Sam Arias

FADE IN:

INT. TYLER’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

Rebecca brings a sobbing Tyler to the bed and sits with him.

REBECCA
Listen to me Tyler, you don’t have to go through this alone. I’m right here with you.

TYLER
Nothing is going to make this any better. I’ve screwed up my life big time.

REBECCA
You did not.

TYLER
Yes I did. I screwed up Andrew’s life too. I should have told him we were brothers as soon as I found out. But stupid me, I was only thinking about myself. I told myself how much it would hurt Brandy to find out we split for nothing. She had to abort our child because of a mistake. Brandy was not the same person after that and I told myself it would destroy her to learn we split for nothing. But I wasn’t thinking about her, I was thinking of myself. I was afraid she’d hate me and blame the whole mix up on me.

REBECCA
Listen to me Tyler. None of that was your fault. Brandy would not have blamed you.

TYLER
We’ll never find that out now, will we?

REBECCA
She’s not dead. Miles believes that with all his heart. When he finds her, she’ll have him to get her through this; just like you have me to help you through it.

She wraps her arms around him.

TYLER
Don’t ever bring up Miles around me!

He shoves Rebecca off him. She tumbles from the bed and hits the floor hard.

TYLER
(continuing)
Oh God, Rebecca, I’m so sorry!

INT. DAKOTA’S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

Dakota and Andrew talk.

ANDREW
Sure thing, you’ll get Ciel back for me. How do you think that’s going to happen?

DAKOTA
Faith, my boy! I always have a plan.

ANDREW
Of course. Maybe I’ll try to kill Brad again. Or better, I could kidnap Ciel and hold her prisoner. That should get her to love me again.

DAKOTA
Don’t be silly Andrew. We just have to discredit Brad in her eyes and make you into the hero again.

ANDREW
Good luck with that! I already tried the hero thing and it didn’t work.

DAKOTA
That’s because Brad was still the victim. Take that away, and he won’t stand a chance.

ANDREW
I’m listening.

DAKOTA
Ciel is still a high school girl and she still has that rosy, cheery outlook on what life should be. Brad is a poor high school graduate who can’t afford college. How will Ciel react when he suddenly has more money than he knows what to do with?

ANDREW
So we make Brad out to be a thief?

DAKOTA
Even better! And his job at Buff’s Gym makes this so much more believable.

EXT. STORAGE BIN – NIGHT

Scott comes to and eases himself up. He turns around to find Jake standing over him.

JAKE
You’re gonna get hurt snooping in my dad’s business.

SCOTT
I should have known! You haven’t changed, Jake!

JAKE
Oh, you don’t think I was the one who attacked you?

SCOTT
And you don’t expect me to believe it’s coincidence you’re here?

Jake holds out his hand.

JAKE
With what? What did I attack you with?

SCOTT
Don’t play that. I was probably out long enough for you to get rid of the weapon.

JAKE
Scott, I have no reason to! If I was involved in Dad’s schemes, it’s too late to protect whatever was in here. The FBI raided this bin! Any evidence is already gone.

SCOTT
You’re lying!

JAKE
See for yourself then.

Jake unlocks the bin and opens the door.

Scott looks from Jake to the blackened room.

FADE OUT.

Sam Arias

FADE IN:

INT. TONY’S BAR AND GRILL – NIGHT

Brad and Ciel take seats at a table.

CIEL
You didn’t have to take me out Brad. I know you just started working and need to save money.

BRAD
It’s nothing, Ciel. After you watched over me in the hospital, I figured I owed you this. Besides, my dad gave me money to eat on my first day of work. It’s just enough for a couple burgers and some water.

Ciel chuckles.

CIEL
I hear this place has the best water in town.

BRAD
I don’t know why I never noticed before how cute you are when you laugh. Wait, I know why. It’s cause I was such a jerk in high school.

CIEL
Forget high school, Brad. That’s all over now.

BRAD
For me, sure. Not for you though which by the way, I won’t keep you out too late tonight.

She chuckles again.

CIEL
Don’t worry about that. I have study hall first period to sleep in.

INT. STORAGE BIN – NIGHT

Jake turns on a light revealing a stockpile of exercise equipment.

Scott stands outside the door.

JAKE
Are you coming Scott? I thought you wanted to see what’s in here.

Scott steps inside.

SCOTT
This all your dad’s?

JAKE
It’s not mine.

SCOTT
(mumbling)
That much is obvious.

JAKE
What did you say?

SCOTT
Nothing. Why does Dakota have all this?

JAKE
Maybe cause he’s a bodybuilder, dumbass.

SCOTT
Watch it! Your dad has a personal gym at his house. Everything from his commercial gym was destroyed in the fire. Same with the stuff he had in his cabin.

JAKE
Guess he just likes to workout.

SCOTT
NO, this isn’t right. That man keeps a full gym in every building he owns. Yet he’s got another set of equipment in storage.

JAKE
Maybe it’s for a vacation home he hasn’t bought yet. I thought we were here for clues about your sister. What does my Dad’s exercise equipment have to do with that?

SCOTT
Maybe he wants to set up a gym wherever he’s holding Brandy. I’m sure it wasn’t planned to hold her prisoner.

JAKE
Sorry Scott, but this is getting weird. You make it sound like my Dad is kidnapping people to make them workout. If that’s so, he should be casing McDonalds.

Scott removes the brand plate from a bench.

JAKE
(continuing)
Great! You broke it!

