FADE IN

INT. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY - LATE SUMMER 2004- NIGHT

ALEXIS DEWOLF, a 21-year-old college senior, sits at a table deep in study. He is a good looking, fit young man with an intense look of concentration on his features. The table is covered with notes and books. An expensive looking lap top computer is plugged into the wall next to a large window.

Alexis sorts through some of his e-mail messages. He finds two new messages. One of the e-mails is from someone with the username: NIGHT_CRAWLER373. The subject line reads “Alexis Dewolf, congratulations! You have been selected. Open for details.” Alexis shakes his head and deletes the message.

The second e-mail is from the same username. The subject reads: “Great fun and adventure awaits. Lucky you AlexisDewolf1983!” He deletes this message as well.

Alexis looks at the giant pile of notes in front of him. The notes are rather sloppy and contain many complex mathematical equations. Shaking his head, he turns and looks out into the dark, night sky. He looks at his watch, which reads 8:40. He stands up, stretches and then turns to the MAN at the next table. He is deep in study.

ALEXISAre you going to be here for alittle while?

The man looks up and gives him a half nod.

ALEXISCan you watch over this? I’llbe back in a few minutes.

MANNo problem.

ALEXISThanks.

Alexis reaches into his pocket and counts out some change. After checking to make sure his cigarettes are in his pocket, he leaves for the elevator.

EXT. DM BUILDING

Alexis stands in front of a soda machine, slipping his change into the slot. He is on the first floor, which is dimly lit and outdoors. The soda tumbles down and he collects it.

He then heads for a small table near the library and has a seat. Alexis removes a cigarette, lights it and watches a few students entering the library.

A GIRL, a few years younger than Alexis, heads out of the DM building with a handful of books. She is an absolute stunner, amazing, the type that could turn any man’s head. She sets them on table next to Alexis and removes a pack of cigarettes from her purse. She contemplates having one and then looks over at Alexis.

GIRLCan I have a light?

Alexis nods and she walks over to him. He hands her the lighter. Smiling at him in thanks, she quickly lights her cigarette and hands the lighter back to him. She takes a slow drag and exhales, savoring it. She eyes him for a moment, a half smile on her pouting lips. The girl then picks her books back up.

GIRLFinals suck.

ALEXISTell me about it.

They both LAUGH. She walks off into the night, in the direction of the library. Alexis watches her for a long moment, admiring her shape.

ALEXISLord have mercy.

He then finishes off his soda and takes a final drag from his cigarette.

At that moment, the outdoor clock rings and chimes nine times. Alexis stands up and heads toward the restroom.

INT. MEN’S ROOM

Alexis stands in a stall inside the brightly lit men’s room. As he zips himself up, there is the SOUND. The bathroom door opens and closes. There is the thud of heavy FOOTSTEPS. As Alexis is about to flush the toilet, he hears a strange HACKING sound.

Alexis frowns and holds in a LAUGH. The footsteps stop in front of a bathroom mirror directly in front of his bathroom stall. There is another HACKING noise. Alexis bites his lip, in an effort to hold back his laughter. Out of curiosity, he looks through the crack in the door hinges.

Alexis sees a tall, broad man dressed in a large, worn coat and faded pants. He wears a tattered hat, much like a field hand would wear to protect his face from an intense summer sun.

The man looks to be spitting into the sink. Alexis continues to watch him. After a moment, the man turns his head; not all the way, just enough to see part of the side of his face.

Alexis sees that the man has strange, wax-like skin that looks almost artificial. Tufts of white hair hide his features. Alexis takes a step back and at that moment, the toilet automatically flushes.

The sound of FOOTSTEPS is heard again and Alexis can see the man’s shadow right outside the stall door. After a moment, there is a tug at the stall door.

ALEXISHey Man! Someone is in here!

The figure remains motionless at the door. After a moment, the man walks away, his footsteps sounding on the bathroom floor. The door opens and closes. Alexis lets his breath out and listens to make sure that the odd man is truly gone.

After a brief pause, he slowly opens the stall door and darts to the sink. He quickly washes his hands, stealing a look into the sink’s basin. A thick, yellow/green slime oozes into the drain. Alexis cringes in disgust, wipes his hands and heads out of the bathroom.

INT. LIBRARY

Alexis dials up a number on his cell phone. The line rings four times before an answering machine picks up. The voice is that of a YOUNG WOMAN.

YOUNG WOMANHey, I do have a life so I’m not in right now. Leave a message and your number and I’ll get back toyou. Maybe.

Alexis leaves a message.

ALEXISVanessa, I’m running late.I’ll try and bring the notes overlater tonight or tomorrow morning.I’ll give you a call to let you know what I’m going to do. Callme back if you get the chance.

He disconnects the call. As he goes up the escalator, he begins to notice that there is no one in the library. Not one, single person. Even the circulation desk is empty.

Alexis gives the study area a quick look. The room is totally empty. Shrugging and shaking his head, he heads over to the elevator. He presses the button and waits. Within a few moments, the elevator arrives and he steps inside.

INT. LIBRARY - 6th FLOOR

Alexis heads over to his table. He notices that the man from the table next to him has left. His notes and

books, however, are still there. His car keys rest on the table as well.

He shakes his head, seeing that his laptop has been left vulnerable to theft. He mutters to himself.

ALEXISThanks dude.

He sits down and signs onto his computer. The screen says “Welcome AlexisDewolf1983”. The computer tells him “Check your mail!”

There is another message from Night_Crawler373. The subject line reads, “Are you wondering why the FIU library is suddenly empty?”

ALEXISWhat the hell is this?

Curious, Alexis opens the e-mail message. There is only one sentence and it reads “Wouldn’t you like to know. ;)” Alexis looks around at the empty room. He stands up and takes a walk around the 6th floor.

Alexis passes through the rows of books, through the open table area and finds no one. He looks inside the individual study rooms and they are also empty.

He walks back to the table and finds that he has a new e-mail message. It is from Night_Crawler373. He opens it and it reads “Don’t bother looking, you won’t find anyone.”

Alexis hits the reply button and sends the message “Who the hell are you?” He clicks “Send”. A few moments later, he receives an e-mail message that says “Error, your message to the username Night_Crawler373 has been aborted. No such username exists.”

Alexis signs off his computer and packs it into his backpack along with the rest of his notes and books.

ALEXISThis is ridiculous.

He slings his backpack over his shoulder and heads to the elevator. He presses the button and after a few moments, the elevator arrives. He enters and presses the 2nd floor button. The doors close.

INT. LIBRARY – 2nd FLOOR

Alexis exits the elevator and walks into the empty 2nd floor. He makes his way around the floor, and sees table surfaces covered with notes and books yet there is not one person to be seen.

He passes the computer lab and it is also empty. The reference desk is unmanned, but a girl’s purse sits on the service desk.

He briskly walks through the library detector, exits the second floor and takes the steps down to the first floor lobby. This is also empty.

The automatic doors leading into the library are open. Alexis exits and stands in the breezeway, confused. Pulling out his cellular phone, he presses a button and dials up the number labeled “MOM”.

The phone rings five times and he hangs up right before the answering machine picks up. He dials another number labeled “DAD”. The phone rings six times before he disconnects this call as well.

He pulls out a cigarette, lights it and heads off down the sidewalk.

EXT. BRIDGE

Alexis stops walking when he reaches the bridge going over one of the campus ponds. He looks around at the total stillness of the campus. The lights in the Business Administration building are out. No one is seen walking on the grass or anywhere else.

He crosses the bridge and goes under a stone arch, heading for the parking lot.

EXT. PARKING LOT

Alexis walks through the quiet parking lot. There are quite a number of cars still parked in the lot but no one is inside them.

As he walks he looks to the area where his car should be parked and he stops.

ALEXISWhat the –

He runs over to an empty parking space, looks around and throws his hat to the ground in disgust and anger.

ALEXISYou’ve got to be KIDDINGme! Damn it!

He walks around the parking lot and finds a campus police call box. He presses the emergency button and waits.

ALEXISSon of a bitch!

The line on the other end beeps but no one picks up. He tries again and gets the same result. He slams the phone down.

ALEXISI’m going to kill someone, Iswear.

Alexis stomps out of the parking lot and heads for the nearby sidewalk.

EXT. CAMPUS POLICE BUILDING

Alexis arrives at a building called “Florida International University Public Safety.” The lights in the building are on.

He opens the door and enters the building.

INT. CAMPUS POLICE

Alexis walks around the small police building. Everything appears to be normal but there is no one

working inside. A computer monitor displays a report one of the employees must have been recently working on.

Alexis makes his way from office to office and finds no one.

ALEXISHello? Hello? Is anyone hereto help me? I have a crime toreport.

He walks back to the front door and stands at the front desk, absolutely confused.

ALEXISHard at work. What a joke.

Irritated, he leaves the building.

EXT. LIBRARY BREEZEWAY

Alexis returns to the front of the library and throws his bag on the bench. It lands with a THUD; the sound of his laptop hitting the wood reminds him that he was carrying his computer in his bag.

ALEXISDamn!

He opens his bag and checks his computer. It is undamaged. He sits back in the bench, lights another cigarette and pulls out his phone.

Alexis goes down his phone memory list, dialing each and every number. No one answers. He takes a long, deep drag on his cigarette and contemplates the strange situation.

He is suddenly startled by a VOICE coming from behind him.

VOICEAlexis?

Alexis snaps around and sees JEREMY, a man in his late twenties. He is a perpetual, permanent student; nearly an FIU fixture.

ALEXISJeremy, you scared the hell outof me man.

Jeremy shoots him a quick smile and takes a seat on the bench next to him.

JEREMYMy client never showed up. I’mout forty bucks.

ALEXISYou mean that tutoring thing youwere telling me about?

Jeremy nods.

JEREMYI was counting on that money.

Alexis lights another cigarette.

ALEXISHey man, did you notice somethingweird going on?

JEREMYThis place is dead man. I mean,usually there are people aroundhere even at this time. Especiallywith finals coming up.

ALEXISI called up all the numbers on myphone, no one answered. My car gotstolen and I went to public safetyand no one was there.

JEREMYYour car got stolen?! Man, that’smessed up.

ALEXIS

Hell yeah it is. But the weirdestthing is this. I got an e-mail from some guy asking me if I noticed that the library was empty. Then I got another onetelling me not to bother lookingfor anyone. What the hell do youmake of that?

JEREMYIt’s creepy, man.

ALEXISIts downright weird.

Alexis stands up.

ALEXISLets take a walk dude.

Jeremy nods and follows him out of the breezeway.

INT. STUDENT UNION

Alexis and Jeremy walk through the empty student union. A television plays a music video but there is no one there to watch it.

Jeremy walks over to a table and picks up a purse. He looks inside and finds the girl’s wallet, a cell phone, car keys and make up kit. There is another purse next to it. He holds up the make up kit, smiling.

JEREMYA girl never goes anywhere without this.

ALEXISWhat the hell is going on here?

Jeremy puts the kit back in the purse and they continue their search. They pass the campus bookstore. The door is open and they go inside.

INT. BOOKSTORE

Alexis walks around the bookstore looking for someone, anyone.

ALEXISHey! Is anyone working here?

He sticks his head inside an office near the back. The lights are on but no one is inside.

Alexis walks into the book stockroom. The light is dim and it is eerily quiet. He walks around the entire stockroom but there is no one, not one sign of human activity.

He walks back to the front of the store and looks for Jeremy. He is not in the store.

ALEXISJeremy!? Jeremy, where’dyou go?

Alexis pauses, listening for any reply.

ALEXISJeremy?!

After a moment, Jeremy shows up at the door holding a Kit Kat candy bar and a can of Coke. He grins and shrugs his shoulders.

JEREMYI was hungry man. Sorry.

ALEXISDon’t take off like that. I’mstressed out as it is.

They walk into the corridor.

ALEXISLets go check the street.

Alexis and Jeremy go through the large, automatic doors leading outside.

EXT. SW 107th AVENUE

Alexis and Jeremy stare in fascination at the empty street. There is no traffic in either direction, not even one single car.

From where they are standing, they can see across the street inside the supermarket. The lights are on but the place is void of people.

Alexis watches the nearby street light change from red to green and back to red.

ALEXISNo one. When the hell was the lasttime you saw no traffic on thisstreet at this time of night?

