As the idea of a scavenger hunt comes together in Frodi's mind, she begins to feel excited by it. She smiles to herself, thinking of all the places she could send Nick to... all the clues she could leave for him. She leaves the shop, and locks up, with so many ideas buzzing around her head.
MALE VOICE: Hi there.
Frodi jumps. She was so lost in thought, she hadn't noticed anyone else. She looks up at the person who spoke to her.
FRODI: Luca... hi.
LUCA: Haven't seen you around for a few days. Everything okay?
FRODI: Yeah, I've just been busy.
LUCA: *looks at the burnt-out toy shop* What happened here?
FRODI: *doesn't know about the spy cameras* Someone set fire to our shop.
LUCA: How horrible. Who would do such a thing?
FRODI: I dunno.
Frodi starts walking down the path, wishing Luca would leave her alone, so she can get on with planning Nick's scavenger hut. But Luca walks alongside her. She looks at him out of the corner of her eye.
FRODI: How's Trina?
LUCA: She's fine. She's at home resting. *long pause* Hey, I've idea. Want to go for a refreshing drink somewhere?
FRODI: Sorry Luca, I can't. I have a ton of things to do... *thinks quickly* then I'm meeting Nick for lunch.
LUCA: *stops in his tracks* You're meeting... Nick? Um... okay. I should be going anyway. There's something I'm working on in my workshop. See you later then.
Did Frodi see a flash of anger in Luca's eyes? She's not sure. Something has changed in Luca - he's not the quiet, shy man she was friends with before. Something about him makes her feel tense. And the way he looks at her sometimes... as though he's staring right into her soul. Frodi shudders. At least he's gone for now. Frodi's thoughts turn back to the scavenger hunt. First thing's first - she'll need someone to look after the kids.
Bing & Alessea's House...
All is quiet in Bing & Alessea's house. Aurelius and Cassima are upstairs doing their homework, Alosrin is happily playing with his toys, and the adults are talking in the living room.
DING DONG... DING DONG
ALOSRIN: Muuuummm, someone's at the door.
ALESSEA: I'll get it.
Alessea goes to answer the door, and sees Frodi standing there. She invites Frodi into the living room.
FRODI: I'm sorry to bother you all. I wondered if you and Bing were available to babysit tomorrow? It's just... with everything that's happened recently, I wanted to do something nice for Nick. He's been through so much recently. And I had the idea of a scavenger hunt, followed by some time alone with him.
BING: Of course, Frodi. We can look after the kids for you.
GONDIEN: It is always a pleasure to see those adorable children you have, Frodi.
Frodi smiles gratefully at them. With the babysitting taken care of, she can now set to work on planning the scavenger hunt.
Sein Dor Hotel...
That evening, Nick & Frodi decide to get Room Service for their tea - meals are brought up to their suite.
FRODI: Hey kids... how do you fancy spending the day with Uncle Bing & Aunty Alessea tomorrow? It'll be like a wee holiday. You'll also get to see uncle Gondien and uncle Aurelius.
Nick looks at Frodi with surprise.
Lilla and Michael look at each other, and roll their eyes. Their old enough to realise, this means 'Mum wants some alone time with dad'.
Rosie, Vincent, and Eurus squeel with delight.
The next day...
The next day, Gondien arrives to collect the children. He winks at Frodi, hoping her plan works out. After everyone has left, Nick pulls Frodi onto his knee.
NICK: Okay Frodi Zarano... what are you up to? You've been acting all weird since yesterday.
FRODI: *innocently* I don't know what you mean.
NICK: Come on... out with it. *pretends to scold her* Or I'll revoke your ice cream & coffee powder privilages.
FRODI: *giggles* Oh! I seem to have left something in the bedroom... on the bed. Could you get it for me?
Nick gives her a funny look, then goes through to the bedroom. He sees an envelope lying on the bed, with his name on it. He opens it.
Quote
Solve all the clues, and you shall meet a great reward.
1. The BEST pudding ever created... EVER!!!
Nick grins. Coming from Frodi, this can only be one thing - coffee powder and ice cream. He walks back through to where Frodi is sitting, and sticks his tongue out at her. Then he walks over to the coffe cups and drinks (there's no freezer in the hotel suite, so it can't be the ice cream part), and picks up the jar off coffee powder. Sure enough, there's another envelope with his name on it. Again, he opens it.
Quote
2. Where is the Boogie Man?
Nick chuckles. He goes back through to the bedroom, and looks under the bed. Sure enough... another envelope.
Quote
3. A hobbit guards this.
Nick is chuckling to himself. This is crazy! He walks back through to Frodi, who is sitting in a chair.
NICK: *grins* Are you enjoying this?
FRODI: Oh yes! *giggles*
NICK: Good. Now get up.
FRODI: *trying not to laugh* Why?
Nick leans down and kisses her, then lifts her up. His suspicians were correct - Frodi was sitting on the next envelope. He opens it.
Quote
4. I never promised you a rose garden.
Nick thinks. Could that mean the rose bush in the hotel grounds? He looks at Frodi.
NICK: I'm married to an insane hobbit. It's the only explanation. *grins*
FRODI: But you love me anyway?
NICK: *pulls her into his arms, and kisses her* Definately! *smiles*
Nick pats her bum, winks at her, and grabs his jacket.
NICK: I'll be back.
Frodi waits 10 minutes. He should be far enough away from the hotel by now, and he'll be gone for several hours. She heads out to buy some last-minute items. Meanwhile, Nick is travelling all over town, looking for the clues.
Quote
16. This scavenger hunt is pretty long. Why don't you sit down, and have a rest? You can feed the ducks, while you're at it.
That could only be the park bench!
Quote
24. Nice view of the beach.
Must be their beach house.
Quote
29. As in any circle, you end up where you began.
NICK: *laughs* I guess that means, go back to the hotel.
Nick heads back to the hotel room. Stuck to the door is an envelope.
Quote
30. Put this on, and come inside.
Nick opens the envelope... and finds a blindfold. He does as he is told, he puts on the blindfold, and feels his way into the room.
NICK: Frodi? Are you there?
FRODI: Welcome back Nick. Did you have fun?
Frodi is naked, but Nick can't see that, cos of the blindfold.
NICK: Hehehe. THAT is the most INSANE thing you've ever done! I loved it!
FRODI: I'm glad. But there's more to come. No peeking now!
Frodi pulls faces at Nick, to make sure he can't see. When she's satisfied, she slowly unzips his jacket, and throws it to the floor. Then she unbuttons his shirt, and kisses his chest.
NICK: HEY! That tickles! And... are you trying to seduce me?
FRODI: Maybe. *licks his chest*
Frodi unbuckles his trousers, and pulls them down.
FRODI: *takes both his hands* Now step forward.
Nick steps forward, away from his trousers. He's now only wearing a pair of boxers. Frodi takes Nick's hands, and leads him to a chair. She sits him down, and ties his hands behind the chair.
NICK: *grinning* What's going on?
FRODI: Oh... nothing.
Frodi sits on his lap... her bare skin against his bare skin. A huge grin appears on Nick's face.
NICK: Are you naked?
FRODI: That's for you to decide. *kisses him*
Since Nick has the blindfold on, he can't see the tray of food lying next to them. Frodi picks up a can of squirty cream.
FRODI: Open wide.
Nick opens his mouth, and Frodi puts a strawberry to his mouth. He bites into it, and the juice runs down his chin, making them both laugh. She feeds him a few more strawberries, with him biting half, and her taking the other half.
FRODI: You like that?
NICK: *nods* Mmmm, tastes good.
FRODI: Of course, you can't have strawberries without...
Frodi picks up a can of squirty cream, and squirts some into his mouth.
NICK: Why don't you squirt some of that on yourself, and I can lick it off? *grins*
FRODI: *giggles, and kisses him* Maybe later.
Frodi squirts cream onto his chest, then licks some of it off.
NICK: *laughing* Yeah, attack me when I'm tied up and defenceless... you little cheater. Just wait till I'm free.
While his mouth is open, Frodi pops another strawberry in. He bites it, and more strawberry juice runs down his chin, mixing with the squirty cream.
NICK: You know what I'd really like next? A kiss from my crazy wife.
Frodi touches his face, and kisses him passionately - a long, loving kiss.
NICK: Now THAT was the best thing on the menu!
FRODI: I've got something special for you now. Chocolate chip cookie.
Frodi breaks off part of the cookie, and pops it in Nick's mouth. Nick closes his mouth on the cookie, sucking Frodi's fingers at the same time. Frodi laughs, manages to free her fingers, and strokes his cheek as he munches the cookie.
FRODI: Do you remember, many years ago, we were in a hotel room. You had a cookie, and the crumbs got stuck in your beard?
NICK: *swallows the cookie* I remember. Then I sprinkled some crumbs in your hair.
FRODI: Heehee. Now it's time for my revenge. *sprinkles some cookie crumbs in his hair*
NICK: Well, that's my supper sorted out then. *grins*
FRODI: *puts her arm around him* Back then... I never dared hope you could have feelings for me.
NICK: And look at us now! *smiles, and tries to kiss her*
FRODI: I'm so much in love with you Nick. *leans in for another kiss*
NICK: Me too. Love you with everything I have. *kisses her* Even though you do tie me up, and blindfold me.
FRODI: *licks his chin* Speaking of which, you're covered in food.
NICK: And who's fault is that? *sticks his tongue out*
FRODI: Come on.
Frodi unties Nick, making him promise to keep the blindfold on. She leads him through to the bathroom, where a nice bubblebath is waiting for him, then she climbs in after hiim. She gently washes him all over, and he washes her bump.
After the bath, she helps him out, and dries him off. Still with the blindfold on, she guides him through to the bedroom, and sits him down on the bed.
FRODI: Now this is the best part. *smiles* I'm your sex slave. You have to tell me what to do, and I'll do it. *takes his hand*
Frodi's excited. She's never done this before. She's already wet, from them washing each other in the bath, and she's full of anticipation how this 'sex slave' thing will work out. She kisses Nick's hand, waiting for him to say what he wants her to do.
Nick: Sex slave? What has gotten into you? *laughs*
Frodi: Maybe it's my sexy husband who has gotten to me.. *leans in, and nibbles his ear*
Nick leans his head back.
Frodi: So, what do you want me to do.. master?
Nick: Mmm.. well, the first thing.. is something you might enjoy.
Frodi nibbles his earlobe, and licks down the side of his face.
Frodi: What?
Nick: Go down on me.
Frodi: *smiles* My pleasure..
Frodi kisses, and licks her way down Nick's body. His breathing shallow. He lets out small moans, as Frodi's tongue slides down his skin. The sensation of her tongue on his skin is indescribable.
Eventually, she reaches his lower area, and is package. She licks his package up and down, teasing him. He moans loudly. She opens her mouth, and lets him slide into her mouth, brushing against her tongue. She keeps moving her tongue around his shaft, while her hands play with his package's "accessories" on the outside.
Nick: Oh.. Frodi..
She moves her head back and forth, his package rubbing against her lips. With each movement, she takes him deeper into her mouth. By now, she can fully taste him.
Downstairs..
Ballroom..
A young man walks past security. He heads into the crowded, and noisy ballroom. People are talking, classical music is playing. The young man walks over to the bar.
Bartender: What can.. *pauses* Oh, Mr. Zarano, what can I get for you?
Man: Excuse me? *looks puzzled*
Bartender: It's a pleasure to serve you. You're a legend! Though.. you do look younger in person. You look only in your twenties.
Man: That's because I am in my twenties. I think you have me confused with someone else. I'm not Mr. Zarano.
Bartender: Oh, my apologizes sir. You just.. look so much like him. You must get that alot.
Man: *looks away, at the center of the room, where people are gathering on a small stage* You have no idea.
Bartender: So, what can I get for you?
Man: A martini. Shaken. Not stirred.
As the bartender pours the drink, the man appears to be nervous. He taps one of his fingers on the counter, and watches the center of the room. His attention on one man.. an unknown man.
Clapping is heard, and the music stops. A woman with long red hair is given a microphone.
Woman: Thank you, thank you. You all know why we are gathered here tonight, to celebrate the new partnership between NolCorp, and Cotton Industries. This deal has been in the making for months, and has finally reached it's conclusion. With this new partnership, Cotton Industries, and Mr. Cotton himself, will be taking up business here in the beautiful country of Sein Dor.
The crowd claps.
The man at the bar sips his martini, and places his hand on his knee. He watches intently.
Woman: And now, without further ado.. I give you the CEO of Cotton Industries, our boss, Mr. Nick Cotton.
The crowd applauds loudly and whistles, as the microphone is even to a man who takes the center of the room. Nick Cotton. Drink in-hand.
Nick Cotton: So.. I assume all of you.. want a speech? *drinks* I give you gratitude! Well, I thank everyone... my heart of my bottom for coming here tonight. It's been a real pleasure to be talked down to and stared at. But most of all I'd like to thank the man who made it all possible, the man who put me in this spot in the first place. Nolan Ross! *raises his glass*
Across the room, it is seen that Nolan is standing at the back of the room. He is clearly not enthusiastic about being here.
Nick Cotton: What a pleasure, to know such a man, such a man as Nolan Ross. *winks at Nolan* Never mind corporate allies, we are going to be best friends.
The crowd claps. It's clear Nick Cotton is trouble. Besides Cotton's drinking putting him off, it is clear Nolan has no love for Nick Cotton, and his business. Something is off.
Nick Cotton: I kid you all! To new adventures, new business, and a hell of a new world of profit here in Sein Dor, cheers!
As mostly everyone in the ballroom drinks, the man at the bar gets up from his seat.
He quickly walks through the crowd, reaches into his pocket, and pulls out a gun.
People are heard gasping, and screaming. The man points his gun at Nick Cotton, and fires.
Cotton is shot! He falls backwards, knocking over a table. Security comes running into the room, and the man turns the gun on the guards, shooting both guards.
Quickly, the man makes his way out of the ballroom, the bartender in shock at what he just saw. Panic begins in the ballroom, as some try to tend to the wounded.
It was an assassination attempt.
Nolan looks at the door, and thinks.
Nolan: .. Nick? No. It couldn't have been.
Nolan quickly leaves the ballroom.
Meanwhile, a bloody Nick Cotton, who has only been shot in the hand, grabs onto the wound.
Nick Cotton: *enraged* FIND HIM! FIND THE SON OF A BITCH WHO DID THIS! KILL HIM!
Steelport Prison..
Sherlock walks into the city, and is escorted by guards to the visiting area.
Sherlock: An entire magical city left in ruins. So what does the government do? They put a large electrically-charged wall around it, throw in some of the most insane criminals the world has to offer, and let them run lose. Oh yes, this sounds brilliant.
Guard: It works. It allows the inmates more freedom.
Sherlock: It's hell on earth.
Sherlock is eventually brought into the visitors section. His brother stands behind glass. They can only talk via a phone. Both brothers pick up their receiver.
Sherlock: Hello brother. You look.. well. Besides the scratches.
Todd: Why do you care?
Sherlock: No hello?
Todd: Fuck off Sherlock. As if I'm going to kiss your ass. You did nothing to help stop this.
Sherlock: Why did I bother coming all this way?
Todd: Because you're guilty.
Sherlock: Guilty? Todd, you put yourself in this prison. Me, I turned my life around years ago. You never could. I did it to keep a woman.
Todd: Women. Yeah, women. Pfft. I've finally realized, that the bitch (Frodi) doesn't deserve me. Instead. one day, she will wake up.. next to him, and realize what a terrible person he is. She will regret marrying him. I've also seen how she single handily destroyed my life. *laughs* It's kinda ironic.. at one point, I had the chance of raping her. Instead, I saved her life. So what does she do for me? She destroys mine. Next time, I'll rape, and maybe kill her.
Sherlock: Well, I *do* believe in love. But I believe in loving the one you're with.
