Chapter Text
EXT. THE RESERVOIR - NIGHT
A cheery upbeat song plays as the camera tracks through Cwm Gelert. It goes through the streets, back alleys, etc, until it pans through the reservoir. The song fades out as DAVEY lays in an awkward angle on the grass, bleeding from many wounds. DAVEY coughs weakly, the sound rattling wetly in her chest until the life drains from her. The camera pans out to show two people barely illuminated in the night, one is EVAN, the other BLAIR, standing over her body. Their faces aren't in the shot.
EVAN MEREDITH
You don't tell anyone about this, I know exactly who you are, what you did. You wouldn't want that getting out, would you?
(He pauses, repeating himself angrily)
Would you?
There is no audible answer, but BLAIR sighs, shifting her body to show her discomfort.
EVAN MEREDITH
(Clearly pleased with himself)
Good girl. I'll see you around.
Evan walks away, leaving BLAIR with the dead body of DAVEY. She waits for a little while as EVAN heads out, until a twig snaps and she quickly follows him out.
CUT TO:
INT.A STRANGER'S HOUSE/GARAGE - NIGHT
PAN: ACROSS THE BUSY ROOM FILLED WITH DANCING AND JOYFUL
LOUDNESS UNTIL IT REACHES CAL.
CAL sits alone in the corner of the room on her phone, trying to get an answer from her girlfriend. Loud, cheerful party music plays and bright coloured lights flash. CLOSE UP: CAL'S FACE AND HANDS AS SHE TRIES TO CALL
DAVEY BLUE
(On the Answerphone message)
Hey, this is Davey! Can't make it to the phone right now, leave a message!
CAL sighs and pockets her phone. LENA bops up to her and takes a seat beside her. LENA casually puts her arm around CAL and leans in to talk over the loud music.
LENA CHRISTIE
C'mon, this is a party! Lighten up, love.
CAL wiggles out of her grip, pushing LENA away.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
I'm not in the mood, Lena.
LENA CHRISTIE
Oh get a grip, so what if you and your girlfriend are fighting again, you can do way better. Oh and look, a room full of people you can take your mind off with!
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(After wrinkling her nose with disgust)
Ew, fuck off. Me and Davey are on a break, it's fine. We're fine.
LENA CHRISTIE
(Taking a sip of her drink)
Sure, whatever you say Cal.
CAL rolls her eyes, pulling out her phone again. LENA grabs it before CAL can do anything. CAL huffs in annoyance as LENA drops the phone into her handbag.
LENA CHRISTIE
No. Tonight you stop worrying or updating your podcast or whatever it is you actually do. Tonight we drink, and forget, and let loose a little before Uni kicks our ass.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(She chuckles humorlessly, raising her abandoned glass of alcohol)
To finally leaving Cwm Gelert!
LENA smiles and clinks her glass against CAL's slightly raised one in a toast.
LENA CHRISTIE
That's the spirit!
RYAN comes back with more drinks, LENA already has a ton. Nothing can stop her from downing one while everyone watches in concern. CAL clears her throat.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Fuck, you've been gone a while, what happened?
RYAN STONE
There's a thing called a queue, and it doesn't exist within our humble realm.
CAL snorts and sips at her fresh glass of whatever-the-fuck. Half the glass is gone. That wasn't a sip. It's gone. Wow.
RYAN STONE
(Hesitantly)
So uh...any news with Davey?
LENA groans loudly in annoyance. CAL ignores her and shakes her head.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
She hasn't seen my messages, hasn't returned my calls.
RYAN STONE
Yikes.
CAL makes a noise of agreement.
LENA CHRISTIE
You said it yourself, you're on a break, chill out.
RYAN STONE
Eh, I'm sure it's fine. She probably wants some space.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Yeah. Yeah, I'm probably overreacting.
RYAN STONE
Davey'll be around when she cools off. Until then, I wholeheartedly agree with Lena's plan for the night. We get blackout and have a damn good time together before we split up.
LENA CHRISTIE
Cheers to that.
Montage: The night goes on, quite uneventful. The trio drink, CAL is more upbeat as she joins into the conversation. RYAN looks ready to doze off, LENA talks animatedly, and CAL leans back in her chair looking happier than she has all night. It's basically just a
montage of the three drinking and being the idiotic young adults they truly are.
INT. LENA'S HOME - KITCHEN - DAY
LENA leans against the countertop, talking on the phone. Her conversation fades in.
