Murderlust (1985) - full transcript

A Sunday school teacher/security guard named Steve is a vicious serial killer who is strangling innocent women and dumping their bodies in the desert.

(eerie music)

- Steve.

Steve.

Steve.

Steve.

(laughing)

It's about time

you woke up, guy.

Oh, Steve.

- Dude was thinking

of that pussy.

- Hey, she's all yours for

the right price, Steve-o.

- [Man] I haven't

seen her here before.

- [Man] She's new

in town Skiddo.

- [Skiddo] And how do you know?

- She told me.

Personally.

- What was she like?

- Find out for yourself, Sweet.

If you got any balls.

Hey what's with that boy?

- Ah, it's that

time of the month.

Hey, Wolf, how

'bout another round?

- Yeah, why not?

- Alright, so

where is the badge?

- What?

- Oh, I know you're a cop.

You look like a cop.

So, where's the badge?

- I'm not a cop, baby.

I'm the doc.

I punish people.

- Kinky, huh?

- Well, see, I'm a

special kinda customer

with special kind of needs.

Got more where that comes from.

If you think you

can handle the job.

- Maybe.

- Tell ya what, my van's

parked right out front.

Meet ya out there in

a couple of minutes.

- Couple minutes?

- Yeah, don't let me down, now.

(rock music)

(belches)

That's intelligent.

That's the most

intelligent thing

you've said to me all night.

- That was a quick trick.

- Yeah, well, she's

a little expensive.

I don't have to spend

that kinda money

on a lady when I

can get it for free.

- Oh, where's the shovel?

It's gettin' a little

bit thick around here.

- I think I'm gonna go, guys.

(laughing)

- No, you're not.

Everyone's going to my place.

I got a cold case on ice

and the old lady's gone.

- No, no, I'm gonna

pass on that tonight.

- I don't believe it.

The first time

Wolf offers to buy

and Steve turns him down.

- Yeah, I know, I know.

Steve is a good

little church boy.

He has to get up

early on Sundays.

Ain't that right, Stevie?

- Yeah, well,

somebody's gotta pray

for you poor bastards.

- Count me out of

your prayers, Stevie.

I wanna go to hell

with all my friends,

ain't that right, boys?

Now, go on, goodie two shoes.

We got some serious

drinkin' to do, here.

(belches)

(rock music)

- Damn bitch.

(heels clacking)

Thought you run

away from me, huh?

I wouldn't have liked that.

You're really askin'

for it, aren't ya?

What's this?

- Take it.

I, uh,

I can't do what you want.

- Hey, wait, wait, wait,

wait, wait a second.

What's the matter?

Look, I'm sorry.

Let me explain

something to ya, okay?

What I said inside,

I didn't mean it.

It was just a put on, okay?

I didn't mean to scare ya.

- No, you didn't scare me.

Just don't get into the

kinky stuff, got it?

- I got it, okay.

So, what are you gonna do?

I'm payin'.

- No, I know guys like you.

You can't get it up

unless you got somebody

tied up and half

scared to death.

No, thanks.

I had my fill with the

last guy I shacked up with.

- Hey, wait a second.

Do I look the kinda guy that's

gonna hurt somebody, huh?

- Look, there are a lot

of girls around here.

And some of 'em get into

your type of action.

So, why me?

- I like your smile.

- Oh, gimme a break.

- Hey, I'll tell ya what.

I'll give ya fifty

dollars, okay,

for a blow-job.

That's nice and easy money, hmm?

- You're really

desperate aren't you?

So, why don't you beg me?

Go on, get on your

knees and beg.

- Hundred dollars, baby.

Ten minutes easy work.

- Looks like I'm not the

only sucker 'round here.

I can use this.

I've got another mouth to feed.

- What, do you got a kid?

- What difference does it make?

- I'm just curious.

- Yeah, the father left

me holdin' the bag,

now I gotta do crap like

this to make ends meet.

So, where do you wanna do this?

- What's the matter?

Don't ya like the kid?

- What's with you?

A kid's a kid.

They're all pains in the butt.

Be a lot better off

if he had come along.

Wouldn't have to put up

with people like you.

Come on, let's get

this over with.

(heels clacking)

Where, in the back?

- No, no, no, hey

I tell ya what.

I got another place,

little more private, okay?

- No, no I'm going anywhere.

- Wait a second, wait a second.

Hey, it's just around

the corner, okay?

After all, I gave ya a

hundred dollars, right?

Besides, we've got people

walking out to their cars.

- Okay.

(slams)

(slams)

(engine puttering)

(ominous music)

Now I can finally

get this over with.

- You know, he really

couldn't help being born.

- Are you on my kid, again?

What the hell's wrong with you?

My kid's my own damn business.

Oh, I knew it.

I knew it, it's as

limp as a wet noodle.

- Well, why don't

you turn around?

Give me a few seconds, huh?

- You gotta get

yourself started?

I guess I've seen it all.

I just thought of something.

You aren't gay are you?

(laughing)

- You know, you got a big mouth.

- You can just fill it up if

you can get your thing to work.

(thuds)

- What happened to your

big mouth, baby, huh?

(whimpering)

I hope I didn't hit

ya too hard, you know?

'Cause there's some

things I gotta tell ya,

you know what I mean?

Bet you're

frightened, aren't ya?

- Please, don't (crying).

- Please, please,

don't what, huh?

- Don't hurt me!

- Don't hit you, is

that what you said?

Don't hit you?

No, I promise I won't hit you.

(crying)

I'm gonna kill you.

- No, no!

I'll do anything!

- Anything?

Anything just ain't enough.

Don't scratch so hard, baby.

Doors locked.

Come on, baby.

You really wanna live.