SCOTT
That wasn’t supposed to happen. Companies don’t put their name all over a product to have it come off the first time you use it. This should have been attached better.

JAKE
That’s what you get for trying to remove it.

SCOTT
You don’t get it, Jake. This bench is a fake.

JAKE
A fake bench! Must be for fake lifts!

SCOTT
A fake bench, meaning someone’s passing off a cheap bench as a top quality model. If Dakota is dealing in bootleg exercise equipment, we may find a clue to Brandy’s whereabouts from wherever this stuff comes from.

INT. TYLER’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

Tyler stands over Rebecca lying on the floor.

TYLER
I’m sorry. I’m so sorry Rebecca, I never meant to.

Rebecca kicks him in the shin. She climbs from the floor and punches him in the face. Tyler goes down at which she proceeds to kick him.

REBECCA
Don’t you ever lay a hand on me you bastard! How dare you? After I helped you through a rough time in your life! I can’t believe I was going to fight the memory of your missing ex for your love. I can’t believe I ever fell in love with you to begin with!

She runs from the room. From the floor, a bloody Tyler coughs out more blood.

TYLER
Rebecca, forgive me. I’m so sorry.

FADE OUT.

Sam Arias

FADE IN:

INT. TYLER’S BATHROOM – DAY

Andrew sneaks in and starts rummaging through the cabinets.

ANDREW
Good thing Tyler isn’t home. Means I can do this without worrying about him telling me how much he wants to be a family.

He closes the cabinet.

ANDREW
(continuing)
I know he keeps his drugs in here!

He eyes the garbage. Fishing through it, he digs out an empty ampule.

ANDREW
(continuing)
Not the same, but this should work.

INT. BUFF’S LOCKER ROOM – DAY

Buff cleans the blood from Tyler’s face. Tyler fights back tears.

BUFF
You want to tell me how this happened?

TYLER
It doesn’t matter. Rebecca left me last night.

BUFF
What happened?

TYLER
It’s my fault. It’s all my fault. I’m a horrible person.

BUFF
You don’t believe that!

TYLER
Rebecca left me cause I shoved her…hard. She fell off the bed and slammed the floor. I’ve been so angry lately. I almost beat up Andrew yesterday, and last night I shoved a woman!

BUFF
And she did this to you.

TYLER
I deserve it.

BUFF
You know the steroids will do that to you. They heighten your aggressiveness.

TYLER
But I haven’t been on them long enough! The steroids didn’t make me do this! I’ve been falling apart ever since Brandy went missing. After we split, I tried to get over her. I was supposed to be her brother, but when Andrew came into the picture and we found out I was not related to her I struggled. I wanted her back, but I couldn’t break up her and Miles. I certainly couldn’t put her through the pain that everything had been ruined for nothing. Now, now that she’s gone, I can’t even make that choice. I may never know if there’s a chance we can be together.

BUFF
Sounds like the problem, Tyler, is you’re under a lot of stress. You need to stop beating yourself up. Brandy will be found and you will get your chance to make things right.

TYLER
What if we don’t find her? What if Brandy never comes home, then what?

INT. BUFF’S LIVING ROOM – DAY

Dakota sits on the couch eating a plate of eggs. Cookie enters.

DAKOTA
Welcome home dear. Did you bring her back?

COOKIE
She wouldn’t come!

DAKOTA
What! Did you explain things to her?

COOKIE
Oh she got it all right. But she has some things to do before she’s ready to come back! What am I going to do Dakota? That custody hearing is coming up soon. I don’t think I can win this unless she’s back for it.

DAKOTA
Cookie, it’s not the end of the world if she misses the hearing. Carlos has enough black marks we can use against him. I promise you won’t lose your daughter to him.

COOKIE
Still, it would help having that woman there.

INT. BIG J LABS – DAY

Jake and Scott sit at the desk in an otherwise empty room.

Liz enters.

JAKE
What happened, Liz? I thought you were supposed to keep me busy while Scott snooped around that storage bin?

LIZ
(to Scott)
I knew this would happen, Scott! I warned you to stay away from it!

SCOTT
Well, it’s not Jake we need to worry about.

LIZ
What do you mean?

SCOTT
I hate to say it, Liz, but it’s true. He opened the bin for me last night, and he’s been helping me all morning.

JAKE
It’s true. Did you know my Dad is selling bootleg gym equipment?

LIZ
That’s ridiculous! Why would anyone do that? Gym equipment is so bulky and heavy. Would be easier and quicker to sell drugs.

SCOTT
Yeah, but there’s almost no risk. Gym owners are looking for the cheapest equipment they can find. And it’s not like the government investigates this kind of thing. Dakota can operate completely under the radar.

JAKE
That’s why I’m helping Scott locate all the gyms in the city.

SCOTT
Where he’s storing equipment in Brighton Falls, it’s obvious he has local buyers.

LIZ
I have a bad feeling about this, Scott.

FADE OUT.

Sam Arias

FADE IN:

INT. GYM LOBBY – DAY

Typical health club set-up. At the desk is a middle-aged WOMAN who seems more interested in her fashion magazine than in her surroundings.

Scott and Jake enter and approach the desk.

JAKE
We’re looking for the manager.

WOMAN
That’s me, hun. What do you want?

JAKE
I want to buy some equipment. Can you tell me where you get yours?

WOMAN
That’s none of your business. Who are you two?

SCOTT
Sorry for my friend’s abruptness. I’m Scott Hutchens and this is Jake Gent. A friend of ours owns Buff’s Gym in San Tallo. He’s looking to replace some of his equipment.

