Deadly Vacancy

Episode #211

Fan-made Script Written By

Ken Marvin Ortega

TEASER INT. ALECS ROOM AT PHOENIX PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL DAY Pale hands appear to be in a bed and a body of a man in his 40s lay there unconscious. Tubes are connected on his body and the life support beeps on his every breathing. Eight days have passed and still, this man, ALEC RYBAK, is in comatose state. MADS RYBAK, his daughter, is sitting on a chair beside her father. Shes crying as she looks at her almost dying father. Her brother, THAYER RYBAK, is standing, caressing her back, supporting her with all his might. MADS Did they catch who did this to dad? THAYER No. Dan told me that the rooftop was empty when they checked it. They think it is suicide... His attention shifts to SUTTON MERCER, who is standing next to her younger sister, LAUREL MERCER. They are huddled in a corner and seem bugged by the situation. THAYER (CONTD) They asked the personnel of the club, no one saw anyone going to the rooftop. Except for Alec... MADS Why would dad do this? Sutton looks at Laurel as the latter heave a sigh and sits down on a nearest chair. LAUREL (whispers) Wheres Ethan?

SUTTON Went to check Emma. I havent seen her since last night. Upon hearing the word Emma, Thayer glares at Sutton. Sutton notices it and looks away as she is pretty disturbed. She seems to be missing something. MADS Thayer, whats going to happen now? Dads in coma and... THAYER Im here, Mads. Im never going to leave you. Sutton grabs Laurels arm. SUTTON (whispers) We should head out. Laurel nods and follows Sutton out of the door. INT. HALLWAY NEARLY CONTINUOUS ...Sutton walks in a corner and waits for Laurel to approach. She crosses her arms and bits her lower lip. Shes deep in thought. SUTTON (CONTD) Somethings wrong. LAUREL Well, everything you see is entirely wrong in a sense. SUTTON I dont think Alec committed suicide. LAUREL Yeah... Wait, what? Like he just slipped and fell from that glass ceiling?

Sutton rolls her eyes. SUTTON Think critically, Laurel. Being perky doesnt fit the moment. Laurel nods and arches an eyebrow, waiting for Sutton to explain. SUTTON (CONTD) All I want to say is... Alecs priority list doesnt include committing suicide. Hes one pulling the strings here, preventing me and Emma from telling our secret. Do you think he would give up just like that... now that two lives have been spared? LAUREL Are you telling me... someone tried to kill Alec? Sutton nods affirmatively. SUTTON Thats what Ive been thinking for now... LAUREL Do you think its Rebecca? Sutton shakes her head. But she seems to be giving it a thought. SUTTON Shes a prime suspect. Killing Alec is a stupid thing to do, adding to the fact that shes his wife.

LAUREL Maybe, she doesnt care anymore. Im sorry but we all know how crazy your mom is... Sutton looks off, hesitating. SUTTON Even if thats the case, Rebecca is a master of plans. She doesnt want her hands get dirty and be discovered. Rebecca spent years to plan a perfect revenge. I dont think pushing someone off a ceiling, during a charity gala, counts as one. LAUREL Makes sense. The idea of someone trying to kill him is somehow... impossible. SUTTON That has been crossing my mind since last night. It just proves that we cant trust anyone... LAUREL Any idea on who could have done this? Sutton looks at Alecs room as the door opens. Thayer goes out and gazes at both Sutton and Laurel. Sutton stares back as she speaks. SUTTON It could be anyone, Laurel. SLAM TO BLACK. END OF TEASER

ACT ONE INT. MERCERS CABIN SAME DAY Suttons identical twin, EMMA BECKER, is sitting by the couch as she stares by the cabins window. TED MERCER, 40s, strides in handling a cup of coffee to Emma which she gladly accepts. They both look so stressed out and shocked after the bizarre happenings last night. EMMA Thanks for the coffee, dad. TED (nods) Are you okay, honey? EMMA I dont know. Last night makes me want to think about things. TED Like what? EMMA Like... what if I never came up here? I bet things are pretty normal back then. Sutton living up her glamorous life. No Rebecca to destroy your family. TED Emma, honey, things are not normal even way back then. As long as secrets and lies continue to eat us up, we cant have a normal life. (then) It is my entire fault that all of this went hot-handled. I shouldve admitted everything and now it costs my marriage and my children...

EMMA You will not lose us, dad. Me, Sutton and Laurel. I know mom still cares for you. Its a matter of time before we can fix this up... Ted sighs and Emma senses his distress. TED If only I can set things back and correct it... Emma places the cup at the nearest table and holds her fathers hands. EMMA Its not too late, dad. Tell Kristin everything... TED Its not easy, Emma. Emma leans back. Shes somehow disturbed. EMMA Why? TED I just cant tell you, Emma. Everything in the past... they are better kept forgotten. EMMA Why wont you tell us about everything? A BANG catches their attention as the door closes and Sutton and Laurel come into view. SUTTON Are we interrupting something? Emma stands up. She wipes her hands on her pyjamas and shakes her head.

