THE DETECTIVE'S CASE
Setting
In Louisiana lays a swamp town called Brooks. Its medium sized but the swamp really encloses it making it feel secluded. Most people there know each other besides a few newcomers and the town is very welcoming. Early in the morning in a house far off from others there is an alarming discovery. It seems there has been a body of a man found. The usually quiet town then begins to stir as this is the most excitement they have seen in quite some time.
Scene 1
(In the middle of nowhere in a swampy field at Ronald Salle’s house)
POLICE CHIEF:(holds his hand out) Detective Davis, thanks for coming. Ronald’s fiancee found a dead body here. We believe it’s Ronald. Come and check it out.
DETECTIVE DAVIS:(shaking the chief’s hand) Sure thing, Chief. Lead me to it.
(They walk through the swamp water in the field. They stop a few feet from the front porch.)
CHIEF:(leaning down, brushing aside the grass, he reveals a dead body)Here he is. Half decaying in the water. Left the body as it was. Didn’t want to disturb it much ‘til you got here.
DAVIS: Thanks, I appreciate it. Has CSU been here yet?
CHIEF:(rubbing his jaw) Naw, not yet. You know how things are. The city keeps them tied down with all their murders, so when something happens here we have nobody.
DAVIS:(Frowning) You know when they coming?
CHIEF: Said they’d be on their way when they finished up with the scene they were out.
DAVIS:(rolling his eyes) Okay, we all know how long that’ll be. Let’s go ahead and get started then. (Taking a camera out of the bag he’s carry, he starts to take pictures of the dead body.)
CHIEF: Wonder what Salle did this time to get himself killed?
DAVIS:(still examining the body) Don’t know, but we’re gonna find out. (Hearing a noise, he turns his head to off left stage.) Your CSU is finally here. Maybe we can get some work done now.
Scene 2
(Cafe)
DAVIS: Can I get a large black coffee with two sugars on the side please?
(Rubbing his head, noticeably tired.)
BARISTA: That’ll be $3.50 sir.
DAVIS: (Searching for change in his pocket he pays and smiles at the girl and throws some change into the tip jar. He searches for a place to sit in the busy cafe and finally finds one and sits down alone.)
DAVIS: What a day. (He mumbles to himself, not knowing where to start in thinking about the case.)
CYNTHIA: Excuse me, would you mind if I sat down with you? I saw you were alone and I couldn’t find another table in this whole place! (Ending with a smile.)
DAVIS: Uhh, sure. I could use the company. (He stands up and like a gentleman, pulls out the chair for her.)
CYNTHIA: Thank you (She accepts the gesture kindly.)
DAVIS: So are you around here? I don’t think I’ve seen you around before. (Thinking to himself that he would of, who could miss her beautiful red hair and great smile.)
CYNTHIA: No, I moved a little while back to stay with a friend. I really do like it here though and think I’ll stay. Everyones so warm and welcoming.
DAVIS: Yeah its a nice place to be, quiet and comfortable. (He says this knowing he shouldn’t bring up the case and scare her off.)
CYNTHIA: Do you come here often? I’ve never been here but it seems very quaint and relaxed.
DAVIS: Almost every morning (He said with a smile) I come here to think mostly, clear my mind before I head off to work. (Looking down at his watch.) Speaking of I better get going, I lost track of time, wouldn’t want to be late.
CYNTHIA: Alright well it was nice talking to you, maybe I’ll see you around here again. (Looking kind of disappointed.)
DAVIS: Sure thing (He smiled as he got up and exited the cafe.)
Scene 3
(At the Police Department)
CHIEF: Davis! Salle’s fiancee is here for questioning.
DAVIS:(nods) Thanks. Send her in for me, will you?
(Chief sticks his head off stage right and motions for the fiancee to come. She walks through the door and Davis’s jaw drops.)
DAVIS: uh, hem-(Clearing his throat) Hello, Ms.-(he looks down at his papers)-Donalds.
CYNTHIA: Uh, hi... I’m, um, here to talk about the body I found...
DAVIS:(blinks a few times before answering) Oh! Yes, of course. (Pulling out the chair on the other side of the desk for her) Please, sit down.
CYNTHIA:(looks at the chair) Oh, thank you. (She sits)
DAVIS: Okay, first we’re going to go over when you arrived at Salle’s house. Then I want you to walk me through everything you saw and what happened. Is that okay?
CYNTHIA: (Nodding) Yeah, I guess so.
DAVIS:’Kay, Ms. Donalds, when did you go over to Ronald Salle’s house?
CYNTHIA: (Pausing to think) Well, Ron and I were supposed to be going back to my home town in South Carolina to visit my parents, so we were going to leave early in the morning.
DAVIS: Do you know about what time that was?
CYNTHIA:(Closing her eyes to think) Uhhh, I would say I got to his house at about four in the morning.
DAVIS:(furrowing his eyebrows) You didn’t call the police until about 5:15. What made you wait so long?
CYNTHIA:(Her hand rising to flick the hair off her shoulder) Well, you see, I went inside, and knowing he wouldn’t be up quite yet, I started making breakfast for him. Egg omelet, hashbrowns-
DAVIS:(cutting her off) I’m sorry to interrupt, but when you went inside you didn’t see the body at all?
CYNTHIA:(looking slightly frustrated) No. (Pausing for a minute) But I didn’t go in the front door.(Pausing again) I went through the back.(Seeing the questioning look on Davis’s face, she continues) Uh, the driveway goes all the way behind the house. And that’s where I usually park, so it’s just easier to go in the back door rather than go all the way to the front door.
DAVIS:(nodding) Oh, I see now. Okay, continue. What happened next?
CYNTHIA:(Thinking) Okay, after that... I had breakfast ready, and I was setting the table. It was about five at this time. I knew he should’ve been up by then if we wanted to make it on time, so I went upstairs to go wake him. But when I went upstairs, he wasn’t there...(covering her face with her hands)
DAVIS: Ms. Donalds, what happened next?
CYNTHIA:(realizing there’s more) Oh, well, after I didn’t find him upstairs, I went back downstairs to see if maybe he was there. But he wasn’t. So I called his phone, but it went straight to voicemail. By this time I was slightly worried, but I didn’t want to freak out.
DAVIS: ...and what happened next?
CYNTHIA: Trying not to jump to conclusions, I figured he might be outside hunting or something. I dunno.
DAVIS: Is that when you found the body?
CYNTHIA:(Covering her face, trying to hide her tears) Yes!(Wailing at this point) Please tell me that wasn’t Ron. Oh, please!
DAVIS:(trying to convey sympathy to the woman he had earlier found beautiful)Ms. Donald, we don’t know at this point. We are waiting on results from the lab to get back before we know.
CYNTHIA:(bawling) Is he that unrecognizable?
DAVIS(trying to mask his response) No, Ms. Donalds, it’s not that. This is just the normal proceedings we have to take.
(Chief walks in and motions for Davis to come over. Davis gets up from his desk and walks to stage right to where the chief is.)
CHIEF:(Whispering) Davis, we have an urgent situation you need to take care of. Can you wrap this up?
DAVIS:(nodding) Yeah, sure. (He walks back to Cynthia, but doesn’t sit down.) I’m sorry but I have to go. Uh, can we meet up to discuss this further sometime?
CYNTHIA: Uh, I guess...(She gets up to leave, but turns back around) Can I ask you something Detective Davis?
DAVIS: Yeah, sure, I guess.
CYNTHIA: How can you be so caring in the coffee shop, but here you’re almost cold and emotionless.
DAVIS:(sighing and looking around before he continues) I’m sorry, Cynthia. I really am. It’s just part of the job.
CYNTHIA:(starting to smile) There. That’s the person I met earlier today. (She turns around to walk away, but Davis catches her arm and she turns back to him.)
DAVIS: Can we meet up sometime?
