DEMON HUNTERS
By
Jason Melby
INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT
A quiet hospital room. JACOB CORBA is asleep in his bed.
He's a grizzled looking old man. He has tubes coming out
his nose and he's snoring. The door opens and a SULTRY
DARK HAIRED WOMAN walks in. She smoothly slinks across
the room to his bed. She looks down on him and smiles
slightly.
WOMAN
My employer sends his regards.
She bends down and kisses him.
A flash.
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Jacob is in a formally appointed office. MR. SIX, a
shrouded man in a business suit. His hair is dark and
slicked back. He has a cold, intense stare. He sits at a
large desk.
MR. SIX
Jacob, so glad to see you again.
JACOB
SETH.
MR. SIX
It's Mr. Six now.
JACOB
So this is what they made you
into.
MR. SIX
Not bad, huh?
JACOB
What have you become? I saw
greatness in you.
MR. SIX
Yes, and we agree on that, but I
saw a different kind of greatness.
The kind where I have a lot of
money, a big house and lots of
pretty girls to sleep with. Have a
seat.
Jacob sits down in the chair across from Mr. Six.
JACOB
What do you want?
MR. SIX
I just wanted to explain things to
you one last time. I just hate
this bad blood between us.
JACOB
You betrayed me. Not much to say
after that, is there?
MR. SIX
True, but I did feel like making
the attempt. You sure I can't
persuade you to change your mind?
It's a little late in the game I
know.
JACOB
Go to Hell.
MR. SIX
Been there, done that. Look, It's
not that I didn't respect you.
They just made a better offer. I
mean, look at me, and look at you.
Check out this skin.
Mr. Six stretches out a cheek.
MR. SIX (CONT'D)
It's amazing. It just snaps right
back.
JACOB
What is this all about?
MR. SIX
I want to know where the BOOK is.
JACOB
You must be joking.
MR. SIX
I'm afraid I'm not. I promised
some very powerful creatures I
would have it for them and I
really will be needing it for
them.
JACOB
I have spent my life keeping that
book safe from people like you.
People? I don't think I can even
call you a person. Not anymore.
MR. SIX
Look, write the moral indignation
in a letter and mail it to me,
right now, I just need the book.
JACOB
No.
MR. SIX
I see. Then this really is good
bye.
JACOB
This is a dream. You can't kill me
here.
MR. SIX
Let's test that theory.
The chair Jacob is sitting in, spins around and launches
him out through a nearby window.
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL - CONTINUOUS
Back in the hospital room, the woman disengages the kiss
and Jacob begins to flatline. His eyes are bugged out.
The woman turns away and walks back to the door. She
opens it and Mr. Six is standing before her. He gently
runs his fingers through her hair.
MR. SIX
Oh. My dear, lovely, HEARTSTOPPER.
Excellent work. Let's go home.
Mr. Six and Heartstopper walk down the hall from the
hospital room just as a swarm of nurses and doctors go
running into Jacob's room.
CUT TO:
INT. APARTMENT - MORNING
In the apartment of JAKE CORBA (29). It's a mess. Booze
bottles lying all over the floor, trash strewn all about.
Jake is crashed on the sofa. His phone starts ringing. He
stirs and starts searching through the garbage on the
floor for the phone. He finds it.
JAKE
Hello?
LAWYER
Mr. Jake Corba?
JAKE
That depends. You're not with
Citicard, are you?
LAWYER
No, Mr. Corba. I'm BAILEY WALTERS.
I represent the estate of your
grandfather, Jacob Corba.
Jake rolls off the sofa.
JAKE
Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait. Estate?
Did you say estate? As in last
will and all that?
BAILEY
Yes. Your grandfather passed on
last week in LAS VEGAS.
JAKE
Way to go, pops.
BAILEY
You were mentioned in his will.
JAKE
Really? I haven't seen the old war
horse since I graduated high
school.
BAILEY
In fact, you were the only one
mentioned in his will.
JAKE
What?
BAILEY
It would appear he's left
everything to you.
JAKE
Everything?
BAILEY
All his worldly goods.
JAKE
Could you perhaps put that into a
dollar amount?
BAILEY
I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to
say now. The only stipulation is
you must take possession in
person.
JAKE
In Vegas?
BAILEY
That is correct.
JAKE
You're serious.
BAILEY
Now, I can see you cared very much
for your grandfather, so feel free
to take as much time as you need
to adjust to this tragedy.
JAKE
Yeah, right. I will, thank you.
Just one thing, exactly where do I
go to.. Get my stuff?
BAILEY
A messenger will be by soon with
an envelope with all the
information you need. Good bye and
good luck, Mr. Corba.
Bailey hangs up the phone.
There's a loud knock on the door. Jake goes to open it.
There's a nasty looking old man standing in the doorway
with an eviction notice in his hand.
LANDLORD
Corba! Where's the rent!?
JAKE
Rent? Didn't I already give that
to you?
LANDLORD
No. You didn't. You're three weeks
late in fact!
JAKE
Really? I really need to check my
records.
LANDLORD
Save it! I want you out. Today!
The landlord looks into the apartment.
LANDLORD (CONT'D)
And you're not getting your
security deposit back.
The landlord slaps the notice on the door and storms off.
CUT TO:
INT. TATTOO PARLOR - DAY
Jake walks into a tattoo parlor. It's dark and heavy
metal music is playing over the loud speakers. There are
a few people sitting in the waiting area. Jake walks into
the back past EZRA, a young, goth looking girl. She stops
him.
EZRA
Easy there, big guy. Where do you
think you're going?
JAKE
Ezra! Honey! You're looking
especially disturbed today.
EZRA
What do you want?
JAKE
And what is that supposed to mean?
EZRA
You're in a good mood. You're only
in a good mood if you got laid or
if you need a favor.
JAKE
That hurts. On several levels.
EZRA
Well?
JAKE
Okay, I need to take a few days
off.
EZRA
Okay.
JAKE
Okay?
EZRA
Yeah. Okay.
JAKE
No fight? No need to beg?
EZRA
No. Actually, I've been thinking
of giving you a lot more free
time.
JAKE
Hmmm?
EZRA
I'm putting you back to part time.
JAKE
You can't do that!
EZRA
Look, Jake, you're late every
morning, you take long lunches,
you're rude to the customers, and
frankly, you're not really very
good. You can't even do a good
Pentagram.
JAKE
I'm getting better. I've been
practicing on raw meat.
EZRA
I'm sorry, Jake. This is a
business like any other and I have
to run it like one. You're my
friend, but this was a BOSS
decision.
Jake calms down.
JAKE
Okay. I understand.
EZRA
That's it?
JAKE
Yes. Business is business.
EZRA
Good.
JAKE
I need your car.
EZRA
My car?!
JAKE
(mock begging)
Please? As a friend?
EZRA
My car!?
JAKE
Yeah! I gotta get up to Vegas.
I'll have it back in perfect
condition.
EZRA
Vegas!? You expect my little Pacer
to make it all that way?
JAKE
I can squeeze a few more miles out
of it.
EZRA
Forget it.
JAKE
(begging)
Oh, come on! Please? I'll pay you!
EZRA
Nope. My baby has about a hundred
miles left in her, and I've
already got them bookmarked. You
know, you could always ask....
JAKE
(interrupting)
Don't say it! Just don't.
EZRA
LOUIE. Ask Louie!