Give me a good reason

why you wanna live, baby.

Pick a reason.

- My--

- Huh, my, my, my what?

Come on.

- My child needs me.

- Aw, no, no, he could

do a lot better off

without you.

Aw, now I have your life

in my hands totally.

Oh.

(moaning)

(ominous music)

God, it's gonna be late.

Now you can join the others.

(choir music)

- Oh, gross.

- Shhh, get to work.

- Sorry, I'm a little

tired this morning.

How's everybody doin'

on their assignment?

(groaning)

- Little too much

late night activity?

- Alright, is everybody

about finished?

- No, I'm not.

I'm stuck on this

word, right here.

- What word, John?

- Begat.

- John, why don't

you just concentrate

on your assignment?

- Does begat mean the

same thing as F U?

(laughing)

- John, I'm warning

you, that's it.

Alright, come on.

Everybody hand in

your assignments.

- I'm not finished.

- I didn't ask you

to write a novel.

- [Kevin] I'm done.

- Alright, Kevin, I'll tell

ya what we're gonna do.

I want each one

of you to explain

what you've written today, okay?

We're gonna start with

one of you at a time.

You're gonna stand

up and explain

what you have on your paper.

- Oh, wow, we get to

hear Kevin's commandment.

Thou shalt not be a nerd.

(laughing)

- Tell ya what, I think we're

gonna start with Debbie.

- I didn't write one.

- [Steve] Why not?

- She drew one.

- Give it back.

- Give it to me, John.

- No, give it back.

- Debbie hand it over right now.

Come on.

- No.

- Debbie.

- No.

- Hand it over right now.

Come on.

- It's no big deal.

- [Debbie] Pretty good

likeness, don't you think?

(laughing)

- Alright, Debbie.

Let's go.

We're going to the office.

- No, we're not.

- Come on, we're going

to the office right now.

Right now!

- Okay.

Okay, okay.

Look, I don't why you're making

such a big deal

about this anyway.

- Let's go.

Come on.

Outside the door, let's go.

I'll be right with you.

- It's just a picture

of a big prick like you.

(children laughing)

- [Steve] Debbie shut up

and wait outside that door.

- She's right, you know.

- Tonya, you know

you could be next.

Alright, now listen up.

I'm gonna have to

get another teacher

to come in here, so I

want you to keep writing

your assignments and I

want everybody to be quiet

until the teacher gets here.

Is that understood?

- [Kevin] Mmm hmmm.

- What's wrong with you, anyway?

- You're makin' a big

deal out of nothing.

- Nothing.

You call this nothing?

Where'd you learn how to

draw things like this?

- From a book.

- You know, you are

nothin' but a little whore.

- Hey, you can't

talk to me like that.

- You know, you can get

yourself into a lot of trouble.

God knows everything

that we do, everything.

What must He think of you now?

- God is big drag, and

He doesn't exist anyway.

- The rate you're

going with your life,

by the time you're 16

years old you're gonna be

nothing but a common

street walker.

- Who do you think

you are, anyway?

- Just shut up.

You're coming with me.

- I'm gonna get you for this.

(heels clacking)

- Steve.

- How do you do, Mrs. Wexler?

- Oh, very well, thank you.

I hear you're doing

a terrific job

in the Sunday school department.

- Thank you.

- Coffee?

- No, thank you, not right now.

As a matter of fact,

I'm having trouble

with one of my students.

I'm looking for a parent.

- Well, it's hard

to believe any child

would give you any problems.

- Thank you for saying so.

By the way, you

didn't happen to see

a Mr. and Mrs.

Schultz this morning?

- Oh, Mr. Schultz

just passed by here

a few minutes ago.

There he is.

That's the gentleman

in the brown jacket.

- Oh, good, thank you very much.

- Mmm hmmm.

- Excuse me, Mr. Schultz?

- Yes.

- I'm Steve Belmont, Debbie's

Sunday school teacher.

- Oh, I'm pleased to meet you.

- Pleased to meet you, sir.

- Don't tell me

she's in trouble?

- Well, sort of.

May I see you in the

Christian ed office

just for a minute?

- Certainly, excuse me, please.

Alright, what did she do now?

- Maybe I'd better discuss

this with you in private.

- Must be bad.

- In class today, we

were discussing the

Ten Commandments and I

assigned a commandment

to each student.

I asked them to write

on how the commandment

would affect their

modern-day living.

When I asked your daughter

for her assignment,

she informed me that she

didn't write anything.

She drew this instead.

I'm sorry I had to show you.

- What kind of a

girl have I raised?

How could you have

done such a thing?

- I didn't do it.

- I want you to go over

there and apologize

to Mr. Belmont.

- No, I won't.

- I want you to do it now.

- I'm sorry.

- I'm sorry, what?

- I'm sorry, Mr. Belmont.

- That's alright, Debbie.

As long as you always

remember who is in control,

you'll stay out of trouble.

- Let's go.

- That was a strange

comment you made.

What do you mean,

"Who's in control?"

- Why, God, of course.

Who did you think I meant?

Come on, let's go

have some coffee

before it's all gone.

(ominous music)

- Lovely wardrobe.

So, uh, listen.

Do you mind if I

turn on the radio?

Fine, go right ahead.

Make yourself at home.

(pop music)

♪ I'm in the middle

of a lot of things ♪

♪ And my head is hiding

halfway underground

♪ Almost always isn't

black and white ♪

♪ After all, gray matters

make the world go 'round

♪ Don't try to use me

Oh, hey.

Where are you?

Come on.

Let's go.

I don't wanna be here all day.

♪ So you know I'd vote it down

♪ I'd always vote it down

- Change the channel, baby.

Gimme some new music.

