Before it Gets Better/Transcript

*“Fear is what keeps your enemies in line.”* *—Edward*

**Starring:**

Robert Pattinson as WILLIAM REYNES

Emilia Clarke as KATE BLOODSTONE

Nick Frost as RANDALL FORSTER

Jon Hamm as JON MATTHEWS

Anson Mount as MARCUS DOWNES

Scarlett Johansson as REBECCA DAWSON

Stephen Gevedon as DEAN HOWARDS

Steve J. Palmer as AUSTIN KINGSTON

Robin Lord Taylor as EDWARD REMAR

**Also Starring**

Daniel Sharman as DANIEL ROCKWELL

Paul Rudd as SOLOMON REED

Jason Lee as LOLIDA WINDFIELD

Chris Evans as KURT KLEIN

**Guest Starring**

Anthony Mackie as LANDON KIMBER

Talulah Riley as MOLLY MASSEY

Hugo Weaving as ADRIAN MASON

Nicholas Hoult as CLAYTON FREEMAN

Imelda Staunton as LESLIE STAUNTON

**Co-Starring**

Dash Mihok as JAMES GRAVES

Randy Havens as SCOTTY BOYLE

Jean Effron as MELODY NEAL

Patrick Fabian as NICHOLAS BURNETT

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**Scene #1**

**WILLAMETTE STREETS - EVENING**

A fist slams into RANDALL FORSTER’s gut, sending him to his knees. He coughs, crawling forward, until a hand grabs him by the collar, lifting him back to his feet. JAMES GRAVES looks Randall dead in the eyes, narrowing his eyes.

***James:*** *Randall. I hope you heard me the first time.*

Randall spits into his face, causing him to flinch. In response, James quickly wipes his face, then headbutts Randall into the wall of the alleyway they’re in. He slides down the wall, unable to stay on his feet.

***James:*** *You see, this is what I’m talking about. You’re a joke. You shouldn’t be a police officer. You’re not one of us. You’ll never be one of us. What’s all this been, huh? An attempt to join the big leagues, get noticed, become a big city cop? You think you’re that special? Do you? You’re not. You’re a little attention seeking worm, throwing his comrades under the bus. You’re really that desperate for your big break aren’t you? Clinging onto the first case that could benefit you. This is your last warning, Randall. Stick to helping old ladies cross the street and retrieving lost bicycles. Fucking snake.*

James kicks Randall in his stomach, before turning and storming off, leaving the alleyway.

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**Scene #2**

**WILLAMETTE POLICE DEPARTMENT**

**Two Days Earlier**

RANDALL FORSTER steps into the breakroom, headed for a table filled with pastries.

***Scotty:*** *Look who it is, the class clown. Morning, Randall. Gonna be working hard or hardly working?*

***Randall:*** *First priority’s a jam donut, I’ll figure it out from there, yeah?*

***Scotty:*** *Hah, that’s my guy. Funny guy. You know, today’s a big one.*

SCOTTY BOYLE takes a sip from his coffee, while glancing at Randall picking up a donut.

***Randall:*** *Yeah? How’s that?*

***Scotty;*** *Oh, you haven’t heard? Sergeant Burnett got promoted to Chief Inspector. He’s due for a transfer.*

***Randall:*** *Huh. Good for him* ***(He shrugs)***. *Really, that’s cool.*

***Scotty:*** *Ohhhh it sure is. Who do you think’s gonna be the next sergeant, huh? My money’s on Clayton, and I’m sure yours is too. No doubt he’ll be the one Burnett is considering to step up. Nobody is on his level, hah. I just don’t know how he does it!*

***Randall:*** *Here’s hoping. Sergeant Clayton has a nice ring to it.*

***Scotty:*** *Oh yes, his arrest rate is unrivaled. Makes me feel like I’m slacking off, heh - but at least I don’t have to worry too hard when I’m compared to you* ***(He grins)***.

***Randall:*** *Huh?*

***Scotty:*** *Oh no - I didn’t mean any offense by it. Oh, none at all. You know - you’re just - you’re you.*

***Randall:*** *I’m - Randall?*

***Scotty:*** *Yes, you’re Randall, everybody’s favourite goofball! You’re the class clown! Arrests - they’ve never been your thing - I mean - all that serious stuff, you know?*

***Randall:*** *Uh-huh… You know I got the same training at the academy that you did.*

***Scotty:*** *Oh, of course! Hey, didn’t mean any offense by it, buddy. None at all.* ***(He starts to whistle)*** *Hey, have a good day out there today.*

***Randall:*** *Yeah, uh, you too.*

Randall heads for the door.

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**Scene #3**

**WILLAMETTE POLICE DEPARTMENT**

Later that morning, RANDALL FORSTER is standing in the main office area of the department, where everyone is celebrating NICHOLAS BURNETT’s new promotion.

***Nicholas:*** *Thank you, thank you. Really. Really, this department wouldn’t be able to function without any of you guys! You’re all an integral part of keeping the peace in this town.*

***James:*** *Yeah, except maybe Randall* ***(He smiles)***.

The room bursts into laughter, as eyes fall onto Randall.

***Nicholas:*** *Hey now… We all love Randall just the way he is. Hey, all eyes on you, Randall.*

Nicholas points at Randall, who lets out a fake smile.

***Randall:*** *Yeah. Yeah, nah, I’m-- I’m happy.*

***James:*** *Yeah, maybe you’d be happier with a woman’s touch.*

***Randall:*** *Yeah, nah, the department is doing just fine taking turns with your wife.*

The room explodes into more laughter, now directed at James, who frowns.

***Nicholas:*** *Hah, that’s our Randall. Real funny guy. Anyways everyone, let’s all get to work! An exciting day lies ahead of us and we’ve got all sorts of goodies in the breakroom.*

As the department starts to go back to the usual, Nicholas approaches Randall.

***Nicholas:*** *Hey, champ.*

***Randall:*** *Aye, what’s up, burn man?*

***Nicholas:*** *Hahh. Please don’t call me that. Just wanted to see if you had a moment to spare. In my office.*

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**Scene #4**

**WILLAMETTE POLICE DEPARTMENT**

NICHOLAS BURNETT lays out a stack of papers on the desk, before sitting on his chair and looking swiveling around to look out the window.

***Nicholas:*** *Please, take a seat. Make yourself at home.*

RANDALL FORSTER approaches a chair on the other side of the desk, sitting down.

***Randall:*** *So, uh, what’s up then, Chief?*

***Nicholas:*** *Well, really, it’s all about - finding you things to do, you know, as we move forward.*

***Randall:*** *Well, I’m… waiting for Clayton to get in.*

***Nicholas:*** *Well, that’s - impossible* ***(He chuckles)***. *Clayton’s out.*

***Randall:*** *Out?*

***Nicholas:*** *Clayton’s about to make his 45th arrest of the year. He’s out there right now dealing with the infamous car thief, a real danger to the town’s roads, as you know. The cause of multiple accidents in the last two years, a real pain in the neck.*

***Randall:*** *Why, uh -- why wasn’t I sent out with him? I’m Clayton’s partner, we’ve been working this case together for months.*

***Nicholas:*** *Oh come now, Randall. You don’t want to spoil Clayton’s big day, do you? It’s, uh, a one man job, I was hoping you’d help setup for the party. Exciting news, I know, that’s because I’m planning to make Clayton the new Sergeant of the department when he returns.*

***Randall:*** *That’s-- that’s great. Seriously, nobody deserves it more. Clayton is the best guy on the block* ***(He smiles)***.

***Nicholas:*** *That’s right, that’s why I needed you - you know, out of the way on his big day and all. Listen, Randall. I like you. You know, funny guy and all. But, uh, there’s some… changes that will be happening around the department. And frankly, your arrest record is… very low.*

***Randall:*** *But… I’ve made tons of arrests this year… with Clayton… my partner.*

***Nicholas:*** *Mmmmmm. Listen, it’s not me, but it doesn’t look so good on paper when you don’t have any merits of your own. I mean, anyone can help an old lady across the street, or find a missing bike for a crying child, or… whatever else it is you do. I mean--*

***Randall:*** *Hey, hold on - just because I look out for the little people and deal with some of the more mundane problems in town - doesn’t mean anything. I’m a cop, I just aim to do the right thing and help people. They* ***request*** *I do.*

***Nicholas:*** *Randall, Randall - calm down there, buddy. It looks like you’re about to flip the table!* ***(He grins)*** *Heh, I know you won’t - funny guy, funny guy. Trust me, we love having you around in the department - you just need to - step up a little.*

***Randall:*** *Yeah, alright, sure.*

Randall stands up, walking towards the door.

