Épisode Beautés fatales S01E13 - Tru Calling Saison 1

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Une bannière accrochée à un mur annonce : "Bienvenue à l’élection de Miss Fresh Face 2004". Une jolie jeune femme, Jackie, entre dans loge réservée aux participantes, apparemment très heureuse être là. Au même moment, une autre jolie jeune femme, Alex, attend impatiemment que Jackie redescende de son nuage et qu’elle laisse la voie libre...

Un matin, Tru reçoit un appel d'une journaliste, Michelle, qui après avoir consulté les rapports de police des mois derniers, a découvert que Tru était citée par toutes les victimes potentielles comme étant la raison pour laquelle elles sont toujours en vie. Tru suggère que ce n’est que pure coïncidence mais la journaliste ne pense pas ainsi.

Pendant ce temps, Harrison est en pourparlers avec son usurier qui est apparemment disposé à oublier sa dette de 4.000 $ si en échange il assure la première place sa fille, Angela, à l’élection de Miss Fresh Face. Heureusement, la petite amie de Harrison, Lindsay, organise l'événement et a offert à Harrison un siège à la table des juges ...

Plus tard, Davis entre dans la morgue et y trouve Tru durant ses heures de repos en train de passer en revue le rapport de l'autopsie de sa mère. Rien de neuf. Une seule balle. Perte massive de sang. Mais cela n’a pas empêché Tru de le relire une quinzaine de fois. Davis suggère que parfois il y n'y a qu'une seule balle, un tireur isolé, une mort tragique.

Au concours, Harrison essaye de se faire bien voir et d’influencer le vote des 2 autres juges vers Angela mais ça ne se passe pas bien et il se fait virer.

Pendant ce temps Tru rencontre par hasard Luc à la morgue. Il lui apprend maladroitement, que puisqu'ils continuent à travailler au même endroit, il vaut mieux être franc l'un envers l'autre. Il lui avoue alors qu'il a un rendez vous dans la soirée. Tru essaye de montrer qu'elle n'est pas déçue mais son téléphone sonne. L'appel provient d'Harrison, il a des ennuis et Tru doit y aller.

À la cérémonie, Harrison lui explique rapidement sa situation lui indique alors qu'il a rapidement besoin de quatre milles dollars. Tru l’interroge sur ce qu’il va se produire s'il ne les obtient pas. Harrison plaisante en lui répondant qu’il lui demandera de l'aide depuis l'au-delà ce soir, ce qui ne fait pas du tout rire sa soeur.

Sur la scène, la douce et innocente Jackie répond aux questions du maître de cérémonie. Soudain son visage se décompose, elle semble effrayée et quitte précipitamment la scène. Les gagnantes sont annoncées. La première dauphine est... Harrison prie pour que ce ne soit pas Angela. Mais malheureusement pour lui, Angela Esposito est première dauphine. Et le nouveau visage de Miss Fresh Face 2004 est... Mlle Alex Reynolds.

Tru et Harrison essayent de fuir rapidement mais un cri perçant les arrêtent : ils entrent dans la loge des candidates et y trouvent Alex, hystérique, regardant fixement vers le bas... Jackie est morte... Tru demande à Alex d’aller chercher la police pendant que Harrison fait le guet devant la porte. Mais ce dernier veut être là quand le corps reviendra à la vie pour demander de l’aide... Tru le convainc que même s'il le voit, il ne s’en rappellera pas car cela ne n‘aura pas eu lieu.
Harrison comprend qu'il est plus facile pour lui de juste partir. A peine est-il sorti de la pièce, les yeux de Jackie s'ouvrent vers Tru...

Retour dans le temps...

Tru et Davis discutent des évènements de la journée qui a déjà eu lieu. Tout ce que sait Tru à propos de la victime est qu'elle s’est effondrée puis a quitté précipitamment la scène pendant qu‘on lui posait des questions. Et elle avait des rougeurs sous ses yeux. Avant de partir, Tru avertit Davis que si une journaliste nommée Michelle Carey la demande, il ne faut répondre à aucune question.

De retour au concours, Tru recherche Jackie mais tombe sur Lindsay en premier. Cela arrange Lindsay car elle était sur le point d’appeler Tru : une des filles a abandonné et elle a besoin de quelqu'un de "fabuleux" pour la remplacer. Tru accepte, ce qui surprend Lindsay qui ne s'attendait pas à une réponse positive. Tru rencontre ensuite Harrison qui comprend qu’elle a déjà vécu ce jour et est soulagé de découvrir que ce n‘est pas lui qui a demandé de l'aide. Avant de se diriger vers les loges, Tru lui explique que son arrangement ne va pas fonctionner et qu'il doit essayer d’être plus malin.

Dans les coulisses, Tru et Jackie s'entendent très bien notamment sur le fait que les autres participantes sont antipathiques. Tru essaye de dire quelque chose à Jackie mais en entrant dans la loge d'habillement, elles tombent sur l'ex-petit ami de Jackie, Tyler, qui veut juste qu'elle lui donne une autre chance. Jackie lui indique qu'il n'y a plus rien à redire. Tru suggère d'appeler la sécurité ce qui offense Tyler qui s'en va. Jackie propose à Tru de mettre une de ses robes supplémentaires pour la cérémonie.

Pendant ce temps, Le directeur de Fresh Face, Julian Barnes, prend Lindsay en aparté. Celle-ci se demande ce qu’a fait Harrison... Il est été parfaitement plaisant, mais Julian a appris que sa soeur participait à l‘élection. Il y a donc un conflit d'intérêt. Il ne peut plus faire partie du jury.

De retour à la morgue, la journaliste Michelle Carey entre dans le bureau et se présente à Davis sous le nom de Susan Park. Elle explique qu’elle vient chercher un certificat de décès pour un ami. Davis n’est vraiment pas à l’aise devant Michelle et tremble de tous ses membres. Les demandes de certificat de décès sont censées passer par le bureau des archives du comté mais il accepte de faire une exception pour cette fois.

Alors que Jackie défile, Tru attend dans les coulisses dans une splendide robe rouge. Elle rejoint Alex sur le côté de la scène. Celle-ci fait des remarques désobligeantes à propos du physique de Jackie. Tru lui demande ce qu‘il y a entre elles et Alex lui rétorque qu'il n'y a rien mis à part la couronne, et que d’ailleurs, personne n’a de chance contre elle. Quand Jackie revient dans les loges, Tru veut l'avertir qu'elle est en danger mais elle est alors appelée sur scène. Tru commence à défiler mais est distraite par un homme dans l’assistance : c'est Tyler et il se dirige vers les loges. Tru quitte rapidement le podium et suit Tyler.

Dans les coulisses, Tru s'arrête à la vue de Tyler, un genou à terre, proposant à Jackie de marier avec lui. À la surprise de Tru, Jackie n‘est pas effrayée et lui répond qu’elle l'aime aussi. Mais elle a besoin de temps pour y réfléchir. Tyler lui dit qu‘il attendra tout le temps qu‘il faudra.

Pendant ce temps, à un restaurant français de l'autre côté de la ville, Luc dîne avec une jeune femme. Malheureusement, celui-ci l'épuise car il n’arrête pas de parler de Tru et de ses habitudes d’interrompre leurs rendez-vous. La jeune femme se rend compte qu’il n'est pas encore remis de sa rupture avec Tru et le laisse en plan.

Alors que Tru est sur scène et qu’on lui pose des questions, Jackie se dirige vers les loges, et s’arrête lorsqu’elle entend des voix provenant de l‘intérieur. Jackie jette un coup d’oeil par la fente de la porte et voit Alex et Julian Barnes dans une discussion tendue. Alors qu’ils parlent, Julian serre fortement Alex par le bras. Il exige qu'elle lui rende quelque chose. Elle l'avertit que les juges pourraient voir des marques sur ses bras. Il la relâche mais ajoute qu'elle sait qu’elle gagnerait le concours même si elle avait deux yeux au beurre noir. Le "quelque chose" mentionné s'avère en fait être une cassette vidéo très compromettante. Jackie est choquée par ce qu’elle vient d’entendre et comprend que les autres filles n'ont aucune chance.

