A Twisted Fondness 3

A TWISTED FONDNESS
INT. VON ZEHREN MANSION - DREAM SEQUENCE
A spacious hall plays host to an extravagant dinner party.

Wealthy socialites converse over cocktails and finger foods
while serenaded by a string quartet.
SUPER: SWITZERLAND - 1980
The melancholy ELYSE VON ZEHREN(10) meanders trancelike

through the chattering guests.
The gossip falls on deaf ears. Her sole focus rests on--
The dapper, tuxedo-clad GERARD LEMAHIEU(40), who notices her

stare. With a slight nod, he raises his champagne glass in
her direction.
GERARD
To you, young lady.
Elyse stares unresponsive. Gerard sips his drink. Just after

he swallows--
Gerard coughs. Then again. A slight twitch of a smirk from

Elyse.
He has a coughing fit. Specks of blood hit the hardwood

floor.
A GUEST places a concerned hand on Gerard’s back.
GUEST
Sir, are you okay?
Gerard starts choking. He falls to his knees.
GUEST (CONT'D)
Somebody help!
Elyse remains unnervingly stoic. Other guests rush to

Gerard’s aid. As he chokes, blood trickles from his eyes.
The partygoers gasp in horror as he collapses to the floor. A
few people work to turn Gerard on to his back.
Looks of shock spread over them as they back away. We can see
boils forming all over Gerard’s skin as he turns ghostly
pale.
Silence overtakes the hall. The guest leans over Gerard’s

body.
GUEST (CONT'D)
It’s the plague!
2.
The guests run screaming from the hall until everyone is

gone. All except for Elyse.
She approaches Gerard. Stares down at his corpse. Then

curtsies.
CHILD ELYSE
Will you have this dance?
The VIOLINIST from the quartet appears nearby. Begins an

intense classical piece.
Elyse performs a waltz routine with her non-existent partner

around Gerard's body.
SUPER: A TWISTED FONDNESS
As Elyse dances, the music lowers but remains in the

background.
FADE TO:
INT. PRIVATE JET - MORNING - PRESENT DAY
Adult Elyse(50) gasps as she opens her eyes. The classical

music comes through her headphones.
She lies in a fully reclined seat inside her luxurious

private jet.
A FLIGHT ATTENDANT stands by her.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT
Miss Von Zehren?
Elyse removes her headphones.
ELYSE
Yes?
FLIGHT ATTENDANT
We’ve arrived.
ELYSE
Oh. Thank you.
Elyse moves the seat upright. She takes out a pocket-sized

vanity mirror. She straightens her diamond necklace.
Elyse examines her face closely, in particular a barely

visible scar above her left eyebrow. She applies make-up to
conceal the blemish.
3.
Elyse notices a minor crease in her sun dress. She

obsessively attempts to smooth it out with her hand over and
over again.
The attendant looks over at her.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT
Bad dream?
Elyse whips her piercing gaze at the woman.
ELYSE
Oh no. Not at all. Actually, it was
quite pleasant.
Elyse smiles.
EXT. AIRFIELD - MORNING - MOMENTS LATER
The jet is parked in isolation in an airfield. Elyse exits

the aircraft via the stairs. The attendant follows hauling
Elyse’s suitcase.
SUPER: NEW YORK - PRESENT DAY
Elyse speaks on the phone as she passes the nodding

CHAUFFEUR.
ELYSE
(into phone)
Yes, hello. This is Elyse Von
Zehren.
The attendant hands Elyse’s bag to the chauffeur. Elyse heads

towards the black sedan.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
(into phone)
That’s right.
(pauses)
Mmm-hmm. No. I’m calling about the
welcome basket. There were some
issues during my previous stay.
(pauses)
No. Concerning the arrangement. The
items were unevenly distributed in
the potpourri.
(pauses)
Yes, I’d prefer a more symmetrical
display if possible.
(pauses)
Excellent. Thank you for your time,
ma’am. I’ll be arriving shortly.
4.
Elyse arrives at the car. She reaches for the handle, then
stops.
She removes black dress gloves and puts them on before

opening the door.
The chauffeur loads the suitcase in the trunk.
Elyse waits in the backseat for the chauffeur to enter. He

glances back at her from the driver’s seat.
CHAUFFEUR
Where to?
ELYSE
Lotte New York Palace.
EXT. LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE - MORNING
The iconic hotel stands proud in bustling midtown Manhattan.
An unassuming bellhop, PLACIDO DOMINGUEZ(25), hurries through

the courtyard.
He makes his way to the sidewalk, where he enters his modest

car.
He removes a medicine bottle from the glove compartment.

Stares at it for a moment. Gives himself a pep talk.
PLACIDO
Come on, Placido. You want to be
like your father? No? Then take the
god damn meds.
He continues to stare at the bottle.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
A little nausea? Fatigue? Mild
hallucinations? Nah. That’s nothing
compared to what could be.
Placido nods. Opens the bottle and shakes a pill into his
hand. Stares at the capsule in his open palm.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
Just fucking do it already.
He places the pill in his mouth and washes it down with some
drips of water from the bottom of a plastic bottle.
5.
INT. LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE - LATER
In the hotel elevator, Placido clutches a luggage cart. Next

to him, a BUSINESSMAN(50) barks orders into his phone.
BUSINESSMAN
How hard is it to understand? I’m
not asking you to build a fucking
rocket ship!
Placido grimaces at the man’s earsplitting voice.
BUSINESSMAN (CONT'D)
No, you can’t ask Nancy. She
doesn’t even know what fucking
quarter it is!
The elevator dings and opens. Placido pushes the cart behind
the heated patron.
Here’s a brilliant fucking
solution: get off your perfectly
toned ass, use your brain, and
transfer the god damn funds!
The man stops in front of the door to his room.
And it better be today, unless you
want to go back to sucking cocks
for a living!
He ends the call and shoves the phone in his pocket.
Jesus fucking Christ!
Placido watches him use the key card to unlock the door.
The man, still fuming from the phone call, turns to Placido
from the open doorway. Placido stares at him.
Placido imagines himself tearing the pole from the cart and
beating the man’s head to a bloody pulp.
In reality, the man furrows his brow at the vacant bellhop.
Well?
Placido snaps out of it. He takes the suitcase off the cart
and hands it to the man.
6.
PLACIDO
Here you are, sir.
BUSINESSMAN
Took long enough.
Placido flashes a fake smile.
PLACIDO
Have a fantastic day.
A hand gently squeezes a stress ball. The hand belongs to

DOMINO DOMINGUEZ(40), Placido’s uncle and hotel manager.
The manager sits behind his desk in a veil of incense. From

the other side of the desk, Placido bears Domino’s deadpan
lecture.
DOMINO
The moment you set foot within
these walls, you took an unspoken
oath to uphold the palace.
Domino takes a deep, meditative breath.
DOMINO (CONT'D)
The palace. As an evangelical
Buddhist, I take my sacred duties
seriously. Do you take your duties
seriously, Placido?
Placido seems confused.
PLACIDO
I umm. I don’t understand. Did I do
something wrong?
DOMINO
Not at all.
Domino gestures at a framed black-and-white portrait of an

important-looking gentleman in a wool suit and tie.
DOMINO (CONT'D)
Have I told you about this man?
PLACIDO
A-a maybe a few times.
Domino doesn’t hear him.

7.
DOMINO
Henry Villard. The man who financed
the Villard Houses in 1882. On the
very spot where the palace now
stands.
Placido endures as Domino drones on.
DOMINO (CONT'D)
He planted the seeds that would
grow into the beautiful sanctum we
know today.
Domino peers up at the portrait.
DOMINO (CONT'D)
He met a rather unfortunate end
when he suffered a stroke at the
age of 65. But his legacy lives on.
Domino turns back to Placido.
DOMINO (CONT'D)
Some say his spirit roams these
halls. Watches over all of us. Sees
everything that happens here.
Placido gulps nervously.
PLACIDO
Everything?
DOMINO
And now, to the reason you’re here.
PLACIDO
Yeah, I was kind of wondering about
that.
DOMINO
Duty. I know your father didn’t
instill the value of duty into his
only son, but as your uncle I’ve
taken up the mantle.
PLACIDO
What do you need me to do?
DOMINO
There’s a highly-valued guest
arriving soon. I need you to be her
personal servant. You do everything
she needs.
(MORE)
8.
DOMINO (CONT'D)
If she asks you to wipe her
buttocks, you wipe her buttocks.
PLACIDO
I’m a bellhop, not a personal
assistant.
DOMINO
You hear that?
Domino pauses for effect.
DOMINO (CONT'D)
The palace is calling to you,
Placido. It has given you your
duty.
A knock at the office door.
DOMINO (CONT'D)
Yes?
A young woman dressed like a FRONT DESK EMPLOYEE peeks in.
FRONT DESK EMPLOYEE

Miss Von Zehren is here.
Domino pops up from his seat. Fixes his jacket and tie. As he
walks past Placido he pats him on the shoulder.
DOMINO
Duty.
INT. LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE - MOMENTS LATER
Elyse waits at the front desk. She sees Domino approach with
an upright, formal gait. Placido follows his boss.
DOMINO
Welcome back, Miss Von Zehren. This
is Placido. He’ll be your aide for
the duration of your stay.
Elyse shoots an inquisitive glare at the bellhop.
ELYSE
Excellent.
Placido gives her a friendly nod.
PLACIDO
Nice to meet you, Miss Von-
9.
Elyse cuts him off.
ELYSE
I have one suitcase. I would like
you to bring it up to the champagne
suite for me.
PLACIDO
Of course.
Placido moves out from behind the desk to take the suitcase
from her. The bellhop pulls it towards the elevator. Domino
nods at Elyse.
DOMINO
Enjoy your stay at the palace.
Elyse silently turns away and follows Placido.
DOMINO (CONT'D)
(calls to Placido)
Henry is watching.
INT. ELEVATOR - MOMENTS LATER
Elyse and Placido stand in silence as the elevator ascends.

Placido avoids eye contact as Elyse sizes him up.
ELYSE
Placido. That’s a Spanish name?
Placido meets Elyse’s piercing gaze.
PLACIDO
Family’s from Spain.
(beat)
Von Zehren. German?
ELYSE
Swiss. And I’d prefer if you called
me Elyse.
PLACIDO
Of course.
Elyse looks him over a bit more.
ELYSE
Turn to me.
The command seems to catch Placido off-guard. He hesitates.

10.
PLACIDO
Just straight?
ELYSE
Yes. Facing me.
Placido’s eyes follow her gloved hand as she fixes his

lopsided cap. Tugs a bit on his uniform to straighten some
wrinkles. Brushes a sprinkle of dandruff off his shoulder.
Then, she clutches Placido by the cheekbones. Leans forward

and looks deep into his eyes.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
(in French w/ subtitles)
I know those eyes. The torture of a
lost soul.
Elyse releases her iron grip. Placido massages his cheeks,

slightly perturbed. Elyse remains fixated on him.
INT. LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE - PENTHOUSE - MOMENTS LATER
Elyse opens the door. Her fingertips caress the wall as she
emerges into the modern deco formal living room. Floor-to-
ceiling windows provide a breathtaking view of the city.
Elyse takes a relieved breath as her eyes scan the room. Her
gaze locks on an open section of the carpet.
She sees her ten year-old self running blissfully into the
outstretched arms of her beaming father, KARL VON ZEHREN(40).
He lifts her up and kisses her forehead.
Adult Elyse smiles at the empty space. Placido approaches

from behind.
PLACIDO
Have you been here before?
Elyse’s affect retreats to its iciness as she turns to
Placido.
ELYSE
Yes.
Elyse strides past the 30-foot wide mural adjoined by a

marble foyer and spiral staircase. Placido follows.
PLACIDO
Do you--
Elyse cuts him off while maintaining stride.

11.
ELYSE
Follow me.
Elyse enters the master bedroom. Her attention is drawn to

the welcome basket planted on the bed. Her eyes move along
the arrangement of toiletries in the potpourri. So far
there’s two of each item, evenly spaced. Placido waits nearby
for his orders.
Elyse’s eyes stop. She stares at a single travel-sized bottle

of conditioner with no identical counterpart. Elyse waves
Placido closer.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
Come.
Placido steps next to Elyse, who points at the bottle.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
I’ll need one more identical bottle
of conditioner.
PLACIDO
Can I just take a look?
Placido moves to examine the bottle. Elyse grabs his wrist.
ELYSE
Don’t touch.
Placido is a bit stunned by her coarseness, his jaw agape.
PLACIDO
Okay.
When Elyse lets go, Placido rubs his wrist.
ELYSE
I’d like you to set a timer for
yourself.
She looks at her watch.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
22 minutes. I’ll expect your return
no sooner, no later.
PLACIDO
When should I start the timer?
ELYSE
Five seconds ago.
12.
Placido hurries away, fumbling his phone as he quickly sets

the timer. Elyse does a double-take of him as he leaves.
Elyse hangs dresses and pantsuits in the master bedroom

closet. She hangs the last one and steps back. The alignment
is off. She switches the order and steps back again. Nods.
ELYSE
(in French)
Better.
Elyse walks along the rows of empty shelves in the suite’s

“wine cave” until she finds a lone bottle. She takes it and
examines the label.
Elyse sips the red wine. She stands in the den and admires a
framed replica of Francisco de Goya’s Judith y Holofernes
painting.
She sees her ten year-old self standing next to her. Child
Elyse peers up in wonder at the haunting work of art. Adult
Elyse mimics her.
Their gaze follows the length of the blade held by Judith.