***Nicholas:*** *Oh, also… When Clayton becomes Sergeant, I’ll be assigning him a more experienced partner. I mean, you know, with all the paperwork and things he’ll need to attend to, he’s going to need someone more… capable.*

***Randall:*** *You punishing me for doing my job or something? Why you bein’ such a prick, man?*

***Nicholas:*** *Quite the opposite in fact. Now, run along, Randall. I have preparations to make.*

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**Scene #5**

**WILLAMETTE STREETS - PARK - NOON**

Later that day, RANDALL FORSTER is once again out patrolling the streets, passing through a park, where he sees a large rally taking place. Among the people there is LESLIE STAUNTON.

***Leslie:*** *If the local police won’t take the necessary action to clean up this town faster, then the PTA will! Strong mothers are more capable of taking action, because we care about this community! It is vital that we ensure our town has order! These petty thieves and criminals are leaving their dirty stain on our proud community!*

Randall zones the protest out, continuing to walk along, until he accidentally bumps into an elderly lady while looking around.

***Randall:*** *Oh - sorry about that.*

MELODY NEAL looks up at Randall, smiling.

***Melody:*** *Oh, Randall! It’s so good to see you!*

***Randall:*** *Oh, hello, Melody. How’ve you been?*

***Melody:*** *Oh, I’ve been quite well, thank you. I just love getting to go out with the girls like this to the park, it gets me out of the house, gets me walking again.*

***Randall:*** *Aw, good for you, Melody. Glad you’re getting out and about.*

***Melody:*** *Oh you. You’re always so nice, Randall. I see you out here helping the community every day. You’re one of the good ones.*

***Randall:*** *Heh. Just doing my part.*

***Melody:*** *Besides, it’s so awful that the police department just aren’t doing anything about this recent drug scam, isn’t it?*

***Randall:*** *Drug scam?*

***Melody:*** *Oh yes, it’s gotten the PTA all fired up. How haven’t you heard? Drugs are infecting the community and now the young ones are getting a hold of them in schools. Oh, I dread to think of what those poor souls are being put through.*

***Randall:*** *That’s odd. Usually we’re quick to catch operations like these out… How aren’t we…*

Randall zones out, thinking to himself.

***Leslie:*** *This town must do better to ensure that incidents like this do NOT continue to occur! As chairwoman of the PITA, I swear to you, we will shut that school down until it is confirmed to be a SECURE and SAFE environment for OUR CHILDREN!*

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**Scene #6**

**WILLAMETTE STREETS - AFTERNOON**

Later, RANDALL FORSTER is sitting inside his police cruiser, munching down on a burger. Next to him is CLAYTON FREEMAN, eating some french fries.

***Randall:*** *Sorry I wasn’t at your party today, buddy. I really am proud of you now, it’s going to be one hell of a day when you become Sergeant. I just wasn’t feeling going back to the department, decided to do some digging into something instead.*

***Clayton:*** *Oh it’s fine, you don’t need to worry about it.*

***Randall:*** *The least I could do was buy you some junk food to celebrate. Wasn’t feeling too good about celebrating with the pricks in the office.*

***Clayton:*** *As much as I’m friends with them, I get why you don’t wanna celebrate back at the station, don’t worry. But just know that even though they give you a lot of shit, I’m always gonna believe in you.*

***Randall:*** *Heh… thanks, man. That means a lot to me. Especially considering you’re gonna be the big man soon, Sergeant Freeman.*

***Clayton:*** *Yeah, Sergeant… it’ll be different.*

***Randall:*** *You nervous?*

***Clayton:*** *Yeah. It’s just weird in a sort of way - but exciting. It’s like when I graduated high school, I was happy but it was weird finally doing it. I just hope we can still be partners. I know the big boss wants me to have someone else. He’s tried to pitch to me or something, but I’ve told him it’s not the same - like when one of your favourite TV show characters is recast, or they reboot a movie. But whatever happens, we’ll always be on the same page.*

***Randall:*** *Damn straight. You’re gonna kill it, man. I swear, Willamette’s gonna be 0% crime. But, that does remind me, I got, uh, got something I want to look into tonight. Think I’m gonna head into the department and research it a bit. Something’s not right about the whole thing.*

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**Scene #7**

**WILLAMETTE POLICE DEPARTMENT**

That night, RANDALL FORSTER is sitting at his desk inside the office. A lamp beside him shines a dim light down onto the desk, where papers are scattered throughout.

Chief Inspector NICHOLAS BURNETT steps out of his office, locking the door. As he’s heading for the exit, he notices the single light coming from the office, and then sees Randall.

***Nicholas:*** *Huh. Randall? I was just about to lock up for the night. What are you doing here? This is quite unlike you.*

***Randall:*** *Just looking into something, burn man. Don’t worry about it. I’ll lock up. Got the keys for me?*

***Nicholas: (He narrows his eyes)*** *Sure do.*

Nicholas takes a set of keys out, offering them to Randall - before he quickly pockets them again.

***Nicholas:*** *Oh, wait. Not these. Heh, they’re for my new Mercedes. A thing of beauty, I tell you.*

He pulls out the correct set of keys, setting them on Randall’s desk.

***Nicholas:*** ***Here*** *is the right one for you. Okay, have fun - doing whatever you’re doing. It’s a shame you weren’t at Clayton’s party. I thought you’d be there to support your friend.*

Nicholas shrugs, as he walks out the exit.

***Randall:*** *Yeah, yeah… try to keep your eyes on the road and not that raging hard-on you’ve got yourself. Prick.*

Randall goes back to looking through the papers. His eyes eventually land on the correct paper, on the case about the drugs spreading around the neighbourhood. He begins to read through it, until noticing towards the bottom of the page that the lead investigator is none other than James Graves.

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**Scene #8**

**WILLAMETTE POLICE DEPARTMENT**

Early the next morning, RANDALL FORSTER steps into the breakroom, where he passes by SCOTTY BOYLE drinking a cup of coffee.

***Scotty:*** *Look who it is, the class clown. Morning, Randall. Gonna be working hard or hardly working?*

***Randall:*** *Yeah, yeah, morning, Scott.*

***Scott:*** *Heh. Real funny guy.*

Randall grabs a donut and immediately leaves the breakroom, but immediately bumps into JAMES GRAVES.

***James:*** *Woah now. Why don’t you watch where you’re going, clown?*

***Randall:*** *Why don’t you?*

***James:*** *You’re just lucky I’d already finished my coffee. Gonna help some old ladies across the street today? Heh, that academy training really paid off, didn’t it?*

***Randall:*** *Actually, yes. I am. And that’s… all I’m gonna be doing* ***(He smiles at him)***.

***James:*** *Yeah. Whatever, funny man, go back to the comedy club. Stay out of my way next time, I’m busy.*

James walks off. Randall glares at him, noticing Scotty standing in the doorway of the breakroom.

***Scotty:*** *Hah. What a guy. Right? Right?*

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**Scene #9**

**MELODY’S HOUSE**

***Melody:*** *Oh, Randall. I really am so grateful to you for stopping by. It means the world to me, you’re always so quick to respond when my old foolish self is requiring some assistance. I think it’s just some school vandalism, really, but my grandson was choked up when his bike got smashed up. You see, it was his dad’s bike, the last gift he was given before… the accident.*

***Randall:*** *Hey, it’s alright, Melody, I’m on the case. But listen, I actually had some questions of my own about what you told me yesterday.*

***Melody:*** *Oh? What did I tell you yesterday again?*

***Randall:*** *You know, ‘bout the drugs and stuff. The kids popping off at school, all that. You wouldn’t happen to know if any of your friends have seen anything?*

***Melody:*** *Oh, it’s terrible, Randall. It’s… it’s awful. I thought you’d have heard. Mary’s son was stabbed after he saw something he wasn’t supposed to - a drug deal behind the school - it’s terrible - that poor boy. Thankfully he’s okay, but I just can’t believe this is what the world is coming to.*

***Randall:*** *Huh…*

RANDALL FORSTER zones out again, thinkingly deeply to himself.

***Randall:*** *You know, Melody, I’m actually going to go and look into this for you, alright?*

***Melody:*** *Oh really? You’re a star, Randall. We’re always able to count on you.*

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**Scene #10**

**WILLAMETTE POLICE DEPARTMENT**

Someone inside the office turns up the TV with a remote, as breaking news comes over the TV. A news anchor appears on the screen.

***News Anchor:*** *Shock and horror in the town of Willamette today following a brutal incident on main street following the exposure of a corrupt cop by the name of Samuel Vaughn. Vaughn had been peddling drugs and profiting as a local kingpin using schoolkids as his dealers, all the while, cleaning up the evidence and getting rid of reports submitted by concerned citizens about the recent drug epidemic. Thanks to the investigation of local police officer Randall Forster, he was able to intercept Vaughn and take him down during a hostage situation where Vaughn held a knife to one of his dealers, a young boy’s, neck. Forster was quick to apprehend him and took action as necessary, shooting Vaughn in the chest and disarming him, saving the child’s life. Citizens are praising the work of this local hero, with Vaughn now in police custody and having his badge stripped, the child will be sent to a juvenile detention center for rehabilitation. Here now, we have the recently promoted sergeant, Chief Inspector Nicholas Burnett on the line, with comments on the situation.*

The news anchor goes quiet, as NICHOLAS BURNETT’s voice is heard on the TV, and also inside of his office at the department.

