IMPACT by Stephen Paul Coffey
FADE IN:

INT. MAX'S BEDROOM NIGHT

MAX NORMAN, 23, is sleeping in his bed, the bed clothes are moving around due to his restless sleep.

EXT. CINEMA, BUSY ROAD EVENING

Max and JOANNE FUHER, both are aged 18 at this time, are standing on the side of the busy road, cars are driving by quickly.

MAX NORMAN
Joanne, they'll stop in a minute, then we'll just run across. Simple!

JOANNE FUHER
(afraid)
Can't we just go up and use the lights?

MAX NORMAN
We have to go straight across. There is no point in going all the way up there, just to cross and come back down there. Remember that the shortest distance between two points is...

JOANNE FUHER
...is a straight line. Great, I'm getting math lessons from a guy who averaged a 'D' grade.

Max smiles. He then sees that there is an opening in the traffic. He sprints across and makes it to the other side, he makes it safely across. The cars continue to come less frequently. He motions with his arms to Joanne that she should follow him across. Joanne is apprehensive about doing so. But when there is a total lull in the amount of cars she relaxes and steps out onto the road.

INT. LAZENDER'S CAR CONTINUOUS

JOHN LAZENDER, 34, is drinking a small bottle of whiskey while driving, he is drunk already and there are a few empty bottles on the dashboard. He raises the bottle to his mouth to take another swig. The bottle falls from his grip and he bends down to pick it back up. His car hits a bump and he loses control of the car. It hits off a kerb and into a lamp post. John's head hits off the steering wheel, but the seat belt prevents it from being to hard. He opens the door and slumps out onto the street.

EXT. CINEMA, BUSY ROAD CONTINUOUS

Max is standing, still, in shock. He looks to where Joanne's lifeless body lays. He walks slowly over to her. A crowd is starting to develop around her. He kneels by her head and wipes the blood soaked hair from her face.

MAX NORMAN
(in shock)
Joanne, you can stop pretending, c'mon get up.

Obviously there is no reply. The crowd start to murmur between themselves. Max holds back the tears. Max looks across to where John crashed. John has managed to prop himself up on the boot of the car. Max places Joanne's head gently down on the ground, takes one last look at her and then stands up. A middle aged woman comes from the crowd and takes hold of him by his arm. Sirens can be heard coming towards the scene. Max does not pay attention to the woman.

WOMAN
(sympathetic)
Are you okay son?

MAX NORMAN
(dead)
I haven't got much time. Better get moving.

INT. MAX'S BEDROOM NIGHT

Max wakes from his sleep, panicked. He turns on the lights and then takes a battered hard backed journal from an equally battered rook sack. He moves over to his desk. On the wall next to his desk there is a notice board which has numerous types of greeting cards pinned to it. He opens the journal and turns on the computer on the desk. As the computer boots up he places his eye glasses on. He opens the word processing package and begins to type what is in the journal to the word processor. There is a knock at the bedroom door.

MAX NORMAN
(annoyed)
What is it Mum?

There is no answer. Max gets up and walks to the door. He looks confused. When he opens the door there is no one there, he looks around to the outside, now he is even more confused.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
She wouldn't have knocked, I must be getting tired.

Max closes the door and sits back down to write. But when he looks at the screen, the verses of poetry are gone. The screen now reads, 'long time no see'. Max rubs his eyes and looks again, the message is still there.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
(worried)
That's it. I know I'm getting tired.

Max shuts down the computer. He then turns to face his bed while rubbing his closed eyes. When he stops rubbing them and they are opened he see that JOANNE FUHER, a late teens girl, dressed in white from head to toe, is sitting on the bed. She smiles at Max. Max appears to be in shock. He then smiles, slightly.

JOANNE FUHER
Five years is a long time.

Max cannot believe that Joanne is sitting in front of him. His smile starts to grow.

JOANNE FUHER (CONT'D)
You look surprised to see me. Is something the matter?

The smile fades from Max's face, and a sad expression comes through.

MAX NORMAN
(sarcastic)
Other than the fact that you've been dead for five years? No, nothing is wrong. Why would it be?

Joanne smiles, stands, and then twirls around, her arms floating by her side.

JOANNE FUHER
Well, I'm here now. Not alive, but just dropping in and wanted to chat. That sarcastic wit of yours is still rearing its ugly head. Good to know that something's don't change.

Joanne sits back down. Max turns to the computer and turns the machine on. When it boots up he starts the word processing package and starts to type. He tries to ignore Joanne.

JOANNE FUHER (CONT'D)
You seem disappointed that I'm here. This is what you've dreamed of, every night, for five years.

Max closes his eyes and begins to type some poetry.

JOANNE FUHER (CONT'D)
If you want me to go for now, I will go. I just thought that you'd like to see me.

Max turns quickly to face Joanne.

MAX NORMAN
(passionate anger)
Five years ago, you died, killed, by some asshole, who had a bad day. He knocked back a fair amount of booze, got into his car and started to drive home...

Tears start to swell in Max's eyes.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
(sad)
He turned the corner, and then...
(beat)
He hit you...
(beat)
Killing you... and killing a part of me.

Max wipes the tears from his eyes.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
(sad)
I've dreamt of that night for five years, but I've spent five years dreaming of being with you. What I need is peace, and to move on, but I can't. I am still in love with you.

Max reaches out to touch Joanne on the cheek, but just as he's about to touch her he pulls his hand back sharply. He smiles.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
Just like when we were dating.

JOANNE FUHER
(confused)
How do you mean?

MAX NORMAN
(smiling)
I'm just scared to touch you.

Joanne smiles and looks out the window. Max has a look of concern on his face.

JOANNE FUHER
Max? What is wrong? I've seen that look before. Something is on your mind?

MAX NORMAN
Joanne, I've read a ton of books, seen a mass of movies, it's usually the case that when a spirit comes back from the dead, or appears to a loved one, that there is something bad going to happen.

Joanne stands up and walks to the door. Max tries not to look.

JOANNE FUHER
Something is going to happen. I just don't know what way you are going to take it. Good or bad.

Max turns back fully to the computer. Trying not to show his interest in Joanne.

MAX NORMAN
Are you going to tell me what it is then?

When Max looks back to the door Joanne is gone. He starts to type for a moment, then shuts down the computer. He goes over to his bed, and lays down on top of the covers. His eyes start to close and he falls asleep.

INT. HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM NIGHT

Max sits alone in the room, a clock is on the wall facing him. A cup of tea is going cold in front of him, it remains untouched. Every couple of seconds Max's hands twitch, they are cut and bruised. Max stares blankly at the clock as the seconds slowly pass by.

INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY LEADING TO WAITING ROOM NIGHT

Joanne's parents, DECLAN and MARIANNE FUHER walk quickly towards the waiting room. There is a complete look of Panic on their faces, and Marianne's mascara has started to run.

INT. HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM NIGHT

Declan and Marianne come into the waiting room, where Max is still staring blankly at the clock. It takes Max a few seconds to realise that Declan and Marianne are there. Marianne sits down beside Max and takes his hand, Declan remains standing.

MARIANNE FUHER
(concerned)
Hey, what happened? Max?

Max turns to face Marianne.

MARIANNE FUHER (CONT'D)
(concerned)
They won't tell us anything.

Marianne holds Max's hand out to Declan, Max still seems to be in a different world.

MARIANNE FUHER (CONT'D)
Are you okay? Look at your hands! Is Joanne alright?

Max looks at Declan. Max's eyes are full of sorrow. Declan starts to swell with tears. Marianne looks at them both and also starts to swell with tears.

MAX NORMAN
(lost)
I, I mean, she is in the operating room. No one has come in to tell me anything. Has anyone told you anything?

DECLAN FUHER
No Max, they haven't. They told us to come and wait here, and a Doctor would be along to talk to us. Max? Are you alright?

Max takes a look at his hands and then looks back to Declan with a brief smile.

MAX NORMAN
Yeah, I'm fine. I wasn't involved. I just got into a little fight, nothing to worry about.

Marianne and Declan look at each other with worry, then they turn to look back at Max.

MARIANNE FUHER
I thought, well, I thought that Joanne was hurt in a car accident! What fight?

EXT. CINEMA, BUSY ROAD NIGHT

It's back to Max holding Joanne's head in his lap. He lowers her head gently to the ground and stands to stare at John Lazender. A concerned woman from the crowd comes over to Max.

WOMAN
(sympathetic)
Are you okay son?

MAX NORMAN
(dead)
I haven't got much time. Better get moving.

Max walks over to John, who is starting to fall asleep while resting on the car. Max stands in front of John. The approaching sound of sirens is in the air. Max takes a moment to sniff at John, Max waves his hand in front of his own nose. Max's face is emotionless. Max places his hand on John's shoulder.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
Are you okay?

John belches into Max's face and Max looks at the empty whiskey bottles that are on the dashboard of John's car.

JOHN LAZENDER
(drunk)
What did I hit? Some fucking dog?

MAX NORMAN
No. You didn't hit a dog. You hit a person.

John starts to laugh. Max is enraged. The ambulance turns up and the paramedics move to Joanne and start to get her onto the trolley. Once Max sees that she is on the ambulance he turns his attention back to John. Max clenches his fist and strikes John down. When John is lying on the ground, reeling from the punch, a second ambulance arrives. John is the first thing that they see and the paramedics move to him, but an enraged Max turns and stops them.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
(sinister)
Touch him and you'll need an ambulance.

Max turns back and with ease lifts John up and throws him onto the car and proceeds to lay a mass of punches into Johns body. A police car arrives. It takes the two policemen and the two paramedics to stop Max from punching John. John falls from the car, beaten and bloody, the paramedics rush in to aid him. Max is constrained by the Police. Max is still frantically trying to get to John, but is placed into the back of the police car.

INT. HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM NIGHT

Max, Declan and Marianne are sitting in the room, now all of them are sitting in silence staring at the clock. Declan breaks the silence by first clearing his throat.

DECLAN FUHER
(thoughtful)
Remember when Joanne was, oh, she must have been six, and that stray dog bit her?

Marianne looks at Declan.

DECLAN FUHER (CONT'D)
We were all panicked because we couldn't find the dog, and Joanne had to get all those shots.

Max looks at Declan.

DECLAN FUHER (CONT'D)
There was about twenty shots, and she never cried, not once, she was so brave. She was holding my hand and being brave.

Just as Declan finishes, an elderly Priest, FATHER THOMAS enters the waiting room. He sits down on the coffee table facing Max, Marianne, and Declan.

FATHER THOMAS
Hello. My name is Thomas. The hospital has asked me to come in and talk to you...

Max stands up and moves to the door. Max stops and then turns to face Father Thomas.

MAX NORMAN
Tell me now, where is Joanne?

Father Thomas rises to face Max.

FATHER THOMAS
Please, child, sit down. There is no good cause to be served by moving so quickly.

MAX NORMAN
(impatient)
Look, keep your religion to yourself. If I guess right, from your whole being here, Joanne is already gone.

Declan and Marianne hold each others hand and move their attention from Max to Father Thomas. Looking in hope at Father Thomas, as Father Thomas turns to Declan and Marianne.

FATHER THOMAS
(sorrowful)
Yes! She has passed into the Lord's good graces.

Max looks to Declan and Marianne. Marianne is crying and can't believe the news, while Declan is holding her, trying to keep it together but the tears are forming in his eyes. Father Thomas moves to comfort Marianne.

MAX NORMAN
We should go. As the man said, her soul is in God's hands, but that doesn't mean that she should be alone.

Max leaves the room. Declan and Marianne start to slowly follow him out of the room.

INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY LEADING TO WAITING ROOM NIGHT

As Declan and Marianne exit the waiting room, they see that Max has not managed more than a few steps and is slowly lowering himself, against the wall, to the floor. He is crying his heart out. Declan and Marianne stand in front of Max and then lower themselves to the floor. Max, Declan, and Marianne are now all crying, they have a group hug moment, which gives them some comfort. Father Thomas comes out of the waiting room, sees them together and just stands back.

INT. THE LOCAL BAR AFTERNOON

It's the day of Joanne's funeral. At the after's in the bar, there are a lot of people wearing their funeral clothes and a Priest. At a table away from the crowd Max sits alone. A pint of beer sits in front of him. The drink has only one sip taken from it. Max is dressed in a black suit, the tie is loose around the collar, the top two buttons of the shirt are also open.

Declan sees Max sitting away from everyone. Declan makes his excuses from Marianne and those around them and moves to the table where Max is sitting. Max is uneasy when stands next to him.

DECLAN FUHER
Mind if I sit down?

Before Max can answer Declan takes the seat facing Max, one of the other Mourners comes over and places a drink down for Declan. Declan smiles to the mourner and then turns his attention to Max.

DECLAN FUHER (CONT'D)
(worried)
Joanne, she was our only child, sometimes I find the lose is too hard to bare. We'll all get through this though, all it takes is time.

Max looks at Declan as though he hadn't understood a word that came from Declan's mouth.

MAX NORMAN
I honestly don't know how on earth you can feel like that?

DECLAN FUHER
You have to find a way of telling yourself you'll get through all this. No parent, ever, should outlive their child. It's not a natural thing. That bastard changed everything. Now, all we have is the pain, and we all, together, need to find peace.

Max twirls the glass in front of him so that the drink inside spins around.

