-in… It all makes sense now, I mean, GOD, I've been wondering why you were playing so hard to fucking get!
Edward: Will you just… CAN IT, WOMAN?! It’s none of your business. Now, if we’re done here, you can leave.
Linda: (Muttering) You know what… I think I will. You can… figure out whatever twisted mommy issues you have on your own.
With that, Linda promptly stands up, buttoning up her slightly undone shirt before she leaves the room.
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Scene #5
WORTHWOOD - MORNING
Grey skies loom above Worthwood on a cold, windy morning. In a small grassy community park, KATE BLOODSTONE walks slowly, stepping past a gravestone with the name: Katelyn Smart.
In Worthwood Castle, GERALD ROLAND stands alone with his cane, looking around as the massive room is turned into a courtroom, pushing furniture and seating around; it’s the same room where William once had his trial. Gerald turns his back to the room, and looks up at a small podium, where there are five seats for the council.
Kate walks past another two gravestones for Neil and Madelyn Oconnell.
At the police department, RANDALL FORSTER shifts past KEVIN NORTON and CODY WAKEFIELD, and stops outside the door to the cellblock. He peers through the window, where he can see DANIEL ROCKWELL in one of the cells, motionless, staring at a wall.
Kate steps by three more graves for Morris Finkle, Samara and her brother Billy.
Standing up on the wall at the front gate is JON MATTHEWS, who holds an assault rifle and watches out beyond the wall. Beneath him, stained on the cobblestone, is Morris and Neil’s blood; they’d been killed right where Jon was standing.
Richard Neuble is the name on the next gravestone Kate passes by.
In a lodge somewhere in Worthwood, DEAN HOWARDS leans back into his seat with a smile, before flipping a page in a story book. In front of him is KELLY NEUBLE, eagerly listening to his waffling. Dean was very badly, but earnestly attempting to bring life to the story by reenacting the dialogue and actions in the tale. He was no theater major, and certainly no Clyde Rollins.
The graves keep on coming as Kate walks. She sees the names of Laz, Tyson Lysaght, Jeff, Barbara Rhodes. The more she walks, the slower her steps become. Kate eventually comes to a halt, looking down a dirt path, where there are seven more fresh gravestones. She shakes her head and turns her head, spotting two more gravestones ahead.
LILLIAN MAKAROV stands in front of one grave, only briefly, before she lowers her arms and places a bundle of bright flowers on the grave. She then turns to walk away, as Kate finally reads the name on the grave: Lolida Windfield.
Kate looks away from Lolida’s grave, feeling herself break down. As if the day couldn’t get any gloomier - Kate then begins to feel raindrops landing on her. Sighing, Kate looks ahead of her, where she spots LAYTON ZIMMERS standing in front of the final grave, one belonging to Ed Anderson.
She approaches Layton, a deep frown on her face as she stops next to him. Layton stands there in his usual cargo shorts and vest, his hands pocketed and his glasses quickly fogging up. He’s just looking at his friend’s grave idly, like a sad dog.
Kate: Layton, I…
Layton simply shrugs, glancing up at her with a sad frown, a display of emotion that hadn’t been seen since Angela died.
Kate: Ed was one of the best men I ever knew. He was--
Layton: He was the best.
He sniffles, removing his glasses to wipe his eyes.
Layton: And I hope someone brings the bastard that did this to justice.
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Scene #6
WORTHWOOD - INFIRMARY - MORNING
The rain continues to drizzle down onto Worthwood as KATE BLOODSTONE walks up one of the roads, passing by the infirmary. But as she’s going, she sees movement coming from the front doors of the building. She stops to squint her eyes.
Doctor JOSLYN LARKIN stands just inside the shelter of the infirmary, watching with dull eyes as GORAN’s lifeless body is carried out on a stretcher by BRYAN MARSH and MAEVE.
Joslyn: I’m so, so sorry.
NORMAN exits the infirmary behind them with a sheet that he uses to cover Goran’s corpse. When it’s done, he sighs and looks at Bryan and Maeve, nodding his head.
Maeve frowns and lifts the stretcher back up. Bryan does the same, yet his face is filled more with anger than sadness; his fists are clenched tightly around the bars of the stretcher, so tight his veins are almost popping out. He and Maeve begin to carry the stretcher away from the infirmary, walking past Kate.
Kate: (Quietly, sincerely) I’m sorry for your loss.
She lowers her head respectfully - but Bryan doesn’t give a damn.
Bryan: I don’t give a fuck for what you have to say, bitch. It’s you people who did this. He’d still be alive if you fuckers would listen to me -- to us. (He shakes his head, starting to walk forward) Our council of fuckin’ idiots…
Kate frowns, taken aback by his sudden outburst. She goes to speak - but any words she had wanted to say fell short, and she simply stands there, stunned.
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Scene #7
WORTHWOOD - POLICE DEPARTMENT
Inside the police department, RANDALL FORSTER leans against a table, arms crossed as he looks on at a small group of Worthwood citizens lined up in the room. The rest of the force (PAUL BAIRD, KEVIN NORTON, CODY WAKEFIELD and TRENT COLLINS) stands around the room.
Paul: Gentlemen. What happened two nights ago cannot be allowed to happen again. You should all be commended for your brave act of signing up to the Worthwood Police Department. We all lost people that night… friends, family, brothers, sisters, fathers, sons and daughters.
Among the new volunteers to the police force is a man named Andrew, who stands there with a slight frown, and with empty, dark eyes. He goes to speak.
Andrew: It's the right thing to do… I'm not doing this for myself, because I'm in pain… I'm doing it for everybody else. Losing my sweet Katelyn… Nobody should have to experience what I've been through… Nobody. All of us - we'll try and make sure something like that won't ever happen again.
Paul nods proudly towards the man, before his attention is drawn to the front door, seeing KATE BLOODSTONE enter the building.
Paul: Councillor Kate. To what do we owe the pleasure?
Kate: Please… the formalities aren’t necessary. Don’t let me interrupt.
Paul: We’re in the middle of bolstering the police force. We’re lucky to have so many volunteers. If only it weren’t under such dire circumstances.
HUTCH, another volunteer, speaks up.
Hutch: Worthwood’s our home. What happened during your party, Miss Bloodstone… A travesty. We cannot allow that to happen again.
Standing next to Hutch is DAVE, who nods along, agreeing with every word he says.
Kate: I agree.
Paul: The trial is this afternoon. That’ll be your first on duty assignment. We need to ensure that the walls are well protected so that it can go uninterrupted. I’ll have officers Wakefield and Norton monitor the defendant, the rest of you will be on patrol. Step to it, gentlemen, you’ll find your uniforms in the other room.
As the crowd begins to disperse, Randall steps away from the table and approaches Paul, stopping in front of him.
Randall: I think it’s safe to say you proved me wrong.
Paul: Randall… (He chuckles lightly) Proved you wrong? No, what happened is you kicked me into gear. They were a little rusty, but with enough grease, I’m feeling good about taking all of this a lot more seriously. The party was a… a massacre. I’d never seen anything like it. We had only one breach before this… and it doesn’t even come close. We thought the undead were the enemy. Stupid, slow, can’t climb for shit. Oh how sad it is to have been wrong… People like you and me, that’s our true enemy, ain’t it? Such is human nature, because apparently, even when the world is ending, you can always rely on your fellow man to be a complete shit.
Randall: We’ll make things right (He nods).
Kate walks up to the two of them, breaking up their conversation.
Kate: I need to talk with Daniel.
Paul: (He frowns slightly) Kate, you, uh, I thought everyone agreed that he was to be… left alone until the trial. It… might not be a good idea to… well, poke a bear with a stick, it’s--
Kate isn’t having it, and looks at him with a bit of annoyance.
Kate: Councillor.
Paul: (He sighs) And… have the rest of the council agreed to this?
Kate: You and I both know that doesn’t matter. He’s been sitting in there for two days, Paul. We need to see where he’s at before the trial. His best friend is dead and he…
Unable to finish the sentence, Kate huffs, having to recompose herself.
Kate: Ed. You don’t know Daniel like I do. I need to have an idea of where his head is at going into this trial, for everyone’s safety.
Still frowning, Paul looks at Randall to gauge his reaction - and Randall nods to him.
With a deep sigh, Paul reaches down to his belt and plucks the keys from off of it. He jingles them around for a moment, before dropping them to the floor.
Paul: Ah, shucks. I lost my keys. Now, just where did I put them? How clumsy of me. Well, you know what they say, old habits die hard.
Paul turns a blind eye and walks away, leaving Kate to crouch down and pick up the keys.
Randall: You want me to come in with you?
Kate: (She shakes her head) I should do this alone.
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Scene #8
WORTHWOOD - POLICE DEPARTMENT
KATE BLOODSTONE enters the cell block, gently closing the door behind her. There’s four holding cells inside -- two on either side, and all but one of them are empty.
She creeps forward without uttering a word, stopping at the furthest cell on the left, where DANIEL ROCKWELL sits on the cold concrete floor, leaning against the wall. His hair is disheveled and dirty, his face appears to have self-inflicted cuts and bruises, and his knuckles are swollen and bloody. The wall ahead of him is stained with his own blood.
Kate: Daniel.
As if she’s an unseen ghost, Daniel doesn’t move, doesn’t react; if you didn’t know better, one might think he was dead.
Kate: …Lillian brought some nice flowers to Lolida’s grave today.
Daniel doesn’t even blink.
Kate: Help me understand, Daniel. Help me see your side. Tell me why… Tell me that…
There’s no response.
Kate: Fucking HELL, Daniel! What the fuck happened?!
She slams her arms against the iron cell bars, her eyes starting to tear up.
Kate: Why did you have to…? We all loved Lolida, Daniel. We did! BUT WHY ED?!
Kate backs away from the cell, and into the wall right next to her. She slides down it, holding her face in her hands, lightly sobbing.
Daniel doesn’t move, doesn’t look at her, but he finally opens his mouth and utters something in a monotone voice.
Daniel: I’m sorry.
He turns to look at her at last.
Daniel: I’m… sorry.
Kate stares back at him, her breath shaky, her head spinning. She can see the anguish in his eyes. Exhaling, she pushes herself up off the floor.
Kate: Did you see it happen? Did you see Jordan kill Lolida? Is this Jared all over again? Or does it even matter? You… in your… in your carelessness, your… your recklessness… You fucking… you… idiot. You fucking idiot.
Daniel: (Quietly) It wasn’t meant to be him. He just… he… he got in the fucking way. He, I didn’t mean to, I fucking -- he- he-- he- he fucking-- I didn’t - see him, I didn’t fucking KNOW, Kate. I didn’t fucking know.
Kate: This is all you’ve ever done, Daniel. Acted on your primal instincts, like a fucking caveman. Even if you’re right about Jordan, and he did something heinous, what then? What fucking then? Ed’s life shouldn’t have been FORFEIT! No matter how the trial plays out, it doesn’t matter anymore. There’s no good ending to this.
Daniel: That little punk dead… My hands clasped around his throat as I dig my nails into his fucking eyes. That’s the only ending. I know what he did. I know it. Lolida-- Lolida is-- I know what he did. I know what he did.
Hearing this makes Kate feel sick to her stomach. She backs away from the cell, unsure what to feel when she looks at the man. Pity, hatred, disgust, sadness, all of it. It’s all too much, and so she silently walks away, leaving the cell block behind.
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Scene #9
WORTHWOOD - INFIRMARY
That morning, GENNA BROHEM visits the infirmary, maneuvering her way through a couple hallways as she reaches a room with a number of occupied beds. She walks past them all, seeing victims from the party massacre in most of the beds, still healing. But at the far end of the room, on the last bed, she finds AUSTIN KINGSTON.
He weakly raises one of his hands, waving to her. The man’s face is covered in bandages to hide the many cuts he’d received from Tex, but there's still many bruises visible, as well as the two cigarette burn marks underneath both eyes.
Austin: Good to see you…
Genna: You look… better than the last time I saw you.
With a slight smile, she takes a seat on a chair beside the bed.
Genna: Feeling any better?
Austin: Meh. Give me another couple days and maybe I’ll be well enough to get the hell outta here… This bed’s startin’ to get real uncomfortable.
Genna smiles again, eager to tell him some good news.
Genna: Mackenzie got to go back home today. She’s… still a bit shaken up, as you might expect. But I actually did see her smile when I was taking her back to our lodge, so that’s good.
Austin: (He nods slightly) That’s… really good. Just give her a little more time to recover - and you’ll see her smiling all the time like she used to. I know it can’t be easy for her. (He coughs) How, uh-- how’s everybody else doing?
Genna: Given everything that’s happened recently -- it’s a little gloomy. Still can’t believe what happened with the supply runners out there… I saw a bunch of people outside the police department earlier, I think they’re all lining up to join the force. It’s good to see that.
Austin: (He coughs again) Mmm. You seen Kayumi at all? She doing alright?
Genna: She’s going to be fine, Austin. She lost a lot of blood, but everything’s fine with her now. (She leans back, looking at him) It’s strange to see you like this. And I don’t mean how you look - I mean with what you’re asking me. You from one week ago could barely hold a conversation with me, didn’t seem like you cared about anything.
Austin shakes his head.
Austin: Ahh-- Don’t even - I’m just… Ah, I don’t know. Must be the drugs that’re making me talk like this (He chuckles softly, then sighs). You’re a good person, Genna, you and Mackenzie both. I can’t remember if I said it before - but thank you for going out with the others to save me. None of you had to - you hardly know me, but you did anyway. I owe my life to you guys.
Genna: Well, you had already saved Mackenzie and I before. So I think we’re square now, yeah?
She smiles again, going to stand up.
Genna: Feel better, alright?
She gives him a final nod, then turns to leave.
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Scene #10
WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - SECOND FLOOR
GERALD ROLAND exits his office with an annoyed look, his cane tapping against the floor as he walks. His assistant HEATHER SOLIS walks out behind him - and then comes ALLAN WHITE, his face contorted with anger as he rants.
Allan: He’s a threat! There’s really no need to have this trial when the blood is already on his hands, my scouts seen it with their own damn eyes! He’s nothing but a cold blooded murderer, this is going to be a waste of time.
Gerald: I hear you, Allan. I do. But you know how we do things, we have to set the record straight publicly. This is a… touchy situation. You know how William and his people are… If we don’t give them a fair trial, they’ll… Well… (He shakes his head) Who knows what they’ll do.
Allan: THAT’S EXACTLY THE PROBLEM!
Allan’s yell echoes down the hallway as he begins to move faster, catching up to Gerald so that he’s walking right beside him.
Allan: If we don’t resist these monsters, we’re going to be stepped all over and shot. You saw what William did to Todd, what Daniel did to his OWN friend, and what Kate, that little bitch -- she held you and the rest of the council as hostages.
Gerald stops suddenly, turning to face Allan.
Gerald: And you’re right… But what do you propose we do, Allan? Hm? Make some kind of fruitless effort to fight back? What then, when the next gang of bikers drive up to our gates? I… I don’t know. What Daniel did was out of line… Right now we just have to prosecute him fairly and protect poor Jordan from his wrath. Now, please, William’s group and their nonsense are another problem… If you think you have a solution to that, by all means, Allan.
He shrugs, then swiftly turns, the tapping of his cane getting farther away as he and Heather walk off.
Allan: (Quietly, to himself) You just watch… Just watch and see.
He clenches his fists, standing there in the hallway, alone.
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Scene #11
PARK CITY - STREETS - LATE MORNING
Three survivors walk down the streets of Park City, located just a few miles outside Wichita. Hands pocketed, TOBIAS DUKE leads the pack, whistling loudly, oblivious to any potential dangers lurking nearby. LEONA HOLLOWAY and SOLOMON REED trail behind him, with Leona in particular being on full alert, her sniper rifle clenched tightly in her hands, ready to fire.
Solomon: (To Tobias) You seem pretty happy. Are you sure this guy’s gonna help?
Tobias: Gal, actually. Ladies can be in charge too, you know? And this lady… Well, she’s as fierce as they come.
Solomon: How long have you known her?
Tobias: Me and her go wayyyy back… (He smiles) Day one, baby. Yeah, bumped into her and her family when they were trying to leave town, you know, when everything first went to shit. Her group used to be bigger… until, well… Don Clements did what he does best. Now, according to my boys, she’s hiding out in Park City Fire Department, and she’s expecting us -- well, me.
Solomon: Haven’t been to one of those since I lost the arm in one (He looks down at his prosthetic arm, nervous). Should we stay back then, let you do the talking?
Tobias: Well… Let’s just see how things go.
Leona: (She narrows her eyes at Tobias) Just why are you so confident walking through these streets when so many people are out to kill you?
Tobias: Because I have both of you, and Edward has assured me that you are his best. When I don’t have you, I have my boys looking out for me. But they’ve done their job, now we’ll do ours.
Solomon: Well he’s not wrong, you did save Elliott, Leona, and I’m probably the fastest shot we’ve got (He chuckles confidently). Before we get there… is there anything - anything at all we should know?
Tobias: Nothing much, except for that we’re here already.
Smirking, Tobias points ahead, where a two-story brick building awaits, with ‘PARK CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT’ written on it.
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Scene #12
PARK CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT - LATE MORNING
TOBIAS DUKE and SOLOMON REED approach the building first, while LEONA HOLLOWAY takes her time, examining the area warily. She walks past a pickup truck that’s crashed into a lamp post with a zombie crushed underneath it, growling lowly, weakly raising one hand up at Leona. She ignores it, and rejoins the two men, keeping her eyes on the windows of the building.
Leona: Expecting us, you say?
Tobias: Well, yeah, unless ‘ol Norma decided to pack up shop and leave when she heard I was coming… heh.
Leona: So what, we just gonna knock on the door?
Tobias: That’s a fantastic idea, Leona (He smiles at her). I can see why Edward likes you so much.
Leona: Just knock on the door, will you?
Solomon: We’ve got you covered, but are you sure she’s still here?
Tobias: Well, she’d be stupid to have left… Only one way to find out.
Tobias takes a step towards the metal door in front of him, but as he’s raising a hand, he stops in his tracks, hearing the door loudly opening with a clack. Three men exit the building, guns drawn. One of them, BORIS CROVETTI, points his pistol directly at Tobias.
Boris: Not another step.
Tobias: (To Leona and Solomon) Leave this to me, fellas. I know this guy. (He takes a step forward) Boris!
Boris pistol-whips Tobias across the forehead, sending him to the ground.
Boris: I said not another step.
Tobias: Ow… fuck. Come on, man…
Boris: Don’t act like you didn’t deserve that.
Solomon: How many people have you exactly pissed off again?
Tobias: More than ten… less than fifty?
Solomon facepalms.
Boris: You think you’re so funny, don’t you? So amused by your own antics. Get up, will you?
Tobias: Alright, alright. I’m getting up. (He stands, raising his hands) But… be warned, if you hit me again, my two friends here are gonna kick your ass, alright pal?
He looks back at Leona and Solomon, but Leona simply shrugs, looking away.
Leona: We’ll see…
Solomon: With how much you’ve had to tell us last second… It’s a maybe.
Boris: I hope you have a good reason for sending your henchmen to seek us out, Tobias. I don’t know how much patience my mother is going to have for your nonsense today.
Boris slowly turns, and walks back inside. Smiling, Tobias looks back at his companions.
Tobias: See? And we’re in. Easy as pie.
Scene #12 Cont.
PARK CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT
Tobias, Solomon and Leona follow Boris and the other men inside, walking through the open interior of the building. Almost immediately, Leona is underwhelmed by the display that they’re met with; there’s no more than seven people excluding Boris and the other two men, each one of them appearing skinny and frail, or sick and weak, or both.
Leona: (To Tobias, with a scoff) This is your army?
Tobias: Just trust me here… We need all the help we can get, alright? And… this isn’t everyone. The lady who runs this place… she has the key to our army.
Leona: Whatever you say.
Solomon: I really hope this is worth it.
Boris arrives at a staircase, but stops just short of it, turning to Tobias.
Boris: Your… companions… can wait here. My mother is in the office upstairs… You may go and see her. Once you’ve unholstered your pistol. You can give that to your friends to hold for you.
Tobias: Very well.
Tobias takes out his revolver, offering it out to Solomon.
Tobias: She’s very precious to me. Be gentle with her.
Solomon: Tobias… Uh… My luck with how I got these weapons…
Refusing to elaborate on what he meant, Solomon nods to Tobias, pocketing the revolver.
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Scene #13
PARK CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT
The door opens with a slight creak, and TOBIAS DUKE enters the office. It looks rather homely; very clean and organized, with plenty of light coming in through the window. And standing by the window is NORMA CROVETTI.
Norma: I always wondered when you’d come slithering out of the woodworks again. Always so busy cooking up another scheme. I just hoped this time you wouldn’t end up on my doorstep.
Tobias: Well… Surprise, surprise, Norma. I’m here. (He nods) You’re looking well.
Norma: Please…
She scoffs, stepping forward and shaking her head. She breaks into a wheezing cough for a few moments, grabbing onto the office desk to hold herself up. There’s dark bags beneath her eyes, and her skin is pale as milk.
Norma: When you try to flatter me like that, it just makes me like you less.
Tobias: Call it a courtesy. Most of the population may be dead, but must chivalry die with it? Or… whatever you call being a gentleman these days.
Norma: There's nothing noble about you, Tobias. You present yourself as this… well-dressed, sharp-tongued official, but really you're just a conman. A scared, desperate loser that views everyone around him as a means to an end. Why are you here?
Tobias: I need your help.
Norma: Of course you do (She shuts her eyes). I think that much was clear from the moment you sent your boys to find me. They're both men… and I can't for the life of me understand why they continue to follow you.
Tobias: I earned their respect, Norma. Fair and square. Through fighting the good fight (He smirks). The good fight that brings me here.
Norma: (Her eyes reopen) I'm not interested. I never even wanted to see you again. Do you know how many people were punished because of what you did? No, of course not. You probably weren't thinking about that in the moment, were you? When you pushed Gary out of that window, you sentenced so many people to die.
Tobias: Let’s not pretend that Gary was a good guy, Norma. Don Clements--
Norma: Yes, yes, you'll yammer on about how Don Clements is big and bad, like we don't all know it already. That doesn't make what you did any less stupid, especially when it only served you. Do you go around telling people that Gary is the one who tried to con you? No, everyone that's left knows exactly what you did, Tobias. You got greedy. Double-crossed him with a plan to cut and run.
Tobias: Well, I'm sorry for having a plan to double-cross an asshole. Look, I'm sorry that you had to suffer the consequences of that, it’s--
Norma: He killed my son.
Tobias: And for that--
Norma: My daughter-in-law.
Tobias: Norma…
Norma: Their child, my granddaughter. And twelve more. All because we had been in association with you.
Tobias: That’s because they’re fucking evil, Norma. Because… Don Clements is a spiteful, paranoid maniac. You wanna say their blood is on my hands? Go ahead. But there was only one person Don Clements had to come after, and it was me.