WOMAN
Why can’t he use his supplier?

SCOTT
Money. Membership is down and his usual dealers hiked their prices. He can’t afford what they want, but he needs new equipment. The locals tell me your equipment is top notch. I’m sure your supplier would be very grateful for the referral.

WOMAN
I’m sure he would. Come back in a half hour. If your story checks out, I’ll give you the number of the guy we deal with.

Scott and Jake exchange worried glances.

EXT. GYM – DAY

Outside in the parking lot, Liz talks on her cell phone.

LIZ
(into her phone)
I don’t know how he found out about this? I already tried to stop him from going into that bin, but he got in anyway. How am I supposed to stop him from investigating this? I know the plan will be ruined if he keeps it up. But I don’t know how to stop him!

SCOTT (O.S.)
Stop him from what?

Liz turns to find Scott and Jake behind her. She disconnects the call.

SCOTT
Who are you talking to?

INT. BUFF’S LOCKER ROOM – DAY

Alone in the room, a frustrated Tyler punches the lockers.

TYLER
Why is this happening to me?

Buff enters with Carlos.

BUFF
Sorry I had to leave you, but look who I found in the lobby.

TYLER
Carlos! You’re home already.

BUFF
I’ll let you two talk.

Buff leaves.

CARLOS
You don’t look good, what happened to you, Tyler?

TYLER
It’s nothing. How was the honeymoon?

CARLOS
It was great! We stayed in Cancun, in the hotel mostly, but we did manage a side trip to visit my parents. Candy got along great with my mother. I had no idea she spoke Spanish so at least I didn’t need to translate the whole trip.

TYLER
You weren’t gone all that long. It’s not like the two of you have formal jobs to come back to.

CARLOS
No, but that damn custody hearing is soon. We had to come back to prepare my case.

TYLER
It shouldn’t be too hard to win with Cookie’s track record.

CARLOS
Yeah, but she’s married to Dakota. Probably using his money to hire the best lawyer. And Dakota? Bet he’d love to see me lose that case. I don’t doubt there’s some bombshell he’s waiting to drop.

INT. BUFF’S LOBBY – DAY

Candice hangs around at the door.

Dakota talks on the phone.

DAKOTA
(into the phone)
Yes, Scott is working for me. I’m looking for a bench tested to 2000 pounds, two barbells tested to 1400, and a cable machine with lat and seated row stations.

Candice spies something outside.

CANDICE
What the heck?

EXT. PARKING LOT – DAY

Andrew crouches beside Brad’s pick-up truck. He takes the empty ampule from his pocket.

ANDREW
Looks like Brad was stupid enough to leave his truck unlocked. Will be easy to hide this for Ciel to find.

A hand falls on his shoulder. He looks up to find Candice standing over him.

CANDICE
What do you think you’re doing?

FADE OUT.

Sam Arias

FADE IN:

EXT. BUFF’S GYM – DAY

Beside Brad’s truck, Candice looks over a crouching Andrew. He rises.

CANDICE
You want to tell me what you’re doing lurking by this truck?

ANDREW
I’m not stealing anything if that’s what you think.

CANDICE
Then what are you doing?

ANDREW
I’ll tell you, but you gotta promise not to say anything.

CANDICE
You’re Tyler’s brother, aren’t you?

ANDREW
That jerk will never be my brother!

CANDICE
I’m sorry. Just tell me what you’re up to out here.

ANDREW
This kid is trying to steal my girlfriend. I figured if I planted a condom in his glove compartment, she might get the wrong idea about him.

CANDICE
Oh god, you know what, forget I asked. I don’t want to know about this.

She heads back to the gym.

Andrew takes the ampule from his pocket.

ANDREW
It’s not a condom, but this will be better.

He enters the truck and opens the glove compartment. He places the ampule inside, then takes an envelope from his pocket. Opening the envelope reveals a wad of cash.

ANDREW
(continuing)
And thanks to my dad’s generous gift, this should clinch it.

INT. BUFF’S LOCKER ROOM – DAY

Carlos and Tyler talk.

TYLER
I wouldn’t worry about Dakota ruining you shot at custody. He’s still under investigation, so his testimony won’t hold much weight. And I hear judges are considering fathers’ rights more and more in these kinds of cases.

CARLOS
It’s not their track records I’m worried about, it’s my own. I don’t exactly have a clean record. If the judge wants, he could rule us both unfit and place Angelica in state custody.

TYLER
I really hope that doesn’t happen, Carlos. I’m a perfect example of what happens to kids in the state system.

CARLOS
Tyler, don’t say that! You turned out fine!

TYLER
Did I? My love life has been a mess for a long time now. If that isn’t bad, I shoved Rebecca last night.

CARLOS
So that’s what happened to you! I’m so sorry, Tyler.

TYLER
I’m a monster! You’re not supposed to lay your hands on a woman. I’m going to be the guy who’s wife keeps taking him back so he can beat the shit out of her. I really don’t deserve to live.

Buff enters.

BUFF
I’ve got some good news.
(seeing Tyler)
What’s wrong now?

TYLER
Just forget about me. I’m not worth the effort.

BUFF
Maybe this will cheer you up. Scott has a lead on Brandy.

CARLOS
That’s great! What did he say?

BUFF
It looks like Dakota is dealing in bootleg gym equipment. He’s sure investigating the operation will uncover a clue to another hide-out.

TYLER
I don’t even deserve to get Brandy back.

