EXT. WOODS – NIGHT
Billy and James run through the woods, having escaped from the prison and the rampaging prisoners. They pause, catching their breath.
BILLY: I think we lost them.
JAMES: Yeah … yeah, I think we did.
BILLY: Alright. Well see 'ya.
JAMES: Where are you going?
BILLY: I'm going to find Tatum.
JAMES: That's great. So am I. We should go together.
BILLY: I'm not going anywhere with you, thanks. You can go get re-arrested or maybe shot or whatever. I don't really care.
JAMES: Wow. You really don't like me.
BILLY: Huh, I wonder why? Could it be that you murdered two people –
JAMES: Fair point.
BILLY: Or how about the fact that you tried to steal Tatum from me?
JAMES: Technically I didn't. You two were broken up.
BILLY: Whatever, man. You can go on your way.
JAMES: You'll never make it on your own.
BILLY: (pushes past him) Watch me.
JAMES: Okay, but so you know – Woodsboro is that way. (Points in the opposite direction).
Billy stops, then turns and walks in the direction of James' finger. James walks backwards with him, hands on his head.
JAMES: I'm just saying – you're gonna need all the help you can get.
BILLY: In case you haven't noticed, I survived two of these things. I think I can manage. Tatum and I. Together.
James stops him short.
JAMES: Don't make the mistake of thinking you're the only one who cares about Tatum.
BILLY: Come on – she and I were going to be married this morning! What, you think you reappear, help save the day and she's just gonna jump back into your arms?
JAMES: Maybe. (Beat) But honestly – no. No, I accept that I've lost her for good.
Billy stares at him.
JAMES: What do you want from me? An apology tour? I lost! You wont! You got her!
BILLY: She's not a prize.
JAMES: Maybe not in your eyes. Do you have any idea how lucky you are? I would kill for her to have chosen me! (sees Billy's face) Okay, poor choice of words. But come on – the first step to stopping this guy is to find out who he is. Unmask him for all to see.
BILLY: If it's that easy, why don't you do it?
JAMES: I intend to! Look, I'm a bit of a movie buff myself. It's what connected me and Tatum to begin with. This has all the earmarks of the concluding chapter in a horror saga.
BILLY: Oh?
JAMES: Let's see – exposition? Check. A killer that can hack and control the most advanced systems of technology on earth? Check. The original backstory having a few added wrinkles thrown in? Check.
BILLY: Wait – original backstory?
He looks around at the trees.
BILLY: I know these woods …
JAMES: What's that?
BILLY: Back when I dated … was with Sidney … we used to walk these trails. We used to take them to visit …
JAMES: Who?
BILLY: Her Aunt Kate.
INT. HOSPITAL – NIGHT
Dewey stares out the window of the hospital down at Woodsboro. Rioters are engaged in full-on combat with the police and National Guard. There's an orange haze in the sky and fires are burning out of control. The never-ending blaring of sirens is enough to drive anyone mad.
Dewey's cell phone rings nonstop. He turns the volume down and stares. He glances behind him – Gale's room. He's torn. His wife. Or his town.
Tatum appears behind him.
TATUM: Dewey?
He turns, putting on a strong face.
DEWEY: Tatum – don't worry! I won't let him get his grubby mitts on you!
TATUM: Where are Mom and Dad?
DEWEY: Arguing like usual. They went off together yelling about something or other. Actually, I haven't seen them since the killer's little show.
TATUM: Good. It's better this way. (Beat) I'm going to turn myself in to him, Dewey.
DEWEY: What?! You can't!
TATUM: (pointing) Look out there, Dewey! This whole town is being torn apart and it's all my fault!
DEWEY: It is not! Don't let –
TATUM: I'm going, Dewey. You can't stop me.
Dewey breaks down. His eyes are like slits and tears run freely.
DEWEY: I'm going to lose my wife, Tatum. Please … don't make me lose my baby sister too …
Tatum sighs. She looks down at the floor, resolving herself for what she needs to say.
TATUM: You're going to lose me either way, Dewey.
DEWEY: (blinking) What?
TATUM: I should've told you … I should've told everyone from the get-go. (sighs) I have cancer, Dewey.
DEWEY: Wait – what?!
TATUM: That's why I've been disappearing to New York with Mom. It could be a few months or even a few years.
DEWEY: Why didn't you tell me?
TATUM: I've been too scared! I couldn't put that burden on your or Billy.
DEWEY: (taking a step forward) But that's what family is here for. To bear each other's burdens. (wipes Tatum's eyes) I will always be here for you, lil' sis.
TATUM: I know. But you need to be strong right now, Dewey. For Mom and Dad. For Gale. For Woodsboro. Please, Dewey.
DEWEY: You know I can't let you walk out those doors.
Tatum steps forward. She hugs her brother. Dewey pulls her in, resting his cheek on her head, his tears flowing, mixing with hers. He rocks her.
DEWEY: I can't even remember when you were born. You were always there, as far back as I can remember. I can't even imagine a life without you in it.
TATUM: (hand sliding down, grasping his taser) I know. But you're going to have to.
BZZZZZT!
She jabs Dewey with his own taser! He collapses to the ground in utter shock. She stands over him.
TATUM: I love you, Dewey. Too much to let you stop me.
She stares down at him and eyes his gun. Should she take it? No, Dewey will need it before the end.
Tatum spares one last look into Gale's room, then turns and, head held high, strides out of the hospital wing.