Todd: Mm, what are you now Sherlock, stupid or Catholic?
Sherlock: Both.
Todd: You wasted your time Sherlock. Go home.
Todd hangs up the receiver.
As Todd is handcuffed, and is escorted away by guards, he sings.
Todd: *singing* Sherlock's up and Sherlock's down but he's always wears that sacred frown!
Sherlock can hear Todd singing through the glass. He looks down worriedly.
Back in Sein Dor..
Sein Dor Hotel..
Nick and Frodi's Room..
Frodi comes back up to Nick's face.
Frodi: What can I do next..?
Nick: After that amazing experience.. I'm ready for the main event. Why don't you sit on my lap?
Frodi climbs ontop of Nick, and lowers herself onto him.. his package sliding into her. She lets out a gasp, and begins moving up and down. Nick kisses her breasts as she moves, and pulls on nipples.
Both of them sweaty, hot, and full of passion.
Luca's Studio..
This song plays in Luca's Studio.
Luca is beyond angry at Frodi's "betrayal". How could she refuse going out with him?
As Luca takes out his anger on a canvas, splashing red and black paint all over it, he hears a door open.
He's not expecting anyone. Quickly, he grabs a knife from an unlocked drawer.
Luca: Who's there?! How did you get in?
Female Voice: I have my ways.. Luca.
Luca immediately recognizes that voice.
He walks out into the main part of his studio.. and sees a beautiful woman, with blonde hair. Her eyes pierce through his soul.
Woman: Well well well.. if it isn't Mr. Luca? Long time no see. Tell me.. how many people have you murdered recently?
Luca: Irene.. my god, is that really you?
Irene: In my beautiful.. soft flesh, yes.
Luca walks up to her, and touches her face.
Luca: How long has it been, since we last met?
Irene: Exactly? *looks up, as if to think* Exactly 365 days, 1 hour, 10 minutes, and 10 seconds.
Luca: After our last meeting, I thought we wouldn't see each other again. Until..
Irene: Until what? Until you kill my husband?
Luca: ...
Irene walks past Luca, and walks towards the window.
Irene: We both know how this was supposed to happen. But things have changed. For the both of us.
Quote
FLASHBACK
An unknown amount of years ago...
Italy..
Luca is pacing around an old rundown art studio in Italy. Light shines in from the balcony, with a beautiful view of the sea.
Irene sits by the balcony, painting.
Irene: So... this detective is onto you?
Luca: Yes! I'm panicking here! He thinks I did it!
Irene: ... Did you?
Luca: Irene, you're my fiancee! You are supposed to stand up for me!
Irene: ... I am. I am. Look Luca, this detective.. what's his name?
Luca: I don't know. Some British bastard. With a weird name. I think his name is.. Holmes. Something Holmes.
Irene: And this Something Holmes has dirt on you?
Luca: Yes! And he's going to turn me in! I don't know what to do!
Irene looks at Luca, turning away from her art.
Irene: Well, I could do something for you.
Luca: ... What? What could you do?
Luca: And you played me Irene. You damn well knew who Sherlock was. You were screwing him. Having an affair with him, behind my back. While we were engaged. And when you were talking with me, YOU WERE PREGNANT! With his child! So there I was, played like a fiddle. You pretended to "sleep" with the enemy. When in reality, you were falling for him. Even though you only slept with him originally because he was a detective, and you needed any help you could get with your adventurous endeavors, aka crimes.
Irene: Sherlock has always been a challenge for me. And yes, I have feelings for him. I have children with him. He got stabbed recently, thanks to Nick Zarano bringing him into a fight that Sherlock wasn't supposed to be apart of. It was at that moment, that I realized how much I care for him.
Luca: Yet every time we see each other, we wind up in bed. No matter if we're married or not.
Irene: Not this time.
Luca: Then why are you here?
Irene: Sherlock moved us to Sein Dor. He has an agency here now.
Luca: I know all about the little prick. I mean, why did you come here?
Irene: I wanted to see you, and clear the air.
Luca: Don't worry. I've moved on. I have a new queen.
Irene: I noticed. *looks at the bloody red paint splatters* I assume once again, it ain't good old Trina.
Luca: Pardon?
Irene: The red and black stains all over your shirt? You are obsessed again.
Luca: ...
Irene walks up to Luca, and touches his face.
Irene: Poor Luca. No one understands you, quite like I do. Both of us.. have our sins to live with. Both of us.. long for love. But we will never find it. Some advice? This time, don't let this obsession end like the other ones did. See you around.. Luca.
Irene walks out of the studio.
ONE HOUR LATER..
Sein Dor Hotel..
Nick and Frodi's Room..
Nick and Frodi lay in each other's arms, exhausted from their sexcapades.
Nick: That was amazing! You did a terrific job with all the planning as well. You never fail to surprise me. *plays with her hair*
Frodi smiles.
Frodi: I just wanted to plan an interesting, and fun evening together. Something romantic.
Nick: Well we definitely have to do this again. Maybe tomorrow night?
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
Nick jumps out of bed.
Frodi: Who could that be at this hour?
Voice from outside the door: Nick! It's Nolan! I know you are probably sleeping, but please get dressed and meet me at the hospital. We need to talk. Something has happened downstairs. Turn on the TV.
Frodi grabs the remote, and turns on the TV.
Frodi: *watches* .................. Why are they showing a younger you shooting someone named Nick Cotton?
Nick: Well, there goes the rest of our evening. I'll get dressed, see what the hell is going on, and be right back.
Later..
Hospital..
Nick gets off the elevator. He sees armed guards stationed by a door at the end of the hall. Nolan gets up from a chair, and runs over to Nick.
Nick: You want to tell me what the hell is going on here?
Nolan: *frantic* Look, I had no choice, but to work with this guy.
Nick: Nick Cotton. Yeah. I heard the report on the news.
Nick slaps Nolan.
Nolan: What the hell?!
Nick: You are lucky I didn't punch you! You turn over half of NolCorp, without telling your board members? You turn it over to NICK COTTON?! He's a mobster! They are saying he has a criminal record! And now, he probably thinks I tried to off him!
Nolan: This wasn't my choice Nick! Look, this.. Cotton, yes, he's into organized crime. But things are different now.
Nick: Different? I TURNED! I'm an enemy to these people!
Nolan: It's a business! There's a difference between organized crime criminals, and business criminals! They don't care about you!
Nick: Nolan, I'll tell you this.. I don't really want to know why the fuck you would turn over half your business to this son of a bitch, but I'll have to use my imagination. And what happened? Someone tries to off him, and frame me?
Nolan: If the shooter had killed Cotton, I would have been dancing. And from what I see, no. This wasn't a frame job. Why Cotton? If someone wanted to frame you, they could have killed anyone, and announced your name at the scene. Instead, this dude who looks like you, but a younger you, tried to kill Cotton. Just Cotton. He obviously isn't good at making friends.
Nick: He looked.. exactly like me?
Nolan nods.
Nolan: There are some slightly physical differences. And the age difference. But overall, yes.
Nick: ... This is too creepy. *walks down the hall slowly*
Nolan: Nick, we need to treat Cotton like a business partner. We can't make this worse than it is. At some point, I will tell you what is going on. But not here. Not with people around. I trust you Nick. Always have. And I hope you do the same. I won't let this harm NolCorp, or you.
Nolan hugs Nick, and Nick pats Nolan on the back.
Nick: Alright. I'll do my best to help out. I've dealt with people like him. I just wish you would have come to me beforehand. Maybe I could have handled it.
Nolan: ... If you mean, kill him.. no. I'm not going to put you in that situation Nick. I have this under control.
Nick looks down the hall at Cotton's room.
Nick: .. Under control? I'd hate to see the situation out of control. You've already fucked it up.
Nick walks into Cotton's room.
Cotton wakes up, and looks at Nick.
Nick Cotton: Well fuck me.. if it ain't Nicholas Fucking Zarano.
Nick: We haven't met.
Nick Cotton: Oh, but we've dealt with each other.
Nick looks strangely at Cotton.
Nick Cotton: I used to be in contact with the Leone's. A long long time ago, I might add. Then you started your own family.. and then you ratted all of them out, and turned state's evidence.
Nick: That didn't concern you.
Nick Cotton: Oh, don't worry Nicky. No hard feelings. So.. did you try to kill me?
Nick: Yes Cotton. I pulled out a gun in public, and tried to kill someone I don't even know. Oh, and I lost about twenty years. Yes, that was me.
Nick Cotton: Yeah, I figured it wasn't you. You wouldn't have been so sloppy. But I would be concerned, if I was you, with this evil twin of yours running about.
Nick: Why don't you mind your own business? And while you're at it.. stay out of Nolan's. I don't know what's going on between the two of you.. but.. I'm already getting a bad smell.
Nick Cotton: Ain't that sweet. What are you two? Queers or something?
Nick: Is this my moment to tell you to fuck off, or better yet.. go fuck yourself?
Nick Cotton: Heh. Let me give you a piece of advice Nicky. From one businessman, to another. Someone once told me, there are some wars you fight and some wars you walk away from. And my advice to you.. this isn't the fighting kind.
Nick: Are we done here?
Nick Cotton: Sure. You know, Nick, it's a multiple choice thing with you. 'Cause I can't tell if you're old-fashioned, you're paranoid, or just a fucking asshole. Oh, and since we're working together now at NolCorp... see you in the halls!
Nick gives Cotton a dirty look, and leaves the room.
NEXT DAY..
Wonderland Toy Shop..
Nick stands in front of the now almost-destroyed storefront.
Police investigators are walking around the shop, taking pictures, and collecting evidence.
Male Voice: Well look who it is! Nick!
Nick turns around, and sees Danny.
Nick: Danny!
The two men hug, and pat each other on the back.
Nick: Glad to see you back in your element. How's Sein Dor treating you?
Danny: I'm glad to be back with the rest of modern civilization. And Nolan is treating me fine, Mr. Big Shot. Congrats on the NolCorp position. But eh.. sorry for this.
Danny looks at the store.
Nick: Yeah, coming back to Sein Dor and seeing this wasn't a great moment. You working the case now?
Danny: Yeah. We're looking into one lead. For awhile, we had nothing. No signs of foul play. But then we found something.
Nick: What did you find?
Danny: Well Nick, even though you were an owner of the place, I can't give you crucial case information til we check it out further.
Nick: Come on Danny! It's me you're talking to.
Danny: ... Fine. Come with me.
Danny leads Nick to a police cruiser. Danny opens the trunk, and Nick looks inside.
Nick: ... What the fuck is this?
Inside the trunk, are multiple feet of wires, multiple cameras, and other wireless surveillance equipment.
Danny: Normally in this situation, I'd ask if you have any enemies. But we already have your list of people that want to either kill you, or fatally wound you.
Nick: Where was all this..?
Danny: Outside your shop. One of our detectives spotted a camera. Whatever sick freak did this, was clearly trying to watch you and your wife.
Nick: The Illuminati.
Danny: No. That's what we originally thought as well. Here's where the investigating comes in. The cameras were wirelessly transmitting data via your shop's wifi connection. Whoever did this, hacked your WPA address, and was using YOUR connection to send the video to a remote server. That server, isn't located internationally. It's right here in Sein Dor. So that could rule out the Illuminati. We pinged the address, and discovered it's located somewhere in the city. But it will take some time for us to nail the exact location of the server.
Nick: ...
Danny: Whoever did this, will face charges. And my guess is.. we find this freak, we could find a bomber. After all, his or hers cameras probably caught the crime.
Later, Nick heads home. He only went out to get some groceries.
Hours later..
Luca's Studio..
Danny walks into the studio. Luca comes walking out of the back room.
Luca: Can I help you?
Danny: Detective, Sein Dor Police. I have a warrant here, to search this building.
Luca: *worried* Uh.. why?
Danny: Cameras were setup at the Wonderland Toy Shop in town. Only thing is.. the owners didn't set them up. Some creep did. And those cameras, pinged to a computer right in this building.
Luca: Really? Uh well, that's strange. I don't know what cameras you are talking about.
Danny approaches Luca.
Danny:Really? Because the way I look at it.. this is your studio.. is it not? And you are the only person here.. are you not? So then.. somewhere, in here.. must be a computer. Yours. Am I right?
Luca: ... You are trespassing. I suggest you leave.
Danny: I have a warrant. Now where's the computer?
Luca: ...
Danny: *lowers voice* You know, working with me will make this go alot smoother.
GUNSHOT
Luca jumps. Danny drops to his knees, and crawls behind a stack of canvases. He's been shot in the back.
Standing at the entrance to the studio, with a gun, is Irene.
Irene: Hello detective. Luca, be a dear, and take his gun.
Danny, weak, has left his gun on the floor. Quickly, before Danny can grab it, Luca snatches it.
Irene walks over to a badly bleeding, and heavy breathing Danny, and points her gun at him coldly.
Danny: Who.. who the hell are you?
Irene: They call me Irene. And aside from what it says on my record, my last name is not Adler. Nor is it really Holmes. Only by law. You see.. my real last name, isn't of any importance to you. You, great detective.. came barking up the wrong tree.
Danny: But.. *coughs* I just was.. released..
Irene: From captivity. I know. Besides reading the papers.. *leans down, in front of Danny* I was there dear. I'm the woman who fed you. You and those other poor misfits. Some call me crazy. I call myself, a member of the Illuminati. And you, have crossed a line. You came here investigating my friend. And that, can't be forgiven.
Luca: Irene! No!
Irene fires the gun two more times. Fatally wounding Danny. He dies seconds later.
Irene looks at Luca.
Irene: I did you a favor Luca. Imagine if I wasn't here to save your ass. Again. Now be a dear, and help me drag his body out of here, and clean up, before more show up. Also, destroy that damn hard-drive.
Luca grabs Irene by the arm.
Luca: You killed a cop! In my studio!
Irene: And?
Luca pushes Irene against a wall, and holds her there. The gun falls from Irene's hand, and lands on the floor.
Luca: DNA evidence Irene! And what? You don't think they will notice that their lead cop is missing?
Irene: I saved your little sorry perverted ass from going to prison. Or worse. Dying at the hands of a jealous Nicholas Zarano. So I suggest you work with me, and also delete all the naked photos you probably have of his wife.
Luca stares at Irene, still holding onto her neck.
Irene: We are corrupt souls, aren't we?
Luca: ...
Irene: ...
They stare into each others eyes, feeling each others tense breath.
In a surprise moment, Luca kisses Irene passionately, still holding onto her throat. They french kiss madly for a few seconds.
Luca rips open Irene's top, and Irene moans loudly. She pushes Luca onto a table, and they rip each others clothes off, as a bloody Danny lays on the floor.
Irene bites Luca's ear.
Irene: Luca, remind me of why what we once were. Fuck me Luca.. fuck me. Fuck me, before your wife, or my husband catch us.
It's clear how psychotic Irene is, and how bad of an influence she has been on Luca.
Minutes into sex, as Luca thrusts himself in and out of Irene on the table, he begins to yell.
Luca: My queen! At last, I have you my queen..
Irene grabs Luca's hand, and bites down on his finger.
Luca: AAAAARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Luca falls out of Irene, and lands on the floor. Irene jumps off the table, and stands ontop of him.
Irene: Your queen?! Would that be.. that little whore? Frodi? Isn't that her name? The hobbit whore?
Luca grabs his bleeding finger.
Luca: You.. stay away from her!
Irene: Oh, don't worry. I will. Besides.. I already have something. Something that could be useful. Maybe Trina.. Frodi.. anyone. Maybe everyone would like to see it.
Luca watches in horror, as a naked Irene walks across the room, and picks up a small pink pen. He knows what it is. A pen camera! She beat him at his own camera game! She recorded them having sex!
Irene: Funny how great technology is nowadays. A pen, and a camera, in one! Marvelous. Now, I suggest you be a good boy, and help me take care of Detective Dead Man here. Because, if you don't.. this footage will arrive at Trina's doorstep. As for Frodi.. I'd love to pay her a visit as well. We could have a nice.. girl talk.