CYNTHIA:(Raising her eyebrow) Oh?
DAVIS:(Stuttering) Oh, uh, I-I-I, uh, mean, uh, to discuss the case. Yeah, to discuss the case.
CYNTHIA:(laughing a little bit) Yes, Detective Justin Davis(Trying to sound fancy. Almost mocking him.) we can discuss the case(emphasizing case) tomorrow if you like.
DAVIS: Yeah, that would be good. Meet me at the park outside the coffee shop. Say, noonish?
CYNTHIA: Okay, Detective. I’ll see you then.
Scene 4
(Opens in a park, coffee in hand, ready to discuss the case further)
CYNTHIA: Well hello there again (She waves, already sitting on a bench.)
DAVIS: How have you been? (He asks casually, not wanting to start too strong.)
CYNTHIA: Oh good, its been hard you know, losing someone so close. Lonely too, the house seems so big without his presence. (She looks down sadly.)
DAVIS: Well I’m really sorry to hear that (Reaching out to touch her arm subconsciously, after the fact knowing it was probably not right.) Don’t worry, though, we’ll find who did this and give them to justice. I know it won’t bring him back but it should give you a little more closure.
CYNTHIA: (Looking down nervously) Yeah I’m sure it’ll help a little. So what kind of questions do you have for me today?
DAVIS: Well, today I just want to focus on finding some possible suspects. These might be some hard things to talk about but I promise it will only help and will make this process go a lot quicker.
CYNTHIA: Okay then, its just so hard thinking about all the good times though, you know? I just don’t know why this had to happen to me! (She exclaims, teary eyed, throwing her head in her hands)
DAVIS: It’ll all turn out fine. (Davis tries to comfort her by putting his arm around her shoulders, knowing hes crossing the line.)
CYNTHIA: Thanks, you really have a comforting air to you. (Smiling at Davis warmly.)
DAVIS: (He gives her a smile and decides its time to get back to business). So, how many people were you and Ron close to? Did he have any enemies that you know of?
CYNTHIA: Not many people honestly, we had made some friends but no one that we were really close to. As far as I knew he was on good terms with everyone.
DAVIS: Alright (Davis scribbles down what she is telling him and takes a sip of coffee.) Ew, it’s gotten cold already, figures. (He says with distaste.)
CYNTHIA: That’s no good, why don’t you try mine. It’s great. (She holds out her coffee to him, almost to the point that he cannot say no.)
DAVIS: Okay (He takes the coffee from her and takes a small sip.) Wow this is great, what is it? I really need to get this next time, I’ve gotten the same thing every day for the past 10 years it seems like.
CYNTHIA: Yeah, it’s always good to try new things, you never know what you’re missing out on when you stick to the same old thing. (She says this with hint of underlying implications)
DAVIS: Thats very true. (He smiles, thinking she is flirting, but not wanting to be too obvious about it.)
CYNTHIA: Something just popped into my head. Did you see the head guy at the police station? I always felt like he had something against Ron, maybe you should ask him some questions and see what he says. Thats really the only person I could think of that would possibly have a problem with him. Everyone else seemed to love him.
DAVIS: Hmm, that’s the police chief, thats a very complicated allegation, I’ll have to bring it up and see what he has to say. (Looking down at his watch he sees the time.) Well look at that its already 2 p.m. I swear time always seems to fly when we’re talking. I need to get back to the station soon but we still have some details to look over, how about Saturday night?
CYNTHIA: Well that sounds great (She smiles, seemingly excited.)
DAVIS: Alright we better make it at your place, we can go over details then of how it might have happened, where you found him, and where the intruder might have come in.
CYNTHIA: Don’t eat before you come, I’ll have a little something incase we get hungry going things over.
DAVIS: Umm sounds good. (Feeling weary about this, knowing if things get too personal he will be kicked off the case and will no longer be able to see her if he wants to keep his job.)
(The both get up and walk off to their cars to leave.)
Scene 5
(at the victim’s house)
(Davis and Cynthia walking on from Stage left, walking side by side, already in the middle of a conversation)
DAVIS:(overly happy) That was the best dinner I have ever ate!
CYNTHIA:(laughing in modesty) Oh, thanks. I’m glad you liked it.
DAVIS:(Swivels around to look her straight in the face. A little too close for just a professional relationship) How could I NOT like it. It was seriously the best thing ever.
CYNTHIA:(giggling) Thanks, maybe you’ll have to try one of my better dishes sometime.
DAVIS:(walking by her side again) You’re telling me that wasn’t?
CYNTHIA: Well, I don’t think so...
DAVIS: Woman, you’re crazy.(His tone changes after that to a more serious one.) Okay, Cynthia, or should I say, Ms. Donalds. We need to go over what happened step by step.
CYNTHIA: Well, then, Detective Davis(in a flirty tone) let’s go over the case then.
DAVIS:(Walking down the middle of the driveway) Okay, you’re driving down the driveway in your car. Then you park around back (following the path of what he’s saying that leads to behind a wall.)
CYNTHIA:(following his lead) Yeah, right here, in front of the first garage door.
DAVIS: Then, you said you opened the back door(Opening the door to reveal the two) and walked in. Then, you went straight to the kitchen? What about your jacket? Purse? Keys?
CYNTHIA: Uh, no, I went to this coat hanger rack, stuck my keys in my jacket, and hung both my purse and coat on the peg.
DAVIS: Okay...(Repeating everything Cynthia just did) Very good. Now, you went to the kitchen?
CYNTHIA: Yes. I walked straight to the island and set down the groceries I had brought over. I had cold items, like milk and eggs, so I started to put them away.(acting like she is putting away groceries)
DAVIS: So, once you have all the groceries put away, what did you do?
CYNTHIA:(Thinking) ...I went to the cabinets and grabbed some pans and a skillet. Then I got out all the dry ingredients.
DAVIS:(doing the motions of everything she says) Okay, then you started cooking... What were you making?
CYNTHIA: I started making pancakes first, then I put bacon and eggs on the skillet.
DAVIS: Pancakes, bacon, and eggs? Mmmm, that sounds really good right about now...
CYNTHIA:(laughing) Well, maybe, I’ll make them for you sometime...(sounding like she’s implying something further.)
DAVIS:(slightly surprised, he clears his throat) Oh, hum, thanks.... Well, then, so you’re making breakfast, everything is going good, then you realize that Ronald isn’t downstairs yet?
CYNTHIA: Well, kind of. I was making breakfast and I had the stove and skillet running. I put the bacon in the microwave for five seconds to warm it back up, but the power went out. I waited for a minute, figuring Ron would come downstairs to fix it, but he never did. It didn’t really hit me until I went to the basement to flip the breaker and was coming back up the steps. I was curious as why Ron didn’t come downstairs, so I went to find him, and-
DAVIS:(cutting her off) Wait. Okay, I want to run through this.(Standing in the kitchen, he pretends to be surprised, goes to the basement door goes through and walks down. When he walks back through the door again, he has a curious look on his face. He puts his hands on his hips and walks up the stairs and behind a wall.) Okay, so you searched up here, but couldn’t find him. Anything out of the ordinary?(He shouts this because Cynthia is still downstairs.)
CYNTHIA: No. So I come back down stairs(Davis walks down the steps), and I looked down here for him, figuring I was just missing him or something, but I still couldn’t find him.
DAVIS:(nodding to himself) Mhmm. Okay. Then what, Ms. Donalds?
CYNTHIA:(smiling) Well, Detective... (laughing) I’m sorry. I can’t call you detective with a straight face. When I first met you, you were Justin. That’s the way you’re going to stay to me.
DAVIS:(laughing) Good! I don’t like calling you Ms. Donalds either.
CYNTHIA: Anyways, so I couldn’t find him and I was getting worried. So I figured he could've gone outside. He always goes on early morning walks or hunts. So the next logical thing to do was to call him.