EXT. GYM – DAY

Liz hangs up her phone and turns to Scott.

SCOTT
Are you going to tell me? Who are you stopping from doing what?

LIZ
It’s really none of your business, Scott, but a friend of mine has decided to cheat on his girlfriend of three years. Somehow I have to stop him or he’s going to ruin everything he had with that girl.

SCOTT
Liz, I’m sorry. This investigation has me a little jumpy. I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions.

LIZ
Scott, I told you the FBI can handle this. Why can’t you let them handle the case before you get yourself killed?

SCOTT
I’m sorry, Liz, but Brandy is my sister. I ruined her life once. I owe it to her to find her and bring her home.
Jake comes out from the gym.

JAKE
The old guy came through for us! She gave us the information we were looking for!

Jake hands Scott a piece of paper with an address on it.

SCOTT
It’s right here in Brighton Falls!

JAKE
Looks like we’re not moving our offices just yet.

Liz has an annoyed look on her face.

FADE OUT.

Sam Arias

FADE IN:

EXT. ANABOLIC GYM SUPPLY WAREHOUSE – DAY

Scott matches the address on the piece of paper with the number on the building. He turns to Liz and Jake.

SCOTT
Didn’t realize this operation would advertise itself like this.

JAKE
It’s a front, just like the rest of my dad’s businesses.

LIZ
Probably sells legit equipment out the front. Listen Scott, why don’t we just tell the FBI about this place and let them investigate it.

SCOTT
We need to make sure this place is selling the bootleg equipment first. We can’t send the authorities on a wild goose chase or they’ll ignore us the next time we find a lead.

INT. ANABOLIC GYM SUPPLY WAREHOUSE – DAY

A large open warehouse with small crews loading trucks at the back. By the door, a burly man, BENITO, works on paperwork at his desk.

Scott, Jake, and Liz enter.

SCOTT
Hi. I’m Scott Hutchens.

BENITO
Benito. What do you want?

SCOTT
I’m with a small gym in San Tallo, Buff’s Gym. You might know the owner, Buff Barrington. He was a big time bodybuilder in the 80s.

BENITO
I just sell the equipment. I don’t care who uses it.

SCOTT
Right. Well, we need to replace a few pieces of equipment. Problem is, membership is down and money is tight.

BENITO
We do offer payment plans.

SCOTT
We’ve got ourselves in trouble with debt before. Buff was hoping to buy the stuff outright. That means getting the cheapest stuff you have. Hell, he doesn’t even care if it’s stolen, he just needs something right away.

BENITO
Hey! I run a legit operation here!

SCOTT
I didn’t mean to say otherwise. I was just making a joke.

JAKE
Obviously, Scott’s not very funny.

BENITO
If you’re looking for cheap stuff, why not buy used?

SCOTT
That’s why we’ve lost members. Our base wants a gym with new, shiny stuff. A room full of old, used equipment doesn’t portray a very modern picture.

BENITO
So you need some new gym equipment, but you don’t want to pay a lot for it. I might have what you’re looking for. Just need you to fill this out first.

He hands Scott a pen and a form.

SCOTT
What’s this for?

BENITO
It’s kind of like a background check to make sure you’re not wasting my time.

Scott starts filling out the form.

SCOTT
No problem. I can assure you we’re serious about his purchase order.

INT. BUFF’S LOCKER ROOM – DAY

Tyler, Carlos and Buff talk.

TYLER
Did Scott say where Brandy might be?

BUFF
He didn’t say. He’s in Brighton Falls now.

TYLER
Brighton Falls.

He turns away in contemplation.

CARLOS
Tyler, what is it?

TYLER
Rebecca was living in Brighton Falls before coming here.

CARLOS
Tyler, don’t even think of trying to get back together with her. Candice was on the run for six years because abusive brother-in-law killed her sister. I know first hand what she went through fearing he’d come for her. Rebecca is better off not worrying about you hitting her.

TYLER
I don’t want to get back together. I hurt her too much. It’s just that before we day goodbye, I want her to know how sorry I am. I guess I need some closure on this. She probably does too.

Candice cracks open the locker room door.

CANDICE
Carlos, we better get going. We’ve got a lot to do before leaving for that hearing.

TYLER
Sounds like you’re taking another trip. Where’s the hearing?

CARLOS
Family court is in Brighton Falls. We’ve got to head out before dawn.

TYLER
Perfect! Then you don’t mind if I tag along.

EXT. SCHOOL – DAY

Students pour from the building. Andrew rushes to catch up to Ciel.

CIEL
What do you want, Andrew?

ANDREW
I know you don’t trust me anymore, but I’m still worried about you.

CIEL
Don’t be. I’m hanging out with Brad this afternoon.

ANDREW
Brad is the one I’m worried about.

CIEL
Brad has changed! Stop talking about him like he’s the bully he used to be.

ANDREW
I know he’s changed. He’s desperate to get as much money as he can before next year. I know he works at my brother’s gym, but he won’t make that much money there unless…

CIEL
Unless what?

ANDREW
I’ve just heard of some of the other ways to make money in that gym, dangerous ways.

CIEL
God Andrew! Lay off Brad for once, will you? He hasn’t done anything to you lately. Why can’t you just leave him alone! She storms off towards Brad’s truck parked at the curb.

INSIDE BRAD’S TRUCK

Brad reaches across the seat to help Ciel inside.

BRAD
If you want, you can put your purse in the glove compartment.

CIEL
Thank you, Brad.

She opens the glove compartment, sees the ampule.