***Nicholas:*** *You know, I couldn’t be more impressed with Officer Forster. He’s always had my personal respect, and when I dispatched him on the case with suspicions of my own about corruption in my department, I just knew he’d deliver, and he did. Here’s to my good friend Randall, a local hero.*

As the news story ends, the department starts to clap and cheer for Randall, but RANDALL FORSTER doesn’t even give them a smile.

Nicholas steps out of his office, looking towards Randall with a smile.

***Nicholas:*** *Randall! I’m sure you saw, but I just finished up my live statement, we couldn’t be more proud of you. Really, you’ve managed to--*

***Randall:*** *Naw. Case isn’t over yet.*

***Nicholas:*** *Sorry?*

***Randall:*** *Vaughn wasn’t the only culprit. There’s more dirty cops standing in this room.*

The officers around the room quiet down, as it goes silent.

***Randall:*** *You all cheer and clap for me now but I know you’re all fuming. Vaughn was your friend, and I shot him. Truth is, I don’t care what any of you pricks have to say right now. I’m going to expose all the losers who have been manipulating and threatening children.*

Randall turns, walking away.

***Nicholas:*** *That’s… that’s our funny guy.*

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**Scene #11**

**WILLAMETTE POLICE DEPARTMENT - PARKING LOT - EVENING**

JAMES GRAVES opens the trunk to his car, packing in a box full of case files. As he goes to close the trunk, he sees RANDALL FORSTER stepping out from in front of the car.

***Randall:*** *You know, it’s funny.*

***James:*** *What the fuck are you doing here, Forster? Why don't you get lost, what, you here to shoot me too?*

***Randall:*** *Oh, I’m sorry, still pissed off that I shot your best buddy who was going to stab a child?*

***James:*** *You shot one of us. You’re a spineless little weirdo, and I want you to stay out of my way.*

***Randall:*** *Honestly, you should be thanking me. I did some digging. You were the one working the case. The drug case? Must’ve been having trouble solving it. And all along it was your buddy Vaughn who was the culprit. Or, uh… was it?*

***James:*** *What are you trying to say, fatass?*

James slams his trunk closed, approaching him.

***Randall:*** *I’m saying I think you’re a scumbag. You’re the one who was behind all of it.*

***James:*** *Yeah? Okay.*

James looks around the parking lot, seeing nobody but himself and Randall. He then headbutts Randall to the ground, before starting to drag him out of the parking lot towards a nearby alleyway.

***James:*** *Come on then, you think you’re all that? To challenge me without any fucking evidence, huh? Come on then.*

He lets go of Randall inside the alley.

***James:*** *Get up.*

Randall stands up slowly, raising his fists - but he’s no match for James. A fist slams into Randall’s gut, sending him to his knees.

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**Scene #12**

**KANSAS BACKROADS - LATE MORNING**

RANDALL FORSTER leans against the car window, staring out. He briefly glances to his left at MARCUS DOWNES, who’s sitting behind the wheel, steadily driving along a quiet backroad, before he looks back out the window.

***Marcus:*** *You’re awful quiet. That’s not like you.*

***Randall:*** *Just thinking is all. How far into the city is the police department?*

***Marcus:*** *Not too far, thankfully. According to Ed, it’s two blocks in. We should be able to avoid the hordes.*

***Randall:*** *Yeah, that’s good, because it’s crowded. Garden City has been well and truly overrun by the fuckers.*

***Marcus:*** *You thinking we’ll find much at the station?*

***Randall:*** *Best we can hope for is some leftover ammunition… but there’s no telling if it’s been looted already. I reckon it’ll have been a hotspot, but maybe we’ll get lucky.*

***Marcus:*** *I’ll be honest… Even though we’re heading straight into the most dangerous possible place right now… it’s nice to get away from the motel.*

***Randal:*** *Yeah, tell me about it. It’s been different ever since…*

***Marcus:*** *Yeah… The weirdest part is… nobody’s talking about it. We all just… moved on. Maybe that’s for the best. Like, it’s not like he didn’t deserve it, it’s just… it’s just weird nobody’s even mentioning it.*

***Randall:*** *Maybe it’s just because it’s still fresh in our minds. I mean, we’re all thinking about it, but I spend more time thinking about Albert.*

***Marcus:*** *Yeah. It’s been rough. As for William… I haven’t even heard from him since…*

***Randall:*** *Don’t think he’s been the most talkative as of late… to anyone.*

Randall watches as they pass by a sign for Garden City.

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**Scene #13**

**MOTEL - WILLIAM & REBECCA’S ROOM**

Inside of his room, WILLIAM REYNES is seated on an armchair in the corner of the room in absolute silence. His head is tucked away into his hands, his elbows resting on his knees. He slowly lifts his head, pulling his hands away from his face after he hears the door to the room open.

***Rebecca:*** *Will. It’s been three days of this. It has to stop. It’s over now… but the group needs you.*

***William:*** *It doesn’t matter that it’s over. What matters is that… it happened. I let myself buy into the words of a liar… and endangered everybody else by doing so. What if it were you? Or Lloyd? What if either of you got stranded up on those crates with him? If my naivety had gotten you both killed. What then? I was too lenient to him. Too lenient in general -- and that’s what got Albert killed. Jared may have been the one who pulled the trigger, but I gave Jared the gun. And that’s NEVER happened again.*

***Rebecca:*** *William… he deceived all of us. You can’t blame yourself for what happened.*

***William:*** *I should’ve listened to them… I should have listened. They said Jared was a snake and they were right. Never again. Never again am I gonna put my faith in someone like that. It’ll just get more people killed.*

***Rebecca:*** *Daniel and Lolida were right, yeah… but that doesn’t mean it’s your fault. The two of them didn’t have any evidence to go off of, they didn’t have a convincing argument, not at the time. Have you… spoken to them since?*

***William:*** *No.*

William stands, looking around the room, then at REBECCA DAWSON.

***William:*** *You’re right… Those people out there need me. They need me to be better than the man who let a snake slither in between our walls. And that’s exactly - what I’ll do.*

He approaches the door, but Rebecca stops him.

***Rebecca:*** *William, wait. You keep walking away from me. You keep trying to shoulder everything on your own. I can’t let you do that. I can’t keep watching you go, especially when - I don’t even know what you’re doing. With Jared - I didn’t expect that. He deserved it, but I didn’t expect it. You… You should be communicating with me, with all of us, otherwise you’re just isolating yourself.*

***William:*** ***(He sighs quietly)*** *Maybe it’s for the better that I shoulder it on my own. Maybe it’s not. I don’t know. We’ll see.*

He steps past her and leaves the room, as Rebecca sighs.

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**Scene #14**

**MOTEL - PARKING LOT - LATE MORNING**

WILLIAM REYNES walks through the parking lot, thinking about Rebecca’s words as he goes. As he’s walking along, he passes by Daniel and Lolida’s shared room, and decides to knock on it with a sigh.

***Daniel:*** *Yeah? Come on in.*

He grips the door handle and opens it, stepping inside. LOLIDA WINDFIELD sits on one of the beds, his injured leg being raised up by a couple of pillows. DANIEL ROCKWELL rests on the second bed, glancing at William.

***Daniel:*** *Well, look who it is.*

***Lolida: (He nods slightly)*** *Hello.*

***William:*** *Yeah… I suppose I need a talk.*

***Daniel:*** *Speak freely, Mr. Executioner. Not that I have a problem with that, it felt good seeing that bastard hang. Long overdue… but good.*

***Lolida:*** *Felt as if it was Christmas morning.*

***William:*** *Seeing as I… gave Jared a bit too much leniency… I owe you guys an apology. I wish I realized you guys were right sooner. Maybe this whole situation could’ve been avoided.*

***Daniel:*** *Yeah. Maybe it could’ve been* ***(He nods)***. *But it wasn’t. So tell me, William. What are you doing now?*

***William:*** *That’s… a great question.*

He goes quiet for a few seconds, giving the question some thought.

***William:*** *I suppose I’m - making sure it’ll never happen again. Not on my doorstep.*

***Daniel:*** *And how do you plan to do that?*

***Lolida:*** *Stop bothering the man with your questions, Danny.*

***Daniel:*** *I’m interested. That’s all.*

***William:*** *I haven’t got it fully figured out yet, honestly. But I’d like your help. Both of your help. You're both smart, you can both handle yourselves. As you can imagine - after lynching a man during the dead of night, I’m not exactly everyone’s favourite guy right now. So I want people I can count on.*

Lolida looks at William, before shifting his gaze to Daniel.

***Lolida:*** *Whatever you wanna do, just know I’m with you, brother.*

***Daniel:*** *Anyone who’s mad at you for that can fuck themselves, William. You finally did the right thing. Consider your apology accepted. Maybe we can all get along better moving forward.*

William and Daniel shake hands.

