Chronicles of an Empath Volume 1: The Activation Pilot "ThePeacemakers"

By

Aaron McDonald

A True Story

INT. LEIGH COUNTY, NC SHERIFFS STATION - NIGHT

There are about half a dozen Sheriffs deputies conductingvarious duties in the small county station.

PAN to the interrogation rooms closed door.

A deputy walks up and pushes open the door as he holds ablue file folder.

He enters and closes it behind him slowly.

ElIJAH McPHOSTER, 30, is cuffed to a chair behind the table.

Elijah has long curly brown hair, a brown beard, and wears abright blue dress shirt, the top two buttons unfastened.

There is a bandaged gash on his left brow and dried bloodencrusted on his lip. He also has some dirt on his cheek asif his face had been slammed into the ground.

Eli is sniffling and staring nervously at the deputy.

Deputy MICHAEL ENKIMANN is a balding middle-aged man whowears glasses and has a potbelly.

Michael Enkimann takes a seat on the other side of thetable, sniffs, and rubs his nose.

Eli watches him, his head lowered slightly as he scrutinizesthe deputy.

Deputy Enkimann casually goes through the inch-thick folder,examining photographs and documents.

Eli tries to scratch his chin but cant due to the cuffs.

The deputy looks up at him, brows raised. When he sees Elirub his chin on his shoulder, the deputy looks back down atthe files.

Eli then cocks his head to the side at Enkimann, examininghis face.

Then his eyes move to the name tag on his chest.

ELIDeputy Enkimann.

Enkimann looks up, blinking.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 2.

ELIAm I sayin it right? Enkimann?

Enkimann nods before turning his eyes back down to the file.

ENKIMANNClose enough.

Enkimann turns a page and begins to read more.

Eli narrows his eyes at him and nods slowly understanding.

ELII take it this is the part whereyou be all distant and patient toestablish your God-given dominance?

Enkimann looks up again, almost angry, and sees Eli smirkingslightly.

Enkimann shakes his head and chuckles.

ENKIMANNMcPhoster, Elijah. Is that yourname?

Eli leans forward with a smirk as if he is going to answer.

ELILawyer.

The deputy exhales with frustration and looks up at Eli, whois forcing himself to keep his gaze leveled at Enkimann.

ENKIMANNYou were charged with resistingarrest. The police camera on thelocal cruiser recorded the event.Good luck finding a lawyer whosgoing to take this case at thistime of night.

The triumphant deputy turns another page.

Eli sniffles and chuckles at Enkimann, who looks up again.

ELIAre you serious right now?

Enkimann closes the folder and straightens up in his chair.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 3.

ENKIMANNI am always serious. State yourname please.

Eli sighs with exasperation and looks away before replying.

ELIThe names Attorney OLawyer. ItsIrish.

Eli looks back at the deputy to find him grinding his jaw.ENKIMANN

You can rot in here all night forall I care, Mister McPhoster.

ELISee, if you already know my name,why would you ask it?

Enkimann just glares at Eli for a couple seconds.ELI

Did you know (beat) there is amythological god called Enki?Babylonian I think. Or Sumerian.

Enkimanns glare doesnt waver, but he sniffles.

ENKIMANNNo. Look, Mister McPhoster, I amtrying to help you here. If you donot cooperate, youre going to goto jail for assaulting a policeofficer.

Eli swallows his nervousness and fakes shock.

ELIOh really? Wow! Well, then by allmeans, ask me what my name isagain, because I sure as hell dontwanna go to jail for self-defense.

Enkimann sighs and rubs his temple.

Right after Eli sniffles, Enkimann sniffles.

ELIAre you ill, sir?

Enkimann clears his throat and shakes his head.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 4.

ENKIMANNNo. I dont think so.

Enkimann sniffles and looks away.

Eli smirks slightly and shrugs.

ELIIf you say so.

ENKIMANNMcPhoster, your vehicle was clockedby a Lawrence police officer atgoing seventy miles per hour in afifty-five, and -

Eli interjects with a mildly shocked expression.ELI

Well thats pretty (beat) exact.Sure it wasnt seventy-one orsixty-nine?

Eli nods and smiles.

ELIBow-chicka-bow-wow.

Enkimann slams his palm on the file folder, causing Eli tojump.

ENKIMANNThis is not a game!

Elis expression now mirrors the anger shown by the deputy.

ELIOf course it is, to you, OfficerSniffles -

ENKIMANN-Deputy- Sniff- Deputy Enkimann,McPhoster!

ELIMy point is, Deputy EnkimannMcPhoster, that you cops think thiswhole protect-and-serve business isjust a game! Your real goals arecloser to those of the mafia! Idont use my cruise control whenIm speeding because that would bestupid! When I passed that local

(MORE)(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 5.

ELI (contd)cop sitting on the side of theroad, my speedometer saidsixty-five or sixty-six! I knowthat file you got there in front ofya says Im some crazy terrorist,but I aint, alright? So if youwanna actually follow the law, thatwould be great, and maybe I willtoo. Besides, how are you gonnaarrest someone for resistingarrest? It makes no damn sense! Nowlet me call a lawyer!

Enkimann is glaring at Eli, but hes masking fear.

Enkimanns glare breaks as he sneezes unexpectedly all overthe table and file folder.

Eli cringes and tries to back away.

ELIOh come on, man!

As Enkimann gets up, the door opens and two other deputiesare standing there.

Enkimann pushes past them, holding his nose.

ENKIMANNEverythings fine. Hes justgetting mouthy. I need to blow mynose.

After Enkimann disappears down the hall, one of the otherdeputies closes the door and Eli is alone again.

Eli relaxes his shoulders and lays his head back as hegroans.

POV SECURITY CAMERA: Eli looks around the room and when hesees the sole camera in the corner by the ceiling, he givesit a big cheesy grin.

Then he swallows nervously and turns back to the door, eyeswide.

Angry footfalls can be heard outside.

ELIUh oh. Daddys home.

Enkimann angrily bursts through the door holding a bloodytissue.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 6.

The two other deputies are behind him, their hands on theirholstered guns.

ENKIMANNWhat the hell, man? Did you do somevoodoo curse on me or something?

Eli looks shocked and appalled, but is also grinning.

ELINah, I dont do that voodoo shit.Thats my friend Omar. Im justa...

Eli shrugs, as if looking for a word to explain.

Enkimann awaits Elis response with abated breath.

Eli levels his gaze at the bloodshot eyes of the deputy.

All of his fear and anger and shock is gone, replaced onlywith nervous arrogance.

ELI...empath.

Enkimann expertly masks the recognition of hearing the wordand shakes his head at Eli and turns to leave, one hand onhis throbbing head.

ENKIMANNUgh, youre giving me a migraine.

ELII know.

Enkimann stumbles out of the room and the deputies close thedoor, leaving Eli alone again.

POV SECURITY CAMERA: Eli looks up at the camera and grinsbefore it shorts out.

CUT TO BLACK.

SUPER: "Chronicles of an Empath, Volume 1 - The Activation"

FADE IN

7.

INT. LEIGH COUNTY, NC SHERIFFS STATION - NIGHT

Eli has his head down on the table in the interrogationroom.

SUPER episode title: "Chapter 1: The Peacemakers"

The door opens and a dark-haired man in a black suit and tieenters. This mans code-name is CROSS. He is in his earlyforties and carries himself in a professional manner.

Cross sits down and folds his hands in front of him on thetable.

A deputy shuts the door behind him.

Eli stares into Crosss cold eyes.

ELIYoure not a lawyer.

CROSSNo. Im not. I work for anorganization that locates,monitors, and sometimes trainshuman beings with specialabilities, gifts, such as you havedemonstrated both here tonight andfor the last couple of years. Youcan call me Cross.

Eli nods slowly, taking it all in while still scrutinizingthe mans face.

ELIThats not your real name. Andwhatever youre pushin, I dontwant it.

Cross nods and straightens his tie before leaning back inhis chair and folding his arms over his chest.

CROSSYoure nervous, a little afraid,and youre hoping to God that thislittle incident doesnt worry yourmother, especially since yourfamilys financial situation ispretty dire right now.

ELIWow. A high-level empath who knowshow to look into other peoples

(MORE)(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 8.

