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SUPERNATURAL
“LOVE HURTS”
TEASER
ON BLACK SCREEN:
“NIAGARA FALLS, NY”
FADE IN
INT. BAR CALLED THE BARREL – NIGHT – ON SAM AND DEAN
Music is playing and couples are dancing. The place is busy.
SAM has his laptop open; a couple of manila folders filled with papers sit next to him.
DEAN scopes out the place while sipping from a shot glass.
DEAN
Anything?
Sam shakes his head, consults his files.
Dean admires CLAIRE, a particularly attractive, scantily clad woman, who has just entered the bar.
SAM
No connection between the two murders, as far as I can tell. Except the cause of death, and the locked doors, closed windows, no sign of forced entry scenario.
DEAN
Two guys dead from--what do the newspapers call it--massive blood loss? Vague, but suspicious. Unless they were just really annoying tourists.
Dean nods at a GRINNING COUPLE dressed in shorts, t-shirts, and ‘Niagara Falls’ visors who are snapping a photo by the juke box.
DEAN (CONT’D)
So, what do you think we have here: vamps, werewolves, serial killers …
Dean notices that Sam is plinking on the computer instead of paying attention to him.
DEAN (CONT’D)
… grizzly bears?
SAM
(distracted)
Maybe. The first victim is Rod Barry, 54, a plumber with three ex-wives and eight kids. Yes, eight. The second victim is Joe Scarpone, 23, an unemployed handyman. There doesn’t seem to be a connection between them. But Ellen said to check out their deaths so there must be something somewhere …
Dean notices that Claire is striding through the crowd from man to man, kissing each one passionately.
DEAN
(spitting out his drink)
Speaking of checking it out: look at that!
Sam turns to see that Claire shakes her head (as if disappointed) and moves on after kissing each man.
She reaches Dean and does the same, then Sam, with the same result.
MARK, a handsome, rugged, 30-something guy is drinking at the bar with buddies, talking sports. Claire approaches and reaches out to pull Mark into a kiss.
Shot of Claire’s long, wickedly pointed fingernails gripping Mark’s shirt.
Dean and Sam watch enviously as Claire kisses Mark.
Claire takes Mark’s hand and leads him out of the bar.
MARK raises a fist in victory as they leave.
DEAN
What’s he got that I haven’t got?
SAM
That girl.
DEAN
Yeah.
SAM
Don’t you think that was a bit strange?
DEAN
Picking that guy over me? Hell, yeah.
(looking around)
Hey, what if that’s common behavior around here? Maybe there’s another hot babe looking to score.
Sam notices the photo-taking tourist couple arguing nearby. The man was one of those that Claire kissed; the woman he’s with gesticulates angrily at him.
SAM
Yeah, right. We’re supposed to be working a case, dude.
DEAN
What’s to work? We don’t know much of anything yet: those police reports Ellen gave us are crap. There’s so much information blacked out that they look like they came from Communist China. In the meantime … I’m overdue for some fun.
Dean spies a cute girl, and goes to meet her.
SAM
Good luck. Horn dog.
EXT. CITY STREET IN A SEEDY NEIGHBORHOOD – NIGHT
Claire and Mark, in Mark’s beat up old car, pull up in front of a house.
Across the street is a similarly run down house, except that this one has yellow police tape – indicating a crime scene – blocking the entrance.
CLAIRE
(nodding at crime-scene house)
Nice neighborhood.
MARK
Yeah, well what can I say? I’m just staying here temporarily while my mansion is being tented for termites.
Claire laughs. They exit the car.
INT. MARK’S APARTMENT LIVING ROOM – NIGHT (A FEW MINUTES LATER)
On the couch, Claire and Mark are kissing and removing each other’s clothing.
CLAIRE
suddenly pushes Mark away.
CLAIRE
Wait. Stop! I don’t want to do this.
Mark laughs.
MARK
Too bad, bitch. You asked for it.
Mark reaches for her and tears her clothing. Instead of fighting, she moves closer to him.
CLAIRE
That’s what I thought you’d say.
Her face suddenly
CONTORTS
into a monstrous visage and she SNARLS.
The camera fades to black as Mark SCREAMS.
FADE OUT
END OF TEASER
ACT 1
FADE IN
EXT. THE BARREL (BAR) – NIGHT
Sam and Dean walk from the bar. Dean pulls a glass out from under his jacket.
DEAN
Man, the chicks around here have no taste.
SAM
Will you stop worrying about your Johnson for a minute? What is that?
DEAN
A souvenir. Look, it’s etched with Niagara Falls. Pretty cool, huh? I should have grabbed two.
Sam gives his brother a look, but drops the subject.
SAM
I get the feeling Ellen knows something she’s not saying about this case.
DEAN
Yeah? Like what?
SAM
Nothing definite. Ellen just seemed unwilling to say a whole lot about the victims. And do you remember what she said when I asked her why this was our kind of case?
DEAN
I believe it was: because I told you so.
SAM
That’s a little vague, don’t you think?
DEAN
We have bigger problems than whether Ellen is telling us the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Dean pulls his hand out of his pocket and displays three cents. He PLUNKS them in the glass and RATTLES it.
DEAN (CONT’D)
We are in serious need of some bucks.
SAM
Yeah, your pool hustling skills aren’t what they used to be. Of course, we would have been okay if you hadn’t bet our last wad of cash on that poker game in Schenectady. Against a little old lady, I might add.
DEAN
She wasn’t that little. Or old. But, she sure knew how to use that cane, I’ll give her that.
He rubs his forehead in remembrance.
As they approach the Impala, they see an old sedan with wooden sides parked next to it.
INT. SEDAN
HIERONYMUS LARK (mid-thirties), a nervous, clumsy guy whose eyeglasses are permanently askew, sits in the sedan with his head buried in a map. He comes from a long line of insurance professionals and is very serious--obsessive, even--about his work.
He spies Sam and Dean.
HIERONYMUS
(whispering)
Fred and Elroy McGillicuty, I’ve got you now!
DEAN unlocks the door of the Impala.
EXT. SEDAN
HIERONYMUS jumps out of the car, drops the map, and tries to rush to confront them. His feet
TANGLE
in the map and he sprawls on the ground.
Sam moves to the front of the Impala to see if Hieronymus is okay.
HIERONYMUSleaps to his feet, glasses now more crooked than ever. He is holding a Stunmaster 975 Stun Gun, which he brandishes at Sam.