***Lolida:*** ***(Jokingly)*** *Would’ve been better if you gifted us a fruit basket or something.*

***William:*** *I’ll bring a fruit basket next time I fuck up, then.*

***Lolida: (He nods)*** *But truly, thank you, William. Not just for us - but for Isaac and Albert too. Good men, both of them.*

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**Scene #15**

**FOREST - WOODS - LATE MORNING**

DEAN HOWARDS drags his feet through the dirt and leaves, as he pushes branches aside. He grunts, continuing to shuffle forward through the woods, until he trips over something, falling face first into the dirt. As he gets back up, he looks to see what it was he tripped over - and sees one of the zombie corpses that he’d killed days earlier. He stares at the corpse, noticing a small nametag on its shirt. He frowns, reading the name, remembering that this was once a person. Dean kneels down, plucking the tag off its chest, and placing it into his pocket, before continuing through the woods, trying to forget about it.

***Dean: (Quietly, to himself)*** *I’m sorry.*

He walks a bit further, until he begins to hear the sounds of concrete scraping. He huffs, looking around him, whimpering.

***Dean:*** *No, no-- Please. I can’t, please--*

He stumbles backwards into a tree, sliding down it, coincidently right next to the three zombie corpses Kate had found him by earlier on. An empty whiskey bottle lies at the feet of one of the bodies. Dean covers his face, shaking his head, trying to get the sounds out of his head. He eventually sees an image in his mind of Jim’s skinned, mangled corpse laying out in front of Willamette High School.

***Dean:*** *I’m sorry.* ***(Louder)*** *I’m sorry.*

AUSTIN KINGSTON trudges through the woods, out on a walk, following the same trail of corpses Kate had followed before. As he walks, he eventually spots somebody ahead, huddled under a tree, mumbling to themselves.

***Dean:*** *I’m… sorry.*

Austin narrows his eyes, approaching the man, taking notice of the rotting bodies around him, flies buzzing over them.

***Austin:*** *Dean? What are you doing out here…?*

Dean lifts his head in a hurry, looking at him.

***Dean:*** *Oh-- oh, I, uh--*

He slowly gets up, grabbing the tree to keep himself on his feet.

***Dean:*** *Sorry, sorry-- I’m - well, I don’t know. I suppose the same as you? Just - enjoying the scenery.*

***Austin:*** *Yeah… I guess - I wasn’t expecting to find you out here.* ***(He looks at the corpses)*** *This you?*

***Dean:*** *Oh, heh, I didn’t mean those by scenery but-- Yes. I… cleared - through them. I…*

***Austin:*** *Are you okay? It doesn’t look like you’re just out here enjoying the scenery.*

***Dean:*** *I’ve been thinking. You ever wonder - I guess about us? We’ve been running for so long now. It doesn’t feel like we’re going to find anything anymore. Beside those* ***(He points at the corpses)***. *I find it funny-- I’ve been so used to cleaning through them. I suddenly looked at that one there, the, uh - well sized one in the suit. I stared at him, and I noticed a nametag on his chest. You ever think about - what they were before? It’s become so commonplace now, it’s strange to me. I don’t know why now I just noticed that.*

***Austin:*** *I try not to think about it. Whoever they are--* ***were***, *it doesn’t concern me.*

Dean nods, sighing lowly.

***Dean:*** *Yeah. Things have been-- strange lately.*

***Austin:*** *Strange to say the least. Two of us gone in just a few days -- we were going fine for weeks before this. It’s like we’ve been struck with a curse.*

***Dean:*** *A curse. That’s the word I was looking for. It feels like we’re cursed. Do you really think we’re going to find anything out there? Everything has been picked clean. Deserted places. Rotten. Dirty. Nothing else. Just rot. And grime.*

***Austin:*** *Honestly, Dean - I’m not quite sure anymore. I-- I think that there IS a place out there. Somewhere safe, a group of people like us, safe behind walls. Like back at Willamette Mall.*

***Dean:*** *I’m-- I’m sorry. I shouldn’t push this onto you or anything. Lately I feel I’ve been - a downer. Or-- well, that’s an understatement.*

Dean gazes towards the feet of one of the corpses. Austin follows his gaze, noticing the whiskey bottle by its feet.

***Austin:*** *Drinking again? Heh-- I get that. Feel like I could use one - but that’s not me anymore. It shouldn’t be you either. Drinking won’t get you anywhere. Sure as hell didn’t get me anywhere. I nearly got people killed because of that shit.*

***Dean:*** *Drinking-- Uh, no, I--*

Dean pauses, trying to come up with some kind of excuse - but can’t. He looks down at the ground in shame.

***Dean:*** *It won’t get anyone anywhere. I almost got people killed from it too. I know how you feel. You’re not a burden. I really like you. I think things have changed - a lot since before all this. We’ve all been through a lot.*

***Austin:*** *You’re not a burden either. After all the shit you’ve been through, I understand this. Just-- You’re a good friend, Dean. And as a friend, I’m telling you - you’ll get past this, you’ll come around.*

***Dean:*** *I… hope… so. Eventually. I just want us to find somewhere. I think finding somewhere we could all just relax at will clear our heads. My head, too.*

***Austin:*** *And I believe we’ll find that place. Just-- given some time. I know we’re getting close.*

***Dean:*** *You sound like… Kate* ***(He chuckles)***. *I think she’s the heart of us, isn’t she?*

***Austin:*** *The heart of us-- Maybe.*

***Dean:*** *I’ve come to the point where seeing organs have been so common - that I start comparing US to an organ system. Yeah-- we’ve been seeing this shit for too long* ***(He laughs slightly at his joke)***. *I said I’d been a downer lately-- Jesus, my jokes.*

***Austin: (He chuckles lightly)*** *Don’t worry about it, man. How about we head back to the motel, mmm? I don’t like it out here.*

***Dean: (He nods)*** *I guess so. I’ve cleared my head enough. Thank you, uh, for-- talking to me. I appreciate it.*

***Austin:*** *You’re welcome, buddy.*

He turns around, the two of them beginning to walk back to the motel.

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**Scene #16**

**KANSAS BACKROADS - LATE AFTERNOON**

EDWARD REMAR taps his cane against the ground in anger, as he stares at their car, smoke extruding from under the hood.

***Edward:*** *Well, that’s just great. Ugh. Where even are we? This is why we need a map. Why the hell don’t we have a map?*

***Solomon:*** *I didn’t see any repair shops on the way. We gotta follow the road. It’s the way she goes. She either stays or she goes.*

***Edward:*** *To be honest… It’s a miracle the car got us as far as it did. The only problem is… WE’RE IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, SOLOMON! Ugh, I already hate it here. Look, okay - you’re right. We’ll walk.*

***Solomon:*** *I know, and we’ll find a map this time. I would have a map, but there were none.*

***Edward:*** *Look at how ugly the trees are. If I had an axe, I’d chop them down.*

Edward mumbles, turning and beginning to limp down the road. SOLOMON REED retrieves two bags from the backseat of the car, before following him.

***Solomon:*** *We need an inventory somehow if we’re walking, so wear your backpack in case it takes longer than, I dunno, a day.*

***Edward:*** *Fine.*

Edward snatches one of the bags from him and slings it over his shoulder. As he continues walking, he glances around, noticing Sarah’s bracelet around his wrist. He shakes his head, and rolls down his sleeve to cover it.

***Solomon:*** *So… On the bright side, I don’t see any zombies.*

***Edward:*** *Look at us out here… how quiet it is. All of this is for the taking, Solomon. Every acre. Every single one of these ugly trees, every piece of grass.*

***Solomon:*** *Taking? Like taking over?*

***Edward:*** *Yes. Just like that. Taking over. Preferably somewhere nicer than here… Preferably a place with subjects to conquer. Whatever problems I have with humanity, there’s no denying that if no one wants to truly thrive in this new world, they’re going to need an army. I intend to get all of that for myself… I intend to truly take what’s mine out here. And you, Solomon, are welcome to join me.*

***Solomon:*** *Yeah, it’d be nice, but I’d rather have it be peaceful instead of ushering in a dictatorship where there’s injustice and unfairness and  the low, middle and high class. Edward, I don’t mean to sound opposing to your views, but I know why you’re sounding like this and this isn’t the right way to think of how it’ll solve that problem in your head. Or how it’ll make the issue something you never think of again.*

***Edward:*** *Speak for yourself, Solomon. I never mentioned a dictatorship. I never mentioned injustice. Unfairness. I simply said there’s a world out there for the taking… someone has to. Better me than a man like Damerae Badrick. Soon enough, people will start trying to reform civilization again, it’s already happening somewhere out there.*

***Solomon:*** *Your right on the reform part. It’s definitely happening and I just hope most people have a good idea instead of what Badrick did from what I saw. With the right minds can come an army of great strength and power and a genuine good shot at reforming the remnants of humanity beyond this shithole we go through now.*

***Edward:*** *What Damerae Badrick did was despicable. But the world now is lawless, and humanity is worse than ever. People can’t be trusted. They’re greedy… and spiteful… and dangerous. The one thing Badrick did right? He knew that fear was the greatest motivator. Fear is what keeps your enemies in line. But Damerae Badrick made enemies with the wrong person… me.*

Edward flashes a wicked smile, before continuing to walk ahead.