JAKE
I can't ask him! He hates me.
EZRA
He doesn't hate you.
JAKE
Do you not see the looks he gives
me? He spits in my coffee when he
thinks I'm not looking. He hates
me.
EZRA
Okay, he hates you, but he's
looking to unload his car and I
hear he's desperate.
JAKE
I don't want to buy a car, I just
need to borrow one.
EZRA
I'm not giving you mine, and Louie
will only sell you his.
Jake kicks the wall in frustration.
EZRA (CONT'D)
Well, how badly do you need to get
to Vegas?
JAKE
Badly. You have no idea.
EZRA
Big deal?
JAKE
Inheritance. From my grandfather.
EZRA
Is that the one who's traveling
the country in an RV?
JAKE
No, the strange one I only saw
once a year. The one on my
father's side.
EZRA
And you're excited about this?
JAKE
Hell, yes! My dad kept telling me
there was some great treasure he
had.
EZRA
So why the Nomad thing?
JAKE
I guess he just liked traveling.
He must have had a lot of money to
afford it.
EZRA
Well, I don't know what to say.
Jake paces frantically around.
CUT TO:
INT. TATTOO PARLOR - CONTINUOUS
Jake walks into a back room. Louie, a fat, bearded, biker
type guy is in the middle of inking a tattoo.
JAKE
Hey, Louie!
Louie jolts.
CUSTOMER
OW!
LOUIE
(to customer)
Sorry, man!
(to Jake)
Damn it! You don't bust in like
that, man!
JAKE
Sorry! Sorry. I just had to talk
to you.
LOUIE
Later.
JAKE
About your car.
LOUIE
(to customer)
Hold on a sec.
Louie puts the needle down and turns to Jake.
LOUIE (CONT'D)
Let's talk.
CUT TO:
EXT. PARKING LOT - LATER
Louie brings Jake out to the parking lot to show him the
car. It's a small, beat up little thing.
LOUIE
Well?
JAKE
This is it?
LOUIE
You expecting a Lambourgini?
JAKE
No, no. It's great. How much?
LOUIE
Three hundred.
JAKE
What!? For that? How many miles?
LOUIE
Don't know. Odometer's broke.
JAKE
Maintenance?
LOUIE
Couple oil changes.
JAKE
Can I test drive?
LOUIE
No. Look, do you want it or not?
Jake stares at the car.
JAKE
Okay! Fine.
LOUIE
Five hundred.
JAKE
What?
LOUIE
For making me wait.
JAKE
Fine! Whatever.
Jake pulls out his checkbook from his pocket.
LOUIE
Cash.
JAKE
You're kidding.
LOUIE
No personal checks.
JAKE
Okay. I'll get you the money.
Could I at least take the car?
LOUIE
What?
JAKE
Come on! The bank is all the way
across town, and I'm going to buy
it anyway.
LOUIE
I don't know.
JAKE
Louie, buddy, I know we've had our
differences, but this is business.
I am, if nothing, a man of my
word.
LOUIE
Okay. Here.
Louie throws Jake the keys.
JAKE
Thanks!
LOUIE
You promise you'll come right
back?
JAKE
Absolutely!
Jake smiles.
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY - AFTERNOON
Jake is driving down the highway, laughing.
JAKE
Mental note. Pay Louie five
hundred dollars.
Jake accelerates.
CUT TO:
INT. DINER - AFTERNOON
GWEN THORN (28), A young blonde haired woman, is folding
napkins in a truck stop diner. Outside, it looks to be in
a very small town. SADIE, a much older woman wearing the
same uniform as Gwen, only larger, walks in from the
kitchen.
SADIE
Hey, girl, what are you doing?
GWEN
Getting ready for the lunch rush.
Sadie looks around. There's just a old man sipping out of
a bowl of soup in the main dining area.
SADIE
Gwen, dear, this is it.
GWEN
I guess I was just being
optimistic.
Gwen throws down the rest of her napkins.
SADIE
What's the matter, sweety?
GWEN
Nothing. Everything. I don't know.
I guess I'm just having one of
those 'I can't believe I'm still
here' days.
SADIE
Lord, don't I know what those are
like.
GWEN
It's just I'm not getting any
younger, and I'm still stuck here!
I'm the only person from my senior
class who hasn't moved on!
SADIE
You stayed to take care of your
family. Most kids would sooner
dump their parents in one of those
old age homes. I admire that.
GWEN
Yeah, then they die after all
their money is gone and all I've
got left at the ripe old age of
twenty eight is a nearly paid off
house falling apart at the seams
and a mountain of old debt.
Sadie approaches Gwen and tries to comfort her.
SADIE
I know it seems bad, honey, but
you're strong. And, if I am
reading the calendar correctly,
NOT twenty eight anymore.
THE CHEF from the kitchen runs in with a little cake with
a candle in it and they both start singing 'Happy
Birthday'. The old man with the soup joins in on the last
chorus. Gwen forces a smile at their efforts.
GWEN
Thanks everyone.
SADIE
Well?
GWEN
Well what?
SADIE
Blow out your candle! Make a wish.
Gwen thinks a moment. She looks down at the cake, closes
her eyes and blows out the candle.
GWEN
(to herself)
This time. Please.
Outside of town, Jake is screaming down the highway. He
looks down and sees the warning lights over the steering
wheel light up. He ignores them. As he drives into the
main stretch of the town, smoke begins to pour from under
the hood of the car and it comes to a stop in the middle
of the road. Jake gets out of the car and opens it up,
trying to figure out what's wrong.
JAKE
No! No! NO! Damn it!
Jake looks around. He sees a gas station up the street
and he starts pushing the car to it.
CUT TO:
INT. DINER - LATER
Jake walks into the diner. The soup man is gone and Sadie
and Gwen are just sitting around, bored.
JAKE
Hello?
Sadie and Gwen both are shocked to attention.
GWEN
Oh! Hi! Hello. Uh, Yes.
Gwen runs to the front and grabs a few menus from the
counter.
JAKE
You serve food here, right?
GWEN
Yes. Yes, we do. How many in your
party?
JAKE
Just me.
GWEN
All right. Follow me.
Gwen leads Jake into the empty dining area.
GWEN (CONT'D)
Booth or table?
JAKE
Whatever.
Gwen seats him at a nearby table and hands him a menu.
GWEN
You're new.
JAKE
Yeah, I just kind of came in.
GWEN
Vacation?
JAKE
Sort of, but for now, my car just
broke down. The guy at the service
station just told me to cool my
heels here.
GWEN
Yeah, we get a lot of business
from old SID.
JAKE
Didn't catch his name. Speaking of
which, where am I? I didn't see
any sign outside of town.
GWEN
Actually, interesting trivia, this
town has no name. When the mighty
powers that be founded this place,
someone at the clerk's office or
somewhere left the space for the
city name blank.
JAKE
Interesting. No one's fixed that?
GWEN
No. It's about the most
interesting thing to know about
this place and we figure to keep
it that way.
JAKE
I see. So, you live here?
Gwen lets out a small sarcastic laugh.
GWEN
Tough question. People are born
here. People are raised here.
People go to school and grow up
here. People die here, but as far
as I know, no body LIVES here.
Enjoy your meal.
Gwen goes back to the kitchen. Sadie intercepts her.
SADIE
What was that?
GWEN
What?