In the other hand, he holds a cell phone.
HIERONYMUS
Freeze, McGillicuty brothers, or whoever you are!
Sam halts and puts up his hands cautiously. Dean laughs.
DEAN
What the hell?
HIERONYMUS
I am Hieronymus Lark with American Indemnity Mutual. I’ve been tracking you two for a long time—ever since you bilked our company into paying thousands of dollars of medical bills in South Dakota. Credit card fraud and identity theft are serious crimes! This is a citizen’s arrest.
Hieronymus flips open the cell phone to call 911.
DEAN
throws his glass and knocks the phone out of Hieronymus’s hand. Sam jumps forward.
Hieronymus panics.
He tries to trigger the Stun Gun, but falls again and accidentally
STUNS
himself unconscious.
The boys look down at him in shocked amusement.
Sam kicks the Stun Gun aside while Dean examines the shattered remains of his glass.
DEAN
Damn it, I really wanted that.
Dean looks speculatively at the bar.
SAM
Forget the glass. Let’s get out of here before this guy wakes up.
EXT. SCARPONE HOUSE - NIGHT
The Impala pulls up in front of the police tape-covered house we saw earlier, across from Mark’s house. This is the former residence of Joe Scarpone, one of the murder victims.
Sam and Dean exit the car and approach the house.
DEAN
Tell me again why we can’t check this place out in the daytime …
(dodges a hooker giving him the eye)
… when we’re not in danger of getting pulled in by the local vice squad.
SAM
Because Joe Scarpone was murdered only three days ago. The clean-up crew, descriptively named Gunk Be Gone, is coming first thing in the morning to sterilize the place so that it can be rented out to someone new. I figured we should see the place in all its glory.
Sam looks around surreptitiously and begins picking the lock.
INT. MARK’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Claire stands in front of a mirror right inside the front door, calmly fixing her lipstick and smoothing her hair with her long, wicked-looking fingernails.
The camera pulls back enough
to show her dress covered in blood, and
MARK
lying dead on the floor, in a pool of blood.
Claire slips on her coat as though nothing has happened and, gathering her purse, exits the house.
As Claire comes down the steps, she sees Sam and Dean on the front stoop of the house across the street.
She pauses and runs a finger across her lips, recalling the way she kissed them.
CLAIRE
(to herself)
The boys from the bar. Are you following me?
Sam and Dean enter the house.
Claire hurries across the street toward them.
INT. SCARPONE HOUSE - NIGHT
Dean and Sam enter the house, covering their noses because of the foul stench. Their flashlights reveal the house’s condition: run down, dumpy, and filled with broken bits of furniture.
A big, sticky patch of blood lies on the carpet in the middle of the floor; sprays of blood are everywhere: walls, furniture, ceiling.
DEAN
Well, I think we can pretty much rule out vampires. They left their food all over the place.
Sam looks around for clues. He gestures to the trashed place and broken furniture.
SAM
I’m starting to think your grizzly bear theory might hold some weight. This guy put up some fight.
EXT. OF SCARPONE HOUSE - NIGHT
Claire stands on the porch, looking in the window where Sam and Dean are visible, talking to one another.
Dean crouches down to examine the bloodstain. His cell phone is visible in his back pocket.
CLAIRE
stares at the phone intently, and whispers …
CLAIRE
Fall.
The cell phone pops out of Dean’s pants onto the floor, unnoticed.
INT. SCARPONE HOUSE - NIGHT
DEAN
We’re not going to find anything else here. Let’s scram.
SAM
Yeah, okay.
They leave the house through the front door.
Claire slips into the house through the back door. She picks up Dean’s phone and scrolls through the directory with her long, wicked nails, stopping at the name “Ellen.” She smiles and dials the number.
ELLEN’S VOICE
Hello?
Claire’s image seems to shift, and then a spirit-like form detaches and sends itself into the phone. The cell phone drops from Claire’s limp hand as she FALLS to the floor.
A SCREAM sounds from the phone receiver, and then silence.
INT. IMPALA - NIGHT
Dean drives. He leans forward and feels his back pocket.
DEAN
Damn.
Dean flips a U-turn.
SAM
What are you doing?
DEAN
I think I left my phone back there.
EXT. SCARPONE HOUSE - NIGHT
Sam and Dean walk up to the Scarpone house again.
SAM
You know, Dean, I keep telling you: life would be a whole lot easier for you if you just kept that thing in your pants.
DEAN
Ha, ha. It was in my pants, funny guy.
INT. SCARPONE HOUSE – NIGHT
Sam and Dean come in the front door. Dean‘s phone lies on the floor where we saw it earlier, before Claire picked it up.
DEAN
There it is!
Dean snatches it up. A muffled
SOB
causes Sam and Dean to shine their flashlights to the corner of the room, where we see CLAIRE/JULIA huddled on the floor, confused and crying.
CLAIRE/JULIA
What … where am I?
Sam and Dean exchange an alarmed look.
DEAN
(whispers to Sam)
Isn’t that …
SAM
… the chick from the bar? Yeah.
CLAIRE/JULIA
(with rising hysteria)
Who are you? What am I doing here?
Sam goes to help her up.
Shot of her fingernails: they are no longer long and wicked-looking. Sam notices the blood on her dress and shares a concerned look with Dean.
SAM
(to Claire/Julia)
It’s all right. You’re safe. You sort of met us at the bar, earlier. Remember? How did you get in here?
CLAIRE/JULIA
What bar? I don’t remember a bar and I don’t remember how I got here. I don’t even know where here is! Why can’t I remember?
SAM
Just take it easy. What’s your name?
CLAIRE/JULIA
Julia … Julia Cisneros. God, what’s happening to me? Was I dreaming – I remember crazy things – horrible things! These men, several men. And blood … so much blood! Blood everywhere!
Claire/Julia is becoming more and more distraught.
Sam takes her by the arms, trying to soothe her.
SAM
Shhh.
DEAN
(to Sam)
Dude, I think she needs some serious help.
SAM
(to Julia)
Don’t think about the blood. Think about something nice. Something harmless, like …
DEAN
Puppies?
CLAIRE/JULIA
No puppies! I hate dogs! A Rottweiler bit me when I was seven.
SAM
Nice going, Dean.
Claire/Julia looks at the bloodstain on the carpet as though she’s just seeing it for the first time.
