NINE LIVESWritten by Lonzo Lucas II

FADE IN:

INT. RILEY'S GOOD TIME SHACK, BAR - NIGHT

LOS ANGELES-CALIFORNIA, CURTIS JACKSON, age 42, occupation, Musician, sits at a bar. He’s had a few drinks and now he is having a conversation with a lovely lady who is sitting next to him. In the middle of the conversation CURTIS has an epiphany.

CURTIS'S MINDS EYE

EXT. OCEAN CITY, HIGHWAY - LATE AFTERNOON

Ocean City, CURTIS is stuck in traffic, he looks down to change the radio station, and rear-ends another car, another driver rear-ends CURTIS. The first driver gets out of his car, approaches CURTIS'S vehicle. CURTIS rolls up his window.

1ST DRIVERYou piece of shit! Why don't you watch where you're going. Damn, now I'm going to miss the got damn game because of you, idiot!

CURTIS JACKSONHey buddy it was an accident..No need to get rude.

1ST DRIVERRude?...Rude! You want to see fuckin' rude, wait right here.

The male driver walks to his car, reaches into the glove compartment takes out a snubbed nose .38 pistol, walks toward CURTIS, who runs to the back of his car.

CURTIS JACKSONHey man what the hell are you doing?

1ST DRIVERWhat does it look like I'm doing?

CURTIS JACKSONSomebody call the Police.

A woman sitting three cars back, picks up her cell- phone, dials 911.

911 (O.S.)911, what's your emergency?

WOMANYes..Yes there is a man on the freeway brandishing a gun hurry! He is going to shoot him.

Three gunshots ring out, the woman screams.

911 (O.S.)Ma'am what is your location?

WOMANOceanside City Highway, hurry he's been shot.

The woman hangs up the phone.

911 (O.S.)Dispatch all officers and Paramedics to the Ocean City Highway immediately.

The 1ST DRIVER sees CURTIS lying on the sidewalk bleeding from his lungs, he drops the gun. Two Police cars from an overhead pass, make their way to the scene, subdue the shooter and arrest him.

INT. COP CAR

1ST DRIVERI'm sorry, I didn't mean to.

(sobs)

OFFICER LIVINGSTONWe need the Paramedics out here right away!

DISPATCH (O.S.)Paramedics en route...I repeat Paramedics en route.

Minutes later, the Paramedics arrive on the scene, get to CURTIS who is lying on the highway, next to his car.

PARAMEDICSCome on we're losing him!

The Paramedics stop the bleeding, put CURTIS on a stretcher and place an oxygen mask on him.

INT. BACK OF THE PARAMEDICS VAN - LATE AFTERNOON

PARAMEDICJust hang in there you are going to be ok, we'll get you to a hospital.

BAR

Drunk and feeling a bit depressed, CURTIS gets off his bar stool, stumbles to the bathroom.

BATHROOM

CURTIS'S MINDS EYE

EXT. CEMETERY, GRAVEYARD SITE - DAY

CURTIS sees an image of his coffin being lowered into the ground, a strange feeling overwhelms his body jolting him awake, like a hard slap to the face.

BATHROOM

CURTIS JACKSONWhy won’t these visions just go away?

CURTIS stumbles out of the bathroom.

BAR

CURTIS grabs his head in pain, the people in the bar, distance themselves from him. Curtis sits down at the bar.

THE BARTENDERHey buddy, are you alright?

CURTIS JACKSONOh no, not again.

CURTIS grabs his head in pain.

CURTIS'S MINDS EYE

EXT. SIMON BLVD, CROSSWALK - NIGHT

CURTIS crosses the street after having just performed at The Razzmatazz Night Club. A drunk driver loses control of her car, crosses over the median, strikes CURTIS, the impact knocks him fifteen feet into the air, he tries to break his fall but lands on his head.

SPECTATOR Oh my God did you see that?

The PARAMEDICS and POLICE OFFICER arrive on the scene. The POLICE OFFICER places the drunken driver into the backseat of his car.

DRUNKEN DRIVER(slurring)

I'm not drunk officer, see?

The COPS drive off.

INT. DANIEL MORGAN HOSPITAL, ER - NIGHT

Two PARAMEDICS wheel CURTIS into the hospital.

PARAMEDICSGet out of the way. Doctor! Doctor!

The DOCTOR looks at CURTIS'S injuries.

DOCTOR LUWOSKILooks like a compound fracture to the skull, get him into emergency surgery now!

INT. SURGERY ROOM - CONTINOUS

The DOCTORS operate on CURTIS but are unable to save him, he flatlines.

DOCTOR LUWOSKI

Damn! I think we are going to have to call it.

NURSEWait doctor look!

A faint pulse registers on the electrocardiogram, the DOCTORS stitch up CURTIS'S wounds and fit him with a headcast.

RECOVERY ROOM - LATE NIGHT

CURTIS flatlines and comes back. DOCTOR LUWOSKI stands by CURTIS'S bedside. He turns to face the NURSE.

DOCTOR LUWOSKII don't expect him to survive the night, keep an eye on him, if anything changes you let me know?

NURSEOk Doctor.

The DOCTOR leaves the room, the NURSE watches CURTIS, who passes in and out of consciousness.

EMERGENCY ROOM, CURTIS'S ROOM - MORNING

The NURSE walks into the room, gets on the intercom.

NURSEPaging Doctor Luwoski, I think you had better get down here and see this.

