The Lives They Kill

***The Lives They Kill*** is the premiere episode of Season 1 and the premiere episode of A Story of Crime. It premiered on September 21, 2023 on ABC. It is the first of four episodes in the ***Thomas Avery Storyline***. It is the first episode overall. The episode received 4.23 million views on the night of its premiere, ranking 13 in Thursday night viewership.

## The Lives They Kill

### Writer

J. Vaughn
George Adams

### Director

J. Vaughn
D'Andre Royal

## Plot

In New York City, Detective Jones (J. Vaughn) begins his first case as a homicide detective in the 20th precinct with his new partner, Detective Aubrey Williams (Courtney Jackson). They investigate the untimely murder of teenage boy, Thomas Avery, and uncover a lot. Death, parties, suspects, and drama - Jones sure did pick a hell of a first day.

## Cast

### Main

* J. Vaughn as Detective Patrick Jones
* Courtney Jackson as Detective Aubrey Williams
* Brent McCognay as Sergeant Michael Turner
* Lisa Jacobs as Vanessa Johnson
* Dhruv Singh as Medical Examiner Sacha Patel
* Oscar Felipe as Assistant District Attorney Rodrigo Esteves
* John Field as James Heard

### Recurring/Guest

* Patricia Smith as Bethany Jones
* Lonnie Keith as Anthony Williams
* Luke Maxwell as Thomas Avery
* Richie Stevens as Mr. Avery
* Danielle Hunter as Mrs. Avery
* Emmanuel McClain as Damon Xavier
* Jada Campbell as Stacy Morris
* Dylan Erickson as Walt

## Episode

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

INT. – BUSY 20th PRECINCT – NIGHT

DETECTIVE PATRICK JONES, 31, is walking around the precinct with a box in his hand. He is looking around. A Black man. He was tall, around 6’7. He is wearing a grey sweatshirt with some blue jeans and his gun and badge on his right side of his waist. He was confused, this was like nothing he saw before.

JONES

Hello? Sergeant Michael Turner??

The precinct was in chaos and he finally found who he was looking for. SERGEANT MICHAEL TURNER, 50, spotted him and noticed him. He walked towards him. Turner was white with black/greying hair.

JONES (CONT’D)

Hi, Sergeant Turner? I am Detective Patrick Jones, the transfer from the Queens homicide unit?

TURNER

Yes, we spoke on the phone.

JONES

Yes.

TURNER

You chose one heck of a first day. I apologize, but this introduction is going to be quick. There was just a call and we need to be there ASAP. A teenager fell from a balcony. I’ll introduce you to your partner.

Jones nods but Turner doesn’t notice. Turner begins looking around.

TURNER (CONT’D)

Williams! Over here.

DETECTIVE AUBREY WILLIAMS, 31, quickly walks towards them, confused. Williams was a pretty black woman with her long hair in a bun.

WILLIAMS

Yes, Sergeant. Who’s this?

TURNER

Your new partner. Patrick, this is Detective Aubrey Williams. Aubrey, this is Detective Patrick Jones.

WILLIAMS

Hi there. Pleasure to meet you.

JONES

Likewise.

They finish shaking hands and Jones begins to ask questions.

JONES (CONT’D)

Sergeant, where do you want us to be?

TURNER

The Ronald Evergreene building in Brooklyn. Apparently someone fell from a balcony there.

WILLIAMS

Oh my, let’s go, Patrick.

JONES

We’re on it, boss.

Jones and Williams rush to the location. As Jones is driving, he turns on the sirens and introduces himself to Williams.

INT./EXT. – CAR – NEW YORK CITY STREET - NIGHT

JONES (CONT’D)

So, I am Patrick. I want to get to know you more, but let’s answer this call first.

WILLIAMS

We can do that once we we’re back at the station.

JONES

You work a case like this before?

WILLIAMS

Not really, in this sake. To be fair, we don’t even know if it was murder.

JONES

You right, you right. It could be accidental or suicide? I mean he was a teenager. Suicide is common around his age, sadly. Teenagers also cause accidents, too.

WILLIAMS

It’s really unfortunate.

The detectives arrive at the scene.

EXT. – CRIME SCENE AT THE EVERGREENE BUILDING – NIGHT

Paramedics and police vehicles are there at the scene. Many of the residents were in their nightwear and looking at everything that happened. Jones looks to his left and sees the new interviewing residents.

JONES

Shit, you’ve got to be kidding me. The news is here.

WILLIAMS

Damn it. Let’s go see our victim.

Jones and Williams look at the corpse. They look at his license. 17-year old Thomas Avery.

WILLIAMS

Our John Doe is named Thomas Avery.

JONES

17 years old? This isn’t good. This really isn’t good.

They look at the corpse one last time, then look at each other.

WILLIAMS

This will be a lot of problems.

FADE OUT FOR THEME SONG:

--THEME SONG SEQUENCE PLAYS—

JONES

Aubrey, look over there.

They find a couple crying. They quickly walk up to them. They pull out their badges.

JONES

Hi there. We’re NYPD Detectives Aubrey Williams and Patrick Jones, she’s Williams, I’m Jones. What happened here?

Thomas’ MOM and DAD, both 46, are sniffling. His dad speaks up first, with tears rolling down his eyes. The Avery family was Black with ancestry from the Caribbean islands.

MR. AVERY

Well, our-our. Oh my- oh my-. Our son fell off the balcony. We were asleep and-

WILLIAMS

Hey, it’s okay. We are so sorry for your loss.

MRS. AVERY

How could this ha-oh.

Mr. Avery puts his hand on his wife’s shoulder to comfort her. He looks back at the detectives.