- Whatever, it's your party.

Okay, how's this?

- Oh, I like this one.

- Ah!

♪ To know the real you

♪ The awful truth could

make a liar of my dreams

♪ Killing me to

know the real you ♪

♪ And I heard your voice

♪ From behind the closed door

♪ And I heard your voice

(knocking)

♪ From behind the closed door

(knocking)

♪ And I heard your voice

♪ From the behind

the closed door ♪

(knocking)

♪ And I heard--

- [Steve] What the

hell you doin' here?

I thought you were

gonna be gone all day.

- Nice to see you too, cousin.

- Yeah, what do you want?

Come barging into my house

'cause you live next door.

- Well, I wound up

having the afternoon off.

I'd thought I'd get

a few things done.

Gonna be doing some laundry,

so I'm going to get those

towels that I lent you.

- Hey, don't worry about it.

I'll bring 'em back.

- [Neil] Alright,

I'm already here.

- I said I'll bring

'em back to you.

Come on, hurry up.

Get out of there.

- Oh, where's the

washcloth I lent you?

- I'll bring it over to you.

Don't worry about it.

- [Neil] What is

the matter with you?

- [Steve] I've got a headache.

Come on, let's go.

Just get out.

- Sounds more like

you're on your period.

Listen, the next time I

lend these things to you,

be sure you get them

back to me before--

- Yeah, don't worry about it.

Goodbye, Neil.

- You're welcome.

- [Steve] Close the

door on the way out.

(slams)

(smacking)

(whistling)

- What's in the can, goose?

- Trash.

I got trash, Neil.

Lotta trash.

- Where are you going with it?

- To the dump.

To the dump, Neil.

- Today is Sunday.

- Yeah, I got a place.

I got a special

place I dump it off.

- Oh, you're taking trash?

Well, listen, I've

got some at my place--

- No, no, I don't

have any room, Neil.

Do me a favor and get on the

other end and push, will ya?

- I've been cutting--

- Push, Neil.

- I've been cutting flowers.

I'm not dressed for this--

- Neil, get down there and push.

- What the hell do you have--

- It's trash, Neil.

It's filled with trash.

Now get down there and push.

Come on.

- Oh, alright.

My god, what the hell do

you have in this thing?

- Oh, I got a lot

of trash, Neil.

- You must have an entire

apartment in that thing.

- Yeah, I do.

I do.

See ya, Neil.

- Sure you won't let

me give you any--

(slams)

(ominous music)

- Boy, you girls sure are

stinkin' up the place.

Whoo!

Ah!

Whoo!

(zipping)

(eerie music)

God, I love the desert.

Right, girls?

(engine puttering)

'Sup, Neil?

- Where have you been?

- Out for a drive.

- You're plastered and

you've been driving?

- Oh, bug off!

- What did you say?

- I said (clinking).

- [Neil] The realtor was by.

- [Steve] Oh, are we selling?

- [Neil] Seems you're

behind in your rent, again.

- Yeah, and you, you

gave him a good excuse.

You thought of a

real nice one for me,

didn't ya (mumbles).

Appreciate that, buddy.

- No, I didn't even think

of a bad excuse for you.

- Oh, good, good.

- Listen, I'm sick and tired

of covering up for you.

- Oh, come on, Neil.

Do me big favor, will you?

Close the door on the way out.

- You think I'm kidding.

- I know you're not kidding.

- I don't know what's

the matter with you.

You've got a decent job.

It's not like you

can't afford it.

(belches)

- Oh, god!

- Well, this is it, cuz.

From now on, I'm not

covering for you.

My god, you are

pathetic human being.

(engine humming)

(slams)

(heels clacking)

(knocking)

- Good morning, Steve.

So good to see you.

I do hope you're feeling better.

- I wrote the check yesterday.

You should get it in

the mail tomorrow.

- Three biggest

lies in the world.

I'll always love you, I

won't cum in your mouth

and the check's in the mail.

- Alright, I'll write

ya a damn check.

- May I come in?

- No.

(ringing)

Hello?

Yes.

Oh, yes, how are you?

Sure, put him on.

- [Caller] Steve, how are you?

- Fine, sir, fine, and you sir?

- [Caller] Fine, thank you.

I'll get right to the point.

I don't wanna make

you late for work.

- No, that's alright.

- [Caller] Could you

meet me in my office

tomorrow evening

about eight o'clock?

- [Steve] Sure, sure.

Mind telling me what's it about?

- [Caller] Well, I

really would like to talk

about it in person.

- Yeah, whatever you say.

- [Caller] And please

don't worry about it.

It's just a problem

that's cropped up

that I'd like to nip in the bud.

Hey, listen, we all think

you're doing a fine job.

- Thank you.

- [Caller] See ya

tomorrow evening.

- Yeah, 'til then.

You know you can be the biggest

pain in the ass sometimes.

- Why, thank you,

just doing my job.

(ripping)

- Here's your damn check.

Get outta here.

I'm late for work as it is.

- This take care

of last month's.

What about this one?

- Look, the truth is, I'm a

little overextended right now.

If you don't mind, I

get paid on Thursday.

You'll get your check on Friday.

- I'll be here first

thing Friday morning.

You better have a check for me.

Otherwise, I'm gonna give

you your three-day notice

to pay up or quit

and that means leave.

(heels clacking)

- Alright, alright,

I know, I'm late.

- Well, well, dinglemoth.

What's the excuse this time?

- Don't call me that.

- Was your wake-up call late?

You had to wait for

breakfast in bed, right?

Just a minute, dinglemoth.

I'm writin' ya up for this one.

- What?

For being five minutes late?

- It's 20 minutes late and

this is not the first time.

- Couple other times.