The DOCTOR walks into the room with a grim look on his face. He sees CURTIS sitting up in his bed. A look of wonder crosses the DOCTOR'S face.

DOCTOR LUWOSKIIt can't be, you are sitting up in bed like nothing happened to you.

CURTIS JACKSONI can't explain it Doctor but I feel fine.

DOCTOR LUWOSKI

How does a man recover after sustaining such massive damage to his spine and cranium? It’s a medical marvel Mr. Jackson we don’t know how you survived but we'll do some more tests just to make sure that everything is ok and from there you are free to go.

Shocked and confused, CURTIS snaps back to this reality,

BAR

CURTIS'S vision is blurry, he grabs his head in pain.

CURTIS'S MINDS EYE

EXT. INTERSTATE 10, CURTIS'S CAR - EARLY EVENING

Two am CURTIS drives home from San Leandro, he’s trying to make it to a show in Carmel City. Static comes from the speakers, CURTIS searches for a radio station, something loud to help keep him awake. The car swerves, jolting CURTIS awake, he notices that the car has drifted two lanes over.

CURTIS JACKSONOh shit! That was close.

A classic rock track blares over the radio, CURTIS rolls down the window on the driver’s side, he yawns

CURTIS JACKSONOnly one more hour and then I’m there. Should have bought some coffee from the convenience store. Damn.

CURTIS falls asleep, the car swerves, careens off the road, rolls down a hill, off a steep precipice into the Pacific Ocean.

The impact, along with the cold dark water jolts CURTIS awake, disoriented, he swims through an open window, and up to the surface. CURTIS breaks the plane between water and air, oxygen fills his lungs, he takes a deep breath.

The Darkness combined with the fog and cold water makes it hard for him to focus, from below a ripple grows, something brushes up against CURTIS.

It glides through the dark water, a panicked CURTIS swims toward the shore; he hears a loud noise like the roar of a jet engine coming from behind him. CURTIS dives underwater as something huge rises to the surface.

CURTIS JACKSONA shark.

CURTIS swims for his life. A charter boat, on its way back to port, lights from the boat bounce off the water's surface, one of the crew members, getting the gear in order notices something

DECKHANDCaptain I think you had better take a look at this?

The CAPTAIN approaches the radar, sees two bleeps fifty feet ahead of them.

CAPTAINSound the alarm.

A beam from the ship’s overhead light shines into the water.

CAPTAINMy God it’s a man and he’s being attacked by a shark! Quick get my gun.

The first mate standing ten feet away reaches up, grabs a rifle from the hoist.

FIRST MATEHere you are Captain.

The CAPTAIN cocks the rifle, aims it at the shark’s head, pulls the trigger. The behemoth stops its pursuit, blood gushes from its body the water around it turns red. The FIRST MATE throws out a life preserver, CURTIS grabs the

preserver, the FIRST MATE pulls CURTIS toward the ship and helps him onto the boat.

FIRST MATEYou are very lucky to be alive mate, only minor cuts and bruises, those White Pointers do massive damage.

CURTIS snaps back to this reality.

BAR

The lady sitting next to him is still talking; she stops and gives CURTIS a look of concern.

LADYAre you alright?

CURTIS looks at her expression with confusion.

CURTIS JACKSONAre you serious?

A CAB DRIVER enters the bar.

BARTENDERCurtis your cab is here and don’t worry about it, it’s on me.

The BARTENDER signals for one of the workers to help CURTIS to his feet and into the cab.

EXT. RILEY'S GOOD TIME SHACK, FRONT OF THE BUILDING - NIGHT

CURTIS and the DRIVER exit the building, the WORKER helps CURTIS into her cab. The WORKER walks to the passenger side.

WORKERHere's the fare to get him home. Thank you.

INT. CAB - SAME TIME

Ten minutes later, CURTIS gets out the cab and walks to the front of his house turns around smiles, salutes the cabbie.

EXT. CURTIS'S HOUSE, FRONT DOOR - NIGHT

CURTIS walks to the front of his house, turns around smiles, salutes the cab driver, stumbles up the stairs, opens the front door, stumbles inside, closes the door.

FRONT DOOR

The next evening a hung over and tired CURTIS gets into his car, takes off.

INT. CURTIS'S CAR - LATE AFTERNOON

CURTIS can’t seem to get those past thoughts out of his head. On his right hand side he notices a little shop nestled between a liquor store and rib joint, it draws him in he pulls into the parking lot. A blue neon sign reads MADAME LEONTINE'S Palm Reading, CURTIS looks around, walks inside.

INT. MADAM LEONTINE'S PALM READING SHOP, MAIN LOBBY - CONTINUOUS

CURTIS smells a pungent odor. The combination of the low light and musty smell creates an ominous atmosphere. Far as the eye can see are candles of every size and color dispersed around the room.

Charms, bracelets, stuffed animals, bottled animal parts and other strange artifacts lie about. In the distance a plump woman with European features, dressed in a gypsy outfit calls CURTIS to the back.

BACK ROOM

MADAME LEONTINEHave a seat?

MADAME LEONTINE opens up a cabinet grabs a few items and closes the door, she approaches the table, her movements almost ethereal, she places a large garnet gem on the table.

MADAME LEONTINEIt is my eyes and ears into the netherworld.

MADAME LEONTINE sits down, stares across the table at CURTIS.

MADAME LEONTINEI saw you in my dreams and summoned you here.

MADAME LEONTINE wrings her hands anxiously,

MADAME LEONTINEThere is something of utmost importance that I must warn you about. Hold out your hands?