CLAIRE/JULIA
God! The blood is here, too! It – wait. I think I’ve been here before!
Claire/Julia grabs her head and begins screaming.
SAM
Dean, call 911. Now!
FADE OUT
END OF ACT 1
ACT 2
FADE IN
EXT. SCARPONE HOUSE – NIGHT (LATER)
Emergency vehicles, lights flashing, are parked in front of the Scarpone house.
Paramedics and a couple of policemen are restraining Julia, who is still crying and distraught.
A sober, bored police officer interviews Sam and Dean.
SAM
Like I said, we were just walking by on the way to the … uh …
Sam nods embarrassedly at a nearby sign for an exotic dancing club.
SAM (CONT’D)
… when we heard all this screaming –
As if on cue, Julia gives a loud SHRIEK.
DEAN
Does that girl have a set of pipes, or what?
POLICE OFFICER
So you entered a marked crime scene …
SAM
What? We’re supposed to leave a screaming woman inside while we peer over the tape? Besides, the door was open, so we went in.
DEAN
We tried to calm her down, but she just kept babbling about blood and death … and acting, well, like that …
(gestures at Julia)
Hey, officer, what’s going to happen to her? Where will you take her?
POLICE OFFICER
Psych Ward, most likely. You’re staying at the … Motorcade Motel?
They both nod.
POLICE OFFICER (CONT’D)
We’ll call you when we have more questions. Don’t leave town.
The police officer steps away. Dean makes a rude gesture behind his back.
DEAN
Don’t leave town. Do we look like criminals?
SAM
Well, not me. But you?
Dean decides to ignore that while they head for the car.
DEAN
That was a new one. Why do you think she was here?
Sam turns to look back at the Scarpone residence.
SAM
Pretty weird, huh? You think she’s connected to the case? I mean, first she’s at the bar, then she shows up here?
DEAN
I don’t know, Sam. There is such a thing as coincidence. Either way, that chick is obviously off her rocker.
SAM
Yeah, it kinda seems that way. I don’t know, though – it was like we were looking at a different woman from the one in the bar earlier, you know?
(beat)
Hey, where’s the guy she picked up at the bar?
DEAN
Good question. Maybe she bit off more than she could handle. Hey, let’s get out of here. I’m wiped.
EXT. SUPERMARKET PARKING LOT – DAY
Sam leans on the Impala reading the morning paper while Dean walks out of the store with a bag of junk food and a wad of cash.
SAM
More credit card fraud? With that guy on our heels?
DEAN
Mr. Anonymous Narc? I wouldn’t worry about him.
SAM
Check this out. That girl from the crime scene last night just got a whole lot more interesting.
He hands Dean the paper, which displays a photo of Mark and a short article.
DEAN
That dude from the bar! Dead of massive blood loss, just like the other two dead guys. Damn! You think Julia did this? And that’s why she was whacked? Looks like it was lucky she didn’t choose one of us last night, eh?
Sam shrugs as Dean hands the paper back.
SAM
It’s kinda looking that way. Dean, maybe we should go to the police. Let them know we saw her pick up this …
(he scans the paper)
Mark Evans.
DEAN
Not a chance, dude. First we show up with this girl at a crime scene and now we admit we saw her at a bar the night before? No way the cops won’t think we’re involved. How about we phone in a nice, anonymous tip and then blow this burg? I don’t care what Ellen says, this case isn’t our kind of gig.
DEAN (CONT’D)
A chick with a mad on killing guys she picks up in a bar? What’s supernatural about that?
ELLEN appears behind Dean; she’s dressed in a blouse that displays her cleavage.
Her fingernails are long, painted, and wicked-looking. Just like Claire’s were. She smiles and her eyes glint strangely, as though a PRESENCE has taken over Ellen’s body. (Because it has.)
She clears her throat. Dean turns around and gives her a fake smile.
DEAN
(notices her clothing)
Ellen! Uh … we didn’t expect to see you here. You look … um … nice.
ELLEN
Hi boys. Since Dean’s last voicemail sounded less than optimistic about this case, I thought I’d come and help you out. Keep you on track, as it were.
DEAN
So far, this case looks like nothing more than murder.
Sam hands her the paper.
SAM
And there was another one last night. Look, we’ve been poking around the murders like you asked us, but so far we haven’t come up with any connection between them, other than their causes of death and the fact that the doors were locked from the inside when the bodies were discovered. If you know something you haven’t told us, now would be a good time to let us in on the secret.
DEAN
Especially since we sort of caught Little Miss Psycho Killer last night.
ELLEN
(sighing)
Okay, the second victim was my nephew, by marriage. He was basically scum. Got sent to the pen for awhile for rape. Not a nice guy. But my sister-in-law is freaked out, claiming there was something bizarre about his murder.
Ellen folds up the paper and sets it on the hood of the Impala.
ELLEN (CONT’D)
And there was. I dug up some interesting information. Apparently, the killer’s DNA was found at both murder scenes. But it couldn’t be identified.
DEAN
Why is that strange? It just means that the killer has never given a DNA sample to the police.
ELLEN
No, you don’t understand. It’s not that the police couldn’t match the DNA with a suspect – the police couldn’t identify the DNA as human, period.
DEAN
Okay, I’m getting the strange part now.
Sam pulls his laptop out.
SAM
I’ve got an idea. I’m going to use that coffee shop’s wireless connection to check something out. I’ll be back in a sec.
Sam takes the laptop into a nearby coffee shop.
Ellen and Dean look at each other uncomfortably for a moment.
Dean digs in his bag of junk food.
DEAN
You want some cheese curls for breakfast?
Ellen takes the bag out of his hands and steps uncomfortably close to him.
ELLEN
(breathily)
I can think of something else I’d much rather have for breakfast.
(beat)
You’re looking really hot today, Dean.
DEAN
Uh, okay.
Ellen suddenly tosses the bag aside, wraps her arms around Dean and
KISSES HIM PASSIONATELY.
Dean doesn’t quite know how to react, but, being Dean, he doesn’t exactly fight her off.
ELLEN
maneuvers Dean to the back door of the Impala and opens it.
INT. IMPALA
She drags Dean into the back seat and starts tearing at his clothing.
DEAN
Ellen, please. I don’t know what’s come over you, but I can’t do this.
ELLEN
Yes, you can. I’ll show you how.
