Autodidact_33
Senior Member
The Family Man
an original screenplay by Matthew Bissonnette and John Windsor
Ext. A forest Path Morning
A forest in late autumn. A wind blows through the forest, blowing leafs of the tree's which fall slowly towards the ground. The floor of the forest is covered with decaying leafs. A dirt path cuts through the forest and a man dressed in hunting attire, elderly Edger Price, walks down the path holding a rifle. A small dog follows him. Edger stops, turns and looks at his dog.
Edger Price
Haven't you found a scent of a deer yet? Some hunting dog you are.
The dog sits down and wags his tail. Edger then looks around the forest.
EDGER PRICE
Hunting has been lousy this year any ways.
Edger then see's something metallic and shiny partially covered by leafs on the floor of the forest near the trail. He walks over and looks down. It is a expensive gold watch.
EDGER PRICE
Seems this is my lucky day.
Edger goes to pick it up, but when he does it pulls up a skeletal arms now protruding up through the leafs.
Ext. Over forest Seconds later
A view of the forest passing underneath. Edger is screaming.
Ext. Dover morning
The town of Dover in the distance. Dover is a large town surrounded by forests and secluded valleys.
Ext. Dover Seconds later
Several different scenes of the streets of Dover. Shops and businesses line main street, a large church is near the center of town. There is also a park near a river. It is a early weekday morning and the streets are mostly empty. Near one end of town is a street of large homes, at the end of the street is the home of the Hudson family, a white house with a large front yard.
Int. Bedroom of the Hudson Home Seconds later
A large bedroom furnished with expensive furniture, a oak dresser and large bed over which hangs a silk canopy. A attractive woman in here mid thirties, Vanessa Hudson, lays asleep in the bed wearing a white silk nightgown. A man also in his mid thirties, Arthur Hudson, stands in front of a mirror. He is a muscular man with an emotionless expression on his face, he is wearing dress pants, a white shirt, and looks into the mirror as he adjusts his tie. As he does this his wife slowly awakes from her slumber and sits up in bed. She looks at Arthur and smiles.
Vanessa Hudson
Arthur, come back to bed. This is my week off.
Arthur continues to look in the mirror and adjust his tie.
Arthur Hudson
I'll be late for work.
Vanessa softly laughs.
VANESSA HUDSON
You are the editor for the town paper. You can be late for work.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I've worked there for fifteen years and never have been late. I'm not going to start now Vanessa.
Vanessa falls back into bed.
VANESSA HUDSON
That is what I get for marrying such a serious man.
Arthur finishes adjusting his tie and walks over to the bed, leans over his wife, and kisses her on the head.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Dear, the kids will be awake soon. You have to get them ready for school.
VANESSA HUDSON
Can't you do it.
ARTHUR HUDSON
You know our kids hate my cooking. Now get up.
VANESSA HUDSON
OK. I'm getting up.
Arthur then goes to walk out of the room but says something before he leaves.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I'll see you downstairs.
Int. Kitchen of the Hudson Home Later
A large kitchen with marble counter tops, a large dinner table as well as expensive appliances. Arthur sits at the kitchen table reading a paper, a steaming cup of coffee on the table in front of him. His ten year old son, Ben Hudson, sits at the other end of the table, wearing his school clothes. Vanessa stands over the stove cooking breakfast. Ben looks impatiently at his mother.
Ben Hudson
Mom, I'm hungry.
Vanessa turns and looks at her son and smiles.
VANESSA HUDSON
Honey, breakfast is almost ready.
She turns back to the stove. Arthur then folds his paper and places it on the table and looks at Ben.
ARTHUR HUDSON
So, are you ready for soccer try outs today Ben.
Ben nods.
BEN HUDSON
I'm going to score more goals then anyone else.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Just try your best.
Then his teenage daughter, Conny Hudson, walks into the room. She is dressed entirely in black; a dark dresses as well as stockings and boots, she has dark hair with blond roots. She is has on earphones and sits at the table, her music is loud. Arthur looks at her.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Conny.
She does not hear him so he raises his voice.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Conny!
She looks at him and takes off her earphones.
Conny Hudson
What Arthur?
ARTHUR HUDSON
I've told you not to listen to your music at your table.
Conny sighs.
CONNY HUDSON
OK, OK, I forgot.
Arthur frowns.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Conny, when are you going to grow out of this goth phase of yours.
CONNY HUDSON
It is not a phase, I dress like a feel inside.
Ben laughs.
BEN HUDSON
You look like a witch.
Conny scowls at Ben.
CONNY HUDSON
Shut up you little spazz!
Arthur looks at his children.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Would you both try to treat each other like brother and sister.
CONNY HUDSON
He started it.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Can we just have a nice, peaceful breakfast as a family.
CONNY HUDSON
Arthur, it is lame how old fashioned you are.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I might be lame but I'm your father. And call me either dad or your father.
Vanessa continues to cook and looks out a window behind the stove, which overlooks the front yard and the street beyond. Through the window she see's a balding, over weight, sweaty man, Jeremy, wearing jogging clothes standing at the edge of the street and looking at the house.
Vanessa Hudson
Arthur, come here.
Arthur gets up and walks over to his wife, once his back is to his kids Conny sticks out her tongue at Ben. Arthur puts his hand on his wife's shoulder.
ARTHUR HUDSON
What is it?
VANESSA HUDSON
There is a creepy guy looking at the house.
Arthur looks through the window and see's him, Arthur frowns. Conny then looks at her parents.
CONNY HUDSON
Is he fat and bald?
VANESSA HUDSON
Yes, why?
CONNY HUDSON
He was there last night. He was watching me get dressed for bed through my window.
Arthur upon hearing this scowls at the man and grits his teeth.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I'm going to talk to him.
VANESSA HUDSON
Be careful, he looks dangerous.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Don't worry.
Arthur leaves the kitchen.
Ext. Outside the Hudson Home seconds later
Jeremy stands at the edge of the front yard of the Hudson home and looks at the house. But when Arthur emerges from the front door Jeremy begins to walk away. Arthur catches up to him, Jeremy stops, spins around and faces him.
Jeremy
I was not doing nothing man.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I'm going to give you a warning. Never come near this house again.
JEREMY
Or you'll call the cops. I'm not doing anything illegal, I'm aloud to stand on the street.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I find you looking at either my wife or my daughter again, I am going to kill you.
Jeremy laughs.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I'm not joking, you picked the wrong house. Come near here again and I'll kill you slowly.
Jeremy stops laughing and begins to walk away.
INT. KITCHEN OF THE HUDSON HOME seconds Later
Arthur's family sits at the kitchen table without him, there breakfast in front of them. They all look at Arthur when he walks into the room and sits at the table.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Let's try to enjoy breakfast.
Vanessa looks at her husband.
VANESSA HUDSON
What did you say to him?
ARTHUR HUDSON
I just appealed to his better nature not to come around again. Now let's eat.
They begin to eat in silence.
Ext. A major city morning
A large city looms in the distance. On the outskirts of the city is a large home in front of a railway.
Int. Interior of house seconds later
Moving through the house. In the hallway a dead old man lies on the floor, a pool of blood around him. As we look down at him there is a quick flash of him being hit by an ax. In a living room a younger man lies upon a couch, also is dead and the couch is stained with blood. There is a flash of him sitting on a couch as an ax falls upon his head. Moving up the stairs, we come to a bedroom. A woman lays in the bed, dead and the sheets are covered with blood. There is a flash of her sitting up in bed and looking scared, then there is a glimpse of an ax being swung.
Int. Kitchen of house Seconds later
Sitting at the kitchen table is a huge disheveled man, he has a dirty beard and long greasy hair. He wears and trench coat which is covered with blood. He, The Railway Ripper, sits while he eats a bowl of cereal. A red fire ax with blood on the blade is laid across the table. He continues to eat in silence. He stops eating when he hears the whistle of a train in the distance.
Ext. Behind house Seconds later
A slowing moving freight train rumbles across the tracks behind the house. The Railway Ripper emerges from the back door of the house and runs towards the train, carrying his ax. Then then jumps up into a empty boxcar and the train carries him away. He looks at the house as he rolls away and a huge grin appears on his face, he then begins to cackle.
EXT. A FOREST PATH MORNING
The forest path later in the morning. Police trucks are parked on the path between the trees, as several members of the Dover police stand around a badly decomposed body partially covered by leafs. Among them are police chief David Holland and deputy Peter Vance. Chief Holland is in his early fifties, is burly and has gray hair. He is looking down at the body and shaking his head. Deputy Vance looks at him.
Deputy Vance
We'll have to identify him from dental records. There is nothing left chief.
Chief Holland
I know who it is. It's Fred Walsh.
DEPUTY VANCE
You mean the guy who used to run the bank?
CHIEF HOLLAND
Yeah. I can tell by the watch, he had it on every time I saw him. Fred vanished about six months ago and I would say that is approximately how long this body has been decaying.
DEPUTY VANCE
Well, I guess he is not a missing person anymore. I can't see who would have killed him. What do you think happened to him Holland?
CHIEF HOLLAND
Some one killed him and dumped the body. You know, Fred was the fourth person who has vanished in Dover in the past fifteen years. But this is the first body to be found.
DEPUTY VANCE
So we have a murderer in the area?
CHIEF HOLLAND
Yeah. And have to find the culprit before he strikes again. Let's go.
Chief Holland and Deputy Vance walk towards their vehicle.
Ext. Outside the Dover News noon
A red brick buildings along main street of Dover. A sign hangs over the door which says "Dover News".
Int. Office of Arthur Hudson seconds later
Arthur sits behind a a desk in his small office. There are many pictures of his family on the walls as well as a photograph of Vanessa in a wedding dress in a gold frame on his desk. He looks at some papers on his desk when the door opens. Arthur looks up.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Come in.
The door opens and reporter Alice Jones, a young woman in jeans and t-shirt, walks into the office.
ARTHUR HUDSON
What is it Alice?
Alice Jones
Boss, I think I got a story and its big.
Arthur leans back in his chair.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Go on.
ALICE JONES
My friend Betty works as at the police station. She just told me a body has been found on the trails through the woods south of town.
Arthur seems expressionless.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Know anything else?
ALICE JONES
No, but I want you to put me on the story.
Arthur shakes his head.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Alice, this might be a big story. I would like to give this to a more experienced reporter.
Alice walks towards the desk and puts her hands down on it.
ALICE JONES
Give me this chance boss, I won't let you down.