The biblical heroine seems poised to deliver a fatal strike.
CHILD ELYSE
He took great delight in her and
while she was there he drank more
wine than at any time since he was
born.
Elyse smirks at the child and takes another sip of wine.
INT. LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE - PENTHOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Placido stands outside the door to the penthouse. In one

hand, the bottle of conditioner. In the other, his phone. He
watches the timer tick down.
5...4...3...2...1. He rings the doorbell.

13.
In the den, Elyse hears the doorbell. She checks her watch.
ELYSE
Hmm.
Elyse opens the door. Placido offers her the bottle.
PLACIDO
Your conditioner. I hope it’s the
right one.
Elyse takes the bottle and looks it over. She glances up at

Placido in the doorway.
ELYSE
Thank you. Come in.
Placido steps inside. Elyse hands him a key card.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
Here is a spare key. You can let
yourself in next time.
PLACIDO
Are you sure? I don’t want to
invade your privacy.
Elyse ignores his question as she walks into the kitchen.

Placido watches her take a wine glass from the cabinet.
ELYSE
Would you like some wine? It’s a
Bordeaux from Chateau Lafite.
PLACIDO
Thanks for the offer, but I’m not
sure that’s appropriate during
work.
Elyse freezes just as she’s about to pour a glass.
ELYSE
I see.
She corks the bottle and puts the glass back in the cabinet.
She swaggers past Placido.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
Then surely you will dance with me?
14.
Placido is taken aback.
PLACIDO
You want me to dance with you?
She faces away from him, looks out the window.
ELYSE
Is that such a strange request?
PLACIDO
An unexpected one.
Elyse glances at Placido over her shoulder.
ELYSE
Do you know how to waltz?
INT. LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE - PENTHOUSE - LATER
We see Placido and Elyse’s shoes move along the carpet as

they do basic waltz steps.
ELYSE
Forward. Side. Close.
They’re in the spacious sitting room on the upper floor of

the suite.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
Forward. Side. Close.
They get a rhythm going.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
See? It’s a simple routine. Easy to
learn.
They converse through the dance.

PLACIDO
So what brings you to New York?
ELYSE
Business.
PLACIDO
Lucrative business it would seem.
ELYSE
I am the owner of a Swiss banking
company. Von Zehren Bancorp.
(MORE)
15.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
We are in the process of acquiring
a bank located here. I have come to
ensure that everything is carried
out smoothly.
PLACIDO
Von Zehren? So it’s a family
business?
ELYSE
My father was the founder. I
inherited the position when he
passed away.
PLACIDO
I’m sorry to hear about that.
ELYSE
Oh, it was many years ago. He was a
kind man. A loving father. But the
business consumed him in the end.
Elyse’s gaze wanders off into the distance as she remembers

Karl.
PLACIDO
I lost my dad too. In a way.
Elyse’s sympathetic eyes focus on the downcast Placido.
ELYSE
Your father is gone?
PLACIDO
Well, sort of. He did something
horrible. Really horrible. Now he’s
locked up. I was only five when it
happened.
ELYSE
It must have been difficult growing
up without a father.
PLACIDO
Mom and I got by.
They dance in silence for a few moments.
ELYSE
I’d like you to have dinner with me
tonight.
16.
PLACIDO
I don’t think my boss would
approve.
ELYSE
It is not a date. I am only asking
for your company. That is all.
Placido deliberates.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
I have a reservation at Per Se.
Placido eyes light up.
PLACIDO
Thee Per Se?
ELYSE
You know it?
PLACIDO
It’s only one of the best
restaurants in the world.
ELYSE
Then it’s a yes?
PLACIDO
How could I say no?
A sense of relief washes over Elyse and she smiles.
ELYSE
Wonderful.
Placido smiles back at her. Elyse’s pleasure quickly fades as

she looks into Placido’s eyes. Placido notices the sudden
change.
PLACIDO
What is it?
ELYSE
Your eyes.
PLACIDO
What about them?
ELYSE
Nothing.
17.
EXT. COLUMBUS CIRCLE - EVENING
A sweeping view of Columbus Circle with the Time Warner

Building in the background.
INT. PER SE RESTAURANT - EVENING
Metallic “Per Se” letters adorn the wall beside the double
door entrance. A few well-dressed PATRONS enter the
restaurant.
The interior is filled with guests quietly chatting while

dining on gourmet courses. A WAITER with perfect posture
pours a bit of red wine into a glass. Elyse sips to taste.
Placido, dressed for the occasion, watches her from across

the table. Elyse nods at the waiter.
ELYSE
It’s fine.
WAITER
Excellent.
The waiter pours each of them a glass, then walks away.

Placido moves to drink the wine. Elyse reaches out to stop
him.
ELYSE
No. You must let it breathe first.
Placido freezes, then puts the glass down.
PLACIDO
My experience in fine dining on
full display.
ELYSE
Life if full of firsts. You must be
willing to be adventurous. Try
something different.
PLACIDO
This whole scenario definitely
qualifies as different.
ELYSE
Scenario?
18.
PLACIDO
Going out to dinner with an older
woman who I’m supposed to be
maintaining a professional
relationship with and who I only
met a few hours ago.
ELYSE
I told you. This is not a date.
PLACIDO
Then what do you call it?
ELYSE
A simple dinner.
The waiter arrives with the first course and places it in

front of them.
WAITER
Our first course is Sabayon of
Pearl Tapioca with Island Creek
Oysters and a Regiis Ova Caviar.
Placido surveys the gourmet dish.
PLACIDO
Oh yeah. Very simple.
Elyse smirks at the snarky remark.
INT. PER SE RESTAURANT - LATER
Empty oyster shells rest on the two plates. The waiter

removes the dishes. The server then places the next course on
the table.
WAITER
Charcoal-grilled miyazaki wagyu
with pommes paillasson, hen egg
puree, morel mushrooms, and a steak
sauce.
The waiter leaves. Elyse and Placido slice their steaks.
PLACIDO
It’s nice to finally get a taste of
the other side.
Placido chews the meat.
ELYSE
How do you mean?
19.
PLACIDO
I spend so much time around rich
people. Always see the lifestyle,
but never experience it.
ELYSE
Are you resentful?
PLACIDO
Do whatever you want, whenever you
want? No consequences? Or at least
not the same consequences as when
you’re poor. Should I not be
resentful?
ELYSE
I suppose that’s true.
PLACIDO
I mean, someone like you. Grew up
wealthy. I’m sure you could get
away with all kinds of crazy shit.
ELYSE
I never really thought about it.
PLACIDO
Oh, come on. You’re telling me that
with all the resources you have
that you’re never tempted to break
the rules? Do something... risky?
Elyse clears her throat and wipes her lips in an

uncomfortable manner.
ELYSE
Hmm. I don’t know. My life is quite
dull. I much prefer... What is the
word? Monotony.
Placido narrows his eyes at Elyse as if sensing her

discomfort. They eat in silence for a few moments.
ROGER (O.S.)
(French accent)
Elyse?
Elyse looks up to see the suave, sophisticated ROGER

MYERS(50) smiling down at her.
ELYSE
Roger. What a pleasant surprise.
20.
ROGER
Per Se on the same night? What are
the chances?
Roger spreads his arms as if ready to hug Elyse, but she

shakes his hand instead.
Roger’s gaze shifts to Placido, who looks back at the

stranger. Elyse notices.
ELYSE
Roger, this is Placido. He is my
assistant for this trip.
Roger stares at Placido, who extends his hand. They shake.
PLACIDO
Nice to meet you.
ROGER
Assistant? Lucky man.
Roger winks at Placido.
PLACIDO
Oh, it’s not like that.
ELYSE
Placido is employed at the hotel.
ROGER
(to Placido)
Lotte New York Palace?
PLACIDO
Yep.
ROGER
Really? I own the firm that does
security for them.
PLACIDO
That’s awesome. What a coincidence.
Roger chuckles.
ROGER
Indeed.
Roger turns back to Elyse.
ROGER (CONT'D)
I’m hosting a party at my place on
Saturday evening.
(MORE)
21.
ROGER (CONT'D)
I hope you can grace us with your
presence. Do you still have the
same phone number?
ELYSE
I do.
ROGER
Excellent. I’ll send you the
details.
ELYSE
If I know you, it will be quite the
affair.
Roger gives an agreeable nod.
ROGER
Take care, Elyse.
Roger turns to Placido.
ROGER (CONT'D)
It was a pleasure meeting you,
Placido. You seem like a
wonderful... assistant.
Roger leaves them to their dinner. Elyse watches him walk

away. Placido looks at her.
PLACIDO
Who was that?
ELYSE
I know Roger from Switzerland. Our
parents were in business together.
He’s an acquaintance.
Placido narrows his eyes at her.
PLACIDO
Just an acquaintance?
Elyse averts her gaze and returns to her meal.
ELYSE
Of course.
INT. SECURITY FIRM - NIGHT
A SECURITY GUARD sits at a panel of monitors displaying

security footage.
22.
We hear an unseen door open behind the guard. Roger walks in.
SECURITY GUARD
Boss? Bit late for a drop-in.
Roger leans forward to look at the footage of an empty

elevator. The guard looks confused as Roger takes a picture
of the footage with his phone.
SECURITY GUARD (CONT'D)

Something I can help with?
Roger looks at the picture.
ROGER
I have what I need.
We move in on the security footage of the elevator.
FADE TO:
INT. LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE - NIGHT
Elyse stands alone in the elevator as it ascends to the

penthouse.
Elyse is on her laptop in the living room. She visits ASHLEY

MADISON, a dating site that encourages discreet
relationships, particularly infidelity.
A notification reveals 236 new likes. She scrolls through the

profiles.
Her gaze zeroes in on a profile picture of a tall, attractive

man in a suit and tie. She stares at the picture.
INT. VON ZEHREN MANSION - EVENING - (FLASHBACK)
Child Elyse stands among the guests at the dinner party. She
and Gerard stare at each other.
INT. LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE - PENTHOUSE - (PRESENT)
The man of interest on the site looks similar to Gerard.

Elyse views his profile information.
GAVIN NICHOLS. 36 years old. Orthopedic surgeon. Married.

23.
She clicks on SEND MESSAGE.
A waltz piece highlighted by a lonely, weeping violin pours

from the laptop speakers.
Elyse waltzes with her non-existent partner. She slows down.

Rests her head on an invisible shoulder and closes her eyes.
Exhales.
ELYSE
(whispers)
Placido.
EXT. LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE - THE NEXT MORNING
Elyse’s voice echoes across a picturesque sunrise over the

hotel.
ELYSE (V.O.)
(whisper echoes)
Placido. Placido. Placido.
INT. PLACIDO’S CAR - MORNING
Placido shakes a pill into his hand and washes it down with
water. He sprays himself with a bottle of cologne. He uses
the rearview mirror as he fashions his hair with gel.
INT. LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE - PENTHOUSE - MORNING
Elyse and Placido waltz together in the sitting room.
ELYSE
You have a pleasant smell today.
PLACIDO
I really enjoyed dinner last night.
Elyse runs her fingers through his hair.
ELYSE
Your hair is quite nice as well.
Who are you trying to impress?
They stop dancing. Look into each other’s eyes. Then a

passionate kiss. After a moment, Placido pulls back.
24.
PLACIDO
Shit.
ELYSE
Is there a problem? Are you not
fond of me?
PLACIDO
No, I think you’re beautiful. But
my boss has rules about things like
this.
Elyse pulls him closer.
ELYSE
I pay for this suite. It is mine. I
make the rules in here. Now do you
want to kiss me or not?
They start kissing again.
Elyse hands Placido a piece of paper with a written list.
ELYSE
I would like you to bring these
items to me today.
Placido looks over the list. WINDOW CLEANER. DRAIN CLEANER.

WD-40. He furrows his brow.
PLACIDO
What the hell do you need this for?
ELYSE
Cleaning. What else?
PLACIDO
The hotel has maids for that.
ELYSE
I prefer to do it myself.
PLACIDO
WD-40?
ELYSE
Believe it or not, I can be quite
messy at times.
A moment of silence passes.

25.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
Go on. Chop-chop.
Placido glances at the list again.
A dark, cramped supply closet. The door opens. Placido turns

on the light. His eyes scan the cleaning supplies on the
shelves.
First he grabs a full bottle of Windex. Then, a bottle of

Drano. Then, WD-40. Cradling the bottles in his arms, he
shuts off the light, turns around and--
Bumps into Domino, startling Placido enough to drop
everything. The manager stoically watches Placido gather the
supplies from the floor.
PLACIDO
Jesus, why’d you sneak up on me
like that?
Domino looks at the supplies held by Placido.
DOMINO
Did Miss Von Zehren dirty the
place? Or did you dirty it with
her?
PLACIDO
What?
DOMINO
I believe I’ve made it clear that
affairs with guests is a breach of
palace rules.
Placido shakes his head.

PLACIDO
I’m- I’m not sure--
Domino cuts him off.
DOMINO
A romantic dinner with a guest is
not palace behavior.
Placido is taken aback.

