EXT. AIRPORT – NIGHT
A small passenger airplane is docked. Jill Roberts, cuffed by her hands and feet, is led down the runway with several other teenage offenders by armed guards. She sighs as she's led onto a bus.
INT. BUS – NIGHT
Jill is roughly forced into a seat on the bus. She glares up as a guard takes up a seat near the front next to the driver. He holds a rifle on his lap. The driver puts the bus in gear and it takes off through the night.
Jill leans back in her seat, staring out the window as trees brush past her. Behind her, a red-haired teenager bumps her in the shoulder.
TEEN: So, what're you in for?
JILL: I'd rather not talk about it, thanks.
TEEN: Get used to it. I hear this rehab program is all about "getting in touch with our feelings." The name's Mikey. Serial arsonist extraordinaire.
JILL: You seem proud.
MIKEY: Heck yeah. Let's see, I burned down my school, my principle's house, the mayor's mansion, my own house – but that was on accident. I was lighting old video cassettes on fire to see what would happen and –
JILL: (interrupting) As fascinating as that all sounds, do you have any idea where they're taking us?
MIKEY: None. But I'm sure we're all going to be well acquainted. I hear its like summer camp for psychos! Hopefully it's in the woods, lots of trees, great for starting fires.
Another teenage girl – a big, burly girl who looks like she could easily put a grown man in a headlock – sneers.
GIRL: Yo, jailbait – you better not be starting any fires. Or any shit that'll make this whole stupid thing drag out longer.
MIKEY: Calm your tits Babie. (turning to Jill, jerking his thumb over at the other girl) That's Babie. Used to run a drug ring from her parent's house. Even shook down the local mobsters.
Mikey gestures to another chick with a pale face and jet-black dyed hair.
MIKEY: Devon over there – was involved in a vampire cult. Drank her victims dry.
Devon smiles, showing canines filed down to look like vampire teeth. Jill slightly draws back. Mikey is still talking incessantly, pointing to a twitchy-looking kid with a pointy face.
MIKEY: "Innocent Ian" over there was my cellmate back at the pen. Always spouting on about his "innocence."
IAN: I am innocent!
MIKEY: (rolling his eyes) Here we go.
IAN: I never laid a hand on that teacher! Honest! It's a setup, I tell ya.
MIKEY: Bludgeoned his teacher to death, swears up and down he didn't do it.
IAN: Well, three lie detector tests say I didn't!
MIKEY: Whatever you say. Finally …
Mikey gestures over to a cute guy, roughly Jill's age give or take a few years. He sits quietly, staring down at his cuffs.
MIKEY: Richie Gardner. If that's his real name.
RICHIE: … my adoptive name.
He makes eye contact with Jill. Jill stares back defiantly.
RICHIE: But no one needs to tell me your name. Jill Roberts.
A hush falls over the bus. Mikey seems impressed and even Burly Babie can't help but stare.
MIKEY: The Jill Roberts? The Reboot Murderer?
JILL: Technically, I haven't killed anyone.
IAN: You tell 'em.
RICHIE: No. She's telling the truth. It was all Jenny Randall and Craig Harding and her disabled brother Steve. Her partner Charlie Walker was thrown in the mix too, but Jill here – not a drop of blood on her hands.
JILL: Technically I was charged with conspiracy to commit murder which –
RICHIE: Which means you're right here where you belong. With us.
JILL: Oh really, and what did you do Richie?
Richie merely smiles and leans back in his seat. Jill turns to face the front of the bus as Mikey keeps pestering her about Stab related questions and trivia. This is gonna be a loooong bus ride.
EXT. RESTAURANT – NYC – NIGHT
Kirby is standing outside of a fancy New York restaurant. She checks her phone – 9:30. A late dinner, made even later by her tardy friends.
Lucy comes around a corner, followed by Ace. Lucy is on Cloud 9. Ace appears to be completely bitter.
KIRBY: There you are – our reservations were at 9:15. I had to delay the maître de. We were this close to losing our table.