MR. AVERY

I’m Jackson Avery, this is my wife, Alissa. Our son Thomas- he- this is unreal.

JONES

I am sorry. There are no words that my partner and I can say that will make this any better.

MR. AVERY

You’re right. I can’t- oh my- our younger children are- they’re asleep. They don’t even know they lost their-

WILLIAMS

Hey, you must stay calm. For your son.

MR. AVERY

Thank you, detective.

JONES

Well, then whenever you’re ready. We’ll go talk to some of the other officers on the scene.

MRS. AVERY

Wait! We’re ready.

Williams shoots Jones a sad look.

JONES

Okay, ma’am. What happened?

MRS. AVERY

Well, my husband and I were asleep. When it happened. We woke up to the sounds of fighting or yelling.

Jones looks at Williams.

WILLIAMS

(confused)

Fighting?

MR. AVERY

Yes, detective. We heard some brawling just before it happened. But that could have easily be the residents trying to see what happened.

JONES

How do you think he died?

MRS. AVERY

We don’t think it was suicide. He was the happiest ever. He’d never do that to himself, especially after he scored the girl of his dreams.

JONES

What’s her name?

MR. AVERY

Stacy. Stacy Morris, they were dating for 3 months before he died. They were in love.

Mr. Avery let out a sad chuckle.

MR. AVERY (CONT’D)

They reminded me of Alissa and I. So happy.

JONES

What was Thomas like as a person?

MRS. AVERY

(sniffling)

The most pleasant person you could be around. He was popular, the football captain. The greatest son, the greatest brother and friend.

MR. AVERY

We don’t know what he was doing here.

WILLIAMS

What do you mean?

MR. AVERY

He went over for a sleepover, at his friend Damon’s house. We were set to pick him up tomorrow morning.

JONES

What is his full name?

MRS. AVERY

Damon Xavier. He lives in Queens.

JONES

Do you think he lied? Maybe went somewhere else?

MRS. AVERY

Obviously, it’s just confusing. He’d never lie to us.

WILLIAMS

Did he have any foes?

MR. AVERY

Of course not. He was respectable, responsible, he really loved this world, even with how corrupt it is. I mean unless he lied about having bullies, then I guess he did have foes. But I really doubt it. He was tall, muscular teenage build.

JONES

The commotion you heard earlier. Do you think that may have been him fighting from trying not to fall off the balcony?

MRS. AVERY

Honestly, I am not even sure. Violence is common around this neighborhood, unfortunately.

JONES

How common?

MRS. AVERY

(MORE)

Very. There’s always gunshots going off, people being attacked. It isn’t safe. The local police here try their best, but they’re not very effective.

WILLIAMS

Our team is, don’t you worry. My partner and I will go to some of the officers on the scene. We’ll also talk to some of your neighbors.

MR. AVERY

Thank you both so much.

JONES

You’re welcome. Let’s go, Aubrey.

The detectives head over to a group of officers writing notes. One of the officers noticed them. He was Mexican.

JONES (CONT’D)

Hi, Detectives Williams and Jones, she’s Williams and I’m Jones. What have y’all gathered so far?

OFFICER

Hey, Officer Alexander. We spoke to all of the residents and gathered some intel from what they knew. Apparently two heard our victim yell “mom and dad”.

WILLIAMS

Really? Did either of them come out to check?

OFFICER

Well, one of them did. But he heard from the floor above his apartment, so he was too late. He heard them fighting, sounded like Thomas and another person he couldn’t identify.

JONES

So, here’s my theory. Thomas lies to his parents, leaves his friend’s house, comes back here, gets into a fight, then- well, this.

WILLIAMS

You may be right, Patrick. We need to figure out where he really went and figure out who he was fighting. We’ll have to interrogate a lot of people.

OFFICER

Precisely, detective. M.E Patel is just over there. He started conducting a mini autopsy.

WILLIAMS

Awesome.

Williams turns to Jones.

WILLIAMS (CONT’D)

He works at our precinct. I’ll introduce you two.

Jones and Williams arrive to Patel. M.E SACHA PATEL, 43, notices the two and walks up to them. He was an average heighted guy and wore his Forensic clothes. Patel’s parents immigrated from India to New York City in the early 70s.

PATEL

Hey, Detective. Who is this?

JONES

Hi, I’m Detective Patrick Jones. I just transferred to your precinct.

PATEL

Ah, well welcome to the 2-0. I am Medical Examiner Sacha Patel. I just finished conducted a brief examination of Thomas’ body. If you’ll allow me.

WILLIAMS

Of course, M.E Patel.

PATAL

Thank you, I got some DNA samples of his spit, I’ll examine that at my lab back at the precinct. He had some big bruises on his chest and legs, I’ll see whose DNA it is. This corroborates with the theory of him getting into a fight.

JONES

It does.

PATEL

Anyway, I need to finish my examination in the lab so I can do a better autopsy. He also had a large crack at the back of his skull, but uh- we unfortunately know how.

WILLIAMS

He was so young, how unfortunate. We’ll meet you back at the station, Sach.

PATEL

Okay, detective. I’ll stay here and try getting a little bit more samples. It was a pleasure meeting you, Patrick.

JONES

Likewise. Aubrey, let’s report back to Turner.

WILLIAMS

Yes, he’d love to hear this. You drive.

JONES

Of course. Let’s get going.

Jones and Williams leave the crime scene and enter their unmarked police cruiser.

FADE OUT FOR COMMERCIAL:

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

INT./EXT. – CAR – NIGHT

Jones and Williams are in their car driving on a New York street, heading the 20th precinct. Jones begins to speak.

JONES

How long have you been an officer?

WILLIAMS

(looks up)

What?

JONES

How long you been an officer?

