FADE IN:

EXT. FBI HEADQUARTERS -- NIGHT

It is a plain building with a sign that reads Federal Bureau

Of Investigations, Dallas Branch. There are only a few cars
parked in the parking lot, including an ambulance.

INT. FBI HEADQUARTERS LOBBY -- CONTINUOUS

A MAN sits in the lobby flipping mindlessly through a

paperback book, his face unseen. There is no one else in the
lobby except for the OPERATOR behind her desk.

OPERATOR
(into the phone)
This is my third double .shift this

month ... I know, I know, but the only other operator is out
sick ... I think she's on drugs ... Well her boyfriend is DEA
you know .. . AGENT RANDY HULL comes into the lobby and
motions to the man. He gets up and walks toward Hull,
stopping at the operator's desk. The operator looks up at
him.

OPERATOR (CONT’D)
(into phone)
Hold on.
(to the man)
Yes?

He puts the paperback on her desk and slides it toward her.

She looks at the book and then up at him.

MAN
I found it on the seat over there.

Someone must have left it behind. She nods with a smile, and
picks up the book. As he walks off, she looks at the back of
it and goes back to her phone call. He walks over to Agent
Hull, and they shake hands.

INT. DOYLE'S OFFICE -- MOMENTS LATER

Hull stands in the doorway facing the man, bu~ we still don't
see the his face.

HULL
You can wait in here. You need
 2.

anything? Water? Coffee?

( ':ONT INUED)

MAN
No I'm fine. Thanks.

HULL
It shouldn't be long.

Hull leaves, shutting the door behind him. The man looks
around the small office, noticing all the details: the walls
are covered with framed citations, official plaques, and
several framed newspaper articles on the capture of various
serial killers. There are several gory police photographs
from case files taped on the side of a filing cabinet. The
man wanders over to the desk which is littered with papers,
pens, a few more case file photos, and one framed eight by
ten glossy color photograph of a MAN in his twenties standing
next to a WOMAN in/her late forties with graying brown hair.
The man reaches for the photograph.

EXT, FBI HEADQUARTERS -- LATER

A car pulls into the parking lot, and AGENT WILLIAM DOYLE
gets out. He is the man from the photograph .except he is
older.now in his mid-thirties and has a hard, world-weary yet
powerful look to him. He looks at the ambulance as he walks
up the little concrete path to the building. Thunder rumbles
off in the distance.

INT. FBI HEADQUARTERS -- CONTINUOUS

Doyle walks into the reception area, where the operator is

reading the paperback.

DOYLE
What's that ambulance doing out
there?

The operator glances up from her book, shrugs, and goes back
to reading. He frowns at her, and exits into the main office
where there are several lines of cubicles that are mostly
empty except for one or two. Along the walls of the room are
·enclosed offices with large glass windows. He strides down
the hall. All of the offices are dark except for one. Doyle
looks at the lit office window and sees the back of a man's
head sitting inside. Hull sits .at one of the desk cubicles.
He looks up at Doyle from his computer.
 3.

HULL
Hello sir.

DOYLE
Hey Randy, how you tonight?

HULL
Can't complain. Is it raining out

yet'?

DOYLE
Not yet. A big storm's coming
though.

I can smell it in the air. (nods toward the office) That

him'?

HULL
Yep. Been here about an hour. Said

he'd only talk to you.

DOYLE
He asked for me by name'?

HULL
Nope. Asked for the agent in charge

of the God's Hand case. Doyle nods, still staring at the back
of the man's head.

HULL (CONT’D)
Said he had some important info on

it.

DOYLE
Didn't say what?

HULL
Nope. Said he'd only talk to you.

Might just be some crackpot but I figured I should call you

anyway.

DOYLE
With six murders and no substantial

clues, anything's worth a shot at this point.

 4.

HULL
Well if anyone can crack this case.

it's you sir.

DOYLE
(deadpan)
What's that on your nose Randy'?

HULL
(touches his nose)
Huh?

DOYLE
Looks a little brown from here.

Hull gets it.

DOYLE (CONT’D)
If you want that promotion, you
give

me hard work not a wet ass. You read me?

HULL
Yes sir.

Doyle looks at the back of Fenton's head behind the window.

DOYLE
Well, I'd better get to it.

Doyle walks off toward the office. Hull goes back to work.

INT. DOYLE'S OFFICE -- MOMENTS LATER

Doyle comes 'in. The man, FENTON MEEKS, looks up at him from
his chair by the door, but doesn't get up. This is the first
time we actually see his face. He is in his late twenties,
with an easy smile and bright blue eyes.

FENTON
You the agent in charge of the
God's

Hand case?

DOYLE
(nods)
Agent William Doyle.

He extends his hand to Fenton, but Fenton looks down at the

framed picture in his hands, ignoring Doyle's gesture.
 5.

FENTON
(looking at the picture)
Is this you and your mother?

Doyle sees the picture he's holding, the one of him and the
woman, and snatches it out of his hands.

DOYLE
I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't

take things off my desk. Doyle crosses the little office and
puts the picture back on his desk facing him.

FENTON
Sorry about that. I've been in here

for awhile. I've already read all your plaques and citations.
And I didn't care to look at those. Fenton indicates the case
file photos. Doyle· sits down at his desk and regains his
composure.

FENTON ( CONT ' D) (CONT’D)

Quite impressive, the plaques I
mean.

DOYLE
I'm good at what I do.

FENTON
You must be.

DOYLE
So what can I do for you, Mr ...

FENTON
Fenton Meeks. I have some
information

for you. Doyle just looks at him, waiting for him to

continue.

FENTON (CONT’D)
This may sound crazy, but ... I
know

who the God's Hand killer is. Doyle stares at him flatly, but
he doesn't continue. They stare at each other for a moment.

DOYLE
Alright, I'll bite. Who?

FENTON
You haven't even heard me out yet,
 6.

and already you doubt me. Why?

DOYLE
Because in a case like this no one

just walks into your office and tells you who the killer is.
It doesn't work that way.

FENTON
Sometimes truth defies reason Agent

Doyle .

DOYLE
Yeah? That's pretty good. You a

philosopher Mr. Meeks?

FENTON
No. A novelist.

DOYLE
That right?

FENTON
Well, a pulp novelist really. Crime

fiction.

DOYLE
Uh huh, well everybody's got to
have

a job. So let's get back to mine for a moment. Who is it?

They stare at each other for a moment.

FENTON
My brother.

Doyle waits for him to continue, but he doesn't.

DOYLE
How do you know that?

FENTON
I got a call from him last night
...

CUT TO
FLASHBACK:
 7.

EXT. ~.DAM'S HOUSE -- NIGHT

It is a small frame house. There is a van and a car parked in

the driveway. All the lights to the house are off except for
a dim light in the front window. Johnny Cash's Peace in the
Valley plays softly from inside the house.

INT. ADAM'S HOUSE -- CONTINUOUS

ADAM MEEKS, in his late twenties, sits at a small desk in the

far corner of the living room with his eyes closed. The song
plays on an old record player. He hums .along with it. On the
desk is an old typewriter, a gun, and two stacks of paper. In
one hand Adam holds a half empty bottle of Jim Beam, and in
his-other hand is a picture. It is a faded color photograph
of a man, DAD, and two boys, FENTON AGE TWELVE and ADAM AGE
NINE. He opens his eyes and sings to it for a moment and then
suddenly throws it to the floor .

He takes a drink from the bottle and looks thoughtfully piece

of paper taped on the wall in front of the desk. is a list of
seven names with six of them crossed out. at a It Taped next
to the list are newspaper clippings. One of the headlines
reads: GOD'S HAND CLAIMS 6TH VICTIM. He gets up, stumbles
over to the phone, picks it up, and dials.

INT. FENTON'S HOUSE -- CONTINUOUS

Fenton sits on the couch in the darkened living room, sipping

a beer and watching television. The phone rings. Fenton
reaches over and picks it up on the second ring.

FENTON
(into phone)
Hello.

There is a long pause. Fenton is about to hang up when ...

ADAM
Demons are taking over the world.

INTERCUT BETWEEN
FENTON AND ADAM:

FENTON
Adam? Is that you? What ...

ADAM
I can't take it anymore. I
 8.

can't destroy them all. everywhere. Fenton. They're

everywhere

FENTON
Adam, we need to talk about this
...

ADAM
There's nothing to talk about.
Whatever happens, you have to take
me to the rose garden. You
promised.

FENTON
I'm on my way over, alright?

The line goes dead.

FENTON (CONT’D)
Adam? Adam?! Damn it!!

He slams the phone and gets up.

INT. ADAM'S HOUSE -- CONTINUOUS

Adam goes back to his desk and sits down. He drinks the rest
of the bottle and picks up the gun, holds it to his head for
a moment, and then pulls the trigger. A WOMAN lets out a
startled cry from down the hall. The song ends.

IN!. FENTON'S HOUSE -- CONTINUOUS

Fenton walks down the hall and looks into the bedroom where a
woman, MARY, i~ asleep in bed with her back to him. He looks
at the back of her blonde head for a moment and then sighs.
He quietly goes to the dresser next to the door, opens a
drawer and takes out a handgun. He stares at it for a moment,
then shuts the drawer, grabs his car keys off the top of the
dresser next to the door, and hurries out.

INT. ADAM'S HOUSE-~ LATER

Adam's corpse is laying half in the chair and half on the

floor. Adam's GIRLFRIEND is on her knees, holding onto him,
crying. A police officer, HENDERSON, is kneeling beside her,
trying to coax her away from Adam's body.

HENDERSON
(softly)
C'mon ma'am. He's gone. C'mon now
...
 9.

GIRLFRIEND
(crying)
Oh Adaaaam ...

Henderson uncomfortably looks up for help and sees the two

paramedics MATT, and HUBERT come in carrying a stretcher.
They wait for Henderson to take her away. Matt is clean cut
in his mid-twenties. He looks around awkwardly, trying not to
look at the woman. Hubert is fat and frumpy in his late
thirties, and is staring straight at her. He can see her
breasts dangling in her over-sized nightgown perfectly from
where he stands.

ANGLE ON HER BREASTS

The image leads her Henderson stretcher over him. is broken

as Henderson gets her on her feet and to another OFFICER who
takes her out to the porch. nods at Matt and Hubert. They
unfold their and put Adam '.s body on it. Matt pulls a sheet
They all stand and regard the covered body.

HUBERT
Think the Cowboys'll make it to the

superbowl this year?

HENDERSON
Well hell yeah.

MATT
(looking at the chair)
You guys didn't chalk him?

HENDERSON
What's the point? That's for a
crime

scene.

MATT
Well isn't this a ...

HENDERSON
(impatiently)
The gun was in his hand .. There's

nothing to investigate. (to Hubert) You boys take him on over

to the morgue in Abilene. Tell Ed I'll be over directly to
fill out the paperwork. Hubert nods.

MATT
Aren't you supposed to escort us?
 10.

Henderson looks at Hubert who shrugs.

HUBERT
He's new.

INT. FENTON'S CAR - NIGHT

Fenton drives down Adam's street. He sees the ambulance and

police cars in front of Adam's house. He turns off his lights
and parks down the street. He sees the Girlfriend on the
porch, crying, and the paramedics loading the stretcher into
the ambulance. He punches his steering wheel.

FENTON
(upset)
Oh goddamnit Adam! Goddamnit!

INT. ·AMBULANCE - NIGHT

Hubert climbs into the driver's side as Matt gets in on the

passenger side and buckles up. Hubert st:rts the engine and
puts it in gear . •

MATT
Shouldn't you buckle up?

Hubert looks at him, rolls his eyes, and punches the gas.

INT. FENTON'S CAR -- CONTINUOUS

Fenton watches the ambulance drive off. He wipes at his

tears, and pulls out after the ambulance.

EXT. HIGHWAY -- MOMENTS LATER

The ambulance gets on the highway, followed by Fenton's car.

INT. AMBULANCE -- CONTINUOUS

Hubert and Matt drive along in silence. Hubert's eyes are

half glazed in thought as he drives.

INSERT: INT. ADAM'S HOUSE -- NIGHT

Hubert is looking at the Girlfriend's breasts. It's the same

scene as before except Henderson and Matt aren't there. He
walks up to her, pulls her up from Adam's corpse, and kisses
her, grabbing one of her breasts.
 11.

MATT (0. S.)

Jesus look out!

BACK TO SCENE:

Hubert snaps to and steers the ambulance back into the lane.
A car drives by honking and the DRIVER gives them the finger.

HUBERT
Yeah, fuck you too buddy.

MATT
You almost ran him off the road!

Hubert sees a big shining Texaco sign up ahead. He puts on

the blinker.

MATT (CONT’D)
What are you doing now? This isn't

the exit.

HUBERT
Gotta take a piss.

MATT
I don't believe this shit .

HUBERT
Well believe it.

MATT
Man, this is against regulations.

HUBERT
Look we got us a dead guy back
there right?

MATT
Yeah but ...

HUBERT
And that dead guy is still gonna be
dead whether or not I stop right?

MATT
Yeah man but ...

HUBERT
But nothing. I'm stopping.
 12.

EXT. TEXACO STATION -- MOMENTS LATER

The ambulance pulls into the parking lot and parks by the
pumps. Hubert kills the engine and gets out.

HUBERT
I'll be back in a few minutes.

He leans into the window.

HUBERT (CONT ID) (CONT’D)

Lighten up kid this ain't
necessarily against the rules.

He walks off.

MATT
(watching him go)
Asshole.

HUBERT
(walking away)
Dipshit.

Hubert waves at the attendant and then disappears to the side

of the gas station. Fenton's car pulls in, it's headlights
shining on Hubert as he opens the bathroom door .

INT. TEXACO RESTROOM -- CONTINUOUS

--\ Hubert enters, locks the door behind him, walks up to the
urinal and unzips his pants. He closes his eyes, and it is
obvious that he is doing something other than peeing.

INT. FENTON'S CAR -- CONTINUOUS

He is parked right outside of the restroom doors. for a

moment, thinking, then leans over, opens the compartment, and
takes out the gun. He checks the and gets out of the car. He
sits glove chamber

INT. AMBULANCE -- CONTINUOUS

Matt looks back at the shadow of the corpse, and then at the
side of the Texaco and frowns.

INT. TEXACO RESTROOM -- CONTINUOUS

Hubert continues to "relieve" himself.

 13.

EXT. TEXACO RESTROOM -- CONTINUOUS

Fenton checks the restroom door: it's locked. He looks around

nervously, positions his gun, and kicks the door open. He
sees Hubert. Hubert sees him. They both freeze: Fenton with
his gun in his hand, and Hubert with his dick in his hand.

INT. AMBULANCE -- CONTINUOUS

Matt lights a cigarette, and watches a pretty young GIRL pump

gas into her car.

INT. TEXACO RESTROOM -- CONTINUOUS

Hubert faces the wall with his hands behind his head. Fenton
stands behind him with the gun.

HUBERT
I know what this must look like but
...

Fenton hits him with the butt of the gun and he falls
unconscious on the bathroom floor. Fenton peels off Hubert's
white paramedic shirt from him.

EXT. TEXACO RESTROOM -- MOMENTS LATER

Fenton puts Hubert in the trunk of his car, and shuts it.

INT. AMBULANCE -- MOMENTS LATER

Matt watches the girl put the gas nozzle back. She notices
him and smiles. As he smiles back Fenton walks up, gets into
the ambulance and starts it up. Matt glances over at him, but
turns back to the girl.

MATT
Well it's about time. You've been
in there en...

Fenton slams the ambulance into gear and hits the gas. The
ambulance squeals out of the parking lot, hits the curb as it
gets back on the access road, and causes a car to swerve into
a telephone pole. Matt sticks his head out the window to see
the MAN from the crashed car screaming and waving his arms
after them.

MATT (CONT’D)
Jesus Christ! Did you even see him?
 14.

He pulls his head back in the ambulance and turns to Fenton.

MATT (CONT’D)
You just caused a wreck you stupid
...

His speech is cut off by Fenton's face.

MATT (CONT’D)
What the ... Who the fuck ...

His speech is cut off again by Fenton's gun in his face.

CUT TO PRESENT:

INT. DOYLE'S OFFICE -- NIGHT

Doyle sits at his desk, looking at Fenton carefully. Fenton

just sits, looking blankly back at Doyle.

DOYLE
And where is this paramedic now?

FENTON
(shrugs)
I dropped him off here in Dallas .

last night on my way to Tyler. Hell of a guy. He's probably

back in Meat by now.

DOYLE
Meat?

FENTON
Where all this took place. About

200 miles west of here. Just north of Abilene.

DOYLE
Why did you go to Tyler?

FENTON
To bury Adam in the Rose Garden.

DOYLE
And why would you do that?

FENTON
I promised him I would a long time

ago. Doyle rubs the back of his neck, still looking at

Fenton.
 15.

DOYLE
I've got~ lot of problems with what

you've just told me. But I'll just lay out the two major ones
for you. First of all you're describing events that you
couldn't have possibly witnessed.

FENTON
I described the suicide and the

ambulance driver's reasons for stopping as I imagine_d them

to be.

DOYLE
You've got a pretty sick
imagination.

FENTON
(shrugs)
Maybe, but the facts remain that my

brother did call and he did kill himself. And the ambulance
driver • did stop, and I did catch him going at it like a
thirteen year old boy in that bathroom. I filled in the
blanks with my imagination and from what Matt told me.

DOYLE
Matt? The paramedic?

Fenton nods .

DOYLE (CONT’D)
And where's your brother's body
now?

FENTON
Buried in the Tyler Rose Garden.

DOYLE
And you did all this because of
some

promise you made?

FENTON
Yep.

DOYLE
That's a pretty wild story Mr.
Meeks.

FENTON
It's the truth.
 16.

Doyle looks at him and frowns.

DOYLE
My other problem with this little

tale of yours is I can't see what, if anything, it has to do

with my case.

FENTON
Adam was the God's hand killer.