Arthur seems to contemplate for a moment.
ARTHUR HUDSON
OK, you got it. But I want to be constantly updated on anything you find.
ALICE JONES
Thanks.
Alice then leaves the office and Arthur is alone. He then frowns and looks at the picture of his wife on the desk.
Ext. Outside the Hudson Home night
The Hudson home during the night, the sky is clear and full of stars.
INT. BEDROOM OF THE HUDSON HOME SECONDS LATER
Arthur and Vanessa sit in bed, Arthur in pajamas and Vanessa in her silk nightgown. Arthur is reading a book when Vanessa rests her head on his shoulder.
VANESSA HUDSON
Penny for your thoughts Arthur. You've be quiet all all day.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I'm just preoccupied with work.
VANESSA HUDSON
You know, we've been married for almost fifteen years and I think I can count on my fingers how many times I've seen you smile.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I guess I don't wear my heart on my sleeve.
Arthur then kisses her.
ARTHUR HUDSON
But I do love you Vanessa. You and the kids are the only things in this world I care about. My life was not worth living until I met you.
VANESSA HUDSON
I've known you so long, but I you have only spoke about your childhood a couple of times.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Nothing worth troubling you with.
Vanessa laughs.
VANESSA HUDSON
Some time I think you have some secrets that you a keeping from me.
Arthur puts his book down on the nightstand and lies down in bed.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Let's just some sleep.
She lies down too and he turns the lamp on the nightstand off.
Int. Conny's room Seconds Later
Conny's room. The walls are plastered with posters of Goth rock bands, her bed is covered with black sheets and dirty clothes are strewn about the floor. Conny is standing and starting to take off her black clothes and get ready for bed, she stands by a window.
Ext. outside the Hudson Home Seconds later
Jeremy stands at the edge of the front yard and looks up at Conny's window. He watches as she undresses then begins to rub the front of his pants.
Int. conny's room seconds later
Conny turns and looks out the window and see's Jeremy. She stops undressing and seems disgusted. She yells.
CONNY HUDSON
Arthur!
Several moments path when Arthur runs into the room followed my Vanessa and the looks concerned.
ARTHUR HUDSON
What is it Conny?
CONNY HUDSON
That pervert is looking at me.
She points to the window and Arthur goes to it. He looks down and sees Jeremy.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE HUDSON HOME moments later
Jeremy stops rubbing his pants when he sees Arthur looking out the window and begins to walk away.
INT. BEDROOM OF THE HUDSON HOME SECONDS LATER
Arthur walks into his bedroom and begins to get changed into is day clothes. Vanessa walks into the room and she looks at her husband.
VANESSA HUDSON
What are you doing?
ARTHUR HUDSON
I'm going to try and find that guy.
VANESSA HUDSON
Be careful.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I promise.
Ext. a street of Dover later
A street with homes on either side. Jeremy walks down the sidewalk as a van appears behind him.
Int. Van seconds later
Arthur is driving the van and is looking a Jeremy. Jeremy's back is to him and does not notice. Arthur parks on the side of the street and gets out.
Ext. A street of Dover seconds later
Jeremy continues to walk and does not notice as Arthur stealthily sneaks up behind him. Then Arthur puts his arm around Jeremy's neck and begins to squeeze as Jeremy struggles. Jeremy mutters.
Jeremy
Stop.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I warned you.
Jeremy passes out and Arthur lets him fall to the ground. Arthur looks around to see if anyone is looking then begins to drag Jeremy towards the van.
Ext. The Hudson Farm later
A secluded farm outside Dover as a crescent moon hangs in the sky over it. There is a rundown cabin behind which is a large wooden shed. Arthur's van parked next to the shed.
Int. The shed seconds later
Inside the shed is a room with a dirt floor. Jeremy, still unconscious, is tied to a chair. Behind him is Arthur, who stands over and work bench and is sharpening a jagged hunting knife. Jeremy then wakes up, looks around, and begins to struggle.
Jeremy
What the fuck!
Arthur says nothing as he continues to sharpen the knife. Jeremy seems afraid.
Jeremy
What is going on, where am I.
Arthur stops sharpening then knife and looks at Jeremy.
ARTHUR HUDSON
The place where you are going to die.
Jeremy begins to struggle.
JEREMY
Who are you!
Arthur, still holding the knife, walks around the chair and looks at Jeremy. Jeremy's eyes lock on the knife and he begins to shake his head.
JEREMY
You, you are that guy from this morning!
ARTHUR HUDSON
I promised you that I would kill you if I caught you near my house again, and I am a man of my word. You picked the wrong family to mess with.
Jeremy begins to to shake.
JEREMY
You can't do this.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I don't want to, but you did not leave me a choice.
JEREMY
I'm sick, OK, I can't stop myself it. Take me into the police. I'm not a monster, I need help.
ARTHUR HUDSON
You might not be a monster, but I am.
Arthur slowly walks towards Jeremy, knife in hand.
EXT. THE shed seconds LATER
The shed is in the distance as Jeremy's screams fill the night.
INT. BEDROOM OF THE HUDSON HOME LATER
Vanessa sits in bed and looks at the clock on the nightstand, it is nearly three in the morning. She seems worried when the door opens and Arthur walks in. She gets out of bed, runs to him and throws her arms around him.
VANESSA HUDSON
Arthur, I was so worried. What happened?
ARTHUR HUDSON
I drove around but could not find him. You know how I am, I was upset and went to my family's farm to blow off some steam.
Vanessa stops holding him and looks into his eyes.
VANESSA HUDSON
Are you telling me the truth?
ARTHUR HUDSON
Yes. Let's go to bed, its late.
They get into bed and lie down. He turns off the lamp. Vanessa turns her head and looks at him.
VANESSA HUDSON
Why do you go to that farm when you are upset? The few times you talk about it, you say it only has bad memories for you.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I don't know why. Let's just get some sleep.
Arthur rolls over looking away from her and closes his eyes. Vanessa looks at him for a moment then goes to sleep.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE HUDSON HOME Morning
It is morning as wind blows leafs across the front yard of the Hudson home.
Int. inside bathroom seconds
Arthur and Ben are in a large bathroom. Ben sits on the top of the toilet seat as Arthur shaves while looking in the bathroom mirror. Ben seems happy.
Ben Hudson
Coach says that I the best player he has seen this year.
Arthur Hudson
I'm proud of you Ben. I you ready for your first game this afternoon?
Ben Hudson
Yes, I'm going to make sure my team wins.
Arthur Hudson
Well, me and your mother are going to be in the crowd watching.
Ben Hudson
Will Conny be there?
Arthur grunts.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I doubt it. She is probably going to spend this weekend with that boyfriend of hers.
BEN HUDSON
You don't like him do Dad?
ARTHUR HUDSON
I just want what's best for you and her Ben. I know sometimes I push you two to succeed a little to hard, but that is because I care about you two.
Vanessa's voice calls from somewhere else in the house.
VANESSA HUDSON
Ben!
Ben gets up and leaves the bathroom and Arthur continues to shave.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE HUDSON HOME later
It is later in the day. Arthur is in the front yard raking leafs when a motorcycle comes to a stop in front of the house. Sitting on it is Kenny Banner, a teenager dressed in black, he has spiked hair and is not wearing a helmet. Arthur stops raking and looks at him. Kenny turns to face him and nods.
Kenny Banner
Mr. Hudson, is Conny home?
Arthur looks down and continues to rake.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I think so Kenny. Where are you two going today?
KENNY BANNER
We are going to the arena to go ice skating.
Conny then emerges from the house and runs towards the bike and walks past Arthur and gets on the bike. Arthur then raises his head and talks loudly.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Conny!
She looks at him and sighs.
CONNY HUDSON
What is it Arthur?
ARTHUR HUDSON
You are not going anywhere without your helmet.
CONNY HUDSON
But it looks so stupid.
ARTHUR HUDSON
You know the deal you made with me and your mother. You can ride on Kenny's bike only if you wear the helmet we bought you. Now go inside and get it.
Conny reluctantly gets off the bike and runs inside the house. Kenny then puts the bike on the kickstand and gets off while he waits for Conny.
ARTHUR HUDSON
So Kenny, where are your skates?
KENNY BANNER
What?
ARTHUR HUDSON
You said you where going skating, I don't see your skates?
KENNY BANNER
Oh, we will rent some when we get there.
ARTHUR HUDSON
OK, well, you should really wear a helmet.
KENNY BANNER
In case I crash and crack my head open?
Arthur looks down and mutters something under his breath.
ARTHUR HUDSON
If only I were that lucky.
KENNY BANNER
What was that Mr. Hudson?
ARTHUR HUDSON
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure Kenny.
Conny emerges from the house and runs to the bike. She and Kenny both get on and drive away as Arthur watches them leave.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I really don't like that boy.
Arthur then rakes for awhile when Vanessa and Ben emerge from the house. Ben is dressed in his soccer uniform.
VANESSA HUDSON
Arthur, Ben's game is in an half and hour.
He puts down the rake and they all walk towards the van parked in the driveway.
INT. VAN SECONDS LATER
Arthur sits in the driver seat, Vanessa is beside him and Ben is in the back. As they driver Vanessa looks back at Ben.
VANESSA HUDSON
Nervous Ben?
BEN HUDSON
No mom.
VANESSA HUDSON
Are you sure not even a little?
BEN HUDSON
Maybe a little.
Vanessa laughs and looks towards Arthur.
VANESSA HUDSON
I think our son is going to be the next Beckham.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I wish our daughter would show as much interest in constructive activities as Ben does.
VANESSA HUDSON
Her grades are still good Arthur. Maybe you should ease up on her. She will be in college in two years.
Arthur Hudson
I'm telling you, Kenny is a bad influence on her. I think he is the one responsible for this morbid phase of hers.
Vanessa Hudson
You have to let her make her own decisions now that she is older.
Arthur Hudson
I wish she would make the right decisions for a change.
Ext. outside Arcade later
In a small building beside a parking lot in Dover is an arcade. Kenny's bike is parked beside it and he and Conny stand outside the door with two other young teenage boys who are also dressed in black. They are passing around a joint of marijuana. Kenny inhales, holds it in for a few moments, then exhales. He laughs then passes the joint to Conny. She takes it and smokes.
KENNY BANNER
This is the chronic.
Conny continues to smoke the joint then smiles.
CONNY HUDSON
If Arthur knew I was smoking weed, he would kill me.
Kenny giggles.