WILLIAMS

7 years.

JONES

Oh wow, same here. How do you feel about all of this?

WILLIAMS

It’s sad. What we see? No one sees this on a daily basis.

JONES

You’re right. We have a lot of responsibilities. We can’t give up.

WILLIAMS

Well said. You and I will have a great partnership.

JONES

(chuckles)

I hope so.

WILLIAMS

You from here?

JONES

I was born here, in Brooklyn. But when I was five, my family and I moved to Manhattan after my mom died.

WILLIAMS

I’m sorry to hear that.

JONES

Do you know the company ‘Comfort Maker’?

WILLIAMS

Yeah. Bought from them before. One of the biggest companies in the US.

JONES

My dad’s the founder and CEO.

WILLIAMS

Oh. Wow.

JONES

He started it a year before I was born. He could’ve definitely used a better name.

WILLIAMS

I agree.

JONES

He’s a great man, my father. He just- because of his job, I hardly got to see him when I was younger. Damn, come to think of it, I hardly see him now.

WILLIAMS

That must suck for you.

JONES

Nah, I’ve gotten used to it.

Jones slows the car down at a red light. He looks at Williams.

JONES (CONT’D)

Honestly. I feel that if he was in my life a little bit more, I would’ve had a better childhood.

WILLIAMS

How come, if you don’t mind me asking?

JONES

I don’t. He remarried when I was 7. I’m the oldest of 3 children. My old stepmom was a witch. Abusive, verbally and physically. It made me bitter.

WILLIAMS

Oh my. I’m sorry.

The light turns green and Jones gets the car moving again.

JONES

Thank you. Well, enough about me. What’s your upbringing?

WILLIAMS

My mother, Debra, is a doctor, my father, Sam, was a veteran fought in the Vietnam war when he was 19. I had a difficult childhood myself.

JONES

Damn, I’m sorry.

WILLIAMS

We lost our home once. It was a troubling time. My parents worked 2 jobs just to be able to rent an apartment.

JONES

Not everyone is perfect.

WILLIAMS

Mhm. One day, I walked back home from school and- I saw my father get mugged. Guy shot him dead.

JONES

Aubrey, that’s horrible. I’m so sorry.

WILLIAMS

I think that’s what fueled me to become a police officer. To prevent people from going through what I had to.

JONES

That’s wonderful. That was- is my goal too. My teenage years were-

Jones pauses before he continues.

JONES (CONT’D)

I-. I don’t want to talk about it anymore. Let’s just say it was difficult.

WILLIAMS

Our job isn’t to focus on the past. It’s to focus on what is currently in front of us.

Jones nods in agreement.

WILLIAMS (CONT’D)

I’m married. Wonderful man, his name is Anthony. Two children together.

JONES

That’s nice to hear. I’m married myself, her name is Bethany. We don’t have any offspring.

Williams chuckles.

JONES

I really love her. I wish I was a dad. Being able to walk my kid down the street to school. Be the loving father I hardly had.

WILLIAMS

Why don’t you have children?

JONES

My job. Her job. She’s a former officer, that’s how we met. She retired when we got married. Going on six years, this November.

Jones continues to drive.

JONES (CONT’D)

She became an interior designer. She’s really good at it too.

(sighs deeply)

I hardly see her.

WILLIAMS

It’s the same thing with my husband. Our job is one of the most hardest. All of the time we’re at work. The stress, the paperwork.

JONES

We need to continue to stay strong.

Jones stops the car. They are now at the precinct.

JONES (CONT’D)

Here we are. Let’s head in, partner.

WILLIAMS

Gladly.

Jones and Williams exit the car and enter the precinct building.

INT. – SGT. TURNER’S OFFICE – 2 AT NIGHT

Jones and Williams enter Turner’s office. He has a cup of coffee on his desk and his laptop open.

TURNER

(looks up from laptop)

Ah, Detective Jones and Williams. How did it go?

JONES

Sergeant. We managed to get to the crime scene. Our victim is Thomas Avery, 17. Popular kid. Football star.

TURNER

Such a young person.

WILLIAMS

Yeah. We managed to talk to his parents. He had a girlfriend. He lied to them about heading to his friend’s house for a sleepover.

TURNER

His friend’s name?

JONES

Damon Xavier. Lives somewhere in Queens.

TURNER

We’ll get our hacker to find him. Oh, that reminds me. Vanessa!!

VANESSA JOHNSON, 28, walks into Turner’s office. She had on a purple top and blue jeans. Vanessa’s parents were both mixed.

VANESSA

Yes, Sergeant?

TURNER

I’d like you to meet the newest addition to our precinct, Detective Patrick Jones. Patrick, this is Vanessa Johnson, an intelligence officer.

VANESSA

Nice to meet you.

JONES

It’s a pleasure.

VANESSA

Hey, Bri.

WILLIAMS

Hey, Van.

JONES

Vanessa, we need you to locate Damon Xavier, he’s friends with our victim. He lives in Queens somewhere.

VANESSA

Thanks. Okay, Patrick. I’m on it.

JONES

Awesome, thank you.

Vanessa gave a slight wave and left the office.

JONES (CONT’D)

M.E. Patel is gathering some other samples before bringing the body here.

TURNER

All right. Sacha is a skilled medical examiner. One of the best New York’s ever seen. You’ll be getting to know a lot of our superstars, Patrick.

JONES

Great to know.

TURNER

Speaking of which, you also need to meet Detective James Heard. Skilled, one of our best. Heard!! In here now!!

DETECTIVE JAMES HEARD, 36, walks into the office with some files in his hand. Heard was white and had brown hair. He wore a classy suit.

HEARD

Yes, Sergeant?