LUCY: Sorry. But Mr. Superstar over here spent an hour tweezing his eyelashes.
ACE: Excusez-moi for wanting to look my best. Superstars don't have the luxury of going out looking however we please, thank you very much.
KIRBY: Remind me again who won the leading role in a Broadway play?
ACE: The director just can't appreciate talent of my magnitude. He was worried I would overshadow the rest of the cast is all.
KIRBY: Yeah, that must be it.
Behind them, Nicholette and Danny step out of a cab. Danny is aloof and Nicholette is apologetic. She's now wearing a long-sleeved sweater. She and Kirby embrace.
NICHOLETTE: Sorry we're late, we took the ferry here from Weehawken and it took forever to get a cab.
KIRBY: Hey, no sweat girl. You look great. (Eyeing Danny up) And this must be the fabulous "Danny" you've been telling me so much about.
Danny shakes her hand. He mutters a polite "hello" but doesn't smile.
INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT
Kirby, Lucy and Ace sit down at a round table. Nicholette is about to sit down next to Kirby, but Danny pulls out a seat on the other side.
DANNY: Right here, Nicky.
Nicholette sits down on the opposite and Danny takes the seat next to Kirby. This doesn't go unnoticed by Kirby. She doesn't say anything about it. Instead -
KIRBY: You know, you can take your sweater off, Nicky. It is rather warm in here.
Nicholette pulls her sweater tighter around her. She nurses her arm.
NICHOLETTE: Really? You're warm? I have a slight chill.
DANNY: You're feeling feverish? Maybe we should call it an early evening –
NICHOLETTE: I'll be fine.
Kirby decides to change the subject.
KIRBY: So Lucy here just won the lead in this year's production of Phantom of the Opera.
NICHOLETTE: Wow, that's great! Congrats! You know I wanted to pursue acting after college, but …
Her eyes dart to Danny and her voice trails off.
ACE: (interrupting) I should've been the star of the show but -.
KIRBY: But you have to actually have talent, so …
Ace glowers over his drink. Nicholette raises a glass.
NICHOLETTE: Well how about a toast – to Lucy's success?
Everyone raises a glass.
VMMM! VMMM!
Lucy's cell phone goes off. She looks down at it.
LUCY: It's Nathan.
KIRBY: The director?
LUCY: Probably calling me to officially award me the role. He did say he would call. Excuse me.
She gets up and heads for a quiet section of the restaurant's lobby. We follow her and she answers the phone. We don't hear Nathan's voice.
LUCY: Hi Nathan! (Beat) Yes.
Her face falls.
LUCY: I don't … yes, but … okay, that sounds good. Thanks Nathan.
She pockets her phone and somberly returns to the table. Everyone notices the sudden change in her demeanor.
ACE: Who killed your cat?
KIRBY: Ace!
LUCY: I didn't get the role …
KIRBY: What do you mean?
LUCY: I didn't get it.
KIRBY: How could you not have? You were phenomenal! Even Nathan said -.
LUCY: Yes, but he said he needs someone with more experience. I'm now officially the understudy.
KIRBY: Then who got it?
LUCY: Chantelle Montgomery.
KIRBY: That talentless hack?!
LUCY: Nathan doesn't think she's so talentless.
NICHOLETTE: But hey – you're still an understudy! You still get to fill in on nights when she can't perform.
LUCY: Yeah … I guess …
ACE: (peering in the direction of the lobby) Speaking of the Queen Bee Bitch …
Chantelle Montgomery enters the lobby of the restaurant, followed by an entourage of other cast members of the Phantom. The maître de leads them to a table – right next to them. Ace rolls his eyes. Chantelle sees them.
CHANTELLE: Well isn't this quite a coincidence? Lucy was it? Nathan gave me the fabulous news – you're going to be my understudy. Of course, don't count your chickens before they hatch. I haven't missed a single performance of my career.