KENNY BANNER
Your Dad is such a crypto fascist, he is like a father from some bad 1950's sitcom.
CONNY HUDSON
I know. He has spent my life trying to make me into the perfect daughter. Study harder Conny, your grads are not high enough Conny.
KENNY BANNER
Your dad is such a pussy.
CONNY HUDSON
I know.
They continue to smoke a joint.
Ext. soccer field later
A soccer field outside Dover. The two teams of kids play soccer as the parents watch from the bleachers and cheer. Arthur and Vanessa sit in the bleachers among the parents, Vanessa cheers but Arthur seems restrained.
VANESSA HUDSON
Ben has scored to goals already.
ARTHUR HUDSON
We'll have to take him out for pizza as a reward.
Vanessa puts her arm around Arthur's arm.
VANESSA HUDSON
He is amazing.
Now we see Ben running down the soccer field as his kicks the ball towards the opposing teams net. The other players are behind him and running in the same direction. Vanessa jumps to her feet and yells.
VANESSA HUDSON
You can do it Ben!
Then Ben kicks the ball past the goalie and the crowd cheers. The referee blows the whistle and both teams go to the their benches. Ben and his team stand around their coach, a tall lean man is his forties, Simon Pane.
Coach Pane
You are slaughtering them.
Coach Pane looks down at Ben.
COACH PANE
Hudson, this year, you are going to be my striker.
Coach Pane pats Ben on the head.
COACH PANE
You will get us to the county finals for sure.
BEN HUDSON
Thanks Coach.
COACH PANE
OK team, go and finish this.
The team runs out into the field.
Ext. Parking Lot beside soccer field dusk
It is dusk as the soccer game finishes. Arthur and Vanessa wait in the parking lot, standing beside their van, as both teams shake hands in the soccer field. Vanessa seems happy while Arthur looks at Ben in the distance.
VANESSA HUDSON
Arthur, we have a good son there don't we?
ARTHUR HUDSON
A father could not ask for better. My father could have cared less if I did well at anything.
VANESSA HUDSON
If he was still here, he would have been proud of you. You grew up into a good man. Arthur, could you do one thing for me?
ARTHUR HUDSON
What?
VANESSA HUDSON
Try to smile for Ben. Sometimes he thinks you are not happy for him.
In the distance, Ben's team are around their coach. He talks to them then his players begin to walk towards the parking lot. But before Ben leaves, Coach Pane hugs him as Arthur watches. Then Ben runs towards his parents. He runs into Vanessa's waiting arms and she hugs him.
BEN HUDSON
Did I do good mom?
VANESSA HUDSON
You did great.
She lets him go and Ben looks up at his father.
BEN HUDSON
Proud Dad.
Arthur awkwardly smiles momentarily.
ARTHUR HUDSON
So proud that you, your mother and I are going out for pizza.
They begin to get into the van, but before Arthur gets in he looks out into the field at Coach Pane. He then gets in.
Ext. A railway night
A railway cuts through some empty fields, the lights of a city are in the distance. Two young men wait beside the tracks, they are both holding duffel bags. They are Gene and Wally, and seem to be looking for something.
Gene
Are you sure this is a good idea?
Wally
You wanted to travel across the country. We hop freight trains and do it for free.
Then there is the whistle of a train in the distance.
Wally
Ready?
GENE
No.
Then a freight train slowly rumbles past them.
Wally
Jump into the first open boxcar you see.
After awhile a boxcar begins to move past them, it is opened and the inside is darkened. Gene and Wally run to catch up to it and they jump in.
Int. inside Boxcar seconds later
Wally and Gene stand in the darkened boxcar but can't see anything. Wally opens his duffel bag and pulls out a small battery powered lamp. He turns it on but they are both startled when they see the Railway Ripper sitting in the corner of the boxcar.
Gene
Did not see you there mister.
The Railway Ripper's chapped lips smile.
Railway Ripper
You see me now.
They both look at him and see the axe on floor beside him. They seem nervous. Gene whispers to Wally.
GENE
I got a bad feeling Wally.
Wally whispers back.
Wally
Man up Gene.
Wally looks at the Railway Ripper.
Wally
Mind if we ride with you buddy?
RAILWAY RIPPER
Sure.
Wally and Gene sit in the other end of the boxcar. They look at the Railway Ripper in silence for awhile when Gene nervously speaks.
Gene
What is the ax for?
The Railway Ripper picks it up and lays it across his legs.
RAILWAY RIPPER
Protection as well as other things.
Ext. outside train moments later
The freight train begins to pick up speed as it roars through the countryside.
INT. INSIDE BOXCAR SECONDS LATER
Gene and Wally are still looking at the Railway Ripper, they both seem nervous now.
RAILWAY RIPPER
You know, you should not ride the rails. It is dangerous.
Gene nudges Wally and whispers.
Gene
I think that is blood on his coat. Maybe we should get off.
Wally whispers back.
Wally
The train is going to fast now.
Gene
Why did I let you talk me into this?
The Railway Ripper begins to laugh.
RAILWAY RIPPER
And what are you two whispering about?
Wally
Nothing, really.
The Railway Ripper stands up and holds the ax in both his hands. He walks towards the two men and is snickering.
RAILWAY RIPPER
I want to know what you said.
Wally and Gene stand up and look towards the open door of the boxcar. But before they can get to it the Railway Ripper stands in between them and the door.
Railway ripper
Tell me what you said or I'm going to paint the inside of this boxcar with your blood.
Gene and Wally back up and are now pressing their backs on the side of the boxcar. They seem terrified.
Gene
Mister, you don't want to do this.
RAILWAY RIPPER
Tell me what you said!
Wally raises his hands.
Wally
He told me a joke, that's all.
The Railway Ripper lowers the ax and turns his back to them.
RAILWAY RIPPER
Oh, I hope it was funny.
Both Wally and Gene calm down when suddenly the Railway Ripper turns around and swings the ax and it buries itself into Wally's chest. He falls to his knee's and blood pours out from his chest. Gene screams and tries to get past the Railway Ripper. The Railway Ripper let's go of the ax and grabs Gene's arm so he can't escape. Wally falls down dead when the Railway Ripper picks up Gene and throws him into the wall. Gene is now on the ground looking up. Gene is pleading as he shakes his head.
Gene
Please don't kill me.
The Railway Ripper pulls the ax from Wally's chest and stands over Gene.
RAILWAY RIPPER
I have no choice, they are telling me to.
The Railway Ripper raises the ax.
EXT. OUTSIDE TRAIN MOMENTS LATER
The train rolls past as Gene's dying screams are faded out by the whistle of the train.
Int. living room of the Hudson Home night
A large living room full of plush furniture. Arthur and Vanessa sit on a couch in front of the television as they watch the evening news. They are holding each other. The woman newscaster then begins to report a story.
Newscaster
The Railway Ripper, a killer responsible for seventeen murders across the nation, struck again, this time killing a family outside Toronto. He is suspected to ride the rails and murder people who live near rail lines. Police have a description.
The drawn image of the Railway Ripper appears on the screen.
VANESSA HUDSON
He looks like a bum.
NEWSCASTER
If you see him, contact the police. He is considered to be extremely dangerous. More after this commercial break.
Arthur uses the remote to mute the television and they sit silently for a moment when Vanessa looks at Arthur.
VANESSA HUDSON
That is why I like living in Dover. No one like that would ever come here, so far away from everything.
Arthur looks at Vanessa.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Someone like what?
VANESSA HUDSON
Some murdering psychopath.
Arthur looks away.
VANESSA HUDSON
Something wrong?
ARTHUR HUDSON
Nothing, nothing at all.
VANESSA HUDSON
Why do you think sick people do those sorts of things.
Arthur then looks into her eyes.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I guess some people just can't control some aspects of their personality.
Vanessa holds Arthur tighter.
VANESSA HUDSON
If someone like that ever came here, would you protect me?
ARTHUR HUDSON
Remember what I told you the morning of our wedding, I would never let anything happen to you. I meant it, you don't know how much.
VANESSA HUDSON
I love you Arthur.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I've only loved four people in my life. You, the kids, and my late mother. The way I am Vanessa, it is not easy for me to care about things or people.
VANESSA HUDSON
I don't mind, it keeps you faithful. I know you would never betray me, I've known that since our first date.
The commercial break ends and Arthur puts the sound back on. They then watch in silence.
Ext. Dover Bank morning
On a street corner is a small bank, it is early and the bank is not open. Arthur's van parks in front of it. There is also a police car parked nearby.
Int. van seconds later
Arthur is in the driver's seat and Vanessa is beside him. She leans over and kisses him on the cheek.
VANESSA HUDSON
I'll see you tonight.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Have a good day at work.
Vanessa gets out.
int. inside Bank seconds later
Vanessa enters the bank and walks towards the counter. Another woman in her mid thirties, Jill, is behind the counter. Jill see's her and smiles.
Jill
So how was your week off Vanessa?
VANESSA HUDSON
Great.
Vanessa then walks around the counter and stands behind one of the teller windows. Jill looks at her and motions towards the manager's office in the bank.
Jill
The Police are here, he is talking to the manager.
VANESSA HUDSON
What for?
Jill
Has something to do with Mr. Walsh.
Vanessa frowns.
VANESSA HUDSON
He probably left town to shack up with some bimbo.
JILL
I don't think so.
The bank manager, middle aged man Derek Manning, walks out from his office and approaches Vanessa.
Derek
Vanessa. Some officers are in my office. They want to speak with you. Could you please go speak with them.
Vanessa nods.
VANESSA HUDSON
Sure Mr. Manning.
She then walks towards the office and enters.
Int. Manning's office seconds later
In the small office, Chief Holland sits behind the desk and Deputy Vance stands beside him. Vanessa enters and looks at them.
VANESSA HUDSON
You wanted to speak with me?
CHIEF HOLLAND
Have a seat miss Holland.
Vanessa sits down.
CHIEF HOLLAND
I need to talk to you about Fred Walsh.
VANESSA HUDSON
Why, I thought he left town.
CHIEF HOLLAND
Not exactly.
VANESSA HUDSON
So what happened to him?
DEPUTY VANCE
We found his body last Friday.
Vanessa puts her hand to her mouth and seems shocked.
VANESSA HUDSON
What?
CHIEF HOLLAND
He was murdered, we suspect six months ago.
VANESSA HUDSON
Oh my God.
CHIEF HOLLAND
Can you tell me anything, anything that might be useful?