LENA CHRISTIE
(Pausing for conversation, and weirdly professional)
No...yes, I understand. I'll...I'll tell her myself. Thanks, mum.
LENA hangs up the phone and slides it into her pocket, and steps away from the counter and into the living room.
INT. LENA'S HOME - LIVING ROOM - DAY
Light bleeds in from behind the curtains. The room is mostly well kept, besides from the blankets that have been strewn about through sleep. CAL is still passed out on a couch, RYAN sits on his own chair and is awkwardly sipping coffee. LENA sits down next to RYAN.
RYAN STONE
What this time? She annoyed that you stayed out all night again? I know your mum's the Chief and all but you're an adult, she has to realize -
LENA CHRISTIE
(Cutting across - more confused than anything else)
Yeah so, Davey's dead?
RYAN frowning, looking confused as if it hasn't hit him properly.
RYAN STONE
What the hell are you talking about? Cal was on the phone to her last night.
LENA CHRISTIE
(Confused)
...No? She hasn't gotten through to Davey in weeks.
RYAN nods slowly, taking it in, before leaning back into the couch looking out of it.
RYAN STONE
And she's...
They both sit in silence for a few beats, avoiding eye contact. They're interrupted by CAL slowly waking up with a stretch and tossing the blanket that was vaguely covering her onto the floor.
MEDIUM CLOSE UP: CAL BLINKS A FEW TIMES, SLOWLY SITTING UP
AND STARING AT THE OTHER TWO BLEARY EYED.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(Groggy from the hangover - groaning from her headache)
Uh, morning? Is it morning?
CAL pats down her jeans in panic.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE(CONT'D)
Fuck, did I leave my phone at Shaun's?
LENA CHRISTIE
(softly)
I have it, don't worry.
RYAN glares at her, silently warning her not to talk. LENA, of course, doesn't listen to him.
LENA CHRISTIE
So...there's something you need to know.
RYAN STONE
(In a soft warning)
Don't.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(Worried)
Don't what? Did I do something last night? Am I in trouble?
LENA glances and RYAN who glares at her.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Oh my God, was I arrested again?
LENA CHRISTIE
It's about Davey.
CAL sits up properly, looking at LENA intently.
RYAN STONE
(Warningly again - a little louder this time)
Lena, don't. Not right now.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(Brushing off Ryan)
No, I want to hear this. What happened?
LENA CHRISTIE
I got a call from my mother, the police found Davey's body. She's...she's dead.
RYAN STONE
(Frustrated whisper)
Goddammit.
LENA CHRISTIE
I got a call from my mother, the police found Davey at the reservoir. She's...she's dead.
Everything is silent besides from the rumbling of a boiling kettle in the background. CAL is unmoving, her expression is a mixture of confusion and disbelief. After a few beats of silence, CAL speaks again.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(Still disbelieving)
I'm sorry, she's what? Are you sure?
RYAN STONE
That's what the Chief told Lena, it's legit.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Did she say how?
LENA and RYAN share a look, CAL huffs.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
I'm not fragile, I can handle it. I need to know.
LENA CHRISTIE
They reckon it's a murder.
RYAN STONE
Murder? Why did you leave this out earlier?
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(Pissed)
Why were you discussing this without me?
LENA CHRISTIE
(Just so very very tired)
You were sleeping, and Ryan; you didn't want to talk about this, so we're talking about this now.
There's a few beats of silence as everyone takes in the atmosphere. CAL sits back in her seat and RYAN continues sipping at his coffee. CAL stares off at nothing in particular, barely moving.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
So, what are we going to do?
LENA CHRISTIE
(Confused)
What do you mean? Like...funeral planning?Therapy?Finally, talking to her parents?
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
No, I mean, solving this.
RYAN STONE
We have police for a reason, let them do their job.
LENA CHRISTIE
This isn't like your crime podcast, this is happening here and now, and you can't solve this alone anyway.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
That's why I have you guys though, right?
RYAN STONE
Didn't you hear me say "let the police do their job"? We'd just get in the way even if it was a sane idea.
LENA CHRISTIE
We can't interfere. Hell, I can't risk getting on my mother's bad side.
RYAN STONE
Yeah, you really don't want that, bud.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Fuck you guys, I'm doing it with or without you.
LENA CHRISTIE
(pleadingly)
I'm not doing this. I can't. I'm sorry but I can't.
CAL looks like a kicked puppy, RYAN looks about awkwardly while LENA stares at CAL, not giving in.
LENA CHRISTIE
I don't have time for felonies.
(pauses)
Look, I need to pick up my car, you two still coming?