SADIE
The little charm act back there?
You know, where you showed very
little charm.
GWEN
I'm having a bad day. Big deal.
SADIE
He's cute. Kind of roguish.
GWEN
'Roguish'?
SADIE
You know what I mean. You may
consider being nice to him.
GWEN
As cute as he may be, he's just
another tumbleweed. I doubt we'll
ever see him again.
SADIE
Doesn't mean he has to leave here
thinking you're a total bitch.
GWEN
Sadie!
SADIE
I'm sorry, but lately, you have
been.
Gwen looks over at Jake who's done looking at the menu.
GWEN
Excuse me.
Gwen walks over to Jake.
GWEN (CONT'D)
Ready?
JAKE
Yeah, and thanks.
GWEN
For?
JAKE
You think I'm cute.
GWEN
You heard?
JAKE
Nice acoustics in here. And, I
don't think you're being too much
of a bitch. You know, considering.
Gwen composes herself and gets ready to take his order.
GWEN
What'll it be?
JAKE
Burger and fries and a lemonade.
GWEN
Coming up.
Gwen take Jake's menu and marches to the back.
CUT TO:
INT. MONITOR ROOM - DAY
In the monitor room at Mr. Six's casino, MONITOR is at
his post. He's a scrawny looking guy. There are monitor
screens all around him, each one with a video feed of
every inch of the casino floor. He's watching them all
with a crazed intent. He notices a pretty woman standing
by the craps table. He leans forward, touching her on the
screen.
On the floor, the same woman shrugs, as if she feels
hands on her body.
Back in the monitor room, the door opens and Heartstopper
walks in. She's dressed in a smart business suit.
HEARTSTOPPER
Monitor! Stop it!
Monitor sits back in his chair.
MONITOR
What are you doing here?
HEARTSTOPPER
Inspection. Believe me, I don't
want to be here anymore than you
want me here.
MONITOR
Just be quick about it.
HEARTSTOPPER
You know, you should really think
about getting out sometime.
MONITOR
Mr. Six pays you to run the
casino, not my life.
HEARTSTOPPER
Touchy. I just need to make sure
everything is running smoothly. We
have an audit coming. Soon.
MONITOR
An audit?
HEARTSTOPPER
Yes.
MONITOR
From...?
HEARTSTOPPER
Head office. Right.
MONITOR
The records are back there.
Everything is up to date.
HEARTSTOPPER
I'm sure. All the cameras are
working?
MONITOR
Always.
Heartstopper sees a man cheating at a blackjack table.
She reaches for her phone and quickly dials.
HEARTSTOPPER
Boss? I have a card counter at
table thirty eight.
MR. SIX
(filtered)
How much?
HEARTSTOPPER
Looks like a lot.
(to Monitor)
How long has he been playing?
MONITOR
Just a few minutes.
HEARTSTOPPER
(to Mr. Six)
What do you want?
MR. SIX
A few more hands.
HEARTSTOPPER
What?
MR. SIX
He's playing with his rent money.
Just let him win a few more hands
then do it.
HEARTSTOPPER
Yes, sir.
She hangs up.
MONITOR
Maybe you should go down there?
HEARTSTOPPER
Trying to get rid of me?
MONITOR
Yes.
Heartstopper grabs Monitor's shoulder and squeezes it.
HEARTSTOPPER
(threateningly)
Maybe you'd like a kiss?
MONITOR
No, thanks.
Heartstopper shoots him a menacing look and she turns
away and walks out of the room.
By the Blackjack table, the guy is still playing and
winning big. He's excited and getting real cocky. He
looks down at his card. It's an Ace. Heartstopper appears
by him.
HEARTSTOPPER
(to Man)
Doing okay?
MAN
Oh! Yeah!
HEARTSTOPPER
Looks like you're on quite a hot
streak.
MAN
What can I say?
HEARTSTOPPER
Well, Play on, and good luck.
She taps the table three times and walks away. The man is
showing an Ace in his hand. He's watching the dealer
carefully.
MAN
Hit me.
A King. Sweat is dripping from his brow. All his chips
are on the table.
DEALER
Sir?
MAN
Hit me.
The dealer deals out another King.
MAN (CONT'D)
(excitedly)
Stand! Stand!
The dealer flips over his card. He's got twenty. The man
smiles smugly. The dealer flips over the man's cards. His
Ace is now a two.
DEALER
Bust. House wins.
MAN
(shocked)
What? No!
DEALER
I'm sorry.
The dealer swipes away all the chips. The man gets up and
stumbles away from the table. Heartstopper appears
smiling. Her phone rings.
HEARTSTOPPER
Yes?
MR. SIX
Good work.
HEARTSTOPPER
Shall I give him a good bye kiss?
MR. SIX
No.
HEARTSTOPPER
No?
MR. SIX
No, but try to catch him before he
goes. I think we can offer him a
special deal before he's evicted.
HEARTSTOPPER
Got it.
Heartstopper hangs up and follows the man.
As he walks out of the casino, Heartstopper grabs him.
HEARTSTOPPER (CONT'D)
Excuse me sir?
The man turns to her.
HEARTSTOPPER (CONT'D)
You lost a substantial amount of
money back there, sir.
MAN
Yeah.
HEARTSTOPPER
Was it important?
MAN
It was.
HEARTSTOPPER
What would you do to get that
money back?
MAN
Anything! I'd sell my soul.
HEARTSTOPPER
Really? Then come with me. We have
much to discuss.
Heartstopper leads the man back into the casino.
CUT TO:
INT. DINER - DAY
Jake is eating his food. He's still the only one in the
place. Gwen sits down at the counter.
JAKE
You know, you could join me if you
wanted.
GWEN
What?
JAKE
I hate eating alone. Sit down.
Gwen looks to Sadie who's urging her on. She gets up and
sits down at Jake's table.
GWEN
So. Where you headed?
JAKE
Vegas. How about you? What's your
story?
GWEN
I don't have one.
JAKE
Really? Is that why you're in such
a bad mood?
GWEN
Okay, maybe I'm having one of
THOSE days.
JAKE
One of what days?
GWEN
You know, when you look around at
your life and it just isn't what
you want it to be.
JAKE
Oh. One of those things.
GWEN
Yeah. Don't you ever feel like
that?
JAKE
Ah.
GWEN
So, what are you heading to Vegas
for?
JAKE
To collect a big fat inheritance.
GWEN
I'm sorry.
JAKE
For what?
GWEN
The death. Someone DID die, didn't
they?
JAKE
Oh, yeah, yeah. My grandfather.
It's cool though. I never met the
guy. I can't even believe he put
me in his will.
GWEN
Was he rich?
JAKE
I don't know. Maybe. He was one of
those crazy old men. They usually
have something good stashed away.
GWEN
He died in Vegas?
JAKE
Yeah. It was sudden. Heart attack.
GWEN
Have you been to Vegas before?
JAKE
Sure. Tons of times. You?
GWEN
No. Funny, huh? This close and
I've never been.
JAKE
Want to come with me?
GWEN
What?
JAKE
I'll be back through here on my
way home. We can head into town,
have some fun and I'll drop you
back here on my way back. Cool?
GWEN
I hardly know you!
JAKE
And I hardly know you and yet, I'm
offering. My car is supposed to be
ready in an hour.
GWEN
Forget it!
JAKE
Ah, come on.
GWEN
Why?