- 11 times in the last 2 months.

This is 12.

- We'll see what the

union has to say about it.

- I don't think

your union's gonna

bail you out on this one.

Plan on taking

tomorrow off, no pay.

I'll just finish this up and

bring it out for you to sign.

Now get your butt out there.

- I don't why I put up

with stinkin' job anyway.

I got a college degree, which

is a lot more than you got.

- Why don't you get another job?

You're not breakin' my heart.

If it wasn't for the union,

you'd have been fired

a long time ago.

Just keep this in mind.

This is your second write up.

Three's a charm.

(huffs)

(slams)

- [Radio Announcer]

Hey gang, Mad Manville

coming at ya from QBLA.

You still have a half hour

commercial-free rock yet

so don't go anywhere.

That last song was

Behind the Door

by The Ambassadors of Now.

Can you believe those lyrics?

It's killing me to

know the real you.

Hey, I'm tellin' you,

it's killin' L.A.

to know the real

Mojave Murderer.

How about that?

Nine bodies found in

one place and dig this.

They were all

ladies of the night.

I can see it now.

Hey, sweetie, want a date?

(choking)

I guess they got all choked up

when they saw his equipment.

(heels clacking)

(eerie music)

(clinking)

(clinking)

(ominous music)

- Hi there.

- Hi.

- Didn't mean to scare ya.

- No, you didn't scare me.

You just can't be too careful

these days what with

a killer on the loose.

- What?

Do I look like a murderer?

- No, you don't.

You look like a knight

in shining armor

here to help a

damsel in distress.

No, I knew I could trust you.

You don't know why, do you?

- No, I don't know why.

Why, should I, why?

- I don't think I'll tell you.

I think I'll give you a

little time to figure it out.

- I got it.

Must be my face,

that innocent look

everybody trusts, right?

(chuckling)

- Yeah, right.

But that's only part of it.

- Hey, looks like you got

some engine trouble here, huh?

- Yeah, I don't

know what happened.

I was just driving

along and the radio

got weaker and weaker and

then the engine just died.

- Wow, sounds like a bad

alternator, something like that.

You know, I really don't

know that much about engines.

Tell you what I could do.

I could give you

a lift someplace.

- Could you?

Really?

Let me just get my purse

and lock up the car, okay?

- [Steve] Sure thing.

- K, I'm ready.

Could you take me to my house?

- Sure thing.

- Oh, great.

(ominous music)

- Say, listen, I

promised a friend of mine

I'd pick some things up

for him this afternoon.

Could I do that

before I drop you off?

I have to get there

before closing time.

- No sweat.

I just really appreciate

everything you're doing for me.

- Yeah, right, everything.

(ominous music)

(engine puttering)

- Sure looks deserted.

I think we missed him.

- Well, I have a key.

I have to hurry up and get in

now before the alarm gets set.

- [Cheryl] What could your

friend possibly want here?

- [Steve] Tools.

He wants his tools.

- Do you give up?

- What?

- [Cheryl] Do you wanna know why

I thought I could trust you?

- Look, I'm, I'm really

not one for games.

- [Cheryl] The church.

(thuds)

- Ah!

- [Cheryl] What was that?

- Uh, nothing.

I just have to return this

before I get the other tools.

- I hope I didn't cause that.

- No.

What did you say

about the church?

- Oh.

I, I know you from the church.

I was kind of hoping

you'd recognize me.

I sort of had a crush

on you in high school.

- [Steve] What's your name?

- Oh, I'm sorry, Cheryl.

But it's not gonna

help you very much.

- You know, this may sound bad,

but I can't place your

name or your face.

- Well, it's really hard

admitting this sorta thing, but

I've kinda admired

you from a distance.

It's real funny.

I would have given my right

arm to have talked to you.

It's so simple now, but

I really did avoid you.

- Well, that explains it.

It's not silly, it's

not silly at all.

- Well, thanks for saying so.

So, you gonna get these tools?

- No, no, it's a

little late, anyway.

- I'm sorry.

I sat here gabbing and you

didn't get what you wanted.

- No, that's okay.

I got something else instead.

A secret admirer.

(eerie music)

(engine puttering)

- Thanks a lot.

I really appreciate this.

Listen, I'm gonna

make it up to you.

I'm gonna have you over

for dinner or something.

- Yeah, don't put yourself out.

Just start coming to

church again, okay?

I'm there every Sunday.

- I will.

Still gonna have

you over for dinner.

Bye.

(engine puttering)

(eerie music)

♪ Chris told me

♪ She up and said

♪ My home bigger than yours

♪ Ship sailed in and

ship sailed out ♪

♪ One of the sporty crew

♪ Sitting on me

♪ She up and said

♪ My home bigger than yours

♪ Ship sailed in and

ship sailed out ♪

♪ One of the sporty crew

(bells tolling)

- Steve, how are you?

- Good, feel fine.

How you doin'?

- Great, great.

- Alright, so

what's the mystery?

- No mystery, I just wanted a

chance to talk to you first.

- Mr. Schultz is in my study.

Now, I hate to be

blunt, but I don't know

how else to tell you this.

Schultz's daughter

has accused you of,

God, it's hard to say the words,

well, she's accused you of

touching her in a wrong way.

- What?

- I know, I know, I

couldn't believe it either.

As long as I've known you,

as well as I know you,

there's no possible way.

- What do I do?

You know I wouldn't

do a thing like that.

- I know that.

I think even Mr. Schultz

deep down knows it too.

But it's very important

that you tell him.

- Yes, but will he believe me?

- Well, I've asked Marene

Wexler and Richard Blum

to join us.

They'll act as character

witnesses, so to speak.

Now, I don't mean to say

that you're on trial.