RYAN STONE
Something came up. My dad...yeah. You know how he is.
CAL just nods and they head out. RYAN grabs his jacket from the back of the chair, leaving before the two women.
EXT. THE STREETS OF CWM GELERT - LATE MORNING/EARLY AFTERNOON (SAME DAY)
CAL and LENA walk down the road, LENA grabbing at CAL's arm to stop her from swerving into the middle of the road.
LENA CHRISTIE
We're going in, getting my car, and going. Don't be weird.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Oh come on, I know how to act around people, I'm not a child.
LENA CHRISTIE
It's not you I'm worried about.
(Pauses to think)
Okay, maybe a little bit. It's mostly the mechanic, don't pick a fight with her.
CAL shrugs, putting her hands in her pockets. Otherwise, they walk in silence, LENA loosens her grip on CAL.
EXT. THE LOCAL GARAGE - DAY
After a bit, they reach the garage, where they find a very tired, looking BLAIR. BLAIR looks up and frowns, stepping away from the car she was working on. She wears a name tag with her first name "Delia" clipped to her non-regulation shirt.
BLAIR
You alright there, Christie?
LENA CHRISTIE
Is the car ready?
BLAIR nods, pointing outside with her thumb.
BLAIR
Out there. Should be fine.
LENA CHRISTIE
I'm sorry, "should?".
BLAIR
(deadpan)
At this point I'd consider getting a new one, this one's a bit fucked.
CAL grins to herself while LENA and BLAIR pay no attention to her.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(quietly but amused)
Sounds like me.
BLAIR looks at CAL and squints a bit. LENA looks embarrassed to even be on the same planet as Cal.
BLAIR
Do I know you?
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(Hurt)
You forgot about me?
BLAIR uncomfortable shifts, avoiding eye contact because she's socially inept.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
It's Calypso? You know, your best mate Cal?
BLAIR
(In realization)
Oh, fuck!
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
You pissed off for ten years, Delia, and you don't even remember me? Pretty rude dude.
BLAIR
Please, uh...Please don't call me that.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Dude?Or Delia?
BLAIR
Delia. It's Blair now.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Oh, sweet, alright. That's fine.
LENA CHRISTIE
You two...know each other?
BLAIR
Grew up together, more or less.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
She used to live in Cwm Gelert but left for the big city when we were eleven.
LENA nods but looks like she'd rather not be in this conversation.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(Sighs)
Hasn't spoken to me since.
BLAIR looks uneasy. LENA frowns.
LENA CHRISTIE
I kinda hate that you and the Grease monkey know each other unironically.
BLAIR
(clears throat awkwardly)
Weren't you here for your car? It's outside, clogging up space. If it's not used for a client you are the client.
LENA groans, annoyed, pushing past Blair.
LENA CHRISTIE
I get it - I'm going.
LENA leaves, leaving CAL and BLAIR standing awkwardly together. The sound of a car starting and pulling away as LENA leaves.
BLAIR
So uh...
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
So yeah.
There's a beat of silence.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
You free later?
BLAIR
What?
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(Hesitantly)
Want to, maybe, hangout? Catch up?
BLAIR sighs.
BLAIR
I don't think that's a good idea.
CAL frowns, looking confused.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Why not? It's been ages.
BLAIR
Exactly, we're not children anymore. We're adults with different, separate lives. We wouldn't get along.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
How are you so sure? It's barely been five minutes and already you're shutting me out?
BLAIR stays silent.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
How long have you been here anyway?
BLAIR
(Reluctantly)
A couple of months.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(Hurt)
And you didn't want to see me?
BLAIR
(Sighs)
Like I said, we're different people now. I'm not avoiding you, I just have a life.
Another silence hangs between them, CAL makes no effort to move, while BLAIR hangs around awkwardly unsure of what to do in the situation.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(Trying again - quieter this time)
Did you hear about Davey?
BLAIR winces.
BLAIR
(softly)
Yeah...Yeah, I did.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Would have been cool, if we could have hung out like we used to. You, me, Davey and Ryan. We were one hell of a team back then.
BLAIR cracks a small smile.
BLAIR
We really were, huh?
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
God, things have changed. Hell, Davey and I ended up together before...
BLAIR frowns, opening her mouth to say something but stops. CAL clocks this and gets defensive.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
There an issue?
BLAIR
(Her walls snap back up)
No, no. Just a surprise I guess.
CAL nods, brushing it off.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
So, you free later?
BLAIR rolls her eyes.