JEREMYNever.

Jeremy chucks his soda can out into the empty street. It hits the pavement with a loud CLANG, piercing the night’s silence.

JEREMYLooks like we’ve got the city toourselves.

Alexis looks back at the dark campus.

ALEXISI don’t know about that.Lets head back to thelibrary and check thenews on the net.

INT. LIBRARY 2nd FLOOR

Alexis has plugged his laptop into the wall and he signs on. He types in WSVN.COM and receives a message informing him that the site is temporarily out of service.

JEREMYTry Fox news.

Alexis types in FOXNEWS.COM and receives the same error message. Alexis and Jeremy look at each other, as if neither one knows what to say.

A message pops up on his computer telling Alexis that he has two new mail messages. One is from Night_Crawler373. The subject line reads, “Here comes the ice cream man.”

ALEXISThat’s him. Night_Crawler373. This is the jag off that sent me thoseother e-mails.

JEREMYOpen it.

Alexis clicks on the message and it opens up. The message reads, “If you see the ice cream man, run run run as fast as you can. The ice cream man is part of the plan.” Alexis focuses on the word “Ice Cream Man.” He wanders into thought for a moment before snapping out of it.

ALEXISThis guy’s a sick bastard.

JEREMYHe’s one of those internet warriors that hide behind acomputer screen.

Alexis looks at the other message. It is from someone called “DJONS”. The subject line reads, “Get over here ASAP”.

ALEXISDavid?

He clicks on the e-mail. It reads “Alexis, I’m writing to you on my laptop in the Ale Tavern. You won’t believe this but everyone is gone. I checked outside and the street is empty. I walked the entire city block and came back here. Not one person. I tried calling up Jose and the crowd but no one is picking up. If you get this message, get over here as soon as you can.”

ALEXISThis is crazy.

JEREMYSo what are we gonna do?

ALEXISGo to the Ale Tavern. What elsecan we do. You bring your car?

JEREMYNo man, my mom has it.

ALEXISDamn! It’s going to be a hell ofa walk.

As they speak, they hear a SOUND. It is the elevator arriving at the 2nd floor. The elevator door opens and they can hear someone coming out.

Alexis and Jeremy look at each other in silence. After a moment, Alexis motions with his head and silently moves behind a library art exhibit to spy on whomever it is that is leaving the elevator. A reluctant Jeremy follows him.

INT. 2nd FLOOR

Alexis and Jeremy watch in silence. After a moment, someone passes them, heading toward the 2nd floor doors. It is the girl from earlier, the stunner who asked Alexis for a light. She holds a mace sprayer in her hand.

Alexis stands up.

ALEXISHey!

The girl snaps around and lets out a SCREAM. Alexis puts his hands up to demonstrate that he is no threat to her.

ALEXISIts ok. Its ok. Rememberme? From outside?

She studies him for a moment and nods.

GIRLYeah. I remember. You scaredthe hell out of me.

ALEXISI thought we were the only oneshere. I’m sorry.

Alexis motions for Jeremy to stand up.

ALEXISI’m Alexis, this is Jeremy.

JEREMYHi.

The girl sighs with relief and walks over to them.

GIRLMy name is Nicole. Do you have any idea what’s going on?

ALEXISI wish I did.

Alexis nods and holds out his hand. She shakes it.

ALEXISYour not going to use that on meare you?

She looks down at her mace sprayer and shakes her head. Nicole puts it back in her purse.

NICOLEI was upstairs, in Audio Visual.Looking over a tape for finals.I took a little nap and when Iwoke up, everyone was gone. I gotan e-mail telling me that everyonewas gone and I was being watched.

Alexis and Jeremy exchange looks.

ALEXISWas it from a person calledNight_Crawler373?

Nicole nods her head, surprised.

ALEXISI got the same thing. Have youtried calling everyone that youknow?

NICOLEI called my brother and a fewof my friends. No one is pickingup. I even called my parents inCalifornia. They didn’t pick upeither.

JEREMYDamn!

The group walks over to the computer lab. Alexis sends a quick reply to David: “David, I’ll be there as soon as I can. Stay there. If you have your phone, call me at 555-7762. My car got ripped off so I’ll have to find another way there.” Alexis signs off and packs his computer into his backpack.

ALEXISI know we just met, but do youwant to come with us Nicole?

She nods enthusiastically.

NICOLEI don’t want to stay here alone.

ALEXISDo you have a car?

NICOLEMy brother was going to pickme up.

Alexis leans on the wall, trying to figure out what to do.

ALEXISI hope you have a good pair ofwalking shoes.

JEREMYCome with me. I have an idea.

ALEXISWhat is it?

JEREMYYou’ll see.

Alexis nods and the three of them exit the library second floor.

EXT. BRIDGE

The three walk across the bridge.

ALEXISDo you think this will work?

JEREMYIt should. They’re always parkedaround there, a bunch of them.

Nicole stops and looks out across the pond, at the dark gazebo that stands about sixty feet away. A figure stands in the gazebo. It looks like a man in a dark coat and a broad rimmed hat. She points at him.

NICOLEI think I see someone.

Alexis and Jeremy look over at the gazebo but the figure is gone.

JEREMYWhat did you see?

NICOLEA man. I think. Maybenot. This is just too creepy.

Alexis studies the area for a moment before moving on.

ALEXISLets keep moving.

The three continue down the sidewalk.

EXT. FRONT OF GYM

Jeremy leads the group to the front of the student gym. They look around and find the bicycle rack. Five bicycles are parked and locked up on the rack.

Jeremy inspects the locks.

JEREMYAnyone here know how to pick these?

ALEXISDon’t look at me.

Nicole shakes her head. Jeremy walks over to the Panther Arena door and pulls on it. The door opens.

JEREMYI’m going to find the custodianscloset. You guys keep watch out here.

NICOLEBe careful.

Jeremy gives her a wink.

JEREMYOf course!

Jeremy enters the arena. Nicole takes a seat in the grass, loosing herself in thought. Alexis watches her, unaware that he is gazing at her instead of merely looking at her. After a moment, he catches himself. There is an awkward silence until he decides to break it.

ALEXISSo what do you study here?

NICOLE

Right now, I’m undecided. You?

ALEXISEngineering. I’m in my senior year.

NICOLEThat’s cool.

ALEXISYeah. I guess.

There is more awkward silence. She pulls out her phone and tries calling someone but after five rings, she hangs up. She looks over at Alexis.

NICOLEWhat do you think is going on? Doyou think this is the end of theworld?

ALEXISI wish I knew. I doubt it. Asstrange as this sounds, I thinkthis is all linked to thosee-mails I was sent. I just don’tknow how.

NICOLEYou know, a few days ago I saidI wished there was some way thatmy finals could be delayed. Well,I didn’t think it would happen. not like this.

ALEXISBe careful what you wish for.

Alexis lies down in the grass next to her. After a few moments, Jeremy comes back out. He is holding a large pair of lock cutters. He walks over to the two, grinning.

JEREMYWell guys choose your bikes.

They look over the bicycles and each of them selects the bike that best suits them.

ALEXISYou two do know how to ridebikes I hope.

Jeremy and Nicole nod. Jeremy takes the cutters and cuts through each of the locks until all three bikes are free. They mount their bikes.

NICOLEWhere are we going?

JEREMYAle Tavern. Ever been?

NICOLEOh God. Too many times.

Jeremy snaps his fingers.

JEREMYDamn! We have to go back to thePC computer lab. I forgotsomething at work.

ALEXISWe have to get out of here man.

JEREMYIts my house keys. I left themin the desk. I can’t leave without them.

Alexis lets out a GROAN.

ALEXISFine. But lets make it quick.

The three ride their bikes out onto the pavement and back to the main campus.

EXT. PC BUILDING

They park their bikes in front of the empty PC building and go up the stairs.

ALEXISIn and out, got it?

Jeremy nods.

INT. PC BUILDING ELEVATOR LOBBY

As the three walk toward the elevator, Nicole takes a cigarette out of her purse and lights it. Jeremy turns to her, grinning.

JEREMYFlorida law prohibits smokingindoors.

Nicole takes a puff and blows the smoke up into the air, satisfied.

NICOLEFlorida law isn’t around right nowto stop me now is it?

JEREMYGood point.

They arrive at the elevator. Alexis presses the button and waits in front of it, anxious and impatient.

ALEXISCould this thing be any slower?

After a moment, the elevator arrives with a dull thud. They step inside and the door closes. Jeremy pushes the 4th floor button. The elevator moves.

JEREMYYou know, I just thought ofsomething. I’ve been stuck inthis elevator four times. Ifit gets stuck now, whose gonnaget us out?

Alexis and Nicole look at him, annoyed.

ALEXISYou could have mentioned that

before we got on.

JEREMYI’m just screwing with you.

Jeremy grins. The elevator arrives at the 4th floor.

INT. PC COMPUTER LAB

Jeremy searches arrives at his desk in the silent computer lab. He takes a key from his pocket and opens it up. Inside is a candy bar, some notes and a set of keys. He takes the keys out of the drawer.

ALEXISLets get out of here.

They exit the lab.

INT. HALLWAY – 4th FLOOR

Nicole stands at a large window and smokes a cigarette. She absent-mindedly stares off into the night. Suddenly, something catches her eye. It is a figure, the same one she saw at the gazebo. It is standing under a street lamp. Whoever or whatever it is appears to be looking directly at her.

Startled, she drops her cigarette to the ground. The figure stands motionless for another moment before heading for the PC building stairs; the entrance to the building.

She calls out for Alexis and Jeremy.

NICOLEHey you two!

Alexis and Jeremy come from around the corner and walk up to her.

ALEXISWhat’s up?

NICOLEI saw him again. That guy.

ALEXISWhat did he look like?

NICOLEIt was hard to tell. Tall,broad. He was wearing a coatand this wide hat. He’s got thiscreepy vibe.

Alexis pulls on her arm.

ALEXISLets get out of here. Now!

They head to the elevator and see that the arrow is lit, indicating that someone is on their way up.

ALEXISThe stairwell!

All three run to the stairwell. Alexis opens the heavy, metal door. Just then, they hear the SOUND of the elevator arriving and opening up.

They scramble into the stairwell and run down the dark stairs as fast as they can go.

EXT. OUTSIDE OF PC BUILDING

They run over to where their bikes are parked. Alexis mounts his bike.

ALEXISLets go!

JEREMYWho is that guy?

ALEXISI’m not sticking around hereto find out.

They begin riding their bikes away from the building and toward SW107th Avenue. As they ride away, Alexis takes a quick look behind and sees a figure standing on the 4th floor balcony, watching them ride away into the night.

EXT. SW107th AVENUE

The group rides their bikes down SW107th Avenue. It is dark, and quiet just as the campus was. They ride in silence.

They pass a car sitting in the middle of the road. The lights are off. Alexis gets off his bike and approaches it.

NICOLEBe careful.

Alexis tries the door. The door opens and he slips inside the car. Jeremy and Nicole stand next to him.

JEREMYThink it’ll start?

ALEXISIt’s worth a shot.

He keys are still in the ignition. Alexis turns the keys but the engine won’t start. After two more tries, he gives up.

ALEXISThe lights must have drainedThe battery.

They get back on their bikes and continue their drive.

EXT. SW 107th AVENUE

They pass a mall. As they ride by, Jeremy notices something in a nearby parking lot. He frowns.

JEREMYWhat is that, guys?

They stop their bikes. Alexis looks at what appears to be a figure, standing in the parking lot. It doesn’t move. He drives his bike a little closer.

NICOLEAre you CRAZY?

He holds up his hand to silence her. As he drives closer, he lets out a LAUGH.

ALEXISIts ok guys. Come check thisout.

They cautiously follow him. Alexis stands in front of a scarecrow that has been placed right in the middle of the parking lot. One of the scarecrow’s eyes is falling out and its clothes are tattered.

NICOLEA scarecrow? In a parking lot?

ALEXISMust be part of some exhibit.

Jeremy stares at it and shudders.

JEREMYThese things scare the hell outof me. Always have, ever sinceI was a kid.

Alexis pulls on the scarecrow’s arm and it comes off. He throws it to the parking lot pavement.

ALEXISThis one’s harmless.

They go back onto the street and continue their trip.