JAKE
You look like could use a little
time off. Look, it's not like I'm
asking you to jet off to Europe
with me. Just a couple days in
Vegas.
GWEN
You're serious.
JAKE
Sure.
GWEN
No way.
JAKE
How about a bet?
GWEN
Bet?
JAKE
Yeah. If I can guess your daily
life here, you come with me.
GWEN
And if you don't?
JAKE
I pay triple for lunch.
GWEN
You think life here is that
predictable?
JAKE
Only one way to find out.
GWEN
Okay. Fine. Go for it.
JAKE
All right. Let's see. You get up
at around six or seven. You're the
first one here. You come to work
already dressed in your uniform.
You make sure ever table is set up
and is picture perfect before the
first customer arrives. All the
water glasses filled and all the
placemats in place. It's a pretty
small town, so I figure it's
mostly regulars that make up your
client base, and they probably
have the usual thing everyday.
You've got all their orders
memorized. You have a quick lunch
back in the kitchen, and finish
out the day. You're last one to
leave here, making sure everything
is clean and ready for the next
day, and repeat.
Gwen looks at Jake with a piercing look.
GWEN
I'm still not going.
Gwen gets up and runs over to an excited Sadie.
SADIE
I heard all that. You lost the
bet.
GWEN
I'm not going.
SADIE
You said you would.
GWEN
I was just trying to keep him from
stabbing me. I think he's an ex
con. Probably escaped this
morning.
SADIE
Now that's crazy.
GWEN
THAT'S crazy!? A complete stranger
blows into town trying to kidnap
me and I'm the one being crazy.
SADIE
A handsome drifter comes in and
offers you probably the most
interesting thing ever to happen
to you and you're saying no. Yes,
you are being crazy.
GWEN
This is nuts. I have a job. I have
a life. I have responsibilities. I
can't just run off at the drop of
a hat!
SADIE
No, and that's exactly why you
have to go! What's happening to
you right now is what is known as
life. Take the chances when they
come, you won't get a second
chance.
GWEN
What if he's a rapist? Or a serial
killer? Or worse?
SADIE
Look at him. At worst, he's
unemployed. What do you first
notice about him?
GWEN
His eyes.
SADIE
Eyes? Really? Well, what do his
eyes tell you?
GWEN
Well, he's got that puppy dog
thing going on. They're deep but
gentle. I guess I see a
vulnerability. Innocence of a
sort. Kindness.
Jake belches.
SADIE
Okay, skipping that, he's
otherwise a good guy.
GWEN
I guess, but going away? On a
trip?
SADIE
Honey, We took those self defense
courses together. I saw you kick
ass! You can take him, if you had
to.
GWEN
You are actually encouraging me to
run away to Vegas with a total
stranger.
SADIE
How do you think I met my husband
of thirty years?
GWEN
What?
SADIE
Sure. He drove into town one day,
smiled that smile of his and by
dusk we were on our way to Vegas
to get married and see Sinatra.
GWEN
You never told me that!
SADIE
Well, it wasn't exactly a shining
moment for me, but oh, girl, if I
hadn't taken that chance, who
knows?
Gwen looks over at Jake who's still eating.
GWEN
I don't know.
SADIE
Look, girl, you've been working
here for a while now. You keep
thinking something is going to
happen to save you. Something is
going to just walk up and change
everything in your life. Right?
GWEN
No...well, maybe. I guess.
Sadie indicates to Jake.
SADIE
Well, there it is. Last chance, or
it's this diner for the next
thirty years. Think about it.
Don't forget, you're staring down
the business end of your late
twenties.
Gwen looks over at Jake. She then looks over at a
reflective surface nearby. She sees her face wrinkled and
aged. She's in shock. She quickly snaps out of it.
SADIE (CONT'D)
Well?
GWEN
I think I'm going to do something
very stupid.
SADIE
Good girl!
GWEN
I'm scared.
SADIE
That just means you're doing the
right thing.
Sadie reaches into her apron pocket and pulls out a small
gun. Gwen is shocked.
SADIE (CONT'D)
Here. A little peace of mind.
GWEN
A gun?
SADIE
A diaphragm isn't the only
protection I took with me on that
trip. Just fire two warning shots.
If he doesn't run by then, just
blow his head off.
Sadie pushes the gun into Gwen's hand.
SADIE (CONT'D)
Only if you have to, mind you.
GWEN
You are one seriously twisted old
broad. I'm gonna miss you.
Gwen hugs Sadie tightly.
SADIE
Now, go on! Clean up and pack a
bag. I'll let him know you're on
your way.
GWEN
Okay.
Gwen nervously dashes out of the restaurant. Jake notices
her run off. Sadie walks over to him.
SADIE
Don't worry. She'll be back. Now,
how about a slice of pie?
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE - AFTERNOON
Heartstopper is at her desk in a small, dark office. Her
phone rings.
HEARTSTOPPER
What is it, Monitor?
Back in the monitor room.
MONITOR
Just giving you guys the heads up.
The auditor is here.
HEARTSTOPPER
Who is it? BELGUR? ZEB?
MONITOR
(ominously)
MORGAN.
Back in the office, Heartstopper is plainly shook.
HEARTSTOPPER
Morgan!? They sent her!?
CUT TO:
EXT. CASINO - CONTINUOUS
Out of a limo, a leggy, raven haired beauty emerges. She
has dark shades on and has a knock out figure. She exudes
sexuality even fully dressed. Most of the men outside
take notice. She smiles coyly at the attention she's
stirred up. She begins to strut purposefully towards the
front doors. Two DOORMEN rush to open the doors for her.
She glides in gracefully. She looks around at the casino.
She looks up and sees a security camera. She walks up to
it.
In the monitor room, Monitor is fixed on her. She's
looking right at him through the camera.
MORGAN
(in the monitor)
Tell Mr. Six that MORGAN SANGUINE
is here. Which way to the
elevator?
MONITOR
Uh, upstairs, to the right.
She nods and walks out of frame.
MONITOR (CONT'D)
(back on the phone)
She's coming up!
Heartstopper slams the phone down and bolts up from her
chair. She runs out the hall and to Mr. Six's office.
HEARTSTOPPER
Sir! Morgan Sanguine is here for
the audit.
Silence.
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Morgan walks into the main office. There are several well
dressed people at their desks. LESTER, a nerdish little
man comes up to her.
LESTER
Can I help you?
MORGAN
I'm here to see the books.
LESTER
The books?
MORGAN
Yes.
LESTER
Are you IRS?
MORGAN
Higher up.
LESTER
I see. Well, okay.
Lester leads Morgan through the office to his desk.
MORGAN
I think my appointment is with Mr.
Six.
LESTER
I don't know if that's a good
idea. He doesn't like to be
bothered. Especially with
accounting issues. I take care of
all that.
Lester digs in his desk and pulls out a large accounting
ledger and hands it to Morgan. She opens it and scans the
first page. She closes it.
MORGAN
Not THIS book.
Lester looks at her confused. Heartstopper runs in.
HEARTSTOPPER
Ms. Sanguine! Hello! You're early.
MORGAN
I don't believe I had set an exact
time. You're people should be
ready at all times.
HEARTSTOPPER
Yes, of course. I'm sorry.
(to Lester)
What is this?
MORGAN
He was showing me the books, but
as I was telling him, I didn't
want to see these books.
