Diagnosis Murder: Script, "The Greatest Fear"
By Olivia Sutton
Part 5: Act IV
A note on formatting. I wrote this script style with standard telecript formatting and camera directions. A list of abreviations is to be found in section one. Since I can't get this thing to save italics, all camera direction is enclosed in parenthesis. As always, asterisks (*) denote emphasis or stress
And finally, character names should be centered above the dialogue, but when I upload this everything comes out flush left.
_________________________________________________________________________
ACT IV
SCENE 1
(Fade in. Int. Community General, waiting area, third floor surgery area, Amanda, Susan, and Mark are sitting quietly, waiting for word on Steve. Jesse is not there. Then Jesse enters with Dr. David Carleton, a thoracic surgeon)
MARK
Jesse? Doctor? How's Steve . . . (his voice fades out in fear)
JESSE
Steve's going to be fine.
Dr. DAVID CARLETON
We removed the foreign body, and repaired the damage. His leg is stable, after his condition improves we'll do more surgery on it. The important thing is he made it through the thoracic surgery okay.
MARK
Oh, thank God.
Dr. CARLETON
He's in recovery now, but as soon as he's moved to an ICU room, you can see him.
MARK
Thank you, Dr. Carleton. (He shakes the Doctor's hand) Thank you.
(At that moment, Natalie rushes in)
NATALIE
I just heard, How is he?
AMANDA
They just told us he's out of surgery and in recovery. Come with me, and I'll tell you what I can.
(Amanda leaves with Natalie, leaving Mark and Jesse alone)
SCENE 2
(Int. Community General, surgery waiting area, early morning)
JESSE
(Walks close to Mark who's sitting, pale and exhausted. Jesse sits, and reaches a hand to the older man's shoulder)
He's going to be okay, Mark. We stabilized him quickly in the E.R, and Dr. Carleton's an excellent surgeon. It went well.
MARK
I know, I know. Jesse, that's not ... (lowers his head into his arms)
JESSE
Mark, Mark, What is it? Steve made it, he's okay.
MARK
He was drunk, Jesse.
JESSE
I know. I did the BAL analysis, remember?
MARK
But you don't remember what it was like, last time. It's been ten years, Jesse. Ten years.
JESSE
That long?
MARK
Jesse, you didn't know Steve, back then. Back when he was drinking. I (beat) I was wrapped up in my own pain from losing Kathryn; and Steve, (pause) I nearly lost him, then, Jesse, I don't know if I can go though that again.
JESSE
We'll get him help. And you won't be alone, you have me, Amanda, even Natalie and Susan. We all want to help, Mark, both Steve and you.
MARK
I know, and I thank you. But that's not all. The accident, Steve was alone, and drunk. I... Jesse, I'm ... I think, it was (he takes a deep breath) I think it was intentional.
JESSE
(Looks confused for a second, then it dawns on him) Intentional? Mark, no. I *know* Steve, passive suicide is *not* his style.
MARK
(mutters quietly) You don't know that.
JESSE
(taken aback) Mark, Steve wouldn't, no...
MARK
It's happened before.
JESSE
What?!
MARK
(quietly at first, slowly gaining strength) Steve started drinking, when, when Kathryn died. And it was just a few years after he came home from Vietnam. I was wrapped up in my own depression, I didn't notice his pain. To tell you the truth, Jesse, I was on the edge myself. Full of guilt and pain. Completely incapable of taking care of Steve. He drank, he drove drunk, and he was careless.
JESSE
(Shocked, he nods, dumbly, then asks) What happened?
MARK
One night, Steve didn't come home. He'd been coming home later and later, always drunk. It was a nightmare. The hospital called me, and the department sent over a car to bring me to Mercy General.
JESSE
Mercy! But that's. . . Mercy General Trauma Center is twenty miles north of L.A.
MARK
Steve didn't want to take the chance of being brought to Community General's E/R, so he drove up north, towards San Francisco. He found a bar and got drunk. Then, then he got in his truck, drove into the mountains, and ( stops as tears flood into his eyes then continues) The truck went over a bridge and into a river. Fortunately, a rescue unit was nearby, and a couple of off-duty fire fighters saw Steve's truck hit the water. I nearly lost him, Jesse.