He's the one you're looking for.

DOYLE
Uh-huh. He tell you that before he

asked you to take him to Tyler? If so, you left that part
out.

FENTON
I haven't finished.

DOYLE
Oh there's more?

FENTON
A lot more.

Doyle stares at him for a long moment, and then suddenly

stands and smiles coldly at him.

DOYLE
Excuse me for a moment.

FENTON
Of course .

He crosses the office and exits.

INT. FBI HEADQUARTERS -- CONTINUOUS

Doyle shuts his office door behind him and looks back through
the window at Fenton. He walks down to Hull's cubicle where
he's still working on his computer. The place is even emptier
and darker than before.

DOYLE
Hey Randy. Do me a favor and watch
my office for a while.
 17.

HULL
What's up?

DOYLE
Might be a crackpot after all. Just
keep an eye on him for me.

HULL
Yes sir.

Doyle takes off down the hall. Hull looks over at the back of
Fenton's head through the window.

EXT. FBI HEADQUARTERS -- MOMENTS LATER

Doyle walks out to the ambulance, puts on latex gloves, and

tries the door. It's unlocked. He opens the door and looks
inside. A white paramedic's shirt lays in the passenger seat.
There is nothing in the back except for a stretcher. He opens
the glove compartment and sees the gun. He takes it out, and
checks to see if it's loaded: it is. He sniffs the barrel,
puts it back in the glove, and shuts the door. A bolt of
lightning lights up the sky as he walks away.

INT. FBI OFFICE -- MOMENTS LATER

Doyle sits in front of a computer. He picks up the phone next

to him and dials a number from the screen.

INT. MEAT POLICE DEPARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS

A pregnant blonde WOMAN sits at the front desk, reading a

magazine. The phone rings. She ignores the phone and keeps
reading, but picks it up on the third ring.

WOMAN
Meat Police Department.

INTERCUT BETWEEN WOMAN AND DOYLE.

DOYLE
Yes, may I speak to the chief of

police there please? This is Agent William Doyle of the FBI.

WOMAN
He's not here right now, may I help
you?
 18.

DOYLE
Well, I'ye got a man here in my
office by the name of Fenton Meeks.

WOMAN
Fenton Meeks? What's he doing
there?

DOYLE
(confused)
You know him?

WOMAN
Yeah, he caused a bit of a ruckus
here, stole an ambulance and the
paramedic too.

DOYLE
You already know about it?

WOMAN
Well, yeah. Do you?

DOYLE
He just confessed it to me.

WOMAN
Hell of a thing, huh? Matt, that's

the paramedic, told us all about it. Just got back into town
about an hour ago. (laughs) Sounds like Mr. Meeks kind of
caught Hubert with his pants down. The sheriff left not
twenty minutes ago to let him out of that trunk. Doyle just
sits there, thinking. There is a long pause.

WOMAN ( CONT I D) (CONT’D)

Hey. You still there?

He snaps out of it . •

DOYLE
Yeah. I'm going to detain him
awhile here for questioning and
then I'll have an agent bring him
back to you.

WOMAN
Ah there's no need for that. Just
tell him to bring the ambulance
back.

DOYLE
What!? You're not going to charge
him?
 19.

WOMAN
With what?

DOYLE
How about theft, assault,
kidnapping ...

WOMAN
Matt doesn't want to press charges.

And I doubt Hubert'll want to from what Matt told us. And it
was just an ambulance, though it is our only one. As long as
he brings it back the sheriff said they'll be no charges.
Tell him that will you?

DOYLE
But he stole a corpse!

WOMAN
Yeah, but it was his brother Agent

Doyle. We've all done some crazy things when family's

involved. But he'll need to bring him back too. Make sure you
tell him that, okay?

DOYLE
I don't believe this crap.

WOMAN
Excuse me?

DOYLE
Nothing. I'll tell him.

Doyle hangs up the phone incredulously . •

INT. FBI HEADQUARTERS -- MOMENTS LATER

Doyle walks quickly toward his office, lost in thought. Hull

sees him.

HULL
He's still in there, sir.

DOYLE
Huh? Oh, oh yeah. Thanks.

He keeps walking.

HULL
Everything alright? Want me to come
in there with you?
 20.

DOYLE
What? No, no. Everything's fine.

He opens his office door.

INT. DOYLE'S OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS

Doyle comes in. Fenton is still sitting in his chair.

FENTON
Did my story check out?

Doyle frowns at him, but nods.

FENTON ( CONT’D) (CONT’D)

So am I under arrest now?

Doyle crosses to his desk and sits down.

DOYLE
You should be, but apparently the
sheriff there is willing to forgive
and forget as long as you bring the
body and the ambulance back. No one
wants to press charges.

FENTON
(smiles)
You've got to love small towns.

DOYLE
Well, I'm not so sure the
authorities in Tyler will feel the
same way about you burying your
brother in their public garden . •

FENTON
Probably not.

DOYLE
You know 1 get the distinct
impression that you're playing some
kind of game here with me.

FENTON
Why is that?

DOYLE
Why would you go through all that
trouble and then just walk in here
and confess it to me?
 21.

FENTON
I did it because I promised Adam I
would. I'm here because I can't
live with what I know anymore.

DOYLE
And what exactly do you know?

Fenton nods to the picture of him and the woman.

FENTON
That is your mother, isn't it?

Doyle glances at the picture and then looks at Fenton for a

long moment, sizing him up.

DOYLE
Yes it is.

FENTON
I knew it. You can tell by the
eyes.

DOYLE
Why are you so interested in my
picture?

FENTON
Curiosity I guess. It's the only
personal picture you have in here.
No family portraits, no snapshots
of kids, just that one. Why is
that?

DOYLE
I don't have a wife or kid. I'm too
busy for that . •

FENTON
Why not a more recent one of your

mother then? Doyle looks at the picture for a long moment, a

trace of sadness in his expression.

DOYLE
My mother ... died just a few weeks
after this picture was taken.

FENTON
I'm sorry. I didn't mean ...
 22.

DOYLE
Yeah, well why don't we get back to
your story. Why do you think your
brother was the God's Hand killer?

FENTON
I know it was him.

DOYLE
How?

FENTON
It started back in Tyler near the
summer of seventy~nine ...

CUT TO
FLASHBACK:

EXT. TYLER 1979 -- DAY

It is a beautiful, sunny day. The townspeople go slowly about

their business, nodding or waving at one another as they
pass. A little yellow school bus goes down the street and
pulls over. Children burst out of the bus door. Two boys,
ADAM AGE NINE and FENTON AGE TWELVE, break away from the rest
of the children and walk away from the town. The resemblance
between them is apparent, though Fenton is taller.

YOUNG ADAM
(sings)
I got the joy joy joy joy down in
my heart!

He looks to Fenton and frowns.

YOUNG ADAM (CONT’D)

You're supposed to say where.

YOUNG FENTON
I don't want to sing that dumb song

YOUNG ADAM
You don't have to sing. Just say
where.

YOUNG FENTON
(sighs)
Where.

YOUNG ADAM
Not now! I'll point to you when
it's time.
(MORE)
 23.
YOUNG ADAM (CONT’D)
(sings) I got the joy, joy, joy,
joy down in my heart! (points)

YOUNG FENTON
(rolls his eyes)
Where?

YOUNG ADAM
(smiles)
Down in my heart!
(points again)

YOUNG FENTON
Where?

YOUNG ADAM
Down in my heart to staaay! And if
the devil doesn't like it he can
sit on a tack! (points)

YOUNG FENTON
Where?

YOUNG ADAM
No! You're supposed to say ouch
now! I'll start again. I got the
...

They turn down a road with a big banner hanging across it

that reads, "Tyler Rose Garden".

EXT. TYLER ROSE GARDEN -- MOMENTS LATER

They walk down a little cement path that runs through the
huge and sprawling gardens. •

FENTON (V. 0.)

We lived right behind the Tyler
Municipal Rose Garden ... •

Every rose imaginable is in bloom around them. Adam chases a

butterfly as he sings his song. They walk off the path to a
wire fence at the back of the garden. On the other side of
the fence is a small graveled road that runs from around the
garden to an old wood and brick house.

FENTON (V.O.)
... in the house where they used to
keep the gardeners back in the
fifties. Dad got a good deal on it
back when he and mom got married.
 24.

They climb the fence and head toward the house.

INT. HOUSE -- LATER

Adam sits on the floor in the living room watching Banana

Splits on television.

FENTON (V. O.)

Adam was three years younger than
me. Our mom died giving birth to
him so I basically took care of him
ever since I can remember.

Young Fenton is in the kitchen, preparing dinner.

FENTON (V.O.)
Our dad worked as a mechanic over
in Chandler at a Ford dealership.
He usually got home around five
thirty and we'd all have dinner
together.

DAD comes into the kitchen. It is the same man from the
picture in Adam's suicide scene. He is in his mid-to-late
forties with thinning dark hair. He puts his lunchbox down on
the table and smiles at Fenton.

DAD
Hey kiddo. Something sure smells
good.

INT. KITCHEN -- MOMENTS LATER

Adam, Fenton, and Dad all sit around the kitchen table,
putting food on their plates from various bowls and plates.
Adam piles peas on his plate.

DAD
(to Adam)
Whoa there tiger. Save some for us

YOUNG ADAM
I love peas!

DAD
(laughs)
You must.

Dad takes the bowl from him and puts it back on the table.
 25.

DAD (CONT’D)
Better be careful though. You might
turn into one if you're not
careful. Adam giggles and puts a
big spoonful of peas in his mouth.

DAD (CONT’D)
(to Fenton)
So how'd you do on that math test?

YOUNG FENTON
(looks down)
I barely passed.

DAD
I never was any good at math
either. Shoot, I still can't do
anything without a calculator.

YOUNG FENTON
But I've got another test next
week, and it's going to.be even
harder.

DAD
Oh don't sound so gloomy about it.
We'll sit down this weekend and see
if we can't figure that junk out
together, alright?

Fenton smiles at him and nods.

INT. BEDROOM -- LATER

There are two single beds with a little nightstand between

them. On Adam's side of the room there is a Pete's Dra.gon
poster and a toy box. There is a Farah Fawcett poster and one
of the Dallas Cowboy's 1978 team on Fenton's side. Adam is
already laying in his bed, playing with a couple of Star Wars
figures. Fenton changes into his bed clothes.

YOUNG ADAM
Hey Fenton, can we go see Meatballs
after school tomorrow?

Fenton climbs into bed.

YOUNG FENTON
You've already seen it.

YOUNG ADAM
I want to see it again.
 26.

YOUNG FENTON
We're going to see Alien.

YOUNG ADAM
We can't. It's rated R.

Dad comes in.

DAD
Teeth all brushed?

They both nod.

DAD (CONT’D)
You sure about that Adam?

Adam nods emphatically. Dad goes to his bed and leans down.

DAD (CONT’D)
Come on. Breath test time.

Adam breathes on him. He cringes dramatically and falls on

the bed as if he has died. Fenton breaks up laughing. Adam
shakes Dad.

YOUNG ADAM
I did brush them!

Dad opens his eyes and laughs. He lifts up and puts an arm
around Adam.

DAD
I'm just yolking with you egghead.

He gives him a squeeze, and kisses him on the forehead. He

stands and looks over at Fenton, who rolls over.

DAD (CONT’D)
Don't worry Fenton. I know you're·
too big for a goodnight kiss.

Fenton rolls back over and smiles at him. He reaches down and
tousles Fenton's hair. He clicks off the lamp between the
beds. A night-light still shines next to the lamp on the
wall. Dad sees it .

DAD (CONT’D)
(To Fenton) Aren’t you to old too
have a light?

YOUNG FENTON
Adam likes it on.
 27.

YOUNG ADAM
No I don't. You do.

YOUNG FENTON
(guiltily}
I don't like it too dark.

DAD
(smiles)
Well goodnight boys. Sleep tight.

YOUNG ADAM
Don't let the bed bugs bite!

DAD
That's right. Love you.

YOUNG ADAM
Love you too.

YOUNG FENTON
Goodnight Dad.

He walks out and shuts the door, leaving it cracked. Adam

lifts up.

YOUNG ADAM
I want to see Meatballs.

YOUNG FENTON
You can see Meatballs and I'll see
Alien.

YOUNG ADAM
(whines)
But I don't like to watch movies by
myself.

YOUNG FENTON
Too bad.

YOUNG ADAM
Please.

YOUNG FENTON
(sighs}
Alright. Just go to bed.

Adam smiles and lays back down. Fenton lays there staring up
at the ceiling, slowly drifting off.
 28.

FENTON (V.O.) (CONT'D)

That was our family. Just the three
of us. All of Mom and Dad's
relatives had died off. There was
no one but us left. We didn't mind
though. We didn't need anyone else.
We were happy together ...

He closes his eyes.

FENTON (V.O.)
Until ...

INT. BEDROOM -- LATER

Fenton's eyes snap open. The lights are on. Dad is standing
between their beds in his underwear.

DAD
(excited)
Come on, wake up.

Adam lifts up, confused and tired.

YOUNG ADAM
Dad?

DAD
Get up boys. I've got something to
tell you.

YOUNG FENTON
What's wrong?

Dad sits down on Fenton's bed.

DAD
Come over here Adam.

Adam gets up and gets on the bed with them.

DAD (CONT’D)
I want you to wake up and listen to
me. Are you awake? They both look
sleepy, but they nod . •

DAD (CONT’D)
I love you both. You know that
don't
you?
 29.

They both look confused, but they nod again.

DAD (CONT’D)
I need you both to listen to me
very carefully.

INT. DAD'S BEDROOM -- NIGHT

Dad is laying in bed, asleep.

FENTON (V. O. )
Re said he'd had a vision that
night.

The room slowly fills with light from an unseen source. Dad
opens his eyes and sees the room washed with light. A figure
comes out of the light, moving slowly toward Dad.

FENTON (V.O.)
A vision from God.

The figure reaches the bed and Dad sees that it is a

beautiful ANGEL straight out of a Botticelli painting.

FENTON (V.O.)
An angel came to him and told him
the truth of this world ...

The angel reaches out and touches Dad's forehead.

FENTON (V.O.)
And revealed God's special purpose
for our family ...

The room disappears into swirling darkness.

INT. BEDROOM -- CONTINUOUS

Fenton and Adam sit on the bed staring at Dad with a mixture
of disbelief and awe.

DAD
We are near the end of the world

here boys. I know it's crazy, but the angel showed me. There
are demons among us. The devil has released them for the
final battle. It's being fought now, but no one knows it,
except us and others like us . •
•

YOUNG ADAM
I'm scared Dad.
 30.

Dad puts an arm around him and pulls him close.

DAD
There's nothing to be afraid of
tiger.

God has chosen us. He's given us jobs to do. We don't fear
demons; we destroy them. We pick'ern out one by one and
pitch'ern out of this world. This is God's purpose for us.
The angel called us God's hands. Adam thinks about this.
Fenton just stares at Dad.

YOUNG ADAM
So we're like super-heroes?

DAD
Exactly. A family of super-heroes.
We're gonna help save the world.

Dad and Adam are excited. Fenton is dumbfounded.

YOUNG FENTON
But Dad, that's crazy.

DAD
I know it sounds that way, but it's
the God's honest truth son. I
wouldn't lie to you.

YOUNG ADAM
So what are our super-powers?

DAD
We can see the demons while others
can't. Plus the angel told me God
would send us three weapons to
destroy the demons with.

YOUNG ADAM
Magical weapons!?

DAD
I imagine so.

Adam's face lights up with excitement. Fenton just stares

numbly at his father, his eyes glazing over in shock.

YOUNG ADAM
When do we get them?

•
 31.

DAD
I don't know son. The angel just
said soon. I don't know anymore
than what I've just told you except
that we can't tell anyone about
this. The angel was pretty clear on
that. If we tell anyone, we put
them and ourselves in danger. The
angel said God was watching us,
that certain stars are like cameras
that transmit everything we do
straight to God. Isn't that neat?

Adam nods enthusiastically. Fenton just stares off in space.

Dad notices his expression.

DAD ( CONT ' D) (CONT’D)

I know it's hard to swallow Fenton.
I wanted to wait to tell you once I
had it all figured out myself, but
the angel said I had to wake you up
and tell you now.

Fenton doesn't seem to hear him or see him, he is in a

complete daze.

DAD (CONT’D)
(concerned)
Fenton? Hey, look at me ... Fenton?

ANGLE ON FENTON'S FACE

FENTON (V. O.)

I didn't know what to say or how to
feel. It was too crazy and messed
up to understand or even
acknowledge. I didn't realize it at
that moment, at least not
consciously, but my happy and
mostly secure world had just been
flipped over and there were dark
things under there. Very dark
things. And my little boy's mind
just couldn't take it.

INT. BEDROOM -- MORNING

DAD (O.S.)
Adam! Fenton!
 32.

Fenton's eyes snap open. He lifts up and looks around,

registers where he is. Sunlight streams into the room. Adam
is still asleep, clutching his Princess Leia figure.

DAD (O.S.) (CONT’D)

Up and at'em boys.

Fenton pulls back the covers as Dad appears in the doorway.

DAD (CONT’D)
(smiles at Fenton)
Morning kiddo.

He goes to Adam's bed and shakes his leg.

DAD (CONT’D)
C'mon lazy bones.

Adam stirs and mumbles.

DAD (CONT ID) (CONT’D)

C'mon, it's late. We overslept.

Fenton just stares at Dad.

DAD (CONT’D)
Snap to it boys and get dressed.
The bus has come and gone and that
means I'm taking you to school. So
get a move on it.

He heads out the door. Fenton stares after him, and then
looks over at Adam as he lifts up. Adam yawns and they look
at each other for a moment.

YOUNG ADAM
What's wrong with you?

Fenton snaps out of it.

YOUNG FENTON
Nothing.