EMMA No. Dad and I are talking about things. So whats up? SUTTON Aside from the police ruling Alecs case as suicide... nothing much. Ted stand up, too, looking dumbfounded. TED Suicide? SUTTON Thayer told us Dan found the rooftop empty. No evidence whatsoever. It looks like Alec let himself fall down the ceiling window... Emma bit her lower lip and sway a bit. EMMA Suicide at Theresas charity gala? Seems odd in my opinion. LAUREL Right. If this is attempted murder, the suspect did clean in his job. EMMA Do we have suspects? SUTTON So were back to being Sherlock Holmes again? EMMA We dont have any choice. This incident points right down to us, Sutton. All the lies and the secrets start to haunt us one by one. If we dont do anything,

danger is the closest thing we can have. SUTTON Okay, fine. We need to find out who did this. This links back to Derek and Theresas killer. But first and for most, we must not tell Kristin... at least, not yet. TED Why, Sutton? Kristin needs to know about the two of you. SUTTON Im sorry to spoil the fun in here but dad, its still dangerous. And besides, her reaction might add to our worries. Ted curses silently as he turns around. He holds a hand on his head, as if hes having a migraine. TED (turns back) Okay, but she needs to find out sooner or later. SUTTON Mom will. TED So, I got to get going. I need to talk to Kristin. Laurel raises a hand. LAUREL Im coming with you, dad. Sutton nods. Ted kisses both the twins on their foreheads. TED See you, later.

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Emma nods as Sutton looks away. Ted waves and so do Laurel as they go out of the door. Seconds after the door closes, Sutton focuses her attention back to her twin sister. SUTTON So... are you going back to the house? EMMA I thought... SUTTON I know you want to stand up to yourself but this time... Emma, Im asking for a favour. Emma nods, urging Sutton to continue. SUTTON We still need to switch, Emma. Having you at the house makes me feel safe for our parents... and you can handle family stuff than I. EMMA Sutton, we both can. Emma smiles and Sutton does, too. SUTTON You really are the good twin, arent you? Emma laughs. EMMA Everyone is good on their own way. You are good, Sutton. You just dont realize it. Sutton smiles as she spreads her arms. SUTTON Cmon. Give me some sisterly love.

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Emma smiles and lets herself around her twin sisters embrace. INT. DANS OFFICE AT SCOTTSDALE POLICE STATION DAY DAN WHITEHORSE, 30s, picks up a file about Derek Rogers and throws it in the desk in frustration. The case is getting downhill and he cant find the culprit; much less REBECCA SEWELL, 40s. ETHAN WHITEHORSE knocks on the door and Dan looks non-expectantly. He leans on his chair and glares at his younger brother. ETHAN Can I come in? DAN Sure. What do you want? ETHAN Any lead about Rebecca? DAN Nothing. She disappeared without a trace. Ethan nods. ETHAN So, how are you? DAN I cant say that Im good. This case has been bugging me for days. Ethan looks at the piles of files on his desk. ETHAN Want any help? Dan waves off a hand, seemingly brushing Ethan off.

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DAN I dont think you can help, Ethan. I thought youre going to Emma or Sutton... whoever of them. ETHAN (glares) I dont want to talk about them with you, Dan. Im here for you. You havent been sleeping for days now. Youre pushing yourself too hard. DAN Youre not the one who lost his fiance! Ethan flinches back, surprised at his brothers lash out. ETHAN Im sorry. DAN I cant talk to you for a while, Ethan. Please, leave my office for now. Ethan utters nothing. He just walks out of the office. Dan, on the other hand, closes his eyes and breathes deeply to compose himself. He opens his eyes and sees something in the corner of his eyes. He picks up a piece of photo and stares grudgingly at it. Its Rebecca Sewells... EXT. SCOTTSDALE POLICE STATION DAY Ethan walks out of the police station and hes deep in thought. He curses as he kicks an imaginary rock by the road. He hears a familiar voice calling his name. He turns and is surprised to see CHAR CHAMBERLIN in front of him.

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ETHAN Char? CHAR Hi. ETHAN What are you doing here? I... When did you come back? CHAR Just this morning... I kept on hearing horrible things happening back here so I decided to return to Scottsdale with or without my dads permission. Char senses something wrong and Ethan knows she picks it up. CHAR (CONTD) About Theresa... Oh God, Im sorry for your loss. She proceeds to hug Ethan. He hugs back, though hes perplexed. Char pulls away and Ethan remains silent. CHAR I contacted Mads, Laurel and Sutton but they dont answer their phones. Thayer and you either. So I decided to go to Dan and ask about... Chars lips quiver as she frowns. ETHAN Derek Rogers? Char looks away as if hurt. ETHAN My brothers not in a good mood today. Alecs situation makes matters worse.

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CHAR Alec? What happened to him? ETHAN He had an accident at Theresas charity gala. Police ruled it as attempted suicide. Hes is coma now. CHAR (gasps) Oh my God. Poor Mads. I need to be there now. ETHAN I can give you Alecs room number at Phoenix Presbyterian Hospital. CHAR Thank you. Char smiles sweetly as we fade to... EXT. PHOENIX PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL DAY Sutton and Emma sit at Suttons car, which is parked right in front of the hospital. Sutton is relaxed while Emma is looking so uneasy. EMMA I need to get inside, Sutton. SUTTON No, Emma. Its inconvenient. I think the last thing Mads would like to do is see us. And besides Thayer is inside... EMMA So you knew? Sutton rolls her eyes. Its so obvious.

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SUTTON Duh. Twin-sense, remember? EMMA Fine. Thayer and I broke up. SUTTON Its about time. Is it because of Ethan? Emma nods and wraps her arms around her body. EMMA Thayer forced me to make a choice. I still love Ethan but he doesnt want me back. SUTTON Well, its a natural reaction. Since Theresas death, Dan wanted his family to avoid us. Hes just worried for his brother. EMMA But what will I do? This is so messed up! Sutton doesnt respond. She looks back at the entrance to the hospital and her eyes widen when she sees something or someone. SUTTON Char? Emma looks at her sister. EMMA What? Sutton points at Chars direction. SUTTON Chars back to town. Emma reacts quickly. She unlatched the passenger seats door lock and opens it.