EXT. SW 107th AVENUE/20th STREET

Jeremy pulls back on his handlebars.

JEREMYI used to be able to do a poppawheelie. Check it out.

Alexis turns around and sees the bike pull back and fall to the street blacktop. Jeremy sits up, rubbing his leg. He grins and picks himself up.

JEREMYGuess I lost it.

ALEXISDon’t mess around. If youbreak an arm or anything likethat, I can’t help you.

Nicole points to the gas station across the street.

NICOLEI need something to drink youtwo.

ALEXISLets go in.

They head across the street.

INT. GAS STATION

Nicole finds the cooler and opens it. After a quick look, she takes out an ice tea. Alexis takes a coke.

NICOLETime for some cigs.

Alexis follows her to the front of the station. They search through the different types of cigarettes and chooses the brand of her choice.

ALEXISHand me a few of those Marlboros.

She digs around and finds them. She hands him three fresh, unopened packs. They take some lighters.

NICOLEI feel bad. Should we leave somemoney on the counter?

ALEXISIf you want but I don’t see thepoint.

Jeremy flips through a copy of one of the girlie magazines. He takes a sip of the large, thirty-two ounce beer he snagged from the cooler.

JEREMYNah. Don’t worry about it. Someone might come along andtake it anyways.

Nicole leaves a ten on the counter.

NICOLEI’ll just leave this anyways.

JEREMYDo I have to pay for this?

Alexis LAUGHS.

ALEXISIts ok. No one will tell if yourip them off.

Jeremy puts down the girlie magazine and follows them out of the gas station.

JEREMYI’ve been making $5.25 an hourfor years. I’ve been the onegetting ripped off.

They LAUGH, mount their bikes and continue down the street.

EXT. 25th STREET

The three ride their bikes down empty 25th street. There is a graveyard to their left. Jeremy points it out.

JEREMYLook. Do you think that’s whereeveryone went?

NICOLEOh God, you’re creeping me out.

Jeremy LAUGHS. In the distance, from way up the street, there is a SOUND. Alexis stops his bike and listens hard.

ALEXISDoes anyone hear something?

Jeremy and Nicole stop their bikes and listen. It sounds like music.

NICOLEI know that sound. It sounds likean ice cream truck.

Two headlights can be seen coming down the street. Alexis frowns.

NICOLEAn ice cream man?

Jeremy and Alexis look at each other, suddenly realizing the implications. The headlights are just an intersection away.

ALEXISQuick! Get behind those cars!

They drop their bikes and run to a group of cars parked in the nearby parking lot. They hunker down and wait for the truck to pass.

NICOLEWhat’s going on?

ALEXISJust stay quiet and don’t move.

The music gets louder and soon they can see the truck driving by. It is an old, white ice cream truck with a dented bumper. There are clowns painted on the truck, but the paint is fading fast.

One of the clowns has green hair and a huge smile that isn’t half creepy. Painted on the truck is the slogan: “Come get your icy treats, so fun to eat!”

The truck drives down the street at a very slow pace. The windows are dark and they can’t see inside. Just then, the truck comes to a stop. The music comes to a stop. After a moment, a VOICE comes over the ice cream truck speakers.

It is a strange, mangled and rather rotted out voice. It is the type of voice that would unnerve the toughest of men. It pierces the silence of the night.

VOICECome get your icy treats,so fun to eat.

Behind the car, Jeremy looks at the other two in amazement.

JEREMYWhat the –

Nicole pinches his arm to shut him up.

VOICESo nice. So nice.

After a moment, the truck starts moving again and heads off into the darkness. They watch it drive away. It makes a turn onto SW107th Avenue and disappears. After the music fades away, the group stands up.

NICOLEOk. What the hell was that?

Alexis stares at the truck.

ALEXISI’ve seen that truck before.At least, I think I have.

NICOLECan we please get out of here?

Jeremy looks down the street and takes a sip of his now nearly empty thirty-two ounce.

JEREMYI’ll never look at ice creamthe same way again.

He takes a final sip and slams the bottle on the parking lot asphalt. They grab their bikes and get moving.

EXT. SW 87th AVENUE

The group arrives at the Ale Tavern. The parking lot is crowded, which is not unusual for a Thursday night. They park their bikes near the entrance.

ALEXISLooks like a crowd.

JEREMYI doubt it.

They walk up to the front doors. There is not a sound to be heard. Alexis pulls the door open and they step inside.

INT. ALE TAVERN

The inside of the building is empty except for one man sitting at the bar. Alexis spots him.

ALEXISDavid! Is everything ok?

DAVID is a tall, 45 year old salesman who always insists on being the life of any party.

He has a giant pitcher of beer and plates full of Buffalo wings, fries and fried shrimp at his disposal. Half a bottle of Captain Morgan’s sits on the bar next to the pitcher.

He looks up and gives Alexis a huge grin.

DAVIDAlexis my man! You made it!Who’s the company?

Jeremy and Nicole walk over and have a seat at the bar.

ALEXISThis is Jeremy, a friend fromschool and –

David looks at Nicole and begins to LAUGH.

DAVIDHey! Nicole, how are you?!

ALEXIS(To Nicole)You know him?

David stands up and gives her a kiss on the cheek.

DAVIDHow’s my favorite Hooterswaitress doing? I haven’t seenyou in awhile!

JEREMYYou’re a Hooters girl?

Nicole nods her head.

NICOLEOnly on the weekends. Money isgood.

David motions toward his seat.

DAVIDHave a seat guys! We’ve gotan open bar, all the food youcan eat! Let’s make a night ofit!

ALEXISWe didn’t really come here toparty. We have to figure out what’s going on. What happenedto you?

David takes a long drink of beer and chases it down with a healthy swig of the Cap’n. He smiles at Alexis.

DAVIDWhat’s that you said?

ALEXISTell me about how you cameto be alone here. You canparty all you want but I

don’t think any of us needa drink.

Jeremy runs behind the bar and grabs a large, 22 ounce glass from the cooler.

JEREMYSpeak for yourself! Free food,drink and myself get alongnicely!

Jeremy takes a seat at the bar and digs into the wings.

DAVIDMy man, I’ve had a tough, toughday. We’ll figure this crapout later. I know we’re allfreaked. Lets just hangout for awhile and make thebest of this.

He pulls a stool out from the bar.

DAVIDHave a seat Nicole! Come on!

Nicole takes a cigarette from her purse and lights it. She sits down, Alexis reluctantly sits next to her.

ALEXIS(Whispering to Nicole)

He’s gone.

NICOLEThere’s a shock. I rememberone night, I served him andhis friends five pitchers.

ALEXISThat’s a warm up for him.

NICOLEBut he’s a nice guy. Neverget any problems from him.

ALEXISNot like those other pervs

huh?

She smiles at him and takes another cigarette from her purse. She lights it and hands it to him.

NICOLENo.

Alexis watches David and Jeremy having at it with the food and drink. David stands up and jumps onto the bar. He begins to imitate a female bartender.

DAVID(In a high pitch voice)

Ok guys! Dig into those wallets!It’s ladies night! Grab a girland don’t be cheap! I wanna seesome green, boys!

Nicole watches him, mildly amused.

NICOLEOh yeah. He’s totally hammered.

ALEXISToasted.

David goes back to his normal voice and jumps behind the bar.

DAVIDAlexis! Nicole! What do you guyswant? Come on, no spoilsports allowed!

Alexis looks at Nicole and shrugs.

ALEXIS(Whispering to Nicole)

We’re going to regret this.

NICOLE(Whispering)

What else can we do at the moment?

Alexis studies the rows of liquor bottles and spots something.

ALEXISGive me a blue label, double.

David finds the bottle and pours.

DAVIDOooh! Expensive tastes my man.

He slides the glass down the bar. Alexis takes it and slams it down the hatch.

DAVIDWhere’s my tip?

Alexis gives him the finger.

ALEXISI’ve got your tip right here.

David LAUGHS and turns to Nicole.

DAVIDWhat’ll you have beautiful?

She takes a slow drag and looks the selection over.

NICOLEMake me a buttery nipple.

David stares at her, clueless.

DAVIDA buttery what?! I don’t knowhow to make that shit! Giveme something easy!

NICOLEYou’re a lousy bartender. Justgive me a Cuervo double. Rocks.

Jeremy looks over, his eyes already glazed over from the thirty-two ounce and the two twenty-two ounces he’s already taken down.

JEREMYThat stuff tastes like jet fuel.

David hands her the glass. She winks at Alexis and Jeremy.

NICOLENot to me. This stuff makes mefeel good.

She takes the shot and slams it back. Her face contorts for a moment before she grins.

NICOLEGotta love that warm feeling.

Alexis jumps behind the bar. He helps himself to a full pitcher of Becks.

ALEXISWhat the hell. Open bar,from now until theporcelain alter calls us.

David pours four shots of Cuervo and hands them out.

DAVIDA toast! To all the food and drinkin the world! And absolutely nochance of getting a DUI!

They raise their glasses and down the drinks. Jeremy GAGS causing David to go into a fit of LAUGHTER.

INT. ALE TAVERN

Two hours have passed. Everyone is well past the legal drinking limit. David has turned on the jukebox and a steady stream of rap and rock pours from the speakers. He jams to the music from his seat.

Plates of food litter the bar and the tables. Jeremy and Nicole play a game of pool at the other end of the restaurant.

JEREMYWatch and learn from a pro.

Jeremy picks up his most recently filled twenty-two ounce glass and takes a long drink. He then takes aim with his cue stick and shoots at the white cue ball. He misses the ball entirely.

David, who is watching them, BOOS from his seat at the bar. Nicole LAUGHS, stumbles over her own feet and walks over to him. She grabs him from the back and helps him guide the cue stick.

NICOLEYou really suck, Jeremy. Here,you do it like this. Let mehelp you.

David begins to HOOT and HOLLER.

DAVIDThat’s right! Work it baby!

Nicole ignores him. She helps Jeremy shoot the ball. The cue ball flies into the air and lands on the floor with a BANG, sending them into a fit of LAUGHTER.

At the bar, Alexis polishes off his second pitcher and takes the bottle of schnapps he’s been sharing with David. He pours a shot and turns to his friend.

ALEXISHey man. Can I ask you something serious?

David turns his head and gives him a face that causes Alexis to go into a wave of giggles.

ALEXISLets be serious for a moment.

David spins around in his seat and gives him his best “at attention” face, but it isn’t working.

DAVIDSpeaking of serious, have yougotten serious with her? I would.Ohh mama! She’s a hottie my man.

ALEXISNah. It’s not like that. Hey, haveyou gotten any weird e-mails?

DAVIDI get a lot of weird e-mails myman.

Alexis struggles to form his words. He finishes the shot and takes another.

ALEXISNo. No. I mean, a weird e-mail.Like, something from an ice creamman? Something like that?

David breaks into more of his loud LAUGHTER. He jumps up on the bar and goes into a dance.

DAVIDOooh! I’m the creepy ice cream man! Watch out! I’m the icecream man! I’m going to shovemy ice cream cone up -

David nearly falls off the bar. Alexis shakes his head and just LAUGHS. He finishes the shot and jumps behind the bar. He stumbles around and finds a pitcher, which he fills with beer.

ALEXISYou better get your ass off therebefore you fall.

David climbs behind the bar and begins to mix and match drinks. Nicole and Jeremy come back and sit at the bar. Nicole takes her bottle of Jose Cuervo and has a drink straight from it.

Jeremy jumps behind the bar.

JEREMYI’ve always wanted to do this.

He puts his head under the tap and pours beer directly into his mouth. David LAUGHS, grabs a tap and does the same thing.

Alexis pulls on Nicole’s arm.

ALEXISLet’s go get some air.

She nods and follows him outside.

EXT. OUTDOORS TABLE

Alexis and Nicole stumble over to an outdoor table and have a seat. Nothing has changed. It is still deathly quiet and desolate outside.

Alexis lights a cigarette and hands one to Nicole. She lights hers off of his and they sit back in silence for a moment. She finally speaks.

NICOLEYou know, we’re going to feel thistomorrow.

Alexis pours another schnapps.

ALEXISIf there is a tomorrow.

She snaps her head around and gives him a look.

NICOLEDon’t say that.

He shrugs and downs his drink.

ALEXISYou can’t blame me for thinking that, can you?