MADAME LEONTINE takes ahold of CURTIS'S hands and begins to chant.

MADAME LEONTINEWill the spirit who is following this man reveal yourself, we wish to speak with you, we wish to know who you are?

MADAME LEONTINE'S eyes roll violently into the back of her head, her body slams back into the chair, her face grows pale.

Three quick flashes of light resonate about the room a thin-veiled mist appears behind MADAME LEONTINE, morphs into a dark mass resembling a shadow with humanoid features.

The atmosphere grows heavy and depressing. MADAME LEONTINE'S expression, becomes trance-like, she begins to chant, CURTIS sits wide-eyed, scared out of his mind. The ENTITY binds him to his seat. MADAME LEONTINE speaks.

MADAME LEONTINEYou are followed by a special presence, it never leaves your side.

MADAME LEONTINE tightens her grip on CURTIS'S hands.

MADAME LEONTINE

The presence is here with us, its purpose is unclear, but.

CURTIS JACKSONBut what?

MADAME LEONTINESilence! there is more, a curse was placed on you at birth for the wrong doings of your ancestors.

MADAME LEONTINE'S body rocks back and forth in her chair. Her body slumps forward, she slowly raises her head and looks at CURTIS with a blank stare.

MADAME LEONTINEThis curse will be your death.

MADAME LEONTINE gets pinned against the chair, the ENTITY leaves her body. CURTIS sits back in his chair, he eyes the woman warily.

CURTIS JACKSONThis curse that you spoke of what is it?

MADAME LEONTINE shakes her head in pity.

MADAME LEONTINEYou were given nine lives at birth, only you weren’t aware of it, each time that you cheat death you lose a life and someone close to you dies, that is your curse.

CURTIS has a look of disbelief on his face.

CURTIS JACKSONOver the years what I thought were accidents, claimed the lives of most of my friends and now you’re telling me that it was my fault all along that they are dead?

CURTIS suddenly feels sick to his stomach, he runs into the bathroom, throws up, minutes later he emerges,

CURTIS JACKSONI’m so sorry can I ask you another question?

MADAME LEONTINE nods.

CURTIS JACKSONHow many lives do I have left?

MADAME LEONTINE walks around the table, stands over CURTIS.

MADAME LEONTINEIt doesn’t matter how many lives you have left because your immortal soul is already doomed.

CURTIS JACKSONI see, is there anything that I can do about it?

MADAME LEONTINE shakes her head.

CURTIS JACKSONThank you for helping me to understand.

CURTIS pays the woman $30.00, walks toward the door, MADAME LEONTINE catches up with him.

MADAME LEONTINEJust a word of warning, what you will experience after death is far worse than death itself.

Stunned by her words, CURTIS scratches his head. A look of confusion on his face.

CURTIS JACKSONWhat did you mean by that?

MADAME LEONTINEWatch yourself your guardian is not what it seems.

MADAME LEONTINE looks over CURTIS'S shoulder as if something is watching her.

MADAME LEONTINEI have felt its power.

CURTIS walks outside.

EXT. MADAME LEONTINE'S PALM READING SHOP, FRONT DOOR - 30 MINUTES LATER

MADAME LEONTINE watches CURTIS walk away, she closes the door.

EXT. CURTIS'S CAR -CONTINOUS

CURTIS gets into his car, drives away.

INT. BACKROOM

MADAME LEONTINE walks into the backroom to retrieve her medallion of protection, she feels a slight breeze coming from behind her.

MADAME LEONTINEThat’s funny I know that I closed that door.

She turns around, something frightens her beyond words, MADAME LEONTINE backs away slowly toward the backroom.

MADAME LEONTINENo...No...What are you demon!

THE ENTITYYour time has come!

MADAME LEONTINENo! Go away!

The ENTITY picks MADAME LEONTINE and slams her, head first into a wall.

EXT. PEACOCK CLUB, BACK ENTRANCE - EARLY EVENING

Later on that night Curtis approaches the backdoor to the nightclub, walks inside. There are 200 people sitting out in the audience. The lights dim, the curtain raises up, causing the audience to break out into applause, the MASTER OF CEREMONIES stands at the microphone.

MASTER OF CEREMONIESLadies and gentlemen the Peacock Club is proud to present the headliner for tonight. The Jackson Street Revue!

THE MAIN STAGE

The crowd goes nuts, CURTIS steps on stage, plays his signature song 'Big City Blues.'

AUDIENCE, BACK OF THE ROOM

A classy looking woman dressed in black sits in the corner of the room, her face barely discernable as the shadows conceal her identity. She watches intently observing CURTIS'S performance.

THE MAIN STAGE

A few songs later CURTIS comes out, joins his bandmates in a lively rendition of Calypso Blues.

MAIN STAGE

MASTER OR CEREMONIESOn the drums T.J. Johnson.

T.J. JOHNSON launches into a drum solo. The crowd applauds, loudly.

MASTER OF CEREMONIESOn the bass Johnny Blue.

The crowd applauds loudly.

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

And on the lead guitar...Curtis Jackson!!!

The crowd stands up and roars in approval, the curtain descends, the band members walk off the stage to their dressing room, stage hands dismantle the drum set and take down the props.

BACKSTAGE, JACKSON REVUE'S DRESSING ROOM

CURTIS sits in a dressing room putting away his guitar while JOHNNY BLUE, the band’s lead guitarist is having a conversation with T.J. JOHNSON, the band’s drummer.