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**Scene #17**

**GARDEN CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT - PARKING LOT - NOON**

MARCUS DOWNES and RANDALL FORSTER step out of the car, cautiously looking around them. Other than a couple of zombies across the street, it’s clear.

***Marcus:*** *Alright. I’m gonna check the door. Keep me covered.*

***Randall:*** *You got it.*

Randall pulls out his knife, keeping his eye on one of the zombies that notices them and starts to cross the road. When it reaches him, Randall quickly stabs it in the head.

***Marcus:*** *Door is locked. Could mean anything. Maybe people were in here before, maybe people are in there now. We’ll just have to tread lightly.*

***Randall:*** *What are you thinking then? Smash through?*

***Marcus:*** *Could be risky… Could piss off whoever’s in there, if anyone.*

***Randall:*** *Well, only one way to find out, really.*

Randall shrugs, as he points towards one of the windows off to the side of the main door. He approaches it, noticing how cracked and damaged it already is.

***Randall:*** *It’s already cracked and chipped… looks like it would break with just one--*

He taps against the window lightly, and it instantly shatters.

***Randall:*** *…hit.*

***Marcus:*** *Well, it’s done now. We might as well see ourselves inside.*

Randall pushes some of the remaining glass pieces away, before climbing through. He’s instantly hit with a revolting smell - and the sight of more than a dozen corpses having been posed around the room. One of them is sitting upright at the reception desk, another sitting at an office desk in the corner.

***Marcus:*** *What? What is it?*

Marcus climbs in after him, looking around, and stopping in his tracks.

***Marcus:*** *What the hell happened here…?*

***Randall:*** *These fuckers have been rotting here for a while.*

Marcus starts to walk slowly throughout the lobby, walking over puddles of old blood. He keeps his hand gripped onto his revolver, as he walks past more corpses all dressed in police clothing. Organs are spewn out across the floor in places, guts hang off of tables, maggots infest many of the bodies.

***Randall:*** *Yuck… I didn’t think it could get any worse than splattering guts all over me at the factory… but this… somehow is…*

***Marcus:*** *It’s disturbing. Someone did this. I want to get out of here. Come on, let’s go and look for some ammo.*

***Randall:*** *Yeah…*

Randall slowly follows Marcus out of the main lobby area.

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**Scene #18**

**GARDEN CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT**

The two men make their way around the building, travelling down dark hallways.

***Randall:*** *What do you think happened here?*

***Marcus:*** *I… don’t know.*

MARCUS DOWNES glances at another body in the hallway, this one with its jaw broken, its head slouched back, and its mouth hanging open. He looks away, disturbed, as he and RANDALL FORSTER arrive next to a stairwell. Beside the stairwell are two different doors.

***Marcus:*** *I would say split up, but I’m not sure that’s such a good idea anymore* ***(He frowns)***. *Alright, this room first.*

Marcus opens the door to the first room, stepping inside what appears to be a breakroom. A couple of tables and counters are set up around the room, with an old fridge and coffee machine, as well as boxes of old, maggot infested pastries. There’s another bloated body inside the room, sat down in a chair, a coffee cup having been stapled onto his hand. Marcus looks at it in horror, before turning away.

Randall looks around, frowning, and shivering at the sight of it all. *Gonna be working hard or hardly working?* He hears in his head.

***Randall:*** *…Gonna try the other room.*

Randall leaves the breakroom, going across the hall to the second door. He gently pushes open the door, stepping into the captain’s office. He walks through the office, spotting a cracked picture frame hanging on the wall of what looks to be the entire police department. The photo itself has been ripped slightly, and it’s covered in dried blood. He steps away from the picture, glancing down at the desk. *Please, take a seat. Make yourself at home.* He once again hears inside his head. He exhales loudly, stepping out of the room, bumping into Marcus in the hall.

***Randall:*** *Fuck, sorry.*

***Marcus:*** *It’s fine. Anything in there?*

***Randall:*** *Nothing-- nothing good.*

***Marcus:*** *Alright, we should check upstairs then.*

***Randall:*** *Yeah, yeah we should.*

Randall nods quickly, stepping up on the first step.

***Marcus:*** *Hey, hold on. Are you okay?*

***Randall:*** *Me? I’m… pleased as punch… all things considered.*

Randall walks up the stairs, turning a corner and continuing to walk up, hearing Marcus’ footsteps behind him. When he reaches the top of the stairs, he turns around - but doesn’t see Marcus anywhere. He waits for a couple of seconds, then sees Marcus turn the corner below him.

***Marcus:*** *What is it?*

***Randall:*** *Those weren’t… your footsteps?*

***Marcus:*** *Randall, I don’t--*

Marcus shuts up as he suddenly hears rapid footsteps that could only belong to an alive human. Randall looks around, but before he can react, he feels something slice the front of his neck. The sudden pain and force of the slash sends Randall tumbling down half of the stairs to where it turns. He lands beside Marcus, grasping his throat, as blood leaks out.

***Randall:*** *Fuck me--*

***Marcus:*** *RANDALL--*

Marcus reaches for his revolver, as he witnesses a man charging down the stairs at him. The man leaps forward, practically tackling Marcus to the ground. He begins to pound Marcus’ skull into the ground, until Marcus falls unconscious. The man stands up without a word, and begins to drag Marcus up the stairs. Randall lays against the ground, motionless, still holding onto his sliced open throat.

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**Scene #19**

**GARDEN CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT**

His eyes flicker open, as he glances around a dark room, dazed and confused. It’s almost completely silent in the room, the only noise being a faint dripping sound coming from somewhere. As MARCUS DOWNES starts to remember what happened, he tries to move, but then realizes that his hands are tied together behind a chair he’s seated on.

There’s suddenly footsteps ahead of him, walking through a wet floor. A face appears out of the darkness in front of Marcus - a man with greasy, long hair, a dirty face and unkempt beard. Yet there’s tears in the man’s eyes.

***Marcus:*** *Who are you…? Where’s my friend?*

***Adrian:*** *W-- who I am… IS… irrelevant. Why? Why did you do it? Why? Both of you?*

***Marcus:*** *Listen… whatever this is… I’m sure we can work something out.*

***Adrian:*** *No.*

ADRIAN MASON’s eyes suddenly fill with rage, as he lashes forward, grabbing Marcus by the throat.

***Adrian:*** *You have no idea. You have no idea what you’ve done to me. Do you even understand? Do you have any slight grasp of what you’ve done to me?*

***Marcus: (Struggling to speak)*** *I don’t… know… what you’re talking about.*

Adrian lets go of his neck, sliding his hand down to his shoulder. He digs his finger into his shoulder blade, causing slight pain.

***Adrian:*** *I don’t think you have to pretend anymore. Maybe - it’s your only way out of here. Out of your mess.*

***Marcus:*** *I don’t know what you’re talking about!*

***Adrian:*** *YOU-- STOP YOU FUCKING IDIOT!*

He drives his fist into Marcus’ jaw, dislocating it. Adrian steps back, as he looks down at his fist, covered in dried blood, scabs, and infected wounds.

***Marcus:*** *What… What happened here? What happened to… to you?*

***Adrian:*** *You must think I’m -- a crook because of this. Don’t you? A lousy crook? You have- no right. No right-- NONE. You saw - when you came in here. Don’t you remember? They were all such good people. We were a family. Can you even -- remember their names?*

***Marcus:*** *So… you lost your friends. You were a police officer… Who are all those dead people downstairs? Is that them?*

***Adrian:*** *Again. Again. Again. You’re going to keep doing that, aren’t you? You wanna pretend - you wanna pretend that all of this ISN’T you, right? That they just-- MAGICALLY ended up like this. I know. I saw you. I saw both of you when you came in. I’m gonna take you down for this. I’m going to.*

Adrian vanishes into the darkness behind him for a few seconds, until there’s a metallic dragging sound coming back towards Marcus.

***Marcus:*** *Again… I don’t know what you’re talking about - we can work this out. We can be civil--*

***Adrian:*** *Civil… I don’t think you have much of a say in - being civil. My friends… They don’t think so either. I’m sure.*

***Marcus:*** *Stop this.*

Adrian steps out of the dark again, this time carrying a lead pipe. He stops, staring Marcus dead in the eyes - almost looking afraid. Marcus’ eyes widen as he sees the pipe.