- Sure.

- Above all, we

must remember that

Debbie is a deeply

disturbed girl.

She needs our help and we must

assure her father that

we're here to help.

- Yes, I agree.

- Let's go in.

You all know Steve.

Mr. Schultz, I've

asked Mrs. Wexler

and Mr. Blum to join

us so that they can

shed some light on

Steve's character.

Well, shall we begin?

- I'm sorry Steve.

- Well, that's alright.

You did what you

felt you had to do.

I don't blame you.

- Debbie's lied to me before.

This time she was so convincing.

I didn't know what to believe.

- I'm only happy

to come down here

and try and help

resolve this matter.

- Steve.

You know what Debbie

has accused you of.

Now, please don't

be offended, but

I need to ask you this

question point blank.

Did you do what

she accused you of?

- No, absolutely not.

I wouldn't dream of

doing such a thing.

- Alright, that's good.

That's fine, Steve.

That's what we all needed

to hear for ourselves.

Now, I'd, um, I'd like

to play devil's advocate

for a moment if you don't mind.

Why would Debbie risk

telling such a big lie?

You see what I mean?

I mean, an outside

observer would find it

very hard to believe

that such a young girl

could make up a story like that.

- Well, that's a tough one

to answer, Reverend Lymen.

But I do think I have a theory.

What we have here is a

girl with a very low sense

of self-worth, at least that's

what I've noticed lately.

I think that Debbie has

been reaching for something

to boost her self-esteem.

I think she's found

that something.

A sexual involvement with a boy.

Well, at least, that's

what I've noticed recently.

In light of the picture

that Debbie drew

in Sunday school last Sunday,

I think that holds my theory up.

- And her accusations about you?

- I must admit I'm a

little stricter than,

than I should be and if that's

the case, I do apologize.

I think that I was a

little harsh with Debbie

last Sunday and that's

probably the reason

why she did what she did.

- Please, feel free

to chime right in.

You're input would

be most valuable.

- Well, I'd like to

say something if I may.

I find it incredibly

difficult to believe that

anyone could level such charges

at Steve, of all people.

He's a very sensitive

and caring person.

Why, the youth of our church

respond to him very well

and I know they must

fully trust him.

As a matter of fact, he's

applied to be the head

of the Adolescent Crisis

Unit, which the outreach

board is about to start up.

He's our prime

candidate for the job.

- Let me add here that Steve's

been a Sunday school teacher

for five years now, and

I can say as chairman

of the Christian

education board,

he's one of our finest teachers.

- Let me add an

observation of my own.

Steve here has done

more to bolster

the youth activities

of this church

than anyone I know.

- Everything you say is true.

My daughter's such

a vicious liar.

She'd do anything to

destroy a person's life.

I'm sorry, Steve, for the

trouble my family's caused you.

- Consider it forgotten.

And please do tell

Debbie that I forgive her

and that I sincerely

wish that she continues

coming to church on Sunday.

- Your forgiveness is far

more than she deserves.

You try to raise

a family the best,

and then (weeping).

- Dinglemoth.

Enjoy your day off?

- Only a lowlife like

you would rub that in,

but since you asked, I got a

lot accomplished yesterday.

Thank you very much.

- It's my pleasure.

- Really?

I have another job lined up.

One that requires

sensitivity, intellect,

knowledge of other

people, three departments

that you seem to be lacking in.

- God, you're a pain in

the butt, dinglemoth.

Gonna be a pleasure

to see you leave.

- I'll oblige you soon enough.

- Not soon enough for my liking.

Now, get the hell out there

and remember, I'm watching.

(bell rings)

(galloping)

- [Angela] Yes, fine, thank you.

- [Joe] Okay, tell

me what happened.

- Well, first, let

me say, Mr. Turner,

I really think there

shouldn't be someone

like this creature at

the Association Day

and John is livid, let

me tell you, he is livid.

Now--

- Wes, Joe, ma'am.

- Belmont.

I believe you have

met Mrs. Titer.

- We met this afternoon.

- Yeah, it's about that

meeting this afternoon

that we're having this one.

Just hold on.

Please go on, Angela.

- Well, I was going to

see John and I was late,

as usual and, well,

you know how John is

when you're late (chuckling).

And so I was rushing

through the gate.

- She almost ran me over.

- That's not true, and

I'm not surprised that um,

Mr.--

- Belmont, Steve Belmont.

- Belmont thought that

because when he breathed

on me, when he spoke to

me, he reeked of beer.

- No, no, no.

See, what happened was,

she had an expired permit

on her car, first of all.

Second of all, a guy

come runnin' through

just a couple cars

before and he had beer

inside his car and he

threw it inside of my cage

and got it on me.

- I would prefer to

think that Mr., um--

- [Steve] Belmont,

Steve Belmont.

- Whatever was drinking because

when I got out of my car,

he threw me up against my car.

- He physically--

- [Angela] Physically threw me

up against the car--

- That's a lie.

- And he said, "I

hope someone like

"the Mojave Murderer gets you.

"You bitch."

- Why doesn't this

surprise me, Wes?

I think we can talk now, huh?

Thanks a lot, we'll

be right back.

We just have to take care

of this business, okay?

Just one second, you'll be fine.

Behave yourself.

- You're dead.

- What did you say?

- I said you're one dead bitch.

- Joe!

- What's happened?

- [Angela] He

threatened me again.

I'm calling John.

- [Joe] What the hell did--

- I didn't say a word.

I didn't do a thing.

- You know, you're one

big screw up, Belmont.

Guys like you give

the union a bad name.

Told Joe he can do

whatever he needs to.

Yeah, and Joe just decided

that's warning number three.

Thanks a lot, dinglemoth.