She nibbles at his neck.
DEAN
Ellen … Oh, that tickles …
SAM
looks through the window, horrified at what he sees.
SAM
(loudly)
Dean? What are you doing?
Dean pushes his way out of the car while Sam looks at him in disgust.
EXT. IMPALA
DEAN
Dude, she attacked me. Seriously.
Ellen climbs out of the car and straightens her clothing as if nothing happened.
ELLEN
Find anything, Sam?
Sam is having a hard time processing what he just witnessed, but he clears his throat and switches to business.
SAM
The connection we were looking for. All three victims— including the guy from last night—were convicted rapists. Either they served their sentences already or they were released for good behavior.
ELLEN
So they were all scum. No big loss to the world then. Still, that means there’s a murderer running around. You say they have a suspect in custody?
SAM
Yeah, a girl we met last night. But she’s not in custody by the police. Come on, Dean, let’s go check out the crime scene. Ellen, can you get a look at the victims’ court documents? If one of the names is ‘Julia Cisneros’ it would give her a motive for the killings.
Ellen walks to her rental car, parked nearby. Dean and Sam watch her leave.
Sam gives Dean a look, but Dean quickly jumps into the car.
INT. IMPALA
Sam sits in the passenger seat and opens his mouth.
DEAN
Don’t even start with me, Sammy.
PAN OUT to the Impala leaving the parking lot.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT 2
ACT 3
FADE IN
EXT. MARK’S HOUSE – DAY
Establishing shot.
INT. IMPALA
The Impala pulls up to the curb. The boys notice the Scarpone house across the street.
SAM
You sure this is the address of last night’s victim?
DEAN
This is it. Would have been easy for Julia to sneak up on us last night, after she killed that Mark dude. The question is why?
Hieronymus’s sedan
SCREECHES UP
behind them.
DEAN
(looking in rearview mirror)
Man. I don’t believe this guy.
SAM
Obviously a dedicated insurance professional. So, how do we ditch him?
DEAN
How does he keep finding us?
EXT. IMPALA
Dean gets out of the car at the same time Hieronymus exits his vehicle.
Before Hieronymus can speak,
DEAN
charges toward him …
DEAN
(shouting)
You!
Dean grabs him around the collar with one arm and snatches the keys out of his hand.
DEAN (CONT’D)
What do you want with us?
HIERONYMUS
I told you! I want to rid the world of bottom-feeding insurance criminals like you!
DEAN
Yeah, yeah. We’re slime and all that. How did you find us?
HIERONYMUS
I am a trained investigator. I’ve followed your trail from Michigan to South Dakota to Ohio and back again. Every place you perpetuated your fraud. Sleazy hotels, back road diners. Let me tell you, mister, there were lots of witnesses. It wasn’t very long before their stories began to sound alike. Two young men, mid 20’s, driving a cherry black Impala.
DEAN
Ah, so it was the car that gave us away …
HIERONYMUS
That and your heinous crimes!
DEAN
Heinous crimes, huh? Here’s another one to add to the list.
Dean opens the trunk of Hieronymus’s car. SHOVES HIM INSIDE,
and slams the trunk lid down.
He tosses the keys on the driver’s seat and shuts the door.
DEAN
Problem solved. Let’s check this crime scene and get out of here.
SAM
You can’t just leave him in there!
DEAN
Why not? Someone will walk by eventually, hear him pounding, and let him out. He’ll be fine.
INT. MARK’S APARTMENT – DAY (MOMENTS LATER)
There is a huge bloodstain on the carpet.
DEAN
A lot of blood.
SAM
And not much else.
DEAN
Did you expect her to leave her purse?
SAM
Julia … I just don’t see how she could have done this.
DEAN
Who else can it be? Man, this case is getting weirder by the minute. I don’t like it at all.
SAM
You seemed to be liking Ellen an awful lot a little while ago.
DEAN
(defensive)
Now, that wasn’t my fault!
SAM
Fine, I won’t bring it up again.
DEAN
Thank you.
EXT. LARGE BRICK BUILDING – DAY
The Impala pulls up outside the building and Sam and Dean walk beneath a sign that reads “Niagara County Mental Health Association.”
INT. NIAGARA COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION - DAY
Sam and Dean sit at a table in a visitors’ room. Dean is noticeably antsy.
SAM
Dude. What is your problem?
DEAN
Huh? Oh, I just hate these kinds of places. You know, mental wards.
SAM
Why? Are you afraid they’re going to keep you?
A hospital attendant leads Julia in. She’s dressed in a hospital gown, her hair is disheveled, and she looks drugged.
ATTENDANT
I’ll be just outside the door. My advice: don’t stress her out. Her shriek can bust your eardrums.
Attendant exits.
JULIA
(sitting)
What do you want? Hey, don’t I know you from somewhere?
SAM
We’re the ones who, uh, found you last night.
JULIA
Oh, gee thanks , guys. Just what I wanted, an all-expense-paid vacation in Niagara County’s resident hellhole. As if I didn’t have enough trouble.
SAM
These people are trying to help you.
JULIA
Yeah? Well, excuse me if I don’t thank you. What do you want, anyhow?
DEAN
We’re writing a story on a series of unusual deaths in the area. We found you at the house of one of the victim’s last night, and before that, we saw you
at a bar called The Barrel picking up a man who later turned up dead. Now, why don’t you give us a reason not to go to the police with this information?
SAM
Forgive my partner, Julia. He’s being treated for a personality disorder. We’re just hoping to find out from you what happened. You don’t have to tell us anything you don’t want to.
JULIA
(melting under Sam’s puppy dog eyes)
Well, since you asked so nicely …
(she aims a pointed glance at Dean)
I don’t remember everything. It’s like there are these weird gaps in my memory, you know? And even those things I do remember …
(shudders)
it’s like I was trapped within my own mind. Like I was watching someone else doing these awful things with my own body. I couldn’t control my own actions. I couldn’t even control the words coming out of my mouth. Instead there was this evil, angry force inside me, making me do these awful things … There was so much blood … I did some really horrible things to those men. It felt like something was making me do those things … something evil.
(beat)
Sounds crazy, right? Guess that’s how I ended up here.
SAM
No. It doesn’t sound crazy. When all this started, when you started feeling this presence inside your mind, what were you doing?
JULIA
I don’t want to talk about that.