MAX NORMAN
Did the police say what would happen to the driver?

DECLAN FUHER
Well, he was three times over the legal limit, and there's a zero tolerance approach to drunk drivers. So, I guess five years, at least.

MAX NORMAN
Five years and he gets out to live again.

DECLAN FUHER
Did the police say anything about the assault charges?

MAX NORMAN
He's not pressing charges.

DECLAN FUHER
That's something. Fair play.

Max looks with anger at Declan, Declan looks scared.

DECLAN FUHER (CONT'D)
Max!

MAX NORMAN
(angry)
Fair play. Is it fair play to die before you're twenty. It's fair play to continue living? Except if you are Joanne!

DECLAN FUHER
(calming)
Max, calm down. You can't go around carrying all this anger, it's not healthy. It'll destroy you, and you won't have anything but hate, that's not a life.

MAX NORMAN
(angry)
I swear on Joanne's grave, on her eternal soul, that bastard won't have a life, when he gets out...
(beat)
I'm going to kill him.

Max stands up and walks towards the door. Declan stands up and follows him. When Max reaches the exit, Declan has caught up to him. Everyone in the bar stops what they are doing and looks at them. Max stops but doesn't turn around to face Declan.

DECLAN FUHER
(reasoning)
Max. Don't do anything stupid. Don't add another life to this mess. Just calm down.

Marianne comes and stands beside Declan, Max has left. Declan looks worried, as does Marianne.

MARIANNE FUHER
Think he'll be okay?

DECLAN FUHER
(hope)
Hopefully, he just has to learn that time heals all wounds.

Declan turns and embraces Marianne.

INT. MAX'S BEDROOM NIGHT

Max wakes from sleep. The lights are still on in his room, sweat is pumping from him. He gets up from the bed and goes to the door.

INT. BATHROOM MAX'S HOUSE NIGHT

Max runs some water in the wash hand basin. He places his hands into the stream of the water and throws some over his face. Max raises his head and looks into the water, and the water is beading on his face. He looks drained and tired.

MAX NORMAN
(to himself)
Time heals all wounds. Time heals all wounds.

Max turns from the mirror, his eyes are closed.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
(to himself)
Time heals all wounds. But it never removes the scars.

Max turns off the light and leaves the room.

EXT. GRAVEYARD MORNING

Max walks along the line of headstones. The morning is dull, rain has come and gone. Max continues to walk along, counting each stone as he passes it, until he reaches Joanne's grave. On the headstone there is Joanne's full name, her date of birth and date of death, and a inscription that reads 'Our loss is Heavens gain' Max takes a single white rose from inside his coat and before placing it down at the base of the stone he removes a withered bunch of flowers that was there before and places them at the side.

Max stands and looks somberly at the dates. Joanne was 18 when she was killed. A tear falls down from his eye.

MAX NORMAN
(sorrow)
I don't know why you came back. I prayed and prayed for three years that I could see your face again, and spent two years coming to terms with the fact that I wouldn't. Whatever the reason you came back, please, now, rest in peace. For us!

Joanne appears behind Max, wearing the same style outfit that she had on when she appeared to Max first.

JOANNE FUHER
Hey you!

MAX NORMAN
(smiling)
You always had a problem with taking requests.

Max turns to face Joanne. His smile remains for a moment, but then his face fills with sorrow.

JOANNE FUHER
It has been a long time, since you've been here. In fact, this is the first time that you've been here since the funeral. Why now?

MAX NORMAN
Well, I could ask you the same question?

Joanne walks over to her headstone and stares for a moment at it. She then turns her attention back to Max.

JOANNE FUHER
I came back to make you complete the journey that you've started.

Max looks confused.

JOANNE FUHER (CONT'D)
You will do it!

MAX NORMAN
(confused)
What are you on about?

Joanne moves to face Max.

JOANNE FUHER
Max, you are one of the most honorable and sweet guys that I've ever known. Deep in your heart you know what needs to be done to make you happier. Don't you?

Max looks at the wet ground and smiles, Joanne smiles slightly.

MAX NORMAN
I think I know.

When Max, still smiling, looks back up, Joanne is gone. He shakes his head though keeping the smile.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
(quietly)
I see that your exiting skills are still on the abrupt side.

Max walks towards the exit of the graveyard.

INT. A RESTAURANT NIGHT

A small restaurant. Max sits at a candle lit table in the center of the restaurant, he is sitting alone. The restaurant is far from full, but there are a few couples in the room with him. The restaurant is mainly lit by candles. A WAITER comes over to Max.

WAITER
(snobby)
Would Sir like to see the menu now?

Max looks around the room to see who the Waiter is talking to. When Max realizes that the Waiter is talking to him, Max smiles.

MAX NORMAN
(polite)
No, I'll wait for my friend, she should be here, probably just running late.

WAITER
(mocking)
Of course she is Sir.

The Waiter turns and walks off into the kitchen. Max shakes his head.

ANDREA FLATTERY enters, she is the same age as Max, and she is dressed with flair. Max smiles and Andrea comes over the table. Max stands up as Andrea reaches the table, when Andrea sits Max sits back down. The Waiter comes out of the kitchen and Max waves the Waiter over.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(blunt)
I'm fucking wrecked!

The Waiter comes over to the table and he is surprised to see that Max has a date.

WAITER
Would Sir like to order anything now?

MAX NORMAN
(smiling)
No. I just wanted to make a point. I hope I have?

The Waiter walks away, angry that Max has made fun of him. Max now turns his attention back to Andrea, who is confused about what is going on.

ANDREA FLATTERY
You do know he is going to probably spit in our food now, right?

MAX NORMAN
I doubt it. But then you never know. Well if I think that he did then no tip. Busy day.

Andrea takes a sip of water before answering the question.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(quickly)
The shop is too small, there is not enough staff, and above all that, our popularity is growing. So I'm having to work more hours. But other than that everything is fine. How are you?

MAX NORMAN
(smiling)
I don't know. Maybe the same as usual. I write some poetry for cheap greeting cards. All my other writing is going nowhere. I can't get a Publisher or Agent to give me the time of day. So, when I say, same as usual, it's just trying to be polite.

Max takes a drink of water. Then he and Andrea start to laugh.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(sigh of relief)
Now, with the bullshit out of the way, why don't we talk about something interesting.

MAX NORMAN
(relieved)
Thought that you'd never ask!

Both Max and Andrea laugh. The Waiter returns with a menu for Andrea. The Waiter does not wait for the order, and goes to seat a couple that have just arrived.

EXT. A SMALL PARK LATER

Max and Andrea are sitting on a bench, the night is clear, a slight chill in the air. Although Andrea has her own coat Max has placed his jacket over her shoulders. They sit close to one another, but they aren't even holding hands.

MAX NORMAN
I love this place. Came here a lot when my father died.

ANDREA FLATTERY
It's peaceful here!

MAX NORMAN
Tell me, have you ever had a paranormal experience?

Andrea side glances at Max.

ANDREA FLATTERY
What? You mean like ghosts and stuff?

MAX NORMAN
Well, yeah. You know, someone that's passed on, coming back from the dead, and giving you news, warnings, or anything like that?

ANDREA FLATTERY
(thoughtful)
Well, that's a little too specific, but I don't have a story that is something similar.

Max is relieved. No longer does he fell that he is alone in this experience. Andrea stays silent though.

MAX NORMAN
(wondering)
Well? Are you going to leave it there? Or, is it that you don't want to tell me? Just a question.

Andrea turns to face max, smiling, as Max starts to turn in. They are face to face. Staring into each others eyes, they get lost. Andrea is the first to blink.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(unsettled)
Well, I must have been thirteen, I think, and I was on my bike, cold rainy day, this car was about to hit me, when something just knocked me out of the way.

Max laughs, more out of desperation.

ANDREA FLATTERY (CONT'D)
(slight anger)
Don't laugh, the bike still got hit by the car. I loved that bike.

Max removes the smile from his face.

MAX NORMAN
Sorry! I didn't mean anything, I shouldn't have laughed. If I didn't think that I'd end up in a mental home, believe me, I'd share my tale with you.

Max goes to turn back around, but he notices that Andrea isn't turning back. Max turns back to her.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
(smiling)
What is it?

Andrea seems lost in Max's eyes.

ANDREA FLATTERY
What's what?

MAX NORMAN
You, you're looking at me like that! What's that about?

Andrea smiles.

ANDREA FLATTERY
Not too fast are you?

MAX NORMAN
(confused)
What?

ANDREA FLATTERY
(resigned)
I don't know how to tell you this. But I've been in love with you, since, well just for a long time. But the problem is that you are still in love with Joanne, and I can't win against a memory!

Max loses his smile and bows his head. Max raises his head to look into Andrea's eyes.

MAX NORMAN
(sorrow)
She was my first love, you never forget your first.

Andrea is sad. She looks as though she is about to cry.

ANDREA FLATTERY
I know, you are my first. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought this up, not tonight. I'm...

Andrea lowers her head as Max reaches forward with his hand and gently places it under her chin to move her mouth close to his. They stare into each others eyes for a moment.

MAX NORMAN
You are my second, and my last!

Max leans forward and starts to kiss Andrea. The kiss builds into pure passion. They move closer to one another, as the kiss goes on. When they part from the kiss, they remain in each others arms.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(amazed)
One word review, Wow.

Max smiles.

ANDREA FLATTERY (CONT'D)
What are you smiling for?

MAX NORMAN
It's just that, well, that's my first review.

They kiss again. The kiss ends and they remain hugging. Max raises his free hand up to see the time.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(suspicious)
You got somewhere that you've got to be?

MAX NORMAN
(smiling)
No, just making sure that we can me the last bus home.

ANDREA FLATTERY
And, can we?

MAX NORMAN
Well, only if we could turn back time, it left, about five minutes ago.

Andrea moves in closer to Max, as though just about to kiss, but not. Max likes the movement, and closes his eyes is anticipation.

ANDREA FLATTERY
There would be a good reason to travel back in time five minutes, but catching a bus would not be it.

Max opens his eyes, waiting.

MAX NORMAN
What would that be?

Andrea moves in for the kiss, catching Max off guard in a pleasant way.

INT. MAX'S HOUSE LIVING ROOM LATER

Max comes into his living room, he turns on the lights, and throws his keys on the coffee table. Max takes off his jacket and places it over the back of a chair. He sits on the sofa, thinking over the nights events, smiling. He undoes a few of the buttons on his shirt. Max's mother, DENISE NORMAN, late forties, dressed in a nightgown. She goes to Max and sits beside him on the sofa.

DENISE NORMAN
(tired)
Where were you tonight?

MAX NORMAN
I went for dinner with Andrea, any calls?

DENISE NORMAN
No.

Denise looks at the big smile on her sons face.

DENISE NORMAN (CONT'D)
(wondering)
So, why are you home?

MAX NORMAN
(surprised)
What?

DENISE NORMAN
(bluntly)
Well, when your father and I were courting, he would just screw me rotten, and that he would only have to buy me a chicken curry.

Max cannot believe that his mother is sharing this information with him. Max sits forward on the sofa. Denise is acting like she has just said nothing wrong, and that Max and her should be having this conversation with each other without any discomfort. Max's face though shows that he is really uncomfortable.

MAX NORMAN
Mom, trust me, there are something's that a son, like me, should really not know. Now please!

DENISE NORMAN
Jesus. I don't understand you. You're twenty two years old and probably still a virgin.

MAX NORMAN
(shocked)
Mom!

DENISE NORMAN
With your father gone, it's down to me to have these talks with you about the facts of life.

Denise looks to her son.

DENISE NORMAN (CONT'D)
Now, tell me, have you ever heard of something called oral sex?

Max gets up and walks over to the television cabinet, he takes a video cassette from a shelf and places it into the video player, then he turns on the television and the blue screen of the video channel comes on. Max hands the remote control to his mother. Then Max walks to the door leading from the living room.

MAX NORMAN
Mom, thanks, but I know all that I need to know. Just by watching this video. All you have to do, if you want to know what I know, is to press play.

When Max leaves the room, his mother looks at the remote control and presses the play button, and the porn movie comes on the television.

INT. MAX'S HOUSE STAIRCASE MOMENTS LATER

Max is walking up the stairs, tired, and can hear the thrash music and familiar moaning of the woman in the movie coming from the living room. When he is halfway up the stairs he hears another voice add to the sound of the movie, Denise's moaning goes along with the woman on the tape. Max throws his hands over his ears and goes screaming to his room.

INT. JOES GYM MORNING

Max and his friend, BRIAN ROULEY are sparing in the boxing ring of the gym. Brian is a year older than and not as fit as Max. They are throwing punches that either miss altogether or barely make contact.

BRIAN ROULEY
(panting)
I can't believe it, she actually used the words 'oral sex'?

MAX NORMAN
(disgust)
Don't mate. I really want to just forget about that part of last night and concentrate on the good part.

BRIAN ROULEY
(panting)
What are you on about now?

MAX NORMAN
(smiling)
Andrea told me that she loves me, and I told her that I loved her, and then we kissed.

Brian lays down his guard and cannot believe what Max has just told him. Max continues to bob and weave around the ring, still thinking that he and Brian are sparing.

BRIAN ROULEY
(disbelief)
Well, fuck me! It's about time.

Just as Brian finishes talking, Max throws a punch at Brain and makes contact across Brian's jaw. Brain drops hard to the floor.

