EPISODE 7
"TROUBLED MAN"
FADE IN
OPENING CREDITS
INT. DINER
CHARLES rubs his head as he closes his eyes, a voice speaking loudly through his mind.
CROWLEY
(O.S.)
You know that if I do this, you will owe me...rather hugely I might add...
CHARLES
(O.S.)
I wouldn't have asked you if I wasn't aware of the deals. Can you do it or not?
CROWLEY
(O.S.)
Find your wife? I don't think that should be so hard to do.
CHARLES
(O.S.)
Hopefully you have better luck than I did.
CROWLEY
(O.S.)
And the information on PROJECT DECONSTRUCTION?
CHARLES
(O.S.)
I can...
EMMA
Hey.
CHARLES drops his spoon as he was using it to stir his coffee, CHARLES rubbing his face as he smiles and watches as EMMA sits across from him, a serious look on her face as CHARLES moves the spoon and takes a drink of the coffee before speaking.
CHARLES
Hey, EM.
EMMA
Are you going to tell me what I already know, or am I going to have to twist the screws on you.
CHARLES
EMMA...?
EMMA
I saw you, yesterday. Going to ALISTAR fucking CROWLEY'S place...
CHARLES
Goddamnit, EMMA.
EMMA
Why?
CHARLES
You don't...this isn't something you need to know about.
EMMA
I would say I get too, we all get too. This is bullshit CHARLES, we are your family...and you're going behind our backs to that fucking prick!?
CHARLES
It's...complicated.
EMMA
No it's not, just tell me, please...
CHARLES
CROWLEY is going to help me find my wife, EMMA.
EMMA
Wife?
CHARLES
Yes.
EMMA
When did you have a wife?
CHARLES
This is not the time or place to talk about this, I have an assignment on the way for you guys and I don't need to be in any more of an agitated state then I already am?!
EMMA
This is not over between us, do you understand me? Not by a fucking long shot.
CHARLES
Fine. Gather the others at the spot and we'll talk. Okay?
EMMA
Fine.
EMMA gets up out of the booth and heads on towards the counter tops as CHARLES rubs his head and rubs his temple as EMMA orders, looking at CHARLES with concern as he seems lost in thought again.
CHARLES
I have to find her...
FEMALE VOICE
(O.S.)
You won't like what you find...
CHARLES
Stop saying that...
FEMALE VOICE
(O.S.)
Stay away...
CHARLES
I can't...
COLBY
Can't what?
CHARLES looks up to see COLBY sitting across from him, COLBY ordering as CHARLES looks over to EMMA who was watching him carefully as CHARLES reaches over and takes the file, reading it over for a few moments before closing it and putting it next to him.
CHARLES
Seems pretty meager compared to what we did for you guys not too long ago.
COLBY
Missions are scarce these days, not as much crime as it were, and the big ones you all know ALPHA TEAM'S get the prime bids for. I've been telling you for years all you have to do is get the group to take the ALPHA exams and...
CHARLES
They're not ready for that...
COLBY
We weren't ready for it either and yet we made it out alright. Think it over is all I am saying, if you guys get into the ALPHA RANKS things will pick up, but the payoffs as you know will be ten times what you get now.
CHARLES
We still get ALPHA level cases as it were, and or get involved in ALPHA level cases, I'm not gonna subject my people through that program for some extra pocket cash.
COLBY
It's just an option, what's got you so on edge?
CHARLES
Have the TRIO got anything on the data stream we were able to get for you.
COLBY
They did. They're able to pick up on small static bursts, so far it's been mobile every few hours so there's no way to get a proper trace on it, but they did uncover something else.
CHARLES
That being?
COLBY
Well it seems the data stream had an encryption algorithm embedded into it's code, basically allowing someone to read the file...
CHARLES
Is that so?
COLBY
You wouldn't happen to know anything about that...would you?
CHARLES
What do you think?
CHARLES and COLBY stare each other down tensely for a few moments.
COLBY
I didn't figure that either, that's why I went ahead and vouched for you and yours.
CHARLES
Thanks for that.
COLBY
Let's play things a little more close to the chest next time, mm?
CHARLES
Whatever you say.
CHARLES gets up taking the files in hand as he motions towards EMMA who gets up and comes around as COLBY looks at him.
COLBY
Gonna dash on me before I've had my lunch?
CHARLES
Unless you're expecting me to feed you too, I think you can manage, yeah?
COLBY
Yeah.
CHARLES nods as he heads off, EMMA close behind as COLBY looks a bit disheveled.
EXT. THE HANGOUT
ANTHONY leads SHANE over to a NICE BUILDING as SHANE looks it up and down.
SHANE
How come I'm just hearing about this place?
ANTHONY
What? The HANGOUT? We hardly use it, less we're all directly involved with whatever is going on. So I figure if CHARLES has something to tell us that he doesn't want out in the open, we come here. It also has our WAR ROOM, with our equipment, weapon caches, etc.
SHANE
Yeah, I should of heard about this place a lot sooner then right fucking now.
ANTHONY
Well...surprise.
ANTHONY uses his key and punches in on the keypad as the door opens once it accepts his code, SHANE following in as ANTHONY shuts the door behind.