DAVIS:Did you?
CYNTHIA: Yah. I did, but he didn't answer. I figured that he was just hunting and didn't hear his phone ringing. So I decided I would peek outside hoping I would see him.
DAVIS: So you went out the door next?
CYNTHIA: Yes. I walked out the front and took a few steps before I saw a heap on the ground. I wasn’t sure what it was so I leaned over and touched it. When I got closer I realized it was a body, and the blood around it told me he wasn’t alive. So I called the cops, and when they got here and I gave my statement, I left.
DAVIS: Is there anything we missed that you can think of?
CYNTHIA: Nope. Not really. I have a few things in the house that I need to get, and the police wouldn’t let me get them that day. Do you mind if I go grab them?
DAVIS: Go ahead. I’ll be inside in a minute.(Davis stoops down to examine the spot where Ronald’s body was laying a couple of days ago. He puts gloves on and runs his hands through the grass, checking for anything that might’ve been left behind.) Whoever did this to him did a good job covering up his tracks(mutters)
(Davis walks back into the house where he meets Cynthia, who is holding a small bag of clothes.)
CYNTHIA:(holding out the bag) You can check it if you need to. It’s just clothes though.
DAVIS:(shaking his head) No, I don’t need to. I trust you. Are you ready to go now?
(Cynthia nods and heads towards the door. Davis is right behind her. She trips over a cord on the ground, and Davis catches her.)
CYNTHIA: Oh!
DAVIS: Are you alright?(Cynthia still in his arms)
CYNTHIA: Yeah I think so... (Davis starts to release her, but pauses when she gets close to his face.)
DAVIS:(quieter) Are you sure you’re okay?
CYNTHIA:(still breathing a little heavy) Yeah. I guess so. It just scared me a bit(Her eyes flick back and forth from Davis’s face and back down) Justin?
DAVIS:(still holding her) Yeah?
CYNTHIA:(giggles) You can let me go now(She smiles)
DAVIS:(he chuckles and a grin swipes across his face) Oops...(changing his tone to playful) What if I didn’t want to?
CYNTHIA: Well then that would be fine, but you need to find a better way to do it.
DAVIS:(Chuckling) Whatcha saying? I’m not good at this?
CYNTHIA:(Giggling) No, not at all
DAVIS:(pretending to look offended) What??? Me? Uh! I’m so hurt!
CYNTHIA:(she holds her hand over his mouth to muffle him) Justin!
(Davis removes her hand, stares at her for a second, and he leans in. Davis kisses her long and slow.)
DAVIS:(after he kisses her) Oh! I’m so sorry(letting go of her) That was really unprofessional! Oh my God, I’m sorry, Cynthia. You just lost your fiancee, and we’re trying to figure out who killed him, and I just kissed you. I’m sorry. So sorry.
CYNTHIA:(tries to hold back a giggle) It’s alright, Justin.
DAVIS: No it’s not. It’s not okay.
CYNTHIA:(She moves closer to him and kisses him) No, Justin,(she lowers and softens her tone) it really is okay.
(Davis is surprised by her action, but doesn’t reject. He leans in to kiss her again.)
Scene 6
Narrator: Things have obviously gotten out of hand, and Davis can no longer hide his feelings for her nor can Cynthia hide hers. They decide to have a date a little out of town at a more private location
DAVIS: You sure do clean up nice (Opens Cynthia’s door and helps her out.)
CYNTHIA: Why thank you (Gleaming, stepping out and entering the restaurant.)
DAVIS: (They walk in and Davis approaches the Host) Table for two please and the most private table if possible. (He slips the man a little money to get the best they can, and will not be seen by anyone while breaking the rules.)
HOST: Yes right this way. (Leads them to a table far in the back room, where no one else is seated.) Your waitress will be here shortly, enjoy your meal.
DAVIS: Thank you
CYNTHIA: Thank you (They both chime in harmony, proceeding to look at each other and giggle.) This is so nice, I never thought we would be able to be alone without the case following us around, I’m so happy. You have really helped me keep my mind off things.
DAVIS: This is great, I’m glad to have helped, I just feel sort of guilty with the whole situation. Hopefully we will figure out who did it though, and then we can be together.
CYNTHIA: Don’t worry about it, I know he would have wanted me to be happy (Smiling a bit oddly.) I knew we would end up being something, from the first moment we met in the cafe. It was just meant to be.
DAVIS: Well I’m glad you feel that way.
(The waitress comes, they order, and then receive their food.)
CYNTHIA: Are you kidding me? This steak is practically raw! (yelling at the waitress) Are you an idiot, why would you even bring me this?! (She stabs the steak with her knife, while the waitress looks at her puzzled and slightly horrified.)
DAVIS: It’s okay , It’s okay, I’m sure they would happily cook it a little more, calm down.
(seeing a side of her that he hasn’t yet seen, It kind of scares him but he decides that he will look past it because she has been through a lot.)
WAITRESS: I’m so sorry, I will get you another one right away. (Visibly upset.)
CYNTHIA: This one better be good or you aren’t getting a tip! (She yells as the waitress has left.)
DAVIS: I’m sure they will correct it, is everything okay?
CYNTHIA: Yeah, I just can’t handle putting up with idiots.
(The rest of dinner is awkward, and they eat quietly, Davis leaves the poor waitress a good tip and repeatedly apologizes.)
CYNTHIA: Can we talk? (She asks Davis while walking to the car.)
DAVIS: Yes we can. (Opening the door for her and then gets in.)
CYNTHIA: I’m so sorry I acted that way. (She begins to cry.) I don’t know what’s been up with me lately. Rons death has just made me feel emotionally unstable! I’m a wreck. Can you ever forgive me?
DAVIS: I understand, its very hard. I’ll be with you through anything you need me with, you don’t have to worry. (The atmosphere becomes quiet and deep and they share a kiss)
Scene 7
(A police department in New Orleans)
MAN: (yelling) DETECTIVE BIGGONS! You have a case in Brooks. An hour east.
BIGGONS:(cooly) What’s the case?
MAN: Man got murdered. Detective on the case can’t solve it. Rumored to be with the man’s fiancee. You’ve gotta go step in. While you’re at it, make sure that you get proof that the two are together.
BIGGONS: Is that all?
MAN: Yeah, for now.
BIGGONS: I guess I’ll see you in a week or two, boss.
MAN: A week or two?(scoffs) You’d better be back here in a few days.
BIGGONS:(raises his eyebrows) A few days?
MAN:Yeah, it’s a small town, probably never had a murder, the killer has to be obvious. It’ll be an easy one. Anyways, I thought you said you were good/
BIGGONS:(raises his eyebrow again) I am good.(said very calm)
Scene 8
(Davis is walking into the building, he sets his stuff down, and then the Chief calls him into his office.)
CHIEF: Can I have a word with you, Davis?
DAVIS: Sure, I’ll be right in, let me just grab my files.
CHIEF: Uhh that won’t be necessary, this’ll be quick.
DAVIS: Okay... (Now nervous of what he has to say.)
(Davis walks in and wearily sits down and is handed a folder.)
CHIEF: Now Davis, I know you have always been a prime detective but this is too much. I’m not sure what to think.
(Davis opens the folder and his jaw drops, he is speechless.)
DAVIS: What? How? (He can’t spit it out.)
CHIEF: I’m sorry but I just can’t have you on a case with this sort of personal interest. We’ve called an outsider in. I’m very disappointed. I thought you knew never to get involved like this. Consider yourself lucky you still have a job.
DAVIS: Now wait a minute! How did you get these? (Now slightly angry.)
CHIEF: That’s classified information, Davis, but thankfully we did. Just imagine if someone higher up would’ve gotten wind of this, I would’ve been ruined!
