SUN SIGNS

Episode Two – Taurus: Obstinance

written by

Wesley Jenkins

jenkinswe@gmail.com November 10, 2016

832-579-4884

2.

INT. – JOR’DVREAUX BISTRO – DINING ROOM – EVENING

KAYVON sits in a very smart suit and tie, shoes gleaming, waiting for his date to make her way back from the bathroom. He looks very at ease, picking at fancy breadsticks.

His date, DALILHAH, returns in a tight blue dress. She is beautiful and a little reserved. She doesn’t look excited to be back, perhaps she left to get a moment to herself.

KAYVON smiles.

KAYVON So? You gonna let me do your fortune?

DALILHAH is intrigued. She’s forgotten about this offer.

DELILHAH Oh. Yeah, boy.

She leans in giving her own, much more charming smile.

DELILHAH (CONT’D) I gotta do anything?

KAYVON No. You got something on you? Something old and important, you know?

DELILHAH thinks, put on the spot. She extends her hand.

DELILHAH I got my grandmother’s ring. It’s the only thing she left us – well, anybody. Tiny diamond, but you know.

KAYVON gently takes her hand.

KAYVON No, it’s beautiful. Like you, girl.

She sees he means it. The lights above them dim slightly and there is a sudden hush around them. Other FANCILY DRESSED PEOPLE stop talking and look toward their table, as if they can feel something, an electric charge. The WAITING STAFF gathers against the wall to watch.

DELILHAH Is it happening?

3.

KAYVON No, girl.

KAYVON closes his eyes. He opens them.

KAYVON (CONT’D) Your mother gave you this right

before she knew. She knew it was gonna happen. Told you. You didn’t believe her. She had a gift, Lilah, like me. She saw her own death then she died – that old story. Bad every time. Don’t worry, it won’t happen to you. That’s not your story. You? You came here because you want

to fall in love. You want to be swept off your feet and taken to a safe place with someone you can always trust and be whole and loved – loved as you have never been. But you won’t find what you seek. I’ll disappoint you. And the next one will and

the next one, some sooner, other’s later. You’ll have three children and their love. One grandchild in particular, Bess, she gon see you through thick and thin. You ain’t gotta worry. You’ll never be uncomfortable, lost or poor. And not alone. But you’ll never find love as you

seek it. Every single time the right man will pass you by, perhaps it’s your destiny, my holmes Murphy could tell you.

DELILAH rises from her seat. She’s completely fallen apart.

KAYVON (CONT’D) It’s ummm, I’m sorry don’t get

upset. I just mean it’s in the stars.

She rushes out of the restaurant in tears, sobbing.

KAYVON (CONT’D) Fuck. I’ve gotta learn to slip a lie or two in there.

The FANCILY DRESSED PEOPLE applaud, they could feel every word he spoke as he said it. He waves it off.

4.

WAITER More breadsticks?

KAYVON What, from one psychic to another? Yes man.

He slumps, defeated, and bites a breadstick.

INT. MURPHY’S BOOKSTORE – BACK ROOM - NIGHT

MURPHY, distraught, is putting ANGELA’S things away in a

box. The place is a bit of a mess with papers thrown all over the floor and folding chairs scattered haphazardly.

MURPHY turns around with a frown.

ANGELA is standing there, in the same clothes she wore during her last day as a living woman. She looks good, for a dead girl, striding over to MURPHY

MURPHY Yes. So, you’re a Level Eight psychic.

He takes her hand, squeezes. Energy cracks where their flesh touches.

MURPHY (CONT’D)

And a strong one. Psychics have a tendency to ghost, it’s in the research Cassandra gave me, and all those ancient Psychic Journals articles which manage to be boring even to an astrologer so…

ANGELA

So I’ve heard. I see you finally picked up on your gifts. Took you long enough.

MURPHY I’ve always been slow.

They sit down together in two folding chairs, very close.

MURPHY (CONT’D) Are you okay?

5.

ANGELA I’m dead, Murphy, so it’s safe to say no. Not to mention-

The weight of it all falls on her, she turns away, biting back tears.

ANGELA (CONT’D) I’m so stupid.

MURPHY What?

ANGELA Stupid, stupid, stupid. I could have left him. Shit, I could

have killed him in his sleep.

MURPHY Angela what he did had nothing to do with you.

ANGELA And now. He’s dead. My husband

is dead. Me and my husband are dead. God, I quit smoking for that asshole, even though-

(stops)

Is this going to be on the news? Have they found both our bodies?

MURPHY looks away.

MURPHY I can’t do this.

ANGELA I need to know.

She vaporizes. Reappears kneeling in front of MURPHY. It’s

sudden, but not disturbing. He looks down at her.

ANGELA (CONT’D) I’m glad you’re okay.

MURPHY Oh. Oh, God, don’t say that.

She vaporizes again and reappears by the door to the front

area.

6.

ANGELA It is though. I’m not ready to go. I have to work some things out. But I’ve thought about it all night and I can still do something, I can help you. I never told anybody this, but I

was a pretty stellar Level Eight. As in I knew I was gonna die. It was a real bummer, Murphs.

She vaporizes again and appears behind him.

ANGELA It’s been there for a while, the

feeling-

MURPHY Of what?

ANGELA The end.

They are quiet for a moment.

MURPHY I’m so sorry.

ANGELA There was no way out of it. The future isn’t kind, Murphy. Besides, if I was you I’d worry

about myself. I’m dead already, and you’ve got your own problems.

MURPHY What do you mean?

ANGELA Something- something I felt

before I- something very big coming out of the darkness toward you. It was huge and it was very intent. It came, probably from a far away place, across an ocean.

MURPHY You mean Cassandra?

7.

ANGELA (jumps)

Yes! She has plans for you, Murphy. Take it from me, one psychic to another, she’s dangerous.

MURPHY I’m well aware.

ANGELA Just keep an eye on her. I’m going to, umm, check up on my family.

She looks very, very sad as she walks to the door.

ANGELA (CONT’D) See you, Murph.

She opens the door, disappears before she can close it.

EXT. OUTSIDE CASSANDRA’S HOUSE – ASHYA’S CAR – DAY

ASHYA is once again sitting in the driver’s seat. GINA is in the passengers, singing along to the radio. ASHYA looks upset, almost as if she hasn’t slept. GINA looks fresh, energetic.

GINA

Is that bitch ever coming out?

ASHYA Shush. ‘That bitch’ can probably hear you. Aerokinesis is like her superspecialty.

GINA On top of all of the other ones?

ASHYA I know. The number of skills never really tells you how good someone is. But she’s Level One. You’ll are crazy unpredictable.

GINA We’ve got decades of research on

her. I think we got all the tricks.

8.

ASHYA If you say so…

GINA I’m gonna get him too.

ASHYA

What?