HEARTSTOPPER
Of course not. Come with me. Mr.
Six is waiting for you.
Heartstopper leads Morgan away and she shoots Lester a
killer look as they walk away.
CUT TO:
INT. GARAGE - AFTERNOON
Jake is talking with the mechanic as Gwen walks over
carrying a small bag. Jake looks over.
JAKE
Oh! Just in time.
Gwen marches over to him.
GWEN
Now, before we go anywhere, I just
want to set some ground rules.
JAKE
Okay.
GWEN
First, you don't touch me.
JAKE
Okay.
GWEN
Second, you're paying for
everything.
JAKE
Fair enough.
GWEN
And third, you don't touch me.
JAKE
Look, I understand. Just relax.
You'll have fun, I swear.
GWEN
Okay, right. It's just, I've never
done anything like this.
JAKE
I can see that.
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE - LATER
In Mr. Six's office, Morgan is quickly flipping through
another large ledger. She looks unhappy.
MORGAN
No. No. No!
(slams the book shut)
What is this?
MR. SIX
What are you talking about? The
numbers are good. We're pulling in
over three hundred thousand souls
a month!
MORGAN
These are L.A. numbers! You're in
Vegas! There are millions upon
millions of eager, greedy little
clumps of flesh who would sell
their grandmother for something
better!
The last person we had here was
bringing us three hundred
thousand...a week!
MR. SIX
Look, We're doing the best we can!
It's harder now since the whole
place has become so touristy!
MORGAN
I am not here to record your
excuses! We were expecting more
from you! I was expecting more! My
superiors have been quite generous
up until now. We have supplied you
with support staff, and a prime
location. If things continue to go
in this grievous direction, your
bid for full transformation will
be denied.
MR. SIX
I can do better! I will do better!
I swear!
MORGAN
Prove it.
MR. SIX
Well, it's not all bad news. Corba
is dead.
MORGAN
Excuse me?
MR. SIX
He's gone. He's dust. Off the
list.
MORGAN
(impressed)
Well, this does throw a new light
on things. How did you do it? Oh,
never mind. It doesn't matter.
He's gone! This will reflect
favorably in my report.
MR. SIX
Thank you, but there's more.
Mr. Six pulls out a large, gnarly looking book. Morgan is
VERY impressed.
MORGAN
(in awe)
The NECRONOMICON! You've found it!
MR. SIX
We raided his home after we killed
him.
MORGAN
Excellent work. Where is the
AMULET?
MR. SIX
The what?
MORGAN
The amulet.
MR. SIX
We didn't find any amulet.
Morgan stands up and advances on Mr. Six and grabs him by
the throat.
MORGAN
(enraged)
You bring me the book without the
amulet?
She pushes him up against the wall.
MORGAN (CONT'D)
Without the amulet, this book is
useless!
MR. SIX
(choking)
Why?
MORGAN
None of your business. Yet.
Morgan releases Mr. Six. He falls to the floor.
MORGAN (CONT'D)
You have until the next full moon
to find the amulet.
MR. SIX
Next full moon? This Friday?
MORGAN
Correct. Find it, and I will
personally imbue you with your
full mantle. You will be a true
demon. Mortal no longer.
MR. SIX
And if I don't?
MORGAN
You die, and you know where you're
going if that happens.
Morgan walks back over to her chair. Mr. Six adjusts
himself and takes his seat as well.
MORGAN (CONT'D)
I will be back at the end of the
week. I hope to find the situation
here has improved by then.
MR. SIX
It will be. I swear.
MORGAN
For your sake, I hope so.
Morgan gets up and walks out of the room.
CUT TO:
EXT. HIGHWAY - AFTERNOON
It's late afternoon. Jake's car is cruising down the
highway on the way to Vegas. Gwen is staring out the
window as they go.
JAKE
(to Gwen)
Hey.
She continues to stare out.
JAKE (CONT'D)
Hey!
Gwen snaps to attention.
GWEN
What?
JAKE
You know, it's not a free ride.
GWEN
Excuse me?
JAKE
Talk to me. Keep me awake here.
GWEN
What do you want to talk about?
JAKE
I don't know. I guess since we're
going away like this, I should
know more about you. Tell me about
you.
GWEN
Not much to tell.
JAKE
So you always wanted to be a
waitress in a greasy spoon?
GWEN
No. Actually, I wanted to be a
writer.
JAKE
Really?
GWEN
Surprised?
JAKE
Frankly, yes.
GWEN
(offended)
Excuse me?
JAKE
No, I just mean, you're smart. I
would have thought that if you
wanted to be a writer, you'd
already be one.
GWEN
Oh. Thanks.
JAKE
You went to school?
GWEN
Yeah. Majored in English.
JAKE
Anything finished?
GWEN
No. I just have tons of notebooks
full of half begun stories and
ideas. I've never really channeled
my muse.
JAKE
You should travel more.
GWEN
Why?
JAKE
That's what writers do, isn't it?
They absorb experiences and put it
in their art? Best way to do that
is travel.
GWEN
Well, hold on to your hat, but the
income of a waitress doesn't
exactly cover international
travel.
JAKE
You're just afraid.
GWEN
Afraid?
JAKE
Yes. You feel you're safe in your
little diner. Nothing to risk,
nothing to lose right?
GWEN
Did you major in Psychology?
JAKE
I can just read people. I can just
tell these things about people.
GWEN
Well, don't act like you're any
great puzzle yourself. I had your
number the minute I laid eyes on
you.
JAKE
Really?
GWEN
Yes. You have this bad boy, James
Dean rebel thing that just makes
all the pretty, stupid girls
swoon. You make them think you're
some road weary warrior and then
they're helpless in your arms.
JAKE
You think I'm a 'bad boy'?
GWEN
No.
JAKE
You just said..
GWEN
Never mind! I'm tired. I'm just
going to sleep okay?
Gwen turns away from Jake and settles in to sleep.
CUT TO:
EXT. LAS VEGAS STRIP - NIGHT
Jake and Gwen are cruising down the strip. Jake seems
disinterested. Gwen is still asleep. Jake lightly smacks
her and she wakes up. She starts gawking at the city.
GWEN
Oh my god! This is incredible!
JAKE
Pretty cool, huh?
GWEN
I just can't believe it. Where are
we staying?
JAKE
Well, don't get your hopes up. I
can't afford any of these places,
but I know a little place off the
strip with very reasonable rates.
CUT TO:
INT. HONEYMOON SUITE - LATER
Jake and Gwen walk into a cheap looking motel room after
the greasy looking MANAGER of the motel.
MANAGER
This is the HONEYMOON SUITE.
Gwen looks around, obviously disgusted. Jake couldn't
care less.
MANAGER (CONT'D)
We've got closed circuit cable,
shower's over there. The hot
water's been busted for the past
week. Ice machine is down the way
next to the soda machine.
Gwen notices a large, red stain on the back of the door
as it closes.
GWEN
What is that?
The manager walks over and lightly scratches the stain.
It flakes off a bit.
GWEN (CONT'D)
Paint?
MANAGER
Yeah, yeah. Paint. Must be. Well,
enjoy your stay. Bye.
The manager is about to leave. Gwen stops him.
GWEN
Wait! You said this is the
Honeymoon suite. How is that?
MANAGER
Almost forgot.
The manager walks over to the bed and tosses a couple of
condoms onto it.