Pendant sa session de Questions/Réponses, Jackie s'enfuie à nouveau comme la première fois. Alex dit a Tru que Jackie vient de perdre le concours. Tru comprend qu'Alex n'est pas la meurtrière car Jackie n'est plus une menace pour elle. Tru reçoit un appel de Davis qui lui explique que la décoloration autour des yeux de Jackie est due à un pesticide "Parathion". Une fois dans le système nerveux, cela entraîne une asphyxie instantanée Tru lui dis qu‘elle avait des suspects. Tru n'a plus aucun suspect.

Dans les loges, Tru surprend Jackie en train de faire son sac. Cette dernière explique à Tru que le concours entier est truqué. Alex fait du chantage à un des juges avec une cassette vidéo. Jackie est sur le point de se démaquiller avec un coton enduit de lotion. Tru se souvient des mots de Davis et cela la fait réagir violemment. "N‘en met pas, Jackie. Ca te tuera".
Jackie se demande pourquoi le solvant du maquillage d'Alex la tuerait. Tru se rend compte que le liquide mortel a été mis dans le flacon pour tuer Alex et non Jackie.

A la morgue, Michelle indique sa vraie identité et Davis s’en veut d’avoir été si stupide. Il lui demande de partir mais elle l’assaillit de questions à propos de Tru, de sa présence sur les lieux du crime, sur le fait qu’elle sauve des étrangers... Davis fait le sourd-muet mais Michelle veut une explication. Elle sait d’autres choses... Elle a fait quelques recherches et il s'avère que Tru n'est pas la première jeune femme qui sauve mystérieusement des étrangers. Il y avait quelqu'un d'autre avant elle. Davis lui donne un dernier avertissement : elle doit partir.

Au concours, les participantes sont alignées sur la scène tandis que les juges annoncent les gagnantes. La nouvelle Miss Fresh Face est... Mlle Alex Reynolds. Surprise !
Julian Barnes dit à Tru qu'elle pourra retenter sa chance l'an prochain. Tru suggère que peut-être l’année prochaine, elle devrait apporter une bande vidéo. Elle le menace de faire une projection en public pour lui rafraîchir la mémoire... Julian veut savoir ce qu'elle veut. De l'argent ? Tru lui répond qu’elle veut qu’il se démasque pour avoir tenté de tuer Alex avec son propre maquillage. Il ne comprend pas, elle a gagné, tout est rentré dans l‘ordre. Pourquoi essayerait-il de la tuer maintenant ? Tru réalise soudainement que quelque chose manque. Elle aperçoit à coté d’Alex, la femme de Barnes disant : "Nous allons la laissez se remaquiller avant de prendre les photos". Elle avertit Alex du danger en lui expliquant que la femme de Barnes n’a pas apprécié ce qu’elle a fait avec son mari, ainsi, elle a ajouté un solvant à son maquillage. Alex accuse Adrian. La police arrive et Tru a tous les éléments pour le prouver...

Harrison, alors en mauvaise posture, est enchanté par la nouvelle tournure des évènements. Alex est éliminée donc Angela obtient le titre de Miss Fresh Face !

De retour au boulot, Tru rencontre de nouveau Luc qui lui dit indirectement qu’il n’a pas cessé de penser à elle. Il pense avoir exagéré ses réactions face au comportement de Tru. Mais celle-ci veut le protéger et lui dit qu'elle ne pourra jamais changer et que cela demande des sacrifices voire même d'abandonner des choses qu‘elle aime vraiment.

Tru demande à Davis si la journaliste a appelé. Non mais elle est venue, lui répond t'il. Il lui assure qu'il ne lui a fourni aucunes informations mais... elle sait quelque chose. Quelque chose que Davis sait depuis longtemps. "Avant toi, il y avait quelqu'un d'autre. Une femme. Elle revivait des jours". C'est pourquoi Davis n'a pas eu de mal à croire Tru. Parce qu'il connaissait cette autre femme. Et Tru aura beau relire son dossier, elle n'y trouvera rien. "C'était ta mère !"

1. INT. Beauty Pageant Hall. DAY.
 (Jackie, a blonde 20-something pretty woman, walks into shot carrying her dress over her shoulder, smiling widely. Everyone around her is getting ready for the Beauty Pageant)
 
STAGE MANAGER (hurrying through, a man with a clipboard following her)
Drop those lights down! Check the sound again, I’m still hearing feedback
 
Cut to: MAN (on cellphone)
I don’t care what you told them, Marty. I’m not gonna sing!
 
Cut to: JOURNALIST WOMAN (talking to male companion)
I talked to my friend at the Times, they said they’d send their best photographer
 
MAN FRIEND
I don’t know what I’d do without you
 
 (Jackie crosses behind them, onto the stage, still looking around in awe)
 
2. INT. Dressing Rooms. DAY.
 (Jackie walks in and stands in the doorway, observing)
 
CONTESTANT 1
Hi
 
 (Two other contestants walk past each other, exchanging a “Hi”)
 
 Camera pans around the dressing room, girls milling around, all beautiful, underneath a banner which reads “Welcome to Miss Fresh Face”
 
Cut to: Jackie, still standing in the doorway, smiling. Alex Reynolds, gorgeous and knows it, walks up behind her
 
ALEX
Will you be moving sometime today, or should I go change in my car?
 
JACKIE
Sorry!
 
ALEX (walking in)
You know this room’s only for contestants right?
 
JACKIE
I am a contestant
 
ALEX (surprised)
Oh
 
 (she looks her up and down)
 
Right. Of course you are
 
JACKIE (coming over and holding out her hand)
My name’s Jackie
 
ALEX
No offence sweetie, but I’m not looking to make friends today. I’m looking to win
 
JACKIE (surprised, withdraws her hand)
Hmm…
 
3. INT. Tru’s bedroom. DAY.
 (Tru wakes up in bed. Her telephone is ringing. She glances at the clock then hurries out of bed to answer it)
 
TRU
Hello?
 
Cut to: MICHELLE CAREY walking along the street
Tru Davies?
 
TRU (voice over)
Yes, may I ask who’s calling?
 
MICHELLE
Sorry, how rude of me. Michelle Carey, Post-Dispatch
 
Cut to: TRU
The newspaper
 
Cut to: MICHELLE
Some people think so. Anyway I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions
 
Cut to: TRU
Actually I’m not interested in a subscription
 
Cut to: MICHELLE
That’s not what I’m calling about. I’ve been looking through police reports over the past several months. All sorts – an attempted murder-for-hire scheme, suspected mass poisoning and so on. And the only thing all these very different crimes have in common is…well…you
 
Cut to: TRU (she is looking very uncomfortable)
Yeah, well, I’m not sure I understand…
 
Cut to: MICHELLE
In all the cases that I’ve looked at, you were cited by the would-be victim as the reason he or she was still alive. Every time. It’s really quite remarkable
 
Cut to: TRU
I’m sure it’s some sort of coincidence
 
Cut to: MICHELLE
Well that’s just it. I’m not. For a girl who works in the city morgue, you sure spend a lot of time in the police blotter
 
Cut to: TRU
You know, now really isn’t a good time
 
MICHELLE (voice over)
Should I call you later?
 