INT. TRUCK -- LATER

Dad is driving with Adam, next to him and Fenton next to the
window. The boys eat toast as Dad drives. Patsy Cline's
Walking After Midnight plays softly on the radio.

FENTON (V. O.)

None of us mentioned it.· It was
 33.

only a dream, a nightmare. Nothing that crazy could be· real.

Everything was okay, just like before. The truck pulls into
the school parking lot. Dad puts it in park and looks over at
his sons . •

DAD
Well, have a good day at school.

Fenton opens the door to get out.

DAD (CONT’D)
And remember not to tell anyone
what I told you last night.

Fenton freezes. Adam pushes him out, and gets out himself.

YOUNG ADAM
We won't Dad. Bye!

He shuts the door and Dad drives away. Adam walks off toward
the school, leaving Fenton standing in a daze.

INT. CLASSROOM -- AFTERNOON

The TEACHER talks as she writes math equations on the

chalkboard. Fenton sits at his desk, watching her· with heavy
eyes, trying not to fall asleep.

FENTON ( V. 0 . )
I refused to believe it. It was
just a dream. That whole next week
was just a dream too ...

INT. HOUSE -- EVENING

Fenton is in the kitchen preparing dinner. Adam sits at the

table, drawing with crayons.

FENTON (V.O.)
Like when Dad started bringing home
the magical weapons.

Dad comes in excited, holding an ordinary wood-handle axe and

an old pair of work gloves. He talks excitedly to Fenton and
Adam, gesturing with the axe.

INSERT: INT. TRUCK -- MORNING

Dad drives down a country road. It is overcast outside.

 34.

FENTON {V .O.)
He was on his way to work ... There
is an old broken down farmhouse
ahead.

FENTON (V.O.)
When God called to him .

DAD
(excitedly)
We got'em all! Won't be long now.
The angel came again last night and
told me that God will send us a
list of our first seven demons
soon.

Adam jumps up to look at the new weapon. Fenton looks away

and stares at the television set.

DAD (CONT’D)
Once we finish the first list
another will come, and then another
and...

Suddenly a beam of light appears out of the sky and shines

behind the farmhouse. Dad slows down and pulls over across
from it. He gets out of the truck and walks toward the side
of the house.

EXT. FARMHOUSE -- MOMENTS LATER

Dad walks up the dirt path around the house and sees a pile
of rotted wood. There stuck in the middle of one of the logs
is ~n axe with a pair of old work gloves next to it. The
light shines on them from the heavens above.

BACK TO SCENE: INT. HOUSE -- EVENING

Dad and Adam smile excitedly at one another. Adam reaches out
and touches the axe blade in awe.

DAD
(looks at the gloves)
I still don't understand what these
are for though.

Fenton turns away and busies himself in the kitchen. Dad

notices him and looks concerned.
 35.

INT. CLASSROOM -- AFTERNOON

The teacher talks and writes on the chalkboard. Fenton sits

at his desk, his eyes closing and opening sleepily.

FENTON (V. 0.)

Just a long long dream ...

INT. HOUSE -- NIGHT

Fenton and Adam sit on the couch, watching Mork and Mindy on
television. Dad comes in with a piece of lead pipe and
gestures with it.

DAD (CONT ID)

another for the rest of our lives
or until all the demons have been
destroyed.

YOUNG ADAM
Yeaaa !

Fenton just stares at the television without emotion.

FENTON (V. 0.)

It wasn't real. It couldn't be. I
just had to wait it out ...

INT. KITCHEN -- EVENING

Fenton washes dishes. Dad sits at the table smoking a

cigarette. He watches Fenton, but Fenton ignoxes him.

DAD
Come over here a minute Fenton.

YOUNG FENTON
I'm washing dishes.

DAD
They can wait. Come here. I want
to talk to you.

Fenton reluctantly stops and dries his hands on a towel. He

goes to the table and sits down. He stares down at his hands.
Dad looks at him and takes a deep drag off of his cigarette.

DAD (CONT’D)
(exhales)
Fenton, I know you've had some
(MORE)
 36.
DAD (CONT’D)
problems adjusting to everything
that's happened this week, and I'm
sorry son. I really am, but God has
willed it, and we have to obey God.

YOUNG FENTON
But maybe you just think He did or
dreamed it.

DAD
He did. I wouldn't lie to you son.

YOUNG FENTON
But maybe you're ... you're not
right in the head Dad. Maybe you
need help .

DAD
(smiles)
It happened Fenton. God sent an
angel to me. It's true. I'm not
crazy. You'll see that soon. That's
what I wanted to talk to you about.
I have the first list now.

He pulls it out of his shirt pocket, unfolds it, and places

it in front of Fenton. There are seven names on it. The first
one is CYNTHIA HARBRIDGE. Fenton looks at it and then up at
Dad.

INSERT: INT. REPAIR GARAGE -- AFTERNOON

A car is jacked up with Dad underneath it, working on it.

FENTON (V. O.)

The angel came to him while he was
at work.

Dad is working when suddenly blackness washes over

everything. The Angel's beautiful face floats in front of
him. The Angel's hand reaches out of the darkness and touches
his forehead, and then the darkness recedes and everything
goes back to normal. He pushes himself out from underneath
the car, lifts up, pulls a small notepad and a pen out of his
breast pocket, and furiously begins to scribble names on it.
He stops and looks at the names he's written. There are seven
of them.

BACK TO SCENE: INT. KITCHEN -- NIGHT

Fenton just stares at Dad as though he's lost his mind.

 37.

YOUNG FENTON
( frightened)
But these are people's names.

DAD
Yep and they’ll look like people
too, but they're really demons.

Fenton looks at him with horror.

DAD (CONT’D)
The angel said when I lay my hands
on them, I'll reveal them for what
they truly are. That's what the
gloves are for.

DAD (CONT’D)
I've got to get them and bring them
back here with the gloves on. Once
they're here, I take the gloves off
and reveal them. You'll see, then
you'll believe.

He smiles at Fenton. Fenton just stares at him.

INT. CLASSROOM -- AFTERNOON

The teacher talks as she writes on the chalkboard. Fenton

sits at his chair, trying not to doze off.

FENTON (V. 0.)

The dream had finally ended. It was
all real. My father was insane. He
was going to murder someone. He had
never been a violent man. I'd never
seen him hit anyone, much less me
or Adam. He didn't even own a gun.
But I knew he was going to kill
someone ...

He finally rests his head on his arms and closes his eyes.

INSERT: DAD SWINGS THE AXE.

Fenton lifts up and screams. The whole class turns and looks
at him.

FENTON (V.O.)
And I had to stop him.
 38.

EXT. ROSE GARDEN -- AFTERNOON

Fenton lays on the grass, reading the bible.

FENTON (V. O.)

The obvious answer was to tell
someone what he was planning, but I
couldn't do that. I loved him even
if he'd gone crazy. I had to save
him from himself. If he thought it
was God that told him to do this
awful thing then I had to prove to
him that it wasn't God. That it had
to be the devil. So I studied the
bible looking for something to
fight him with ... •

INT. LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT

Dad is laying in his recliner, reading a book. Adam is laying

in front of the television watching The Love Boat. Fenton
comes in, carrying a bible. Dad looks up at him. Fenton opens
the bible and reads.

YOUNG FENTON
There is a way that seems right to
a man, but in the end it leads to
death.

He looks up at Dad. Dad just looks back at him for a moment.

DAD
Proverbs?

YOUNG FENTON
Yep. Verse 14. Line 12.

DAD
Huh. Can I see that?

Fenton hands him the bible. Dad takes it, looks at it for a
moment, and then hands it back to him.

DAD (CONT’D)
Read line 32 ..

Fenton takes it, finds the line and reads it aloud.

YOUNG FENTON
When calamity comes, the wicked are
brought down, but even in death the
righteous have refuge.
 39.

Adam turns away from the television and listens to them.

DAD
You think this is wrong and you're
trying to prove it. I respect that
son, I do, but calamity has come.
The end of the world is near and it
is our jobs to bring the wicked
down. God will take care of us
because we are the righteous. Do
you understand?

YOUNG FENTON
But Dad what would the Baptists
say?
We are still Baptists aren't we? •

DAD
Well, before that angel came to me,
I wasn't so sure I really believed
in God. I just wasn't sure. God was
something far away, that didn't
exist everyday in my life or at
least I couldn't see it. I went to
church_ more or less out of habit
than for spiritual reasons. But now
I know, I really know that God
exists. He is here with us right
now. We're beyond religion. We've
got a direct line to God.

YOUNG ADAM
Does that mean we don't have to go
to church anymore?

DAD
It sure does.

YOUNG ADAM
Yeaaa!

Fenton looks disappointed, but doesn't say anything.

EXT. YARD -- AFTERNOON

Dad sits on the ground, pulling weeds out of the flower bed
in front of the house. Fenton walks up next to him and gets a
drink of water from the hose. He wipes his mouth and looks
over at Dad.

YOUNG FENTON
What about thou shalt not kill Dad?
 40.

Dad sighs and stops what he's doing.

DAD
This isn't killing. This is
destroying demons. Now get out
there and finish mowing that yard.

YOUNG FENTON
But what about be careful battling
monsters lest ye become one?

Dad stops what he's doing and looks at Fenton, impressed.

DAD
Shoot Fenton, that's pretty good. I
like that. I'm gonna keep that one
in mind . •

He goes back to pulling weeds.

DAD (CONT’D)
Now get out there and finish that
lawn.

INT. SCHOOL CAFETERIA DAY

Fenton studies the bible while the other children eat and
laugh.

FENTON (V. 0.)

There wasn't much in the old
testament
to use. Actually there was more in
there to support Dad's case than
mine. All kinds of gruesome stuff
going on back then in the name of
God. The new testament, with the
exception of Revelations of course,
was where all the real ammo was.
When I found Jesus back there I
knew it was going to be alright. I
finally had Dad beat.

INT. KITCHEN -- EVENING

Fenton and Dad sit at the table. Fenton looks up from the
bible in front of him at Dad. They just look at each other ~.
for a long moment.

DAD
Fenton. Everything you just said is
absolutely right and·true.
(MORE)
 41.
DAD (CONT’D)
Fenton smiles proudly and Dad
smiles back at him.

DAD (CONT’D)
But it only applies to humans son,
not to demons.

Fenton's smile falls away and Dad lights a cigarette.

DAD (CONT ID) (CONT’D)

I'm proud of you for all this bible
reading though. You've got.
determination that's for sure. You
get to Revelations yet?

Fenton doesn't say anything .

DAD (CONT’D)
You tell me when you do cause I
never could understand half of it,
but I figure I should. Maybe we
could figure it out together.

Adam comes into the kitchen with a piece of manilla paper.

YOUNG ADAM
Hey Dad look. I got a list too.

He hands it to Dad, who looks at it. There are seven names

written on it in crayon. The first name is Billy Dobbs.

DAD
Where'd you get this Adam?

YOUNG ADAM
(proudly)
God gave it to me.

DAD
(looks at the list)
Isn't Billy Dobbs the kid who was
picking on you last week at school?

YOUNG ADAM
(nods)
He's a demon.

Dad looks up at him.

DAD
Adam, tell the truth. You made this
list up yourself didn't you?
 42.

ADAM
No, God ...

DAD
(sternly)
Adam. Tell the truth.

Adam looks down at his shoes.

DAD (CONTI D) (CONT’D)

Come here.

Adam climbs into his lap.

DAD (CONT’D)
You can't just make something like
that up son. We destroy demons. If
we used your list, we wouldn't be
destroying demons, we'd be killing
people. And we must never do that.
Destroying demons is a good thing,
but killing people is a very bad
thing. Do you understand?

Adam looks ashamed, but nods his head.

YOUNG ADAM
I'm sorry Dad.

DAD
(hugs him) .
It's alright, you've just got to be
patient. God will send you your own
list when you're older.

Fenton looks at Adam and Dad with disbelief.

FENTON (V. O.)

I had tried to fight him with God,
but God had forsaken me. The only
thing left to do was to tell.

EXT. POLICE STATION -- AFTERNOON

Fenton stands in front of the station, looking at it and

pacing back and forth.

FENTON (V.O.}
But that was easier said than done.
I stood out there for almost an
hour, wrestling with myself. Could
I really send my Dad to prison or
an insane asylum?
(MORE)
 43.
FENTON (V.O.} (CONT'D)
What if the police didn't believe
me? After all it was a pretty
unbelievable situation. And if they
didn't, what would Dad do to me
when he found out?

A POLICE OFFICER comes out of the station and nods at Fenton.

Fenton nods back and hurries off.

INT. KITCHEN -- NIGHT

It is dark outside. Fenton and Adam sit at the kitchen table,

finishing dinner. There is an empty plate at the table .

FENTON (V. O.)

That was the last day of school and
Dad had promised to take us to the
movies that night, but he didn’t
come home from work.

Fenton gets up, takes the empty plate, fills it with food,
and puts it in the oven.

INT. BEDROOM -- LATER

Adam lays in his bed. Fenton turns off the light and gets
into his bed. Adam lifts up and looks over at Fenton.

YOUNG ADAM
When's Dad coming home?

YOUNG FENTON
I don't know.

Adam lays back.

YOUNG ADAM
You think he's destroying a demon?

YOUNG FENTON
That's all make believe Adam.

YOUNG ADAM
No it's not, it's ...

YOUNG FENTON
(lifts up)
Listen to me. None of that demon
junk is real. Dad just made it up.
 44.

YOUNG ADAM
No he didn’t.

YOUNG FENTON
He did too. Just like Santa Claus.

Adam frowns. An old wound has been exposed.

YOUNG FENTON (CONT’D)

You remember last Christmas when
you caught Dad putting our presents
under the tree don’ you?

Adam’s frown deepens and he nods.

YOUNG FENTON (CONT’D)

It’s just like that.

Adam looks unsure ..

YOUNG FENTON (CONT’D)

Adam, have I ever lied to you?

Adam thinks about this for a moment and then shakes his head.

YOUNG FENTON (CONT’D)

That's right. I haven't, but Dad
has. You've got to trust me now
Adam. I'm telling you the truth.
Dad' sick. Demons do not exist.
Those names on Dad's list are real
people. Do you understand?

YOUNG ADAM
But why would he make it up?

YOUNG FENTON
I don't know, but I think we should
leave.

Adam thinks about this for a moment.

YOUNG ADAM
You mean run away?

YOUNG FENTON
(nods)
Would you go with me?

YOUNG ADAM
I don't want to leave Dad.

YOUNG FENTON
Neither do I, but we might have to.
 45.

YOUNG ADAM
Why?

Fenton stares at the ceiling.

YOUNG FENTON
Dad's going to kill somebody.

INT. BEDROOM -- LATER

Adam and Fenton are both asleep. Headlights from the window
wash the room with light for a moment and then disappear.
Fenton wakes up. Outside an engine IDLES for a moment and
then shuts off. A truck door OPENS and then SHUTS. Fenton
gets up and goes to the window. He sees Dad's silhouette,
carrying something over his shoulder toward the house .

INT. FRONT HALL -- MOMENTS LATER

Keys RATTLE in the front door. Fenton peeks around the corner
of the hallway. The door opens, revealing Dad. He reaches in
and turns on the front hall light switch next to the door. He
sees Fenton watching him.

DAD
Hey there kiddo.
(motions to him)
Come over here and help me.

Dad turns back to something on the porch. Fenton walks toward

him and looks past him to the porch. He sees a WOMAN laying
there, her mouth covered with duct tape, her eyes wide with
fear and tears streaming down her face. Fenton freezes,
staring at the woman. He notices. dried blood in her hair and
on her forehead. Dad bends down, picks her up, and carries
her inside the house. Her hands and feet are tied.

DAD (CONT’D)
(to Fenton)
Shut the door.

Fenton moves forward slowly, eyeing the woman in his father's

arms, and shuts the door. Dad carries her into the living
room and puts her down on the couch. Fenton comes in and
looks at her and then at Dad.

YOUNG ADAM (0. S.)

Dad?

Dad and Fenton turn and look at Adam who is standing in the
hallway in his pajamas rubbing his eyes. Adam sees the woman.
 46.

YOUNG ADAM (CONT’D)

Who's that?

DAD
(looks at her grimly)
That's a demon, Son.

INT. GARAGE -- DAY

Dad is standing in front of a car with·an opened hood,

working on it.

FENTON (V. 0. ).
God came to him earlier that day at
work and told him that the time had
come .

Dad suddenly stops what he's doing and goes to a shelf in the
corner of the garage and pulls out several phonebooks. He
flips through one until he finds a name. He pulls out his
list from his pocket and looks at the first name on it,
CYNTHIA BARTLETT, and then over at the phonebook where her
name, address, and phone number is printed. He tears the page
out of the book, stuffs it in his pocket, and goes back to
work on the car.

INT. TRUCK -- LATER

Dad drives down the highway.

FENTON (V. O.)

After work he drove down to
Jacksonville, about 45 minutes or
so southwest of Tyler.

INT. TRUCK -- NIGHT

Dad drives slowly down a run-down residential street.

FENTON (V. O. )
He said he'd never been there
before, but he had no problem
finding it. God was leading him.

Dad cuts the headlights, pulls the truck over on the side of
the street, and gets out.
 47.

EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET -- CONTINUOUS

He looks at the house across the street. on, and there is the
faint sound of music on the gloves and .pulls out the lead
pipe as he walks toward the house. It's lights are playing.
He puts from his back pocket

EXT. HOUSE -- MOMENTS LATER

Dad goes to the front door, holding the lead pipe behind his
back, and is about to knock when the door opens and Cynthia
comes out, carrying her purse. She shuts the door behind her
and locks it, never noticing Dad standing behind her.

DAD
Cynthia Bartlett?

CYNTHIA
(turns startled)
Yes?

EXT. BACKYARD -- MOMENTS LATER

Dad comes out of the backdoor carrying the woman over his
shoulder, with Adam right behind him. Fenton follows after
them reluctantly.

DAD
(calls quietly to him)
Come on. It's alright.