CIEL
What’s decadorabolin?

BRAD
It’s a steroid. Why?

Ciel takes the ampule from the glove compartment and shows it to Brad.

CIEL
Are you doing steroids now?

Ciel finds the envelope with the money inside. She takes it and shows it to him.

CIEL
(continuing)
Or are you selling them?

FADE OUT.

Sam Arias

Next week: Carlos fights for custody of his daughter, but a from his past blindsides him in court.

And in two weeks: Plane crash!

Sam Arias

FADE IN:

INT. CARLOS’ BEDROOM – NIGHT

Shirtless Carlos lies in bed. Candice enters wearing a very revealing piece of lingerie.

CARLOS
You have no idea how nervous I am about this custody hearing.

CANDICE
Maybe I can help.

She unties the lingerie. Carlos pulls her into bed with him.

CARLOS
It still doesn’t feel real, you and I married. This has to be a dream.

CANDICE
Only the kind of dream you live.

CARLOS
So much has happened to both of us. It truly is a miracle I have you in my life.

CANDICE
No, dear, the miracle is mine. I never dreamed I’d find a man as honorable and as handsome as you are.

CARLOS
Still, it seems nothing goes right for any of us. It’s like we’re all cursed.

CANDICE
Don’t talk like that, Carlos. Nothing is going to happen to this marriage. Tomorrow we’ll go to Brighton Falls and win custody. Then we can bring your daughter home and be a real family. No more running, no more fighting, no more surprises.

INT. BUFF’S LOBBY – NIGHT

Brad skulks at the desk. Buff enters from the hallway.

BUFF
The place is yours. I’m out.

He picks up on Brad’s mood.

BUFF
(continuing)
Is something wrong Brad?

BRAD
It’s going to be weird telling you this, being my boss and all, but I guess you’re the best person for this problem.

BUFF
Ask any of the members. I’m here for any of them, and I’m here for you if you have a problem.

BRAD
Someone set me up in front of Ciel.

BUFF
In what way?

BRAD
She found steroids and cash in my glove compartment. I don’t know how they got there cause it wasn’t mine!

BUFF
So Ciel now thinks you deal drugs.

BRAD
Wouldn’t you? I just can’t figure out who’s framing me. The only person who comes to mind is Andrew, but where would he get all that money? And why would he even throw it away just to steal Ciel back?

BUFF
Dakota’s son Andrew?

BRAD
Yeah.

BUFF
Maybe the money came from Dakota. He’s gone to some great lengths to hurt some of my friends. From what I hear, he even hurt you.

BRAD
Yeah, he gave me the Bannon Syndrome and almost killed me.

BUFF
It’s possible he planted the stuff to help his son.

BRAD
Thing is how do I prove it?

BUFF
Brad, you’re better off dropping it. Dakota is a very dangerous man. You survived one encounter with him, you may not get so lucky next time.

INT. BIG J LABS – NIGHT

Scott hangs up a cell phone and tosses it to Liz.

SCOTT
Frankie said he’d do some digging and see what he could find out about Anabolic Gym Supply.

LIZ
Thank God, you decided to let the police handle this.

SCOTT
You seem awfully concerned about me dropping this. Don’t you want me to find my sister?

LIZ
Scott, no! It’s not that. I just…I just couldn’t stand it if I lost you too.

SCOTT
Liz, nothing is going to happen to me.

LIZ
You were already attacked once! Obviously Dakota knows you’re coming for him.

SCOTT
And I know he’s coming for me. I can take care of myself. Maybe you better go back to San Tallo with Jake and let me investigate this myself.

LIZ
No! I can’t let you do this alone.

SCOTT
Jake could use his assistant on the relocation.

LIZ
And you could use my help. I need to make sure nothing is going to happen to you.

SCOTT
Nothing will happen to me. I promise.

FADE OUT.

Sam Arias

FADE IN:

INT. BIG J LABS – DAY

Liz talks on her cell phone.

LIZ
Are you sure you don’t need us in San Tallo, Jake? All right then, I’ll see you in a few days.

She hangs up. A saddened Rebecca enters the doorway.

REBECCA
Mind if we talk, Liz?

LIZ
Rebecca! I’m kind of surprised you want to talk with me. We weren’t exactly close friends.

REBECCA
Well right now, you’re the only friend I have.

She enters the room.

LIZ
What’s the matter?

REBECCA
It’s Tyler. He shoved me.

LIZ
Oh dear.

Scott enters.

SCOTT
Almost ready, Liz? Rebecca! What are you doing in Brighton Falls?

LIZ
Scott, you’ll have to do this without me. Rebecca really needs me right now.

SCOTT
It’s not Tyler, is it?

REBECCA
Tyler and I are finished.

SCOTT
I’m sorry. You two talk, I have a warehouse to visit.

He leaves.

LIZ
Tell me what happened.

EXT. BIG J LABS – DAY

Scott exits the building as Tyler approaches.

TYLER
Scott! I’m glad to see you!

SCOTT
Man, what did you do to Rebecca?

TYLER
You saw her! Where is she?

SCOTT
Yeah I saw her. From the looks of things, she doesn’t want to see you though.

TYLER
It’s my fault, Scott. We got into an argument and I threw her off me. She hit the floor hard. I hurt her, Scott. I need to talk with her.

SCOTT
That’s not a good idea, Tyler.

TYLER
I won’t ask her to come back to me. I know she has too much self respect for that. I just want say goodbye. I know she’ll want closure on us. Is she inside?