ELI (contd)bank accounts. So (beat) you eitherwork for the government, or a bigbank. You could prove you know mecompletely - hell you could proveyou can read my mind and I stillwont join your little group.

Cross sighs and leans forward, unfolding his arms andresting his elbows on the edge of the table.

He slowly and DELIBERATELY touches his fingertips together.

Eli watches him do this with a look of confusion.

CROSSElijah. Eli, can I call you Eli?

ELINo. You can call me by my last namesince you barely see me as a humanbeing.

Crosss casual and professional demeanor breaks briefly toreveal a micro-expression of surprise and annoyance that Elihas seen through his facade.

Then Cross smirks and interlocks his fingers together.

CROSSYou and I both know that the armiesof darkness and light are beingcalled to arms. You call it theActivation. We call it theAwakening. Whatever you call it,were on the same side.

ELIYou must think Im an idiot. We are-not- on the same side.

Cross sighs and tilts his head at Eli for a second.

CROSSMcPhoster. Thats an interestingname. You informed Enkimann of themeaning of his name. Tell me, doyou know yours?

Eli exhales with annoyance.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 9.

ELIYeah, "Elijah" means "God is mylord" or something like that inHebrew; "phoster" means light inGreek. My moms one-fourth Israeli,and my dad is half Irish,one-fourth Greek. You mind if thesecuffs come off?

Cross smiles and nods.

CROSSSure.

Cross motions at the security camera for someone to comeinside.

Eli snickers lightly under his breath.

Cross looks at him with confusion for a second before hebecomes intrigued and mildly surprised.

CROSSLet me guess? The camera is (beat)malfunctioning?

Eli shrugs, smirking slightly.

ELII dunno. Probably. A lot ofelectronic equipment dont seem tolike me.

Cross nods before standing up and opening the door towhisper to the guard in the hall.

When he turns back to Eli, Cross jumps with surprise to seeEli standing less than a foot away.

CROSSHow -?

ELIThey took the cuffs off before yougot here. Anyway, you up for awalk? Gotta stretch my legs.

The two deputies in the hall exchange glances and begin toorder Eli back into the room.

Cross gestures that everything is alright.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 10.

CROSSIts okay, deputies. I dont thinkhell be a problem.

Cross leads Eli out into the hall.

Deputy Enkimann comes toward them, a nostril plugged withtissue.

When he sees Cross, he is afraid at first, but then masks itwith anger.

ENKIMANNWhat is this? Look, Agent Cross, Itolerate you federal types becauseyou help finance a lot of ouroperations, but I cant let youjust take him out of here. Heassaulted a local cop and theyregonna wanna talk to him when weredone with him.

Cross looks back and forth between Eli, who doesnt seem tocare, and the nervous and angry deputy.

CROSSDeputy. Im taking this criminal toa fusion center to be processed.When were done, well have himshipped back to you.

Deputy Enkimann sighs.

ENKIMANNI guess we dont have much of achoice.

Cross shakes his head with a rueful smile.

CROSSNone, actually.

Enkimann nods and gestures sarcastically to the front door.

CROSSWell take the back.

Cross leads Elijah toward a rear exit.Enkimann and the two deputies watch them go, clearlyannoyed, frustrated, and shocked.

Eli looks back and winks.

11.

CUT TO

EXT. LEIGH COUNTY, NC SHERIFFS STATION, RURAL NC - NIGHT

Cross quickly walks toward a blacked out and tinted 2015Ford Taurus parked in the back lot of the sheriffs station.

Eli now has a black leather blazer on and he is wearing aset of U.S. Army dog-tags, with a Celtic cross on the chainas well. He is buttoning the top button on his dress shirtand tying a black tie around his neck. He also wearsglasses.

The entire walk, Eli is looking around at his surroundings.

Cross unlocks and starts the car with a remote.

Eli narrows his eyes at it.

Once at the car, Cross opens the passenger side door forEli.

CROSSIf you will...

ELITell me where were goin first.

CROSSFusion center for processing -

Eli bolts.

ELINo thanks.

Cross slams the passenger door angrily.

CROSSOh, hes good.

He gives chase.

Eli has already scaled a small wall and jumped to theslippery grass on the other side.

Cross gets to the wall and looks over but doesnt see him.

He closes his eyes and touches his temple.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 12.

CROSSWhere are you?

Only a few meters along the wall, Eli is crouched up againstthe wall in the shadows.

He turns his eyes to the middle of the field. Not too far isa small wooded area.

Cross opens his eyes suddenly.

CROSSGotcha.

Cross leaps the wall and runs across the field.

SLOW-MOTION: Eli stands up and climbs back over the wall anddrops gracefully onto the other side.

Eli walks over to the car, which is still running, and getsinside the drivers seat.

CUT TO

EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT

He calmly drives out of the rear lot and onto a two-laneroad, which soon leads to a highway.

As Eli turns the vehicle onto the highway, he smirks.

As Eli continues to drive, he exhales his anxiety, whichturns into a laugh.

He shakes his head and turns on some rock music.

A few seconds later, the car cuts off and he pulls it overonto the side of the road.

He checks the glove box and pulls out a Glock.

ELIUgh. Why cant it be a Colt?

Eli pops the trunk and walks around to the back of the car.

He shuffles through the trunk and finds books about empathy,psychics and ESP, psychology, the paranormal, and bindersfull of files and documents and manuals about Crosssorganization, apparently called The Peacemakers.

Eli becomes angry.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 13.

ELIHow dare they?

He walks along the side of the car toward the drivers dooras he pulls his knife from the sheath on his belt.

He pops the hood and goes to the front of the car.

He cuts some wires in vital for the vehicle to drive andslams the hood.

Eli goes to the trunk and stares at one of the manualslabeled Peacemakers.

He shakes his head angrily and takes it, before slamming thetrunk and disappearing into the woods.

FADE TO

INT. SUPERMARKET BACKROOM, BREAKROOM - DAY

CLOSE UP of Elis namebadge, which has his first name andhis title as Chief of Security.

Eli enters the breakroom wearing a similar suit to the onehe was wearing the night before.

In the breakroom is about two dozen people, most of whichare just sitting at tables.Two female managers are standing by the door. Two othersecurity guards are standing by the appliances at the frontof the breakroom.

Elis still briskly walking into the breakroom when hespeaks.

ELISo who knows about my littleproblem last night?

Eli looks around the room, even at the managers.

He ignores the co-workers and continues eying the nervousmanagers.

ELISo they approached you thismorning, huh? Feds, local, orSheriff?

The manager Tanya walks over to Eli shamefully.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 14.

TANYAIt was the Sheriffs department.Im sorry Eli.

She pats his shoulder.

ELIIts okay. You told them Id be inat noon, right?

Tanya nods.

TANYAYeah. You still have half an hour.What happened? All they said wasyou were armed and dangerous. Isaid, that doesnt sound like Eli.

ELIWell, Im always armed. No, but alocal cop pulled me over forspeeding and then proceeded to tryto kick my ass. I fought back, fledthe scene, and was arrested fiveminutes later by a Sheriffs deputyfor resisting arrest.

Tanya walks back over to the other manager.

TANYAEli, youre probably gonna loseyour job. You probably shouldnthave even come back to work.

Eli nods and begins pacing in front of the other co-workers.

ELIMost of you know what Im capableof. Youve witnessed by empathicabilities first-hand.

CLOSE UP of some of the co-workers nodding or lookingworried.

ELIYou also know Id never hurt anyoneif I could help it. So, knowingthat, you must assume that thelocal police are trying to kill me.Failing that, they will try toframe me. The Sheriffs departmentwas only doin their job. Theydont have anything to do with

(MORE)(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 15.

ELI (contd)this, I think. That one deputy waskinda weird. Anyway, I was pickedup by a guy called Agent Cross. Hepretends to be with the federalgovernment, but he aint. Hes ahigh-level empath like myself, but(beat) not as good, in all meaningsof the word. Hes the one to watchout for. Hell either come heresoon to question everyone or comefor me after Ive gone on the run.You dont know where Im going, soyou dont have to worry aboutlying. Tell him whatever he wantsto know. Same with the deputies,and the local cops. But I have afeeling that whoever Cross worksfor is going to keep the deputiesoff my scent, at least for awhile,till Cross either catches me, killsme, or forgets about me.