TURNER

Meet Detective Patrick Jones, here. He’s our newest addition, transfers from the Queens Homicide Unit.

HEARD

Oh.

(his eyes light up)

The Detective Jones?

JONES

You’ve heard of me?

HEARD

Yes, I heard of one of your successes solving that one serial killer crime. And you’re the son of Paul Jones, one of the biggest businessmen of the year?

JONES

Ah. Well, yeah. It’s great meeting you. I look forward to work together on this case.

HEARD

Great. Sergeant?

TURNER

Yes?

HEARD

Can you fill me in on our case?

TURNER

Our victim is Thomas Avery, 17 years old.

HEARD

No.

WILLIAMS

Yes. Popular, he was a major football player at his school. He fell of the balcony, about maybe an hour ago? We think he got into a fight with someone and slipped off.

HEARD

You’re kidding? What do you need me to do?

TURNER

Well, you can go pick up Damon, Thomas’ friend, once Vanessa gets the results of where he lives. In the meantime, go prepare Interrogation room B.

HEARD

On it, Sergeant.

JONES

Do you need us to do anything?

TURNER

Has the news found out?

JONES

Yep. They were also interviewing some of his neighbors.

TURNER

Damn. Let’s hope they haven’t leaked his name yet.

JONES

Mhm.

WILLIAMS

We need to also find his girlfriend, Stacy Morris. They were close.

TURNER

So, Damon and Stacy are currently our people of interest. We need to figure out where Thomas really went. Party, maybe?

JONES

That’s one factor. Common for a teen. But he definitely lied about not going to his friend’s place for a sleepover.

WILLIAMS

That’s for sure.

TURNER

We got this, you two. Soon as we find Damon, the sooner this case will be solved.

JONES

Yes.

TURNER

In the meantime, I will get Francis, our lead Technology Expert to look for Stacy in our records.

JONES

Okay, Sergeant.

TURNER

Go see if Detective Heard is finished with cleaning the interrogation room.

WILLIAMS

All right, we’re on it.

TURNER

Before I forget, I wanted to let you both know that Heard and I will pick up and interrogate Stacy once we find her, you two will get Damon.

JONES

Okay.

Jones and Williams leave Turners’ office and head to interrogation room B.

INT. – INTERROGATION ROOM B – NIGHT

Jones and Williams open and close the door of the interrogation room. Heard looks up.

HEARD

Oh, hey. I was just about to let you know I was finished.

JONES

Great.

WILLIAMS

Vanessa should be done by-

The detectives quickly look to their right as they see Vanessa barge into the Interrogation Room. She has a smile on her face.

JONES

Woah. Great timing, Aubrey. Impressive.

VANESSA

I found Damon! He lives at the Southern Hedges Apartment 8-J, in Queens of course.

JONES

Vanessa, you are a genius!

VANESS

(smiles)

Thank you, Patrick. It is my job.

WILLIAMS

If you also have time, can you search for Stacy Morris? She was Thomas’ girlfriend.

VANESSA

No problem. I’ll do that now. Y’all better leave now before the news leaks the murder.

JONES

You’re right, the last thing we’d need is for Damon to attempt to run away or worse. Let’s go.

Jones and Williams rush to their car. Jones opens Williams’ door then his.

WILLIAMS

What a gentleman.

JONES

Of course, now let’s head to Damon. Let’s hope he’s home.

WILLIAMS

And that he’s awake.

EXT. – DAMON’S FRONT DOOR – NIGHT

Williams knocks on Damon’s front door. She knocks one more time. After a couple of minutes go by, an ELDERLY WOMAN, 71, opens it. She had on glasses.

ELDERLY WOMAN

Hello, how may I help you.

WILLIAMS

Hi. We’re NYPD Detectives Jones and Williams, he’s Jones, I’m Williams. Is Damon here?

ELDERLY WOMAN

Damon? Yes, he is. He’s my grandson. Come in.

She lets Jones and Williams inside.

ELDERLY WOMAN

He’s staying with me while his parents are out of town in Cuba. They’re special doctors and apparently there’s a health issue there. They’ve been gone for a few months.

JONES

How formidable.

ELDERLY WOMAN

Now, what’s this all about?

Jones makes sure his voice is quiet. He wants everything calm.

JONES

Well, you’ll hear it from the news anyway. Thomas Avery, Damon’s friend, he- he died tonight. He fell off his apartment’s balcony.

ELDERLY WOMAN

Oh, dear. That’s horrible to hear.

WILLIAMS

It is.

ELDERLY WOMAN

Why is Damon involved with this? Is he under arrest or something?

JONES

No, not at all. We need to ask him some questions. Apparently Thomas may have been with him in the hours before his death. Did Thomas come over?

ELDERLY WOMAN

He did, but then he left. Said his mom called him and needed him home. Damon’s been in his room since that.

WILLIAMS

Are you sure?

ELDERLY WOMAN

Positive.

JONES

Okay, thank you.

Jones and Williams knock on Damon’s door. There was no answer. They knock again. There was still no answer. They knocked one more time, same thing again.

Jones decided to open the door. Damon was missing. Where was he?

INT. – DAMON’S ROOM - NIGHT

JONES

Damon??!!

WILLIAMS

Damon, are you here??

Damon’s elderly grandmother walks in. She is confused and upset.

ELDERLY WOMAN

What in the world?

(worried)

Where is my grandson?

JONES

He sure ain’t here.

Keys can be heard entering the front door. A teenager walks in looking a little rough. It’s DAMON XAVIER, 17. He gets confused.

ELDERLY WOMAN

What the hell are you doing out so late?!

DAMON

Nothing. I promise. But. Yo, Grandma, who these people?