SAM
Julia, please. I know it’s hard. But we really need to know.
JULIA
I was at home watching TV. With my cats Fredo and Pesto … They like to warm my feet when I’m watching re-runs of the Gilmore Girls -- I am so hooked on that show. Anyhow, I was watching it when I heard a strange noise, like glass breaking. But I didn’t want to check it out because I would have disturbed my cats, you know? But then! Oh, God – no!
SAM
What? What happened?
JULIA
A strange man! I remember a strange man in my house! He grabbed me. I tried to fight him off, but he was so strong! He smelled awful, like sweat and the sewer. He started to rip my shirt! He wouldn’t get off me. And then …
She chokes up, unable to continue.
Sam and Dean exchange a glance.
SAM
It’s okay. You don’t have to tell us what he did. Is that the last thing you remember?
JULIA
Yeah. It was like I kind of went to sleep in my own head. And when I woke up, there was this … this presence in my head with me.
SAM
Okay. Thanks for talking with us.
Sam and Dean get up to leave.
JULIA
Hey, did you mean what you said earlier?
SAM
Earlier?
JULIA
They ... they’re really trying to help me here?
SAM
Yeah.
JULIA
I guess ... I guess I should let them, huh?
SAM
Take care of yourself.
Sam and Dean exit the room, and head down the hall.
CONTINUOUS
DEAN
What was all that about?
SAM
All what?
DEAN
All that ‘I feel your pain – you don’t sound crazy at all’ crap?
SAM
It’s not crap. Maybe I understand what she was talking about.
DEAN
What?
SAM
Look, the way she described a force taking over her body … well, I know what that feels like, Dean. That’s how I felt when I was possessed. I think maybe she was possessed, too.
DEAN
So the devil made her do it? Maybe she’s just a vicious murderer.
SAM
I don’t know … The way she described being attacked … she sounded genuine. Like she’d been raped, or something.
Think about it, Dean. That’s a very emotionally charged experience. She would have been ripe for possession.
DEAN
Look, I’m not saying I don’t feel bad for the girl. I do. Maybe she was raped, but that doesn’t mean she was possessed. And it doesn’t mean it’s all right to go on a killing spree.
SAM
Look, I’m not trying to justify what she did. I’m just saying let’s consider the possibility that she may have been possessed. Maybe being possessed alters a person’s DNA and that’s why it appeared inhuman. It’s worth considering, right?
DEAN
I don’t know. What do you want to do? Go back in there and try an exorcism on the girl?
SAM
No, of course not. Not unless we come up with more proof.
DEAN
Yeah? Well, good luck finding that.
INT. MOTORCADE MOTEL - DAY
Sam sits at the desk pulling up newspaper articles on the laptop. A CLOSE UP of screen shows a report of the death of a rapist in jail. Sam makes notes.
Ellen enters the room.
ELLEN
Hey, Sam. Where’s Dean?
SAM
Fetching something nutritious and delicious for dinner. Greasy burgers and fries, most likely.
ELLEN
I found out what the police blacked out of the original police reports I sent you. Turns out that the reason our boys all died from massive blood loss was because their most precious possession was removed.
SAM
Their what?
ELLEN
Their penises, Sam. Johnsons, rods, tube snakes...
SAM
Okaaaaaay! Thanks for the lesson in euphemisms.
ELLEN
(tossing paperwork on the table)
When will Dean be back?
Ellen starts to unbutton her shirt, as if too warm.
SAM
(absently)
I don’t know. Why?
Ellen slides into Sam’s lap and seizes his head to plant a
PASSIONATE KISS
on him. Sam is shocked for a moment, but then breaks the kiss.
SAM
Ellen, what are you--?
ELLEN
Don’t talk, Sam. Just make love to me. Right now. After that, we’ll forget this case and find something more interesting to do.
She kisses him again, but he stops her.
SAM
Wait, this case was your idea!
ELLEN
I changed my mind.
She kisses him again. At that moment, Dean comes in the door with a bag of fast food.
DEAN
Whoa!
Sam forcibly removes Ellen and stands up.
SAM
This is not what it looks like!
DEAN
Really? It looks like you two need a room. Oh wait, you have one. I should go.
Ellen calmly buttons her shirt and picks up the police files again.
Dean starts out, but Sam
HURRIES OVER AND SHUTS THE DOOR
before Dean can exit.
He gives Dean a pleading look. Dean shakes his head, but tosses the food bag on the bed.
SAM
I need to talk to you.
He shoots a look at Ellen.
SAM
Outside.
EXT. MOTORCADE MOTEL – DAY
DEAN
Okay, Mr. Moral Superiority. What gives?
SAM
There is something strange about Ellen.
DEAN
Oh really? You didn’t seem to find anything strange about her a minute ago.
SAM
You don’t call that strange? She practically attacked me.
DEAN
Does this mean you’re willing to admit that maybe she did the same thing to me?
SAM
Yes, it’s possible she did it to you, too. The question is--why?
DEAN
That is a good question. Kissing you can only be a huge disappointment after kissing me.
SAM
(annoyed)
That’s not the point, Dean. Why is she acting this way at all?
DEAN
Well, you know. Lonely, older woman. Biological clock. Raging hormones...
SAM
I don’t buy it. Do you think it has something to do with the case?
DEAN
Hell, I don’t know. I mean, we don’t even know if the murders are related.
SAM
Oh, they’re related all right. Ellen says their ... privates were removed.
DEAN
Privates?
SAM
You know. Johnsons, rods, tube snakes...
DEAN
(wincing)
Okay, enough already. I get the picture. Dear God, do I ever get the picture. So that’s how they bled to death?
(at Sam’s nod, he continues)
Whoever’s doing this needs to go down. And you still think Julia’s innocent?
SAM
Yeah, I do.
DEAN
All right, then. Where do we start looking for another suspect?
SAM
I don’t know that. Yet. But I do know what else we can check out: the death of another rapist, this one in jail.
DEAN
Great. This job just keeps getting better and better.
SAM
What are we going to do about Ellen in the meantime?
DEAN
I don’t know. Let’s just try not to be alone with her, eh?
SAM
Okay.
DEAN
That should work unless she wants a threesome.
Dean laughs at Sam’s look of horror.
EXT. NIAGARA FALLS JAIL – DAY
Sam and Dean are dressed in suits. They approach the jail and walk inside.