GINA The motherfucker who let you die. Murphy. I’ve been thinking all day about which of his chicken shit friends to take out first. He’d flip if I left that Four kid in pieces all over his

bed.

GINA looks pleased at the thought. ASHYA is not.

ASHYA What the fuck, G? Oh my God, don’t joke about killing that kid.

GINA I’m not joking. If I do the husband he’ll never work with me and, you know, the plan.

ASHYA You’re not killing anyone. We’ve killed enough. Now we’ve got to

focus. Who’s next?

GINA You found him a while ago. Carver something. I know just what to do with him. Right after-

A car pulls up, park. A man gets out, it’s MURPHY, LEATHER

BAG on his shoulder. He looks apprehensive as he makes the long walk up the curving path to the door.

GINA frowns.

GINA (CONT’D) Now we really gotta worry.

9.

INT. CASSANDRA’S HOUSE – DRAWING ROOM – DAY

The house is lovely and welcoming during the day. The drawing room is flushed with sunlight and a grand piano sits in the background. Refreshments scatter the coffee table and MURPHY and her stand by the window.

CASSANDRA You are aware of the Degrees of Psychism.?

MURPHY Give an astrologer some credit, of course.

CASSANDRA Ten knows hot or cold, can tell good from bad, Nine divines what’s under the veil.

MURPHY Eights have extended senses and foresight, Sevens can do mind

control, wipe memories.

CASSANDRA Sixes are known as killers, a moniker not-quite-deserved. They hide and observe, also foresee. Fives are the first manipulators of psychic energy.

MURPHY Fours originate all the “extra” gifts: telekinesis, hydrokinesis. And Threes are extremely gifted, able to access all the kinetics and many stranger gifts besides.

10.

CASSANDRA (squinting as if she can’t quite see them)

Twos are strange. I have known only two in my time, both

students. They learned and they left. They are a mysterious number, elusive, immune to many effects of the One. Under great stress, particularly gifted Twos have been known to graduate to Ones.

MURPHY

And Ones?

He’s genuinely curious.

CASSANDRA (very coy)

Anything is possible.

MURPHY smiles, he’s finally having some fun.

MURPHY I’ve heard you’re particularly skilled at aerokinesis. Is that where we’ll start?

CASSANDRA

(scoffs)

Don’t be ridiculous, Mr. Delacourte. We don’t know anything at all about you or your gifts.

MURPHY You know what you’ve seen.

CASSANDRA That’s just it. Come here.

MURPHY walks over and she takes his hands.

CASSANDRA (CONT’D) Oh, you’re a One for sure. It’s not a thing I could mistake.

I’ve never missed on a One, not once.

11.

MURPHY Oh.

CASSANDRA You’re strong, or you will be. You’re heavily repressed. God, it’s a wonder you’ve haven’t

already blown the roof. We’ve got to get you steady and under basic control. It takes years to master the psychic arts and no one ever does completely, that’s what makes it so arresting. But I can get you started. Prepare you-

MURPHY Will I finish this training in time to stop Gina?

CASSANDRA I can’t predict everything. Stronger psychics are harder to see for, you’ll learn this with

time. Now-

She gestures. A wind throws open the windows, curtains shuddering. MURPHY is thrust, not too roughly, into a seat.

12.

CASSANDRA (CONT’D) Let’s get a little better acquainted with your gifts. I was performing advanced telekinesis at seven. By the end of eight I was an accomplished aerokinetic as well. But

techniques don’t make a psychic, Mr. Delacourte. They’ve never made a decent one to speak of. It’s something else. An impossible thing. You have it about you, your little friend too. That’s how she, what’s-her-name, Angela, that’s how she knew I was coming. It didn’t

matter she’s only a Level Eight who I’d never think twice about, or even that her husband went on a killing spree and now she’s dead. She was still looking out for you. She couldn’t save herself. Poor thing, she was good enough to know it from the

start. Call this lesson one, Mr. Delacourte, and the kindest one you’re ever likely to get. Never underestimate a psychic merely because they aren’t up to your Level, you never know what tricks they’re hiding. As for yourself.

She walks over to her mantelpiece. In an ornate wooden box are neatly stacked cigarettes. She takes one. Lights it using a nearby candle. Puffs.

CASSANDRA (CONT’D_) What have you to offer, Mr. Delacourte? Surprise me.

MURPHY looks at CASSANDRA, out the window at the perfect

green hills, birds launching through the sky. He blinks, takes a breath, and stands. His expression is calm, resolute.

Outside, the sky is suddenly overcast and the room grows gray. CASSANDRA watches, her eyes never leaving her student.

A faint sound carrying the weirdness of another world

begins to groan and all the light in the room slants impossibly. A strange greenish glow hits MURPHY’s face and in that instant he becomes distant, eerie.

13.

For a moment the grim expression descends into rage, and then a huge explosion of force, a huge EMERALD FLAME, erupts from MURPHY’s entire body sending books hurtling helter skelter across the room. The CHINA on the coffee table flies away and shatters on the floor.

Untouched, CASSANDRA watches in the one spot where nothing

has landed.

MURPHY is still sizzling with this strange force.

CASSANDRA Hmmm, quilokinesis. This soon? That’s the second time you’ve surprised me. I’m going to have to keep an eye on you.

MURPHY No psychic jokes, Cassandra, there’s never a punchline that satisfies.

He is glowing with force and wears a small smile, quite confident.

CASSANDRA There is an order to these things, Mr. Delacourte, you’ll appreciate this because of your profession. Telekinesis is, of course, the most common – even some Fives can manage it. Aerokinesis is the hardest of

all. Pyro and hydrokinesis are equally the most common presentations in Fours and Threes and terrokinesis, very rare, comes strongly to a few particularly talented Fours. Messy business, that. Lost my first house over terrokinetic nonsense.

MURPHY Don’t show your prejudice.

CASSANDRA I’m not so conceited as to think I could hide them. Quilokinesis is common to all Fives and higher. But its advanced form,

which you just displayed, making a mess of my sitting room by the way, is - more than rare.

14.

MURPHY As in-?

MURPHY turns from her. The light turns with him. As his face slips out of view the books on the ground tremble and then leap back into their places.

CASSANDRA, heedless, walks over to the shattered CHINA, examining it where it lies on the ground.

CASSANDRA Ah, but all the broken things remain broken.

MURPHY walks over to examine the broken CHINA at her side. As he does the lights shifts back into place, sunlight

floods the room through the window. His regular, handsome face can still be seen. He seems less certain of himself than he did the moment before.

MURPHY Another lesson?

CASSANDRA

They come endlessly. The hassle is well known.

MURPHY I’ll be careful.

CASSANDRA Not too careful, I hope.

CASSANDRA gestures and the broken bits of CHINA leap into a nearby trashcan. She’s not even looking.