He leads them to the tool shed near the back fence. It is one
of those big red aluminum sheds from Sears.

INT. SHED -- MOMENTS LATER

Dad puts the woman down on the dirt floor of the shed. Adam
stands looking at her curiously. Fenton lingers in the
doorway.

DAD
(to Fenton)
Come in and shut the door.

He does as he is told. Dad goes to his work bench where there

is a little shelf that holds the axe. He takes the lead pipe
out of his back pocket and puts it on the shelf, and turns to
his sons. Adam looks excited, but unsure. Fenton looks
scared.
 48.

DAD (CONT’D)
Come here boys.

Adam goes to him, but Fenton comes to him reluctantly. puts

one arm around Adam and one around Fenton, and turns them
both toward the woman on the floor.

DAD (CONT’D)
That may look like a woman, but
it's
not. That is a demon.

The woman looks up at them with tears in her eyes, and tries
to say something from behind the tape on her mouth.

DAD (CONT’D)
They all look like humans, just
like her. But inside they are
murderous beasts ...

Fenton and Adam look at the woman . •

DAD (CONTI D) (CONT’D)

... here to destroy the entire
human race. And it is up to us, our
family, to destroy them. It is
God's will. When I put my hands on
her, you will see the truth.

Dad pulls off his gloves and take.s down the axe from the
shelf. Fenton looks terrified. Adam looks mostly curious.

YOUNG FENTON
Dad, don't do this!

Dad holds the axe and looks at Fenton.

DAD
I love you with all my heart
Fenton. If I could spare you this I
would. But this is God's will and
we are His servants. Don't be
afraid, Son. You'll understand when
I touch her.

He moves toward the terrified woman. He bends down and

extends his free hand toward her. Fenton watches him,
paralyzed with terror.

CUT TO PRESENT:

~ INT. DOYLE'S OFFICE

 49.

Doyle stares at Fenton incredulously.

DOYLE
Is that true?

FENTON
Why would I make it up?

DOYLE
Where's your father now?

FENTON
Dead.

Doyle sits there, thinking about what he's just heard. The
door opens and Hull sticks his head in the office. Doyle
looks up at him.

HULL
Thinking about heading out.
(glances at Fenton)
Unless you need me to stay .

DOYLE
No. No. You go ahead.

HULL
Alright, see you later.

Doyle waves and nods absentmindedly, and Hull leaves. Doyle

looks at Fenton.

DOYLE
So he killed that woman? Right
there in front of you?

Fenton nods.

FENTON
But not to his way of thinking. He
hadn't killed a woman. He had
destroyed a demon. You see, he
believed that when he touched her
...

CUT TO
FLASHBACK:

INT. SHED -- NIGHT

Dad reaches out and touches Cynthia. Her eyes go wide.

 50.

FENTON (V .0.)
... he revealed her sins ...

INSERT FLASH
IMAGES:

CYNTHIA SCREAMS IN RAGE WITH BLOOD SMEARED ON HER FACE

CYNTHIA HOLDS A PLASTIC BAG OVER AN OLD WOMAN'S FACE AS SHE

SUFFOCATES

CYNTHIA SAVAGELY BEATS A MAN IN THE FACE WITH A BASEBALL BAT

BACK TO SCENE:

FENTON (V.O.)
... and the demon within her.

Adam screams and recoils from her. Dad takes his hand off of
Cynthia with disgust, and raises the axe. Fenton watches
Dad·in horror and screams as he brings the axe down.

CUT TO PRESENT:

INT. DOYLE'S OFFICE -- NIGHT

DOYLE
Revealed her sins?

FENTON
That's what he claimed.

DOYLE
(whistles softly)
Believe me I've heard all kinds of
crazy stuff, but that's a first.
What did you do?

FENTON
What could I do? I watched him kill
her and then I watched him bury
her.

CUT TO
FLASHBACK:

EXT. ROSE GARDEN -- NIGHT

They are in the back of the garden, away from the garden
proper. Dad digs a hole near a lone rosebush while Adam sits
on the ground, holding the flashlight for him.
 51.

There are three holes in the ground, forming a circle, and

three black trash bags laying on the ground. Fenton sits next
to Adam, staring at the bags, crying. Dad finishes the last
hole and picks up one of the trash bags. Adam gets up and
picks up one too. He throws the bag inside one of the holes.

DAD
No Adam. Do it like this.

He reaches down and pulls the bag out of the hole, opens it,
and dumps the contents into the hole.

DAD (CONT’D)
We've got to do this right boys.
The angel was real specific.

YOUNG ADAM
Why do we have to bury them in
three different holes?

DAD
That's the way God wants it done.
We cut them at the neck and the
waist and then bury'em out here.
That's all I was told.

YOUNG ADAM
Why out here?

DAD
God chose it just like he chose us
I suppose.

Dad looks over at Fenton, sees him crying. He goes to him and
puts an arm around him.

DAD (CONT’D)
Don't cry Fenton. It's alright. She
wasn't human. Didn't you see that
when I touched her?

Fenton shakes his head no and tries to hold in his sobs, a

few escaping him anyway.

YOUNG ADAM
I saw it Dad.

Dad smiles and winks at him and he smiles back.

YOUNG FENTON
You ... You killed her ...

He cries harder.
 52.

DAD
I didn't kill her son. She was a
demon. I don't understand why you
didn't see it. You were supposed to
see the truth just like we did.

Dad looks over at the ·black trash bags.

DAD (CONT’D)
You know I wasn't so sure I could
do it myself. I mean she looked
like a woman to me too, but after I
touched her all I could see was the
demon . . And I just had to destroy
it. That's what seeing it did to
me. I'm sorry you didn't see it.
{gets up) I don't understand why
though. But there's always next
time.

YOUNG FENTON
You're going to do it again?!

DAD
This is our job now son. We're
God's hands. You've got to accept
that. We've started something we've
got to finish. There's thousands
... •

YOUNG FENTON
You can't! I won't let you!

DAD
You can't stop it. We're doing
God's work...

YOUNG FENTON
I'll tell!

Dad's face goes dark, and he grabs Fenton by the arm.

DAD
If you do, someone will die. Maybe
even you. The angel was clear on
that. Do you understand?

Fenton cries and tries to pull away~

DAD (CONT’D)
Answer me! Do you understand!?
 53.

YOUNG FENTON
(cries)
Yes!

Dad lets go of him, and looks ashamed.

DAD
I'm sorry. It's just ... I love
you. I don't want you to get hurt
or get anyone else hurt. You'll
understand soon. I promise. But
until then you have to promise me
you won't tell.

Fenton doesn't say anything.

DAD (CONT’D)
(sternly)
Fenton.

YOUNG FENTON
I .. pr .. pr .. promise.

He reaches down and tousles his hair, though Fenton jumps a

little at his touch. Dad frowns at his reaction.

DAD
You'd better keep that promise.
Remember, God is watching you . •

Dad goes back to the hole and begins to fill it with dirt as
Fenton looks up at the stars fearfully.

CUT TO PRESENT:

INT. DOYLE'S OFFICE -- NIGHT

Doyle stares at Fenton.

DOYLE
So you didn't tell?

Fenton shakes his head.

FENTON
I should have, but I was afraid. I
loved my father, but I was
terrified of him. He was a
murderer. How could I know how far
it went?

Doyle looks lost in thought. He glances at the picture of his

mother. Fenton studies him carefully.
 54.

FENTON (CONT’D)
So now do you understand why I
think my brother is the God's Hand
killer?

DOYLE
( rubs his eyes)
I suppose. But then again what
described happened to you both.
it could be you just as much as
you've
So
him.

FENTON
But I didn't believe Agent Doyle.
Adam did. That night I saw my
father kill a woman with a hand
axe, but Adam saw him destroy a
demon. No matter what I tried to
tell him, he still believed Dad. •
To him we were knights of God on a
holy mission to abolish evil.

Doyle thinks about this for a long moment.

DOYLE
Do you have any physical proof?

FENTON
I read in the paper that only one
of the bodies of the six victims
had been found. Is that true? •

DOYLE
You read it in the paper didn't
you?

FENTON
That doesn't make it true.

DOYLE
Well in this case it does. The
first victim was found mutilated
with a note saying that God's hand
had taken him. With all the others,
only notes were found. No bodies.

FENTON
How do you know they're dead then?
 55.

DOYLE
We don't for sure. But the first
note told us we wouldn't find any
bodies from then on. It said he
wanted to keep them.

FENTON
I've got a pretty good idea where
the bodies are.

DOYLE
The Rose Garden?

FENTON
(nods)
There were other holes out where I
buried him. Some of them looked
freshly covered.

DOYLE
Why didn't you tell me that to
begin with!?

He jumps up.

FENTON
Would you have believed me?

Doyle gives him a look.

DOYLE
Come on.

INT. FBI HEADQUARTERS -- MOMENTS LATER

Doyle and Fenton walk through the lobby. The operator glances
up at them from her book and then continues reading.•

EXT. PARKING LOT -- MOMENTS LATER

It is raining lightly. Fenton and Doyle walk quickly out to

Doyle's car. Doyle reaches into his back, pulls out a set of
handcuffs, and tosses them to Fenton.

FENTON
What's this?

DOYLE
There's something about you I don't
trust. Everything you've told me so
far is screwy.
(MORE)
 56.
DOYLE (CONT’D)
It may be the truth like you say,
and if it is I'll apologize later,
but for now you put'em on or I'll
put'em on you.

Fenton puts the cuffs on as Doyle opens the backdoor of the

car. Fenton starts to get in. Doyle reaches out to help him,
but Fenton recoils.

FENTON
I've got it.

Doyle backs off, lets him get in, and then shuts the door.

INT. DOYLE'S CAR -- MOMENTS LATER

Doyle drives. Fenton sits in the back. There is a metal cage

divider between them. Doyle looks at him in the rearview
mirror and then back at the road.

DOYLE
So tell me something. Why did you
wait so long to come forth?

FENTON
I didn't even know about the case
until three days ago.

DOYLE
That's impossible. It's been all
over the news for the past few
months.

FENTON
I don't watch the news or read
newspapers.

DOYLE
You just told me that you'd read an
article on it in the paper .

FENTON
I did. I happened to see the
headline three days ago. God's hand
claims sixth victim. I bought the
paper and called Adam, but he
wasn't there. I left a message and
he called me back that next night.

DOYLE
You knew and you left a message?
 57.

FENTON
I didn't know for sure. I
suspected.

DOYLE
No, you knew. Admit it. You knew
and you didn't tell anyone.

FENTON
I'm telling you now.

They drive in silence for a long moment.

DOYLE
You have to admit it's all a pretty
big coincidence. I mean, the day
after you just happen to notice
that there is a killer on the
loose, who you know is your own
brother, he kills himself.

FENTON
I'm telling you the truth. He was
the killer.

DOYLE
I'm just saying it's a pretty hard
tale to swallow.

FENTON
Yeah, and so was the one I told you
when I first came into your office.
But it was true, wasn't it?

Doyle looks at him in the rearview and then back at the road.

FENTON (CONT’D)
Lies are always easy to believe
Agent Doyle. It's the truth that's
hard.

DOYLE
I still can't understand how you
could keep something like that in
for so long.

FENTON
We all have secrets. Don't we Agent
Doyle? Tell me, how did your mother
die?

Doyle looks up sharply at him in the rearview mirror.

 58.

DOYLE
What did you say to me?

FENTON
You told me she died after that
picture was taken. But there was
something about the way you ...

DOYLE
My mother is none of your damn ...

Doyle catches himself, though he grips the wheel angrily.

Fenton doesn't say anything. Doyle coldly watches the
windshield wipers wiping away at the rain.

DOYLE (CONT’D)
My mother was ... murdered.
Senselessly butchered by some
whacked out killer like your Dad.

FENTON
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry.

DOYLE
I don't like to talk about it, but
it's not a secret.

FENTON
I'm sorry.

DOYLE
Forget it.

They drive along for a moment.

FENTON
Did they ever catch her killer?

DOYLE
Nope.

FENTON
ls that why you took this job?

DOYLE
Something like that. You know,
you're pretty good at this. Ever
think of becoming a cop?

FENTON
When I was a kid.
 59.

DOYLE
You've got the instincts for it.
But I've got them too and mine are
telling me you're hiding something
from me.

FENTON
What do you think I'm hiding?

DOYLE
I’ m not so sure yet, but my
instincts are hardly ever wrong. So
why don't you finish your story and
I'll. see if I can't figure it out.

CUT TO
FLASHBACK:

~ INT. HOUSE -- AFTERNOON

Fenton and Adam sit in the living room watching Good Times on
television. Adam laughs at the television, but Fenton just
sits staring at it, lost in thought.

FENTON (V. 0.)

After that night, I guess you'd
expect Dad to set out to teach us
murder like most Texans teach their
children racism. But nothing
happened. Dad didn't mention it
anymore, and neither did Adam.
After a couple of weeks I began to
think it was over.

EXT. PUBLIC POOL -- AFTERNOON

Fenton and Adam swim in the water with the other CHILDREN.

FENTON (V. O.}

I know it sounds silly and childish
that I could actually think that
after what I had seen, but I wanted
it to be over. I wanted to go back
to being a normal kid again .

EXT. BASKETBALL COURT -- AFTERNOON

Adam and Fenton play basketball with a group of BOYS.

 60.

FENTON ( V. 0. )
And I did. I buried the whole thing
down deep, and pretended that it
had. never happened.

INT. BEDROOM -- NIGHT

Fenton tosses and turns in his sleep.

FENTON (V. O.)

Of course there were still the
nightmares.

He raises up, sweating and crying.

EXT. RIVER -- AFTERNOON

Fenton and Adam sit on the bank, skipping rocks on the water.
Fenton lays back on the ground and looks up at the clouds.

FENTON (V. O.)

But they came less and less often
after awhile. They always say
children are resilient creatures
and I was proof. Once a full month
had gone by I had completely
convinced myself that it was over
and everything was going to be
alright.

EXT. BASKETBALL COURT -- EVENING

The sun is going down. Fenton, Adam, and another boy Fenton's
age, ERIC, walk away from the court to the sidewalk.

ERIC
You see Dukes of Hazard last night?

Fenton and Adam nod.

ERIC (CONT’D)
You remember when Daisy bent over!?

Fenton nods, smiling, and Adam looks a little ·confused.

YOUNG ADAM
I like Boss Hogg. He's funny.

Fenton and Eric pointedly ignore him.

 61.

ERIC
Man, I'd do anything to really see
her tits.

YOUNG ADAM
Orn! You said ...

YOUNG FENTON
(mildly)
Shut-up Adam.

ERIC
(to Fenton)
You want to spend the night
tonight?

We can wrap Corey's house.

YOUNG FENTON
(smiles and nods)
I'll have to ask my dad though.

ERIC
My mom can call and ask if you
want.

YOUNG FENTON
Alright.

ERIC
See you in a little bit.

Eric runs off to one of the houses off of the sidewalk. Adam
and Fenton keep walking.

YOUNG ADAM
What's wrap mean?

Fenton looks at his little brother and laughs.

YOUNG FENTON
Come on. I'll race you.

They take off running.

EXT. ROAD -- MOMENTS LATER

Fenton and Adam laugh as they run down·the road by the Rose
Garden. Adam turns into the drive of the Garden, and Fenton
stops running and stays on the road. Adam notices that Fenton
has stopped running.
 62.

YOUNG ADAM
Come on!

Fenton looks at the entrance to the Garden wearily .

YOUNG FENTON
Nah, I'm going around on the road.

Adam walks back to Fenton and goes with him.

EXT. HOUSE -- MOMENTS LATER

Fenton and Adam walk up the road in front of their house,

looking inquisitively at the new white Chevy Van parked in
the driveway. The lights in the house are on.

INT. HOUSE -- MOMENTS LATER

Fenton and Adam walk into the house.

YOUNG ADAM
Dad!

DAD (O.S.)
In the kitchen!

Adam takes off through the house to the kitchen, with Fenton
following behind him.

INT. KITCHEN -- CONTINUOUS

Dad sits at the kitchen table with a notepad and few

phonebooks in front of him. He flips through one of the
phonebooks. Adam comes in, followed by Fenton.

ADAM
Who's van is that?

Fenton sees the phonebooks, and then the notepad with seven
names written on it, one of them crossed out. He looks at Dad
with absolute horror. Dad looks up and smiles.

DAD
Ours. Ain't it a beaut?
(to Fenton)
Your friend's mom just called. I
told her not tonight. We’ve got
some work to do in the morning.
 63.

EXT. RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD -- DAY

Dad's van is parked on the street.

INT. VAN -- CONTINUOUS

Dad sits behind the wheel, watching the entrance of a house

down the street, while Fenton sits in the passenger seat,

wearing a Charlie's Angels t-shirt, and Adam sits in the back

drinking a Dr. Pepper.

FENTON (V. 0.)

Dad told us that there were moments
in everyone's life when they could
just suddenly disappear without
anyone knowing where they went or
why.

A man in his late thirties, EDWARD MAAS, comes out of the

house, and Dad tenses up.

DAD
There he is.

Edward goes to his car in the driveway and gets in. The car
backs out of the driveway. Dad waits a moment, and then pulls
the van out, and follows after him.

FENTON (V. O.)

He said those were the moments when
God's hands could reach out and
take you.

EXT. MALL PARKING LOT -- LATER

Edward's car pulls into the parking lot, parks, and he gets
out. Dad's van pulls into the parking lot and takes the spot
right next to Edward's car.

INT. VAN -- CONTINUOUS

Dad, Adam, and Fenton watch Edward disappear into the mall.

YOUNG ADAM
What do we do now Dad?

DAD
We wait. We'll get him when he
comes
(MORE)
 64.
DAD (CONT’D)
out. Just like I told you.
Remember? Adam nods.

Fenton doesn't say anything.

DAD (CONT’D)
Fenton?

YOUNG FENTON
I can't do this Dad.