BLAIR
You're not going to drop this, are you?
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Can you blame me? I missed you.
BLAIR
(Giving in)
I finish at six.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Want to go to the Sour Oak?
BLAIR laughs.
BLAIR
The inn that we used to harass because we were way too young to be drinking?
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Where else?
CAL grins jokingly pushing at BLAIR.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE(CONT'D)
I'll see you there, around seven-ish. There's no backing out now!
BLAIR
Don't make me regret this, Cal.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SOUR OAK INN - NIGHT
The inn is packed. BLAIR sits alone at a table at the side of the room, an untouched glass of beer sits before her. She pulls at the collar of her shirt - she actually dressed for the occasion. White shirt, clean jeans, and a nervous expression. She checks her watch, it reads 7:30. CAL still hasn't arrived. She taps at the table, refusing to make eye contact with anyone else in the room. EVAN MEREDITH walks in, wearing a comfy oversized jumper, baggy jeans, and boots. He looks distracted, looking around the small inn until he sees BLAIR. He walks over, sitting opposite her.
EVAN MEREDITH
Well well, what have we here?
BLAIR's gaze snaps up, noticing him for the first time. She glares, sitting up in her chair.
BLAIR
The fuck do you want?
EVAN chuckles, leaning forward with his elbows on the table.
EVAN MEREDITH
I just thought we could hang out like old times, you're barely ever home these days.
BLAIR
(she swallows)
Yeah well, you're not exactly good company.
EVAN MEREDITH
Better than nothing, love. I know you spend all your time at work, getting harassed by the law woman's daughter. You really do have a type, huh?
BLAIR
We're not discussing this.
EVAN MEREDITH
(tutting)
Don't tell me you're moving on so quickly.
BLAIR
I said; we're not discussing this.
EVAN laughs again, leaning back in his chair, relaxed.
EVAN MEREDITH
(Smug)
We used to be friends, Deels, what happened?
BLAIR
(angry)
As if you don't know.
CAL finally shows up, looking around for BLAIR. EVAN notices CAL and turns his attention back to BLAIR, smug.
EVAN MEREDITH
(Quiet enough so Cal can't hear)
You gotta be more careful with who you spent your time with.
CAL finally spots BLAIR, noticing that she's with someone she cautiously walks closer. She looks honestly betrayed before schooling her features into a "customer service" smile.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(Trying to sound lighthearted)
You could have told me you invited someone.
EVAN looks up and smiles, CAL stiffens.
EVAN MEREDITH
Don't worry, I was just leaving. Just had to pop over to see how my favourite mechanic was doing. I'll see you two around. Enjoy your night.
EVAN stands, patting CAL's shoulder before brushing past and leaving to sit elsewhere. CAL shudders.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Ugh, what a creep right?
BLAIR tries to laugh it off, taking a long sip of her beer and wincing. She glances over to where EVAN is sitting casually, he looks over at BLAIR and winks. BLAIR looks back down to the table.
BLAIR
I live with him.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Oof that's gotta be hard. No idea how I dated him.
BLAIR
You sure know how to pick 'em.
A small silence falls over them. CAL clears her throat.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
So, uh, you seeing anyone?
BLAIR shakes her head.
BLAIR
(Trying to sound light-hearted)
You're pretty forward.
(Pauses - hesitant)
Uh, not anymore. It, uh...It didn't work out.
BLAIR takes a long sip of her drink and CAL nods.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Sucks.
BLAIR
Yeah.
Another silence falls over them. BLAIR looks around, uncomfortable.
BLAIR
Why did you want to hang out tonight?
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Because, you're my friend, dumbass. Haven't seen you in years, I wanted to catch up.
BLAIR
There's not much to say, I'm afraid. My mother got remarried, I don't get along with her husband, so I moved out. Now I live here, back in the asscrack of Wales, living with your weird ex who keeps trying to befriend me.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Evan used to be better, he's changed a lot while you've been gone. Got worse after the break-up. I don't think it was as mutual as he wanted me to think.
BLAIR
Just didn't work out?
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Yeah. Then Davey asked me out and we were together for over a year, was getting serious too, and now...
BLAIR looks down, avoiding eye contact with CAL.
BLAIR
(softly - hurt)
Really going to miss her.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
It's never going to be the same, is it?
BLAIR downs the rest of her drink then shakes her head before slowly getting up.
BLAIR
This was a mistake. I'm sorry, I can't do this.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
What's a mistake? De - Blair, talk to me.
BLAIR
This.