JONES

Hi, I’m Detective Jones and this is my partner, Detective Williams. We’re NYPD.

DAMON

Oh. Why are you here?

JONES

There’s no easy way to say this. We have some bad news for you.

Damon gets an even more confused look on his face.

JONES (CONT’D)

You’re friend, Thomas? He-he fell off on a balcony in his building.

DAMON

(gets sad)

What??

WILLIAMS

He- he died.

Damon begins to cry. Williams and Jones walk up to him to comfort him.

JONES

We’re so sorry, Damon.

WILLIAMS

We know you were close.

DAMON

We were bros. Tell me this is fake. TELL ME THIS IS FAKE!!!

All three adults grow shocked looks on their faces.

WILLIAMS

Sweetheart, I’m afraid it’s not.

JONES

We’re so sorry. We’ll avenge his death, we’ll get him justice. Just let us do our job.

DAMON

How? How can you get him justice?!

JONES

First, we’ll need your help. If you can come with us back to the precinct, you’d be a great help.

DAMON

First my friend DIES. Now I need to go to a police station?! Well, fuck it. Okay.

ELDERLY WOMAN

Damon, watch your language. We do not swear in this house.

DAMON

I’m sorry.

ELDERLY WOMAN

I know. Please keep him safe.

JONES

Ma’am, you may come too, if you’d like.

ELDERLY WOMAN

I would love to come, but my doctor advises me not to stay up so late. As you can see, I’ve already sort of broke that. I’m sorry.

WILLIAMS

That’s absolutely fine. We’ll bring him back soon.

JONES

Let’s go.

CUT TO:

INT. – INTERROGATION ROOM B – NIGHT

TURNER

I’ll be watching behind glass. Make sure you find out everything you need.

WILLIAMS

Of course, Sergeant.

Turner leaves the room and Jones and Williams gesture for Damon to sit down. Jones begins.

JONES

Let’s properly introduce ourselves first, I’m Detective Patrick Jones and this is my partner, Detective Aubrey Williams. Damon, what is your full name?

DAMON

Damon Jordan Xavier.

JONES

Okay. First, I really need to ask this. Why were you home so late?

DAMON

Uh. Well. Please don’t tell my grandma.

WILLIAMS

What happened?

DAMON

Well, Thomas told his parents that he’d stay for a sleepover at my house. He didn’t.

Jones and Williams briefly look at each other, then back at Damon.

JONES

Where’d he go then?

DAMON

He did actually come over. But not for a sleepover. After his parents left and my grandma fell asleep, we left for a party.

WILLIAMS

How’d you do that.

DAMON

Well, I had closed my door and put up a do not enter sign. My grandma never enters, she normally thinks I’m just asleep or mastur- nothing.

JONES

So, you used that to your advantage?

DAMON

Yeah. We left the apartment, locked the door, then went down to the lobby and called an Uber.

WILLIAMS

Lot of money for teenagers to be spending, huh?

Damon scoffs.

DAMON

Depends on what teenager it is.

WILLIAMS

I see. Where was this party located?

DAMON

Huge penthouse in the Upper West Side. We’re friends with the guy who threw it.

JONES

What’s his name?

DAMON

That’s not important.

JONES

It is. What it is?

DAMON

I can’t say.

WILLIAMS

Why not?

DAMON

I don’t want to throw away his anonymity.

JONES

Look, Damon. We’re trying to find your best friend’s killer. We need you to help by cooperating with us? You want that right?

DAMON

I do. But he made us swear not to give away his name.

JONES

How’d he do that?

DAMON

He just said he’d make sure to tell rumors at school.

JONES

No one at school knows his name? I’m having hard time believing that.

DAMON

His parents are mega-loaded. He pays the principal and teachers to keep silent.

WILLIAMS

Please. Help us out. Rumors aren’t important in this case. In this case, a boy- your best friend- has died. We don’t give a damn on what he asked of you.

Damon gets little embarrassed in front of the detectives.

DAMON

Ronaldo Sanchez. That’s his name.

Jones writes it down in his notebook.

JONES

How do this parties go? Is there any drinking or sex going-

DAMON

No!

Jones and Williams look at each other.

WILLIAMS

Honey, you don’t need to lie to us. Back at the apartment, you reeked of alcohol and you looked-

Williams stares all over Damon.

WILLIAMS (CONT’D)

Excuse me, look rough.

DAMON

Well, I didn’t drink…that much.

JONES

Yeah, sure. How long did you know Thomas?

DAMON

Oh man. Since the beginning of time. Kindergarten. The first friend I ever made there. We were so close, still are-were. Then we both got popular, we did basketball, soccer, football.

A tear sheds from Damon’s left eye.

DAMON (CONT’D)

I’m gonna miss.

JONES

We know. It’ll be okay. When did you two arrive at that party?

DAMON

Around 5, that’s when it started.

JONES

You were partying that long?

DAMON

Yeah. Ronaldo’s parties are the best. And they’re pretty long.

JONES

When did Thomas leave?

DAMON

Around twelve.

WILLIAMS

Why’d he leave?

DAMON

He got into a fight.

Jones looks at Williams.

JONES

With who?

DAMON

This kid, Donald.

JONES

What happened between them for that to start?

DAMON

Thomas had accidentally spilled some beer on Donald’s new Gucci shirt.

(chuckles)

Thomas whooped his ass. But he left the party to cool off.

JONES

Then what happened?

DAMON

(frowns)

I’m guessing that’s when he got home and- sealed his fate.

WILLIAMS

Do you think it’s connected. Do you think Donald may have…did it?

DAMON

Nah, I doubt that. Donald is a punk in reality. That’s why he didn’t win. He’s a jerk but he wouldn’t have done it, he’s a pussy.