Eli looks around the room. There are a few girls who lookedscared and sad. When he locks eyes with one girl, Alyce, hesees fear.

ELISome of you are empaths likemyself. If you want to come withme, Ill take you. You know who youare. If you wanna stay here, helpout the way you know you can (beat)and make sure you dont let theDark Empaths ruin the place.

Eli looks around the room once more before turning to leave.

ELIThats all.

Elis two security friends, a tall lanky redhead male namedJAMES, 27, and CAL, a brown-haired man wearing glasses,follow him out of the room to his locker in the hall justoutside.

When James speaks, he has a speech impediment.

JAMESAre you just gonna leave? Whatabout your mom, and your brotherand sister?

Eli turns and inhales deeply with regret and sadness.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 16.

He puts his hand on James shoulder, and then Cals.

ELIYou guys are two of only like fiveco-workers who know where I live.Go by there and check on them oncein awhile. You might wanna callfirst. They hate unexpected guests,as you know.

Eli turns back to gather some things from his locker.

CALDude, you should just turn yourselfin. If it really was self-defense,the court would prob -

Eli turns to Cal in disbelief.

ELIMan, you know how things workaround here. The police and courtsystems are a joke at best. Atworst, theyre corrupt as shit.

Eli closes his locker.

CALWell I still think youre justmaking things worse.

A black man with an afro, CLARENCE, walks past them laughingloudly at Eli.

Eli turns to Cal.

ELIYa know, I often wondered if youdbetray me when the time came.

Eli steps toward Cal slowly, tilting his head as hescrutinizes Cals face, mainly his eyes.

ELII guess you will. Dont worry...

Eli smacks Cals shoulder jovially.ELI

I already forgive ya.

Eli turns and walks down the hall leading to the receivingdocks in the backroom.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 17.

He meets OMAR, 30, a big black man with long dreadlocks whois unloading a truck with others.

Three girls are following Eli but he pretends not to notice.

He goes to Omar and goes to shake his hand.

OMARWhats up, man?

ELIOmar, whats up? Looks like this isit, man. Im outta here (beat) forgood.

OMARWhat happened?

ELIAh. Trouble with the police. Youknow how it is. Hey, stay outtatrouble and lay off that voodooshit.

Eli turns to head toward the double doors, but he seesthrough the windows two local cops on the other side comingtoward him.

They havent seen him yet.

Eli turns to the three girls and points down the hall to theswinging doors.

ELIStall them. Thirty seconds please.

The worried, fearful women go to the doors without questionand as the two men enter, they block their way.

Eli leaps out an open bay door and Omar closes it.

However, one of the girls is having what appears to be astaring contest with one of the officers while the other twogirls are talking to the other one, and time seems to bemoving much slower to Alyce.

ALYCE, 20, is wide-eyed and afraid as she stares at OfficerASTOR.

Alyce is a very thin girl with short straight black hair,big expressive olive green eyes, and braces on her teeth.

Astor is a man of average build in his early forties withsalt-and-pepper hair.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 18.

Astor turns to his colleague and time returns to normal.

ASTORTheyre stalling us.

He turns back to Alyce.

ASTORHes already gone, isnt he, Alyce?

Alyce continues to stare at him in fear.

Astor moves to pass the women, brushing Alyces shoulderwith his own.

ASTORObstructing justice is a seriousoffense ladies.

When Astor and the other deputy hurry past them, the twoother women follow nervously but Alyce stays there staringahead.

CUT TO

EXT. SUPERMARKET PARKING LOT - DAY

Eli gets into his primered 62 Oldsmobile Dynamic sedanwhich is parked illegally behind the store.

Before he can drive away, Alyce runs out to him. Eli looksover before she even yells his name.

ALYCEEli!

ELIWhat is it, Alyce?

Alyce opens the passenger door and gets in.

ALYCEDrive. Please.

She struggles to remain calm as Eli drives away.

ELIWhat happened? Did they try toarrest you?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 19.

ALYCEOne of the cops was empathic, orpsychic. He tried to get in myhead. I think he knows Im anempath.

Eli looks over at Alyce with surprise as they drive out ofthe parking lot and onto the road.

CUT TO

EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY

ELIWhat? Thats crazy. Okay, well, wehave to assume he works with Cross.Did you catch his name?

Alyce tries to think back but shakes her head.

ALYCENo. But he knew my name.

Eli flickers the namebadge Alyce is wearing and chuckles.

Alyce snickers nervously.

He reaches over and touches her shoulder.

ELIThink back. Remember the emotion.Remember the man from head to toe.He had a name badge too. It wassmaller and made of brass.

SHOT of the officers badge. It says "Astor."

ALYCEAstor. His name was Astor. Why doesthat matter?

Eli looks at Alyce gravely.

ELIAstor is the name of a crimefamily. It doesnt mean hesnecessarily a badguy. He might noteven know his heritage. But he doescontain the bad genes of the Astorclan, which means he might havebeen recruited by Crosss people,or worse.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 20.

Eli stops at a red light on the highway.

ALYCEOh. Dont you think we should getanother car? I mean, mine wouldvebeen faster and less conspicuous.

ELIRight now we need power andboldness. Trust me.

ALYCEI hope youre right.

Eli shrugs and as the light turns green, he drives.

Eli drives the Olds to the next light a few hundred yardsahead and takes a right before making an immediate left intoa 24-hour convenience store/pizza place.

He sees a small SUV parked right in front of the pizza placewith a sign on top.

He smiles with a nervous sigh.

ELIGood. Shes here.

Eli parks near the SUV.

ALYCEWhos here?

As Eli and Alyce get out of the car, he answers.

ELIAnother empath. Low-level, butwell need all the help we can get.

Eli holds open the entrance door for Alyce.

ALYCEWhy?

Eli gives Alyce a look of suspicion that lasts only a secondbefore letting the door close behind them.

He goes to the front counter of the pizza place.

He notices LYDIA making pizza and he nods to her.

Lydia has shoulder-length bright blond hair, blue eyes, andtattoos on her forearms.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 21.

She smiles and tilts her head, obviously happy to see him,though she rolls her eyes as if shes not.

Eli turns to Alyce and whispers.

ELIThats Lydia, my ex-girlfriend. Theone who used to be an emotionalvampire. Getting her help is a bitof a gamble. But shes the closestempath around so...

As Lydia walks up to the counter with a smirk, Eli turnsfrom Alyce to Lydia.

LYDIAYou stalking me again, weirdo?

Eli chuckle.

ELINah, I need your help. When do youget off?

Lydia glances at a clock.

LYDIAIn about two hours.

Eli nods thoughtfully before replying.

ELIAlright, Im gonna come back andpick you up in exactly two hours.Dont go anywhere because if youdo, Ill think something happenedto you. Hows your daughter?

Lydia has a confused look on her face, but when he mentionsher daughter, she looks fearful.

LYDIAUh, good. Shes at my moms. Why?

ELINo reason. Just makin sure.Alright, cool. Dont tell anyone wewere here.

Eli turns to leave, followed by Alyce.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 22.

LYDIAElijah, whats the matter?

Eli holds the door open for Alyce and turns back to Lydia.

ELITrust me.

Lydia nods and watches Eli and Alyce walk out and get in theOldsmobile before she returns to work.

FADE TO

EXT. RURAL ROAD - DAY

As rock music blares from the after-market stereo in theOlds, Eli drives down a boulevard and takes a left at alight.

At the corner is the Big Spring Lake police department.

ELIIm not worried about those cops.They might know to keep an eye outfor me, but they werent the oneswho tried to kill me.

ALYCEHow do you know the Lawrence policewanted you dead?

ELIA cop who sees you almost every dayat your job and knows youre thechief of security at a supermarketisnt going to beat you up forspeeding.

FLASH TO

INT. SUPERMARKET - DAY

A cop, OFFICER PENKLER, 36, is a well-built man with darkhair and tan skin.

He is patrolling the supermarket while he shops on an aisle.

Eli walks past him and nods politely.

Penkler smiles and nods back.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 23.

Eli continues walking and approaches James at the end of theaisle.

CUT TO

EXT. RURAL ROAD - DAY

Eli turns the car onto a smaller avenue and begins lookingfor a particular house.