Norma: So many of us were forced into hiding. Don't you understand that I never wanted to see you again? You can't be trusted, Tobias. You, who holds his cards so close to his chest. You, who doesn't care about anyone or anything other than himself. Why are you even still here? Why do you insist on buzzing around Kansas when so many people here want you dead? Do you just exist to brew chaos, is that it?
Tobias: (Shaking his head) You can hate me all you want, Norma. But all of this… transcends you and me. We have to think about the bigger picture here--
Norma: I don’t care about the bigger picture! My family is dead…
Norma’s breathing grows heavy, her hands wrapping tightly around the edge of the desk, keeping herself from falling forward. She closes her eyes again, gasping for air.
Tobias: I lied when I said you were looking well, you’re right. It’s gotten worse?
Norma nods slowly.
Tobias: How long do you have?
Norma: I don’t know.
Tobias: It’s amazing… (He pulls out a pack of his cigarettes) You spend your whole life smoking these things and you only quit doing it when it's too late, and they’re already killing you.
Norma: I don’t need you to lecture me, Tobias. I need you to leav--
Tobias: All the things trying to kill you in the world these days, and you, well, you're gonna get taken out by lung cancer. What's your plan, Norma? Hide in your hole here with your sickly looking people and just wait until death's the one arriving at your doorstep instead of me?
Norma: There’s little else I can do… (She sinks into her chair, still breathing heavily) My son will keep those people safe. He’s a good man.
Tobias: Will he? He came out with two men aiming firearms at me, but tell me, Norma, do you even have any ammo left?
Norma: …The last of it was used up last week (She frowns).
Tobias: Don Clements has taken everything from you. Whether you blame me or not, you know fine he would've killed your whole family on a whim if you so much as looked at him funny. He took your family, drained your resources, and he took your freedom.
Norma: And let me guess, that's your reason for why we should fight? Better to march into battle and die in a war than to die in hiding? Is that it? Oh, Tobias (She shakes her head). You're a fool if you don't think we've been fighting the good fight all along, one that we didn't have a choice in because of what you did. We help who we can, fugitives and stragglers, people fleeing from Don Clements or people who have wandered in state and might be unfortunate enough to meet him. We've been doing what we can for everyone… and it's---
Tobias: A network, I know. A network that… if everyone involved decided to… come together, make a stand… It could be the end of Don Clements once and for all. Imagine how many lives you'd be saving, how many people you'd be avenging.
Norma: Even if everyone joined forces… it still wouldn’t be enough (She coughs into her hand).
Tobias: Except… that’s where I’ve got a little ace up my sleeve, Norma. There’s a new guy on the block, and he’s here to turn the tide. The pieces are already in motion, the bank is unified, doubled its numbers… and we recently announced to the world that we’re taking a stand.
Norma: It’s difficult to trust anything you say…
Tobias: We need your help, Norma. I know you don't like me, but if not for me, for your family, and for everyone else that suffers under Don Clements' reign. I just… need you to tell me where Cole is. I know you know… and my boys couldn't track him down, but he's in your network. If we can get you and your people, and Cole on board… it'll be one last fight… to end this.
Norma frowns at him, though it’s clear that she’s contemplating his proposition.
Norma: Maybe Cole doesn’t want to see you either.
Tobias: Neither did you (He smiles).
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Scene #14
WICHITA BANK
EDWARD REMAR spins around in an office chair, staring ahead as he idly listens to WALTER and RON ROBSON drone on beside him.
Walter: Think of us as your humble advisors, I mean, while you’re doing the heavy lifting, we’re considering the optics.
Ron: Right, exactly that. Listen, we're smart men - and you're a… smart guy, too. But it would be beneficial if you had wise men at your side to, er-- advise you, and we can provide that. (He knocks his knuckles on the side of his head) This ‘ol brain has got thirty years of experience in sales management. I spent my career advising people, guiding people. So whad'ya say?
Edward: Mhm. Well, I was under the impression that you didn’t like me very much.
Walter: Wh---whaaat? No, not at all. Surely that must have come down to some kind of misunderstanding or miscommunication.
Ron: (He clears his throat) I know we might’ve had our differences, Edward. But at the end of the day, we’re on the same team now. We’ve got to work together in these trying times.
Edward: Uh-huh… Well, okay then. How about we start with this? The bank is mine… We were finally ready to take a stand against Jadis and end this conflict… only for her to announce her intention to call Don Clements for help. What now? Hm?
Edward clenches his fists, the thought of Jadis working with Clements just infuriating him.
Walter: Well, er, uh… I’m no military general, but that Tobias is out there now, searching for allies. I for one, have… uh, tremendous faith.
Ron: Mhm, Walter has got a fabulous point there. I think it best that we wait to hear back from Tobias. In the meantime… Perhaps we should work on… fortifying this place a little more. I mean, heh - Patrick was able to get in not long ago, so surely there’s work to be done.
ROY DICKSON steps forward from near the back of the room, passing by SANDRA PENNINGTON sitting on a chair by herself.
Roy: If security is your concern, you needn’t worry. We've got people lined along the windows at all times on lookout… and we do have the greatest advantage of all, the bank itself. They'll be laying siege if they attack us… and there's a reason Jadis wasn't able to just storm in here and kill us all when we were unequipped to deal with her… it'd be suicide.
Edward: So at best… they decide to starve us out.
Roy: Do you think that she's going to have the patience to starve us out? She's enraged, having only just learned of the death of her brother. No, they'll be impatient. And we'll use that to our advantage.
Edward picks up a pen on the desk, fidgeting with it anxiously.
Edward: I hope so…
Walter: If we could perhaps address something… uhm… (He clears his throat) And… this is not said to undermine your… almighty ruling in that… er, trial we had out there in the hall, if that's what you want to call it. But, well, the possibility that there may be a murderer still on the loose.
Sandra: You mean to imply that it isn’t Wayne? (She stands up)
Walter: Listen, I know that it might be hard to hear from myself and Ron, but as far as we could tell, being glued to the man as often as we were… he wasn't the one murdering people around the bank. I mean, do you really think he'd be so obvious as to… to kill your son just moments after losing the election to him?
Sandra: Well, he was never particularly smart, was he? I find it easy to believe that he murdered my son in a fit of rage, and now he’s paying the price for it.
Walter: Douglas was a good friend of Wayne's for many years… Why would he kill him? Sure, he found his son annoying, big deal, but to kill them both? No (He shakes his head). I really, sincerely, do not believe that Wayne killed your family.
Sandra: I don’t… I… then…
Sandra looks around, meeting Edward’s eyes.
Sandra: Do you think it was Wayne?
Edward: (He sighs, shaking his head) No. I do not, and quite frankly, whoever it was should be no better than to kill anyone else when we’re on the verge of a war. A war, that might I add, we need to spend every waking moment preparing for.
Sandra: This murderer… killed my family. In some kind of targeted attack… or- or--
Edward: We’ll get to the bottom of it eventually. Right now there isn’t even any evidence that it isn’t Wayne.
Sandra: (Becoming flustered, speaking faster) This should be our priority… If the killer isn’t Wayne, then they could be a spy, or just some… crazy person.
Edward: I think you should step outside, Sandra. You’ve… gone through a lot these past few days.
Sandra: You… you don’t even care, do you? Is it you? Did you just want my son dead, and Wayne out of the way - so you could take control of the bank?! Is that why you’re suddenly not concerned? Is NOBODY concerned?!
Walter: I… am concerned, Sandra. That’s why I brought it up. But really… I do not believe it was Wayne.
Ron: Everybody is concerned, right. And I know Wayne might’ve had his issues with your family… but he is no killer. It’s someone else.
Roy: Come on, Sandra. (He reaches a hand towards her) Let’s sit you down somewhere and--
Sandra: No! (She slaps his hand away from her) Don't touch me. (She approaches Edward) You used me. You just wanted support, didn't you? That's all---
Edward: Please… I'm just about starting to lose my patience with you. Do you really think the petty politics and nonsense that you were all playing at in here was ever holding me back from taking over? No, I tried to be civil. I didn't need your support… I wanted it! If I wanted to take this bank, I could've done it by force immediately… but I'm not looking to be a tyrant who is feared by his people... I've seen what that's like first hand… It's not pretty. But if you think for one second that I'm just gonna let you talk to me that way, you are gravely mistaken. I am in charge here now, and you'd all do well to respect that.
Sandra simply stares at him in shock, before turning around to stomp out of the room. After an awkward silence between the remaining men in the room, Edward dismisses himself, stepping out of the office.
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Scene #15
WICHITA BANK
Frowning, EDWARD REMAR finds himself hobbling through the halls of the bank, the echoes of his cane tapping on the floor bouncing off the walls. He sees various people posted up along the front windows on lookout, while other people are simply standing around talking with each other. Two such people he sees are BONNIE HARRELL blithering away to PAM SMITH, who looks completely disinterested.
Bonnie: Sometimes, when I’m bored, what I like to do is count the clouds.
Pam: What?
Bonnie: You know, the clouds? They float above us in the sky.
Edward walks past them, eventually arriving at a small table in the lobby where ELLIOTT ROWE and NANCY WARNER are playing cards. He pulls out a chair, and lowers himself into the seat, not uttering a word.
Nancy: Hey. Everything okay?
Edward: It’s just… exhausting.
Elliott: Yeah… I bet. But we’ll get through it… probably. Hopefully.
Edward: You two are some of the only people I can trust fully (He nods). I want you both to know that… I appreciate it. Everyone around me is either a liar or a lunatic… or both. But not you.
Nancy: Well… you know us, chief. We’re in your court (She shrugs).
Elliott nods slowly, but it would seem that at this point he didn’t much care for what Edward had to say.
Elliott: For sure, Edward.
Edward: The things I do, the way I am… I know it must be hard for you guys to comprehend my actions sometimes. The truth is, I've learned a lot since the world fell apart. If the term sink or swim had any meaning in the world before… it applies double these days. I need you both to understand me, and where I'm coming from. Navigating the world is so tough nowadays… Everything's a battle with morality. I care a great deal about all who choose to follow me, but sometimes, there are things that have to be done for the betterment of us all. Maybe that means getting some blood on our hands, maybe it means doing things that we've come to be repulsed and disturbed by, because we all lived in society before, when things were civil. But that's not normal anymore, and that sink or swim mentality comes into play when you're leading a group of people. Sometimes it does come down to us or them… and sometimes a show of strength can be brutal. But it's how we stay on top. It's how we stay alive. It's how I keep you all alive. If you think this war we've stepped into is meaningless, ask yourselves what does have meaning these days? This tyrant we're fighting has killed so many people, and he'll kill so many more. Am I ambitious? Yes… but if you have ever had the passing thought that I'm like Don Clements… or Kurt… or anyone like that, you'd be dead wrong, and I'd ask you to re-evaluate that stance. What I'm doing… is high risk, high reward… and it's bettering the world in the process (He looks between them). I'm saying this because, no matter what, I need the two of you by my side. I've spent too long around other tyrants to see everything they might've done right, but mostly, I've seen everything they did wrong. Leading with an iron fist… showing your strength, that's necessary, it's the foundation of any empire. But leading through fear… and blood, is not good. It caused their downfall, it got them killed. You're both going to help me do things right.
Elliott and Nancy sit there in silence throughout his speech, listening carefully to him. Elliott’s eyes widen a smidge, his brain trying to process and understand where Edward is coming from. He lets out a long sigh, rubbing his temples.
Elliott: I know you think that we have to do this. And maybe… Maybe you’re right. You’ve-- seen a lot more than we have. I know Don Clements is a bad man… a horrible man, he should be dead. And I know you're not like him, not at all, Edward. I just fear what the cost of this war against him might be… (He glances around concerningly) I've spent a lot of the last couple days voicing my concerns - and I still hold those. But we're too far into this now, and… I believe in you, man. Deep down you're a good guy, and you'll get us through this. You're a born leader, man. I'll… I'll help you, yeah. Whatever it is…
Edward: (He nods appreciatively) I knew I could count on you.
Nancy: Tobias and the others… Do you expect this search for allies will be successful?
Edward: I hope so.
Nodding, Edward rises from his chair.
Edward: If there’s one thing I’ve come to learn about Tobias, it’s that he’s a wonderful salesman.
He turns, hobbling away.
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Scene #16
WORTHWOOD - WILLIAM’S LODGE
The bathroom door opens, and WILLIAM REYNES exits, clean and refreshed, having spent the last hour showering and grooming. He breathes a sigh of relief, entering the main lounge of the lodge.
William: There we go, that feels much better.
He sees REBECCA DAWSON in her wheelchair, facing away from him and looking out a window, silent and motionless.
William: Hey, you okay?
William approaches, resting a hand on her shoulder, but even then, she continues to stare out the window without a thought in the world.
William: …Rebecca? (He kneels down, taking her hand) Come on, talk to me.
Finally, she blinks, and looks over at him like a fish out of water. Her eyes are filled entirely with confusion more than anything.
Rebecca: Have you seen my baby?
William: …What?
Rebecca: My baby. His name is Jack. Have you seen him? I don’t remember… how I lost him. He must be somewhere close… close by.
For the first time since Jacob’s death, William actually has to fight back a handful of tears. He swallows - pain etched into his face, and then opens his mouth to speak.
William: Jack, yeah… I remember. Jack… isn’t here with us anymore. Jack passed away… a long time ago, Rebecca. You hurt your head and… (He pauses) And… it really messed with your memory. It’s been a long time.
Rebecca: (Shaking her head) No, you must be mistaken. My name is Rebecca. I have a baby boy. He’s called Jack. He’s… somewhere. Maybe he’s asleep. Yes… asleep.
William blinks, stunned. The reality of everything was beginning to set in too quickly for his mind to process. He wants to do something - to reach out and embrace her, but to her, he’s just a random man. He doesn’t exist - the life they had never happened. He breathes slowly, feeling the icy grip of panic around his throat. Carefully, he rises to his feet.
William: (Quietly) …Lloyd. Lloyd!
LLOYD WALLER comes shooting down the stairs a few moments later.
Lloyd: What is it? What is--
Rebecca: No… His name is Jack. Jack.
William: Doctor. Just… doctor. Doctor Larkin. Please. Go (He points at the front door weakly).
Lloyd: O-okay!
Rebecca keeps looking out the window blankly, watching the boy hurry down the front path and down the street.
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Scene #17
WORTHWOOD - INFIRMARY
Doctor JOSLYN LARKIN sets her clipboard down and brushes some hair out of her face. She’s stressed, sullen and confused.
Joslyn: I… don’t know. I can’t really… say for sure… what any of this is. This was never my field of expertise… I’m sorry. The only thing I can think of is… maybe her neural pathways were crushed when she sustained the injury, and…
She falls silent, looking across at WILLIAM REYNES and LLOYD WALLER, while REBECCA DAWSON lies in a hospital bed. After a moment, Joslyn speaks again, this time in a more concrete, definite tone.
Joslyn: William. A word, please… in private.
Nodding wordlessly, William follows Joslyn to an office just down the hall, away from Lloyd so he doesn’t have to hear them. Once inside, the doctor turns to William, a deathly look on her face.
Joslyn: It… doesn’t look good, William. The only things that something like this can lead to are… slow brain death. Irreversible damage. Her dead synapses will attempt to communicate with each other again and again, and… eventually, they’ll burn themselves out. That’s likely what caused this sudden lapse into… the past. The synapses containing her memories of the present time fried themselves.
She exhales, taking William’s hands like a concerned mother might.
Joslyn: I’m so, so sorry. I don’t think there’s anything I can do.
William’s expression does not change. It’s as icy and grim as it was when he’d entered the office. A sick, twisted part of his brain is celebrating - the part that said “I told you so”; the part that always made him assume the worst in people, the part that always made him see death and danger around every corner, the part that hung Jared. His eyes are glassy and lifeless, simply staring back at the doctor.
William: Thank you, Doctor.
And with that, he turns robotically, exiting just as calmly as he’d entered.
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Scene #18
WORTHWOOD - INFIRMARY
LLOYD WALLER sits quietly by REBECCA DAWSON’s bedside, with a cold, grim expression. He rubs his watery eyes, trying to clear them up.
Rebecca: You seem… sad. Why?
Lloyd: I… (He clears his throat) I’m… really scared.
Rebecca: Oh… Why… are you… scared?
Lloyd: Because you… (He stops himself) --this person that I know. A person I really love and care about… She’s… struggling to remember… anything. And… I’m afraid of… losing her, or maybe, maybe I already have, I don’t know.
Rebecca’s words start to come out slower as she responds.
Rebecca: That’s so… sad. But you know, if they mean a lot to you… they’re never truly gone… if you stay true to… yourself and keep them in… in here (He places a hand over her heart). I feel that way about my baby boy. Jack… He’s the most beautiful boy… the light of my life. I should… really go and find him now, but I’m just so… sleepy.
A tear rolls down Lloyd’s cheek as he looks at her, uttering to her in a broken voice,
Lloyd: You… you should rest.
He tries, but Lloyd can’t hold it together anymore.
Lloyd: You’re one of the strongest people I know, Rebecca. Please. Please, you’re a fighter, you’re--
Lloyd stops, eyes now full of tears, as he sees Rebecca shut her eyes, falling asleep, breathing steadily.
At that moment, WILLIAM REYNES enters the booth, moving like a ghost - devoid of all life and hope. Peacefully, he sits beside Lloyd, and rests his arm around his shoulder. He pulls him close, letting Lloyd cry into his own shoulder.
Lloyd: Is… is Rebecca going to die?
William doesn’t want to answer the question - but knows he has to give him the truth.
William: …Yes. She is.
Lloyd: Just… just like that?
Lloyd sobs harder, in disbelief.
William: …Yeah. Just like that.
The man grows silent, needing to fight back his own tears. He focuses on Rebecca’s sleeping form. She looks peaceful, beautiful, and it’s enough to bring a small smile to his face.
William: You know that… even if she might not - know who we are… She loves you. The person that Rebecca was -- is -- loves you. You were her boy. Her favourite.
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Scene #19
WORTHWOOD - ALLAN’S LODGE
ALLAN WHITE stands in his living room; a large, open room, enough to fit the fifteen or so people who’re currently here, sitting or standing, and listening to Allan talk.
Allan: I’ve gathered you all today for one reason. That reason being… these ‘new residents’ that have tried to take over our home, take over the council, and in cases, outright commit murder. The first case was against Todd, a welcomed resident who was always a kind hearted individual, and a teacher to our children. He was brutalized by his coworker in front of most of the population here. The second was against one of their own after the MALICIOUS and untrue allegation of Jordan being responsible for someone’s death. His father would rightfully be angered at what our home -- OURS, not these MONSTERS home -- has become. As it stands, there is still going to be a circus that’s going on today, and those of you in my very home are willing to step up, to finally take a step against these creatures should they intimidate the favor to be against us. I’m very glad that you’re all reasonable here after the first breach, it’d seemed some of us had fallen from grace and taken spontaneous trust to these people… these killers we don’t even know. Today’s the day we finally take back our home, our council, and our life.
People around the room nod their head, with the scattered sounds of people agreeing. DAVE, TERRANCE, CARL LUDD, KEVIN NORTON and CODY WAKEFIELD are among those nodding in agreement. Standing at the back of the room is BUD DAVIS, who does the opposite; he looks down and shakes his head, finding it impossible to agree with Allan.
Carl: Todd… What a great man.
Allan nods and approaches the three officers: Kevin, Cody and Dave.
Allan: As I still understand, one of your fellow officers is one of these new people, and are still apart of your own workforce after LETTING his allies INSIDE for William’s trial? Paul should be ashamed of himself for trusting and keeping someone who’s actively committed an act of insurrection. It really shocks me how our town has taken this long to finally wake up and see the reality of this entire situation.
Allan notices the disapproving look on Bud’s face, and walks up to him.
Allan: As I’ve seen and heard, your own child is in a relationship with one of them? I’d be careful if I were you, some of us have already lost enough kids.
Bud stares as Allan turns to walk back to the front of the room, next to his wife BETTY WHITE.
Dave: Do you really think we can stand up to them? After-- after everything we’ve seen them do?
Allan: I’ve been through two tours, I’ve seen the littlest amount of people do things you’d be shocked to see be possible with such low numbers… But things were accomplished, they were done and after these many months of knowing all of you - and with what’s happened in our fucking home… Yeah, I’m pretty sure we can. This is OUR HOME, not theirs. It’s OURS and if we just show them that this isn’t their yard… then they’ll learn real quick.
Carl lingers on the edge of his seat, feeling a spike of confidence and determination shoot through his system.
Carl: Yeah… (He stands, pumping a fist in the air) YEAHHH!
Dave: Yeah…
Cody: You’re goddamn right, Allan.
Others around the room clap, cheer, and agree with everyone else. At the front of the room, Allan cracks a smile - before he feels someone tugging at his arm. It’s Betty.
Betty: (Quietly) You need to think about what you’re doing. You don’t have to be a violent person about all this, we can--
Allan: I’ve taken my time, and look what it led to. We lost more of our people! Hell, they even managed to kill one of their own som--
Betty: (Her eyes watering) Think of our son… think of what he would do.
Allan: He died trusting these very same types of people. When I think of him, I only see the burial we have in the back now.
His face red with anger, Allan looks back at the crowd of people - where he spots Bud leaving through the front door. Quickly, he shuffles through the crowd to follow him.
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Scene #20
WORTHWOOD - ALLAN’S LODGE - LATE MORNING
Allan: Where do you think you’re going?
BUD DAVIS stops on the front path outside ALLAN WHITE’s lodge, before slowly turning around.
Bud: I’m going home… Your ways of dealing with what’s happened… You’re turning into those ‘monsters’ you describe… when I’ve seen with my own two eyes they are not what you claim them to be. (He walks towards him) I know why you’re doing this, man. It’s not gonna bring back Carmine, and he wouldn’t have wanted this. Hell, your wife doesn’t want this either and yet you keep telling yourself you’re in the right… when the truth is… you’re an arrogant, relentless, ass-kissing hot-head. What happened to the Allan I knew? The one who would go around helping others, welcoming them inside Worthwood?
Allan: When my son… (He wipes his eyes) When he died-- was murdered… It opened up my eyes to what the world we live in is like. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows like you and all the other residents like to believe. No… It’s a dark, dark world that’ll eat you alive if you take it easy and welcome every danger imaginable in your home. I learned that the hard way when THOSE MONSTERS MURDERED MY BOY! HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE YOU TO REALIZE THAT I’M RIGHT?! IS YOUR OWN DAUGHTER’S DEATH GOING TO BE WHAT OPENS UP YOUR EYES TOO?!
Bud clenches his fists, ready to strike.
Allan: Come on! HIT ME! I’VE GOT NOTHING TO LOSE!
But Bud silently unclenches his fists. He’s not going to give into his rage. He simply turns his back and begins to walk away.
Allan: I’M OVER HERE YOU GIANT DUMBASS! WHEN HER BLOOD IS SPILLED, YOU’VE GONNA COME CRYING BACK TO ME!
Allan slams his fists into the side of his lodge, leaving a small cut that starts to bleed. Gritting his teeth, he turns to walk back inside.