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SUTTON Hey, where are you going? EMMA I need to follow her. SUTTON Wait. What Emma locks the door and ignores her sister for a bit. She needs to do something now that Chars back to town. Now, there two people who doesnt know about the twins. Emma goes past the sliding door and runs fast to keep up with Char. Once shes near... EMMA Char. Char turns around and gasps when she sees Sutton. CHAR Sutton! You dont know how much Im glad to see you again! She proceeds to hug her and then let go. CHAR (CONTD) Sutton, Im so sorry. I shouldve stayed and be here for you. I didnt know what you all went through when I was gone. EMMA Char, you dont have anything to do with this. It just happened. It is better if youve been away. Its too dangerous in here. CHAR Dangerous? Tell me whats happening. EMMA You know that Ive been searching for my birthmother, right?

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Char nods. EMMA (CONTD) And you know that Alec is somehow suspiciously involved in this. And Rebecca... CHAR What about Aunt Annie? Emma refuses to continue. She shakes her head then proceeds. EMMA She has a past with our parents and they are hiding more secrets from us. Mads, Thayer, Laurel and Ethan knew about this. And this got Derek and Theresa killed... CHAR Youre scaring me, Sutton. EMMA I know. Im scared, too. But I want to find out the truth and end this once and for all. INT. ALECS HOSPITAL ROOM DAY Char looks at Alecs frail body. He isnt like Mads father that she knows. Domineering, well-mannered yet secretive. He looks so vulnerable. She clings to Mads and feels her best friend settle weakly on her embrace. MADS Im glad youre back, Char. CHAR Me, too. Char looks around and notices that someones not around.

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CHAR (CONTD) Wheres Thayer? MADS Went out to buy some stuff. CHAR Okay. So... how did this happen? Mads stares at her father and frowns. MADS After Dereks murder, things went out of control. Ethan was accused of the murder but immediately went discharged. Dad married Rebecca, and got arrested for the murder. Theresa was murdered also and... Police speculated he committed suicide. CHAR And the guy youve been mauling me about? Mads eyes widen as she recalls the guy she falls in love with. MADS Jordan? He was arrested for killing his brother. He was sent back to L.A. CHAR It must be tough. Mads nods. MADS I dont know what to do. Everything I care for ends up leaving me. Mom. Eduardo. Ryan. Jordan. And now... Dad.

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CHAR I dont think your father is ready to give you up yet. The way he controls you, I really doubt it. MADS I hope thats true. I need answers and he can only answer that. CHAR Im all confused here and... there are things you arent telling me. You and Sutton included. But one day, Ill find it out. Mads doesnt reply. She just stares at her father. Sooner or later, Char will find out. SLAM TO BLACK. END OF ACT ONE

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ACT TWO INT. MERCER HOUSE NOON Ted enters the house and sees KRISTIN MERCER, 40s, busy wiping the kitchen sinks. Laurel follows in. When she sees him, she scowls slightly. There are faint black circle around her eyes and looks like she hasnt slept for a while. She folds the towel and places it nearby. Laurel approaches her mother and kisses her on the cheek. Then, she goes upstairs. Kristin focuses back on Ted. KRISTIN Ted, what are you doing here? TED I wanted to talk to you. KRISTIN Is it about what youre about to say last night? Ted shakes his head and exhales loudly. TED Its about Sutton. KRISTIN What about Sutton? Is she alright? TED Shes fine. I want to tell you everything about her. About where she came from. Kristin looks confusedly at him. Ted breathes in. TED Sutton is my biological daughter. Kristins eyes widen as she flinches.

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KRISTIN Wha-what are you talking about? How did this happen? TED When Rebecca and I had an affair, I got her pregnant with Sutton. Rebecca cant take care of the baby so she asked Alec to have Sutton for adoption. Eventually, I got her not knowing that shes my real daughter. Kristins eyes begin to fill with tears. Ted sees her reaction. TED (CONTD) Im sorry Kristin holds a hand up. KRISTIN Stop saying sorry, Ted. Every word you say just hurt me like a stab in the heart. All the lies, the secrets you keep... So you kept Sutton because we cant have a child? Even if its that the case, its still a child from your mistress! Meanwhile, Laurel peeks in despair. Tears are falling from her eyes also. KRISTIN (CONTD) Ted, I cant believe how disloyal you are. I felt like I wasted sixteen years being married to you! TED Kris KRISTIN Please leave, Ted. You gave me another reason to cut my ties with

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you. This betrayal is something I cant forgive. Ted starts to approach her but she takes a step backward and turns away. KRISTIN You know the way out. Laurel rushes downstairs and meets Kristin halfway. Kristin passes by her and goes straight to her room. Laurel stairs back at her father, walking defeated out of the door. INT. HALLWAY IN FRONT OF ALECS HOSPITAL ROOM NOON Emma waits outside Alecs room. She sees Thayer across the hallway, with a paper bag on his hand. Emma stands up and faces him. THAYER (glares) What are you doing here? EMMA Accompanying Char. She came back. Thayer nods. THAYER I should get inside. EMMA Thay THAYER We have nothing to talk about Emma. You made it pretty clear. Were over. Thayer opens the door to Alecs room and goes in fluidly. Emma stands dumbfounded, facing the door with wide eyes.

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INT. KRISTINS BEDROOM NOON Laurel peeks inside her mothers room. Kristin IS sitting at the edge of the bed, crying as she covers her face with her hands. Laurel looks uneasy but she goes in anyway. LAUREL Mom? Kristin stares at her with red eyes and immediately, she wipes her tears-filled cheeks. She stands up right after. KRISTIN Laurel, do you need anything? LAUREL I-I just want to talk about Sutton. KRISTIN Honey, I dont think LAUREL I just want you to know that Sutton still considers you as her mother. Whatever Rebecca does, you are still the one who gave life and happiness to her. KRISTIN Did she tell you that? Laurel shakes her head. LAUREL No, but after all that has happened, Sutton realized that she cant have a perfect family with Rebecca. Her family is here with us... you, me, dad and Sutton. Kristin smiles weakly and approaches to give Laurel a hug.