Sein Dor Docks..
The man who shot at Nick Cotton, the Nick Zarano younger look-alike, walks at a fast pace through the docks. He turns, and heads into an abandoned warehouse. Located upstairs, above the warehouse, is a safehouse. A small apartment with a view overlooking the city. The man heads into the apartment, and throws his keys on a table.
He arms the computerized security system, and heads into the kitchen.
Man: I'm back. It's done.
The man opens the refrigerator in the kitchen, and takes out a bottle of beer.
He pops it open, and drinks.
Suddenly, a woman's voice is heard from the other room.
Woman: Did you kill him?
Man: I'm not sure. I think we'll find out on the news tonight. I think I made the headlines. *drinks*
The man walks out of the kitchen, and into the other room. We see a woman with long black hair sitting on the settee.. but we can't see her face. Yet.
Man: I fear I have broken the vow I made to myself. The vow that I would not become an executioner.
Woman: We should have never come here. This place.. changed you. Already it has brought too many memories back. You should have listened to your friends.
The man walks over to the window, and looks out.. making sure no one is spying on them. He looks insecure.
Man: I don't have the luxury of friends. *angry* They told me there was nothing out there, nothing to fear. But the night my parents were murdered I caught a glimpse of something. I've looked for it ever since. I went around the world, searched in all the shadows. And there is something out there in the darkness, something terrifying, something that will not stop until it gets revenge... Me. And tonight, when I saw him.. when I saw that.. that.. that murderer.. I lost all self-control. I came here to do a job.. and I plan on finishing it. Nick Cotton murdered my parents in cold blood. And I will not rest until he faces judgement for his sins.
The woman turns silent.
Man: *changes subject* Are you liking Sein Dor?
Woman: It's.. okay. I stayed in most of the day. I looked up the woman you asked me to, online. You're right. She does look similar to me, when she was younger. Except she's a hobbit, and I'm human. And the man she is with.. he's pretty handsome.
Man: And I'm not?
Woman: ...
Man: Remember why we're here. No distractions.
The man walks in front of the settee, and we see the woman's face.
Woman: No distractions. *sighs*
On the table, is the woman's pink cellphone. On the screen, is a picture of Nick Zarano.
Nick is sitting in a small office given to him, looking over the company files on Nick Cotton. He also reads a magazine article he found on his desk.
When.. there's a knock on the office door.
Nick: Come in!
The door opens, and Nick sees Trina.
Nick: Oh, Trina. Surprised to see you here. How are you?
Trina: Well, I heard about your job, through the grape vine. And I needed to speak with you in private about something.
Nick: Sure. Close the door, and have a seat.
Trina sits down across from Nick, in the cubicle-sized office.
Nick: What can I do for you? *sips some coffee*
Trina: ... You can investigate my husband.
Nick: *spits out coffee on the desk* *quickly cleans it up, and coughs* Pardon?
Trina: This is hard for me to ask. And while I did consider Sherlock, Anna, and the others.. you are the best there is.
Nick: Well, I hear Sherlock is the best detective.
Trina: ...
Nick: Trina? What's this really about? Why me?
Trina: ... During.. during..
Nick: It's okay. Tell me.
Trina: ... During.. sexual intercourse.. Luca cried out, your wife's name.
Nick: .. Come again?
Trina: Because I have a feeling Luca likes Frodi. Too much. I don't think anything is going on between them. But I know, if anyone would be determined enough to find out, it would be you.
Nick: ... Frodi wouldn't.. well, then again.. I always said I wouldn't cheat. And I did. Multiple times. No one is perfect. And everyone lies. So.. argh. *scratches head, and looks at his desk* BUT.. he can't have her. No one can. If he so much as lays a finger on her, without my permission, I will cut off not just his finger, but his hand, his arm, and then I will cut out his beating heart.
Trina reaches out, and touches Nick's hand.
Trina: I love my husband Nick. I do. But.. I can't deal with this anymore. Especially if we're still trying to get pregnant. And if.. if he is cheating.. even if it's with someone besides Frodi.. I want you to do something.
Nick: Alright. What?
Trina: I want you to kill him.
Nick: ... Did you just order a hit on your husband?
Trina: I couldn't ask someone else this. But I know you would do it. I wouldn't be able to handle the thought of him with another woman.
Nick: Tell me about it. If he is banging my wife, you wouldn't have to ask. And, he might have someone joining him in the grave. If it's true, which I doubt.
Trina: I know you can handle this Nick.
Nick: Well, I do have alot on my plate. But, I'll do this. For you. That's it.
Trina: Thank you.
Trina gets up, and hugs Nick. She kisses him on the cheek.
Trina: I hope you prove me wrong. About Luca.
Nick: I hope so too.
Sherlock's Home..
Sherlock walks in, after his flight back from Steelport Prison.
Sherlock: Irene! I'm home.
Kitchen..
Sherlock walks into the kitchen. What he finds.. surprises him.
Naked, Irene is leaning over the kitchen counter, and looks at him seductively.
He comes up behind her, and softly strokes her backside. Irene bites her lip.
Sherlock: Boy I'm glad to be home.
Irene: As you can see.. I've been waiting for you, ever since the kids left for school.
He smacks her bottom, and takes off his clothes.
Sherlock: You never make life boring.
Irene: That's why I'm here.. to spice things up. *thinks about Luca*
Within seconds, he is thrusting himself into her. Irene moans, and grabs onto the counter.
Afterwards, once dressed, they look each other in the eyes.
Irene: Tonight.. round two.
Docks..
A group of men in business suits, and some in leather jackets, stand by the water down by the docks. Sea fog is beginning to roll in. Another man comes out of a warehouse, dragging a bloody victim onto the docks. The men are clearly criminals, employed by someone.
Footsteps are heard.. and Nick Cotton is seen, emerging from a side-street.
He walks over to the victim, a man, who is laying on the ground.
Nick calmly takes out his gun, and cocks it.
Nick Cotton:*standing over the man, gun pointed at the man* You disrespected me, by not paying your debts. So now I have no choice, but to put five bullets in you, and throw your body into the bay.
Man: Please.. please! I will get you your money! I have a wife.. a family!
Nick Cotto: You know.. I kinda liked you. Sein Dor Bakery store owner and all. And you even had some time, when I was admitted into the hospital with a gunshot wound. But still.. tisk tisk tisk.. you couldn't get me my money. So now, you die. Now, you make bread for the deceased.
GUNSHOT GUNSHOT GUNSHOT GUNSHOT GUNSHOT
Nick shoots the man five times. Nick Cotton's men look at their boss, concerned with his anger issues.
Nick Cotton talks to himself, and kicks the body of the dead man into the bay.
He laughs.
Nick Cotton: Okay boys, party's over! Now go raid his house & storefront, and take any valuables you can.
Meanwhile, only a few blocks away..
A man walks towards the location of the dock safehouse. The man's identity, is hidden. He takes out his cellphone, and looks at a picture.
He looks up, and sees the warehouse he was looking for.
Meanwhile..
Safehouse..
The Woman has been inside the safehouse for days.. a prisoner of sorts, held here by The Man she came to Sein Dor with.
But she's also doing this willingly.
She hears a knock on the door, and jumps from her seat. She looks across the room, at the security camera monitor.
The Woman: No.. it can't be. *suddenly turns excited* *grinning*
The Woman runs over to the door, and opens it fast.
The Woman: Brother! You've come! Finally! After all this time!
Standing in the doorway..
Is Sabag.
Sabag: Hello little Sis. Long time no see.
She jumps into his arms.
Sabag: Hello.. Julie. *hugs her tightly*
Quote
FLASHBACK
THE NIGHT OF SABAG'S DEATH
The Underworld..
Sabag is kneeling in an old, dark church. The building is literally crumbling around him. As the window blows, he watches his life pass before his eyes.
Male Voice: You have unfinished the business.. among the living. Your sister needs you.
Sabag, overwhelmed at dying, is in tears.
Sabag: My sister, Frodi, is safe.
Male Voice: Not Frodi Zarano.. you have another sister. Younger than the rest of your siblings. And she, is on the path of mortal danger.
Sabag kisses his sister on the cheek.
Sabag: Why did you come here to Sein Dor? When I saw the shooting.. I knew you, and him.. had come here. But why? I've done my best to keep your existence a secret, as you asked of me. But the idea of keeping this secret any longer.. hurts me. And, what if someone sees you? You are the human version of Frodi. You are the result of what would happen if you combined me, and your sister. Someone will surely recognize.
Julie: He brought me here.. to go after the people who killed his parents.
Julie leads Sabag into the safehouse. Sabag closes the door.
Sabag: And you're going along with him? In order to be safe, you were supposed to say away from these people. And that includes pretty much everyone in Sein Dor.
Julie: Including Nick Zarano?
Sabag: Yes. Why mention him?
Julie: I don't know.
Sabag: ... Julie, you need to make up your mind here. Your safety, is in danger. If someone spots you here.. who knows what could happen.
Julie: ...
Sabag: I can't protect you anymore. I can't lie about your existence. Frodi deserves to know, that she has a sister. She also deserves to know.. that her mother, is still alive.
Nick sits in his office, brooding about Trina's visit. He thinks about what she said, and wonders...could there be any truth to her suspicians? Could Trina's husband be having an affair Nick's wife?
NICK: If Frodi is cheating on me with that slimeball Luca... if she's screwing his sorry ass... so help me god, I'll kill them both with my bare fucking hands! *forms his hand into a tight fist* I KNEW there was something off about him, the first time I met him! The way he was hanging around Frodi in the shop. Fucking slimy bastard! *thinks for a few minutes* No! Frodi wouldn't do that... she wouldn't cheat on me... would she?
Sein Dor Hotel...
Frodi's feeling restless in the hotel room. Nick's busy at work, Eurus is in nursery, Vincent and Rosie are in school, Michael and Lilla are out with friends... so Frodi is all by herself. As well as that, the baby has been very active today, and Frodi gets a thrill every time she feels the baby move.
The baby kicks again.
FRODI: *gently strokes her bump* Are you having a party in there, little one? *smiles* You're kicking like crazy today.
The baby kicks again.
FRODI: *looks towards the window* Oh, I'm not going to stay cooped up in here, when it's such a beautiful day outside. *looks down at her bump* Tell you what, why don't we go for a nice walk?
Frodi grabs her coat, leaves the room, and heads for the lifts leading down to hotel reception.
NolCorp...
NICK: No, I trust Frodi. We've been married a long time. I trust her... she wouldn't cheat. *frowns, unsure* Now HIM (Luca) on the other hand... HIM I don't trust! And if he thinks he can get his hands on my wife... he's got another thing coming. Anyway, I told Trina I would investigate him... SO... if I was having an affair... again... where would I take my mistress?
Nick taps his fingers on the desk, as he thinks.
NICK: Somewhere nice. Restaurants maybe. But then there's always the risk Trina would see them. Okay, think Nick! He has to have somewhere... a safe place... somewhere that Trina doesn't go. *he grins* BINGO! His workshop! Trina said he hates her going there. That has to be it! *jumps up from his desk* Okay Mr Scaletta, let's see if you're hiding anything.
A Cafe In Sein Dor...
Frodi was enjoying her stroll, taking in the sights and sounds of Sein Dor. She's heading for the park. As she passes a cafe on the way to the park... she sees Trina sitting at one of the outside tables. This could be a chance to clear the air, with all the tension about Luca.
FRODI: *aproaches Trina* Trina?
Trina looks up, and sees Frodi. She's not sure how to react. Had Nick told Frodi about their meeting... that she asked him to investigate Luca? Had Nick sent Frodi to check up on her? Is Frodi looking for a confrentation?
FRODI: Can we talk?
TRINA: Uh... okay.
Frodi sits down at Trina's table.
FRODI: Trina, what you said... the day you came to our house... has been playing on my mind a lot.
TRINA: ...
FRODI: It bothers me, that you think there's something going on with Luca and I. We were friends, and I swear to you, that's ALL we were. And if you thought there was something more, I'm truly sorry.
TRINA: Were?
FRODI: I've tried to keep my distance from him... out of respect to you. I don't want to be accused of having an affair.
Ah yes... Trina remembers that conversation now. It seems like so long ago.
FRODI: I'm so much in love with my husband, Trina, I can't even think of messing around with someone else. Nick is all I can ever want. He is EVERYTHING to me.
Trina looks at Frodi. Is she telling the truth? Maybe... maybe not. But until Trina knows for sure if Frodi and Luca are having an affair, Trina decides not to mention her meeting with Nick.
TRINA: But he's cheated on you in the past, hasn't he? Nick, I mean. He told me as much.
Frodi is surprised Nick told that to Trina.
FRODI: *looks down* Yes, he's cheated on me in the past. But we got past that, and we're stronger than ever. We love each other, and I would never, EVER do anything to hurt him.
TRINA: And I love *my* husband. I don't want to lose him, Frodi. Can you understand that?
Frodi nods.
TRINA: I love him so much, but it hurts, knowing he has feelings for you.
FRODI: *tries to re-assure Trina* I'm sure you're wrong, Trina. Luca doesn't have any feelings for me. He loves YOU.
Trina thinks about Luca calling out Frodi's name, as they made love... and shudders.
FRODI: Are you okay?
TRINA: *nods, slowly* I want our marriage to work, Frodi. It's our anniversary in less than 3 months. I want to celebrate our marriage with him... I want to have many more anniversaries with him.
FRODI: *smiles brigthly* Happy anniversary, Trina! *puts a friendly hand on Trina's arm* I truly hope you both have a wonderful day.
TRINA: Thanks. This will be our second anniversary.
Luca's Workshop...
Luca sits at his desk in his workshop, with a strange, faraway look in his eyes. Him and Irene have disposed of Danny's body, and Luca has destroyed the server... but not before printing out every photo of Frodi that was on there. He mutters to himself, as he goes through the photos, "fixing" them. If there happens to be someone else in the photo with Frodi - a customer, a friend, Nick - then that person is cut out of the photo. Nick gets the extra "treatment" of having his face blacked out first, of course. NO-ONE will come between Luca and his queen. Photos that have already been "fixed" are stuck on to the wall above his desk.
A Cafe In Sein Dor...
FRODI: So you and Luca will be married for 2 years. That's wonderful! How did you and him meet? If you don't mind me asking?
TRINA: It's kinda strange, how we met, actually. *thinks back* We met in a hospital, believe it or not. I used to be a nurse, you see, and I was on an exchange programme Concordia Hospital in Italy. Luca was a patient there - he was brought in with severe depression after his first wife died.
FRODI: Oh, I'm so sorry. I had no idea.
TRINA: Luca was a mess. It broke my heart to see him like that - missing his wife so much... blaming himself. It was horrible to see him in so much pain. He even... *bites her lip, struggling to hold back tears, as the memory fills her mind* He even tried to kill himself at one point, cos he couldn't deal with it... couldn't accept her death.
Trina touches her wrist at the same point Luca has his scar.
TRINA: I wanted so badly to comfort him, and put my arms around him, and tell him everything would be okay.
FRODI: I'm sorry to hear all this Trina. It must have been so hard for him. And for you.
TRINA: *nods* Back then, we were barely more than strangers. I was a nurse... he was a patient. But when I knew his story, my heart just bled for him. I used to sit with him for hours, just talking.
FRODI: That must have been comforting for him... knowing someone cared.
TRINA: Well, I can't take the credit for his recovery. He was receiving intense therapy... seeing a psychiatrist daily, prescription medication... anything that would help him. And we became very close. He was so sweet, Frodi. So kind and caring. I could feel myself falling for him... but I never acted on it. The poor man had just lost his wife... the person he loves. So I told myself that being his friend would have to be enough. I would support him, and be there for him, whenever he wanted. But when my year in Italy came to an end... I had to leave him, and go back to Wales. He was still a patient in the hospital, but I couldn't be there to sit with him anymore. *pause* Going back to Wales was the hardest thing I've ever done.