BLAIR waves her arms around half-heartedly.
BLAIR(CONT'D)
You, me, hanging out. It's not the same. We're not the same.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(sceptically)
You were fine until I mentioned Davey.
BLAIR pauses, frozen in place for a few seconds.
BLAIR
(Stammering)
It's...it's just a lot to take in. I gotta go. I'll see you around, maybe.
BLAIR pushes past CAL as she makes her escape, leaving CAL by the table looking confused.
EXT. THE RESERVOIR - DAY/EVENING
The next day, CAL wanders through the reservoir, camera hanging from her neck, and a backpack strapped to her back.
She occasionally pauses and photographs broken plants as a possible sign of struggle, and ripped plastic that's stuck on trees. Pretty much anything that's broken or looks vaguely shady. Look, she doesn't know exactly how Davey was murdered, but that she was.
She solemnly trudges down the path, clearly behind the police tape to the actual murder site and looks annoyed to see it unattended. The search continues, mostly scoping out the area. Eventually, she turns and heads back, ripping down the police tape as she goes.
INT. LAUGHLIN-LEE HOUSEHOLD - CAL'S ACTUAL ROOM - NIGHT
It's pitch black except for the red numbers on a digital alarm clock. The deep breathing of heavy sleep is all that can be heard. This goes on for an awkwardly long time. A shitty text tone cuts through the silence, stirring the sleeping Cal who fumbles ineffectually for the source of the noise. She finally sits up, looks at her clock that reads 3:32 and grabs her phone, putting it to her ear.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(Groggily)
It's 3 am, the fuck do you want?
She pauses, getting no answer because it's a text.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE(CONT'D)
Hello?
She finally looks at the screen and sighs, rubbing her eyes tiredly. It's a text. Congrats.
The text reads: I'll see you soon, Cal. The sender is Davey.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE(CONT'D)
(Under her breath)
I can't believe this.
CAL quickly dials LENA, the buttons beeping loudly. After a few rings, LENA picks up.
LENA CHRISTIE
(Yawning)
Cal? This better be good.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
I got a text from Davey.
LENA CHRISTIE
You probably dreamt it, go back to sleep. Night -
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(Cutting across)
No wait! Don't go, I'm not crazy. Please believe me.
LENA CHRISTIE
(She yawns again)
Make it quick, some of us have places to be in the morning.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Right. Right. Okay, so, I got a text. Off Davey. Said she'll see me soon.
LENA CHRISTIE
(Unsure)
Okay? You are fully aware that she's dead, right? Are you sure this wasn't a dream?
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Yeah, I'm pretty sure.
LENA CHRISTIE
Okay. Can this wait till morning? I can come over or something, keep you company or we can check out this message?
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(relieved)
Yeah, yeah, okay, cool. We can do that.
There's a beat of silence.
LENA CHRISTIE
(skeptical)
Hey, Cal? Why did you call me of all people? Why not Ryan, or hell, even Delia?
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
I...I don't know. I guess I don't want to worry Ryan and Blair...I don't know. Blair doesn't seem too like me very much right now.
LENA hums in thought.
LENA CHRISTIE
Alright. Later, okay? Go to sleep.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(She chuckles humorlessly)
Yeah, alright. Night Lena. Sorry for waking you.
She hangs up and flops back on the bed. She stares up at the ceiling for a moment before closing her eyes.
CUT TO:
INT. THE LAUGHLIN-LEE HOUSEHOLD - KITCHEN - DAY
CAL stands by the kitchen table, packing a backpack, while LENA is making hot drinks. CAL is jittery, barely paying attention to how she's putting stuff into the bag. LENA finishes up and walks over, placing a mug in front of CAL and taking a seat beside her.
LENA CHRISTIE
You sure it's her?
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Positive.
LENA CHRISTIE
(Hums in disagreement)
Unlikely.
CAL roughly shoves a bottle into her bag in anger.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(Annoyed)
I know what I saw.
She pulls her phone out of her pocket, opening up the message app and sliding it over to LENA.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
See? I'm not crazy.
LENA CHRISTIE
Not crazy maybe. But you know it's not her, right?
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Yeah, I know, she's...
CAL trails off, before shaking her head.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Dead. Murdered.
LENA CHRISTIE
Yeah. So that means...?
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(She sighs - angry)
I know it's not her. I'm not stupid.
LENA CHRISTIE
Oh thank God. And we're going to the reservoir why, exactly?
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Looking for evidence.
LENA looks taken aback by Cal's stupidity/kinda miffed.