JESSE
My god!
MARK
Exactly. Steve survived. And the accident was enough of a shock that he admitted his problem. I snapped out of my depression, when I realized that my coldness nearly cost me my son. Steve stopped drinking and we rebuilt our relationship.
JESSE
I had no idea. I mean I noticed that Steve never touched a drink, even with owning a restaurant, and when I kidded him about being a teetotaler, he mentioned being an alcoholic, so I never brought it up again. But I never realized...
MARK
We *never* talk about it, Jesse. *NEVER!* Not since it happened.
JESSE
I won't tell him I know, Mark. Thanks for trusting me.
MARK
I needed... I needed to talk about it, Jesse. I'm... When I smelled the booze on him, and saw all that blood, everything flashed back.
JESSE
Mark, I really don't think, I mean, Steve wouldn't ... Not now. He's a survivor, Mark. Ever since I've known him, he's been a survivor.
MARK
If I lose him...
JESSE
Carleton said he'd make it. He's going to pull through.
MARK
You still don't understand. I *know*, every fatherly instinct I have is *screaming* at me. He hasn't talked to me hardly at all in two days.
JESSE
Go in there and see him.
MARK
I don't know if I can do that and not confront him; about the alcohol, at least.
JESSE
Then confront him. Maybe it will help you both to have some things out in the open.
MARK
(pulls himself together) Maybe you're right, Jesse, maybe you're right. I think I can see him now.
JESSE
And Mark, look, I've got a friend, a psychologist, maybe you could get Steve to see her, about the shooting, his drinking, and ... anything else.
MARK
A psychologist?
JESSE
She's good. She's professional. And an impartial person might help. She can help Steve, and Mark, maybe she can help you too.
MARK
Me?
JESSE
You've carried this guilt a long time, my friend.
MARK
When did you learn so much about human nature? What's her name?
JESSE
Dr. Walenchekz, Dr. Emily Walenchekz. She was an instructor at my med school, but now she's in private practice, here, in L.A.
MARK
Give her a call, for me, will you, Jesse? And I'm going in, to see Steve.
(Jesse nods, his face grave as he thinks over all of Mark's revelations)
SCENE 3
(Int. Steve's hospital room. Steve is hooked up to several monitors but is breathing on his own, with no respirator. Steve's asleep, Mark sits quietly by his son's side. Steve stirs.)
STEVE
Geez, did anyone get the plate of the truck that hit me?
MARK
(overjoyed, he ignores Steve's remark)
Steve! You're awake.
STEVE
Yeah, What happened?
MARK
(sighs) You were in a car accident. Alone. And you were drunk, Steve.
STEVE
Dad, that doesn't mean what you think it does. Okay, so I had a few drinks. Big deal. I passed 21 a long time ago.
MARK
(Mark looks away from Steve in pain, he clearly doesn't want to argue with him, so soon after nearly losing him.)
Steve, I love you. You're my son, and I love you. You know that. But what you did was irresponsible. You're a police officer, you've seen what drunk drivers *do*, Steve. I know how long it's been since you've had a drink, so don't try telling me you just had a few to relax.
STEVE
Dad...
MARK
I don't know how I'd stand losing you. Especially to something so stupid.
STEVE
Dad ...
MARK
Now, tell me what's been going on with you since the shooting two days ago. (at Steve's stoic look) Please, talk to me Steve.
STEVE
All right, Dad, look (pause) I can't. You wouldn't understand.
MARK
Try me! Please, try Steve. Tell me what's going on with you. I'll listen. I promise.
STEVE
(looks at him) I love you too, Dad, but no, I just, I can't.
MARK
If you won't talk to me about the shooting, Can you at least tell me why you're drinking again?
STEVE
I ... (He looks away) It seemed to help. I couldn't face what I'd done and I've been having nightmares, and ...