DAD
Can't never could do anything .

YOUNG ADAM
I can do it Dad.

Dad smiles at him in the rearview mirror .

DAD
You sure can tiger.

YOUNG FENTON
But, what if someone sees us?

DAD
They won't.

YOUNG FENTON
But it's daylight.

DAD
I told you God will blind them for
us. Remember?

Fenton nods, but still looks worried.

DAD (CONT’D)
This is the day God chose, Son. It
is His will. There's nothing to
worry about. As long as we do His
will, He'll protect us and help us
.

YOUNG FENTON
But what if he doesn't? What if ...

DAD
You've got to have faith Fenton.
You've got to just let go and trust
Him or at least trust me.

Fenton nods again, but without conviction.

 65.

DAD (CONT’D)
I know you still don't·understand
it Fenton, but we've got to do
this. It's our job. I know you're
going to see the demon this time.

YOUNG FENTON
But I don't want to Dad. I'm
scared.

DAD
There's nothing to be afraid of.
God will protect you. You just have
to accept Him. Come on, bow your
head and we'll pray together .

Dad and Adam bow their heads and close their eyes. Fenton
bows his head, but keeps his eyes open.

DAD (CONT’D)
God please speak to Fenton and show
him your will. Give him the courage
to serve you and the strength to be
your servant ...

Fenton looks nervously over at the mall entrance.

INT. VAN -- LATER

Dad reads a book. Adam plays with his Star Wars .figures in
the back of the van. Fenton just stares at the mall entrance.

FENTON (V. 0.)

I know Dad's abductions may seem
really simple, but those were
simpler times. Nowadays you'd have
to concoct some elaborate scheme to
abduct someone. People expect
psychos around every corner now.
But back then they didn't expect it
as much. Of course according to Dad
nothing, not even a camera, could
catch us anyway. We were invisible
when we were God's Hands.

EXT. MALL ENTRANCE -- CONTINUOUS

Edward comes out of the entrance carrying a shopping bag.

 66.

INT. VAN -- CONTINUOUS

Fenton tenses up at the sight of Edward. He looks over at

Dad, who is still reading his book, and then looks back at
Edward who is walking toward them in the distance. He walks
out into the parking lot. Fenton tries to breathe easy. He
looks back at Dad, but Dad has looked up and is staring right
at Edward.

DAD
Here he comes boys.

Adam sits up and looks excitedly.

DAD (CONT’D)
Now remember what I told you.

Dad puts on his gloves and reaches in between the seats and
grabs the lead pipe from the floorboard. Fenton stares at the
pipe in Dad's gloved hand with horror . •

YOUNG FENTON
( looks up at Dad)
I don't want to do this Dad .

Dad looks at him and the disappointment is obvious, and then

he looks back at Edward who· is getting closer by the second.

DAD
(sternly)
This isn't about what you want,
Son. You just do like I told you
and everything will be fine. Now
c'mon.

Dad opens his door, puts a leg out, but notices that Fenton
isn't moving.

DAD (CONT’D)
Come on Fenton.

He stares at Dad with tears in his eyes.

YOUNG FENTON
I can't.

DAD
Yes you can, now move.

Fenton hesitates.
 67.

DAD (CONT’D)
(sternly)
Do what I tell you.

Fenton gets out of the van in tears.

EXT. PARKING LOT -- CONTINUOUS

Fenton sees Edward walking right toward him. He gets down on

his knees and looks under Edward's car. Edward walks up and
sees Fenton.

YOUNG FENTON
C'mon ... Trixie. Get out ... from
under ... there

EDWARD
What are you doing boy?

Fenton looks up at Edward with tears streaming down his face.

YOUNG FENTON
My ... my ... dog's under there ...
and ... and ... he ... he ... won’t

Edward bends down to him, revealing Dad behind him with the
lead pipe raised. Fenton closes his eyes tight as Dad brings
the pipe down on Edward's head. Edward crumples to the
ground, falling on Fenton. The van door rolls open, revealing
Adam, who hoots in delight at what he sees.

YOUNG ADAM
You got him! You got him!

Dad grabs hold of Edward's legs and pulls him off of Fenton.

DAD
(to Fenton)
Help me get him in the van.

Fenton sits on the ground with his eyes still shut tight,
shaking with sobs. Dad sighs and grabs Edward by the waist
and lifts him by himself.

INT. VAN -- LATER

Dad drives along in silence. Fenton's crying has tapered off,

but hasn't completely stopped. Adam wraps Edward's hands
together with an enormous amount of duct tape as he lays
unconscious on the floorboard in the back. His feet are
already taped together with an even thicker wad of tape. Dad
looks back at Adam in the rearview mirror.
 68.

DAD
That's good Adam. Don't waste tape.

YOUNG ADAM
You sure? What if he gets loose?

DAD
You've already used three rolls. I
think that's enough.

Adam wraps his hands one more time and then stops.

DAD (CONT’D)
Don't forget to put some over his
mouth like the angel said.

Adam pulls off a strip of tape and covers Edward's mouth with
it. He pulls off another strip of tape and puts it on top of
the first.

DAD (CONT ID) (CONT’D)

That's enough Adam .

YOUNG ADAM
Just one more to make sure it'll
hold.

DAD
Give me the tape.

Dad reaches his hand out behind him while he drives. Adam
looks disappointed, but puts the tape in his hand.

DAD (CONT’D)
Thank you.

YOUNG ADAM
(disappointed)
You're welcome.

Dad smiles in the rearview mirror at him, and puts the tape
on the dashboard.

DAD
You did good tiger.

Adam smiles proudly. Dad looks over at Fenton, and frowns.

Fenton just stares ahead at the road.
 69.

INT. SHED -- NIGHT

Edward is tied to a chair with his mouth covered in duct tape

and dried blood in his hair. He opens his eyes and sees Dad
standing over him.

DAD
Edward Maas?

The man shakes his head yes, his eyes wide with fear and
confusion. He moans something through the tape. Dad looks at
Fenton who stands against the shed wall next to Adam.

DAD (CONT’D)
You think that's an innocent man
there, don't you? Well, it's not.

FENTON'S P.O.V. Dad walks over to Edward and puts his hand on
him. Dad jerks as though he's being shocked. Edward looks up
at Dad, his eyes wide with fear. DAD'S P.O.V. Edward sits in.
a living room, watching a sitcom. Over the sound of the
television, there is a baby crying off screen. On the couch
next to him are two dead bodies, a man and a woman. He laughs
hysterically at the sitcom, blending with the baby's cries .
•

ADAM'S P.O.V. A bright shining light illuminates the shed.

Angels appear out of the light and circle Edward. Dad takes
his hand off of him and steps back, seething with rage.

DAD (CONT’D)
Didn't think anyone knew about that
did you!?

He goes to the workbench and picks up the axe.

DAD (CONT ID) (CONT’D)

But God saw you.

He moves closer to him, holding the axe with both hands.

YOUNG FENTON
(moves forward)
Dad don't! Don't!

DAD
And you can't escape God's wrath!

He swings it straight at the man's head. Blood splatters

Fenton's Charlie's Angels t-shirt.
 70.

EXT. ROSE GARDEN -- NIGHT

Adam and Fenton dig holes while Dad sits on the ground,
smoking and watching Fenton.

DAD
I can't believe you still didn't
see it.

Fenton looks up hatefully at him, but keeps digging.

DAD (CONT’D)
He was a murderer Fenton. He killed
little babies!

He gets up from the ground and tosses his cigarette.

DAD (CONT’D)
(upset)
Babies.

He walks off toward the house in the distance. Fenton stops

digging and takes one of the black trash bags and dumps it in
one of the holes. He stands over the hole and looks down at
the bloody mess .

YOUNG FENTON
He's the murderer. We've got to get
out of here Adam.

Adam looks over at him as he digs.

YOUNG ADAM
What do you mean?

YOUNG FENTON
We've got to run away. Remember I
told you we might have to.

YOUNG ADAM
I don't want to run away.

YOUNG FENTON
We have to. Dad's crazy Adam. He's
a murderer.

YOUNG ADAM
No he's not. He's a demon slayer.

YOUNG FENTON
That's all lies Adam.
 71.

YOUNG ADAM
No it's not. I see it when he
touches them .

Fenton looks angrily at his brother.

YOUNG FENTON
No you don't! Dad's brainwashed
you. It's all a big lie. He's a
murderer and you help him!

YOUNG ADAM
Nuh-uh! We're serving God's will!
I'm gonna tell Dad on you.

Fenton charges at Adam who drops his empty bag and runs off
toward the house. The wind catches the empty bag and blows it
into a rose bush where it snags on the thorns. Fenton falls
to his knees and cries as Adam runs off. Blood drips from the
empty bag onto a rose.

INT. HOUSE -- LATER

Fenton comes in, looking exhausted. He enters the living room

and finds Dad sitting in his recliner in the dark. They look
at each other for a long moment, but neither says anything.
Fenton walks off down the hall .

INT. BEDROOM -- MORNING

It is very early. Dad comes in fully dressed and shakes

Fenton awake.

DAD
Get up and get dressed. And don't
wake your brother.

Fenton watches him leave the room. He looks over at the clock
and sees that it is 5:03 AM.

INT. KITCHEN -- MOMENTS LATER

Fenton comes into the kitchen looking sleepy. Dad sits at the
table sipping a cup of coffee. Dad looks up at him.

DAD
Sit down.

He takes the seat across from Dad.

 72.

DAD (CONT’D)
Your brother told me what you said
last night. I want you to knew that
I've never killed anything in my
entire life Fenton.

YOUNG FENTON
That's a lie and you know it.

DAD
(sighs)
When God asked me to destroy
demons. I had to trust God's word
that they really were demons. It
was a question of faith. I've heard
preachers call it the leap of
faith. And I took that leap. I
chose to believe. (beat) And when I
did that, everything flipped over.
And I 'realized that it was the
right thing. It was my destiny.

Fenton just looks at him.

DAD {CONT, D)
I did a lot of thinking and praying
last night after you went to bed. I
prayed for an angel to visit you.

DAD (CONT ID)

But instead one visited me ... and
told me something I ... I don't
want to believe.

YOUNG FENTON
What?

DAD
It doesn't matter because together
you and I are going to prove him
wrong. l love you son. I don't want
anything to happen to you.

Dad looks down at his coffee.

DAD (CONTI D) (CONT’D)

You just don't have any faith.
That's why you can't see the truth.
(looks up at him) But we're going
to change that.
 73.

EXT. BACKYARD -- MOMENTS LATER

The sun is barely starting to come up. Th.ere is a glaze of

dew over the grass. Dad comes out of the shed with Fenton
following him, carrying a shovel. Dad walks out into the yard
and looks around. He walks back toward the side of the shed
and stops, looking at the ground. He motions for Fenton, and
points at the ground.

DAD
I want you to dig a hole here.
It'll need to be about twenty feet
deep and about twenty feet wide in
both directions.

Fenton looks at him incredulously.

DAD (CONT’D)
The length and width should form a
perfect square.

YOUNG FENTON
What!?

DAD
You heard me.

YOUNG FENTON
Why!?

DAD
Take that tone out of your voice.
Because I told you to. You might
think I'm some crazed killer, but
I'm. still your father and you'll
do what I tell you. You understand
me?

Fenton doesn't respond.

DAD (CONT’D)
(in a warning tone)
Fenton.

YOUNG FENTON
Yes sir.

DAD
Now, we're going to build ourselves
a little cellar out here.

YOUNG FENTON
A cellar?
 74.

DAD
Yep. And until you give in to God's
will and accept your place in this
family, you're going to do most of
the work by yourself.

YOUNG FENTON
I can't do that by myself. I don't
even know how to build a cellar.

DAD
I'll take care of that. All you
have to do is the labor.

YOUNG FENTON
All of it!?

DAD
Yep. You're going to serve God's
will one way or another. And God
wants us to have a cellar to help
us in our mission so get to work.

He walks off.

DAD (CONT’D)
(calls behind him)
I want at least half that hole dug
when I get home from work .

YOUNG FENTON
But Dad! I can't do that!

DAD
Pray. Maybe God will help you.

Fenton watches him disappear around the side of the house,

and then looks down at the ground angrily.

EXT. BACKYARD -- LATER

It is late morning now. The dew is gone and the sun blazes in
the sky. Fenton digs the hole. It is about five feet wide and
long, but only about two feet deep. There is a small pile of
dirt by the hole. He is covered in sweat.

FENTON ( V. 0. )
I started digging that goddamn
hole, but I did not pray. I would
not. I hated God. I despised Him.
My hatred helped me dig. It kept me
going.
(MORE)
 75.
FENTON ( V. 0. ) (CONT'D)
Dad's or God's or the angels' or
whoever's plan it was would not
work on me. I knew what Dad was
doing was wrong and nothing was
going to change that.

EXT. BACKYARD -- LATER

The sun beats down on Fenton as he digs diligently. His shirt

is now off and tied around his head. His back is slightly
sunburned. He is literally drenched in sweat. The hole is
about three feet deep, and about ten feet in length and
width. Fenton digs steadily, throwing dirt over his shoulder
into the ever growing pile by the hole.

YOUNG ADAM (O.S.)

Hey Fenton.

Fenton keeps digging, lost in thought.

YOUNG ADAM (O.S.) (CONT’D)

Fenton!

Fenton stops and looks up at his brother. He is holding a big

plastic cup of water. He extends it to Fenton. Fenton takes
it and gulps half of it down. Adam looks at the hole.

YOUNG ADAM (CONT’D)

How big does it have to be?

YOUNG FENTON
Twenty feet long, wide and deep .

YOUNG ADAM
(eyes wide)
That's huge.

Fenton puts the cup down and starts to shovel again. Adam
watches him for a moment.

YOUNG ADAM (CONT’D)

I'm sorry I told on you.

He stops digging and looks at Adam.

YOUNG FENTON
You didn't tell him what I said
about running away, did you?

YOUNG ADAM
No.
 76.

YOUNG FENTON
Will you go with me then?

YOUNG ADAM
(shakes his head)
There's no reason to go.

YOUNG FENTON
He's a killer Adam.

YOUNG ADAM
No, he’s not. Why can't you just
believe me? Dad said we could both
help you dig the hole if you did.

Fenton looks angry, but doesn't say anything. He begins to

dig again.

YOUNG ADAM (CONT’D)

I've been praying for you.

He digs faster, his anger mounting.

YOUNG ADAM (CONT’D)

Have you been praying?

YOUNG FENTON
( snaps at him)
Nope. And I'm not going to.

YOUNG ADAM
But Dad said that ...

YOUNG FENTON
I don't care what Dad said! He
might be able to make me dig this
stupid hole, but he can't make me
pray.

YOUNG ADAM
But maybe if we both pray God will
show you the truth like he did for
me and Dad.

Fenton stops digging and looks sharply at him.

YOUNG FENTON
You're as crazy as Dad. Just get
out of here and leave me alone.

Adam looks crushed. Fenton goes back to digging. Adam turns

to go, but turns back.
 77.

YOUNG ADAM
I'll help you if you promise you
won't tell Dad.

YOUNG FENTON
I don't want your help.

He keeps digging.

YOUNG ADAM
But there's another shovel in the
...

YOUNG FENTON
Get out of here!

He throws dirt at him, and he runs off. Fenton watches him

run off, and frowns regretfully.

FENTON (V.O.)
I wanted to run away, far away, but
I still couldn't leave Adam no
matter how crazy Dad was turning
him. And besides, there was nowhere
to go.

Fenton goes back to digging.

EXT. BACKYARD -- LATER

The sun is starting to go down. Fenton still digs, but a

little slower than before. The hole is considerably deeper
now, about five feet deep, but still about ten feet long and
wide. The dirt pile has grown considerably .

DAD (O.S.)
Looks like you've been busy.

Fenton looks up and sees Dad standing over the side of the ;
hole.

DAD (CONT’D)
Ain't exactly half, but it's
impressive. Pretty smart way to do
it too. I wouldn't let it get much
deeper before you start the other
half though.

Fenton climbs out of the hole with the shovel, and starts to
dig at the edge of it to make it longer.
 78.

DAD (CONT’D)
Oh, I'd say that's about enough for
today. Come on in and I'll make us
some supper. Looks like we've both
had a long hard day. Fenton ignores
him and keeps digging.

DAD (CONT’D)
Fenton. I said that's enough.

Fenton keeps digging. Dad watches him for a moment.

DAD { CONT ' D}

(sighs)
Well supper'll be waiting for you
when you decide to come in. You did
good today Fenton.

He looks at Fenton for some sort of response, but gets none.

Fenton just keeps digging. Dad sighs again and walks off.
Fenton never stops digging, an angry look of determination on
his face.

EXT. BACKYARD -- LATER

It is pitch dark out now. The only light is from the porch.
The hole is a little longer now. Fenton stops digging and
puts the shovel down. He looks at the. hole for a moment and
then starts to walk toward the house.

INT. HOUSE -- MOMENTS LATER

Fenton enters from the backdoor in the kitchen. He looks

hungrily at the plate of cold food sitting on the table, but
walks past it. He walks down the hall and goes into the
bathroom.

The sound of the television playing and Dad and Adam laughing
is heard in the background. He turns on the faucet in the.
sink, wincing at the pain. His hands are a bloody mess of
popped blisters. He puts them under the water and cries out
softly.

INT. KITCHEN -- LATER

Fenton sits at the table, eating. It is hard for him to hold

his fork and knife because of his blistered hands. Dad enters
from the hallway and sees him at the table.

DAD
Finally gave up, huh kiddo?
 79.

YOUNG FENTON
I didn't give up. I'll be out there
again in the morning.

Dad frowns at him and sits down across from him at the table.

DAD
I didn't mean it like that. Look, I
don't want to fight with you son. I
love you. I'm not doing this to
hurt you.

Fenton keeps eating, staring down at his plate.

DAD (CONT’D)
I wish you could understand that.

Fenton keeps eating. Dad watches him for a moment.