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Scene #21
LANSING CORRECTIONAL FACILITY - EARLY AFTERNOON
The low rumble of a truck’s engine resonates loudly, as JADIS MILLER sits in the back, hands clasped together in frustration. JIMMY STONE is seated beside her, his head in his hands. He appears restless and angry, stirring there in a silent rage.
A pang of sympathy dawns on Jadis’ face as she turns her head to him. Calmly and quietly, she places a hand on his shoulder, rocking gently.
Jadis: …It’s okay. You’re strong. We’re strong.
Jimmy: Those fucking… bastards. I… (He shakes his head, his face scrunching up)
Jadis: Shh… It’s okay. I know… you loved him. We both lost someone… very, very dear to us.
Jimmy: (Nodding slowly) We’re gonna kill them all.
Jadis: We are. Every last one of them. But don’t you worry about that right now… You just take your time to grieve, alright?
Jimmy nods to her. A moment later, the noises of brakes squeaking come from up front, as the truck slows down. The vehicle stops completely, and the sounds of doors opening and closing come from outside. Finally, the back doors to their truck are pulled open by ETHAN NEWPORT.
Ethan: We’re here, Jadis.
Clapping her hands together, Jadis stands from her seat and steps out of the back of the truck, assuming her ‘business’ mode again. Jimmy exits next, with all of Jadis’ people gathering around. In total, ten of Jadis’ people had accompanied her in three vehicles, where they now stood in front of Lansing Correctional Facility.
Ethan: (To Jadis) A word… quickly?
Ethan gestures for her to follow him around the side of one of the trucks, and Jadis follows him, an inquisitive look on her face.
Jadis: What is it?
Ethan: There’s still time to… reconsider our options. You and I know there are other ways to deal with those… monsters at the bank. We can still get our revenge… in a way that avoids us dealing with Don Clements.
Jadis appears to genuinely consider the man’s words for a moment or two, before she shakes her head.
Jadis: No… no, it has to be this way. I cannot risk - having them get away. I’m not going to dedicate more time to such miserable lowlives. They will die in fire, and that is it.
Ethan: (He lowers his head, accepting her choice) I understand. Just… choose your words carefully when we’re talking to him. Clements doesn’t exactly have the most stellar reputation.
Jadis: Don’t worry… I have a knack for snake-charming.
The two of them rejoin the group, just as a clean, well-dressed bearded man comes walking out the front doors of the prison. He has six armed goons with him, yet RAYMOND SINCLAIR walks forward without a worry in the world. He doesn’t break eye contact with Jadis for even a split-second as he stops not too close to her group.
Raymond: Jadis. It’s a surprise to see you here. (He pauses momentarily) And what is it that I can do for you… people?
Jadis: I’m here to see The Don.
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Scene #22
LANSING CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
An armed man closes the front doors behind JADIS MILLER and her people, as RAYMOND SINCLAIR walks leisurely ahead of them, leading them towards a number of men shouting and talking loudly. They near one of the cell blocks, where Raymond finds two more armed men sharing a cigarette. He places his hand on one of their shoulders, whispering into his ear.
Raymond: Go inform the Don that he has visitors. It’s Jadis Miller. They’ll be up shortly.
KENNY, the armed goon, nods his head, and responds with a thick southern accent.
Kenny: You got it, boss.
He jogs off through the cell block, while Raymond turns back to Jadis.
Raymond: If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you up to see him.
Jadis nods silently, proceeding after him. Raymond takes them through the cellblock. Inside, it’s crowded, with many men hanging around on the lower and upper levels, some sitting on tables, some resting inside cells. Two men are boxing each other in the corner, another group are playing cards at a table. Some of them are still wearing their prison uniforms from before the outbreak. But as Raymond leads Jadis’ people through, almost every man in there stops what he’s doing to look at the strangers inside their home.
Jadis: (Quietly) So many… undesirables.
Raymond: Mmm.
After a few moments of passing through the cell block, they come through to the other side, to a door that’s being guarded by another armed man. Raymond nods to the man, and he opens the door.
Raymond: (To Jadis) He’s just up the stairs. But only Jadis, and you (He points at Ethan). The rest of you can wait here.
Jadis: That’s fine. (She turns to her people) The rest of you, be on your guard.
Satisfied, Raymond nods and leads Jadis and ETHAN NEWPORT through the door, up a set of stairs, and up to an office door, where Kenny is standing guard.
Kenny: He’s all ready for ya’.
Raymond: Mmm, good.
Raymond opens the office door and steps inside, followed by Jadis and Ethan.
Inside, DON CLEMENTS is looking out of a window, a glass of whiskey in his hand.
Don Clements: I must say I was surprised to learn that you’d come knocking at my door (He twirls the whiskey around a bit).
Jadis: Tobias Duke. A man I know you want dead more than anything.
The man stops twirling the glass, and turns to face her.
Don Clements: You have my attention.
Jadis: I know where he is. And alongside him, a man who killed my own brother. We have mutual interest in their mutual destruction.
Don Clements: I see. You know… I’d always imagined that you were stronger. I left you to your own devices… drew a line in the sand and let you play in peace (He scoffs). And yet here you are… seeking my help.
Jadis: Your help would be appreciated, yes. Not out of necessity, but out of… guarantee. I also assumed that a man as… reputable… as yourself - would enjoy the opportunity to kill a man who has done you so much wrong, and whose existence is an active stain on your reputation.
Clements looks away from her, eyeing the glass in his hand.
Don Clements: Kansas Straight Bourbon Whiskey (He takes a sip of it). A personal favourite of my brother. When the world started to crash and burn, he was quick to loot the warehouse. He had to have loaded around twenty-five barrels of the stuff into his truck, and no doubt would have taken more if he had the space to. ‘Enjoy the spoils’, he said. He even shared a glass with Tobias Duke. And what a mistake that was.
A sudden bitterness takes over his tone, as Clements places the glass onto his desk with a loud clack.
Don Clements: Tobias Duke is a plague… and every second that he is still alive makes my blood boil. Unfortunately for you, my dear… I don’t need your help killing him.
Jadis: If I can’t count on your help, then I’m not going to tell you where he is. We either both get what we want, or none of us gets what we want.
Don Clements: (He scoffs again) Oh, sweetheart. It’s adorable that you think you have any cards to play at all. I don’t need you to tell me where Tobias Duke is. Do you really think he can just waltz around in my territory like a baboon and go unnoticed? Of course not. So, I’m afraid your threat to withhold his location is quite useless. It’s pathetic really, to see you grasping at straws because you need access to my army so badly. Tobias Duke was sighted an hour ago, three miles out of Park City. My scouts were quick to notice him and a squad was dispatched. They’re going to bring him to me alive and I’ll kill him myself.
Jadis: Tell me, Mr. Clements… what if, yet again, Tobias Duke slips through your hands… yet again? We both know how incompetent your usual gang of convicts are… and how lucky that man can be. What then?
Don Clements: He is in the company of only two companions, not his usual dopes. I am quite confident that my most reliable agent will be capable of dealing with them. And… if not… well…
Clements looks down at his hand, seeing bruised knuckles and a number of rings.
Don Clements: Well, she’ll learn the hard way that it was foolish to fail me again.
Jadis: (Flatly) How admirable of you. Well, we’ll see who comes crawling when he inevitably fools you yet again. End of the day, I know where he sleeps. You do not. That’ll be all (She turns away).
Don Clements: And in your case, my girl. Start sleeping with one eye open. Those armoured trucks you possess are quite impressive. Maybe, just maybe… taking them off your hands won’t be so difficult.
Grimacing, Jadis steps out after Ethan, slamming the door shut behind her.
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Scene #23
LANSING CORRECTIONAL FACILITY - EARLY AFTERNOON
JADIS MILLER storms down the front walkway, her entourage in tow. She turns to an observant ETHAN NEWPORT.
Jadis: Find an encampment nearby - somewhere with running water and shade close by. We’re not done here just yet.
Ethan: Jadis… Look, I know that didn’t go over well, but we need to play this the right way. You want to place a camp near here, and risk getting caught? This man has got scouts from here to Timbuktu, he’ll know exactly what we’re doing.
Jadis: Oh, I know. That’s the plan. He’ll think on my offer in due time.
Ethan: (He sighs) This is too risky if you ask me… but fine. I’ll get on it.
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Scene #24
WICHITA BANK
The door opens, and EDWARD REMAR steps past SETH HAYNES to get into the room. The door shuts behind him, and Edward looks ahead, eyeing the defeated WAYNE GUZMAN sitting in the corner of the room.
Wayne: (Bitterly) What? Have you come to survey me like I’m some zoo animal? Or are you just here to gloat about how you won.
Edward: If anything, you should be thanking me. You were knee-deep in shit. What were you going to do when that shit hit the fan, hm? You, and everyone else in this place would have drowned. I’m the only one capable of saving you… Your wife was smart to realize that. Why can’t you?
Wayne: (He shakes his head) You… you really think you’re something special, don’t you? I mean you really think that… You, the raging little hothead with a temper ten times his size.
Edward: Look at everything I’ve done since arriving here. Against all odds, I brought order to the bank. Before, all of you were just… playing politics. Running around like headless chickens in the face of real danger.
Wayne: And what exactly have you done, hm? Takeover with force and lock me up? Declare war on Jadis…? Mm, I heard about that, too. All you've done is supplied some muscle, and maybe that'll give the people here a fighting chance, maybe. But what exactly do you bring to the table? Do you envision yourself as some… charming, charismatic leader that people should be envious of? You aren't.
Edward: I'm a better choice than you. You were out of your depth… a lawyer who still thought he was playing by the rules in court. No, that's not how it works anymore. For all your qualifications in the old world, they don't apply here anymore. People like me, people like me who have the guts to do what needs to be done - are going to take over the world now.
Wayne: (He shakes his head again) You… the terrible diplomat that you are? With that temper? No, whether or not this works out for you, you're just going to be another tyrant that built his empire out of blood and bones. Your rule will come to an end, an army larger than yours will come along and end it all, such is the cycle. (He leans forward) You reap what you sow, Edward. No matter what happens, the future won’t hold anything good for you.
Edward: Maybe. But what use is hearing that from you? A bitter old man that lost to me, and now spends his days sitting in a locked room while a war brews at his doorstep (He shrugs). Had you just cooperated with me, it could’ve been different. But you’ve made your bed, Wayne. Now you can lie in it. You can watch me win… again, and again. And again.
Smiling, Edward turns around and leaves as quick as he’d entered, leaving Wayne in his chair, deep in thought.
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Scene #25
WICHITA BANK
After his visit with Wayne, EDWARD REMAR makes his way down the hall, hobbling forward with his cane as usual. There is a level of uneasiness in the room - everyone seems to be aware of the coming storm. He walks past ELLIOTT ROWE, who’s looking a little uncomfortable as KARA is once again back at his side.
Kara: Oh my god; you have the cutest smile ever. Look at your little dimples (He playfully taps his shoulder).
Elliott: Ahah… My mom used to say the same thing.
Edward shuffles past, eventually coming to a stop next to one of the front windows. There, he sees the girl, CARRIE EISNER, sitting on her own with an assault rifle, looking rather unsure of herself.
Edward: Hello.
Carrie: (She looks up) Uh… hi?
Edward: I know, this is sudden. We’ve never talked one to one. You… definitely know me, and I… Well, I don’t know you that well. But… as leader, it’s my duty to take care of my people. Are you nervous?
Carrie hesitates to respond, but eventually does.
Carrie: Fuck yeah. I- I don’t remember a 16 year old having to prepare for a gunfight before this. I’ve never used a gun, I’ve never shot anyone before and I’ve never killed anyone. I’m not just nervous, I’m scared.
Edward: And that’s okay. All of this craziness around here… it must be a lot. The world is a scary place now. No one your age should ever have to be in this position. But know this… Sorry, what’s your name?
Carrie: Carrie.
Edward: Know this, Carrie. I will do everything in my power to make sure that this war is won as swiftly as possible. So that it can be over, and we can move on to greater things. Take that fear that's weighing you down and find strength in it. The strength to fight for your loved ones and conquer this world. And if this really isn't for you, hide away and keep yourself safe. You know what's best for you. Just be aware that… these bad people, they're coming to us. No matter what. Better to fight for what we believe in than just let them walk all over us, right?
The girl takes some deep breaths, having newfound confidence in herself.
Carrie: Yeah… yeah, or else they’ll stomp all over us and our home. I won’t let you down, Edward. I promise.
Edward: (He smiles warmly) That’s the spirit. I believe in you.
Edward moves on, being watched by JOHN EISNER from a distance, a look of disdain on his face.
Up ahead, Edward sees Sandra with her arms crossed, a blank expression resting on her face. Edward stops, looks at her, but with nothing to say, he simply keeps walking.
As Edward leaves her, MARVIN YOUNG comes walking up to SANDRA PENNINGTON, carrying a box of bottled water.
Marvin: Heyyyy, Sandra. Here, uh, some water… Hydrated people are happier people. H2O is the flow (He smiles, offering her a bottle).
Sandra: That’s quite alright… Thank you, Marvin.
Marvin: Okay-dokey. Well, uh, nice to see you (He turns to leave).
Sandra: Actually, Marv.
Marvin: Mm?
Sandra: On second thoughts, yes, I’ll take one.
―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――
Scene #26
WICHITA BANK
SANDRA PENNINGTON approaches the office door, where SETH HAYNES remains on guard, sitting on a chair outside the office.
Sandra: Let me in to see him, please.
Seth: oh, uh -- Yeah, I mean, I guess so. Or wait-- Are you sure you want to see him? Don’t you have like… beef with this guy?
Sandra: Just let me in.
Seth: Well… Who am I to question you, right? Hehe…
He chuckles quietly, but quickly stops when Sandra doesn’t even break a smile. He stands and takes the key out of his pocket, unlocking the door for her. Sandra steps inside, walking forward to a table WAYNE GUZMAN is sitting at.
Wayne: Well. You’re the last person I expected to see walk in here.
Sandra: I brought you something.
She places the bottle of water she got from Marvin onto the table.
Wayne: You know they give me water, right?
Sandra: It’s the gesture that counts, no? Fine…
She reaches to take the bottle back, but Wayne shakes his head and snatches it before she can.
Wayne: It is appreciated. Just… shocking, really.
Sandra stares at him silently as he undoes the cap and takes a chug.
Wayne: (He wipes his mouth) Ah.
Sandra: Did you kill my son, Wayne?
Wayne freezes up, looking over at her. Then, he narrows his eyes.
Wayne: Will you even believe me if I answer your question?
Sandra: I don’t know. I’m just… I’m a mess. I don’t know what to do with myself anymore. I don’t… (Her eyes begin to water) I’ve lost everything.
Wayne stares with sorrowful eyes, taken aback by the sudden show of vulnerability.
Sandra: The only thing I have is the idea that whoever killed Douglas… and Miles… is brought to justice. That’s it. That’s all I have. (She paces around, wiping her eyes) And I… I don’t believe Edward actually cared about catching the killer, I think he just… wanted you out of his way. So… so if you could just tell me, Wayne. If you could just tell me if it was you… Please…
Wayne: (He frowns) Sandra, I…
Sandra: Was it you, Wayne? Did you… I need… peace…
Wayne: It wasn’t.
Sandra stays quiet, simply trying to read his face, wondering if he’s telling the truth.
Wayne: When I lost my children… I feel like I died with them. My marriage certainly did (He sighs). Whatever differences I have with you, Sandra. However much we may not get along, I would be damned if I killed your son. You being a good mother is one of your few redeeming qualities.
She continues to stare at him, and nods her head slowly. Without another word, Sandra then takes a deep breath, turns around, and walks out.
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Scene #27
WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - HEARING CHAMBER
At the back of the courtroom, many Worthwood residents are beginning to funnel in through the doorway, finding their seats. On the raised stage at the front of the room stands GERALD ROLAND, NAOMI STAFFORD, CHESTER STAFFORD and JUSTIN BENNETT, with ROMAN STROUD hovering around nearby as always.
KATE BLOODSTONE, stressed and exhausted, is standing next to DEAN HOWARDS, watching everybody shuffle into the room and sit down.
Kate: I don’t think William will be coming anymore, not after what’s happening with Rebecca. (She sighs) We just can’t catch a fucking break, can we?
Dean folds his hands together, letting out a stifled, shuddery breath. He struggles to find the right words to say.
Dean: --I don’t… I don’t understand. I don’t -- understand-- w-- Why is this happening? I don’t understand.
Kate: I… don’t know, Dean. I thought being here at this place was going to make everything better… and yet… It’s just more of the same. We’re just… slightly more comfortable while we deal with all of the usual bullshit.
Dean: (He lowers his head, exhaling) No… This wasn’t supposed to be like this. No, no-- (He shuts his eyes) We can still - we-- Maybe Rebecca can--
He stops speaking, not knowing how to continue. He opens his eyes.
Dean: I thought it would be different too. I really did. I wanted it to… so bad.
Kate: Me too. With everything that’s going on, I just… I’m tired, Dean. Lolida, Ed… Rebecca. Marcus is still in a coma… Austin’s in terrible shape. It’s just all going to shit… and now we’ve got… this.
Dean: How the fuck did this happen? I just do not understand. I’m… sorry I can’t help more… to process all this. I’d like to. I really, I just-- can’t. I can’t at all.
Kate: You should get some rest, Dean. This trial… it’ll only stress you out more. What you’ve been doing recently, for Kelly Neuble. It’s amazing. Do your best to stay strong for her… I don’t think she has anyone else to turn to.
The man takes a long breath, trying to let his mind focus for a moment.
Dean: I’ll try. Are you gonna be okay after this? St-- stupid question, I’m sorry--I just… I’m sorry, I know it’s a lot. Thank you for… trying.
Kate: I’ll be alright. I have to. Thank you.
She places a hand on his shoulder, nodding to him.
Among the numerous Worthwood residents entering the room is BARRY CHALLIS, as well as LILLIAN MAKAROV, who’s sporting an all-black dress, as if to attend a funeral instead of a trial. Her gaze locked to the ground to hide her deprived, blood-shot eyes, Lillian goes to take a seat.
Justin takes a swig from a metal flask, which catches the attention of Naomi.
Naomi: Will you stop that? There are many pairs of eyes on us right now, and you look like a baboon.
He rolls his eyes at her and screws the lid back on, before going to sit down. Chester goes to take a seat as well, smiling and waving at some of the residents below him.
Kate eventually comes walking up onto the podium to be with the other council members. Naomi glares at her, before sitting down. Sighing, Kate walks over to Gerald.
Kate: So, how’s this going to go?
Gerald: Well, in the interest of this being an orderly trial, we’ve got a representative for both Daniel and Jordan. I think it’s… better that way, don’t you? Something tells me that Daniel won’t have anything… well, let's say, appropriate to say. He’s a little rough around the edges, and he just murdered someone (He frowns). We’ve got a professional, though. Jordan is being represented by Mr. Astley over there (He points). He was one of my patrons, and a lawyer. A very trusted resident here at Worthwood.
Off to the side of the courtroom, standing by a table, TREVOR ASTLEY converses with an uninterested-looking JORDAN GATLON, their conversation muffled; yet Trevor’s lips zapped like lightning, as if the conversation was being invested by one side. Jordan couldn’t care less; Trevor’s words were going through one ear and out the other; Jordan’s attention is elsewhere, staring at a wall out of boredom.
Kate: Right… and, sorry? You said you had a representative for Daniel too? I’m not sure that’s--
Gerald: Yes, well, in the interest of being fair, someone had to step up, and uhm, well, as it happens, Matthew Matheson volunteered to represent Daniel. He, uhm, well, said he attended law school for… a time.
At another table on the opposite side of the courtroom, MATTHEW MATHESON is sitting alone, tapping his feet off the floor as he awaits the trial to begin. Daniel has not arrived yet.
Kate: Don’t you think this all seems a bit… theatrical? Gerald, I understand you’re trying to make this… an authentic court, but this is serious, and these antics might just push Daniel over the edge. He was already doubting the community, he--
Gerald: With all due respect, Kate. Daniel is lucky we’re putting on this farce at all. He murdered a man, one of your people, and yet has the audacity to accuse Jordan of killing somebody else.
PAUL BAIRD approaches the council, breaking up their conversation.
Paul: We’re ready to bring in the defendant.
Gerald nods to the chief, before he and Kate go to take their seats.
Gerald: Bring him in.
The entire courtroom quiets down, as DANIEL ROCKWELL is escorted inside by officers KEVIN NORTON and CODY WAKEFIELD. Many people look on with disgust -- including Layton, who has shown up to witness the trial.
As Daniel is seated next to Matthew at his table, Paul approaches and whispers into RANDALL FORSTER’s ear.
Paul: Please God, I am leaving it to you to make sure that man does not escape that chair.
Immediately, Matthew becomes uncomfortable just by being seated next to Daniel.
Matthew: Uh, hey. I’m Matthew Matheson. I’ll be representing you, I--
Daniel glares at him silently. At the same time, HEATHER SOLIS hurries across the room, handing over a clipboard to Gerald.
Matthew: You know what, you’re right. I only attended law school for one month.
Daniel: What the fuck is this? Play pretend? Are we---?
Daniel abruptly goes silent as he spots him on the other side of the room. Jordan.
Jordan makes eye contact with him, and for a moment, the entire room is dead silent; you could hear a pin drop. Then, Jordan's irritably annoyed expression shifts into a slow-paced, subtle, smug smirk. That’s all it takes for Daniel to leap out of his chair, trying to bolt across the room with a growl.
Paul: STOP HIM!
Trevor: YOUR HONOUR, I SAY YOU STOP THAT MAN!
Randall, Cody and Kevin jump into action, grabbing onto Daniel from all sides, holding him in place. Like a feral dog, Daniel just growls more, trying to get free of the officers’ grasp, but it’s impossible.
Jordan: SEE?! SEE?! HE CAN’T BE REASONED WITH! LIKE A SHARK SMELLING BLOOD!
Matthew facepalms, sinking into his chair in defeat.
Randall: (Whispering in Daniel’s ear) Not now. You owe this trial to Ed. You do.
With a sigh, Daniel gives up his attack, and is dragged back to his seat by the cops.
Trevor quickly takes the chance to stand up and address the crowd.
Trevor: As you can see… A MAD man… A-A… Well… I just can’t simply say what this… thing is… but it surely is not HUMAN! HUMANE! CIVILIZED! Already, not even a full five minutes INTO this trial, he has already made a mockery of this court. A MOCKERY of this COMMUNITY!
Gerald: Thank you, Mr. Astley. You may be seated.
Trevor: Thank you, your honour.
As Trevor sits, Gerald begins to read through the clipboard that Heather handed him.
Gerald: Please, Mr. Rockwell, things are already looking dire for you. Contain your bloodthirsty outbursts for the remainder of the trial, if not for Jordan's sake, but for that of Ed Anderson, the man you murdered during a supply run to Nebraska for various technological parts to power our community.
Matthew: Your honour, I would just like to say that I have actually not yet had a chance to meet with the defendant until… right now, and actually do not know what is going on.
Justin snorts with laughter.