NICOLEI think there is a solutionto every problem. I truly do.Don’t you?

ALEXISI like to hope so.

NICOLE

I can tell you’re a strong guy. Something inside me tells methat.

ALEXISHow can you tell?

NICOLEI don’t know. It’s just somethingabout you. Chalk it up to a woman’s intuition.

ALEXISI try to be. Or at least looklike I am.

They both LAUGH.

NICOLEI feel safe with you. That’swhy I’m here.

Alexis smiles at her. He looks at her for a long moment before speaking.

ALEXISThis may sound out of place and totally out of timing but doyou have a boyfriend?

She shakes her head and finishes her cigarette.

NICOLEI’m single and happy. ButI’m always on the lookoutfor a nice guy with a job.

Alexis grins and pours her a drink.

ALEXISWell, I think I’m a nice guy.A nice guy who also happens tohave a job.

Nicole LAUGHS and walks over to him.

NICOLE

You are a nice guy.

She leans down and they begin to kiss. At that moment, David sticks his head out of the door and watches them, laughing.

DAVIDGet a room!

He comes outside and joins them.

DAVIDCome on inside. It’s lonelyin there without you two!

NICOLEBut there’s such a nice breezeout here.

David starts to blow on Nicole.

DAVIDI can give you a good breeze!Come on in. We’ve got airconditioning!

Alexis whispers to Nicole.

ALEXISLets get inside.

She nods and follows him inside.

INT. ALE TAVERN

Another hour has passed. The four of them are drunk beyond drunk. Jeremy has found a VCR at the back and is playing an old Kung Fu movie. Him and David laugh and ad-lib at the action.

Alexis and Nicole sit at the bar. She is gone. Her head rests on the bar and she goes in and out of consciousness.

David stands up and stumbles over to Alexis. He is the worst of the bunch.

DAVIDI’ll be –

David stumbles over his words.

DAVIDI’ll be right back.

He zigzags his way over to the men’s room. Alexis stands up and wakes Nicole up.

ALEXISCome on, come lay in the booth.

She mumbles something but it is unintelligible. He picks her up and lays her in the booth. She quickly falls asleep.

David SHOUTS something over the music and a moment later, there is the SOUND of powerful, gut wrenching vomiting. Alexis grabs Jeremy’s arm.

ALEXISLets go help David.

They stumble over to the men’s room and find David with his head in the toilet bowl. He is LAUGHING and babbling on about something. Jeremy puts his hands to his nose and makes a face.

ALEXISTake an arm.

Alexis grabs one arm and Jeremy grabs the other. They drag him out of the bathroom. David continues to LAUGH and talk non-sense. They lay him on the floor. Alexis finds a shirt behind the bar and makes a pillow for him, placing it under David’s head.

Without a word, Jeremy lies down on the floor and quickly goes to sleep.

David tries to sit up. He LAUGHS and mumbles something, and finally passes out.

Alexis finds his backpack next to the door and opens it up. He fumbles around with his laptop and finally

manages to plug it into the wall socket. He signs on, squinting at the screen.

The screen reads: “Welcome AlexisDeWolf1983. You have 1 new mail message!” The message is from Night_Crawler373. The subject line reads “Did you enjoy yourself tonight?” Alexis opens the mail. He reads over the message. It says, “I hope you enjoyed yourselves. The real game begins soon.” Alexis, unable to keep his eyes opens, mutters a reply.

ALEXISBlah. Blah. Blah.

Alexis passes out.

INT. ALE TAVERN

Alexis slowly opens his eyes and focuses them on his surroundings. The Ale Tavern is once again quiet. He sits up and rubs his temples and for a moment, he holds his head in his hands.

Alexis looks at his watch and it reads 11:45 AM. He looks out the window and it is still dark as night.

There is a SOUND coming from the bar. Nicole is up and fixing some food. She notices that Alexis has risen.

NICOLEGood morning, or should I sayafternoon.

Alexis gets up and walks over to the bar, groaning.

NICOLEDo you drink coffee?

He nods and she pours him a cup. He drinks it and winces, rubbing his temples again.

ALEXISHow’s David?

She points to the booth near the pool tables.

NICOLE

I got up at 9:15 and he was onthe floor so I helped movehim to a booth.

ALEXISJust the thought of beer ismaking me sick right now.

Jeremy enters the restaurant. He seems to be the only one not feeling the effects of last night’s binge.

JEREMYEven the sun has disappeared.

Alexis sits down and shakes his head.

ALEXISWe have to come up with a planyou guys.

NICOLEPlan for what? What can we doabout this?

He sits in silence, unable to decide where to even begin. David rises from his bed in the booth and shuffles over to the group.

DAVIDWe got slammed last night myman.

He looks out the window.

DAVIDWhat the hell happened to the sun?

No one replies. David takes his keys from his pocket and hands them to Alexis.

DAVIDI’ve got some hangover pills inmy glove compartment. Can yougo snag them for me? I’m parkedin the rear.

Alexis takes the keys and heads for the door.

ALEXISThe F-150?

DAVIDThat’s the one bro.

Alexis opens the door and walks outside.

EXT. PARKING LOT

Alexis walks to the back and finds the large, 2004, black F-150. He deactivates the alarm and opens the door. Sifting through the glove compartment, he finds a box of pills. Pocketing them, he closes the door and begins to walk back to the restaurant entrance.

As he walks through the parking lot, he looks over at the bank next door. His eyes rest on a truck, an ice cream truck. The same faded, paint chipped vehicle from the night before.

ALEXISDamn!

Alexis runs to the front of the restaurant and enters the building.

INT. ALE TAVERN

Alexis runs over to the bar.

ALEXISYou guys, we gotta go. Now!

David frowns; Jeremy and Nicole stare at him.

NICOLEWhat’s going on?

ALEXISThe truck. The ice cream truck.Its parked at the bank next door.

Jeremy jumps up off the bar stool and heads to the door. Nicole grabs her purse and turns to David.

NICOLELets go!

David LAUGHS and backs away from the bar, unable to figure out what they are talking about.

DAVIDI know we’ve had a weird half aday but what’s the big dealabout an ice cream truck?Let me get some breakfastfirst bud.

ALEXISNo time man. Come on!

DAVIDNo way, I’m not going anywhereuntil I eat.

David heads to the kitchen and turns around, grinning at Alexis and the group.

DAVIDI’m dead man.

At that moment, a figure emerges from around the corner. It is the man or rather, thing from the FIU men’s room. For the first time, Alexis and his friends can see him face on. Under the broad, dark straw hat is the most unGodly, unholy face any of them have ever seen.

The thing grabs David from behind, holding his neck in his two giant, wax skinned hands. David lets out a startled WHELP. The thing grins a toothy grin, watching for their reaction. It’s eyes display an intense, pure evil. Nicole SCREAMS at the top of her lungs, Jeremy scrambles out the door.

Alexis, paralyzed, turns his head and watches them run out of the restaurant. He hears a sickening POP and SNAP sound. When he turns back around, David falls to the floor in a heap.

The thing from hell stares at him for a moment before moving forward. Alexis turns around and runs for the

door fast as greased lightning. As he throws the door open he can hear it’s voice.

THINGSo nice. I’m coming for you.

Alexis slams the door behind him.

EXT. PARKING LOT

Alexis sees Nicole running up the street. Jeremy is hiding behind a tree. He calls out to him.

ALEXISJeremy! Come with me!

Jeremy runs over, nearly tripping over himself. Alexis grabs his arm and runs him over to the truck. He opens the truck door and they quickly slide inside.

JEREMYNicole!

ALEXISWe’ll get her!

Alexis starts up the truck, it comes to life with a powerful ROAR. Not bothering to check behind him, he puts the truck in reverse and peels out of the parking lot.

The adrenaline in Nicole’s system has enabled her to run all the way over to the corner of 87th and 36th street. He speeds over to her and HONKS the horn several times.

Rolling down his window, he shouts out to her.

ALEXISNicole! Get in!

She sees the truck and runs over to it. Jeremy opens his door and she jumps in. She is hysterical and crying a river of tears. Once she is secure in the vehicle, Alexis accelerates down 36th street going well over 60mph. Jeremy holds Nicole’s head in his lap, trying to get her to calm down.

JEREMYWhere are we going?

Alexis looks in his rearview mirror. No sign of the truck or the thing. He turns to Jeremy and Nicole.

ALEXISMy house in the Springs.

He reaches over and takes Nicole’s hand.

ALEXISWe’ll be all right.

The truck speeds down the street, its destination: Miami Springs.

EXT. 36th STREET

The F-150 tears down 36th street. It goes up and over an over pass and approaches Miami International Airport. The truck makes a quick turn and enters the small suburb of Miami Springs.

The truck passes a construction site. Alexis drives over a pothole and tears a hole in the tire.

INT. TRUCK

Alexis struggles to control the vehicle. Jeremy holds onto his seat as the truck lurches.

ALEXISI think one of our tires isgone. Damn!

Nicole sits up and takes a look out of the back window. The street is empty.

Alexis makes a turn onto a street that lies parallel to a canal. The tire is coming apart and it won’t be long until they are riding on a rim.

ALEXISWe’ll have to park and changethe tire.

Nicole shakes her head vehemently.

NICOLEWe can’t stop. What if –

ALEXISWe don’t have a choice. Wewon’t get far on three goodtires and a rim.

Alexis drives the truck a little ways down the street and finally finds a nice, open parking lot. He points to an auto body shop across the street from the canal.

ALEXISWe might be able to find somegood tires in there if we needto.

He parks the truck in front of a 7/11 convenience store.

Alexis opens the door and steps out. Jeremy joins him. Nicole huddles inside the truck, unwilling to move.

NICOLEI’m staying in here.

Alexis nods and heads to the back of the truck to see if there is a spare tire. Jeremy digs around in the bed of the truck and finds a puny little temporary tire.

JEREMYThis tire is supposed to holdthat truck up?

Alexis studies the tire.

ALEXISThis thing won’t last fiftymiles. We’ll check the shopafter I get this worn tire off.Grab the jack and I’ll putthe emergency brake on.

Alexis reaches inside the truck and pulls the emergency brake. He looks at Nicole and takes her hand.

ALEXISIt’ll be ok.

She manages to give him a small smile and opens her truck door.

NICOLEI trust you.

He smiles at her and gives her a hug. Jeremy has set up the jack and he begins to raise the truck up.

ALEXISYou jack it up and I’lltake the nuts off andremove the tire.

Nicole sits on the curb and lights a cigarette. Alexis finds a can of WD-40 in the truck bed and he sprays some on the tire nuts to grease them up.

After a minute, Alexis stops Jeremy.

ALEXISThat’s good.

He begins to unscrew the nuts. Jeremy sits down next to Nicole and pats her shoulder.

JEREMYYou feeling better?

She nods her head.

NICOLEI’ll have to.

JEREMYAlexis is a good guy. He’lltake care of you. I will tooof course.

Nicole smiles at him and finishes off her cigarette.

NICOLEThanks. You’re sweet. Bothof you.

Alexis takes the tire off and picks up the puny spare tire. There is a SOUND from across the street.

An OLD MAN dressed in a mechanic’s jumpsuit that is soiled with oil and grease, exits the auto body shop and slowly makes his way over to them. He is small; his skin is worn and tanned like a cowboy’s old, leather belt. His wispy, white hair is wild and unkempt but he has a kindly smile on his aged face.

The three of them watch the old man carefully. He calls out to them.

JEREMY(Whispering to Alexis)

Who’s this guy?

ALEXISBeats me. Watch him.

The old man starts to LAUGH. He has a heavy, smoker’s voice – raspy enough to make anyone reconsider lighting up another cigarette. He COUGHS and puts his hand to his chest. The old man crosses the street.

OLD MANI hope you’re not going to tryand drive that there truck onthat little thang.

Alexis nods.

ALEXISIt’s all we’ve got, sir.

The old man walks up to the truck and shakes his head.

OLD MANBaloney. I’ve got a shop fullof tires but no one to buy’em.Why don’t we see what I’ve gotinside the shop?

ALEXISI don’t want to trouble you.

OLD MANNo trouble at all. I’ve just beensitting on my ass for hours onend. I needs some work to do.

The old man looks the truck over and notes the tire number.

OLD MANYep. I’ve got some new onesthat’ll fit this thang. Nicetruck.