DAD {CONT ID)

Did you pray while you were out
there?

YOUNG FENTON
(looks up defiantly)
Nope.

Dad frowns, but doesn't say anything. Fenton keeps eating,

but drops his knife loudly on the plate. He picks it up
again, but it's obvious he's in pain.

DAD
What's the matter with you?

YOUNG FENTON
Nothing.

DAD
Let me see your hands.

YOUNG FENTON
They're fine.

Dad reaches out and pulls one of Fenton's hands out where he
can see it.

DAD
Didn't you use gloves today?

Fenton pulls his hand away.

YOUNG FENTON
I didn't need them. I'm fine.
 80.

Dad gets up, goes to the kitchen cabinets, and gets some
aspirin. He takes a couple out of the bottle and tries to
hand them to Fenton.

DAD
Here. It'll ease the pain.

YOUNG FENTON
I said I'm fine.

DAD
Fenton, I know you're mad at me,
but that's no reason to cause
yourself pain. Now take them.

Fenton hesitates, but takes the pills and swallows them. Dad
watches him with a concerned look on his face.

DAD {CONT ID}

There's a pair of work gloves out
in the shed.

YOUNG FENTON
They've got blood on them.

DAD
I didn’t mean those. There's some
others I want you to use them from
now on. They won't do you any good
since you've wrecked your hands,
but in a few days you'll be fine.

DAD (CONT’D)
You did good out there today
Fenton.

He tries to tousle his hair, but Fenton pulls away . •

DAD (CONT’D)
I'm proud of you and I know God's
proud of you. So take the next few
days off. Let your hands heal, and
then you can get back to it.
Alright?

Fenton doesn't respond.

DAD (CONT’D)
Did you hear me?

YOUNG FENTON
(flatly)
I heard you.
 81.

DAD
Well, good-night then.

Fenton stares silently at his plate. Dad sighs and exits.

EXT. BACKYARD -- MORNING

It is extremely early. The sun is just barely starting to

come out. Fenton comes out of the house, walks out to the
hole, and looks down at it. He takes the shovel from where he
left it the day before, and winces from the pain in his
hands. He slowly starts to dig in the dew covered grass.

F\ EXT. BACKYARD -- LATER

The sun is out, but it is still early morning. Fenton still

digs. The back screen door creaks open and shuts in the
distance. Fenton keeps digging. Dad walks up to the side of
the hole and watches him for a few moments. Fenton notices
him, but doesn't look up or stop. Dad walks off. After a few
moments, a pair of gloves hit him in the head. He stops and
looks in the direction of where the gloves came from, and
sees Dad's back walking away. He looks at the gloves, and
starts to dig again.

FENTON {V. 0.)

I kept digging. My hands hurt, but
I wouldn't stop. The pain helped me
keep going. It fed my hatred. I
would never give in to Dad or his
God.

EXT. BACKYARD -- EVENING

The sun is going down. Fenton keeps digging. The hole and the
pile of dirt beside it are both considerably larger . •

FENTON (V. 0. )
I kept digging and Dad kept
killing.

Dad comes around the side of the house, carrying a person

over his shoulder, with Adam following behind him. Fenton
stops digging and watches them. Dad looks over at Fenton,
their eyes lock for a moment, and then he disappears into the
shed. Adam goes in and shuts the door behind them.

FENTON (V.O.)
But he· left me alone.

Fenton goes back to digging.

 82.

FENTON (V.O.) (CONT'D}

I kept at it morning, noon, and
night for five days.

EXT . BACKYARD -- MORNING

Fenton stands on the edge of the giant hole, looking down

into it.

FENTON (V. 0.)

And by the sixth day, it was as
dark and deep as my hatred for
Dad's God.

Dad walks up from behind Fenton, and peers down at the hole.

DAD
Well you finished it alright.

Fenton just stares down at the hole.

DAD (CONT’D)
But I bet you didn't pray once the
whole time. Did you?

Fenton looks up at Dad, defiant and proud.

YOUNG FENTON
Nope.

Dad looks at him wearily and then back down at the hole.

EXT. HOUSE -- DAY

The van is parked way up in the driveway near the backyard.

The side door of the van is open and there are stacks of wood
inside of it. Adam and Fenton take wood from the van to the
backyard where Dad is in the hole, using a hoe to smooth out
the ground. They stack the wood next to the hole . •

FENTON (V. O.)

We started the cellar after that.

At least that's what Dad called it, but I knew better. We

were building a dungeon down there. Fenton stacks the wood
and stares down at Dad in the hole.

EXT. BACKYARD -- DAY

There is the beginnings of a wooden cellar in the hole. Dad,

Adam, and Fenton hammer away.
 83.

FENTON (V. 0. )
It wasn't much of a cellar though
or even a dungeon. Dad was
definitely no architect.

EXT. BACKYARD -- DAY

The cellar has a roof now.

FENTON (V. O.)

We basically built a big wooden box
in the ground.

INT. CELLAR -- DAY

There is a lantern, but it is still somewhat dark. Fenton and

Adam help Dad build a stairway that leads up to the top of
the hole to an opened hatch where sunlight floods in.

FENTON (V. O.)

But Dad said it would hold. God
would see to it.

EXT. BACKYARD -- DAY

Fenton and Adam and Dad stand on the ground, shoveling dirt
onto the cellar, covering it up.

INT. CELLAR -- CONTINUOUS

The makeshift support beams creak, but hold.

EXT. BACKYARD -- LATER

The cellar is completely covered up with packed dirt, except

for the hatch. Fenton and Adam come in and out of the shed,
taking things out of it, and putting them in the yard. Dad
packs the dirt some more with the back of a shovel .

EXT. BACKYARD -- LATER

They move the shed, with Dad on one side and Fenton and Adam
on the other, and position it over the cellar hatch.
 84.

INT. SHED -- MOMENTS LATER

Adam and Fenton and Dad put stuff back in the shed. Dad looks
around, satisfied.

DAD
You did good boys. Especially you

Fenton. Fenton ignores him and keeps arranging things. Dad

frowns.

INT. HOUSE -- NIGHT

Fenton and Adam sit in the living room watching Happy Days on
television. Dad's van is heard pulling up in the driveway.
Adam jumps up and runs to the front door to greet him, but
Fenton doesn't move.

FENTON ( V. 0 . )
The next night he brought home
another demon.

Fenton hears Dad come in and Adam greet him.

DAD (O.S.)
Hey tiger. Where's your brother?

YOUNG ADAM (O.S.)

Watching tv.

DAD (O.S.)
Fenton!

Fenton stays where he is and doesn't say a word. He hears

Dad's footsteps coming down the front hall.

DAD (CONT’D)
Fenton!?

Fenton looks at the entryway to the living room, and sees Dad
standing there, holding a TEENAGE GUY over his shoulder, his
hands and feet tied together with duct tape.

DAD (CONT’D)
Fenton, you answer me when I call
you. Come out to the cellar.

Fenton stares at him stubbornly, and doesn't move .

DAD (CONT’D)
(sternly)
Now.
 85.

Fenton gets up angrily, and Dad turns to walk away. When he

does, Fenton sees the teenager's terrified face. There are
tears in his eyes and duct tape over his mouth.

INT. CELLAR -- MOMENTS LATER

Dad puts the teenager down on the floor. Adam holds the
lantern, looking at him curiously. The teenager looks back at
Adam and seems to calm down a little. Fenton hangs back on
the steps. Dad notices him.

DAD
Get down here.

Fenton does as he's told, though slowly. Dad peels off his
gloves and picks up the axe from the corner of the room. He
walks toward Fenton, and extends the axe to him. ·Fenton
looks at it, but doesn't take it.

DAD (CONT’D)
(sternly}
It has to be done. It's God's will.

He extends the axe to Fenton again.

DAD (CONT'D)
Now do it like I showed you. The
neck first.

The teenager squirms and moans on the floor. Fenton looks

from him to Dad to the axe, and then runs back up the steps.

DAD (CONT’D)
Fenton! Get back here! Fenton!

Dad hears the shed door slam.

YOUNG ADAM
I'll do it Dad.

He looks at Adam and then at the teenager.

EXT. HOUSE -- MOMENTS LATER

Fenton runs away from the house quickly, and breaks into a
sprint once he hits the gravel road .

FENTON (V. O.)

I had tried to save Adam and Dad,
but they wouldn't let me. So the
only thing left to do was to save
myself.
 86.

The stars shine down on him.

FENTON (V.O.)
I half expected angels or even God
himself to come out of the night
and stop me. But I had to do it. I
had to put an end to the whole
thing.

EXT. POLICE STATION -- MOMENTS LATER

Fenton runs up to the station and enters.

INT. POLICE STATION -- CONTINUOUS

Fenton runs in, panting. The place is empty.

YOUNG FENTON
(looks around)
Hello?

No one answers. Fenton walks through the place, looking

increasingly worried.

YOUNG FENTON (CONT’D)

Hello! Hello!?

There is no one there.

FENTON (CONT'D}
(screams in panic)
Hello!!!

A door opens down the hall, and DEPUTY SMALLS sticks his head
out.

DEPUTY SMALLS
I'm in the bathroom for christ's
sake! I'll be there in a minute!

INT. POLICE STATION -- LATER

Deputy Smalls sits at his desk looking at Fenton who sits

across from him.

DEPUTY SMALLS
That's the craziest shit I've ever
heard .
 87.

He reaches for the phone.

YOUNG FENTON
What are you doing?

DEPUTY SMALLS
Calling your dad.

YOUNG FENTON
You can't!

DEPUTY SMALLS
Oh yes I can. You should be ashamed
of yourself, making up stories like
that about your own father.

YOUNG FENTON
But it's true! I can show you.

Deputy Smalls looks at him for a long moment and then hangs
up the phone.

DEPUTY SMALLS
Come on.

He gets up and Fenton follows him.

EXT. HOUSE -- LATER

A patrol car pulls up to the house and parks. All the lights
to the house are off. Fenton and Deputy Smalls get out.

YOUNG FENTON
It's around back, under the shed.

DEPUTY SMALLS
(grabs Fenton's arm)
That's enough of that boy. We're

gonna put an end to this. Come on. He pulls him towards the
porch.

FENTON
But he's in the back.

DEPUTY SMALLS
Let's see what your Dad has to say.
about all this.
 88.

They reach the porch and Deputy Smalls knocks on the door.
They wait for a long moment, and then the door opens to
reveal Dad in his underwear, looking confused . •

DEPUTY SMALLS (CONT’D)

Mr. Meeks, I'm sorry to bother you
so late and all, but...

He indicates Fenton. Dad sees him and frowns.

INT. KITCHEN -- MOMENTS LATER

Deputy Smalls sits at the table with Fenton next to him. Dad,
now in a pair of blue-jeans, pours Deputy Smalls a glass of
ice-tea and hands it to him.

DAD
Well, that is quite a tale alright.

Makes me cringe to think he told lies like that to everyone

down at the police station.

YOUNG FENTON
They're not lies and you know it!

Smalls looks uncomfortable at Fenton's outburst.

DEPUTY SMALLS
Well, you can put your mind at ease
about that. I was the only one
there and of course ... (looks hard
at Fenton) I don't believe a word
of it, but what got me is why in
the world he'd make something like
that up. That's why I brought him
over here myself.

DAD
(sighs)
I don't know why he made it up.
Probably to get back at me for
punishing him earlier. (to Fenton)
Did you tell him about that?

YOUNG FENTON
(to Smalls)
He's lying. Just check the shed.

Smalls looks to Dad.

DAD
I don't know what to do with him.
 89.

DEPUTY SMALLS
I know. They hit puberty and lose
all respect for you. You ask me,
you should take a switch to him.

Smalls gets up from the table.

DAD
I've always tried to avoid it, but
...

Fenton jumps up and grabs Small's arm.

YOUNG FENTON
Check the shed! Or the Rose Garden!
I can show you where they're
buried!

Smalls looks to Dad. Dad shrugs.

DAD
Maybe you should check the shed.

DEPUTY SMALLS
I know there's nothing out there.
(to Fenton)
And so do you.

DAD
Well, it won't-hurt none. Maybe
even calm him down a bit.

DEPUTY SMALLS
If you think we should ...

DAD
If it has to be done, it has to be
done. (looks hard at Fenton) What
do you think kiddo? Does it have to
be done?

EXT. BACKYARD -- MOMENTS LATER

Fenton leads Smalls to the shed with Dad following behind.

INT. SHED -- CONTINUOUS

Fenton throws open the door and rushes to the hatch which is
unlocked, and pulls it open.

YOUNG FENTON
See!?
 90.

Smalls looks at the hatch and then to Dad, who shrugs . •

DAD
Figured we ought to have a storm
cellar.

Dad takes a lantern off of his workbench and lights it.

DAD (CONT’D)
Go on down and check it out.

He hands the lantern to Smalls.

DAD (CONT’D)
Just watch your step. I'm not much
of a carpenter.

Smalls takes the lantern and follows Fenton down into the
dark cellar.

INT. CELLAR -- CONTINUOUS

Fenton and Smalls make it to the bottom of the steps. The

lantern slowly fills the cellar with dim light.. It is empty.

DEPUTY SMALLS
Just like I thought.

Fenton looks around frantically.

YOUNG FENTON
But he was here!

DEPUTY SMALLS
If I was your Dad I'd bust your
butt good for this one.

YOUNG FENTON
They must have moved him. He was
here. Adam! Adam's got him
somewhere!

DEPUTY SMALLS
I've had about enough of this for
one night.

Smalls hands Fenton the lantern and starts climbing the

stairs.

YOUNG FENTON
Wait. I can show you where the
bodies are buried!
 91.

Smalls stops, looks back at him, frowns and shakes his head,
and then turns back and continues up the stairs .

FENTON ( CONT I D)
Wait! Please! You've got to believe
me!

Smalls reaches the top of the stairs and then suddenly falls
back and rolls down the steps. He lands at the bottom with a
thud. Fenton runs to him and sees the blood flowing from the
huge gash in his chest. He is still alive. He looks down at
his wound, confused, and then up at Fenton. He tries to say
something, but can't form the words. There are FOOTSTEPS on
the stairs. Fenton looks up and sees Dad coming down the
steps with the axe in his hand. Fenton moves back in fear.
Dad reaches the bottom of the stairs and looks at the dazed
Deputy who is looking right back at him. He lifts the axe,
but there are tears in his eyes.

DAD
May God welcome you and keep you.

He brings the axe down. Smalls' legs twitch a little and then
stop. Dad throws the bloody axe to the floor, and then turns
and vomits. Fenton watches him.

EXT. ROSE GARDEN -- LATER

Fenton digs a hole as Dad sits on the ground, wiping tears

from his eyes. Smalls' body lays on the ground a few feet
away from Dad. Adam also digs a hole a little further away
from them. Beside Adam there are three black trash bags. He
finishes his first hole, dumps the contents of one of the
trash bags into it, and then starts to dig another hole.
Fenton finishes his hole, sticks his shovel in the ground,
and looks at Dad who is still crying, though silently. Dad
notices Fenton, and looks away.

DAD
I never killed a man until tonight.

YOUNG FENTON
I've seen you kill plenty.

Dad looks up hard at Fenton, and there is hate for the first
time in his eyes.

DAD
Those were demons you heathen!
Demons!

Adam stops digging and looks over at them . •

 92.

CONTINUED: $4

DAD
{points to the corpse)
That was a man! Not a demon! Why
can't you see that?! What's wrong
with you? ! Why can' t you see it?

YOUNG FENTON
You didn't have to kill him.

DAD
I had to protect our mission. I
told you what would happen if you
told! But you told anyway!

YOUNG FENTON
There is no mission! You're crazy!

Dad jumps up and goes for Fenton. Fenton tries to back up,
but is too slow. Dad grabs him by the arms.

YOUNG ADAM
(cries)
Dad don't!

DAD
That man is dead because of you!
Dead because you have no faith!
Don't you understand what you've
done!?

YOUNG FENTON
I didn't do anything!

He pulls him into his face.

DAD
You've made me a murderer Fenton! A
murderer!

He throws Fenton to the ground. He grabs the shovel and

raises it above his head. Adam screams. Fenton covers his
head, readying himself for the blow. Dad holds the shovel,
his face dark with rage. He lets out a cry, throws the shovel
to the ground, and collapses on the ground sobbing.

DAD (CONT’D)
Oh God help me. Help me God. Please
help me.

Adam goes to him and puts an arm around him. Fenton watches
him cry without any emotion . •
 93.

ADAM
It's alright Dad. Don't cry.

Fenton gets up and pushes Smalls' body into the hole. Adam
looks at Fenton and frowns. Fenton starts to cover him up
with dirt.

EXT. HOUSE -- LATER

Fenton walks across the road from the garden, carrying his
shovel. Dad and Adam follow behind him. The patrol car is
still parked in front of the house. Fenton reaches the house
before them, and starts to climb the porch steps. Dad looks
at the patrol car and sighs.

DAD
(calls to Fenton)
Wait a minute Fenton.

Dad and Adam walk up to him on the porch.

DAD (CONT’D)
(to Adam}
Go on inside son. I'll be there in
a minute to tuck you in.

Adam looks at Dad then at Fenton.

DAD (CONT'D)
Go on. It's alright. You did good.

Adam smiles weakly at Dad.

YOUNG ADAM
It was easy.
(to Fenton)
I destroyed a demon.

DAD
( rubs his head)
You sure did tiger.

Adam passes Fenton on the steps and goes inside the house.
Dad watches him go and then turns to Fenton.

DAD (CONT’D)
Come on around back to the shed.

He walks off, and after a -moment Fenton follows him .

 94.

INT. SHED -- MOMENTS LATER

The door is open. Dad stands at his workbench, cleaning off

the axe blade with a rag. Fenton walks into the doorway, but
lingers there when he sees Dad with the axe.

DAD
(not looking up)
Come inside and shut the door.

Fenton hesitates for a moment, and then does as he is told.