INT. THE HANGOUT
SHANE marvels at the large warehouse that was nicely decorated with slick furniture, a BAR near the POOL TABLE as well as assortment of TV's, a bookshelf full of BOOKS and even a GYM pressed in the far back corner.
AUSTIN was laid out on the couch, flipping through a MAGAZINE as he tosses SHANE a key, SHANE catching it as the key-chain on it had a series of numbers on it.
AUSTIN
That's your key and pass-code, welcome to the HANGOUT, bro.
SHANE
Yeah, pretty bitchin'.
AUSTIN
Oh yeah man.
SHANE
Where's the others?
AUSTIN
They're all in the WAR ROOM, I was just waiting on you guys so I can bring you down.
AUSTIN closes his MAGAZINE and leads SHANE over towards the LIFT where ANTHONY was, ANTHONY touching a green button as the SLIDING DOOR opens and the THREE step inside, AUSTIN hitting the down button as SHANE feels the lift quickly descend down but not without throwing them off balance, SHANE watching as the LIFT then comes to a stop and the door opens.
INT. WAR ROOM
SHANE steps into the WAR ROOM for the first time as EMMA and NIKKI were sitting side by side in some chairs as CHARLES was standing in front of them, THREE extra empty seats which the THREE take up as CHARLES rubs his head and looks about.
CHARLES hands the FILE he got from COLBY to NIKKI, as NIKKI opens it and reads it over before she passes it around.
CHARLES
I just got this mission from COLBY about an hour ago. It's not a big job, but could be pretty harrowing so I'm appointing NIKKI the point man on this, she can pick her two support members as she thinks will help. But that's not why I called you down here. There is two bits of information I feel I should share...
CHARLES looks over to EMMA who nods at him, CHARLES catching himself as he looks about.
CHARLES
The first thing involves PROJECT DECONSTRUCTION. SHANE, ANTHONY I am sure the others have explained what happened and what we uncovered while you two were working that reap?
SHANE
Yeah.
ANTHONY
Yes, sir.
CHARLES
I was able to find out a little bit more on what exactly it is.
AUSTIN
How did you procure that information, I wonder?
CHARLES
ALISTAR CROWLEY.
AUSTIN
Oh, shit...
NIKKI
Boss...you can't be serious, that guy is all bad news...
CHARLES
I am aware, but he's the best outlet we got.
SHANE
What's so bad about this..CROWLEY guy?
AUSTIN
He's a high level demon, a douche. He's an information broker, was a SYSTEM higher up, but he got caught trading secrets and other information to splinter groups...they ousted him, but they couldn't kill him, he was too high up for them to do that, so they just...set him loose.
SHANE
And lemme guess, he just does the same thing he was doing when he worked within the SYSTEM?
AUSTIN
Yeah, in a nutshell. Cept everything he deals in is bad news, boss, the fuck, if anyone from the SYSTEM would of saw you going to that guy...?
CHARLES
I was aware of the risks, but I felt it was worth it, and I will not apologize for it.
AUSTIN
Alright...
NIKKI
So what did you find out?
CHARLES
As we know...the CODEX that JARED was after was split into three data streams, we were able to download and decode one of those data streams, which didn't have a lot of information, only small tidbits and a picture of what was essentially an EMP bomb.
NIKKI
Which we figured could be used to shut the SYSTEM completely down right?
CHARLES
Yes. CROWLEY was able to confirm that that's exactly what it is, a ANGELIC and DEMONIC created EMP BLAST that was commissioned for one purpose only, to completely wipe the SYSTEM out, at least temporarily for an unknown stretch of time, but long enough to cause a massive panic and hysteria, and or worse.
NIKKI
An incursion?
CHARLES
CROWLEY said they created it in case the SYSTEM began to become too corrupt for its own good, a fail safe almost. But they got afraid of it being used against them in...or maybe they just didn't want it lingering over their shoulder. So they destroyed it, and they split the CODEX into three parts and...we know the rest.
EMMA
So there is no EMP BOMB already built? JARED would have to crack the entire CODEX and then use it to build an entire new one? That could take...years, decades even.
CHARLES
For now it seems we have a window, a pretty extensive and large one, so while it's not any easier to cope with, it's at least a little comforting that we have some time to find this asshole and stop him beforehand.
AUSTIN
I second that.
CHARLES
The second thing...is a little more personal. It's actually the real reason I went to CROWLEY. I needed CROWLEY to find someone...someone who means a lot to me...whom I lost a very long time ago...I needed him to find...my Wife.
NIKKI
You're what?!
SHANE
Huh?
AUSTIN
You have a wife?
ANTHONY
Finally.
AUSTIN
Finally?
ANTHONY
I've known about LYDIA, for a very long time. I met her.
CHARLES
ANTHONY...In time.
ANTHONY
Right.
AUSTIN
You've had a wife this whole time? And TONY fucking knew about her and we didn't? What the fuck?
CHARLES
It's complicated. She...went missing.
NIKKI
Tell us about her....if that's okay...?
CHARLES rubs his chin as he nods, gathering himself as ANTHONY nods at him.
CHARLES
Her name was LYDIA NEWMAN. She was a VAMPIRE.
NIKKI
You married a VAMPIRE!?