ELIThered be too much of a risk ofhim being fired or the policegetting bad press. The Lawrencepolice have had a lot of bad presslately with shooting unarmedbystanders. Usually that meanstheyre thugs, hired to takesomeone out for (beat) whateverreason.

Alyce shudders.

ALYCEThats crazy. Is that what happenedto Keith? He was shot by a BSL cop,wasnt he?

Eli narrows his eyes thoughtfully as he pulls the car intoan empty driveway.

ELIYeah. Actually, since Cross triedto recruit me, the cops might notbe working for him.

He puts the car in park and turns the engine off.

ALYCESo this is another high-level whomight help us?

Eli looks uncertain.

ELII think. I mean, I think this isher parents house. Her cars nothere. But we can ask her mom anddad when shell be back. Or we cantell them to call her and tell herto get her ass over here.

Eli and Alyce get out of the car and go to the door.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 24.

CUT TO

INT. THE CORSI RESIDENCE - DAY

Eli and Alyce are sitting on a sofa awkwardly holding teacups.

Behind them is a grandfather clock that is ticking loudly,making the silence even more awkward.

Across from them is MR. CORSI, 50, a stocky gray-haired manwith bright green eyes and a slight beard that still shows ahint of brown.

Mr. Corsi is staring at them for several seconds.

MR. CORSITabitha should be here in about tenor fifteen minutes.

Eli nods and smiles politely.

ELIAnd you used the name I told you?

MR. CORSII did. Still dont understand whyyou cant tell me more about whyyou need to talk to her.

Eli places his cup of tea on the coffee table between himand Mr. Corsi.

ELIMr. Corsi...

Mr. Corsi smiles.

MR. CORSIPlease, call me George.

Eli nods.

ELIUh, okay. George. Youre aware ofyour daughters - um - politicaland religious (beat) views, right?

Mr. Corsi nods ruefully.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 25.

MR. CORSII keep tellin her, theres nothinwe can do. This countrys goindown and theres nothin we can doabout it. As for her religiousviews - well, all I can do is waitand hope. Cant force someone tochange, right?

Eli nods slowly and turns to Alyce, who is nervously sippingher tea.

Eli slowly turns back to Corsi.

ELIPardon my boldness, George, butyoure a pastor and your daughteris - or at least was - a pagan.Seems to me that the issue is lessabout her lack of faith, and moreabout her relationship with herparents.

Mr. Corsi shifts uncomfortably and leans forward with asigh.

MR. CORSIShe takes after her mother -stubborn and resentful. ButTabithas more agnostic than pagannow. Has been for three years.

Eli conceals an arrogant smile.

ELIDo you know about her abilities?Her gifts?

Mr. Corsi acts like he knows nothing at first, but Elisknowing smile convinces him to nod and sigh.

MR. CORSIShe used to do things - things hermother taught her. I told her itwas of the devil but she rarelylistened. Three years ago shementioned a demon in her apartmentin town. I offered to pay it avisit but she declined. About amonth later, she told me it wasgone, but not why. So I know shehas a connection with the otherside, but (beat) Im not sure ifthats a good thing or a bad thing.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 26.

ELIAnd she hasnt said anything sincethen? About demons or spirits orspecial abilities or anything?

Mr. Corsi shakes his head and purses his lips.

MR. CORSINot that I can recall. She went tochurch a few times, then stoppedagain. Shes a very private person.I tried to warn her that collegewas going to be hard.

ELIMr. Corsi, I can guarantee you thatit has little to do with collegeand more to do with the people shehung out with before she startedcollege. And shes still friendswith those bad influences now.

Mr. Corsi looks confused and leans forward some.

MR. CORSIWhat bad influences are youreferring to? Her friends?

CUT TO

EXT. RURAL ROAD - DAY

TABITHA CORSI, 23, drives a beat up old green Honda Accorddown her road. Tabitha has bright red-orange hair, brightgreen eyes, pale smooth skin with freckles on her forearms,and she is 56".

Her cellphone rings and she looks down to read the text asshe drives: "Cathryn: I have a bad feeling about this. Ithink your parents are up to something."

Tabitha looks worried and ignores the text as she looks backto the road ahead.

When she sees Elis car in her parents driveway, she isconfused and interested.

TABITHAWhos car?

After she parks behind it, she gets out of her car and stopsin her tracks.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 27.

She leans her hand against her car, steadying herself,before taking a long deep breath.

TABITHANo.

She looks at the Oldsmobile and blinks rapidly, her eyesbecoming wide with anxiety.

Then she looks toward the closed window and tries to calmher breathing.

TABITHAElijah McPhoster. Youve returned.After three years.

CUT TO

INT. THE CORSI RESIDENCE - DAY

Eli is sitting on the sofa alone in the room when Corsireturns to the living room.

ELIShes here.

MR. CORSIWho? Tabitha?

ELIYep.

Mr. Corsi heads for the front door.

MR. CORSIHow can you tell? I know you cantlook out the window. The curtainsare stapled to the wall.

As he opens the door, Tabitha is about to reach for the doorknob.

Eli stands up, attempting to look calm, but is actuallynervous.

MR. CORSIHey honey.

Corsi gives his daughter a hug.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 28.

TABITHAElijahs here, isnt he?

Eli steps into her line of sight.

ELIHello again Tabitha.

Tabitha pulls away from her father and looks straight intoElis eyes. She keeps her composure and looks unemotional.

TABITHAHi. How have you been?

Tabitha walks over to give Eli a hug, right when they hearthe toilet flush in the bathroom.

Eli hugs Tabitha tightly, his eyes closed.

ELIAlright, I guess. Actually not sogood.

Alyce walks out of the bathroom and watches them stophugging.

Eli turns to introduce them.

ELITabitha, this is Alyce, ahigh-level empath like myself.Alyce, this is Tabitha, a formerfriend of mine and most likely ahigh-level as well.

Tabitha shakes hands with Alyce before giving Eli a confusedlook.

TABITHAEmpath? I - I dont know if thatswhat I am. I mean, I could just bea crazy person who gets panicattacks all the time.

ELIYoure not crazy.

Eli turns to Mr. Corsi.

ELIHey, could we stay here tillsundown?

Mr. Corsi shrugs.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 29.

MR. CORSII dont see why not. Yall seemlike good folks. Just dont takeanything.

Corsi goes into the kitchen as Alyce sits down on the sofanervously.

Alyce looks up to Eli.

ALYCEWhat about your ex?

Eli gives Alyce a silent reprimand with a stern look.

Tabitha looks from Alyce to Eli, clearly uncomfortable.

TABITHAYour ex? Is that the one who triedto kill herself?

Eli rolls his eyes slightly.

ELIShe didnt - Look, I need to useyour car.

Tabitha hands her keys to Eli with the slightest of grins.

TABITHAAnd you said youd never drive aforeign car.

Eli gives her a surprised look as he heads for the door.

ELIYou remembered that? Jeez.

TABITHAI remember a lot about you.

Tabithas smile is a mixture of seductive and gleeful.

ELIYeah, I bet. Alyce will fill you intill I get back. Dont go anywhere.

Eli leaves.

FADE TO

30.

INT. GUEST ROOM - DUSK

Alyce is watching Tabitha and Eli put weapons in a duffel,including a handgun, a bow and some arrows, a short Scottishclaymore, and several daggers and pocket knives.

Eli has changed into a black T-shirt, leather jacket.Tabitha is wearing a black skirt that comes to her calvesand a green T-shirt.

ALYCEDamn. Did we come here just for theweapons?

Tabithas chuckle seems distant or displaced.

TABITHAIf what you guys told me is true,he cant go home for his ownweapons.

Eli shrugs as he puts a box of ammo in the bag.

ELIAll I got are a shotgun, atwenty-two, two Scottish claymoresthat are a lot bigger than thisone, and a bow and arrow.

Tabitha smirks at Eli.

TABITHAYou never did show me your swords,did you?

Eli smirks back.

ELII didnt? Well, maybe one day.

Lydia walks into the guest room and smirks teasingly at Eliand Tabitha.

Shes changed out of her pizza smock and into a low-cutblack top showing her large black widow tattoo on her chest.

LYDIAYou guys are in love.

Tabitha and Eli look at Lydia before they look into eachothers eyes.

Tabitha looks down shamefully.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 31.

ELIYeah. But shes married with achild. And we didnt exactly partways on the best of terms.