Gerald: Thank you for that, Mr. Matheson. The goal today is to evaluate the events that took place in Nebraska two days ago to find out who is responsible for the disaster that occurred. Two supply runners, Ed Anderson and Lolida Windfield, were killed, and another, Amber Kennedy, was gravely injured.
Trevor: Yourrrrrr honour, you cannot seriously put me up with something… this unprofessional! To even present… this insult of an amateur.
Naomi: Oh, can we just get on with it already? Trevor, get started.
Matthew exhales quietly, leaning over in Daniel’s direction.
Matthew: So, what I’m gathering here is you, uh, killed somebody?
Daniel turns his head, staring into his soul. Matthew leans away from him.
Matthew: Forget it. Just like, forget it.
Trevor rises from his seat once again.
Trevor: As you wish. (He turns to face the courtroom) People of the court; people of Worthwood. Before we… address the… abnormally large elephant in the room -- I would first like to apologize for the circus-act this ill-mannered buffoon decided to perform!
Trevor strides around the room, briefly looking over at Daniel.
Trevor: But-- a-ah-ah, no peanuts will be thrown your way today, oh no, NO. For I stand here today to defend a… well-known pillar of this community, a man who keeps on giving; NO, the GIFT that keeps on giving. A VIP of our hierarchy. I stand here to defend him… from defaming accusations from a murderer who wishes to paint my client, Mr. JORDAN Gatlan, in a similar, vile light. But it is not only defamation that ruins our days, but also… well… there’s no other way to say this besides swinging for a home run so… I will be blunt. Murder.
As Trevor is speaking, Justin takes another chug from his flask, before offering a drink to Chester.
Chester: (Waving his hand, and whispering) No.
Justin: Come on. Come onnnnn.
Chester: No, Justin, this is not the time. Will you stop? This is inappropriate and obscene, please… just… No, no.
Naomi: (Whisper yelling) Will you clowns stop?! Stop it!
Trevor stops, his head turning to look at the whispers coming from the council.
Trevor: Is there a mishap we-- That I should be informed about?
Gerald: (Sighing) No. No, Mr. Astley, you’re fine. Is that all for your opening statement?
Trevor: No, no, there is more. But for the sake of… that horrendous odor this… foul beast dragged into this sacred place, I will speed it up.
Daniel: Do you wanna shut the fuck up?
Matthew: Uh, uh… My client… didn’t… mean that?
Trevor looks at Daniel, placing a hand over his heart, acting shocked and offended.
Trevor: Why… you little…
Daniel: Enough of this (He shakes his head).
Gerald: Mr. Rockwell, if you--
Daniel: I said ENOUGH! If you want to get to the bottom of this, do it properly, not through this embarrassing farce of a trial. As if your community couldn’t be anymore of a fucking joke.
Gerald: Okay, Daniel. You want us to drop the formalities? We’ll drop the formalities. We’ll do it your way.
Naomi: What?
Trevor: NO! NO, NO, NO! IS THERE NOT AN ORDER TO THINGS HERE?! WHAT ABOUT THE RULES?!
Jordan decides to finally speak up from his chair.
Jordan: Your honour, this is a waste, truly. I mean, just look at him… You really think we can carry this on in a civilized way? We already have our verdict right in front of us. I understand… I understand… we HAVE to hold onto our humanity… but -- can we really rationalize humanity with the inhumane?
Daniel sits there, seething in rage, but with the officers surrounding him, there’s nothing he can do.
Jordan: YOU understand best, Gerald… This place is not meant for MURDERERS. My father wouldn’t even accept a trial for… for this murdering mutt.
Kate: (She stands up) This is wrong. The way we’re doing this is wrong.
Jordan’s smugness fades into absolute disgust as his eyes settle on Kate.
Jordan: I don’t think we asked for your opinion, outsider.
Kate: Councillor. Thank you very much. And you can take your seat once again. You weren’t invited to the stand.
Justin: Ooohhhh… Snap.
Jordan: You… You’re telling me… what to do? Do you KNOW what my father has done for this community? What I have done for this community? You little bi-- You little… beautiful fox.
Kate: Mr. Astley. Mr. Matheson. You’re both dismissed, you can take your seats off to the side. Thank you for your service. People of Worthwood. As you've seen today, the usual process is not going to work for this trial. Let's not ignore the elephant in the room. Tensions are high. Just days ago our community was attacked and many lives were lost. And let's not pretend like things haven't already been shaky between us newcomers, and some of the residents here. The only way to handle this trial cleanly is to bring in those involved and have them say their piece. Simply bringing in one of the council's upper class lackeys to poke and prod at Daniel with a stick is only going to make things worse.
Gerald: I agree.
Matthew: Oh, thank God.
Trevor, wanting to keep what little reputation he has clean, simply nods his head as he steps off to the side. Jordan watches as Trevor leaves, and all of a sudden he’s confused and a little worried.
Jordan: Where’s he going?
Gerald sighs, and looks out into the crowd.
Gerald: Take five there everyone… We’ll resume with the witnesses when we return.
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Scene #28
WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - GERALD’S OFFICE
Gerald: That was a fucking disaster!
GERALD ROLAND paces angrily, looking around at everyone in the room, which includes NAOMI STAFFORD, JUSTIN BENNETT, CHESTER STAFFORD, KATE BLOODSTONE, ROMAN STROUD and HEATHER SOLIS.
Justin: Heh. You’re telling me (He scoffs).
Gerald: And what the fuck were you doing? Hm? Acting like a clown is what! (He shoves Justin) Making a fool out of us all! Jesus, Justin. It’s one thing for you to act like a coked-up moron in our private meetings, but in front of the entire community?! Get your shit together!
Roman: Mhm…
Justin: (He frowns) Alright, I can see that you’re upset.
Naomi: I'm sorry, but why are we even wasting our time with this trial? Daniel Rockwell is a murderer… Everyone is in agreement. I mean, Jesus, he killed one of YOUR people, Kate!
Kate: Daniel should and will be punished accordingly… once we get to the bottom of what happened to Lolida.
Naomi: Oh? Oh? And what’s that? He got eaten by zombies, Kate. What’s that got to do with Jordan? Your beastly friend’s temperament is awful. He just assumes Jordan was responsible because he didn’t like him. It’s childish, and it’s no form of evidence at all.
Kate: No, maybe there isn’t… All we can do is question everyone involved, and find out for sure. Because let's not pretend that Jordan isn't a tremendous piece of shit. I say this as someone who has had their fair share of problems with Daniel. He and I have never seen eye to eye… and frankly, what he did to Ed makes me resent him even more. But if there's even a chance that Jordan did something to Lolida… then we owe it to his memory to find out.
Heather: Uhm, uh…
Gerald: Yes, what is it, Heather?
Heather is standing near the window, looking out of it.
Heather: Uh, Gerald, there’s, uhm… There’s a… a problem outside.
Gerald: (He frowns) What now?
Everybody shuffles over to the window to get a look outside.
Chester: Oh… good heavens.
Justin: …the fuck?
In the main courtyard below, just in front of the castle’s front doors, is the Worthwood construction crew. On his knees in front of the crew is CHARLES HOPKINS, his face beaten badly. Blood streaks down his face and neck, as he lets out a few painful coughs. BRYAN MARSH then kicks Charles to the ground.
Gerald: Roman… Roman, get the police department. Mobilize them. Right now!
Naomi: What are they doing down there?!
Roman speeds out of the room.
Kate: Gerald, wait, wait! This is them trying to get your attention. You have to go out and confront them.
Gerald: A bloodthirsty mob like that? No, we disperse the crowd. How dare they?
Naomi: Are they-- are they revolting?!
Justin: Or worse… Are they unionizing?
Naomi: Justin! Will you shut the fuck up?! Does this look like the time for a JOKE?!
Kate: They’re never going to be satisfied. Before he died, Ed worked among them. He told me how much they despised you, and look at you all, the way you’ve all acted today. None of you are fit to lead this place…
Gerald: What are you saying, Kate…?
Kate: I’m saying you’re all a bunch of useless shits and the only reason you’re in charge is because you were here first. Give me one good reason why a man like Justin should be on the council?
Naomi: (She raises a hand) I also vote that we remove Justin from the council.
Kate: This is a waste of fucking time. You’re all -- a waste of fucking time.
Kate storms out of the office, ignoring Gerald.
Gerald: Kate, wait, wait--
Frowning, Gerald pipes down and approaches the window again, looking down at the construction crew.
Chester: What… What do we do?
Gerald: We remind them why we’re in charge.
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Scene #29
WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - FRONT COURTYARD - LATE AFTERNOON
Paul: It’s a shitshow out there. We’ve got one order: disperse the mob.
PAUL BAIRD marches down the central hall, entering the main lobby as he and the police force get closer to the front doors.
Randall: Fuckin’ hell… This place is crumbling from the inside.
Paul: That may be, but we’re still gonna do our jobs, aren’t we?
Cody: Was doin’ just fine before a certain group of people showed up.
Randall: Yeah? Really? Because as far as I can tell, the angry mob out there isn’t pissed off at any of the newcomers.
Kevin: Suck a cock, Randall.
Paul: That’s enough, gentlemen! Goddammit, now is not the time.
TRENT COLLINS looks between all four figures hesitantly, opening his mouth to speak, but he falls silent again.
Up ahead, officers HUTCH and ANDREW SMART each position themselves in front of the front doors.
Hutch: Ready?
Paul: Ready. Open it.
Andrew nods to Hutch, and the two men push the doors open. And with that, the police force step outside into the courtyard to confront the construction crew, who greatly outnumber them.
Paul: WORTHWOOD POLICE! DISPERSE FROM THE AREA IMMEDIATELY AND RETURN TO YOUR HOMES!
The construction crew just seem to get angrier. There are angry yells from the crowd; much of the crew is armed too, carrying bats or hammers or other melee weapons. Among the crew is MAEVE and NORMAN.
BRYAN MARSH was pacing back and forth behind CHARLES HOPKINS, his blood boiling.
Bryan: WHAT? WHERE’S THE COUNCIL?! TOO FUCKING SCARED TO COME OUT AND TALK?!
Charles takes the chance to get up and quickly runs forward into the protection of the police.
Charles: They’ve gone mad!
Bryan: YOU BUNCH OF FUCKING PUSSIES! YOU THINK YOU SCARE US ‘CAUSE YOU’VE GOT SOME GUNS?! Enough is enough. We’re not going to stand for this BULLSHIT ANY LONGER!
Loudmouthed and careless as ever, KEVIN NORTON raises his Python into the air and fires off a warning shot.
Kevin: ENOUGH OF YOUR SHIT, MR. MARSH!
Maeve: What are you gonna do?! Kill us all?!
As if a gun was never even fired, Bryan doesn’t even flinch.
Bryan: FUCK YOU! They ain’t gonna do shit, Maeve. Bunch of cowards…
Paul: Your-- your problems will be addressed, if you just… go home, they will be--
Bryan: I’M NOT FUCKING GOING ANYWHERE! YOU GO INSIDE AND TELL YOUR COUNCIL TO GET OUT HERE!
Paul: The… (He sighs) The council are… busy… There is a trial happening inside…--
Maeve: LISTEN TO YOURSELF! WE’VE WAITED LONG ENOUGH!
Crew member 1: DOWN WITH THE COUNCIL!
Crew member 2: FUCK YOU!
Bryan: You people are gonna keep getting us KILLED! WE’RE NOT STANDING FOR IT ANY LONGER!
Randall: OY, OY!
RANDALL FORSTER steps forward, trying to come between the two sides.
Randall: I’m Randall Forster! One of the newcomers! Listen, I know what it’s like to be frustrated with this community, and trust me when I say we’re working on it, we are--
But Randall’s voice is quickly drowned out by the noises of the furious construction crew.
Kevin: (Muttering to Paul) Fuck this, man… I say we just cap one of the bastards, teach ‘em through fear instead.
Paul: (Ignoring him) DISPERSE IMMEDIATELY!
A rusted can is suddenly tossed from the crowd, right into Paul’s face at full force. He stumbles back a bit, a cut on his cheek.
Bryan: (Shaking his head) YOU SIT THERE IN YOUR BIG CASTLE - IN YOUR FANCY LODGES. I SHARE A TINY FUCKING BEDROOM, AND GO TO WORK WHERE I COULD BE KILLED AT ANY FUCKING MOMENT! No - no, we’re not doing this anymore - NOT UNTIL CHANGES ARE MADE!
Maeve: WHY SHOULD WE RISK OUR LIVES FOR A COUNCIL THAT DOESN’T CARE ABOUT US?!
Paul reaches up, his finger dabbing at the blood on his cheek.
Paul: What the fuck?
Cody: Fuckin’ ungrateful savages… They ain’t going anywhere, boss. Not until we show a little more force.
Hutch: Push them out of the courtyard! DISPERSE!
Andrew: Go back to your homes immediately!
But instead of leaving, the crew begin to push forward. The police force do the same. Randall sees one man rushing towards him, before reeling his arm back for a punch. Randall dodges the hit.
Randall: You don’t wanna do this.
The man charges at Randall again however, leaving him with no choice but to knock him to the ground.
Bryan: You motherfucker… ALL OF YOU! YOU’LL REGRET THIS!
Kevin: Don’t make me have to shoot one of y’all fine people, Bryan. ‘Cause I fuckin’ will.
Another man hastily exits the castle to join the police: ROMAN STROUD. He cracks his knuckles, immediately going up to the front line, looking more annoyed than anything.
More construction crew members begin to charge forward, attacking the police force, who have no choice but to fight back.
Bryan: WE AIN’T GOING ANYWHERE!
One man makes the foolish mistake of trying to kick Roman. Roman easily catches the man’s leg, and swings him up upward so that he falls to the ground. Without missing a beat, he bends down, takes the man by his collar and repeatedly slams a fist into his face, before tossing him backwards.
Paul: THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING! RETURN TO YOUR HOMES AT ONCE OR WE WILL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO USE LETHAL FORCE! (He turns to Cody and Kevin) Cody, Kevin. Bag the ringleader.
Cody: Gladly.
As CODY WAKEFIELD and Kevin move forward, the rest of the police force battle back against the crew, but are getting defeated. Two men try to rush Roman together, but he blocks their blows with his arms. He punches one back, then trips up the second with his leg, before tossing him away. He focuses back on the first man that he punched, and using his overwhelming size, he grapples with him and shoves him back as if the man was the weight of a feather.
A third crew member swings at Roman with a hammer, but he ducks his head in the nick of time, before wrapping his arms around the hammer-wielding man, raising him high above the ground. He slams the man down onto his back, leaving him crying out in pain as he scrambles away. Roman catches his breath; he’s not used to all this fighting at his age.
Bryan engages in a fight with Randall, using a piece of a 2x4 as a weapon. He tries to swing it at Randall, but the officer quickly rams Bryan to the ground before he can fully swing. The piece of wood flies out of his hands, as Bryan quickly rolls backwards, evading Randall.
As Bryan gets back to his feet, he suddenly notices Kevin and Cody coming up behind him. He spins around, raising his leg and kicking Kevin in the chest before he has time to react.
Kevin: (Gritting his teeth) Piece of shit, I’m gonna beat your fuckin’ face in.
Bryan: Fuck you, pussy ass bitch!
Bryan runs forward, going to punch Kevin -- but Randall wraps his arms around Bryan, holding him in a chokehold. Kevin smiles a wicked smile, and seizes the opening Randall has provided. He draws his arms back and slams the handle of his Python into Bryan’s nose, shattering it.
Randall: What the fuck?!
Bryan: Gghg- FUCKER!
Kevin: Fuck you, pig. I keep my promise.
Bryan looks around him -- seeing that he’s all alone. The police force has pushed up far, nearly to the edge of the courtyard. The construction crew has no choice now but to back away and flee.
Bryan: GET OUTTA HERE - GO! I’LL BE FINE! You stupid motherfuckers-- You’re gonna pay for this. Just you wait and see--
Cody: Shut the hell up (He kicks Bryan in the shin).
Norman groups up with the rest of the crew, many of them now wearing bruises from all the fighting. He looks regretful, but angry at the same time. He sees Bryan in police custody.
Norman: Come on, we can’t win this, not now!
Roman’s fist connects with another man’s face, sending him running back to the rest of his crew with a shattered tooth. But at last, the fight is over. The crew leaves the courtyard, quickly dispersing from the area.
Paul walks forward with heavy breaths, wiping his face.
Paul: Good work, boys. If someone would kindly escort Mr. Marsh to a holding cell…
Bryan is handcuffed, and then grabbed by Cody, who escorts him away. As the police force are all standing around, catching their breath, Randall turns to Paul.
Randall: If that isn’t a sign that somethin’ around here’s gotta change, I don’t know what is.
Paul frowns, watching Randall walk back inside the castle.
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Scene #30
SAINT MARGARET’S DAIRY FARM - MID AFTERNOON
LEONA HOLLOWAY tears her knife out of the zombie’s head, allowing its corpse to flop to the ground. Sheathing the knife, she marches forward to catch up with TOBIAS DUKE and SOLOMON REED on the dirt path they’re on.
Leona: It’s quiet out here.
Tobias: It sure is.
Solomon: Yeah. How much further now?
Tobias: We should be arriving any minute now. Though, be on the lookout, this is some backwater farm in the middle of nowhere. Hell, it could be a little shack in the woods for all I know. Pfft, Saint Margaret’s Dairy Farm. Sheesh (He scoffs).
Solomon: There won’t be guns being pointed again like last time, right?
Tobias: No promises… People these days can be so trigger happy. The end of the world gives gun toting patriots an excuse to exercise the second amendment twice as hard.
Smiling, Tobias keeps walking as the dirt path takes a turn. Around the corner, they see a wooden fence, and a large farm behind it.
Tobias: And there we have it, folks. Let’s go and see Old MacPearson, shall we?
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Scene #31
SAINT MARGARET’S DAIRY FARM - MID AFTERNOON
A few minutes later, LEONA HOLLOWAY and SOLOMON REED are seen standing on the porch of the farm house. There are others standing nearby, keeping a close eye on them. One of them is a woman named TIFFANY.
Leona: (Casually) Pretty view.
Solomon: First thing we can agree on.
Tiffany: (Staring at Leona) Yeah… It’s beautiful out here. Peaceful.
Restless, Leona shuffles around, moving a few feet over to rest her arms on the railing of the porch. She looks out into the distance, seeing TOBIAS DUKE and COLE PEARSON walking along the perimeter of the farm.
Tobias: I never thought you’d hang up your vigilante cowl and retire to a place like this… Not that I blame you… You’ve got a cute little operation running here.
Cole: You know how it is, Tobias. After what happened… I had to do what was best for my people. For my gal (He nods at Tiffany in the distance). Ain’t like it used to be, you know?
Tobias: Wowwww (He nods, looking at Tiffany). You scored. Hell, no wonder you retired onto a goddamn farm with a bird like that. Well, I’ve gotta hand it to you, you’re winning at life.
Cole: Yeah… She’s the most wonderful woman I’ve ever met, I’ll tell ya’ that much. She’s been through a lot, you know? Too much, man. All because of…
Tobias: Yeah… Believe it or not, that’s… Well, that’s why I’m here.
Cole: That’s why you’re here, huh? Let me ask you something first, Tobias. How’d you find us here?
Tobias: I was wondering when you’d ask that. I met with Norma Crovetti (He comes to a stop, leaning on the fence). The tides are changing, Cole. We have an opportunity to end this, I mean really end it. I’m talking… end Don Clements reign of terror for good.
Cole: Norma… Shoulda figured she’d have told ya’. (He places his hands on his hips) I don’t know what you’re planning, brother, but it probably won’t work. We’ve all already lost so much to that savage… Best we stay out of his hair from now on.
Tobias: But that’s just it, my friend. Are you really content with hiding for the rest of your life while he rules with an iron first? Hell, can you even be sure he won’t stumble across you one of these days and wipe y’all out for good? That’s not living, Cole. Not really.
Cole: The man’s probably got a hundred sick fucks working for him. Unless you’ve got an army to match his, we ain’t got a chance. I’d rather take our chances living here (He shakes his head). Sorry, Tobias.
Tobias: Well your prayers have been answered (He smiles). Because you see, for the past few days I've been baking a cake, and it is almost ready to come out of the oven. We've got the people of Wichita Bank, the baking soda, if you will. Norma's agreed to help us, let's call her the icing. And the base of the cake? The very foundation of this whole thing? My new friend, Eddie Remar and his crew… Phew, freedom fighters personified, let me tell you. There's a rebellion forming, Cole, and a war brewing twice as fast. This is the only opportunity we've got… Is it risky? Fuck yeah, it is… but if it succeeds? Well, that's saving more lives than any of us can possibly imagine, no? The thing is, our cake’s not gonna be complete without the cherry on top. We need ya, buddy. Help us bake this cake, and present a deadly dish to Don Clements and his people. Delicious…
Cole: Sounds like you’ve got this all mapped out… Yeah. Maybe it’d work… maybe. Tell you the truth though, I still ain’t sure. You’d have to let me talk it over with my people… We’ll decide what’s best.
Tobias: Of course, of course. We’ll hang around, wait for your response (He nods).
Cole gives him a firm nod, and pats him on the side of the arm.
Cole: We won’t take long.
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Scene #32
SAINT MARGARET’S DAIRY FARM - MID AFTERNOON
LEONA HOLLOWAY leans against the railing on the porch next to SOLOMON REED, her sniper rifle in hand. TOBIAS DUKE comes pacing up next to them, popping a cigarette into his mouth.
Tobias: You got a light?
Leona: No.
Tobias: Shucks. (He shrugs, and looks at Solomon) I don’t take you for the type but I’ll ask anyway…
Solomon: You’re lucky. (He pulls out a lighter) Got this one on the road with Edward, former smoker but handy for burning down schools. (He flicks it open, lighting the cigarette) How’d the talk go?
Tobias: You’re a gem (He takes a puff). Good, I think. I told him I’m baking a cake.
Leona simply frowns, refusing to even ask.
Solomon: How do you know him anyway? Sure seems like this whole city knew each other before the ‘Don’ took over.
Tobias: I met him at the start, like Norma. We shared a drink in a bar together back when we thought all of humanity would be dead by the end of the week. Heh, how wrong we were.
Tobias takes another puff from his cigarette, and looks out at the same fence he and Cole were just walking along, where he now sees COLE PEARSON and his girlfriend TIFFANY walking together.
Cole: He’s got a way with words, that man. Tobias has always been a troublemaker… but if he’s being truthful… Hell, I think it might be best we go along with him.
Tiffany: (She pockets her hands) Never liked him. He’s always hiding something, always stirring shit up. (She narrows her eyes at Tobias in the distance) I want Don Clements dead more than anything, Cole. Anything. That man is remorseless. A barbaric monster. What he did to my sister… I--
She freezes up, and feels Cole put an arm around her shoulder to comfort her.
Tiffany: If it means working with Tobias… and whatever army he has, then so be it.
Cole: (He nods his head) I know, I know… I think you might be right… I just hope that man ain’t playing us for a fool… I’ll go and tell the others… make sure they’re on board with this before we give our answer.