TRU
Maybe I could just call you
 
Cut to: MICHELLE
Fine. The paper will find me wherever I am. I look forward to your call
 
Cut to: TRU
Great
 
Cut to Michelle – she closes her flip-phone, looking pleased with herself
 
Cut to Tru – looking absolutely horrified
 
 [CREDITS]
 
4. EXT. Park. DAY.
 (Tru and Lindsay are walking together)
 
TRU
I’m not depressed, I’m just…
 
LINDSAY
Single
 
TRU
Linds, Luc and I just weren’t meant to be
 
LINDSAY
Well if you ask me, he’ll be begging to get back with you, any day now. Anyway, I’d better run
 
TRU
That’s right; you got that Beauty Pageant thing today. I still can’t believe you talked your firm into running it
 
LINDSAY
I know, they’re also letting me pick one of the judges, so I had this brainstorm. Since they’re looking for a regular girl, who better to choose one than…a common man
 
TRU
Don’t tell me. Harrison
 
5. EXT. Street. DAY.
 (Harrison and his loan shark, Marlon, are standing by a Hot Dog Vender; Marlon’s heavy is standing nearby)
 
MARLON
And your girlfriend knows nothing about this?
 
HARRISON
Not a thing. She trusts me completely
 
MARLON
You’re not getting cold feet now, are ya?
 
HARRISON
Me? Please! With yours truly on the judges panel, I can practically guarantee that your daughter will be the next Miss Fresh Face
 
MARLON
Practically?
 
HARRISON
There are three judges on the panel. I’m only one of them
 
MARLON
Listen Harry, Angela made it this far on her own. Now your proposal, as creative as it may be, is null and void should Angela finish any lower than, let’s say…first place?
 
HARRISON
Marlon, be reasonable, man
 
MARLON
I am! You pay me four large right now, and I’m reasonable. You make sure Angela wins, I’m also reasonable. Anything else…I’m not so reasonable
 
 (Marlon walks off with his heavy)
 
6. INT. Morgue. DAY.
 (Tru enters with a document wallet)
 
TRU
Hey
 
DAVIS
You’re here early
 
TRU
I’m not staying, I just wanted to get this back to County Records
 
DAVIS
Your mom’s autopsy report?
 
TRU
Yeah
 
DAVIS
Anything new?
 
TRU
No. Standard B and E gone bad. Single bullet, massive blood loss. Of course, I only read it 15 times and still think there’s something I must have missed
 
DAVIS
Tru, if I may, sometimes there is just a single bullet. A lone gunman, a tragic death. Sometimes the truth is exactly as it appears to be
 
TRU
What makes you say that?
 
DAVIS
Eight years of working here
 
TRU
Just wish I thought so too
 
DAVIS
See you tonight
 
TRU
Yeah
 
 (Her cellphone rings)
 
Cut to: LINDSAY at the Beauty Pageant
I knew it! I knew this girl was gonna be trouble. Two minutes before the pageant starts, and this finalist just drops out. Do you know what this means?
 
Cut to: TRU
You’re one girl short?
 
Cut to: LINDSAY
Yeah, exactly. Now I need to find a replacement. Someone fabulous to fill in. Someone fabulous, just like…
 
Cut to: TRU
Not a chance
 
Cut to: LINDSAY
Oh Tru, come on
 
Cut to: TRU
Listen. Someone to hold your hair when you throw up, I’m your girl. Need a ride to the airport? Look no further. But Beauty Pageants is where I draw the line
 
Cut to: LINDSAY
It’ll be fun!
 
Cut to: TRU
I’m so sorry but it’s just not happening
 
Cut to: LINDSAY (she sighs)
Thanks anyway Tru
 
Cut to: TRU
Bye
 
7. INT. Beauty Pageant. DAY.
 (Lindsay has just hung up the phone when the emcee appears onstage)
 
EMCEE
Hello, and welcome to the first annual Miss Fresh Face pageant
 
Cut to: Shot of the judges, Harrison, and Mr and Mrs Barnes
 
EMCEE
Now let’s join our judges in welcoming our first contestant, Miss Angela Todd
 
 (Everyone claps as Angela appears onstage, smiling)
 
Angela’s a recent graduate of Oakville Junior School…
 
 (The emcee and Angela can be heard faintly in the background as Harrison talks)
 
HARRISON (to the other two judges)
By the way, I was checking out the contestants backstage. Angela girl…Very impressive. Smart as a whip. And uh, quite the pleasing disposition
 
EMCEE
Okay Angela, if you could have dinner with any figure from history…
 
 (Angela smiles into the crowd at Marlon; he gives her the thumbs up)
 
…who would you have dinner with?
 
ANGELA
That’s a good question, Chuck. I’d have to say…Kelly Clarkson
 
 (The crowd chuckle)
 
EMCEE
Angela, let me clarify…any figure, from history…?
 
ANGELA (smiling widely)
Kelly Clarkson!
 
 (The crowd laughs. Marlon waves at her proudly)
 
Cut to: HARRISON
Wow!
 
EMCEE
Angela, thank you
 
 (The crowd clap, Angela walks offstage)
 
Cut to: MARLON
Great, isn’t she great?
 
Cut to: HARRISON (clapping wildly)
Wow! Now there is a girl with conviction! An all-too-rare quality in our young people today
 
 (Adrian and Julian Barnes exchange glances. Julian notices Lindsay walk by with her clipboard)
 
JULIAN (to Harrison and Adrian)
Excuse me
 
 (He gets up and walks after Lindsay)
 
Ms. Walker?
 
LINDSAY
Yes Mr Barnes?
 
JULIAN
We have a problem
 
LINDSAY
We do?
 
8. EXT. Beauty Pageant. DAY.
 (Lindsay shows Harrison outside)
 
HARRISON
I am fired?
 
LINDSAY
I’m sorry, okay? Julian Barnes said you were playing favourites, trying to influence the other judges?
 
HARRISON (defensively)
Oh, well, that’s crazy!
 
LINDSAY
I know, but he’s the boss
 
HARRISON
No, but, what about you and me and the ‘sharing your work’ and all that stuff, doesn’t that count for anything?
 
LINDSAY
Of course it does. That’s why I saved you a seat, right in the front row
 
 (She smiles, and walks back inside)
 
HARRISON (sarcastically)
Perfect!
 
Cut to: Shot of the City Morgue building and front door
 
9. INT. Morgue. DAY.
 (Tru walks out of the crypt into the corridor. Luc is walking up the corridor)
 
LUC (calling)
Tru
 
TRU
Luc
 
LUC
I’m glad I ran into you, because I wanted to talk to you about something, in person
 
TRU
Is everything okay?
 
LUC
Yeah, yeah, it’s just, uh…Look, this isn’t easy to say, but I’m gonna try
 
 [Flashback: LINDSAY: “Well if you ask me, he’ll be begging to get back with you, any day now”]
 
TRU
Take your time. These things are important
 
LUC
Yeah. That’s why I wanted to talk to you face to face
 
 (Tru waits, expectantly)
 
Now that we’re not together any more, it’s inevitable we’ll start dating other people, and since we work together, I know that could be awkward. That’s why I wanted you to know that…I’m going on a date tonight
 
TRU
Oh
 
LUC
Look I hope I did the right thing; I just didn’t want you finding out some other way
 
TRU
No, of course. I appreciate that
 
 (Luc’s pager bleeps)
 
LUC
Anyway, I should get to work. You know, it’s funny. We’ve known each other for three months, and this is the first time I’ve left the conversation before you did
 
 (Tru’s cellphone rings)
 
TRU
Hello?
 
Cut to: HARRISON outside the Beauty Pageant
It’s me. And I need you, now
 
Cut to: TRU
Can it wait?
 
Cut to: HARRISON
Oh, yeah! If you wanna see me in a full body cast
 
Cut to: TRU
I’ll be there as soon as I can
 
(To Luc) Sorry, but I’ve gotta run
 
LUC (mostly to himself)
Why aren’t I surprised?
 