AUSTIN
Whoa.
SHANE
I can't say I'm really surprised.
CHARLES
She was lovely. One of the first non UNDEAD RECLAIMERS. She ran with our ALPHA UNIT, back in the day. I fell in love with her, she saved my ass so many times. I saved her quite a bit too.
AUSTIN
I'm sure you did...
CHARLES
Things...went well. Around the time ANTHONY came she...was getting a lot of heat from her family. They were a middle ranged vampire clan, and...they didn't approve. Most VAMPIRES, if not all very strongly disagree with VAMPIRES marrying and breeding outside the race. I didn't know she was a COUNTESS.
AUSTIN
Go ahead CHARLES.
CHARLES
I didn't matter to me though, and in the end it didn't matter to her. We were happy.
EMMA
So what happened?
CHARLES
She was gone...one night just...gone. I don't know what happened...or where she went...I tore the Underworld apart...I...hurt a lot of people, I threatened her family I was losing it...COLBY and ANTHONY and the rest of the unit, they did what they could but...
ANTHONY
We never found her.
CHARLES
I never stopped looking...it's been almost a century...
SHANE
Would she still even...?
CHARLES
There's no restrictions if you live in the UNDERWORLD. There are vampires and counts there who are thousands of years old. If she is there...if...if she's there she's alive.
AUSTIN
Boss...that's a long time to hold on to a "IF"
CHARLES
Well...that's why I needed CROWLEY. To finally put away that damn "IF" and to know...for sure.
NIKKI
What do you plan on doing...once you have the information you've been looking for?
CHARLES
I don't know...but you need to know that...once it happens...once I find out...I may need you all...to help me...to save me...or even to stop me...
EMMA
We're here for you boss.
AUSTIN
Yeah. You know that man.
SHANE
Family.
ANTHONY
Family.
EMMA
Family.
NIKKI
Family.
AUSTIN
Yes sir.
CHARLES
...Family.
The GROUP share a moment of silence as they soak everything in as CHARLES nods and wipes his eyes as he turns from them.
CHARLES
NIKKI be sure you pick your back up and get on that, EMMA you're with me, I need your help with something. Who's ever left, hang out and wait for us, you're on call, just in case.
EMMA gets up and follows CHARLES out as NIKKI takes the FILE from ANTHONY as she stands.
NIKKI
AUSTIN, SHANE you're with me.
ANTHONY
Oh come on...
NIKKI
You're on call, if we get into a jam, you're on the speed dial.
ANTHONY
Fine. Be careful?
AUSTIN
Always are.
SHANE
Have fun, sport.
ANTHONY
Bite me.
SHANE and AUSTIN follow NIKKI to the LIFT as ANTHONY sneers as he wears a scorned expression on his face.
EXT. STREET
CHARLES rounds the corner as EMMA quickly follows around him, CHARLES not slowing down as EMMA looks at him.
EMMA
Where are we going?
CHARLES
I'm going to the first spot that CROWLEY'S people told me to check.
EMMA
Why is finding her so important...? I mean, why now?
CHARLES
I have my reasons...
EMMA
CHARLES...
CHARLES
I gave you all the information that you need to know and what I am willing to divulge, stick with me and maybe you will get more.
EMMA
I just wanna know I'm walking into hell with you for a good reason is all...
CHARLES stops as EMMA watches as CHARLES clutches his fists tightly, EMMA not sure what to do or say as CHARLES UN clinches them as he keeps on walking.
INT. NIKKI'S CAR
NIKKI loads a MACHINE GUN as SHANE was reading over the FILE as AUSTIN sat in the back, SHANE holding up some pictures of dead WEREWOLF'S.
SHANE
So we've got a batch of dead WEREWOLF'S being offed by a...silver bullet firing sniper. All the victims were FEMALE WOLVES...and they all worked here...
SHANE watches as SECURITY is placed all around a FRINGE YOUTH CENTER, SHANE continuing to read everything over as NIKKI continues loading the GUNS she had sitting in a bag in SHANE'S lap.
SHANE
...Why are they targeting just the werewolf women?
NIKKI
Angry youth, disgruntled parent., Won't know unless we catch this guy. ALIVE...AUSTIN.
AUSTIN
Let's not hold one's breath on that just yet.
SHANE
There's only one more female WEREWOLF employee, JANICE MASON.
AUSTIN
Is she hot?
SHANE
Eh...I guess...
NIKKI stops loading the gun as SHANE was about to reach back and hand the picture to AUSTIN but AUSTIN notices her sitting there motionless, SHANE noticing it too and slowly pulls the picture away as NIKKI waits a few moments before sets the gun into the bag, SHANE looking at it as closes the file.
SHANE
I've been meaning to ask. With our pistols we don't have to reload, they have like a recharge system. So why are you loading magazines into these guns?
NIKKI
These guns are black market guns with specific modifications. The magazines are actually charge batteries that allow the gun to fire without having to have a DNA print in order to fire the gun.
SHANE
Ah. Gotcha.
AUSTIN
So who's going in to be decoy/escort?
SHANE
I guess Me? You two have the most tactical experience, if trouble goes down it would probably be best to have the two of you on him.
NIKKI
No. I'll go.