FRODI: But you must have gone back to Italy at some point? Otherwise... how did you end up together?
TRINA: That's the amazing thing! I never knew he was such a romantic! The hospital back in Wales wouldn't give me any time off. I almost quit nursing at that point, so I could go back and be with Luca. But... he surprised me. A few months later, he appeared at my door. The Italian hospital had released him! He said he couldn't stop thinking about me... we've been together ever since. We married in Wales, then moved here to Sein Dor just over a year ago.
FRODI: That is such an amazing story, Trina. So romantic! See... you and him are MEANT to be together! *smiles*
TRINA: I love him so much, Frodi. But it makes so sad, when I think about what he's been through, losing his wife.
FRODI: What was she like? His first wife?
TRINA: Um... I don't really know. I know he loved her very much. But even now, he barely talks about her death. Too painful, I guess. I've seen pictures of her though, she's very pretty.
FRODI: Well if you ask me, he's very lucky to have you.
TRINA: Thanks. But I'm so afraid... I'm losing him again.
FRODI: You can't think like that, Trina. After that story, with him coming to find you in Wales...it's clear he loves you. *pauses* You know, all marriages have their ups and downs, but sometimes you have to go through the tough times, to make the great ones.
TRINA: In other words... don't give up on Luca?
FRODI: In a nutshell! *smiles*
The baby starts kicking again. Frodi automatically puts her hand to her bump, and shifts position. Trina notices the look on Frodi's face.
TRINA: Enough about Luca for now. How's that baby of yours?
FRODI: He or she has been so active today, kicking me practically non stop. I swear, it's having a party in there. *laughs*
TRINA: Um... I hope you don't think this is rude, but would you mind if I... felt it moving?
FRODI: Of course not. *smiles*
Trina leans across, and feels Frodi's bump.
TRINA: *looks up at Frodi* I've never felt anything so amazing! *continues feeling the baby move* Nick told me... you couldn't always have kids? That you needed an operation?
FRODI: Yeah, there were some serious complications when my son Vincent was born. Thank god VIncent survived - he's our little fighter - but they said I couldn't have any more children after that. But Nick was wonderful! He took me to a private clinic. They said they could repair the damage that was done, so I would be able to get pregnant again. Nick was so supportive through the whole procedure, and stayed with me the whole time. Even when I was recovering after the operation, he still supported me.
TRINA: Luca wants us to have a baby. Well, we've been trying for a while, but it hasn't happened yet. *sad* I think it would mean a lot to Luca, if he was able to give me a child as his special anniversary present.
FRODI: It *WILL* happen, Trina. You have to keep believing that.
Luca's Art Studio...
Nick arrives at the art studio. He's here to look for evidence of Luca having an affair... with Frodi, or anyone else. He walks around the building, studying it. One window in the back, but it's boarded up. Odd! Nick walks round to the front again, and tries to open the door.
NICK: *shoogles the door* DAMN! Locked.
Nick bends down, and looks at the lock. Fairly simple mechanism, shouldn't be a problem for him. He gets to work at picking the lock.
Suddenly, a noise is heard from inside, and the door opens. Luca stands there, looking furious. He blocks Nick, so he can't get in.
LUCA: Thought I heard something! What are you doing, Nick?
NICK: Hey Luca. How are you? I tried knocking *lies* but you must not have heard me.
LUCA: ...
NICK: Can I come in?
LUCA: No, I'm very busy, Nick. What is it?
NICK: I wanted your help, Luca. I know you're an artist, and I wanted to buy one of your paintings *lies again* as a surprise for Frodi.
LUCA: My paintings are NOT for sale. Nor are they for public viewing!
NICK: Damn! Okay, well, it was worth asking. *squints past Luca* Can't help noticing that window in the back is all boarded up.
LUCA: And?
NICK: Well... isn't in kind of dark in there?
LUCA: There's something called a lightswitch. You should try it sometime.
NICK: Okay, sorry, I just thought, an artist would want as much light as possible. No need to bite my head off.
LUCA: *changes attitude* Forgive me Nick. I tend to get a little possessive of my paintings, I don't like anyone seeing them. You know what they say about us artists being quirky, hehe. As for the window... it got broken. Vandals. I boarded it up to prevent anyone from breaking in. I'll get it fixed soon.
NICK: Okay, well if you changed your mind about selling me a painting, just let me know.
LUCA: I won't.
Nick leaves to avoid suspicion. But why wouldn't Luca let him in? Why have the door locked, in the first place? Did he have someone... another woman... with him?
A Cafe In Sein Dor...
As Frodi and Trina continue chatting, something occurs to Trina. Didn't Luca once tell her, it was around this time of year that his first wife died? Is that why he's been acting so strange recently - cos he's remembering his dead wife? Trina is angry with herself, for not realising before. She decides to go home, and see if he's okay.
TRINA: Listen, it's been great chatting with your Frodi, but I should be getting back now.
FRODI: Yeah, me too. Didn't realise the time. I only came out for a walk.
Hobbit and human stand up, and head back towards their respective houses.
Luca & Trina's House...
Trina arrives home, but finds the place in darkness. She walks through to the living room, and flicks on the lightswitch... and jumps to find Luca sitting there... in the dark. He had returned from his art studio.
TRINA: LUCA! Oh, what a fright you gave me. Why are you sitting here in the dark?
LUCA: Was just thinking.
TRINA:*puts her arm round him* Luca, I figured it out... why you've been so sad again recently. It was around this time that she died, wasn't it? Your first wife? I'm so sorry I didn't figure it out before.
Luca stands up, and walks over to the window. He puts his arm up to lean against the window frame, looking out at the world outside. He speaks softly... quietly.
LUCA: It's been a few years now, but when the anniversary of her death come around, it feels like it was just yesterday.
Trina joins him at the window, and cuddles him from behind, trying to comfort him.
TRINA: She's still with you, in spirit, Luca.
LUCA: *turns to look at Trina* I'm sorry, I shouldn't be like this. It's not fair to you.
TRINA: But it's only natural you still think of her. Specially now. Tell me about her?
LUCA: I... can't. *tears up*
TRINA *kisses his tears* You can get through this, Luca. I know you can.
LUCA: I got through this before, because of you. I survived because of you, baby. You are my strength! You are my savour! *puts his arms round her* You saved me, baby!
TRINA: Don't underestimate yourself, Luca. You are an amazing man... you're stronger than you give yourself credit for.
Luca puts his arms around her, and kisses her. He holds her tightly, as though he never wants to let go.
LUCA: You are my strength, baby. I need you! Help me be strong.
Trina looks into his eyes, and sees him pleading with her.
TRINA: I'll always be here, Luca. Always. I love you.
Luca gently lowers her to the floor, and lies on top of her. He slip his hand down her dress.
LUCA: *whispers* Help me be strong.
He kisses her again, and kisses her. She wraps her arms round him, and kisses him back. Her hands find their way down to his trousers, and she slowly unbuckles them. They make love (this time, without him calling out Frodi's name ). Trina trembles with passion - his hot body against hers. She moans gently, as he eases himself in and out of her. She looks up into his eyes, and is overwhelmed by the love she has for him. She kisses his chest, over and over. THIS is the Luca she married - the kind and caring one.
An unknown amount of time later, they lie on the floor, in each other's arms, panting, and sweaty, but happy.
LUCA: Love you baby.
TRINA: I love you too, Luca.
They lie there, in each other's arms, neither of them wanting to move, eventually drifting off to sleep.
Suddenly, Luca opens his eyes.
LUCA: *whispers quietly* Trina?
Nothing...
LUCA: *whispers* Trina, are you asleep?
Still nothing...
Luca smiles. She must be asleep. He gently untangles himself from her, and quietly stands up.
LUCA: *whispers* Sweet dreams, baby.
Luca creeps out the room, goes out to the hall, and grabs his jacket. Trina opens her eyes, as she hears the front door quietly open, and close again. But she doesn't move. She knows Luca has sneaked out somewhere, and it just re-affirms her suspicions that he's having an affair... possible with Frodi, or possibly with someone else. A tear trickles down her cheek.
Nick: As if hiding outside and waiting for the nutcase to leave wasn't going to be my next action. Poor Luca. Your stupidity is my weakness.
Nick puts away his lockpick kit, into his jacket pocket. He then turns on a light, and begins exploring the studio.
He passes by art work, and random objects.
Nick: Hmmm.. that's some pretty demented stuff. Reminds me of Fran..
Something stops Nick in his tracks.
Nick: ..co.
On the floor, a massive red stain.. starting with a pool, and then drag marks.
Nick: Okay Nick, maybe you are jumping to conclusions. That could be dry red paint. *bends down, and touches it* Or it could be blood. I'm guessing the later. I've certainly cleaned up enough blood in my day.
Nick gets up, and continues to explore the rest of the studio.
When..
Talking is heard outside.
Nick: Fuck!
Nick looks around, and notices a massive desk on the other side of the studio.. the dark section. He runs.
Seconds later the doors to the studio open. Luca walks in, along with a woman.
Luca: Irene, we need to talk. Get in here.
Nick quickly takes out his cellphone, and puts it on the "record" option.
Irene: What do you want Luca?
Luca: I need you to leave town.
Irene: ... Trying to get rid of me already?
Luca: IRENE! I am trying to fix my marriage here. I can't have you hanging around.
Irene: Why? Are you afraid I might want you to fuck me again? You see, my thinking.. is that if you ever decide to kill someone, I can help you get rid of the body. Again.
Luca: ...
Irene: OHHHH! I know what this is about... poor Luca is afraid that HE might want to fuck me again. And if his wifey finds out, he'll lose his manhood. What's left of it that is.
Luca: ... Irene, I'll pay you anything. Just leave Sein Dor. Tell Sherlock that you don't like it here.
Irene: But I'm having so much fun! Dragging bodies out into the woods, fucking in the middle of the studio.. I'm already having a blast.
Nick shifts himself under the desk, shocked at what he is hearing. When he notices something.. a photo on the floor. He slowly reaches his arm out, and picks it up.. it's a picture of Frodi!
Luca: IRENE! You need to get out of town! I AM NOT ASKING YOU! I AM TELLING YOU!
Irene: DO NOT RAISE YOUR VOICE TO ME LUCA! Remember, I have a nice little recording of us doing it! And I'm not afraid to show our little home video to your wife!
Luca: And I'm not afraid to tell your PI husband that you are sleeping with someone behind his back. AND KILLING PEOPLE WHILE YOU'RE AT IT!
Irene: You are such the little boy Luca. Never grew up, did you? If I hadn't killed Danny, you would be behind bars right now. All thanks to your sick obsession with the hobbit.
Luca: Irene, I will not ask you again. Leave town.
Irene: Or what? What are you going to do about it? Force me?
Luca walks over to his toolbox. His hands going through it, while he talks to Irene.
Luca: Yes.
Irene: You have to grow balls first Luca. Even I have them.
Luca: ...
Irene: That's it. I'm outta here. You better change your tune by the next time we meet, or Trina gets the sexy details about our meetup!
Suddenly, Luca's hands emerge from the toolbox. He yells, and runs towards Irene.
Luca: GGGGGRRRRRRRAAAAAAHHHHH!
Nick can see Luca gripping a wrench, as Luca strikes Irene in the back of the head, cracking her skull open. Blood splatters all over a nearby canvas. Nick gasps in shock at what he just witnessed.
Irene's bloody body falls to the floor. An angry and unstable Luca stands over her, and repeatedly smashes her head, breaking her skull into bloody fragments.
Luca stands with the bloody wrench in his hand, and looks up.. monitors of his studio are mounted from the ceiling. Suddenly, something catches Luca off guard. He turns around.. and faces the dark section of the studio.
Luca: NICK ZARANO!
Nick panics! LUCA HAS SEEN HIM!
He quickly emerges from the desk, and goes to grab his gun.. only remembering, he came from his office! NolCorp doesn't allow guns! He didn't bring his gun today!
Nick runs past the photos of Frodi, and hides behind art.
Luca: Nick, whatever you saw.. it's not what it looks like!
Nick: You're a murderer Luca! You killed her! And.. Danny!
Luca: She killed Danny.
Nick: And.. what is this sick obsession with Frodi?
Luca: You are in so much denial Nick. I'm not obsessed with Frodi. She's obsessed with me! Why do you think she always let me hang out in her shop? It started as friendship, but then turned to more. When you had your honeymoon. When she came back, she was so destroyed, we slept together. But then she learned the truth. That you were setup. But it was too late. She couldn't fight her feelings for me. She tried. I tried. We have been sleeping together for weeks. She has no plans on leaving you, but that hasn't stopped her from enjoying my services. She is my queen. And soon, she WILL be mine. And you will be out of the picture. Face it Nick.. Frodi isn't the angel you think she is. She is my queen.
Nick emerges from behind a canvas, when suddenly he feels a sharp pain on the top of his head.
He falls to the ground, Luca standing over him. Luca has struck Nick with the wrench.
Luca: When you wake up, this will all have been a distant dream. But just remember this.. she's not your wife. She's my queen. And she's cheating on you. Sweet dreams Nick.
Luca strikes Nick again, and he blacks out.
BLACK
BEEP BEEP BEEP
Nick awakens.. his eyes opening slowly. He sees Frodi sitting across from him.
She is reading a magazine.
Nick: Frodi..
Frodi jumps.
Frodi: Nick? Oh thank god you are finally awake! *smiles big, and squeezes his hand*
Nick: What.. happened?
Frodi: Nick, I've been so worried! You were attacked on your way home from NolCorp. They don't know who did it, probably some muggers. But you've been in a coma for five days. Luca is the one who found you outside his studio. He saved your life!
Nick: ... Argh..
Frodi: Do you remember what happened?
Nick: No. Nothing.
Frodi: Well, the doctors said that you may never remember the attack. It may be too traumatic for your brain to remind you of it. But am I just so happy you are awake!
Nick: I love you so much..
Frodi: I love you too! *leans over, and kisses him*
Luca's Studio..
Luca is still cleaning up his studio.
Luca: Okay.. Nick won't remember anything, I deleted the recording.. I got rid of Irene.. I should be now able to put this all behind me. And then.. I can focus on my queen. *takes a picture of Frodi out of his pocket, and stares at it* And soon, you will be giving birth to our child. I can't wait to witness it.
THREE DAYS LATER..
Nick is still recovering from the attack, but finally out of the hospital. It's unclear if Nick will ever remember what happened to him. It could be weeks.. months.. years.. maybe never, before he remembers.
As part of Nick's recovery, the doctor's are suggesting Nick clears up other traumatic experiences in his life. The ones he is refusing to knowledge. Notably, Emily's death. This will help Nick's brain cope with all the latest trauma. The doctors suggest that Nick find closure for Emily's brutal murder. So, he arranges to meet with her killer.. one on one.
Steelport Prison..
Nick walks into the visiting area. Franco is brought in. He is sat in the chair by two guards. Franco grins at Nick. Nick shows no emotion. Franco picks up the phone.
Nick does nothing. Franco motions for Nick to pick up the phone, and laughs. Nick slowly picks it up.
Franco: You know, women call men dogs. That's to suggest we're somehow untrustworthy or disloyal. But a dog is anything but. And if men are dogs, what the goddamn hell does that make women? You've ever seen a bitch in heat? She will grind herself across the grass to try and get her that itch. And she can find a way to sneak out of the backyard, as any dog will do.
Nick: ...
Franco: *grins* Hello Nick.
Nick: ... Why am I here?
Franco: I think you want answers. After all, this may be our last chat. I have plans to go away for awhile. Spend some quality time with my mother.
Nick: God help her. And I don't think you are leaving this place for a very long time.
Franco: Don't kid yourself.