LUCY: (trying to be professional) Congratulations on landing the role, Chantelle. I'm looking forward to seeing you in action.
CHANTELLE: And of course I see our other little wannabe star. Ace, was it? That was a … memorable … performance. Though I would think it would be more appropriate for the back alleys of Brooklyn.
Ace grabs a butter knife and stands up. Kirby and Lucy restrain him.
ACE: I'm gonna cut her! That's it!
Chantelle smiles with fake amusement.
CHANTELLE: Yes … Brooklyn indeed. But allow me to introduce the rest of the cast, Lucy. We're just out celebrating our new roles. As my understudy, you're welcome to join us.
LUCY: (wrestling Ace back down into seat) That's nice of you but this is a friend's night out.
CHANTELLE: All the same. This is Luna Gold, this season's Carlotta.
LUNA GOLD – anything but golden. Big chested brunette with way too much makeup and way too little clothing. She nods politely. Despite her appearance, she has more class than Chantelle.
LUNA: Hello.
CHANTELLE: And here we have Chris Malcom, our fabulous Raoul.
CHRIS MALCOM – a cute guy. Somewhat shy.
CHRIS: Looking forward to working with you! Hopefully Chantelle comes down with food poisoning one night and you and I can do a few scenes together!
CHANTELLE: One can dream, I suppose. And finally, Brian Sheldon our handsome Phantom himself.
BRIAN SHELDON – handsome college-aged actor. But there's something familiar about him …
NICHOLETTE: Wait – Brian?
BRIAN: Nicholette?
The two beam at each other. Danny does not seem pleased.
DANNY: Nicky – you wanna introduce me to you friend?
KIRBY: (also recognizing him) Brian? You finally got out of Woodsboro?
NICHOLETTE: Lucy, Ace, Danny – this is Brian Sheldon. He was in my grade back in Woodsboro High!
BRIAN: Good to see you guys! Small world, huh?
DANNY: Yeah … I'd prefer it to be smaller …
LUCY: (eyes narrowed) You … wouldn't happen to related to Trevor Sheldon by any chance?
BRIAN: Ah … I take it you're a fan of the Stab series?
LUCY: Just in passing …
BRIAN: Trevor was my older brother. (turning to his castmates to explain) He was a victim of the Woodsboro Reboot Murders. I was only a freshman at the time.
NICHOLETTE: So what brought you out this way?
BRIAN: Well, if you remember, we always used to bullshit about going into acting back in High School. Wasn't bullshit to me. I thought it wasn't to you either, Nicky. I thought you were going into acting school after graduation?
NICHOLETTE: (glancing quickly at Danny) Well, my priorities changed.
BRIAN: A shame. (to Danny) Your girlfriend's got some great talent herself. (makes eye contact with Nicholette) You should be onstage with all of us.
DANNY: You know … I'm beginning to feel a bit feverish myself. Nicky, how about we call it a night?
KIRBY: Already? But you just got here!
DANNY: (firmly) Nicky …
NICHOLETTE: Okay, I am feeling a bit feverish after all. I think it is time to call it a night. It was great seeing everyone.
Nicholette gathers up her belongings, leaving everyone staring at her in shock. Danny is shooting Brian death glares. Brian stares back, confident but unsure why this guy seems to be so pissed off.
KIRBY: I'll check in on you later …
NICHOLETTE: No need. I'll text you tomorrow, maybe we can all get together.
Danny is now already halfway to the lobby. Nicholette holds her purse, and sighs.
NICHOLETTE: I'll see everyone soon.
She turns and follows Danny out the door. Ace takes a sip of his drink.
ACE: Anyone else get some serious psycho vibes?
EXT. NEW YORK CITY – NIGHT
Danny is storming down the streets of the city. Nicholette is struggling to keep up with him in heels.
NICHOLETTE: Danny! DANNY!
He stops at an intersection. He spins around.
DANNY: What was that?
NICHOLETTE: What was what?
DANNY: You eyefucking that Woodsboro guy. Right in front of me!