SHANE
You sure?
NIKKI
You're the dead shot, if you get a clean shot on the fucker you take it. AUSTIN can chase him down and do all the other work should or if it comes to that. Besides, it's better to have a friendly female face than it is some random guy's.
SHANE
Point taken.
NIKKI
Keep my guns safe, and watch my back.
NIKKI tucks her pistol away and heads towards the YOUTH CENTER, AUSTIN crawling up from the back seat into the front as SHANE look at him as he sets the bag in the back, NIKKI flashing her ID to the SECURITY whom talk amongst themselves for a few moments before permitting her inside.
SHANE
So what the hell was that earlier?
AUSTIN
Oh you know..women being women.
SHANE
Uh huh.
AUSTIN bites his thumb as SHANE continues reading through the files.
INT. YOUTH CENTER
NIKKI comes into a ROOM as some GUARDS let her in, JANICE MASON, a fairly attractive 40ish brunette stands as NIKKI throws a calming hand up, JANICE sitting back down as NIKKI looks about as there were no windows.
NIKKI
JANICE, my name is NIKKI, I am a RECLAIMER and I am here to help you.
JANICE
Help me? Like you helped the others...
NIKKI
Can't blame me for something I wasn't made aware of until today. And If I had known and been hired earlier, I would've done all I could to keep them alive, same as I'm doing with you.
JANICE
I'm sorry I'm just...It's not been a good past couple of days...Everyday that I come in...someone I know is missing.
NIKKI
Do you have any idea who could be wanting you dead, specifically you and the other lycan women?
JANICE
No, not off the top of my head, I mean...you know how the FRINGE populace treats Werewolf's...
NIKKI
I am.
JANICE
It could be anyone or anything, for any number of reasons, take your pick.
NIKK
Well it's gotta be specific for a reason, I mean they're only targeting the werewolf women who work here, not just any and all so...once you come up with something you tell me, deal?
JANICE
Okay...
NIKKI
I'm going to escort you home, we're going to walk, you okay with that?
JANICE
What?! Why?
NIKKI
If someone wants you dead, hopefully they'll be so bold as to come after you regardless of who is with you, as a woman myself, I do not think they will see me as a threat, or suspect anything from me, and I've got back up close by that will be watching us very closely.
JANICE
Okay.
NIKKI
You live far from here?
JANICE
No...it's a good walk but not too far...
NIKKI
Okay, grab your things, punch out, do what you need to do and meet me outside.
NIKKI looks around the room as JANICE gathers her things, NIKKI heading outside as she looks to see the LARGE REC ROOM where KIDS of all kinds of species and creeds were swimming and laying out, playing as WORKERS were spread out, watching haphazardly as NIKKI nods as JANICE comes out, NIKKI heading out as she pushes in her ear piece.
NIKKI
Alright guy's we're on the move, keep your eyes peeled and follow us close.
INT. NIKKI'S CAR
AUSTIN watches as NIKKI comes out and throws them a look, showing her badge to the GUARDS again as JANICE does the same thing, SHANE watching as AUSTIN starts the car as SHANE pulls his PISTOl out, keeping it low as NIKKI and JANICE head down the street.
SHANE watches one of the GUARDS suddenly breaks away from the POST, SHANE tapping AUSTIN as AUSTIN notices it as well as AUSTIN nods at SHANE, SHANE getting out as he looks about before running towards the GUARD as AUSTIN pushes his ear piece in.
AUSTIN
We got a GUARD that just left his post as soon as you guys started down the street...older male...looked like a VAMPIRE...
NIKKI
(O.S.)
Watch him.
EXT. YOUTH CENTER
SHANE runs around the corner and holds his PISTOL up, SHANE shouting at the VAMPIRE as the GUARD stops and throws his arms up as a BAG was now open in front of him, as there was some trash bins and a dumpster nearby that could of easily hidden the items.
SHANE
Alright man, whatever you're thinking about doing, it's no use at this point.
VAMPIRE GUARD
Do you even know what she and her friends did?
SHANE
No, but that's not my concern right now, I don't have to keep you alive mind you, but I rather do this without bloodshed.
VAMPIRE GUARD
You UNDEAD amaze me...thinking you can come in here, come to our home, our world and police it...you know nothing.
SHANE
I know I really want to shoot you now, asshole. So shut up and turn around...slow...AUSTIN I got the guy, I need you too...
The VAMPIRE spins and rushes SHANE with incredible speed, SHANE firing twice and hits the VAMPIRE in the chest but it does no good as The VAMPIRE GUARD grabs SHANE by the throat and tosses him into the far side of the nearby wall a good ten feet away, SHANE hitting with such force that his body makes an imprint, as the VAMPIRE GUARD runs over and pulls the RIFLE from out of the bag as the VAMPIRE jumps a good thirty feet onto the roof of the building as SHANE stirs and slowly stands.
SHANE
AUSTIN, he's on the roof!
AUSTIN
(O.S.)
I got him!
AUSTIN runs and parkours up the building as the GUARDS went to stop him, but AUSTIN escapes their attempts as he rushes up and watches the VAMPIRE GUARD run by him, AUSTIN running as he plays catch up, giving chase as the TWO run along the rooftops.