VANESSA HUDSON
I worked for him, but we did not talk much.
Vanessa seems unable to look at Chief Holland. Chief Holland seems suspicious.
CHIEF HOLLAND
Is there something you are not telling me?
Vanessa hesitates for a moment then speaks.
VANESSA HUDSON
I had problems with him.
CHIEF HOLLAND
What kind of problems?
VANESSA HUDSON
He would do things, rub my shoulders, things that made me uncomfortable.
CHIEF HOLLAND
Is that all?
Vanessa looks ashamed.
VANESSA HUDSON
He said he would fire me if I did not sleep with him, I told him no. The next day he did not show up for work.
Chief Holland folds his arms across his chest.
CHIEF HOLLAND
Is there anything else?
VANESSA HUDSON
No, that is it.
CHIEF HOLLAND
Do you know anyone who would want to hurt him.
VANESSA HUDSON
I can't think off anyone.
CHIEF HOLLAND
OK, you can go. But don't leave town until our investigation is over.
Vanessa gets up and leaves the room. Deputy Vance looks at Chief Holland.
DEPUTY VANCE
Think she is hiding something?
CHIEF HOLLAND
He is murdered soon after he blackmails Mrs. Hudson. Might be a coincidence, might not.
DEPUTY VANCE
OK Chief.
Int. office of Arthur Hudson noon
Arthur sits behind his desk and is reading a early copy of the next edition. Alice Jones walks in seems excited.
ARTHUR HUDSON
What is it now Alice?
ALICE JONES
This is huge, boss, we might have a multiple murderer in Dover.
Arthur looks up at her and is silent for a moment.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I find that hard to believe.
ALICE JONES
The body they found, it was Fred Walsh. He worked at the bank.
ARTHUR HUDSON
He was my wife worked for him actually.
ALICE JONES
Well, the police think there have been several other murders though then can't prove it. They think it is connected to three other missing person cases. I think we should print a story.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I think it is premature. But do some more investigating and come to me when you have something a little more conclusive.
ALICE JONES
OK, I continue snooping.
Alive leaves the office and Arthur waits till the door is closed and slams his fist down on the desk.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Damn.
ext. outside Hudson Home later
It is late in the day. Arthur's van drives into the driveway and he gets out. He walks into the house.
INT. KITCHEN OF THE HUDSON HOME moments later
Vanessa is sitting at the kitchen table and is drinking a cup of tea. Arthur enters the room, walks up behind Vanessa and puts his hands on her shoulder.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Sorry I could not pick you up after work. I had to stay late at the paper. Jill gave you a lift home?
Vanessa nods.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Where are the kids?
VANESSA HUDSON
Conny is out with her boyfriend and Ben is at soccer practice, his couch picked him up.
ARTHUR HUDSON
You sound like something is wrong.
VANESSA HUDSON
Fred Walsh was murdered.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I know, Alice from the paper told me. That bothers you?
VANESSA HUDSON
He was a scum bag, but murdered, who could have done such a thing.
Arthur goes to the fridge and opens it pulls out a left over meal on a plate.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I'll eat yesterday's dinner. I surmise you don't feel like cooking.
He sits at the table and begins to eat.
VANESSA HUDSON
The night I told you what he did, I woke up in the middle of the night and you where gone. Where did you go?
Arthur stops eating.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I was mad about what he did so I went to my old farm to think.
VANESSA HUDSON
Arthur, promise me you are telling me everything.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I would not hide anything from you.
VANESSA HUDSON
OK, well, I guess he must have pissed off the wrong person.
Arthur looks at her for a moment then begins to eat.
INT. INSIDE BATHROOM later
The bathroom is full with a thick cloud of water vapor. Arthur is in the shower and is leaning against the wall as water pours over him. He seems expressionless. Then the scene begins to dissolve and a flashback begins.
INT. THE SHED night
The seen fades in. Fred Walsh, a older man in an expensive suit a neatly combed hair, is tied to the chair. He is unconscious. Arthur is behind him sharpening his knife. Fred wakes up and groggily looks around. Arthur finishes sharpening the knife and walks around Fred and stands in front of him. Fred looks at him and then at the knife. He does not seem scared though.
FRED WALSH
I know you, you are married to that bitch Vanessa.
Arthur scowls at him.
FRED WALSH
I hope you know that you are going to spend the next part of your life in prison. You better let me go.
Arthur steps towards him.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I can't let you go. You tried to extort my wife for sex, I can't help what I'm about to do now.
FRED WALSH
What ever she told you she is lying.
Arthur presses the knife against his cheek.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Don't bother talking, there is nothing you can say that is going to help you.
FRED WALSH
What are you going to do to me?
ARTHUR HUDSON
Make you suffer.
Arthur looks around the room.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I suffered more times then I can count in this shed during my youth. I know the pain you are about to feel. I ensure you that it will hurt a lot.
FRED WALSH
I am a pillar of this community, they will find you and make you pay.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Sorry. There is nothing I can do.
EXT. outside shed moments later
It is night as Fred's screams bellow out from the shed, then the scene pans up to the sky as clouds drift past overhead. After awhile the screams stop and we are looking at the shed again. The door opens and Arthur walks out, he seems upset and is breathing heavily. He then walks to his van parked in front of the cabin nearby and opens the back.
Int. inside shed moments later
Fred is now untied, he is completely motionless and covered with deep cuts and wounds on his face and chest, his clothes soaked with blood. He seems dead when he suddenly opens his eyes and gets up, he begins to limp towards the door.
ext. outside shed later
Arthur approaches the shed carrying a shovel, but drops it when he see's the door is open. He looks inside to see that it is empty. He looks around. Then the camera pans up towards the sky and the clouds drift by. The scene dissolves.
INT. INSIDE BATHROOM
Then scene fades in a Arthur is in the shower. He seems worried and water pours down his face.
INT. CONNY'S ROOM LATER
Conny, wearing black pajamas, is sitting in bed listening to music coming from a stereo on a dresser. There is a knock on the door.
CONNY HUDSON
The door is open.
The door open's and Vanessa enters.
CONNY HUDSON
Want do you want mom?
VANESSA HUDSON
I just want to talk Conny. Mind if I turn off the music.
CONNY HUDSON
Sure.
Vanessa turns down the volume then sits on the edge of the bed.
CONNY HUDSON
So, what do you want to talk about?
VANESSA HUDSON
So, you really must like this Kenny boy, you spend most of your time with him.
CONNY HUDSON
I love him. I did from the first time I saw him.
VANESSA HUDSON
Really. Maybe you should not tell your father. I don't think he likes Kenny much.
CONNY HUDSON
Arthur would be happy if I was dating the president of the student council.
Vanessa laughs.
VANESSA HUDSON
Your father has worked hard to make a life for this family. I guess he just has high expectations for you and Ben. But I'm sure once it sinks in that you really care for Kenny, he will warm up to him. So you really love him.
CONNY HUDSON
Yes. Was it like that for you and Arthur?
VANESSA HUDSON
Like what?
CONNY HUDSON
Did you fall in love him the first time you saw him?
Vanessa smirks and shakes her head.
VANESSA HUDSON
I went to grade school with your father, he was in a grade above mind. I never took much notice of him to be honest, he was from a poor family and he did not talk much. Just kept to himself really. To be honest, the few times I noticed him I thought he was weird.
CONNY HUDSON
So why did you fall in love with him?
VANESSA HUDSON
My first year in high school, well, I learned that Arthur's parents both died.
CONNY HUDSON
He has never talked to me about our grandparents. How did they die?
VANESSA HUDSON
I've known Arthur longer then anyone, and he has barely said anything either. He said they died in an accident.
CONNY HUDSON
When did you and him first start to like each other?
Vanessa frowns and looks away from her daughter.
VANESSA HUDSON
I had well to do parents, but in high school I started to hang around a very bad crowd. I did some things I'm not proud off. One night I was with two of these boys in the park. We where high when they tried to hurt me, I'm not going to tell you how. When I tried to run away they knocked me to the ground and began to beat me, pretty bad.
Conny seems shocked by her mother's story.
VANESSA HUDSON
I yelled when suddenly your father appeared. He was always a strong guy, and he beat these two boys severely.
CONNY Hudson
Does not sound like Arthur, he has never even raised his voice to me.
VANESSA HUDSON
That night in the hospital, I was told he did not leave my side. I left the hospital several days later. Once I told my parents, they invited Arthur to our home. He came for dinner, did not say a word until I talked to him. I must admit I still was not, you know, into him. But I knew he was a lonely guy and I felt bad for him so I asked him out on a date.
CONNY HUDSON
You went on a date on him out of pity?
VANESSA HUDSON
Yes. At first anyways, but by the end of that date, I knew I was going to marry him someday.
CONNY HUDSON
Why did you know that?
VANESSA HUDSON
I don't know. It was something in his eyes, just a feeling. I knew I could trust him, I knew he would always be there for me.
CONNY HUDSON
What happened next?
VANESSA HUDSON
We dated for four years, my parents really began to like Arthur after he started to open up a little. I became pregnant with you soon after I graduated from high school. He asked me to marry him. My parents got him a job at the local paper and we started our family. And ever since he has been trying to do everything he can for this family.
Conny Hudson
I know I'm going to marry Kenny.
Vanessa snickers.
VANESSA HUDSON
Just don't expect your father to smile when he walks you down the aisle.
Vanessa gets up and goes to the door.
CONNY HUDSON
I love you mom.
Vanessa looks towards her.
VANESSA HUDSON
I know. Conny, for me, could you please refer to Arthur as Dad. I know he has trouble showing his emotions, but I know he would appreciate it.
Conny HUDSON
I'll try.
VANESSA HUDSON
Thanks.
Vanessa leaves.
int. Master Bedroom later
Arthur and Vanessa lay in bed. The light is off. Vanessa is asleep but Arthur is awake and looking towards the ceiling. He then looks over at the sleeping Vanessa and begins to mutter.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I want to tell you everything, but I know I would lose you and the kids. You are the only thing I have.
Arthur then looks up again and closes his eyes.
ext. rail line night
A rail line cutting through the country side, in the distance is Dover. A bright, nearly full moon hangs in the sky. The night is silent until the rumbling of a train starts to echo from the distance. Then a freight train rolls past. When a boxcar with a open passes by, the Railway Ripper jumps out. He is standing at the edge of a field and looks towards the town, his ax is in his hands. He then walks towards the town.
an original screenplay by Matthew Bissonnette and John Windsor
Ext. A forest Path Morning
A forest in late autumn. A wind blows through the forest, blowing leafs of the tree's which fall slowly towards the ground. The floor of the forest is covered with decaying leafs. A dirt path cuts through the forest and a man dressed in hunting attire, elderly Edger Price, walks down the path holding a rifle. A small dog follows him. Edger stops, turns and looks at his dog.