NICHOLETTE: I wasn't -.
DANNY: You must think I'm really stupid.
NICHOLETTE: Of course not! Brian was just an old friend from high school. Just a friend.
DANNY: Yeah, that's what all you women say. "Oh, you don't have to worry about him." Yeah, as you're riding him late at night while the boyfriend's at home thinking you're asleep in your bed.
NICHOLETTE: After all this time, I can't believe you don't trust me!
DANNY: Trust has to be earned. And when you're blatantly throwing yourself at a guy in front of me – do you realize how emasculating that is? How embarrassing?! Right in front of me?!
Nicholette bites her lip. She sighs, deciding to not to battle, not to fight. It's just easier to give in.
NICHOLETTE: You're right. I'm sorry babe. I won't do it again.
Danny's whole disposition changes. He reaches out, holds her shoulders.
DANNY: Hey, maybe I blew everything out of proportion. Tell you what – let's grab dinner. I hear there's a romantic French cafe. You and me. Alone. You'd like that right?
NICHOLETTE: Yeah … yeah that sounds good.
DANNY: Perfect. You and me. That's all we need.
He holds his arm out like a gentleman. Nicholette hesitates, then loops her arm through his.
EXT. AUNT JONI'S HOUSE – NEW JERSEY – NIGHT
An establishing shot of Aunt Joni's house. It's large, but rural. Suburban. No other houses nearby. Woods surround them.
INT. AUNT JONI'S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
AUNT JONI: Just go ahead and make yourself at home.
Tatum takes several bags and places them on a couch. She looks around, hasn't seen the inside of Joni's house in ages.
TATUM: Doesn't look like much has changed.
AUNT JONI: Eh, you know Frank. I wanted to remodel the living room but he whined about the costs.
She hands Tatum a glass of wine and clinks it with her own glass.
AUNT JONI: To renewed relationships.
TATUM: I've missed you Joni.
AUNT JONI: Well, we're back together in each other's lives. I have our whole week planned out! We can go clubbing, out to eat, hit up several bars. I know a few great ones in town! They have a singles night …
TATUM: I'm not sure I'm up for dating right now.
AUNT JONI: (sitting on the couch, crossing her legs) No, I imagine you wouldn't be. Not after everything that bastard put you through. But as the saying goes – there are plenty of other fish in the sea. There's someone out there for you Tatum – someone who can treat you right.
TATUM: That's the thing – Billy did treat me right. Until …
AUNT JONI: Until he showed you who he really was. We all wear masks Tatum. Some people for a very long time. But masks can only stay on for so long before they … slip.
She sips her wine. Tatum walks along the mantle, observing old family photos. She sees several of her and Joni when they were college-aged together. They appear to be the best of friends.
TATUM: And what mask do you wear, Joni?
AUNT JONI: The one I have to put on for my husband. But now that you're back in my life, I can slip it off. The real me – the fun-loving college girl – can show her true colors. You keep me young, Tatum. And I you.
Tatum smiles as she passes more photos. Then she stops. She picks up a frame. There's a picture of Joni and Tatum as high schoolers – but there's someone else in frame. Tatum swallows tightly – AUNT DESIRAE. She stares at the photo of her deceased aunt. Joni comes up behind her, peering over Tatum's shoulder.
AUNT JONI: Aunt Desirae … her mask hid the darkest secrets of us all.
TATUM: Fooled the entire family.
AUNT JONI: She wasn't a bad woman. Not always. She was … just not in her right state of mind. She was forced to deal with the burden of taking care of Nan by herself, forced to watch Nan slowly weaken and finally give up. It took its toll on her and sometimes I blame myself …
TATUM: (turning to her cousin) You can't –
AUNT JONI: Nan was supposed to stay with my mother. I was supposed to help my Mom take care of her. But I was too selfish. I wanted to party and club and go out with boys. The burden for Nan fell completely on Aunt Desirae, and then when Nan died and the murders happened … I'm sorry I wasn't there for you then Tatum. But I promise, I'm here for you now. When you need me. Whatever you need.