DAVIS: I understand, I’m sorry, Sir. I let my emotions get the best of me. It won’t happen again. But if you don’t mind me asking who did you get to replace me on this?
CHIEF: You wouldn’t know him, not from around here, now get back to work.
(Davis walks out, visibly upset and sees someone he doesn’t recognize as he’s walking out.)
CHIEF: (Shakes hands with the unidentified man and lets him into his office.) Hello, Mr. Biggons, thank you again for everything.
BIGGONS: Oh, its no problem at all, just doing my job.
CHIEF: Well you’ve helped me a great deal, I don’t know what I would’ve done if this would’ve gotten anymore out of hand. Your pictures saved me.
BIGGONS: When the Chief down in New Orleans told me about the suspicion, I couldn’t wait to get on the case. It was all too easy.
CHIEF: I really appreciate it, now I need you to stay low and watch her house and try to keep an eye out for Davis. See if he’s up to any funny business, you never know now. No leads and a detective getting involved with the fiancee of the victim, it puts a real bad light on Davis. Hopefully we can clear him and see if anyone else hangs around there that could be a possible suspect.
BIGGONS: Definitely Sir, we will figure it out and I’ll keep an eye out.
(The scene ends with the two men in the office.)
Scene 9
(Cynthia and Davis in Cynthia’s house on a couch. Biggons outside spying)
DAVIS:(furious) I can’t believe they kicked me off the case!
CYNTHIA: Isn’t there anything I can do? Can’t I say I want you on the case? I mean it was my fiancee that was murdered.
DAVIS:(sighing) No... I can’t be on the case because we’re involved. If the jury got ahold of that once we catch this guy, they wouldn’t convict him.
CYNTHIA:(disappointed) I don’t really want that.
DAVIS: Neither do I! There’s no way I’ll ever get back on the case. But, (pulling her closer) being with you is worth it.
(Cynthia smiles and lays her head on Davis’s shoulder.)
CYNTHIA: Are you sure there isn’t anything I can do?
DAVIS:(grinning) Well... There is one thing you can do....
CYNTHIA: And what is that?
DAVIS: Make me some of that amazing cake you had the other day.
CYNTHIA:(laughing) That’s all you want?
DAVIS: Yep.
CYNTHIA:(getting up to go in the ktchen) Alright then. Coming right up.
DAVIS:(Pulling her back down on the couch) I didn’t say I wanted to get up.
CYNTHIA:(laughing) Then how am I supposed to make it?
DAVIS:(Leaning into kiss her) I dunno.
CYNTHIA:(laughing and try to pull away) You’re crazy!
DAVIS:(smiles) I know. (He pulls her closer and gives her a quick kiss.) Go make that cake now. BUT, you better get back here quick.
CYNTHIA:(still laughing) Yes, sir!(She kisses him again and gets up from the couch.)
(OUTSIDE the house)
BIGGONS: Well that’s very interesting. Not exactly what you would expect from a killer. But who knows?
Scene 10
DAVIS: (Walks up to the house, checks his phone while he waits for Biggons.)
BIGGONS: Hey there Davis, long time no see.
DAVIS: How have you been?
BIGGONS: Oh just trying to figure things out, hopefully today we can shed some light on this. Chief’s getting anxious.
DAVIS: Yeah I know what you mean. Cynthia’s ready for this to be over too. It’s so hard on her
BIGGONS: (Looks away and clears his throat.) Uhh yeah, right.
DAVIS: (Gives Biggons a funny look.) Lets go inside and get this over with.
BIGGONS: (Holds door open.) After you.
DAVIS: It’s so eerie in here. (As he turns on the lights.)
BIggons: When I came a few days ago I looked around for signs of breaking and entering. There were none so whoever killed him either was invited or was already inside.
DAVIS: Yep and there seems to have been a struggle over there. (Pointing past the kitchen in a room parallel to it.)
BIGGONS: Weird that she didn’t see this. Or that he was in his boxers. Pretty chilly out here in the morning, don’t think anyone would go outside like that unless they were trying to get away from something...
DAVIS: True, and she would have to have been completely staring forward when she walked in, anyone would have seen the stuff knocked over. She might’ve been stressed about her trip home though, she’s easily overwhelmed. When people are stressed they tend to not focus on details.
BIGGONS: Hmm yeah I guess... just doesn’t make sense though. He didn’t have any close friends around here either...checked his phone records a couple of days ago and the only number incoming or outcoming was hers for as long as I looked back.
DAVIS: I couldn’t find any enemies either, he didn’t seem close enough to anyone for them not to like him. Maybe someone wanted to rob him and he put up a fight.
BIGGONS: I highly doubt it, so far out in this swamp? People don’t even know he lives back here. People rob where they know they can get something, by the looks of this place he didn’t have much anyone would want to take. I have to be honest with you, I’ve had some suspicions lately.
DAVIS: About what?
BIGGONS: Take a guess. Only one person knew him well, and where he lived. Only one person was in there and they didn’t call police until long after he was dead. No one broke in. Can you guess where I’m going with this?
DAVIS: (Raises his voice a tone.) Don’t even start! Cynthia is the nicest woman I’ve met and she could never commit a murder.
BIGGONS: Calm down, calm down, I was just giving a theory. We have to look at this from all angles. It would have been easy for her especially since he was sleeping. There’s just something about her that I don’t trust. I know you are quite infatuated with her but you know what they say...love is blind.
DAVIS: I’m done with this! I can’t work with you. I’m leaving. (Walks out and slams the door with force.)
(Biggons walks around a little more and finds an apron with some blood on it, he puts on some gloves, puts it in an evidence bag, and heads out.)
Scene 11
(At Cynthia’s house. Davis and Cynthia sitting on the porch. Biggons lurking around the corner.)
DAVIS: (visibly upset) How was your day?
CYNTHIA:(confused) Good, I suppose. Nothing exciting. How was yours?
DAVIS:(depressed) Oh, not so good. Not good at all.
CYNTHIA:(Wraps her arms around him and kisses his cheek.) I’m sorry, babe. Do you want to talk about it?
DAVIS:(Shaking his head) No, not really.
CYNTHIA:(letting her arms drop to her lap) Okay then...
(They sit in awkward silence for a few minutes.)
DAVIS: Cynthia, I have to ask you something.
CYNTHIA:(surprised) What?
DAVIS:(nervous) This is going to sound really bad. And I don’t believe it a bit, but I have to ask. I just have to reassure myself. Okay?
CYNTHIA:(puzzled) Yeah, it’s okay.
DAVIS: I was talking to Biggons today, the guy who took over the case, and he had a theory as to who did it.
CYNTHIA:(perks up) Who???
DAVIS: You see, that’s where I know he’s wrong.
CYNTHIA: Why’s that?
DAVIS:(pausing and breathing in deep) He says you did it...
(There is a long pause before Cynthia answers)
CYNTHIA: That makes perfect sense, Justin. I was there when it happened, the only one around, I found his body, et cetera, et cetera.
DAVIS:(getting upset) But you didn’t do it!!!
CYNTHIA: How do you know that?
DAVIS: Because I know you, and I’m starting to fall in love with you.
CYNTHIA:(Wraps her arms around him and gives him a kiss.) Oh, babe, I’m falling in love with you, too.
DAVIS: Really?
CYNTHIA: Of course! But you should really rethink overlooking me as a suspect.
DAVIS: What? Why?
CYNTHIA:(Leaning in closer) Because I did it.
(Davis’s jaw drops and Biggons pops out from the bushes below. He ambushes Cynthia, pulling her off of Davis and simultaneously handcuffing her.)
BIGGONS: Cynthia Donalds, you are under arrest for the murder of Ronald Salle. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you do or say can be held against you in the court of law...(his voice drowning out as he walks offstage with her.)
(Davis stands on the porch by himself, looking shocked. The curtains close as Davis drops to his knees.)