SHANE comes around the corner and sprints down the street as he pushes his ear piece back in.
SHANE
NIKKI, it's a VAMPIRE, you need to get JANICE off of the streets now, AUSTIN is after him but I don't think we're going to be able to keep up with this guy.
NIKKI
(O.S.)
I got an idea, just keep up with him and don't make a move unless you got the shot.
SHANE
Shooting them won't kill them?
NIKKI
(O.S.)
Just trust me...
SHANE looks up as the VAMPIRE was a few buildings ahead of AUSTIN easily, AUSTIN looking a bit gassed but he keeps at it as SHANE follows the street and turns to keep up with the VAMPIRE GUARD.
The VAMPIRE GUARD continues to run along the buildings before he stops a few feet in front of him, The VAMPIRE GUARD dropping down, raising his RIFLE up as he looks to see NIKKI standing in a clear area, her gun pressed to JANICE'S TEMPLE as she was behind her, the VAMPIRE GUARD looking confused as NIKKI stares him down.
VAMPIRE GUARD
As much as I gotta say that I like this sight...it's not quite what I want...so why don't you step away, take that gun off of her, and let me finish this, and then I'll gladly turn myself in.
NIKKI
What did she do?
VAMPIRE GUARD
I don't have time for this...
JANICE
Please...I thought you were supposed to be helping me!
NIKKI
What did she do?
The VAMPIRE GUARD looks around as he keeps his gun leveled.
VAMPIRE GUARD
She and her werewolf workers were on duty at the pool...they weren't paying attention. A werewolf boy...about the same age as my son...he died. Drowned.
NIKKI
Is that true...?
JANICE closes her eyes as she begins crying, her faint head nod was all NIKKI needed as she nods to herself.
NIKKI
So you're what? Avenging the death of a werewolf cub? How noble...and stupid of you.
VAMPIRE GUARD
It could have been my son...or any one else's. You UNDEAD may think that all VAMPIRES and all WEREWOLF'S hate each other, but that's not the case. That boy deserved justice and his parents did nothing! Sticking to their goddamn kind because they feel obligated while their son is buried in some grave! Because of their negligence!
NIKKI
That doesn't make what you're doing right, that doesn't merit you being a vigilante!
VAMPIRE GUARD
They left a child to die, and nothing happened. No punishment. No...firings...they just got to move on with their lives...as if it never happened! They get to keep working with the same kids...what would have stopped them from doing it again? Or letting something worse happen?! No, I had to do this!
NIKKI
You're wrong. You think she lives guilt free? I saw it in her eyes the moment I stepped into that office. That look all us women have regardless of what we are...that look of guilt...and sadness...
JANICE still has her eyes closed as the VAMPIRE GUARD was twitching, NIKKI still having her PISTOl placed calmly against her head.
NIKKI
She lives in her own hell...she's suffering, just not the way you want.
VAMPIRE GUARD
She deserves to experience what that boy now lives through.
NIKKI
I won't let you.
VAMPIRE GUARD
Stop me!
The VAMPIRE GUARD fires but as he does NIKKI jumps in front of it, taking the bullet into her chest as The VAMPIRE GUARD and JANICE watch shocked as three more bullet shots ring out, the VAMPIRE GUARD looking down to see his chest pooling with blood as he turns to see SHANE aiming at him from behind, but as he did the VAMPIRE GUARD didn't notice AUSTIN running up from his side, AUSTIN swiping hard at his neck with a MACHETE.
SHANE lowers his GUN as the VAMPIRE GUARD'S HEAD tumbles off of his body, landing a few feet from him as the BODY twitches a few times before falling over on it's side, AUSTIN taking deep breaths as SHANE looks over at JANICE as she was on her knees by NIKKI, who was wincing as she pulls the bullet from out of her chest, NIKKI looking over at JANICE as JANICE looks confused.
JANICE
You were right you know...I live with it everyday...I see his face...It wasn't that we weren't paying attention we just...a commotion broke out and we had to stop it and...we just didn't see...
NIKKI
What's done is done...
JANICE
Is it? I mean...he was a vampire...a Vampire doing what no werewolf would have done...for a werewolf.
NIKKI
It's a strange world we live in...
SHANE and AUSTIN rush over as NIKKI looks at them as her chest was slowly heals.
NIKKI
You couldn't have taken that shot sooner?
SHANE
I shot him as soon as I showed up.
NIKKI
Good, let's take him in. He should be more cooperative now...
AUSTIN
Uh, yeah about that...
NIKKI
Goddamnit...
AUSTIN
The asshole shot you, and made me chase him across the roofs, he deserved to have his damn head cut off.
NIKKI
You're such an idiot.
SHANE smirks as NIKKI reaches her hand out towards SHANE who helps her up as JANICE keeps her steady.
