"That's why she always outsmarted the killer in the big chase scene at the end. Only virgins can do that. Don't you know the rules?" Randy pontificated. His grading voice played on the screen in front of Kenny and Gale as they sat in the back of the news van.

"Ugh, boring," Gale droned. Kenny played with his snack food, half paying attention to the video feed. The two watched as the scene unfolded, waiting for something, anything interesting to happen. It had been nothing but live footage of drunk teenagers discussing horror tropes and ogling Jamie Lee Curtis. Gale had at least expected a masked figure to sneak past a doorway or peek through the window, but no. She was stuck with low-res camera quality, tinny audio, and now a comprehensive list of the rules of a scary movie. None of it was usable unless one of these kids died by the end of the night.

Gale surprised herself with that morbid thought, but she wasn't wrong. Her readers would pay for exclusive footage of Woodsboro's local film snob, Randy Meeks, mere minutes away from his untimely demise. Gale pushed the idea from her head. Her conscience knew it was wrong to be imagining how to best profit off of this tragedy. Especially when so many of the victims were high school kids.

Then again, that was her job, wasn't it? To report on these gruesome events so families around the country can watch at home and be glad it didn't happen to them. That job was tough. It didn't leave room for emotional investment or compassion. It demanded dedication, ruthlessness, and a willingness to leave one's ethics at the door. It was a rough business, but one that Gale Weathers thrived in. Once she was recognized for her skill and unwavering commitment to her craft, it would all be worth it. No matter the damage left in her wake.

*BANG BANG BANG*

Gale and Kenny jumped at the sudden pounding on the van's door. Kenny quickly shut off the TV. It sounded urgent… and violent. The two exchanged looks. Did someone find the hidden camera and bust them for secretly filming those teenagers? Which sounded a lot worse now that she'd thought of it like that.

Or even worse… was it the killer? The masked maniac who'd gutted two people days ago and was now coming to ensure their massacre would have no witnesses left?

Before they had time to prepare for an attack, the door handle moved.

Shit. They forgot to lock it. A killer on the loose and they didn't think to lock their door. Rookie mistake.

Knowing they had little to no chance of escaping a cramped news van with their lives, they watched the door slide open to reveal…

Deputy Dewey Riley. The two let out a sigh, the guileless young man's presence putting them at ease. Without pause, he started talking, not even stopping to apologize for spooking them like usual.

"The sheriff just radioed. Somebody reported a car in the bushes down the road. I'm gonna go check it out. Care to join me?"

Gale was a little taken aback. Whether it was the residual shock from the unexpected entry to their van, the immediate barrage of information from the deputy, or the almost flirtatious invitation to follow him, the woman was fully caught off guard. After a second of stunned silence, she responded. "I'd love to."

She saw her opportunity and took it. The abandoned car could be related to the case and if not, she could squeeze more valuable info out of Dewey on the way over. She also got a break from that boring video feed. It was a win-win-win. It wouldn't be too difficult either. Dewey was so eager to spend time with her, he invited her along on his investigation while on duty. He was so head-over-heels for her, she could get him to spill any insider secrets she wanted him to with a bat of her eyelashes. "If that's alright with you."

Dewey straightened up a little and reassured her with what appeared to be a playful attempt at flirting. "Ma'am, I'm the deputy of this town." He spoke with a pathetic attempt at a huskier tone. This guy wanted to be like Clint Eastwood so badly. It was adorable. Gale grabbed her camera, equipped her double-breasted trench coat, and uttered the forbidden words, "Be right back."

As she headed in the direction of the police cruiser, Dewey stopped her.

"Excuse me, ma'am. I thought maybe we'd walk."

A chill ran down her spine. Was she seriously getting chills from Deputy Dewey? She figured it was an odd request considering there was still a killer on the loose. Walking alone down a country road at night would already be scary under different circumstances.

"Such a nice night out… Got a flashlight." Dewey went on, awkwardly trying to convince her that walking away from the only active household for miles was a good idea. Gale smiled. She wasn't entirely sure what to make of this man. On one hand, he was a stranger from a small town with just as much of a chance at being the killer as anyone else. On the other hand, she couldn't sense a violent bone in this man's body. Call it naivety, but she really couldn't see him being a threat to anyone but himself.

Dewey flicked on the flashlight and shined it from beneath his chin. "You're not scared, are you?" he teased.

Gale chuckled and shook her head. "Alright." She figured the reward outweighed the risk in this situation.

"Great." He smiled, but his happiness didn't reach his eyes. They headed off together down the road. Dewey already began making small talk. "Do you know what that constellation is?"

"No, what is it?"

"I don't know. That's why I was asking you." Dewey brought his shoulders up and blushed in embarrassment. They both chuckled. His bashfulness calmed her nerves as they walked down the dark road, leaving the party and all potential witnesses behind them.