10. INT. Beauty Pageant. DAY.
 (Jackie is onstage)
 
EMCEE
She graduated with honours from the local community college, and Jackie majored in education
 
 Camera moves to Tru and Harrison, who are sitting at a table. The emcee can be heard talking in the background
 
TRU
So let me get this straight, you convinced your girlfriend to make you a judge, in order to rig the voting, so the daughter of your loan shark would finish first?
 
HARRISON
You know, that’s a very poorly constructed sentence. I hardly know what you’re talking about
 
 (Off Tru’s look)
 
Fine. Yes. That’s why I need to borrow four grand from you
 
TRU
I don’t have 4 grand!
 
HARRISON
I figured. So, er, 40 bucks and tomorrow’s winning lottery numbers?
 
EMCEE
So tell us Jackie, why should you be the next Miss Fresh Face?
 
JACKIE (looking upset)
Um…I’m sorry, I can’t do this…sorry…
 
 (She rushes off the stage)
 
EMCEE (looking hurriedly at his cards)
Okay, moving right along
 
TRU
Oh that poor girl. These pageants can be rough
 
HARRISON
Oh yeah, yeah, and I thought I had problems
 
TRU
Okay, let me ask you, if you don’t pay this guy, what would he do to you?
 
HARRISON
Put it this way, I may be asking for your help tonight…from beyond
 
TRU
Harrison!
 
HARRISON
I am joking…jeez. Start saving dead people and all of a sudden you lose your sense of humour
 
TRU
Hmm
 
HARRISON
Don’t worry. I’ll think of something
 
11. INT. Restaurant. NIGHT.
 (Luc is on his date with Tabitha)
 
TABITHA
I’m having a really nice time
 
LUC
Me too. You know, this might sound like a strange question, but…you have no reason to run off in the middle of the meal, do you?
 
TABITHA
No. Not unless you ask me too
 
LUC
Well how about we make a deal
 
 (He takes her hand)
 
I won’t ask you if you don’t volunteer
 
TABITHA
Sounds perfect
 
12. INT. Beauty Pageant. NIGHT.
 (The contestants ate standing onstage with the emcee)
 
EMCEE
Okay ladies and gentleman, the votes are in from our remaining judges. Now the first runner up…
 
 (Tru turns to look at the stage, interested)
 
…who will step in, should our winner be unable to perform her duties, is…
 
HARRISON (sitting at a table, alone)
Don’t say Angela Todd, don’t say Angela Todd, do not say…
 
EMCEE
Miss Angela Todd!
 
 (Angela shrieks in delight and hugs the girl next to her)
 
Cut to: Marlon, whose face falls
 
Cut to: Harrison, who looks nervous
 
HARRISON
Oh, crap
 
Cut to: the stage, Angela, smiling, waves to the crowd, then goes offstage
 
Cut to: Marlon, who looks around at Harrison, scowling
 
Cut to: Harrison, who smiles back at Marlon, nervously
 
EMCEE
And the official new face of Julian Barnes cosmetics, winner of the cash prize, the modelling contract, and the lifetime supply of cosmetics is…
 
 Shot of all the girls, holding hands in a line
 
… Miss Alex Reynolds!
 
 (Alex smiles delighted)
 
ADRIAN BARNES
Now we’re all as excited to have Miss Reynolds aboard as you are. But what do you say we give her a chance to freshen up before taking any more photos
 
ALEX (holding a huge bouquet of flowers)
Seriously, my make-up must be a mess
 
 (She waves at the crowd)
 
Thank you!
 
 (She goes offstage)
 
EMCEE
Thank you ladies and gentlemen…
 
Cut to: Harrison walks up behind Tru
 
HARRISON
All right, we are out of here
 
TRU
What’s up?
 
HARRISON (walking Tru along)
Let’s just say some people have some major anger issues
 
TRU
We can’t get out this way
 
HARRISON
Why not?
 
TRU
Because we need a…
 
 (Harrison produces a pass for the security guard on the door that leads round to the backstage area)
 
…pass
 
HARRISON (to the guard)
Excuse me, Frank
 
 (He pulls Tru through)
 
I was a judge, remember! Come on…
 
13. INT. Corridor backstage. NIGHT.
 
HARRISON
Man, I was so close! All I had to do was convince the other two, and I would have been…
 
 (He notices Tru, lagging behind)
 
Hey, Track Star, pick up the pace here
 
TRU
Maybe you should stop borrowing money and getting yourself into these kinds of situations
 
HARRISON
Oh, okay, Dad!
 
 (A woman screams in one of the rooms behind them. Tru and Harrison stop and turn around)
 
HARRISON
Did I imagine that, or…?
 
TRU
I think it came from over there
 
 (She turns around and walks back the way they have just walked)
 
HARRISON
I don’t know if now’s a good time to be taking the scenic route
 
 (Tru doesn’t reply)
 
Hey!
 
14. INT. Dressing room. NIGHT.
 (Tru enters. Alex is panting for breath, shaken up)
 
TRU
What happened?
 
ALEX
It’s Jackie! She was like this when I came in
 
 (She points to where Jackie is lying on the floor. Tru kneels beside her, Harrison gingerly comes over too)
 
TRU
Go call the police, now!
 
HARRISON
So, she’s, uh…
 
 (Tru feels for a pulse)
 
TRU
Dead
 
HARRISON
They just always seem to find you, don’t they
 
TRU
Unfortunately, yes
 
HARRISON
So, is, ah…So is now when it happens?
 
TRU
What?
 
HARRISON
When she asks for help. The dead chick
 
TRU
I don’t know when it happens, Harr, it just happens. Look do me a favour, go stand outside the door. We need to keep the crime scene intact
 
HARRISON (staring at Jackie’s dead body)
Sorry, but I have got to see this
 
TRU
Look there’s no guarantee it’s gonna happen, and even if it does, you won’t remember it when you wake up tomorrow because it wouldn’t have happened yet
 
HARRISON
Yeah. I think I’ll just go wait outside
 
TRU
Yeah
 
 (Harrison walks out of the room, and closes the door. Tru stares at Jackie)
 
 (Jackie’s face twists round to face Tru. The skin around her eyes is burned)
 
JACKIE
Help me!
 
 [Flashes of the days images as it rewinds]
 
15. INT. Tru’s bedroom. DAY.
 (Tru sits up in bed, the telephone is ringing. She stays in bed, breathing heavily.)
 
TRU ON ANSWERPHONE
Hey, it’s Tru. Leave a message
 
MICHELLE ON ANSWERPHONE
Hi, this is Michelle Carey at the Post-Dispatch.
 
Cut to: MICHELLE
Tell you what, since I seem to have missed you at home, why don’t I just give you a call at work?
 
Cut to: Tru, still in bed, breathing heavily. The machine beeps off
 
 [Fade to Black]
 [Flashes of the images of the day rewinding]
 
16. INT. Morgue. DAY.
 (Davis closes one of the drawers, revealing Tru standing behind it)
 
TRU
Just once, I’d like to go somewhere and have everyone stay alive, is that too much to ask?
 
DAVIS
You really want me to answer that?
 
TRU
No, actually, I don’t
 
DAVIS
What do you know about the victim?
 
TRU
Not much. Just that she broke down and ran off during her Q and A section
 
DAVIS
Well those questions can be tough…so I’m told. Anything on the body?
 
TRU
There was some nasty discolouration under her eyes
 
DAVIS
Puffy?
 
TRU
More like burned
 
DAVIS
Doesn’t ring any bells but I’ll look into it
 
TRU
Let me know. But first thing’s first, I’ve gotta convince Jackie to drop out. Not like she’s gonna win anything tonight
 
DAVIS
What, and shatter her dreams of being crowned Miss Fresh Face?
 
TRU
No. I’m gonna save her life
 
DAVIS
Oh
 
(Tru is able to walk out, but remembers something, and turns back)
 
TRU
Oh, hey. If a reporter named Michelle Carey calls looking for me, just don’t answer any questions
 
DAVIS
Questions? What kind of questions?
 