INT. NIAGARA FALLS JAIL – DAY
Sam approaches the reception desk. ANN looks up at him and smiles. Her gaze slides to Dean and her smile widens.
SAM
Hi. I’m Tom Hamilton. I called earlier to request a meeting with Captain Edgely.
ANN
Oh, you’re the true crime writer! Do you really think we’ll be in your book?
SAM
It’s possible. We’re currently researching strange and unusual happenings in local jails. This is my research assistant, Steve Tallarico.
DEAN
(giving her his usual devastating smile)
Hi.
ANN
I’ll let Captain Edgely know you’re here. I’m surprised he agreed to meet with you. He’s pretty ... anti-publicity. If you need anything after your meeting I get off at six.
INT. CAPTAIN EDGELEY’S OFFICE – DAY
CAPTAIN EDGELEY is a no-nonsense guy who hates all reporters and basically anyone with a pen.
CAPTAIN EDGELEY
Mr. Hamilton. I hate to waste your time and I probably could have told you this on the phone, but I’ve found that it’s usually better to deal with your type in person.
SAM
Our type?
CAPTAIN EDGELEY
Reporters, writers, “investigators,” people who are digging for dirt at the expense of honest, hard-working folks that are just trying to do their jobs.
SAM
We’re not interested in dirt, sir. We’re just looking for information.
CAPTAIN EDGELEY
You’re not going to get any information here. A man died in my jail. He was alone in his cell. He killed himself, probably from remorse over his crimes. End of story.
SAM
What were his crimes?
CAPTAIN EDGELEY
We have strong evidence that he committed rape and murder. You didn’t think he was in jail for running a stop sign, did you? Look, you’re not getting anything else out of me, so pack up your agenda and get the hell out of here.
Sam stands up, realizing that they are wasting their time.
SAM
Thank you for your time. We won’t bother you any longer.
CAPTAIN EDGELEY
I’ll be watching you boys. If I find you snooping around, I’ll toss you in the pen for interfering with an investigation.
DEAN
What investigation? You said it was a suicide. End of story.
CAPTAIN EDGELEY
Exactly. See that you remember that.
INT. CAFÉ – NIGHT
Sam, Dean, and Ann are seated at a booth drinking coffee.
DEAN
Your boss is a dick.
ANN
(laughing)
He hates reporters. Anything that equates to publicity, actually. I’m surprised he agreed to meet with you,
but that was probably just to tell you off in person.
SAM
That’s what he said. Maybe you could give us some idea what happened to Duane Douglas.
ANN
This won’t get me into any trouble, will it? I mean, if Captain Edgeley finds out I even met with you ...
SAM
Don’t worry, we always change names to protect the innocent. Chances are, this incident won’t even make it into the book, since it seems to be an isolated incident, correct?
ANN
Yeah, it was really strange. He had to have done it himself, since he was the only one in the cell at the time. There were two officers on duty and both were upstairs. The oddest thing is, no one could find the implement.
DEAN
Implement? What did he do, exactly?
ANN
Well, he was awaiting trial for rape and murder. He must have gone crazy or something, because he killed himself by cutting off his own ...
Ann points downward suggestively.
DEAN
Ouch.
ANN
(nodding)
By the time they found him, it was too late. He bled to death. Gross, huh?
(beat)
And that’s not all.
DEAN
Don’t tell me it gets weirder than that .
ANN
Pretty much. You see, it’s state law that all holding facilities videotape jail cells—-and prisoners—-but the tape for the time period of Duane Douglas’s death is mysteriously blank.
SAM
Mysterious how?
ANN
Like it was deliberately erased.
DEAN
Ah … so now I’m beginning to understand your boss’s hatred of reporters. He suspects it was an inside job, and doesn’t want the publicity. Sound about right?
ANN
You didn’t hear it from me.
INT. IMPALA – NIGHT
Dean drives; Sam is in the passenger seat, peering at his notes by penlight.
SAM
Looking at the dates, this guy is the first victim to lose his … to die in that particular manner.
DEAN
And the only one still in jail. The others had already been convicted for rape sometime in the past. This dude wasn’t even on trial yet.
SAM
Maybe someone knew he was guilty. Still think this is just some crazy, murderous chick?
DEAN
No sane man would ever cut off his own Johnson. What’s the name of the girl he killed?
SAM
(consulting file)
Claire Valentine. She lived somewhere by Love Canal. Buried in Oakwood Cemetery.
DEAN
Love Canal? What’s that, a red light district?
SAM
No … It was a toxic waste dump in the 70s. Very controversial. I learned about it in an Environmental Studies class. It was suspected of causing illnesses and birth defects, maybe even mutations.
DEAN
Mutations? Like in the X-Men? Maybe this is our kinda gig. A crazy mutant woman whose superpower gives her strength to rip off rapists’ weapon of attack?
Sam looks at Dean like he’s lost it.
DEAN
It could happen!
SAM
Whatever. Look, I want to grab a shower, then we can head over to Claire’s place and check it out.
DEAN
A shower sounds like a good idea. This case makes me feel dirty all over.
INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY
Sam, hair wet, is wearing underwear and is in the process of pulling on a shirt.
RUNNING WATER can be heard in the background, as Dean is in the shower.
Ellen opens the door and enters.
SAM
Ellen! Couldn’t you just knock?
Ellen admires Sam’s state of undress and shuts the door.
ELLEN
It wasn’t locked. I didn’t think you boys would mind.
Sam forgets the shirt and snatches for his jeans, intending to put them on quickly.
ELLEN
sidles forward and grabs the jeans.
ELLEN
Don’t be in such a hurry. You’ll just have to take them off again.
Ellen throws his jeans aside and
LEAPS ON HIM PASSIONATELY,
knocking him onto the bed.
She climbs onto him and starts to kiss him.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT 3
ACT 4
FADE IN
INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY
Ellen is kissing Sam on the hotel bed, but he tries to keep her away.
SAM
What has gotten into you? Why are you acting like a sex-starved maniac?
ELLEN
Maybe I am a sex-starved maniac, Sam.
She pushes him back and kisses him. The shower shuts off. Sam breaks the kiss.
SAM
Dean is coming.
ELLEN
Good. He can join us.
The thought is too much for Sam and he pushes her aside and leaps to his feet.
SAM
grabs the desk chair and puts it between them as Ellen slides off the bed and walks seductively toward him.