ALEXISThanks for your help. I’ve gotto tell you though, this isn’tmy truck.

OLD MANI ain’t concerned about that. Thisis a weird time we are in now. Webest look after each other.

He wipes his hand on his overalls and extends it.

OLD MANThe name’s Chester.

Alexis shakes his hand.

ALEXISThanks. I’m Alexis. These are myfriends Jeremy and Nicole.

CHESTERAlexis. Jeremy.

He smiles at all of them. When he gets to Nicole, his eyes linger on her a little longer.

CHESTERNicole.

Nicole stares at him blankly. Chester turns back to Alexis.

CHESTERLets go see if we gots us a tirewith your name on it.

Alexis nods and begins to follow the old man.

ALEXIS(To Jeremy)

Take care of Nicole.

JEREMYYou’ve got it.

Alexis and Chester head across the street and enter the auto body shop.

INT. AUTO BODY SHOP

Alexis and Chester walk around the shop. The place is cluttered and very unorganized but they do have some quality tires available.

Chester looks through the tires and finds one. He claps his hands, pleased with himself. He rolls it out and shows it to Alexis.

CHESTERJust the right fit. Brand newto boot!

ALEXISAwesome. Thanks a lot.

Chester rolls the tire to the shop entrance.

CHESTERLets go put this here son of abitch on for ya.

ALEXISI’ll put it on, its noproblem.

Chester LAUGHS and pats Alexis on the shoulder.

CHESTERI’m the professional young man.You just make sure the damn truckdon’t roll over on me and breakmy old bones.

They exit the shop.

EXT. PARKING LOT

The truck is lowered and the tire has been replaced. Alexis gives each of the nuts one last turn. Alexis shakes Chester’s hand.

ALEXISThanks for the tire. You’re alife saver.

CHESTERThe pleasure is all mine youngman. I’m glad to help.

Chester scratches his head and looks down the street.

CHESTERSay, are you fellas hungry?

They look at each other and shrug.

JEREMYAre you offering?

Chester LAUGHS and gets caught up in a fit of coughing. When he has composes himself, he pats Jeremy on the shoulder.

CHESTERI sure am young man. I don’tknow where the whole world wentbut I’m sure glad to see somepeople left. I’ve got somesteaks in the freezer and y’allare more than welcome to them.

Alexis ponders his offer. He takes a cigarette out and lights it. He offers one to Chester and the old man accepts.

CHESTERAnd this permanent night has gotme spooked. I could use the company, even for a little while.

ALEXISSure, why not. You hungryNicole?

Nicole shrugs and reluctantly nods her head.

NICOLEA little.

Alexis opens up the truck and they all pile in. Chester bows to Nicole and gives her a little wink.

CHESTERAfter you my dear.

Nicole does not make eye contact with the old man. She squeezes into the truck and keeps her arms and hands close to herself as Chester enters the vehicle and closes the door. Alexis starts up the engine.

ALEXISWhere do you live?

CHESTERRight up the street. I’llpoint it out to ya when weget there.

Alexis puts the truck in drive and makes his way down the dark street.

INT. CHESTER’S HOUSE

Chester lives in a modest home right across the street from a canal and a set of train tracks. Inside the house, Alexis, Jeremy and Nicole sit at a small table.

Chester serves them a plate of steaks and French fries.

JEREMYLooks great.

They begin their meal. Nicole picks at it with her fork. Chester sits down and watches them eat, smiling.

CHESTERSo tell me, what do you kidsthink is going on around here?It’s the damndest thing I’veever seen.

Alexis shrugs.

ALEXISI’ve thought about it, butI honestly don’t have a clue.

JEREMYI’m just wondering where everyonewent. How can hundreds of thousands of people disappear?

Chester strokes his chin, in thought.

CHESTERMaybe they didn’t go anywhere.

ALEXISWhat do you mean?

Chester shrugs and shakes his head. He lights a pipe and sits back, reflecting.

CHESTERAh. I don’t know what thehell I’m talking about.

Chester blows smoke rings into the air and points to some stuffed trophy animals on his walls.

CHESTERYou guys ever been huntin’?

Jeremy nods.

JEREMYI used to go with my dad whenI was little.

CHESTERReally? Yep, I love it. I lovethe thrill of the hunt, thechase. It’s like a game of manversus nature. I do a littlefishing too.

Alexis looks at the wall and spots an alligator head near his mantle.

ALEXISYou catch that yourself?

Chester nods.

CHESTERI caught all these myself. Ain’tnothing like huntin’.

The old man LAUGHS a deep, throaty LAUGH. He looks at Nicole and smiles.

CHESTERYou’re a quiet one aren’t you?

Nicole shrugs and continues to poke at her food. She doesn’t bother to look at the old man.

CHESTERYou’re not scared, are you?

She slowly looks up at him and he smiles at her.

INT. CHESTER’S HOUSE

The meal is over. Alexis stands up and carries his plate to the sink.

ALEXISCan we help you clean up?

Chester shakes his head and begins to clean off the table.

CHESTERNah. Don’t worry about it.

Jeremy hands the old man his plate.

JEREMYThat was good.

CHESTERI’m glad you guys liked it.

Nicole gets up and walks out of the kitchen. She has a seat on one of the old man’s worn sofas. Alexis sits next to her.

ALEXISIs everything ok? You’ve beenpretty quiet lately.

Nicole looks at Alexis for a moment and shakes her head.

NICOLEWhen are we getting out of here?

ALEXISWe can go whenever you’re ready.

Nicole takes out a cigarette and nervously lights it.

NICOLEI’m ready.

Alexis frowns and watches her fumble with the lighter.

ALEXISNicole, what’s wrong?

She sits back in the sofa and exhales a long plume of smoke.

NICOLEThat old man. He reminds me ofsomeone back home.

ALEXISBack in California?

She nods her head.

ALEXISWant to talk about it?

NICOLEI just want to go. Lets go toyour house, I don’t care. Letsjust get out of here ok?

Alexis leaves her and walks back into the kitchen where Jeremy is helping Chester scrape off some dishes.

ALEXISWell sir, I hate to be leavingbut we have some things to do.

The old man looks up, surprised.

CHESTERYou’re leaving so soon? I wasgoing to get you guys somepie.

ALEXISOh, no thank you sir. We reallyhave to go. Long day.

The old man nods his head, disappointed.

CHESTERI understand. But, do you thinkyou can do something for me realquick before you go?

ALEXISSure.

Chester leads them into the living room and shows them an old air conditioning unit sitting on the floor.

CHESTERI’ve been wanting to get this out

of here for ages but I can’tcarry it out myself. Do youthink you two guys can take itout to the alley for me?

Alexis and Jeremy size up the air conditioner. It looks just light enough for them to carry out.

JEREMYOf course.

CHESTERI appreciate it boys.

Alexis and Jeremy both take a grip on the air conditioner and pick it up. Chester opens the door to let them out. Nicole snatches the keys from Alexis’ pocket as he passes.

NICOLEI’m going to wait in the car.

Chester watches them walk out into the yard with the heavy unit.

CHESTERDon’t hurt yourselves!

He closes the door and smiles at Nicole.

CHESTERThose are some great friends youhave.

Nicole nods her head, not saying a word.

EXT. YARD

Alexis and Jeremy struggle with the heavy appliance. They put it down for a moment to catch their breath.

JEREMYDamn this thing is heavy.

Alexis nods and wipes the sweat from his brow.

ALEXIS

Lets just get it in the alleyand split. Nicole doesn’t seem tolike that old man.

JEREMYWhy? He seems ok to me.

Alexis shrugs. They pick the unit back up and continue to the alley.

INT. HOUSE

Nicole stands in the living room nervously. Waiting for her opportunity to leave. Chester smiles at her, trying to be friendly.

CHESTERYou sure you guys want to leaveso soon?

She nods her head and moves toward the door. Chester turns his back to her, looking out the window at the two young men.

CHESTERWhat a shame. I’ve been prettylonely here in this littlehouse. An old man like me alwayshates to see people leave.

Nicole keeps quiet and avoids looking at the old man as she backs away.

CHESTERSo how do you like Florida?

NICOLEIt’s ok.

Chester pauses.

CHESTERYou like Florida better thanCalifornia?

Nicole frowns. She looks at him just long enough to see that he is beginning to breath heavily.

CHESTERYou know, if you stay I’ll readyou your favorite book. You stilllike Pippi Longstockings don’t you?

Chester LAUGHS.

CHESTERYou were such a cute little girl.I used to love to watch you play.Remember when you used to comeover to my house? Remember thatone time I built you a specialkite and you came over to seeit?

Nicole puts her hands over her ears and shakes her head.

NICOLEGo AWAY!

CHESTERYou do remember, don’t you?You remember everything.EVERYTHING!

Nicole feels for the door and turns the knob. At that moment, the old man turns around. His eyeballs are solid black, as black as the night around them. His mouth is twisted into an exaggerated and grotesque smile that nearly causes her legs to buckle out from under her.

He speaks in a twisted voice that is hollow and soulless.

CHESTERDon’t you remember when I used toread you stories? Come and sit onmy lap while old Chester reads youyour favorite book pretty littlegirl.

Nicole throws open the door and runs to the truck. She fumbles with the keys and finally manages to open the driver side door. She lays on the HORN, gets in the truck and starts it up.

EXT. ALLEY

Alexis and Jeremy have just thrown the air conditioner down when they hear the sound of the HORN.

ALEXISWhat the hell?

They run around to the front yard and find the truck waiting to go. Nicole rolls the window down; the frantic look on her face is enough to tell them that something is terribly wrong.

Alexis opens the passenger door and slides in. Jeremy follows him.

ALEXISWhat the hell Nicole?!

Without a word, Nicole puts the truck in drive. Chester stands out in the middle of the street right in the truck’s path. Nicole speeds up.

JEREMYAre you crazy?! You’re gonnahit him!

The figure of the old man watches them, grinning; its black eyes staring. She runs him over sending him up and over the truck. He lands on the pavement behind them. Nicole puts the truck in reverse and runs him over again. She does this two more times.

ALEXISYou just killed the man! What’swrong with you?!

Nicole turns and looks at him. Her eyes are filled with fear and anger. Alexis slowly begins to understand.

ALEXISYou knew.

The truck speeds down the dark street. Jeremy looks in the review mirror, at the spot where the crumpled body hit the pavement. To his shock and dismay, the body is gone.

INT. ALEXIS’ HOUSE

Alexis makes a quick sandwich and carries it down to his sitting room. They keep the lights off and sit in darkness. Alexis turns to Nicole who is seated on the couch, still shaken by what had happened.

ALEXISHow did you know?

Nicole takes out another cigarette.

NICOLEDo you mind?

Alexis shakes his head.

Nicole lights it and has a seat on the floor, across from Alexis and Jeremy.

NICOLEWhen I was a little girl, backhome in California, there wasan old man who lived next doorto me. He used to invite me overto help him with the trinkets hewould keep in his yard. He would collect a lot of uselessjunk.

She pauses a moment and continues.

NICOLEWell, one day, I think I wasabout seven or eight, he invitedme over like he always did.Only this time, he –

She fights back a few tears and exhales a long plume of smoke.

NICOLEOnly this time, he molestedme. I tried to forget andgo on but its still there.Deep inside me. Locked awayin a mental box.

Alexis and Jeremy take her hand.

ALEXISI’m sorry Nicole.

JEREMYWhat happened to the rottenold bastard?

NICOLEHe died a few years later. Theyfound him in his bedroom. He hadbeen dead for a few days. Iremember being happy he was gone.

Nicole smashes the cigarette butt in an ashtray and stares at the two young men.

NICOLEThat old man from the body shoplooked just like him. I knewit couldn’t be him but he lookedjust like him. It was enough tobring it all back to the surface.

Alexis sits back and suddenly comes up with a thought of his own.

ALEXISI had a sister. She was nineyears older than me. She used totake me out fishing all the time.She always made time for me.

JEREMYWhat happened man? If you don’tmind telling me.

Alexis shrugs and goes into his story.

ALEXISThere used to be this guy. Thissleaze ball who had a thing forher. I still remember his face.He would come to the door and askme if Jenny was home. Then he would give me some ice cream fromhis truck, for free.

Jeremy frowns.

JEREMYHe was an ice cream vendor?