TRU
The kind we don’t wanna answer
 
DAVIS
Oh that kind, right
 
 (Tru walks out into the corridor and sees Luc coming)
 
 [Flashback: LUC: “I’m going on a date tonight”]
 
 (Luc looks up and notices her)
 
LUC
Hey, Tru, I was hoping I’d run into you
 
TRU
Yeah?
 
LUC
Yeah, uh, the reason is…
 
TRU
Actually, there’s something that I’ve been wanting to talk to you about
 
LUC
Okay…
 
TRU
Well it’s just that now we’re not together anymore, it’s inevitable that we’ll start dating other people, and with the two of us working together, things might get awkward. I just wanted to let you know that it’s fine with me
 
LUC
Really?
 
TRU
Yeah, I just…hope you find someone that makes you happy
 
LUC
Oh but…I thought that…I mean…
 
 (Tru kisses him on the cheek)
 
TRU
I gotta run
 
LUC
Go, yeah, right
 
 (She gets into the elevator, presses the button. The doors close. She and Luc watch each other)
 
 [Flashes of the “Miss Fresh Face” club, the stage and the emcee, and the contestants from Day 1]
 
17. INT. Beauty Pageant Hall. DAY.
 (Lindsay notices Tru)
 
LINDSAY
Tru, I was just gonna call you. Oh, this is so perfect!
 
TRU
Really? What’s going on?
 
LINDSAY
Well, one of the girls just dropped out, like two minutes before the pageant, and I need someone fabulous to fill…
 
TRU
I’m in
 
LINDSAY (shocked)
Really?
 
TRU
Yeah, whatever you need
 
LINDSAY
Wow, I’m shocked. I totally thought it was gonna be a long shot
 
TRU
So should I get backstage?
 
LINDSAY
Yeah, I’ll get you a pass, and just wait here
 
TRU
Okay
 
 (Lindsay hurries off. Tru sees Harrison and walks over to him)
 
TRU
Hey, Harr
 
HARRISON
What are you doing here?
 
TRU
You know, stuff
 
HARRISON
Oh, don’t tell me
 
 (Tru nods)
 
So who kicked it? Me? Was I the one?
 
TRU
No! Not you. One of the girls
 
HARRISON
Oh don’t tell me it was Angela Todd
 
TRU
Her name’s Jackie
 
HARRISON (relieved)
Oh… can you believe it? Murder at Lindsay’s fashion show! Where’s I’m a judge and you’re a…
 
TRU
…A contestant
 
HARRISON (head in hands)
Oh my God…
 (He chuckles, brings his head up)
 
You?
 
 (He laughs, Tru doesn’t look amused. Harrison waves a hand over his face, as if removing the laugh)
 
I’m sorry. I didn’t, uh…
 
TRU
It’s the only way to get close to her
 
HARRISON (laughingly)
Oh yeah?
 
TRU
And while you’re having a good laugh, let me just mention that your little scheme isn’t gonna work
 
HARRISON
What’s that?
 
TRU
Fixing a beauty pageant for your loan shark? What were you thinking?
 
HARRISON
I…
 
TRU
You know, it’s hard enough saving these people without always having to bail your ass out of trouble
 
HARRISON
But...that’s like our thing, right?
 
TRU
Just try not to be so obvious. You got yourself kicked off the judging panel yesterday
 
HARRISON
Good to know
 
 (Lindsay comes hurrying over)
 
LINDSAY
Okay, come on, lets get you backstage
 
 (She hands Tru a pass)
 
18. INT. Backstage. DAY.
 
STAGE MANAGER
So this is the replacement?
 
LINDSAY
Uh, yeah – Tru
 
STAGE MANAGER
I need you to get into your dress for the first round. Eveningwear
 
TRU
Um, this was so last minute I don’t have a dress
 
JACKIE (off-screen)
Oh, you can borrow one of mine
 
(Tru turns to look at her)
 
 [Flashback: the moment Jackie asked for help]
 
TRU
Thanks
 
JACKIE
Don’t worry about it. Couldn’t decide, so I brought four
 
STAGE MANAGER
Well, it sounds like a plan. Okay, let’s kick it into high gear girls
 
 (she walks away)
 
TRU (to Jackie)
Hi, I’m Tru
 
JACKIE
Jackie
 
 (They shake hands)
 
ALEX
I heard there was a late entry. So you must be the new girl
 
TRU
Nice to meet you
 
ALEX
Mm-hmm. So, what, you just decide over breakfast that you wanted to be Miss Fresh Face?
 
TRU
Actually, yeah
 
ALEX (disgusted, hands on hips)
Unbelievable
 
 (She gives Tru a smug smile and walks past)
 
They’ll let anybody into these things…
 
TRU
Is she always so warm?
 
JACKIE
Afraid so. But it’s not just Alex. It’s all of them. I guess catty competition’s just not my thing. I thought it could be fun, but these girls, it’s like they’ll do anything to win
 
19. INT. Main Hall. DAY.
 (The emcee is onstage, ready to start the competition)
 
EMCEE
Now before we start, I’d like to introduce you to our judges. Please welcome, the CEO of Julian Barnes cosmetics, Mr Julian Barnes
 
 (Julian stands, everyone claps)
 
Our next judge is a former spokesmodel, who if you ask me, looks like she should be back here with the rest of our finalists. I know Julian thinks so, and that’s why he married her. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Adrian Barnes
 
 (She stands, smiles. Everyone claps)
 
And our man on the street, Mr Harrison Davies
 
 (Harrison stands, everyone claps)
 
Cut to: Marlon, staring at Harrison
 
Cut to: Harrison, winking at Marlon, casually
 
20. INT. Backstage. DAY.
 
TRU
Jackie, there’s something I’ve gotta tell you, and it’s gonna sound weird, but…
 
JACKIE
Come on, you look so serious all of a sudden, let’s talk inside
 
 (She opens the door to the dressing room)
 
21. INT. Dressing room. DAY.
 (Tyler sits on the chair in front of the mirror. As Tru and Jackie enter, he spins round to face them, holding a large bouquet of roses)
 
JACKIE
Tyler? What are you doing here?
 
TYLER
Jackie, look, I missed you and um…
 
JACKIE
I told you not to come
 
 (She walks to the end of the dressing room, he follows her)
 
TYLER
Just listen to me okay!
 
JACKIE
Go away!
 
TYLER
The least you can do is give me a chance
 
JACKIE
Tyler, there is nothing left to say. Okay, I live here now. This is my home. You have to go
 
TYLER
Look, no, I’m not leaving. I, look, I came halfway across the country to see you!
 
SECURITY GUARD (entering)
Is there a problem in here?
 
JACKIE (whispering)
Please! Just leave…
 
TYLER (putting a hand on Jackie’s arm)
But Jackie…
 
SECURITY GUARD (pulling Tyler away)
You heard the lady
 
TRU
Probably a good idea
 
TYLER (pulling away from the guard)
 Don’t bother!
 
SECURITY GUARD
This way Sir
 
TYLER
I’ll find my own way out
 
 (They both leave, closing the door behind them. Tru walks over to Jackie)
 
JACKIE
My ex. Not exactly a clean break. I moved here to start over, I never thought he’d come looking for me
 
TRU
Trust me, men are never predictable
 
 (Jackie smiles, and reaches into the clothing rail. She brings out a red dress)
 
Here. Try this one. It’ll look great on you
 
TRU
Thanks
 
22. INT. Stage. DAY.
 (Harrison is talking to Adrian, inaudible.)
 
LINDSAY
What did he do?
 