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KRISTIN My baby. Im so blessed that I have a daughter like you. You dont give up getting this family back together. I know sometimes I lack at showing how much I love you but you should know... youre my daughter and I love you and Sutton equally. LAUREL I know, mom. I know Ive been an envious sister but now I realized how much you love me, and Sutton included. KRISTIN Isnt it amazeballs? Laurel laughs hard. LAUREL Yes, mom. Its amazeballs. INT. CABIN AFTERNOON Ethan sits beside the table. Sutton is walking back and forth and looks so worried. Ethan notices it. ETHAN Okay Sutton, stop walking like a pendulum. SUTTON Im thinking about how to handle the situation. ETHAN This Alec suicide attempt? SUTTON No, the Kristin and Char thing. You know they are the only one who

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doesnt know that Emma exists and we kept switching for months now. Ethan shrugs. ETHAN You should consider Emmas opinion in this. Youre twins. You should be handling this problem together. SUTTON Ask her. ETHAN What? SUTTON Nothing. Sutton sits in a nearby chair comfortably. SUTTON (CONTD) So, whats the deal with you and Emma? Dont you know that my poor twin sister broke up with Thayer already? ETHAN I know. SUTTON Then, what are you doing here? You should be chasing her! ETHAN Sutton, Im not a dog salivating for a girl. As much as I love Emma, I have a family to consider... SUTTON And here I thought youre a man in a white horse... kind of redundant. But well, love should defy everything.

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ETHAN (glares) Sutton. SUTTON Okay, okay. But cant you see the scenario in here. Your brother is ready to disown you. What he needs what the sign from up above, whatsoever. I mean... duh? ETHAN Dan is the only family I have. He just lost the love of his life. I cant just leave him alone. Im his brother. Sutton lifts a hand and checks her well-manicured fingers. SUTTON What are you doing here anyway? I thought Dan doesnt want you near the Mercers. ETHAN I need your help. SUTTON Is this about Rebecca? Ethan nods as he stares by the table. ETHAN We need to know where shes hiding. The police cant find her. We need to do something. SUTTON Here we are again. Taking matters on our own hands. I want to help you so bad Ethan, but I dont know where she is. Rebecca is as sneaky as a rat.

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ETHAN Is there any way we can lure her out? Sutton leans back and sinks into a deep thought. Seconds after, she looks at Ethan. SUTTON I know who her weakness is. But thinking about it is just... Eew. EXT. PHOENIX PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL - AFTERNOON Char walks out of the hospital with Emma. Emma is deep in thought. Someones voice breaks into her thoughts. CHAR Sutton? EMMA What? CHAR I asked if its okay leaving Mads there. She needs us. EMMA We can go back later. She needs a moment with her father and Thayer. Char looks at her knowingly. CHAR I can see a cloud right above your head. Whats Miss Mercer thinking? EMMA Everything. The murders and our parents secrets. Char stops walking and stands in front of the car park.

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CHAR You know, Sutton. I enjoyed living in Florida. Not that it was luxurious, but at least I get to ignore my worries. No lies, no secrets. I can be who I want to be. Mom wasnt there to reprimand me and control me like a robot, and dad supports me all the way. EMMA Then why did you come back? CHAR (snorts) Huh, everythings right in the world when your friends are close to you. Our parents might be some sort of nut-cracks but with you here with me, I cant ask anything for more. EMMA When did you get so sentimental, Char? Char smiles weakly which is replaced by a frown right after. CHAR After knowing that Dereks dead, I refused to be that nave girl again. I may not be as intellectual and sissy as you but I dont want to be left behind. Im tired of the lies and deceit. Emma hesitates for a moment but gives in. EMMA Derek has been working with Alec way back then. CHAR (blinks) Huh?

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EMMA Alec has been spying on me and he used Derek so he can get close to me. CHAR Are you saying that Derek used me so he can spy on you? EMMA (nods) But thats not the whole story. I think Derek really fell in love with you. Dereks erratic behaviour was because of Alec. CHAR Thats why he broke up with me without knowing the real reason. (then) Wait, how does this involve you? EMMA Ive been trying to find my birthmother. Alec tried to keep it a secret but eventually, it turns out that Rebecca is my mother. CHAR (gasps) Aunt Annie? Does that mean? Emma smiles then nods. EMMA Yes, Char. Were cousins. CHAR (squeals) OH. MY. GOD. She then hugs Emma tightly. Emma hugs back but rather unwillingly. After a moment, Char pulls away.

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CHAR I cant believe this! EMMA Me, too. But calm down, Char. CHAR And whos your father? EMMA Lets go back to the cabin and Ill tell you everything. Char immediately opens her bag and fishes out her cell phone. CHAR Wait, I need to tell dad. EMMA Your dads in here? CHAR (nods) Hes here with me. INT. CHAMBERLIN HOUSE - AFTERNOON A man in his early 40s walks inside the empty Chamberlin house. He is RICHARD CHAMBERLIN, a blonde man of pure masculinity. A phone rings so he places his large leather bag down and fishes the gadget out of his pocket. He saw that Char was calling. RICHARD Hey, sweetie. CHAR (on the other line) Dad, Im going with Sutton to the cabin. Richard frowns upon hearing Suttons name. He isnt fond of his daughters friend.