LENA CHRISTIE
Still? This isn't your podcast, your girlfriend is dead.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
I know you didn't like her -
LENA CHRISTIE
I barely knew her! I'm just worried about you, Cal. If...if this is a way for you to get closure then I'll come with you, but as soon as you do anything even vaguely illegal, I'm out. Deal?
CAL is silent for a bit, thinking it over, then nods.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Yeah, alright.
LENA smiles slightly and takes a sip of her drink.
LENA CHRISTIE
(Gently)
I appreciate you reaching out.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(playfully)
I mean, you're not that special, Ryan's coming too.
LENA shoves at CAL lightly.
LENA CHRISTIE
(Not sounding as angry as she wants)
Oh fuck off, asshole.
LENA rolls her eyes and sips her drink, dropping the subject.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
So's Blair.
MEDIUM CLOSE UP: LENA'S FACE IN CONCERN/DISBELIEF
LENA CHRISTIE
She's what?
CUT TO:
EXT. THE RESERVOIR - DAY
CLOSE UP: LENA'S NOW VERY DISAPPOINTED FACE BEFORE PANNING INTO MEDIUM CLOSE UP OF THE GROUP. BLAIR AND RYAN STAND IN THE BACKGROUND SMOKING. CAL IS OFF SCREEN, WAIST DEEP WADING THROUGH SHRUBBERY.
BLAIR
(agitated)
So, why exactly are we here again?
RYAN STONE
(Confused)
For...Cal?Were you paying attention?
BLAIR
No, like, here here. Why the reservoir? We could be literally anywhere else, preferably somewhere less wet.
RYAN flicks his cigarette butt to the ground and steps on it, before crossing his arms in boredom.
RYAN STONE
No fucking clue.
BLAIR shrugs, LENA facepalms in exasperation. She is done with these fuckers already.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
It's called a gut feeling.
BLAIR
You're saying I missed work for a hunch?
LENA CHRISTIE
I can't believe you made me agree with her, but yes.
RYAN STONE
We're here to be supportive, that's still pretty important, right?
Both BLAIR and LENA make a sound of disagreement.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(Calling back from her grassy prison)
Oi, none of you fuckers had to come!
RYAN STONE
But, have you considered; you're our friend, we're worried, and you're going off the rails a bit?
CAL huffs from the grassy bank, scuttling back over to the group with a hoodie in her hands. None of the group wants to be there.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
I'm sorry that the police are shit-
She looks at LENA, making a small gesture towards her.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
No offence.
LENA makes a show of rolling her eyes, used to CAL's bullshit.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
My girlfriend is dead, they're doing nothing, and the village has already swept her under the rug. It's like she never existed.
BLAIR
I don't see how we can do anything. We're a bunch of idiots, one of which is always on something, one's an actual dealer, and another's a narc.
RYAN STONE
(Hesitant and confused)
I'm - Look I'm not a dealer -
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(annoyed)
Then what the hell are you in that equation?
BLAIR
Already sick of this so-called investigation.
CAL glares and starts to say something before RYAN cuts in.
RYAN STONE
We're all upset -
He glances at LENA who doesn't seem bothered at all by this situation and is far more focused on shoving her jacket into BLAIR's arms.
RYAN STONE
Most of us are upset, but we can't do anything here. Let's leave it to the professionals, yeah? We have other things to do.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Like what?
RYAN STONE
The least we can do is help the Blue's with the funeral. We knew her better than anyone else here. It's what they need.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
They need is to have the bastard that killed their daughter locked up!
LENA sighs loudly, turning to CAL with a tired expression. BLAIR is now wearing LENA's jacket and looks pissed about it.
LENA CHRISTIE
You're twenty-two years old, and you live in a fucking tent in your parent's garden. What exactly can you do that the police can't?
CAL silently fumes for a few seconds before holding up her hand holding the hoodie.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(Quietly)
Do their fucking job, apparently.
LENA CHRISTIE
(Sighing)
Is that...Davey's clothes? Alright, cool, you're stealing evidence. I'm heading out - I'm not going to be apart of this. This is where I'm drawing the line.
RYAN STONE
(Hesitantly - like he's trying to agree with Lena)
That's uh...that's not right. I...can't get involved with this. I can't be tied to a murder.
LENA starts to walk off - RYAN following her after a few steps like a confused puppy. BLAIR shrugs and begins to walk off behind them - but not before looking down the path before shaking her head and following the other two.