CURTIS sits and listens, there is a knock at the door, the room grows silent, CURTIS gets up to answer it.

HALLWAY

The Woman in black stands outside the door, she gives off a strange vibe that makes CURTIS and his band mates feel uneasy.

WOMAN IN BLACKI caught your act out there, you’re pretty good.

CURTIS gives the lady in black an inquisitive look.

WOMAN IN BLACKJust pretty good?

Annoyed at his arrogance, THE WOMAN IN BLACK pauses, the silence makes CURTIS even more uncomfortable.

WOMAN IN BLACK Yeah just pretty good.

CURTIS JACKSON How can I be great?

The woman takes a drag of her cigarette.

CURTIS JACKSONYou need to make a deal with the devil.

CURTIS laughs, but the lady shows no emotion as she stands there with a somber look on her face. CURTIS'S laughter turns from one of glee and amusement to awkward nervousness.

WOMAN IN BLACKYou think that is funny? Listen mister I don’t joke about things like this and right now you bore me.

The Woman walks away, CURTIS slams the door.

DRESSING ROOM

T.J.JOHNSONWhat the hell was that all about, Curtis?

JOHNNY BLUEProbably some love struck chick, hunh?

CURTIS rubs his chin.

CURTIS JACKSONI don’t know, but whatever.

CURTIS looks down at his watch.

CURTIS JACKSONAnyways it’s getting late, time for me to get out of here, see you fellows at the Playa Del Rialto next week.

T.J. JOHNSONIf you see that lady again tell her T.J. said what’s up.

The men burst into laughter, except for CURTIS who leaves the room, closing the door behind him.

HALLWAY

CURTIS walks down the hallway and sees the office of his friend BOB LANEY, 50 the Director of Entertainment, CURTIS knocks on the door.

BOB LANEYYeah?

CURTIS opens the door.

BOB LANEY'S OFFICE

BOB is getting a blowjob from a blonde waitress. She stops, turns away from CURTIS as BOB zips up his pants.

BOB LANEYWhen I said yeah.

The woman runs out of the room.

BOB LANEYI didn’t mean for you to open the got damn door, Curtis what’s the matter with you?

CURTIS apologizes.

CURTIS JACKSONSorry man.

BOB LANEYIt’s alright what the hell do you want Curtis?

CURTIS shakes his head.

BOB LANEYAnd don’t say anything stupid or I’ll get mad.

CURTIS JACKSONI’m sorry man, my boys and I just want to get paid, that’s all.

BOB reaches into his pocket, hands CURTIS a huge wad of money. CURTIS takes the money, begins counting it.

BOB LANEYAre we square?

CURTIS JACKSONYeah, we’re square, see you next week.

CURTIS walks away.

BOB LANEYYeah and the next time, wait until I say come in before you enter.

CURTIS JACKSONShe was nice Bob, find out if she has a friend?

BOB LANEYGet the hell out of here and hey, excellent show.

BACK DOOR

CURTIS walks to the back door, sees the blonde waitress he gestures for her to call him, and grins as he walks to his car.

PARKING LOT

A feeling of dread overcomes CURTIS as he approaches his car, out of the darkness the lady in black appears smoking a cigarette while eyeing CURTIS with contempt and curiosity.

INT. CAR

CURTIS gets inside of his car and drives to the edge of the parking lot, he looks in his rear view mirror, the woman has disappeared.

CURTIS JACKSONWhat the hell?

INT. CURTIS'S HOME

CURTIS drives off. Later on that evening he packs a few belongings, fills up the gas tank and drives to the Playa Del Rialto Club in Sin City.

EXT. HIGHWAY 21 - EVENING

Four hours later.

EXT. SANDS HOTEL, PARKING LOT - NIGHT

INT. SANDS HOTEL, LOBBY - LATE NIGHT

Exhausted from the drive CURTIS checks into the Sands Hotel at around two in the morning. The bells and bright lights energize him with a renewed sense of vigor.

INT. HOTEL ROOM 220A - CONTINUOUS

After dropping off his luggage, CURTIS heads downstairs

CASINO

CURTIS sits down at the roulette table, orders a drink. There is commotion coming from the back of the Casino, two masked gunmen burst through the front door, subdue the staff behind the currency counter.

Three security guards draw their weapons and fire at the crooks. CURTIS gets shot in the leg from the crossfire. The bullet pierces a major artery, blood gushes out of the wound, CURTIS loses consciousness.

CURTIS'S MINDS EYE

CURTIS wakes up in a daze, he sees the apparition of his long dead, great grandfather standing before him.

CURTIS JACKSONGramps?

The man nods.

CURTIS JACKSONWhat are you doing here?

GRAMPS GHOSTI was summoned here.

CURTIS JACKSONBy whom?

GRAMPS GHOSTBy Selok the wicked, he wanted me to tell you this!

The old man transforms into a bug eyed salivating beast.

THE BEASTYour time is near.

CURTIS recoils in horror, the beast advances then disappears. When Curtis regains consciousness he is shrouded in darkness, he reaches out and touches something cold, hard yet smooth.

CURTIS JACKSONWhat is this place?

CURTIS tries to sit up, but bumps his head.

CURTIS JACKSONWhere am I? Why is it so dark? Hello! Help!

INT. MORGUE - LATE NIGHT

The night janitor WILLY SIMMONS, 65 hears something coming from the autopsy room, he runs downstairs to alert the guards. Minutes later they burst into the room, the guards look around but see and hear nothing, they begin to walk away there is a loud echo, CURTIS pounds his fist on his steel prison.