MANAGER (CONT'D)
Enjoy.
The manager leaves.
GWEN
Oh my god! What is this place!?
JAKE
Relax. It's fine. I've been here a
million times.
GWEN
Really?
JAKE
Sure.
GWEN
It's safe?
JAKE
For the most part.
GWEN
For the most part!? What's that
supposed to mean?
JAKE
It's not like we're even going to
be here much. We'll be out. Doing
the town, right?
GWEN
I guess.
JAKE
Now, just go have yourself a nice
cold shower and I'll be back
later.
GWEN
Wait, wait, wait. Where do you
think you're going?
JAKE
I gotta get my inheritance. You
can't have fun here without money.
GWEN
Now?
JAKE
It's still fairly early, even by
Las Vegas standards.
GWEN
You can't leave me here.
JAKE
You want to come with me?
GWEN
I suppose. It's better than
staying here.
JAKE
Then let's go. I'm not getting any
richer. Yet.
CUT TO:
EXT. CITY STREET - NIGHT
Jake and Gwen are standing out front of a psychic readers
shop/house.
GWEN
This is it?
JAKE
I guess so.
GWEN
Your grandfather left his estate
in the hands of a psychic?
JAKE
He was kind of a nutjob.
GWEN
It looks closed. Maybe we should
go back to the room.
JAKE
No, no. Let's just see if anyone's
home.
Jake walks up to the door and knocks. Gwen is standing
far from him. He knocks again, louder. A light comes on.
The door opens. A small, old woman with a turban on
stands before Jake. She looks up at him with glaring
eyes.
JAKE (CONT'D)
LILITH GRAVES?
LILITH
Yes, and we're closed! Come back
tomorrow.
JAKE
I'm Jake Corba. I was told you had
something for me, from my grandpa.
I'm sorry for coming by so late.
Lilith looks back at him.
LILITH
Come in.
(looking at Gwen)
Both of you.
Jake motions for Gwen to come over. She won't budge. He
grabs her and pulls her in.
CUT TO:
INT. SHOP - CONTINUOUS
Lilith leads them into the shop. It appears to be some
kind of occult shop.
LILITH
I'm sorry for your loss.
JAKE
Thanks, but I really didn't know
him that well.
LILITH
He was very special.
JAKE
I kind of figured.
LILITH
So, you know nothing about him?
His life?
JAKE
No. My parents wouldn't talk about
him.
LILITH
Have a seat.
Lilith disappears into the back room. Jake and Gwen find
seats. Lilith returns with a large brown box. She lays it
on the floor in front of Jake.
JAKE
What's this?
LILITH
His legacy. Your destiny.
JAKE
Okay. Whatever.
Jake cautiously drags the box to him. He opens it up. He
finds a beat up leather duster, and two large boxes.
GWEN
What is that?
JAKE
My estate.
(to Lilith)
This is it? Just this?
LILITH
This is all.
JAKE
No paperwork? No cash? Just this?
LILITH
Yes. You are a very lucky man.
JAKE
Oh, yeah. The luckiest guy who
ever got totally screwed by his
dead grandfather!
Jake throws the box down and storms out. Gwen runs after
him.
Outside, Jake is pacing around angrily.
GWEN
What was that?
JAKE
The punch line. The punch line to
the joke that is my god damn life!
GWEN
Easy! What is the problem?
Jake looks at Gwen in bewilderment.
JAKE
You're joking right? I drive out
here, at the end of my proverbial
rope, as it were, and instead of a
nice tidy windfall, I get a box of
rejects from the second hand
store!
GWEN
I admit, it's not much, but it's
something.
JAKE
It's nothing! I've got bills! I've
got rent! I've got warrants! I
needed to come back from here with
something that would get my phone
back on, take care of my eviction
and something to pay my lawyer! A
beat up leather jacket won't quite
cut it!
GWEN
Maybe you should try to look at
the bigger picture? You're
grandfather died and he's trying
to share a piece of himself with
you. This is all that's left of
him.
JAKE
Not really the argument to try
now.
Lilith appears at the door.
LILITH
Jake? Please come in. It seems
some explanation is in order.
Jake stops and looks at her.
JAKE
You're damn right!
Lilith retreats back into the shop. Jake marches in after
her. Gwen follows.
Back in the shop, Jake and Gwen are seated again. Lilith
pulls out one of the large boxes from the cardboard box
and hands it to Jake.
LILITH
Open.
Jake opens it. There are two large, silver guns inside
with a round of large bullets.
JAKE
What is this?
LILITH
You're grandfather's tools. At
least, two of them.
JAKE
Tools for what?
LILITH
Jake, your grandfather was a DEMON
HUNTER.
JAKE
A what?
LILITH
A demon hunter.
JAKE
That was his job?
LILITH
That was his calling. All in the
Corba family are demon hunters. It
is their mantle.
JAKE
Mantle?
LILITH
Their duty to the universe. A long
time ago, your ancestor's
vanquished a great evil from this
world. However, the demon they
destroyed cursed them. The entire
bloodline was stricken with this
curse. Generation after generation
of Corba were lightning rods for
the dark forces of the universe.
Monsters, ghosts, all sorts of
demons and horrors hunted your
family members down. Somewhere
around the fifteenth century,
you're great, great, great, great,
great grandfather finally decided
to break the cycle. He traveled
the world and studied and trained.
He stopped running. He instead
struck back against the dark
forces that preyed on him and his
family. From that day on, all
Corbas were trained and bred to
continue the battle. They were no
longer victims. They were
defenders. The tradition continued
on throughout time, that is until
your father, Jacob's son. He
refused the mantle and settled
into a nondescript life.
Did your mother ever tell you how
your father died?
JAKE
Heart attack.
LILITH
(laughing)
Really? That's the best she could
come up with?
JAKE
How did he die?
LILITH
A demon worm. It burrowed it's way
into his brain and ate him up from
the inside out.
JAKE
How do YOU know?
LILITH
Despite your mother's protest,
Jacob and I tried to save him, but
we were too late.
JAKE
So you and my grandpa, you like,
did it?
LILITH
Jacob and I worked closely
together on many occasions. Our
relationship was special, but
always professional.
Jake takes out the guns and feels their heft.
JAKE
Whoa.
LILITH
They're silver.
JAKE
What?
LILITH
The guns. They are pure silver.
Jacob had them made special.
There's a recipe for the gun
powder.
JAKE
Recipe?
LILITH
Of course. You don't think
ordinary, man made bullets can
pierce demon flesh, do you?
JAKE
Oh, of course not. So, what's in
this other box?
Lilith takes the box and opens it. It's empty.
LILITH
That once contained the
NECRONOMICON.
JAKE
The what?
LILITH
The book of darkness. A tome of
the black arts. It was taken from
Jacob's home before I could get
it.
JAKE
Do you know who took it?
LILITH
I have my suspicions, but I can't
be sure yet.
JAKE
So he was going to leave that to
me too?
LILITH
More like he was entrusting you
with it. It is another one of your
family's charges. It is a powerful
artifact. It was written by a monk
who went insane in a monastery in
the Himalayan mountains. It's
pages are made of a Vellum made
from human flesh and it's ink is
made from the blood of a thousand
virgins. It contains spells and
rituals of the blackest magic.
It's probably the single most
concentrated source of evil in
creation and it holds the key to
the Corba family curse.