SCOTT
With Liz.

TYLER
Thanks man!

Tyler enters the building.

SCOTT
Tyler, I hope you don’t humiliate yourself in there.

INT. COURT ROOM – DAY

Carlos and Candice, and Cookie and Dakota are at their places opposite the bench.

COOKIE
(to Dakota)
I needed her here, Dakota! There’s no way I can win this without her here!

DAKOTA
(to Cookie)
Relax, Cookie. You don’t need her. We have enough evidence to bury Carlos without her.

The BAILIFF enters.

BAILIFF
All rise, court is now in session. The Honorable Judge Klendry presiding.

A middle-aged, female JUDGE enters and takes the bench.

JUDGE
Be seated.

As everyone sits, The Judge looks over the case file.

JUDGE
Looks like a routine custody hearing. Miss Walters is the child’s legal guardian.
(to Carlos)
And you are suing for sole custody. May I ask why you don’t want joint custody?

CARLOS
That woman is a danger to my daughter. I’m afraid what will happen if she spends another night in that household.

JUDGE
Tell me why you think this way.

CARLOS
Cookie lied for months about the baby’s paternity so her boyfriend at the time wouldn’t leave her. She stole another couple’s baby to pass off as her biological daughter so her white boyfriend wouldn’t suspect a thing.

COOKIE
That is a lie!

JUDGE
Miss Walters, quiet down! You’ll get your turn.
(to Carlos)
Go on.

CARLOS
When I threatened a DNA test to prove paternity, she had Dakota over there kill the nurse on duty when her real baby was brought in, and they framed me to get me out of the picture.

DAKOTA
There is no proof of that, your honor.

JUDGE
I told your wife to be quiet. The same goes for you.

CARLOS
When that failed, she kidnapped her own daughter and set up a whole Susan Smith scenario. It ended where our daughter disappeared in the river along with Dakota and another woman. We thought they were dead, but Dakota had gotten the baby to safety and kept her hidden. The San Tallo police have all of this on report which is in your file.

JUDGE
I see that now.
(to Cookie)
What do you have to say about all this?

COOKIE
I did not steal a baby! That couple agreed to let me adopt their girl. But they never filed the papers! They changed their minds and got their daughter back. As for Angelica, I never kidnapped her. I mean how can you kidnap your own daughter? I had full custody at the time! As for the accident at the river, that would never have happened if the nurse’s real killer hadn’t gone all psycho and tried to frame my husband for the murder.

JUDGE
And what about the police report? You and Dakota are both implicated in an awful lot of crimes, some are federal offenses.

DAKOTA
I can answer that, your honor. It stems back to a rivalry between me and Carlos and his friends back when I owned a competing gym. They could never best me in business, so they made up all kinds of lies to the police.

CARLOS
That’s a lie!

JUDGE
(to Carlos)
Be quiet! It’s their turn to talk!

CARLOS
But Dakota is lying!

DAKOTA
(to Cookie)
I told you we didn’t need her.

COOKIE
(to Dakota)
It’s going to take a lot more than this to convince the judge to side with us.

FADE OUT.

Sam Arias

FADE IN:

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY – DAY

Andrew opens his locker and grabs his books. Ciel approaches.

ANDREW
Ciel! I thought you hated me.

CIEL
I did, but you were right about Brad. He’s selling steroids at that gym.

ANDREW
Do you forgive me then?

CIEL
I’m not ready to go that far, Andrew. After what your dad did to Brad this summer, it’s going to take a lot of convincing.

ANDREW
I keep telling you I had nothing to do with that. I didn’t even know he was up to something. You have to believe me Ciel. I’m nothing like my dad. I’m still the same boy you fell in love with last year.

CIEL
I hope so, Andrew. If I find out you’ve done something against Brad, I’ll never forgive you.

ANDREW
You don’t have to worry about that. Why not come to practice after school and I’ll show you. We can hang out after.

INT. BIG J LABS – DAY

Liz comforts a sobbing Rebecca.

LIZ
I’m so sorry Rebecca. But I have to ask; are you really sure it’s over? I mean he forgave you when you lied about being Miles’ sister, and about what happened at school. Is there any way you can forgive him for this?

REBECCA
How can I, Liz? It’s not like he ruined a pair of shoes!

LIZ
I know, but you said he pushed you off him. He didn’t actually hit you, right?

REBECCA
He might as well have! You didn’t see the rage in his eyes. You didn’t feel his full force shoving you to the floor. No, Tyler didn’t hit me, though he may as well have! It’s probably only a matter of time before he does.

LIZ
I’m sorry. I didn’t mean.

REBECCA
No, you were being a friend. More than I can say about me. I’m so sorry I told you to leave San Tallo.

LIZ
Don’t think twice about it. Tell me what you plan to do. You didn’t come all the way to Brighton Falls to talk to me.

REBECCA
No. Actually, I’m going back to school. It’s time I got my degree and got on with my life.

Tyler steps into the doorway.

TYLER
I want to help you do that Rebecca.

INT. COURT ROOM – DAY

The Judge pounds on the gavel.

JUDGE
I want order!

Carlos, Candice, Cookie, and Dakota turn their attention to the Judge.

JUDGE
(continuing)
I’m done with the criminal charges! Both parties can fight all they want about it, but this court recognizes that nothing came from any of the charges. I want to know who’s more capable of raising this child.

CARLOS
I can answer that.

JUDGE
I’ll decide who answers!
(to Cookie)
Miss Walters, why do you think you’re capable of raising this child?