Nick: ...
Franco: ...
Nick: ...
Franco: ... So why don't you ask me?
Nick: ... Ask you what?
Franco: The question you came here to get answered. The question of why I killed your precious little Emily.
Nick grips the phone tightly.
Franco: You want the truth? Or the lie?
Nick: The truth.
Franco: I killed her.. and.. honestly.. it felt amazing. It felt amazing to have her blood on MY lips. Her warm.. sweet.. blood. After all these years. And best of all.. she was loved by you. I finally, got you. It took years.. for me to finally get to you. And it didn't take much. All I had to do, was kill someone close to you. You see.. *grins* no one has ever done that to you. All of the others, never came close to causing you pain like I did.
Nick: ...
Franco: So what I did.. is I didn't fake a death. I didn't play a game with you. I brutally killed someone you loved, right in front of your wife. So she would be a witness. And now.. after all these years, the game is over. And if you ask me why.. why did I do all of this? The reason is.. because I love you Nick. I always have. You are the brother I never had.
Nick: ... We are not brothers. Never were, never will be. Nor are we alike. Despite what you've been drilling into my brain for more than a decade.
Franco: You know what your problem is Nick? You see people like puzzles, I see them as games. You're a game that I will always win.
Nick: ... I don't know why I came here. *gets up to leave*
Franco: Closure.
Nick thinks.
Nick: ... You know what? Go fuck yourself. You sick demented little fuck. Emily suffered at the hands of your apprentice, when she was raped, and her family was killed. And then you have the balls to come back, years later, and finish her off. An innocent CHILD! A CHILD! If you wanted to get to me, YOU GET TO ME! YOU COME TO ME! *pounds on his chest* But no. It's always through other people. And you know why? Because you are a coward. You hide behind your demented dark paintings, wanting to act like this sick twisted person.. when in reality, you aren't twisted. You are just a sick coward. Rot in prison, and rot in hell. And if you ever come near my family again, you die.
Franco: Before you go..
Nick: No. Not another game.
Franco: This is only a friendly warning, as part of our goodbye. Your wife.. the woman you say you love so much? Will die.
Nick stares at Franco, as the guards come near. Visiting time is up.
Franco: Frodi Zarano will die, and when she does, you my brother.. will have nothing. No one to back you up, no one to boost your ego, no one. When she dies, so will your soul.
The guard grabs Franco's phone, and hangs it up.
Nick slowly hangs up the phone.. concerned.
Nick: Another mind game.
Later that night.. Nick is back in Sein Dor.
Wrapped around Frodi, in bed, fast asleep, he begins to dream.
Quote
Nick is standing in a room, Frodi across from him. Nick is angry, but he doesn't know why. The dream is foggy.
Nick: You.. you.. YOU SLEPT WITH HIM! *throws glass of whiskey into the glass table, smashing both objects into pieces* *Frodi screams* YOU SLEPT WITH THAT SON OF A BITCH! BEHIND MY BACK! What.. What was I? Just a fool to you? As if I wouldn't find out? What.. is this some kind of sick payback? For all my years of cheating? ... Well congratulations. You won. You got your payback. And now, *moves closer to her* I'm going to ruin you. I'm going to take MY kids, from you... And I will make sure they never see your ugly face again. And then, one day.. I will come. I will hunt BOTH of you down, and put both of you out of your sick little world of misery. You won't know when. But I will come. And when I come, you die.
Nick jerks awake, and sits up. He rubs his head.. and thinks. That dream.. was horrible.
Steelport Prison..
BANG
Doors are kicked open.
Franco is thrown into a dark room by a bunch of thugs.
Franco rolls across the room, and coughs.. grabbing his stomach from some punches he was hit with.
Franco: No class. These criminals have no class.
Male Voice: I do.
The door closes, and Franco stands up. Out of the darkness.. comes a man.
Franco: ... I know you.. don't I? From somewhere.. ah yes! The one and only Todd Holmes.
Todd: Pleasure to be in your company Mr. Frank. I hear good things.
Todd sits down at a table, with an old dirty glass of water. Franco paces around the room.
Franco: So, I hear you are running things now. In here. You have your own men.
Todd: I call them Pawns. They are my followers. After being raped and beaten repeatedly, you learn to fight back, and take control of the situation.
Franco: You've changed.
Todd: So have you. I heard of your little endeavor with a mutual friend of ours.. Frodi Zarano. Killing her daughter right in front of her.. nice touch.
Franco: Thank you. It took me years to finally get my revenge.
Todd: Get? As in, you "got" it? You're done?
Franco: Yes. Mind you, prison wasn't on my list.. but getting caught was indeed part of the plan. I have no further plans for Nick. I wish to meet with him one day, or at least talk with him. But in terms of my life, I do have other plans. Mostly involving my art. And my woman. That is what I was doing for all the years I was "dead".
Todd: Well good for you. My life has been completely destroyed via an atomic bomb called Frodi the Hobbit. With nothing left, I have nothing to lose. But I do have everything to gain. That is where you come in.
Franco: How so?
Todd takes a sip of his drink.
Todd: I was speaking to a guard the other day. They told me one of the personal items you brought into this hellhole was a painting of yours. The painting is of at least half a million dollars in value, so the guards could not legally cut the painting to look inside of it. Instead, it's considered valuable art. They scanned it, as usual. But I have a feeling you didn't bring art into this prison just for inspiration. You planted something inside of it, something that couldn't be scanned, knowing the guards wouldn't or couldn't find it. Something that will help you get out of here. And I, want in.
Franco: ...
Todd: Together with my resources, we can get out of here. If you go against me, my men will turn you into their bitch. A position a wonderful artist like yourself would probably not like to be in.
Franco: ... I'm listening.
Todd: Work with us, and we can go far. Have my business card.
Todd hands Franco a card.
Franco examines the burnt card, and looks at Todd strangely.
Franco: Joker.. but Jonathan Crane is dead. I know so. Good man. Good student. Shame he died so uneventfully. No fireworks.
Todd: Jonathan is dead yes. But I'm not.
Franco: ... Oh.. OH! So that explains the uh.. ugly hair.
Todd: It will be so delightful to do as I please in the outside world, and just leave Jonathan's calling card. Everyone will think he is still alive, and I will be forgotten.
Franco: What's your plan?
Todd: Hm. Not sure. But I hear Sein Dor is beautiful this time of year..
NEXT DAY..
NolCorp..
Nolan and Nick stand in the boardroom, with a view overlooking the city.
Nolan: You cheated death yet again.
Nick: Yeah. I'm lucky to believe.
Nolan: Well, at least that Luca guy was there to save you. Have you thanked him?
Nick: ... Uh, no. The whole damn reason why I was there.. near Luca's studio, where the mugging happened, is because his wife hired me to investigate him. As it is, I imagine Trina feels guilty.
Nolan: Did you find anything on him?
Nick: Well, he could be a cross dressing serial killer for all I know. My memory of the events that day is gone.
Nolan: I could help you out. Do some digging. I'll look into his background. If anything pops up, I'll let you know.
Nick: Thanks Nolan. That'd be great.
Nolan: By the way, I noticed the gift bag on the desk.. you bought something for Frodi maybe?
Nick: Yeah, I'm planning a romantic evening at our beach house. Kind of a date thing. To thank her for being at my bedside during the whole hospital thing.
Nolan: Boy, you really do know how to work her.
Nick: Shut up Nolan.
Nick punches Nolan in the arm, and walks over to the desk, grabbing his gift bag.
Nolan: Hey.. just curious.. didn't marriage scare you? Like.. at all?
Nick: Truth is, it did scare me — marriage, family, the whole thing. But I didn't know anything about that except I said I was going to be better at it than my father was, and I don’t want to be who I was before. I like who I am when I’m married to Frodi. When I’m a father.
Nolan smiles, and thinks.
Later that evening..
Nick and Frodi's Beach House..
Frodi walks into the house. She followed specific directions left on a note at the hotel.. get dressed up, and come to the beach house. Bing and Alessea once again have the pleasure of babysitting. It's becoming a full-time job for them.
Frodi walks through the beach house, candles everywhere.. providing light.
Frodi: Nick?
Frodi hears voices.. and she walks into the living room. A DVD is playing on the TV. It's a DVD of Nick.
TV (Nick): Can I have your attention please? I would like to say a few words about Frodi Zarano. She's incredibly tender. And she cries at the drop of a hat. It's pretty adorable. Especially now that she's pregnant again, she's hormonal.
Frodi laughs. He made this DVD for her.
TV (Nick): But what I love the most about Frodi is her unbelievable strength. She faces her fears and she stares them down. And you've, Frodi, overcome your fears, and I'm -- well, I think that your pretty incredible. So I'm here to tell you that -- I'm in this for the long haul. Whatever that means. And we can face our fears together. Me and you. As a family. As a husband and wife. As we've made sat at each others bedsides in the past, and made love after. I think that you are amazing and brilliant and you’re also really funny and charming. And you’re my best friend. I love you. I love you beyond reason.
The DVD stops, and Nick emerges from the bedroom, shirtless.
He walks over to her.
Nick takes her hands.
Nick: You've always loved me, more than I could understand. I love you beyond words. I look at you, and I see beauty I can't imagine. You are the greatest person I have ever known, and it still shocks me that you would want to be with me. I love you more every day, and every day I look forward to seeing your face, touching it, kissing it, and finally making love to you. You are everything to me.
Nick takes out a box from his pocket, and opens it.. revealing a necklace.
FRODI: It's beautiful, Nick. I love it... thankyou. *smiles*
Frodi holds her hair out of the way, as Nick puts the necklace round her neck, and fastens the clasp. He puts his hands on both her shoulders, smiling at her. She takes his hands, looks up into his eyes, and gently kisses him.
FRODI: Loving you is so easy, Nick. *puts her hand on his heart, and kisses it* You are the kindest, bravest, handsomest, sweetest, wonderfullest, sexiest, most amazing man I have ever known. You are the best thing that ever happened to me! When I look at you, I just want to wrap my arms around you, and kiss you all over. You make me laugh when I'm sad. You laugh with me, when I'm happy. You share my joys... and my lows. You help me to face my fears. You're always there for me. You even put up with my weird cravings - you deserve a medal for that, alone! *laughs*
Nick chuckles, and strokes her hair.
FRODI: *kisses his chest* You have so much strength and determination - you face every obstacle thrown at you... and you beat it! And your compassion to those in need, amazes me. *intertwines her fingers with his* Emily learned to trust again, because of you. *smiles* I knew... from the first moment I saw you... you were special! *kisses him* No-one can make me feel like you can, Nick. I get excited just being near you. Your touch sends my pulse racing. *touches his face* Every day, I am in awe that you love me. You are my best friend... my love... my life. There are no words to describe how much I love you! I am lost without you. I am completely committed to you Nick Zarano - my heart, my body, my soul belongs to you. *cups his face in her hands, and gently kisses his lips* I love you beyond measure. I always will.
Nick smiles, and kisses her. The moment is electrifying, as the lovers embrace each other. Finally, Nick walks over to the cd player, and presses "Play". This song plays...
NICK: Dance? *holds his hand out to Frodi*
Frodi nods, and smiles. She walks over to him, and takes his hand. They wrap their arms around each other, holding each other close, as the slowly dance to the song.
As the song ends, they stay in each other's arms, not wanting to let go of the other.
FRODI: *looks into his eyes* *whispers softly, reflecting the song* So close, no matter how far. Couldn't be much more from the heart. Forever, trusting who we are. Nothing else matters.
Nick smiles, and kisses her.
NICK: That song is just perfect for us.
FRODI: *whispers in his ear* Do you know how amazing you are? Planning all this... making the dvd... leaving instructions for me to come here... setting up all the candles... the beautiful necklace *touches her necklace* the cd... the dance. And best of all... you! Thankyou Nick! For all of it! *strokes his face*
NICK: Well, it's been a long time since we had a proper date. Plus, I wanted to say thanks for being with me, when I was in the hospital. *kisses her*
FRODI: As if I would be anywhere else! When you were lying in that coma, when I didn't know if you would open your eyes again, I was in complete panic. I had never felt so alone, so helpless in my life.
NICK: *pulls her close* Well, now you're stuck with me! Can't get rid of me that easily. *strokes her hair*
FRODI: Good! Don't EVER scare me like that again! *clasps his hands tightly*
NICK: Don't worry, that's NOT something I intend to repeat.
They share a tender kiss.
FRODI: Alfred came to see you too, when you were in the coma. He was so worried about you.
NICK: That was nice of him. I'll have to thank him. Although I don't think a romantic evening with candles and dancing is the way to go, with him. *laughs*
Nick's hands move to the straps of Frodi's dress. He slowly pulls the straps down, letting the dress fall to the floor. Then he picks her up, and carries her through to the bathroom, where there is a romantic bubblebath waiting for them, in the huge bath. He gently lowers her into the bath, and climbs in after her. He pulls her towards him, and pulls her into his arms. With one arm wrapped around her, he grabs the sponge with his other arm, and gently washes her bump. It's an incredibly tender moment for them both.
Luca's Workshop...
Luca sits at the desk in his workshop, looking at the latest batch of Frodi photos. Knowing Frodi would visit the hospital to be with Nick, he had hidden outside the hospital entrance, and waited for her to show up. Luckily, she hadn't seen him - probably had other things on her mind. He looks at one of the photos, and touches her face.
LUCA: Ahh, my queen! I knew you would show up at the hospital, sooner or later. And you knew I would know! That's your way of telling me, you want me around, isn't it? *gazes at the photo for a moment* You and I - we have a connection, don't we? And no-one can break it. *pauses* But you look so sad. I know it's hard... when we're apart. But be strong. We won't be apart forever... my queen.
Luca closes his eyes, and in his mind... his memories, and his desires... begin to blur.
Quote
Flashback \ In Luca's mind...
Luca arrives at the hospital. Nick had been rushed in not long ago, after he was attacked, and Luca had called the ambulance. Now, Luca waits for Frodi to arrive. He looks at his watch - only 5 minutes have passed since the last time he looked. He MUST be patient - his queen will come to him soon.
A few minutes later, he sees Frodi walking up the path towards the hospital. A look of fear and anguish clouds her face.
LUCA: *to himself* I knew you would come to me. We just can't stay away from each other. *calls out* Frodi! FRODI!
Frodi turns, and sees Luca. She runs over to him, and smiles affectionately.
LUCA: Frodi, what are you doing here?
FRODI: It's Nick... he's been hurt. Apparantly, someone attacked him.
LUCA: Nick was attacked? *plays innocent* But that's terrible! How badly is he hurt?
FRODI: *shrugs* I dunno. They wouldn't say much over the phone. I suppose I should go and see him.
LUCA: You suppose? I sense reluctance?
FRODI: Well, it's not like I don't have other things I could be doing. *looks at Luca*
LUCA: *puts his hand on her arm* Things... like what?
FRODI: ...
Luca looks at her, and smiles. He puts his hand up to her face, and pulls her into his arms. Frodi returns his embrace.
FRODI: *softly* Things like this. Things like being with you. *kisses him* All Nick does is hurt me. Even now, he planned all this just to hurt me. But you...you make me feel... alive!
LUCA: Nick doesn't deserve you. You've given him plenty of chances, and he blows it every time. You deserve so much better. *pauses* You deserve to be treated like royalty, like the queen you are. *kisses her*
His kiss is tender at first, but soon becomes passionate. He pushes her back against a tree. There's no-one else around now - they're all alone.
FRODI: *panting* Luca... I want you... I want you so much! *kisses his lips*
LUCA: You... you want me?
FRODI: Uh-huh *kisses him*
Luca unbuckles his trousers, and lets them fall to the ground. He pulls up Frodi's skirt, and puts himself into her. Both of them moaning with passion.