CASSANDRA (CONT’D) Now is the time to use the power you’ve been given. And don’t linger outside when you leave.

MURPHY

Are we done already?

CASSANDRA You might want to be getting home-

She looks at him. He doesn’t miss a beat, running for the door, grabbing his coat on the way out.

MURPHY Thank you, Cassandra!

15.

She turns back to the window, quirking an eyebrow.

CASSANDRA They always fall for that one.

INT. ELMORESY BANK – DAY

GINA walks into the bank directly up to BILL CARVER, a thick man in his 40s who looks worse for the wear. He frowns at her.

CARVER Can I help you, ma’am?”

GINA I came here to help you, Billy boy. Come on.

(TO EVERYONE) He’s on a break. It’s okay.

Everyone in sight pauses and nods quietly, except GINA.

CARVER follows her outside.

EXT. ELMORESEY BANK PARKING LOT - DAY

They stroll through the parking lot. Cars inevitably swerve around them. CARVER’s keeping an eye out, but GINA’s not worried.

GINA I did this a bit ago and I think I did it wrong.

CARVER I’m sorry? I’m sorry, but who are you?

GINA Listen, man. You’re not like everybody else. All your loser friends in the bank business or whatever.

CARVER Are you selling something or-

GINA stops.

16.

GINA You’re a psychic. Level Three, maybe a strong Four, I don’t know my quilo is shitty.

CARVER I’m not a-

He’s clearly shocked.

If I was a- Wouldn’t I know if I was a-?

GINA Nobody knows anything. Just hear me. Can’t be clearer.

(like Tarzan)

You psychic - have power.

CARVER (curious)

Like what?

GINA What?

CARVER What power?

GINA smiles.

INT. STACY’S BREAKFAST JOINT – DAY

JOHN and MURPHY are having a nice breakfast. The diner is bustling and people are in good spirits. MURPHY is frowning, staring out the window.

JOHN You’re always like this.

MURPHY What?

JOHN I mean after you’ve seen her.

She’s got you, Murphy.

17.

MURPHY Meaning?

JOHN Well she’s a Level One, she’s in your head. I think it’s good that you’re getting a better

grip on your-

He can’t think of what to call it. MURPHY shifts in discomfort.

MURPHY It’s not a bad thing. Necessarily.

JOHN I know! I wouldn’t say anything different. It’s just she’s got a hold on you and I’m worried.

MURPHY You don’t trust her.

JOHN We don’t know her.

MURPHY Well, she’s the only teacher available and people in the city are dying. It’s not just what happened with Niko-

JOHN -and Angela.

MURPHY Right.

(slight pause)

MURPHY (CONT’D)

Neptune’s positioning itself not so nicely over the city - we’re talking Twelfth House here. The planet of illusion and the unseen inside the house of secrets and self-undoing.

JOHN Cassandra hasn’t said anything

to you about a plague.

18.

MURPHY Cassandra doesn’t respect psychics that can’t figure it out for themselves.

JOHN If you say so. This is all

pretty mysterious to me. It’s just-

His hesitation is palpable.

JOHN (CONT’D) This is dangerous, Murphy. We almost got burned alive. He could have taken down the whole

building.

MURPHY But he didn’t because we stopped him.

JOHN Being Level One doesn’t make you

invincible. Ones have died before.

MURPHY Cassandra says they usually killed themselves.

JOHN I don’t like this shit, Murphy.

MURPHY (frustrated)

Well, I can’t stop. I’m sorry baby, but it’s not just a choice. Untrained, or as Cassandra says, unwatched, psychics are deadly. If Niko

could have gotten the help he needed-

JOHN Nothing was going to help Niko, Murphy. Is that what you think you’re doing? Saving bad psychics? And what are you gonna do when they don’t want to be

saved? The same thing we did to Niko?

19.

MURPHY What?

JOHN I shouldn’t have brought it up. Let’s go, I’m finished.

A deep pause.

MURPHY Niko-

But he’s interrupted by the sound of a terrible crash. MURPHY and JOHN look at each other, register that something is wrong.

JOHN Fuck.

MURPHY rises and springs for the door. JOHN throws a few bills on the table and follows in swift pursuit.

EXT. OUTSIDE STACY’S BREAKFAST JOINT

MURPHY and JOHN emerge to a street in chaos. A TREMENDOUS CRACK has opened in the middle of the street. People are jumping out of their cars and running screaming from the scene. Faintly, the ground beneath the city block trembles. Everything except Murphy shakes.

JOHN looks at MURPHY who does not appear frightened. He looks furious.

MURPHY Gina.

EXT. STREETS OF ST. LOUIS – ASHYA’S CAR – DAY

GINA and CARVER are shooting up the street, GINA at the wheel, while she laughs madly. CARVER has a small smile.

GINA Excellent work man. Honestly, beautiful.

CARVER

Award for best student, huh? I hope I didn’t hurt anybody.

20.

GINA Oh-

(waves hand)

-I moved all the people in the street and you didn’t take down

any cars – though you totally fucking could’ve. The future.

CARVER It just happened. I don’t really know where all that- That, umm…

He’s at a loss. GINA slows the vehicle and gives him a pat on the back.

GINA Man. You’re flying pretty high, don’t worry about it. My girl, she could talk to ghosts and now she is one. It’s not so bad, death, except the fucking goes to shit. My fingers are bone

dry.

CARVER Umm…

GINA But she’s the same. She’s okay. She really is.

CARVER Uh.

GINA Like, she’s definitely more powerful than ever. Found you instantly, and now she can be there too. It’s cool. It is.

CARVER Yeah. So, uh-

GINA But it ain’t the same. You know. It’s just not.

CARVER I do know.

GINA looks at him.

21.

CARVER (CONT’D) About it ending. You know, the relationship. Me and my wife were- We’re fine now but once there was some trouble. This could help us. I think- If I think about it the right way I

can use this to-

GINA -do something.

CARVER Yes. That’s it.

They stop in the ELMORESY BANK parking lot.

CARVER My stop. Are we gonna-?

GINA I’ll be in touch. See you man.

CARVER

Yeah.

CARVER gets out and walks to his car. GINA watches him, a bit less friendly.

GINA And they say I’m dangerous.

EXT. TOWER GROVE PARK – DAY

KAYVON, still a little sad about last night, walks through the park. A few people walk and play in the distance, otherwise he’s alone. The wind blows through the trees and KAYVON slows until he reaches a standstill, he senses something. In the wind? In the trees?

Leaves swirl in a circle on the ground feet from him and

ASHYA appears, looking quite annoyed.

ASHYA (murmurs)

As if I’d want to watch it.

KAYVON Hello?

22.

ASHYA Oh, sorry. I was swimming along in the netherverse and felt a little tug that pulled me here.

KAYVON Netherverse? Girl what? Are you

looking for a spirit guide or something cause that’s not really my thing.