COOKIE
Your honor, my husband has a lot of money. So much, in fact, that I don’t have to work. I can be a stay at home mother to my child, something Carlos can’t do.

JUDGE
(to Dakota)
And what do you do that you have a lot of money.

Dakota chuckles.

DAKOTA
Cookie exaggerates a little. I was a professional bodybuilder a little more than twenty years ago. I was able to save quite a bit from my endorsement contracts. After that, I went on the road as a magician. The act was successful enough where I didn’t have to touch my savings. Eventually I opened a gym which was even more successful. That burned down and I put the insurance money into a supplement shop. When that was destroyed, I helped my son invest his money, for a small percentage, but it was enough to ensure financial independence. Still, I miss my gym and have been working on rebuilding it. Dakota’s Dungeon should be open in time for New Years.

JUDGE
(to Carlos)
Your turn to convince me.

CARLOS
I’m a very successful personal trainer at Buff’s Gym.

COOKIE
Ha! Anyone can tell someone to stick a needle in their ass.

JUDGE
(to Cookie)
You had your chance. Now be quiet!

CARLOS
You have my tax returns to show you how successful I am. About a year and a half ago, I entered a partnership to buy the gym. Personal issues forced us to sell it back earlier this year, but I walked away with a good chunk of change. As for parenting, neither Cookie or I have been able to spend much time with Angelica, but my wife Candy raised her nephew for six years. Dakota has three kids and he can’t say the same. He has three kids by three different women, and each one was left with their mom while he moved on with another woman.

DAKOTA
Your honor, if I may.

JUDGE
(to Dakota)
Go ahead.

DAKOTA
My first son was put up for adoption because I was too young. We were in high school. We were young. We were stupid. We didn’t want the boy to suffer for our mistakes so we let him go so that a real family could give him a real life. And the others? Yeah, I was still young and reckless, but I could have been a father and provided for them if I had known.

JUDGE
So you’re saying these women didn’t tell you they were pregnant.

DAKOTA
Who would you rather say is your son’s father? An oiled up muscle-head, or a computer programmer with a regular nine to five job? Since I’ve been married to Cookie, I’ve been a father to Angelica and I’ve been able to provide for her needs. Cookie and I can give her a stable home. Carlos on the other hand…

CARLOS
(to Dakota)
I can’t wait to hear this one!

JUDGE
(to Carlos)
Quiet!

COOKIE
(to Dakota)
You’re going to tell them? But she’s not here!

DAKOTA
(to Cookie)
We can’t help that. It’s now or never.

JUDGE
(to Dakota)
Go on Dakota. What did you have to add about Carlos?

Colleen enters the courtroom.

COLLEEN
Carlos has two wives. He’s still married to me, your honor.

Everyone turns to the back of the courtroom.

CANDICE
Colleen?

Dakota smiles. Cookie takes out her camera and snaps a picture of Carlos’ shocked face.

FADE OUT.

Sam Arias

FADE IN:

INT. ANABOLIC GYM SUPPLY – DAY

Benito shows Scott some gym equipment.

SCOTT
These are top of the line brands. We can’t afford this.

BENITO
But yes you can, my friend. See, we buy massive close-out lots from the manufacturer. We get the stuff cheap so we can sell it to you cheap. Think of us like a car dealer. We’re blowing out last year’s models to make way for next year’s.

SCOTT
Makes sense. Let me talk with the boss and come up with a final purchase order. I’ll have an answer for you by tomorrow.

They shake hands.

BENITO
It’ll be a pleasure doing business with you.

INT. BIG J LABS – DAY

Liz leaves Rebecca to talk with Tyler.

LIZ
This isn’t a good idea coming here, Tyler.

TYLER
I have to talk with Rebecca. I have to make this right between us.

LIZ
You can’t make this right.

REBECCA
Liz, just let him in.

Tyler steps into the room.

TYLER
Rebecca, I know what I did was wrong—-

REBECCA
Wrong? What you did was more than wrong; it was evil! You know, I used to see the battered woman on television shows and think that was never going to be me. I was going to find a guy who would respect me enough to talk through our problems, a guy I could work with to resolve any arguments we would have. Tyler, when I met you, I found my dream. You were not only a guy who respected me and could forgive me for anything I did wrong; you also had a nice body. You were that one in a million guy. But you’ve been under a lot of stress lately and instead of dealing with it, you let it destroy you. I know you’re sorry for what happened, but the bottom line is so aren’t they all. Next time it won’t be just a shove. Next time you’re going to hurt me. If I have any self respect left, I need to walk away from this before I really get hurt.

TYLER
I know Rebecca. I’m not asking you to come back to me.

REBECCA
You’re what?

TYLER
I didn’t come to make excuses or ask you to come back. I came to give you closure. I figured giving you the chance to vent so we could say proper goodbyes would help us both sleep better at night. There’s no excuse for what I did. You deserve better and I really hope you find it, Rebecca. I really hope you find a guy who can respect you and treat you like a queen.

REBECCA
You really mean that.

TYLER
Of course I do.

REBECCA
Thank you.

She hugs him.

REBECCA
(continuing)
I really hope you find Brandy and make things right with her.

TYLER
Thank you.

INT. COURT ROOM – DAY

Carlos turns from Colleen to Cookie

CARLOS
What is Colleen doing here?

CANDICE
Looks like she’s out to sabotage your custody.

Cookie checks the counter on her camera.

COOKIE
Shoot! Out of film!