This is big day for me.

Tomorrow's your last day.

Pick up your check tomorrow.

You're history.

- The name is

Belmont, and I quit.

- [Joe] Do I have

to call security?

- No, you don't have to.

Thanks a lot, Wes.

Thanks a lot for stickin'

up for all the union guys.

I'll pass the word around.

(choir music)

Is anybody home?

- Predictable.

You would barge in through

the most beautiful passage.

- (chuckles) Little champagne

to celebrate my freedom.

- Oh, you got canned again?

- Oh, no, I quit, you see.

I'm not gonna take it from

those bastards or their job.

- [Neil] You have

another job lined up?

- As a matter of fact, I do.

I have been appointed

the head of the new

Adolescent Crisis Unit.

- Oh, what a joke.

That thing has been

in the planning stages

for over two years.

That's not a sure thing.

It'll probably be

another two years

before it gets off the ground.

Now, if I were you--

- No, you're not me, Neil, okay?

- Thank god.

- So just lay off, alright?

I can take care of my own life.

- [Neil] Yes, I can

certainly see that.

- Neil, go in and

get the glasses.

Let's celebrate the

new Steve Belmont.

- The old Steve Belmont gave

me enough grief, thank you.

So, tell me, what is

the new Steve Belmont

going to do about

the back rent owed

by the old Steve Belmont?

- You know, your

thinkin' is so outdated.

- [Neil] It may be outdated,

but it's practical.

- You're never gonna

get anywhere in life

being practical.

- Alright.

Okay, good luck.

I hope everything turns out

just the way you want it.

- I'll drink to that.

(mumbling)

(ringing)

Hello?

- [Caller] Steve.

So pleased to catch you in.

Just calling to see if you have

a check ready for me.

- Can't you ever leave me alone?

- [Caller] Does

that mean you don't?

- Look, I just lost

my job yesterday, so,

can't you give me

a little more time?

- [Caller] A little more time.

You may as well pack your bags,

'cause you're history

in that apartment.

- Hey, what's the

problem with you, anyway?

Can I have just two more weeks?

- [Caller] Two more weeks.

I'm coming out there to

post a three-day notice.

- And you'll need to sign this.

- I don't have to sign anything.

I came here to pick up

my check, thank you.

- You get no check, thank

you, until you sign that.

- Eh, it doesn't

make any difference.

When my lawyer gets

finished with you,

you're gonna wish you

never dealt with me.

- A lawyer?

You don't quit, do you?

- [Steve] I have a good case.

- A good case?

You're a joke, dinglemoth.

I had John Titer in

here after your blood.

I found out you been

drinking on the job.

You're always late,

and now, you've gone

and insulted the

wife of the biggest

trainer in this track.

(chuckles)

You haven't got a goddamn thing.

But you're gonna get

a good, swift kick

in the ass if you don't

get outta here right now.

(clinking)

Get outta here!

Dammit!

(eerie music)

(engine puttering)

(slams)

- [Loudspeaker] Cashier

to row six, please.

Cashier to row six.

(heels clacking)

- Hi there.

Excuse me.

Excuse me, miss?

Hi, I'm Steve Belmont,

Neil's cousin.

You know where I can

find him around here?

- Probably in the office.

- Great, uh, where's that at?

- Over there.

- Over there?

- What'd I just say?

- Over there.

Thank you, thank you very much.

- [Loudspeaker] Price check

at register four, please.

Price check at register four.

(knocking)

- Uh huh, yes, no, I understand.

Come in.

Anytime, but

preferably on Monday.

Yes, yes, thank you very much.

Alright, alright, goodbye.

Well, what a surprise.

To what do I owe this honor?

- Well, I uh--

- [Neil] Just down

here for a visit?

- Yeah, actually.

- Well, if you'll wait

around just a minute,

we can grab lunch, alright?

- Yeah, sure, that sounds great.

But listen, Neil, I gotta

talk to ya about something.

- Alright.

- I need to borrow

some more money.

- Ah, so that's why

you're down here.

- Yeah, I had another

visit from my realtor

this morning, and of course

you know I lost my job.

- I thought you quit your job.

- Yeah, lost, quit, look.

He's gonna throw me

out of the apartment.

- I don't blame him.

- Look, Neil, I

just need some money

to tie me over for a while.

I'll pay the rent and

pay some food bills,

you know what I mean?

I'm gonna start my

job at the unit.

- If I were you, I wouldn't

count on that job at the unit.

Those things have a way of

being delayed indefinitely.

- Alright, so what

are you saying?

You tellin' me you're not

gonna loan me the money?

- I'm not saying that I

won't lend you the money.

- [Steve] Alright, then, what?

- I'll lend you the money

but under one condition.

- What's that?

- [Neil] That you take a job.

- A job?

- Here, in this store.

- What job?

- What difference does it make?

A job is a job.

It'll pay the rent.

Look, Steve, uh,

I lost my janitor.

You can take the

job as a janitor.

Well, it's a job.

It'll pay the rent.

- You want me to be a janitor?

- We have to make some

sort of an arrangement.

You have a very bad history

of not repaying debts.

Think about it.

(knocking)

Yes.

- Excuse me.

- Yes, thank you.

Well, what's your decision?

- Sure, when you

want me to start?

- Good, I knew

you'd see the point.

Why don't you start right now?

- How 'bout tomorrow morning?

I got some errands

to take care of.

- Fine, fine, I'll see you

tomorrow morning at eight A.M.

- And uh, Neil, what

about the money?

- Oh.

Listen, Steve, I

think that this'll

work out just fine, okay?

- You can just make

it five hundred.

- I'll make it for the rent.

(tense music)

- Excuse me, uh, perhaps

you could help me.