Eli sits on the bed, staring at the wall sadly.

Tabitha looks at Lydia, almost angrily.

LYDIASorry.

Alyce looks down sadly and shamefully before going to lookat a painting on the wall.

ELIIt was my fault.

Alyce and Tabitha look at Eli.

TABITHAEli, stop. It wasnt your fault. Itwas (beat) theirs.

ELIAnd yet you remained friends withthem.

TABITHATheyre like family to me.

ELIRemember what I told you?

TABITHAYeah, I know. One day they wont bethere for me when I need them themost. You said that about my familytoo.

Eli looks over at Tabitha.

ELIActually, I think I said theydbetray you. Theres a difference.

Alyce walks over and sits on the bed next to Eli with agroan.

ALYCEOh my God, you guys and your drama.

Eli forces a chuckle.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 32.

ELILook whos talkin, Alyce. Yousingle-handedly nearly brokeeveryone we worked with.

Alyce hangs her head in shame, letting her bangs fall infront of her face, and puts her hands up by her brows.

Eli pats her knee.

Tabitha acts uninterested as she packs more stuff.

LYDIABroke them? How?

Lydia walks closer to Alyce.

ALYCEI dont wanna talk about it.

ELIOne word: Jason.

TABITHAVorhees?

Everyone laughs except Alyce.

LYDIANah. I know who youre talkinabout. Cant stand that douche.

ELIAnyway...

Eli stands and walks to the door.

ELIEveryone ready to go?

TABITHAWeapons check.

LYDIAFood and drinks, check.

Alyce sighs and stands up.

ALYCEThe anomaly everyone suddenly wantsto kidnap and do experiments on,check.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 33.

ELIHey, I only said I think they wantto capture you for their program orwhatever. A high-level Empath whocan read other high-levels not onlyas soon as she discovers herpowers, but also as soon as shemeets them (beat) yeah, even Iwasnt that good at your age. Letsgo.

As they come to the living room, Mr. Corsi has fallen asleepin front of the TV.

They leave without him noticing, though its obvious thatTabitha doesnt want to leave without saying goodbye.

Eli places his hand on her back soothingly and guides herout the front door before closing it quietly.

CUT TO

EXT. RURAL ROAD - NIGHT

Eli unlocks the trunk on his Olds and Tabitha and Lydia putthe food and weapons in it.

Eli gathers the girls with him by the drivers side door ofthe car.

ELIRemember your code names?

Lydia nods nervously.

LYDIABlack Widow.

TABITHARose Blade, of course.

Eli and Tabitha share a smirk.

Alyce crosses her arms.

ALYCEArk. Which I think is stupid. Ishould have a cool nickname too,instead of just my initials.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 34.

LYDIAWhats your whole name?

ALYCEAlyce Rose Kauffman.

LYDIAI think thats a pretty name.

Lydia pats Alyces shoulder and Eli rolls his eyes.

ELIStop flirting, Black Widow.

Lydias response is much too loud.

LYDIAI am not flirting, Eli!

ELIShh! Listen, Alyce will ride withme. You two are in the Honda. Ifthe cops come after us, doeverything I do. Keep your phoneson radio mode for fastercommunication. Got it?

They nod and acknowledge before everyone gets in theirrespective vehicles.

Eli waits for Tabitha to back out of the driveway behind himbefore he starts the V8 engine in his Olds.

He begins backing out of the driveway.

ALYCEIf you were pulled over andarrested, how did you get your carback? Didnt they impound it?

As Eli puts the car in drive and moves forward, with theHonda behind him, he pats the steering wheel.

ELIIts okay, Esther. She doesntknow. And no, Ark, because I wasntdriving -her-. I was driving mymoms station wagon.

Alyce chuckles at Elis eccentric behavior.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 35.

ALYCEIsnt your mom gonna be mad?

Eli looks over at Alyce somberly as he turns Esther onto thebigger boulevard.

ELIYeah, well, the cops have probablyalready showed up at the house andgiven her a heart attack so (beat)yeah. Probably.

Eli reaches over and puts on some rock music, but this timeits sad.

ELILets just pretend everythingsokay.

He reaches over and touches Alyces arm. She touches hishand and smiles.

ALYCEI dont think I can.

ELIWell, then just be quiet and let mepretend.

The cars come to a red light at the three-way T-intersectionwith the police station on the corner to their right.

Alyce looks over at the many cop cars parked in the policestation parking lot.

Eli is staring forward at the two police cruisers sitting ata gas station directly across from them.

Their lights are off, and theyre parked in a way thatsuggestions the drivers are talking.

Eli turns right on red after a few cars drive past.

The Honda follows close behind.

Eli looks in the rear-view mirror to see a few more carsdriving behind them.

Then he glances over his shoulder to see both cruisers headand tail lights come on and pull out of the gas stationparking lot and onto the road, about four cars behind theHonda.

Eli picks up his cellphone and talks into it like a CB.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 36.

ELIRebel Knight to Rose Blade. Twobogies at six oclock, about fourcars behind us. Everything will befine as long as we go a decentspeed and make sure theres atleast one car between us and them.And make sure they cant pass thecars in front of them to get behindyou, so stay kinda back near thecar behind you. Be prepared toditch the phones too. Over.

He puts the cellphone down.

TABITHA (OS)Understood, over.

Alyce looks nervously at Eli, who is looking out therear-view with his eyes narrowed.

ALYCEYou kinda enjoy this, dont you?

ELII knew this day was coming. I justwish I couldve protected you guysbetter.

Eli shakes his head ruefully.

Alyce is looking at him with wide, expressive eyes ofsorrow.

Two of the vehicles behind the Honda Accord slow to take aleft turn.

This gives the lead cop enough space to pass the other twocars.

Eli notices this and stomps the gas.

The Olds lurches forward and roars into the night.

The Honda follows closely.

The cop car continues to follow but its about 1/4 of a mileaway.

Eli brakes and takes a right turn, with the Honda closebehind.

He then speeds ahead for a few seconds.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 37.

ELILook back and tell me when you seethe cops headlights.

A few seconds later, Alyce sees headlights on the roadtheyd just left.

ALYCENow!

Eli hits his brakes and takes a sharp right onto a dead-endroad.

Eli speeds ahead for about 1/8 of a mile down the curvy roadbefore slowing down in front of a house without a car in thedriveway.

Eli backs into the driveway.

The Honda backs into someones lawn across the street.

The Olds lights go out, followed quickly by the Hondas.

Eli speaks over his phone.

ELIIf the cops come straight here, weditch our phones and go. Got it?

LYDIA (OS)Got it.

Eli lowers the phone and closes his eyes, raising his otherhand trying to sense the cops.

Alyce looks at him like hes weird but closes her eyes too.

ELI ALYCETheyre gone. Theyregone.

They both open their eyes and as Eli hands Alyce the phone,he starts the car and turns on the lights.

ELITell em to go first.

Alyce holds the phone to her mouth.

ALYCERose Blade, were good. Eli wantsyou to go first, probably becauseyour car is less conspicuous.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 38.

Alyce looks over to confirm and Eli nods.

The Honda drives down the road with the Olds following closebehind.

FADE TO

EXT. SUPERMARKET - NIGHT

The Honda Accord pulls into the supermarket parking lotwhere Eli and Alyce work.

Eli is in the passenger seat and Tabitha is driving.

ELIPark near the Bronco.

Tabitha complies.

Eli and Tabitha exit the Accord.

TABITHAYou sure its a good idea comingback here?

ELINah its a terrible idea. But Imhoping the cops and Crosss peopledont think Im stupid enough tocome here.

As they walk past the Bronco Eli is examining it like heswindow shopping.

TABITHAI should at least stay with thecar.

Eli looks over at Tabitha as they walk across the parkinglot.

ELIYou are right, of course. But Imafraid. Im afraid theyll get toyou before coming after me. So westick together, alright?

TABITHAAlright.

Tabitha pulls her black leather jacket closer to her as awind picks up.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 39.

Eli is wearing a long black leather trench coat.

ELIIll take care of Clarence. Youkeep watch for cops and empaths.

TABITHAOkay.

ELIYou hide your fear well.

TABITHAThanks?

ELIWhy did you agree to help me? I wasnothin but trouble for you threeyears ago.