A few minutes pass by, as Cole goes off to talk with the rest of his group, and Tobias continues to smoke on the porch. Eventually, he sees Cole walking up to the farmhouse, stepping up onto the porch.
Tobias: My man (He smiles, and steps on his cigarette).
Cole: Tobias Duke. I truly hope I’m not making a mistake. But you’ve got our help.
Tobias: And you won’t regret it. You’re doing a good thing, standing up to tyranny.
Leona: Is that all then? Light’s burning, and we have to get back.
Tobias: Yeah, yeah. (To Cole) Hey… Wichita Bank. That’s where to find us. Prepare what you need and then head on over.
Solomon: (To Cole) And thanks. Need all the firepower we can get.
Cole nods to each of them individually.
Cole: We’ll be there. Have a safe trip back.
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Scene #33
WICHITA BANK - MID AFTERNOON
The cool evening air washes over SANDRA PENNINGTON as she stands out in the alley behind Wichita Bank. She breathes in the air calmly, and starts to walk around the side, coming out to a gravel path around the side of the large bank. As she walks, she looks upwards at the second floor windows, and eventually she comes to a stop next to some bushes, standing under one particular window. The window to the manager’s office, where Douglas fell from.
She kneels down, and places her hand on the gravel, still stained dark-red with her husband’s blood.
Simon: Sandra!
SIMON rushes out towards her, stopping just in front of her.
Simon: The twins told me you came out here, why? It’s far too dangerous, let’s get you back inside.
Sandra: I’m quite alright, thank you, dear (She nods weakly).
Simon: Sandra… (He frowns) This is…
Sandra: Where Douglas landed? Yes. This is where he was found. I just… I thought coming out here might clear my head a bit, I don’t know.
Simon remains still, unsure of what to say.
Simon: The bastard that killed him and Miles is locked up now. At least we have that…
Sandra: I don’t think it was Wayne.
Simon: What? But… you… How?
Sandra: I don’t know. It’s just… a feeling. I think he’s telling the truth (She frowns). Simon, dear… you were always such a good friend to Miles. Thank you.
Simon: Of course… But if… if the person who did that to him is still out there, then…
She sniffles, trying her best to hold it all together.
Sandra: I know… I just wish I could hold him again.
Simon: Oh, Sandra…
Frowning deeply, Simon embraces her in a hug. Sandra hugs him back, shutting her eyes tightly to keep the tears from flowing. When she finally opens them again, something in the bush beside her catches her eye. She pulls away and reaches her hand into the shrubbery, fishing out the object she saw. Sandra holds it close to her face, examining it. A single shirt button.
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Scene #34
SAINT MARGARET’S DAIRY FARM - MID AFTERNOON
As they leave the farm, TOBIAS DUKE, LEONA HOLLOWAY and SOLOMON REED head back down the same dirt path they came in on, now headed back into downtown Wichita, and back to the bank.
Tobias: Well, I’d say today’s been a big success.
Leona: I bet you’re very proud of yourself.
Solomon: Yeah. Well, when we get back we’ve at least got a sizable group of fighters.
The next few moments are quiet; peaceful, as the trio keep walking. As they do, Leona spots movement in the trees ahead. She narrows her eyes, and sees a shadowy figure shuffle behind a tree.
Leona: (Quietly) We’re being followed…
Tobias: Say what now?
There’s significantly more movement in the woods ahead, with Leona now clearly seeing several people with firearms.
Leona: We’ve been followed! GET DOWN!
Leona bulls into Tobias’ side, pushing him down into cover behind an old rusty truck, just as gunfire whizzes past where he’d just been standing. Solomon dashes to the other side of the road, finding cover behind a tree.
Tobias: Shit fuck! (He unholsters his revolver)
Solomon feels down at his leg, and pulls the lighter out of his pocket -- seeing it now destroyed with a bullet smushed up against it. It’d stopped the bullet from hitting his leg.
Solomon: Shit! Eh, good luck charm, I guess. (He pockets the broken lighter) ANY SIGHT OF WHERE THEY ARE?!
Leona glances over at him, but more bullets fly past, skidding against the dirt next to the truck she and Tobias are behind.
Leona: (To Tobias) More friends of yours?
Tobias: Probably.
In the trees, ULGA holds her assault rifle towards the trio’s position. She’s got bruises and wounds visible on her face, like a victim of domestic abuse. Moving in unison with her are ten other men.
Quickly, Leona pops out and gets a shot off, hitting a tree beside one of the men.
Leona: Fuck! Provide me cover fire! I’m gonna flank them!
Tobias: What?! Are you fucking crazy! We’re in the open!
Leona: We’re sitting ducks! Provide me cover fire now! I’ll run for the trees to our left and take the long way round!
Tobias: What about me and Solomon?!
Leona: You’ll be fine! Just do it!
Solomon twirls his pistols, stepping out of cover and firing wildly towards the enemies’ position, one of his bullets piercing a man’s skull. He quickly steps into cover behind another tree, with most of the enemies now focused on him, firing on his position.
Leona: Now!
Leona takes her chance and gets up, bolting to the left into the trees.
Tobias: Fuck!
Tobias aimlessly fires his revolver out into the trees ahead, not hitting anything. Solomon tries to do the same, but there’s still a hail of gunfire being directed at him, keeping him pinned behind the tree. When the gunfire finally comes off of him, Solomon steps out and fires his pistol, striking one of Clements’ men in the chest; a fatal shot to the heart. Solomon quickly returns behind the tree.
Solomon: Hey lady! How do you think Donnie boy is gonna feel when you fail again?!
Leona safely transitions from the dirt path into the woods, out of sight from the enemies for the time being. However, three of the men with Ulga rush into the woods, trying to catch up with Leona.
Ulga: Ignore the others. (She points at the truck Tobias is behind) He’s hiding there, move around and flank them out of cover.
Bandit: On it.
The man nods, and waves two men to follow him, as they move to the left, closer to where Solomon is, while Ulga and two more men move towards the right side, encircling the truck.
Solomon peeks out from behind his tree and shoots at the three men closest to him, emptying his pistol into one of them, before he ducks back into cover. At the same time, Tobias pops his head around the right side of the truck, seeing another burly looking man approaching. Tobias fires the last two rounds from his revolver, one hitting the man’s stomach, the other his throat. He sputters up blood and drops to the ground, rolling and thrashing around while bleeding out.
Meanwhile, nearby in the woods, Leona utilizes her surroundings, and crouches down in some bushes. She looks down the scope, spotting the three men that chased after her, completely oblivious to where she currently is. Leona fixates her scope on one of the men’s heads, and squeezes the trigger, taking him down. The other two panic and scamper away, taking cover, realizing the shot came from behind them.
Leona ditches her sniper for the time being, and unsheathes her knife, crouching her way through the thick shrubbery, sticking out of sight. It doesn’t take long for her to creep up behind one of the two remaining men, and she slits her throat open. As the last man hears his companion go down, he spins around and fires in quick succession. However, a quick-thinking Leona grabs hold of the man she just killed and uses him as a human shield.
She swiftly hurls her knife through the air, and it sticks into the final man’s chest. His shooting becomes more frantic as he tumbles back in pain. Seeing this, Leona throws her human shield at him, then charges the man into the ground, pushing the knife deeper into his chest. He cries out, but there’s nothing he can do as Leona pins him down, pushing the knife until it can’t go any deeper. Then, she rips it out and jams it into his skull.
Panting, Leona sits up, wipes her face of blood, and gets up to get her sniper.
Back at the truck, Tobias crawls along the ground in a panic, now out of ammo, when one of the last men ambushes Tobias, holding him at gunpoint. Nowhere to go. The grunt kicks the revolver out of Tobias’ hand, and it goes skidding across the dirt.
Tobias: Shit…
The man drives the tip of his boot into Tobias’ face, breaking his nose with a crack.
Just across the dirt path, Solomon is attacked simultaneously by the last two men with Ulga. The speedy Solomon shoots one of them dead, but the other one tackles him to the ground, and starts to beat on him ruthlessly. He yanks Solomon by his real arm, driving his fist into his face again and again. He finally lets go, giving Solomon a moment to speak.
Solomon: Fuckin’ McGregor--
Solomon is tossed roughly to the ground, and then has his real hand stomped on. The man chuckles out, twisting his boot on Solomon’s hand, finding joy in seeing Solomon yell out in pain.
The next moment, Ulga walks up behind the man beating Solomon’s ass, and puts the barrel of her gun to his head. Without hesitation, she blows his brains out, before quickly turning and pointing her pistol at the last of her men, the one holding Tobias at gunpoint.
Bandit: …Ulga, what are you--
Ulga shoots twice, silencing him with a bullet to the head. His corpse plops down next to Tobias.
Tobias: (He blinks rapidly) Holy shit. Uhhhh, thank you.
Glad to be free, Tobias brushes himself off and gets up.
Tobias: Ow, fuck. I think that bastard broke my nose.
Solomon uses a nearby tree to help him get up, as he wiped a bit of blood and brain matter off of his face. He looks over, seeing Ulga starting to walk away without a word.
Solomon: Thank-- thanks. Why are you helping us though? Why risk your life for a bunch of people you were trying to kill?
Ulga: (Still walking away) Because I’m sick of his shit.
She takes a few more steps, but accidentally steps on her ankle a little hard, causing her to have a weird limp. There’s a nasty big, black bruise on the back of her heel. Solomon walks out onto the dirt path, putting the pieces together in his head as he sees the bruises and hears what she says.
Solomon: Wait. If you could join us -- we’ve got a medkit back home, we can treat you there, but most importantly he wouldn’t be able to hurt you anymore. You can finally do some good in this cruel, cruel world and end his reign of terror with us.
Ulga: (She stops in her tracks, turning to face him) What would you know about it? About this world? About ‘cruelty’? Shut up and go home.
Solomon: You’re asking someone who’s survived for months. I’ve seen awful, shitty people do things you wouldn’t normally see. Good people just going mad for the thrill of it - turning into these psychopaths. I’ve seen so much bloodshed, some of it on my own hands… But most importantly, I’ve seen the good that remains. There’s still people out there trying to help, trying to survive, trying to make this world one that’s liveable. Hell, the world isn’t going back to normal, but if you… if you stop and just think about it, you could be someone new, someone that’s a good person. I’m sure you were before this… so maybe, just maybe there’s still that part of you left. Please - just help us. Help yourself too in taking down Don Clements.
Solomon takes a few more steps forward, realizing that Ulga isn’t moving. Her expression seems to lighten, her mind trying to wrap around the words Solomon is saying. She’s half-angered at herself for even hearing the fool out.
Ulga: What… is it that you’re asking of me? To fight for you?
Solomon: If you’re willing to. You can walk if you want, but if you just help once… help us this once in taking down the big bad boogeyman of Wichita, you’d be free from his wrath. We could really use your help.
Ulga: I… If you’re confident that you can actually…
Solomon: We’ve taken down tyrants before. Who’s to say we can’t do it again?
Solomon extends his hand, now just a few feet away from her.
Ulga: Then… Okay…
She starts to nod, and reaches out, her fingers brushing against Solomon’s hand -- when Solomon’s face is suddenly splattered with blood. He blinks rapidly, as Ulga collapses into him, a hole in her head. Solomon catches her body, holding her lifeless corpse up, as Leona steps out of the woods, her sniper rifle in hand.
Tobias: Jesus…
Solomon looks at Leona, losing his mind.
Solomon: WHY?! SHE WAS GOING TO HELP US! LEONA, WHAT THE FUCK!
Leona: She was one of them. We couldn’t trust her. Better to be safe than sorry.
Solomon gently lowers Ulga’s corpse to the ground, shutting her eyes. He stands back up, boiling with rage as he stares at Leona.
Solomon: You’re a fucking psychopath. She was a victim of his ABUSE. She was literally WILLING TO HELP, I COULD SEE IT IN HER FACE! But no! No! You just get the kill in your thirst for blood. You know the only reason you’re following Edward is because he’s just as violet as you when he needs to be… except he’s actually got some brains to use.
Leona: I don’t know why you’re making such a big deal out of it. She didn’t matter. You’ll get over it.
Tobias: Well, in that case… off we go, fellas. We should really be getting home.
Tobias, entirely unfazed by the whole ordeal, picks up his empty revolver and begins to walk away, hands pocketed.
Solomon grits his teeth, staring at the backs of Tobias and Leona as they walk off. He takes another look at Ulga’s corpse by his feet, then shakes his head sorrowfully and begins to walk after them with a harsh reminder of how fucked up this world is.
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Scene #35
WORTHWOOD - STREETS - EARLY EVENING
With the trial having been on pause for a couple hours now following the construction crew revolt, KATE BLOODSTONE and CLAIRE NOBLE are out walking towards the infirmary. It’s getting into the evening hours, and the community is eerily quiet.
Claire: Are you sure he’s going to be up to this? You saw what he was like before, now with the way everything’s going…
Kate: I don’t know. But he’s the only one who might be able to reel Daniel in and talk some sense into him.
Claire: How does this end, Kate? For Daniel? If he really won’t stop until he gets his way, after he killed Ed like that. With the way things are going, does he even have a leg to stand on?
Kate: I… don’t know. (She sighs) Prison, maybe. For Ed. But maybe also… justice for Lolida. Daniel has often proven to be delusional and reckless but… a liar? I… We just have to get through this. It’s just… It’s just all going to shit, isn’t it?
Claire can see Kate’s eyes starting to water. She frowns, and approaches to hold Kate in an embrace.
Claire: Kate. You’re doing what you can.
Kate: Ed, Lolida, maybe Rebecca. Marcus is in a coma and- and the community is falling apart. It’s just fucking exhausting.
Claire: I know. I was starting to think we’d won when we found this place. That we were being cut a break. Maybe… maybe we just have to stay strong for a little longer. Power through the worst of it, like we always have. I know you can do that, Kate.
Kate pulls away, regaining her composure as she wipes her eyes. She nods to Claire.
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Scene #36
WORTHWOOD - INFIRMARY
KATE BLOODSTONE and CLAIRE NOBLE enter the infirmary, quietly making their way over to REBECCA DAWSON’s bed. There, they see her sleeping peacefully, while WILLIAM REYNES and LLOYD WALLER are sitting next to her. Lloyd looks up, nodding weakly towards the two women to greet them. Kate frowns, squeezing Lloyd’s shoulder gently, before looking over at William.
Kate: Hey. How is she?
William: …Not good, and she isn’t going to get any better. These are her last few hours with all of us.
William’s voice is calm and blunt; he’s already accepted the inevitable at this point.
Claire: I’m so sorry, William. And Lloyd, you…
Lloyd: (He nods) As long as we’re here with her.
A sudden sense of urgency comes over William, his eyes drifting over to Lloyd.
William: …Hey, one of you wouldn’t mind getting him something to eat and drink, would you?
Claire: I’m on it. I’ll get something for you as well. You should both eat.
As Claire leaves the room, Kate swallows hard and looks back down at William.
Kate: Will, I hate to do this. I wish there was another way, but things are falling apart… in every sense. I… I need you to talk to Daniel. You’re the only one who might be able to rein him in…
William’s cold eyes lift upwards to meet Kate’s gaze. He doesn’t look angry or annoyed -- he’s just out of it. Detached from his problems. In his head, he’s thinking to himself: this is the only thing he’s good for - reining people in. Being the dark omen, the heavy hand.
William: …Yeah. Yeah. Where is he?
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Scene #37
WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - STORAGE ROOM
In a small storage room in Worthwood Castle, DANIEL ROCKWELL is sitting at a table, his hands still cuffed.
The door opens, and officer DAVE stands to the side to let WILLIAM REYNES in.
William: You can go.
Dave: Yeah, yeah. Wrap it up quick, if you can.
Dave exits and closes the door with a click.
Moving further into the room, William firmly grasps the back of the chair opposite Daniel, and pulls it out. He seats himself, looking back at Daniel with lifeless eyes.
Daniel: I was wondering when I’d see you.
William: I’ve been busy. There is a lot on my plate. My life is collapsing in on itself. (He pauses momentarily) …You are not a bad man, Daniel. I know this.
Daniel: What are you here for, William?
William: Why did I come here? Because I’ve been asked to be here. Why do I want to be here on the other hand? Because nobody but me can understand the place you’re coming from.
Daniel: Can you, though? You didn’t kill Ed. He’s dead because of me. It wasn’t meant to be him-- it wasn’t… it was… that little punk…
William: I didn’t kill Ed, no. I think you’re a fucking idiot for letting your anger get out of control that badly. I think you deserve to sit in prison for a little while for that alone, putting the entire situation aside. But I also know you’re not a liar. Both you and I are very capable of spotting the snakes hiding in the long grass… and I believe you when you say that Jordan is one of those snakes. I believe the source of your anger is justified… but what you did with that anger - not at all.
Daniel carefully listens to William’s words, then leans forward, resting his arms on the table.
Daniel: Let me kill Jordan… and I will gladly sit in prison for the rest of my life. Hell, I’ll even let them take my fucking head for it.
The proposition sits in William’s head for a long moment. He’s actually considering it -- but then his mind lingers on Ed. Poor Ed, the man who wouldn’t hurt a fly. He remembers how Ed was there that day, to support him when Rebecca sustained the blow to her head.
William: No. You are both criminals guilty of the same crime. You will both face the same punishment. The wolf that cries after taking a life is no better than the wolf that doesn’t. Your guilt does not cleanse you of your crime.
Daniel: And what about when you beat a man to death in the street, William? Stained the stony path with his blood and practically broke your hand reducing his head to mush? That fucker deserved it… Maybe I deserve it. No, I do deserve it. Most of us do. But that's the one beautiful thing about the world now, William. We don't have to play by the old rules. That brat out there? That's a wolf in sheep's clothing. That's another Jared… and you know best how to deal with people like Jared. I know what he did. I know it. Lolida was with him… and then… and then he wasn't. He has to die. Before he gets someone else killed. What if it's your boy? Hm? If Lloyd was the one who died instead of Lolida, would Jordan be alive right now? Or would he have his brains splattered on the street like Todd Glover?
William: …These things are not even remotely comparable. When I killed Todd Glover, nobody else got hurt. I didn't go ahead and slam Kate's skull against a brick wall and kill her in the process. (He shakes his head) Jordan took someone from us all, you especially. But you also took someone from us. Pull yourself together. Stop acting like some common psychopath. Those are the people we kill, not the people we are. Stop proving all these people right in calling us monsters. Do that for me, and I swear to you on Lloyd's life, I will see Jordan brought to justice for his actions.
Daniel: My life is over, William. There’s no coming back from this for me. It doesn’t matter how much time passes, it doesn’t matter if people ever choose to forgive me. I’ll never even forgive myself. Lolida’s dead… and he was the best of me. And Ed… What I did to him. I-I-I-I didn’t fucking-- mean to, I didn’t even… realize. I just-- I fucking- I fucking didn’t see him, I don’t know. I DON’T KNOW! IT WASN’T MEANT TO BE HIM. IT WASN’T! AND IT’S ALL THAT LITTLE PUNK’S FAULT!
Daniel slumps backwards into his seat, huffing and puffing.
Daniel: I agree to your terms… if you truly swear that Jordan will be brought to justice. Promise me…
William: I promise.
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Scene #38
WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - LOUNGE
Sitting across the castle in a fancy lounge is FLETCHER ROLAND and JORDAN GATLON.
Fletcher steps past a lit fireplace with a glass of water in his hand. He approaches a couch, offering the glass out to Jordan.
Fletcher: Here.
Jordan: Thanks, Fletch…
Fletcher: (He sits beside him) How are you holding up?
Jordan: To be honest… Not fucking fantastic. I mean… seriously? This entire situation is… utterly ridiculous.
Fletcher: (He frowns) What… what happened out there, if you don’t mind me asking?
Jordan’s lips curl into a frown as well as he hears the question. But what was there to say? Jordan wasn’t going to confess to his cowardice.
Jordan: What is there to say, Fletcher? I mean… where do I begin? (He takes a sip of water) From the get-go… Those… no-- THAT psychopath… undermined me at every twist, every turn. On several occasions, and you can ask all those witnesses there that day -- that redneck spat out threats, insults, and was not one to deter from laying hands on me. On ME! But then… in there… back there, at that warehouse… he left. Us. The redneck pursued bloodshed… death, and misery… instead of coming with us… protecting us…
Fletcher: He doesn’t have anything on you, J. He’s a madman, we’ve all seen it.
The door to the lounge suddenly swings open, as TREVOR ASTLEY comes striding in.
Trevor: Showtime, champ.
Jordan looks up, gasping a little, before he nods at Trevor. He glances again at Fletcher, placing a hand on his arm.
Jordan: I’m real glad to have you here with me, Fletch. You’re one of the only ones I feel like… I can truly trust.
Trevor: Cute. But enough of that jazz, we gotta get you looking the part. Innocent. The golden boy of Worthwood, falsely accused of barbarism. You ready, huh?
Jordan: I suppose…
Jordan stands, making his way to the door.
Fletcher: Good luck out there.
Trevor: That’s the spirit, now smile big--
Trevor’s voice fades away as he leaves the room with Jordan.
Fletcher sits quietly for a moment, before deciding to pour himself a glass of bourbon. As he sips on the drink, he can hear voices coming from down the hall, towards the lounge.
Paul: We’ve thrown the ringleader, Bryan Marsh, into a cell. He seems to have been the instigator, the leader of the rebellion, if you will.
Gerald: Jesus, Paul. ‘Rebellion’. I don’t like that term. It was a ridiculous riot and it endangered innocent people.
Charles: Gerald, I urge you to meet with them properly. They’ve… they’ve lost it. I fear this will develop into something far worse if they think you aren’t taking them seriously.
GERALD ROLAND, PAUL BAIRD and CHARLES HOPKINS step into the lounge, not noticing Fletcher right away.
Gerald: What more do they want? (He scoffs) Yes, they work a dangerous job. So do many in our community. We have runners and recruiters putting their lives on the line every day. Everyone does their part. They’ll never be happy. Never satisfied. It’s like they have some kind of complex, deeply-rooted jealousy of the council. We have bigger fish to fry right now, let’s just get this trial over with. Good job, Paul. Have your force on standby… I’m expecting another outburst or two from Mr. Rockwell.
Fletcher slurps loudly at his drink, finally getting the attention of the three men.
Gerald: Fletcher.
Fletcher: Yes, father?
Gerald: (To Paul and Charles) Uh… go on ahead.
The two men nod and dismiss themselves from the room.
Gerald: Are you drunk?
Fletcher: Not yet. What, have you come to criticize me before the trial? I really thought you’d have better things to be doing.
Gerald: (He sighs) What, no. Of course not. Oh, come on, this isn’t still about that night?
Fletcher: Forget it, then.
Gerald: No, just hold on a second. Things were said, okay, and it wasn’t pleasant. But we’re father and son, we can’t afford to just… avoid each other forever. So come on, put the drink down and just--
Fletcher: (He shakes his head, scoffing) It’s incredible how up your own arse you are, you know that?