I'm a little lost here.

You live around here,

you know these streets?

- Uh huh.

- I'm looking for

1564 Bangar Street.

You know where that is?

- Doesn't ring a bell.

- Uh, it's supposed to be

close to Lincoln Avenue.

- Yeah, take this street

'til you get to the end

and turn right 'til you

get to the next street,

turn right 'til

you get to Lincoln.

There's a school right

there on the corner.

Make a right, follow

it all the way down

'til you hit Bangar.

- Okay, I get down to the

school and I make a right?

- Uh huh.

- Okay.

Thanks a lot, appreciate it.

Hey.

I don't mean to sound forward

or anything like that.

I'm a photographer and uh,

I'm really thinkin'

about using you

in some still photography work.

I saw you walking and

I thought why not?

You ever done any modeling work?

- You're kidding, right?

- No, I'm serious.

Here's my card, right here.

That's me, Frank.

Frank Gargone.

I do a lot of studio

work and the weddings.

That pays my bills.

But I do stills of

models, that's my life.

I love it.

- What make you

think I'm a model?

- You are kidding,

you're perfect.

You are photogenic, seriously.

You are beautiful.

You've got the looks

that women dream of.

The woman's woman look.

I mean, I mean, it's

perfect, come on.

Hey, I tell what I'm gonna do.

I'm gonna give ya

a hundred dollars

for the shoot.

A couple hours of easy

work, what do ya say?

- I better ask my mom, first.

- Your mom?

Wait a minute, you

are 18, aren't you?

- Yeah.

- No, seriously, you

gotta be 18 to do this.

- Yeah.

- Alright, if you're

18, why ask your mom?

You can make your own decisions.

- Well, I live at her

house and I have to--

- I tell ya what we'll do.

Let's go over to

my office, okay?

I'm gonna draw up a

contract for ya, okay?

While I'm drawing

up the contract,

call up your mom.

If your mom says no, I'll

tear up the contract.

That'll be it.

If she says yes,

let's do the pictures,

I'll have ya back by

the time dinner's ready.

- Can't we just go

by her house and--

- Time is money.

I'm losing that natural light.

I need it, okay?

- Then how 'bout tomorrow?

- Tomorrow's too late.

Gotta have the pictures in.

You know I gotta

submit the pictures

on Monday morning.

I gotta see 'em through

the lab over the weekend.

- I can't decide.

- I'll tell ya what I wanna do.

I'm gonna give ya ten percent

of the contest money if we win.

That's up to five

hundred dollars

on top of the hundred.

I said a hundred, right?

That's six hundred

dollars you could

make a couple hours easy work.

If we lose, you're still

gonna make a hundred dollars.

Can't lose either way.

- I can call her

from your house?

- You can call her as

soon as you get there.

- How far is it?

- Alright, it's just a

couple miles, come on.

(ominous music)

Well, it's not Taj

Mahal but I like it.

My studio's in the back.

Uh, this is where

I live, up front.

It's better for security,

know what I mean?

- It's isolated.

- Yeah, yeah, well you

know, with the security

problems we have around

here and soforth,

besides, it has

a great ambiance.

You'd love it.

I'm sorry about the mess,

with the picture and all,

my maid quit on me yesterday

and gee whiz, I don't

know how to speak Spanish,

you know what I mean?

Why don't ya sit down and relax?

- I better call my mom first.

- Oh, don't worry

about your mom.

Gee whiz, let her worry

about you for once.

Let her appreciate you, alright?

Would you like some wine?

- Yeah.

- White wine, be right back.

I always said a

little bit of wine's

great for the models.

It helps ease the

mind and the nerves

and gives you that

aggressiveness, too,

you know what I mean?

That's what we need

for our picture.

Oh, thirsty little

devil, aren't you?

Little more?

- Please.

- Tipsy, now, don't

get drunk on me.

You'll have to excuse

me for a moment.

Be right back.

Gonna set up my cameras.

- The wine's good.

So when do we start

taking pictures?

I'm aggressive now.

(eerie music)

What are you doing in there?

Come on.

When do we start?

I'm calling my mom.

- I told you not to

call your mother.

Put the phone down.

Do everything I say and

everything'll be alright.

- What is this?

- What is this?

Why, this is a gun,

what do you think it is?

You be a quiet little girl

and everything'll be okay.

- What do you want?

- You know what I want.

(ominous music)

- No.

- Oh, yes.

- I won't.

- Oh, you will.

You know what I want.

You know what I want.

Come on, baby, give

me what I want.

- No, mom.

- Give me what I want.

Mom?

Mom?

Mom is dead.

You wanna visit mom?

Come on, baby, start in.

Hurry up, I don't have all day.

Come on.

(sobbing)

Why don't you just

close your eyes?

Close your eyes and enjoy it.

Come on, close your eyes, now.

Yeah.

Don't stop.

That's it.

Yes.

That's nice, don't

stop, come on.

That's nice, isn't it?

Huh?

(screaming)

- Ah, no.

No!

(ominous music)

- Oh, from the depths I cry

unto thee, oh Lord of hopes.

Yeah, though I walk through

the valley of the shadow.

(eerie music)

God, that was great.

Best since the first one.

Thank you who ever you were.

(eerie music)

Oh, dammit.

(thuds)

- Well, this is a great way

to start your first day.

You're late.

- Sorry 'bout that.

- Cut the crap and come inside.

I want you here at

eight A.M. sharp.

Is that understood?

Sit down.

On the chair, on the chair.

I want you to fill this out

and then I'll show you around.

- Pen?

Where do I fill it out?

- You can read, can't you?

There are times when I am

amazed that we are related.