TABITHAI trusted you back then. Deep down,I knew you were right, about prettymuch everything. So when I saw youat my mom and dads house (beat) Iwasnt about to let it go to waste.I couldnt lose you as a friendagain. So I trust you now too.

ELIGood.

The two are about to pass a small Kia SUV parked close tothe store.

Eli veers off to talk to the black-haired woman in her earlyforties smoking a cigarette in the drivers seat.

Tabitha stops and watches him.

Eli sees CLARENCE, a black man with an afro, coming out ofthe store.

He nods at Clarence.

Tabitha nods to Eli and walks toward Clarence.

Eli raps on TESSAs window. She rolls it down.

TESSAHey. Where you been?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 40.

ELII need your help. Im on the runfrom some dangerous people.

TESSAYeah, I heard you were running fromthe cops.

Eli speaks while watching Tabitha going up to Clarence.

ELIIm about to make things worse formyself. Heres what I need you todo...

Closer to the entrance of the supermarket, Clarence islooking at Tabitha like shes lost her mind.

CLARENCEYoure one of Elijahs friends. OhGod.

Clarence busts out laughing.

CLARENCEI am so very truly deeply sorry.What, are you looking for him? TryCanada.

Clarence begins walking again.

Tabitha stands in front of him.

TABITHANo. Hes here. And we need toborrow your truck.

Clarence gives her a look of incredulity.

CLARENCELet me guess: Esther broke down. Orhe wrecked her. Hes every carsworst nightmare.

Clarence starts laughing again.

Tabitha casts Eli a glance before returning her attention toClarence.

TABITHAPlease, sir.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 41.

CLARENCESorry lady. But Im not about tolet a fugitive borrow my truck. Hebetter find someone else to scam.

Clarence laughs and begins walking again and is about topass Tessas SUV.

Tabitha walks beside Clarence, opposite the SUV and Eli, andleans in to whisper something to Clarence.

Clarence stops dead in his tracks and looks at her with wideeyes, before exclaiming with shock and disbelief.

CLARENCEexcuse me, lady?

Thats when a smiling Eli walks out from behind the SUV andcomes toward Clarence.

ELIBuddy!

CLARENCEBoy, you better get your girl outtahere, threatening me like that.Yall aint got the balls to doanything.

Eli laughs and pulls the Glock he found in the Taurus onClarence as he walks close to him.

ELISorry to have to do this but weneed to make it to Virginia -

Clarence is doubled over laughing more hysterically than allof the previous times combined; his laugh is mostly silentuntil its climax as he bends back straight.

CLARENCEAAAHAHAHAHAAA! Eli, you are notgoing to use that thing, but nicetry.

Clarence continues walking, with Eli and Tabitha on eitherside of him.

Eli sighs and hides the gun in his coat.

ELIWell it was worth a shot. Maybe youcould give us a ride -

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 42.

CLARENCENnnnope.

ELIJust like half an hour up the roa -

CLARENCENnnnope.

Eli sighs and glances over at Tabitha. He shrugs.

ELIAlright. Well, we had to try, yaknow?

Eli chuckles and pats Clarence on the back.

Clarence snickers.

CLARENCEYeah, I guess. Whew! You just mademy night. Here I thought I wasgonna go home angry.

ELIYeah, well, you know me, theentertainer. The Glocks not evenloaded.

Tabitha looks down and smirks knowingly.

Clarence shakes his head as they approach his Bronco.

CLARENCEI know.

Clarences smile fades as his hand in his hoodie pocketsearches for his keys.

TESSA (OS)Clarence!

Clarence stops and turns around as he hears Tessa shoutinghis name from her SUV close to the entrance of the store.

Tessa is waving some keys in the air.

TESSAYou dropped your keys!

Clarence looks suspiciously at Eli and then Tabitha, shakinghis head.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 43.

CLARENCEI thought for sure one of you hadtaken them.

He starts walking back toward Tessa.

ELIDude, I aint that smooth. You knowthat.

CLARENCE (OS)Thats true!

Eli and Tabitha watch Clarence fast-walk until hes almostto Tessa.

Then Tabitha turns and winks at Eli, who is smirking at her.

As Eli turns away, he raises his hand to catch the keysTabitha tosses his way without looking.

Then Tabitha and Eli run to the drivers doors of the Hondaand Bronco respectively.

With Tessa and Clarence, Clarence sees that Tessa isgrinning widely and holding her own keys.

CLARENCEShit.

Clarence spins around and jogs after Eli, who is startingthe Broncos engine.

CLARENCEEli! Dont you frickin do it!

Tabitha is driving away first; as Eli drives off in theBronco, he shouts at Clarence.

ELIShell be at a gas station inMyrtle Beach, bro! Sorry andthanks!

Clarence stops running and growls angrily before bendingover and holding his knees, out of breath.

FADE TO

44.

EXT. BACKWOODS - NIGHT

The Bronco and the Honda drive down a dirt road to an oldabandoned cabin.

Elis Oldsmobile is parked along the side of the building.

Eli turns the Bronco around and parks it so they can getaway quicker; Tabitha does the same with the Honda.

Eli turns off the truck and gets out.

He goes to Tabitha, who is getting out of her car and givesher a hug.

ELIThank you so much.

Tabithas eyes flutter.

TABITHAEli, I cant help you much more. Ihave a kid and a husband.

Eli and Tabitha stop hugging and Eli nods sadly.

ELII know. I know. Go whenever youwant. Just (beat) do me one favor.

TABITHAIll stop hanging out with them.Its just (beat) hard, cause theywere always...

TABITHA...like the siblings Inever had.

ELI (IN CHORUS)...the siblings you wish you had.

Tabitha smiles at Eli and they walk toward the Olds.

TABITHAYeah. You damned empath.

Eli grins slyly at her.

ELITakes one to know one.

Tabitha laughs.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 45.

TABITHAThats true.

ELIBy the way, your husbands not thatgreat of a guy. I know you got akid with him, so if he doesnt turnout to be an abusive asshole,great. But if it gets too much,leave him, okay? You know Ill takecare of you and the kid no matterwhat.

When Tabitha doesnt immediately answer, he stops and turnsto see shes stopped dead in her tracks, staring at him withher mouth open.

TABITHADude, that is so unfair.

Eli walks toward her slowly.

ELIHes your blind spot. Youre inlove. Hes not right for you, trustme. Make sure he knows if he hurtsyou, or your kid, hes gonna haveto deal with me.

Alyce and Lydia crawl out the backseat of the Olds.

TABITHA (OS)How do you know this about him?

Eli glances back at the two other women behind him beforesighing, as he thinks about how to answer.

ELIOther than being able to reademotions from photos, I talked tohis ex-girlfriend. Shes a goodfriend of mine.

Tabitha exhales through thinly parted lips as she tries toremain calm.

Eli looks at the two girls who look guilty.

ELIYall better not be makin out inmy car. Behave.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 46.

TABITHAWere not doing this. We sleep andwe get you to Myrtle Beach, orJacksonville.

ELIIm not going to Jacksonville orMyrtle Beach. You crazy?Clarencell tell the cops Im gointhere. Were goin west. Werestayin in North Carolina. I dontwant this being a federal case.

TABITHAFine.

Tabitha sighs and heads toward the cabin to her left.

Eli watches her walk to the front porch and examine it.

He turns to Lydia and Alyce.

Lydia smiles nervously.

LYDIAAwkward. You sure do have a waywith the ladies.

Eli turns to her and gives an extremely mean look, which isharmful to another empath.

Lydia cowers in fear.

ELIIf it comes between keeping hersafe and free from harm, then yeah,Ill give her some bad news.

Eli then swallows and looks away remorsefully.

ELIIts not like I dont feel herpain.

He then looks at the two girls and narrows his eyes at themsuspiciously.

ELIWhat -were- you two doing in thecar?

CUT TO

47.

INT. CABIN - NIGHT

Tabitha is standing just inside the small house. Her body ispointed toward the back, but her face is turned toward hercomrades outside.

On her face is a look of concern and sorrow.

She turns back to the cabin and takes a long slow lookaround as she folds her arms over her chest.

She can hear it start to rain outside.

The small dusty dark cabin has only three rooms: kitchen,bedroom, and living room.

The kitchen is the filthiest part of the house, but with themost space.