In Louisiana lays a swamp town called Brooks. Its medium sized but the swamp really encloses it making it feel secluded. Most people there know each other besides a few newcomers and the town is very welcoming. Early in the morning in a house far off from others there is an alarming discovery. It seems there has been a body of a man found. The usually quiet town then begins to stir as this is the most excitement they have seen in quite some time.
Scene 1
(In the middle of nowhere in a swampy field at Ronald Salle’s house)
POLICE CHIEF:(holds his hand out) Detective Davis, thanks for coming. Ronald’s fiancee found a dead body here. We believe it’s Ronald. Come and check it out.
DETECTIVE DAVIS:(shaking the chief’s hand) Sure thing, Chief. Lead me to it.
(They walk through the swamp water in the field. They stop a few feet from the front porch.)
CHIEF:(leaning down, brushing aside the grass, he reveals a dead body)Here he is. Half decaying in the water. Left the body as it was. Didn’t want to disturb it much ‘til you got here.
DAVIS: Thanks, I appreciate it. Has CSU been here yet?
CHIEF:(rubbing his jaw) Naw, not yet. You know how things are. The city keeps them tied down with all their murders, so when something happens here we have nobody.
DAVIS:(Frowning) You know when they coming?
CHIEF: Said they’d be on their way when they finished up with the scene they were out.
DAVIS:(rolling his eyes) Okay, we all know how long that’ll be. Let’s go ahead and get started then. (Taking a camera out of the bag he’s carry, he starts to take pictures of the dead body.)
CHIEF: Wonder what Salle did this time to get himself killed?
DAVIS:(still examining the body) Don’t know, but we’re gonna find out. (Hearing a noise, he turns his head to off left stage.) Your CSU is finally here. Maybe we can get some work done now.
Scene 2
(Cafe)
DAVIS: Can I get a large black coffee with two sugars on the side please?
(Rubbing his head, noticeably tired.)
BARISTA: That’ll be $3.50 sir.
DAVIS: (Searching for change in his pocket he pays and smiles at the girl and throws some change into the tip jar. He searches for a place to sit in the busy cafe and finally finds one and sits down alone.)
DAVIS: What a day. (He mumbles to himself, not knowing where to start in thinking about the case.)
CYNTHIA: Excuse me, would you mind if I sat down with you? I saw you were alone and I couldn’t find another table in this whole place! (Ending with a smile.)
DAVIS: Uhh, sure. I could use the company. (He stands up and like a gentleman, pulls out the chair for her.)
CYNTHIA: Thank you (She accepts the gesture kindly.)
DAVIS: So are you around here? I don’t think I’ve seen you around before. (Thinking to himself that he would of, who could miss her beautiful red hair and great smile.)
CYNTHIA: No, I moved a little while back to stay with a friend. I really do like it here though and think I’ll stay. Everyones so warm and welcoming.
DAVIS: Yeah its a nice place to be, quiet and comfortable. (He says this knowing he shouldn’t bring up the case and scare her off.)
CYNTHIA: Do you come here often? I’ve never been here but it seems very quaint and relaxed.
DAVIS: Almost every morning (He said with a smile) I come here to think mostly, clear my mind before I head off to work. (Looking down at his watch.) Speaking of I better get going, I lost track of time, wouldn’t want to be late.
CYNTHIA: Alright well it was nice talking to you, maybe I’ll see you around here again. (Looking kind of disappointed.)
DAVIS: Sure thing (He smiled as he got up and exited the cafe.)
Scene 3
(At the Police Department)
CHIEF: Davis! Salle’s fiancee is here for questioning.
DAVIS:(nods) Thanks. Send her in for me, will you?
(Chief sticks his head off stage right and motions for the fiancee to come. She walks through the door and Davis’s jaw drops.)
DAVIS: uh, hem-(Clearing his throat) Hello, Ms.-(he looks down at his papers)-Donalds.
CYNTHIA: Uh, hi... I’m, um, here to talk about the body I found...
DAVIS:(blinks a few times before answering) Oh! Yes, of course. (Pulling out the chair on the other side of the desk for her) Please, sit down.
CYNTHIA:(looks at the chair) Oh, thank you. (She sits)
DAVIS: Okay, first we’re going to go over when you arrived at Salle’s house. Then I want you to walk me through everything you saw and what happened. Is that okay?
CYNTHIA: (Nodding) Yeah, I guess so.
DAVIS:’Kay, Ms. Donalds, when did you go over to Ronald Salle’s house?
CYNTHIA: (Pausing to think) Well, Ron and I were supposed to be going back to my home town in South Carolina to visit my parents, so we were going to leave early in the morning.
DAVIS: Do you know about what time that was?
CYNTHIA:(Closing her eyes to think) Uhhh, I would say I got to his house at about four in the morning.
DAVIS:(furrowing his eyebrows) You didn’t call the police until about 5:15. What made you wait so long?
CYNTHIA:(Her hand rising to flick the hair off her shoulder) Well, you see, I went inside, and knowing he wouldn’t be up quite yet, I started making breakfast for him. Egg omelet, hashbrowns-
DAVIS:(cutting her off) I’m sorry to interrupt, but when you went inside you didn’t see the body at all?
CYNTHIA:(looking slightly frustrated) No. (Pausing for a minute) But I didn’t go in the front door.(Pausing again) I went through the back.(Seeing the questioning look on Davis’s face, she continues) Uh, the driveway goes all the way behind the house. And that’s where I usually park, so it’s just easier to go in the back door rather than go all the way to the front door.
DAVIS:(nodding) Oh, I see now. Okay, continue. What happened next?
CYNTHIA:(Thinking) Okay, after that... I had breakfast ready, and I was setting the table. It was about five at this time. I knew he should’ve been up by then if we wanted to make it on time, so I went upstairs to go wake him. But when I went upstairs, he wasn’t there...(covering her face with her hands)
DAVIS: Ms. Donalds, what happened next?
CYNTHIA:(realizing there’s more) Oh, well, after I didn’t find him upstairs, I went back downstairs to see if maybe he was there. But he wasn’t. So I called his phone, but it went straight to voicemail. By this time I was slightly worried, but I didn’t want to freak out.
DAVIS: ...and what happened next?
CYNTHIA: Trying not to jump to conclusions, I figured he might be outside hunting or something. I dunno.
DAVIS: Is that when you found the body?
CYNTHIA:(Covering her face, trying to hide her tears) Yes!(Wailing at this point) Please tell me that wasn’t Ron. Oh, please!
DAVIS:(trying to convey sympathy to the woman he had earlier found beautiful)Ms. Donald, we don’t know at this point. We are waiting on results from the lab to get back before we know.
CYNTHIA:(bawling) Is he that unrecognizable?
DAVIS(trying to mask his response) No, Ms. Donalds, it’s not that. This is just the normal proceedings we have to take.
(Chief walks in and motions for Davis to come over. Davis gets up from his desk and walks to stage right to where the chief is.)
CHIEF:(Whispering) Davis, we have an urgent situation you need to take care of. Can you wrap this up?
DAVIS:(nodding) Yeah, sure. (He walks back to Cynthia, but doesn’t sit down.) I’m sorry but I have to go. Uh, can we meet up to discuss this further sometime?
CYNTHIA: Uh, I guess...(She gets up to leave, but turns back around) Can I ask you something Detective Davis?
DAVIS: Yeah, sure, I guess.
CYNTHIA: How can you be so caring in the coffee shop, but here you’re almost cold and emotionless.
DAVIS:(sighing and looking around before he continues) I’m sorry, Cynthia. I really am. It’s just part of the job.
CYNTHIA:(starting to smile) There. That’s the person I met earlier today. (She turns around to walk away, but Davis catches her arm and she turns back to him.)
DAVIS: Can we meet up sometime?