***Marcus:*** *Don’t do this.*

***Adrian:*** *Would you just please - say sorry? Please? Can you just say it?*

***Marcus:*** *Listen… I can tell that-- that you need help.*

***Adrian:*** *All you can do is - whine and pretend-- pretend like NONE OF THIS HAPPENED.*

***Marcus:*** *I can help you… I can.*

***Adrian:*** *Your idea of help is - disturbing. Just say sorry. Just say sorry. Now.*

***Marcus:*** *Where is my friend… I need to help him too…*

***Adrian:*** *You know what you did. YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID!*

***Marcus:*** *I DON’T KNOW WHAT I DID!*

***Adrian:*** *GOD DAMN YOU!*

Adrian slams the pipe down onto Marcus’ shoulder, snapping it.

***Marcus:*** *AGH--*

***Adrian:*** *SAY SORRY!*

***Marcus:*** *Fuck… you. You’re… a crazy son of a--*

Adrian glares at him, before he kicks Marcus and the chair over. Marcus is forced to look up at the ceiling now. He watches the lead pipe rise over him, and then smack down onto his chest. Adrian continues beating the lead pipe onto Marcus’ chest, breaking ribs. Marcus is forced to lay there in pain, taking each hit.

***Adrian:*** *PLEASE! PLEASE! I-- DON’T-- JUST SAY IT!*

***Marcus:*** *Hh---h---*

Adrian grits his teeth, staring down at Marcus with wide eyes. He lets out a guttural scream, before he goes completely silent.

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**Scene #20**

**MOTEL - PARKING LOT - AFTERNOON**

WILLIAM REYNES stands by the gate, looking out onto the road. He sighs, looking up at the sky for a moment.

***Jon:*** *Enjoying your vacation?*

William turns, surprised, as he lays eyes on JON MATTHEWS walking up to him.

***William:*** *Not entirely… I wish it were under better circumstances. I meant to come talk to you, actually.*

***Jon:*** *Well, here I am. Good a time as any.*

***William:*** *I don’t know where you stand on the whole situation, but… I’m sorry for dragging you into that mess the other night. I could’ve handled it a lot better than I did, but I wasn’t thinking too clearly.*

***Jon:*** *Huh. Well, that is some peak idiocy that I am willing to forgive. You really think you have to be sorry? I’d happily tie that noose and do it all again for free. If you regret what you did, don’t. An example had to be made. Nobody should have any sympathy for Jared. None. No matter how you spin it. Do I trust everyone here? Yeah, I do, except maybe Layton, that guy’s a little weird, a little sketchy, but I’m sure he’s harmless. Oh, and maybe the German guy, he creeps me the fuck out too, so - maybe making an example out of Jared wasn’t so bad. Listen to me for another minute, William. You took charge of this group when no one else would. You get credit for having taken everyone this far… That doesn't mean you get the blame when something beyond your control happens. Ultimately, people will look to you during times of crisis, when their own brains are scrambled and they are panicking like headless fucking chickens. I imagine that can be a lot of pressure, especially for someone like you, mister people pleaser, but people are so fucking quick to judge other people's dirty work. It's easy to when they themselves don't have to take responsibility like you. For all of that, and everything else, you have earned my respect, William. I don't say that lightly. If anyone wants to give you a hard time, go on ahead and direct them to me, I'd be happy to enlighten them.*

***William:*** *I really appreciate that. I wasn’t fully sure in myself that I made the right decision, but what I did had to be done… I didn’t want him putting anybody else under my care in harm’s way. And I sure as shit don’t plan on letting anybody else do it -- ever again.* ***(He extends his hand)*** *So - I’d like your help in… keeping everyone safe. There’s nobody better I can think of.*

Jon looks down at his hand, thinking for a second, before he shakes it.

***Jon:*** *Alright. I’m game. Consider it done.*

***William:*** *Thank you, Jon. Truly.*

***Jon:*** *Don’t thank me yet. Something tells me we’ve got a long few days ahead of us. We’re running out of food, and our ammo supply is almost entirely depleted. It won’t be long before those headless chickens start turning to you for answers again, but I have faith we can come up with something, not that faith was ever that important to begin with.*

***William:*** *Yeah. It’s about time we take our thumbs out of our asses, and leave this Jared problem in the dirt, where it belongs. We have bigger fish to fry.*

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

**Scene #21**

**MOTEL - KATE & MARCUS’ ROOM**

DEAN HOWARDS shuffles his way up to the door, knocking lightly. A few seconds pass until KATE BLOODSTONE opens the door.

***Kate:*** *Oh, Dean. Hello.*

***Dean:*** *Hey, Kate. I, uh--*

***Kate:*** *Come in, come in.*

***Dean:*** *Right.*

Dean stumbles inside, leaning against a cabinet once he’s in.

***Dean:*** *I wanted to talk about - well - our last talk. In the woods. I’m sorry I was so-- down. Or, just negative. I wanna bring things up. I’m tired of things having to be so - bad. I went back out there. I-- saw the zombies again. I noticed things- things that humanized them. To me. I realized-- that could be us… to some - extent. I spent so much time saying that things were so bad but none trying to help us. I don’t want us to end. So- I wanna really help out. I-- just wanted to say that.*

***Kate: (She smiles)*** *I’m… so happy to hear that, Dean. Seeing you be so down these last few weeks, it was really disheartening. I wanted to reach out and help, I just didn’t know how. But seeing you here, like this - it’s good. It’s really good.*

***Dean:*** *You didn’t have to do anything. I just appreciate that you talk to me. I, uh-- had a talk with Austin too. Came out there, saw me just sitting there. I guess he came out for the same reason as me. To think. Probably about - all of us. Mentioned that you were the heart of us. He shared a-- well, same sentiment as you. I made a shit joke, comparing us to an organ system, but despite how crap it is, it’s true. We all have got to work together to get through this. I can’t just scream and say nothing’ll work. I think everyone else feels the same.*

***Kate:*** *It’s been tough… without Albert around anymore. He was one of the purest of all. I… intend to stay true to him, to what he wanted to achieve.*

***Dean:*** *…Yeah. Jared--*

Dean stops himself, not wanting to speak of it anymore.

***Dean:*** *Just wish none of that happened.*

***Kate:*** *Me too, Dean. Me too.*

***Dean:*** *You spend-- so much time asking me if I’m okay, or helping me. I never ask you if you’re okay. Have you been - fine recently? I’m sorry, I’ve never reached out. It’s - selfish of me.*

***Kate:*** *I reached out to you because I knew you needed help. But I am okay, thank you. I just… moving forward… I really want to do my best to save people. I think about Brenden a lot, a young man who we would've never met if it wasn't for Albert convincing the group to go and save him. We have to do that more, we have to keep doing that. Human lives are rare to come by these days, especially on the road. But us? We're a strong bunch - a strong bunch who're capable of helping others and saving lives. I want to do that, to save lives so that, one day, when we finally find a place to settle down, a place where we can finally rest, we actually have people to inhabit it.*

***Dean:*** *Yeah-- Yeah, I’ll help you. I think Austin would too. If we - want somewhere to live. We’re gonna need community. It’s all that matters now.*

***Kate:*** *Then it’s settled. We’ll do just that. We’ll honour Albert, we’ll save lives, and we’ll do the right thing. We’ll never lose ourselves, as long as this group has each other.*

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**Scene #22**

**GARDEN CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT**

RANDALL FORSTER slowly opens his eyes, as he sits up with a gasp. He immediately touches his neck, feeling a scab there now. He looks around the dark stairwell, breathing heavily.

***Randall:*** *Marcus? Marcus?*

He gets up, grunting in pain, before he hurries up the stairs to the second floor.

***Randall:*** *Marcus? Marcus!*

He starts to jog down the hallway, opening up every door he passes by, looking in. His pace picks up as every door he opens turns out to be empty -- until he reaches the door at the end of the hall. He opens it, allowing a bit of light in from the windows. MARCUS DOWNES is seen in the middle of the room, still tied to the chair. His face is beaten to a pulp, and he’s unconscious.

***Randall:*** *Marcus!*

He rushes over to him, kneeling down.

***Randall:*** *Oh fuck, come on, wake up, we’re getting you out of here.*

ADRIAN MASON darts through the darkness towards Randall, a blade in his hand. He slices the blade across the back of Randall’s neck, not nearly as deep as the other slash - yet it still leaves a cut. Before Randall can even turn around to react, Adrian jams the blade into Randall’s side. Randall grunts, as he falls over, holding onto his side in pain.

***Adrian:*** *SAY WHAT YOU DID!*

***Randall:*** *Hhk--*

***Adrian:*** *I-- I didn’t want to do- ANY OF THIS! But you-- both of you. Look what you’ve done. Look at what you’ve done t-to them. ALL OF THEM! MY… God…*

Randall crawls backwards until he hits a wall, then slowly stands up.

***Randall:*** *Oh just… shut the fuck up you crazy!*

***Adrian:*** *GAH!*

Adrian runs at him, raising his blade, and plunging it into Randall’s shoulder. Randall yells in pain, as he headbutts Adrian back.