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RICHARD Okay, just come home early, okay? CHAR Sure, Ill call you right away. RICHARD Bye, sweetie. Richard ends the call. He dials another number and placed his cell phone next to his right ear. He waits for it to ring. After three rings, the person on the other line picks up. RICHARD Its me Richard. Were here in Phoenix now. SLAM TO BLACK. END OF ACT TWO

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ACT THREE INT. UNKNOWN CABIN - NOON REBECCA SEWELL is sitting by the couch in a secluded house in an unknown part of Scottsdale. Shes busy fiddling on her laptop. She clicks a file and a picture of Ted flashes to the screen. She passionately touches the image of her loved one. REBECCA Well be a complete family soon, Ted. You, me and the twins. She stands up and walks by the window. She stares at the not-so-subtle scenery outside. REBECCA But first I need to accomplish something. She turns around and faced a person wearing a black hood. It is standing firmly there, waiting for Rebecca to give an order. REBECCA Dear, you need to check up on Thayer Rybak. Find out what hes hiding. The hooded person nods and strides out of the house. Rebecca stares out of the window again and smiles wickedly. REBECCA Well meet again, my daughters... soon. It closes in as we... INT. CABIN AFTERNOON Emma and Char walks in the cabin. Laurel and Ethan are waiting inside. Emma sighs and thanks that

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Sutton isnt present or their cover would blow. Laurel shrieks and runs towards Char, hugging her in the process. LAUREL Oh my God, youre really back! We miss you! CHAR (laughs) And Im planning to stay for a long time. (pulls away) So, are you going to tell me whats going on? Emma sighs. She opens her mouth and the scenes shifts to the three of them telling Char about everything, except for the twins existence. Emma tells Char about her quest on finding her birthmother and Alecs involvement with keeping the identity of the mother hidden and the events that occur soon after. CHAR (leans on chair) Too much has happened when I was far away. Laurel nods. Emma looks at Ethan but he refuses to meet her eyes. CHAR So how does my aunt fit in this? EMMA She might have murdered Theresa, and possibly Derek. CHAR (eyes widen) Aunt Annie wont do that! ETHAN How can you be so sure?

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Char doesnt answer. She looks away uneasy. CHAR Maybe, she didnt do it... Ethan arches his eyebrows. ETHAN She gave up Sutton for adoption. She pretty much wanted to destroy Ted and Kristins relationship. Do you think she wont commit a crime such as murder? LAUREL And she even used Jordan to help gain my trust. I hate it how she forced her stepson to seduce me when in fact, he likes Mads. CHAR Poor Jordan. As far as what Mads have been telling me, the guy was in L.A. now. EMMA What happened? CHAR He was convicted for murdering his brother. LAUREL Rebecca. She did this. She used that to blackmail Jordan on doing what she wants. CHAR Now, Mads is torn between staying here and going after Jordan. ETHAN We need to stop Rebecca once and for all. The more she stays out there, the more its dangerous.

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EMMA So what are we going to do? The four exchange glances, thinking of what plan is to be carried out. EXT. RYBAK RESIDENCE NOON The Rybak house is filled with silence. Wind is whistling. A car is parked in front of the gate. Two figures walks through the front door. INT. RYBAK RESIDENCE NEARLY CONTINUOUS Mads and Thayer are the one who walks inside the house. They are holding packing bag and looks like their transferring back to their old house. Mads glances around and sighed. The house feels empty. MADS I hate this house. THAYER Why? MADS Its because bad things happen in this house. (removes a cloth covering a couch and sits) You and mom went away. Secrets began to fill this house. THAYER Dont blame the house. Blame those who live in it. They hear footsteps approaching their direction. Mads gasps as she sees someone familiar. CAROLINE LUNA (formerly RYBAK), 40s, a woman with raven hair curled down to her shoulder and has that Latina look in her, walks in.

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CAROLINE And blame who? Alec? MADS Mom? THAYER Caroline?

Caroline approaches them and wraps them both around her arms. Mads is surprised and delightful. Thayer looks so furious. CAROLINE (whispers) My children... Thayer pulls away. Caroline looks shocked. THAYER Why are you here? CAROLINE I need to be here for my children. Mads clings to her mother. MADS I miss you. CAROLINE I miss you, too, darling. Im so sorry for leaving you. THAYER And you think you can go back just like that? Mads looks at Thayer. MADS Thayer Thayer raises a hand and points at Caroline with eyes still fixed on Mads.

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THAYER She left us, Mads. How can you forgive her so easily? MADS Its in the past, Thayer. (looks at her mother) Are you staying for good? CAROLINE I hope so. Im here to set things right. Moment. Mads reluctantly pulls away from her mother. Thayer crosses his arms and stares at his mother. THAYER I need to know something from you. CAROLINE Whats that, honey? THAYER Is Graham my real father? CAROLINE (nods) So you knew. THAYER And that fact that you hid this for nineteen years... its unforgivable. I used to think that Im a loser for having a father like Alec but I thought wrong, Im not his son. How can you hide this from me? We kept in touch in L.A. but you never mentioned it to me... CAROLINE Alec told me to keep it a secret.