INT. THE LOCAL BAR AFTERNOON

Max and Brian sit at a table in a very quiet bar, Max has a glass of orange juice in front of him, while Brian has a pint of Guinness in front of him and a whiskey chaser. Brian is feeling his jaw, where max had hit him earlier. Max looks at him apologetically.

MAX NORMAN
Once again, I'm sorry about that mate.

BRIAN ROULEY
Ah, don't worry about it, shouldn't have let my guard down. Now tell me about Andrea?

MAX NORMAN
You know all about Andrea!

BRIAN ROULEY
I know that I know about Andrea. But what I don't know, about Andrea, is what led to you, telling her, that you loved her after all these years.

Max smiles, reflecting on his date with Andrea.

MAX NORMAN
Brian, it's just, like, you know, it has been so long since I've felt this way, so in love.

Max turns and looks away, the smile fading.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
I've been afraid to admit it to myself, and finding it harder to admit to Andrea.

Max takes a sip from his orange juice while Brain knocks back the shot of whiskey and then a gulp from his pint of Guinness.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
Last night.
(beat)
Last night everything was lined up, just perfect. We kissed, and then I left her home.

BRIAN ROULEY
(cautious)
Max, I don't know how to approach this. I wouldn't be a good friend if I let it pass.

MAX NORMAN
(worried)
What?

BRIAN ROULEY
(cautious)
In the past, when you've dated, after Joanne I mean, it was just one or two dates and then dumped the girl.

MAX NORMAN
(suspicious)
Point?

BRIAN ROULEY
(open)
You and Andrea are close friends, but you still have some issues. The point I'm getting to is that maybe you are risking that friendship.
(beat)
Has that crossed your mind?

Max takes another sip from his drink and then looks away from Brian. He takes his training bag and leaves the bar without saying a word to Brian. Brian downs the rest of his pint before going out to find Max.

EXT. THE LOCAL BAR MOMENTS LATER

Brian get to the outside of the bar and looks around for Max. Max is nowhere to be seen. He looks around once more, before shrugging his shoulders and going back into the bar.

INT. MAX'S BEDROOM AFTERNOON

Max enters his room, and throws his sports bag onto his bed. He then turns on the computer and sits at the desk, as the computer boots up. When the computer is booted up, Max goes to open his word processing package. He shrugs as he has a cold sensation, he rubs his arms with his hands. As he turns to his bed he sees that Joanne is sitting there, dressed in similar clothes as before.

JOANNE FUHER
Did you have a good time out last night?

Max shuts down the computer, angry as hell, and turns back to give all his attention to Joanne.

MAX NORMAN
(annoyed)
That is no business of yours! Why are you constantly following me?

Joanne stands up and turns her back to Max, she looks out his window.

JOANNE FUHER
I like to follow you, makes me feel close again to you.

Max rubs his eyes.

MAX NORMAN
(annoyed more)
And I'm just meant to sit back and accept that. Am I?

Joanne pauses for a moment. She is sad, and turns around to face Max.

JOANNE FUHER
Max you are the love of both my lives, here and after. Part of the love is based around that unique sense of honor that you have.

MAX NORMAN
What are you getting at Joanne?

JOANNE FUHER
(intent)
You made me a promise. A promise on my eternal soul.
(beat)
That must be carried through.

Max stands up and backs away from Joanne until his back is against the wall. Max cannot believe that his promise to avenge the death with another is the reason that Joanne has come back to him. He shakes his head, and whispers to himself constantly 'No'. Joanne stares at Max, committed to her purpose.

MAX NORMAN
(disbelief)
You can't mean it!
(beat)
You can't be serious!
(beat)
Can you?

Joanne continues to stare directly into Max's eyes. Max continues to look in shock.

JOANNE FUHER
(serious)
You will kill him!

Max starts to feel faint and sits back down on the chair at the desk. He is looking at Joanne, though it seems that he is staring through her.

MAX NORMAN
(shocked)
I can't. I mean, that's murder. It's not in me.

JOANNE FUHER
(angry)
You'd be surprised what is in you Max.

Max rests his head down on the desk. Joanne moves close, her face is full of anger. When she stands next to Max, she sees how he is taking the news and her expression changes from anger to sympathy.

JOANNE FUHER (CONT'D)
(calm)
I understand that you need time to come to terms with the idea, I do. I will return soon, so you can tell me your plans to take the mans life.

Joanne turns and walks over to the window. Max lifts his head from the desk.

MAX NORMAN
Tell me, when you return, and I still don't want to go through with it. What will happen?

Joanne's head drops, she frowns and starts to shake her head.

JOANNE FUHER
(disappointed)
That would be unfortunate, for all concerned, and all that you love now.

Max continues to be in disbelief. Joanne disappears into thin air. Max stands and walks to the window. He then falls backwards onto the bed, and covers his face with his hands.

MAX NORMAN
This can't be happening. This can't be happening.

INT. LOCAL CHURCH MORNING

Max sits on one of the pews, leaning forwards, his hands folded and elbows resting on the backrest of the pew in front of him. He is in prayer. A calm male voice comes from behind him.

FATHER THOMAS
(o.s)
Finally need some help from above?

Max turns and sits up on the pew. He sees Father Thomas walking towards him. The elderly priest is now using a walking cane.

MAX NORMAN
(calm)
I thought that life after death was total shit, sorry, I mean total... make believe. Now, thoughts are shaky.

FATHER THOMAS
You know, our Lord Jesus had someone just like you in his followers. He wouldn't believe in what he saw, asked for proof.

Father Thomas sits down beside Max.

FATHER THOMAS (CONT'D)
As humans, most of us need physical evidence before we can believe. Then there are some of us that just accept that nothing is accepted.

Father Thomas stands back up and slowly walks off towards the alter. Max sits back in the pew and looks very confused.

MAX NORMAN
(sarcastic)
Thanks. That clears everything up. I understand everything now, it's all just so clear. Not!

Max stands and genuflects. As he turns he closes his eyes once more. When he opens them he looks tired and worn out. He walks to the exit and leaves the church.

EXT. SHOPPING CENTRE DAY

Max stands outside the centre, he stares at the door, people are coming out, and some are going in. His stare is fixed on the door, the people walking by don't interfere with his line of vision. His concentration fixed on the entrance. Then the doors open once again, and John Lazender walks out. John looks rough, stubble growing wildly on his face, bags under his eyes. John sees Max. Panic falls over John's face. They stare at each other for a moment, people continuing to walk in between them. When a group of tourists walk between them, John uses this to run away. Max sees John run and chases after him. Max brushes the people in his way aside and continues after John.

They run for a few minutes, John tiring easily, but Max is hardly breaking a sweat. When John realizes that he cannot outrun Max, he stops and takes a swing at Max but Max moves quickly and avoids getting hit. John is off balance from his swing punch and falls over. Max takes in a deep breath and settles himself. John sits on the ground, expecting a beating.

MAX NORMAN
I didn't come here to beat on you, I just wanted to talk with you, so relax.

JOHN LAZENDER
(suspicious)
Then, then what do you want? Money?
(beat)
If so you are way out of luck, does it look as though I'm rich.

MAX NORMAN
I don't want money. I want to know something, then you can get back to your life, and I won't bother you again.

Max holds out his hand to John, who warily accepts it and pulls himself up.

JOHN LAZENDER
(suspicious)
What is it that you want to know?

MAX NORMAN
Turn back the clock. Turn it back to when you took that first drink, five years ago, when you killed Joanne. If you knew that you would cause all this suffering, would you still take the drink?

John gives a slight laugh. Max is confused by this.

JOHN LAZENDER
You honestly think that I would? I know you lost someone special to you, and her family loss is painful too. Add to that losing five years of my life. What do you think?

MAX NORMAN
I don't know what to think, that's why I'm asking!

JOHN LAZENDER
(sad)
I lost everything, my job, friends, family, now no one will pick up the phone to me. I would change everything.

MAX NORMAN
That's all that I needed to know. I'll leave you be now. Take care.

Without waiting for a reply Max turns away from John and walks back off towards the shopping centre.

JOHN LAZENDER
(smiling)
I really need a drink.

John walks off.

EXT. LARGE WOODED PARK MORNING

Max and Brian are jogging through the park; Brian is smoking a cigarette as he is running.

MAX NORMAN
Can I tell you something, and don’t think that I’m crazy?

BRIAN ROULEY
(worried)
You can tell me anything, as long as you are not going to come out to me.
(beat)
Are you?

MAX NORMAN
(shocked)
Shit no!

BRIAN ROULEY
(relieved)
Cool. Then, fire away.

MAX NORMAN
(apprehensive)
Joanne is back!

Brian and Max don’t break stride. Max is shocked that Brian is not bothered by this news.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
Did you hear me?

BRIAN ROULEY
I most certainly did.

MAX NORMAN
(shocked)
What, and you don’t think that I’m nuts?

BRIAN ROULEY
No, shit, I am just surprised that it took this long.

Max stops running.

MAX NORMAN
(wondering)
Excuse me!?!

Brian stops running. He turns to Max and walks back the short distance that he had ran past Max.

BRIAN ROULEY
When it falls to the paranormal, aliens, ghosts, and the Loch Ness monster, I’m totally down with all that.

Brian and Max sit down on a bench, Brian still has the cigarette in his mouth.

MAX NORMAN
(surprised)
You know, I have to say that you never struck me as that...
(beat)
Deep of a being.

BRIAN ROULEY
Behind my shallow appearance of ignorance, lies a complex creature of information.

Max, still shocked, nods his head.

BRIAN ROULEY (CONT'D)
So, tell me, are you being haunted, seeing her everywhere you go?

MAX NORMAN
(unsure)
Yes! Well no. I mean to be honest I don’t know.

Brian sits back in the bench and puts his arm in front of Max to get him to do the same.

BRIAN ROULEY
Take a breath, close your eyes, and then take the story from the top.

Max closes his eyes and relaxes his face. Brain closes his eyes and listens.

MAX NORMAN
(calmly)
Joanne, she wants me to kill the driver who killed her. She told me that I would regret it, if I didn’t do it.

Brains eyes snap open and he looks at Max, who has now opened his eyes. Brians expression of panic alarms Max.

BRIAN ROULEY
(shocked)
Holy shit! I thought this was like the entity type thing, with the touching and the sex, but this sounds like a Crow type thing, with the death and violence.

Max relaxes a little.

MAX NORMAN
Well, to be more precise, it’s actually a third party Crow type deal.

Brian shakes his head, he still is in shock.

BRIAN ROULEY
Sorry mate, but that is way out of out of my league.

MAX NORMAN
(disappointed)
Still in the smelly stuff then!

Brian smiles.

BRIAN ROULEY
Kind of, but, never fear. I?ll make some calls. I know someone who might be able to help. His name is Lazarus Tyme.

MAX NORMAN
Lazarus Tyme, he’s not a hippie, is he? I hate hippies!

BRIAN ROULEY
Oh, he’s no hippy, but he’s out there, really out there. Until Ghostbusters become real, this man's your only hope.

Max stands up and starts to jog on the spot slowly.

MAX NORMAN
Thanks mate, so you ready to get going?

Brian has removed a mobile phone from somewhere, and is pressing the speed dial.

BRIAN ROULEY
(on phone)
Hi. Can I have a cab; I’m at a park bench in the Phoenix Park, about two miles on the left after the main entrance. Ten minutes, okay, I?ll be waiting.

MAX NORMAN
Why do you even bother to come out for a run?

BRIAN ROULEY
(coughing)
Well, you got to keep the old ticker in pumping order. I'll call you later.

Max shakes his head and starts to jog off. Brian remains on the bench smoking.

INT. THE LOCAL BAR EVENING

Max is sitting in a quiet corner of the bar, nursing a pint. He is waiting for LAZARUS TYME, and is very nervous about this meeting. Every time that the door opens Max looks up to see who is coming in. Looking at his watch, Max shakes his head, resolving to leave, but the door opens and in walks Lazarus, he is in his late forties and is wearing a Fedora hat and a dark cloak. He scans the bar looking for Max, when their eyes meet Max tries to hide his vision from Lazarus. Lazarus walks over to the table anyway, he is very flamboyant. Lazarus stands by the table to introduce himself.

LAZARUS TYME
(dramatically)
Allow me to introduce myself; my name is Dr. Lazarus Tyme. I take it that you are Max?

Max is embarrassed, but puts his hand out to shake the hand of Lazarus. Lazarus sits down beside Max, before removing the cloak and fedora. He looks soulfully at Max.

LAZARUS TYME (CONT'D)
Now, I have to ask? Are you intoxicated?

MAX NORMAN
No, not yet, but give me time. Why?

LAZARUS TYME
I find that drunks and addicts don’t tell the truth when it comes to,
(beat)
The Paranormal.

MAX NORMAN
Can I get you something to drink, Doctor?

Lazarus just waves his hand, just enough to show Max that he does not require something to drink. Max takes a big gulp from his point, showing that at least one of them does.

LAZARUS TYME
And now, to the problem at hand, an entity is causing harm. Truth?

MAX NORMAN
(disbelief)
Well, kind of. Can I ask, how long have you been a ghost shrink?

LAZARUS TYME
(disgust)
My dear boy, I am a professional paranormal psychiatrist. Also I?ve been in touch with the damned for over twenty five years.

