Jennifer 8 Page #13

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BERLIN:

We've fused into a major series,

Ross. This girl isn't the second

victim. This is "Jennifer Eight."

And this is the second time they stop and stare at each other.

That old Wino on the heap wasn't

a suicide. He stumbled into some-

thing, saw something, and whoever

took him out knew how to fake it.

ROSS:

That isn't what you said before.

BERLIN:

I was wrong.

Says it with remarkable humility considering he's the "expert."

I'm going in to see Citrine this

afternoon. Will you come with me?

ROSS:

You're not .. He's in hospital ..

He was trying out a new pair of

skis in his hallway. The phone

rings, and he goes for it, and

falls off. He must be the only

skier in Northern California to

break a leg in his living room.

They arrive at the Chandler's with BERLIN in no mood to smile.

BERLIN:

You believe me, don't you?

ROSS:

What does it matter what I bel-

ieve? .. What you gotta worry

about is what Citrine believes ..

But he doesn't really believe it. And doesn't enjoy saying no.

But I can't help you with this. We

can't go through the door with two

contentious issues, you with a mass

murderer, and me with the Mayor's

best friend. Do that, we lose both.

I'm sorry, Bro, you're on your own.

41:
EXT. TRINITY VALLEY. DAY. (HELICOPTER)

The Mercedes and Music travel north. The latter made sinister

by this landscape. Forest plunging into dark ravines. The sun

colors the mountains red. But most of the valley is in shadow.

42:
EXT. DRIVE/PARKING. SHASTA-TRINITY INSTITUTE. DAY.

A high wind in the chimneys. And the view is still from above.

Like someone's looking down from the top of the building. And

maybe someone is? BERLIN parks it and gets out. Stretches and

walks towards the institute. He looks very small from up here.

43:
INT. GYMNASIUM. INSTITUTE. DAY.

HELENA plays Elgar in an empty gymnasium. Sunlight streams in

staining the air red. As BERLIN arrives doors on the opposite

wall flap together like somebody just hurried out. Did he see

someone? Perhaps not. The trees outside move a lot of shadows.

Music stands. Vacant chairs. BERLIN takes one to watch her re-

hearse. Realizes just how beautiful she is. And HELENA realiz-

es someone is there. Before she can ask he identifies himself.

HELENA:

Have you been here long?

BERLIN:

No, just a minute or two .. I

knocked on your door - no one

home, so I followed the music ..

HELENA:

I'm sorry. I'll get my things.

BERLIN:

No problem. I'm not in a hurry.

But she's already fussing about stuffing sheet music in a bag.

Matter of fact, I saw a little

restaurant place down the road.

Looked kinda pretty? I thought

maybe we could have some lunch?

No answer but the answer is no. BERLIN finds her book for her.

Alright, whatever .. Was some-

one in here with you? When I

came in the door was flapping?

HELENA:

I don't think so .. No one

comes here at the weekends ..

44:
INT. STAIRCASE. INSTITUTE. DAY.

The gale shouts its head off. The Camera looks down from above.

Nothing to see except the stairwell and a hand on the banister.

HELENA (O.S.)

I suppose I'm the worst

witness you've ever had?

BERLIN (O.S.)

I gotta admit, you're one of

them. Just wish I knew what

you meant by a "hollow car?"

HELENA (O.S.)

Well, some cars sound fat and

some cars sound thin, and this

kind of car sounded "hollow" ..

Any moment now they turn a corner of the stairs into close-up.

Maybe it was a foreign car?

Our kinda cars sound "fat."

The elevator is parked on this floor with its doors half open.

Are you sure you wanna see it?

It's another three floors up?

Despite breathlessness he does. "How often does it break down?"

Oh, all the time. They keep

threatening to have it re-

placed, but they never will.

45:
INT. ATTIC APARTMENT. INSTITUTE. DAY.

Gloomy windows and a wardrobe. BERLIN walks in leaving HELENA

at the door. "I sat right there, on the bed." The bed is gone

but why tell her? He checks the wardrobe. Guess what? Hangers.

HELENA:

If I came to the diner with

you, would you bring me back?

BERLIN:

Of course I would ..

His smile deteriorates as he realizes she's "staring" at him.

What are you staring at, Hel-

ena? .. I mean .. I'm sorry ..

HELENA:

That's alright. You suddenly

reminded me of him .. He was

standing right where you are,

kind of breathless, like you.

Nothing happening except the wind. Then a smile as she leaves.

I'll get my coat, wait

for you downstairs ..

And he begins an exploration. Musty bathroom with old-fashion-

ed fixtures. A tap leaking behind shower curtains. Nothing in

the cabinet. Nothing under the sink. Six steps and he is in a

kitchen. Finally finds something worth looking for. Tears the

sack out of a vacuum cleaner. Discovers a knot of hair from a

black dog. Simultaneously the door slams. Shock powers him in-

to the sitting room in time to hear a key turning in the lock.

Hits the door and shouts. Hears footsteps moving rapidly away.

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