26.
PLACIDO
How did you? I mean, you said to do
whatever she asks. It- it wasn’t
like that.
DOMINO
Then would you care to explain the
lipstick?
PLACIDO
What?
Domino raises his eyebrows at Placido. Placido rubs his

forearm against his lips. A bit of lipstick comes off.
He looks up from the red smear to the manager’s disapproving

glare and chuckles nervously.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
I have to uh-- I have to go.
As Placido hurries away, Domino’s gaze follows him.
DOMINO
Henry is watching. Don’t let him
down.
A time-lapse of sunlight moving across the portrait of Henry

Villard until the light fades.
INT. LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE - PENTHOUSE - NIGHT
Wrapped in a towel, Elyse is in the master bathroom blow-

drying her hair in front of the mirror. She applies makeup.
Eyeliner, mascara, lipstick, foundation.
Her routine is precise, in particular using the foundation to

hide the tiny blemish above her eyebrow.
She ties her hair in a large bun and fastens it with a

diamond and pearl hairclip.
Elyse looks at her reflection in the stand-up mirror in the

master bedroom. She twirls around in an elegant evening
dress.
27.
Her father Karl appears in the reflection as if he’s standing

on the other side of the glass. He seems distraught.
KARL
My sweet Elyse.
Elyse stops twirling.
ELYSE
Papa.
They both reach towards the mirror, trying to touch hands.

Karl looks to be on the verge of tears.
KARL
You were always such a sweet girl.
You don’t have to do this. Please
be a good girl.
Elyse is lost for words. Her eyes well up.
ELYSE
You’ll never understand, papa.
KARL
Please. I’m begging you.
Elyse says nothing.
KARL (CONT'D)
Please.
Karl breaks down sobbing.
KARL (CONT'D)
What did I do? Where did I go
wrong?
Elyse gently strokes the glass where his mournful face is

with her fingers.
ELYSE
You were always perfect. It is not
your fault. We are what we are.
Karl sobs more as Elyse lays her palm on the mirror to give
solace to her imagined father.
DING DONG. The doorbell interrupts the moment.
Elyse whips her head towards the sound. She looks back at the
mirror. Empty space where Karl had been moments ago.
28.
She takes a deep breath and flashes a friendly rehearsal

smile at the mirror.
Elyse opens the main door to reveal the dapper GAVIN

NICHOLS(36), her match from Ashley Madison. He greets her
with a suave smile.
GAVIN
Elyse?
Elyse reciprocates with a welcoming gesture.
ELYSE
Gavin. Come on in.
GAVIN
Thank you.
As Elyse’s date steps inside, he sizes her up.
GAVIN (CONT'D)
You’re even more beautiful in
person.
ELYSE
I could say the same of you.
When Elyse shuts the door, she makes sure to lock it.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
Drinks?
Champagne flows into a glass. Elyse hands the glass to Gavin,

who relaxes on the couch.
ELYSE
A 2007 Louis Roederer.
They’re in the sitting room on the upper floor of the suite.

The lit-up skyline serves as the backdrop. Elyse sits in an
armchair facing Gavin and crosses her legs.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
Is this your first time using the
site?
29.
GAVIN
Let’s just say this doctor conducts
a few house visits for select
patients.
Gavin sips his drink.
ELYSE
Marriage problems?
Gavin is taken aback by Elyse’s abruptness.
GAVIN
Excuse me?
ELYSE
You are married. No?
GAVIN
Well, yeah. That’s the whole point,
isn’t it?
ELYSE
Does your wife know?
Gavin scoffs.
GAVIN
You’re not serious, are you?
ELYSE
You never know. Many couples have
agreements about things such as
this.
GAVIN
As far as the wife is concerned,
I’m performing an emergency
discectomy as we speak.
ELYSE
Clever man.
Elyse narrows her eyes at him as she sips her champagne.
GAVIN
I just can’t stand the thought of
having sex with one woman over and
over and over again for the rest of
my life. What’s the point of living
without a little variety, am I
right?
Gavin chuckles. Elyse gives him an unenthusiastic grin.

30.
GAVIN (CONT'D)
I’m sure as an attractive, single
woman you understand where I’m
coming from. Can’t imagine you
don’t have plenty of variety
yourself.
Elyse stares at Gavin. She seems vacant, distant.
GAVIN (CONT'D)
You okay?
Elyse just stares.
INT. VON ZEHREN MANSION - EVENING - (FLASHBACK)

The dinner party in 1980. Child Elyse watches Gerard LeMahieu
raise his glass towards her.
INT. LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE - PENTHOUSE - (PRESENT)
Elyse still stares. Gavin’s confused.
GAVIN
Elyse?
Elyse blinks as she snaps out of it.
ELYSE
I do apologize if you find my
questions a bit personal. I have a
tendency to get carried away at
times.
GAVIN
I get it. We just met. You want to
learn a little something about me.
Elyse seems deep in thought.

ELYSE
What do you say we move this
conversation to the jacuzzi?
She slides the shoulder strap of her dress down her arm.
Gavin stares at her as he finishes the last bit of champagne.
31.
INT. NIGHT CLUB - NIGHT
Electronic dance music pumps through the club. Multi-colored

lights flicker over the dance floor. Young adults dance the
night away.
Placido sits alone at the bar. Next to him, an arrogant

PLAYBOY(40) dressed in a flashy white suit chats it up with
his SUPERMODEL(30) date.
PLAYBOY
So I told the guy, come at me when
you have your own triple-decker
with a master suite. That shut him
the fuck up.
The playboy lets out an irritating laugh at his own comment,

while the woman seems more interested in her phone.
PLAYBOY (CONT'D)
You compare dicks with me, you
better be prepared to wind up on
the short end of the stick.
Placido scrunches his face in response to more pretentious

laughter. The laughing echoes non-stop in Placido’s head.
Placido starts breathing more heavily.
Placido imagines himself grabbing the man’s head and slamming

him face-first into the bar, blood pooling on the counter.
Back to reality. The BARTENDER tries to get the daydreaming

Placido’s attention.
BARTENDER
Yo, buddy. Can I get you something?
Placido snaps out of it.
PLACIDO
Two shots of Patron. Thanks.
The bartender moves off to get the drinks.
Placido turns away from the bar. His eyes move around the
club until they lock on a dancing woman, who looks like Elyse
from behind.
Placido’s eyes light up. He gets up from the stool and

approaches her. But when she spins around, he sees she’s not
Elyse. Placido’s eyes turn downcast and he sighs.
32.
The empty champagne bottle sits at the edge of the jacuzzi.

The humming jets create bubbling swirls of water. Elyse
massages Gavin’s back.
GAVIN
Whew. I needed a good massage. You
have the magic touch.
ELYSE
When I was young, I secretly wanted
to be a masseuse. But as the sole
heir to the family business, it was
impossible to follow my dreams.
GAVIN
A masseuse? That’s unusual for a
kid.
ELYSE
The human body is fascinating. I’m
sure you agree, given your
occupation.
GAVIN
The body is nothing short of a
miracle. But when you slice people
open for a living, you realize just
how fragile it is.
ELYSE
Oh yes. So many points of
vulnerability. Even the slightest
slip can be fatal.
GAVIN
That’s what malpractice insurance
is for.
Elyse’s hands slide along Gavin’s middle back to the base of

his neck.
ELYSE
You are very tense. You should try
a breathing exercise.
GAVIN
Sure. Walk me through it.
ELYSE
First, you must close your eyes.
Gavin obliges.
33.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
Now, a deep inhale.
Gavin sucks in a lungful of air.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
Exhale all the way.
Gavin breathes out. Elyse digs her thumbs into his muscle.
GAVIN
Oh yeah.
ELYSE
And again.
Inhale.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
Out.
Exhale. Deep massage.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
Good. Keep it going.
Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. As Elyse presses her thumbs

against Gavin, she chuckles sheepishly.
Inhale. Suddenly, adult Elyse is replaced by child Elyse.
Exhale. Adult Elyse is back. She giggles like a young girl.
Inhale. Child Elyse returns. She grabs the champagne bottle.

Giggles more.
Exhale. Adult Elyse’s childish affect turns to rage. She

bashes Gavin’s head with the bottle hard enough to knock him
unconscious. His head slips beneath the water.
Child Elyse stares at a tiny rivulet of blood as it disperses

in the water.
Adult Elyse watches her younger self climb out of the tub.
The child walks across the bathroom.
CHILD ELYSE
(French w/ English
subtitles)
You gave your rulers to be slain,
so that they dyed their bed in
blood.
34.
After a glance over her shoulder, child Elyse leaves the

bathroom. Still in the jacuzzi, adult Elyse mutters to
herself.
ELYSE
(French w/ English
subtitles)
And Judith said, take this head and
hang it upon the highest place of
your walls.
Elyse opens the cabinet under the sink. Inside are all the
supplies Placido had retrieved for her earlier.
Elyse takes out all three bottles: Windex, Drano, WD-40. As

she empties the bottle of Windex into the jacuzzi, a male
voice sounds in her head.
ANONYMOUS (V.O.)
(French w/ English
subtitles)
This is all you will need. These
ingredients combined...
She pours the bottle of Drano into the tub.
ANONYMOUS (V.O.)
Form a solution that works like
sulfuric acid.
Lastly, the WD-40.
ANONYMOUS (V.O.)
It gives you the power to make
people vanish.
Elyse finishes adding the WD-40 and stands over the mixture.
ANONYMOUS (V.O.)
Like they never existed.
EXT. VON ZEHREN BANCORP - U.S. HEADQUARTERS - MORNING
The sun rises over a modern skyscraper in downtown Manhattan.

Wearing a pantsuit, Elyse enters the lobby of the corporate
building. A modern, minimalist interior design.
As Elyse swaggers through the lobby, heads turn in her

direction. People have hushed conversations about her. Elyse
acts as if she doesn’t notice the attention.
35.
INT. VON ZEHREN BANCORP - U.S. HEADQUARTERS - MOMENTS LATER
EXECTUIVES sit around a long table in the boardroom.

EXECUTIVE 1 points at a line graph trending upwards.
EXECUTIVE 1
As you can see, Von Zehren stock
has outperformed expectations for
the last seven quarters.
Elyse enters the room unnoticed and stands near the doorway
while listening.
A small team of REPRESENTATIVES from COAST FIVE BANK listen

to the executive’s pitch.
EXECUTIVE 1 (CONT'D)
With this merge, we guarantee that
Coast Five will see similar
results.
A COAST FIVE (CF) REPRESENTATIVE interjects.
CF REP
And how can you make a guarantee of
that magnitude?
As Executive 1 pauses, Elyse steps forward.
ELYSE
Platinum members.
Everyone in the room turns in her direction. Executive 1 is

startled by her sudden appearance.
EXECUTIVE 1
Miss Von Zehren. We weren’t
expecting you. This is Tom
Gunderson from Coast Five.
TOM GUNDERSON(50) stands up and shakes hands with Elyse.

TOM
Miss Von Zehren. We’ve heard a lot
about you.
ELYSE
Awful things I presume.
The comment elicits a quiet chuckle from the CF rep.
TOM
You were saying?
36.
Elyse moves to the head of the table as she addresses the

room.
ELYSE
With the merge, our platinum
members will receive additional
perks, including rewards cards from
Coast Five. The interest on these
assets goes directly to you. Low-
risk. High-reward. Not only is this
a win-win for your investors, but
it gives you the opportunity to
eliminate your loans programs for
high-risk consumers who are
unlikely to pay back the fees.
The CF rep team give each other silent looks of deliberation.

Tom turns to Elyse and nods.
TOM
Get rid of the dead weight? I like
the sound of it.
Elyse smiles.
ELYSE
Indeed. Who wants to deal with this
dead weight anyway?
INT. VON ZEHREN BANCORP - U.S. HEADQUARTERS - LATER
Tom waits outside the boardroom as executives file out. When

Elyse emerges, Tom walks alongside her as he tries to keep up
with her brisk pace.
TOM
Miss Von Zehren.
Elyse doesn’t break stride.
ELYSE
Tom.
TOM
I think I speak for rest of the
team when I say we were very
impressed by what we heard today.
Elyse stops dead in her tracks. She stares at a painting of

sailboat with a sunset in the background. The frame is
slightly askew. Tom stops next to her, confused.
37.
ELYSE
Thank you. That’s wonderful.
Tom watches her move up to the painting.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
And when can we expect to hear from
you?
Elyse adjusts the frame and continues to stare at the

painting. Tom tries not to react to the strange behavior.
TOM
Coast Five will need to have some
internal discussions before making
a formal decision, but things are
definitely looking up.
Elyse adjusts the frame again.
TOM (CONT'D)
If all goes smoothly, you should be
hearing from us by the end of next
week.
Elyse nods with satisfaction at the straightened frame, then

turns to Tom with a smile.
ELYSE
Excellent.
Elyse is on top of Placido as they make out on the sofa in

the living room. They speak intermittently.
ELYSE
Are you coming tonight?
PLACIDO
What’s tonight?
ELYSE
Roger’s party. I won’t go alone.
PLACIDO
I’m not sure I fit in with that
crowd.
ELYSE
So then yes?
38.
PLACIDO
Just give me an eyeglass and a
handlebar moustache and I’m all
set.
Elyse stops kissing him and looks confused.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
Joke.
ELYSE
So then yes?
Placido kisses her.
PLACIDO
Yes.
Placido gets up from the sofa.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
I just have to empty that burrito
first so I can mingle with the fine
people.
As Placido walks away, Elyse stands up.
ELYSE
Wait.
Placido stops and turns to her.
PLACIDO
What?
ELYSE
Will you be using the bathroom?
PLACIDO
Well, I’m not using the floor. Why?
ELYSE
Nothing.
An awkward moment of silence passes between them.
PLACIDO
Okay.
Elyse seems nervous as she watches him walk away.