MARK
So why did you decide to drive? (softly) Steve were you trying to get yourself killed? Out of guilt?
STEVE
No, not really. Dad, I ...
MARK
(Mark moves to Steve's side, places his hand on his shoulder)
Steve. I know you. But for the last two days you've been a stranger to me.
STEVE
I'm sorry.
MARK
No, that's not ... Steve, please don't you trust me? I know that what happened wasn't your fault. Did you think I'd blame you?
STEVE
No. Okay. Look, you're a doctor, you save lives! But me, I *took* one. I killed someone. Dad, it's been tearing me up. And I don't see how you could care about me when I killed an innocent 16-year-old boy.
MARK
Steve, I love you. And it wasn't your fault.
STEVE
Who else can I blame? I shot him.
MARK
It was an accident.
STEVE
(angrily) So the shooting was an accident but getting in a car crash was my fault?
MARK
Steve, (pauses with each word, his voice rising) You (pause) were (pause) drunk! You must have known it! You could have called me, or Jesse, or a *cab* or any number of people for a ride and we willingly would have picked you up, no questions.
STEVE
Dad. I. . . Okay, it wasn't intentional, the crash I mean. The rain, a curve, and you're right, the alcohol didn't help.
MARK
Oh, thank god. Now about the shooting. Have you thought about seeing a counselor? From the department, or even a private one?
STEVE
No, not really.
MARK
Maybe you should. I don't want to lose you, Steve.
(*cut*)
SCENE 4
(Int. Office of Dr. Emily Walenchekz, a short, dark-haired, motherly, female psychologist. The office is tastefully decorated with modern art prints and classic, heavy furniture.
Steve enters.)
STEVE
Dr. Walenchekz? (pronouncing it walenCHEZZ)
EMILY
WALL-en-check. But, please, call me Emily.
STEVE
Emily. My friend, Dr. Travis, recommended you to me. Did my dad talk to you? He set up the appointment. What'd he tell you?
EMILY
That you are an police detective, and you've been through an unfortunate experience. But I'd rather you told me about it yourself.
Steve sits down and begins to talk. Fade out.
SCENE 5
(Int. A few days later. Community General hospital, Mark's office. Jesse's just entered.)
JESSE
Steve called me today.
MARK
Oh?
JESSE
Mark, he sounds much better. He's not so on edge. I think Emily is really helping him.
MARK
So do I. You know, at first, I was upset when she told me to stay out of it? But now, I realize that Steve needed to work this out with someone more detached. He just couldn't talk to me. It was very difficult to accept that.
JESSE
Mark, it's your nature to be protective. And to always want to help.
MARK
I know.
JESSE
Hey, Mark...
MARK
No, it's okay, Jesse.
(There's a knocking at the door. The door opens and it's Steve. He's smiling)
STEVE
Hey, Dad, I was just going down to the beach. You want to grab your roller-blades and come along?
MARK
How's your leg?
STEVE
Healing. My physical therapist says exercise and walking are good for it.
MARK
(smiles) Then we'll have a nice walk. Without the roller blades.
Fade out.
EPILOG (TAG)
(Ext. Mark Sloan's beach house deck, a few days later. Day, late afternoon. Steve stands staring at the ocean from the deck. Mark walks through the slider and to his pensive-looking son. Steve turns from the crashing ocean, and faces his father)
STEVE
The shooting committee finally came to their decision, Dad.
MARK
Oh?
STEVE
I've been cleared. I can go back to regular duty on Monday.
MARK
Well, that's good news.
STEVE
Yeah, I guess so.
MARK
Steve?
STEVE
Dad, just because I was cleared, doesn't mean I feel any better about this.
MARK
It will just take time. Has talking to Dr. Walenchekz helped?
STEVE
Some. Actually, talking to her has helped more than I thought it would. I know it will take time, Dad.
MARK
(Mark raises his arms like he wants to hug Steve. Steve nods, and moves to his father's side, melting into his arms)
(whispering into Steve's hair) It *will* be all right, Steve.
STEVE
Yeah, I hope so.