Max is impressed.

MAX NORMAN
(wondering)
So, you make enough to live on?

LAZARUS TYME
(thoughtful)
Well, I do write for a magazine, with the more interesting cases being headline stories, and I also work for the city, but only part time.

MAX NORMAN
(interested)
As?

LAZARUS TYME
(downbeat)
As, a sanitation Inspector.

MAX NORMAN
(smiling)
You mean, the sewers!

LAZARUS TYME
(disgust)
Yes! But that is hardly the point, back to you!

Max is chuffed; his spirits are raised by the now slightly more even playing field.

MAX NORMAN
(interested)
I just want to know, if someone makes a promise to a soul, after they die, and the spirit comes back and demands that the promise be carried out, can the entity force the issue.

Lazarus listens with great interest to Max, and contemplates the answer, before replying.

LAZARUS TYME
(candidly)
Of course not!

Max is relieved to hear this and settles back into his chair.

LAZARUS TYME (CONT'D)
(thoughtful)
Unless...

Max sits forward.

MAX NORMAN
(inquisitive)
Unless? Unless what?

LAZARUS TYME
Well, unless, the person who the promise was made to, well, they would have to be taken out of this world in a violent and sudden manner. Such promises are rare these days.

Max’s face drops with this news.

LAZARUS TYME (CONT'D)
(clear)
In such cases, the soul, under the rights of the dead, has every course of action open to it.

Max is interested and is giving Lazarus all his attention.

MAX NORMAN
I need to know, what kind of options would they have?

LAZARUS TYME
My dear boy, anything and everything. Most likely would be possession, the capability to force the person who promised to fulfill the promise. There is also the fact that the should might gain aggressive tendencies, depending on the nature of the situation.

Max sits back in his chair, silently distraught with the news.

LAZARUS TYME (CONT'D)
Can I ask, is this you we are talking about?

MAX NORMAN
(open)
Yes, five years ago, my girl, she was killed by a drunk driver, and I swore on her soul that I would avenge her death with his.

LAZARUS TYME
(surprised)
How very Shakespearean of you! And now, may I take it that the girl is back, and demanding her rightful satisfaction?

MAX NORMAN
Yes. I?ve refused. I?ve moved on. Another girl.

Lazarus places his palm facing to Max.

LAZARUS TYME
I don’t much care for the lives of the living, trivial business. Unless the new girl is dead, I really don’t want to know that either. Is she dead?

MAX NORMAN
(confused)
No, she’s warm, a pulse. So she’s alive.

LAZARUS TYME
Well then, lets get back to the dead girl. You promised to kill the driver, so then that is what you have to do.

MAX NORMAN
(outraged)
I can’t kill him. The man paid his debt, done his time. And if I kill him then I get sent down. It took me five years to get my life back, and now what, I’m meant to ruin it, for something that I said in the heat of the moment.

Lazarus leans back in his chair and presses his two index fingers to his lips.

LAZARUS TYME
(thoughtful)
Give me your phone number; I need to read on the subject.

Max takes a pen from the inside his coat, and writes his number on the beer mat.

MAX NORMAN
(desperate)
Please, she has already said that I will do it one way or another; any help here would be really appreciated.

Lazarus takes the mat and reads the number to himself. Then he dramatically puts back on the cloak and fedora. Then he leans close to Max.

LAZARUS TYME
Tyme is the name, and time is short, I will work as fast as I can, dear Shakespeare.

Lazarus goes to walk away, but then stops and returns to Max.

LAZARUS TYME (CONT'D)
Does the spirit visit when you are alone or amongst people?

MAX NORMAN
Only when I am alone, so far.

LAZARUS TYME
Then you may want to surround yourself with people, buy yourself some time. Most ghosts are private, and don’t like to allow others in on their afterlife.

With a quick turn Lazarus moves to the door swiftly, and Max finishes his pint and calls from another from the bar.

INT. MAX’s BEDROOM NIGHT

Max is sitting at his desk typing away at his computer, and then there is a knock at the door that does not phase him. He hears the door open and bows his head in submission. He stands to see who is at the door, but is a little shocked at who is standing in front of him. She walks to him and kisses him on the cheek. Max does not move, he is unemotional. Andrea takes off her coat and throws it on the bed. She turns to him.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(worried)
Hey you! Hope you don't mind, but your Mom let me in. Did I come at a bad time.

MAX NORMAN
(distant)
It’s not that it’s a bad time; it is just that times are bad, at the moment.

ANDREA FLATTERY
Well, I?ve not seen you since, well, since the park. Is there anything you would like to share with me?

Max looks blankly at the wall. He then turns to his computer, as though realizing something, he then sits down and starts to type, all the while ignoring the question.

MAX NORMAN
(distant)
Andrea, can we do this some other time? I?ve fallen behind on my work and I?ve some deadlines coming up. We can talk tomorrow!

Andrea puts he coat back on, while doing so, a tear is welling up in her eye. She walks to the door, opens it and steps out.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(unsure)
Okay so, no pressure.

Andrea closes the door gently as she leaves, and Max pays no mind to her leaving. As he hears her footsteps going down the stairs he bows his head once more, and turns as he hears the front door close behind her.

EXT. A SMALL PARK NIGHT

Andrea sits alone on the park bench where Max and her sat a few nights back, their warm embrace haunting the air. She sits alone, huddled, looking very sad. Max is standing behind her, silently, so she does not know that he is there.

Max walks forward, and sits beside her, she does not look at him, and still looks sad.

MAX NORMAN
You know, I?ve never once said or promised anything that I didn’t truly mean. When I said that I loved you, I meant it. There are just things going on now that I can’t tell you about, maybe someday. But the fact remains that I do love you.

Andrea looks at Max, a smile glimmers over her face, but not for too long.

ANDREA FLATTERY
I understand about secrets, but it does take more than words Max!

MAX NORMAN
I know. But, my problem is that I?ve had no experience in that, at all. Ever!

Andrea looks surprised and blushes.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(shocked)
What? You mean, at all?

MAX NORMAN
None. To put it plainly, and bluntly, I’m Virgin airlines number one passenger.

Andrea moves closer to Max, the smile more permanent now, she holds his hand and looks into his eyes. Then she moves her mouth close to his ear.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(whispered)
It’s time to stop flying solo!

Andrea stands up and tugs slightly to pull Max to his feet, though it does take little effort to do so. They walk out of the park holding each other as they go.

INT. MAX’s BEDROOM DAWN

Max and Andrea are asleep in his bed. Max starts to wake first, he looks to his side and smiles, Andrea is still having her eyes closed, but she smiles back. Andrea opens her eyes and stares for a moment into Max's eyes.

ANDREA FLATTERY
What time is it?

Max raises his head to look at his small alarm clock.

MAX NORMAN
(mocking)
You are four minutes away from being late to work.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(happy)
Oh, I don’t care. You know, for someone who didn’t know what he was doing, you certainly knew what you were doing.

MAX NORMAN
(relaxed)
Years of frustration, just years of frustration.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(apprehensive)
Max? Can I ask? Why did you wait?

Max pauses for a moment, he then looks into Andrea’s eyes.

MAX NORMAN
(sincere)
The reason I waited, is lying beside me.

Andrea leans over and kisses Max. Then she gets out of the bed and picks her clothes off the floor, and moves to the door.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(worried)
Is you mom gone to work?

MAX NORMAN
Oh, more than likely, and before you ask, yes it was.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(wondering)
What?

MAX NORMAN
(honest)
Worth the wait.

Andrea smiles and leaves. Max leans back in the bed and is smiling.

INT. MAX’s BEDROOM NOON

Max is dressed and sitting at the desk typing on the computer, there is a slight smile on his face. The sun is pouring through the window. A shadow passes over Max. He stops typing, and lowers his head, without looking around he knows who is there.

JOANNE FUHER
(calm)
I?ve come for your answer.

Max does not turn from the computer, but he is upset.

MAX NORMAN
(sincere)
I can’t do it. I love you. Miss you more than I can allow myself to believe. But it doesn't mean I'm going to kill someone, I can’t kill him. Sorry!

Joanne’s face becomes filled with anger and rage.

JOANNE FUHER
(angry)
You are sorry!

Max becomes afraid. He stands from his desk and backs to the wall. Joanne advances to within inches of Max’s position. She is still very angry.

MAX NORMAN
(scared)
Joanne? You have got to understand, I loved you, mourned for you. Five years of mourning. When I made that promise, it was heat of the moment, pure rage. He has paid his debt.

Joanne raises her hand into the air, and as she does Max raises up into the air also.

JOANNE FUHER
(angry)
He may have paid his debt. But you, you have not!

Joanne moves her hand towards the door, Max’s body crashes against the door, and then he falls to the floor. Max is in a lot of pain, he is trying to take in air, but seems to be struggling somewhat. Joanne steps back and she looks at Max peacefully.

JOANNE FUHER (CONT'D)
(calm)
Because of our love, I will give you time to change your mind. But if still you choose to fulfill your promise, this will be a bruise, compared to the next time. Understand?

Joanne disappears from the room. Max tries to get to his feet, but can manage only to reach his bed. He has his arms wrapped around his chest. His breathing has returned to normal.

EXT. THE GRAVE SIDE DEREK NIGHT

Max sits down beside his Fathers grave, DEREK NORMAN, the inscription reads on the head stone ‘tOLD YOU I WAS SICK?. Max is drinking down a once full bottle of Southern Comfort, but there is only half a bottle remaining.

Max is starting to fall asleep when he hears a familiar male voice coming from behind the stone.

DEREK NORMAN (O.S.)
Max, son, how many times did I tell you that drink is never the answer?

Max looks around and sees his father standing on the other side of the grave. Max is just a little surprised. He takes a large swig from the bottle.

MAX NORMAN
(Drunk)
You’re right. It’s not the answer, but it is giving me a few clues at the moment.

Derek moves over and sits down beside Max.

DEREK NORMAN
(loving)
Max, you know, I wish I could have been there when you going through Joanne’s death. But I was there in spirit.

MAX NORMAN
(drunk)
Well, at the moment I have some issues with spirits, and I’m not talking about the booze.

DEREK NORMAN
I don’t want to preach, but I can offer you some advice.

MAX NORMAN
(happy)
You know of some way of getting Joanne to stop?

DEREK NORMAN
(Blunt)
No!

MAX NORMAN
What’s this great advice then Dad?

Derek stands up.

DEREK NORMAN
It’s more about Andrea. She's a keeper, so hold on to her. Don’t let her know what’s going on, it’s the best way to protect her.

MAX NORMAN
How do you mean?

DEREK NORMAN
How would you feel if she was hurt because of all this, if something happened to her.
(beat)
I?ll tell you?

Derek bends down and removes the bottle from Max. Max lets go with ease.

DEREK NORMAN (CONT'D)
You?d never forgive yourself. Once again you would have a burning in your heart and soul, but this time forever. Regret is something that never leaves. Believe me, I know!

MAX NORMAN
What’s your regret ?

Derek smiles. Derek places his hand next to Max's face.

DEREK NORMAN
There are many son. But the biggest one was that I never told you how proud I am that I had you for a son. Also that I never told you that I love you.

Max smiles and a tear wells up in his eye. Derek places the bottle down beside Max.

MAX NORMAN
(emotional)
Well then, I?ve something important to tell you!

DEREK NORMAN
What is it son?

MAX NORMAN
Regret reversed.

Max blinks, and when he tries to focus again on his father, Derek is gone. Max raises the bottle to his lips, but before he takes a drink, he realizes and throws the bottle far away. He then falls asleep beside his Father's grave.

INT. BUSY SANDWICH BAR AFTERNOON

Lazarus is sitting at a table eating a large sandwich. Max enters and Lazarus waves him over to his table. Max sits down facing him, and to a passing waiter Max asks for a cup of coffee. The waiter moves off quickly. Max is worried when he sees that Lazarus has a very morbid look upon his face.

MAX NORMAN
(sarcastic)
Well I guess that you?ve got plenty of good news for me today?

Lazarus takes another bite out of his sandwich and seems in no rush to tell Max. Max is getting frustrated.

LAZARUS TYME
It has taken me a lot of reading, researching, going through newspapers, articles, just to see if there have been any reported cases close to yours, and there have been a couple. Would you like details of just specifics.

MAX NORMAN
(anxious)
Specifics, please!

Once again, before answering Lazarus takes another bite of his sandwich, and waits to swallow before answering.

LAZARUS TYME
The promise you made is a burden promise, they are, amplified, in cases of violent death. Two cases that I came across were the promise was not kept, well, they, they led to the promise maker being attacked by the spirit. Violently attacked!

The waiter comes over with the coffee for Max. Max is too into the news from Lazarus to acknowledge the waiter.

MAX NORMAN
(deadpan)
She has done that already. She showed her violent side. I tell you, the next time that someone says that I hit like a girl, I’m really going to take it as a compliment.

Lazarus gives a slight laugh at the statement.

LAZARUS TYME
You?ve basically got two choices, either you can carry out the promise, go to jail and let the promise be fulfilled.
(beat)
Or...

MAX NORMAN
Or?

LAZARUS TYME
Or you hope, hope that the love she had for you when she was alive, is still there. That she will leave you alone and rest in peace.

Max takes a sip of his coffee and Lazarus finishes off his sandwich, and wipes the crumbs away from his mouth with a napkin.