INT. DEN
Three UNDEAD MEN are playing a game of some sort at a table, empty beer bottles littered about as the DOOR is suddenly kicked in, CHARLES storming inside as EMMA was close behind, The THREE standing as CHARLES grabs one quickly by the face and slams him into the wall, EMMA looking a bit shocked as CHARLES blocks the other TWO'S WILD PUNCHES before he flips one over and slams him onto the table, CHARLES clotheslining him down and watches as his body breaks through the table before he grabs the LAST UNDEAD MAN STANDING and slams him against the counter, his hands placed around his chest as EMMA watches one of the MEN stand and pull a BLADE OUT, EMMA kicking her leg out and wraps it around his arm, EMMA twisting her leg and spins her body as she flips the MAN over and listens as the flip also broke his arm in half, the MAN SCREAMING in agony as CHARLES looks at her as she crawls back a few feet and stands, BLADE kicked behind her as she nods at him.
CHARLES pulls the UNDEAD MAN towards him as he looks at him with a serious and uncaring look.
CHARLES
What did CROWLEY tell you about a woman named LYDIA NEWMAN?
UNDEAD MAN
I don't know what the fuck you are...
CHARLES slams his head against the counter and grabs him by his shirt again, pulling him close before he slams his head three more times, each time harder and more violent as EMMA looks worried.
CHARLES
What did CROWLEY tell you!
UNDEAD MAN
He said...he said that she...could be found not far from here...
CHARLES
Where!
UNDEAD MAN
Six BLOCKS West...three rows down...corner patch.
CHARLES
What is it?
The UNDEAD MAN begins to laugh, CHARLES'S face twisting as EMMA goes to stop him but CHARLES reaches over and shatters a bottle, CHARLES driving the bottle into the UNDEAD MAN'S LEFT EYE, leaving it in as the UNDEAD MAN screams in agony as CHARLES lets him go, the UNDEAD MAN sliding down the wall as he was to afraid to pull the bottle out as CHARLES brushes past EMMA and heads out, EMMA looking at the carnage before she runs out.
EXT. HALLWAY
EMMA grabs CHARLES by the shoulder as she hurries in front of him.
EMMA
What the hell was that just now!
CHARLES
CROWLEY told his people that he could not find LYDIA, that she was off the grid. I didn't believe him, And as you just saw, I was right to do that.
EMMA
So what do we do now?
CHARLES
We go to that address...
EMMA
It could be a trap, idiot.
CHARLES
No, the trap will be at CROWLEY'S, which I'll be going there after this...
EMMA
CHARLES, no...
CHARLES
Get out of my way, EMMA...
EMMA doesn't know what else to say as CHARLES pushes her to the side and heads off as EMMA looks about, thoughts racing as she follows.
INT. THE HANGOUT
ANTHONY looks up as NIKKI limps in, rubbing her chest as she had it wrapped as AUSTIN comes over and flops down on the couch, kicking his boots off as SHANE closes the door.
ANTHONY
I take it all's well that ends well?
NIKKI
Aside from me being shot in the chest by a silver bullet, yeah, It went well.
ANTHONY
Dead or alive?
NIKKI
What do you think?
AUSTIN throws a fist up before grabbing the MAGAZINE that he had started reading earlier, SHANE coming over to the fridge as he pulls a beer out and pops the top, taking it halfway down in one drink before coming over and sitting down as NIKKI goes to her plush chair and sits down, sighing in relief as the FOUR don't say anything, just seeming to be lost in thought.
EXT. CEMETERY
CHARLES walks slowly towards the location he was told about, EMMA looking on from a few feet away as CHARLES comes over and drops to his knees.
The TOMBSTONE of a LYDIA NEWMAN was placed exactly as the UNDEAD MAN had said, three rows down in a corner.
CHARLES notices the time of death as CHARLES shakes his head.
CHARLES
I couldn't save you...or find you...I couldn't...I made a lot of mistakes in my life, LYD. You and me both know that but this...not being there for you...I...I'm sorry.
CHARLES reaches out to touch the tombstone but stops as he begins crying, CHARLES grabbing his chest before he leans over and begins sobbing into the ground in front of her, EMMA letting her own tears fall as she comes over and gets on her knees beside CHARLES, CHARLES getting up as he was balling, EMMA touching him as CHARLES looks at her and tries to speak but can't as EMMA gently places his head on her shoulder, CHARLES letting it all go as EMMA rubs his head, letting her own tears fall as CHARLES loses it.
INT. THE TAVERN
AJAX is serving drinks to some patrons as NIKKI and SHANE sit at the counter.
SHANE
So what's the deal with you and AUSTIN?
NIKKI
The deal?
SHANE
You guy's sex buddies...a couple...what? I mean I thought you were going to shoot us both when I was going to show him that picture of that chick earlier.
NIKKI
It's...complicated.
SHANE
Man, does everything here have to be complicated...wrapped up in convolutions and blah blah blah.
NIKKI chuckles as SHANE does as well.
NIKKI
I don't know...Sometimes you...think you know...you think you know what you want...what exactly you think you need...and sometimes you lay in bed...and you're staring into that person's eyes...
FLASHBACK
Showing NIKKI and AUSTIN in "HOLIDAY".
NIKKI
(O.S.)
Sometimes you can see and have all that you want and need right in front of you...and still not know.
SHANE nods as NIKKI takes a drink.
NIKKI
I thought living was troublesome. Confusing and scary and different. I mean, I get here I think...all those insecurities and doubts about yourself and things like that, I thought all that ended, but nope...a soul is a soul and your feelings are made and bred from that very essence of what you are.
SHANE
I guess so.