(*Cut to end credits*)
By Olivia Sutton
Part 5: Act IV
A note on formatting. I wrote this script style with standard telecript formatting and camera directions. A list of abreviations is to be found in section one. Since I can't get this thing to save italics, all camera direction is enclosed in parenthesis. As always, asterisks (*) denote emphasis or stress
And finally, character names should be centered above the dialogue, but when I upload this everything comes out flush left.
_________________________________________________________________________
ACT IV
SCENE 1
(Fade in. Int. Community General, waiting area, third floor surgery area, Amanda, Susan, and Mark are sitting quietly, waiting for word on Steve. Jesse is not there. Then Jesse enters with Dr. David Carleton, a thoracic surgeon)
MARK
Jesse? Doctor? How's Steve . . . (his voice fades out in fear)
JESSE
Steve's going to be fine.
Dr. DAVID CARLETON
We removed the foreign body, and repaired the damage. His leg is stable, after his condition improves we'll do more surgery on it. The important thing is he made it through the thoracic surgery okay.
MARK
Oh, thank God.
Dr. CARLETON
He's in recovery now, but as soon as he's moved to an ICU room, you can see him.
MARK
Thank you, Dr. Carleton. (He shakes the Doctor's hand) Thank you.
(At that moment, Natalie rushes in)
NATALIE
I just heard, How is he?
AMANDA
They just told us he's out of surgery and in recovery. Come with me, and I'll tell you what I can.
(Amanda leaves with Natalie, leaving Mark and Jesse alone)
SCENE 2
(Int. Community General, surgery waiting area, early morning)
JESSE
(Walks close to Mark who's sitting, pale and exhausted. Jesse sits, and reaches a hand to the older man's shoulder)
He's going to be okay, Mark. We stabilized him quickly in the E.R, and Dr. Carleton's an excellent surgeon. It went well.
MARK
I know, I know. Jesse, that's not ... (lowers his head into his arms)
JESSE
Mark, Mark, What is it? Steve made it, he's okay.
MARK
He was drunk, Jesse.
JESSE
I know. I did the BAL analysis, remember?
MARK
But you don't remember what it was like, last time. It's been ten years, Jesse. Ten years.
JESSE
That long?
MARK
Jesse, you didn't know Steve, back then. Back when he was drinking. I (beat) I was wrapped up in my own pain from losing Kathryn; and Steve, (pause) I nearly lost him, then, Jesse, I don't know if I can go though that again.
JESSE
We'll get him help. And you won't be alone, you have me, Amanda, even Natalie and Susan. We all want to help, Mark, both Steve and you.
MARK
I know, and I thank you. But that's not all. The accident, Steve was alone, and drunk. I... Jesse, I'm ... I think, it was (he takes a deep breath) I think it was intentional.
JESSE
(Looks confused for a second, then it dawns on him) Intentional? Mark, no. I *know* Steve, passive suicide is *not* his style.
MARK
(mutters quietly) You don't know that.
JESSE
(taken aback) Mark, Steve wouldn't, no...
MARK
It's happened before.
JESSE
What?!
MARK
(quietly at first, slowly gaining strength) Steve started drinking, when, when Kathryn died. And it was just a few years after he came home from Vietnam. I was wrapped up in my own depression, I didn't notice his pain. To tell you the truth, Jesse, I was on the edge myself. Full of guilt and pain. Completely incapable of taking care of Steve. He drank, he drove drunk, and he was careless.
JESSE
(Shocked, he nods, dumbly, then asks) What happened?
MARK
One night, Steve didn't come home. He'd been coming home later and later, always drunk. It was a nightmare. The hospital called me, and the department sent over a car to bring me to Mercy General.
JESSE
Mercy! But that's. . . Mercy General Trauma Center is twenty miles north of L.A.
MARK
Steve didn't want to take the chance of being brought to Community General's E/R, so he drove up north, towards San Francisco. He found a bar and got drunk. Then, then he got in his truck, drove into the mountains, and ( stops as tears flood into his eyes then continues) The truck went over a bridge and into a river. Fortunately, a rescue unit was nearby, and a couple of off-duty fire fighters saw Steve's truck hit the water. I nearly lost him, Jesse.