Edger Price
Haven't you found a scent of a deer yet? Some hunting dog you are.
The dog sits down and wags his tail. Edger then looks around the forest.
EDGER PRICE
Hunting has been lousy this year any ways.
Edger then see's something metallic and shiny partially covered by leafs on the floor of the forest near the trail. He walks over and looks down. It is a expensive gold watch.
EDGER PRICE
Seems this is my lucky day.
Edger goes to pick it up, but when he does it pulls up a skeletal arms now protruding up through the leafs.
Ext. Over forest Seconds later
A view of the forest passing underneath. Edger is screaming.
Ext. Dover morning
The town of Dover in the distance. Dover is a large town surrounded by forests and secluded valleys.
Ext. Dover Seconds later
Several different scenes of the streets of Dover. Shops and businesses line main street, a large church is near the center of town. There is also a park near a river. It is a early weekday morning and the streets are mostly empty. Near one end of town is a street of large homes, at the end of the street is the home of the Hudson family, a white house with a large front yard.
Int. Bedroom of the Hudson Home Seconds later
A large bedroom furnished with expensive furniture, a oak dresser and large bed over which hangs a silk canopy. A attractive woman in here mid thirties, Vanessa Hudson, lays asleep in the bed wearing a white silk nightgown. A man also in his mid thirties, Arthur Hudson, stands in front of a mirror. He is a muscular man with an emotionless expression on his face, he is wearing dress pants, a white shirt, and looks into the mirror as he adjusts his tie. As he does this his wife slowly awakes from her slumber and sits up in bed. She looks at Arthur and smiles.
Vanessa Hudson
Arthur, come back to bed. This is my week off.
Arthur continues to look in the mirror and adjust his tie.
Arthur Hudson
I'll be late for work.
Vanessa softly laughs.
VANESSA HUDSON
You are the editor for the town paper. You can be late for work.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I've worked there for fifteen years and never have been late. I'm not going to start now Vanessa.
Vanessa falls back into bed.
VANESSA HUDSON
That is what I get for marrying such a serious man.
Arthur finishes adjusting his tie and walks over to the bed, leans over his wife, and kisses her on the head.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Dear, the kids will be awake soon. You have to get them ready for school.
VANESSA HUDSON
Can't you do it.
ARTHUR HUDSON
You know our kids hate my cooking. Now get up.
VANESSA HUDSON
OK. I'm getting up.
Arthur then goes to walk out of the room but says something before he leaves.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I'll see you downstairs.
Int. Kitchen of the Hudson Home Later
A large kitchen with marble counter tops, a large dinner table as well as expensive appliances. Arthur sits at the kitchen table reading a paper, a steaming cup of coffee on the table in front of him. His ten year old son, Ben Hudson, sits at the other end of the table, wearing his school clothes. Vanessa stands over the stove cooking breakfast. Ben looks impatiently at his mother.
Ben Hudson
Mom, I'm hungry.
Vanessa turns and looks at her son and smiles.
VANESSA HUDSON
Honey, breakfast is almost ready.
She turns back to the stove. Arthur then folds his paper and places it on the table and looks at Ben.
ARTHUR HUDSON
So, are you ready for soccer try outs today Ben.
Ben nods.
BEN HUDSON
I'm going to score more goals then anyone else.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Just try your best.
Then his teenage daughter, Conny Hudson, walks into the room. She is dressed entirely in black; a dark dresses as well as stockings and boots, she has dark hair with blond roots. She is has on earphones and sits at the table, her music is loud. Arthur looks at her.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Conny.
She does not hear him so he raises his voice.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Conny!
She looks at him and takes off her earphones.
Conny Hudson
What Arthur?
ARTHUR HUDSON
I've told you not to listen to your music at your table.
Conny sighs.
CONNY HUDSON
OK, OK, I forgot.
Arthur frowns.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Conny, when are you going to grow out of this goth phase of yours.
CONNY HUDSON
It is not a phase, I dress like a feel inside.
Ben laughs.
BEN HUDSON
You look like a witch.
Conny scowls at Ben.
CONNY HUDSON
Shut up you little spazz!
Arthur looks at his children.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Would you both try to treat each other like brother and sister.
CONNY HUDSON
He started it.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Can we just have a nice, peaceful breakfast as a family.
CONNY HUDSON
Arthur, it is lame how old fashioned you are.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I might be lame but I'm your father. And call me either dad or your father.
Vanessa continues to cook and looks out a window behind the stove, which overlooks the front yard and the street beyond. Through the window she see's a balding, over weight, sweaty man, Jeremy, wearing jogging clothes standing at the edge of the street and looking at the house.
Vanessa Hudson
Arthur, come here.
Arthur gets up and walks over to his wife, once his back is to his kids Conny sticks out her tongue at Ben. Arthur puts his hand on his wife's shoulder.
ARTHUR HUDSON
What is it?
VANESSA HUDSON
There is a creepy guy looking at the house.
Arthur looks through the window and see's him, Arthur frowns. Conny then looks at her parents.
CONNY HUDSON
Is he fat and bald?
VANESSA HUDSON
Yes, why?
CONNY HUDSON
He was there last night. He was watching me get dressed for bed through my window.
Arthur upon hearing this scowls at the man and grits his teeth.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I'm going to talk to him.
VANESSA HUDSON
Be careful, he looks dangerous.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Don't worry.
Arthur leaves the kitchen.
Ext. Outside the Hudson Home seconds later
Jeremy stands at the edge of the front yard of the Hudson home and looks at the house. But when Arthur emerges from the front door Jeremy begins to walk away. Arthur catches up to him, Jeremy stops, spins around and faces him.
Jeremy
I was not doing nothing man.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I'm going to give you a warning. Never come near this house again.
JEREMY
Or you'll call the cops. I'm not doing anything illegal, I'm aloud to stand on the street.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I find you looking at either my wife or my daughter again, I am going to kill you.
Jeremy laughs.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I'm not joking, you picked the wrong house. Come near here again and I'll kill you slowly.
Jeremy stops laughing and begins to walk away.
INT. KITCHEN OF THE HUDSON HOME seconds Later
Arthur's family sits at the kitchen table without him, there breakfast in front of them. They all look at Arthur when he walks into the room and sits at the table.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Let's try to enjoy breakfast.
Vanessa looks at her husband.
VANESSA HUDSON
What did you say to him?
ARTHUR HUDSON
I just appealed to his better nature not to come around again. Now let's eat.
They begin to eat in silence.
Ext. A major city morning
A large city looms in the distance. On the outskirts of the city is a large home in front of a railway.
Int. Interior of house seconds later
Moving through the house. In the hallway a dead old man lies on the floor, a pool of blood around him. As we look down at him there is a quick flash of him being hit by an ax. In a living room a younger man lies upon a couch, also is dead and the couch is stained with blood. There is a flash of him sitting on a couch as an ax falls upon his head. Moving up the stairs, we come to a bedroom. A woman lays in the bed, dead and the sheets are covered with blood. There is a flash of her sitting up in bed and looking scared, then there is a glimpse of an ax being swung.
Int. Kitchen of house Seconds later
Sitting at the kitchen table is a huge disheveled man, he has a dirty beard and long greasy hair. He wears and trench coat which is covered with blood. He, The Railway Ripper, sits while he eats a bowl of cereal. A red fire ax with blood on the blade is laid across the table. He continues to eat in silence. He stops eating when he hears the whistle of a train in the distance.
Ext. Behind house Seconds later
A slowing moving freight train rumbles across the tracks behind the house. The Railway Ripper emerges from the back door of the house and runs towards the train, carrying his ax. Then then jumps up into a empty boxcar and the train carries him away. He looks at the house as he rolls away and a huge grin appears on his face, he then begins to cackle.
EXT. A FOREST PATH MORNING
The forest path later in the morning. Police trucks are parked on the path between the trees, as several members of the Dover police stand around a badly decomposed body partially covered by leafs. Among them are police chief David Holland and deputy Peter Vance. Chief Holland is in his early fifties, is burly and has gray hair. He is looking down at the body and shaking his head. Deputy Vance looks at him.
Deputy Vance
We'll have to identify him from dental records. There is nothing left chief.
Chief Holland
I know who it is. It's Fred Walsh.
DEPUTY VANCE
You mean the guy who used to run the bank?
CHIEF HOLLAND
Yeah. I can tell by the watch, he had it on every time I saw him. Fred vanished about six months ago and I would say that is approximately how long this body has been decaying.
DEPUTY VANCE
Well, I guess he is not a missing person anymore. I can't see who would have killed him. What do you think happened to him Holland?
CHIEF HOLLAND
Some one killed him and dumped the body. You know, Fred was the fourth person who has vanished in Dover in the past fifteen years. But this is the first body to be found.
DEPUTY VANCE
So we have a murderer in the area?
CHIEF HOLLAND
Yeah. And have to find the culprit before he strikes again. Let's go.
Chief Holland and Deputy Vance walk towards their vehicle.
Ext. Outside the Dover News noon
A red brick buildings along main street of Dover. A sign hangs over the door which says "Dover News".
Int. Office of Arthur Hudson seconds later
Arthur sits behind a a desk in his small office. There are many pictures of his family on the walls as well as a photograph of Vanessa in a wedding dress in a gold frame on his desk. He looks at some papers on his desk when the door opens. Arthur looks up.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Come in.
The door opens and reporter Alice Jones, a young woman in jeans and t-shirt, walks into the office.
ARTHUR HUDSON
What is it Alice?
Alice Jones
Boss, I think I got a story and its big.
Arthur leans back in his chair.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Go on.
ALICE JONES
My friend Betty works as at the police station. She just told me a body has been found on the trails through the woods south of town.
Arthur seems expressionless.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Know anything else?
ALICE JONES
No, but I want you to put me on the story.
Arthur shakes his head.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Alice, this might be a big story. I would like to give this to a more experienced reporter.
Alice walks towards the desk and puts her hands down on it.
ALICE JONES
Give me this chance boss, I won't let you down.
Arthur seems to contemplate for a moment.