MAX NORMAN
(unsure)
Tell me, if her love is gone, and she can’t rest in peace ?

LAZARUS TYME
Well, in that instance, you would be breaking new ground.

MAX NORMAN
(questioning)
Your hours of research, showed nothing of people who just blatantly refused?

LAZARUS TYME
Max, I?ll be honest with you. My research of case studies could not show any times of a total one hundred percent refusal!

MAX NORMAN
Why?

LAZARUS TYME
If the spirit shows no love, and the promise goes unfulfilled, then the spirit will kill the promise maker! And, as such, there would be no records.

Max's face fills with dread as he starts to understand what Lazarus is telling him.

MAX NORMAN
The deaths would, of course, have to be put down as accidental. How would anyone know or prove otherwise.

LAZARUS TYME
They could also be put down as suicide, heart attack, or any number of medical reasons. The dead are quite inventive.

Max can see by Lazarus? face that he is holding something back from Max.

MAX NORMAN
(suspicious)
Penny for your thoughts ?

LAZARUS TYME
I don’t want to scare you, but!

MAX NORMAN
Well, you?ve not been doing a good job until now, I’m pretty scared, and so you might as well come out with it.

LAZARUS TYME
In the course of my rummaging, I?ve come across an old text. It stated that a vengeful soul can possess a vessel in order to fulfill its revenge.

Max is left gob smacked, he knows what is being said, but he can’t believe it.

MAX NORMAN
Right, just to be clear, what you are telling me is ?

LAZARUS TYME
If the spirit decides it cannot hurt you, but yet the vengeance remains, it can, maybe, enter your body, and force you to carry out the revenge. It won’t be you you, but it would be your body, her energy.

Max is left more dumbfounded.

MAX NORMAN
Is there anything I can do, to protect myself?

LAZARUS TYME
(blunt)
Without killing yourself? No, afraid not.

Lazarus stands up and puts on his coat, he throws down some money to cover the bill. Max is in some kind of shock.

MAX NORMAN
So, what now?

LAZARUS TYME
Well, I?ve got to get back to work.

MAX NORMAN
What about me?

LAZARUS TYME
I?ll give you my cell number, should something happen call. Other than that, all you can do is pin your hopes on that she still loves you.

Lazarus hands Max a card and then leaves, Max pushes his back into the chair and drinks the coffee, he stares into thin air, as though there he will find the answers.

INT. JOANNE’s PARENTS HOUSE DAY

Max sits with Joanne’s parents, Declan and Marianne. They are all very cautious of each other.

MARIANNE FUHER
(careful)
So, Max, we haven’t seen much of you in the last few years. How have you been?

Max sits forward in his chair and rests his elbows on his legs as he leans.

DECLAN FUHER
What is it that is on your mind Max?

MAX NORMAN
(cautious)
Well. I need to ask you something. This might sound a little out there, but remember the promise that I made on the day of Joanne’s funeral?

DECLAN FUHER
(light hearted)
What? You mean the Charles Bronson approach?

The attempt to lighten the mood of the room is not successful. Declan sinks back into his chair and listens to Max.

MAX NORMAN
That would be the one! It's just that I need you to release me from it.

Declan and Marianne look confused. Marianne starts smiling.

MARIANNE FUHER
You are joking right?

MAX NORMAN
(serious)
Believe me I wish I was. It's just that there are things going on now that make me ask for this. Please!

Marianne takes the cups of half drunk coffee off the table and leaves the room. Marianne is obviously upset. Max looks worried as she leaves the room. Declan sits forward again in his chair.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
(worried)
I hope I didn’t upset her too much, I didn't come here for that. That was not my intention.

Declan gives an understanding nod to Max.

DECLAN FUHER
(honest)
It’s okay. Max, we never expected you to live up to that. We all say things in anger, and it’s worse when there is a tragedy like Joanne's death.

Max seems relieved at this. He lowers his head. Declan looks confused

MAX NORMAN
(happy)
I don't think that you don’t know what that means to me, thank you, so much!

Marianne walks into the room, carrying a tray with cups of tea and coffee on it. She sees that Max is a lot happier now, and smiles. She places the tray on the coffee table and starts to hand the cup to Max.

Then the cups on the table start to shake and rattle. Soon the gentle shaking becomes a violent frenzy and the table is thrown across the room. Declan moves quickly to take hold of Marianne and does not let go, trying to protect her. Max tries to shield himself form the cups and table being thrown. The room goes quiet after the table is thrown.

Marianne, shaken, stands, Declan follows her, cautious. They look at the mess in their living room. They then turn to Max, they see that he is scared of something, and they are starting to feel scared too.

MARIANNE FUHER
(shaken)
Was this... my daughter ?

Max stands, the broken porcelain from the cups under his feet, he does not know what to say, he looks to Declan, who is now holding his wife, for both their comfort.

MAX NORMAN
(honest)
You know, now, why I needed to be let out of the promise.

Marianne lets go of Declan and moves to stand close to Max.

MARIANNE FUHER
(shaken)
Max, we have let you out of that promise, but, it seems that Joanne has not. She always had a stubborn streak.

Max nods, knowing that Marianne is telling the truth, he is upset but holds it together.

MAX NORMAN
I know. I just thought that if you gave your blessing for me not to carry out the promise Joanne would be happy with that.

DECLAN FUHER
(lost)
I'm not much of a religious man, Max, but you, should talk to a priest about this!

MAX NORMAN
I?ve tried that. This was more of my last hope. I don't know what to do now.

Max takes his coat up and walks to the door. Declan follows him.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
(apologetic)
I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have brought this to your door.

DECLAN FUHER
(slightly angry)
Bullshit Max. This is Joanne’s home, and always will be. No matter what happens, stay in touch from now on.

Max nods and leaves the room. Declan walks back to Marianne and they embrace.

INT. MAX’s BEDROOM EVENING

Max sits on his bed, he is throwing a tennis ball off the wall and catching it as it returns. The door opens, but Max does not look up to see who it is. Brian enters.

BRIAN ROULEY
(joking)
Boo!

Max keeps on hitting the ball off the wall and does not acknowledge his friend entering the room.

BRIAN ROULEY (CONT'D)
(to himself)
I know, I know, bad taste.

Brian sits down beside Max.

BRIAN ROULEY (CONT'D)
Want to go for a run? Get a Drink? Maybe both?

Max ignores him, still hitting the ball off the wall. Brian stares at Max until Andrea comes into the room. Max turns his head to see Andrea, who is all smiles. Max smiles for a second and seems to remember his situation, and strikes the ball hard off the wall once more. Andrea’s smile starts to fade.

ANDREA FLATTERY
I came to see if you would like to go see a movie? Brian, want to come too?

BRIAN ROULEY
Sure! As long as it’s not a chick flick.

ANDREA FLATTERY
Max, do you want to come along? I promise, there will be at least one explosion.

Brian stands.

MAX NORMAN
No.

Max is concentrating fully on the ball throwing.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(worried)
Why? Did I do something wrong?

Brian looks at Max and then looks back to Andrea.

BRIAN ROULEY
(comforting)
C’mon, it must be P.M.S, he gets like that from time to time.

Brian and Andrea leave the room, closing the door behind them. Max does not flinch and continues to throw the ball at the wall.

INT. THE LOCAL BAR NIGHT

Brian and Andrea are sitting down at a table, there are a few other people in the bar. Brian has a half full pint in front of him, while Andrea has almost finished her pint.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(worried)
You?ve avoided the question all night, what is wrong with Max?

Brian seems uncomfortable with the question.

BRIAN ROULEY
You really should just ask Max. I don’t want to interfere any more than I have.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(insistent)
Brian you know something? Spill it now!

Brian leans in on the table.

BRIAN ROULEY
Max, he’s having trouble with an Ex girlfriend. She’s come back and pressuring him to doing something that he does not want to do.

Andrea looks really worried.

ANDREA FLATTERY
Does she want him to get back with her? Sleep with her?

Brian shudders with that thought in his mind.

BRIAN ROULEY
Well that would be worse than what she wants to do. Andrea, you have nothing to fear from her, Max loves you. But his sense of honor and duty is tearing him apart.

ANDREA FLATTERY
There is something more to this that you aren’t telling me. What is it?

BRIAN ROULEY
(uneasy)
It’s hard to say, but only because it’s not very believable, well, I believe it, but for most people it would be as believable as William Shatner’s acting.

Andrea sits back into the chair. Brian takes a big gulp from his pint and places the glass back down. Andrea closes her eyes. Brian looks at her with worry.

BRIAN ROULEY (CONT'D)
(upbeat)
Tell me, how is work? I hear you are doing well.

Andrea opens her eyes and stares at Brian, not a stare of caring, one of anger.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(forward)
I want to know what is happening? I don’t care how weird it is, just tell me.

Brian takes hold of his glass and sits back in the chair, he looks at Andrea, shakes his head and takes a drink. Andrea is getting more and more annoyed.

BRIAN ROULEY
Has Max ever told you about his girlfriend Joanne?

ANDREA FLATTERY
(unsuspecting)
Max’s first love? Yeah, of course!

BRIAN ROULEY
Well, when she died, Max made a promise on her soul, that he would kill the driver of the car that knocked her down.

Slowly Andrea starts to understand what Brian is telling her, she remains quiet, and lets Brian continue on.

BRIAN ROULEY (CONT'D)
Well, anyway, Joanne is back, and she wants Max to fulfill his promise to her.

Andrea is gob smacked.

ANDREA FLATTERY
You are sure of this, it's not some kind of mental episode he's going through is it.

BRIAN ROULEY
(disbelief)
Who? Max? No, never!

ANDREA FLATTERY
I don’t believe this, this can’t be happening. Can it?

BRIAN ROULEY
It’s happening! Believe it or not. Max is going through this, and all we can do is to be there for him, and help him.

Andrea takes hold of her drink, she is not looking at Brian, but she is more looking through him. She wares no expression, she takes a sip of her drink and places the glass down.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(committed)
Right, we need to find Max now, let him know that we are there for him.

BRIAN ROULEY
(worried sarcastic)
Once we don’t have to hug him, well, maybe you can hug him. I will resolve myself to a stiff handshake.

Andrea and Brian stand up and go to leave the bar.

INT. JOES GYM NIGHT

Max is working out in the gym, he is on a weights machine, pumping weight hard, sweat is pouring over his face, and anger is his chosen expression.

EXT. MAX’s HOUSE NIGHT

Brian and Andrea stand outside Max’s front door. Denise opens the door. She looks at Andrea, and when she looks at Brian she starts to do little flirty things towards him.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(worried)
Mrs. Norman, is Max in? We’re a little worried about him!

Denise’s attention is firmly on flirting with Brian, which is making Brian feel uncomfortable. Andrea is frustrated by the lack of an answer, and swipes a backhand slap into Brian’s arm, so that he can ask.

BRIAN ROULEY
(shy)
Excuse me Mrs. Norman is...

DENISE NORMAN
(temptress)
It’s Denise.

BRIAN ROULEY
(still shy)
Okay, Denise, have you any idea where Max is? We need to talk to him.

Denise still continues to flirt with a uncooperative Brian, but she continues.

DENISE NORMAN
(Mae West style)
Well, Big Boy, I think he’s gone to the Gym, but if you want to wait, you can sit beside me.

BRIAN ROULEY
Andrea, will we wait, or should we keep looking?

DENISE NORMAN
(Mae West style)
The offer was for one sugar.

Brian hides behind Andrea.

ANDREA FLATTERY
If Max comes home, will you tell him to ring me on my mobile?

DENISE NORMAN
(sultry)
I will Andrea, and Brian? You can come back anytime you want.

Brian backs out of the garden, Andrea turns and walks out after him. Denise goes back into the house and closes the front door.

ANDREA FLATTERY
What should we do now?

BRIAN ROULEY
(scared)
Whatever we do, I’m not coming back here again, not while she’s there.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(confused)
Hold on, we’re in a situation with a vengeful ghost, and you’re afraid of a horny widow?

BRIAN ROULEY
Obviously!

Brian and Andrea walk off down the street.

INT. THE GYM NIGHT

Max is on the treadmill, running for all he is worth, a trainer from the Gym walks by, and looks at Max with worry. There seems to be a lot of anger in the sweaty face of Max. He starts to lower the setting until it is stopped, he steps off the treadmill and is exhausted. He stands bent over trying to regain his breath.

EXT. THE GYM NIGHT

Andrea is outside the Gym, on her mobile phone. She is pacing up and down outside the Gyms entrance. She is a little agitated.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(on phone to Brian)
No, I’m just about to go in... you keep on looking, if he’s not in here I?ll phone you.

Andrea looks inside the Gyms hallway and sees Max walking slowly out of the Gym, there is a sense of relief and an expression to match the relief. As Max comes out of the door he sees Andrea, his look is one of happiness, but he is stiff from his workout.

MAX NORMAN
I’m glad you’re here, I need to tell you something.

Andrea backs off as Max tries to hug her. He looks into her eyes and sees that something is wrong.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(calm)
You want to tell me something? You want to start with this other woman in your life?

Max stares down at the ground. Like a child that is just about to confess breaking a window to his mother.

ANDREA FLATTERY (CONT'D)
(needing)
Why couldn’t you have told me?