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THAYER (snorts) Of course, Im expecting this... Just like how he kept hidden the identity of Suttons birthmother. CAROLINE (nods) Sutton and Emma. Fate has been so cruel to them. Mads flinches. MADS You knew about the twins? CAROLINE Yes, darling. Its a secret I cant keep as long as I stay here and one of the reasons why I ran away. MADS (shakes head) I dont understand. Caroline walks towards the living room. CAROLINE I guess we need to talk about it. INT. SCOTTSDALE POLICE STATION NOON Emma walks inside Scottsdale Police Station along with Ethan, Char and Laurel. There are too many people inside the station. It looks like a busy day. EXT. SCOTTSDALE POLICE STATION NEARLY CONTINUOUS Sutton is hiding in her car outside, looking out for what was happening. She curls a lock of her hair. Suddenly, she sees a suspicious hooded figure walking out of the station. She gets curious and

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walks out of the car. She follows the mysterious man as it fades out... INT. SCOTTSDALE POLICE STATION NOON Emma wanders inside, with Ethan, Laurel and Char behind her. She bumps to Detective Larkin, a baldheaded officer. DETECTIVE LARKIN Sutton Mercer! EMMA Hi. Is there any chance that Officer Dan Whitehorse is here? Detective Larkin points at Dans office. DETECTIVE LARKIN See for yourself. The rude detective walks away. CHAR How rude. ETHAN Sutton is a little problem among police officers here in Scottsdale. They walk towards the office but Emma stops by an opened door. EMMA Wait The other three stop. Emma peeks inside and sees a large whiteboard in the middle of the room. She goes inside. Ethan, Laurel and Char soon follow. Emma approaches the board and is surprised to what she sees there. Pictures are taped on the walls. Herself. Sutton. Rebecca. Ethan. Laurel. Jordan. Char. Laurel. Mads. Alec. Ted. Kristin. Nisha.

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Eduardo. Phyllis. Justin. Caroline. Derek. Theresa. A woman Emma identified as Mads and Thayers mother. And a man who is Chars father. Emma immediately takes her photo and erases her name on the board. She places the picture on her pocket and hides it from Char. This is not the time for her to know. CHAR Why are our pictures here? LAUREL (whispers) Were being investigated. CHAR (touches the picture of her father) Even my dad is here. ETHAN (peeks in) Thats your dad? LAUREL Its weird that those who are long gone are in here. EMMA Theyve been a part of our lives. Police naturally considers them as clues. LAUREL So basically, I get to be friends with someone. Ill expect her picture here sooner. Suddenly, the door bangs open as someone goes in. Ethan, Laurel, Char and Emma are alerted and stares at the figure by the door.

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EXT. SOMEWHERE NEAR AZTEC PARK NEARLY CONTINUOUS Sutton follows the hooded person. She keeps her distance so the mysterious figure cant see her. She stops by a corner and peeks to see the person slid inside a building that looks like an apartment. Seconds after, she goes in and sees the hooded person goes inside a room. Hiding in a safe spot, she waits until the person goes out. After knowing that the figure is not coming back for some time, she approached the front door, namely, Apartment Room 256, and is surprised to see the latch open. She goes in. She sniffs at the dusty atmosphere. Being a few feet inside, she looks around. SUTTON (whispers) Maybe, Im just wrong. Suddenly, she hears the front door close! She turns around and gasps as shes locked inside. SUTTON Let me out! INT. SCOTTSDALE POLICE STATION CONTINUOUSLY Dan is the man by the door. He looks furiously at the four. DAN What are you doing here? ETHAN No-nothing. We got curious and DAN (holds the door) Please get out. This is a private room and no one but police officers and detectives should get in.

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The four immediately walk out of the room. Emma mutters a sorry. DAN (CONTD) Ethan? ETHAN (turns around) Yes? DAN Well talk later. Ethan nods and soon, they are gone. Dan sighs and approaches the board. Dan notices that one picture is missing. He realizes its Emmas... SLAM TO BLACK. END OF ACT THREE

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ACT FOUR EXT. SCOTTSDALE POLICE STATION - NOON Emma, Ethan, Char and Laurel are walking the dry road outside Scottsdale Police Station. Emma looks disturbed and so do Ethan and Laurel. Char looks so confused. CHAR (stops walking) So were all in the suspect list now? EMMA (turns) I think so. CHAR Im not even here when Derek and Theresa were murdered! LAUREL Well, we still dont know who the killer is so that leaves Dan to involve those people in this case. EMMA But what about those who arent involved in this? Nisha. Justin. Eduardo. Even that woman named Caroline. ETHAN Sutton, theyre connected to us. Nisha has been our classmate. Justin is Laurels ex-boyfriend. Eduardo and Mads were once together. Caroline... if youve forgotten, is Mads and Thayers mother. CHAR And my father?

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LAUREL Yours also. All of this is in our parents past. They are so involved in this. EMMA (shakes her head) This is so messed up. Were complicating things. I dont know if I can handle this anymore. ETHAN (touches her arm) Dont worry. Youre not alone. Emmas eyes widens as she feel an unexplainable spark, and breaks away from Ethans hand. She looks away and focuses her eyes on Char and Laurel. Her phone suddenly rings and takes it out of her bag. The screen shows Suttons name. She picks it up. EMMA Hello? SUTTON Emma! INT. APARTMENT ROOM 256 NEARLY CONTINUOUS Sutton is walking back and forth, looking around and winces when she finds out that the room doesnt have windows. SUTTON You got to help me out. Im stuck here inside an apartment. EXT. SCOTTSDALE POLICE STATION NEARLY CONTINUOUS Emmas eyes bulge. Laurel, Ethan and Char begin to get curious with the phone call.

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EMMA What? Where are you? INT. APARTMENT ROOM 256 NEARLY CONTINUOUS Sutton walks around, then eventually approaches the front door and tries to open the knob. It doesnt budge. SUTTON Somewhere near Aztec Park. Room 256. You need to hurry! EXT. SCOTTSDALE POLICE STATION NEARLY CONTINUOUS Emma paces back and forth, pure panic shown in her face. EMMA Okay, Ethan and I are coming. (turns off the phone) Ethan, you need to come with me. ETHAN (surprised) What for? EMMA Its important. (faces Laurel and Char) Laurel, bring Char back to the house. Ethan and I have some errands to accomplish. CHAR Is everything alright? EMMA (fakes a smile) Sure. Just surprised, thats all. See you later.