ARTHUR HUDSON
OK, you got it. But I want to be constantly updated on anything you find.
ALICE JONES
Thanks.
Alice then leaves the office and Arthur is alone. He then frowns and looks at the picture of his wife on the desk.
Ext. Outside the Hudson Home night
The Hudson home during the night, the sky is clear and full of stars.
INT. BEDROOM OF THE HUDSON HOME SECONDS LATER
Arthur and Vanessa sit in bed, Arthur in pajamas and Vanessa in her silk nightgown. Arthur is reading a book when Vanessa rests her head on his shoulder.
VANESSA HUDSON
Penny for your thoughts Arthur. You've be quiet all all day.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I'm just preoccupied with work.
VANESSA HUDSON
You know, we've been married for almost fifteen years and I think I can count on my fingers how many times I've seen you smile.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I guess I don't wear my heart on my sleeve.
Arthur then kisses her.
ARTHUR HUDSON
But I do love you Vanessa. You and the kids are the only things in this world I care about. My life was not worth living until I met you.
VANESSA HUDSON
I've known you so long, but I you have only spoke about your childhood a couple of times.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Nothing worth troubling you with.
Vanessa laughs.
VANESSA HUDSON
Some time I think you have some secrets that you a keeping from me.
Arthur puts his book down on the nightstand and lies down in bed.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Let's just some sleep.
She lies down too and he turns the lamp on the nightstand off.
Int. Conny's room Seconds Later
Conny's room. The walls are plastered with posters of Goth rock bands, her bed is covered with black sheets and dirty clothes are strewn about the floor. Conny is standing and starting to take off her black clothes and get ready for bed, she stands by a window.
Ext. outside the Hudson Home Seconds later
Jeremy stands at the edge of the front yard and looks up at Conny's window. He watches as she undresses then begins to rub the front of his pants.
Int. conny's room seconds later
Conny turns and looks out the window and see's Jeremy. She stops undressing and seems disgusted. She yells.
CONNY HUDSON
Arthur!
Several moments path when Arthur runs into the room followed my Vanessa and the looks concerned.
ARTHUR HUDSON
What is it Conny?
CONNY HUDSON
That pervert is looking at me.
She points to the window and Arthur goes to it. He looks down and sees Jeremy.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE HUDSON HOME moments later
Jeremy stops rubbing his pants when he sees Arthur looking out the window and begins to walk away.
INT. BEDROOM OF THE HUDSON HOME SECONDS LATER
Arthur walks into his bedroom and begins to get changed into is day clothes. Vanessa walks into the room and she looks at her husband.
VANESSA HUDSON
What are you doing?
ARTHUR HUDSON
I'm going to try and find that guy.
VANESSA HUDSON
Be careful.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I promise.
Ext. a street of Dover later
A street with homes on either side. Jeremy walks down the sidewalk as a van appears behind him.
Int. Van seconds later
Arthur is driving the van and is looking a Jeremy. Jeremy's back is to him and does not notice. Arthur parks on the side of the street and gets out.
Ext. A street of Dover seconds later
Jeremy continues to walk and does not notice as Arthur stealthily sneaks up behind him. Then Arthur puts his arm around Jeremy's neck and begins to squeeze as Jeremy struggles. Jeremy mutters.
Jeremy
Stop.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I warned you.
Jeremy passes out and Arthur lets him fall to the ground. Arthur looks around to see if anyone is looking then begins to drag Jeremy towards the van.
Ext. The Hudson Farm later
A secluded farm outside Dover as a crescent moon hangs in the sky over it. There is a rundown cabin behind which is a large wooden shed. Arthur's van parked next to the shed.
Int. The shed seconds later
Inside the shed is a room with a dirt floor. Jeremy, still unconscious, is tied to a chair. Behind him is Arthur, who stands over and work bench and is sharpening a jagged hunting knife. Jeremy then wakes up, looks around, and begins to struggle.
Jeremy
What the fuck!
Arthur says nothing as he continues to sharpen the knife. Jeremy seems afraid.
Jeremy
What is going on, where am I.
Arthur stops sharpening then knife and looks at Jeremy.
ARTHUR HUDSON
The place where you are going to die.
Jeremy begins to struggle.
JEREMY
Who are you!
Arthur, still holding the knife, walks around the chair and looks at Jeremy. Jeremy's eyes lock on the knife and he begins to shake his head.
JEREMY
You, you are that guy from this morning!
ARTHUR HUDSON
I promised you that I would kill you if I caught you near my house again, and I am a man of my word. You picked the wrong family to mess with.
Jeremy begins to to shake.
JEREMY
You can't do this.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I don't want to, but you did not leave me a choice.
JEREMY
I'm sick, OK, I can't stop myself it. Take me into the police. I'm not a monster, I need help.
ARTHUR HUDSON
You might not be a monster, but I am.
Arthur slowly walks towards Jeremy, knife in hand.
EXT. THE shed seconds LATER
The shed is in the distance as Jeremy's screams fill the night.
INT. BEDROOM OF THE HUDSON HOME LATER
Vanessa sits in bed and looks at the clock on the nightstand, it is nearly three in the morning. She seems worried when the door opens and Arthur walks in. She gets out of bed, runs to him and throws her arms around him.
VANESSA HUDSON
Arthur, I was so worried. What happened?
ARTHUR HUDSON
I drove around but could not find him. You know how I am, I was upset and went to my family's farm to blow off some steam.
Vanessa stops holding him and looks into his eyes.
VANESSA HUDSON
Are you telling me the truth?
ARTHUR HUDSON
Yes. Let's go to bed, its late.
They get into bed and lie down. He turns off the lamp. Vanessa turns her head and looks at him.
VANESSA HUDSON
Why do you go to that farm when you are upset? The few times you talk about it, you say it only has bad memories for you.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I don't know why. Let's just get some sleep.
Arthur rolls over looking away from her and closes his eyes. Vanessa looks at him for a moment then goes to sleep.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE HUDSON HOME Morning
It is morning as wind blows leafs across the front yard of the Hudson home.
Int. inside bathroom seconds
Arthur and Ben are in a large bathroom. Ben sits on the top of the toilet seat as Arthur shaves while looking in the bathroom mirror. Ben seems happy.
Ben Hudson
Coach says that I the best player he has seen this year.
Arthur Hudson
I'm proud of you Ben. I you ready for your first game this afternoon?
Ben Hudson
Yes, I'm going to make sure my team wins.
Arthur Hudson
Well, me and your mother are going to be in the crowd watching.
Ben Hudson
Will Conny be there?
Arthur grunts.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I doubt it. She is probably going to spend this weekend with that boyfriend of hers.
BEN HUDSON
You don't like him do Dad?
ARTHUR HUDSON
I just want what's best for you and her Ben. I know sometimes I push you two to succeed a little to hard, but that is because I care about you two.
Vanessa's voice calls from somewhere else in the house.
VANESSA HUDSON
Ben!
Ben gets up and leaves the bathroom and Arthur continues to shave.
EXT. OUTSIDE THE HUDSON HOME later
It is later in the day. Arthur is in the front yard raking leafs when a motorcycle comes to a stop in front of the house. Sitting on it is Kenny Banner, a teenager dressed in black, he has spiked hair and is not wearing a helmet. Arthur stops raking and looks at him. Kenny turns to face him and nods.
Kenny Banner
Mr. Hudson, is Conny home?
Arthur looks down and continues to rake.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I think so Kenny. Where are you two going today?
KENNY BANNER
We are going to the arena to go ice skating.
Conny then emerges from the house and runs towards the bike and walks past Arthur and gets on the bike. Arthur then raises his head and talks loudly.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Conny!
She looks at him and sighs.
CONNY HUDSON
What is it Arthur?
ARTHUR HUDSON
You are not going anywhere without your helmet.
CONNY HUDSON
But it looks so stupid.
ARTHUR HUDSON
You know the deal you made with me and your mother. You can ride on Kenny's bike only if you wear the helmet we bought you. Now go inside and get it.
Conny reluctantly gets off the bike and runs inside the house. Kenny then puts the bike on the kickstand and gets off while he waits for Conny.
ARTHUR HUDSON
So Kenny, where are your skates?
KENNY BANNER
What?
ARTHUR HUDSON
You said you where going skating, I don't see your skates?
KENNY BANNER
Oh, we will rent some when we get there.
ARTHUR HUDSON
OK, well, you should really wear a helmet.
KENNY BANNER
In case I crash and crack my head open?
Arthur looks down and mutters something under his breath.
ARTHUR HUDSON
If only I were that lucky.
KENNY BANNER
What was that Mr. Hudson?
ARTHUR HUDSON
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure Kenny.
Conny emerges from the house and runs to the bike. She and Kenny both get on and drive away as Arthur watches them leave.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I really don't like that boy.
Arthur then rakes for awhile when Vanessa and Ben emerge from the house. Ben is dressed in his soccer uniform.
VANESSA HUDSON
Arthur, Ben's game is in an half and hour.
He puts down the rake and they all walk towards the van parked in the driveway.
INT. VAN SECONDS LATER
Arthur sits in the driver seat, Vanessa is beside him and Ben is in the back. As they driver Vanessa looks back at Ben.
VANESSA HUDSON
Nervous Ben?
BEN HUDSON
No mom.
VANESSA HUDSON
Are you sure not even a little?
BEN HUDSON
Maybe a little.
Vanessa laughs and looks towards Arthur.
VANESSA HUDSON
I think our son is going to be the next Beckham.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I wish our daughter would show as much interest in constructive activities as Ben does.
VANESSA HUDSON
Her grades are still good Arthur. Maybe you should ease up on her. She will be in college in two years.
Arthur Hudson
I'm telling you, Kenny is a bad influence on her. I think he is the one responsible for this morbid phase of hers.
Vanessa Hudson
You have to let her make her own decisions now that she is older.
Arthur Hudson
I wish she would make the right decisions for a change.
Ext. outside Arcade later
In a small building beside a parking lot in Dover is an arcade. Kenny's bike is parked beside it and he and Conny stand outside the door with two other young teenage boys who are also dressed in black. They are passing around a joint of marijuana. Kenny inhales, holds it in for a few moments, then exhales. He laughs then passes the joint to Conny. She takes it and smokes.
KENNY BANNER
This is the chronic.
Conny continues to smoke the joint then smiles.
CONNY HUDSON
If Arthur knew I was smoking weed, he would kill me.
Kenny giggles.