The living room and bedroom are full of junk, like the cabinhad been used for storage until someone forgot about it ordied.

Tabitha turns and walks back outside to find the other threeempaths walking up the steps.

CUT TO

EXT. BACKWOODS - NIGHT

Tabitha walks out onto the porch as the other three arecoming up onto the porch via the steps.

TABITHAIm leaving, Eli. Best of luck withyour adventure.

The other three step aside, letting her pass them down thesteps.

ELIAre you sure?

Tabitha slows before turning, her arms still crossed.

TABITHAYes. My husband thinks Im at myparents and I dont want to start amarriage on lies. Sorry.

She quickens her pace until she gets to the Honda. Eli andthe others say nothing, they just watch her walk away.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 48.

Tabitha opens the car door and turns one last time to lookat Eli.

Eli slowly walks down the steps, never letting his eyes offhers.

Tabitha slowly closes the door and faces him.

She starts to fold her arms over her chest again, but forcesherself to place them by her side calmly.

Eli stops about six feet away from her.

Tabithas eyes become red as she looks like shes about tocry.

ELIYoure uncertain about leaving andyou want me to beg you to stay.

Tabitha rolls her eyes and glances away, but his voiceforces her eyes back on his.

ELIThe truth is you know I love you,and you know I love you better thanhe does. The problem is even thoughyoure empathic and need to stayhidden from these (beat) Peacemakerassholes, you and I (beat) cannotco-exist.

Tabithas expression is stone cold, but her cheeks are moistwith tears, and shes shivering in the rain.

ELI (OS)So go. And Ill protect you fromafar. Ill be your watchman.

Tabitha begins crying and she hurries to get into her car.

Elis face is also expressionless when he turns around;behind him, Tabitha drives away.

Eli stares at Lydia and Alyce, who are standing just off thesteps of the cabin.

Lydia and Alyce are staring at him with wide, apprehensiveeyes.

Eli turns away from the two girls and watches Tabithas taillights disappear into the trees and darkness.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 49.

As the girls behind Eli begin to tear up simultaneously,they speak in unison.

LYDIA/ALYCEHes not okay.

Lydia and Alyce go to him as he breaks down and falls to hisknees in the dirt.

SLO-MO: Elis knees hit the dirt, his fists clench, he sobsuncontrollably, and the two girls approach him and try tocomfort him in the rain.

FADE TO

EXT. RURAL ROAD - NIGHT

Tabitha is driving through the rain and sobbing, and everytime she stops crying, she starts again unexpectedly.

There is a sad song playing in her car and she tries to hitthe stereo to turn it off, but it doesnt work, it keepsplaying.

FADE TO

INT. CABIN - NIGHT

Eli is lying on the living room floor, inches from a wall,staring at it blankly.

He is listening to the same song Tabitha is on his mp3player.

Lydia and Alyce are watching over him.

Alyce looks confused and worried; Lydia looks positivelycrushed.

FADE TO

EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT

Tabitha is now expressionless again as she is driving downthe highway in the rain.

She notices the highbeams of a vehicle coming up behind herand tries to flip the rear view mirror so the light doesntblind her, but its stuck.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 50.

TABITHAWhat the hell?

Confused, Tabitha tries to jostle it loose, but when itdoesnt budge, she leaves it and focuses on driving.

She blinks a few times to rid herself of the white spots inher vision.

TABITHAJerk.

Tabitha notices a car parked on the side of the road, inchesto her right.

She puts her turn signal on to get in left hand lane, butnotices the highbeam jerk is speeding up in that lane.Suddenly the drivers door pops open on the parked car,causing Tabitha to react.

Tabitha gasps slightly and jerks the wheel to the left asshe passes the parked car.

The black SUV behind and to her left speeds up even more andthe Hondas left rear quarter bumps the trucks front rightquarter, causing the Honda to bounce and fishtail.

Tabitha tries to compensate by stomping the gas and turningslightly to the right, which nearly works as she returns tothe right hand lane.

The driver of the SUV accelerates and nudges the left rearend of the Honda, causing the Honda to spin out in front ofhim.

Tabitha clenches her eyes shut and clasps her handstogether.

TABITHA (WHISPERS)Eli, Eli...

The SUV SMASHES into the drivers side of the Honda atalmost 70 mph and pushes the car sideways for a hundredmeters until it flips over half a dozen times in the ditch.

The SUV pulls over and the driver puts on the vehicles bluepolice lights.

The cop picks up the radio in the truck to make a call.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 51.

OFFICER ASTORThis is Officer Astor to dispatch,Ive been involved in a vehicularincident with an older model HondaAccord on Highway Seventeen. Wereprobably going to need fire andrescue.

Over at the overturned Honda, Tabitha is badly bloodied andbattered, but alive.

She is in shock as she stares at the webbed windshield.

She is held in her seat by her seat belt.

She sees a man with a flashlight walking toward her carthrough the cracked windshield.

Officer Astor crouches by her drivers window and peersinside, shining his light on her bleeding face.

OFFICER ASTORHey there, can you speak?

Tabitha tries to speak but cannot, so her lip quivers as sheis about to cry.

Astor puts on his best look of concern.

OFFICER ASTORAlright, you hold still; EMTs arecoming. Can you feel? Can you still-feel-?

Tabithas eyes go from shock to fearful as she realizes heis her enemy.

OFFICER ASTORIll take that as a yes. Look,before the lights and noise gethere, I have a message from ChiefCerbust. Hes the chief of policeof the city of Lawrence. Anyway, hewants Elijah McPhoster out of theway. He doesnt care how, or ifanyone else gets hurt in theprocess. So, uh, I guess...

Astor smirks and shrugs slightly.

OFFICER ASTORI guess this is just (beat) melettin you off with a warning.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 52.

Tabitha just stares in fear at Astor.CUT TO

INT. CABIN - DAWN

EXTREME CLOSEUP: Elis closed eyes shows he is having aterrible nightmare.

FLASHES of a car crash, blood, and police lights flickerthrough his minds eye.

Elis eyes slowly and normally squint open, but he closesthem again because he is not a morning person.

He then takes a deep, shaky breath.

Tears well up and stream down his face.

PULL to reveal Eli facing the wall and Lydia spooning withhim.

Eli wipes his eyes and sees Lydias arm on him.

Eli looks over his shoulder at her and curls his lip inalmost contempt.

Eli elbows her gently and groans, barely awake.

ELIGet up.

Lydia grumbles under her breath and then wakes up.

She smiles groggily at Eli, who is turning to face her.

LYDIAGood morning.

Eli groans again and glares at Lydia through squinted eyes.

ELINo its not. Got a bad feelinabout Tabitha. Wheres the otherone?

Skinny Alyce raises up and tiredly looks over Lydia. Bothgirls have a lot of tattoos on their arms and torsos.Lydias most noticeable tat is the big black widow on a webover her cleavage. Alyces biggest tat is angel wings on herback. There are also a lot of scars on her back, cutsymmetrically like tiger stripes.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 53.

ALYCEIm right here. Dont worry.

Eli rolls his eyes at them and sits up, rubbing his face ashe speaks.

ELII told you two to knock it off.Its not good for your abilities,trust me.

Suddenly Eli stares ahead, finally feeling Tabithas fearand pain.

Alyce is about to protest but Lydia places her hand on Elisshoulder as he holds up a finger.

LYDIASomething did happen to her, huh?

ELISomething terrible.

Eli turns to Lydia and Alyce, and notices theyre onlywearing undershirts.

ELIPut some clothes on, women. We needto go find her.

Eli stands up and hears a siren outside, so he falls backdown and grabs the Glock nearby.

The three exchange nervous and fearful glances, until theyhear Enkimann speak through a bullhorn.

ENKIMANN (OS)McPhoster, I know youre in there.I am here alone. I want to come inand talk to you, unarmed, if thatsokay.

Eli looks at Lydia and Alyce, confused. Alyce shrugs.

ELIHes not afraid, nor is heattempting to hurt or arrest us.Thats weird. Stay down. And bloodyget dressed.

Eli stands up slowly, holding the pistol in front of him.

When he sees Enkimann out the window, he takes aim.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 54.

The deputy is dressed in civies and appears to be unarmed,holding his hands up.

When Enkimann sees Eli, he walks toward him slowly.