Luca leans back in his chair... his head leaned back... his eyes closed... feeling a rush of excitement. Oh, to have his queen in his arms... to hold her tight... it's a 'memory' he'll never forget. He touches his lips.
LUCA: That kiss... her kiss... exquisite! There's simply no other word for it.
He opens his eyes, and picks up the pile of Frodi photos again.
LUCA: Nick doesn't deserve her. She's mine now. SHE'S MINE! *flips to the next photo* And our baby *touches her bump in the photo* Our beautiful baby... a union... of two lost souls... will soon be born to the world.
The Beach House...
Frodi & Nick lie on the floor, still wet from their bubble bath. Nick pulls a strand of wet hair away from her eyes. She looks up at him, and smiles. She kisses the fresh scar on his head, where he was hit with the spanner (by Luca, but neither of them know that).
FRODI: Luca may be creepy, but I'm so grateful to him for finding you, and calling the ambulance.
NICK: Yeah, I know I'm lucky to be alive.
FRODI: *stroking his cheek* Do you remember anything about the attack?
Nick thinks for a moment, trying to remember. But he still can't remember.
NICK: *shakes his head* It's still a blank. It's like... it's almost there... but then, when I try to concentrate, it just goes again. *sigh* Not even that visit with Franco helped. Although he DID piss me off.
FRODI: *squeezes his hand* Try to be patient, Nick. You know the doctors said you may never remember what happened to you.
NICK: I know, but it's just so... frustrating! Having this gap in my memory.
FRODI: *kisses him* I'm just glad you're okay. *plays with his hand* But if I ever find who did this to you... I'll make them wish they'd never been born!
NICK: Beware the wrath of Frodi. *grins* But not many people know... she's tickly... right... here.
Nick reaches down, and tickles Frodi's foot, making her errupt into fits of giggles.
Trina & Luca's House...
Trini is sitting in the living room, reading a book. She hears the front door slam.
TRINA: *looks up, and calls out* Luca? Is that you?
Luca walks into the living room. He looks at Trina for a moment, but doesn't say anything. He walks over to her, pulls her up into a standing position, and kisses her passionately.
TRINA: Oh... oh, Luca! *kisses him* What brought this on? *smiles*
LUCA: Make love to me. *kisses her*
Trina drops her book, and looks at Luca, a smile creeping over her face.
TRINA: *giggles* What... now? *throws her arms around him, and kisses him*
LUCA: Yes.
Trina runs her hands through his long hair, loving this sudden display of affection. Luca pushes her against the wall, pulls his trousers down, and pulls her skirt up... mimicking his earlier memory\fantasy of Frodi and the tree. He nuzzles Trina's neck - she holds him tightly, feeling herself become excited. Then he enters her.
The Beach House...
Nick & Frodi have drifted off in each other's arms. Frodi sleeps peacefully, but Nick starts dreaming.
Quote
Nick's Dream...
Nick is crouched in a small place. It's dark, and he feels afraid. But where is he?
MUFFLED MALE VOICE: Niiiiiicccccckkkkkk... where are you? Come out, come out, where-ever you are.
Nick doesn't move. He knows he has to stay hidden.
MUFFLED MALE VOICE: Nick... whatever you think you saw... it's not what it looks like.
NICK: I don't believe you.
MUFFLED MALE VOICE: C'mon... this is all just a misunderstanding.
NICK: I know what I saw.
MUFFLED MALE VOICE: And what did you see. Sorry, what did you THINK you saw?
NICK: I saw... I saw...
Nick hesitates. He can't remember.
MUFFLED MALE VOICE: *cold laugh* HA HA HA HA HA! And what good are you, if you can't even remember.
Nick runs to another dark hiding spot.
MUFFLED MALE VOICE: Frodi isn't your innocent angel, you know. SHE WILL BETRAY YOU.
Nick jerks awake. His jerks waken Frodi up.
NICK: *looks at her* I woke you up... I'm sorry.
FRODI: It's okay... it's okay. *squeezes his hands* What is it, Nick?
Nick sits up, and rubs his face.
NICK: Uh, bad dream, I think. I don't remember. *frowns*
Frodi sits up, and rubs Nick's back for a while.
Luca & Trina's House...
Luca & Trina lie on the floor, somewhat sweaty after their lovemaking session. Trina cuddles into him.
TRINA: Oh, I do love you Luca. *kisses his cheek*
LUCA: Yeah, me too.
TRINA: And, um... *whispers* Little Luca is pretty amazing too.
LUCA: *laughs* Well, I still want to give you that special present for our anniversary.
TRINA: I'm just excited to know it's our anniversary - that we will be married for 2 years.
LUCA: Nonsense. We can't ever give up hope of having a child.
TRINA: Hehe. Well right now, I need a shower. *sits up* Care to join me? *grins*
As Trina sits up, sunlight hits her face. Luca stares at her.
LUCA: ... I want to paint you.
Trina looks at him with surprise. He's never asked to paint her before.
TRINA: What??? *thrilled that he wants to do this*
LUCA: You heard me.
TRINA: You want me to come to your studio? *excited*
LUCA: *shakes his head* No, that place isn't for you. I want to paint you here, in our home... where you shine brightest.
Trina wraps her arms around Luca, overcome with emotion.
A WEEK PASSES...
Trina & Luca's House...
Trina bounds up to Luca, excitedly.
TRINA: So when are you gonna start my painting, Luca? *kisses him*
LUCA: *looks at her with a puzzled expression* Excuse me?
TRINA: My painting. I've been looking forward to posing for you.
LUCA: Trina, I don't know what you're talking about.
TRINA: *her face falls* But... last week, you said you wanted to paint me. After we made love.
LUCA: You must be mistaken. Why would I want to paint you?
Trina looks at him, tears beginning to well up in her eyes. The disappointment of Luca not painting her after all is bad enough... but that last comment really hurt her. The way he said 'Why would I want to paint you', as though she's not even worth the effort.
LUCA: I'm going out for a while. Be back later.
Luca waltzes out, completely oblivious to her feelings.
Bing & Alessea's House...
Bing & Alessea still have a full house, as the Fellowship are staying with them. Bing & Alessea have been taking advantage of having so many adults around to act as babysitters, so they can spend more time together.
Alessea & Bing are sitting on the settee - Bing has his arm around her, and she rests her head on his chest.
ALOSRIN: *tugs on Gondien's robe* Play with me, granddaddy.
GONDIEN: *picks Alosrin up,and holds him high in his arms* What would you wish to play, my child?
ALOSRIN: Ummm, i don't know. Something fun.
GONDIEN: *thinks for a moment* I know just the game for you. It is called Straw Wars.
Cassima and Aurelius look at each other, remembering the game with fondness.
GONDIEN: I used to play this game with your brother and your sister, when they were much smaller.
AURELIUS: And we always won. *grins*
GONDIEN: Alas, it is true. They showed no mercy for their grandfather.
ALOSRIN: *giggles* I wanna play!
CASSIMA: *jumps up* I'll get some straws.
Sein Dor Town Centre...
Frodi is out shopping for food. Nick had offered to go, but the baby is kicking a lot today, so Frodi felt that a walk might help calm the baby down. Nick still hasn't been able to remember what happened to him, but every day, he gets a little bit stronger. Frodi is delighted that he's doing so well.
Frodi thinks to herself, going over everything she needs to buy.
FRODI: Okay, I need milk, cereal, ice cream, and coffee powder to go with it, of course. Oh, and I want to get one of those special little heart-shaped cookies for Nick. *smiles* What else?
Footsteps fall in line with hers, and a male voice speaks to her.
VOICE: Hi!
FRODI: *jumps* Oh, hi Luca. Sorry, I was a million miles away.
LUCA: How's Nick?
FRODI: He's doing brilliantly, Luca. *stops to look at Luca* I can't thank you enough for saving him. If you hadn't found him, and called for an ambulance... I can't bear to think what would have happened.
LUCA: I was just in the right place at the right time, that's all.
FRODI: You can play it down all you want, Luca Scaletta, but I'm still so grateful. *smiles*
LUCA: I'm just glad he's doing better. *pauses* Frodi... I have some news of my own...
FRODI: Oh?
LUCA: Oooooohhhh, I can't hold it in! I'm SO excited! Frodi... Trina is pregnant! We're gonna have a baby! Finally!
FRODI: *gasps* LUCA, that's WONDERFUL! CONGRATULATIONS! I'm SO happy for you. You and Trina have been wanting this for so long. *smiles big*
LUCA: Thanks!
Suddenly, without warning, Luca grabs Frodi, and pulls her into a hug. Frodi is caught completely off guard by this, and although she is incredibly grateful to him, she doesn't like this man putting his arms around her. She feels uncomfortable. But she doesn't want to appear rude, after he saved Nick.
Then... Luca does something strange. He strokes her hair.
FRODI: Okay... *pushes him away* I think you're getting over-emotional here.
LUCA: You're right, forgive me. Forgive me. *does a small bow, as an apology* I'm just so excited!
FRODI: *takes a couple steps back* I'm so thrilled for you and Trina. Trina must be over the moon, as well.
LUCA: She is! She's at home resting, right now. After waiting this long, she doesn't want anything to go wrong.
FRODI: Please... pass my regards to Trina. And tell her, if she want's to talk about anything... if there's anything that's worrying her, or even if she just wants a natter... she's to call me. Okay?
LUCA: *nods* Okay. I'll pass that along.
FRODI: Anyway, I'd better get on with the shopping. Food won't buy itself, and I have a hungry family at home. Congratulations again, Luca. Trina is gonna love being pregnant.
Luca nods, and smiles a 'Goodbye' to Frodi.
Frodi walks away, hoping Luca doesn't follow her. That hug he gave her... and the way he stroked her hair... creepy! She turns the corner, and leans against the wall to catch her breath. She shudders!
Luca watches her walk away, the smile fading from his lips. His whole expression changes, and his face twists up in anger. He starts muttering to himself.
LUCA: You push me away? But why? You are my queen! We are destined to be together.
He turns, and heads towards the burned-out Wonderland toyshop. It's still a wreck - since Frodi has decided not to open it up again, there was no reason to fix the shop up. Since the windows are shattered, Luca has no problem climbing into the shop. Once again, the walls between his memory, and his desires, are blurred.
LUCA: This is where my queen and I made love for the first time. Right here, on this floor.
Hebends down, and picks up a piece of broken glass, a strange, far-away look in his eyes.
LUCA: This place... this shop... is where we fell in love. *walks over to the charred wooden counter* I was there for her, when HE wasn't. It's too late for him now. He can't win her back. My love... my queen.
Luca's grip tightens on the piece of broken glass, causing it to cut into him, and bleed. But Luca doesn't react. He doesn't even seem to feel it.
LUCA: It is our destiny. She will not push me away again! I know she loves me, like I love her. But she is shackled by her husband. It is my duty to free her, and I will not fail her.
He stabs the piece of glass into the wooden counter, and drags it along, leaving a deep scratch along the counter.
LUCA: She is my queen. I WILL NOT BE DENIED!!!
BIng & Alessea's House...
Gondien and Alosrin are still having fun, playing Straw Wars. Gondien is letting Alosrin win, of course, just like he did with Cassima and Aurelius many years ago. Alosrin's face beams wih pleasure, as he happily giggles away.
GONDIEN: You are. Will you show no mercy to your poor grandfather? *smiles*
ALOSRIN: Heeheehee. No, I'm gonna beat you.
GONDIEN: Oh, you are too good for your grandfather, just like... Oh... OH... OH MY!
Gondien drops his straw, and turns deathly pale. He stumbles back against the wall, and puts his hand out to steady himself.
ALESSEA: *sits up* FATHER!
Alessea stands up, full of concern for her father.
ALESSEA: FATHER, WHAT'S WRONG?
Eurus (the adult, not the child) rushes into the room. She looks around, her eyes searching carefully. She sees Gondien, and rushes over to him.
EURUS: Gondien, you felt it to? *helps him over to a chair*
GONDIEN: *nods* Yes. The cry was so loud, it defeaned me. *breathes deeply*
EURUS: Such anger! Such anguish! But where did it come from?
GONDIEN: I cannot tell. It came so suddenly... all around. I fear for the person who holds this much pain.
EURUS: *looks at Aurelius the child* Aurelius, please would you be so kind as to fetch a glass of water for your grandfather?
Aurelius nods, shocked by Gondien's sudden distress, and runs off to get some water.
ALOSRIN: *puts his little hand on Gondien's knee* What's wrong, granddaddy?
GONDIEN: *looks at Alosrin* Nothing my child. I am fine, do not worry about me.
ALESSEA: Father, I don't understand. PLEASE... tell me what's wrong. *kneels in front of Gondien*
EURUS: My dear child, as magic users, your father and I can sometimes sense things others can't. A few moments ago, we sensed someone in deep torment. (Luca) As you can see, your father sensed it deeper than I. But I fear for that person's soul.
ALESSEA: Do you know who?
GONDIEN: Alas, I do not. But we must be on our guard now, for I do not know what such a person is capable of.
Sein Dor Hotel...
Frodi arrives back at the hotel, having finished her shopping quickly. She walks over to Nick, and cuddles him, just wanting to feel his arms around her.
Gondien and Eurus are standing outside, getting some air. Gondien has finally calmed, after the scare inside the house.
Gondien: Something dark has come to Sein Dor, Eurus.
The wind picks up.
Eurus: Do you think... it could be.. him?
Gondien knows who "him" is. Sauron.
Gondien: I don't know. But something, is wrong.
Little do they know.. it's not Sauron's energy they felt. It was Luca's.
As Gondien and Eurus head inside.. a shadow appears next to the building. It's a man, with his identity hidden.
Man: *deep, menacing voice, singing slowly* Far over the Misty Mountains rise... *leans on the building* Leave us standing upon the height... *pulls out a book, and flips through the pages* What was before, we see once more... *looks up* Is our kingdom, a distant light.. *slams the book closed, and smiles, before walking off*
Sein Dor Community College..
Michael Zarano sits outside the college. He is deep in thought, and seems to be lost.
After Emily's brutal murder, it seems Michael grew up dramatically. He looks at his life as changing that day.. he became a man that day. Life changed in a second. Life is fragile. He's learned that now. Michael, deep down, was in love with his adoptive sister. But he never told her, or anyone. Only Lilla on some level, knew. She suspected it.
Michael knows Franco. All to well. He kidnapped his sister, tortured his family, and now killed his first love.. his forbidden crush. Now, Franco has damaged someone else. He's damaged Michael.
Female Voice: Michael?
Michael blinks, and looks up.
Michael: Lesley. *smiles weakly*
The woman, named Lesley, is approximately Michael's age. She smiles at Michael.
Lesley: May I? *looks at seat*
Michael nods, and Lesley takes a seat next to Michael.
Lesley: I didn't see you in class today.
Michael: Why do you care?
Lesley: Well, it's just odd. Not seeing you sitting in front of me.
Michael doesn't have many friends in school. Lesley, and her friends are the "cool" kids of the school. Michael is not apart of that group. Michael does like Lesley, and they have sort of grown as friends, but they are two completely different people in school. And, Lesley has a boyfriend. Just like his father, Michael is an outcast.
Michael: I've had alot on my mind.
Lesley: I know. Emily. I told you days ago, after hearing about it, how sorry I was. It must have been hard losing your sister.
Michael makes a fist with his hand.
Steelport Prison..
Todd walks into the attorney meeting room. He leans up against the bars, and smiles at his lawyer.
Todd: I hope you have good news for me!
Todd's lawyer shakes his head.
Lawyer: I'm sorry Mr. Holmes, I don't have the best news for you.
Todd: ... Well, let's get this over with. What's up?
The lawyer reaches into his bag, and takes out a recorder.
Lawyer: Do you have any idea what's on this?
Todd: Ehm.. Nightwish? Skyfall by Adele? Some Nick Cave? Maybe Metallica?
The lawyer doesn't find Todd's remarks funny. He presses the play button sternly.