CYNTHIA:(Raising her eyebrow) Oh?
DAVIS:(Stuttering) Oh, uh, I-I-I, uh, mean, uh, to discuss the case. Yeah, to discuss the case.
CYNTHIA:(laughing a little bit) Yes, Detective Justin Davis(Trying to sound fancy. Almost mocking him.) we can discuss the case(emphasizing case) tomorrow if you like.
DAVIS: Yeah, that would be good. Meet me at the park outside the coffee shop. Say, noonish?
CYNTHIA: Okay, Detective. I’ll see you then.
Scene 4
(Opens in a park, coffee in hand, ready to discuss the case further)
CYNTHIA: Well hello there again (She waves, already sitting on a bench.)
DAVIS: How have you been? (He asks casually, not wanting to start too strong.)
CYNTHIA: Oh good, its been hard you know, losing someone so close. Lonely too, the house seems so big without his presence. (She looks down sadly.)
DAVIS: Well I’m really sorry to hear that (Reaching out to touch her arm subconsciously, after the fact knowing it was probably not right.) Don’t worry, though, we’ll find who did this and give them to justice. I know it won’t bring him back but it should give you a little more closure.
CYNTHIA: (Looking down nervously) Yeah I’m sure it’ll help a little. So what kind of questions do you have for me today?
DAVIS: Well, today I just want to focus on finding some possible suspects. These might be some hard things to talk about but I promise it will only help and will make this process go a lot quicker.
CYNTHIA: Okay then, its just so hard thinking about all the good times though, you know? I just don’t know why this had to happen to me! (She exclaims, teary eyed, throwing her head in her hands)
DAVIS: It’ll all turn out fine. (Davis tries to comfort her by putting his arm around her shoulders, knowing hes crossing the line.)
CYNTHIA: Thanks, you really have a comforting air to you. (Smiling at Davis warmly.)
DAVIS: (He gives her a smile and decides its time to get back to business). So, how many people were you and Ron close to? Did he have any enemies that you know of?
CYNTHIA: Not many people honestly, we had made some friends but no one that we were really close to. As far as I knew he was on good terms with everyone.
DAVIS: Alright (Davis scribbles down what she is telling him and takes a sip of coffee.) Ew, it’s gotten cold already, figures. (He says with distaste.)
CYNTHIA: That’s no good, why don’t you try mine. It’s great. (She holds out her coffee to him, almost to the point that he cannot say no.)
DAVIS: Okay (He takes the coffee from her and takes a small sip.) Wow this is great, what is it? I really need to get this next time, I’ve gotten the same thing every day for the past 10 years it seems like.
CYNTHIA: Yeah, it’s always good to try new things, you never know what you’re missing out on when you stick to the same old thing. (She says this with hint of underlying implications)
DAVIS: Thats very true. (He smiles, thinking she is flirting, but not wanting to be too obvious about it.)
CYNTHIA: Something just popped into my head. Did you see the head guy at the police station? I always felt like he had something against Ron, maybe you should ask him some questions and see what he says. Thats really the only person I could think of that would possibly have a problem with him. Everyone else seemed to love him.
DAVIS: Hmm, that’s the police chief, thats a very complicated allegation, I’ll have to bring it up and see what he has to say. (Looking down at his watch he sees the time.) Well look at that its already 2 p.m. I swear time always seems to fly when we’re talking. I need to get back to the station soon but we still have some details to look over, how about Saturday night?
CYNTHIA: Well that sounds great (She smiles, seemingly excited.)
DAVIS: Alright we better make it at your place, we can go over details then of how it might have happened, where you found him, and where the intruder might have come in.
CYNTHIA: Don’t eat before you come, I’ll have a little something incase we get hungry going things over.
DAVIS: Umm sounds good. (Feeling weary about this, knowing if things get too personal he will be kicked off the case and will no longer be able to see her if he wants to keep his job.)
(The both get up and walk off to their cars to leave.)
Scene 5
(at the victim’s house)
(Davis and Cynthia walking on from Stage left, walking side by side, already in the middle of a conversation)
DAVIS:(overly happy) That was the best dinner I have ever ate!
CYNTHIA:(laughing in modesty) Oh, thanks. I’m glad you liked it.
DAVIS:(Swivels around to look her straight in the face. A little too close for just a professional relationship) How could I NOT like it. It was seriously the best thing ever.
CYNTHIA:(giggling) Thanks, maybe you’ll have to try one of my better dishes sometime.
DAVIS:(walking by her side again) You’re telling me that wasn’t?
CYNTHIA: Well, I don’t think so...
DAVIS: Woman, you’re crazy.(His tone changes after that to a more serious one.) Okay, Cynthia, or should I say, Ms. Donalds. We need to go over what happened step by step.
CYNTHIA: Well, then, Detective Davis(in a flirty tone) let’s go over the case then.
DAVIS:(Walking down the middle of the driveway) Okay, you’re driving down the driveway in your car. Then you park around back (following the path of what he’s saying that leads to behind a wall.)
CYNTHIA:(following his lead) Yeah, right here, in front of the first garage door.
DAVIS: Then, you said you opened the back door(Opening the door to reveal the two) and walked in. Then, you went straight to the kitchen? What about your jacket? Purse? Keys?
CYNTHIA: Uh, no, I went to this coat hanger rack, stuck my keys in my jacket, and hung both my purse and coat on the peg.
DAVIS: Okay...(Repeating everything Cynthia just did) Very good. Now, you went to the kitchen?
CYNTHIA: Yes. I walked straight to the island and set down the groceries I had brought over. I had cold items, like milk and eggs, so I started to put them away.(acting like she is putting away groceries)
DAVIS: So, once you have all the groceries put away, what did you do?
CYNTHIA:(Thinking) ...I went to the cabinets and grabbed some pans and a skillet. Then I got out all the dry ingredients.
DAVIS:(doing the motions of everything she says) Okay, then you started cooking... What were you making?
CYNTHIA: I started making pancakes first, then I put bacon and eggs on the skillet.
DAVIS: Pancakes, bacon, and eggs? Mmmm, that sounds really good right about now...
CYNTHIA:(laughing) Well, maybe, I’ll make them for you sometime...(sounding like she’s implying something further.)
DAVIS:(slightly surprised, he clears his throat) Oh, hum, thanks.... Well, then, so you’re making breakfast, everything is going good, then you realize that Ronald isn’t downstairs yet?
CYNTHIA: Well, kind of. I was making breakfast and I had the stove and skillet running. I put the bacon in the microwave for five seconds to warm it back up, but the power went out. I waited for a minute, figuring Ron would come downstairs to fix it, but he never did. It didn’t really hit me until I went to the basement to flip the breaker and was coming back up the steps. I was curious as why Ron didn’t come downstairs, so I went to find him, and-
DAVIS:(cutting her off) Wait. Okay, I want to run through this.(Standing in the kitchen, he pretends to be surprised, goes to the basement door goes through and walks down. When he walks back through the door again, he has a curious look on his face. He puts his hands on his hips and walks up the stairs and behind a wall.) Okay, so you searched up here, but couldn’t find him. Anything out of the ordinary?(He shouts this because Cynthia is still downstairs.)
CYNTHIA: No. So I come back down stairs(Davis walks down the steps), and I looked down here for him, figuring I was just missing him or something, but I still couldn’t find him.
DAVIS:(nodding to himself) Mhmm. Okay. Then what, Ms. Donalds?
CYNTHIA:(smiling) Well, Detective... (laughing) I’m sorry. I can’t call you detective with a straight face. When I first met you, you were Justin. That’s the way you’re going to stay to me.
DAVIS:(laughing) Good! I don’t like calling you Ms. Donalds either.
CYNTHIA: Anyways, so I couldn’t find him and I was getting worried. So I figured he could've gone outside. He always goes on early morning walks or hunts. So the next logical thing to do was to call him.