Gerald: And it’s even more incredible how little you know because you're too damn drunk to know anything. Jesus, boy! You hide behind so many gallons of booze that it's hard to tell when you're having a genuine thought, or saying something you mean. It's pointless. Pointless!
Fletcher: Cheers to that (He raises his glass).
Gerald: (He rolls his eyes) You know, your mother would be coming in around now, fuming, to give us both a whack on the head.
Fletcher: And then, slam our heads together and make us get along.
Gerald: I don’t know how she did it.
Gerald calms down, smiling lightly as the thought of his late wife.
Gerald: But I know that she brought out the best in us… and even if she was the string holding our family together by a thread, she did a damn good job.
Fletcher: …Cheers to that.
Gerald: Son-- Fletcher… You and I may not always see eye to eye… Well, we may not ever agree on much at all. But for the sake of your mother, for the woman I loved so dearly… surely we can put in the effort to keep co-existing. For her memory.
Fletcher nods slowly.
Fletcher: I think you might be onto something there, dad. I’ll give you that. (He raises his glass again) Knock some heads out there.
Gerald smiles.
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Scene #39
WICHITA BANK
Seated on a chair, with beads of sweat dripping down his forehead, still cooped up in the small office room, is WAYNE GUZMAN. He holds his head in his hands, bored out of his mind. Then, the door opens, and he perks his head up.
LINDA GUZMAN steps inside, closing the door behind her.
Linda: You look awful.
Wayne: (He shrugs) I’m happy to see you. I thought you’d never come to see me.
Linda: I thought you’d resent me.
Wayne: We’re husband and wife, for Christ’s sake. Haven’t we… weathered worse than this?
Linda: (Sadly) Kerrie and Joe would find all of this exhausting. But I would give anything for them to be here. To hold them in my arms again. It…
Wayne: Me too. And that’s… that’s just it, Linda. Things have… really slowed down since I was cooped up in here. I’ve had a lot of time to think. Losing them… It felt like we lost everything. It was the ultimate test that we should’ve tackled together (He frowns). But I feel like I lost you too. To that impudent little fool out there. Why, Linda? Why throw everything away for that… that maniac?
Linda: He’s our best shot at survival, Wayne. You were in over your head. Everyone here was. If we were smart, we’d have fled the moment tensions were starting to get high with Jadis.
Wayne freezes, looking away and thinking for a moment.
Wayne: And what if… What if it’s not too late for that? You and me, Linda. We could… we could escape this… together. Leave all of this behind before we perish in this… this meaningless war!
Linda: (She crosses her arms, shaking her head) I feel nothing, Wayne. Empty inside. But I want to live. For whatever reason, I’m too scared to die. Sometimes I feel like I want to… but… (She stops, taking a breath) This is our best bet.
Wayne: But it isn't… We could leave, we could make our own way. Take some of the others. John and his daughter… Walter and Ron, even. We'll find a way… We just have to escape this madman and his antics. Losing the kids… it… it broke me, Linda. It did. I just focused on all of this nonsense here at the bank but none of it is important, none of it was ever important. I don't want to lose you, too, Linda. Two… two broken people… can make eachother whole again.
Linda looks ahead at him, her eyes full of sorrow.
Wayne: What do you say, Linda? You and I… We’re above this. We can leave it all behind… (He leans forward) Come with me.
Clearly in deep thought, Linda’s breathing becomes heavier and faster.
Linda: Just… drop it, Wayne. I need to… I need to sit down.
She turns and hobbles towards the door, opening it.
Wayne: Linda!
She steps out, the door closing with a click, becoming locked and trapping Wayne inside once again.
Wayne: Linda…
He sinks back into his chair, alone, and defeated. After a few moments, he clenches his fists.
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Scene #40
LANSING CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
The office door opens gently, and RAYMOND SINCLAIR walks inside, slowly shutting it behind him, careful to not make a lot of noise. The room is poorly lit; the only source of light is an orange glow coming through a window from the setting sun. Raymond looks across at DON CLEMENTS, who’s sitting peacefully at his desk.
Raymond: Apologies for the disturbance, Don. I have just been informed from our scouts in Wichita. (He takes a pause, then continues) They found Ulga and her team dead. Tobias Duke is nowhere to be found.
A quiet rage forms over Clements like a storm cloud. Without so much as a word, he spins around in his chair and stands up, walking over to a coat hanger in the corner of the room. He takes his trench coat off the hook, sliding it on.
Don Clements: You said that Jadis Miller and her men were camped out nearby?
Raymond: That is what I have been told, yes.
Clements grabs his hat from the same rack and places it atop his head.
Don Clements: Make contact with her immediately. And prepare my convoy. Tobias Duke, and anybody foolish enough to be affiliated with him dies tonight.
Raymond lifts his head slightly, gazing at Clements, pondering his orders.
Raymond: Might it be wiser if we would wait until first light to travel? Tobias is not going anywhere tonight… We know where he is, and we will capture him.
Don Clements: He dies tonight. That will be all.
Clements steps past the man and walks out of the office, making his way around to another door that leads onto the second floor catwalk of the main cell block. His eyes wander around, looking at all of his people in this cell block alone, many of them sharing drinks or playing card games. Clements calls out, gathering their attention immediately.
Don Clements: Gentlemen! The man that brings me Tobias Duke will be rewarded with a life befitting of a KING ! Ready up and see to it!
The men erupt with cheers; glasses clink, weapons are sharpened, and guns are loaded.
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Scene #41
WICHITA BANK
Outside of Wichita Bank, the streets are dark and quiet; there are hardly even any zombies around.
Inside the bank, the main hall is bustling with activity. Tobias and the others are back, and both Norma and Cole’s groups have arrived. All are preparing themselves for the war to come.
His arms crossed, and his jacket still stained with muck from the skirmish earlier, TOBIAS DUKE is leaning against a pillar next to EDWARD REMAR.
Tobias: I promised you I’d deliver, didn’t I? (He smirks)
Edward: You look like a mess.
Tobias: Sure, had to get my hands a little dirty. It’s honest work. But hey, look at us now. Viva la resistance (He winks).
DAMIAN HOLT and LAMAR ADAMS appear out of nowhere, having strolled up behind the two of them.
Damian: Sure am glad to see you were successful, boss man. The fodder sure will help (He twirls his pistols around).
Tobias: Stop that will you? And keep your voice down when you say that… We need our army to be… inspired, and God knows Eddie here isn’t gonna be delivering a hopeful speech to the cavalry.
Edward: Don’t call me that. And what’s that supposed to mean?
Tobias: It’s nothing, I promise (He pats Edward on the shoulder).
Tobias smiles, looking back at Damian - where he notices something peculiar about his eyes.
Tobias: Hold on, wait a minute. Are you fucking high?
Damian: Uh. Yeah?
Lamar: What does he look like he is? Low? (He snickers)
Tobias: Okay, you two fuckwits aren’t funny. We could be fighting a war any goddamn minute.
Damian: I’m ready (He shrugs). Fuck off my back, dad.
Lamar: Relax, relax… We work better like this. It’s… the mojo.
Damian: Keeps us calm, in the moment. Focused. Like samurai.
Lamar: (In an exaggerated Samurai voice) Ora wa Senshi desu.
Lamar clasps his hands together, looking straight at Tobias.
Tobias: Alright, just-- just go and stand over there.
Damian: Heard, chef.
The two young men spin around and walk off together, leaving Tobias and Edward alone again.
Tobias: (Yelling after Damian and Lamar) I just know you’ll smash it out there! Heh. My boys.
Edward: (He rolls his eyes) I’ve seen them in action. They’re probably the best guys we have. Are you sure they’re going to be reliable while their brains are fried?
Tobias: Pfft, if anything, it’s performance enhancing to those douchebags. You’ve got nothing to worry about, save for the fact that two very scary people are approaching right now.
He pats him on the shoulder again, directing Edward’s attention on NORMA CROVETTI and COLE PEARSON, who’re walking over to them.
Norma: So you must be Edward.
Cole: Heard a lot of fascinating things about ya’, Ed.
Tobias: You guys are just the best for believing in him. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna get myself cleaned up.
Tobias dismisses himself, walking off.
Edward: (To Norma and Cole) Your help is greatly appreciated. I understand that Don Clements has taken a lot from you. Together, we can make things right.
Norma: More than you know (She nods). For the record… and with respect, I’m not doing this for you or Tobias Duke. I don’t know you, Edward. I can only hope your intentions are pure, but that man… Tobias… He only acts out of selfishness and personal gain. I’m doing this because it’s for the greater good.
Cole: Gotta agree with Norma here. Tobias is quite the loose cannon… But if he believes in you, then hell, I will too. Maybe we might just take out Don Clements for good. And it wouldn’t be soon enough.
Edward: Well, that makes three of us. (He turns, looking down the main hall) This is where we take our stand against him. They might not come tonight, they might not even come tomorrow, but they’ll come, and something tells me it’ll be sooner rather than later.
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Scene #42
WICHITA BANK
NANCY WARNER and ELLIOTT ROWE shuffle their way down the bank’s main hallway, which is much more crowded than usual; most of everybody currently at the bank is here. Nancy’s arm is still in a cast, injured from the skirmish at the campsite. As the two of them slow down, they are approached by ROY DICKSON, who’s currently pushing along a cart of firearms.
Roy takes up an assault rifle from the cart and holds it out to Elliott. Hesitantly, the young man grips the rifle and holds it in his hands.
Elliott: I don’t know how useful I’ll be with one of these… I haven’t even fired a pistol before. Maybe you should give it to someone else (He offers it back to Roy).
Roy: Trust me. You’ll need it. I… understand this might be overwhelming, young man… but when you’re in the moment, and all hell is breaking loose… When in doubt, pointing up in front of you, pulling that trigger and just holding it, might just save you or someone else’s life.
He gently pushes the rifle back towards Elliott, who accepts it with a long, deep breath.
Elliott: Alright… I’ll take your word for it.
Roy: Good man.
Roy moves along, pushing the cart with him. As he’s walking away, Nancy sighs, looking over at Elliott, who’s trying to find a good way to hold his gun.
Nancy: I feel guilty that I’m being forced to sit this one out. Grateful… but guilty.
Elliott: I think you deserve a bit of a break - after what happened at the camp. We’ve got enough people to defend this bank… I think.
Nancy: (She nods slowly) Hey… stay safe out there, alright?
Elliott: Heh… I will. I’ll be A-okay (He gives a thumbs up).
Kara: Oh my god, you’re so brave.
KARA approaches from the side, tugging on Elliott’s arm, nearly making him drop his new rifle.
Kara: Soooo brave.
Elliott: Ah-- who-- (He turns) Ohh… Hello, Kara. Yes, thank you--
Kara: I’m gonna fight with you to the bitter end, Elliott. I… may or may not have asked Roy to let me post up next to you. We’re war buddies… Wait, that sounds weird, what’s the word…?
Nancy: Comrades?
Kara: Aha. You’re so smart, oh my god. You like, know everything with your little glasses. Wow. (She looks at Elliott again) We’re gonna be comrades.
Elliott: (Putting on a fake smile) Can’t wait. Yep… We’re gonna be the -- best comrades ever.
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Scene #43
WICHITA BANK
Roy: Here.
ROY DICKSON indicates down to the weapons cart in front of him. STANLEY PECK, BONNIE HARRELL and KYORI HYOTEKI look down at it.
Roy: Arm yourselves.
Stanley: Hoo-wee… You’ve got quite the collection, Mr. Dickie.
Roy: Dickson…
Stanley: (He snorts) Yeah, alright, Dickie.
Bonnie: (With full sincerity) Mr. Dickie. I’ve never actually-- Well, firearms aren’t really my forte. I mean, I held my daddy’s shotgun one time but it was real heavy on the arms, you know?
In the background, Stanley snorts a second time, stifling his laughter.
Roy: It’s Dickson… but I understand. Well, I can offer you something smaller if you feel it would be easier to carry?
He picks up a light, easy to carry pistol and holds it out to her.
Bonnie: Ohhh it’s so cute. Like a little bite-sized people killer that I could fit in a handbag.
She takes it with glee, while Roy stands there silently, his face dropping, wondering just what kind of people Edward has in his employ.
Meanwhile, Kyori has been examining all the weapons in the cart, looking half-unsure.
Kyori: I… already have bow. Something smaller?
She gestures at a little pistol, similar to the one Bonnie just got.
Roy: (Shrugs) Take whatever you need.
She humbly takes the pistol and stows it away. Finished with them, Roy grips the cart and wheels it away. Soon after leaving the three of them, he’s joined by EDWARD REMAR, who hobbles alongside him.
Edward: So, how many fighters do we have?
Roy: Over thirty if you include those that are currently armed. Over forty if you include the wounded or… shall we say, elderly or otherwise. And around… fifteen or sixteen… being generous… if you consider those that actually seem to know how to use a firearm.
Edward: Excellent.
Roy: Is it?
Edward: It’ll have to be.
Edward walks off, while Roy keeps on pushing the cart.
Nearby, MARVIN YOUNG is standing in front of PAM SMITH, hyping himself up, looking a bit anxious.
Marvin: Pam, baby… this might be the last chance I ever have… to do this. So… Pam Smith (He gets down to one knee).
Pam: No.
Marvin: Just wait… You don’t know what I’m about to do yet… (He takes a ring out of his pocket) Pam Smith… will you--
Pam: No. The answer is no, Marvin.
Marvin: Oh. Okay.
Marvin’s smile and his excitement fade away, as he remains there on one knee in front of her. He looks to the side, seeing DAMIAN HOLT walking up to Pam with a big grin.
Damian: Hey, just the gal I was looking for (He kisses her on the neck).
Pam: Oh, you (She giggles). Stop it!
Damian: Heh. Come on, you should stick with me and Lamar. We’ll keep you safe.
Pam: Oh, I know you will, Tiger.
Damian: Mmm…
He takes her hand, turning around, where he finally notices Marvin, still kneeling there.
Damian: Oh. Hey, Marv.
Marvin: Hey… hey, Damian.
Damian: Stay safe, man. I believe in you.
He nods, then walks off with his arm now around Pam’s shoulder.
Having seen the whole encounter, Roy wheels the cart up to Marvin, offering him a supportive nod.
Roy: Maybe it’s time to… move on, Marvin. Plenty of fish in the sea… Less than before, of course, but some fish in the sea.
Roy continues on, passing by NORMA CROVETTI and her son BORIS CROVETTI in conversation with some of their group members, and then by COLE PEARSON and TIFFANY having a heart-to-heart.
Eventually, he stops the cart next to JOHN EISNER and CARRIE EISNER.
Roy: Here.
John: Thanks (He picks up a pistol).
Roy nods, seeing that Carrie is already armed with a gun, and so he wheels the cart away again. As the man is walking off, John turns to his daughter, whispering.
John: Carrie.
Carrie doesn’t hear him; she has a pair of earbuds in, listening to music. After a second, John pulls one of the earbuds out.
Carrie: What?
John: Keep your voice down (He looks around worryingly). This whole war Edward’s imagined with his sick little mind… We’re not taking part in it. We’re getting the fuck out of here.
Carrie: What do you mean? Are you just jealous he’s better at advice than you? Beside where-- Where would we even go? You don’t know, you don’t have any idea.
John shakes his head, and responds calmly, despite his rising anger.
John: I’m not mad at him for that… I’m mad he’d be willing to use anyone and anything to fight, to die for him in such pointless conflict. You saw how he took over this place, overthrew Roy, assaulted me, and keeping guns pointed at almost everyone here unless they practically kneeled for him. I’m scared he’d take you from me, like how… how we lost your mother when this all started. If you come with me now, we can get away from all of this madness, all of this fighting. Maybe even find somewhere that would be a proper home, and not some fortified bank.
Carrie looks down, and wipes her eyes upon hearing her mother mentioned. She doesn’t know if it’s right - but she trusts her father.
Carrie: Okay…
John helps her up, and they quickly and quietly begin to walk through the bank, passing by a number of people, including JAC STEINER and MAC STEINER, who’re too busy talking to notice John and Carrie slip past them.
Mac: --And that’s why we need grenade launchers -- could really take that bitch’s vehicles out.
Jac: (He laughs) Yeah, after this we should get some.
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Scene #44
WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - HEARING CHAMBER
The seats begin to fill again as people make their way back into the courtroom.
Off to the side of the room, NAOMI STAFFORD stands, talking with FATHER DONOVAN. Meanwhile, CLAIRE NOBLE steps into the room, spotting CLYDE ROLLINS waving her over.
Clyde: I saved you a seat.
Claire: You’re too kind (She sits beside him).
JON MATTHEWS stands at the back of the room, arms crossed. LAYTON ZIMMERS is sitting next to DEAN HOWARDS in a brooding silence. ALDUS PAXTON and MARY DAVIS are sitting together not too far from them.
Mary: (Whispering) I’ve got a bad feeling about this trial. It’s already been chaotic and this council is not really the brightest.
Aldus: Yeah… Our luck hasn’t been bright. I don’t-- I really don’t think Daniel’s crazy. He was right about Jared, but he did kill my friend. I just hope whatever is awaiting him isn’t that bad. Guy’s been through so much.
JORDAN GATLON retakes his seat at his table, a smugness clinging to his face. DANIEL ROCKWELL is at his own table, the police watching his every move. Meanwhile, the council members begin to seat themselves at their podiums - except Naomi, who’s still talking to Donovan.
Donovan: You know, I just want to make sure that this… this felon is brought to justice. For all our sakes. I’ve had a run in with him before, and let me tell you, it wasn’t pretty.
Naomi: I’m… so grateful that you’re here to fight the good fight, father.
Donovan: And let me just say…
Donovan leans forward, his awful breath leaving a stench with every word. Naomi gets a whiff of it, and steps back.
Naomi: Oh, save it. (She turns and walks away) Gross.
Grumbling to himself, Donovan begins to hobble away, seemingly oblivious as to why Naomi left him. As he’s walking towards the back of the room, he stops next to Daniel. He doesn’t even look down at him as he begins to speak.
Donovan: I don’t particularly like you. That’s why I’m glad that you’re supremely screwed. Jordan is a good boy. You… are a demon in the muck. Stay down in the dirt where you belong with your dead friend. It doesn’t matter if you wish to bring him this false justice… You’ll end up in hell with him, all the same.
He smiles, finally glancing down at Daniel, who stares back at him, fighting back every urge to leap forward and kill Donovan where he stands.
Daniel: Well, maybe I’ll just kill you too.
Grimacing, Donovan shuffles awkwardly, beginning to limp away.
Donovan: Enjoy prison.
GERALD ROLAND seats himself next to KATE BLOODSTONE, taking a quick glance at her.
Gerald: I’m surprised you came back. (Mumbling) I thought we were a waste of time…
Kate: You are.
Gerald frowns, but doesn’t bother to follow it up. As he looks forward, Kate sees JUSTIN BENNETT smiling at her, forming an ‘OK’ gesture with his hand and mouthing the words ‘bad bitch’. She ignores him, straightening up and facing the front as well.
Gerald looks out into the crowd as the last people sit down. The trial was back on.
Gerald: If I could have your attention please. We’re ready to bring forth our first witness to the stand.
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Scene #45
WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - HEARING CHAMBER
Omar: --I mean, you could tell right from the start… Daniel and Jordan didn't get along. Not at all, I say. Mmm-mm (He shakes his head). I'd go as far as to say that they hated each other from the get-go. I don't really know why - I mean, Daniel didn't really like the way Jordan handled things, or spoke, but that's it. But, uh-- (He clears his throat) We made it to the warehouse, met this friendly guy… Well - I say friendly, but turns out he wasn't. I wasn't there when everything went down, I was stuck outside. But afterwards, when they all came outside without Lolida… Daniel just lost it, yo. Started attacking Jordan, it was rough. And, uh-- Ed stepped in, tried to pull Daniel off… (He pauses momentarily) Daniel killed Ed. I don't think he did it on purpose - he was just so mad. But-- yeah, he killed him… As for what happened to Lolida… Like I said I wasn't inside when it happened… So I don't know.
Naomi: So as far as you know, Jordan had absolutely nothing to do with Lolida’s… tragic passing?
Omar: Yeah - that’s correct.
Naomi: And that Daniel, in a bloodthirsty rage, murdered Ed Anderson while trying to also murder another of his comrades, Jordan Gatlon?
Daniel: I wouldn’t call him a comrade…
Naomi: Uhm, excuse me? It is not your time on the stand. Omar.
NAOMI STAFFORD turns her head back to OMAR, waiting for him.
Omar: (He nods slowly) Yes. He killed Ed Anderson. Whether on purpose or not -- he did it.
Gerald: Thank you, Omar, for your time. You may return to your seat.
Omar: …Right.
Quietly, Omar steps away from the stand and heads back to his seat.
Gerald: The court calls Amber Kennedy to the stand.
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Scene #46
WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - HEARING CHAMBER
AMBER KENNEDY leans on her crutches as she steps up to the stand.
Amber: I… don’t know much about what happened between Daniel, Jordan and Lolida. What I do know is, that… Ed Anderson saved my life. He is the reason I'm here right now. He is one of the bravest men I have ever met (She tears up). To his friends who are in this room right now, I just want you to know that… he sacrificed everything to get me out of that building. His death was a needless tragedy, brought on by… a-- a scary outburst. Whether or not… something happened in that building between the three of them, Daniel's reaction was entirely unjustified. He killed his friend. Whether it was an accident or not, only speaks more to his mental instability. He is a danger to us all if what happened to Ed was just an accident…
Chester: That is very touching, Amber. Might I just say that I am so sorry for what you had to go through on that dark day. You are very strong for coming up here and sharing your side of the story with us.
Amber: (Barely audible) Thank you…
Kate: You said that Ed saved your life on that day. Were you both separated from the others the entire time?
Amber: Yes. When things went south, one of the shelves crushed my leg and Ed bravely fought off the zombies that would've surely killed me. He used a forklift to get me out of there, and he escorted me all the way to the door. Ed Anderson was a hero.
In the crowd, LAYTON ZIMMERS smiles a little. He takes off his glasses to wipe his eyes.
Amber: It was only after that when we were reunited with the others and… well, you all know what happened next.
Naomi: And did you, like Omar, feel the tension brewing between Jordan and Daniel beforehand? Do you have any idea of why that might’ve been?
Amber: Like he said… they just… they didn’t get along very well. They had clashing personalities. Jordan was assigned to be the captain, but Daniel was quick to throw that out. He believed himself to be more experienced and didn't seem to trust Jordan at all. I… don't know where all of that started, I had only come to meet Daniel and Lolida for the first time that day.
Gerald: Thank you, Amber. Heather, if you could help her back to her seat.
HEATHER SOLIS nods, and moves towards Amber to help her away.
Gerald: The court calls Allan White to the stand.
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Scene #47
WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - HEARING CHAMBER
Allan: It is with my heartfelt opinion and genuine honesty that I believe these malicious claims against Jordan are an attack by misinformation given by my former, now MURDEROUS runner, Daniel. As for the ways I can describe the rest of my runners both living and dead -- Amber, before her unfortunate accident caused by Daniel and Lolida, was a very good runner and one who always followed my EXACT orders to a hair. Omar, again, a very damn good listening and he was always helping out his friends prior to the incident when trouble arose. Sebastian… (He chuckles) I might be an honest hard-ass, but he’s a funny guy, helps out during stressful moments and one of my best runners simply put.