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She walks off and Ethan follows her. Char looks at Laurel, as if wanting some answers. Laurel just shrugs but she senses something. EXT. SOMEWHERE NEAR AZTEC PARK NOON Emma walks around, looking for a house. Ethan walks beside him. Emma keeps glancing on her phone but Sutton doesnt respond. ETHAN Theres so many houses in here... EMMA She said, shes in an apartment. Emma sees a suspicious building. She points a finger at its direction. EMMA Lets check that one. INT. APARTMENT ROOM 256 NEARLY CONTINUOUS Sutton hears a creaking sound inside the room. As if, someone is walking inside. SUTTON (approaches the sound) Whos that? The creaking continues. It comes from a sole closet in a corner. She approaches it and slowly opens the lid. Suddenly, a large number of scorpion creeps out of nowhere! Sutton screams loud as we... INT. UNKNOWN APARTMENT NEARLY CONTINUOUS Emma and Ethan hears the scream and they head upstairs. They run towards the room 256. Emma tries to open it but it doesnt open.

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ETHAN Step back, Emma. Emma does and Ethan launches himself to the door, hitting it with his shoulders. They hear Suttons cry for help. Ethan grunts as he lunge harder. The door falls open. Emma walks in and steps back when she sees a scorpion on the floor. She looks for Sutton and sees her huddled in a corner. Ethan towards Sutton and lifts her up. He goes to the door, avoiding any scorpions in the way. Soon they are out... EXT. APARTMENT NEAR AZTEC PARK Emma, Sutton and Ethan sit by the foyer. Sutton is gasping for breath and so do Ethan. EMMA What happened? SUTTON (looks frightened) I saw someone walking out of the police station. He looks suspicious so I followed. And the rest is history. ETHAN He must have known you will follow him. EMMA You should not go alone, Sutton. This enemy is getting bolder than ever. SUTTON He tried to poison me with those scorpions! Im glad you rescued me.

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ETHAN It seems like the killer is making his presence known. EMMA Do you think Derek and Theresas killer is involved in this? SUTTON I think so. INT. ALECS ROOM AT PHOENIX PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL NOON Kristin goes inside Alecs room and sees the man in such a strange state. She sits on a chair beside the unconscious man and watches him. KRISTIN I dont know what to do, Alec. She holds the mans hand and cries. KRISTIN (CONTD) I didnt expect something like this to happen. Our life was pretty normal back then but what went wrong? Am I not a good mother to Sutton that she stops at nothing to find her real mother? Have I been a bad wife to Ted that... he managed to have an affair and lie about it right to my face? She buries her face on her hands. INT. HALLWAY IN FRONT OF ALECS ROOM NEARLY CONTINUOUS A hooded figure walks and stops outside Alecs room, staring at the door as it fades to...

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INT. REBECCAS CABIN - NOON A knock on the door catches Rebeccas attention. She wanders off and opens it. Shes surprised to see who it is. Its Richard... REBECCA Oh. Richard, I thought youll arrive by night. RICHARD I just want to check on you. Make sure youre okay. (enters and looks around) This place looks nice. REBECCA Its only a temporary place so I dont to do any touches to it. RICHARD Ready to get back to Scottsdale now? REBECCA (seats on the couch) Not yet but soon. For a while, we need to put this plan into motion. RICHARD What plan? REBECCA (smirks) You need to get close to Ted, know everything thats happening to him. His impending divorce, the twins and in goes a large list. (then) Also, include Char... RICHARD Whats my daughters got to do with this?

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REBECCA She needs to get close to who is being Sutton now. Shes the safest coy because she doesnt know about the twins. (picks up a glass of wine and drinks it) I bet my daughters are still switching identities, now that poor Kristin still doesnt know about them. RICHARD Sometimes, I just pity for that woman. REBECCA (glares at Richard) Dont be! She needs to suffer. After what has happened to me, she deserves every lies shes discovering. And Im not yet done... RICHARD (smirks) Revenge makes you feisty. REBECCA And Im hungry for more... EXT. SCOTTSDALE POLICE STATION NIGHT Emma, Sutton and Ethan walks towards their cars. Sutton is wearing a pair of sunglasses and a scarf to hide her identity. As shes about to ride in her car, her phone rings. She opens it and turns to Emma and Ethan. SUTTON (grins) Guys, someones in for a jackpot.

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INT. DANS OFFICE AT THE POLICE STATION NIGHT Dan is busy typing on his computer when Officer Harry, 30s, marches in. Dan looks expectantly and Harry nods at the acknowledgement. HARRY (places a flash drive on the table) The team found something. Dan takes it and plugs it in the computer. After reading, he plays a video obtained from the video camera installed at the bus where Theresas car is seen. Its a steady recording a certain part of the parking lot and Dan waits seconds until a car stops by. He identifies it as Theresas car. The car stops at the exact corner where its found. Suddenly, the driver seats door opens and someone walks out. He or she is hooded and its face is not seen in the video. Immediately the figure runs away and disappears. The video is cut right after. DAN (smacks the desk) DAMN IT! HARRY We cant identify the person involved in this but this is good lead. DAN We need to check the bus station. Someone might have seen this person. Ethan and Emma suddenly barges in. DAN What are you doing here? ETHAN (hands out Suttons phone) Someone sent us this.