DAVIS:Did you?
CYNTHIA: Yah. I did, but he didn't answer. I figured that he was just hunting and didn't hear his phone ringing. So I decided I would peek outside hoping I would see him.
DAVIS: So you went out the door next?
CYNTHIA: Yes. I walked out the front and took a few steps before I saw a heap on the ground. I wasn’t sure what it was so I leaned over and touched it. When I got closer I realized it was a body, and the blood around it told me he wasn’t alive. So I called the cops, and when they got here and I gave my statement, I left.
DAVIS: Is there anything we missed that you can think of?
CYNTHIA: Nope. Not really. I have a few things in the house that I need to get, and the police wouldn’t let me get them that day. Do you mind if I go grab them?
DAVIS: Go ahead. I’ll be inside in a minute.(Davis stoops down to examine the spot where Ronald’s body was laying a couple of days ago. He puts gloves on and runs his hands through the grass, checking for anything that might’ve been left behind.) Whoever did this to him did a good job covering up his tracks(mutters)
(Davis walks back into the house where he meets Cynthia, who is holding a small bag of clothes.)
CYNTHIA:(holding out the bag) You can check it if you need to. It’s just clothes though.
DAVIS:(shaking his head) No, I don’t need to. I trust you. Are you ready to go now?
(Cynthia nods and heads towards the door. Davis is right behind her. She trips over a cord on the ground, and Davis catches her.)
CYNTHIA: Oh!
DAVIS: Are you alright?(Cynthia still in his arms)
CYNTHIA: Yeah I think so... (Davis starts to release her, but pauses when she gets close to his face.)
DAVIS:(quieter) Are you sure you’re okay?
CYNTHIA:(still breathing a little heavy) Yeah. I guess so. It just scared me a bit(Her eyes flick back and forth from Davis’s face and back down) Justin?
DAVIS:(still holding her) Yeah?
CYNTHIA:(giggles) You can let me go now(She smiles)
DAVIS:(he chuckles and a grin swipes across his face) Oops...(changing his tone to playful) What if I didn’t want to?
CYNTHIA: Well then that would be fine, but you need to find a better way to do it.
DAVIS:(Chuckling) Whatcha saying? I’m not good at this?
CYNTHIA:(Giggling) No, not at all
DAVIS:(pretending to look offended) What??? Me? Uh! I’m so hurt!
CYNTHIA:(she holds her hand over his mouth to muffle him) Justin!
(Davis removes her hand, stares at her for a second, and he leans in. Davis kisses her long and slow.)
DAVIS:(after he kisses her) Oh! I’m so sorry(letting go of her) That was really unprofessional! Oh my God, I’m sorry, Cynthia. You just lost your fiancee, and we’re trying to figure out who killed him, and I just kissed you. I’m sorry. So sorry.
CYNTHIA:(tries to hold back a giggle) It’s alright, Justin.
DAVIS: No it’s not. It’s not okay.
CYNTHIA:(She moves closer to him and kisses him) No, Justin,(she lowers and softens her tone) it really is okay.
(Davis is surprised by her action, but doesn’t reject. He leans in to kiss her again.)
Scene 6
Narrator: Things have obviously gotten out of hand, and Davis can no longer hide his feelings for her nor can Cynthia hide hers. They decide to have a date a little out of town at a more private location
DAVIS: You sure do clean up nice (Opens Cynthia’s door and helps her out.)
CYNTHIA: Why thank you (Gleaming, stepping out and entering the restaurant.)
DAVIS: (They walk in and Davis approaches the Host) Table for two please and the most private table if possible. (He slips the man a little money to get the best they can, and will not be seen by anyone while breaking the rules.)
HOST: Yes right this way. (Leads them to a table far in the back room, where no one else is seated.) Your waitress will be here shortly, enjoy your meal.
DAVIS: Thank you
CYNTHIA: Thank you (They both chime in harmony, proceeding to look at each other and giggle.) This is so nice, I never thought we would be able to be alone without the case following us around, I’m so happy. You have really helped me keep my mind off things.
DAVIS: This is great, I’m glad to have helped, I just feel sort of guilty with the whole situation. Hopefully we will figure out who did it though, and then we can be together.
CYNTHIA: Don’t worry about it, I know he would have wanted me to be happy (Smiling a bit oddly.) I knew we would end up being something, from the first moment we met in the cafe. It was just meant to be.
DAVIS: Well I’m glad you feel that way.
(The waitress comes, they order, and then receive their food.)
CYNTHIA: Are you kidding me? This steak is practically raw! (yelling at the waitress) Are you an idiot, why would you even bring me this?! (She stabs the steak with her knife, while the waitress looks at her puzzled and slightly horrified.)
DAVIS: It’s okay , It’s okay, I’m sure they would happily cook it a little more, calm down.
(seeing a side of her that he hasn’t yet seen, It kind of scares him but he decides that he will look past it because she has been through a lot.)
WAITRESS: I’m so sorry, I will get you another one right away. (Visibly upset.)
CYNTHIA: This one better be good or you aren’t getting a tip! (She yells as the waitress has left.)
DAVIS: I’m sure they will correct it, is everything okay?
CYNTHIA: Yeah, I just can’t handle putting up with idiots.
(The rest of dinner is awkward, and they eat quietly, Davis leaves the poor waitress a good tip and repeatedly apologizes.)
CYNTHIA: Can we talk? (She asks Davis while walking to the car.)
DAVIS: Yes we can. (Opening the door for her and then gets in.)
CYNTHIA: I’m so sorry I acted that way. (She begins to cry.) I don’t know what’s been up with me lately. Rons death has just made me feel emotionally unstable! I’m a wreck. Can you ever forgive me?
DAVIS: I understand, its very hard. I’ll be with you through anything you need me with, you don’t have to worry. (The atmosphere becomes quiet and deep and they share a kiss)
Scene 7
(A police department in New Orleans)
MAN: (yelling) DETECTIVE BIGGONS! You have a case in Brooks. An hour east.
BIGGONS:(cooly) What’s the case?
MAN: Man got murdered. Detective on the case can’t solve it. Rumored to be with the man’s fiancee. You’ve gotta go step in. While you’re at it, make sure that you get proof that the two are together.
BIGGONS: Is that all?
MAN: Yeah, for now.
BIGGONS: I guess I’ll see you in a week or two, boss.
MAN: A week or two?(scoffs) You’d better be back here in a few days.
BIGGONS:(raises his eyebrows) A few days?
MAN:Yeah, it’s a small town, probably never had a murder, the killer has to be obvious. It’ll be an easy one. Anyways, I thought you said you were good/
BIGGONS:(raises his eyebrow again) I am good.(said very calm)
Scene 8
(Davis is walking into the building, he sets his stuff down, and then the Chief calls him into his office.)
CHIEF: Can I have a word with you, Davis?
DAVIS: Sure, I’ll be right in, let me just grab my files.
CHIEF: Uhh that won’t be necessary, this’ll be quick.
DAVIS: Okay... (Now nervous of what he has to say.)
(Davis walks in and wearily sits down and is handed a folder.)
CHIEF: Now Davis, I know you have always been a prime detective but this is too much. I’m not sure what to think.
(Davis opens the folder and his jaw drops, he is speechless.)
DAVIS: What? How? (He can’t spit it out.)
CHIEF: I’m sorry but I just can’t have you on a case with this sort of personal interest. We’ve called an outsider in. I’m very disappointed. I thought you knew never to get involved like this. Consider yourself lucky you still have a job.
DAVIS: Now wait a minute! How did you get these? (Now slightly angry.)
CHIEF: That’s classified information, Davis, but thankfully we did. Just imagine if someone higher up would’ve gotten wind of this, I would’ve been ruined!