WILLYIt’s coming from the body storage area.

The NIGHT WATCHMAN approaches the storage drawer, the sound gets louder.

WILLYOpen it!

The guard looks back at the WILLY with an annoyed look on his face, he turns around, reaches for the latch, pulls it back. The NIGHT WATCHMAN turns to face WILLY.

NIGHT WATCHMANHey would you give me a hand here?

WILLIE grabs the slab and helps the guard to pull it out CURTIS sits up, with a confused look on his face.

CURTIS JACKSONWhere are my clothes?

CURTIS looks around the room, sees a bag containing his personal items, he walks to a dark corner and puts on his clothes. Once he is fully dressed the NIGHT WATCHMAN approaches with a look of concern on his face.

NIGHT WATCHMANI think you should get checked out Mack. The people that lie in them things don’t usually wake up like you just did.

CURTIS agrees.

CURTIS JACKSONI need to get to the bottom of this. I remember being shot, then the old man and from there it all went blank.

NIGHT WATCHMANWhoa..Whoa..Whoa...Wait...What old man?

CURTIS snaps out of it.

CURTIS JACKSON

Hunh, oh nothing I was just babbling. Hey thank you for getting me out of there.

CURTIS shakes his hand.

NIGHT WATCHMANDon't worry about it, it was nothing, we just want to make sure that you’re alright, ain’t that right Willie?

WILLYYeah that’s right.

INT. CORONER'S OFFICE, WAITING ROOM - LATE NIGHT

CURTIS walks upstairs to the main lobby. Fifteen minutes later DR. ERVIN arrives on the scene, his face white as a sheet.

CURTIS JACKSONDr. Ervin it’s you!

DR. ERVIN Yes Mr. Lawrence are you feeling alright?

CURTIS JACKSONDon’t know Doc, I feel good, yet strange, my thoughts are very hazy, it’s all a blur.

The Doctor clasps his hands together.

DR. ERVINA good Samaritan dropped you off at the hospital. You required emergency surgery in order to repair your damaged artery, but by the time we got you prepped and

ready you had already lost over 2 pints of blood.

(continuing)

The doctor sealed you up, but then realized at the expense of your life that your artery was not sutured up properly. He attempted to go back inside and correct his mistake but by then it was too late, you bled to death right there on that table.

CURTIS shakes his head, in disbelief.

CURTIS JACKSONDoc that just can’t be possible that I'm sitting here talking to you. But I am at a loss to say what it is, have you notified my family already?

The DOCTOR nods.

CURTIS JACKSONMaybe we should call my mother and tell her that her son is alive.

DR. ERVIN gets up to make the phone call.

CURTIS JACKSONDoc I have to go.

DOCTOR ERVIN has a confused look on his face.

DR. ERVINWhere are you going? What about your family?

CURTIS stands up.

CURTIS JACKSONI don’t know Doc but I am leaving all of the details up to you.

CURTIS walks out of the hospital, walks down the street passes a square building with the words UC Convalescent Hospital written across its face. An inner voice in his head tells him to go inside.

EXT. UC CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL, FRONT OF BUILDING - LATE NIGHT

CURTIS walks inside of the building.

INT. UC CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL, MAIN LOBBY - CONTINUOUS

CURTIS sees a receptionist sitting at the desk.

RECEPTIONISTHow may I help you?

CURTIS JACKSON I need to see Lee Valo.

The RECEPTIONIST pauses.

RECEPTIONISTLee Valo?

She looks down at her registry list.

RECEPTIONISTAre you related to him?

CURTIS looks around for a minute.

CURTIS JACKSONTell him it’s Mr. Solomon Grundel, his nephew.

The RECEPTIONIST calls over JOE YOUNG, 28, security guard, a brawny man, he walks up to the desk, smiles at the RECEPTIONIST.

JOE YOUNGI knew you couldn’t resist me.

RECEPTIONISTPlease.

She hands him a set of keys.

RECEPTIONISTCould you escort this gentleman up to the 10th floor, he needs to see Mr. Valo in room 320.

The guard looks Curtis over.

JOE YOUNGCome with me?

They get into the elevator, JOE reaches into his pocket.

JOE YOUNGOk, here are the rules, Mr. Grundel. No talking to the other patients other than the one that you're visiting and if you need help for any reason.

JOE pulls a blue square box out of his pocket and gives it to CURTIS.

JOE YOUNGPush this button if you get into trouble. Ok?

JOE glares at CURTIS who nods his head, CURTIS takes the gadget from the JOE.

JOE YOUNGWhen you push the button it will activate an internal alarm located just outside of my office; when I hear it me and my staff will come running, got it?

INT. SANITARIUM, 10TH FLOOR - CONTINUOUS

The elevator door opens. SARAH JONAS, 30, the receptionist sits behind a desk filling out paperwork while some of the patients wander around the area.

JOE YOUNGGo see Sarah over there she’ll straighten’ ya right up, and remember no contact, this can be a dangerous place.

CURTIS looks at the guard, the elevator door closes.

SARAH JONASSir.

CURTIS turns around.

SARAH JONASHow can I help you?

CURTIS approaches the desk.

CURTIS JACKSONI am here to see Lee Valo.

SARAH'S mood changes from happy to solemn, she studies CURTIS for a moment.