***Randall:*** *Leave me and my friend… the fuck alone!*

Adrian rushes at him again, yelling, punching Randall down. He then digs his hand into Randall’s side where he’d been stabbed, and starts pulling at his tissue.

***Adrian:*** *This - is for what you’ve done.*

***Randall:*** *AGHHH--*

Adrian lets go, stepping back in for a second, as he stares down at Randall.

***Randall:*** *What… the fuck are you talking about?*

Without answering, Adrian raises his knife again and charges Randall in rage, jamming the knife into his stomach. He tries dragging it across his stomach, attempting to disembowel the man. Feeling the slicing inside his stomach, Randall does the only thing he can think to do, and bites down onto Adrian’s arm, tearing out a chunk of it. Adrian’s eyes shoot open, as he lets go of the knife handle, stepping back. Blood starts to gush out of his arm.

***Adrian:*** *YOU-- STUPID FUCK! LOOK AT WHAT YOU’VE DONE NOW!*

Randall ignores him, as he weakly grabs at the knife still lodged in him. Seeing this, Adrian runs forward, kicking the knife deeper in. Randall screams, collapsing to the ground, defeated.

***Adrian:*** *God-- God, why? None of this - had to happen. None… I never wanted this - I didn’t want to do this. I just miss them. …Just say sorry?*

***Randall:*** *Sorry… sorry for… what?*

Adrian sighs, his lip quivering. He turns around, holding onto his bleeding arm.

***Adrian:*** *I’ll be back for you.*

He walks out of the room, as Randall lays there, bleeding. He looks over towards Marcus.

***Randall:*** *I’m sorry…*

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**Scene #23**

**WILLAMETTE STREETS - EVENING**

A pair of footsteps hurry down the alley, approaching RANDALL FORSTER. When Randall looks up, he sees CLAYTON FREEMAN standing over him.

***Randall:*** *Clay… I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I just wanted to do the right thing…*

***Clayton:*** *It’s okay to do the right thing if you still want to - you don’t give up, never give up even in the worst of things.*

Clayton grunts as he helps Randall up, beginning to walk him out of the alleyway towards his cruiser.

***Clayton:*** *Even if you’re about to die, you make sure if it’s what you really want, you make damn sure you do the right thing. You don’t let ANY of the obstacles get in your way -- you power through it. Even if there’s any obstacle, there’s always you and you have a power. That power is the ability to never back down, surrender or give up to get the right thing. You're one of the best fucking cops on the force and one of the best cops I know, and even with all the shit you get put through day in and day out, what is it that you do? You power through the shit to do the right thing even if it means making a sacrifice. You almost sacrificed your life today, man, and it was the right thing to do. And to also do the right thing you ALWAYS stay true to yourself like you showed today. If someone wants you to change into a thing, you don’t, you just stay true to yourself like I said, buddy.*

Clayton opens the passenger door, and sets Randall inside.

***Randall:*** *Thank you, man. I needed that. I really… really needed that.*

***Clayton:*** *Anytime, brother.*

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**Scene #24**

**GARDEN CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT**

***Randall:*** *Needed that…*

RANDALL FORSTER starts to crawl forward, grunting in pain at the knife still trapped in him. Eventually, he stops, and takes hold of the knife handle.

***Randall:*** *Fuck…*

He yanks the knife out in one go, yelling in pain as he does.

***Randall:*** *Fuck, fuck, fuck. I’m sorry, Marcus. I’m sorry. I’ll make this right. I’ll make this right.*

Randall slowly gets to his feet, struggling to do so.

***Randall:*** *I promise you, I’ll make this right. I promise.*

Randall stumbles towards the door, exiting the room, and entering the hallway. He staggers towards the stairwell, and when he gets there, he nearly falls down, but manages to hold on. Halfway down the stairs, he spots Marcus’ revolver laying on the ground where Adrian had first attacked them. Weakly, he bends over and picks it up, keeping it firmly in his hand. Randall continues until he reaches the bottom of the steps, then walks back down the hall, following the path they took when entering the building, until he arrives in the main lobby area. He stops in his tracks, as he hears something coming from across the room, hidden behind desks. Randall slowly starts to approach, beginning to hear someone speaking.

***Adrian:*** *I’m sorry I couldn’t do anything. I didn’t-- I wasn’t-- I couldn’t then. I tried… now. I tried. But- I don’t know if I can finish it. I don’t have… the guts. They- they don’t know. They can’t acknowledge. They lie, they-- they… I’m so sorry.*

Randall looks around a desk, where he sees ADRIAN MASON standing in front of one of the corpses, looking at it. He silently holsters the revolver.

***Adrian:*** *I-- can’t. I can’t do it. God… I’m so fucking sorry.*

***Randall:*** *I think… I understand now.*

Adrian’s head spins around, meeting Randall’s eyes. He starts to walk forward, but halts when he hears Randall.

***Randall:*** *Wait. Stop. Just - chill out… for a minute. We’ve done enough. You think… you think it was us… that killed your friends… It wasn’t. You’ve-- you’ve lost track of time, mate - we just got here. We were just… looking for ammo, that’s all. Really…* ***(He coughs)***

***Adrian:*** *You pretend-- you- you lie. I’m not crazy. I’m not crazy. It was you.*

***Randall:*** *My name is… Randall Forster. I was a police officer, too. I understand.*

Adrian goes silent, staring at him. His eye twitches.

***Adrian:*** *You… an officer?*

***Randall:*** *I am… Willamette, Colorado.*

Adrian continues staring at him, his eyes lightening up, as the slightest of smiles appears on his face.

***Randall:*** *My best friend was a police officer, too. And I… lost him. Just like you lost your friends.*

***Adrian:*** *--Mine too.*

Adrian looks down at his hands, starting to shake his head.

***Adrian:*** *Did I do this? What-- what happened here? Oh, God…*

***Randall:*** *I… I don’t know, man, but… listen to me… for just a minute.*

Randall steps forward slowly.

***Randall:*** *The truth is… this… I get what it’s like to lose your friends. My friend upstairs, my friends back home, the best friend I lost not so long ago. I’m only standing here, fighting the pain I feel right now… because of him, because of his memory, to honour him. I’m sorry… that this world broke you. I am.*

Randall starts to walk closer to him, keeping his hands visible, showing that he’s no threat.

***Adrian:*** *I’m-- so sorry. I didn’t want to hurt either of you-- I- I just wanted to-- Your friends… when you lost them. What… What did you do?*

***Randall:*** *I… I mourned them… felt sad that I'd lost them. But I learned that… mourning can't go on forever, because… that's like dying, too. You lose yourself, and just go still. If you mourn someone forever, and never get over losing them, you'll never be able to do anything with your life again. Funnily enough, I actually met my best friend's killer again… and at first… I felt nothing but hatred… but after seeing how much he'd changed, how much he was trying to atone for his crimes… I forgave him… and he became a valuable ally… who gave his life to save mine. There's… a chance to save everybody, I truly believe that. And now, instead of mourning them… I choose to honor them. Their memory, their last words, their ideals… so that they'll never truly be gone. They say that… a person is only really dead when nobody remembers them anymore.*

Adrian lowers his head, staring at the ground, as tears start to stream down his face.

***Adrian:*** *…I’ve been a fool. Why did I give up?*

He looks back at the corpse he was talking to -- seeing it filled with maggots, flies buzzing over it.

***Adrian:*** *…I just wanted to pretend. Maybe things were different.* ***(To Randall)*** *You didn’t deserve any of this. You or your friend. I-- I can patch you both up-- you- you can leave. I promise. I promise. I insist. I… can help you now. I can help.*

Randall nods slowly, as he extends a helping hand to him. Adrian freezes, staring at it. His face twitches--before he suddenly snaps, rushing forward, shoving Randall. He turns back, slamming his fist onto a table, sliding his forearm along it, knocking over the lamp, papers, pencils, everything. He grits his teeth, as he glares back at Randall. This goes on for a few seconds until Adrian stumbles backwards, hyperventilating. His eyes wander around the room.

***Adrian:*** *I don’t wanna hurt you anymore. I don’t wanna hurt you anymore. I -- I don’t, I don’t. I can’t-- I can’t stop.*

Adrian shakes his head, as more tears fall from his eyes. Randall frowns, as he steps closer to Adrian again, reaching one hand out to him, while his other hand discreetly slides behind his back.

***Adrian:*** *I don’t mean to hurt you. Please, I can help you-- I can help you. I’m… trying. You- you forgive me, right? You forgive me?*

***Randall:*** *I… forgive you.*

Adrian smiles slightly, as he seems to relax, lowering his guard.

***Adrian:*** *…Thank you. Thank you so much.*

Adrian looks at Randall’s extended hand with caution, hesitating before he reaches out to take it, softly.