Eli opens the door and stands just inside, keeping his gunaimed at the man.

ELITry anything and Ill shoot you. Igot women to protect.

ENKIMANNUnderstood, sir.

When Enkimann gets to the bottom of the steps, Eli motionsfor him to stop with his gun.

ELIThats good right there. Now whatdo you want?

ENKIMANNMy names Mitchell Keinmann. Ichanged my name to Michael Enkimannten years ago when I joined thesheriffs department.

ELIUh, why?

ENKIMANNIm one of the foundingPeacemakers.

Eli blinks, taken aback.

He slowly lowers his gun.

ELIYoure a better empath than I am,arent you?

ENKIMANNIm sorry, son. I wasnt sure whichside you were on. I had to trickyou into thinking I was justanother government tool.

Eli smiles with relief, but then frowns and gulps as helooks into Enkimanns grief-stricken eyes.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 55.

ELIYoure here to tell me Tabithasdead, arent you?

ENKIMANNNot dead. Badly hurt. In thehospital.

Eli snarls and rushes out and grabs Enkimann.

He yanks him into the cabin and closes the door.

ELISit!

Enkimann obeys quietly.

He notices both women holding weapons; Lydia holds a knifeand Alyce holds a revolver.

ELIWhat happened? Be brief and behonest.

ENKIMANNIt was one of Chief Cerbusts men.But theyre doin a good job makinit look like an accident. Theofficer might get a few monthssuspension, if that, pendinginvestigation.

Eli nods and begins to breathe heavily.

Lydia goes to him and puts her hand on his shoulder.

LYDIAIts going to be okay, Eli. Atleast shes alive.

Eli nods to her and turns to Enkimann.

ELIGimme somethin I can use.

ENKIMANNThe Peacemakers started with myselfand my wife, God rest her soul,about twenty years ago. For a longtime, about six months, it was justthe two of us and our two intuitivechildren. We wanted to set up aplace for empaths and intuives who

(MORE)(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 56.

ENKIMANN (contd)had become outcasts in society. Wehelped them, trained them,supported them. After ten years, wehad over five thousand members, butthey were spread throughout thecountry, mostly the easternseaboard. When she died, I neededsomeone to help me administrate thegroup. As you know, administrativeduties is not our strong suit. So Ihired an intuitive thinker - ayoung promising man - to take onthose duties while I handled themore emotional aspect of things. Heturned out to be a fraud, andwithin a few months all of the goodempaths, including myself, werekicked from the organization. Thisman changed the Peacemakers into anempathic mercenary group (scoff).Ironic, right? Anyway, I joined thesheriffs department and changed myname to start another (beat)network.

Eli nods, not waiting a beat before continuing for the oldman.

ELIBut this ones more of an army oflight. You cant recruitlightworkers, pagans, or witchesbecause of their spiritual (beat)compromises, so you just try tofind the good guys, the peoplewrongfully accused by the police,and you try to help them. Youmustve figured out pretty early onthat I was a high-level.

Enkimann looks over at Alyce.

ENKIMANNShes a higher level than you are.Much more powerful.

Eli looks hurt, but turns and smiles at a confused Alyce,proud of her.

ELISee? Told ya.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 57.

ALYCEI dont understand. I cant doeverything Eli can do.

ENKIMANNYou dont have to be able to dowhat he can do...

ELI...You are stronger than me, whichmeans you -can- do everything I cando, maybe more, when you learn howto unlock your potential.

Eli smiles sadly to Alyce before turning and frowning atEnkimann.

ELISo (beat) Cross and Cerbust? Firstof all, I always knew the chief ofpolice was corrupt. I mean, hisname sounds like Cerberus. But arethey working together?

Enkimann shakes his head.

ENKIMANNNo. Cross leads the Peacemakersnow, ever since his father died.Cerbust is doing the bidding ofsomeone else, probably someone morepowerful. He wants you dead forreasons Im unaware of, but Crosswants you and Alyce alive.

Eli shrugs.

ELISo lets all just go to Cross. Ordoes he have more nefarious plansfor us?

ENKIMANNYoud be physically alive, but heddestroy your mind so he can makeyou a thoughtless mercenary. Hedstart by killing her.

Enkimann points at Lydia.

Eli and Lydia exchange worried looks.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 58.

ELIOkay, well, youve been at thisgame for awhile...

Enkimann grins.

ENKIMANNCallin me old?

ELIWhat do you suggest...?

Lydia smirks and adds a title to the end of Elis inquiry.

LYDIA...Wise old man?

ENKIMANNMoving far away from here. In acouple years, youll be able tocome back with a new identity. Ican hook you up. But until then, ifanyone recognizes you in thiscounty, its only a matter of timebefore youre dead, or worse.

ELIAlright, hook us up with a new lifein Texas.

ENKIMANNWhy Texas?

ELII got my reasons. Youll stay hereand be our only contact till wereturn to Lawrence.

ENKIMANNSounds like a plan.

Enkimann stands up and Eli points the gun at him.

ELIBut if anything happens to myfamily or friends, Im going tohold you responsible.

ENKIMANNI see.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 59.

ELIHow many, uh, -new- Peacemakers doyou have around here?

ENKIMANNUnfortunately not many. I donthave quite as many resources as Iused to.

ELIAlright. Figure it out. When Ireturn, I want them ready to takedown the Peacemakers - the badones. Then well decide what to doabout Cerbust and his cronies.

Eli lowers the gun and gestures to the door.

Enkimann walks through the door and turns back to Eli.

ENKIMANNI wish you the best of luck,Elijah.

He extends his hand to Eli and Eli shakes it.

ELII dont believe in luck. By theway, whats the name of the officerwho hurt my friend?

ENKIMANNAstor. Officer John Astor.

Eli nods and smiles.

ELIThank you, good day.

Enkimann nods curtly and turns to leave.

Eli waves him off as Enkimann drives away.

Eli turns dramatically to the girls.

ELILets get ready to go, just in casehes totally bullshitting us.

FADE TO

60.

INT. HOSPITAL - DAY

Cal, one of Elis closest friends and former co-workers,walks into the hospital room holding a batch of flowers.

Tabitha is fast asleep.

Cal walks over and places the flowers between her arm andher side, and then he kisses her forehead and walks out.

Seconds later, Tabitha awakens and notices the flowers.

She reaches for it and holds them close, smiling andsmelling them.

She notices a card tucked in the flowers and pulls it out.

She opens it. There is a hand-written bible verse written init that reads: "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the peacemakers:for they shall be called the children of God."

Tabitha smiles and then begins crying, holding the noteclose to her chest.

Thats when her husband comes in with their baby.

SLO-MO: Touching scene of them being reunited after theaccident, show them loving and caring and laughing.

FADE TO

EXT. TEXAS PARK - DAY

Eli is walking through the grass in a park; there are a lotof happy children and general contentment.

On either side of him is Alyce and Lydia. In Lydias arms isher baby.

ELI (VO)I am Elijah McPhoster. I have onepurpose in life - to spread peaceand love wherever I go. I fail mostof the time, like we all do. Butthere is no more time for learning.There is no more excuses forfailure.

Eli and the girls laugh and have fun playing with kids inthe grass.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 61.

ELI (VO)It is said that there is a time forevery purpose under heaven...

CLOSE UP on Lydias baby.

ELI (VO)A time to be born and a time todie...

CLOSE UP on Eli holding both womens hands, healing theirscarred wrists.

ELI (VO)A time to kill and a time toheal...

Show Lydia and Alyce playing and laughing with otherparents children.

ELI (VO)A time to weep and a time tolaugh...

Eli is holding Lydias daughter, who is laughing at mommy.

Show Lydia and Alyce hugging.

ELI (VO)A time to embrace and a time torefrain...

Eli and the girls and baby wave goodbye as they depart thepark.

ELI (VO)A time to speak and a time to keepsilent...

FADE TO

EXT. LONG STRAIGHT ROAD - EVENING

Eli is driving his Oldsmobile into the sunset throughsomewhere that is obviously Texas.

Alyce is in the backseat holding the sleeping baby whileLydia is in the passenger seat.

ELI (VO)A time to love and a time tohate...

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED: 62.

The car disappears into the sunset.

ELI (VO)A time of war, and a time of peace.

FADE TO BLACK.