SARAH JONASMr. Valo? I never knew he had family, he’s being held in one of our more secure containment units. For his own safety and yours a guard must accompany you to the cell.

SARAH pauses to gauge CURTIS'S reaction. A security guard calls CURTIS over, he unlocks a red steel door.

GUARD 2Follow me?

INT. SANTITARIUM, LEVEL 10 - CONTINUOUS

CURTIS and the guard walk down a dimly lit hallway, CURTIS hears people screaming and yelling. In the distance, he hears a sinister laugh, he walks past a door, sees a man being subdued by two massive guards.

LEE VALOLet me go or I'll be late! Do you hear me?

They pass by a grey steel door. CURTIS sees a grey- haired woman standing against the back wall, she stares at him with cold black eyes that seem to pierce right through to his soul.

CURTIS turns away, he looks back the woman is standing directly behind the door staring at him through the peephole. CURTIS leaps back in shock, the guard laughs.

GUARD 2That’s the Voodoo Princess, there is a rumor that she crossed over to the other side and brought back an evil entity that resides within her, it’s all bullshit in my opinion.

GUARD 2 stops at a stucco colored door.

GUARD 2Well here we are, room 320.

GUARD 2 unlocks the door, stands back while I check things out. The GUARD peeks inside, sees VALO pacing back and forth talking to himself.

GUARD 2Valo! You got a visitor.

GUARD 2 looks back at CURTIS.

GUARD 2Ok Mr. Lawrence you are clear if you need me I will be right outside this door.

CURTIS JACKSON Thanks.

CURTIS walks inside, GUARD 2 closes the door behind him.

INT. FIRST STREET MOTEL, ROOM 5A - NIGHT

BOB LANEY is having sex with a 20-year old girl, SUZANNE WINTERS, she moans

BOB LANEYOh that's good, oh shit, baby here I cum!

SUZANNE moans again. BOB arches his back and cums.

BOB LANEYOh yeah baby that was soooo good.

SUZANNE removes the covers, stands with her back to BOB, totally nude, she turns around, gives BOB a seductive look.

SUZANNE WINTERSListen I’m going to freshen up a bit, ok?

BOB LANEYWell you just take your time darling, wouldn't want you to miss your audition with Joe Jonas, after all he’s the biggest producer in the industry.

SUZANNE WINTERS blows BOB a kiss, walks into the bathroom, shuts the door. BOB turns on the television, a gentle breeze blows into his room from the balcony.

GHOSTLY VOICEBobbbbb.

Something whispers his name, BOB sits up.

GHOSTLY VOICEBob!

BOB LANEYWho the hell is that?

BATHROOM

SUZANNE WINTERSWhat did you say, honey?

MOTEL ROOM

BOB LANEYNothing.

BOB approaches the balcony.

BOB LANEYWho the fuck is that?

BOB walks outside, the gentle breeze turns violent.

BATHROOM

The Bathroom door opens, SUZANNE walks out of the Bathroom.

MOTEL ROOM

SUZANNE WINTEROk snookums, I’m ready for round two. Do you really think that I have what it takes to be a star?

SUZANNE looks around the room, it’s empty.

SUZANNE WINTERSBob?

SUZANNE walks out to the balcony, looks onto the street below, sees nothing, turns around, sees BOB'S lifeless body hanging from the upper floor balcony. A sheet tied around his neck, his face pasty white, mouth twisted, eyes open, lifeless, they stare at SUZANNE, she screams in horror, runs back inside of the room.

MOTEL ROOM

SUZANNE picks up the receiver, tries to dial the Police, her hands shakes, she tries again, after the fifth try SUZANNE dials 911.

911 OPERATORWhat is your emergency?

SUZANNE WINTERS(SOBBING)

A man has hung himself outside my Motel Room.

911 OPERATORWhere is your location, ma'am?

SUZANNE WINTERS321 first avenue.

911 OPERATORWe have two officers in route.

EXT. FIRST STREET MOTEL, PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS

Police arrive, seal off the crime scene. Two officers enter the building.

DOOR

They open the door, and see stairs leading up.

POLICE OFFICER 1Fifth floor, let's go!

The OFFICERS walk up five flights of stairs, see a door open it, walk inside.

MOTEL, FIFTH FLOOR - CONTINOUS

OFFICER 1What room are we looking for?

OFFICER 2Room 5a

The Police knock on the door, she opens it, lets them inside they question the girl but she knows nothing. The coroner arrives, steps out onto the balcony. He shakes his head as the lifeless body of BOB swings back and forth in the night.

INT. SANTITARIUM

LEE VALO glances at CURTIS then, sits down, stares out of the window. He begins to speak but at first his words are incoherent, CURTIS interrupts.

LEE VALO

Shut up! he sent you, didn’t he?

CURTIS JACKSONWhat are you talking about?

VALO runs at CURTIS extends his hands, stops just short of touching him, he lowers his head, as he raises it a sinister look appears on his face. CURTIS jumps at the sight of it, but manages to maintain his composure.

LEE VALOSelok sent you to torment me, didn’t he?

LEE VALO yells at the ceiling.

LEE VALOIt’s too late now, do you hear me? I’m a dead man walking!

LEE VALO slumps to the floor and begins to sob. He stops, looks up at CURTIS with a look of compassion.

LEE VALO You are next I have seen it. He’ll use you and throw you away just like garbage.

The lights begin to flicker, CURTIS backs up toward a wall.

LEE VALOIt’s too late he‘s here! Get out! Do you hear me!