JAKE
This book could 'cure' the family?
LILITH
We believe so.
JAKE
So why hasn't anyone done it?
LILITH
Because the language the book is
written in is indecipherable.
There is no record of it anywhere.
It pre-dates Sumerian and Hebrew.
I've been trying to translate it
for several years now.
JAKE
So, how much do you think this
would be worth?
Lilith steps back, aghast.
LILITH
So far that I've seen, you have a
flippant nature, but I must say
that even joking about selling the
Necronomicon is in poor taste.
JAKE
I'm just saying, if it's as old as
it sounds, there's got to be some
kind of value to it.
LILITH
It's true value has nothing to do
with money and with it missing, I
would advise you to be a little
more serious. As the next demon
hunter, you..
JAKE
Whoa, whoa, whoa! Thanks for the
story and everything, but I'm not
really looking for a new career
here. Maybe if I could just get
the cash value for the guns, We'll
be on our way.
LILITH
This is not an offer. It is a
fact. A fact that you can no
longer escape.
I can only imagine your life up
until now has been less than what
you thought it would be. That's
not by accident. Chronically
unemployed, not many friends, not
many relationships. Chemical abuse
wouldn't be out of the realm of
possibility. With your grandfather
gone now, thing's will get worse.
They will come after you.
JAKE
They?
LILITH
The demons.
JAKE
So if I don't become a big bad
demon hunter, the bogeyman is
gonna hunt me down?
LILITH
Well, him among others. You run
the risk of attacks from goblins,
faeries, vampires, werewolves,
maybe even a zombie. Who can say?
Gwen laughs out loud.
GWEN
You're joking right? I mean, all
this is all so crazy! Demons?
Curses? This is the twenty first
century, for god's sake!
LILITH
You doubt this?
GWEN
Well, no offense, but yes.
LILITH
Very well then. I suppose I would
just be wasting my time trying to
convince you, so here.
Lilith walks over to the cash register and opens it.
LILITH (CONT'D)
Here.
She hands Jake a wad of cash.
JAKE
What?
LILITH
Three hundred dollars, give or
take. It's yours.
JAKE
I don't want your money.
LILITH
That's what you came here for
wasn't it? Money? Here. Take it.
It's about what I owed Jacob
anyhow. It should be yours.
Jake takes the money in an awkward fashion.
JAKE
(uneasy)
Thanks.
LILITH
Please take the coat and the guns
too. I'm sure you'll get a good
price for them. Good night.
Lilith exits to the back room. Jake picks up the boxes
and both he and Gwen walk out of the shop.
CUT TO:
INT. HONEYMOON SUITE - LATER
Jake and Gwen are back in the room.
GWEN
That was a trip. She really sold
it. What did you think?
Jake is mesmerized by the guns.
GWEN (CONT'D)
Hello! Jake!
Jake snaps to attention.
JAKE
Sorry. What?
GWEN
What did you think about Lilith?
JAKE
I don't know.
GWEN
Don't tell me you believe her!
JAKE
No. No, of course not. It's crazy.
GWEN
Exactly.
JAKE
The guns are real, though.
GWEN
So? I bet lots of people have guns
like that specially made.
JAKE
Maybe. I wonder how much these
would go for.
GWEN
Probably a lot. I don't know much
about guns, but I bet silver ones
are pretty rare.
JAKE
They are, aren't they?
Jake finds a slip of paper in the gun box.
GWEN
What's that?
JAKE
The recipe.
GWEN
Recipe?
JAKE
For the gunpowder. Let's see.
Potassium. Nitrate. Wolf's Bane?
Jake finds a small vial with a cross on the top.
GWEN
What's that?
JAKE
According to this, holy water. For
soaking the bullets. This is nuts.
GWEN
So what are you going to do?
JAKE
(thinking)
I'm going to take a shower.
Jake gets up and goes to the bathroom.
Inside, he turns the water on and looks at himself in the
mirror.
JACOB (O.S.)
Pretty out there, huh?
Jake turns. He's shocked to see Jacob standing across
from him.
JAKE
(shocked)
Grandpa!
JACOB
Hey, Jakey! Nice to see you made
it.
JAKE
(freaked out)
You're, you're really here.
JACOB
As really here as a spirit can be.
JAKE
So, how are you?
JACOB
How am I? I'm dead!
JAKE
So is that an 'I'm okay'?
JACOB
Yeah. I'm okay. How are you?
JAKE
I'm fine. Am I having a stroke or
something?
JACOB
No, no. Just thought I'd pop in
and see how you were handling
everything.
JAKE
The demon hunting?
JACOB
Yes. I know it was probably a lot
for you to take in. I'm sure my
son made sure to keep you in the
dark about it all.
JAKE
Yeah, he did.
JACOB
I've been watching you lately,
Jake, and aside from me being
dead, I'm glad all this happened.
JAKE
You are?
JACOB
Yes. You've been drifting for too
long. No focus, no direction. Now,
you finally have something to set
you right. A man needs something
in his life to ground him.
JAKE
Well, actually I wasn't really
thinking of doing the demon hunter
thing.
JACOB
What?
JAKE
It's just kind of out there, you
know? Killing monsters? Magic?
JACOB
It may seem silly to you, but it's
real. Real as anything out there.
You know why you're father wanted
to keep this from you?
JAKE
Because it's totally nuts?
JACOB
No. Because he knew, like I did,
you were special. Even among us
Corbas, you were special. You've
got the makings of greatness in
you, boy! You're a prime.
JAKE
What does that mean?
JACOB
Every few generations there's a
prime. Someone who is just born to
be the best. Jericho Corba, your
great, great grandfather's daddy
was a prime. He lived to the ripe
old age of ninety and he destroyed
nearly a million demons in his
career. A lot of big ones too. He
saved the world at least three
hundred times and no one ever
knew. There were even a few demi
gods that were sent down here just
to deal with him. That's quite an
honor.
JAKE
Better to be known by your
enemies?
JACOB
Something like that.
JAKE
But no one ever knew. What was the
point?
JACOB
It doesn't matter what others see
you do or what the world thinks of
you, it's how you feel about
yourself. Whether or not you can
live with yourself and the things
you do. He had a duty and he faced
it like a man. That's what I was
hoping you'd do.
JAKE
I don't know.
JACOB
Look, kid, I'm not going to tell
you what to do, but I need you to
at least do me one favor. Consider
it my last request.
JAKE
What?
JACOB
Get the book back.
JAKE
Why?
JACOB
Something's going to happen and
soon. It's too risky not knowing
where the book is. He might have
it.
JAKE
Who?
JACOB
You'll find out. I can't keep this
up much longer. Get the book back
and keep the amulet safe. For me,
Jake. Please.
The lights suddenly flash and Jacob's gone. Jake sits
down on the toilet.
JAKE
(to himself)
Amulet?
CUT TO:
INT. SHOP - NIGHT
At Lilith's shop, Jake returns but finds the door forced
open. He checks that the guns are in his belt. He walks
in slowly. He hears a ruckus in the back and dashes
through to the back.
IN THE BACK ROOM:
Jake runs in and there are two large men hassling Lilith.
He jumps in and tackles them to the floor. Lilith runs
back. The two men get back up and focus their attention
on Jake. One hits Jake, pushing him back against the
wall. Jake quickly recovers from the hit and kicks the
one that hit him hard in the stomach. He barely flinches.