Dad looks up at him, sees the fear.

DAD (CONT’D)
Are you afraid?

Fenton nods.

DAD (CONT’D)
Of what?

YOUNG FENTON
(beat)
You.

DAD
Only demons should fear me.

He takes a step toward Fenton, holding the axe casually. '

DAD (CONT’D)
And you're not a demon.
(beat)
Are you?

Fenton backs up a step, eyeing the axe.

DAD (CONT’D)
The angel said you were.

Fenton looks at him with new terror.

DAD (CONT’D)
That night before I had you dig the
hole. Said you were a demon down
deep. That me and Adam couldn't see
it, but that we would in time. Said
it was why you wouldn't help us.

They stare at each other for a long moment. Dad tosses the
axe to the side of the shed . •
 95.

DAD (CONT’D)
But I don't believe that. I ... I
just can't. You're my son, and I
love you more than my own life.

Fenton visibly relaxes.

DAD (CONT ID) (CONT’D)

You know what's funny about this
situation Fenton? I'm afraid of
you.

He walks to the cellar hatch, bends down on his knees, and

opens it. He looks down into the darkness of the cellar with
a frown.

DAD {CONT'D)
I don't understand you, and that
scares me. I can't trust you, and
that scares me even more. You're
the only part of this whole thing
that doesn't make sense to me.

He straightens himself and looks over at Fenton.

DAD
Go on. Get down there.

Dad nods to the steps. Fenton looks down into the dark
cellar, and then at Dad.

DAD (CONT’D)
Go on.

YOUNG FENTON
But ...

DAD
I don't want to do this Fenton, but
I have to after tonight. I had to
kill a man because of you. I won't
let that happen again.

YOUNG FENTON
I promise I won't tell again.

DAD
I can't trust you. I wish I could,
but I can't. Now go on.

YOUNG FENTON
Please Dad, I'm sorry.
 96.

DAD
I'm sorry too, Son.
(sternly)
Now go on before I put you down
there myself.

YOUNG FENTON
But ... but it's dark down there.

DAD
I don't have time to argue. I've
still got to clean up the mess you
caused tonight. Now go on.

YOUNG FENTON
Let me take the lantern.

DAD
(shakes his head no)
Go.

Fenton makes a run for it, but Dad grabs him by the arm,
picks him up, and carries him down the opened hatch as he
kicks and screams.

INT. CELLAR -- CONTINUOUS

Dad puts him down at the bottom of the steps. He tries to run
up the steps, but Dad pushes him back.

DAD
You'll stay down here until you see
the truth~

Dad walks quickly up the stairs. Fenton scrambles toward the

hatch, but Dad closes it on him, leaving him in total
darkness. He beats his fists on the hatch door, crying.

FENTON
I'm sorry! Please Dad! Please!

He hears Dad put the pad lock on the hatch.

DAD (O.S.)
Pray for a vision son. Only God can
show you the truth. Pray to Him
Fenton. Only He can help you now ..

He hears Dad walk off, and the shed door shut behind him.
Fenton collapses on the steps in tears. He wraps his arms
around himself, and screams .
 97.

INT. SHED -- DAY

Adam opens the shed door and comes in carrying a big cup. He
goes to the hatch door,. puts the cup on it, and gets on his
hands and knees beside it.

YOUNG ADAM
{to the hatch)
Fenton?

INT. CELLAR -- CONTINUOUS

It is completely dark except for a few tiny shafts of light

around the hatch door. Fenton lays underneath the hatch door,
curled up on the steps.

YOUNG ADAM (O.S.)

Fenton?

He stirs and looks up.

YOUNG ADAM (O.S.) (CONT’D)

Fenton? You alright?

Fenton moves closer to the hatch and tries to see through the
cracks, but can't.

YOUNG FENTON
(rasps)
Adam. Get me out of here.

YOUNG ADAM (O.S.)

I can't.

INTERCUT BETWEEN FENTON AND ADAM

YOUNG FENTON
Please, Adam. I'm scared.

YOUNG ADAM
Dad says you have to stay down
there until God shows you the
truth.

YOUNG FENTON
But I'm hungry and I've got to go
to the bathroom.

YOUNG ADAM
Dad won't let me feed you. He says
it'll help you find God. He called
it fasting.
(MORE)
 98.
YOUNG ADAM (CONT’D)
I brought you some water though. He
said you can have a cup a day, but
I'll bring more if I can .

YOUNG FENTON
He's going to kill me Adam. You've
got to let me out of here.

YOUNG ADAM
I can't.

Adam picks up the cup.

YOUNG ADAM (CONT’D)

Put your mouth by the crack. Here.

He pours a little water on the crack. The water trickles down

it and into the cellar. Fenton puts his mouth by it.

YOUNG ADAM (CONTI D) (CONT’D)

You ready? Here.

He pours more of the water into the crack. Fenton drinks from
the trickle, and let's it wet his face .

. YOUNG ADAM
You want some more or you want me
to save it for later?

YOUNG FENTON
More.

He gradually pours the rest of the cup down the crack and
Fenton drinks it.

YOUNG FENTON (CONT’D)

You've got to let me out of here
Adam.

Adam doesn't respond.

YOUNG FENTON ( CONT ' D) (CONT’D)

Adam?

YOUNG ADAM
I've been praying for you Fenton.
We both have. Dad says that you'll
probably be out of there by the end
of the week. You just have to
accept God's will.
 99.

YOUNG FENTON
(panicked)
I can't stay in here that long! Let
me out!

He beats on the hatch door and Adam backs up from it, tears
forming in his eyes.

YOUNG ADAM
I can't. I'm sorry.

He walks away from the hatch door. Fenton hears him walking
out and beats harder.

YOUNG FENTON
Adam! Please don't go! Please!

He hears the shed door shut, and breaks down into tears.

CUT TO PRESENT:

INT. DOYLE'S CAR -- NIGHT

The rain beats down on the car. Doyle drives as Fenton sits
in the backseat.

FENTON
The days came and went. I counted
them by the cracks of light in the
hatch door, and Adam's visits with
water. My fear never lessened. I
even pissed and shit myself because
I was too afraid to leave my little
spot by the stairs.

DOYLE
That's awful.

FENTON
The hunger and the stink helped me
forget the fear for awhile, but it
always came crashing back. You
would have thought that I would
have eventually gotten over my fear
of the dark, but I didn't. I was
terrified the entire time. I only
slept when I passed out from
exhaustion and fatigue.

DOYLE
What about your Dad? Did he ever
come back to at least check on
you?·
 100.

FENTON
On the seventh day.

CUT TO
FLASHBACK:

INT. CELLAR -- NIGHT

The hatch door opens and light shines down into the darkness,
revealing Fenton laying in his spot. He lifts his head weakly
and squints at the figure standing above the hatch, looking
down at him. Dad's face is filled with misery as he looks at
his son.

DAD
Has God spoken to you yet?

Fenton tries to stand, but falls back down. He lifts his head
up and looks Dad right in the eyes.

YOUNG FENTON
(rasps)
There is no God.

Dad stands there for a long moment, looking sadly at Fenton.

He shuts the hatch and the light disappears into total
darkness. The sound stops. There is no light or sound at all.
There is nothing but pitch black darkness.

FENTON (V.O.)
I lost count of the days after
that.

It felt like weeks. I finally went beyond fear into total

insanity, I saw God. He had finally sent me a vision alright.
It was like that line in Acts, "Immediately something like
scales fell from Saul's eyes and he could see again." And it
was then that I understood my destiny just like Dad had said
I would. There is a SPLASH sound, and light from the opened
hatch falls on Fenton. He is drenched and laughing
hysterically. Dad is shaking him, and calling his name.

DAD
(worried)
Fenton! Fenton!

Adam stands at the top of the stairs crying. Suddenly Fenton

stops laughing. Dad and Adam both freeze. There is a perfect
moment of silence. Fenton looks up at Dad and smiles weakly.

YOUNG FENTON
(croaks)
I saw God Dad.
 101.

Dad looks at him for a long moment, and a big smile spreads
slowly over his face . He pulls Fenton to him, tears of joy
in his eyes, and caresses his head.

DAD
Oh thank you God. Thank you.

Adam jumps up and down with excitement, clapping his hands.

INT. KITCHEN -- LATER

Fenton, now cleaned up and in fresh clothes, sits at the

kitchen table eating a plate of food. Dad and Adam watch him
as he devours the food.

DAD
(smiles)
Slow down there. You don't want to
make yourself sick.

Fenton tries to slow down a little, but can't help himself.

YOUNG ADAM
(excited)
So did God tell you about the
demons?

Fenton nods with his mouthful. Dad smiles proudly.

YOUNG FENTON
I'm sorry I doubted you Dad.

Dad reaches out and tousles his hair.

DAD
I'm sorry too son.

They smile at each other.

YOUNG ADAM
What'd God look like?

YOUNG FENTON
It's hard to describe.

YOUNG ADAM
Was he big?

DAD
Adam, leave him alone. He can't
tell you something like that. You
have to see it for yourself.
 102.

YOUNG ADAM
But I want to know.

DAD
Then maybe you should pray for it.

YOUNG ADAM
(pouting)
It's not fair. All I've seen are
angels and he gets to see God.

DAD
Look at the price he paid for it
though.

Dad looks at Fenton devouring his food. He almost frowns, but

forces a smile instead.

DAD (CONT’D)
But that's all behind us now. This
is a new day. Isn't it Fenton?

Fenton smiles and nods with his mouthful.

YOUNG ADAM
So we gonna go get us a demon now?

DAD
After awhile. When Fenton's ready.

INT. VAN EVENING

Dad drives. A ballgame plays softly on the radio. Fenton sits

in the passenger seat, looking at a map. Adam sits in the
back.

FENTON (V. O.)

A week later I was ready. I
remember it was a Friday night near
the very end of summer. My first
demon was to be Brad White from
Dallas.

Fenton puts down the map and looks through the windshield at
the lights and buildings of downtown Dallas in the distance.

EXT. STREET -- LATER

The van drives slowly down the street.

 103.

INT. VAN -- CONTINUOUS

Dad drives. looking at the numbers on the houses. Fenton

points at one.

YOUNG FENTON
There it is

It is a small house with a beat-up car sitting in the

driveway. Dad pulls the van down the street, turns around,
and parks by the curb. They all three stare at the house. Dad
turns on his flashers and looks over at Fenton.

DAD
You sure you're ready for this?

YOUNG FENTON
(solemnly)
Yes sir.

Dad smiles at him, and puts on his gloves. He pulls out a

second pair of gloves and hands them to Fenton.

DAD
I've been saving them for you. You
might need them now that God has
spoken to you.

Fenton takes them and puts them on.

DAD (CONT’D)
Alright, let's go.

He reaches between the seats and pulls out the lead pipe.

YOUNG ADAM
I want to go, too.

DAD
Not this time Adam.

Adam looks disappointed.

DAD (CONT’D)
Don't worry your time will come.

Dad and Fenton open their doors and get out.

EXT. HOUSE -- MOMENTS LATER

Fenton and Dad walk up to the porch. The porch-light is off,

but there is a light on inside, and a television can be
heard. They reach the front door. Dad knocks.
 104.

They hear someone moving around inside and coming to the

door. Fenton looks up at Dad who smiles reassuringly. A man
in his mid- thirties, BRAD WHITE, opens the door, and looks
at them.

BRAD
Yeah?

DAD
I'm sorry to bother you, but we've
got a flat tire.

He points to the van with its flashers going.

DAD (CONT’D)
I was wondering if you had a tire
iron. I went off and left mine at
home.

Brad looks at Dad and then at Fenton.

BRAD
What's with the gloves?

DAD
To change the tire.

BRAD
(smirks)
Don't want to get your hands dirty?

WOMAN ( 0 . S . )
Brad! Who is it?

Brad turns and shouts back into the house.

BRAD
Mind your business bitch!

Brad turns back to them and gives Dad a look.

BRAD (CONT’D)
Goddamn women.

Dad forces a smile.

BRAD (CONT’D)
Yeah, I think I got one for you.

He walks out and shuts the door behind him.

BRAD (CONT’D)
Come on. It's around back.
 105.

Fenton and Dad follow him off the porch and around the house.

EXT. GARAGE -- CONTINUOUS

Brad walks up to the garage and opens the door. There is

stuff all over the place inside of it . •

BRAD
Now let's see.

He flicks on a light and starts to rummage through the place.

Dad watches him and slowly pulls the pipe from his back.
Fenton looks over and sees a hammer laying on the floor. Dad
gets behind Brad and raises the pipe.

BRAD (CONT’D)
Here it is.

Just as Dad is about to bring it down on his head, Fenton

accidentally knocks over something, and Brad looks up and
sees Dad with the pipe. He dodges, and Dad misses him.

BRAD (CONT’D)
Motherfucker!

Brad brings the tire iron up and hits Dad in the stomach. Dad
doubles over. He raises the tire iron to hit Dad again, but
cries out in pain and grabs the back of his neck. He turns
and sees Fenton holding the hammer.

BRAD (CONT’D)
You little son of a bitch!

He raises the tire iron, but suddenly falls forward revealing

Dad with the pipe. Dad holds his stomach in pain and looks ~
at Brad unconscious on the floor.

DAD
Grab his legs.

INT. VAN -- LATER

Dad drives down the highway. Fenton sits in the passenger

seat staring out the window. Adam is in the back taping
Brad's hands and legs. He finishes and slaps an extra piece
of tape over his mouth.

YOUNG ADAM
All done.

Dad turns to look and winces. Fenton notices.

 106.

DAD
Is it good and tight?

YOUNG ADAM
Yep .

YOUNG FENTON
(to Dad)
You alright?

DAD
Maybe some bruised ribs, but I'll
live. If it wasn't for you, it
could've been worse. We might not
have got him.

YOUNG FENTON
I thought God was supposed to
protect us.

DAD
He did.
(smiles proudly)
God was working through you tonight
kiddo.

Fenton looks back at Brad out cold on the floorboard.

DAD (CONT’D)
I have to admit I was a little
worried earlier, but now I know
everything is going to be alright.
I'm proud of you Fenton.

EXT. HOUSE -- LATER

The van pulls up in the driveway. Fenton gets out the side
door. Adam is asleep, but Brad is awake. right at Fenton. Dad
comes around the side of the sees that Brad is awake. He puts
on his gloves. and opens He looks van and

DAD
Let's get him in the cellar.
(to Adam)
Adam, wake up.

He reaches in and shakes him.

DAD (CONT’D)
Come on Adam. Wake up.

Adam mumbles and turns over. Dad looks at him sleeping and
smiles.
 107.

DAD (CONT’D)
Might as well let him sleep. We'll
get him later.

Dad reaches for Brad .

INT. CELLAR -- MOMENTS LATER

Dad drops Brad on the floor. Fenton hangs back on the steps,
holding the lantern and the axe. Dad steps back from Brad,
exhausted and holding his stomach. He looks over at Fenton.

DAD
You know son, I've been waiting for
this moment ever since all this
started.

Fenton sets the lantern down and steps forward with the axe,
looking at Brad.

YOUNG FENTON
I'm ready to fulfill my destiny.

Dad looks at Fenton, smiles, and walks over to Brad on the

floor, peeling off his gloves. Brad watches Dad and says
something muffled by the tape.

DAD
(looks to Fenton)
You ready?

Fenton nods and moves forward next to Dad. Dad kneels down
next to Brad and grabs him by the arm. Dad's eyes go wide and
so do Brad's. Adam walks down the stairs, sees Dad with his
hands on the demon, and his eyes widen. Fenton lifts the axe,
a look of determination on his face. Dad lets go of Brad with
disgust.

DAD (CONT’D)
(outraged)
Destroy him!

Fenton swings the axe. Brad's eyes widen with shock. Dad
falls back onto the floor with the axe buried in his chest.
Adam screams and runs down the steps. Dad looks at Fenton
with pain.

DAD (CONT’D)
How ... could you ... do this?

Fenton stares at him coldly. Tears fall from Dad's eyes. Adam
rushes to Dad's side, crying. Dad puts an arm around Adam,
pulls him close, says something to him, -and dies.
 108.

Fenton watches him die, and then turns to Brad and pulls the
tape off of his mouth. Brad looks past him and screams.
Fenton turns to see Adam with the axe raised above his head.
Fenton falls back and closes his eyes and the picture fades
to black as Brad screams . •

Fenton opens his eyes and sees Adam on the floor, cradling
Dad's limp head, crying. Adam sees Fenton looking at him.

YOUNG ADAM
(crying)
You killed him! You killed Dad!
He's dead! He's deeeeeaaaad!

He cries uncontrollably as Fenton watches him without

emotion.

CUT TO PRESENT:

INT. DOYLE'S CAR -- NIGHT

Doyle drives. Fenton sits in the backseat. They drive along

in silence. There are tears in Fenton's eyes. He looks out
the window at the rain, and wipes at his tears. Doyle glances
at Fenton in the rearview.

DOYLE
You had to do it, you know. He was
a mad dog. He had to be put down.

Fenton stares out the window, and doesn't say anything.

DOYLE (CONT’D)
So what happened then?

FENTON
I buried him in the Rose Garden.

He doesn't say anymore.

DOYLE
You didn't tell anybody?

FENTON
We went to the sheriff about a week
later, right before school started
and told him that Dad hadn't come
home one day.

Doyle waits for him to continue, but he doesn't.

DOYLE
That's it?
 109.

FENTON
(sighs) .
The sheriff filled out a missing
persons report, but never found
anything. We were sent to separate
orphanages after awhile .

DOYLE
He didn't suspect anything? I mean
his deputy disappears a month or so
before and he didn't suspect
anything?

FENTON
Maybe he did. I don't know. He
never questioned us about any of
it.

He looks back out the window.

DOYLE
So no one ever knew about any of
it?

FENTON
Nope. Not until now.

DOYLE
But what about Adam ...

FENTON
Do you mind if we just sit here for
awhile? I don't feel like talking
anymore.