KENNY BANNER
Your Dad is such a crypto fascist, he is like a father from some bad 1950's sitcom.
CONNY HUDSON
I know. He has spent my life trying to make me into the perfect daughter. Study harder Conny, your grads are not high enough Conny.
KENNY BANNER
Your dad is such a pussy.
CONNY HUDSON
I know.
They continue to smoke a joint.
Ext. soccer field later
A soccer field outside Dover. The two teams of kids play soccer as the parents watch from the bleachers and cheer. Arthur and Vanessa sit in the bleachers among the parents, Vanessa cheers but Arthur seems restrained.
VANESSA HUDSON
Ben has scored to goals already.
ARTHUR HUDSON
We'll have to take him out for pizza as a reward.
Vanessa puts her arm around Arthur's arm.
VANESSA HUDSON
He is amazing.
Now we see Ben running down the soccer field as his kicks the ball towards the opposing teams net. The other players are behind him and running in the same direction. Vanessa jumps to her feet and yells.
VANESSA HUDSON
You can do it Ben!
Then Ben kicks the ball past the goalie and the crowd cheers. The referee blows the whistle and both teams go to the their benches. Ben and his team stand around their coach, a tall lean man is his forties, Simon Pane.
Coach Pane
You are slaughtering them.
Coach Pane looks down at Ben.
COACH PANE
Hudson, this year, you are going to be my striker.
Coach Pane pats Ben on the head.
COACH PANE
You will get us to the county finals for sure.
BEN HUDSON
Thanks Coach.
COACH PANE
OK team, go and finish this.
The team runs out into the field.
Ext. Parking Lot beside soccer field dusk
It is dusk as the soccer game finishes. Arthur and Vanessa wait in the parking lot, standing beside their van, as both teams shake hands in the soccer field. Vanessa seems happy while Arthur looks at Ben in the distance.
VANESSA HUDSON
Arthur, we have a good son there don't we?
ARTHUR HUDSON
A father could not ask for better. My father could have cared less if I did well at anything.
VANESSA HUDSON
If he was still here, he would have been proud of you. You grew up into a good man. Arthur, could you do one thing for me?
ARTHUR HUDSON
What?
VANESSA HUDSON
Try to smile for Ben. Sometimes he thinks you are not happy for him.
In the distance, Ben's team are around their coach. He talks to them then his players begin to walk towards the parking lot. But before Ben leaves, Coach Pane hugs him as Arthur watches. Then Ben runs towards his parents. He runs into Vanessa's waiting arms and she hugs him.
BEN HUDSON
Did I do good mom?
VANESSA HUDSON
You did great.
She lets him go and Ben looks up at his father.
BEN HUDSON
Proud Dad.
Arthur awkwardly smiles momentarily.
ARTHUR HUDSON
So proud that you, your mother and I are going out for pizza.
They begin to get into the van, but before Arthur gets in he looks out into the field at Coach Pane. He then gets in.
Ext. A railway night
A railway cuts through some empty fields, the lights of a city are in the distance. Two young men wait beside the tracks, they are both holding duffel bags. They are Gene and Wally, and seem to be looking for something.
Gene
Are you sure this is a good idea?
Wally
You wanted to travel across the country. We hop freight trains and do it for free.
Then there is the whistle of a train in the distance.
Wally
Ready?
GENE
No.
Then a freight train slowly rumbles past them.
Wally
Jump into the first open boxcar you see.
After awhile a boxcar begins to move past them, it is opened and the inside is darkened. Gene and Wally run to catch up to it and they jump in.
Int. inside Boxcar seconds later
Wally and Gene stand in the darkened boxcar but can't see anything. Wally opens his duffel bag and pulls out a small battery powered lamp. He turns it on but they are both startled when they see the Railway Ripper sitting in the corner of the boxcar.
Gene
Did not see you there mister.
The Railway Ripper's chapped lips smile.
Railway Ripper
You see me now.
They both look at him and see the axe on floor beside him. They seem nervous. Gene whispers to Wally.
GENE
I got a bad feeling Wally.
Wally whispers back.
Wally
Man up Gene.
Wally looks at the Railway Ripper.
Wally
Mind if we ride with you buddy?
RAILWAY RIPPER
Sure.
Wally and Gene sit in the other end of the boxcar. They look at the Railway Ripper in silence for awhile when Gene nervously speaks.
Gene
What is the ax for?
The Railway Ripper picks it up and lays it across his legs.
RAILWAY RIPPER
Protection as well as other things.
Ext. outside train moments later
The freight train begins to pick up speed as it roars through the countryside.
INT. INSIDE BOXCAR SECONDS LATER
Gene and Wally are still looking at the Railway Ripper, they both seem nervous now.
RAILWAY RIPPER
You know, you should not ride the rails. It is dangerous.
Gene nudges Wally and whispers.
Gene
I think that is blood on his coat. Maybe we should get off.
Wally whispers back.
Wally
The train is going to fast now.
Gene
Why did I let you talk me into this?
The Railway Ripper begins to laugh.
RAILWAY RIPPER
And what are you two whispering about?
Wally
Nothing, really.
The Railway Ripper stands up and holds the ax in both his hands. He walks towards the two men and is snickering.
RAILWAY RIPPER
I want to know what you said.
Wally and Gene stand up and look towards the open door of the boxcar. But before they can get to it the Railway Ripper stands in between them and the door.
Railway ripper
Tell me what you said or I'm going to paint the inside of this boxcar with your blood.
Gene and Wally back up and are now pressing their backs on the side of the boxcar. They seem terrified.
Gene
Mister, you don't want to do this.
RAILWAY RIPPER
Tell me what you said!
Wally raises his hands.
Wally
He told me a joke, that's all.
The Railway Ripper lowers the ax and turns his back to them.
RAILWAY RIPPER
Oh, I hope it was funny.
Both Wally and Gene calm down when suddenly the Railway Ripper turns around and swings the ax and it buries itself into Wally's chest. He falls to his knee's and blood pours out from his chest. Gene screams and tries to get past the Railway Ripper. The Railway Ripper let's go of the ax and grabs Gene's arm so he can't escape. Wally falls down dead when the Railway Ripper picks up Gene and throws him into the wall. Gene is now on the ground looking up. Gene is pleading as he shakes his head.
Gene
Please don't kill me.
The Railway Ripper pulls the ax from Wally's chest and stands over Gene.
RAILWAY RIPPER
I have no choice, they are telling me to.
The Railway Ripper raises the ax.
EXT. OUTSIDE TRAIN MOMENTS LATER
The train rolls past as Gene's dying screams are faded out by the whistle of the train.
Int. living room of the Hudson Home night
A large living room full of plush furniture. Arthur and Vanessa sit on a couch in front of the television as they watch the evening news. They are holding each other. The woman newscaster then begins to report a story.
Newscaster
The Railway Ripper, a killer responsible for seventeen murders across the nation, struck again, this time killing a family outside Toronto. He is suspected to ride the rails and murder people who live near rail lines. Police have a description.
The drawn image of the Railway Ripper appears on the screen.
VANESSA HUDSON
He looks like a bum.
NEWSCASTER
If you see him, contact the police. He is considered to be extremely dangerous. More after this commercial break.
Arthur uses the remote to mute the television and they sit silently for a moment when Vanessa looks at Arthur.
VANESSA HUDSON
That is why I like living in Dover. No one like that would ever come here, so far away from everything.
Arthur looks at Vanessa.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Someone like what?
VANESSA HUDSON
Some murdering psychopath.
Arthur looks away.
VANESSA HUDSON
Something wrong?
ARTHUR HUDSON
Nothing, nothing at all.
VANESSA HUDSON
Why do you think sick people do those sorts of things.
Arthur then looks into her eyes.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I guess some people just can't control some aspects of their personality.
Vanessa holds Arthur tighter.
VANESSA HUDSON
If someone like that ever came here, would you protect me?
ARTHUR HUDSON
Remember what I told you the morning of our wedding, I would never let anything happen to you. I meant it, you don't know how much.
VANESSA HUDSON
I love you Arthur.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I've only loved four people in my life. You, the kids, and my late mother. The way I am Vanessa, it is not easy for me to care about things or people.
VANESSA HUDSON
I don't mind, it keeps you faithful. I know you would never betray me, I've known that since our first date.
The commercial break ends and Arthur puts the sound back on. They then watch in silence.
Ext. Dover Bank morning
On a street corner is a small bank, it is early and the bank is not open. Arthur's van parks in front of it. There is also a police car parked nearby.
Int. van seconds later
Arthur is in the driver's seat and Vanessa is beside him. She leans over and kisses him on the cheek.
VANESSA HUDSON
I'll see you tonight.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Have a good day at work.
Vanessa gets out.
int. inside Bank seconds later
Vanessa enters the bank and walks towards the counter. Another woman in her mid thirties, Jill, is behind the counter. Jill see's her and smiles.
Jill
So how was your week off Vanessa?
VANESSA HUDSON
Great.
Vanessa then walks around the counter and stands behind one of the teller windows. Jill looks at her and motions towards the manager's office in the bank.
Jill
The Police are here, he is talking to the manager.
VANESSA HUDSON
What for?
Jill
Has something to do with Mr. Walsh.
Vanessa frowns.
VANESSA HUDSON
He probably left town to shack up with some bimbo.
JILL
I don't think so.
The bank manager, middle aged man Derek Manning, walks out from his office and approaches Vanessa.
Derek
Vanessa. Some officers are in my office. They want to speak with you. Could you please go speak with them.
Vanessa nods.
VANESSA HUDSON
Sure Mr. Manning.
She then walks towards the office and enters.
Int. Manning's office seconds later
In the small office, Chief Holland sits behind the desk and Deputy Vance stands beside him. Vanessa enters and looks at them.
VANESSA HUDSON
You wanted to speak with me?
CHIEF HOLLAND
Have a seat miss Holland.
Vanessa sits down.
CHIEF HOLLAND
I need to talk to you about Fred Walsh.
VANESSA HUDSON
Why, I thought he left town.
CHIEF HOLLAND
Not exactly.
VANESSA HUDSON
So what happened to him?
DEPUTY VANCE
We found his body last Friday.
Vanessa puts her hand to her mouth and seems shocked.
VANESSA HUDSON
What?
CHIEF HOLLAND
He was murdered, we suspect six months ago.
VANESSA HUDSON
Oh my God.
CHIEF HOLLAND
Can you tell me anything, anything that might be useful?