JONES

Well…we see. Thank you for telling us all of this. You can go now, do you need a ride?

DAMON

Yes, please.

JONES

Aubrey, don’t worry. I’ll take him. I’ll be back.

DAMON

Thank you, detectives. Please find out who killed my bestie.

WILLIAMS

Oh, we will. Do not forget that.

JONES

Yes, do not. Let’s go.

Jones and Damon leaves the interrogation room.

FADE OUT FOR COMMERCIAL:

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

INT. – HALL - NIGHT

Turner and Heard are interrogating STACY MORRIS, 17, the girlfriend of Thomas in the Interrogation room. On the other side of the wall Jones and Williams are watching.

JONES

You think she was at the party?

WILLIAMS

She had to have been. How’d it go dropping off Damon?

JONES

It was hard. He was telling me about some of Thomas’ greatest moments. Poor kid broke down. I made sure that he got in safely.

WILLIAMS

In the very short time we’ve been partners, I must say that you’re amazing, Jones.

Jones was surprised at what she said.

WILLIAMS

Don’t let anyone let you think differently.

JONES

I never will.

RODRIGO ESTEVES, 34, the ADA working the case comes up. He’s wearing a suit and looks through. Esteves’ mother was from Chihuahua, Mexico. His father was from California and the family moved to New York City in 2001.

JONES (CONT’D)

Who are you?

ESTEVES

Hi there, I’m ADA Rodrigo Esteves. You must be the famous Patrick Jones?

JONES

I wouldn’t say famous, but yeah. It’s great meet you.

Jones and Esteves shake hands.

ESTEVES

Hello, Aubrey.

WILLIAMS

Rodrigo.

ESTEVES

How did the interrogation with Damon go?

JONES

All right. It was just sad for him. Us too, if I’ll admit. Poor kid was only 17…

ESTEVES

Yes. We need to get him justice.

CUT TO:

INT. – INTERROGATION ROOM A – NIGHT

STACY

I cannot believe this.

TURNER

We’re sorry, Stacy.

HEARD

Would you like any water or hot cocoa or some tea?

STACY

In September? No. I’m fine, I just-

Stacy begins to cry. Heard hands her a box of Kleenex. She wiped her tears away, but then started crying again.

STACY (CONT’D)

What else do you need to ask me?

HEARD

Were you at a party tonight?

STACY

Yes, I was invited. Thomas and his friend, Damon were too.

TURNER

Was there any underage drinking or smoking?

STACY

Not smoking, but yes…there was drinking. I didn’t drink, Thomas hardly drank. He only had I think- 2 cups of beer. He spilled the 2nd cup accidentally on this jerk, Donald.

TURNER

Hmm.

STACY

Would I be arrested for this?

HEARD

No, you won’t. But we do advise you to not do such a thing again or you could be arrested.

STACY

Of course.

HEARD

Was anyone making out or having sex?

STACY

Most definitely. The host’s apartment is huge. His parents are out of town.

TURNER

Did you and Thomas do any of these activities?

Stacy begins looking embarrassed.

STACY

Well, yes. We were making out and then one thing led to another we went into a guest room and had sex.

HEARD

Oh my.

TURNER

When did Thomas leave?

STACY

After he spilled his drink. He left around 12.

TURNER

We see. How happy was your relationship?

STACY

He was the most wonderful person ever. He really listened to me, helped with all of my insecurities and relationship anxieties.

Stacy breaks down again.

HEARD

Don’t worry, Stacy. We’re done. We’ll find the killer, okay?

STACY

O-o-okay.

TURNER

Heard, may you please make sure she heads home safely?

HEARD

Of course.

Heard and Stacy exit the room as Jones, Williams, and Esteves enter.

TURNER

Oh, well I see you’ve met ADA Esteves, Detective Jones?

JONES

Yes, Sarge. How did it go in here?

TURNER

As you’d expect: sad. She finds out about her lover’s death and it’s just downhill from there.

ESTEVES

This is going to be a long case, huh?

JONES

Definitely. We need to keep our heads on a swivel then.

TURNER

I agree.

Williams’ phone chimes. She looks at it with dismay.

WILLIAMS

The news has leaked his name. The news has given a story on his death.

ESTEVES

Oh, shit…

JONES

Well, it was gonna happen anyway. Let’s not let it distract us. We need to also find that Ronaldo kid, he may know something.

TURNER

Don’t forget Donald, he may not be involved, but I have a feeling he’ll know something too.

WILLIAMS

We have many leads.

ESTEVES

Yes.

TURNER

Everyone, you can go home. We’ll reconvene in my office later on. Get a good night’s rest. Jones, Williams. I’m going to have you two conduct surveillance on Thomas’ building. I’ll have Heard look at the Sanchez apartment.

WILLIAMS

Okay, Sergeant.

Jones and Williams leave Turner’s office and go home. Jones takes his unmarked police cruiser and Williams takes her.

CUT TO:

INT. – JONES’ APARTMENT – NEAR SUNRISE

Jones unlocks his door and enters his spacious apartment. He looks at a large portrait of him with his wife, Bethany. He shows a smile and sighs.

BETHANY, 31, steps out of their bedroom to see what the noise was. She was wearing a pink robe and sighed when she was Jones.

BETHANY

Phew, it’s just you. Hey, babe.

JONES

Why, hello.

Jones and Bethany kiss.

BETHANY

How was work today?

JONES

Stressful. As you know I just began at the 20th precinct, I like it so far. I just don’t like the case I’m working on.

BETHANY

How come?