ALLAN WHITE continues, now with a slight frown on his face.
Allan: Tyson… God rest his soul… He was the other half of Sebastian, and was one of the most friendliest, down-to-earth residents we have among us. He will be greatly, greatly missed, and was probably my second best runner I honestly had… I could mix and match between him and Sebastian, they were just so inseparable. (He looks over at Jordan) I’m sorry for this absolute waste of time we have to sit through, but all I can say is that your dad would be so proud to see the man you’ve become. You are without any doubt my BEST runner, my friend, someone I can really rely on for these scavenging trips, and he’s honestly a very down-to-earth guy once you get to know him well. Lolida… Tsk tsk tsk, it’s a damn shame he lost his life, and I think there was a chance he could’ve found that peace that Daniel especially has been looking for… but he was an odd one. He always wore this civil war costume… but besides that, he did understand that what I said goes.
Now, Allan finally looks over at DANIEL ROCKWELL.
Allan: Daniel is without any, any doubt, a troublemaker. He didn’t listen, he fought the POLICE, the POLICE HERE! And he always had this anger, still does in his eyes if you look close enough. There’s this fire within that I believe was unleashed on poor, poor Ed, who I didn’t know too well, but he seemed like the most sensible out of the two. I do believe given the circumstances that he is not to be trusted, to be given redemption, or to be set free among our very home, for HE should remain locked up for the rest of his psychotic, pathetic little life.
The entire time, Daniel is forced to sit in silence with gritted teeth as his anger mounts. His patience is being tested, especially when he locks eyes with Jordan for a second, seeing that same smug grin on his face. JORDAN GATLON was loving everything Allan was saying. RANDALL FORSTER can see the scowl now resting on Daniel’s face.
Randall: (Quietly) Don’t.
Gerald: Thank you, Allan. Do you perhaps have any idea as to how the conflict between Daniel and Jordan first started?
Allan: I do, actually. When we first met not too long ago, I introduced Jordan here to him… and the look-- the look he gave to Jordan was just this INSTANTANEOUS hatred. If you saw the eyes you’d really understand what I saw. I think he just hates him, but as to the events that occurred… I stand to believe Daniel DID NOT follow Jordan’s orders in the slightest, especially after I directly said to his and Lolida’s faces that he was in charge of the trip.
Naomi: So, Daniel was insubordinate and aggressive from the get-go. And tell me, Allan, regarding the accusations that Mr. Rockwell dares to level against Jordan, can you speak a little to the crowd about Jordan's character, and whether or not he'd ever even harm a fly?
Allan: (He turns his head a little, facing the crowd) I think he’d honestly annoy a fly more than actually harm it (He chuckles). As for the character… Whenever I’d send him on a trip, I never had any complaints about him, not one. And from the interactions we have had, I think he’s one of the best residents we have, one who can have your back again once you know him well like I do.
Gerald: Thank you, Allan.
HEATHER SOLIS approaches GERALD ROLAND from the side, handing him a clipboard. Gerald squints his eyes at it, then, more nervously, goes to speak.
Gerald: The court calls Jordan Gatlon to the stand.
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Scene #48
WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - HEARING CHAMBER
JORDAN GATLON rests his elbows on the stand, stood there with the same look as always. Smug. Pretentious. Yet his attention lingers only on DANIEL ROCKWELL.
Jordan: Where to begin… Perhaps… inside the warehouse? Or should I cover what has already been covered? How this impertinent, trifling, arrogant TOAD has done nothing but ceaselessly aggravate, hassle, and harass me since the day he met me. These issues only grew out there… Perhaps he saw me unfit to lead, to hold the title captain. Perhaps it was a ploy to wrestle control from me. From the… order of things here. To implement his own way… his own rules, regulations. Hell… even as we stepped foot out of that van, Daniel, unprovoked, thrashed me against the side of said van, and blatantly threatened me. In front. Of. Our. Crew. But Lolida…
Jordan’s face drops, scrunching up as he holds back tears. It’s clearly an act, just to make himself appear more innocent.
Jordan: Lolida… (He places a hand on his heart) Was a good-hearted man… Hell, out there? The time he and I spent together, albeit briefly? I would consider him… a friend… a friend… Daniel’s impulsive thirst for guts and blood and carnage… He would’ve rather chased down a psychopath… to spread blood rather than stay with Lolida. With me. Daniel fled into the night. But Lolida? A brave, generous man. He saved… my life, he saved me. No matter which imaginative world you’re living in… you cannot deny Lolida’s heroism. Now… how did he die, you might ask? I don’t… exactly know, to be fair. We were trapped, we were… in hell’s asshole, far in it. And Lolida took my gun from me… and just told me to go, to run, that he would be right behind me. (He shakes his head, looking at Daniel) Daniel… Why do you hate me, so?
Something in the way Jordan composes himself, the way he talks, all of it, seemed to send Daniel into a state of seething anger. He bursts from his chair.
Daniel: Because you’re a fucking LIAR!
RANDALL FORSTER grabs Daniel, keeping him from going anywhere.
Randall: Hey! Hey! Easy!
Gerald: You’ll have your chance on the stand, Daniel.
Naomi: Jordan… Why do you think Daniel hates you? Do you recall your first meeting with him?
Jordan: Of course I do. He punched me in the face. Belittled me. Acted rude, and cruel, and plain insolent.
Randall holds onto Daniel until he’s back in his chair. He’s breathing heavily, staring at Jordan, ready to charge forward like a bull - but Randall’s watching him like a hawk.
Chester: And… why is it, Mr. Gatlon, that Daniel accused you of killing Lolida Windfield? You say that he wasn’t even with you when it occurred, while explaining that Lolida sacrificed himself for you, no? So where is the misunderstanding here?
Gerald: An excellent point from Councilor Stafford. What exactly is Daniel's case against you here? It seems to me that it is entirely based on hearsay and an established hatred of your character.
Naomi: The only person who murdered anyone here is… Daniel himself.
Jordan: How am I supposed to know? I was standing with Omar. With Ed, Amber… Well, she wasn’t standing really, but you get the point. At the van. After… we were waiting for Lolida… but all that stumbled out of that warehouse… (He points at Daniel) was him. An axe in hand. He rushed me, out of nowhere… like a crazed animal. He killed Ed. I don't know what brought this storm upon him… or why it was directed at me. But I, for one, can confirm DANIEL was nowhere around. If he was? Lolida would still be standing with us today. Ed would still be standing here… today. So, Mr Stafford, Mr Roland… all I can say for sure is… who can read the mind of a soulless being?
Kate: That’s well put, Mr. Gatlon. Do you mind if I ask an additional question?
Jordan: Do I really have a say in that?
Kate: No (She shakes her head). Alright, so just out of general interest… How many people in the crowd here today, your friends and neighbours, can you name?
Naomi: I hardly see how that’s relevant… (She scoffs)
Kate: (Ignoring her) Go on, Mr. Gatlon.
Jordan’s smugness completely vanishes as he eyes the crowd behind him. He shifts his attention to GERALD ROLAND, raising a brow as if he was calling for help.
Gerald: I, uh, Councillor Bloodstone, where exactly are you going with this?
Kate: Are we to assume it would be a challenge for Jordan to name a few of the people that are in the court with us today? I just ask as I'm interested in getting an idea of his character. We keep asking why Daniel dislikes Jordan, and I think to get to the root of that issue, and find the answer to our question, we need to judge Jordan's character. So, Councilor Stafford, it is perfectly relevant to the case at hand.
NAOMI STAFFORD rolls her eyes and bites her tongue.
Jordan: Okay… okay, hold on. I just don’t really see how this is an evaluation of my character.
Kate: Jordan… Allan says you are his best supply runner. How many runs have you gone on?
Jordan blinks, nervously gulping down a ball of saliva.
Jordan: Why… Like… (He chuckles nervously) A lot.
Kate: As I’m to understand, Jordan is what we are to call a ‘VIP’ here at the community. Most likely because of his relation to his late father, a former councilor. Jordan, how many positive interactions with residents in this community, barring… say, Fletcher, have you had? Incidents where you've been kind to people, or just generally respectful. We can… bring anyone up to confirm whatever you say?
Naomi: Oh, please. I mean, really, Kate. You’re grasping at straws here. Is this your sad defense of a murderer? What, that you think Jordan is a mean person?
Jordan’s face is blank. Eyes as cold as daggers stare at KATE BLOODSTONE, his bottom lip trembling. Who did this woman think she was, to come before this trial and belittle him in front of all his peers?
Jordan: You little… What’s the meaning of all this, huh? HE’S THE MURDERER! (He points at Daniel again)
Kate: So we’re to assume you haven’t had that many positive interactions with people around the community and also can’t name many of the people in the community, does this--
Naomi: Oh, oh? How many positive interactions has Daniel had in this community, hm? How many? He MURDERED someone, for goodness sake!
Kate: Yes, Naomi. That we know. He also accuses Jordan of being responsible for Lolida's death, though. It's our job to get to the bottom of that. It's what we're trying to solve here. I think Daniel knows he's going to face serious punishment for his actions. Jordan, on the other hand, well, all we can do is try to get to the bottom of what happened. Some of us happened to know Daniel for a long time before arriving here. He wasn't known for lying, and I have to imagine he had a good reason for disliking Jordan in the first place.
Naomi: You and your people have proven otherwise! You don’t need a good reason for anything. You just… do what you want, don’t you?! Well--
Gerald: Ladies… That is enough, and that will be all. Jordan, you may take your seat.
Jordan: Thank you.
Jordan steps away from the stand, strutting over to his seat. But on the way there, he purposefully goes out of his way to pass by Daniel at his table. As he does, he mouths the words ‘fuck you’ in his face.
Daniel growls, lunging out of seat, diving over his desk as he tries to grab Jordan, but he scurries away in time. The police jump on Daniel quick, grabbing him roughly.
Gerald: ENOUGH! Stop this nonsense at once! The court calls Daniel Rockwell to the stand!
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Scene #49
WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - HEARING CHAMBER
Naomi: Why did you kill Ed Anderson? As I am to understand, he is one of… your people? Talk about friendly fire.
Kate: Our people, Naomi. We all live here together.
Naomi: Mr. Rockwell, please tell the court why you decided to murder Ed Anderson in cold blood.
DANIEL ROCKWELL, behind the stand, looks up at NAOMI STAFFORD with a blank expression. He simply shakes his head.
Daniel: I… didn’t.
Naomi: What’s that?
Daniel: I didn’t…
Naomi: You mean you deny murdering Ed Anderson? Please, we have multiple witnesses of the event, and--
Daniel: I didn’t murder him in cold blood. It. Was. An. Accident.
Chester: Are you saying that you killed Ed Anderson in a blind rage? Did you realize the severity of what you were doing in the moment?
Daniel remains silent, shutting his eyes.
Chester: Er… Well, do you… plead insanity?
Justin: Well, duh? He’s loopy as hell. I mean, look at the guy. This is an open and closed case. He doesn’t have anything. I mean, he’s right about one thing, this is a waste of time. Hey, Danny. Did you actually see Jordan ‘kill’ Lolida?
Daniel: I know he did it. I fucking know what he did, because he’s a cowardly little roach, because he’s--
Justin: You see that? Case fuckin’ closed. You didn’t see. There’s no way for us to condemn Jordan without potentially punishing an innocent man for a crime he may not have committed.
As Daniel blatantly names him a coward, JORDAN GATLON slowly gets to his feet from his table, his face scrunching like an ill-tempered child.
Jordan: I’M AS FEARSOME AS THE LOT OF THEM!
Daniel: YOU’RE… a fucking worm! A shithead little weasel with a terrible attitude. From the moment I first met the brat, he was a stuck-up little asshole with his head so far up his own ass that he probably gets rock fucking hard at the smell of his own SHIT!
Gerald: (He sighs) Have you nothing of value to say, Daniel?
Jordan: What… ROCKS CAN’T GET HARD, YOU FUCKING IDIOT! OH wait… Hey… THAT’S NOT FUCKING APPROPROATE!
Kate: You’ve had your time on the stand, Jordan.
Jordan: I…
Jordan slowly sits back down.
Daniel: This place is a fucking joke. Everyone here is clueless… ignorant… playing pretend. What does this council do? What do ANY of them do except sit around all day and complain about things that the majority of you haven't even HEARD OF! Non-issues… upper-class bullshit. What, because they were in this castle already, that makes them the best person to lead you into the fucking apocalypse? Really? HOW DO ANY OF YOU buy this little brat's acting? Like he isn't one of the most colossal pieces of shit here! An arrogant little FREAK with an attitude that's worse than some of the most evil people I've met in my life. (He looks into Gerald’s eyes) You're a fucking joke. Your entire community was just a goldmine of supplies and rations just waiting to be looted by the next band of reaving and raping lunatics. That little brat over there got my best friend killed and I know he's a lying piece of shit. I urge anyone in the crowd, the ones who were with me before we got here… You may hate me for what I did to Ed, and you'd be right to do so… but if there's one thing all of you know, it’s how fucking unserious this place really is. We've all had run-ins with their elite, we've all had to deal with these clueless fucking idiots! LOCK ME UP, KILL ME, DO WHATEVER YOU WANT-- BUT DO NOT LET THIS PIECE OF SHIT GO FREE IF YOU CARED ABOUT LOLIDA!
Gerald swallows, looking down at Daniel.
Gerald: Most of your argument has nothing to do with the case at hand. And- and you know what Daniel? If you didn't like it here, you could've left. As far as we're concerned, you have nothing on Jordan, and you will not lay a hand on him or be near him again, PERIOD. The way things are looking, you'll spend the rest of your life rotting in a cell, and---
But Gerald is cut off by the sound of Daniel’s laughter. Unhinged and unstable laughter, as if his frustration and anger has culminated into this.
Gerald: And---
He tries to speak again, but finds himself too disturbed to continue with the laughter filling the courtroom.
Daniel: What-- what, you? You really think you're gonna keep me away from him? From that little piece of shit? I'm gonna kill him if it's the last thing I do… He's already marked. It doesn't fucking matter. Try AND STOP ME! (He locks eyes with Jordan) You're a dead man walking.
Gerald: Alright, no. Officers, escort Mr. Rockwell from the room. At once.
Paul: With pleasure.
PAUL BAIRD nods to CODY WAKEFIELD and KEVIN NORTON, who step forward, each grabbing hold of one of Daniel’s arms.
Cody: Time for you to go.
Daniel: Get your fucking hands off me.
The cops start to drag Daniel away, all while he stares down Jordan, baring his teeth.
Daniel: I’m gonna fucking GET YOU, BRAT, AND ANYONE WHO GETS IN MY FUCKING WAY!
Jordan's eyes are wide with unimaginable horror, his skin pale as a ghost. He doesn’t have any rebuttal this time. Only a quiver of his body, his heart dropping into his stomach.
Jordan: Dear god…
Gerald: The council will now meet to decide the outcome of this case. Please remain seated while we confer in the meeting chamber.
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Scene #50
WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - BATHROOMS
Lukewarm water flows from the tap, running over JORDAN GATLON’s hands. He occasionally splashes some of it up into his face, a shudder rattling up his spine. He was losing his nerve, his composure. He raises his head slowly, staring at his blurry reflection in the mirror.
Jordan: You’re… a VIP… no matter what those people say… or do… They can NEVER… take that away… from… you.
The bathroom door opens with a loud, sharp creak. A heavy set of black boots enter, stepping further into the room.
Jordan: Trev, man… Be honest with me, what the fuck was th--
But when Jordan looks in the mirror, he doesn’t see Trevor coming up behind him. It’s WILLIAM REYNES.
His heart drops. He gulps, running his hands under the water again as William steps up to the sink adjacent to Jordan’s. He turns the tap on all the way, letting the water flow loudly.
William: Just the boy I was looking for.
Jordan: Wha- what? It’s a public bathroom, man… Just carry out your business.
William: That’s what I’m doing.
William calmly nods, rolling up his sleeves. He lets the hot water splash against the palm of his hands.
William: There’s a few questions you’re going to answer for me. The trip you were on. With Daniel. Talk to me about it.
Jordan stares at him with sheer distrust. He keeps his hands under the water, and shakes his head lightly.
Jordan: My story was told in that courtroom, were you not there?
William: Had more important things to attend to at the time. You understand.
Moving his arms slowly, William turns off his tap, then reaches over to turn Jordan’s off as well.
William: So - talk.
Jordan takes a step back, to get some room between him and William. His eyes flicker to the bathroom door, then back at him.
Jordan: I didn’t do anything. Lolida died a hero.
William: …But that isn’t what I asked, Jordan. I asked you to tell me about the trip… and yet you jump to some tale about the way Lolida died? Must be weighing on your conscience… how Lolida died.
He takes a step forward, surely but slowly inching Jordan back against the wall.
Jordan’s back hits the rough texture of the wall. He realizes that there’s no getting around William now. His jaw unhinges to speak - but for a brief six seconds, not even a pitter came from his throat.
Jordan: I… And why would it weigh on my conscience, huh? The man died. I wasn’t there to see. He died for me. Why… Why do you even care, man? He’s… just… some… dude. A DEAD… dude. No one could’ve done anything for him, WILLIAM!
William: Yeah? Is that so?
William sucks on his lips inward, putting a hand to his chin in thought. He turns away for a moment, pretending to consider Jordan’s words. But as he turns back, a fist strikes Jordan square in the nose, slamming his head back against the wall.
William: AND WHEN I PUT YOU IN THE FUCKING GROUND FOR LYING TO ME, IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT PEOPLE TO SAY ABOUT YOU? THAT YOU’RE JUST SOME DEAD DUDE?
He hits Jordan again, this time sending him to the ground with a thud. A pool of blood pours out of his nose, like a geyser.
Jordan: F-- Fu--
William takes a hold of Jordan by the hair, and cranes his back back to stare up at him.
William: Now talk. Before I have to hit you again. Tell me what happened to Lolida. Now.
He pulls Jordan’s hair back even harder.
Jordan: Ag-ag-- AGH- Stop! S-- I didn’t DO- FUCK!
Another strike connects with Jordan’s cheekbone, threatening to shatter it.
William: Patience is something I’m running out of, Jordan. Do you know what happens when I run out of patience? People like you end up with broken necks, dangling from the end of tree branches. (He wraps a hand around Jordan’s throat, squeezing) So I’m going to give you one last chance, before you end up another name on a very long list. Talk.
As William’s hand tightens around his throat, all Jordan can think about are the words of Lolida. How the last man to cross Daniel ended up dead. And now, William has verified these claims. Within seconds, Jordan’s composure crumbles, swelling into a heavy sob, tears streaming down his face as he croaks for breath.
Jordan: I--- Le-f--
William releases his grip just enough to let him speak. Nothing but pure hatred and disdain could be felt by Jordan at this very moment.
William: Say it.
Jordan squeezes out a sharp gasp for air, nearly choking in the process; a storm of coughing emitting from his lungs. When it dialed down, Jordan shakes his head, more tears flowing from his eyes.
Jordan: Please… Please…
William: This will all be over when you tell me what you did to Lolida. I will hurt you as much as I need to, to get that out of you.
Jordan: (Whimpering) Fuck… I… I… left… him… He saved my life and I just- left… I was scared, I was-- I was scared, I was just scared… I’m scared…
William: So you watched him die. You left him to his death, when you could’ve saved him? You bailed, and his life was the cost? Is that what you’re telling me?
William’s voice had quieted, but the rage was still there, simmering.
Jordan: No… I DIDN’T watch him die, man-- I just simply left… I simply left…
William: You’re going to come with me and you’re going to tell everyone what you just told me.
He yanks Jordan up by his collar, and begins to drag him out of the bathroom.
Jordan: Wait… No, wait- No, I can’t-- Stop - I’ll lose everything… OVER NOTHING!
He tries to wrestle free of William’s grasp, but it’s pointless.
As William is nearing the exit, the bathroom door opens up for him, and officers KEVIN NORTON and CODY WAKEFIELD step in.
Kevin: What the fuck is all this, then? What’s all the fuckin’ noise?
Cody: (To William) The hell are you doing with him?
William: This… rat bastard… just confessed to me. I got it out of him. Now tell them (He shakes Jordan).
Jordan: Hel-- Attacked-- Me--
William: You piece of fucking shit.
William slams his fist into Jordan’s gut, throwing him to the floor.
Cody: Woah- woah!
Cody places a hand on his holster, ready to draw.
Jordan curls into a ball on the floor, spitting blood from his mouth. He grovels in pain for a few moments, and then, with what little strength he can muster up, he shoots up and slides between Cody and Kevin, slumping to the ground next to them.
Jordan: Help-- Attacked-a VIP… Strangled me-- he was-- Sent by-- Daniel…
Cody: (He draws his gun, aiming at William) Now just what the hell is Jordan saying?
Kevin: Yeah, come with us… Come on, up y’get.
Kevin offers Jordan a hand, while William stares at Cody with a white-hot glare, ignoring both the gun and his question. He silently steps over the trash at his feet, and leaves the room, walking past the officers.
Jordan grunts and groans, taking Kevin’s hand as he stands.
Jordan: Gah… g- thank you…
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Scene #51
WORTHWOOD - CASTLE - HEARING CHAMBER
GERALD ROLAND and the council emerge from the council chambers, all of them going to take their seats.
Gerald: Apologies for the delay… We were informed of an incident that occurred during the intermission. The incident in question will be dealt with after the trial has concluded. Speaking of which, we have made our decision.
At his table, DANIEL ROCKWELL looks over at JORDAN GATLON with a satisfied smirk, seeing him in his battered state. Two napkins are stuffed up his nostrils, and the bruises on his cheek are already swelling. His smugness had evaporated, leaving him silent, slumped on his table.
Gerald: The council has concluded that Jordan Gatlon is innocent of any wrongdoing. Furthermore, without any substantial evidence of witnesses speaking out against him, he will walk free.
Jordan: (Quietly) Oh… thank God…
NAOMI STAFFORD nods along, happy, while KATE BLOODSTONE looks the least bit happy.
Gerald: Daniel Rockwell. For the murder of Ed Anderson and your mental instability that is not only a danger to yourself, but to everyone around you, you will face life in prison for your crimes.
ALLAN WHITE smirks, and FATHER DONOVAN flashes a sly, knowing smile towards Daniel. Even Jordan sits up a bit, some life sparkling back into him as he hears Daniel’s sentence.
Gerald: That concludes this trial, I thank you all for--
The courtroom doors are thrown open with a kick.
William: No.
William’s loud voice instantly fills the room, as he begins to stomp forward, pointing a finger at Jordan.
William: If Daniel sees prison, that brat does too. Re-evaluate this trial. Now.
Allan clenches his fists, glaring at William… Was this really about to be a repeat of what went down at William’s trial?