JESSE
My god!
MARK
Exactly. Steve survived. And the accident was enough of a shock that he admitted his problem. I snapped out of my depression, when I realized that my coldness nearly cost me my son. Steve stopped drinking and we rebuilt our relationship.
JESSE
I had no idea. I mean I noticed that Steve never touched a drink, even with owning a restaurant, and when I kidded him about being a teetotaler, he mentioned being an alcoholic, so I never brought it up again. But I never realized...
MARK
We *never* talk about it, Jesse. *NEVER!* Not since it happened.
JESSE
I won't tell him I know, Mark. Thanks for trusting me.
MARK
I needed... I needed to talk about it, Jesse. I'm... When I smelled the booze on him, and saw all that blood, everything flashed back.
JESSE
Mark, I really don't think, I mean, Steve wouldn't ... Not now. He's a survivor, Mark. Ever since I've known him, he's been a survivor.
MARK
If I lose him...
JESSE
Carleton said he'd make it. He's going to pull through.
MARK
You still don't understand. I *know*, every fatherly instinct I have is *screaming* at me. He hasn't talked to me hardly at all in two days.
JESSE
Go in there and see him.
MARK
I don't know if I can do that and not confront him; about the alcohol, at least.
JESSE
Then confront him. Maybe it will help you both to have some things out in the open.
MARK
(pulls himself together) Maybe you're right, Jesse, maybe you're right. I think I can see him now.
JESSE
And Mark, look, I've got a friend, a psychologist, maybe you could get Steve to see her, about the shooting, his drinking, and ... anything else.
MARK
A psychologist?
JESSE
She's good. She's professional. And an impartial person might help. She can help Steve, and Mark, maybe she can help you too.
MARK
Me?
JESSE
You've carried this guilt a long time, my friend.
MARK
When did you learn so much about human nature? What's her name?
JESSE
Dr. Walenchekz, Dr. Emily Walenchekz. She was an instructor at my med school, but now she's in private practice, here, in L.A.
MARK
Give her a call, for me, will you, Jesse? And I'm going in, to see Steve.
(Jesse nods, his face grave as he thinks over all of Mark's revelations)
SCENE 3
(Int. Steve's hospital room. Steve is hooked up to several monitors but is breathing on his own, with no respirator. Steve's asleep, Mark sits quietly by his son's side. Steve stirs.)
STEVE
Geez, did anyone get the plate of the truck that hit me?
MARK
(overjoyed, he ignores Steve's remark)
Steve! You're awake.
STEVE
Yeah, What happened?
MARK
(sighs) You were in a car accident. Alone. And you were drunk, Steve.
STEVE
Dad, that doesn't mean what you think it does. Okay, so I had a few drinks. Big deal. I passed 21 a long time ago.
MARK
(Mark looks away from Steve in pain, he clearly doesn't want to argue with him, so soon after nearly losing him.)
Steve, I love you. You're my son, and I love you. You know that. But what you did was irresponsible. You're a police officer, you've seen what drunk drivers *do*, Steve. I know how long it's been since you've had a drink, so don't try telling me you just had a few to relax.
STEVE
Dad...
MARK
I don't know how I'd stand losing you. Especially to something so stupid.
STEVE
Dad ...
MARK
Now, tell me what's been going on with you since the shooting two days ago. (at Steve's stoic look) Please, talk to me Steve.
STEVE
All right, Dad, look (pause) I can't. You wouldn't understand.
MARK
Try me! Please, try Steve. Tell me what's going on with you. I'll listen. I promise.
STEVE
(looks at him) I love you too, Dad, but no, I just, I can't.
MARK
If you won't talk to me about the shooting, Can you at least tell me why you're drinking again?
STEVE
I ... (He looks away) It seemed to help. I couldn't face what I'd done and I've been having nightmares, and ...
MARK
So why did you decide to drive? (softly) Steve were you trying to get yourself killed? Out of guilt?