39.
Placido enters the master bathroom. Elyse creeps up and

presses her ear against the door.
Placido urinates, then flushes the toilet. Elyse remains just

outside the door, breathing heavily.
As Placido washes his hands, he notices something in the

mirror. He turns towards the jacuzzi.
Placido walks up to the edge of the tub and looks down. The
jacuzzi is empty, but there’s a piece of glass from the
champagne bottle on the side.
Placido picks up the glass and turns around. He gets startled

by Elyse standing right behind him.
PLACIDO
Woah!
ELYSE
Is everything to your liking?
PLACIDO
Yeah. Why wouldn’t it be?
Elyse glances at the piece of glass in Placido’s hand.

Placido notices.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
Oh. Found this. Figured I’d clean
it up. Wouldn’t want you getting
hurt.
ELYSE
What will you be wearing this
evening?
EXT. ROGER'S MANSION - EVENING

Evening gloom blankets acres of manicured lawn surrounding
the colonial-style mansion.
Well-groomed guests in expensive clothing exit their luxury

cars in the circular driveway.
A car pulls up to the front door. Elyse and Placido get out
and enter the house.
40.
INT. ROGER'S MANSION - CONTINUOUS
Emerging into the expansive foyer, Elyse glances around as

Placido peers up at the exquisite chandelier with wide eyes.
Elyse spots Roger mingling with a few guests. Roger sees

Elyse and walks over with his wife, MARYANNE(40).
ROGER
Elyse. You look lovely this
evening.
Roger takes her hand and kisses it.
ELYSE
You’ve put together quite the
affair.
ROGER
Maryanne deserves most of the
credit. She’s been preparing for
weeks.
He gestures at his wife.
ROGER (CONT'D)
This is Maryanne, my wife.
Maryanne, this is Elyse, a
childhood friend.
A friendly handshake between Elyse and Maryanne.
ELYSE
A pleasure to meet you, Maryanne.
MARYANNE
Same. So you know each other from
Switzerland?
ELYSE
Yes. Our parents were business
partners.
MARYANNE
It’s so nice that you’ve kept in
touch all these years.
As Maryanne and Elyse converse, Roger glares at Placido.
ROGER
Actually, we crossed paths by
chance the other night.
41.
ELYSE
Yes. It had been quite awhile since
the last time we spoke.
MARYANNE
Well, it’s always nice to rekindle
old friendships, huh?
ELYSE
Of course.
Roger turns his attention to Placido, who has been quietly

standing there the whole time.
ROGER
I see you brought along your server
boy.
PLACIDO
Placido.
Placido reaches out to shake Roger’s hand. Roger pauses

before obliging with a half-hearted shake.
MARYANNE
You two aren’t an item?
Elyse and Placido exchange glances. Elyse turns to Maryanne.
ELYSE
Our relationship is entirely
professional.
ROGER
(to Placido)
Is that so?
The trio focuses on Placido. Roger looks deathly serious.
PLACIDO
She’s the boss.
INT. ROGER'S MANSION - LATER
The guests are all enjoying themselves with dance and

laughter. Elyse and Placido dance and twirl to a fast-paced
jazz piece.
Roger stands alone off to the side. He can’t keep his eyes
off Elyse and Placido. A tipsy, bubbly Maryanne grabs his
hand.
42.
MARYANNE
Dance with me.
Roger doesn’t budge. His focus remains on Elyse.
ROGER
Not now, love.
MARYANNE
You’re so boring! Love you anyway!
She smooches him on the cheek and joins the fun on the dance
floor.
Roger watches as Placido dips Elyse. Their lips nearly touch.

Roger’s face crinkles with displeasure.
He marches straight through the dancers and interrupts

Elyse’s dance with a tap on the shoulder. Elyse stops dancing
and faces Roger.
ROGER
May I speak to you privately?
ELYSE
What is it?
ROGER
I’d like to show you something I
think you’ll appreciate.
ELYSE
Why so secretive?
ROGER
It’s more enjoyable this way.
Roger takes Elyse’s hand and leads her off, leaving Placido
alone. Maryanne watches them leave with a look of angst. She
sees Placido moving towards the food table.
Placido piles some finger foods onto a plate. Maryanne

appears beside him.
MARYANNE
What’s with the whole façade?
Placido stops and looks at her.
PLACIDO
What do you mean?
43.
MARYANNE
Who brings their aide to a dinner
party like this? I see the way you
look at each other.
At a loss for words, Placido shrugs.
MARYANNE (CONT'D)
Well, I’m sure you have your
reasons.
Maryanne follows Placido along the buffet. Placido notices

her hand is trembling.
PLACIDO
Is everything okay?
MARYANNE
How much do you know about their
past?
PLACIDO
Elyse and Roger? Nothing. Only what
I heard tonight. Why?
MARYANNE
I don’t know. It’s just, Roger’s
been different for the last two
days. Since...
PLACIDO
He ran into Elyse.
MARYANNE
He hasn’t given me the time of day.
Then yesterday, he snapped. He’s
always so calm and gentle, but
there was a rage in his eyes I’ve
never seen before.
Her eyes tear up as she leans to whisper in Placido’s ear.

MARYANNE (CONT'D)
(whispers)
I thought he was going to kill me.
INT. ROGER'S MANSION - EVENING
Roger leads Elyse down a hallway. He stops at a closed door.
CONVERSATION IN FRENCH W/ ENGLISH SUBTITLES

44.
ROGER
Close your eyes.
ELYSE
You know I hate surprises.
ROGER
You can’t always be in control.
Elyse closes her eyes. Roger opens the door to a darkened

room and steps inside.
ROGER (CONT'D)
Come forward.
Elyse moves into the dimness. Roger reaches for the light
switch. The light comes on. All we see are Elyse’s high
heels.
ROGER (O.C.) (CONT'D)

A few more steps.
Elyse slowly steps forward.
ROGER (CONT'D)
Open.
Close-up of Elyse’s eyes opening. A loud SQUAWK makes her

gasp and stumble backwards. She clutches at her chest. Then
starts laughing.
ELYSE
Romeo?
ROMEO, a MACAW, is perched inside a birdcage hanging beside

an office desk.
ROMEO
Je pense, donc, Je suis. Je pense,
donc, Je suis.
Roger opens the cage and Romeo waddles onto his forearm.
ROGER
He’ll outlive the both of us.
ROMEO
Je pense, donc, Je suis.
ELYSE
And he quotes Descartes. Did he
receive his degree in philosophy?
45.
ROGER
No, he just has a very intelligent
owner.
Roger nods at Elyse to hold out her arm.
ELYSE
He’s not dirty?
Romeo steps to Elyse’s forearm.
ROGER
If you’ll excuse me, I have to go
to the restroom.
Roger leaves her alone. Elyse looks at Romeo.
ELYSE
Hello, Romeo.
The bird hops from her arm onto the desk. As Elyse goes to
retrieve Romeo, she stops. Her eyes zero in on the laptop
screen.
She moves closer to see that it’s security footage of one of

the elevators at Lotte New York Palace.
She watches guests enter and exit the elevator. She’s so

focused on the screen that she doesn’t notice Roger come up
from behind. His voice makes her flinch.
ROGER
People watching?
Roger puts Romeo back in the cage.
ELYSE
It seems you are.
ROGER
Indeed.
Roger leans over the laptop.
ROGER (CONT'D)
In fact, I was watching last night.
Roger scrolls through the timestamps. He stops.
ROGER (CONT'D)
Here we are.
46.
He clicks on 8 pm. Starts playing the footage. Elyse eyes

widen when she sees Gavin in the elevator. When Roger turns
to smirk at her, she tries to act normal.
ELYSE
I don’t understand. Why are you
showing me this?
ROGER
You don’t know this man?
ELYSE
I’ve never seen him before in my
life.
ROGER
That’s interesting. Because he gets
off at the penthouse. Then he never
gets back on.
(turns to Elyse)
Never.
ELYSE
Maybe he used the stairs to go
down.
Roger leans forward, analyzing Elyse’s facial expression. He

smirks.
ROGER
You haven’t lost your fire, even
without me. It’s a shame that I
have to miss out on the fun.
Elyse holds out a dismissive palm.
ELYSE
That’s not me anymore.
ROGER
I know who you are. You’re the same
Elyse I knew twenty years ago when
we spent that summer together in
the cabin on the lake.
Roger’s hand caresses Elyse’s distraught face.
ROGER (CONT'D)
And just as beautiful as ever. Fine
wine.
Roger runs his fingers through Elyse’s hair. Leans in closer

to her face.
47.
ELYSE
You’re married.
He stares lustfully into her eyes.
ROGER
Why do you think we do security at
the hotel? It’s not an accident. I
knew you would come back one day.
ELYSE
I don’t love you anymore. I haven’t
for twenty years.
Roger chuckles and starts kissing her neck. Elyse tries to

squirm away but his grip on her arms tightens.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
Get off me.
Roger laughs and shoves her against the desk. Romeo shrieks
and flaps wildly.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
Stop!
Roger keeps her pinned down.
ROGER
Maybe I’ll have to show that
footage to the police. I assume the
man will be reported missing.
Elyse scoffs at him.
ELYSE
You can’t blackmail me into falling
in love with you.
ROGER
Why not?
Roger moves his hand up her dress. Elyse gasps.
ELYSE
You sick fuck!
She bashes her high heel into his face. Roger retracts in
pain, holding his bloody lip. Elyse stands up, seething with
anger.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
Don’t ever touch me again!
48.
Elyse storms out of the room. After she leaves, Roger bursts
into laughter.
INT. ROGER'S MANSION - MOMENTS LATER
The main hall still bustles with party guests. Placido stands
to the side of the dance floor. Elyse hurries up from behind
and yanks his arm.
PLACIDO
Ow!
ELYSE
We must go now.
Placido’s confused as she pulls him along.
PLACIDO
What’s wrong?
ELYSE
I just want to leave.
PLACIDO
Okay.
Maryanne notices them from a distance as they hurry out the

front door. She glances up the staircase where Roger and
Elyse had gone.
EXT. ROGER'S MANSION - MOMENTS LATER
Before they get into the car, Placido stops in front of

Elyse.
PLACIDO
Stop. You need to tell me what’s
going on right now.
Elyse stares at him.
ELYSE
Kiss me.
She pulls him closer and they start kissing.

49.
They kiss in the master bedroom. They tear off their clothes.
They have sex on the bed.
They lie awake in bed, staring at each other.
ELYSE
I love you, Placido.
PLACIDO
I think I love you too.
Elyse smiles, her eyes tearing with joy.
A shaft of morning sun spreads across the bed. Elyse opens

her eyes to see Placido asleep next to her. She smooches him
on the forehead.
An eggshell cracks. The egg drops into a frying pan and

sizzles. Elyse stands over the stove.
Placido enters the kitchen and they share a brief kiss.
ELYSE
How do you like it?
PLACIDO
Excuse me?
ELYSE
The eggs? What else could I mean?
Placido shrugs and bites his lip.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
You bad boy.
She laughs and pretends to whack him with the spatula.
They sit across the kitchen island from each other eating the
eggs.
50.
PLACIDO
So. What happened last night?
ELYSE
You made love to me.
PLACIDO
I meant what happened at the party?
ELYSE
I don’t know what you mean.
PLACIDO
You were pretty upset when we left.
Elyse grips her knife beneath the counter. Her affect turns
serious.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
After you were with Roger.
Elyse’s grip on the knife tightens to the point that her hand
trembles.
ELYSE
I need more cleaning supplies.
In street clothes, Placido grabs supplies from the

maintenance closet.
DOMINO (O.C.)
Working on your day off?
Placido turns to see Domino in the doorway.
PLACIDO
Is it my day off? I thought it was
Friday.
DOMINO
Friday is not Saturday.
Domino gives an inquisitive look at the faded smudge of

lipstick on Placido’s forehead.
DOMINO (CONT'D)
You have something on your
forehead.
Domino sniffs the air around Placido.

51.
DOMINO (CONT'D)
And you smell like the perfume
section at Macy’s.
Placido is speechless. Domino shakes his head.
DOMINO (CONT'D)
Henry is very disappointed in you.
This is not palace behavior.
Placido speaks while gathering the supplies.
PLACIDO
I don’t know what to say.
DOMINO
I’ll be checking in periodically. I
suggest you keep your belt buckled.
Placido moves past him while cradling the bottles in his

arms. Domino sighs as he watches Placido leave.
INT. LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE - PENTHOUSE
Elyse stares at the Judith painting.
DIALOGUE IN FRENCH W/ ENGLISH SUBTITLES
CHILD ELYSE (O.S.)