ASHYA Don’t be stupid, Kayvon. Yeah, dead people know things. I was- Well I was passing the time.

KAYVON Umm, it might be a while.

ASHYA I’m a fresh kill, boy, don’t be an asshole.

KAYVON

I’m sorry. I’m just. It’s been one of those days, you know.

ASHYA Definitely. Your aura is a fucking mess. Let me see.

She approaches, hovering just above the ground.

ASHYA (CONT’D) Oh I get it. A smooth talker.

(smiles)

With a big ass mouth.

KAYVON Stop it.

ASHYA We’ve all had our fun. Nobody’s innocent.

KAYVON Right.

ASHYA

Anyway, what you did wasn’t really bad.

23.

She looks very sad, reaches into her pocket and pulls out a little plastic thing that glints in the shadows, a CANDY wrapper, the one from the hookah shop. She turns in her fingers, listens to the crackling.

ASHYA (CONT’D) Not really…

KAYVON Are you okay?

ASHYA People ask you that a lot more after you’re dead.

KAYVON

I mean it.

ASHYA I know you do. That’s what makes it so sad.

KAYVON Let me see.

KAYVON takes the wrapper from her fingers gently. She lets him. Is she curious? KAYVON closes his eyes. Around them the wind blows and the shadows lengthen, the sun is just about to set.

KAYVON (CONT’D) She loves you.

ASHYA I know that. It isn’t enough.

KAYVON But she’s not a loving person.

ASHYA looks at him. This is clearly painful for her to hear.

KAYVON (CONT’D) She’s never loved anyone. Ever. There’s something dangerous about her. Murder. She murdered some people. Lots of them.

ASHYA We did.

KAYVON shakes his head.

24.

KAYVON I don’t sense that. She knows Murphy. She saw him earlier that day. It’s faint, but it’s there.

ASHYA Yes. I found out about that.

That was never the plan. What the fuck is she doing?

KAYVON But the love is real. It’s a rare thing. Love.

ASHYA There’s a reason for that.

KAYVON Some will never get it, you know. The real kind.

ASHYA Aren’t they lucky.

KAYVON Why did you let me have this? You know I know Murphy. You’re hiding something.

ASHYA (laughs)

Come on, Murphy Jr. Let’s go for

a walk in the park.

She starts away before she even finishes her sentence. KAYVON follows.

INT. MURPHY’S PSYCHIC BOOKSTORE – FRONT AREA – NIGHT

MURPHY opens the front door and enters. CASSANDRA, ANGELA and JOHN are all standing awkwardly in different sections of the room. JOHN is staring at his phone, leaning against the wall. He can’t see ANGELA, who sits on a tall bookcase looking down on CASSANDRA who carefully ignores the ghost, letting her finger graze the books as she walks up and down the aisles.

They all gather by the front desk when MURPHY enters,

somewhat relieved.

25.

MURPHY I’m so sorry. I see you’ve met Cassandra.

CASSANDRA Yes, I have been met. And I’ve made John and Angela’s

acquaintance as well.

JOHN Angela?

ANGELA You haven’t said a word to me.

CASSANDRA

(looks her up and down)

What is there to say?

MURPHY (sighs)

Angela’s a ghost. She’s been haunting the bookstore.

ANGELA I’m pretty sure “haunting” is insensitive.

MURPHY Yes. Well. You’re an Eight so

you can’t actually see her, but you should be able to sense her.

JOHN Umm.

He reaches out with one hand, stopping just short of ANGELA, who’s sitting on the desk, swinging her legs.

JOHN (CONT’D) It’s kind of cold here.

CASSANDRA Yes, yes, visitors from the spirit world, it’s all very exciting. But there is business to attend to. Have you seen the evening news?

The room grows still at this statement, except for ANGELA who is oblivious.

26.

ANGELA Haven’t. What’s going on?

CASSANDRA There’s the slight problem of a crazed terrokinetic on the loose, much more dangerous even

than you’ve supposed, I can assure you.

JOHN We saw it up close.

CASSANDRA Did it frighten you?

ANGELA looks over at CASSANDRA, a little surprised.

ANGELA You’re afraid.

CASSANDRA Oh yes. I’m no fool girl. Power doesn’t make everyone mad.

MURPHY I can stop him.

CASSANDRA Yes. But first we have to find him and I’m at a loss. That girl, what’s-her-name, Gina, she’s got a good shield up. She

didn’t make it alone.

MURPHY No, I’d imagine not.

CASSANDRA I can’t see where they are or what they’re going to do.

JOHN Don’t you have any Three friends? You taught all those Threes…

CASSANDRA They’re not stupid enough to take on a One.

JOHN Yes, but they’re trained.

27.

CASSANDRA Excuse me, is there a problem?

ANGELA Guys!

CASSANDRA

He can’t even hear you.

MURPHY Guys.

When he speaks they all look at him.

MURPHY (CONT’D) What do we know?

CASSANDRA He’s with that girl. She found him, took him to that street.

She looks at JOHN.

CASSANDRA (CONT’D)

It was a threat.

JOHN But he didn’t actually hurt us. Why not, if she’s so pissed at you? I mean, what is this all about?

ANGELA

She wants Murphy, your power. And you are powerful whatever you think or say. Her hunger is real, and she’ll do anything to get it.

CASSANDRA This we’ve seen.

JOHN It’s you Murphy. She wants you.

MURPHY takes in all that they’re saying, nods, then turns the large computer screen on his desk so they can all see it. A blank ASTROLOGICAL CHART is displayed, waiting to be filled.

28.

MURPHY Let’s play a game. It’s called Find the Psychic. The winner gets to stop an angry psychic from fucking up the city.

JOHN

What does the loser get?

MURPHY Crushed.

CASSANDRA Yes, I see. Well you are the quilokinetic. What did you pick up?

JOHN Quilokinesis?

MURPHY doesn’t answer, he’s deep in thought.

ANGELA The method and practice by which

a talented psychic senses or manipulates psychic energy itself. It’s how a high Level psychic knows the Level of another, how Fours make their shields, Fives drain power. It’s also-

CASSANDRA

What part of him not being able to hear you are you having trouble understanding? I’ve got nothing against a soliloquy, but dear.

As CASSANDRA finishes her statement, MURPHY steps away from the rest of the group, standing in front of the door. The DISPLAY CASE window begins to frost and the lights dim. A

hush settles over the room. He turns to face the others.

CASSANDRA (CONT’D) Yes.

That strange green glow hits him once again and this time his voice is strange, as if many MURPHY’S are speaking at once.

29.

MURPHY There wasn’t much energy left at the scene. But I did pick up a little. Can’t tell what it means though.

He appears perplexed. ANGELA and JOHN are standing side by

side, both clearly disturbed. CASSANDRA walks forward and offers her hands to MURPHY, palms up.