VANESSA HUDSON
I worked for him, but we did not talk much.
Vanessa seems unable to look at Chief Holland. Chief Holland seems suspicious.
CHIEF HOLLAND
Is there something you are not telling me?
Vanessa hesitates for a moment then speaks.
VANESSA HUDSON
I had problems with him.
CHIEF HOLLAND
What kind of problems?
VANESSA HUDSON
He would do things, rub my shoulders, things that made me uncomfortable.
CHIEF HOLLAND
Is that all?
Vanessa looks ashamed.
VANESSA HUDSON
He said he would fire me if I did not sleep with him, I told him no. The next day he did not show up for work.
Chief Holland folds his arms across his chest.
CHIEF HOLLAND
Is there anything else?
VANESSA HUDSON
No, that is it.
CHIEF HOLLAND
Do you know anyone who would want to hurt him.
VANESSA HUDSON
I can't think off anyone.
CHIEF HOLLAND
OK, you can go. But don't leave town until our investigation is over.
Vanessa gets up and leaves the room. Deputy Vance looks at Chief Holland.
DEPUTY VANCE
Think she is hiding something?
CHIEF HOLLAND
He is murdered soon after he blackmails Mrs. Hudson. Might be a coincidence, might not.
DEPUTY VANCE
OK Chief.
Int. office of Arthur Hudson noon
Arthur sits behind his desk and is reading a early copy of the next edition. Alice Jones walks in seems excited.
ARTHUR HUDSON
What is it now Alice?
ALICE JONES
This is huge, boss, we might have a multiple murderer in Dover.
Arthur looks up at her and is silent for a moment.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I find that hard to believe.
ALICE JONES
The body they found, it was Fred Walsh. He worked at the bank.
ARTHUR HUDSON
He was my wife worked for him actually.
ALICE JONES
Well, the police think there have been several other murders though then can't prove it. They think it is connected to three other missing person cases. I think we should print a story.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I think it is premature. But do some more investigating and come to me when you have something a little more conclusive.
ALICE JONES
OK, I continue snooping.
Alive leaves the office and Arthur waits till the door is closed and slams his fist down on the desk.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Damn.
ext. outside Hudson Home later
It is late in the day. Arthur's van drives into the driveway and he gets out. He walks into the house.
INT. KITCHEN OF THE HUDSON HOME moments later
Vanessa is sitting at the kitchen table and is drinking a cup of tea. Arthur enters the room, walks up behind Vanessa and puts his hands on her shoulder.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Sorry I could not pick you up after work. I had to stay late at the paper. Jill gave you a lift home?
Vanessa nods.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Where are the kids?
VANESSA HUDSON
Conny is out with her boyfriend and Ben is at soccer practice, his couch picked him up.
ARTHUR HUDSON
You sound like something is wrong.
VANESSA HUDSON
Fred Walsh was murdered.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I know, Alice from the paper told me. That bothers you?
VANESSA HUDSON
He was a scum bag, but murdered, who could have done such a thing.
Arthur goes to the fridge and opens it pulls out a left over meal on a plate.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I'll eat yesterday's dinner. I surmise you don't feel like cooking.
He sits at the table and begins to eat.
VANESSA HUDSON
The night I told you what he did, I woke up in the middle of the night and you where gone. Where did you go?
Arthur stops eating.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I was mad about what he did so I went to my old farm to think.
VANESSA HUDSON
Arthur, promise me you are telling me everything.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I would not hide anything from you.
VANESSA HUDSON
OK, well, I guess he must have pissed off the wrong person.
Arthur looks at her for a moment then begins to eat.
INT. INSIDE BATHROOM later
The bathroom is full with a thick cloud of water vapor. Arthur is in the shower and is leaning against the wall as water pours over him. He seems expressionless. Then the scene begins to dissolve and a flashback begins.
INT. THE SHED night
The seen fades in. Fred Walsh, a older man in an expensive suit a neatly combed hair, is tied to the chair. He is unconscious. Arthur is behind him sharpening his knife. Fred wakes up and groggily looks around. Arthur finishes sharpening the knife and walks around Fred and stands in front of him. Fred looks at him and then at the knife. He does not seem scared though.
FRED WALSH
I know you, you are married to that bitch Vanessa.
Arthur scowls at him.
FRED WALSH
I hope you know that you are going to spend the next part of your life in prison. You better let me go.
Arthur steps towards him.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I can't let you go. You tried to extort my wife for sex, I can't help what I'm about to do now.
FRED WALSH
What ever she told you she is lying.
Arthur presses the knife against his cheek.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Don't bother talking, there is nothing you can say that is going to help you.
FRED WALSH
What are you going to do to me?
ARTHUR HUDSON
Make you suffer.
Arthur looks around the room.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I suffered more times then I can count in this shed during my youth. I know the pain you are about to feel. I ensure you that it will hurt a lot.
FRED WALSH
I am a pillar of this community, they will find you and make you pay.
ARTHUR HUDSON
Sorry. There is nothing I can do.
EXT. outside shed moments later
It is night as Fred's screams bellow out from the shed, then the scene pans up to the sky as clouds drift past overhead. After awhile the screams stop and we are looking at the shed again. The door opens and Arthur walks out, he seems upset and is breathing heavily. He then walks to his van parked in front of the cabin nearby and opens the back.
Int. inside shed moments later
Fred is now untied, he is completely motionless and covered with deep cuts and wounds on his face and chest, his clothes soaked with blood. He seems dead when he suddenly opens his eyes and gets up, he begins to limp towards the door.
ext. outside shed later
Arthur approaches the shed carrying a shovel, but drops it when he see's the door is open. He looks inside to see that it is empty. He looks around. Then the camera pans up towards the sky and the clouds drift by. The scene dissolves.
INT. INSIDE BATHROOM
Then scene fades in a Arthur is in the shower. He seems worried and water pours down his face.
INT. CONNY'S ROOM LATER
Conny, wearing black pajamas, is sitting in bed listening to music coming from a stereo on a dresser. There is a knock on the door.
CONNY HUDSON
The door is open.
The door open's and Vanessa enters.
CONNY HUDSON
Want do you want mom?
VANESSA HUDSON
I just want to talk Conny. Mind if I turn off the music.
CONNY HUDSON
Sure.
Vanessa turns down the volume then sits on the edge of the bed.
CONNY HUDSON
So, what do you want to talk about?
VANESSA HUDSON
So, you really must like this Kenny boy, you spend most of your time with him.
CONNY HUDSON
I love him. I did from the first time I saw him.
VANESSA HUDSON
Really. Maybe you should not tell your father. I don't think he likes Kenny much.
CONNY HUDSON
Arthur would be happy if I was dating the president of the student council.
Vanessa laughs.
VANESSA HUDSON
Your father has worked hard to make a life for this family. I guess he just has high expectations for you and Ben. But I'm sure once it sinks in that you really care for Kenny, he will warm up to him. So you really love him.
CONNY HUDSON
Yes. Was it like that for you and Arthur?
VANESSA HUDSON
Like what?
CONNY HUDSON
Did you fall in love him the first time you saw him?
Vanessa smirks and shakes her head.
VANESSA HUDSON
I went to grade school with your father, he was in a grade above mind. I never took much notice of him to be honest, he was from a poor family and he did not talk much. Just kept to himself really. To be honest, the few times I noticed him I thought he was weird.
CONNY HUDSON
So why did you fall in love with him?
VANESSA HUDSON
My first year in high school, well, I learned that Arthur's parents both died.
CONNY HUDSON
He has never talked to me about our grandparents. How did they die?
VANESSA HUDSON
I've known Arthur longer then anyone, and he has barely said anything either. He said they died in an accident.
CONNY HUDSON
When did you and him first start to like each other?
Vanessa frowns and looks away from her daughter.
VANESSA HUDSON
I had well to do parents, but in high school I started to hang around a very bad crowd. I did some things I'm not proud off. One night I was with two of these boys in the park. We where high when they tried to hurt me, I'm not going to tell you how. When I tried to run away they knocked me to the ground and began to beat me, pretty bad.
Conny seems shocked by her mother's story.
VANESSA HUDSON
I yelled when suddenly your father appeared. He was always a strong guy, and he beat these two boys severely.
CONNY Hudson
Does not sound like Arthur, he has never even raised his voice to me.
VANESSA HUDSON
That night in the hospital, I was told he did not leave my side. I left the hospital several days later. Once I told my parents, they invited Arthur to our home. He came for dinner, did not say a word until I talked to him. I must admit I still was not, you know, into him. But I knew he was a lonely guy and I felt bad for him so I asked him out on a date.
CONNY HUDSON
You went on a date on him out of pity?
VANESSA HUDSON
Yes. At first anyways, but by the end of that date, I knew I was going to marry him someday.
CONNY HUDSON
Why did you know that?
VANESSA HUDSON
I don't know. It was something in his eyes, just a feeling. I knew I could trust him, I knew he would always be there for me.
CONNY HUDSON
What happened next?
VANESSA HUDSON
We dated for four years, my parents really began to like Arthur after he started to open up a little. I became pregnant with you soon after I graduated from high school. He asked me to marry him. My parents got him a job at the local paper and we started our family. And ever since he has been trying to do everything he can for this family.
Conny Hudson
I know I'm going to marry Kenny.
Vanessa snickers.
VANESSA HUDSON
Just don't expect your father to smile when he walks you down the aisle.
Vanessa gets up and goes to the door.
CONNY HUDSON
I love you mom.
Vanessa looks towards her.
VANESSA HUDSON
I know. Conny, for me, could you please refer to Arthur as Dad. I know he has trouble showing his emotions, but I know he would appreciate it.
Conny HUDSON
I'll try.
VANESSA HUDSON
Thanks.
Vanessa leaves.
int. Master Bedroom later
Arthur and Vanessa lay in bed. The light is off. Vanessa is asleep but Arthur is awake and looking towards the ceiling. He then looks over at the sleeping Vanessa and begins to mutter.
ARTHUR HUDSON
I want to tell you everything, but I know I would lose you and the kids. You are the only thing I have.
Arthur then looks up again and closes his eyes.
ext. rail line night
A rail line cutting through the country side, in the distance is Dover. A bright, nearly full moon hangs in the sky. The night is silent until the rumbling of a train starts to echo from the distance. Then a freight train rolls past. When a boxcar with a open passes by, the Railway Ripper jumps out. He is standing at the edge of a field and looks towards the town, his ax is in his hands. He then walks towards the town.