Quote
RECORDING
Franco's Voice: So, I hear you are running things now. In here. You have your own men.
Todd's Voice: I call them Pawns. They are my followers. After being raped and beaten repeatedly, you learn to fight back, and take control of the situation.
..
Todd's Voice: Well good for you. My life has been completely destroyed via an atomic bomb called Frodi the Hobbit. With nothing left, I have nothing to lose. But I do have everything to gain. That is where you come in.
Franco's Voice: How so?
Todd's Voice: I was speaking to a guard the other day. They told me one of the personal items you brought into this hellhole was a painting of yours. The painting is of at least half a million dollars in value, so the guards could not legally cut the painting to look inside of it. Instead, it's considered valuable art. They scanned it, as usual. But I have a feeling you didn't bring art into this prison just for inspiration. You planted something inside of it, something that couldn't be scanned, knowing the guards wouldn't or couldn't find it. Something that will help you get out of here. And I, want in.
..
Todd's Voice: Together with my resources, we can get out of here. If you go against me, my men will turn you into their bitch. A position a wonderful artist like yourself would probably not like to be in.
Franco's Voice: ... I'm listening.
Todd's Voice: Work with us, and we can go far. Have my business card.
The recording stops.
Lawyer: .. Do you have anything to say?
Todd: .... He's a weirdo.
Lawyer: Mr. Holmes, I cannot represent a man who is planning a breakout! Robert Frank did indeed have something in his painting. A recording device. He recorded your conversation with him, and brought it to his attorney. His attorney then brought the evidence to the courts. They have forgiven Mr. Frank for bringing the device into the prison, but due to his good intentions, they have cut his time here. You on the other hand, are now facing up to 25 additional years in prison. And a transfer.
Todd: NO! No no no NO NO! HIM! He's the one planning the breakout! NOT ME! HIM! FRANCO!
Lawyer: Mr. Holmes, I'm sorry. But you did this to yourself.
Todd: Do you realize I could spend the rest of my life in prison?! And now they are going to transfer me?!
Lawyer: You conspired to breakout of this prison Mr. Holmes. And yes, you will be transferred to a prison more suitable for you. And, you will face solitary confinement.
Todd: You.. you can't let them do this to me!
Lawyer: I'm sorry.. Todd. You did this to yourself. I will arrange for the courts to assign you a new attoryney. Good day Mr. Holmes. Have a good life.
The lawyer walks away.
Todd: YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME! YOU CAN'T!
Later..
A broken Todd walks through the prison courtyard. He hears loud voices coming from the main courtyard. He looks up, and sees a group of men.. HIS men! They are gathered in front of a soapbox, where a man is standing.. preaching. He is wearing a Joker mask.
Man: Break free from the tyranny of your leader! Together, we can stand strong! Together, we can breakout of this hellhole, and together.. we can change the world! RISE! RISE OF THE JOKER!
The men cheer.
Todd runs through the crowd, pushing people of the way. The masked man quickly takes off, and tries to escape from Todd. They chase each other through the prison, before the masked man gets into a tunnel, and locks the door.
Todd stops by the door, and starts banging on it.
Someone has stolen his empire right out from under him. Someone else.. has become.. The Joker.
Sein Dor Hotel..
Nick and Frodi are sitting on the settee, with Nick rubbing Frodi's feet. Frodi makes it a habit of popping off her shoes as soon as she comes home, and sitting with Nick so he can rub her feet. Of course he enjoys it as well!
Nick: Your feet are definitely starting to swell. And after doing all the walking to the store, you need it! *smiles*
Frodi puts her head back, and lets out a content sigh.
Frodi: Ah... it feels soooo good. *smiles*
Nick: So, anything interesting happen at the store?
Frodi: Not really. Though I did run into Luca.
Nick: Oh? What did he have to say?
Frodi: Well, I thanked him for saving you. And he told me Trina is pregnant.
Nick: So he finally got her preggers? He finally knocked her up? Geez, I didn't think the Italian stallion had it in him.
Frodi: *raises an eyebrow* Italian stallion?
Nick: Come on. The guy opens himself to odd nicknames. The guy's a little weird.
Frodi: This coming from a man who is obsessed with feet.
Nick pushes Frodi's feet away.
Nick: Fine. I'm done massaging your feet missy!
Frodi: *laughs* I was just kidding. BUT.. I could ask the Italian stallion to rub my feet. *sticks tongue out*
Nick: If any other man touches your feet, I'll kill him.
Frodi: Even a doctor?
Nick: At last check, Luca isn't a doctor. So yes.
Frodi thinks for a few seconds.
Frodi: Actually, Luca did seem kinda odd today. He kinda made me unc..
RING RING RING RING
Nick looks across the room at his cellphone.
Nick: Hold on, it's probably Nolan.
Frodi's issue with Luca gets shelved, as Nick runs off to take the phone call.
She sighs.
Later..
Sein Dor Community College..
Lesley and Michael stand outside the college.
Michael: I just fell.. lost.
Lesley: We all do.
Michael: No.. NO.
Lesley: Michael, I understand.
Michael: No. You don't understand. None of you do. All of you, you go to college like normal kids. You go to your drinking parties, do drugs, and do all sorts of shit I can't even begin to imagine. Meanwhile, I have a different life. I have to live everyday, with who my father is. The criminal he is, and the hero he is. And then I have to deal with death, and how many people we've lost. And recently, I got a close glimpse of death, when Emily died. So don't try to understand me, or fix me. I don't need fixing, from a girl who fucks her rich boyfriend, and makes fun of me behind my back. Don't. The truth is, I don't fit in. Not with you, not with anyone.
Lesley slaps Michael.
She bursts into tears, and runs off.
Michael stands there, emotionless.
Luca's Studio..
Luca is blasting this song on the CD player, as he paints on three canvases at the same time.
On one, Luca is painting fiery flames. On another, green grass. And on the third, a stormy beach. None of the canvases match, or make much sense.
Luca: *to himself* Most of the time I have all these thoughts bouncin' around in my head... but with a brush in my hand, the world just gets kinda quiet.
Luca then pauses.. as if he is in the middle of a war versus his own brain, a "memory" pops into his head.
Quote
FRODI: Well, it's not like I don't have other things I could be doing. *looks at Luca*
LUCA: *puts his hand on her arm* Things... like what?
FRODI: ...
Luca looks at her, and smiles. He puts his hand up to her face, and pulls her into his arms. Frodi returns his embrace.
FRODI: *softly* Things like this. Things like being with you. *kisses him* All Nick does is hurt me. Even now, he planned all this just to hurt me. But you...you make me feel... alive!
LUCA: Nick doesn't deserve you. You've given him plenty of chances, and he blows it every time. You deserve so much better. *pauses* You deserve to be treated like royalty, like the queen you are. *kisses her*
His kiss is tender at first, but soon becomes passionate. He pushes her back against a tree. There's no-one else around now - they're all alone.
FRODI: *panting* Luca... I want you... I want you so much! *kisses his lips*
LUCA: You... you want me?
FRODI: Uh-huh *kisses him*
Luca unbuckles his trousers, and lets them fall to the ground. He pulls up Frodi's skirt, and puts himself into her. Both of them moaning with passion.
Luca then remembers Frodi's rejection in the store..
Luca: GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Luca pushes all three canvases to the floor, and begins ripping them apart. His hand still bleeding from earlier, leaving blood marks all over the ripped up canvases.
Luca: How come you don't love me?! HOW COME?! Is it.. him?! THAT LYING CHEATING BASTARD?! ... I should kill him. I should freakin' kill him. Because then, she will need me! She will love me! COMPLETELY!
Luca pauses.
Luca: No. NO! If I kill him, she will break. Her mental state, will break! She.. she already loves me! She is carrying our child! ... I should tell Nick! If I do, he won't trust her! I should reveal the truth about our baby! That will do it! ... Or not. I DON'T KNOW! *collapses onto the floor* I have.. to figure this out. I have.. to claim my queen. We must make love.. again.
NEXT DAY..
NolCorp..
Outside courtyard..
Nick is walking through the lush green gardens of NolCorp's courtyard. He has a cup of coffee in one hand, his cellphone in the other.
Nick: *on the phone* I understand you are in China. I also understand the timezone difference. HOWEVER.. Mr. Ross is very clear, he wants this deal DONE. Send the papers to my office, and I will get them signed, dated, and processed. Then we can apply for the permits. Okay? ... What? What do you mean you don't know who I am? I'm Nicholas Fuckin' Zarano! That's who! *hangs up*
Nick: Asshole.
Female Voice: Well that sounded difficult.
Nick looks up from his cellphone, and sees a woman with long red hair.
Nick: Um, eh yeah. It was.
Woman: Sorry. I wasn't eavesdropping. But I did overhear your name. Nick Zarano?
Nick: In the flesh.
Woman: Well that's convenient! I was looking for you. *smiles and puts out hand* Agent Kinzie Trout.
Nick shakes her hand suspiciously.
Nick: And you're an agent with..?
Kinzie: Oh, how stupid of me. *laughs* The Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Nick: .. The FBI? Should I be running away right now?
Kinzie: OH! No! No! I don't have that kind of authority. I've just been assigned to your case. *smiles and laughs*
Nick looks strangely at Kinzie. Most FBI agents don't have a bubbly personality.
Kinzie: Your case is almost closed, and the courts have finally built up a large enough case against your former business contacts. They believe all of them will face a guilty verdict, and I've been sent here to take you through the process, step by step. Signing documents, stuff like that, and also just keeping you safe. After all, putting you on trial in a court room puts you in danger. So I'll be taking your testimony, via paperwork.
Nick: Okay. Well, I'll be glad to get this chapter of my life closed then. Nice to meet you then, Agent Trout. Can I call you Kin?
Kinzie: Eh, no?
Nick: *ignores her, and starts walking towards the building* So, you are taking up residence here?
Kinzie runs after Nick, walking aside him.
Kinzie: Temporarily. I'm in the process of looking for a place.
Nick: Well, I suggest the Sein Dor Hotel. That's where my family and I currently live, after our house burned down thanks to a maniac. So whenever you need me, I'm close by.
Kinzie: Well that's convenient. But no, I'd probably prefer renting a place somewhere. Not a hotel I guess. And I'm sorry about your home. I heard you almost died. You must have been terrified!
Nick: ... *stops walking* Hold up.. don't take this the wrong way.. but you.. you don't scream.. FBI agent. And, I have a feeling the FBI only hired someone to protect me because by law, they have to. They would probably stand up and cheer if someone shot me dead. So.. I have to ask.. how many cases have you done?
Kinzie: To be exact... *thinks* Uh.. three!
Nick starts walking again.
Nick: Well I was right. The FBI gave me you, because they figure I'll die under your watch. Nice meeting you Kin. I assume I'll see you around.
Nick walks inside.
Kinzie: ... Did he just insult me? *shrugs* Oh well!
Kinzie is a character for sure. A little bit too light-hearted and trusting, for an FBI agent.
An hour later..
Offices..
Nick and Nolan are having drinks in Nolan's office. Just talking.
Nolan: Have you ever heard of Harry Houdini? Well he wasn't like today's magicians who are only interested in television ratings. He was an artist. He could make an elephant disappear in the middle of a theater filled with people, and do you know how he did that? Misdirection.
Nick:*drinks his whiskey* What the fuck are you talking about?
Nolan: Misdirection. What the eyes see and the ears hear, the mind believes.
Nick: ... And this is a productive workday.. how?
Cafe..
Gondien is having lunch with Sabag.
Sabag: I've seen it. I've felt it. And to be honest.. I don't get why people are so afraid of this Sauron guy.
Gondien: *lowers his voice, and leans in* He exists in a world beyond your world. What we only fantasize, he does. He lives a life where nothing is beyond him. But you know what? It's all a facade. For all his charm and charisma, his wealth, his expensive toys... he's a driven, unflinching, calculating machine. He takes what he wants, when he wants... and disappears.
Sabag: So.. if he's still lurking. Out there. Somewhere. How.. do we find him?
Female Voice: You don't find him; he finds you.
Sabag looks up, and sees Eurus.
Eurus: May I join you?
Sabag: On that dark note.. yes. You may.
Eurus sits down.
Sabag: Look, the way I see it.. Sauron is gone. Probably not forever, but hopefully. And as of now, he hasn't made contact. So I suggest we all move on. And, we stop talking about him.
A man sitting at the bar looks at the group, chuckles to himself, and turns away from them. He smiles. It's the same man from Bing and Alessea's house.
Sein Dor Hotel..
Frodi has invited Alessea over for lunch, while Nick is at work, and the kids are at school (college for the older ones).
They are drinking some tea, and talking about life.
Frodi: So I guess life is chaotic at the Bing and Alessea household? *laughs*
Alessea: You could say that! But oh Frodi, it's so wonderful having them all back! Have you had much time to see your brother?
Frodi: Sadly, no. And when I try calling him, he's always busy. I don't know what's going on with him.
Frodi doesn't know of her sister, or her mother. She has no idea Sabag is keeping both secrets from her.
Alessea: And I assume everything is going okay with you and Nick? *drinks tea, and eats a cookie*
Frodi: Oh, yes! He is -- he is -- he's like a stallion. He's a raw, untamed -- I mean after last night, after what we did, I still can't even feel my toes. He about broke my hip. I mean, every single time -- I can't -- I can't get enough. I just want more. "More, please? More?"
Alessea: Too much information! *laughs* That explains why you keep popping out babies one after the other!
Frodi: Speaking of which.. when are you and Bing going to have more?
Alessea: ... We are thinking about it. *smiles*
House in Sein Dor..
Lesley walks up the path towards a house.
She is heading to a house party being thrown by her rich boyfriend, Thomas Slyblack.
Thomas's father, besides being insanely rich, and suddenly moving to Sein Dor, is relatively unknown. While Thomas might seem like a player, Lesley thinks Thomas is the one for her. She lost her virginity to him months ago. And, she is completely oblivious to the activities of the so-called friends, he hangs out with.
Lesley walks into the party.
Within an hour, Lesley already has consumed way too much alcohol. She's only had three drinks, but being this kind of party.. the liquor is spiked.
Lesley is talking with two guys.
Guy: I saw you fighting with that freak the other day on campus.
Lesley: What freak?
Guy: The gangster's son. Creeper Mikey.
Lesley: *laughs* Stop! Haha.. he's not a creep!
Guy #2: Oh come on! You slapped the shit of him dude. The poor guy was probably running home to whine to his midget mother!
The guys have a good laugh.
Lesley: Guys, stop. Now it's not cool. Lay off him.
Guy: He's a freak! The guy is antisocial, sweats like crazy, babbles when he talks, and never makes eye contact. His mother is a midget, and his father is a murderer. It's too easy making fun of him.
Meanwhile..
Bathroom..
A girl who appears to be underage, is walking into the bathroom, banging into the walls. She's drunk.
As she pulls down her pants, laughing at the same time, she looks up, and screams.
Girl: Thomas!
Thomas: Violet.
Thomas watches her from the mirror. She pulls up her pants.
Violet: I.. I didn't see anyone in here. *rubs her head, and then laughs uncontrollably* I'm so trashed. Between the vodka, the beers, and then the coke.. I think I still have some stuck in my nose. *snorts, and picks her nose*
Thomas appears to be annoyed. It's as if he was having a conversation with himself, before Violet came in. His face is wet from water, as if he was splashing himself.. trying to calm himself down. Something is off about Thomas. There's a sinister look in his eyes.
Violet: Well, I need to pee.. so are you going to go, or what?
Thomas: I'm kinda busy here.
Violet: Fine. Then I'll just pee with you in here.
Violet slowly pulls down her pants. She makes sure Thomas is watching in the mirror.
Violet: *smiles* I heard all about you.. *laughs* I know all about you..
Thomas turns around, and walks towards her.
Thomas: What have you heard?