DAKOTA
You brought your camera to the hearing?

COOKIE
Of course! I wanted a picture of Carlos’ face when he lost this hearing. Seems I won’t get that picture, but the look on his face when Colleen showed up was worth it.

Colleen approaches the bench.

JUDGE
What is the meaning of this? Who are you?

COLLEEN
My name’s Colleen and I’m Carlos’ wife.

CARLOS
That’s impossible, your honor. I mean I was married to her, but the marriage was annulled two years ago!

COLLEEN
(to the Judge)
I thought so too,
(to Carlos)
But apparently someone changed his mind.

CARLOS
Are you trying to get back at me after all this time? Those papers were signed!

COLLEEN
(to Carlos)
But they were never sent in! You fought with me, you made me sign those papers so you could be with your baby’s trampy mother. But you never sent them in!

CARLOS
That’s a lie!

Colleen hands the judge a paper.

COLLEEN
According to the State of Nevada, the marriage is still valid. They have no record of the annulment papers ever reaching them.

JUDGE
I’m calling a recess to investigate this. Since I’ve heard enough from both parties, I’ll come back with my decision. Court is recessed for 30 minutes.

BAILIFF
All rise.

Everyone stands. The Judge leaves. Carlos approaches Colleen.

CARLOS
Why are you doing this?

COLLEEN
Because if I ever want to get married, this has to be straightened out.

CARLOS
There’s nothing to straighten out. We are not married!

COLLEEN
I thought so too until Cookie showed up at my room.

CARLOS
This is making sense now.

He storms to Cookie and Dakota.

CARLOS
(continuing)
You two are setting me up, hoping this stunt will give you custody. The judge isn’t stupid. She’ll find out about your ruse. When she learns my marriage to Colleen was annulled, she’ll grant me custody.

DAKOTA
I assure you Carlos, we had nothing to do with this. I mean, yes, Cookie did find out about this and she did track Colleen down, but everything Colleen said is true. I didn’t manufacture anything. This was all you.

COOKIE
If you’ll excuse me, I have 30 minutes to find a one-hour photomat.

Cookie leaves. Carlos returns to Candice.

CANDICE
You know what this means, Carlos. If she’s telling the truth and you two really are still married, then our marriage is invalid.

FADE OUT.

Sam Arias

FADE IN:

EXT. HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FIELD – DAY

Ciel watches the team practice from the sideline. A sweat-soaked Andrew jogs over to her.

ANDREW
Do I turn you on?

CIEL
That the only reason you invited me to practice?

ANDREW
I kind of hoped.

CIEL
I might have forgiven you Andrew, but it’s going to take some time to trust you again.

ANDREW
Our relationship is a lot like this football team.

CIEL
So you’re in love with all of them too?

ANDREW
No! That’s not what I meant, Ciel! I mean, everyone has high opinions of the quarterback out there. It’s him who wins the game and it’s his fault if the team loses. He can throw perfect passes the whole game, but if I fumble them, if I miss his pass, it’s still his fault for some reason. Except in our relationship I’m the quarterback and my dad was the one who dropped the ball.

CIEL
I understand that Andrew. What you have to understand is I need to know you’re not like your dad. We can’t have a future if you’re anything like him.

ANDREW
You don’t have to worry, Ciel. I haven’t done anything bad to ruin us.

EXT. BIG J LABS – DAY

Scott meets Liz as she leaves the building.

SCOTT
How did it go in there?

LIZ
Scott, you knew Tyler was here?

SCOTT
He just wanted to talk with Rebecca before letting her go.

LIZ
So he’s not here to get her back?

SCOTT
Not that he told me. He respects her too much to pull her back into a bad relationship.

LIZ
Of course he respects her now. Where was that respect the other night?

SCOTT
He said it was an accident. The whole thing has been blown out of proportion.

LIZ
He hit her!

SCOTT
He pushed her off him. There’s a difference.

LIZ
That still doesn’t excuse him!

SCOTT
I know. I hope he really is letting her go.

LIZ
Me too. So how did it go with you?

SCOTT
Great, Liz! I got to see some samples. They are definitely dealing bootleg equipment. As soon as Frankie gets back to me with a list of their property holdings, we can look for Brandy.

LIZ
What makes you think she’s not at that warehouse?

SCOTT
It’s too small. Besides that, it’s too high profile. More than likely they have a place in the country where they can process the fake equipment quietly.

LIZ
I still think this is a bad idea, Scott.

SCOTT
And I still that that’s not going to stop me.

INT. COURT ROOM – DAY

Everyone stands at their places except for Cookie who is absent. Colleen has a seat in the audience.

The Judge takes the bench.

JUDGE
Be seated.

Everyone sits.

JUDGE
(continuing)
Where is Miss Walters? Did she forget what a recess is?

Cookie runs into the court room and takes her seat.

COOKIE
Sorry your honor. I got held up running an errand.

JUDGE
You got here just in time. It seems that the story of our surprise guest checks out. Carlos is still married to Colleen.

CARLOS
That can’t be!

JUDGE
But it is. And that means your marriage to Candice is invalid. But that’s not a matter for this court. What is our matter is the subject of custody and who would make the better parent. Honestly Carlos, with your love life such a mess, I can’t imagine how things would turn out with your child. I am denying your petition for custody.

Cookie and Dakota jump up excited.

CANDICE
What’s happening to us, Carlos?

CARLOS
I don’t know, but I have an idea.

He looks to Colleen.

FADE OUT.