JULIAN
Nothing, in fact he’s been quite pleasant. The problem is it’s come to my attention that Mr. Davies’ sister has been slotted in as an alternate. Conflict of interest
 
LINDSAY
So I should, uh…
 
JULIAN
Can him
 
Cut to: Shot of the City Morgue building
 
23. INT. Morgue. DAY.
 (Davis is cleaning some trays. Michelle Carey walks in)
 
MICHELLE
Am I in the right place?
 
DAVIS
Huh?
 
MICHELLE
I was told to speak with Tru Davies?
 
DAVIS
Um, actually she…she’s not here. But I…I’d like to help you
 
 (Michelle looks knowingly at him. Davis closes his eyes and rephrases)
 
I could help you. Or...not
 
MICHELLE
I need to pick up a death certificate for a relative of mine
 
DAVIS
Um, actually, you’d have to go through…
 
MICHELLE
County Records, right?
 
DAVIS
Yeah
 
MICHELLE (sighs)
I was on line over there all morning. When they finally got around to helping me, they told me they had lost the original and said to come here for a new one
 
DAVIS
Well, unfortunately, any request for a new certificate, it has to go through…
 
MICHELLE (simpering)
Oh, please don’t tell me I have to go back to County Records?
 
 (She moves round the table, trailing one finger on it seductively)
 
I’m already four hours late for work
 
DAVIS (stammering)
Well I g…guess we could b…bend the r…rules just this once
 
 (Michelle smiles at him)
 
I’m sorry about your, your loss, Miss, uh…?
 
MICHELLE
Park. Susan Park
 
 (They shake hands)
 
24. INT. Stage. DAY.
 (Jackie is onstage)
 
EMCEE
Now Jackie’s wearing a stunning design from the Julian Barnes collection of fine formalwear
 
 Shot of Alex watching from backstage
 
EMCEE
It’s 50 per cent cotton, 50 per cent rayon and 100 per cent gorgeous
 
 Shot of Tru walking up to join Alex
 
ALEX
I hope she’s kidding with that ass. Ouch. Big much?
 
TRU
What’s between you two, anyway?
 
ALEX
The only thing between me and Jackie is the crown. No one else stands a chance against me (she looks Tru up and down) No offence
 
TRU
It’s just a contest. If you don’t win, it’s not the end of the world
 
ALEX
You so don’t get it. Winning something like this puts a girl on the map
 
 Shot of Jackie parading around the stage
 
TRU
To where? Mini-malls of the eastern seaboard?
 
ALEX
Gotta start somewhere. And a word of advice: If I got into the finals because my best friend was running the show, maybe I wouldn’t talk so much
 
 (She walks off. Jackie walks back out to where Tru is standing, the sound of the crowd clapping)
 
TRU
Hey, you looked really great out there
 
JACKIE
Oh, thanks
 
TRU
And you know, I’ve been thinking about what you said, about these girls, this whole thing. And the truth is, I feel the same way. So here’s an idea: let’s drop out
 
JACKIE (smiling)
Excuse me?
 
TRU
I’m serious! Let’s get out of here. We could be halfway through a pizza before they even know we’re gone
 
JACKIE
Oh, it’s tempting, I have to admit. But I signed up for this thing, and I should see it through. Can’t get any worse, right? Anyway, you being here is proof that not all the competition is so bad
 
 (She turns to go)
 
TRU
Look, Jackie, there’s something that I didn’t get a chance to tell you before…
 
JACKIE
I know, I walk too fast. And if I’m not careful I’m gonna take a nasty spill in these heels
 
TRU
No that’s not it, it’s something else, about tonight…
 
EMCEE (off-screen)
Next up, we have Tru Davies…
 
 (Tru and Jackie both look towards the stage)
 
TRU
Hey, listen; I don’t know how to tell you this but…
 
EMCEE (off-screen)
Tru Davies?
 
STAGE MANAGER
Talk later. Walk now. Go, go
 
 (She ushers Tru out)
 
JACKIE
Good luck!
 
25. INT. Stage. DAY.
 (Tru walks onto the stage, smiling. She walks past the judges table, Harrison’s seat is empty)
 
EMCEE
Ladies and gentlemen, Tru is a late entry into our little pageant here, but I’m sure she’s as deserving a candidate as we’ve seen here tonight
 
(The rest of the scene is music only over the action)
 
 Tru walks down the catwalk, smiling. As she gets to the end, she can see Lindsay talking to Harrison
 
 She poses for the photographers
 
 The crowd clap and cheer, smiling
 
 Tru looks over into the crowd and notices Tyler standing there
 
 As she watches, he walks backstage
 
 Tru picks up her dress and runs backstage after him
 
 [Fade to Black]
 [Flashes of the days images as it rewinds]
 
 Tru runs down the corridor towards the dressing room. She stops at the door
 
26. INT. Dressing room. DAY.
 (Tyler is down on one knee in front of Jackie, holding out a box with a ring in it. Tru watches at the doorway)
 
TYLER
This is why I wanted you to come home with me. I always thought I’d propose to you once we got there, but after we argued this morning, I figured it was now or never. So what do you say Jacks?
 
JACKIE
I want to. And I love you Ty, more than anything. But I need some time to think about it
 
TYLER (nods, closes the box and stands up)
Whatever you need. I’m not going anywhere
 
 (They hug each other tightly)
 
Cut to: Shot of the City Morgue
 
27. INT. Morgue. DAY.
 (Davis is looking through some files)
 
DAVIS
Here we are. Terrence Park. Sixty-eight years old, massive coronary. Korean male
 
MICHELLE
Uncle by marriage
 
DAVIS
Oh
 
 (He looks down at the report)
 
It says here that the original certificate was signed by a Jessica Park
 
MICHELLE
My cousin. She was gonna come with me today, but it was so hard for her to come here the first time
 
DAVIS
Yeah, it’s never easy coming to the morgue
 
MICHELLE
And yet you do it every day. You must be a very strong person. Working here all alone, surrounded by death
 
DAVIS
Well, actually, I oversee a small, um, staff
 
MICHELLE
Oh? Tru, right? My cousin said she dealt with somebody by that name
 
DAVIS
Yeah…Oh, actually, I should get you the new certificate
 
MICHELLE
I’m not in any hurry. Besides, I uh, I like talking to you
 
DAVIS
Yeah…
 
Cut to: Shot of the restaurant
 
28. INT. Restaurant. NIGHT.
 (Luc is on his date with Tabitha)
 
TABITHA
Are you okay?
 
LUC
This might sound like a strange question, but…you’re not gonna run off somewhere in the middle of dinner, are you?
 
TABITHA
Not unless you want me to
 
LUC
No, I don’t. No, not at all. ‘Cause that’s one thing I can’t stand, when a girl just ups and leaves, right in the middle of a meal, because my ex…
 
TABITHA
…ex used to do that
 
LUC
Oh, did I mention that already?
 
TABITHA
Three times
 
LUC
Look, Tabitha, you seem like a really great girl. The truth is, I thought I was ready to start dating again but…maybe I’m just not
 
TABITHA (angrily)
Oh, great. Maybe you could’ve thought of that before you asked me out
 
LUC
Well…
 
TABITHA
You know what? Here. Watch me run out in the middle of a meal
 
 (She walks away)
 
This was a waste of a night!
 
MAN ON NEARBY TABLE
What did he do?
 
HIS DATE
I dunno
 
 (Luc smiles at them nervously)
 
29. INT. Main Hall. NIGHT.
 (Angela Todd is onstage)
 
ANGELA
Kelly Clarkson
 
EMCEE
Okay, Angela, thank you
 
 (The crowd clap as Angela leaves the stage)
 
EMCEE
And now, for our next contestant, Tru Davies
 
 (The crowd clap, as Tru walks onstage)
 
So, Tru, your bio says that you work the night shift in a morgue
 
TRU
Yes, that’s right
 
EMCEE
So tell us, how do you spend your time when you’re not out tagging toes?
 