DAVIS: I understand, I’m sorry, Sir. I let my emotions get the best of me. It won’t happen again. But if you don’t mind me asking who did you get to replace me on this?
CHIEF: You wouldn’t know him, not from around here, now get back to work.
(Davis walks out, visibly upset and sees someone he doesn’t recognize as he’s walking out.)
CHIEF: (Shakes hands with the unidentified man and lets him into his office.) Hello, Mr. Biggons, thank you again for everything.
BIGGONS: Oh, its no problem at all, just doing my job.
CHIEF: Well you’ve helped me a great deal, I don’t know what I would’ve done if this would’ve gotten anymore out of hand. Your pictures saved me.
BIGGONS: When the Chief down in New Orleans told me about the suspicion, I couldn’t wait to get on the case. It was all too easy.
CHIEF: I really appreciate it, now I need you to stay low and watch her house and try to keep an eye out for Davis. See if he’s up to any funny business, you never know now. No leads and a detective getting involved with the fiancee of the victim, it puts a real bad light on Davis. Hopefully we can clear him and see if anyone else hangs around there that could be a possible suspect.
BIGGONS: Definitely Sir, we will figure it out and I’ll keep an eye out.
(The scene ends with the two men in the office.)
Scene 9
(Cynthia and Davis in Cynthia’s house on a couch. Biggons outside spying)
DAVIS:(furious) I can’t believe they kicked me off the case!
CYNTHIA: Isn’t there anything I can do? Can’t I say I want you on the case? I mean it was my fiancee that was murdered.
DAVIS:(sighing) No... I can’t be on the case because we’re involved. If the jury got ahold of that once we catch this guy, they wouldn’t convict him.
CYNTHIA:(disappointed) I don’t really want that.
DAVIS: Neither do I! There’s no way I’ll ever get back on the case. But, (pulling her closer) being with you is worth it.
(Cynthia smiles and lays her head on Davis’s shoulder.)
CYNTHIA: Are you sure there isn’t anything I can do?
DAVIS:(grinning) Well... There is one thing you can do....
CYNTHIA: And what is that?
DAVIS: Make me some of that amazing cake you had the other day.
CYNTHIA:(laughing) That’s all you want?
DAVIS: Yep.
CYNTHIA:(getting up to go in the ktchen) Alright then. Coming right up.
DAVIS:(Pulling her back down on the couch) I didn’t say I wanted to get up.
CYNTHIA:(laughing) Then how am I supposed to make it?
DAVIS:(Leaning into kiss her) I dunno.
CYNTHIA:(laughing and try to pull away) You’re crazy!
DAVIS:(smiles) I know. (He pulls her closer and gives her a quick kiss.) Go make that cake now. BUT, you better get back here quick.
CYNTHIA:(still laughing) Yes, sir!(She kisses him again and gets up from the couch.)
(OUTSIDE the house)
BIGGONS: Well that’s very interesting. Not exactly what you would expect from a killer. But who knows?
Scene 10
DAVIS: (Walks up to the house, checks his phone while he waits for Biggons.)
BIGGONS: Hey there Davis, long time no see.
DAVIS: How have you been?
BIGGONS: Oh just trying to figure things out, hopefully today we can shed some light on this. Chief’s getting anxious.
DAVIS: Yeah I know what you mean. Cynthia’s ready for this to be over too. It’s so hard on her
BIGGONS: (Looks away and clears his throat.) Uhh yeah, right.
DAVIS: (Gives Biggons a funny look.) Lets go inside and get this over with.
BIGGONS: (Holds door open.) After you.
DAVIS: It’s so eerie in here. (As he turns on the lights.)
BIggons: When I came a few days ago I looked around for signs of breaking and entering. There were none so whoever killed him either was invited or was already inside.
DAVIS: Yep and there seems to have been a struggle over there. (Pointing past the kitchen in a room parallel to it.)
BIGGONS: Weird that she didn’t see this. Or that he was in his boxers. Pretty chilly out here in the morning, don’t think anyone would go outside like that unless they were trying to get away from something...
DAVIS: True, and she would have to have been completely staring forward when she walked in, anyone would have seen the stuff knocked over. She might’ve been stressed about her trip home though, she’s easily overwhelmed. When people are stressed they tend to not focus on details.
BIGGONS: Hmm yeah I guess... just doesn’t make sense though. He didn’t have any close friends around here either...checked his phone records a couple of days ago and the only number incoming or outcoming was hers for as long as I looked back.
DAVIS: I couldn’t find any enemies either, he didn’t seem close enough to anyone for them not to like him. Maybe someone wanted to rob him and he put up a fight.
BIGGONS: I highly doubt it, so far out in this swamp? People don’t even know he lives back here. People rob where they know they can get something, by the looks of this place he didn’t have much anyone would want to take. I have to be honest with you, I’ve had some suspicions lately.
DAVIS: About what?
BIGGONS: Take a guess. Only one person knew him well, and where he lived. Only one person was in there and they didn’t call police until long after he was dead. No one broke in. Can you guess where I’m going with this?
DAVIS: (Raises his voice a tone.) Don’t even start! Cynthia is the nicest woman I’ve met and she could never commit a murder.
BIGGONS: Calm down, calm down, I was just giving a theory. We have to look at this from all angles. It would have been easy for her especially since he was sleeping. There’s just something about her that I don’t trust. I know you are quite infatuated with her but you know what they say...love is blind.
DAVIS: I’m done with this! I can’t work with you. I’m leaving. (Walks out and slams the door with force.)
(Biggons walks around a little more and finds an apron with some blood on it, he puts on some gloves, puts it in an evidence bag, and heads out.)
Scene 11
(At Cynthia’s house. Davis and Cynthia sitting on the porch. Biggons lurking around the corner.)
DAVIS: (visibly upset) How was your day?
CYNTHIA:(confused) Good, I suppose. Nothing exciting. How was yours?
DAVIS:(depressed) Oh, not so good. Not good at all.
CYNTHIA:(Wraps her arms around him and kisses his cheek.) I’m sorry, babe. Do you want to talk about it?
DAVIS:(Shaking his head) No, not really.
CYNTHIA:(letting her arms drop to her lap) Okay then...
(They sit in awkward silence for a few minutes.)
DAVIS: Cynthia, I have to ask you something.
CYNTHIA:(surprised) What?
DAVIS:(nervous) This is going to sound really bad. And I don’t believe it a bit, but I have to ask. I just have to reassure myself. Okay?
CYNTHIA:(puzzled) Yeah, it’s okay.
DAVIS: I was talking to Biggons today, the guy who took over the case, and he had a theory as to who did it.
CYNTHIA:(perks up) Who???
DAVIS: You see, that’s where I know he’s wrong.
CYNTHIA: Why’s that?
DAVIS:(pausing and breathing in deep) He says you did it...
(There is a long pause before Cynthia answers)
CYNTHIA: That makes perfect sense, Justin. I was there when it happened, the only one around, I found his body, et cetera, et cetera.
DAVIS:(getting upset) But you didn’t do it!!!
CYNTHIA: How do you know that?
DAVIS: Because I know you, and I’m starting to fall in love with you.
CYNTHIA:(Wraps her arms around him and gives him a kiss.) Oh, babe, I’m falling in love with you, too.
DAVIS: Really?
CYNTHIA: Of course! But you should really rethink overlooking me as a suspect.
DAVIS: What? Why?
CYNTHIA:(Leaning in closer) Because I did it.
(Davis’s jaw drops and Biggons pops out from the bushes below. He ambushes Cynthia, pulling her off of Davis and simultaneously handcuffing her.)
BIGGONS: Cynthia Donalds, you are under arrest for the murder of Ronald Salle. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you do or say can be held against you in the court of law...(his voice drowning out as he walks offstage with her.)
(Davis stands on the porch by himself, looking shocked. The curtains close as Davis drops to his knees.)