Slowly he approaches, reaches out, lowers his hands over hers, palms down. The lights shut off completely, but CASSANDRA and MURPHY can still be seen, bathed in the glow sparking between their hands, green meeting a frosty blue.

CASSANDRA withdraws her hands and the lights snap back on.

CASSANDRA There’s barely a particle. But-

(searches)

He’s, it’s certainly a he, is an Earth sign. Let me see, yes. I

have the birth date, year and time. And something about money…

MURPHY Perfect!

CASSANDRA Yes, I forgot. Your quaint science.

MURPHY I saw it too, the information you found in the energy I picked up and-

He types quickly on the keyboard, the computer blinks to a new ASTROLOGICAL CHART, this one full of planets and their various connections. The SUN is in TAURUS.

MURPHY’S eyes dart over the screen, learning, interpreting, understanding.

JOHN walks over and puts a hand on his shoulder.

JOHN Baby.

MURPHY No listen.

30.

He stands so they can all see the screen, pointing to its various features as he talks. Cut to-

EXT. CARVER HOUSE DRIVEWAY – NIGHT

CARVER pulls into his driveway. The house is a regular suburban thing. He gets out of his car and marches to his door, nodding his head, as if assuring himself of something.

MURPHY (V.O.) When you know someone’s chart you know who they are, where they go, what they do. But, most

importantly, you know want they want.

INT. CARVER HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

CARVER walks past the couch. Both of his KIDS are sleeping soundly. The television is still on.

CARVER lingers, but only for a second. Then he’s on the stairs headed up to-

INT. CARVER HOUSE – BEDROOM – NIGHT

A woman in her late thirties, PATRICIA CARVER, is sitting in a chair by the window still dressed for work, a nice

business blouse with most of the buttons loose and a pencil skirt. A wine glass sits on the sill. One of her fingers traces its circumference. She doesn’t look at him once as she speaks.

PATRICIA You’re home.

CARVER

I was- Yes. The bank was swamped.

PATRICIA You’re home, that’s all that matters.

She picks up her drink, has a sip. As MURPHY speaks CARVER goes to the closet and begins to remove his clothes.

PATRICIA sips from her wine. When she knows he’ll miss her she shoots a subtle glance.

31.

MURPHY (V.O.) Saturn and Mars in the seventh house of partnership – a strained marriage, and it’s badly aspected by the Sun and Venus, the ruler of the sun, so this is a focus point in his

life.

INT. MURPHY’S PSYCHIC BOOKSTORE – FRONT AREA – NIGHT

CASSANDRA Quit the planetary mumbo jumbo. Get to the point.

INT. CARVER’S HOUSE – BEDROOM – NIGHT

CARVER is now completely naked. He slinks into the bed. PATRICIA finishes her wine. She places the cup on the counter and walks to the bed as MURPHY speaks.

MURPHY (V.O.)

He’s lonely, even in love and especially in his marriage which he considers a shackle and burden. He likes his kids well enough but he never wanted them and wouldn’t miss them too much if they disappeared.

INT. MURPHY’S PSYCHIC BOOKSTORE – FRONT AREA – NIGHT

JOHN Uh-oh. Anyone else thinking “uh-oh”?

ANGELA It’s not good.

INT. CARVER’S HOUSE – BEDROOM – NIGHT

CARVER and his wife are having sex now. It’s not terrible, she’s close, he’s working for it. But the passion falters. He climaxes, maybe she does too, either way she’s not satisfied as she turns over to descend into blessed sleep.

There’s nothing cruel in how she turns away. She’s just tired. CARVER looks at her, we can see his sadness.

32.

MURPHY Love isn’t where his heart is. Security is, namely comfort. All of this is emphasized by the Taurus Sun. But it’s been denied him. In life it will never be easy for him to obtain what he

desires. Saturn has too strong a hold here. In moderation it creates fortitude, strength, and wisdom, but in excess- It’s like there’s something sitting at the center of his life sucking all the joy out of it. The way out is Venus but he won’t take it. The pathway requires surrender

and he can’t do that. Not ever. That’s how he’s kept going, that’s what’s going to destroy him.

JOHN Destroy? When you say destroy I worry.

CASSANDRA Do you know where he is?

INT. CARVER’S HOUSE – BEDROOM – NIGHT

CARVER gets up and walks to his window. His wife is peacefully asleep. He collects her cup, the bottle of wine.

Throws them out the window, onto the grass and bushes below in the backyard.

INT. MURPHY’S PSYCHIC BOOKSTORE

MURPHY He’s angry. He feels he’s been

cheated by the world. He’s worked and done all the right things and he’s not happy. His marriage is empty. His kids don’t know him well enough to love him. He wants to break free but-

MURPHY looks worried suddenly.

ANGELA/ JOHN But what?

33.

MURPHY -the past is standing in the way. We’ve got to go to him. Now.

CASSANDRA Wonderful. Now if you’ll simply

tell us where he is-

MURPHY Far from work. He’s in with big money somehow, a businessman or CEO or something. But astrology doesn’t usually get that specific.

CASSANDRA Forget astrology, boy, apply yourself. When a problem presents itself the wise psychic must first evaluate their gifts. Of what am I capable?

MURPHY thinks.

MURPHY Location psychism requires a strong personal focus. There’s no focus more personal than a birth chart, is there? Completely unique.

He reaches out toward the computer and the screen fuzzes

and blinks.

MURPHY (CONT’D) Address. He’s ten miles away. I can see it. Two stories. A wife, distant, kids, more distant. He’s a stranger in his own house.

CASSANDRA Let’s cry for him after we’ve caught him.

MURPHY When you say catch-?

CASSANDRA Did you read the books I gave

you?

34.

MURPHY I’ve gotten through the first seven but-

CASSANDRA Skip to the last four. Just use your quilokinesis. Go now.

MURPHY One thing.

He turns and kisses JOHN on the cheek. JOHN does not respond in kind.

MURPHY (CONT’D) I’ll be back, baby.

He grabs his LEATHER BAG and exits.

CASSANDRA Which one of them is more dangerous I do not know.

JOHN

You’re not going with him?

CASSANDRA (moving on)

Talk to the ghost.

EXT. TOWER GROVE PARK – RUINS – NIGHT

KAYVON and ASHYA are sitting on benches by the pond, just before the ruins, a false display of a crumbling edifice.

ASHYA -so you stay even though you hate them.

KAYVON Never really been hated. Or liked for that matter.

ASHYA I’m sure you’re liked.

KAYVON

No, I mean loved.

35.

ASHYA You?

KAYVON Everybody wants love man. People who say different are lying.

ASYHA (nodding)

I bet you can tell. Like, really tell.

KAYVON Sometimes.

ASHYA You’re a Four. All the time. What’s the biggest lie you’ve ever caught someone in? You can’t use me, I’m fucked up and dead and that’s just cheating okay.