Can’t catch me!
Adult Elyse sees her ten year-old self run through the room
laughing. Her smiling father Karl chases after her. He holds
his arms wide and waddles like a hulking creature.
KARL
You can’t hide from the tickle
monster!
Karl growls and Elyse lets out a playful shriek. Karl gently
tackles her to the carpet and tickles the squirming child.
They laugh together. Adult Elyse smiles as she reminisces.
Karl and child Elyse disappear. Elyse’s eyes shift to the

couch, where she sees her thirty year-old self making out
with thirty year-old Roger.
INT. CABIN - SWITZERLAND - CONTINUOUS
Elyse finds herself standing in the middle of the living room

of a rustic cabin. She watches her younger self kiss her ex-
lover.
52.
30 YEAR-OLD ELYSE
I wish I could stay here forever
with you, Roger Myers.
30 YEAR-OLD ROGER
What’s stopping you?
30 YEAR-OLD ELYSE
You know. I’m going to graduate
school in America.
30 YEAR-OLD ROGER
I’ll come with you.
They start kissing again. Adult Elyse’s gaze moves away from
the couch. Her eyes widen and she gasps. A fresh male corpse
lies gutted on the floor.
Elyse stares at a vacant space of the carpet. She turns to

see present-day Roger standing next to her. He gazes at the
Judith painting.
ROGER
She put about her bracelets, her
chains, her earrings, all her
ornaments.
Roger turns to face Elyse.
ROGER (CONT'D)
To allure the eyes of all men that
should see her.
Elyse logs on to Ashley Madison. She spots the profile of

BRUCE PORTER(42), who looks similar to Gerard and Gavin.
Her eyes scan the information. 42. ART COLLECTOR. MARRIED.
She clicks SEND MESSAGE.
INT. LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE - PENTHOUSE - EVENING
Bruce Porter swirls the red wine in his glass. He wears a

sports jacket and a shiny wedding ring. He leans his nose
over the rim and sniffs. Then sips.
Bruce stands alone in the den of the penthouse, admiring a

classical-style wall sculpture.
53.
Elyse enters the room. She’s been transformed with deftly

applied make-up and a glamorous evening dress.
ELYSE
I apologize. Business call.
She pours herself a glass of wine.
BRUCE
No worries.
Elyse walks up beside him. They look at the sculpture

together.
ELYSE
You like this piece?
BRUCE
Oh yes. Very Greco-Roman. Exhibits
strength and honor, but also
humility.
ELYSE
Humility is an undervalued asset.
Do you have many works like this in
your home?
BRUCE
Everything from Neolithic pottery
to modern abstract. I’d invite you
to see my collection, but I’m not
sure Helen would approve.
He chuckles and flashes his wedding ring at Elyse. Elyse

remains stoic.
ELYSE
When I was a child, I secretly
wished to be a painter, but my
father had different plans for me.
BRUCE
Ah, the pain of a crushed dream.
Seems to have worked itself out.
Elyse ignores his comment. She directs Bruce’s attention to

the Judith painting next to the sculpture.
ELYSE
This one’s my favorite.
Bruce admires the work.

54.
BRUCE
Judith and Holofernes by Francisco
de Goya. Of course this one’s a
replica. The original is in the
Museo del Prado in Madrid.
As Elyse stares at it, her eyes light up as if viewing it for

the first time.
ELYSE
It’s one of the best stories in the
bible. She seduces the Assyrian
general, gets him drunk, then
beheads him. A testament to
feminine strength.
BRUCE
There have been many depictions of
the story throughout history. Why
de Goya’s version?
ELYSE
It brings back memories. Good
memories.
Elyse eyes the corkscrew on a table within arm’s reach.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
It captures the moment so
beautifully. It’s both brutal and
uplifting and leaves much to the
interpretation of the viewer.
As Bruce nods along, Elyse discreetly grabs the corkscrew.

She envisions herself...
INT. VON ZEHREN MANSION - EVENING - CONTINUOUS
At the dinner party in 1980, but as adult Elyse. Gerard lifts

his champagne glass towards her and winks. Elyse approaches
him with the corkscrew concealed behind her.
Elyse holds the corkscrew behind her back. Bruce is focused

on the painting.
ELYSE
Is the maid begging for mercy?
Pleading for forgiveness? Praying
to her gods for salvation?
55.
Elyse tightens her grip on the corkscrew.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
And Judith, with her blade held
high. Has she already slayed the
general and saved her people? Or is
she poised to deliver the fatal
blow?
BRUCE
I can tell you’re very passionate
about this.
Elyse stares at Bruce and inches closer to him.
At the dinner party, child Elyse moves closer to Gerard.
Adult Elyse imagines 30 year-old Roger standing just beyond

Bruce.
30 YEAR-OLD ROGER
(French w/ English
subtitles)
You must be quick.
Roger’s eyes bulge and he laughs like a maniac as he slowly

moves his finger across his neck.
Adult Elyse giggles like a ten year-old girl. In one swift

motion, she pulls Bruce to her body.
Adult Elyse holds Gerard against her body.
Roger’s laughter becomes even more maniacal, eyes nearly

bursting from their sockets.
Adult Elyse giggles along as she slits Bruce’s throat with

the corkscrew. A streak of blood squirts across the Judith
painting.
56.
Blood sprays from Gerard’s neck onto a white fur shawl worn
by a female guest, who shrieks with terror. Gerard staggers
to his knees.
Bruce is on his knees, choking as blood gushes from his neck.

Child Elyse watches him collapse to the floor, lifeless.
Blood seeps into the carpet. Bruce’s wine glass is on its

side on the floor.
Child Elyse seems mesmerized by the dead body. She tilts her
head curiously.
CHILD ELYSE
(French w/ English
subtitles)
She smote twice upon his neck and
took away his head from him. And
tumbled his body down from the bed.
Strengthen me, O Lord God, this
day.
PLACIDO (O.S.)
Elyse?
Adult Elyse whips her head to see Placido standing at the

entrance to the room, mouth agape with shock. Elyse smiles at
her lover as she approaches holding the dripping corkscrew.
ELYSE
Placido.
Placido backs away from her with his hands out to keep
distance between them.
PLACIDO
Stay away.
His eyes flick back and forth between Elyse’s face and the
corkscrew as he backs up. Elyse continues to encroach.
ELYSE
But Placido. Don’t you understand?
I wanted you to see.
Placido shakes his head. He starts crying.
PLACIDO
Why?
57.
The advance and retreat carries on.
ELYSE
Because I love you.
PLACIDO
I thought I loved you.
ELYSE
You still do. You just haven’t
discovered who you really are.
Placido scoffs.
PLACIDO
A murderer?
Elyse’s eyes light up.
ELYSE
I saw it when we first met. The
look in your eyes. Tormented by a
yearning for something more. The
same look he had years ago.
Placido’s brow furrows as he comes to a realization.
PLACIDO
Roger?
ELYSE
Help me, and I will tell you more.
Elyse gives Placido an intimidating glare. Placido eyes the

bloody corkscrew still in her hand.
PLACIDO
Put that down and I’ll think about
it.
After a moment, Elyse drops the murder weapon and innocently

raises her hands.
The shaken Placido stares at Bruce’s face-down body.
ELYSE
You take the wrists. I’ll take the
ankles. Placido?
Placido is lost as he fixates on Bruce.

58.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
Placido.
Placido snaps out of it.
PLACIDO
Yeah?
ELYSE
Grab the wrists.
PLACIDO
Where are we taking him?

Bruce’s body rests in the jacuzzi. Elyse speaks while she
empties the bottles of the cleaning supplies one by one into
the tub. Placido watches in a solemn daze.
ELYSE
Roger was an operative for the
Federal Intelligence Service.
Comparable to your CIA.
She looks up at Placido from her kneeling position on the

bathroom tile. He doesn’t say a word.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
We dated for three years. He had a
cabin in the forest near Lake
Lucerne. Where I...
Her voice trails off. Placido struggles to speak. His voice

is weak.
PLACIDO
Killed your first?
Elyse looks away as she tends to the body.

ELYSE
Suspects, he called them. He would
show them his badge and tell them
they were being brought in for
questioning. But he brought them to
the cabin instead.
Placido is nearly choked up.
PLACIDO
How many did you kill?
59.
Elyse is reluctant to answer the question. Liquid drips from

the last bottle. Bruce’s body is completely submerged.
Placido sprays stain remover on the blood and wine spots on

the carpet. Elyse sits on an armchair with her legs cross as
she wipes off the bloody corkscrew.
ELYSE
Once a week, for the entire summer,
he’d bring someone. He taught me
everything. How to kill quickly,
efficiently. And most importantly,
to be remorseless.
Placido pauses while patting the stains with a rag.
PLACIDO
Why do you do it?
Elyse continues wiping the corkscrew even though it’s clean.
ELYSE
Life is a gift. These men, they
don’t understand that. They’ve been
unfaithful to those they claim to
love. It’s a gift they don’t
deserve.
PLACIDO
What gives you the right to take it
away from them?
Elyse stops wiping the corkscrew and glares at Placido.
ELYSE
What would this world be without
consequences? Chaos. Someone has to
keep it locked away. Perfect order
is the path to bliss.
PLACIDO
You know, there are consequences
for murder too.
Elyse chuckles.
ELYSE
Oh love. You clearly have yet to
understand who I am.
60.
Elyse admires the shiny corkscrew. Placido moves on to clean

the blood from the Judith painting.
PLACIDO
You never told me about what
happened between you and Roger the
other night.
Elyse looks up at Placido.
ELYSE
He tried to rape me.
INT. ROGER'S MANSION - EVENING
Roger and Maryanne sit at opposite ends of a long dining

table. The only sound is the scraping of silverware on their
plates as they eat dinner in awkward silence.
Every few seconds, Roger shoots a glare at Maryanne, who

continually averts her gaze. Roger addresses her in a stern
manner.
ROGER
Is there something that needs to be
said?
Maryanne opens her mouth her speak, but ends up shaking her
head.
ROGER (CONT'D)
Because it would seem that way.
More silence. Roger’s movements become more aggravated.
ROGER (CONT'D)
Go on.
Maryanne works up the courage to speak.

MARYANNE
Well... It’s just that...
ROGER
Yes?
Maryanne struggles to get the words out.
MARYANNE
You haven’t... Been the same...
ROGER
And how is that?
61.
MARYANNE
You’re cold... distant...
Roger gives an annoyed nod.
ROGER
Mm. Cold and distant.
MARYANNE
Since Miss Von Zehren arrived, you--
He cuts her off.
ROGER
Oh, Elyse. I see.
Roger wipes his lips with a napkin.
ROGER (CONT'D)
And what is it that you want from
me?
MARYANNE
I-
ROGER
Absolute fucking perfection?
MARYANNE
No-
ROGER
Is this not good enough for you?
He motions at the luxurious dining room.
ROGER (CONT'D)
Hmm?
MARYANNE
It’s not that, it-
ROGER
Am I not good enough for you?
MARYANNE
Roger.
Roger glares at her.
ROGER
Don’t Roger me. Don’t you dare
Roger me.
62.
Maryanne gulps. Roger’s glare doesn’t waver.
ROGER (CONT'D)
You think I’m cold? Would more fire
meet your standards? Is that what
you want?
Maryanne becomes timid, meek.
MARYANNE
I-
ROGER
Does our relationship need some
spark? I’ll give it to you dear.
Roger stands up, lifts his plate, and smashes it against the
table. Maryanne flinches as it shatters.
ROGER (CONT'D)
Is that fiery enough for you? Does
that make you feel all warm and
fuzzy inside?
Maryanne is silent.
ROGER (CONT'D)
How about this?
Roger grabs a porcelain vase from the table and hurls it

against a gold-framed mirror on the wall. Maryanne flinches.
Roger glowers at her.
ROGER (CONT'D)
Are we getting somewhere?
Maryanne sheepishly nods. Roger screams at the top of his

lungs.
ROGER (CONT'D)
Answer me!
Maryanne tries her best to suppress tears.
MARYANNE
Yes dear.
Roger calms down. Wipes the sweat from his brow with
handkerchief.
ROGER
Enjoy the rest of your meal.
63.
He tosses the handkerchief on the table as he storms past

her.
ROGER (CONT'D)
The steak was overdone.
After Roger leaves, Maryanne breaks down sobbing.
INT. ROGER'S MANSION - LATER
In his dimly lit office, Roger watches live footage from the
security camera in the hotel elevator. Romeo the parrot
flutters around. The news is muted on the TV.
ROMEO
(in French)
I think, therefore I am. I think,
therefore I am.
ROGER
(in French)
Quiet. Daddy needs to focus.
Romeo heeds the command. Roger searches the video log. He

clicks on the time stamp.
He plays footage of Elyse and Placido laughing in the

elevator. Elyse pulls Placido in for a kiss. After, she
glares at the camera as if she knows Roger is watching.
Roger turns away. His eyes land on the news. Next to the
ANCHOR is a photo of Gavin Nichols. He unmutes the TV.
ANCHOR
The search is on for Dr. Gavin
Nichols after his wife reported him
missing. His last known whereabouts
was their apartment on the Upper
West Side. According to his wife,
Dr. Nichols was called in to the
hospital to perform surgery but
this has yet to be confirmed. What
we do know is that he never
arrived.
Roger shuts off the TV and turns to the paused video. Elyse
glares at him from the screen.
64.
Elyse is fast asleep in the master bedroom. The handle of the

front door to the penthouse jiggles. The door cracks open. A
shadow slips in.
Roger’s eyes glisten as they dart around. They lock on the

door to the bedroom. He moves swiftly and silently across the
living room.
Elyse remains asleep. Roger enters the bedroom. He looms over

the bed with a stern look on his face. Elyse is unaware of
his presence.
He takes off his leather glove. Moves his hand towards her
cheek. Gets close without touching her.
ROGER
(whispers in French)
How I’ve missed the warmth of your
body.
Roger’s fingers move like he wants to touch her. His face

trembles and twitches as tears stream down his cheeks. A mix
of despair and rage.
Suddenly, there’s a knife at his throat. Placido holds it

steady and scowls.
PLACIDO
(whispers)
Back away.
Roger smirks and raises his hands in surrender. They back out
of the room with the blade at his throat. They’re now in the
living room. Their conversation is hushed.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
What are you doing here?
ROGER
You know, if I wanted to, I could
disarm you and slit your throat in
less than a second.
Placido shoves him away but keeps the knife pointed at him.
PLACIDO
Then what the fuck are you waiting
for?
65.
ROGER
I find it interesting that a simple
aide would be staying overnight
with the same woman he works for.
PLACIDO
I don’t see anything wrong with it.
ROGER
And kissing her in the elevator.
Hmm?
Roger grins at Placido, who opens his mouth to speak, but is

at a loss for words.
ROGER (CONT'D)
I have eyes everywhere, boy. I
wonder, if you two are indeed so
close, are there any other
activities you might be complicit
in?
Placido tightens his grip on the knife and points it more

menacingly at Roger.
PLACIDO
Get out. I’ll do it.
Roger searches Placido’s face. He smiles.
ROGER
Oh yes. You would, wouldn’t you?
Roger’s eyes bulge and he laughs in the face of danger.