MAX NORMAN
(shyly)
It’s hard to tell your future that the past in your life is out to ruin it. You just don’t admit that, to anyone.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(disappointed)
But you could tell Brian?

MAX NORMAN
I didn’t mean to tell him, and I thought that if I did that he would not believe me, turns out that I was wrong. About a lot of things.

Andrea takes a step closer to Max, this time he takes a step back.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
I don’t know what to do, I’m stuck between a hard place and peace, and I know that I can’t go forward without going back.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(sympathetic)
Going back is okay, I don’t want you to forget about Joanne, or what you had together.

MAX NORMAN
(seriously)
Going back means taking a life, cashing in a debt that is too expensive to collect.

Max tries to step back, but Andrea lunges forward and takes his hand. Max lets out a breath of relief. He moves closer to Andrea.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
(wondering)
What do we do now?

Andrea looks at Max in the eyes, she loves him, she smiles.

ANDREA FLATTERY
Start as we mean to go on!

MAX NORMAN
What?

ANDREA FLATTERY
We start to face things together, so we can go on together. It’s our only hope.

Max takes Andrea into his arms.

MAX NORMAN
With all the hard times, it feels strangely good to be in love with you.

ANDREA FLATTERY
Strangely good? I can live with that.

The two of them embrace.

EXT. CITY STREET SUNSET

Max and Andrea are standing on the side of a busy road, cars are driving by quickly.

MAX NORMAN
Andrea, they?ll stop in a moment, and then we?ll just run across.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(afraid)
Can’t we just go up and use the lights.

MAX NORMAN
We have to go straight here, there’s no point in going all the way up there, just to cross and come back down. Remember math, the shortest distance between two points?

ANDREA FLATTERY
Is a straight line. I’m getting math lessons from a guy who averaged a D grade.

Max smiles. He then sees that there is an opening in the traffic. He sprints across and makes it to the other side. Now the cars are starting to come less frequently. He motions, with his arms, that Andrea should run across. Andrea is apprehensive about doing so. But when there are no cars she relaxes and steps out onto the road.

As she is half way across the road a car comes around a nearby corner, with speed. Andrea is frozen in fear, she could not move even if she wants to. The car is going too fast.

MAX NORMAN
(screaming)
No!

The car hits Andrea and the impact throws her body ten feet through the air. Her head smacks off the kerb. Blood spills immediately. The car that hit her goes straight into a lamppost. The driver’s head hits the steering wheel.

Max runs over to Andrea, a small crowd is gathering around her. The traffic starts to come again. Max runs over and kneels down beside Andrea. He holds her head in his lap and blood starts to fall onto his clothes from the wound.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
(whispering)
Its okay babes, come on, open your eyes, c’mon, please, just open your eyes. Everyone is here.

There is an approaching sound of an Ambulance siren coming closer and closer. Until it has reached Andrea.

INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY NIGHT

Max walks down the hall, the lights are flashing off and on, spending more time on rather than off., tears are running down his face, and he is scared and lost.

MAX NORMAN
(aloud)
Hello? Anyone there?

Joanne places her arm on Max’s shoulder.

JOANNE FUHER
Are you here for me?

Max turns quickly and is disappointed that Joanne is standing there. His face is filled with anger and hate.

MAX NORMAN
It’s not the right time, I?ve just lost Andrea, please, time!

JOANNE FUHER
(empathy)
And, you, you are sad?

MAX NORMAN
(angry)
Of course I am sad, she, she was everything to me.

JOANNE FUHER
Are you going to promise to avenge her, and leave her without a piece of her soul, like you did to me?

Max looks in horror at Joanne. He starts to look around, like he does not feel safe. He starts to feel like he does not recognize the place where he is.

MAX NORMAN
(scared)
You? You made me feel all this? It’s not real, is it?

JOANNE FUHER
It’s as real as your mind will allow me, I’m sorry for making you feel this, but I’m just trying to get my point across. I?ll do anything, anything, to make you carry out your promise.

Max falls to his knees, he starts to cry, breakdown, he can’t believe that it was all a lie, a figment of his imagination.

MAX NORMAN
(realizing)
You don’t love me! Did you ever? If this is you, then did I love you?

Joanne lowers herself softly to her knees, so that she is at face level with Max. Max will not bring himself to look at her.

JOANNE FUHER
I do love you, you have this old fashioned sense of honor that no one else can come close to. That’s why I am pushing this.

MAX NORMAN
(serious)
The only thing you are pushing is the good things I felt for you, you’re pushing them away for good.

JOANNE FUHER
That’s the risk I?ve chose to take, carry out the promise, it’s that simple.

MAX NORMAN
I can’t! I won’t!

JOANNE FUHER
Then can you take going through this pain, all the time. And it will be every sleeping moment.

MAX NORMAN
(resilient)
I guess we?ll see.

Joanne returns to standing. She just turns and walks away. Max is still in pieces, emotionally, on his knees.

INT. MAX’s BEDROOM DAWN

Max is asleep, with Andrea beside him. He quickly wakes, panting, sweating. Andrea wakes and is worried at Max. She rises in the bed, placing her arms around the panting Max. There is a calming over Max as Andrea touches him. He looks at her with relief, turns and kisses her. They lay down in the bed, she is wrapped in his arms.

ANDREA FLATTERY
Bad dream?

MAX NORMAN
The worst, but it’s over now.

ANDREA FLATTERY
Want to talk about it?

MAX NORMAN
(calm)
It was Joanne, just giving me a slight reminder. Lets just try get some sleep now, okay!

Andrea settles into Max’s arms, she has a look of pure concern on her face, she places a hand on his chest, and her eyes are open.

INT. MAX’s HOUSE MORNING

Max and Andrea are sitting at a table having breakfast. The doorbell rings and Max gets up to answer it. When Max returns Brian is with him. Brian sits down and starts to finish Max’s breakfast. Max is a little annoyed, but not much.

MAX NORMAN
I?ll get my stuff, then we?ll go to the Gym.

Max kisses Andrea on the cheek, he then leaves and goes upstairs.

BRIAN ROULEY
You know, if you two put more of an effort into shagging, I?d be able to sleep a lot more on the weekends.

Andrea looks with contempt at Brian.

BRIAN ROULEY (CONT'D)
(shrinking)
What?

ANDREA FLATTERY
(angry)
If you?d put more thought into helping your friend than thinking about his sex life, then maybe he?d be okay now.

BRIAN ROULEY
(testifying)
Look, I?ve done what I could, I gave him a number, he called it, and they are dealing with it.

Andrea looks confused at Brian.

ANDREA FLATTERY
What number? Who are you on about?

BRIAN ROULEY
Look, they are dealing with it. Just forget about it, okay!

Andrea smiles, wryly, and places her elbows on either side of her breakfast dish. Brian looks at her and then looks worried.

BRIAN ROULEY (CONT'D)
What?

ANDREA FLATTERY
(slyly)
Brian, if you don’t fill me in, I’m going to give Max’s Mom your mobile number, or maybe even your address.

Brian looks into Joanne’s eyes.

BRIAN ROULEY
You’re bluffing!

ANDREA FLATTERY
(confident)
Am I? Are you willing to take that risk?

BRIAN ROULEY
(quickly)
No!

Brian gets a pen and writes down Lazarus’s number and hands it to Andrea. Andrea looks at the name.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(wondering)
Lazarus Tyme, who is he?

BRIAN ROULEY
He’s this flake that I met, what he knows about spirits and ghosts you couldn’t fit into a thousand matchbox backs.

As Max enters the room, Andrea moves the piece of paper with the number on it out of sight. She smiles at Max, he smiles quickly back to her. Brian stands up and turns to Max.

BRIAN ROULEY (CONT'D)
(happy)
So, what is it today, running, sparing, or a little bit of weight lifting?

MAX NORMAN
Well, I thought that we would do something that would help work some things out.

BRIAN ROULEY
(worried)
It’s not sex is it, I’m not Gay!

Max shakes his head and goes over to Andrea, and kisses her.

MAX NORMAN
You?ll be alright?

ANDREA FLATTERY
Yeah, fine. I’m going to call one of the girls and go shopping later. I?ll call you tonight.

Max and Brian go to the door. Andrea sips her tea and then takes out her mobile and dials the number on the piece of paper.

INT. THE GYM MORNING

Max and Brian are standing on the Mats of the Gyms open floor, they are holding bamboo swords, and Brian is looking nervous as he holds his sword. Max is doing some sword spinning it, showing off. They start a sword fight, Max is clearly a better swordsman, and mainly Brian is just deflecting the shots that Max pummels into him. Brian sees a clear shot and takes it, but Max dodges it and strikes Brian in his arm, causing him to drop the sword.

BRIAN ROULEY
(screaming)
Okay, I give in.

Max drops his sword and sits down on the mat.

MAX NORMAN
What am I going to do?

BRIAN ROULEY
Just let Lazarus take care of it. He’s a total professional.

INT. A SMALL CAFÉ AFTERNOON

Andrea is sitting in the café, she has two shopping bags with her. The café is small, and not really busy. Lazarus enters the café. He goes over to Andrea and sits down beside her. A waitress comes over and before she has had a moment Lazarus barks an order for coffee to her, she leaves to get his order.

ANDREA FLATTERY
Thanks for coming on such short notice, I’m just really worried about Max.

Lazarus holds up his right index finger to her and Andrea goes quiet.

LAZARUS TYME
(reserved)
My dear girl, Max is going through a hard time, that I am trying to help him with, if you want any information other than that, I’m afraid I can’t help you.

Andrea reaches forward and grabs Lazarus by his lapels, Lazarus does not know what to do about this.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(angry)
Listen pal, I love Max, and he’s suffering, I want to know what you are going to do about it, now!

Andrea shoves Lazarus back into his chair. Andrea sits back into the chair as if nothing has happened, the waitress comes over with Lazarus’s coffee and looks at him, as he tries to straighten himself up.

ANDREA FLATTERY (CONT'D)
(calm)
Now, Mr. Tyme, can I count on your co operation.

LAZARUS TYME
(slightly shaken)
It seems Max has a habit of choosing women who are strong willed!

Lazarus takes a sip from his coffee, his hand is shaking as he does so, and he keeps an eye on Andrea.

LAZARUS TYME (CONT'D)
What is it that you want to know?

ANDREA FLATTERY
Why is this happening, it’s been years, Max is finally getting over it? Why would Joanne come back now?

Lazarus smiles and regains some of his superiority back.

LAZARUS TYME
For those that live, time passes, we manage to accept that we lose people that we love, which Max has done. The pain is still there in him though, it won’t leave, but he’s learned to cope with it.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(impatient)
I know this.

LAZARUS TYME
Good. But what you don’t know, is that although many years have passed here, to Joanne, it was only a moment ago. She knows, no doubt, about the time that passed, but she has never felt it.

Andrea slumps slightly in her chair.

LAZARUS TYME (CONT'D)
It may be hard for you to accept, but this situation is not going to resolve itself naturally. And something that is for definite, Max will have to make the hardest choice.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(wondering)
The choice?

LAZARUS TYME
If he breaks down and fulfills his promise, he?ll have to kill the gentleman, and if he remains adamant.........

ANDREA FLATTERY
(realizing)
Then Joanne will never let him rest!

LAZARUS TYME
(Worried)
No! It could be worse than that!

ANDREA FLATTERY
(Scared)
How do you mean?

LAZARUS TYME
(Strong)
If Joanne is denied, she could hurt Max, or if her anger raises to it, hurt someone he loves.

Lazarus looks at Andrea with Sympathy. Andrea does not know what to think and remains in silence for a moment.

ANDREA FLATTERY
So, What now? Exorcism?

Lazarus shakes his head. Andrea looks puzzled.

ANDREA FLATTERY (CONT'D)
So, what then?

Lazarus finishes his coffee and then stands up to leave.

LAZARUS TYME
I honestly don’t know. I know that the key is Max, his choice will dictate how this plays out. We have to be patient, and hope.

Lazarus turns to leave. When he reaches the door he stops and turns around to face Andrea.

LAZARUS TYME (CONT'D)
You, you are in good health, aren’t you?

ANDREA FLATTERY
(wondering)
Of course. Why?

LAZARUS TYME
(jesting)
I?d hate Max to have another problem like this on his hands. Farewell.

Lazarus leaves without waiting for a reply. Andrea sits and is looking worried.

INT. LOCAL CHURCH EVENING

Max walks into the church. He sees that Father Thomas is at the alter, getting things ready for a mass. Father Thomas spots Max and smiles. Max walks up to Father Thomas.

MAX NORMAN
(respectful)
Father, I don’t know if you remember me, but...

FATHER THOMAS
(wit)
Oh, I remember you, my mind works better than my body, thankfully.

Father Thomas walks down to Max and they sit on the front pew together.

MAX NORMAN
(sorrow)
I don’t know where to turn, things have gotten very serious. I need help.

Father Thomas bows his head and then turns and looks at Max right in the face.

FATHER THOMAS
I believe that all spirits don’t rest until they feel their earthly issues have been resolved.

MAX NORMAN
And, if the issue means the taking of another life.

FATHER THOMAS
The spirit won’t rest, I know it’s not the answer that you were looking for, but it’s the only one that I have.

MAX NORMAN
(to himself)
Then there is no hope!

FATHER THOMAS
I would not say that! All I can say is that if the killing of someone takes place, then the soul of the killer is lost, and nothing will stop that.