SAM
Stay away from me, Ellen.
Dean walks out of the bathroom clad only in a towel. He looks at Sam and Ellen in surprise.
DEAN
Oh, God. What now?
Ellen sighs and walks over to sit on the bed. She tosses Sam his jeans.
ELLEN
You boys are no fun at all. I just came to tell you the case is solved. We can all head back home. Or in your case, to the car. Or wherever.
SAM
(yanking on his pants quickly)
What are you talking about? How can it be solved?
Dean casually drops his towel and dresses while Ellen watches in amused approval. Dean grins at Sam.
ELLEN
The police busted the girlfriend of one of the dead guys. They think she just stole the victims’ keys and let herself out of their apartments after she killed them. Locked everything up nice and tidy-like while they bled to death inside.
DEAN
Well … that makes sense. But what about the guy in jail?
ELLEN
Jail?
DEAN
Yeah, Duane Douglas. Died in the same way, but in jail. They claim he did it himself, but couldn’t find a knife or saw or a pair of gardening shears ...
SAM
So unless the dead guy’s girlfriend made her way into Duane Douglas’s locked jail cell, she wasn’t the real killer. There must be someone, or some thing else out there who fits the bill.
ELLEN
I think I may have an idea about who that is. You ever hear the name Claire Valentine?
SAM
Yeah, we have. She was a murder victim.
ELLEN
Smart boy. Come on. I’ve got something to show you in her house.
EXT. CLAIRE’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Sam, Dean and Ellen exit the Impala and look at the dark house. After scoping for nosy neighbors, they walk to the front door.
Dean picks the lock.
INT. CLAIRE’S HOUSE – NIGHT
View shows Sam, Dean and Ellen enter the front door to the living room. They shut the door and flick on flashlights.
There is a pentagram and candles on the bare hardwood floor. Inside the pentagram is the police outline of a body.
DEAN
Who was this chick?
SAM
I don’t know, but she was summoning something.
Ellen picks up a lighter from a nearby table and starts lighting candles. Her long fingernails gleam.
Sam picks up a book from the floor.
DEAN
Looks like she was in the middle of a ritual when Duane broke in and killed her.
ELLEN
(in a strange voice)
Raped and murdered her. He was a filthy, disgusting pig that did not deserve to live. Claire was a virgin.
Sam and Dean both stare at her.
DEAN
How the hell do you know that?
Ellen lights more candles.
ELLEN
She was waiting for the right man. But she just kept waiting and waiting for him, and he didn’t come. Oh, other men wanted her, but they were cheaters and liars, drunks and abusers. She wanted true love. So she asked for help.
BEGIN FLASHBACK
As Ellen lights another candle, she morphs into CLAIRE (mid-twenties), dressed in Gothic clothing, with weird pendants and black hair.
Claire chants and raises her hands, eyes closed.
ELLEN
(voice over)
She was summoning Anat, goddess of love, helper to women for ages …
DUANE DOUGLAS (mid-twenties, looks like a thug) peers in Claire’s window as she performs the rite.
EXT. CLAIRE’S HOUSE
Around the rear of the house, he forces open the back door.
INT. CLAIRE’S LIVING ROOM
Back in Claire’s living room, a flash of light appears, along with a ghostly image of
ANAT
in the air, floating near the ceiling.
Just then, Duane
SURPRISES
Claire from behind, knocks her down and tears her clothes. Anat watches impassively, unnoticed by Duane.
Off camera we hear STRUGGLES and SCREAMS, the sounds of Claire being choked.
ELLEN
(voice over)
You know how restless spirits are born, from those with violent deaths, and unfinished business.
We see Claire dead on the floor and Duane leaving the house.
Claire’s spirit rises from the body and looks down at it for a moment.
The ghostly image of Anat floats down and
MERGES WITH
Claire’s spirit with a flash of bright light.
The ghostly fingers curl into claws and we see long fingernails emerge before the ghostlike Anat/Claire entity moves out the door.
ELLEN
(voice over)
Claire and Anat wandered, looking, always looking … no longer looking for love …
EXT. JULIA’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Through the window, the camera shows Julia in slippers and a robe, watching TV with her two cats.
INT. JULIA’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Julia hears a NOISE, and looks up as a RAPIST rushes her. We hear her screams off camera.
Then, the camera shows her lying on the floor, her hair a mess and clothes askew, crying after having been raped.
The Claire/Anat spirit light appears and enters her. Her fingernails grow long and pointed.
Immediately, Julia rises, her expression no longer terrified, but angry.
ELLEN
(voice over)
… but vengeance!
EXT. NIAGARA FALLS JAIL - NIGHT
Julia strides into the jail.
INT. NIAGARA FALLS JAIL - NIGHT
Julia waves a hand over the jail cell camera and we hear a SHORT.
Duane Douglas is sitting in his cell. He hears a NOISE and looks up as Julia enters.
Blood sprays. Off camera, we hear Duane’s SCREAM.
RETURN TO THE PRESENT
INT. CLAIRE’S HOUSE – NIGHT
Hieronymus bursts into the room. He’s not messing around this time—he is carrying a gun. He points it at Dean.
HIERONYMUS
I’m adding breaking and entering to your long list of crimes, McGillicuty brothers! This time you are coming with me or I’ll take you out!
Sam and Dean tentatively raise their hands, as Hieronymus seems a bit unhinged. His hands tremble dangerously on the gun.
DEAN
Take it easy, Hieronymus. We’ll come along peacefully.
Camera pans to a nearby table where a heavy candlestick sits next to a box of salt. Dean sidles that way.
HIERONYMUS
Don’t move! I’m onto your tricks, McGillicuty!
ELLEN
(looking at Hieronymus and speaking in a seductive voice)
You. Hieronymus Lark. Come to me.
HIERONYMUS
I don’t know who you are, lady, but you just stay put!
ELLEN
Hieronymus Lark. Come here.
Hieronymus slowly lowers the gun.
Sam and Dean are so surprised they just watch as Hieronymus walks, trancelike, to Ellen, who reaches up and cups Hieronymus’s face.
ELLEN
kisses Hieronymus passionately.
DEAN
Are we missing something here?
Ellen suddenly morphs into
CLAIRE
who stops kissing Hieronymus and looks enraged. She doesn’t release his face.
ELLEN/CLAIRE
(in deeper voice than usual)
Hieronymus Lark, you once forced yourself on a woman. You must pay.