Placido wavers slightly. Then, Roger’s affect suddenly
becomes dead serious.
ROGER (CONT'D)
I’ll show myself out.
Placido keeps the knife pointed in Roger’s direction as the

intruder exits the penthouse.
After the door closes, Placido drops the knife and clutches
at his chest while breathing heavily.
Placido gets into bed next to Elyse. Half-asleep, Elyse rolls

over and caresses Placido’s cheek.
66.
ELYSE
Where did you go? It’s cold without
you.
Placido remains silent. Elyse smooches him on the cheek while

he stares at the ceiling.
EXT. LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE - MORNING
The sun rises over the Manhattan skyline. Light spreads along
the penthouse terrace.
Elyse saunters across the living room in her nightgown. She

picks up the knife from the floor and examines it.
Placido approaches from behind, still distraught from last

night’s encounter.
PLACIDO
He was here.
Elyse turns to Placido, confused.
ELYSE
Who?
PLACIDO
Roger.
ELYSE
Last night?
Placido reluctantly nods.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
Oh my god.
Elyse embraces him. Placido is stone-cold.
PLACIDO
I though he was going to hurt you.
Or me.
ELYSE
I won’t let anything happen to you.
If I see him again, I’ll talk some
sense into him.
PLACIDO
I’m not sure that’s possible.
67.
ELYSE
Neither am I.
INT. LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE - MORNING
Placido, wearing his bellhop uniform, stands in the lobby in

a daze. Domino leans close to his face.
DOMINO
Need some espresso?
Placido responds in a weak voice.
PLACIDO
I’m fine.
Domino circles the bellhop while sniffing the air around him.
DOMINO
Ah, the odor of femme.
He gives Placido a hearty pat on the shoulder, then walks

away. After a moment, Placido hurries off.
Elyse is in the humming jacuzzi. She leans back with her eyes
closed.
Placido bursts through the door. Elyse jolts upright and

gasps. Placido walks towards her.
PLACIDO
I want to do it.
ELYSE
What?
Placido kneels so that he’s eye-level with Elyse, looks her

square in the eyes.
PLACIDO
I want to do it.
They stare at each other for a long moment. Placido nods at

her.
The realization spreads across Elyse’s face. She smiles and

they kiss.
68.
Placido and Elyse stand side-by-side as they peer up at the

Judith painting.
ELYSE
Give him strength this day.
The master bedroom is dim. Elyse saunters in from the

entrance in her nightgown.
She lets the middle of her gown spread apart, revealing her
bra and underwear. Her piercing gaze is locked on--
CHRIS NEWMARK(40), similar in appearance to her other

victims. He sits at the edge of the bed wearing only boxer
briefs. Ogles at Elyse.
CHRIS
I like what I see.
Elyse slips the gown off. Stares at him.
ELYSE
When I was a child, I always wished
I’d fall in love one day.
She softly caresses his cheek.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
But I had to follow in Papa’s
footsteps. I’d never really found
true love.
She leans in to kiss him, but pulls back at the last moment.
Chris smirks.
CHRIS
Tease.
ELYSE
But now I have.
Elyse moves to the side, revealing Placido. Chris furrows his

brow.
CHRIS
I don’t think this was part of the
agree--
His words are cut short as Placido stabs him in the abdomen.
69.
Placido’s eyes bug out with rage as he pulls the knife along
the width of Chris’s stomach.
Placido lets go of the knife. Chris topples off the bed.

Placido stares down at the dead body lying at his feet. A
tear flows down his cheek.
Elyse puts a comforting hand on Placido’s shoulder.
ELYSE
Shh. It’s over now.
She kisses him up and down his neck. Placido kisses her back.
Elyse pushes him onto the bed. They begin having sex while
the gashed body lies at the foot of the bed.
INT. LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE - DREAM SEQUENCE
In his bellhop uniform, Placido walks down a dark hotel

hallway with flickering lights.
Guests stand in their doorways in solemn silence as if

watching a funeral procession.
Placido continues down the hallway until he reaches a dark

wall.
A sudden clap of thunder followed by a flash that illuminates

the portrait of Henry Villard. Placido gapes up at painting.
A meek Placido kneels in submission as a louder crash bellows

and the flicker reveals the portrait again. Placido bows his
head.
PLACIDO
(whispers)
He sees everything. He sees
everything. He sees everything.
Another crash. Placido looks up to find himself in a dimly

lit barren concrete room.
A few feet away from him, a grizzled prisoner in a straight

jacket is strapped to a vertical operating table.
Placido’s eyes widen.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
Dad?
FABIAN DOMINGUEZ(54) has the blank stare of a vegetable.

Unresponsive to Placido.
70.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
I made a promise to you and ma that
I’d be different. But I fucked up.
I fucked up so bad, pa.
Fabian stares through his son.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
I got the sickness. Real fucking
bad. Just like you.
Placido’s on the verge of tears.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
I hurt someone, pa. The same way
you did, all those years ago. And I
fucking loved every second of it.
Placido pauses. Stares at his father, who remains vacant.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
Please, I need you to say
something. Everything’s gonna be
okay, right pa?
Fabian opens his mouth. He tries to speak but is too weak.

Only a faint grunt emanates.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
Pa?
Over and over again, Fabian tries to speak. Placido becomes

more distressed each time.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
Pa?
Placido leans closer to hear Fabian, who lets out a sudden

agonized moan that builds in volume. Placido stumbles back to
the floor as Fabian writhes around in the straight jacket.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
Pa!
The moan becomes a full-on yell, and the squirming becomes

more intense.
Placido writhes on the bed in the master bedroom. Elyse

stands over him and tries to shake him awake.
71.
ELYSE
Placido!
Placido jolts awake. Breathing heavily, sweating. He looks

around, disoriented. Elyse is confused.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
Placido?
Placido stumbles to the floor and races to the foot of the

bed. Nothing there but clean carpet. He mutters to himself.
PLACIDO
I didn’t do it. I didn’t do it. I
didn’t do it.
ELYSE
Placido. What are you doing?
Placido’s brief smile turns serious again. He turns to the

master bathroom.
PLACIDO
I didn’t do it.
Placido rushes to the bathroom. Elyse chases after him.
He halts at the edge of the tub, eyes wide as he stares down.

The murky mixture sits inside.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
What happened last night?
Elyse gently grabs his chin and pulls his head to face hers.
ELYSE
Exactly what was meant to happen.
What we were meant to do together.
Elyse leans forward to kiss him but Placido backs away.

ELYSE (CONT'D)
What’s wrong, my love?
PLACIDO
I- I have to go.
ELYSE
Don’t go.
Elyse moves to grab his arm. Placido flinches away.
PLACIDO
Don’t touch me.
72.
Elyse gasps as Placido hurries away. Her eyes well up.
INT. LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE - MOMENTS LATER
Placido hurries through the lobby. Domino steps in his way.

Domino looks up and down at Placido’s disheveled uniform.
DOMINO
This is not palace attire.
PLACIDO
Not if I don’t work here.
DOMINO
Are you?
PLACIDO
Quitting. Yeah.
DOMINO
But you can’t just.
PLACIDO
Can’t what?
Placido quickly unbuttons his bellhop jacket. Shirtless

Placido tosses it at Domino’s feet.
DOMINO
This is not appropriate. You still
have Miss Von Zehren.
Placido unzips his pants.
PLACIDO
You can deal with her.
Placido pulls his pants down. Throws the trousers at Domino.

Placido’s in nothing but his boxers, a t-shirt, and the
bellhop hat. Domino opens his mouth to say something but is
lost for words.
As Placido starts to walk away, he turns back to Domino.

Tosses the hat at him.
Domino clears his throat and fixes his tie.
DOMINO
(to himself)
Not palace behavior.
73.
Elyse sits alone at the long dining table with eleven empty
seats. She slices an easy-over egg in solemn silence. The
only noise is the silverware against the plate.
In this sitting room, Elyse waltzes alone to a melancholic

violin solo. A tear rolls down her cheek.
Elyse kneels in front of the Judith painting and gapes up at

it.
ELYSE
(whispers in French)
As long as I have you, I’ll never
be alone.
A close-up of Judith wielding the dagger.
Elyse holds a knife in the same position. She sinks it into

the toned stomach of her next middle-aged male victim. Blood
squirts onto her stoic face.
INT. ROGER'S MANSION - NIGHT
On TV, a black-and-white movie scene of a man plunging a

wooden stake through a coffin-bound vampire’s chest.
In the dark room, the light from the screen dances on Roger’s
sweaty face. He sits in an armchair with his feet on an
ottoman. Maryanne appears from behind.
MARYANNE
Roger? I have something to tell
you.
Roger remains fixed on the TV.
ROGER
You’re interrupting the film, dear.
MARYANNE
Haven’t you seen this one already?
74.
ROGER
What’s the point of pleasure if you
can’t indulge in it repeatedly?
Roger keeps watching the movie. After slight hesitation,

Maryanne gently places her hand on Roger’s shoulder.
MARYANNE
Roger. We’re going to have a baby.
Maryanne smiles as she caresses his cheek. Roger sighs and

pauses the film.
ROGER
I thought you were on the pill.
Maryanne moves in front of him. Looks down at him. Shakes her

head. She smiles again.
MARYANNE
I thought it would be good for the
both of us.
Roger stands up. Maryanne retreats a few paces.
ROGER
How could you do that without
consulting me?
MARYANNE
Roger.
Roger advances. Maryanne backs up against the wall. Roger

tightly clutches her jaw. Her face trembles. Roger seethes.
ROGER
You’ve disrespected me enough.
MARYANNE
Let me go.
Roger shoves her to the floor. Maryanne gasps.
ROGER
You’re not going to have this
child.
Maryanne sneers up at him from the ground.
MARYANNE
And how will you stop me?
Roger slowly steps forward so that he’s standing directly

over her. He smirks.
75.
INT. VON ZEHREN BANCORP - AMERICAN HEADQUARTERS
A melancholy Elyse signs a document.
ELYSE
Welcome aboard, Thomas.
A beaming Tom Gunderson shakes her hand to the standing

ovation of the board.
TOM
This is the beginning of an
extraordinary partnership. On
behalf of Coast Five, I promise
we’ll do exceptional things
together.
The rest of the room continues to applaud. Elyse acknowledges

them with a slight nod. Something across the room catches her
eye. Gerard lifts his champagne glass and winks at her.
Elyse gasps slightly. She walks in a daze through the board

members, who reach out to shake her hand, but she doesn’t
notice them.
Tom furrows his brow as he watches Elyse leave the room.
EXT. TRINITY CHURCH - LATER
Elyse navigates the bustling sidewalk. She stops in front of

Trinity Church. Gazes up the towering edifice. Enters.
As she enters the chapel, the sound of a children’s choir can

be heard.
She takes a seat in the pews. Watches the children as they

sing “And Can It Be That I Should Gain?”.
CHOIR
And can it be that I should gain an
interest in the Savior’s blood?
Elyse stares at a young girl singing. The girl looks similar

to Elyse as a child.
CHOIR (CONT'D)
Died He for me, who caused His pain
for me, who him to death pursued?
As Elyse stares--
76.
INT. VON ZEHREN MANSION - (FLASHBACK)
The dinner party in 1980. Child Elyse stares at Gerard

LeMahieu, who lifts his wine glass towards her as if making a
toast.
CHOIR (O.S.)
Amazing love! How can it be, that
Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Gerard watches her intensely Elyse as she exits the main

hall.
CHOIR (O.S.) (CONT'D)

Amazing love! How can it be, that
Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Gerard turns to his wife ANITA(40).
GERARD
(in French)
Hold this for me, dear? I need the
toilet.
ANITA
Of course, love.
Gerard hands the wine glass to Anita. Pecks her on the lips.
Looks in the direction that Elyse had left.
CHOIR (O.S.)
‘Tis mystery all the Immortal dies,
who can explore his strange design?
INT. TRINITY CHURCH - (PRESENT)
Elyse’s eyes seem unfocused. Looking past the choir instead

of at them.
CHOIR (O.S.)
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
to sound the depths of love divine.
Child Elyse walks along a hallway. She enters a walk-in

pantry.
CHOIR (O.S.)
‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,
let angel minds inquire no more.
77.
She stands facing away from the entrance. A figure appears in

the doorway.
Elyse seems shaken as she continues to stare through the

choir.
CHOIR (O.S.)
‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,
let angel minds inquire no more.
Gerard locks the pantry door. Elyse faces the wall as he

walks up to her.
CHOIR (O.S.)
He left His Father’s throne above.
Gerard’s hand slowly moves up Elyse’s dress. Elyse keeps her

composure. She’s afraid of him. She gasps slightly.
Elyse lets out a faint gasp. Her eyes are tearing up.
CHOIR (O.S.)
So free, so infinite His grace.
Elyse’s hands are pressed against the wall. We see her

gasping face as her head jerks forward. Gerard is having anal
sex with her.
CHOIR (O.S.)
Emptied himself of all but love.
The jerks become more intense. She gasps each time.
Elyse gasps. A single tear rolls down her cheek.