 (Tru looks over at Jackie, who is watching backstage. Jackie smiles at her, then turns and leaves)
 
TRU
I, uh…help people
 
EMCEE
So, volunteer work?
 
TRU
You could say that
 
30. INT. Corridor. NIGHT.
 (Jackie stops outside the dressing room door.)
 
JULIAN (off-screen/in the dressing room)
This is the last time I’m gonna ask you, do you understand? Did you bring it or not?
 
ALEX
Oh, it’s here somewhere
 
 (Jackie opens the door slightly and watches them)
 
ALEX (cont’d)
But I can’t give it to you. At least not yet
 
JULIAN (grabbing Alex’s arm)
Damn it Alex, I don’t have time for this, I shouldn’t even be out here, especially in the middle of the Q and A
 
ALEX
Careful, Jules. The judges take off for bruising
 
JULIAN (letting her go)
You know damn well that you could go out there with two black eyes and you’re still gonna win
 
ALEX
I knew that tape would persuade you
 
JULIAN
Don’t worry, you’ve got all the votes you need
 
ALEX
That’s all I wanted to hear
 
 (Jackie shakes her head, disbelievingly. She pulls the door too again. The stage manager touches her arm)
 
STAGE MANAGER
You’re up next
 
 (Jackie hurries to the stage)
 
31. INT. Stage. NIGHT.
 
EMCEE
Tru, in 50 words or less, tell us why you should be the next Miss Fresh Face
 
TRU
I wish I could Chuck, but I’m kind of on a tight schedule. Thanks
 
 (She hurries backstage)
 
32. INT. Backstage. NIGHT.
 
LINDSAY
What was that all about?
 
TRU
Uh, it’s just the crowd. I got nervous
 
LINDSAY
Ah, too bad, cause I think the judges like your look
 
EMCEE (off-screen)
It’s the one and only Miss Jackie Connors
 
 (Jackie walks past Tru onto the stage)
 
TRU
Speaking of judges, where’s Harrison?
 
LINDSAY
Uh, yeah, I sorta had to fire him
 
TRU
You what?
 
LINDSAY
Well once you entered the pageant, there was a conflict of interest, it wouldn’t have been fair to keep him on the panel
 
EMCEE (off-screen)
Tell us Jackie, why should you be the next Miss Fresh Face?
 
Cut to: JACKIE
I’m sorry, I can’t do this…I’m sorry
 
 (She rushes offstage)
 
EMCEE
Okay, uh…
 
Cut to: Tru standing just offstage, Alex comes up behind her
 
ALEX
Guess I don’t have to worry about her anymore
 
EMCEE (off-screen)
Our next contestant is
 
TRU
I thought you said she was your main competition
 
ALEX
Not after that performance. Right now, she’d be lucky to beat you
 
Cut to: Shot of the City Morgue building
 
33. INT. Morgue. NIGHT.
 (Davis is typing into the computer. Michelle is sitting opposite him)
 
MICHELLE
All his paperwork. I bet you don’t get out on many dates
 
DAVIS
Actually, women kind of think I’m strange
 
 (He pulls his finger until it clicks)
 
 (The computer beeps. Shot of the screen: it reads “One New Message”)
 
(Davis clicks it open. It is Jackie Connors’ Toxicology report. It reads: discoloration around the eyes, topical application of pesticide named “parathion”)
 
MICHELLE
Everything okay?
 
DAVIS
Yes
 
 (He closes the message down)
 
Can you excuse me a second?
 
MICHELLE
Yeah
 
34. INT. Backstage. NIGHT.
 (Tru’s cellphone rings)
 
TRU
Hello?
 
Cut to: DAVIS
Hey, it’s me. I just heard back from the Tox lab and the discoloration round the eyes is consistent with the topical application of an organophosphate. Most likely a pesticide of some sort
 
Cut to: TRU
You’re saying she died because someone rubbed it on her skin?
 
Cut to: DAVIS
Organophosphate is a powerful nerve agent, once it gets into the nervous system, it shuts the lungs down. It’s instant asphyxiation
 
Cut to: TRU
Lovely
 
Cut to: DAVIS
What about you, any suspects?
 
TRU (voice-over)
I had two, now it’s none
 
DAVIS
Well what happened?
 
Cut to: TRU
I thought it was the angry boyfriend, but he was only looking to propose. Then it was another contestant, but Jackie just bombed the Q and A so she’s not a threat to anyone
 
Cut to: DAVIS
Well there’s gotta be someone, Tru
 
Cut to: TRU
That’s the thing, there isn’t. Jackie’s one of the sweetest girls I’ve ever met. No one wants to hurt her
 
Cut to: DAVIS
Yeah, and she’s gonna be murdered in the next 30 minutes
 
Cut to: TRU
I gotta go, I’ll be in touch
 
Cut to: DAVIS
 (he hangs up the telephone)
 
MICHELLE
Exactly who is gonna be murdered in the next thirty minutes?
 
35. INT. Dressing room. NIGHT.
 (Jackie is packing her things. Tru enters)
 
TRU
Hey. I saw what happened out there, I just wanted to make sure you were okay
 
JACKIE
I’m leaving
 
TRU
What?
 
JACKIE
This whole night is fake. The girls look fake. The winner is fake. And absolutely none of it matters
 
TRU
Look, I wanna help you Jackie, but I need you to tell me exactly what’s going on
 
JACKIE
Well, it’s Alex. You know, she’s got something on one of the judges. Some sort of tape, or…
 
TRU
She’s blackmailing him?
 
JACKIE
Uh-huh. To make sure she’s declared the winner. Which means, nothing we did here today counted. Because the whole stupid thing was fixed
 
 (She looks in the mirror and notices her mascara is smeared all over her eyes)
 
Oh God. Look at me…I’m all Tammy Faye. Oh, I can’t let Ty see me like this, or he might take back his proposal
 
 (She picks up a bottle of eye make-up remover)
 
 [Flashback: DAVIS: “and the discoloration round the eyes is consistent with the topical application of an organophosphate. Most likely a pesticide]
 
 [Flash of Jackie’s dead body, the skin around her eyes all burned]
 
 [Flash of the bottle Jackie just picked up]
 
 (Tru watches as Jackie pours some of the liquid on a cotton wool pad and lifts it to her eye)
 
TRU
Jackie, stop! Don’t use that!
 
JACKIE
Why not?
 
TRU
Because it’ll kill you
 
 (Tru grabs the bottle and puts the lid back on)
 
JACKIE
Why would Alex’s make-up remover kill me?
 
TRU
Wait, this isn’t yours?
 
JACKIE
Mine’s already packed, I was just gonna borrow some of hers
 
TRU
But if this is Alex’s…oh my God. Then she was supposed to die yesterday, not you
 
 [Fade to Black]
 [Flashes of the days images as it rewinds]
 
36. INT. Dressing room. NIGHT.
 
JACKIE
No offence Tru, but you’re sort of freaking me out
 
TRU
Sorry, it’s just; I think someone’s trying to kill Alex
 
JACKIE
Why would anyone wanna kill her? Aside from the fact she’s a total B-I-You-Know-What
 
TRU
You said she had some sort of tape that she was using to blackmail one of the judges?
 
JACKIE
Well, to win a third-rate beauty contest? Not exactly grounds for murder
 
TRU
I don’t think its about the pageant. I think its about the tape
 
JACKIE
Look, maybe all the pressure’s getting to you. I don’t know, but I think I’m gonna…
 
 (She gestures to the door)
 
You know, I gotta say, I’m glad we met today. It was an absolutely miserable time and I don’t ever wanna do it again, but having you around, well it made a world of difference
 
 (Tru smiles at her. Jackie leaves the room)
 
Cut to: Shot of the City Morgue
 
37. INT. Morgue. NIGHT.
 
MICHELLE
I asked you a question
 
DAVIS
Let’s just get you your death certificate, and you can be on your way
 
MICHELLE
I don’t want the certificate. And my name isn’t Susan Park
 
DAVIS
You’re Michelle Carey? I have nothing further to say to you
 
MICHELLE
What is it that you and Tru don’t want me to know?
 