Doyle looks frustrated, but doesn't say anything.

EXT. ROAD -- MORNING

The rain has stopped and the sun is beginning to come out,
though it is still very early. Doyle's car drives down the
empty road in front of the Rose Garden.

INT. CAR -- CONTINUOUS

Doyle drives as Fenton looks out the window at the garden.

FENTON
Pull over here.

Doyle pulls the car over. Fenton yawns.

 110.

DOYLE
(yawns)
Where's the house?

FENTON
They tore it down almost ten years
ago. Let me out.

Doyle gets out and opens the backdoor for him. He reaches in
to give him a hand, but Fenton refuses.

FENTON • ( CONT ' D)

I've got it.

He pulls himself out of the car with the handcuffs on.

EXT. ROSE GARDEN -- MOMENTS LATER

They enter through a narrow gap in the chain link fence near
the back of the garden. Fenton walks off through the wet
weeds to a small, barely noticeable path. Doyle follows.

FENTON
(as they walk)
It's a little further back this
way.

DOYLE
But this isn't even in the garden.

He points to the garden in the distance where rosebushes are

lined up in neat symmetrical rows in front of the Rose
Museum.

FENTON
I said it was near the back.

They continue to walk, the garden proper disappearing behind

them as they enter a thicket of trees.

DOYLE
You know, you never told me what
the promise was. The one you made
to your brother.

Fenton looks over at him, but keeps walking.

FENTON
It was later that night ...

DISSOLVE TO
FLASHBACK:
 111.

EXT. ROSE GARDEN -- NIGHT

Fenton digs a hole. Adam sits on the ground next to .Dad's

corpse, holding him and crying. Fenton finishes digging the
hole, and walks over to the corpse. Adam looks up at him
angrily with tears in his eyes. Fenton pulls Dad away from
Adam and drags him into the hole. He picks up the shovel and
starts to fill the hole. Adam stands over. the hole watching
Dad being slowly covered with dirt.

EXT. ROSE GARDEN -- MOMENTS LATER

Fenton packs the dirt on the ground and then looks at Adam,
who is glaring at him with hatred .

YOUNG FENTON
If you ever destroy me Adam,
promise me you 1 ll bury me here.

Adam glares at him.

ADAM
I promise to God I'll bury you
here.

CUT TO PRESENT:

EXT. ROSE GARDEN -- MORNING

Doyle and Fenton are still walking, though the woods have
become thicker.

DOYLE
I don't understand. He promised you
that he would bury you here?

FENTON
That's right.

DOYLE
(confused)
If he ever killed you?

FENTON
Not killed. Destroyed.

DOYLE
Wait a minute.

Doyle stops walking.

 112.

DOYLE (CONT' D) (CONT’D)

That doesn't make sense.

Fenton stops and turns to him.

FENTON
It does. If the man in front of you
is Adam Meeks.

DOYLE
(confused)
What?

ADAM (FENTON)
You heard me. It might take you a
minute, but you'll get it . •

Doyle stares at him for a moment and then goes for his gun.
Adam stands calmly where he is, watching him. Doyle raises
the·gun and levels it on him.

DOYLE
( still confused)
So you're the killer?

ADAM (FENTON)
No. I told you before. I've never
killed anyone in my life.

Fenton was the killer.

DOYLE
Stop playing games and tell me the
truth!

ADAM (FENTON)
The game is over. You'll understand
soon. Just let me show you where I
buried Fenton. We're almost there.

He points to a clearing up ahead. Doyle looks unsure, but

nods after a moment.

DOYLE
You take it slow or I swear to God
I'll shoot you.

Adam smiles at him and starts to slowly walk in the direction

of the clearing. Doyle follows, keeping the gun aimed at him.
They reach the large clearing where a few giant rosebushes
stand.

ADAM (FENTON)
This is it. This is the spot.
 113.

There are literally dozens and dozens of spots on the ground

where the grass has been uprooted and holes have been dug and
filled in. The covered holes are all in little clusters of
threes. Adam points to one of the fresher clusters, where a
shovel lays next to it.

ADAM (FENTON) (CONT’D)

That's where I buried him.

Doyle studies the ground.

DOYLE
There’s too many holes here.
were only six victims.

ADAM (FENTON)
God's work is never done. Fenton
didn't bury his victims here. He
kept them as trophies in his
basement. This is where I put
demons.

Doyle looks at him, but Adam stares at Fenton's three graves.

ADAM (FENTON) (CONT’D)

That night I went to Fenton's house
was the first time I had seen him
since we were kids. I didn't even
know he lived so close to me until
he showed up on my list.

CUT TO
FLASHBACK:

EXT. FENTON'S HOUSE (PREVIOUSLY ADAM'S HOUSE) -- NIGHT

It is the same house from the very beginning. All the lights
to the house are off except for a dim light in the· front
window. Johnny Cash's Peace in the Valley plays softly from
inside the house. Adam (FENTON) stands in the driveway,
holding a lead pipe in his gloved hand, looking at the house.

INT. FENTON'S HOUSE -- CONTINUOUS

Fenton (previously Adam) sits at a small desk in the corner ~

of the living room, typing on an old typewriter. The song i.
plays on an old record player on the other side of the room.
He hums along with it as he types. On :the desk there are two
stacks of paper. Taped to the wall in front of the desk are
several newspaper clippings from the God's Hand case and a
single piece of paper with seven names on it, six of them
crossed out.
 114.

Fenton pulls the piece of paper out of the typewriter, puts

it on top of one of the stacks of paper, takes another sheet
from the other stack, puts it in the typewriter, and starts
to type again.

FENTON (O.S.)(ADAM)
Fenton Meeks.

Fenton (Adam) whirls around barely in time to see Adam

bringing the pipe down on his head.

INT. FENTON'S HOUSE -- MOMENTS LATER

Fenton (Adam) lays on the floor with his hands and feet
taped. There is a trickle of blood on his forehead. Adam
leans on the desk, the axe next to him, watching him. Fenton
opens his eyes, dazed, tries to move, but can't. He looks
around and sees Adam. He looks at him for a long moment . •

FENTON (ADAM)
So you finally came for me.

ADAM (FENTON)
God finally came for you.

FENTON (ADAM)
I knew this day would come.

ADAM (FENTON)
I've prayed for the past twenty
years that it wouldn't, but I guess
I knew it too.

FENTON (ADAM)
Dad would be so proud of you. You
always were his favorite. You even
look kind of like him, you know it?

ADAM (FENTON)
(not looking at him)
Why did you leave the notes?

FENTON (ADAM)
To lure you to me and get this
whole thing over with once and for
all. I just couldn't take it
anymore. I like to be the hunter
not the hunted. I knew when those
killings made the news, you'd track
me down. I have to admit though, I
didn't expect you to wait so long.
Six people. You let six people die
before you came after me.
 115.

ADAM (FENTON)
I came only when God put you on my
list. To come before then would
have been murder.

FENTON (ADAM)
You might call it something else,
but you're a murderer just like me.
The only difference is you kill for
God and I kill because I like it.
The look in their eyes as they die,
the way the blood feels on my
flesh. It makes me feel·good.

ADAM (FENTON)
Did killing Dad make you feel good?

FENTON (ADAM)
(half sings)
It put that joy joy joy joy down in
my heart.

Adam looks away from him, fighting his emotions.

FENTON (ADAM) (CONT’D)

C'mon Adam, you're supposed to say
where remember?

Adam pulls off one of his gloves .

FENTON ( CONT ' D) (ADAM) (CONT’D)

I guess that's not your favorite
song anymore.

Fenton looks at Adam's bare hand, and smiles sadistically.

FENTON (ADAM) (CONT’D)

Remember the look in Dad's eyes
that night?

ADAM (FENTON)
Yeah, I remember.

Adam (Fenton) takes off his other glove and tosses them both
down on the desk. Fenton watches him.

FENTON (ADAM)
I should have killed you when I
first got to town, but that was too
easy. I had to have you come for
me. (laughs bitterly) I guess I
forgot that God protects you. But
he didn't protect all those people
I killed in the past twenty years.
(MORE)
 116.
FENTON (ADAM) (CONT'D)
And he sure didn't protect Dad, did
he? Adam walks around Fenton, takes
a roll of tape out of his pocket,
and tears off a big piece.

ADAM (FENTON)
God asked Dad to destroy his own
son much like he asked Isaac to
sacrifice his own son to test his
faith. But Dad couldn't do it. He
loved his son, demon or not.

He reaches down and slaps the tape on Fenton's mouth.

ADAM (FENTON) (CONT’D)

He simply could not do what God had
asked of him.

He walks to the desk and picks up the axe.

ADAM (FENTON) (CONT’D)

And God didn't take pity on Dad
like he did with Isaac.

He walks back over to Fenton and looks him right in the eye.

ADAM (FENTON) (CONT’D)

But that was back at a time when
God had pity.

Adam (FENTON) reaches a hand out toward him.

CUT TO PRESENT:

EXT. ROSE GARDEN -- MORNING

Doyle stares at him for a long moment.

DOYLE
(softly)
Jesus Christ, you really do believe
all that stuff.

ADAM (FENTON)
I've always believed.

DOYLE
I told you my instincts were always
right. I knew there was something
about you.
 117.

ADAM (FENTON)
So you think you've finally figured
out what I've been hiding all this
time? Do you know my secret?

Doyle looks at him for a long moment and shakes his head in
disgust.

DOYLE
You're insane, you know that Fenton
or Adam or whoever you are.

Quite frankly, I don't give a fuck.

I don’t care which ones are true
and which ones aren't. Maybe I'll
figure that out later, maybe not.
But right this minute all I need to
know is that you're a sick murderer
and I've got you.

ADAM (FENTON)
Maybe, but that's not going to
bring back your mother is it? She's
dead and her killer got away.
Didn't he?

Doyle looks hard at him and he smiles.

DOYLE
You son of a ...

He rushes at him. Adam (Fenton) puts out his handcuffed hands

and touches Doyle right as he gets close enough. Doyle stops
and both of their eyes go wide.

INSERT FLASH
IMAGES:

DOYLE SCREAMS IN RAGE WITH BLOOD SMEARED ON HIS FACE

DOYLE, IN HIS TWENTIES, SNEAKS UP ON HIS MOTHER WITH A KNIFE

RAISED AS SHE HANGS SHEETS ON A LINE OUTSIDE

BACK TO SCENE:

Doyle drops the gun in a daze. Adam (Fenton) quickly reaches

into Doyle's pocket, takes out his keys, and un-handcuffs
himself.
 118.

DOYLE
(dazed)
How ... how did you do that?

Adam (Fenton) reaches out and grabs his arm.

INSERT: MOTHER TURNS TO SEE DOYLE RIGHT AS HE BRINGS THE

KNIFE DOWN

BACK TO SCENE:

Adam (Fenton) turns him around, puts the handcuffs on him,

and let's him go.

DOYLE
How .. how did you know?

ADAM (FENTON)
You were on my list.

Adam (Fenton) pushes him towards one of the rosebushes.

INSERT: MOTHER SCREAMS AS HE VICIOUSLY PLUNGES THE KNIFE

INTO HER

Adam (Fenton) bends down and picks up the axe that is hidden
under the bush, and pushes him ...

INSERT: BLOOD SPLATTERS THE SHEETS ON THE LINE

... behind the bush where there is a freshly dug hole. Doyle
falls into the hole. He seems to snap out of it and his eyes
widen in fear when he sees Adam (Fenton) standing over him
with the axe. He struggles to stand.

DOYLE
You ... You can't do this! I'm ...
I'm an FBI agent. They'll come
looking for you!

ADAM (FENTON)
No they won't. They'll keep looking
for Fenton. You're going to be his
last victim. God has willed it.
 119.

DOYLE
But ... but you've been seen!
They'll know it was you!

Adam knocks him back down with his foot, and lifts the axe.

ADAM (FENTON)
God will protect me.

He brings the axe down.

INT. CAR -- LATER

Adam (Fenton) drives Doyle's car down the highway, turning

the radio dial until he finds an old country and western
station.

EXT. FBI HEADQUARTERS -- LATER

Adam pulls into the parking lot next to the ambulance, and
gets out of the car. He gets into the ambulance, starts it,
and pulls off .

INT. FBI HEADQUARTERS -- LATER

The operator sits at her desk still reading the novel from
earlier. The phone rings, and as she reaches for it a folded
piece of paper falls out of the book. She answers the phone,
transfers the call, and then unfolds the paper. She reads the
typed words, "God's hand has taken William Doyle." Her eyes
widen. She drops the paper on her desk and grabs the phone.
Next to the piece of paper is the book. The cover has a
picture of single red rose with the title Frailty above it,
and the words by Fenton Meeks underneath it.

INT. AMBULANCE -- CONTINUOUS

Adam (Fenton) drives down the highway singing with the radio.

INT. FBI OFFICE -- LATER

The place is buzzing with activity now. Agents come and go

down the hallway. Inside one of the offices, Agent Hull, the
operator, and TWO AGENTS are gathered around a video monitor.
Hull fast-forwards the tape until he sees something. He stops
it and pushes play.
 120.

HULL
There he is.

The monitor shows a man walking into the reception area, but
it is impossible to make out his face. He moves out of frame.
Hull fast-forwards again until the man walks back into frame.
He lets it play, and the man walks to the operator, gives her
the book, and then turns toward the camera.

HULL (CONT’D)
We got him now.

As the man turns toward the camera there is a glitch and he

moves out of frame without revealing his face.

HULL (CONT’D)
What?!

He rewinds, watches it again, but the glitch is still there.

HULL (CONT’D)
Goddamnit!

AGENT 1
Are you sure neither one of you can
remember what he looked like?

The operator and Hull both shake their heads .

HULL
I told you it's just a blur. I
can't understand it. I looked right
at him, shook his hand.

AGENT 2
Well, we're running the name he
gave you now.

AGENT 1
It's got to be a fake name.

AGENT 2
Maybe. Pretty weird one though.
Fenton Meeks?

The operator looks up.

OPERATOR
Fenton Meeks? That's the name on
the book! The one I found the note
in.

All the agents look at her.

 121.

EXT. FENTON'S (ADAM’S) HOUSE AFTERNOON

Several FBI agents position themselves around the house. Hull

gives the signal and they storm the place.

INT. FENTON'S HOUSE -- MOMENTS LATER

Hull comes in after the other agents have secured the place,
and walks through the house. He walks to the desk and looks
down at the old typewriter, phonebooks, and the stacks of
papers next to it. He reads the top page. It reads "God's
hand has taken Karen Levy."

HULL
Son of a bitch.

He flips through the other papers and they all have the same
thing typed on them except the names are different on each
one. He notices the list taped on the wall, but this time all
seven names are crossed out on it. He pulls it off the wall
and sees that the last name is William Doyle as one of the
agents walks up to him, carrying something ..

AGENT #1
There's no one here sir.
We found this in the basement

He holds it out in his plastic-gloved hand and reveals that

it is a bloody wallet with Doyle's picture ID on one side and
his badge on the other. There is a blood stain on the
picture. Hull frowns.

HULL
Is ... is he down there too?

AGENT #1
(shakes his head)
Not him.

INT. KITCHEN -- MOMENTS LATER

The door near the far wall is opened, revealing a set of

steps that lead down. Hull goes down the stairs. The other
agents in the kitchen watch him.

HULL (O.S.)
(yells in disgust)
Jesus Christ!

The other agents shuffle uncomfortably as they hear him

vomit.
 122.

INT. MEAT POLICE DEPARTMENT -- DAY

Agent Hull enters and walks up to the reception desk. A woman

is turned, filing something.

HULL
Excuse me.

The woman turns and we see that it is the same pregnant

blonde woman that Doyle spoke to earlier on the phone. She
smiles.

WOMAN
I didn't even hear you come in. How
can I help you?

HULL
I'm with the FBI. I need to speak
to the sheriff, is he in?

WOMAN
Sure thing.

She swivels around in her chair.

WOMAN (CONT ID) (CONT’D)

Sheriff!
(back to Hull)
You want some coffee or something?·

HULL
No I'm fine. Thanks.

Officer Henderson comes in from the front door. Hull turns to

him and they nod hello at each other. Hull turns back to the
sound of a door opening and sees Adam, dressed in a police
uniform, come out of the office. Surprisingly, there is
absolutely no recognition in Hull's eyes or in Adam's.

HULL (CONT’D)
Sheriff Meeks?

ADAM (FENTON)
Yes?

They shake hands.

HULL
I'm Agent Hull of the FBI. I need
to ask you some questions about
your brother.
 123.

ADAM (FENTON)
( taken aback)
Fenton?

Hull nods solemnly.

EXT. MEAT POLICE DEPARTMENT LATER

Hull walks out the door of the station followed by Adam.

ADAM (FENTON)
Well, I appreciate you coming by to
tell me personally. I ... I don't
know what to say.

HULL
It's got to be hard. I just wanted
you to know before we go public.

ADAM (FENTON)
Well if there's anything I can
do...

HULL
I think we've got it pretty well
covered from here. But again if you
can think of where he might have
gone or if he contacts you ...

ADAM (FENTON)
Of course .

He extends his hand and Adam shakes it.

HULL
Take care sheriff.

Hull tries to pull his hand away, but Adam holds it for a
brief moment and looks him right in the eye.

ADAM (FENTON)
You're a good man Agent Hull.

Hull looks at him strangely but smiles, and Adam lets go of

his hand. Hull gets into his car, starts it, and drives off.
Adam watches as he pulls away. The woman comes out.

WOMAN
Adam? Is everything okay?

. He turns and smiles at her.

 124.

ADAM (FENTON)
Everything's fine Mary.

He goes to her and kisses her.

ADAM (FENTON) (CONT’D)

God's will has been served.

She smiles at him. He reaches down and caresses her pregnant

stomach.

MARY
Praise God.

A beam of light shines down on them from the heavens above.

FADE OUT!

THE END