KAYVON Naw. Let’s do something else. I gotta get back soon anyway.

ASHYA Aw, we just got started! Plus I could teach you a few things. I am a Three, who manifests at the One Level with skills pertaining

to the spirits and dead.

KAYVON And you said I had a spiel.

ASHYA Oh come on.

KAYVON

Fours don’t need teachers. The best ones never got taught. Anyway, it’s gonna be my curfew.

ASHYA Fuck curfew. Curfew? Seriously, Kayvon, curfew?

36.

KAYVON Not all of us can live as renegade Threes. I’m boring, Ashya. Except for when I’m interesting which nobody seems to like so- I’ll see you tomorrow though.

ASHYA Wait!

They’re interrupted by a sudden quake that starts, shaking the trees. KAYVON falls. ASHYA darts her head left and right, searching for the source. Both of them stare at a certain spot in the darkness.

Striding out of the darkness is CARVER, hands in pockets. He doesn’t tremble with the ground. Suddenly it stops.

ASHYA kneels by KAYVON as CARVER approaches.

ASHYA Back!

She raises a hand and CARVER flinches.

KAYVON Hey, pretty good.

CARVER Can the shield save you if I, say, open up a hole beneath you? I’ve been playing around,

reading up a bit, you know this shit is pretty interesting. It’s not all holding hands and looking into crystal balls.

KAYVON Right, some of it’s murder and mayhem. You know you’re giving us a bad look man.

CARVER I’m strong. Not like you. I’m new but I can feel your weakness.

ASHYA Kinetics are overrated asshole.

KAYVON Please don’t do this man. Please, please, please.

37.

CARVER looks hard at KAYVON and the boy’s feet begins to sink into the earth as if I has become quicksand beneath him though it remains dry. In seconds he’s in up to his knees. Then his torso.

ASHYA is watching horrified.

CARVER Not enough to fully cover your friend. I’m stronger than you. G says I’m a Four that, what, uh “manifests at Three to Two with gifts pertaining to terrokinesis”. I like this psychic shit.

ASHYA Stop it.

CARVER You’re dead. So go be dead or whatever. It’s all you can do to stay here. I don’t even know what I’m doing and I’ve just

about-

ASHYA fuzzes slightly and subtly disappears into the shadows. Reappears looking still more frightened.

ASHYA No. Fucking-

She flashes in and out of view, vaporizing and

materializing all around them, blinking from place to place. KAYVON is up to his neck now and wheezing.

CARVER Yes.

CARVER kneels before him.

CARVER (CONT’D)

I don’t even have to send you down all the way. I can collapse your lungs. The pressure- unbearable. Scared to think of it. Or I could just pop your head right off. Pop!

KAYVON (passing out)

Fuck… Off…

38.

CARVER stands.

CARVER Good night.

ASHYA appears, kneeling next to KAYVON, her hand on his cheek.

ASHYA Together!

KAYVON and ASHYA shut their eyes.

A terrible gash of light cuts through the air high in the trees, and a wispy figure descends. It sails down, alighting in front of CARVER. It is his wife, PATRICIA. She

is soaking wet. She looks at CARVER. He stands absolutely still.

PATRICIA I knew it. I did.

She blinks at him, realizes he’s not worth it. The GASH releases another glowing figure.

PATRICIA (CONT’D) It’s my fault really.

The figure lands. It’s CARVER’S MOTHER.

CARVER’S MOTHER What the hell are you doing! How could you- Oh my God. Oh my God.

I raised a monster. I actually raised a monster. I just don’t know how you could be like this.

CARVER is unsettled, plugs his ears, falls to his knees.

ASHYA How’s your terrokinesis?

KAYVON Nonexistent.

ASHYA No, you’re a Four. It’s just weak. Listen, we’ll do it together. I can’t hold him off and maintain the spirits for long, even with the two of us so

you’ll have to take most of it. Just relax and kinese.

39.

KAYVON I – I don’t do kinetics.

CARVER’S FATHER has descended as well.

CARVER’S FATHER Fucking failure. Couldn’t take

what you were given and- I don’t know what to do. What’s there to do? Look at you.

CARVER’S MOTHER Look at you. It’s sick!

PATRICIA The kids-

She’s too angry to speak. CARVER still has his hands over his ears and he’s crying furiously.

EXT. STREETS OF ST. LOUIS – MURPHY’S CAR – NIGHT

MURPHY is driving fast. The green light hits his face again.

Outside on an empty road, a ghost image of CARVER’S HOUSE suddenly appears. A tree passes and we can see the backyard of the house, CARVER yelling at PATRICIA both of them gesticulating violently. The vision is silent, hazy at the edges. MURPHY struggles to watch it and keep his eyes on the road.

CARVER takes a step back and a hole opens up beneath PATRICIA. She plummets in an instant. The hole closes as if it never were. CARVER stands.

MURPHY looks more and more uncomfortable as the scene plays out.

On the other side of the road the bedroom of CARVER’S KIDS

sits, open to the night air. CARVER examines them where they lie sleeping on the couch, napping, yet there is something more sinister in the image, they are too helpless, too still. CARVER’S face is steel.

CARVER Good night.

He turns and walks away.

MURPHY Oh no. Oh no. Oh no.

40.

A trees passes and we see the HOUSE in full. CARVER walks out of the door gets in his car. As the car heads up the road the house epically caves in on itself. Dust and debris fill the air. Afterward it is very very quiet.

MURPHY, wheels screeching, turns the car around.

EXT. TOWER GROVE PARK – RUINS – NIGHT

ASHYA and KAYVON are focusing. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, KAYVON begins to rise out of the ground.

CARVER is a mess of tears. Two more lights speed out of the GASH and form in from of him. His KIDS. They are holding

hands, standing close to PATRICIA who wraps her arms around them.

The KIDS look confused and sad. ASHYA notices them for the first time and breaks from KAYVON, shocked. KAYVON sees them too. He wrenches his arms out of the ground, grass and dirt spraying everywhere. His legs follow.

KAYVON Let’s go.

ASHYA is frozen.

KAYVON (CONT’D) Ashya!

He doesn’t wait. When KAYVON is in the distance ASHYA

vaporizes.

CARVER has finally calmed, he’s breathing deep. He pushes himself to his feet.

CARVER I never should have had you. Any of you. I’m sorry. I am.

Each of the ghosts stares at him in silence until they disappear, in the order they arrived. The KIDS linger. They are silent, betrayed. CARVER frowns at them.

As they fade a voice echoes down.

MURPHY (O.S.) Good night.

CARVER whirls. No one is there.

41.

CARVER Hello?

He adjusts his collar, gathers himself. Then he sinks into the ground, leaving no trace.