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Dan sees the message and then looks at Harry. DAN Call some of our men. I think we have a lead to Rebeccas lair. EXT. REBECCAS CABIN NIGHT Sirens ring as four police cars corner the cabin. Ethan and Emma steps out of Ethans motorcycle and watches the scene unfolds. INT. REBECCAS CABIN NEARLY CONTINUOUS Dan kicks the front door and strides in together with his men. The lights are out. One officer flicks on the lights and an empty cabin greets them The officers looks around as Dan curses and kicks a table. He gazes at a sole wine glass at a nightstand. Dan picks it up and gazes at the kiss mark imprinted on one side. EXT. REBECCAS CABIN MINUTES AFTER Dan walks out and approaches Emma and Ethan. He looks worn out and angry at the same time. DAN Shes gone. Someone must have tipped her off. EMMA What? We told no one! DAN I know that. (then) Why are you helping us find your birthmother?

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EMMA (looks uneasy) Its that, she did something horrible. Even if shes my mother or not, shes a suspect. She killed someone. She needs to pay. Dan smiles for a moment and hugs Emma. Emma squeaks quietly at surprise because of his action. DAN (pulls away) Thank you for helping us. EMMA If Rebecca is really a murderer, she should pay for her sins. She took your happy life with Theresa away. Dan shows no response. Instead, he looks at Ethan. DAN Take her back home. I know the Mercers are worrying about her. ETHAN Sure. Emma and Ethan walks towards the motorcycle. Dan holds Ethans arm. The younger Whitehorse looks back. DAN Emma? Ethan nods. DAN (CONTD) You really like her, dont you? Without hesitation, Ethan nods again. ETHAN More than everything.

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DAN (smiles weakly) Then, take care of her. She sure isnt like Sutton. ETHAN Suttons changed. She learns from her mistakes. DAN (coldly) Rather too late for that, isnt it? Ethan makes no response. He walks towards Emma as Dan looks out. EXT. MERCER HOUSE NIGHT Emma removes her helmet as she gets off the motorcycle. Ethan does too. Ethan looks like hes going to say something. EMMA Thank you for taking me home... and for helping me earlier. ETHAN Anything for you. EMMA (gestures for the house) So, you want to come in? ETHAN No, thanks. Dan must be looking for me. EMMA Okay. (silence) So... I got to go inside. ETHAN Emma...

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Ethan pulls Emma and his lips touches hers. It is brief but Ethan put everything all of his feelings on it. Emma pulls back, perplexed. ETHAN Good night. EMMA (smiles weakly) Good night. INT. MERCER HOUSE NEARLY CONTINUOUS Emma enters the house and finds Kristin standing by the kitchen sink. Laurel and Char are right beside her, rather silent. She kisses her mother and notices something off with her. EMMA Any problem, mom? KRISTIN Tell me, Sutton. How long have you been looking for you birth mother? EMMA (startles) How did you KRISTIN Just tell me, honey. I dont need another lie now. EMMA Before we came back from Paris. KRISTIN (nods) Its been that long.

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(then) Ted told me that your mother is Rebecca. How did you take it? EMMA The truth is I never liked Rebecca as my mom. Yes, I tried to find her and now that shes here, I was thinking that things will be great. But what she did to you and to dad, it was unacceptable. (sits at nearest table) She had me for adoption. Do you think I can trust her once shes back in our lives? No, mom. I feel so... betrayed knowing that my biological mother isnt what I perceived to be. (cries) So Im sorry if I lead you to think that Im abandoning you. To think that Im not satisfied having you as my mother. KRISTIN (hugs Emma) Oh, honey. EMMA Youre the best thing I have as a mom. I cant ask anything for more. (pulls away as she wipes tears) Excuse me... Emma runs upstairs, leaving a distraught Laurel, a worried Char and a guilt Kristin behind. KRISTIN What have I done? LAUREL (hugs Kristin) You just want to find out the truth, mom. Dont worry, everything will be fine.

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INT. RYBAKS HOUSE NIGHT Caroline and Mads are sitting by the pit fire located near the pool and they are snuggled up against each other. Caroline looks so peaceful while Mads looks so worried. CAROLINE Mads? MADS I just miss someone. CAROLINE Is it that guy...? Jordan? Mads nods. CAROLINE (CONTD) You said hes at L.A. Want to go after him? MADS I cant leave you here. Im just a child when you ran away. I cant let you slip away just like that. CAROLINE But you love him, right? Go follow him. Come back if hes alright. Im not going away. MADS Are you sure? CAROLINE (smiles) Yes, honey. Mads Thanks, mom. Caroline looks straight to the pool and silence ensues...

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INT. LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT NIGHT JORDAN LYLE, 19, is placed in a cellar with another prisoner. He is sitting at the edge of his uncomfortable bed. Faint light illuminates the pocket picture he holds in his hands. His cellmate sits beside him and peeks at the picture. CELLMATE If you dont know me yet, my names Quinlan. JORDAN (smiles) Hey, nice meeting you. Im Jordan. QUINLAN (looks at the picture) Your girlfriend? JORDAN (nods) I miss her. QUINLAN Where is she? Havent seen her visit you. JORDAN Shes at Phoenix. QUINLAN Oh... is she visiting you soon? JORDAN I hope so. Screen closes up to Mads picture in Jordans hands. She looks so happy. Then, it fades out to...

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INT. MERCERS CABIN MIDNIGHT Sutton is sleeping soundly at the spare room, unaware the opening of the door. The figure stands at the end of the bed. Suddenly, it crouches and sits on the bed. This jolts Sutton to her wake. She moves up and gasps at the figure staring at her. Its Rebecca... REBECCA (grins) You think you got rid of me? Suttons reaction is of shock and fear as it... SLAM TO BLACK. END OF EPISODE