Violet: I've heard that you enjoy cheating on your girlfriend. And I can see.. by the way you are staring at my body, you are thinking about doing that right now.
Thomas: ...
Meanwhile..
Lesley: You guys are jerks!
Guy: You don't mean that.
Lesley storms off, and searches the party for her boyfriend.
Lesley: Has anyone seen Tom?
A drunk teenage male on the floor points to the bathroom.
Teenager: Hey hottie.. he's in the bathroom. *smiles* Wanna see my lizard collection? *hic* Oh god.. I'm gonna puke.
Lesley walks over to the bathroom, and knocks on the door.
Lesley: Tom?
No response.
Lesley: Tom?
No response. Lesley turns to walk away, when suddenly she hears female moaning coming from the bathroom.
Voice: Oh.. Thomas.. fuck me.. fuck me hard.. harder.. HARDER!
Lesley turns pale, and then bright red. She thinks..
Within seconds, she turns towards the door, and opens it. She walks into the bathroom, and sees Thomas having sex with Violet on the bathroom sink.
Violet: *unaware of Lesley* Oh fuck! FUCK!
Lesley watches.
Thomas opens his eyes.
Thomas: Oh... OH SHIT! LESLEY! SHIT!
Violet jumps off of Thomas, and falls onto the floor.
Thomas: Lesley, look..
Lesley: Save it! SAVE IT! I should have known. I should have listened to all the people! All the people whispering, all the girls whispering and laughing, saying they had slept with you.
Thomas: ... Fine. I'll admit it. I'm me, and no one is going to change me. This is who I am! You knew that! Hell, I was with someone when we got together! You gave me a blowjob at HER house!
Lesley: Well THIS is not me! THIS is not who I am!
Thomas: ... Most girls would have joined us. Threesome?
Lesley: How's this.. go fuck yourself.
Lesley turns to leave the bathroom.
Thomas: If you leave, you will lose everything! I will make sure your friends never speak to you again. And, you can say goodbye to the coke, the ecstasy, and the free money. You lose it all!
Lesley: Shove it up your ass.
Lesley storms out of the bathroom, hitting into some walls on her way out.
She begins to cry, and runs out of the house.
Lesley sits on the curb outside, and cries. One of the guys she was talking to at the party joins her, and sits next to her. He takes out a joint from his pocket.
Guy: Smoke?
Lesley shakes her head.
Guy: Sure? Looks like you could use it.
Lesley: .... Ah, what the hell.
Lesley takes the joint, and takes a puff. They share it.
Guy: I can see you're one tough chick. Aside from slapping freako, you also handled rich boy Tom in there like a pro.
Lesley laughs, and wipes her tears.
Lesley: Thanks.
A few minutes pass, and Lesley has calmed down.
Guy: Say, my parents are out of town.. want to go back to my place? I have leftover pizza.
Against better judgement, Lesley agrees to go with him.
Back inside the house..
Tom stands in the bathroom, over Violet. He puts his pants on.
Thomas: Hey, Violet.. wake up.
Silence.
Thomas: Violet?
Thomas bends down.. and looks at Violet. She's not breathing! He quickly checks her pulse..
Thomas: Oh.. god. My father is going to kill me. She's.. dead.
Morning..
Michael is watching TV at the hotel. The morning news is on. He's mostly not paying attention to it.. until..
TV: We have some news on the overnight death of Violet Giamli. Violet, 15, was attending a college and underage party at the residence of international doctor, Doctor Slyblack. We tried reaching him, but he is currently out of the country. His son, Thomas Slyblack, 20, has been arrested for having sex with a minor. He was hosting the party, and it is believed that he had sex with Violet before her death. It's currently believed that Miss Giamli died of a drug overdose. Charges are pending for Mr. Slyblack, and it's unknown if he will face more serious criminal charges. Possible charges include possession of drugs, illegal alcohol, and possibly.. murder charges.
Michael knows who Thomas is. He quickly takes out his cellphone, and dials Lesley..
She doesn't answer.
House in Sein Dor..
Lesley wakes up..
She looks around.. she's naked, her clothes scattered on the floor.. next to her, naked, the guy she was with after the party. She still doesn't know his name.
Across from the bed, a dresser.. with crack cocaine on the top of it. She touches her face.. it's sticky from semen. Her hair.. sticky as well. Her terrible night turned into a night of sex and drugs with someone she doesn't know. She feels numb.
The guy wakes up.
Guy: ... Hey.. what a night last night. I think I came three times.. and girls don't normally let me cum on their face. And swallow as well! You must like the taste. *laughs*
Lesley gets out of bed, wrapping the sheets around her. She walks into the bathroom, and slams the door.
Guy: .. What did I say?
In the bathroom, Lesley washes her face. Her makeup begins to run down her cheek. She touches it..
A few tears also begin to run down her face.
She turns her cellphone on.
Quote
ONE NEW MESSAGE FROM.. MICHAEL.
Lesley listens to the message.
Michael: Lesley, it's me. I just heard about Thomas on the news. I'm sorry. I really would like to talk to you, and see what's going on. Give me a call when you can. And uh.. I'm sorry for what I said the other day. We need to talk. Okay, talk to you soon hopefully. Bye.
Lesley looks at herself in the mirror.
Lesley: ... Who are you? And what are you doing with these guys..
Voice from outside the room: Oh, come out for breakfast after. You'll see my brother again. You were pretty wasted last night, so you probably don't remember him. But he joined us. It was awesome. You were great taking on both of us. Hence your hair!
Sein Dor Hotel..
The Zarano family is eating breakfast at the table. Nick looks across at Michael.
Nick: You're quiet this morning.
Michael: ... Who?
Nick: You.
Michael: Oh eh, I'm fine. Just tired.
Nick: Mhm. *looks at Michael suspiciously*
Michael is flipping through the newspaper.. when suddenly..
Michael: Hey Dad?
Nick: Yeah? *drinks coffee*
Michael: Do you know where Alfred lives? I'd love to stop and see him.
Rosie: *chimes in* Me too! I want to go and see him!
Nick looks at Rosie.
Nick: Miss Rosie, can you drive?
Rosie looks down.
Rosie: No.
Nick: When you can drive, you can go. And before you say Michael doesn't drive.. I only mean driving AGE. Once you are of age.
Lilla: Good parenting Dad. *rolls eyes, and gets up from the table*
Nick looks around.
Nick: *to himself* Why does Frodi always run off to the bathroom and leave me alone with them? It's like leaving a piece of raw meat in a tiger enclosure. In this case, I'm the raw meat.
Later..
Cafe..
Michael and Lesley are sitting at a table in a cafe.
Michael: ...
Lesley: ...
Michael: ...
Lesley: ...
Michael: ...
Lesley: ...
Michael: ...
Lesley: ...
Michael: I um.. *ahem* decided that once my classes end this semester, I'm taking a break from college.
Lesley: ... Oh, why?
Michael: Well, by then my mother will be giving birth. So she could use the extra help around the house. And I just need to clear my head.. check into other possibilities.
Lesley: ... Okay.
Michael: So.. I eh, heard about the party. While I was signing some papers on campus, some guys were bragging about.. the party.
Lesley: And?
Michael: And, two guys were bragging that they had you. At the same time. While also making fun of me. They can multitask like no ones business.
Lesley: So now you think I'm a slut?
Michael: .. No. You said that. Not me. But I'll admit, part of me is insanely turned on, while the other part is insanely disgusted. But mainly we should talk about your boyfriend.
Lesley: Ex.
Michael: .. Ex-boyfriend.
Lesley: What's there to talk about? He made a fool out of me.
Michael: .. But we can talk about this. We can..
Lesley: NO! I don't want to!
Michael: Hey! Geez! Lay off! I'm only trying to help you!
Lesley: ...
Michael: What is your problem?! Was it what I said?
Lesley: ... No.
Michael: Then tell me.
Lesley: ... No! I'm fine!
Michael: You are not fine. You are acting weird.
Lesley: Michael, I'm FINE!
Michael: You are not fine Lesley!
Lesley: MICHAEL SHUTUP!
Everyone stares at Lesley.
Seconds later, everyone goes back to their business.
Michael: ... I um, I should go.
Lesley: .. You were right.
Michael: About what?
Lesley: .. About everything. The parties.. my boyfriend.. you were right about it all. I'm nothing but a stupid whore!
Michael: Lesley, you know that's not true.
Lesley starts crying.
Lesley: Yes. It is. And you know why? You know why I'm a whore? Because I'm pregnant.
Michael turns silent, and pale.
Lesley: And I don't know who the father is. It could be Thomas. It could be one of the brothers I slept with. THREE PEOPLE MICHAEL! Three people I slept with! And now I'm pregnant! I had unprotected sex with three people!
Michael: ... Lesley, I don't know what to say.
Lesley: Yeah. You do. The whore got herself knocked up by having wild, drunken, drug induced sex. And you know what? You'd be right by saying that.
Lesley gets up from the table, and storms out.
On the outskirts of Sein Dor..
A modern house sits on the outskirts of Sein Dor's mountains, and farmland.
Michael is seen walking up the driveway.
He spots a familiar face outside by the garden..
Voice: Michael!
It's Alfred. After being captured for all that time, his hair grew dramatically over that period. And instead of cutting it off, he's kept it. He's also aged as well.
Michael walks over to Alfred.
Alfred: Good to see you again son. *smiles* What are you doing out here?
Michael: My father told me where you live now.. I was ehm, looking for you.
Alfred: Might I ask why?
Michael opens his backpack, and takes out a newspaper clipping.
Quote
Sein Dor Job Listings
WANTED: Farmhand, good pay, no experience required.
Alfred: You're here for that job?
Alfred's House..
Alfred sits down the settee, next to a cat. It seems Alfred has made a habit of collecting wild and stray cats, providing them a home.
Michael: So as I said, I'm taking a break from college. I need to find myself. But I need work as well. And while I could work for my father, as maybe an intern, I honestly don't want to be under his watch all the time.
Alfred: Well that's perfectly understandable. You know, when I was your age, I was working abroad. Overseas.
Michael: Oh yeah?
Michael sits down, interested to here Alfred's story.
Alfred: I was working for some people, in South Africa. Mercenaries, to be exact. They were hired by a rebel group to search out precious stones on enemy territory. I worked for the mercenaries, as a driver. It was dangerous work. You never knew if one day, you'd be hit by a stray bullet in the middle of multiple wars. But it was work. And it helped shape me as a man.
Michael: ...
Alfred: You look troubled son.
Michael: ... It's just.. I have alot going on. And I can't bring myself to talk to my parents about it. I just don't want them judging me, or judging my friends. Actually, who I am kidding.. friends.. pfft. I have only one friend.
Alfred: Who is she?
Michael: She..?
Alfred: The look on your face. Only a woman can cause that look.
Michael: .. You're observant.
Alfred: When you've had the life I've had, you tend to learn the art of observancy. So.. who is this girl?
Michael: .. Lesley. Her name is Lesley.
Sein Dor Jail..
Hazy dim blue lights are the only light source in the cold, wet jail cells.
Thomas hangs over the cell bars. His face showing signs of anger.
In the darkness, a door is heard opening.
Guard: SLYBLACK! Your father, Doctor Slyblack is here to see you.
Thomas's face turns pale.
The guard closes the door.
Down the hall, slow.. light.. footsteps are heard. Each footstep, as they draw closer, strikes fear into Thomas's soul. The footsteps are almost menacing, with the fear of the unknown lurking down the hall.
Eventually, the footsteps became loud.. and then.. the movement stops.
Dr. Slyblack's Voice: *deep, but soft, and slow talking* Hello Tom.
Thomas: *scared* Father.. I can explain..
Dr. Slyblack's Voice:I'm afraid, there is nothing to explain. You, my son, have disappointed me. As usual.
The man steps into view.
Thomas: Father, I thought you had gone..
Dr. Slyblack: While it is true that some people did try to stop my plans, and for the most part succeeded.. *touches the jail cell bars* I am by no means defeated. A man can survive without his empire.
Thomas: *turns his fear into anger* Only you are not a man! You don't have a heart!
Dr. Slyblack: *speaks slow, and coldly* If I didn't have a heart.. you'd already be dead. And I wouldn't have made arrangements, to get you out of here.
Thomas: Wait.. that's impossible. Father, the evidence is stacked against me! And.. *lowers voice* I spiked her drinks, and the coke. I did murder her.
Dr. Slyblack: And you thought I didn't know that? ... You definitely get your murderous side from me.
Thomas: When am I getting out of here?
Dr. Slyblack: ... Patience. Soon. But first, you must thank me.
Thomas: .. Thank you father.
Dr. Slyblack: No. Thank me by the name I was given. The name I made for myself. The name.. everyone speaks of, when they think of true fear.
Thomas: ..
Quote
FLASHBACK
Isla Sirena..
A fire roars..
Footsteps are heard, as a mysterious figure walks near the flames.
Unknown Male Voice: I was the heir. I was the one who was supposed to take over. But then.. he came. Nicholas Zarano. Sumonsar brings him back, and tosses me to the side, LIKE A PIECE OF FILTH! No one does that to me! ... For years I have waited..
Unknown Male Voice: Waiting to serve my revenge.. and now the time has finally come. It is time to take back what is rightfully mine, what Sumonsar promised me. The underworld.. will be mine. The earth.. will be mine. And Nicholas Zarano.. and his allies..
Unknown Male Voice: Will perish under the grip of my cold hard hands. He will learn never to betray me, again. I.. am.. Sauron.
Sauron walks into the flames, and vanishes.
Then, we see his face.
Thomas: .. Thank you father. Thank you Sauron.
Sauron's human form is revealed. Along with his face, and his alias.. Dr. Slyblack. Not only is Sauron on earth, in human form, in Sein Dor.. but he also, has a son.
Dr. Slyblack/Sauron: Just like the man you were named after.. Thomas Riddle.. you my son, will become a legend. And I, will make sure of it.
Later that day..
NolCorp..
Kinzie runs into Nick's office, without looking up.
Kinzie: Mr. Zarano, I forgot to ask you to.. *looks up, and pauses* Oh.
Kinzie sees Michael in Nick's office. Nick is sitting at the desk.
Nick: Kinzie?
Kinzie: Oh, I uh, forgot.. I needed you to sign some paperwork.
Nick: Sure. Toss it on the desk. Kinzie, this is my son Michael. Michael, meet Agent Trout.
Michael: Hi.
Kinzie: .. Hi. *smiles softly*
Michael: Dad, I'm going anyway. So, you're okay with me working for Alfred?
Nick: Yeah, if it's what you want to do. You better ask mom though.
Michael: I will.
Michael walks towards the door.
Michael: Nice meeting you Agent Trout.
Kinzie watches Michael leave. She stares at him for a few seconds, while biting her bottom lip.
Kinzie: Your son.. he's handsome. How old is he?
Nick: ... You like my son?
Kinzie: I realize I am older than him. I'm just asking.
Nick: ... If you're asking if he is above legal age, yes. He is.
Kinzie: Well that's an insult.
Nick: I'm full of them.
Kinzie: Mr. Zarano, I am not a sexual predator!
Nick: Nick. And I never said you were. It's just.. I never had someone ask me about my son. I still consider him a young boy.
Kinzie: Well, *looks across the room, and bites her lip again* He's definitely grown into a strong looking.. sexy looking.. man.
Nick drops his pen.
Nick: I didn't hear that. Besides, aren't you in your thirties?
Kinzie: Maybe. Maybe not. Why should that matter?
Nick: It doesn't. It.. ah.. forget about it. We're going offtrack here. Let me sign these damn papers.
Kinzie: And now this will officially start the testimony process.
0
). Trina trembles with passion - his hot body against hers. She moans gently, as he eases himself in and out of her. She looks up into his eyes, and is overwhelmed by the love she has for him. She kisses his chest, over and over. THIS is the Luca she married - the kind and caring one.