DAVIS
Please leave
 
MICHELLE
Does it have something to do with her mysterious appearance at crime scenes? Her uncanny knack for saving the lives of total strangers?
 
DAVIS
Listen, you are so far off. This is ridiculous
 
MICHELLE
Then enlighten me. Tell me what’s really going on here
 
DAVIS
Nothing is going on here!
 
MICHELLE
You’re saying that I imagined all of this?
 
DAVIS
Absolutely
 
MICHELLE
Well then let me tell you something else I might have imagined. I did a little research. And it turns out that Tru isn’t the first young woman to mysteriously pop up in the nick of time and save the lives of total strangers
 
 (Davis looks up at her)
 
There was another. Before her
 
DAVIS
I asked you to leave
 
MICHELLE
Tell Tru I’m sorry I missed her. But I’ll be sure to catch her another time
 
38. INT. Dressing room. NIGHT.
 (Tru is searching through Alex’s things. Eventually she picks out a video tape.)
 
 (She puts the tape into the VCR and presses play.)
 
[ON THE SCREEN]
 
ALEX (sitting on the bed, wearing a short skirt and skimpy top)
I’m not sure about this, Mr Barnes
 
JULIAN (pouring a glass of champagne; only the glass is in camera shot)
I’ll make you a deal
 
 (He sits beside her on the bed, handing her the glass)
 
You call me Julian, and I’ll call you Miss Fresh Face
 
ALEX
But I’m not Miss Fresh Face
 
JULIAN
Not yet, but you will be
 
ALEX
Promise?
 
JULIAN
Oh, absolutely. Now why don’t we drop the chitchat?
 
 (He takes her glass and places it on the side. They both lay down on the bed)
 
39. INT. Stage. NIGHT.
 
EMCEE
And the official new face of Julian Barnes cosmetics is…Miss Alex Reynolds!
 
 (Alex acts surprised and delighted)
 
Cut to: HARRISON
Oh, crap
 
Cut to: Marlon, glaring at Harrison
 
Cut to: Harrison, smiling nervously at Marlon
 
Cut to: Julian Barnes, at the side of the stage, clapping
 
TRU
Big surprise, huh?
 
JULIAN
Well I’m sorry there can only be one Miss Fresh Face. But we’d like you to try again next year
 
TRU
Mm, maybe next year I could bring a tape
 
JULIAN
I don’t understand
 
TRU
Tell you what. I could arrange a screening; maybe that would help jog your memory
 
JULIAN
So what do you want? Money?
 
TRU
I want you to turn yourself in
 
JULIAN
For what?
 
TRU
For trying to kill Alex tonight
 
JULIAN
What the hell are you talking about? Why would I wanna hurt her? She won, it’s over
 
 (They both look over to where Alex is being presented with a bouquet by Adrian Barnes)
 
TRU
You’re right. Your motive went away as soon as she won the contest, but who…?
 
 (Tru looks closer at Adrian Barnes)
 
 [Flashback: ADRIAN: “What do you say we give her a chance to freshen up before taking any more photos?”]
 
TRU
Your wife
 
ALEX (onstage)
Seriously, my make-up must be a mess
 
 (She comes offstage, waving to the crowd)
 
TRU
I would stay here if I were you. Unless Miss Fresh Face is okay with having a corpse for a spokesmodel
 
ALEX
What?
 
TRU
Adrian didn’t like that you slept with her husband, so she added a special ingredient to your make-up remover
 
 [Flashback: Adrian using a pipette to put the pesticide into the make-up remover bottle]
 
Something that cleanses and kills pesky blackmailers
 
ALEX (calling aloud)
You poisoned my make-up?
 
 (Everyone looks over. Adrian walks over to them)
 
TRU
What better way to kill a beauty queen?
 
ADRIAN
You can’t prove any of it
 
TRU
Not my department. But as soon as I turn over the evidence, they’re gonna have plenty of questions for you
 
 (She points to two police officers who are walking over to them)
 
JULIAN
Adrian, I had this handled. What did you do?
 
ADRIAN
She made a fool out of you, Julian. And she made a fool out of me. After tonight, her face would’ve been everywhere. And I couldn’t stand the thought of it
 
40. EXT. Street. NIGHT.
 (Marlon’s heavy throws Harrison against the wall)
 
HARRISON
Two days! Two days, I’ll get you everything! Plus interest!
 
MARLON
Sorry buddy, too late now
 
ANGELA (comes running outside)
Daddy! I was looking all over
 
MARLON
Oh sorry, baby, I just had a little business to attend to. Listen, its too bad about that contest
 
ANGELA
I won!
 
MARLON
What?
 
ANGELA
I won! That other girl was blackmailing a judge, so they disqualified her!
 
MARLON
You mean…?
 
ANGELA
I’m Miss Fresh Face!
 
MARLON
Yes! Oh my God!
 
 (Angela squeals, they both embrace)
 
HARRISON (jumping up and down)
Yes!
 
ANGELA
The scholarship, the modelling contracts, the free cosmetics, all mine!
 
MARLON
Oh, yay!
 
ANGELA
I gotta go call Mom!
 
 (She runs off)
 
MARLON
Yes! Yes!
 
HARRISON (happily)
That’s just great…
 
 (Marlon walks up to him threateningly. Harrison stops smiling)
 
MARLON
I don’t know what you did, but I’m impressed
 
 (He holds out his hand)
 
HARRISON (shaking it)
Anytime, baby! Anytime!
 
 (Marlon walks off, smiling. The heavy follows, disappointed)
 
Yeah…
 
 (He breathes, relieved)
 
Cut to: Shot of the Morgue
 
41. INT. Morgue. NIGHT.
 (Luc enters the corridor. Tru comes out the lift)
 
TRU
Hey
 
LUC
Hi
 
TRU
How’d, um, your date go?
 
LUC
Honestly, not so good. And the truth is, the whole time I was with Tabitha, I couldn’t stop thinking of another girl I knew
 
TRU
Oh
 
LUC
Remind me again why we broke up?
 
TRU
Because I was unpredictable, and because I ran off in the middle of sentences and…because I kept secrets
 
LUC
And that bothered me?
 
TRU
It did
 
LUC
Well maybe I overreacted. All right, maybe I could learn to live with those things
 
TRU
No, you didn’t. And you couldn’t. Because as much as I’d like to, I’ll never be able to change. It’s who I am, it’s who I’ll always be. And because of that, I’ll have to give up things. Sometimes really great things. I’m sorry, Luc
 
LUC
Don’t be
 
TRU
No, I’m sorry for me
 
 (They look at each other for a second. Then Luc turns and walks away down the corridor)
 
42. INT. Morgue. NIGHT.
 
TRU
Hey, Davis
 
DAVIS
Hello. You okay?
 
TRU
I will be, I guess. What about you? That reporter ever call?
 
DAVIS
No. She came in. Don’t worry, I didn’t say a thing
 
TRU
Good. It’s just been a long day, you know? I don’t know if I could handle reading about myself in the morning paper
 
DAVIS
She does know something though. Something that I’ve known for a long time. Not that she’ll be able to prove it mind you, and maybe I should have told you sooner, but I didn’t wanna confuse you even more
 
TRU
Davis?
 
DAVIS
Before you, there was someone else. A woman. She relived days. She could prevent death. Once you asked me why I believe you, how I readily accept what you can do. And that’s why. Because I met her. And as many times as you read her file, it’s never gonna be in there. It was your mother. What you can do…she could do it too
 
 [Fade to Black]
 [END CREDITS]