***Randall:*** *I’m sorry.*

Randall’s other hand reveals itself, now holding Marcus’ revolver. He quickly points it at Adrian’s head and pulls the trigger. Adrian’s body lets go, slumping down behind a desk. There’s a slight wheeze behind the desk, before silence. Randall frowns, putting the revolver away. He looks behind the desk, seeing Adrian’s corpse facing down, blood leaking out of his head. He looks at one of his hands, and notices a box of cigarettes with the name ‘Adrian’ written on it. Randall bends down, picking it up. Written on the box is a note that simply reads:

*These are fucking BAD for you, kid! But, here’s to paying you back for all the times you got me some. Cheers.*

*Douglass.*

Randall slides the box into his pocket, as he stands back up.

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**Scene #25**

**GARDEN CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT - PARKING LOT - LATE AFTERNOON**

RANDALL FORSTER, now bandaged up, walks back out to the car, carrying one last box of ammo. He loads it into the trunk alongside several other ammo boxes and other supplies, before he walks around to the driver’s door, slowly getting in. He glances back at MARCUS DOWNES, who’s laying in the back seat, still passed out. Sighing, he starts the car, and pulls out of the parking lot.

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**Scene #26**

**WILLAMETTE POLICE DEPARTMENT**

Randall walks through the office, his face bandaged up, though a confident look rests on his face. As per usual, he enters the breakroom, heading straight for the donuts. SCOTTY BOYLE sips on a cup of coffee, watching him.

***Scotty:*** *Look who it is, the class clown. Morning, Randall. Gonna be working hard or hardly working?*

***Randall:*** *Shut up, Scotty. Prick.*

Scotty frowns, as Randall walks out of the room, moving onto the main office area. Almost immediately, JAMES GRAVES comes marching over to him.

***James:*** *Well look who decided to show up. Heh. You have a bad fall or something? You look like shit.*

***Randall:*** *Yeah, I had a bad fall alright. Hurt like hell. Luckily for me, Sergeant Freeman was there to pick me up, make sure I was doing just fine. And you know what, James, I’m glad you’re an arrogant prick. It makes me all the more happier that your wife sleeps with better men than you.*

***James:*** *Oh, here we go. Trying to be funny man again, huh? Is that it? I not teach you a lesson last night? You still think you’re some special cop, tryna bring me down with your shitty little accusations against my character? Pfft, you’re no cop, not really.*

***Randall:*** *I am a cop. I just… look out for the little guy is all. What matters to me most is doing the right thing, and if that means I’ll be helping old ladies across the street, and recovering broken bicycles… then I’m content with that. At least I have some real friends, unlike you and your band of junkies, right, James? Funny man, funny man.*

Randall pats him on the shoulder, as he walks away, leaving James fuming.

Randall heads outside, walking towards his police cruiser. As he’s walking towards it, his eyes look around the parking lot, and he notices a brand new Mercedes. He grins, looking around the parking lot to make sure it’s empty. He then gets inside his cruiser, starts it up, and reverses into the Mercedes, before driving off, a look of satisfaction on his face. He reaches for a radio, turning it on.

***Randall:*** *That’s me off on patrol now, Sergeant Freeman.*

Chief Inspector NICHOLAS BURNETT comes hurrying out into the parking lot, where he sees the state of his car.

***Nicholas:*** *Hey-- my - my CAR!*

He looks over towards a random woman on the street.

***Nicholas:*** *Did you see who did that?*

She shakes her head.

***Nicholas:*** *Oh, no, no, no!*

Randall drives off down the street.

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**Scene #27**

**KANSAS BACKROADS - EVENING**

EDWARD REMAR marches down the road, beginning to grow tired. SOLOMON REED trails along behind him, bored.

***Edward:*** *I’m beginning to wonder if we just happened to break down in a wasteland. Nothing for miles and miles and miles. - just these ugly looking trees - and I swear - they’re taunting me.*

***Solomon:*** *We’ve gotta be getting somewhere eventually. There’s just trees, trees and more trees. Don’t lose faith.*

***Edward:*** *Well, I admire your hopefulness, if anything.*

***Solomon:*** *Thank you. I think we’re getting somewhere, there can’t be much of ‘nothing’ left. At best it could be a gas station or a house.*

***Edward:*** *At this rate, I’ll take anything. Anything that isn’t endless torment.*

After a few more minutes of walking, Edward suddenly freezes, looking ahead. A farmhouse and barn hidden through the trees.

***Edward:*** *Solomon… you see it too?*

***Solomon:*** *Yeah. A farm.*

***Edward:*** *FINALLY!*

Edward sticks his middle finger up at the trees around him.

***Edward:*** *Come on, Solomon! Make haste!*

**Scene #27 Cont.**

**FARM - EVENING**

The two men emerge out of some bushes, stepping into an empty field, where they see the farmhouse and barn waiting for them.

***Edward:*** *Hah. I was beginning to worry we’d be stranded on the road by the time it was dark! But no! We pulled through, and here we are! A shitty farmhouse and a broken looking barn - but I’ll TAKE IT!*

***Solomon:*** *Maybe we should pick one building to search to get through things here quickly. I can search the barn and you search the farmhouse.*

***Edward:*** *Suits me. If you’re lucky, you’ll find something for the car. If I’m lucky, maybe I’ll find this is a good enough place to stay for the night.*

***Solomon:*** *Yeah, at best I’ll find a car part. And hopefully that’s true on the second part.*

Edward and Solomon walk off towards their chosen building. Solomon arrives in front of the barn, and tries to open the main doors - but they’re locked.

***Solomon:*** *I hate when people are smart.*

He turns, walking around the side of the building until coming across a ladder leading to an opening in the roof. He warily climbs up, slowly because of his prosthetic arm, but eventually makes it up. He narrows his eyes, hearing groans coming from inside. As he walks through the opening on the roof and onto the second floor, he looks down -- seeing at least twenty zombies all stumbling around inside the barn. He ignores them, and starts walking along the second floor, searching for anything of use-- when suddenly the wooden boards beneath him give out.

***Solomon:*** *SHIT!*

He falls through the boards, smacking his head on a piece of wood, before landing on a hay bale below. He grunts, slowly getting up, as he sees the zombies making their way towards him. Panicking, Solomon looks to his right, seeing a window. He begins to kick at the window as hard as he can, trying to break it open. Finally, he succeeds, and it shatters. With his head starting to bleed from the hit he took, Solomon crawls through the window, quickly grabbing a hay bale on the outside to try and block the window.

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**Scene #28**

**FARM - EVENING**

EDWARD REMAR limps through the house, looking around. When he enters the kitchen, he comes across a woman sitting at the dinner table, her head completely blown off, while a shotgun rests in her hands. He swipes the shotgun off her with a smile.

***Edward:*** *Yes. This will do nicely.*

He walks over to a cabinet, searching through the drawers, finding a box of shells. After packing them away into his bag, Edward heads back outside, walking towards the barn.

***Edward:*** *Well, Solomon? Did you find anything? Solomon!*

There’s no response.

***Edward:*** *I swear, if you make me climb this ladder just to come and ask you…! Fine!*

Edward grumbles, as he lays down his shotgun, and starts to climb up slowly, his crushed leg and cane in his hand not making it any easier for him. When he finally reaches the top, he hobbles inside, looking around, spotting the horde beneath him.

***Edward:*** *Solomon? Shit…*

Edward looks around, noticing a pitchfork leaning against the wall. He grabs it with his free hand.

***Edward:*** *So be it.*

Bravely, Edward abandons his cane, dropping it next to him. He then carefully lowers himself down to the ground level at a spot where there’s no zombies. He steps out into the open, facing the horde of zombies.

***Edward:*** *Bring it on.*

As the first zombie approaches him, Edward jabs the pitchfork into its face, killing it. He chuckles, blood splattering onto him, as he moves onto the next one, killing it with ease too. He continues to laugh, as he takes down one after another, until he starts to realize that he may have bitten off more than he can chew. He yells out, continuing to fight, as he’s backed up towards the two main barn doors. He turns his back, undoing the lock, and pushing open the doors, luring the rest of the zombies out into the open. Another zombie is killed, then another, and another. But then after Edward kills one more, its body falls forward onto him. Edward, with his bad leg, falls to the ground with it, becoming trapped under its body.

***Edward:*** *No, no - move you, BUFFOON!*

As Edward struggles to get the zombie off him, another zombie falls forward, getting impaled by the pitchfork. When the weight becomes too much, Edward desperately rolls to his side, escaping. He struggles to get back up, and when he does, he draws his knife as a last resort. Edward starts to stab zombie after zombie. He continues like this for the next minute, slashing and stabbing at the zombies until he takes down the last one. By the end of it, he’s covered in blood. Exhausted, he falls to the ground, too tired to even notice the group of three approaching him.

KURT KLEIN swaggers up to Edward, eyes fixated on him. He’s flanked by two people: MOLLY MASSEY, who looks down at Edward curiously, and LANDON KIMBER, who stares at Edward condescendingly with a cigar hanging from his lips.

***Kurt:*** *Wow… oh my.*

Kurt crouches down beside Edward, making direct eye contact.

***Kurt:*** *You are a real little psychopath, aintcha, pal?*