Gerald: As it happens, William. You recently assaulted Jordan Gatlon and tried to get your way via intimidation. Your timing is most opportune. Chief Baird… if you could see to it that William is brought into custody.
PAUL BAIRD shrugs, looking over at William. Then, he, KEVIN NORTON, CODY WAKEFIELD, ANDREW SMART and HUTCH all begin to move in on William.
Paul: Please don’t make this any harder than it has to be.
DEAN HOWARDS suddenly shoots up from the crowd.
Dean: You gotta be fuckin-- JUST-- HOLD ON A SECOND! (He marches out to join William) Let’s hear what he has to say! Jesus-- all of you are making this worse!
JON MATTHEWS, who’d been leaning on the wall the entire time, pushes off of it and goes to stand with William and Dean.
Carl: (Quietly) I thought this was a civilized gathering…
Allan stares, seeing what’s happening. It really was going to be the same as William’s trial.
Allan: (Muttering) No…
ALDUS PAXTON stands with a sigh, leaving Mary to go join his friends.
Aldus: Damn it.
Kate: William? What is the meaning of this? What happened?
William: I got a confession out of him, and that confession is one he's going to repeat for all of you to hear. (He glares at Gerald) Be grateful I'm doing this by your laws and system of justice, Gerald. We both know what would happen if I decided to get my own justice. You're going to let this happen.
Paul: Gentlemen, move in to detain Mr. Reynes, please.
But then CLAIRE NOBLE stands up, and so does CLYDE ROLLINS. Both of them join William.
Lastly, it’s RANDALL FORSTER who moves away from the police force, swapping sides to go and stand with his group.
Jordan opts to stay quiet, realigning his eyes to stare at a random wall. He was disassociating himself with this situation, for it was utter bullshit to him.
Dean: (To Jordan) Kid, confess, you’re gonna make this all fucking worse! Just… CONFESS! DO IT!
Naomi: Stop this nonsense! Are we just going to let them strong-arm us into getting their way again?!
Kate: William has no reason to lie about this, Gerald. Ed was our friend. This isn’t for Daniel. It’s for Lolida.
William: Now, Jordan…
William reaches behind him, pulling something out of his waistband that he had tucked away. A rope. He lets it dangle in front of him.
William: Remember what I told you, Jordan.
Paul: Jordan, step back.
Everything was spiraling out of control, crumbling around him. Fading to dust. All his father's work. All his 'work'. His life in this community. His achievements so far; all for nothing. Everything was a waste. The vast bubbles of voices around Jordan started fuzzing into buzzing. As if flies were flying around his ears. His mask of sanity felt loose; as thoughts ran through his mind, only to be interrupted by the buzzing again. His eye twitched. Then twitched again. It was as if he had vanished from this plane of existence all together.
With a simple nod of his head, Jordan gets up, striding towards Paul, hiding behind him.
William: If the Council of Worthwood will not give in to my demands, then I hereby call for the disbandment of your faux-council. You will no longer live and serve as the ruling authority in this settlement, and your lives of luxury will be stripped from you. There will be no Worthwood under you any longer.
Gerald: What? What?!
Naomi: Excuse you! Under what authority?! You are in no position to make these demands! (She rises from her seat)
Justin: The fuck? We’re the founders, asshole. We built this place. Who are you to come in and threaten us?
Naomi: Just absolutely unacceptable and insane!
Chester: We’re doing our best to be reasonable.
Kate looks at all the council, who all continue to ramble and rant, talking over each other towards William.
Donovan: I warned you all of the storm that would come. He did this once before, and he's doing it again. Wolves among the sheep! The lot of them! They can't be trusted, they've been waiting to overthrow us all along!
Gerald: (To William) So this is what it comes to? Cheap intimidation tactics to get your way?
William: An ultimatum to preserve the justice you pretend to uphold. Now you either comply with my demands, and both Daniel and Jordan see prison, or I strip you of all your worth and titles, and hang Jordan myself.
A figure to the left of William stands up, accompanied by the sound of a gun cocking.
Allan: No.
Allan aims his pistol directly at William’s skull, his finger itching to pull the trigger.
A number of people around the room stand up to do the same; his militia. DAVE, Kevin, Cody, TERRANCE, even CARL LUDD (who is unarmed) stands up to join Allan, among others. They all have pistols, pointing them towards William’s group.
Allan: This is the absolute FINAL TIME WE WILL CAVE IN TO YOU MONSTERS!
Aldus: Fuck…
Dean: (Gritting his teeth) You all have no idea what the fuck you’re doing.
Allan: YOU THINK YOU CAN STEP INTO MY HOME?! OUR HOME AND TAKE OVER?! INTIMIDATE US?! THREATEN US?!
Jon frowns, exchanging a look with William.
Allan: Those days are OVER. THIS IS OUR HOME, OUR SAFEZONE, OUR PEOPLE! NOT YOURS!
Jordan is escorted towards Allan by a couple of the militia members.
Allan: You’re in safe hands, son.
Jordan: My hero…
Daniel scowls, still handcuffed at his desk. Kate’s eyes dart around the room; she can’t believe what’s happening. And when she looks over to gauge Gerald’s reaction, she sees him standing taller than ever, proud and satisfied.
Allan: If you really want to prove my point then go ahead and shoot me. You’re no better than these terrors you fought out there. You’re just damn good at surviving longer than them, you fucking animals. From this day on out you’re going to follow THE COUNCIL, not YOUR OWN ACCORD! You’re going to respect the court, this council, these people -- especially Jordan. You’re no longer going to be waltzing in here like you own the place.
Allan looks around, his gun still drawn. A smirk works his way onto his face, as he decides to test them.
Allan: So… Now what? You going to kill us all?
William’s group stand in the middle of the courtroom, outnumbered, outgunned and overruled.
Things were finally back in control.
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Scene #52
WICHITA BANK
As casual as ever, TOBIAS DUKE strolls down one of the upstairs hallways, yawning and stretching out his arms. He’s still got on his mud-covered jacket.
Tobias dawdles his way past the manager’s office, seeing the door ajar, but doesn’t think much of it… until something through the crack in the door catches his eye. He stops, walks backwards, then pushes open the door.
Inside, SANDRA PENNINGTON is seated behind the desk, where Douglas used to sit. Behind her: the window Douglas was supposedly pushed from. Leaning against the wall in the office with her is SIMON.
Tobias: Sandra… Is everything okay? It doesn’t seem like it would be good for you to be in here.
Sandra: Oh, Tobias, dear. You’re so dirty. You know how Douglas would’ve felt, you dragging all that mud into here.
He frowns, offering her a sympathetic look.
Tobias: Huh… Reminiscing, are we? I suppose you’re right, he wouldn’t have been thrilled.
Sandra: Tobias, I… I don’t think Wayne killed anyone. If you want the truth, I’ve… It’s been driving me crazy, I… I think Linda killed Douglas and my son.
Tobias: Whoa. This is… a lot. Linda? Why her? You…
Simon: She’s the one who has been cozying up to Edward since he got here. Isn’t it funny to you?
Tobias: Well, the two of them were… having some kind of affair, but I didn’t really…
Sandra: Her own husband is the one that's been locked away for the crime. The same man she fell out of love with. She hated me and my family more than anything, thought we were a bunch of fools. And now, she roams free… while my husband and son are dead, and Wayne is locked away. All the while she's cuddled up to our new leader? And if they're having an affair like you say, it's no wonder Edward would brush the entire ordeal under the rug when I bring it up.
Tobias: Jesus… What you’re saying, Sandra… That’s… (He shakes his head)
Sandra: I don’t feel safe here with them, Tobias. It feels like… it feels like it’s only a matter of time before they take me out too.
Tobias: Sandra… Right now, we have a war to deal with. Don’t you think maybe we should leave this until after? This is a… delicate situation.
Sandra shakes her head, refusing to accept that.
Sandra: Who knows which of us will survive this war. No… I need closure. I just…
Tobias: I know. I know you do (He slowly approaches the desk). Sandra… Nobody at this bank has had it worse than you. Life’s treated you unfairly. Douglas and Miles did not deserve to die. But… you’re all that’s left of your family. You have to survive for them. And doing this now… could be very messy.
Sandra: …I suppose you’re right. I’m sorry, Tobias. I’m just such a mess. I don’t even…
Tobias: Shh, it’s alright. I understand.
Stepping back, Tobias takes his dirty coat off.
Tobias: I really need to get changed. Man, feels good to take that thing off.
Sandra looks up, still caught up in her emotions. She doesn’t notice anything off at first - until something on Tobias’ shirt catches her attention. A missing button.
Tobias lowers his coat, placing it on the back of a chair, when he sees Sandra staring at him.
Tobias: Something wrong?
Sandra: It’s you…
Her mouth remains agape, still staring at him in pure shock. Simon slowly pushes himself off the wall, looking over at Tobias in alarm.
Tobias: Come again?
Sandra: It’s you… you’re… You killed them.
Her breathing quickens, eyes buzzing.
Tobias: I don’t know what you’re insinuating here… but… let’s all just relax… and--
Sandra takes the button she found in the bush out of her pocket and slams it onto the desk, comparing it with the rest of the buttons on Tobias’ shirt. A perfect match.
Tobias: What… am I… looking at?
His voice falters for a second, as Tobias clearly tries to keep his composure. Then, Simon darts forward, his hand shooting towards the holster on Tobias’ side. He rips the revolver out of it, and quickly steps back, aiming the gun at him.
Tobias: What the fuck?!
Simon: Don’t fucking move…
Tobias: Guys… There has to be some sort of misunderstanding here, so let’s all just… calm down.
Sandra: Cut the BULLSHIT, Tobias! I know it was you! Drop the act!
Tobias: It’s… a button, I mean, COME ON now, this is insane--
Simon: She said cut the bullshit, asshole! WHY’D YOU KILL THEM? WHY’D YOU KILL MILES?
Tobias: I didn’t kill anybody… Now, if you could just point that thing someplace else, I can explain.
Sandra: There’s nothing to explain (She stands up, walking around the desk). You sick fucking bastard… You fucking… rat. If you have any dignity at all before you die, you’ll tell me… why… Why my family?
Tobias swallows, looking between her and Simon. With a sigh, he drops the act and goes to speak.
Tobias: Douglas was threatening me. When we were talking about how to deal with Jadis. You remember that meeting, right? When he sent us all away, started considering Don Clements as a possible ally. I… Well, I tried to talk him out of it.
DOUGLAS PENNINGTON rises from his desk, fuming.
Douglas: I’ll do whatever the fuck I need to do, Tobias. Do you understand? The bitch needs to be dealt with. We need all the help we can get.
Tobias: It can’t be Don Clements. He’s fucking crazy, Douglas. This whole thing is crazy!
Douglas: It’s not fucking up to you, is it?! JADIS MILLER could turn up any day now! And when she calls our bluff, she’ll be out for BLOOD! I knew Gary Clements, Tobias. An old business partner of mine. His brother will be more than willing to help me, especially if I yield my fortress to him.
Tobias: But--
Douglas: But what? Boo-fucking-hoo. You’re scared of Don Clements, so the rest of us have to go with whatever you want to do, is that it? You’re not the center of the fucking world, Tobias! I’ll do what I need to do, for my family! If that means sacrificing you to the crows, so fucking be it! Feel free to pack your bags and leave.
Tobias’ face darkens, giving Douglas a cold and unfriendly gaze.
Tobias: We’re not gonna go to Don Clements, Douglas.
Douglas: Oh yeah? Watch me. (He takes a step towards him) Fucking watch me.
Tobias: It doesn’t have to be this way. We can figure something out.
Douglas: Fuck you.
Douglas turns his back to Tobias, and raises a dismissive hand in the air as he strolls around the back of his desk, in front of the window.
In the present, Tobias shrugs calmly, looking Sandra dead in the eyes.
Tobias: He left me no choice. Douglas… wasn’t a good leader, Sandra. And you know what, he wasn’t a particularly nice man, either.
Sandra: SO YOU KILLED HIM FOR IT? SENT HIM TUMBLING TO HIS DEATH?!
Tobias: I did what I had to do… And look at how much better off we are for it, I mean, we have Edward now… and--
Sandra takes deep breaths, trying to calm herself down, before she cuts Tobias off.
Sandra: My son… Why did you kill Miles?
Tobias: (He frowns) It was only meant to be Douglas. Your son, he just, well… this is gonna sound pretty funny.
Sandra stares daggers at him.
Tobias: I just, okay, so, maybe I was having a little word to myself in the stairwell. Everyone’s gotta unwind. Call me crazy, I know… Hell, I was embarrassed. For him to… walk in on me pacing back and forth, stressing out, you know how it is… It was just bad timing. Miles… He was a good kid, in the wrong place at the wrong time. So what, I gave him a little shove… I was banking on him being comatose, not breaking his fucking neck.
Sandra: You fucking monster… You’re a fucking--
Tobias: I didn’t want to kill your son, Sandra. He left me no choice. We needed the bank to be stable, we needed Edward in charge, and we had to be prepared for the coming storm. That’s it! For what it’s worth, I’m sorry you were caught up in the middle of this. Maybe if everyone hadn’t made a big deal out of Douglas… everything would’ve been fine.
Tears roll down Sandra’s cheeks.
Sandra: You… murdered my boy.
In the stairwell, MILES PENNINGTON slowly backs away from Tobias, a look of utter shock on his face.
Miles: You? You of all people - you’re the one who killed my dad?
Tobias: It’s not what it sounds like. I was just… rambling, kid. Honestly. Just… calm down, okay? Talk this out with me.
Miles: No… no. No, you… sick weirdo. I trusted you.
Tobias steps forward, making sure Miles isn’t going anywhere.
Tobias: Miles, hey… You’re the leader now. We’ve got bigger things to focus on, and trust me, you didn’t hear what you thought you did… yeah?
Miles: …Fuck you. He trusted you. I’m telling my mom.
Miles swiftly turns to walk down the stairs -- which is when Tobias makes the split second decision to shove Miles down the steps with all his might.
Sandra: Simon… Give me the gun.
Tobias looks at the two of them concerningly, as Simon hands her the revolver.
Tobias: Now hold on just a second, let’s not-- WAIT-- (He raises his hands) Listen… listen…
Sandra: (She aims the gun at him) Fuck you, Tobias.
Tobias: Just… let me… let me tell you…
Sandra shakes her head, her finger hovering above the trigger.
Tobias: Just let me tell you that… I ran out of bullets hours ago.
With that, he spins around and rushes to the door. Sandra pulls the trigger to fire… click. No ammo.
Tobias sprints out of the office, slamming the door shut behind him.
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Scene #53
WICHITA BANK
In his cramped little office, WAYNE GUZMAN rubs his hands together in deep thought, his gaze directed at the floor. After a moment, he exhales, and stands up, walking over to tap on the window in order to get SETH HAYNES’ attention.
Seth, still on guard duty, watching over Wayne, turns his head and peers through the window at Wayne.
Seth: Huh? What do you want, man?
Wayne: I just… I wondered if you could get me another bottle of water. The heat in here is driving me crazy (He sighs).
Seth: Oh, uh… Yeah, sure, dude.
Seth gets up and walks over to another chair next to the office door, where his own water bottle is sitting, hardly touched. He picks it up, since he doesn’t need it right now anyway. After looking through the window to make sure Wayne isn’t near the door, Seth unlocks it and steps inside, making sure to close it behind him. He slides the key into his pocket and walks over to Wayne with the water.
Seth: Here you go, I’ve only had a few sips of this.
Wayne: Thank you kindly.
Desperate to keep the conversation going, Wayne quickly speaks again.
Wayne: Sorry, uh, what was your name again?
Seth looks at him, a little nervous to be in the room with him; for all he knows, Wayne is the one who murdered Douglas and Miles.
Seth: Seth Haynes. You’re… Wayne, right?
Wayne: That’s me (He smiles). Sorry, I, uh… You must think I’m being a weirdo. It just… it gets so lonely in here without anyone to talk to, you know? (He takes a seat) I feel so… out of the loop.
Seth: Heh… Yeah, I can imagine it.
Cautiously, Seth takes a seat as well, a few feet away from Wayne.
Seth: I’ve gotta ask, man… Did you really kill those people?
Wayne: No, I didn’t… I really didn’t. Come on, you even saw Sandra come in to visit me earlier, not even she’s convinced. No, this is just some trick by Edward to… get me out of the way. And you know what? I don’t blame him. I have a lot of respect for that man, as it turns out, you know? You guys are doing a… a good thing for us. It’s very brave of you all.
Seth: Well… I’m glad you think that. Not everyone believes in Edward. My friend Waita left our group not long ago… lost faith in him. I still kinda wish I went with him, y’know? He might’ve been right about this whole war.
Wayne: Oh? (He leans forward) I’m sorry to hear that, Seth. So… clearly I’m not the only one that’s had a run-in with Edward… heh. I mean, no doubt, he can be difficult… I often worry how close we are to being in the middle of a warzone. It’s only a matter of time.
Seth: Tell me about it… heh. You might’ve seen a lot more people wandering around this place… That Tobias guy went and got some of his old friends. It’s getting intense up in here… I think Edward is expecting Jadis and Don Clements to attack any minute. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t afraid.
Wayne: Me too, pal. Especially when I’m a sitting duck. When all hell breaks loose, I’m gonna be stuck in here. And you… Well, will you be stuck guarding me?
Seth: Good question… Nobody’s actually told me where I’ll be if they attack. Guess we’ll have to wait and see, huh? (He chuckles softly, looking down) But for now… Yeah, I’ll be here.
Wayne: You seem like a good man, Seth. I really appreciate you talking to me. I know this sounds crazy but… I’ll come out and say it. Do you think you’d be willing to… let me go?
Seth’s eyes widen in shock. He scoots awkwardly in his chair, away from Wayne, preparing to get up.
Seth: Yeah… No I can’t, man. I’m sure Edward will let you out eventually, though.
Sensing how uneasy Seth has become, Wayne tries to calm him down again.
Wayne: No, no. I’m sorry. It was just a thought… Not to… cause trouble or anything, but to leave… to just… leave, like your friend Waita. Just… forget I said anything. It’s not a big deal. I just, do you… do you think this war is really going to… end well for us?
Seth remains on the edge of his chair, more wary and uneasy now.
Seth: I-- I don’t have a lot of hope, to tell you the truth. I think we’ll put up a good fight… if that means anything. But I’ve heard people talking… Some sick looking people that came in earlier, Tobias’ friends. They were talking about how many people Don Clements has… how well-armed they are (He shakes his head, frightened).
Wayne: Oh, unbelievably so. Even if we've managed to… scrounge together a small army. Don Clements rules Kansas for a reason. I've heard about his manpower, the amount of firepower he has access to. It just… Part of me feels like Edward is walking you all to your deaths, you know? And for what? Why couldn't we all just leave like your friend did? Nobody has to die… Is everyone really about to lay their lives on the line for… what? This bank?
Seth: The thought’s crossed my mind, I won’t deny that. But I don’t think anyone else would leave… not right now. And me alone? I’m not a survivor, man. I’d die out there by myself. I feel I’ve gotta just stay put. Maybe it won’t be so bad… Maybe we’ll win.
Wayne: Maybe… You know what scares me, Seth?
Seth: What?
Wayne: That a man like Edward… little guy, uncharismatic, angry, stubborn, erratic… can amass such a following. Doesn't that scare you? That this… pathetic, unimpressive man can have so many people at his disposal? People treat him as if he's some kind of underdog when he's not. It's all an illusion. He's always holding the cards, and any card he isn't holding, he'll get a hold of by any means necessary. Everything goes his way. He gets whatever he wants… and all of it wouldn't be possible without people like you. No, really. People like you are the only reason he's gotten anywhere, and why the fuck should he? WHAT is special about him beyond his endless ambition, which serves him and only him. Do you feel some kind of rush that he's taking you up to the top with him? Do you think he actually cares if any of his pawns fall along the way as long as he reaches his end goal? There's nothing special about him, it's just a snowball effect. A couple of fools join him, and because he suddenly seems like the most influential man in the room, everyone else joins him. And more fools keep on joining and joining until he's landed where he is now! Fools like you, Seth.
Seth looks at Wayne, his mouth slowly opening to speak, but he doesn’t say anything at first. He stirs in his thoughts, feeling angry, but also like Wayne might be correct.
Seth: (Stubbornly, quietly) I’m not a fool… Whatever, man. What am I supposed to do anyway? It’ll take more than just me to get others to think that way. That’s what Waita thought… He said the same things, but nobody believed him, nobody went with him. It’s pointless, Wayne.
Wayne: (He sighs) I’m sorry.
Seth: Yeah, it’s fine, man.
Wayne: No, really. I’m sorry.
Wayne bursts out of his chair, lunging at Seth. Taken by surprise, Seth can’t react quick enough, and he is tackled off his chair and taken to the floor by Wayne, his head smacking off a table. Quickly, his hands enclose around Seth’s neck, strangling him.
Seth: CRRAGHGHG--
Wayne: Give me the key…
Seth’s eyes go fully wide, popping out of his skull. His hands shoot upwards, clawing at Wayne’s face, nails digging deep enough to leave visible marks.
Wayne: I’m leaving… Give me… the key!
Seth’s mouth opens wide, lungs desperately trying to inhale oxygen as a low, almost inaudible croaky noise emits from his throat. His legs thrash around like an out-of-control water hose, shoes pounding and squeaking against the floorboards. His face begins to turn purple, his brain quickly losing the oxygen it needs. A ringing persists in Seth’s ears; he doesn’t even seem to hear Wayne asking him for the key in his pure and utter fear.
Wayne: GIVE ME… THE KEY, SETH! STOP STRUGGLING… AND JUST GIVE ME… THE DAMN KEY!
But Wayne’s hands are so tightly locked around Seth’s neck that the young man couldn’t get a word out even if he wanted to. Seth starts to tug at Wayne’s hair, but his energy is so depleted by this point that Wayne hardly feels it. One of Seth’s legs finally goes still, the other one starting to lose its rapid kicking motions. Seth lifts his head slightly, staring right back into Wayne’s eyes, as his hands finally slide down his face, landing in awkward, twisted positions. His other leg goes motionless, and Seth’s body becomes completely limp.
Seth was dead, but so caught up in the moment, Wayne keeps his hands clasped around his throat for a few more seconds. He eventually lets go and pulls back, breathing heavily. He rubs his head, exhausted, and then looks down in horror, realizing what he’s done. With shaky hands, he checks Seth’s pocket and pulls out the key to the office.
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Scene #54
WICHITA STREETS - LATE EVENING
JADIS MILLER sits in the back of the truck, her head lowered and hands clasped together in deep thought. Next to her is JIMMY STONE, and sitting up in the front passenger seat is ETHAN NEWPORT.
A moment passes, before Jadis hears Ethan’s voice.
Ethan: We’re about to arrive at the bank.
Her head lifts, and Jadis unholsters her deagle, racking its chamber with a clean click. The truck rolls to a stop, and Jadis opens up the back doors. Behind their truck: three more armoured trucks packed full of her people. And behind those - six more trucks belonging to Don Clements, each one full of men armed to the teeth.