Tatum nods, placing the picture back on the mantle.
TATUM: That means a lot to me, Joni.
She embraces her cousin.
We linger on the old photo, staring straight into Aunt Desirae's eyes …
EXT. NEW YORK CITY PENTHOUSE – TOP FLOOR – NIGHT
We have an establishing shot of a skyscraper in the city – a penthouse. We zoom in on one at the top floor.
INT. PENTHOUSE BEDROOM – NIGHT
A couple falls back onto a bed, half dressed, in the throes of passion as they kiss, tongue and all. We pan back – Chris Malcolm and Luna Gold. The two actors in The Phantom we met earlier. Chris strokes Luna's face lovingly.
CHRIS: You are so beautiful.
Luna smiles back. She takes his hand, kisses his fingers one by one. He buries his face in her neck – she gasps.
LUNA: I need you …
CHRIS: I need you too. Where's the protection?
LUNA: (suddenly serious) I thought you brought it?
CHRIS: No, I thought you kept some in the house.
LUNA: I told you last time, those were my last.
CHRIS: Okay, okay there's a drug store down the street. I'll pick some up.
Chris rolls out of the bed, pulls up his sweatpants, throws a zip-up hoodie over himself. Luna sits up in bed, throwing on a night-shawl to cover herself.
LUNA: Don't take too long.
CHRIS: Don't stop being beautiful.
He leans in and kisses her on the cheek before he exits the room. Luna leans back, lights a cigarette as she grabs her phone and checks out her Instagram.
LUNA: A hundred new followers, not bad.
She swipes through her photos, reads the comments.
VMMM! VMMM!
Her phone vibrates in her hand. She looks at the CALLER-ID. It says BRIAN SHELDON. She smiles wryly as she answers.
LUNA: Brian! This is a pleasant surprise. I knew you'd warm up to my charms sooner or later. Nobody can resist me in the end. I'm busy with Chris right now but maybe I could swing by your apartment tomorrow night. With that giant bathtub maybe I'll let you … lather me up.
GHOSTFACE: Or maybe I can shove your head face-first into the scalding hot water until your writhing body stops twitching!
Luna sits up in the bed.
LUNA: Cute Brian. I always knew you had a twisted side but after your brother -.
GHOSTFACE: Heh, pretty-boy Brian is too delicate to get his hands dirty. Chris on the other hand -.
LUNA: Ah! Chris! Is that you? What is this, a new sex game? I mean, after last Halloween when you showed up in that Michael Myers mask -.
GHOSTFACE: How about I show up in a Ghostface mask this time?
LUNA: Sounds kinky. But how are you calling me from Brian's phone? Or is he with you? A three-way would be hot.
GHOSTFACE: Yeah. You, me and my knife.
LUNA: I've seen your "knife". Not bad, but not the biggest. Now are you gonna hurry up and get those condoms?
GHOSTFACE: I'm already here.
LUNA: That quick? Well, you are known for being a quick shooter. Did you just come in through the front door?
GHOSTFACE: Guess.
Luna stands up, walking through her bedroom. We follow her.
INT. LUNA'S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Luna flicks on the light switch. Nothing happens. The room stays dark.
LUNA: Did … did you shut off my electricity?
GHOSTFACE: Why? Are you scared of the dark?
LUNA: No, but I'd rather not break my neck tripping over my furniture.
GHOSTFACE: It's part of the fun, Luna. Where am I?
LUNA: Ugh, don't make me search.
She walks carefully through the living room, careful not to trip over anything. She stubs her toe on her coffee table. She jumps up and down.
GHOSTFACE: Come on, I thought you liked our horror games?
LUNA: Yeah, but I'm getting impatient! Just come out already!
She walks through to the kitchen. She hears something from the inside of her pantry.
LUNA: Is that you in there?
GHOSTFACE: Why don't you open up and find out?