CLOSE UP: CAL LOOKS TOWARDS THE DEPARTING TRIO, LOOKING CONFLICTED.
Ultimately, CAL doesn't follow the three, and heads off alone.
EXT. THE RESERVOIR - EVENING
CAL and RYAN walk the path back to the reservoir, RYAN lights a cigarette and offers one to CAL who shakes her head looking disinterested in anything that isn't murder.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
So, does Lena know you're here?
RYAN frowns in confusion.
RYAN STONE
I am my own person, you know. She was also pretty pissed earlier and I don't think she was joking about not getting involved.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
She'll come around, she always does.
RYAN STONE
(Sceptically)
Yeah, sure Cal. Sure.
The duo re-enters the site they were at earlier. It's far dimmer than earlier, but still enough light to be able to see decently clear. CAL is already in the bushes/long grass yet again.
RYAN STONE
What exactly are we looking for anyway?
CAL swings around and looks at him strangely.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Honestly? Anything out of place.
RYAN sighs as he realizes what exactly he's gotten himself into.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Oi, don't start. Come on, we come here often enough - you'll know if somethings wrong!
RYAN STONE
You are forgetting that we're always drunk and or high when we come here.
CAL laughs from the bush and leaves him to his own devices, which seems to be looking around the water's edge and up the waterfall. RYAN lights up a cigarette while CAL goes back to wading through the shrubs where she was earlier, torch in hand.
RYAN STONE
So, you ever think of doing criminology instead of whatever the fuck you're doing now?
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
It's called philosophy and it's fun.
RYAN STONE
Yeah, about as fun as you are.
CAL makes a noise of disagreement before disappearing further into the bushes. RYAN kneels and pokes around the bank of the water, cigarette hanging from his mouth. The duo poke about for a bit until RYAN comes across a silver ring pressed into the ground as if it had been stood on. He kneels and digs it out, holding it up to the light.
RYAN STONE
Hey, Cal? Come here a sec.
CAL wades over and kneels beside him.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(muttering)
Looks a little familiar.
CAL reaches into her pocket to pull out a small plastic bag, which RYAN snorts at. Before he can drop the ring in, EVAN walks by and stops as he notices them. CAL sees him and swears under her breath.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
For fuck sake.
EVAN heads down the hill towards the two, who both bristle in annoyance.
EVAN MEREDITH
Lovely evening, huh?
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
You, again?
EVAN MEREDITH
Nice to see you too, Cal. We should actually hang out sometime since we keep bumping into each other. You too, Ryan - haven't seen you in a while.
RYAN STONE
(On edge)
I don't know, you still hunting?
EVAN rolls his eyes.
EVAN MEREDITH
What's it to you?
RYAN looks uncomfortable and CAL pushes to be in between them.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
What do you want Evan? Because if you're here to fight I'll -
CAL begins to raise balled fists as a threat as she speaks, but RYAN pulls her back.
RYAN STONE
He's not worth it.
EVAN MEREDITH
Only came down for a chat, although I'm sure Chief Christie would love to know that her least favourite troublemakers are back on the scene. That you even threatened me! Maybe I should have gotten that restraining order after all.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Restraining-? You're the one who won't leave me alone!
EVAN MEREDITH
Yes, I'm sure that's how the police will see it when you route through everyone's trash for a story you can sell.
CAL lunges for him again but is yet again held back by Ryan. EVAN tuts.
EVAN MEREDITH(CONT'D)
Now, Cal, you know how bad it would look if you attacked me? I'm a Meredith, my family built this town. Out of you and me, who's story would they believe?
RYAN STONE
Christ, you ever hear yourself speak?
EVAN looks RYAN up and down, noticing the ring that's now on RYAN's fingers. He smirks.
EVAN MEREDITH
Just stating the truth. Well, I best be off. Don't do anything I wouldn't do.
He winks and walks off the way he came. CAL huffs.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
Jesus Christ, he's a creep now.
RYAN STONE
Weird to think we used to hang out with the bastard. He's not wrong though, it's getting late and I gotta meet Lena for drinks.
CAL LAUGHLIN-LEE
(suggestively)
Oh?Just the two of you?
RYAN shoves at her.
RYAN STONE
Get fucked Cal.
They bicker as they leave through the other exit, hopping across the 'waterfall' and leaving, the sounds of their conversation fading out.
INT. LENA'S HOUSE - DUSK/NIGHT
LENA and RYAN are chilling in front of a couch - specifically sitting on the ground, not the couch itself - between them is a half-drunk bottle of wine. Around them are empty cans and bowls of half-eaten snacks. RYAN takes a swig of the bottle of wine. LENA leans her head back against the couch, looking up at the ceiling.