JONES

We just started the case of a murder on a teenage boy. Thomas Avery, that’s his name. He fell off a balcony of the apartment building. It’s on the news everywhere, apparently.

BETHANY

Oh, I imagine his parents are finding it hard?

JONES

Yeah, my partner, Aubrey, and I had asked them some questions. They were destroyed, it was sad to watch.

Bethany puts her head on Jones’ shoulder.

BETHANY

That’s what makes me happy I retired from police work. I could never handle seeing people sad.

JONES

I know, baby. It’s just important I do this.

BETHANY

I know, that’s who you are: a fighter. I won’t lie, one good thing did come out of it though.

JONES

What?

BETHANY

Our relationship and marriage.

JONES

Oh, you.

Jones and Bethany cuddle on their couch.

JONES

I have to go to bed, my new sergeant wants me to surveil Thomas’ apartment.

BETHANY

Okay, let’s head back to bed.

Bethany holds Jones’ hand and leads him back to their room.

FADE OUT FOR COMMERCIAL:

END OF ACT THREE

ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

INT. – AUBREY’S APARTMENT – NEAR SUNRISE

Williams enters her apartment and finds her husband, ANTHONY, 33, asleep on their couch. She smiles and kisses his head. She then heads to her twins, Aiden and Alisha, 6, room and finds them in bed asleep. She kisses their heads and heads back into the living room.

Anthony soon wakes up and sees her there.

ANTHONY

Oh, hey baby.

WILLIAMS

Hey. How was your little nap?

ANTHONY

It was great. How was work?

WILLIAMS

A boy was unfortunately murdered.

ANTHONY

I’m sorry to hear that.

WILLIAMS

Yeah. I got a new partner, his name’s Patrick Jones. Great detective.

ANTHONY

Ah, I see.

WILLIAMS

I have to go to bed. Big day ahead of me later on. I wish I could talk more.

ANTHONY

I do too. Then, all right, let’s go to bed.

Williams and her husband go to bed.

CUT TO:

INT./EXT. – UNMARKED CRUISER – DAY

Jones and Williams are in their unmarked police cruiser, watching the streets. They’re seeing if anything suspicious is going on. They have coffee in their hands.

JONES

Other than some jaywalkers, nothing bad has really happened yet.

WILLIAMS

I know, it’s good nothing else has happened. We got the Avery’s some security, right?

JONES

Yes, an officer set them up with a better alarm system, so that’s amazing.

WILLIAMS

Great to hear. I hope it will make them feel a little bit safer.

JONES

Yeah.

Jones and Williams continue to surveil the street. Nothing interesting happens.

JONES (CONT’D)

Man, this is. Wow. I really can’t lie about this being eventful.

Williams nods in agreement.

WILLIAMS

Yeah, you can say that again.

The detectives then see Damon walking down the street. He has on his hood and his backpack.

JONES

Wait, isn’t that-

All of a sudden, a MAN, around 39-40, runs to him and stabs him. Damon clutches onto his wound and Jones and Williams immediately get out to chase him.

JONES

Aubrey! Go check on Damon, I’m gonna get this asshole!!

CUT TO:

EXT. NEW YORK SIDEWALK. Jones continues his running pursuit of the man. He pulls out his gun and aims it at the man.

JONES (CONT’D)

Everyone, run now!!! Leave!!!! Hey!!!! Stop!!!! NYPD!!!!!

Jones eventually catches up to the man and throws him into the wall. He punches him a few times to soften him up. Jones rips off his mask and finds face tattoos all over him. His pulls out his handcuffs and begins telling the man his rights.

JONES (CONT’D)

(catching his breath)

You’re under arrest for the stabbing and assault of a minor. You have the right to an attorney, if you do not have one, one will be provide for you. Who the hell are you?

MAN

I could ask you the same thing, bitch.

JONES

(sarcastically)

You have a fine way with words.

Jones brings the man towards the car and see that an ambulance arrives for Damon. They lifted him on a gurney. They bring him into the ambulance and, with their sirens on, quickly drive off.

JONES

I got the bastard, as you can see.

WILLIAMS

You’re pretty strong and fast.

JONES

Yeah, I did track in high school. Won a couple of medals too.

WILLIAMS

Who’s this guy?

JONES

Obviously the perp, of course. But the little guy hasn’t given me his name yet.

MAN

I know my rights, I plead the fifth.

JONES

And I plead for you to shut the fuck up and answer our questions. We just saw you stab that boy and you tried evading me. You’re in for a lot you son of a bitch.

Jones throws the man into the back of the car and drives off to the precinct.

INT./EXT. – UNMARKED POLICE CAR – DAY

Jones and Williams are still in their car. The man is in the back with his head down.

JONES

So, what’s your name?

MAN

Walt.

JONES

Hmm. Why’d you stab the teenager?

WALT

(under his breath)

Bitch-ass.

WILLIAMS

Excuse me? What did you just call my partner? I heard that.

WALT

I called him nothing.

JONES

Now, answer the damn question: why’d you stab Damon, that’s his name?

WALT

My boss told me to.

JONES

Your boss? Who the hell’s your boss?

WALT

No one.

JONES

Oh, we will get it out of you eventually. Guarantee that.

WALT

(sarcastically)

Oh my, I’m so scared.

Jones quickly stops the car on a bridge. He has an expression of anger.

JONES

That’s it, you son of a bitch!!!!!

Walt actually looks scared. Williams isn’t, but she sure is shocked. Jones looks at her, then winks. She smirks then nods.

JONES (CONT’D)

That’s it!! You like to stab children, huh Walt? Well, it’s time you meet your doom. I’m pushing you off the bridge. It’ll be like an accident.

Jones grabs Walt out of his seat and brings him outside the car.