Alexis nods.

ALEXISEvery afternoon he went up anddown the street playing thatmusic. He always made sure todrive by our house. One day, mysister had enough and told him toget lost. So he murdered her.I was only nine at the time.

The three sit in silence for a long moment before Alexis starts speaking again.

ALEXISWhatever is happening, whoeveris hunting us, is using our ownmemories against us. That muchwe do know.

NICOLESo how do we fight it? How do wefight something that can do this?

ALEXISThat’s a damn good question. Idon’t intend to sit and wait forit to get us. My neighbor has atruck load of guns. I saywe go arm ourselves and wait forthis bastard to show itself. Then,we blast him into hell.

Jeremy nods in approval.

JEREMYWe have to try something.

NICOLEI don’t know how to use a gun.

Alexis stands up and holds out his hand to help her up. She takes it and gets to her feet.

ALEXISNow is the perfect chance to learn.

EXT. OUTSIDE OF NEIGHBOR’S HOUSE

Alexis stands in front of his neighbor’s door with a crowbar. He turns to Jeremy and Nicole.

ALEXISI’ve never actually done thisbefore.

Jeremy grins at him and nods his head.

JEREMYOk Alexis, whatever you say.

Alexis inserts the crowbar and begins to pry with all of his strength. Jeremy helps him lean into the crowbar. The door gives them a hard time but after a few hearty attempts, it opens up.

ALEXISAll right, lets go.

They cautiously enter the dark house.

INT. HOUSE

Alexis, hammer in hand, searches for his neighbor’s gun rack. They search room by room until they find it. Jeremy points it out and walks over to it. It is locked up with a heavy padlock.

Jeremy pulls on it but nothing gives.

JEREMYShould we look for the key?

Alexis shakes his head.

ALEXISNo time. Watch your eyes.

Alexis steps forward and smashes the glass panel with the hammer. The glass shatters but no one gets hurt. He carefully reaches inside and pulls out a pump action shotgun. He checks to see if it is loaded. It’s empty.

ALEXISCheck the drawer for shells.

Jeremy opens the drawer and finds several boxes of shotgun shells. The drawer is filled with plenty of ammo.

JEREMYWow. Does your neighbor belong toa militia or something?

Alexis checks over the other guns and hands Jeremy a rifle.

ALEXISNo, but we do now.

He finds a 9mm, checks to see if it’s loaded and hands it to Nicole. She hesitates to take it.

JEREMYIt’s ok. It won’t bite.

She reluctantly takes the weapon.

NICOLEI don’t like guns.

ALEXISNeither do I but right nowthey’re the only allies wehave.

Alexis finds a plastic bag and throws every single box of bullets he can find into it.

ALEXISWell, it’s a start. Letshead back to my house. Ihave an idea.

The group makes its way out of the house.

EXT. FRONT LAWN

Alexis sets up an old coffee can and takes the 9mm from Nicole.

ALEXISIt’s pretty easy. Just lineup your site like this and –

He fires off three shots. She jumps when the gunshots go off with a POP. The coffee can falls to the ground.

Alexis hands her the gun.

ALEXISNow you try it.

Alexis sets the coffee can back up and runs behind Nicole. She aims the gun and after a moment, squeezes off some shots. The last shot connects and sends the can flying.

JEREMYAwesome shot! See, all you have to do is concentrate.

Nicole lowers the gun and walks over to the can. She kicks it onto the street and turns to Jeremy.

NICOLEAll I had to do was think of myex.

Alexis and Jeremy give each other an “oh Lord she’s got issues” look. She grins and takes a seat in the grass.

Jeremy sets the can up and prepares to take in a little target practice. Alexis stops him, listening to a SOUND.

ALEXISYou hear that?

They keep quiet and listen. Someone comes out of the bushes across the street. Nicole levels her gun at the MAN, waiting for him to make a false move. He throws his hands up.

MANBe careful with that thing!

Alexis recognizes him.

ALEXISJorge? You’re still around?

Jorge is a short man in his mid forties. He is usually the quiet type who keeps to himself and a nice guy. He speaks with a very heavy Spanish accent.

JORGEOh yes. I’m looking for Tornado.Have you seen him?

Jorge cups his hands to his mouth a calls for his cat.

JORGETornado! Tornado! Where is my catAlexis? Where is my fooking cat?!

ALEXISI haven’t been home for a day orso but I saw him under Steve’scar on Wednesday.

JORGEIt’s time for Tornado to comehome. If you see him, tell me.

ALEXISI sure will Jorge.

Jorge begins searching through the bushes again. He then runs over to the truck and looks under it.

JORGETornado is a special cat. He needs to come homenow.

Jorge makes his way down the street calling out for his cat.

JORGETornado! Tornado! Time forFriskies!

He soon disappears into the night. Jeremy looks over at Alexis.

JEREMYHe’s lost it. That guyhas FLIPPED.

ALEXISI don’t blame him.

The group has a seat under a large oak tree.

ALEXISHere’s what were going to do. It’sall I can think of right now.Nicole, can you cook?

She nods.

NICOLEWhatever you have, I can cook it.

ALEXIS

We need to get our energy level up. I’ve got soda and coffee. We’ll need the caffeine.

NICOLEWhat’s the plan?

ALEXISWe’re going to turn the tables

on whatever it is that’s donethis to our world. We are goingto be the stalkers.

JEREMYHow?

ALEXISWe’re going to get in that truckand drive around until we findit. When we do -

He levels his gun at an invisible target.

ALEXISWe blast the son of a bitch.

NICOLEIf this is some sort of game, Ithink whoever is stalking us issmarter than that. We’ll beattacked when we least expect it.

ALEXISThat’s why we stick together atall times. We never leave eachother alone. Never loose trackof our weapons. I have a feelingwe’ll be seeing that truck soon.

JEREMYCan that thing be killed?

ALEXISWe’ll find out. Whatever you do,keep your cool and don’t looseyour heads. Whatever is causingthis seems to thrive on our fears.

Alexis looks around at the dark sky.

ALEXISThis is a game and I intend towin it. But we all have to worktogether.

Jeremy nods and shakes Alexis’ hand. After a moment, Nicole nods and shakes Alexis’ hand.

EXT. FRONT LAWN

They have just finished dinner. Alexis throws the paper plates into a big garbage back and lays it on the sidewalk.

ALEXISWhere’d you learn to cook likethat?

Nicole grins and gets into the truck.

NICOLEI watch the Food Channelreligiously.

Jeremy takes his rifle and gets into the truck bed. He gives Alexis and apprehensive look.

JEREMYI don’t know about this. What ifthat thing jumps back here?

Alexis sticks his shotgun inside the truck and shrugs.

ALEXISWe’ll play it by ear.

Alexis LAUGHS and gets into the truck. He starts up the engine.

ALEXISOk. Lets do this.

He puts the truck in drive and heads down the empty street.

EXT. A STREET

The F-150 drives down a narrow street lined with dark house and palm trees. The street lamps are out making it extra creepy outside.

Inside the truck, Nicole is nodding off. Jeremy, still in the truck bed, taps on the roof. Alexis stops the truck and sticks his head out of the window.

ALEXISWhat’s up?

JEREMYHow long have we been driving?

Alexis checks his watch.

ALEXISAbout three hours.

JEREMYDamn.

Nicole rolls her eyes and lights a cigarette.

NICOLEThis is so retarded.

Alexis puts the truck in drive and they slowly cruise down the street.

ALEXISYou have a better idea?

NICOLEYeah, we get on I-75 and juststart driving. It beats drivingaround in a circle for hours onend.

ALEXISAnd where do we go? How do we knowwhen we’ve gotten anywhere? Don’tyou get it? There’s nowhere togo.

NICOLEI don’t know and at this pointI don’t care.

Alexis turns down another narrow street past some dark apartment buildings.

ALEXISAren’t you the one who said thatthere was a solution to everyproblem.

NICOLEDon’t even try and use my wordsagainst me.

ALEXISNo I-75. We aren’t going anywhere.This is our home.

Nicole turns her head and looks out the window.

NICOLEWhy don’t you just hook meup to a fishing line anduse me as bait.

ALEXISThat’s what I’ve got him back there for.

Alexis smiles. Nicole bites her lip to keep him from seeing her smile. The F-150 makes another turn and goes down Parrot Street.

EXT. STREET

Alexis looks at his watch. Another hour and a half has passed. The truck’s gas level is low.

ALEXISWe’ll have to gas up soon.

NICOLEYippy.

She lays back and closes her eyes. At that moment, Jeremy quickly taps on the truck’s roof. Alexis stops the truck.

JEREMY(Whispering)

I hear it! The truck!

Alexis strains his ears and there is indeed a SOUND coming from up the street; a musical sound. Alexis parks the truck near a group of trees on a street median.

ALEXISNicole, slide out and take coverunder those trees.

She nods and exits the truck. Jeremy jumps out of the cab and quickly follows her. Alexis shuts off the truck’s engines, grabs his shotgun and ammo bag.

He makes his way over to the group of trees that provide an excellent vantage point. Coming up the street is a pair of headlights.

ALEXISNicole, you take this side ofthe tree with me. Jeremy, take that tree over there. Don’topen up until I give the signal.Aim for the windshield andthe front door.

They take their positions and wait in silence. Nicole holds her gun at ready; her hands shake betraying her fear. Alexis puts a hand on her shoulder and smiles at her gently. She manages to smile back.

The ice cream truck slowly makes its way up the long street. The music gets louder and louder. Within a minute, it is close enough to make out the writing on the truck’s exterior.

Alexis holds up his hand. The truck gets closer.

ALEXISNow!

They open fire on the truck. Most of the shots hit their mark, shattering the windshield and the front door window.

Nicole shoots out the truck’s two front tires causing it to come to a grinding stop. They continue to fire.

The sound of the GUNSHOTS is extraordinary, like a Terminator movie.

Alexis leaves the cover of the tree and motions for them to stop shooting. The truck sits in the middle of the road, crippled and silent. He carefully approaches the truck. Facing the front of the vehicle, he raises his shotgun and fires off into the shattered windshield.

They all stare at the bullet-pocked vehicle in morbid fascination. Jeremy and Nicole slowly walk over and stand next to Alexis.

Alexis puts his finger to his lips and makes his way over to the front door.

NICOLECareful!

Alexis once again puts his fingers to his lips. She puts her hand over her eyes. Jeremy holds his rifle at ready. A VOICE emerges from the disabled vehicle, causing Alexis to stop in his tracks. It is the voice of a young woman.

VOICEHelp me Alexis! Please! Helpme! Don’t let him do this tome!

ALEXISJenny?

Another VOICE comes from inside the truck. It is a mean spirited, almost evil voice.

VOICE2She’s my treat now!

JENNY VOICEAlexis! Please!

Alexis levels his gun and fires into the truck twice. The voices stop. Gritting his teeth, he forces open the door. His face goes blank.

Alexis stares inside the vehicle. Jeremy and Nicole walk over and look inside the truck with him. The only problem is, the truck is empty inside.

The three friends stare at each other in disbelief. There is a noise coming from across the street. Standing under a palm tree, in the cover of darkness, stands the figure with the wide brimmed hat.

The rotted voice carries over the breeze. Alexis checks his gun but it needs reloading. The bag of bullets is on the ground, near the trees.

VOICEWhere will you run to now?

NICOLELets just get out of hereguys, ok?! Forget theguns!

The figure starts walking across the street. They loose no time running back to the F-150.

After they get inside, Alexis starts the truck up and slams it into drive. As the truck speeds off, the figure in the coat and hat stands in the middle of the street, watching them.

EXT. STREETThe F- 150 parks in front of a giant, beautiful house on a golf course. The three exit the truck.

JEREMYLooks like we better change ourplans.

NICOLEI say we just get the hell outof Miami. There might be morepeople to the north.

ALEXISI doubt it.

Alexis walks to the lavish front porch area and begins to check the stones under a group of palm trees.

NICOLEWhat are you doing?

Alexis picks up a stone and turns it over. It is a keystone. He opens the little compartment and out come two keys.

ALEXISLast month I did some work forThe elderly couple that liveshere. The old man always keptThe key in a keystone. He justmoved it around from time totime.

They walk up to the front porch. Alexis unlocks the door and they enter the home.