MAX NORMAN
I don’t know what to do, when I seek answers, all I get is more questions.

Father Thomas stands and walks back to the alter, and halfway there he stops and turns around, as though remembering something.

FATHER THOMAS
Remember that everything that I said was my opinion, nowadays the Church has no official position.

Max stands and walks out of the Church. Father Thomas goes back to fixing things on the alter.

FATHER THOMAS (CONT'D)
God be with you.

INT. MAX’s LIVING ROOM NIGHT

Max wearily enters his living room, his tiredness is replaced by worry when he sees that his mother is sitting alone on the couch, and a single candle lights the room. Max’s mom is looking through a photo album and does not look at Max.

MAX NORMAN
(suspicious)
Mom are you okay?

She ignores him. Max sits down next to his mother, she stops at a page in the album where there are many pictures of Max and Joanne together.

DENISE NORMAN
(slow, sorrowful)
It was such a nice time to be together. It’s a shame it passes so quick.

Max looks at the album and sees that the photo’s are of Him and Joanne. He places his hand on his mothers shoulder and she turns and looks blankly at his hand. Max is worried.

DENISE NORMAN (CONT'D)
(slow, sorrowful)
Your touch, meant so much to me, I?d miss it after only a second away from it.

MAX NORMAN
(worried)
Mom, are you okay?

Denise goes back to looking at the album. She removes a photo of Max and Joanne from its position. Max takes the photo from her hand as she holds it.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
Mom? Did anything happen today? Mom?

Denise turns around and looks at Max straight in the face. This takes Max aback. Denise’s eyes are dark and vengeful.

DENISE NORMAN
(with Joanne’s voice)
I’m not your mother.

Max stumbles back off the couch. Denise stands up and approaches Max, who is now backing off.

DENISE NORMAN (CONT'D)
(Joanne’s voice angry)
You will carry out your promise. If you don’t, all those that you love will suffer.

Denise runs out the door, and onto the street. Max runs after her.

EXT. MAX’s STREET SAME

Denise is standing in the middle of the road and a car is about to hit her. Max runs and grabs her, managing to get them both out of harms way, the car misses them and drives off.

DENISE NORMAN
(own voice confused)
Max? Honey, what’s going on?

Max is partly relieved and part annoyed that it’s gone this far. He helps Denise, who is totally confused up to her feet.

DENISE NORMAN (CONT'D)
(confused)
What am I doing out here?

Max says nothing and helps his mother inside the house.

EXT. MAX’s HOUSE NIGHT

Max is waiting outside his door. Lazarus pulls up in his car and gets out, Max’s walks down to meet him at the car.

LAZARUS TYME
(worried)
I came as soon as you called my dear boy.

MAX NORMAN
It’s escalated. Joanne went after my mother tonight.

Lazarus does not seem surprised. Max looks into his eyes and wonders.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
What?

LAZARUS TYME
You knew that this would happen, but yet, you seem so surprised.

MAX NORMAN
I never thought that it would happen, I thought that the feelings that I had for Joanne would keep those I love safe.

LAZARUS TYME
Nothing will do that now, you should send Andrea and your mother away, somewhere safe.

Max leans against the bonnet of the car. He looks lost.

MAX NORMAN
I can’t. For one, I need them close, I can’t make it on my own...

LAZARUS TYME
And two?

MAX NORMAN
And two? and two, they wouldn’t go, you know how pig headed women are.

LAZARUS TYME
I know.

Max stands and goes to enter his garden. He stops.

MAX NORMAN
We have to find a way to stop Joanne hurting those I love.

Lazarus rolls the keys to his car in his hand and gets into the drivers side. Max wonders where he is going. Lazarus rolls down the window of his car as Max walks over to it.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
I could really do with talking about this more! Where are you going?

LAZARUS TYME
The time for talking is over, we have to find a way to stop Joanne, before someone gets seriously hurt.

Without another word Lazarus drives off and leaves Max standing on the road. Max feels a shiver and goes back into his house.

INT. LAZARUS’s LIBRARY MIDNIGHT

Lazarus’s library is an old fashioned room, the bookshelves look dusty and full of old leather bound books. A wooden desk rests under a window, a light shines. Lazarus comes and sits down at the desk. He is holding a leather bound copy of a book called ?Exorcisms for Beginners? the book falls heavily on the desk and dust rises from its pages. He opens the book at the centre and starts to flick through the pages. As he starts to read the door behind him closes gently, but still he hears it and turns around to make sure that he is alone. He waits for a moment and then turns back to his book. As he reads on he shivers but not from the cold, it’s as though someone is tickling the hairs on the back of his neck.

Suddenly the light goes of and Lazarus is left in the dark, the only light coming in is from the street light outside the window. Lazarus stands up and looks around. He starts to get nervous.

LAZARUS TYME
(shaken)
Joanne! Is it you? Joanne!

The desk light comes back on. Lazarus starts to calm down and smiles.

LAZARUS TYME (CONT'D)
(whispering)
Pull yourself together man. Pull yourself together.

Lazarus sits back down and starts again to read. He reads for only a moment when he looks up and sees a reflection in the window of Joanne standing behind him. He slowly turns and sees that there is no one there. He stands and slowly walks to the door, nervous of every step. When he gets to the door and turns the handle he realizes that he cannot get out, something is holding the door shut. He pulls on the handle hard, struggling to get out. He pulls so hard that the handle comes off in his hand. He bangs his fists on the door.

JOANNE FUHER
(calm, cold)
You want to get rid of me?

Lazarus slowly turns to see Joanne standing there behind him. She is very sad.

LAZARUS TYME
(nervous)
I’m just, I’m just trying to protect those that Max loves.

Joanne’s expression changes slowly from sorrow to anger.

JOANNE FUHER
(anger)
You think that you can beat me with these books? Do you?

Joanne stares at the bookshelf and as she does the heavy books start to fly off the shelf and hit into Lazarus. This continues for six or seven books, until Lazarus is nearly unconscious, and badly beaten.

JOANNE FUHER (CONT'D)
(calm, cold)
Now. I will have my vengeance.

Joanne disappears into nothingness. The door opens behind Lazarus. Lazarus pulls himself over to the phone on the desk. He lifts his battered body onto the chair and dials a number.

INT. MAX’s BEDROOM SAME

Max is sitting at his desk when his mobile phone rings. He answers, and listens to the caller. His face drops.

MAX NORMAN
(to phone)
Right. Take care of yourself. I?ll try get Andrea away.

Max puts down his phone and moves quickly to get his coat and runs out of his room.

EXT. MAX’s STREET SAME

Max busts out of the door of his house and runs swiftly down the street.

EXT. A SMALL PARK SAME

Max is running for all that he is worth down by the park. He is just focused on his destination. He does not notice that he runs past Andrea, who is walking in the opposite direction, until he calls out his name.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(worried)
Max!

Max stops suddenly and runs back to her. He throws his arms around her. Andrea is a little amused and still a little worried about Max. Max backs off just a little to look into Andrea’s eyes. He looks at her with skepticism.

MAX NORMAN
(suspicious)
Andrea? Is it really you?

ANDREA FLATTERY
Yes, Max what is wrong?

Max takes Andrea by the hand and turns her around so they are moving away from his house.

ANDREA FLATTERY (CONT'D)
(worried)
Where are we going? Max what is going on?

Andrea stops walking though Max continues on and her slips hands from his. Max walks about two steps and realizes that he is defeated in his action.

ANDREA FLATTERY (CONT'D)
(angry)
Max, I’m not taking another step until you tell me what’s going on.

Max turns and faces her. Andrea’s anger turns back into worry when she sees that there is a look of terror in Max’s eyes.

MAX NORMAN
(scared)
Things have gotten worse. Joanne has attacked Lazarus, and, there is some other things that, that she has done.

ANDREA FLATTERY
What other things?

MAX NORMAN
(lightening the mood)
Well, it’s a funny thing, but she’s taken to possessing my Mom, and, she might try for you.

Andrea just stares at Max for a moment, like he’s about to tell her the punch line of the joke. But the smile quickly fades from Max’s face and then Andrea’s face.

ANDREA FLATTERY
Why were you running?

Max takes her by the hand and they start to walk off again. Andrea is walking slower than Max, as she is still waiting for an answer to her question.

ANDREA FLATTERY (CONT'D)
Why were you running? What did she do to your Mom? Max?

Once again Andrea stops and Max continues. He returns to her.

MAX NORMAN
I’m trying to get you away, Joanne almost killed my Mom! I can’t allow anything to happen to you.

ANDREA FLATTERY
Why is she doing this?

MAX NORMAN
(confused)
I?ve asked myself that, in this world we break promises all the time, but we usually can justify it, to others and ourselves. Joanne has been wishing on that promise for five years. I have to make sure your safe.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(strong)
No! Who’s going to make sure you’re safe?

Max looks into her eyes and sees how strongly she believes in her words.

ANDREA FLATTERY (CONT'D)
No matter what happens, we face it together, we face everything together.

Max takes Andrea by the hand and they walk back in the direction of Max’s house.

INT. MAX’s BEDROOM SAME

Max enters the room and sees a note on his desk from his mother. He reads it aloud to Andrea who enters behind him.

MAX NORMAN
(relief)
Dear Max. Gone to Aunt Betty’s, still feeling faint, be back in the morning. Love Mom. If only all the women in my life were...

Max is about to finish the end of the sentence when he realizes that Andrea is in the room. Andrea sits on the bed and feels the sheets gently.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
Listen, I don’t know exactly what’s going to happen, but I am glad that you are here.

Max looks at Andrea who is smiling at him. He is a little worried. Andrea is still feeling the sheets as though she has never felt them before.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(deeper, seductive)
I know what could happen, why don’t you come over here, and we could make the earth move.

Max is starting to get worried.

MAX NORMAN
(nervous)
Andrea? I don’t think this is the time.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(annoyed)
You know something Max? You really think too much.

Max starts to feel uncomfortable. He smiles, and tries a joke.

MAX NORMAN
(light)
No one has ever complained about that before!

ANDREA FLATTERY
(annoyed)
What did I ever see in you?

Andrea stands up. Max walks towards her. He is concerned about this change in behavior.

MAX NORMAN
(worried)
Andrea? Andrea?
(beat)
Joanne?

Andrea’s eyes cloud over and she rises from the bed, her face is filled with anger and her hair rises as though there is a lot of electricity in the room. She faces Max, who is now completely terrified.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(Joanne’s voice)
What would any girl see in you? You are pathetic. You cannot keep a promise, you cannot protect those you love. You have no power.

MAX NORMAN
(scared)
Joanne, stop this, stop it now!

ANDREA FLATTERY
(Joanne’s voice)
Why? Why do you think I owe you peace, when you won’t give it to me?

Max closes his eyes and seems to come to calmness. Andrea is watching him closely, her blank clouded expression fixed on Man.

MAX NORMAN
(calm)
Okay, you can hurt Andrea, hurt my Mom, or anyone else. You have that power to do so. But the more you hurt those I care for, the most distance you place between the love we had.

Andrea lets out a scream pointing at Max, the scream is that of a thousand voices all crying out at once. The sonic shock wave from this knocks Max off his feet and to a nearly unconscious state. As he is lying there on the ground, Andrea turns her back on him and looks out his window.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(cold, distant)
You are relieved of your promise, but I will have revenge, he will pay tonight.

Andrea closes her eyes and falls onto the bed as though she has passed out, Max, still beaten by his impact onto the wall, struggles over to her.

EXT. SEEDY BAR MIDNIGHT

John Lavender comes staggering out of the bar. He is so drunk that he is falling all around the place. He reaches into his coat pocket and removes a set of keys. He stumbles across to his car. As he places the key in the driver’s side door Joanne is standing at the passenger side door, she has a blank look on her face.

INT. MAX’s BEDROOM MIDNIGHT

Andrea is still quite shaken by the experience, and is holding onto Max for all she is worth. There is a knock on the door and without waiting for an answer Lazarus comes in, bursting in with a crucifix outstretched. Max looks at Lazarus and shakes his head. Andrea is still shaking.

MAX NORMAN
(calm)
You are too late. She’s been and gone.

Lazarus looks a little disappointed.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
She tried to get me to attack Andrea, but, I won. I guess it’s over.

LAZARUS TYME
I don’t think so, my dear boy, this girl fought back to our world, waited five years, and you think she is going to just going to walk away.

MAX NORMAN
So, what happens now ?

LAZARUS TYME
She will go after the driver herself! Enter him, force him to commit suicide. OH NO!

MAX NORMAN
(worried)
What ?

Lazarus sits at the chair beside Max’s desk.

LAZARUS TYME
Her belief might be that if she controls him and forces his body, to, to kill himself, then her vengeance is justified.....

ANDREA FLATTERY
(still upset)
But it’s still murder, and she will be sent to purgatory.

Lazarus points at Andrea and smiles.

LAZARUS TYME
Exactly! Chances are that she has already killed him.

Max cannot believe what he is hearing.

MAX NORMAN
I?ve got to try find him... before it’s too late... I can’t let her do this.

Andrea stands up, and starts to put on her coat.

ANDREA FLATTERY
I’m coming with you!

MAX NORMAN
(adamant)
You are not! This might be dangerous, and I don’t want you to get hurt. Lazarus and I will go, we?ve got to save her soul.