EXT. STREETS OF ST. LOUIS – MURPHY’S CAR – NIGHT

INT. MURPHY’S PSYCHIC BOOKSTORE – FRONT ARE - NIGHT

MURPHY, still driving, is on the phone with CASSANDRA. JOHN is pacing before her by the front desk as they speak. ANGELA stands close as well, eating up every word.

MURPHY Lost him.

CASSANDRA Did you check the house?

MURPHY says nothing.

CASSANDRA (CONT’D) Murphy?

MURPHY No. I didn’t, uh, I didn’t make it to the house. I need to find him now though.

JOHN

Is he okay?

CASSANDRA (TO JOHN) I think time is of the essence, dear.

CASSANDRA (TO MURPHY) Think of the chart. He’s a big boy now, he’s going to want to

do big boy things. Where’s the best place in the city for him to make his little show?

MURPHY Not a show. Not at all.

CASSANDRA Good luck.

She hangs up. JOHN looks sick.

42.

CASSANDRA (CONT’D) Don’t fret. He’ll be perfectly fine. I’m almost positive.

JOHN stomps off to be alone.

KAYVON bursts through the front door still covered in dirt.

KAYVON Where the fuck is Murphy!

CASSANDRA Handling it.

When KAYVON sees ANGELA he immediately crumbles into tears.

ANGELA Come here.

She walks over and wraps him in an embrace. A static glows sparks where their flesh meets. She hugs fiercely.

ANGELA (CONT’D) It’s okay. It’s okay, we’ve got

you.

CASSANDRA clicks open her purse and pulls out a cigarette.

CASSANDRA Anyone got a light?

EXT. STREETS OF ST. LOUIS – MURPHY’S CAR – NIGHT

MURPHY swerves, nearly hits a car as ASHYA materializes in the passenger’s seat.

ASHYA So I hope you’re headed where I think you are.

MURPHY

Where is he?

ASHYA The Gateway Arch. Do you want me to- I can help you.

MURPHY No. You’re a ghost.

ASHYA So.

43.

MURPHY So if he happens to have gifts pertaining to spirits and the undead he could get rid of you – for good.

ASHYA

You’ve been studying.

MURPHY looks at her.

MURPHY I have to.

The ARCH comes into view. ASHYA vaporizes.

EXT. ST. LOUIS GATEWAY ARCH – NIGHT

CARVER stands some distance from the ARCH on the grass, looking up at it. Behind him, MURPHY approaches.

CARVER doesn’t turn around.

CARVER It’s you, I can feel it. That’s strange, right? This psychic stuff…

MURPHY Strange. Yes, that’s one word for it.

MURPHY approaches.

CARVER You think I’m a monster.

MURPHY I thought you were greedy, desperate, lost, but a monster?

CARVER turns around.

CARVER I did some bad things. But I’m okay. I feel free.

MURPHY I know, I can feel it.

44.

CARVER Are we gonna kiss now? Like you and your husband?

MURPHY You can’t read a One.

CARVER G told me. Where you live. Where you sleep.

MURPHY’s frown is deadly. That strange sound echoes through the air again and the green light rises. CARVER, suddenly disturbed, jumps back, raising his hands as if warding off a great wind.

CARVER Fucker-

His feet sink into the soil. He grits his teeth and pushes upward. A just-barely-there sheen of paler greenish light surrounds him in an orb that glistens before fading into invisibility. He stands upright, protected.

CARVER (CONT’D) She taught me that. Said you were friends.

MURPHY You killed your family.

Gently the ground begins to shake. At first it seems like it’s just the ground around them, but them it’s clear the

whole city is shaking. Above, the great ARCH wobbles dangerously.

CARVER I never should have had a family. Don’t you see what we can do, Murphy? With our gifts, I mean. We can fix things. Change the world.

MURPHY Fix your wife? Fix your kids?

CARVER You could too. You’re stronger than me even. You could probably destroy me where I stand.

MURPHY I’m not killing anybody.

45.

CARVER Then what are you going to do!

The trembling escalates into a full on quake.

CARVER (CONT’D) There’s a pretty big fault line

below. Not far, since we’re talking about things we can feel. It’ll rip this whole shit town in half and send all of you to hell.

MURPHY Carver…

Cracks open in the ground, snaking out from the spot where CARVER stands, decimating the landscape beneath the ARCH. Though the structure still stands it looks like it could topple at any moment.

MURPHY rises from the ground as the cracks spread, frowning almost sadly. He extends a hand and the eerie translucent flame from before surrounds it. He’s staring at CARVER.

CARVER is looking back.

CARVER There is no security. It’s bullshit. Everything that’s yours owns a piece of you. No, I want you to understand. Someone- someone’s gonna listen. When

they’re gone, when all of it’s gone-

MURPHY makes a small gesture and CARVER is surrounded in a neat orb of translucent emerald flame. As it forms the pale greenish shield CARVER erected blows away in a glittering sheet. The quake abruptly stops.

Slowly, the cracks on the hill begin to close, sealing up

as MURPHY lowers to the ground, approaches CARVER. The shield MURPHY place around him is invisible now, but CARVER is completely immobile.

CARVER I’m not dead.

MURPHY No, but you’re still done.

CARVER is grave. This is not what he wanted.

46.

MURPHY (CONT’D) A quilokinetic shield, of the stronger variety. It absorbs all your energy and turns it back on you.

CARVER

You can’t hold it forever.

MURPHY No. One day it will degrade and you’ll be free and, if you choose to, you’ll escape and then I really will have to kill you. But tonight? You’re not going to hell. You’re not going

to gaze up at your family as they hold each other in heaven and heal themselves by forgetting about you. No. You’re going to jail. There’s quite a lot of jealous Five’s just chomping at the bit to get their hands on a tasty little Four.

CARVER You can’t torture me.

MURPHY Can’t is a funny word. A funny funny word.

CARVER is silent. MURPHY looks up at the ARCH. It appears

to be standing soundly.

MURPHY (CONT’D) If it makes you feel any better, you’ll be very secure where you’re going.

EXT. STREETS OF ST. LOUIS – ASHYA’S CAR – NIGHT

GINA throws an empty Twizzler’s wrapper out the window. ASHYA materializes next to her.

GINA That fucker got another one.

ASHYA What?

47.

GINA I just felt geo-boy drop off the grid. He’s either dead or-

ASHYA He’s not dead.

GINA looks at her.

ASHYA (CONT’D) I would know.

GINA What you been doing? Ghost games?

ASHYA Nothing. Being dead is a whole lotta nothing.

GINA reaches out, caresses her face. Sparks hiss into the air at the contact.

GINA

Hey, baby, don’t be like that.

ASHYA I’m sorry.

GINA Don’t be sorry, come here.

GINA pulls ASHYA into an embrace. They nuzzle for a moment,

then they share a shining kiss.

GINA (CONT’D) We’re gonna be okay. We’re lucky. You’re special, I’m special. We can be special together.