78.
Elyse’s forehead bangs against the corner of the shelf

several times until a spot above her eyebrow start bleeding.
CHOIR (O.S.)
And bled for Adam’s helpless race.
Elyse gasps. She runs her finger along the blemish above her
eyebrow.
CHOIR (O.S.)
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!
Elyse’s head stops jerking. Blood trickles from the cut on

her forehead.
She keeps her back turned to Gerard as he zips up his pants.

Elyse’s lips tremble as Gerard leans in and whispers in her
ear.
GERARD
And remember, if anything should
happen to you, I’m next in line for
the inheritance.
CHOIR (O.S.)
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!
INT. VON ZEHREN MANSION - MOMENTS LATER - (FLASHBACK)
Gerard reenters the hall. Walks towards his wife.
CHOIR (O.S.)
Long my imprisoned spirit lay, fast
bound in sin and nature’s night.
They smile at each other. She hands him his wine glass.
GERARD
(in French)
Thank you, dear.
Another peck on the lips.

79.
Elyse stands at the hall’s entrance, watching Gerard enjoy a

conversation with his wife as if nothing had happened.
CHOIR (O.S.)
Thine eye diffused a quickening
ray. I woke, the dungeon flamed
with light.
A BUTLER notices Elyse’s forehead bleeding.
BUTLER
(in French)
You’re bleeding, child. What
happened?
Elyse hesitates before she answers.
ELYSE
(in French)
I fell.
Tears stream down Elyse’s face. She envisions her father Karl
sitting next to her. He puts a hand on her shoulder while
shedding tears.
KARL
Why didn’t you tell me?
Elyse’s sadness transforms to anger. Her body trembles with

rage. Karl rubs her back.
KARL (CONT'D)
Why didn’t you tell me?
Elyse grinds her teeth. Clenches a fist.
CHOIR (O.S.)
My chains fell off, my heart was
free, I rose, went forth, and
followed Thee.
Elyse gets up and storms through the chapel.
CHOIR (O.S.) (CONT'D)

My chains fell off, my heart was
free, I rose, went forth, and
followed thee.
80.
NEIL RUBIN(40) slices a piece of filet mignon. He’s a

spitting image of Gerard LeMahieu.
He and Elyse sit across the dining table from each other.
NEIL
You know, I’m actually glad we
decided on room service. You never
know who you might run into when
you’re out.
Elyse smiles at him. No longer distraught from her episode at

the church.
ELYSE
Yes. Discretion is vital when
you’re engaging in inappropriate
behavior.
NEIL
If you think it’s so inappropriate,
then why are you participating?
ELYSE
I like pushing boundaries.
(beat)
When I was a child, I was quite the
daredevil. I always dreamed of
becoming a professional skier.
NEIL
Slalom?
ELYSE
Jumping, actually. Soaring up so
high. It’s like you’re on top of
the world.
NEIL
Yeah, those guys get up there.
Elyse stares at Neil as he slices another piece of steak. Her

grip on her steak knife tightens to the point where it begins
to shake.
She sees Roger standing behind Neil. Roger’s eyes bulge and
he moves his finger across his throat for the kill signal.
Elyse glares at Neil as he puts another piece of steak in his

mouth, unaware of her state. Her hand shakes more violently.
81.
She glances at Roger, who nods at her while smirking. Neil

notices Elyse’s trembling hand.
NEIL (CONT'D)
Elyse?
Elyse stares at Neil for a moment. Her eyes dart to Roger.
ROGER
Do it.
Elyse stands up and glowers at Neil, who nervously pushes

himself away from the table. Elyse breathes heavily.
A calming hand gently grasps her shoulder. She turns to see

Placido.
PLACIDO
Don’t. I love you.
Elyse’s eyes light up and she drops the knife. It clanks on

the plate. She starts laughing hysterically and looks
skyward.
ELYSE
(in French)
You have freed me! You have freed
me!
Neil gives her a confused look. It’s just him and Elyse.
NEIL
Is everything okay?
Elyse beams with joy at Neil.
ELYSE
You are free to go, Mr. Rubin.
NEIL
Yeah. I think I will.
Neil stands up and awkwardly fixes his jacket.
NEIL (CONT'D)
I’ll show myself out.
ELYSE
(beaming with joy)
You certainly will.
Flustered Neil starts walking.

82.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
The other way.
Neil stops.
NEIL
Right.
Neil hurries out of the room. Elyse laughs in pure ecstasy.
Elyse’s laughter continues as she rips the Judith painting

off the wall. She smashes it against the floor until it
cracks in half.
She tosses one half to the side and looks up at the empty
spot on the wall. She pulls out her phone.
INT. PLACIDO’S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS
The cell phone on the cluttered coffee table rings with

“Elyse” on screen. Muffled TV sounds in the background.
Placido leans over from the couch and grabs the phone. He
sees the name. He sighs, mutes it, and puts it back on the
table.
Elyse paces in the living room.
PLACIDO (O.S.)
Leave a message after the beep.
ELYSE
Placido. I have to speak to you.
(beat, she smiles)
I’m changing. I thought I knew what
I needed to be happy. But all this
time... I just needed someone to
show me a better path. A way out of
the darkness.
(chuckles)
He was right here. I could have
done it. But I didn’t.
(tear of joy)
I thought about you. And I didn’t
need to anymore. I-
83.
The voicemail beeps, cutting her off. She sighs and puts the
phone down.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
(whispers to herself)
Love you.
INT. PER SE RESTAURANT - EVENING
Elyse dines alone on wagyu steak. She sips red wine. Looks
over at a happy couple laughing. Her gaze becomes distant.
Then, her phone rings. She looks at the screen: “Placido”.
A subtle smile crosses her face as she picks up.

ELYSE
I was wondering when you’d call me
back. I have so much to tell you.
ROGER (O.S.)
I’m sure you do.
Elyse gasps.
ELYSE
What have you done with him?
INT. ROGER'S MANSION - CONTINUOUS
Roger stands by his indoor pool. Behind him, Placido is tied

to a chair, mouth taped shut.
ROGER
He remains unharmed. For now.
Roger flashes a switchblade. Placido’s eyes widen at the

sight of it.
INTERCUT BETWEEN ELYSE AND ROGER

ELYSE
What do you want?
ROGER
To negotiate the terms of his
release. But I will require your
presence to do so.
ELYSE
I’ll be there as soon as I can.
84.
Elyse hangs up. She sits there for a moment, absorbing what
just happened. The waiter comes over.
WAITER
Would you like to see the dessert
menu, ma’am?
ELYSE
Um.
Elyse stands up and opens her purse. She shovels several

hundreds onto the table.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
Keep the change.
She hurries away. The waiter raises his eyebrows as he counts
the bills.
I/E. ROGER'S MANSION - NIGHT
Elyse’s car screeches to halt in the driveway. She gets out

and hurries for the front door.
Roger watches her from the second story. He puts the final
bullet in his revolver and locks the wheel in place.
ROGER
(French w/ English
subtitles)
A wonderful day for new beginnings.
The front door opens to a smirking Roger.
ROGER
Why so distressed? This is a joyous
occasion.
Elyse glares at him.
ELYSE
Where is he?
Roger moves to the side and welcomes her in with a sweep of

his arm.
ROGER
Ladies first.
85.
As Elyse moves past Roger, she glances at the revolver tucked

in his belt. Roger notices.
ROGER (CONT'D)
I always have insurance, dear.
He shuts the front the door.
Elyse gasps slightly as she emerges into the indoor pool

room. Roger moves up beside her.
ROGER
Isn’t it lovely?
A red carpet is laid out in front of her. It leads to a
wedding arch with an altar beneath.
On one side of the altar, Placido is tied to a chair with his

mouth taped shut. On the other side sits a LAWYER in a suit
and tie.
ELYSE
Placido!
Roger grabs Elyse’s arm before she can run to Placido.
ROGER
Where are you going? The ceremony
is about to start. We must walk the
aisle together.
Elyse pauses, staring at Roger.
ROGER (CONT'D)
Or do you need some added
incentive?
Roger’s hand moves toward the gun in his belt. Elyse holds
out her elbow and gives a fake smile.
ELYSE
Let’s go.
Roger smiles back and interlocks his arm with hers. They
begin walking down the carpet.
ROGER
Slowly now. Let’s savor this
moment. You don’t get married every
day.
86.
ELYSE
What happened to Maryanne?
ROGER
We’re officially separated. We
didn’t see eye to eye on family
matters.
They walk under the wedding arch and face each other. Roger’s
beaming while Elyse is distraught.
Behind them, the lawyer pushes a document across the table.
ROGER (CONT'D)
This is my lawyer. He’ll be
overseeing our agreement.
ELYSE
We haven’t agreed to anything yet.
ROGER
Can we agree that the life of this
precious young man is worth more
than a petty quarrel?
Elyse glances over at Placido, whose pleading eyes are wide

with fear.
ROGER (CONT'D)
Let’s make it official. And Mister
pretty boy can be on his way,
unblemished.
Elyse glances one more time at Placido, then back at Roger,

who gives her an encouraging smile.
She eyes the pen next to the marriage contract. She picks it
up with a trembling hand. Glances at Roger again, then back
to the paper. A tear rolls down her cheek as she signs.
The lawyer takes the page and reviews it.

LAWYER
Congratulations.
ELYSE
(to Roger)
Now you can let him go.
ROGER
Shall we share a kiss first, like
all happy newlyweds?
87.
Elyse slowly inches closer to Roger and they kiss. Roger nods
at the lawyer, who moves towards Placido.
The lawyer kneels to untie Placido. Before he begins, a

gunshot rings out and the lawyer collapses to the floor.
There’s a bullet wound in the back of his head.
Roger points the gun at Elyse.
ROGER (CONT'D)
On second thought. You do the
honors.
Elyse steps around the pool of blood as she moves to untie

Placido.
ELYSE
Ugh.
ROGER
Since when did a little blood
bother you, my dear?
Elyse loosens the knots around his wrists.
ELYSE
(to Placido)
Whatever you do, don’t run.
Understand?
Placido nods as Elyse undoes the ropes around his ankles.
ROGER
I’d heed that wisdom. Despite many
years out of the service, my
marksmanship remains in peak form.
(motions at the lawyer)
As he would tell you.
Roger points the gun at them and signals for them to walk
straight ahead.
ROGER (CONT'D)
Follow my command and everything
will be peachy.
Elyse and Placido slowly walk forward tightly holding hands.