WALT

WHAT?! NO PLEASE, DON’T! I’LL ANSWER ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS, I SWEAR. JUST DON’T PUSH ME OFF THE BRIDGE.

JONES

Too late.

Walt gets so scared that he pissed himself. Jones look down and becomes disgusted.

JONES

Oh, Walt. You fool. I was just messing with you. Didn’t know you were that scared. Little Waltie, you sure packed the wrong horse. Let me take off that hoodie, your pissy ass will be sitting on it.

Jones takes off the handcuffs and then takes off Walt’s hooding. He notices Walt trying to run away, but quickly stops him and cuffs him.

JONES (CONT’D)

Hey, no, no, no, pisshead. We’re heading back to the car. There is no evading the police.

Jones and Walt go back to the car. Williams is trying her hardest to suppress her smile.

WILLIAMS

Wow, Patrick. What was that?

JONES

It’s a little trick that I picked up. You let the perp think you harm him, even though you won’t. You should try it.

Jones starts the engine and begins driving again.

WILLIAMS

It’s easy for you. You’re physically imposing.

JONES

What do you mean?

WILLIAMS

You have the size and the strength, it’s easy.

JONES

You need to prove to the perp that you’re strong. Scare him a little, he’ll listen to everything you’ll say.

WILLIAMS

Hmm, smart. I might try that.

Jones and Williams smile at one another and head back to the precinct.

CUT TO:

INT. – THE 2OTH PRECINCT – DAY

Jones and Williams bring a cuffed Walt in the building. Everyone notices the wet spot at Walt’s crotch. Turner notices and asks them a question.

TUCKER

Detectives, er, who the hell is this?

JONES

This is Walt. We found him during our stakeout.

WILLIAMS

Tell Sergeant Turner what you did, Walt.

Walt very quietly speaks under his breath.

WALT

I stabbed a boy.

JONES

Pisshead, speak louder.

WALT

I stabbed a boy.

TURNER

You what? Who’s the boy that got stabbed?

WILLIAMS

You won’t believe this: he stabbed Damon.

Turner grows a shocked look on his face.

JONES

Yep. Apparently his boss told him to.

TURNER

Is Damon all right?!

WILLIAMS

I called an ambulance and they took him away. We haven’t heard back yet, but we’re hoping for the best.

TURNER

Damn, well. Let’s bring him into the room. I bet the “Pisshead” will love to tell us what we need to know.

JONES

Come on, Waltie. Time to go see an interrogation room.

The three bring Walt in the interrogation room. Jones pushes him into his seat.

Turner asks the first question.

TURNER

So, Walt. What is your full name?

WALT

Walt Pickett.

TURNER

Hmm, how old are you?

WALT

I just turned 40.

JONES

What’s your boss’ name?

TURNER

No way, not saying.

JONES

Do we need to have our little discussion again?

Walt shudders at the thought.

WALT

No detective.

JONES

Great, then you’ll answer the Sergeant’s question.

WALT

I work for the Monroes. You know, the family that owns at least 30% of most of the businesses in the whole city?

JONES

I’ve heard of them. They’re my dad’s business rivals.

WALT

Anyway, Mr. Monroe’s son hired me to do it.

WILLIAMS

What’s his son’s name?

WALT

Isaiah. Isaiah Monroe. He went to school with that kid Thomas and his friend. The one I stabbed.

Jones, Williams, and Tucker all look at each other. They have the facial expression of “wow”.

TURNER

Why’d he hire you to stab Damon?

WALT

After the murder was leaked, he wanted to make sure that everyone that knew Thomas was “dealt with”.

JONES

What?

WILLIAMS

Oh no.

TO BE CONTINUED

FADE OUT:

END OF ACT FOUR

-- END OF EPISODE –-

CREDITS;

Written by J. Vaughn and George Adams

Directed by J. Vaughn

Assistant Directed by Ionas Croft

Co-directed by D’Andre Royal

Produced by Henry Marshall

Music Composed by Mike Post

Principal Photography by J. Vaughn, Suzy Fey

Post-Production by Payton Livingston, Emilia Hood

Set Design by Jaden Wilcox and the Wilcox Set Construction Group

General Consultants: Angel Gelman

Executive Producers: J. Vaughn, JxeIRL

Starring:

J. Vaughn as Detective Patrick Jones

Courtney Jackson as Detective Aubrey Jones

Brent McCognay as Sergeant Michael Turner

Lisa Jacobs as Vanessa Johnson

Dhruv Singh as Medical Examiner Sacha Patel

Oscar Felipe as Assistant District Attorney Rodrigo Esteves

John Field as Detective James Heard

Guest Starring:

Patricia Smith as Bethany Jones

Lonnie Keith as Anthony Williams

Luke Maxwell as Thomas Avery

Richie Stevens as Mr. Avery

Danielle Hunter as Mrs. Avery

Emmanuel McClain as Damon Xavier

Jada Campbell as Stacy Morris

Dylan Erickson as Walt

Co-Starring:

Diego Aguayo as Officer

© copyright Vaughn Productions, 2022, all rights reserved.

## Reception

The episode received highly-positive reviews from critics and received 4.23 million views on the night of its broadcast, ranking 13 in viewership. 6.57 million viewers total when including DVR watchers. Critics praised the writing, gore, acting, realism with NYPD and New York procedures, and the amazing chemistry between Patrick and Aubrey.

## Trivia

* This is the first episode of the series, A Story of Crime.
* This was the first day of Jones being at the 20th precinct.
* This is the first crime case.
* Many people on social media have expressed their excitement for when the show premieres.
* The (officially) premiered on September 23, 2023 due to the website having a hacker warning on the page, confusing the in-real life crew members.