INT. HOUSE

The group settles down in a giant family room. The house is gorgeous and obviously belongs to someone who has a considerable amount of money.

Jeremy sips on a bottle of Heineken. Nicole stares out a large picture window. Alexis paces the room, trying to figure the situation out.

NICOLEWhat’s our next move?

Alexis pauses.

ALEXISWe gas up the truck, get ontoI-75 and get the hell out of here.

JEREMYWhat’s our destination?

Alexis can only shrug. Nicole YAWNS and lies down on a plush sofa.

NICOLEI’m exhausted.

Alexis cracks open a can of soda and motions to Jeremy.

ALEXISYou two catch some sleep. I’llkeep watch.

JEREMYWhat about you man?

ALEXISI’ll get some sleep in thetruck. One of you guys candrive.

NICOLEMake sure you wake us if yousee anything.

ALEXISI have your backs. I promise.

Jeremy finds a nice spot and lies down. He grins at his friend.

JEREMYI trust ya man. See you ina few hours.

Jeremy rolls into a ball and quickly goes to sleep. Nicole has already slipped into a slumber. Alexis sits in a chair and watches them sleep.

INT. HOUSE

An hour has passed. Alexis sits in the chair but his eyelids grow heavy. He nods off and catches himself. He then nods off again, this time he falls asleep.

INT. HOUSE

Alexis is woken up by a loud SCREAM. He jumps up out of his chair and looks around. Nicole stands in the middle of the room, her hands over her mouth.

ALEXISWhat? What?!

Her eyes are wide and filled with terror. Alexis looks around the room and sees that Jeremy is gone. He kicks the chair. A message is written on one of the walls.

It is written in large, bold letters and reads “Nice try with the ambush but you won’t beat me that easily. I’ve made a new friend; I think you know him well. We aren’t far away. Come to the Lloyd Mansion and you will find us there.”

Alexis looks for the truck keys and suddenly remembers.

ALEXISI handed the keys to Jeremy.We’ll have to walk. Its notfar.

He hits the wall with his fist.

ALEXISI fell asleep! Damn it! I fellasleep!

Alexis holds his head in his hands in anguish. Nicole walks over and takes him in her arms.

NICOLEIt’s ok. We’ll find him. Lets golook.

Alexis looks at her and then looks away.

ALEXISI let him down.

She gently pulls on his arm.

NICOLECome on.

Nicole leads him out of the house to begin the search for Jeremy.

EXT. OUTDOORS

Alexis and Nicole walk down the street, along the public golf course, in the direction of the Lloyd

Mansion. The air is thick and humid and it doesn’t take long before they are drenched in sweat.

ALEXISThis is the second time I’ve failed a friend.

NICOLEYou haven’t failed anybody.If we didn’t run into you,who knows what would havehappened to us?

ALEXISHe trusted me.

Nicole pulls a cigarette out and is about to light it but she hesitates, looking at it. After a moment, she snaps the cigarette in two and throws it to the ground.

She then removes the unopened cigarette packs and chucks them onto the street. She stomps on them until they are crushed.

ALEXISWhy’d you do that?

NICOLEThey make me sick. I’ve hadenough of them.

Alexis ponders this for a moment and then hands her his packs.

ALEXISYou do the honors.

She throws them to the ground and demolishes them. They start walking again.

NICOLEHow much further?

ALEXISAbout one more block.

Up ahead are the gates to the Lloyd Mansion. Two small, yellow lights illuminate a stone trail leading to the house itself. The two walk for another block before arriving at it.

They approach the gate. Alexis turns to Nicole.

ALEXISHold on to me, ok?

Nicole puts on her best “I’ll try” face and gives him a kiss. It lingers for a moment.

NICOLEI won’t let go.

Alexis takes her hand and together they walk through the gates.

EXT. FRONT OF MANSION

They arrive at the mansion’s front doors. They are ajar. The building is dark except for one light in a window on the second floor. Alexis looks up and points to it.

Alexis and Nicole enter the mansion.

INT. MANSIONAlexis and Nicole walk through the mansions dark hallways and corridors. Lavish paintings; large black and white photos of an age long gone and various other decorations cover the walls.

A VOICE comes from somewhere in the house. It is the familiar, decayed voice of their nemesis.

VOICEYou’re close. So close.

Alexis looks around. Nicole clings to Alexis’ arm as they reach the staircase. He points his finger upwards and she nods.

VOICESo close.

They slowly ascend the staircase and find themselves in another long hallway. At the end of the corridor lies the room with the light. As they approach it, the light suddenly goes off. Nicole digs her nails into Alexis’ arm.

NICOLE(Whispering)

I’m so scared, Alexis.

ALEXISStay brave. Keep yourselftogether. Remember.

They make their way over to the room and enter it. The room is empty. Alexis scans the room and walks over to the window. There is nothing unusual or out of place about this room.

ALEXISLets try the rest of the house.

As he says this, they hear a SOUND behind them. They turn around. To their horror, the figure with the long coat and broad rimmed hat is standing in the doorway. He actually fills the entire doorway and looks much larger than he had when Alexis first saw him in the men’s room.

He holds a terrified Jeremy by the neck in a death grip. On his face is a grotesque grin; rotted teeth form a Jack-O’Lantern smile. His eyes are a solid, ghastly white. White, stringy hair sticks out from the stained straw hat.

Nicole collapses to her knees at the very sight of the thing. The figure glares at her. Alexis, speechless, can only watch.

Jeremy tries to say something but the thing squeezes his mouth shut with one hand and pulls his head back by his hair with the other.

The thing stands and LAUGHS at them. Jeremy squirms in vain. He has no chance of breaking free.

Nicole SCREAMS at the thing.

NICOLEWhat are you?! Why are youdoing this to us?!

The thing begins to walk forward, still holding onto Jeremy. Alexis tries to move forward but the hellish thing shoves him to the floor.

He stops in front of Nicole who is paralyzed with fear. He speaks.

FIGURE(In Nicole’s voice)

What are you?! Why are youdoing this to us?!

He begins to LAUGH. He extends a finger and caresses her face. Nicole tries to move away but he seizes her by the hair and studies her, examining her face in detail.

He looks over at Alexis and then once more at Nicole before finally releasing her. He begins to back away, toward the door. As he leaves, he speaks in his own, decayed voice.

FIGUREI’ll be coming for you soon.

Alexis stands up.

ALEXISLet him go!

The figure gives one last smile and slips out of the room into the dark hallway. Jeremy is still in its clutches. His voice still can be heard.

FIGURESo nice. So nice.

Alexis runs to the door and looks down the hallway. The figure is gone. Suddenly, Alexis falls to the ground and all is black.

INT. MANSION – DAYLIGHT

Alexis slowly comes to. He lies in the mansion room; the bright light of day comes through an open window. He sees the sunlight and jumps to his feet.

Nicole lies on the floor, asleep. Alexis runs over to her and takes her in his arms. He gently tries to wake her.

ALEXISNicole. Nicole.

She opens her eyes. After a moment, she sits up and notices the sunlight filling the room.

NICOLEWhat happened?

ALEXISI have no idea.

He walks over to the window and looks out at the amazingly gorgeous, bright sunny day. There are no other people to be seen.

He turns back to Nicole and extends his hand to help her up. She takes it and gets to her feet.

ALEXISWe lost Jeremy.

The two ponder his fate for a moment. They exit the room.

ALEXISLets get out of here.

EXT. STREET

Alexis and Nicole walk down a street.

NICOLESo what next?

ALEXISIt’s down to you and me now.

We’ll have to get our hands ona car.

Up ahead is a canal. Alexis picks up a stone and stares into the canal water for a long moment. He tosses the stone out into the water.

ALEXISI’ll never forgive myself forletting Jeremy down.

He tosses another rock into the water. Nicole watches him throw the stone. She frowns. Nicole picks up a fist-sized chunk of coral stone.

ALEXISWhat’s up?

She takes the stone and hurls it into the water. It sinks but there is no splash. Alexis and Nicole look at each other, stunned.

Alexis walks down the steep bank and puts his hand in the water. When he pulls his hand out, his hand is dry.

NICOLEThat’s too bizarre.

Alexis climbs back up to the street.

ALEXISThese past two days have been toobizarre.

They continue down the deserted street, passing a large church. The sign on the church reads “We Have Prayer Conditioning”.

They end up on the main street where they had their battle with the ice cream truck. He looks up the street and sees that the truck is gone.

ALEXISI don’t think we can beat thisthing with weapons.

He points across the street.

ALEXISLets go back to my house. We canclean up and figure out our nextmove.

She nods and follows him across the wide street.

EXT. ALEXIS’ STREET

Alexis and Nicole walk past Jorge’s house. The SOUND of loud Latin music blares from his open windows. Jorge calls to them from his window.

JORGEHey! Alexis!

Alexis and Nicole go up his walkway and onto his porch. Jorge stands at the window, shirtless, his hair a complete mess. There is a frantic look in his eyes.

ALEXISYou ok man?

JORGEHave you seen Tornado?

ALEXISNo. I’m sorry. I haven’t.

Jorge’s eyes get wider. He pulls his hair back and looks as if he has just entered the biggest crisis of his life.

JORGEWhy?!

ALEXISI wish I knew. I really do.

Nicole steps forward, smiling reassuringly.

NICOLEWell, it’s sunny out. If you takea walk now, you’ll probably see him.

Jorge slowly nods his head. A smile crosses his face. He begins to dance and sway to the rhythm of the loud Latin music.

JORGEYes. Yes. Tornado comes hometoday. Then, I’ll have a bigparty for him.

ALEXISMake sure you invite us.

Jorge nods, waves his hand and begins dancing around his house. Alexis and Nicole give each other a look and leave the porch.

NICOLEThat guy loves his cat.

ALEXISI’m a dog man myself.

Nicole smiles at him and takes his hand. They pass another house and finally arrive at Alexis’ house. He unlocks the door and they go inside.

INT. ALEXIS’ HOUSE

Nicole walks out of the bathroom, her hair wet from the shower she has just taken. She wears a pair of Alexis’ jeans and one of his tee shirts. Both items of clothing are very baggy on her.

Alexis turns on his computer and they wait for it to load up all its programs.

NICOLEThat felt great.

She takes her own clothes and puts them into a basket.

NICOLEI’m going to wash these things upok?

ALEXISNo problem.

Alexis signs into his account. The screen reads, “Welcome AlexisDeWolf1983, you have 2 new mail messages!”

One of the e-mails is from Night_Crawler373. The subject line reads, “Until we meet again.” He stares at it, his finger on the mouse; not yet willing to open it.

Nicole looks over his shoulder.

NICOLEYou going to open that?

Alexis clicks on the message. It reads “Beware the night.”

ALEXISWhat is that supposed to mean?Are we safe during the day?

Nicole shrugs and reads the screen. She frowns when she sees the next message.

NICOLEIs that a girlfriend of yours?

Alexis looks at the next e-mail message. It is from the username “Surf_N_Sun_Girl.” The subject line reads “Hi Alexis.”

Alexis opens it. The message reads, “We must meet. I can’t explain anything to you via e-mail but you have to trust me. Go to the Hermit Crab Bar and Grill on 10th street, one block from the beach. When you get there, dial the number: 305-555-3444. Leave a message for me. Find the fishing pier behind the bar, and wait for me. I’ll be there. Hurry!”

Alexis contemplates the message.

ALEXISSo now I’m supposed to truststrangers who contact me bye-mail?

NICOLEHow does she know who youare? You don’t know her?

Alexis shakes his head.

ALEXISThis whole thing is crazy.

He stands up. Nicole looks at him, almost worried.

NICOLEAre you going to go meet her?She only mentioned you. Whatabout me?

Alexis looks at her and shakes his head. He takes her hand.

ALEXISI’m not going to meet her.We’re going to meet her.What else can we do?

She smiles at him and hugs him. They share a kiss.

NICOLEIt’s a long walk to the beach.

Alexis looks out the window, in the direction of Jorge’s house.

ALEXISStay inside. I have an idea.

Alexis leaves his house to go see Jorge.

INT. ALEXIS’ HOUSE

Nicole takes her clothes out of the dryer. She is startled by the sound of a vehicle HONKING outside the door.

She runs over to the window and sees Alexis waving to her from an old mini van. She walks out onto the porch.

NICOLE

A mini van?