CLOSE UP: THE BOTTLE OF WINE AFTER RYAN PUTS IT BACK DOWN ON THE FLOOR. THE WINE SLOSHES AROUND FOR A BIT BEFORE RYAN STARTS TALKING.
RYAN STONE
The local kids are thinking of having a send-off.
LENA CHRISTIE
For Davey?
RYAN STONE
Yeah, her and that Byron kid.
The two keep quiet for a beat of silence.
LENA CHRISTIE
This whole thing's a mess.
RYAN STONE
You're telling me. Nothing happens in Cwm Gelert. It's a boring town. We don't even have a corner shop anymore.
LENA CHRISTIE
Because of Cal.
RYAN STONE
(He laughs softly)
Gotta love her.
LENA CHRISTIE
Really wished her coping mechanisms were safer.
RYAN nods, LENA takes a swig from the bottle.
RYAN STONE
The wake should be good though. Just a bunch of us getting together to remember the real Davey, not the 'Davina' her parents wanted her to be.
LENA CHRISTIE
God, her family's such bullshit. Didn't they attempt to arrange a marriage for her?
RYAN STONE
That's what everyone says.
LENA CHRISTIE
Speaking of Davey - did Cal tell you she rang?
RYAN shakes his head, looking curious.
LENA CHRISTIE
Davey messaged her last night, or at least, someone has Davey's phone.
RYAN STONE
Well, there's some sick fucks in the area who would make that joke.
LENA CHRISTIE
You think she's overreacting?
RYAN STONE
I mean, not really. She's going through something pretty traumatic. I really wish she'd choose a better way to work through her emotions though.
LENA smiles sadly and shakes her head.
LENA CHRISTIE
You know Cal doesn't do anything in half measures.
RYAN takes another drink from the bottle, humming thoughtfully. With the bottle empty, he pulls out a cigarette from his pocket, only to put it back after a disappointing look from LENA. He then instead checks his watch.
RYAN STONE
Ah fuck, I should probably go. Don't want to worry my dad, y'know?
LENA nods and RYAN starts to get up swaying a little, LENA following slightly after.
LENA CHRISTIE
Want a lift?
RYAN shakes his head and zips up his jacket.
RYAN STONE
We've been drinking, probably best if I just walk. I'll manage, it's not too far.
LENA CHRISTIE
Stay safe, okay?
RYAN STONE
You too.
RYAN leave the room, and thus the house.
EXT. THE STREET - NIGHT
RYAN STONE stumbles down the road, drunk. His phone beeps with a message, to which he fumbles around in his jeans pocket and carefully pulls it out.
The text reads: "Meet me at the rez" but the letters are fuzzy and swap around. The sender name is heavily blurred. RYAN shrugs, and heads over the reservoir.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE RESERVOIR - NIGHT
RYAN stands by the water, looking around. He checks his phone again, squinting. The sender's name clears to read "DAVEY" just as EVAN walking into the scene.
EVAN MEREDITH
Hey, Stone.
RYAN jumps, almost dropping his phone.
RYAN STONE
Evan?
EVAN grins.
EVAN MEREDITH
It's been a long time.
RYAN STONE
This isn't funny, what the fuck do you want?
EVAN MEREDITH
Awh, good boy Ryan finally grew a backbone?
RYAN STONE
(angry realization)
You - you texted Cal.
EVAN MEREDITH
You were always clever. Not so perfect as you try to make out though, huh?
EVAN approaches slowly, knife drawn. RYAN backs away.
RYAN STONE
The fuck?
EVAN doesn't reply, instead of coming closer, RYAN stumbles backwards. EVAN draws his arm back to strike. The scene cuts off as EVAN brings his arm down.
EXT.THE RESERVOIR - DAY
CLOSE UP: RYAN STONE PHONE AS IT BUZZES LOUD AND CONTINUOUSLY. CALLS AND TEXTS FROM LENA AND CAL FILL THE SCREEN.HELL, THERE'S A COUPLE FROM BLAIR IN THERE TOO. ZOOM OUT: RYAN'S LIFELESS BODY, JUST LYING THERE. HIS THROAT'S BEEN CUT AND THERE'S BLOOD SPILLING INTO THE GRASS.
Sound: Different answerphone messages from CAL and LENA, ranging from the typical "where are you?" to actual concern. Police sirens blend in.
End of Act 1