NIKKI
What about you? You find yourself a little beau yet?
SHANE
Ha, I wish.
NIKKI
In time, kid. In time.
SHANE
Got a new place though?
NIIKI
So I heard.
AJAX comes around the corner and brings a tray of beers over to a group of men as ANTHONY and AUSTIN were sitting in a booth, ANTHONY looking over at NIKKI and SHANE as AUSTIN was checking about the place for talent.
AUSTIN
Damn...no action in here tonight, I'm like a bull in a sheep farm you know?
ANTHONY
Uh...no?
AUSTIN
Whatever.
ANTHONY
You're gonna talk to me about what's up with you or am I going to have to pry it out with fairly simple psychiatry.
AUSTIN
Ain't nothing simple about this breeding bull here.
ANTHONY
Why do you keep referring to yourself as a bull?
AUSTIN
They're strong...lean...big dicks.
ANTHONY
Okay, I get it...just stop...
AUSTIN
Has she looked over here yet?
ANTHONY
Who? NIKKI? No, she's just, chatting away with SHANE.
AUSTIN
Ah.
ANTHONY
...Did you two bang again?
AUSTIN
Yeah, last night.
ANTHONY
On OCCUPATION NIGHT? You dog.
AUSTIN
It was...amazing as always. I swear she can work the juice out of me like no other...she does this cute little thing where she'll take one hand and she'll...
ANTHONY
Spare me the details...please...just...
AUSTIN
It's really quite riveting stuff, if you could have it done to you, you'd come in your pants like that (snaps fingers)
ANTHONY
I think I'll manage.
AUSTIN
I will write it in my book one day.
ANTHONY
The SEXUAL LIFE of AUSTIN BLACK.
AUSTIN
No, It would be a lot more festive, and decorative...
ANTHONY
Like a coloring book.
AUSTIN
No, fuck you...the title, the title would be more bold, more me.
ANTHONY
Haha, I can see it now. "The SUPER FUN TIME AWESOME STORY BOOK STORY ABOUT ME, AUSTIN, AND MY MANY MANY CONQUEST WITH LOOSE WOMEN, ESQUIRE".
AUSTIN
You're a dick.
ANTHONY takes a drink as AUSTIN shakes his head and leans back.
AUSTIN
Seeing how you're about as undesirable as any other person I know on a personal basis.
ANTHONY
Why thank you...
AUSTIN
Let me ask you something.
ANTHONY
Shoot.
AUSTIN
If you offer to change everything about yourself...sincerely I might add...you offer yourself, in more ways than one...emotionally, spiritually, physically. You give someone that choice...And they give you nothing back...is it worth...still feeling like you owe them? Like...you should still change?
ANTHONY
Uh...
ANTHONY looks taken aback as AUSTIN smirks and shakes his head, taking a drink.
AUSTIN
Yeah...what I thought. Never mind man.
ANTHONY looks at NIKKI as she was laughing with SHANE as he then looks at AUSTIN who takes a drink and points at a group of WOMEN that had just come in, AUSTIN winking at one as ANTHONY looks between him and NIKKI and shakes his head.
INT. CROWLEY'S HIDEOUT
CROWLEY watches as an ALARM was going off, CROWLEY reaching over and pulls a REMOTE UP as he presses a button and listens to the alarm turn off, A LOW LEVEL DEMON running up to him as CROWLEY was in his underwear, a SERIES of SCREENS connected together as he was watching a movie.
DEMON
BOSS, someone has...
CROWLEY
Broken in? Yeah, I could tell when the fucking alarm went off...
DEMON
He's killed three of us, what should we do?
CROWLEY
I would sit down if I were you, or you're liable to be next. Relax, I'll handle him.
CHARLES
(O.S.)
CROWLEY!
The DEMON quickly sits down as CROWLEY smirks and presses the button on his chair, the CHAIR turning around slowly as CHARLES held a bloody MACHETE in his left hand, EMMA not far behind him as she held her pistol in hand CROWLEY smirks.
CROWLEY
CHARLES...kinda rude don't you think?
CHARLES
Why did you lie to me?
CROWLEY
CHARLES, what do you want me to say? You think I wanted to be the one to break the news that your long lost vampire wife had turned into dust and ash and nothingness? I know better than that, to incur that sudden and uncontrollable blood rage...and seeing how you are the way you are right now, I can say confidently that I was right in doing so.
CHARLES
Trying to lie and cover it up isn't a better option for you?
CROWLEY
I can say it was, and gladly that is. Look here...
CROWLEY tosses a large wad of cash towards CHARLES, CHARLES catching it as he tucks it away without even looking at it.
CROWLEY
Everything you gave me for searching for her, and what I knew about the CODEX for the EMP BOMB. Plus a little extra.
CHARLES
You don't give refunds.
CROWLEY
I normally don't, but in this case, with you, I'll make an exception. As I said, I was only keeping that information from you personally to protect my own ass, but do you think one of my own would come to you ratting out three of my little eyes and ears out of the goodness of their hearts? Of course not. I told him to, I left the bread crumbs for you Hansel and it worked very very well. You're welcome.