STEVE
No, not really. Dad, I ...
MARK
(Mark moves to Steve's side, places his hand on his shoulder)
Steve. I know you. But for the last two days you've been a stranger to me.
STEVE
I'm sorry.
MARK
No, that's not ... Steve, please don't you trust me? I know that what happened wasn't your fault. Did you think I'd blame you?
STEVE
No. Okay. Look, you're a doctor, you save lives! But me, I *took* one. I killed someone. Dad, it's been tearing me up. And I don't see how you could care about me when I killed an innocent 16-year-old boy.
MARK
Steve, I love you. And it wasn't your fault.
STEVE
Who else can I blame? I shot him.
MARK
It was an accident.
STEVE
(angrily) So the shooting was an accident but getting in a car crash was my fault?
MARK
Steve, (pauses with each word, his voice rising) You (pause) were (pause) drunk! You must have known it! You could have called me, or Jesse, or a *cab* or any number of people for a ride and we willingly would have picked you up, no questions.
STEVE
Dad. I. . . Okay, it wasn't intentional, the crash I mean. The rain, a curve, and you're right, the alcohol didn't help.
MARK
Oh, thank god. Now about the shooting. Have you thought about seeing a counselor? From the department, or even a private one?
STEVE
No, not really.
MARK
Maybe you should. I don't want to lose you, Steve.
(*cut*)
SCENE 4
(Int. Office of Dr. Emily Walenchekz, a short, dark-haired, motherly, female psychologist. The office is tastefully decorated with modern art prints and classic, heavy furniture.
Steve enters.)
STEVE
Dr. Walenchekz? (pronouncing it walenCHEZZ)
EMILY
WALL-en-check. But, please, call me Emily.
STEVE
Emily. My friend, Dr. Travis, recommended you to me. Did my dad talk to you? He set up the appointment. What'd he tell you?
EMILY
That you are an police detective, and you've been through an unfortunate experience. But I'd rather you told me about it yourself.
Steve sits down and begins to talk. Fade out.
SCENE 5
(Int. A few days later. Community General hospital, Mark's office. Jesse's just entered.)
JESSE
Steve called me today.
MARK
Oh?
JESSE
Mark, he sounds much better. He's not so on edge. I think Emily is really helping him.
MARK
So do I. You know, at first, I was upset when she told me to stay out of it? But now, I realize that Steve needed to work this out with someone more detached. He just couldn't talk to me. It was very difficult to accept that.
JESSE
Mark, it's your nature to be protective. And to always want to help.
MARK
I know.
JESSE
Hey, Mark...
MARK
No, it's okay, Jesse.
(There's a knocking at the door. The door opens and it's Steve. He's smiling)
STEVE
Hey, Dad, I was just going down to the beach. You want to grab your roller-blades and come along?
MARK
How's your leg?
STEVE
Healing. My physical therapist says exercise and walking are good for it.
MARK
(smiles) Then we'll have a nice walk. Without the roller blades.
Fade out.
EPILOG (TAG)
(Ext. Mark Sloan's beach house deck, a few days later. Day, late afternoon. Steve stands staring at the ocean from the deck. Mark walks through the slider and to his pensive-looking son. Steve turns from the crashing ocean, and faces his father)
STEVE
The shooting committee finally came to their decision, Dad.
MARK
Oh?
STEVE
I've been cleared. I can go back to regular duty on Monday.
MARK
Well, that's good news.
STEVE
Yeah, I guess so.
MARK
Steve?
STEVE
Dad, just because I was cleared, doesn't mean I feel any better about this.
MARK
It will just take time. Has talking to Dr. Walenchekz helped?
STEVE
Some. Actually, talking to her has helped more than I thought it would. I know it will take time, Dad.
MARK
(Mark raises his arms like he wants to hug Steve. Steve nods, and moves to his father's side, melting into his arms)
(whispering into Steve's hair) It *will* be all right, Steve.
STEVE
Yeah, I hope so.
(*Cut to end credits*)