LEE VALO lunges at CURTIS, the SECURITY GUARD opens the door, rushes in and subdues LEE VALO.

GUARDGet to the elevator!

HALLWAY

CURTIS runs into the hallway, sees another GUARD wrestling with a patient, he runs toward the exit. The gray door flings open, the gray-haired woman slowly walks out of her

room, she looks around, sees CURTIS and approaches him. CURTIS does not see the woman, and continues to bang on the door.

CURTIS JACKSON Help, somebody, help!

INT. TENTH FLOOR LOBBY - CONTINUOUS

SARAH has locked herself in the communications room the glass is bullet proof. CURTIS removes the blue square box and pushes the button.

SECURITY GUARD QUARTER, JOE'S OFFICE

The alarm goes off waking up JOE, he jumps to his feet, runs up the stairs, to the 10th floor. On the way up he gets his radio and calls for reinforcements.

The elevator stops, the door opens JOE sees some of the patients trying to get to SARAH. He pulls out his gun, fires several beanbags, the patients fall to the ground in pain. Minutes later four guards arrive.

JOEGet into the main hallway and subdue those patients, I’ll be right behind you. Sarah get on the elevator, you’ll be fine.

THE GREY-HAIRED WOMAN stands in the doorway, her face begins to glow, it takes on a sinister appearance. She levitates off the ground, floats toward CURTIS, lets out a sinister laugh that seems to come from everywhere all at once. CURTIS turns around with a look of horror on his face as the demon possessed woman floats toward him.

GREY-HAIRED WOMANTime’s Up.

The Grey-haired woman wraps her hands around CURTIS'S throat, the door opens up behind him, a SECURITY GUARD grabs CURTIS and pulls him into the waiting room. THE GREY-HAIRED WOMAN floats toward the security guard who has a stunned look on his face. CURTIS closes his eyes to avert her gaze.

A second guard pries the woman’s hands loose while another shoves her back into the hallway. Three more guards follow him into the hallway, the last one shuts the door.

HALLWAY

The guards subdue the patients, lock them into their rooms. At the far end of the hallway a man seven feet tall and 350 pounds emerges from a dark place in the hallway.

THE SECOND GUARDYou've got to be kidding me.

The first security guard attempts to bear hug him, the man frees himself from the guard's grasp, throws the guard against the wall. A second guard tries to tackle the man but gets knocked unconscious. The third security guard picks up his radio.

SECURITY GUARDJoe! Come in Joe!

JOE YOUNG (O.S.)Yeah. What’s your 20?

SECURITY GUARDKRITEN is loose, he’s more than we can handle, over.

JOE YOUNG I’m on my way!

JOE runs to the end of the hallway,

SARAH JONAS (O.S.)(TALKS INTO THE INTERCOM)

Visiting hours are over.

JOE pulls out his gun, opens the door, sees security guards being thrown around like rag dolls. JOE fires four shots at KRITEN, the bean bags strike KRITEN in his chest and thighs, the giant looks down at the spots where he was struck, then looks up at JOE.

KRITEN

You!

KRITEN runs at JOE, picks him up by his neck and shakes him. JOE attempts to remove a taser gun from his pocket, but it drops to the ground. One of the security guards regains consciousness, sees JOE being assaulted by KRITEN, sees the taser gun lying on the ground, picks it up, sneaks up behind KRITEN and tasers him in the ankle.

KRITEN turns around, enraged, releases his grip on JOE who falls to the ground clutching his neck, tries to catch his breath. KRITEN picks the guard up by his neck and begins to violently shake him.

KRITEN'S ankle gives way, he loosens his grip on the guard before he loses consciousness. KRITEN falls onto the floor, begins to crawl. Three other security guards leap on top of him, a few feet away, JOE coughs as he fights for oxygen, the other SECURITY GUARDS come to his aid.

EXT.UC CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL, BUS STOP - EARLY MORNING

CURTIS leaves the building, walks to a local bus stop and sits. The sun rises over the rooftop of an adjacent building. A bus rumbles along and stops.

INT. BUS - FIVE MINUTES LATER

CURTIS boards the bus, finds a seat and falls asleep. An hour later CURTIS wakes up, his cell phone, rings, he answers it.

CURTIS JACKSONYeah?

SHELLY JACKSONBaby is that you?

CURTIS JACKSONMom?

SHELLY JACKSONOh praise God, we thought you were dead son.

CURTIS JACKSON I thought so too mom.

There is a bit of silence.

SHELLY JACKSONSomething’s not right, now don’t get me wrong I’m happy that God spared your life, but.

CURTIS JACKSONI know mom, I’m trying to figure it all out myself, something is going on in my life.

SHELLY interrupts.

SHELLY JACKSONIt’s the devil, that's what it is and I want no part of it.

CURTIS JACKSONBut mom.

SHELLY hangs up the phone.

CURTIS JACKSONShe’s right, maybe it is the devil, could that gypsy have been telling the truth?

CURTIS exits the bus.

INT. CAR

CURTIS gets into his car, drives home.

INT. HOME, LIVING ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON

CURTIS sits down to watch television, falls asleep, a few hours later, he wakes up and gets dressed. CURTIS takes a look at himself in the mirror.

CURTIS JACKSONTonight we are gonna knock 'em dead.

EXT. FRONT OF THE BUILDING, CURB - EARLY EVENING

CURTIS leaves the house, gets into his car, drives away.