ASHYA lets GINA hold her. Her eyes are very sad.

INT. MURPHY’S PSYCHIC BOOKSTORE – BACK AREA – NIGHT

KAYVON and ANGELA are sitting next to each other in the center of a mess of folding chairs.

KAYVON

All my friends are dead.

48.

ANGELA Shut up.

KAYVON I know I didn’t know you like that but- I’m sorry.

ANGELA All of this is too much to deal with. Anyway, your mom is probably pissed.

KAYVON She’s at work.

ANGELA

Oh.

KAYVON Angela- Angela it’s my fault.

ANGELA What?

KAYVON What happened. Ever since I heard I’ve been thinking about it. I could’a done your fortune. I could’a-

ANGELA Stop. Stop right now. That has nothing to do with you. Nothing.

KAYVON I’m sorry.

ANGELA I’m not doing this. Kayvon, what happened to me was going to happen no matter what. I’m an Eight.

KAYVON The Happy Psychic.

ANGELA That’s what they say. I made my mistakes and now- Now-

KAYVON

Nothing?

49.

ANGELA It’s all gone. But I don’t want you to be sad about it. You’re smart, you’re a talented Four. There’s all kinds of things someone like you can do.

KAYVON Like what?

He’s caught her off guard. She stumbles.

ANGELA Like- Well, like council others.

KAYVON

What, like Cassandra Killings?

ANGELA Her.

KAYVON What she doing here?

ANGELA Helping Murphy. I think.

KAYVON What?

ANGELA Forget it. Kayvon, you aren’t going to live forever. Take it

from me. Don’t waste yourself.

KAYVON nods, he’s received the message. CASSANDRA opens to the door to the front area, unlit cigarette still in hand. She looks at KAYVON.

CASSANDRA Need a ride?

INT. MURPHY AND JOHN’S APARTMENT - NIGHT

JOHN is sitting at the dining room table waiting. MURPHY enters, hangs his coat, finds JOHN. He’s clearly exhausted.

JOHN How was it?

MURPHY We stopped him.

50.

JOHN I’m glad you’re okay.

Silence.

MURPHY He, uh-

MURPHY sits down, not next to JOHN. He’s looking down at the table. JOHN is concerned.

JOHN Murphy.

He gets up and goes to him.

JOHN (CONT’D) It’s okay, baby, you can tell me.

MURPHY I can’t.

JOHN

You can. Always.

MURPHY He killed them. All of them.

JOHN embraces him. Rocks him gently, back and forth.

JOHN It’s okay, it’s okay.

Everything’s gonna be okay.

EXT. CASSANDRA’S HOUSE – BACK GROUNDS – GARDEN – DAY

CASSANDRA and MURPHY sit beneath a small pagoda in CASSANDRA’S glorious garden.

MURPHY

John didn’t want me to come.

CASSANDRA I’d imagine not.

MURPHY He’s pissed. He’s afraid and so am I.

CASSANDRA You looked smart. Now I’m sure of it.

51.

MURPHY How do you handle this? Is this what being a Level One psychic is? What about the power trips and the fun and-

CASSANDRA

Only available if you’re evil, I’m afraid. How I constantly aspire! But goodness comes with good feelings, at least. You don’t like the cookies?

MURPHY I’m not hungry.

CASSANDRA There is no one way of being anything. We are one thing and many things.

MURPHY Now who’s giving the mumbo jumbo?

CASSANDRA Shut up and listen. Ones are themselves – nothing else. There are no rules.

MURPHY There’s always rules.

CASSANDRA Of a kind, perhaps in a fashion. If that makes you feel better believe it. So much foolishness can give us strength.

MURPHY What are you trying to say?

CASSANDRA I cannot tell you you will be safe. There are no assurances, not at the level you’ll be playing at and people will die. They always do.

MURPHY So what do I do?

52.

CASSANDRA Reach. Risk. It’s worked out fairly well for me so far.

MURPHY smiles.

MURPHY

You’re a mean old saw.

CASSANDRA Sharper than ever though. Really, you’ll like them. I promise.

MURPHY picks up a cookie. Pauses.

MURPHY I can’t stop them all.

CASSANDRA looks out into the distance as if she is searching for someone.

CASSANDRA There’s only one you really have

to worry about.

MURPHY She meaner than you?

CASSANDRA By all accounts.

MURPHY takes a bite. The cookie is clearly delicious.

CASSANDRA (CONT’D) Eat up. I have a meeting after this.

INT. CASSANDRA’S HOUSE – SITTING ROOM/VERANDA – DAY

CASSANDRA walks in from the back grounds, closing the door

behind her. ANGELA forms out of the shadows in a corner of the room, behind CASSANDRA. The psychic whips a cigarette out of her sleeve and walks over to the mantelpiece.

CASSANDRA Yes, just like an Eight. Right on time.

ANGELA

I’m sorry, but I need to talk to you.

53.

CASSANDRA A tired refrain.

She opens the box on the mantelpiece and draws out a second cigarette. Heads toward the glass doors leading out to the veranda. As they speak ANGELA follows CASSANDRA to the doors.

CASSANDRA (CONT’D) You don’t trust me.

ANGELA Well, umm-

CASSANDRA I wasn’t asking. It’s fine. I

understand, I do. You lose it all- fear is the only appropriate response.

ANGELA You aren’t telling us everything.

CASSANDRA Who tells everything? Hmpf, no one happy. Even if I did know it all I couldn’t give it to you. The better a person you are the worse power is for you.

ANGELA I just. I have a feeling-

CASSANDRA And you trust it. That’s what I like about you.

CASSANDRA hands ANGELA a cigarette. They are at the doorway. CASSANDRA continues outside, resting her hands on the balustrade, examining her grounds. ANGELA remains by the door.

CASSANDRA You’ll succeed in your quest, you know. To help Murphy, I mean. And much else besides. Death isn’t the end of your life. There are more choices to be made and, yes, more mistakes.

ANGELA appears crestfallen.

54.

ANGELA Oh.

CASSANDRA Cheer up dear, fuck ups are the soil of happiness. And smoke up as well. I daresay you’ll feel a

lot less guilty.

CASSANDRA makes a subtle gesture and ANGELA’S cigarette lights.

ANGELA Thank you. But how can I, umm-?

CASSANDRA

Give it a try.

ANGELA inhales, exhales a large cloud of smoke.

ANGELA (relaxing)

I can actually feel it too. But

how?

CASSANDRA Just take the gifts that are given. Ask too many questions and you’ll have no time to enjoy them.

ANGELA

(looks at cigarette)

I was burned alive, you know.

CASSANDRA I know. We all have a fate and we’re all walking into it.

They share a beat. ANGELA walks forward to join CASSANDRA. They smoke together looking out on CASSANDRA’S beautiful grounds.