Roger directs them to a door.
ROGER (CONT'D)
Inside.
Elyse opens the door to a walk-in pantry. The automatic

lights come on.
88.
As they step in deeper among the shelves lined with canned

goods, they smell something rancid.
PLACIDO
Smells like rotten meat.
ROGER
Of a kind.
They turn a corner. Elyse gasps. Placido gags. Maryanne’s

bloodied corpse lies at their feet.
ROGER (CONT'D)
Divorce is too much work. And child
support, such a drain on profit.
ELYSE
She was pregnant?
ROGER
Enough!
(beat)
Now kiss. I want to see the
passion.
Elyse and Placido look into each other’s eyes. They share a
sensual kiss. Roger watches intensely.
ROGER (CONT'D)
Ah, yes. Love in its purest form.
Magical. Touching. My heart is all
a-flutter. It almost makes me want
to spare this unfortunate soul. But
alas, what must be done, must be
done.
Roger’s eyes narrow at Placido. Elyse and Placido finish

their kiss. Their faces are tear-streaked.
Roger cocks the gun and aims it at Placido, who looks up and
closes his eyes.
ELYSE
Wait. Let me leave. I can’t watch
this.
Roger’s gaze softens for a moment as he considers.
ROGER
Fine. Wouldn’t want to be all messy
when we consummate our union, would
we?
89.
Elyse leans over and whispers something indiscernible to

Placido. She begins walking slowly. As she passes Roger--
ELYSE
(to Roger)
You forgot one thing.
ROGER
What’s that?
ELYSE
Never give your enemy a weapon.
ROGER
Hmm?
Elyse stabs Roger in the throat with the pen used to sign the
marriage contract. Roger grasps at his throat.
ROGER (CONT'D)
Ah! You bitch!
As Roger fires, Elyse tackles him to the floor in time to

send the shot wide of Placido, who dives on top of them.
They wrestle for the gun. Placido knocks it free from Roger’s
grasp. It skids across the floor. As Elyse picks it up, the
lights go out. The room is nearly pitch black.
Roger’s chuckle sounds from somewhere in the darkness.
PLACIDO
Elyse?
ELYSE
I’m right here.
Placido appears beside her. Elyse’s eyes dart back and forth.
PLACIDO
Where is he?
Elyse hears quick footsteps by the door.
ELYSE
Running.
They bolt for the door. As they emerge from the closet, they
see Roger disappear around the far corner of the pool room.
The two break into a dead sprint. They turn the corner to see
Roger book it out the front door.
When they emerge from the house, they see Roger driving away.
90.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
Shit!
The car disappears from sight. They look at each other.
PLACIDO
What now?
They stare at each other for a moment longer. Then, an engine

in the distance. They turn to see Roger’s car appear on the
horizon. Accelerating toward them.
Roger laughs uncontrollably as he slams the pedal to the

floor. Placido scurries behind a tree. Elyse stays put.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
Come on!
Elyse ignores him. Stares at Roger.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
What are you doing?!
She closes one eye and steadies her aim.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
Move!
Roger screams with pure adrenaline, ready to slam into Elyse.

She fires. The bullet strikes the front right wheel. The car
veers to the side of Elyse at the last second.
Roger’s eyes widen as the car barrels full speed toward the
front of the mansion. CRASH! The vehicle bursts through the
façade.
Elyse looks on, cool as ever. Placido breathes a sigh of

relief.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
Holy shit.
The front door of the car opens. Roger staggers out. Blood
trickles from his forehead.
ROGER
A formidable opponent. But I’m
afraid you’re out of bullets.
ELYSE
I don’t think I’ll be needing them.
91.
Roger looks down. A large shard of glass is embedded in his

stomach. Blood soaks the shirt fabric around it. He grunts
weakly and falls to one knee. Then to the ground.
Elyse stands over Roger. His eyes are beginning to roll back.
Roger musters a few words.
ROGER
I always knew it would be you. But
not now. I’m not ready.
He coughs up blood.
ROGER (CONT'D)
I’m scared.
Roger lifts a feeble hand.
ROGER (CONT'D)
Hold me. Please.
Elyse stares down at him. Cold and unmoved. Roger coughs

weakly and wheezes.
ROGER (CONT'D)
Please.
His hands drops to the ground and his eyes roll back. Elyse
just stands there and looks at his dead body. Placido looks
at her.
PLACIDO
Well, at least that one was self-
defense.
Elyse turns to Placido.
ELYSE
Come with me. Back home, to
Switzerland.
PLACIDO
Just like that?
ELYSE
You have nothing left here. No job.
No family.
PLACIDO
Other than my crazy uncle.
ELYSE
What do you say? Let’s start a new
adventure.
92.
They look into each other’s eyes. Placido breaks into a smile
and they kiss in front of the wreckage.
EXT. AIRFIELD - EVENING
The private jet accelerates and takes off. A close-up of

Elyse’s luggage bouncing around.
EXT. AIRFIELD - MORNING
The morning sun spreads its light as the plane lands on the
runway with snow-capped mountains in the background.
SUPER: SWITZERLAND
EXT. ROAD - MORNING
A Bentley cruises an open country road with the snowy Alps in

the background.
In the luxurious interior, Placido stares out the window at

the beautiful scenery.
PLACIDO
I’ll have to go snowboarding
sometime.
Elyse shakes her head.
ELYSE
Skiing. You’re not in America
anymore.
Elyse’s phone rings. She furrows her brow when she looks at
it. Answers.
ELYSE (CONT'D)
(in French)
What is it?
(pauses)
Yes. Tomorrow.
(pauses)
I understand.
Elyse hangs up. Placido gives her an inquisitive look.
PLACIDO
Who was that?
ELYSE
Nothing important.
93.
EXT. VON ZEHREN MANSION - AFTERNOON
The Bentley pulls into the circle driveway surrounded by the

U-shaped mansion. The colonial-style facade is white with
black-shuttered windows.
Placido looks around with wide eyes.
PLACIDO
I could get used to this.
A depressed look crosses Elyse’s face as she hears Placido

say it. She parks the car near the entrance. Double-door with
old-fashioned knocker handles.
Placido gets out. Elyse sits there in the silence.

Something’s eating at her.
Placido leans on the open window.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
Coming?
Elyse looks over at Placido. She forces a half-hearted smile.
ELYSE
Of course.
INT. VON ZEHREN MANSION - MOMENTS LATER
The front door opens. Their footsteps echo as Elyse and

Placido enter the large hall.
Exquisite marble floor, spiral staircase, and a gorgeous

chandelier are the hallmarks of the cavernous room.
Elyse sighs. Still seems depressed. Placido notices.
PLACIDO
What’s wrong?
ELYSE
What do you mean? I’m fine.
Elyse forces a smile.
PLACIDO
No you’re not. You hardly talked at
all in the car. You’re having
mysterious phone conversations.
What aren’t you telling me?
Elyse hesitates.
94.
ELYSE
I’ve sold the Von Zehren Estate.
PLACIDO
What? Why?
ELYSE
Since I was a child, I’ve been
forced to fill my father’s shoes.
The heiress to the family fortune.
Taking over the family business.
I’m done with all that.
PLACIDO
So you’re just giving it all up?
ELYSE
It’s time I take control of my own
life. Forge my own path.
PLACIDO
Sounds like something you’d be
happy about.
She glances around at the hall.
ELYSE
This place has been in my family
for generations. So it’s still hard
to say goodbye.
PLACIDO
When do we have to leave?
ELYSE
Tomorrow morning.
PLACIDO
What? I was about to unpack all my
shit.
INT. VON ZEHREN MANSION - LATER
Placido drinks from a beer bottle. Elyse slices some cheese

on the island in the kitchen.
PLACIDO
I figured you’d have a butler to do
this for you.
ELYSE
We used to have one. But I’ve
always preferred to do my own work.
95.
Elyse exits the kitchen with her suitcase. Wheels it down a

hallway. Enters the pantry.
She stops and stares for a moment at the spot where Gerard
raped her. Still haunted by the memory.
She opens the suitcase and stares at something inside.
EXT. VON ZEHREN MANSION - MORNING
The sun rises over the mansion. The Bentley pulls out of the
driveway.
EXT. HIGHWAY - LATER
The Bentley cruises with its top down along a country highway
with the mountains in the background.
Close-up of Elyse’s hands gripping the steering wheel.

Placido sits in the passenger seat.
PLACIDO
Where are we going?
ELYSE
We’ll figure it out. It’ll be an
adventure.
PLACIDO
I have been waiting to see the
world.
ELYSE
Then the world will be our
plaything.
PLACIDO
You never told me who you sold the
estate to.
Elyse pauses for a moment. Answers in a serious tone.
ELYSE
An old family friend.
EXT. VON ZEHREN MANSION - AFTERNOON
A limousine pulls up to the front door of the mansion.
The CHAUFFEUR gets out and opens up the back door of the car.
96.
The tip of a cane sticks out and plants in the driveway. An

ELDERLY MAN(80) hobbles out.
CHAUFFEUR
(in French)
Do you need more assistance, Mr.
LeMahieu?
Gerard LeMahieu waves the chauffeur away.
GERARD
(in French)
That will be all. This old man can
take care of himself.
CHAUFFEUR
(in French)
Very well.
The chauffeur gets back in the limo and drives away. Gerard
opens the front door.
He gasps and falls backwards. Just inside the door lies a

severed finger. His wrinkled hands tremble, his jaw agape.
Then, from behind--
A siren. A police car pulls into the driveway.
As the cops get out of the car, Gerard points frantically at

the finger inside the house.
GERARD
(in French)
In there! There’s a--
COP 1 goes into the house while COP 2 yanks Gerard to his
feet.
GERARD (CONT'D)
(in French)
Show some respect!
COP 2
(in French)
Gerard LeMahieu, you are under
arrest for the murder of Roger
Myers.
The officer places the protesting Gerard in handcuffs.

97.
GERARD
(in French)
This is preposterous! Do you know
who I am?!
A look of realization spreads across his face.
GERARD (CONT'D)
(in French)
It was her! Elyse! Elyse Von
Zehren!
The officer is having none of it as he puts Gerard in the

back of the police car and shuts the door.
Cop 1 comes out of the mansion. Nods to his fellow officer.

Cop 2 walks several feet away. Pulls out his phone.
EXT. HIGHWAY - AFTERNOON
Inside the Bentley, Elyse’s phone rings. She picks up.
INTERCUT BETWEEN ELYSE AND COP 2 - CONVERSATION IN FRENCH
COP 2
It’s done. All evidence of your
involvement will be terminated.
ELYSE
Good. I’ve transferred the funds to
your account. Enjoy retirement.
Elyse hangs up. Placido looks over at her.
PLACIDO
So?
She gives him a simple nod.
PLACIDO (CONT'D)
So that’s it? We’re free? I almost
feel like murdering someone.
Elyse turns to Placido. Pulls off her sunglasses. Tosses them

to the backseat.
ELYSE
No we don’t.
They kiss for a brief moment. Then laugh together.
Their laughter is drowned out by a violin playing a classical

melody. Solo, until a second violin joins in.
98.
Still laughing beneath the music, Elyse presses her foot hard
against the pedal.
Placido raises his arms in the air and lets the wind push
against his open hands. He looks up at the sky in exultation.
Elyse’s drowned out laughter continues. The most blissful

look imaginable.
FADE OUT.
THE END

A Twisted Fondness 3

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A Twisted Fondness 3

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A TWISTED FONDNESS

INT. VON ZEHREN MANSION - DREAM SEQUENCE

A spacious hall plays host to an extravagant dinner party.

SUPER: SWITZERLAND - 1980

The melancholy ELYSE VON ZEHREN(10) meanders trancelike

The dapper, tuxedo-clad GERARD LEMAHIEU(40), who notices her

Elyse stares unresponsive. Gerard sips his drink. Just after

Gerard coughs. Then again. A slight twitch of a smirk from

He has a coughing fit. Specks of blood hit the hardwood

A GUEST places a concerned hand on Gerard’s back.

Gerard starts choking. He falls to his knees.

Elyse remains unnervingly stoic. Other guests rush to

Silence overtakes the hall. The guest leans over Gerard’s

The guests run screaming from the hall until everyone is

She approaches Gerard. Stares down at his corpse. Then

The VIOLINIST from the quartet appears nearby. Begins an

Elyse performs a waltz routine with her non-existent partner

SUPER: A TWISTED FONDNESS

As Elyse dances, the music lowers but remains in the

INT. PRIVATE JET - MORNING - PRESENT DAY

Adult Elyse(50) gasps as she opens her eyes. The classical

She lies in a fully reclined seat inside her luxurious

A FLIGHT ATTENDANT stands by her.

Elyse removes her headphones.

Elyse moves the seat upright. She takes out a pocket-sized

Elyse examines her face closely, in particular a barely

Elyse notices a minor crease in her sun dress. She

The attendant looks over at her.

Elyse whips her piercing gaze at the woman.

EXT. AIRFIELD - MORNING - MOMENTS LATER

The jet is parked in isolation in an airfield. Elyse exits

SUPER: NEW YORK - PRESENT DAY

Elyse speaks on the phone as she passes the nodding

The attendant hands Elyse’s bag to the chauffeur. Elyse heads

She removes black dress gloves and puts them on before

The chauffeur loads the suitcase in the trunk.

Elyse waits in the backseat for the chauffeur to enter. He

EXT. LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE - MORNING

The iconic hotel stands proud in bustling midtown Manhattan.

An unassuming bellhop, PLACIDO DOMINGUEZ(25), hurries through

He makes his way to the sidewalk, where he enters his modest

He removes a medicine bottle from the glove compartment.

He continues to stare at the bottle.

INT. LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE - LATER

In the hotel elevator, Placido clutches a luggage cart. Next

Placido grimaces at the man’s earsplitting voice.

The man stops in front of the door to his room.

He ends the call and shoves the phone in his pocket.

In reality, the man furrows his brow at the vacant bellhop.

Placido flashes a fake smile.

INT. LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE - LATER

A hand gently squeezes a stress ball. The hand belongs to

The manager sits behind his desk in a veil of incense. From

Domino takes a deep, meditative breath.

Placido seems confused.

Domino gestures at a framed black-and-white portrait of an

Domino doesn’t hear him.

Placido endures as Domino drones on.

Domino peers up at the portrait.

Domino turns back to Placido.

Placido gulps nervously.

Domino pauses for effect.

A young woman dressed like a FRONT DESK EMPLOYEE peeks in.