Max leaves the room and Lazarus stays sitting. After a moment or so, Max re enters the room.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
(wondering)
Well, are you coming?

LAZARUS TYME
Am I really all that necessary ?

MAX NORMAN
Well, you are the Paranormal Expert. And anyway, I need you to drive.

LAZARUS TYME
Oh! Right, I?ll start the car.

Max and Andrea are alone in the room as Lazarus leaves.

ANDREA FLATTERY
Be careful.

MAX NORMAN
Don’t worry, nothing can stop me coming back to you.

Max and Andrea kiss.

INT. JOHNS CAR MIDNIGHT

John is now sitting in the drivers seat. Trying in vain to get the key into the ignition. Joanne is now sitting beside him, still blank.

JOHN LAZENDER
(drunk)
Fucking thing into the hole.

JOANNE FUHER
(cold)
Need some help?

John turns slowly to see Joanne, this is the first time that he knows that she is there. His face is filled with horror as he looks into her cold eyes. He screams. Joanne places an index finger on her lips and Johns screaming stops.

JOANNE FUHER (CONT'D)
(cold)
Quiet! I see that you remember me.

JOHN LAZENDER
(disturbed)
How could I forget, ever since, my dreams, you, can’t you leave me alone ?

JOANNE FUHER
(cold)
Soon. Really soon.

EXT. JOHNS CAR MIDNIGHT

The car fills with light.

INT. JOHNS CAR MIDNIGHT

We see that John’s hand is now steady and guides the car key into the ignition without any trouble. The car starts and John’s hand glides the gear stick into reverse.

We see that John is alone in the car. We see John’s eyes are glazed over, and started to cloud over into blackness.

INT. LAZARUS? CAR MIDNIGHT

Max and Lazarus are in the car, Lazarus is driving. Max is on his cell phone. He hangs up.

LAZARUS TYME
Well, find out where he is ?

MAX NORMAN
(annoyed)
No. His wife has not seen him all day, says that he was drinking this morning.

LAZARUS TYME
(sure)
If he has been drinking, and Joanne finds him in that state. It could escalate the situation, make Joanne move quicker.

MAX NORMAN
(angry)
If we only knew where she would take him.....

They sit in silence for a moment, Max looks out the window, blankly.

LAZARUS TYME
It would be somewhere that would hold relevance to her death. Where did she die ?

MAX NORMAN
O?Connell Street. Just down from the cinema.

LAZARUS TYME
Well in the absence of any better suggestions, we should head there.

EXT. CINEMA ROOFTOP MIDNIGHT

John, still possessed by Joanne walks across the rooftop. Slowly. He stands by the Edge, frozen. Joanne suddenly appears beside him. John wakes from his trance like state.

JOHN LAZENDER
(panicked)
Why have you brought me here?

JOANNE FUHER
(cold)
You remember this place, this is the birds eye view of the street, the street where you killed me.

John is obviously scared of his situation. He can’t move, fear has hold of him.

JOHN LAZENDER
Okay, you?ve made your point, but how long do I have to suffer for this?

JOANNE FUHER
(wondering)
I reckon that you think you?ve ?paid? your debt to society, and you should be allowed free. Free, get drunk, get behind a wheel and kill again.

John starts to cry, Joanne remains emotionless.

JOHN LAZENDER
(upset)
I am sorry, if I could change things, I would never had touched the bottle that day.

Joanne’s total expression changes to one of anger.

JOANNE FUHER
(vicious)
That day!! So you are leading me into believing that my death was down to a lack of self control. Or was it the lack of your ability to see into the future.

JOHN LAZENDER
(breaking down)
I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I AM SORRY!

CUT TO:

INT. LAZARUS? CAR MIDNIGHT

Max and Lazarus are on their way to the street. Max is looking out of the windshield, worried.

LAZARUS TYME
(comfort)
We?ll get there in time to stop her, don’t worry about it.

MAX NORMAN
(worried)
And if we don’t. What happens to Joanne ?

LAZARUS TYME
If she forces the mans death, she will be taken to purgatory, and she shall stay there for five thousand years.

Max shakes his head.

MAX NORMAN
I should have fulfilled my promise, she would have rest in peace then.

LAZARUS TYME
My boy. If you killed this man, made him pay for what he did, then you would be no better than he was.

They remain silent for a few moments.

LAZARUS TYME (CONT'D)
There is just one thing that I think you might look out for in the future.

MAX NORMAN
I know, never make a promise to avenge the death of someone I love.

LAZARUS TYME
(wryly)
To say the least friend, to say the least.

CUT TO:

EXT. CINEMA STREET LEVEL MIDNIGHT

The car pulls up to the outside of the cinema, the street is empty. Max and Lazarus get out of the car. They look up and down the street. Max seems relieved that there is no dead John on the road. Lazarus walks around the car to stand beside Max. Lazarus puts his hand on Max’s shoulder. Max is looking to the sky.

LAZARUS TYME
(relieved)
Well, it looks like we over reacted. We still should try find the driver though.

MAX NORMAN
Oh, I think I?ve found him.

LAZARUS TYME
(amazed)
Really, that was quick. Where?

Max slowly raises his hand upwards, pointing towards John, who is standing on the edge, then Joanne comes into Max’s point of view.

LAZARUS TYME (CONT'D)
(awe)
Oh my God! We have to get up there, before...

Max starts to run around to the back of the building. Lazarus follows.

LAZARUS TYME (CONT'D)
(wondering)
Tell me you know where you are going ?

MAX NORMAN
There’s a fire escape, sometimes junkies use the roof to hit their high, away from the police’s view.

LAZARUS TYME
And you know this how ?

MAX NORMAN
Like anyone knows anything! The Internet.

CUT TO:

EXT. CINEMA ROOFTOP MIDNIGHT

Joanne stands next to John. John is scared, but still cannot move. Joanne is just staring at him, a cold blank look on her face. Max and Lazarus make it to the rooftop. Lazarus stays behind Max. Joanne turns and sees Max, a smile crosses her face. John does not move. Max walks towards Joanne.

JOANNE FUHER
(happy)
Hey Hun! I knew that you wouldn’t stay away, my finest moment, it should have been ours.

MAX NORMAN
(calm)
Joanne, C’mon, let him go. You don’t want to do this.

JOANNE FUHER
You’re right! In a way.

MAX NORMAN
What way? Tell me!

JOANNE FUHER
In the way that you should have done this, it would have been so simple. But now it’s messy, and left to me.

MAX NORMAN
Joanne, listen to me. You can’t do this, you?ll lose your soul.

Joanne stands next to John, she raises her hand to his head, and strokes his hair gently.

JOANNE FUHER
My Max. Ever the noble man, trying to do the right thing by everyone.

MAX NORMAN
(reasoning)
Joanne, please, I’m not doing this to talk you out of it. I’m trying to save you.

JOANNE FUHER
(angry)
You couldn’t do it all those years ago. What makes you think you can do it now ?

Lazarus steps forward.

LAZARUS TYME
(over the top)
Oh spirit tormented, listen to your earthly love, he tells the truth.

Joanne and Max look at Lazarus with a look of confusion.

JOANNE FUHER
Is he with you ?

MAX NORMAN
That would be a yes, unfortunately. Lazarus, I can handle this, please.

Lazarus steps back, disappointed.

LAZARUS TYME
(under his breath)
Pardon me, I am the only one here who is qualified in Parapsychology.

Max moves closer to Joanne.

MAX NORMAN
(reasoning)
Part of me still loves you, that?ll never change, but I’m with Andrea, she’s my love now. That’s a fact, it’s not meant to hurt you. I still care what happens with you.

JOANNE FUHER
(cold)
Nothing you can do will stop me from taking what is owed to me.

MAX NORMAN
(emotional)
Please! Don’t, I need you to understand. Killing John will only make things worse, it will resolve nothing.

JOANNE FUHER
(cold)
Leave now, unless you want to see this man die.

Lazarus comes forward and places his hand on Max’s shoulder.

LAZARUS TYME
My friend, there is nothing more that we can do.

MAX NORMAN
(determined)
No! I will not leave. Joanne, you must listen. The pleasure you feel if you do this, it’s too costly. Don’t, for me.

Joanne turns and looks at Max with a great love in her eyes.

JOANNE FUHER
(loving)
You, you want me to let this go, you want me to promise that I will let this man live. That I will rest in peace, forever.

MAX NORMAN
(emotional happy)
Yes, all it takes is to let go of the past. That’s all you have to do, let go of the past, it’s easier than you think.

JOANNE FUHER
(angry)
As easy as it was for you to turn you’re back on me ? As easy as it was for you break your promise to me ? Is it that easy?

Max realizes that there is no hope left and breaks down. He gives it one last try.

MAX NORMAN
(pleas)
Joanne, no. Please.

With a flash of light Joanne enters John again. John turns to Max. John’s eyes are completely blacked over. John smiles at Max.

JOHN LAZENDER
(mixed voice)
I love you, talk soon.

LAZARUS TYME
(whispered)
Doubtful.

John’s body falls back and Max runs, he is able to catch John by the arm. Max is crying, trying to hold John. But John is slipping, his weight is too much for Max, and Max has to, reluctantly, let go. John falls to the street below. Max is really distressed.

EXT. CINEMA STREET LEVEL MIDNIGHT

At the street level Johns body is broken and bleeding on the ground, Joanne stands above him, looking down at the twisted wreck that was her killer. Joanne has a slight smile on her face, she keeps staring at John’s body.

Max and Lazarus walk around the corner, and see John lying there on the ground. For the sake of it Lazarus goes over to the body and checks the vital signs that are obviously not there.

Joanne turns and looks at Max, who is still very upset.

JOANNE FUHER
You cry, for him? Why?

MAX NORMAN
(angry, upset)
I’m crying for the needless killing of a person.

JOANNE FUHER
(cold)
He was of no worth to the world, this killing was Justice.

Max walks over to Lazarus who is standing over the body shaking his head.

LAZARUS TYME
All is lost, we were too late.

The shadows of the buildings move, they seem to be screaming, a mixture of voices in one. Max and Lazarus turn and see the shadows move to Joanne. Max goes to step forward to Joanne, but Lazarus takes hold of his arm.

LAZARUS TYME (CONT'D)
My boy, there is nothing you can do! They are here for her.

Joanne starts to panic as the Shadow creatures start to move around at her feet. They start to twist around her ankles, moving around and around. The screaming of the Shadow Creatures continuing, getting louder as they move. Joanne is really scared now.

JOANNE FUHER
(panicked)
I just took my revenge, he deserved to be punished. He took my life away from me. Why are you doing this to me?

The Shadow Creatures move up Joanne’s body, Joanne starts to scream in pain and agony as they work their way around her body.

Joanne is totally covered by the Shadow Creatures, then the creatures covering her muffle her scream. Soon there is nothing but the creatures. When they are finished with Joanne, and they have taken her, they return to the shadows of the buildings from where they came.

Max can’t believe what he has seen, and is crying. Lazarus turns to go into his car.

MAX NORMAN
(wondering)
Where are you going?

LAZARUS TYME
(calm)
Away from here, I mean, how on earth are we meant to explain this when the authorities come by. I somehow believe that they would blame us for this.

Max seems to realise that Lazarus is right, and moves to get into the passenger side of the car. Lazarus is sitting in the car, and Max has the door open, but takes one more look at John before getting into the car. Once inside, the car drives off.

INT. LAZARUS? CAR MIDNIGHT

Lazarus pulls up outside Max’s house, he looks at Max, who has stopped crying. Max looks at Lazarus.

MAX NORMAN
So, what happens now?

LAZARUS TYME
I do not know. I am not psychic, all I can tell you is that don’t make any more death bed promises.

Max gives a slight laugh.

MAX NORMAN
Any more advice?

LAZARUS TYME
Yes. Concentrate on the living! We will talk again, take care.

MAX NORMAN
You too!

Max and Lazarus shake hands and Max gets out of the car. He watches as Lazarus drives off. Max goes to enter his house.

INT. MAX’s BEDROOM MIDNIGHT

Max enters his room, it’s dark, and he throws his keys on the computer desk. He sees that Andrea is lying on the bed, fast asleep. Max lies behind her, spooning, she stirs but does not wake. He closes his eyes as he holds her, he feels happy to be there.

EXT. THE GRAVE SIDE JOANNE MORNING

Max and Andrea stand at the foot of the grave, Max is very sad. Andrea looks at Max and then tightens her grip on his hand. Max smiles. They start to walk out of the graveyard.

ANDREA FLATTERY
You think that she is going to rest in peace now?

MAX NORMAN
I don’t know. I know that I will, more or less.

They make it to the gates of the graveyard.

MAX NORMAN (CONT'D)
You know, I was in love two times in my life, Joanne, and you. I never knew before, what I know now.

ANDREA FLATTERY
(confused)
What’s that?

MAX NORMAN
That memories, they may find me, but they?ll always be behind me. And I’ll chose today, over yesterday, any day.

Andrea turns and gives Max a hug.

ANDREA FLATTERY
Max honey?

MAX NORMAN
Yes!

ANDREA FLATTERY
(happy)
You do come out with a lot of romantic bullshit.

MAX NORMAN
(smiling)
Yes, and you love me for it.

Max and Andrea share a kiss, and then walk from the graveyard.