CHARLES holds the MACHETE up towards CROWLEY, CROWLEY a bit thrown off as CHARLES was shaking, unsure of what he wanted to do as EMMA comes over and touches him on the arm, CHARLES looking at her as she looks at him then at CROWLEY.
EMMA
He may be an asshole...but he's right. And I'm sure if he...leaves...and doesn't come back to this side of town...
CROWLEY
I was thinking it was time to relocate, yes...
EMMA
Then maybe you can...let this one go...
CHARLES
...You're right. You're right.
CROWLEY
Excellent, I knew you could be reasoned with, you've always been a smart guy, CHARLES, have I ever told you that? I think I have, I think I should probably start telling you that more...
CHARLES
Shut up, CROWLEY.
CROWLEY
Of course.
CHARLES
If I see you again...at least anytime soon...You will rue this day.
CROWLEY
I'm shaking.
CHARLES sneers as EMMA pushes CHARLES towards the entrance, the TWO heading out as the DEMON breathes a sigh of relief as CROWLEY spins the CHAIR around resumes his movie, whistling to himself as the DEMON looks at him uncomfortably.
INT. DINER
The SUN begins to rise as a new day has dawned, CHARLES, weary and tired in the face however, drinks his coffee and smiles at CINDY as she walks by and pats him on the shoulder before she greets the people behind him, COLBY coming up to him as he looks him over and takes a seat across from him.
COLBY
Long night?
CHARLES
Yes.
COLBY
I need to ask you something, and I'm promising you that it stays between us.
CHARLES
Okay...?
COLBY
I got a flag from some people that CROWLEY was in town...you know how the SYSTEM'S been wanting to get their hands on him for a while now.
CHARLES
Very.
COLBY
Then I hear...that people were going around...looking for any and all information on a LYDIA NEWMAN...
CHARLES tenses up as COLBY notices it and nods.
COLBY
So it was you.
CHARLES
Maybe.
COLBY
Cut the bullshit with me...just shoot straight with me, did you finally find her or not?
CHARLES chuckles to himself as he rubs his chin, fighting back tears as he takes a deep breath and closes his eyes, rubbing his face as COLBY watches him.
CHARLES
Yeah...yeah I found her. In a...grave about sixty miles west of here.
COLBY
Goddamnit...
CHARLES
It was...soon after she went missing...all this time you know...
COLBY
I'm sorry, CHARLES.
CHARLES
Nothing I can do now.
COLBY
Yeah...
COLBY hands CHARLES a stack of bills and a FOLDER.
COLBY
For the last job...and here's another for you. Should be a busy day for your men. I'm sure you could...get some sleep.
CHARLES
Thanks.
CHARLES takes the money and tucks it into his coat pocket as CHARLES grabs the folder and moves it beside him, CHARLES taking a drink as COLBY gets out of the booth and goes to leave but stops as he puts a hand on his shoulder.
COLBY
You never stopped looking...you never stopped caring...and if it were me...and I ran out of options...I would've went to CROWLEY too...least I like to think I would.
CHARLES
Thanks, COLBY.
COLBY pats him a few times and heads out, smiling and waving at CINDY as CHARLES keeps some tears back and finally goes for the food that was untouched on the plate in front of him.
INT. CROWLEY'S PAD
CROWLEY rubs his head as a FIGURE was standing before him.
CROWLEY
That was a nice touch there, putting the Gravestone in the cemetery like that. He was pretty broken up about that.
FIGURE
It's better for him that way...he deserves that closure. Did you give him his money back?
CROWLEY
Yes, I did. And I'm not happy about that either, but you paid me a hell of a lot more to do what you wanted me to do, so I just have to ask...why?
The FIGURE steps up, revealing a exotic looking brunette woman as she had fangs and was wearing a fine Victorian like dress. LYDIA NEWMAN looking at CROWLEY with a very matter of fact look.
LYDIA
Because he was my husband...and I loved him. But there are things now...things I cannot involve him in. You know who I work for...
CROWLEY
I've heard the whispers. Is it true...about...
LYDIA
Just keep to your own game, and try to stay out of the big boys way...and if I have to come here again...I will kill you myself.
CROWLEY
Ha, you really were his broad.
LYDIA sneers at CROWLEY as CROWLEY smirks and heads off as LYDIA looks at a picture of her, CHARLES, COLBY, ANTHONY, TERRANCE and TWO other PEOPLE.
LYDIA tucks the photo away as a voice calls out to her.
VOICE
(O.S.)
Is it done...
LYDIA
Yes...master.
VOICE
(O.S.)
I have allowed you to sever that tie. Make sure it stays that way.
LYDIA
I do not foresee him being anymore of a problem for us.
VOICE
(O.S.)
Good. Because if not...I will see to it myself.
LYDIA
There is no need for that...
VOICE
(O.S.)
I do not care. We are working for a higher purpose...do you not remember why I recruited you?
LYDIA
I do.
VOICE
(O.S.)
Then return...we have much more to accomplish and little time to do so.
LYDIA nods as she heads out, not noticing as CROWLEY was spying on her from around the corner of where he had previously disappeared behind.
CROWLEY
Interesting...
CROWLEY smirks to himself before he turns and whistles, chuckling to himself between tunes as he heads out of DEN.
FADE OUT
END OF EPISODE.