Alexis leaps out of the vehicle and sprints onto the porch.

ALEXISWhat were you expecting? A jag?

He grabs a towel and heads for the bathroom.

NICOLEWho gave it to you?

ALEXISJorge.

He turns on the shower.

NICOLEHow did you convince him to giveit to you?

Alexis closes the bathroom door, grinning.

ALEXISI told him that I saw his catfive blocks away. He was sohappy he just let me have it.

Nicole looks at the door and shakes her head.

NICOLEYou’re bad.

Alexis LAUGHS through the door.

INT. VAN

Alexis drives I-95 south, heading for the beaches. The windows are down, the wind whips through Nicole’s hair. The old van shakes, it can barely handle the speed Alexis drives at. She stares out the window.

ALEXISWhat are you thinking about?

NICOLE

Nothing. Everything.

ALEXISDon’t think about it too hardor you’ll flip out.

Nicole looks over at him and smiles; it’s a small, reflective smile.

NICOLEI know.

Alexis finds the exit for the beach and takes it. He turns down an empty street.

ALEXISFinding parking on south beachis a bitch.

He turns down another street and past a group of desolate bars.

ALEXISBut I don’t think that’sgoing to be a problem today.

After some driving, they finally find 10th street. Up ahead is the Hermit Crab Bar and Grill. Nicole sits up and points to it. Alexis parks the van and they get out.

EXT. FRONT OF THE HERMIT CRAB

The Hermit Crab Bar and Grill is a real dive but it looks like it has a quaint charm about it. Alexis stands in front of it, cell phone in hand. Nicole reads a sign outside the door. It says “Get out of your shell and enjoy life but remember: NO phony ID’s, NO phony people allowed inside. The management.”

Alexis calls the number provided in the e-mail.

ALEXISHere goes.

The phone rings a few times before a VOICE RECORDER picks up. It is the voice of a young woman.

VOICEHi, leave a message.

ALEXIS(To himself)

She doesn’t waste anytime.

Alexis waits for the BEEP.

ALEXISI’m here. I’ll go out to the pierand wait for you.

He hangs up the phone and walks around the building. Nicole follows him.

EXT. BEACH

Alexis and Nicole walk up the beach. They pass a barbeque pit that looks like it has been used very recently. Alexis looks it over for a moment before continuing.

Up ahead is the pier. Alexis and Nicole walk up to creaky wooden stairs and past a bait/tackle shop. They find a group of plastic chairs. Alexis sits down.

ALEXISNow we wait.

Nicole sits next to him, looking around nervously.

NICOLEWhat if it’s a trap?

Alexis shakes his head.

ALEXISWhatever’s playing this gamecould have had us in the mansion.Could have had us several times.

They sit and wait.

EXT. PIER

The afternoon sun is beginning to make its decent toward the horizon. Alexis looks at his watch.

NICOLEHow long have we been here?

ALEXISForty minutes.

He lets out a big SIGH and looks around. At that moment, they hear the SOUND of footsteps. Alexis and Nicole quickly snap to attention.

The Bait/Tackle shop door opens up and a YOUNG WOMAN reluctantly steps out. She can’t be any older than 21. She has long, dark hair. She is amazingly cute, enough to make Nicole give Alexis a quick look to see how he reacts to her.

Her tan demonstrates that she is indeed a “Surf N Sun girl”. She looks at them, apprehensive and finally speaks. She speaks with a strong, Spanish accent.

YOUNG WOMANYou are Alexis?

Alexis nods. She looks at Nicole for a moment.

ALEXISThis is Nicole.

The young woman nods and starts down the pier, toward the beach. She motions for them to follow her.

ALEXISWhere are you taking us?

The girl walks very fast, Alexis and Nicole have to really pick up their pace to keep up.

YOUNG WOMANYou will see.

They follow her out onto the beach and toward a small group of pink apartment buildings. She opens a squeaky gate and lets them inside.

They head up a flight of stairs and down a narrow hall. The building looks old and weather-beaten. She stops in front of room 205.

She opens the door leading into a room that is very plain and Spartan.

YOUNG WOMANCome in.

Alexis and Nicole follow her inside.

INT. APARTMENT

The young woman has a seat on a worn beanbag. She holds out her hand to Alexis.

YOUNG WOMANI’m Valeria. Thank you forcoming out here. I’m sureyou must be wondering whatthis is about.

ALEXISYeah, you could say that.Why did you make us wait when you were right there?

Valeria looks at Nicole for a moment before nodding to her.

VALERIAI had to be sure you werethe right one.

ALEXISThe right one?

Valeria nods and opens up her lap top computer. She signs in.

VALERIAHe is very tricky so I hadto be certain.

ALEXISOf what?

Valeria scans through her old e-mail and finds the one she is looking for. She opens it and shows them. The message reads, “Are you feeling lonely? Sorry about old Eduardo but rules are rules. But, I’m not without a heart. Contact Alexis at the following address, he might just be willing to team up with you! AlexisDeWolf1983.”

The e-mail comes from the now familiar “Night_Crawler373”.

ALEXISWas Eduardo a friend of yours?

She nods her head in confirmation.

VALERIAHe can take many shapes, manydisguises.

Nicole nods her head.

NICOLEI know.

ALEXISHow can we trust you?

Valeria takes Alexis hand and runs it over her arm.

VALERIAI assure you that I amvery real.

Valeria gives him a little smile and looks over at Nicole who watches her.

VALERIAAs real as the two of you.

She lets go of his hand and gets up.

VALERIAI’ve discovered something thatI think can help us.

ALEXISWhat would that be?

VALERIAIt’s easier to show than tell.

Valeria opens the apartment door and walks out into the hall. She motions for them to follow her.

EXT. BEACH

Valeria leads them back down the beach. Though the sun is beginning to set, it is still quite hot. Alexis wipes his brow on his sleeve.

VALERIAIts much hotter here than whereI’m from.

ALEXISWhere are you from?

VALERIASpain. I’ve only been here fora month.

Valeria leads them to an outdoor bar under a cluster of palm trees. She points to the bar.

VALERIAWant a drink?

Alexis looks over at Nicole and she shakes her head.

ALEXISNo thanks. We had a roughtime a few nights ago.

VALERIAVery well.

She reaches over and takes a full bottle of Captain Morgan’s spiced rum from the bar.

VALERIAI will have one.

She opens the bottle, takes a drink and points up the beach.

VALERIAIt’s close.

Valeria leads them to another group of palm trees. There is an outdoor shower next to it. She hands the bottle to Alexis.

VALERIAWatch this.

She turns on the shower. The water runs at full blast but the pavement does not get wet. She steps into it and then steps out. The water falls on her but she remains dry. When she steps out of the shower, she is dry as a bone.

VALERIATry it.

Alexis frowns, confused. He puts his hand in the shower but it doesn’t get wet.

NICOLEJust like the canal!

Nicole tries it out.

NICOLEWhat do you think this means?

Valeria smiles. She takes another long swig of the rum. She sits down on the wall.

VALERIADo you wonder why everyone isgone?

Alexis sits down next to her. She looks up at the sky and begins to LAUGH.

VALERIAHow strange!

ALEXIS

Why is everyone gone? Where havethey gone?

Valeria pounds down another drink. Alexis makes a move to stop her but she pulls the bottle out of his reach. She waves her finger under his nose.

VALERIANo No! This is mine.

She smiles and motions for Nicole to come over and sit next to her. Nicole sits next to Alexis instead.

NICOLEDo you know anything?

She shakes her head.

VALERIANot for sure. But remember, thisis a game, no?

ALEXISThat’s what the message said.

VALERIAWant to know what I think?

Valeria stands up and goes back under the dry shower.

VALERIAWe are the ones that have vanishednot everyone else.

NICOLEWhat do you mean?

VALERIALook around. We are IN the game.We are PART of an illusion.

Alexis slowly nods his head.

ALEXISYou mean that all of this isan illusion? The beach, thecars, the streets?

Valeria taps the wall with her hand.

VALERIAIt seems very real.

She takes one last drink and slams the bottle into the wall, shattering it.

VALERIASee how the glass broke?

She picks up a small shard and runs it over her finger, which creates a few drops of blood.

VALERIASee how real it seems?

She then takes her hand and puts it back under the shower faucet.

VALERIABut this tells us that it isnot. This shower is an errorin the program. There aren’ta lot of them but we canfind them if we look hard enough.

She sits back down.

VALERIAAmazing, no?

Nicole shakes her head in disbelief.

NICOLEThat sounds a little toosci-Fi for me.

Valeria begins to LAUGH. She tries to sit down on the wall but stumbles. Alexis catches her.

ALEXISNo one on Earth has this typeof technology.

VALERIA

Perhaps we are dealing with one ofour cosmic neighbors.

She sits down on the wall and rubs the sand out of her sandals.

VALERIAVery clever. Very dangerous.

ALEXISVery. But how do we get the sensation of taste and smell?How do we sweat and bleed?

VALERIAI don’t know.

She holds her hand out to Alexis.

VALERIALets walk some more.

He looks over at Nicole. Nicole gives the girl a blank look. Valeria smiles at her, and motions with her hand.

VALERIAIt’s fine. You can bring yourgirlfriend.

She takes Alexis’ hand and leads him up the beach, back to the bar. She opens a latch and enters it.

ALEXISWhat are you doing?

VALERIAI’m making you a good drink.

ALEXISWe don’t have the time for this.

Valeria smiles and pours three shots of tequila.

VALERIAThe night is setting and we needto dull our senses.

Alexis takes the shot, sniffs it and winces.

ALEXISWhy?

Valeria takes her shot and pounds it.

VALERIAIt can’t use our fears againstus if we aren’t afraid.

Nicole whispers to Alexis.

NICOLEAre you sure that she hasn’tlost her mind?

Alexis considers the shot before he finally takes it down. He cringes from the strong taste.

ALEXISWell, looks like we have nochoice but to experiment.

Valeria hands Nicole her shot.

VALERIATry it with us.

Nicole declines the drink.

NICOLENo, thank you.

The Spanish girl shrugs and downs it herself.

VALERIAThe choice is yours.

She pours another drink for herself and Alexis. She taps his glass with her own.

VALERIABottoms up.

EXT. BEACH – NIGHT

The sun has set and it is night once again. Alexis and Valeria lay in the sand; they are buzzed but not drunk. Nicole sits between them.

Alexis looks up at the stars.

ALEXISSo all of this is an illusion?

VALERIAAll of it. But we are real. Wecan still feel sensations.We can still feel pleasure.

She runs her hand down his back. She then pinches him near his rear end, causing him to SHOUT.

VALERIAAs well as pain.

She sits up and rubs the sand out of his hair, LAUGHING.

VALERIAYou are a messy boy.

Nicole rolls her eyes.

ALEXISSo what then? What do we do now?

VALERIAWe have to find others, likeourselves. Then, maybe we canfigure out a way to win.

She lies back down and stares into Alexis’ eyes for a long moment.

VALERIAIf we don’t we die.

Nicole looks out over the ocean.

NICOLE Like David. And Jeremy.

Valeria nods.

VALERIAAnd Eduardo.

ALEXISSo where do we go?

VALERIAI have an e-mail message froma man in the Bahamas. I amgoing to take a boat and findhim. He realizes what is goingon and I think he can help.

She stares at Alexis, unaware that Nicole is watching her every move.

VALERIAYou can join me.

She looks over at Nicole.

VALERIAAnd you too, of course.

ALEXISFinding a boat won’t be aproblem. Finding the Bahamasmight. Which island?

VALERIAGrand Bahama. I used to saila lot when I was a kid.We’ll get there.

ALEXISFine. But I’m the captain.

VALERIAOf course.

Alexis pulls on Nicole’s arm to get her attention.

ALEXISYou ok?

She smiles at him and takes his hand. Alexis sits up and whispers something in Nicole’s ear making her LAUGH. He kisses her.

Valeria watches this and turns her head in the direction of the street. She sits up again, listening to something.

VALERIAOh, I like that music.

Alexis turns his attention to Valeria.

ALEXISWhat music?

VALERIAYou can’t hear it? It sounds likebells. I like it. What a nice melody.

Alexis stands up and listens hard. After a moment, he too can hear it. His eyes widen. Coming from up the street, not too far away, is the unmistakable SOUND of ice cream truck music.

FADE OUT