EXT. THE RITZ, BACK ENTRANCE - FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER

CURTIS arrives at the building, gets out of his car and enters through the back. CURTIS sits on stage with his band while the people continue to file inside.

CURTIS JACKSONMan it’s going to be a packed house tonight.

JOHNNY BLUEYeah...This is going to be some show!

The curtain goes up, the band starts to play their first number, the crowd quickly gets into it. two songs later, T.J. members gives CURTIS his cue.

CURTIS stands up and begins to play his solo, during his first five notes the power goes out immersing everyone in total darkness. Confusion breaks out as people search for the nearest exit. CURTIS finds the exit, leaves the building, as he steps away from the door the building blows up.

CURTIS takes cover with debris falling around him. He looks up, sees an apparition walking away from the burning building.

CURTIS JACKSONWhat the hell is going on?

CURTIS takes another look at the apparition, it walks like his band mate T.J. Johnson.

CURTIS JACKSONT.J?

CURTIS stares in amazement at the apparition and passes out. The Paramedics arrive and begin treating him for the third degree burns covering thirty percent of his body.

PARAMEDICSAre you ok, sir?

CURTIS JACKSONHunh? I guess so, yes.

CURTIS regains consciousness in time to see a police car arriving in the distance, it slows down and moves in slow motion. CURTIS looks at the Paramedic whose speech slows down to a crawl.

A Black-Robed figure walks toward CURTIS, it grabs his left hand turns up his palm and touches it. A symbol resembling a moon and star appear inside of CURTIS'S palm, the entity disappears.

PARAMEDICWhat are you doing, why are you standing up?

CURTIS has a confused look on his face. The Paramedics lie CURTIS back on the gurney. CURTIS looks down, sees the symbol on his hand resembling a Pentagram. CURTIS turns his palm downward so no one else can see it. The Paramedics work to sve CURTIS'S life.

PARAMEDICWe’re losing him! Give me 20 ccs of Dramamine!

The Paramedics load CURTIS into the ambulance, the van takes off.

INT. AMBULANCE - CONTINUOUS

CURTIS sees the lady in black standing in the crowd, she takes another drag of her cigarette. CURTIS points at the lady, but the Paramedics ignore him.

PARAMEDIC Vital signs are dropping sir.

CURTIS passes out.

CURTIS'S MIND'S EYE

EXT. PURGATORY

Minutes later CURTIS awakens, the lady in black stands before him.

CURTIS JACKSONI’ve seen you somewhere before. Now I remember it was at the Sands nightclub, that’s where.

LADY IN BLACKI tried to warn you but you would not listen.

CURTIS JACKSONWarn me about what?

LADY IN BLACKTaking it all for granted.

She drops the cigarette and steps on it, then points at CURTIS.

LADY IN BLACKYour time is up!

Her eyes glow red.

CURTIS JACKSONNo! I have so much to do, so many things left unsaid. Give me another chance. Please?

The LADY IN BLACK leans her head back and laughs.

LADY IN BLACKYou’ve had nine lives Mr. Jackson, count it nine, most people only get one, so tell your sob story to someone who gives a damn.

She snaps her fingers engulfing CURTIS in flames, his mystical form screams out in pain.

INT. AMBULANCE

While his physical form dies.

PARAMEDICS 1Come on his vitals are dropping

PARAMEDICSHis heart stopped!

The Paramedics try in vain to revive CURTIS, but he is pronounced dead on arrival.

INT. MERCY HOSPITAL, DOCTOR'S OFFICE - NIGHT

DOCTOR HARTMrs. Jackson we are sorry to inform you that your son, Curtis Jackson passed away today.

SHELLY drops the phone in shock.

INT. PURGATORY, NETHERWORLD - CONTINUOUS

CURTIS'S SOUL stands in a swamp. A shadowy figure approaches and stands before him.

SELOKSo we meet again, for the deaths of Bob Laney, Sue Boyle, Terrence Gibson and the other six lives that you took, I sentence you to the Dungeons of Hades, there the Night Specters will torment your soul until the end of days.

CURTIS'S SOUL begins to sink, the swamp swallows him whole.

INT. MAZE, SOULS OF THE DAMNED - ETHEREAL

CURTIS'S SOUL looks around, IT is standing in a dimly lit corridor made of black rock, from the sides of the walls oozes a thick black vile liquid substance. CURTIS'S SOUL moves through the ethereal dungeon, faces of the damned, appear and disappear into the black malleable wall.

INT. MAZE, INTERSECTION - ETHEREAL

CURTIS'S SOUL arrives at an intersection, sees an eerie glowing fog approaching from the east side of the dungeon. The fog draws closer, two wraiths emerge and descend on CURTIS'S SOUL.

CURTIS'S SOULNOOOOO!!! It can’t end like this, I won’t let it.

CURTIS'S SOUL screams out in anger.

CURTIS'S SOULNOOOOOOOOO!!!!

INT. XXX FUNERAL HOME, CREMATORIUM - NIGHT

A WORKER places CURTIS'S body inside of a plain wooden box, nails it shut, places it on a conveyor. The WORKER opens a metal door, inside it are piles of wood, ashes and other remains. He pushes a button near the conveyor belt igniting a fire inside of the furnace.

The conveyor begins to move, the casket draws near to the furnace’s entrance. The front of the coffin reaches the entrance to the furnace and slides inside.

INT. INTERSECTION - ETHEREAL

The BLOOD WRAITHS separate, grab ahold of each arm of CURTIS'S SOUL and pull ripping him apart.