Jake gets thrown back as the two men start back towards
Lilith. Jake quickly pulls out the guns and blasts them
both. They fall to the floor. Lilith steps out from the
shadows.
LILITH
Thank you. They just burst in a
few minutes ago.
Jake looks down and he sees the two large men ignite. He
steps back. He looks back at Lilith confused.
LILITH (CONT'D)
They were demons. They do that.
JAKE
What were they doing here?
LILITH
They were looking for something.
JAKE
The amulet?
LILITH
Yes. That's right.
JAKE
I had a visit.
Lilith produces a Gothic looking, gold amulet to Jake.
LILITH
This amulet has been passed
through your family for centuries.
Notice the markings. Your
grandfather felt they were some
kind of code that could unlock the
secrets of the necronomicon. He
left me instructions not to give
it to you, unless..
JAKE
Unless what?
LILITH
Unless you came back. Here.
Lilith gives the amulet to Jake. He stares at it
intently. He puts it in his pocket.
JAKE
I'll keep it safe.
LILITH
So, does this mean you are
accepting your destiny?
JAKE
No, it means I'm doing the old man
one last favor. You better find
someplace else to stay for a
while.
Jake turns to leave.
LILITH
Wait. There's one thing.
Lilith runs to a nearby table and pulls out an old
looking book. She takes it to Jake.
LILITH (CONT'D)
Your grandfather's journal. I was
thinking of keeping it to have
something to remember him by, but
I can see you'll be needing it
more than me.
Jake thumbs through it.
LILITH (CONT'D)
There's really no instruction
manual for this line of work, but
I guess that's about as close to
one as you can find. Read it.
Learn from it, and be careful.
JAKE
I don't suppose you'd know where
to start looking for this book
would you?
LILITH
Not really, but you may want to
talk with Jacob's old partner,
Seth Vines. He might know
something that would be useful to
you.
JAKE
And where do I find this Seth
Vine?
LILITH
He works and lives at THE PALACE.
JAKE
Career gambler, huh?
LILITH
No. He owns it.
JAKE
Owns?
LILITH
Yes. After he quit demon hunting,
he disappeared and then suddenly
Jacob and I found out he had
acquired the casino. It was like a
miracle.
JAKE
I didn't know my grandpa had a
partner.
LILITH
Neither did I for a time. He
didn't like talking about Seth for
some reason. That's all I know.
JAKE
Thanks.
CUT TO:
INT. HONEYMOON SUITE - NIGHT
Jake returns to the room.
GWEN
Where have you been?
JAKE
I went over to Lilith's.
Gwen notices the amulet that is around Jake's neck.
GWEN
Where'd you get that?
JAKE
Where do you think? She said it's
a family heirloom.
GWEN
Looks creepy.
JAKE
Sure does.
Jake takes the amulet off and puts it in his pocket.
GWEN
So, I guess the Vegas trip is
over.
JAKE
Not even close. In fact, how about
joining me on the strip?
GWEN
Why? You have no money.
JAKE
True, but I promised Lilith I'd
find the book. I can't deny a man
his last wish.
GWEN
Very noble. So what's on the
strip?
JAKE
Just a little fact finding. You in
or not?
GWEN
Let me get my bag.
CUT TO:
INT. CASINO - LATER
Jake and Gwen walk into The Palace Casino. It's busy. The
decor is Gothic and over the top. Several statues of
ancient warriors holding weapons line the walls. The
sounds of gambling are heard everywhere.
GWEN
Whoa.
JAKE
It's something, isn't it?
GWEN
Interesting decor.
JAKE
You gotta have a theme.
GWEN
So, he owns all this?
JAKE
That's what I hear.
GWEN
Where do we find him? I mean, how
do you just meet with the owner of
the casino?
JAKE
I don't know. Let's ask.
Jake and Gwen walk over to a nearby information desk.
There's a CHEERY YOUNG WOMAN smiling at them as they walk
up.
GIRL
Good evening, Sir. Madam. How can
I serve you tonight?
JAKE
Actually, this may be a bit out of
your orbit, but I need to talk to
the owner of this casino. Mr. Seth
Vine?
GIRL
(nervous)
Mr. Vine? You, you want to see Mr.
Vine?
JAKE
My name is Jake Corba. He knew my
grandfather, who recently passed
on.
(noticing girls
nervousness)
Is there a problem?
GIRL
No. No. Of course not. I don't
really have to clearance to let
anyone see Mr. Vine.
JAKE
Is there anything you do have
clearance for?
GIRL
Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to
tell you where his office is. Just
go up to the sixth floor. It's
suite sixty six.
JAKE
Of course. Thanks.
Jake and Gwen walk away.
CUT TO:
INT. HALLWAY - LATER
Out side suite sixty six. Jake opens the door. It's a
nicely appointed office. Dimly lit. They walk in.
GWEN
You think he'd be in this late?
JAKE
He lives here too. It's worth a
shot.
A door opens and Heartstopper walks in.
HEARTSTOPPER
Excuse me. Who are you?
JAKE
Oh, I'm sorry. We're here to see
Seth Vine.
HEARTSTOPPER
Seth..? Oh. Yes. Of course. Do you
have an appointment?
JAKE
No, not really. My name is Jake
Corba. He used to know my
grandfather.
HEARTSTOPPER
Corba? You're Jacob's boy?
JAKE
Yes. Could I see Mr. Vine?
HEARTSTOPPER
Wait here a moment please.
Heartstopper goes back in through the door she entered.
Jake and Gwen mill around the office. Mr. Six bursts out,
arms wide open.
MR. SIX
Jake! My boy! Hello!
Mr. Six hugs Jake tightly.
JAKE
Hi.
MR. SIX
So, How's old Jacob doing?
JAKE
He's dead, actually.
MR. SIX
Oh. I'm sorry to hear that.
JAKE
You were his partner for a while
right?
MR. SIX
A long time ago. A REAL long time
ago, yes. Seems like a lifetime
ago.
JAKE
I just came here to ask if you
know anything about something
called the Necronomicon?
MR. SIX
Necronomicon. I haven't heard that
word in a long time.
JAKE
You know about it.
MR. SIX
Yes. Jacob was always very
protective of it. He never let me
even touch it. Why?
JAKE
It was taken after he died. I'm
trying to track it down.
MR. SIX
I see. Well, I can't say I know
anything about that. I've been
fairly busy, as you can plainly
see.
JAKE
Yes. If there's anything you could
tell me, I'd appreciate it.
MR. SIX
Why don't you and your lovely
friend step into my office?
Mr. Six leads Gwen and Jake into his inner office.
Mr. Six goes to the wet bar.
MR. SIX (CONT'D)
Have a seat. Make yourselves
comfortable.
Mr. Six starts pouring some drinks.
JAKE
You've done pretty well after
demon hunting.
MR. SIX
I have, haven't I? I guess I just
have that kind of luck. I took a
few modest investments, found some
solid backers and within a few
years, I opened this place up.
Never look back.
JAKE
You ever talk to my grandfather
after all that?
MR. SIX
No, I'm afraid. Jacob was always
so focused on 'the missions'. He
didn't have much of a social life.
I saw him once or twice, but
barely long enough to say hi. He
was a very distant, guarded man.
Always was.
Mr. Six walks over to Gwen and Jake and gives them each a
drink.
GWEN