Luna reaches out for the doorhandle of the pantry door. The soundtrack thuds. Her fingers trace the handle –
A CRASHING SOUND FROM BEHIND HER MAKES HER JUMP!
She spins around – her cat is on the kitchen counter, knocking over pans. She catches her breath.
GHOSTFACE: You sound scared, Luna.
LUNA: No … no, just getting tired of this game is all. Why won't you just come out?
GHOSTFACE: Doesn't it build the tension though? Make the CLIMAX that much more amazing?
LUNA: Ugh, I guess.
Her fingers trace the door handle again. She slowly turns it.
The pantry door creaks open – the soundtrack STINGS!
It's empty.
LUNA: This is getting old fast, Chris.
She turns – GHOSTFACE is standing right next to her! She jumps!
LUNA: You scared the shit out of me!
Ghostface just stands there, staring at her. She puts her phone on the counter. She stares up at him.
LUNA: Chris …?
Ghostface nods his masked head.
She gets a devious smile again.
LUNA: Well what are you waiting for, Mr. Ghostface? An invitation? I found you. Now you can claim me.
Ghostface merely cocks his head. Luna grabs his hand, leading him towards the bedroom.
LUNA: Come on.
INT. LUNA'S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Luna climbs into the bed. She lies down seductively, running her hand along her thigh.
LUNA: Well are you just gonna stand there or shall I start without you?
Ghostface glides across the bedroom to the other side of the bed. He lies down next to Luna. She turns, curling up next to him. He stares straight ahead at the ceiling.
LUNA: Well you don't expect me to do all the work?
Ghostface just continues staring.
LUNA: Fine.
She turns, climbing on top of Ghostface, straddling him.
LUNA: This better?
Ghostface stares up at her. The tension is building. Luna has no idea of the danger she's in.
LUNA: Why don't you take off that mask?
She reaches down to lift it – he grabs her, crushing her wrist.
LUNA: Okay the mask stays on.
He bends her arm back. For the first time a twinge of fear crosses her.
LUNA: Chris, you're hurting me!
Ghostface applies more pressure. She tries wrenching her arm out of his iron grip. She sees light reflected off silver. In his other hand is a hunting knife.
She opens her mouth – THUNK!
Ghostface stabs upward into her stomach. She stares down, horribly confused, afraid and disoriented. Blood dribbles down out of her mouth onto the Ghostface mask.
LUNA: (confused) Chris?
GHOSTFACE STRIKES UPWARDS AGAIN!
Luna cries out, falling off the bed onto the floor. She crawls across the room, leaving a trail of blood. Ghostface swings his legs out off the bed, stands up. Luna struggles – she reaches a glass door leading out onto a balcony with a fire escape.
GHOSTFACE GRABS THE BACK OF HER HEAD, SMASHING HER THROUGH THE CLASS. HER BODY FLIES ONTO THE BALCONY.
She turns her head, vision swimming. Ghostface jumps through the glass, sinking down to his knees, STRIKING DOWNWARD INTO HER STOMACH AGAIN!
She cries out, spitting blood. The killer yanks his knife out, cocking his head. She pleads.
LUNA: Please … please …
Ghostface stands up. For a moment, it seems he's going to grant her request. But then -.
LUNA: HELP! SOMEONE HELP!
Her cries are drowned out by the cars honking and sounds of the city life below. GHOSTFACE GRIPS HER HAIR, FORCES HER TO STAND, PRESSES HER BODY OVER THE SIDE OF THE BALCONY. She's nearly fifty stories up. His hand covers her mouth, his other arm goes around her waist – WITH A MIGHTY HEAVE HE THROWS HER OVER THE BALCONY!
SHE PLUMMETS THE FULL FIFTY STORIES, FLAILING AS SHE GOES – SPLAT! Onto the sidewalk, causing the pedestrians to scream and jump out in fright!
Above, Ghostface stares down at his handiwork, before darting out of sight into the darkness …