HIERONYMUS
No! I didn’t! I didn’t force her, she was just … drunk! She passed out and I—
ELLEN/CLAIRE
You have been judged, Hieronymus Lark. The sentence will be carried out.
DEAN
Sammy, I think Ellen is a little possessed at the moment. What was the name of that cemetery where Claire is buried?
SAM
Oakwood Cemetery!
DEAN
Then go! And hurry—I’ll try to keep Ellen away from Hieronymus, here.
Ellen unbuckles Hieronymus’s pants.
HIERONYMUS
is so scared he doesn’t even remember he’s holding a gun.
Sam runs out of the house.
DEAN
Ellen! Or Claire! Or whoever you are! Leave Hieronymus alone. I’m the one you want!
Ellen/Claire pauses and looks at Dean, who nods. Ellen shakes her head.
ELLEN/CLAIRE
Nice try, but I already kissed you. You are untainted—you have never forced yourself on a woman.
DEAN
Well, I guess you just didn’t look hard enough. I was seventeen. Jamie Sue Wilson, in the back seat of her dad’s car. Piedmont, Oklahoma. She said no, but I knew she wanted it.
Ellen releases Hieronymus, who
COLLAPSES
on the floor and crawls away. His pants slide down around his knees.
Ellen walks to Dean and kisses him. Dean pulls her close with one arm.
CAMERA pans behind Dean, where we see the box of salt in his other hand. He moves Ellen in a circle while pouring the salt behind him, maintaining the kiss.
ELLEN/CLAIRE
(breaking the kiss)
You lie!
DEAN
(grinning wickedly)
I know. Jamie Sue forced me. That girl was an animal.
Dean steps back out of the circle. Ellen tries to leave the circle, but she’s trapped.
Bright light ERUPTS AROUND HER
and a terrible spirit form takes Ellen’s place.
ELLEN/CLAIRE
I am Anat, Goddess of Vengeance! You will not keep me from retribution!
DEAN
Yeah, well let’s see you retribute from inside that circle, bitch!
(beat)
No offense, Ellen.
The spirit of Anat
TURNS BACK
into Ellen and looks at Hieronymus.
ELLEN/CLAIRE
Hieronymus Lark. Come to me.
Hieronymus mindlessly gets up and starts to walk to her. Dean hurries over and grabs him.
HIERONYMUS
raises the gun at Dean, who chops it out of his hand.
DEAN
Get a grip, Ronyrous!
HIERONYMUS
Can’t … resist.
Dean
DRAGS
Hieronymus to a heavy table,
PULLS
a roll of duct tape from his pocket and
TAPES
Hieronymus to the table. Hieronymus struggles futilely.
ELLEN/CLAIRE
Dean Winchester. Come to me.
Dean turns in disbelief. Ellen again holds her arms out to Dean.
ELLEN/CLAIRE (CONT’D)
Come to me.
DEAN
I’ll take a rain check on that.
But his feet
BEGIN TO CARRY HIM
toward the circle.
EXT. OAKWOOD CEMETERY – NIGHT
Sam fires up a mini bulldozer and scoops out the earth beneath a gravestone labeled “Claire Valentine.” The duffle bag sits nearby.
INT. CLAIRE’S HOUSE – NIGHT
ELLEN
Kiss me, Dean.
Dean steps into the circle and kisses Ellen.
CLOSE UP of Ellen’s hands dropping to Dean’s waistband where she slowly unbuckles his belt.
HIERONYMUS
(struggling to remove the tape)
What do I do? McGillicuty! Or Dean! How do I stop her?
Hieronymus spies the gun and
LEAPS FOR IT,
but he is stopped by the tape. His fingers brush the handle.
Dean is oblivious.
EXT. OAKWOOD CEMETERY – NIGHT
Sam climbs out of the grave and sprinkles salt and kerosene on the body. He lights a match and tosses it.
INT. CLAIRE’S HOUSE – NIGHT
The spirit possessing Ellen suddenly SCREAMS and dissipates in a white flash.
Hieronymus
CRIES OUT
and shields his eyes, unsure what is happening.
Ellen and Dean
SUDDENLY RETURN
to awareness with the knowledge that Ellen has her hand on Dean’s open belt buckle.
DEAN
I’ll probably need that, later.
Ellen
SNATCHES HER HAND AWAY
and steps out of the circle. She looks at her hands, which now have normal-sized fingernails, and then walks outside without speaking.
FADE OUT
END ACT 4
TAG
FADE IN
EXT. CLAIRE’S HOUSE – NIGHT (LATER)
Sam and Dean exit the house with Hieronymus and walk toward the cars. They pause near the sedan.
HIERONYMUS
I’m not sure what you guys do, but you saved my life back there from … whatever that was. I won’t follow you any more. Just try to leave American Indemnity Mutual out of your scams in the future.
DEAN
You can count on it.
Hieronymus gets into his sedan and drives away.
Ellen is standing by the Impala, looking pensive. Sam and Dean approach her.
DEAN
So. Do you remember anything you did?
ELLEN
Enough to be really embarrassed right now. I just couldn’t seem to stop myself.
DEAN
I’ve never heard of a goddess possessing someone. This is one for the journal. Vengeful spirit with a twist.
SAM
Wait. The goddess left Julia and possessed Ellen to get us off her trail, right? But how did she possess Ellen in the first place? She only chose certain women--women who had been raped, right?
Ellen looks aside. A beat.
SAM
Ellen, I’m so sorry!
ELLEN
Nothing to be sorry about, Sam. You didn’t do anything. Besides, it was a long time ago.
(beat)
Claire summoned the goddess of love. I guess that’s all any of us want, isn’t it? Love?
DEAN
(to Ellen)
You going to be all right?
ELLEN
Yeah. I’m going to be just fine.
SAM
We can give you a ride.
ELLEN
No thanks. It turns out that I can remember what happened when Anat or Claire or whatever you want to call her possessed Julia. I’m going to stay a few days for her. Maybe it will help her to know someone who’s been through what she has, in more ways than one.
Sam and Dean get in the Impala.
INT. IMPALA
DEAN
(looking at Ellen)
You know, we’re out here fighting demons and angels and everything in between when all the time—
SAM
All the time the real monsters are just everyday people hurting other everyday people? Yeah.
FADE OUT
THE END