Most days, the heavy

work on this job

will be finished

by about ten A.M.

and you'll probably be

able to leave about 1:30.

Whenever they need

you, they will page you

over the loudspeaker

and tell you what

aisle to go to.

Sign it.

Okay.

Come on.

(soft music)

Well, what a pleasant

domestic scene.

(tapping)

What's the matter with you?

You come in 20 minutes

late and now you're

taking a 45 minute coffee break?

Haven't you heard

them paging you

for the past--

Some broad plopped a

diaper on aisle five

and you've got to clean it up.

Don't look at me.

It's your job.

(heels clacking)

- You know what I think

of your job, Neil?

I think you can shove

it up your wazzoo.

In fact, I know

you can shove it up

your brain wazzoo, Neil.

(crashing)

Hey Neil, how you

like that, huh?

That's what I think

of your job, Neil.

(heels clacking)

Cheryl.

- Hi, I'm back in church.

- It's good to see you.

Thought a lot about

you since we met.

- Be still my beating heart.

It's too much for a girl

to think that a tall,

handsome man would think of her

in the middle of the week.

- Oh, you kissed the

blarneystone, I see.

- Hi Mom.

- Hi, hon.

- Mrs. Wexler is your mother?

- Marene, please,

I don't wanna sound

older than I am.

- It's a small world.

- That's exactly what I said

when I found out it was you

that helped Cheryl

out the other day.

Many thanks.

- It's my pleasure.

- Well, it's very

reassuring to know

there's a Good

Samaritan in the world,

especially with that

murderer on the prowl.

- Mom, you don't have

to worry about me.

I can take care of myself.

- That's exactly what

I do worry about.

Oh, did you read

there was a body

of a teenage girl found?

Nobody is safe with

the Mojave Murderer.

- Well, just let the killer

try and come after me.

I'll show him what's what.

- Oh, how would you do that?

- Well, don't let

this get around,

but when I get mad,

I get really mad.

And uh, I become a she-wolf.

Grrr.

Just let him try anything.

I'd go after the jugular, rawh!

(chuckling)

- See why I worry?

By the way, what are you

planning for dinner tonight?

- Oh, nothing really,

I was just gonna

go home and sit around

and dream what's it like

to sit down to a

home cooked meal.

- Oh, brother, just

when I was trying

to invite you, you go

ahead and invite yourself.

Well, how 'bout dropping

by around five o'clock?

- Great.

I think I remember

how to get there.

- You better.

- What?

Are you cooking?

- I'm opening the can of beans.

- Marvelous.

I'm sure Steve can hardly wait.

(melancholy music)

(doorbell rings)

- Hi, Steve.

Fancy meeting you here.

Oh, for little ole' me?

Mmm, come on in.

Look who's here.

- [Marene] Hi Steve.

Flowers, how pretty.

You shouldn't have.

- They're for both

of us, Mommy dearest.

- She's still at it.

I hope you like veal parmesan.

- Smells wonderful.

- How 'bout some wine?

- I'd love some.

Thank you.

- Are we gonna tell him now?

- Shhh.

- Alright, what

are you two up to?

- How 'bout a toast?

Cheryl, you do the honors.

- Oh, to the head of the

Adolescent Crisis Unit.

- Here, here.

The committee left it

up to me to tell you.

I thought this would

be an appropriate time.

- I'm speechless.

- You deserve it.

- It's what I've always dreamed

of, to be in an important

position of service

to this community.

- That's exactly what

impressed the committee

at your interview.

They knew you meant

it because of all your

volunteer work at the church.

- I've always tried

to live my faith.

- I'm proud of you.

- Thank you.

And I think I will

drink to that.

Alright, what are

you staring at?

- Are you happy?

- Yes, of course, why?

- I don't know.

You realized a dream, tonight.

It just seems like you

oughta be out doing backflips

instead of sitting here

calmly eating your dinner.

- I'm adjusting to the idea.

Besides, I don't

believe it completely.

Not until it actually

becomes a reality.

- Oh, it's true, believe it.

You threw your hat in the

ring and you were chosen.

You deserve it.

- Even so, I won't believe it

completely until it happens.

I've always learned in the past

something gets in the way

of the best laid plans.

- That's not true.

You just have to

want it hard enough

and work at it long enough.

It'll always come true.

- Wow, what a dreamer.

- She takes after her

father, God rest his soul.

Oh, by the way, Ed Eubanks

wants to meet with you.

He's the man who's

putting up most

of the money for

the crisis unit.

- Certainly, I'd like

to meet him, anytime.

- He's a shrewd

businessman who knows

how to protect his interests.

But I think you'll

find him a likable man.

I know I did.

- I'm sure I will.

(melancholy music)

Thank you again

for this evening.

I had a wonderful time and

I'm glad I got to know you.

- It was my

pleasure, believe me.

- I have just one question.

- What's that?

- Is this the

start of something?

- I'll answer your

question with a question.

- And what's that?

- Are you gonna kiss me or not?

Mmmm, that was nice.

You better call me.

- You know, you're

something else.

You bet I will.

(melancholy music)

(knocking)

Come in.

- Here's the tie you

wanted to borrow.

- Oh, thank you very much, Neil.

I think this'll work just fine.

- Oh, perfect.

Don't drool on it.

(slams)

What's the big occasion?

- I got a meeting

with Ed Eubanks today.

He's the man puttin'

up all the money

for the uh, unit.

- So, that things

really gonna go through?

I'm surprised.

- That's right.

It's really gonna go through.

- Well, I guess

that means you won't

be working for me very long.

- I realize I have to give

up a lucrative field now,

but we all have to

make, uh, sacrifices

for our social

responsibilities, huh?

(whistling)

You still out there, Neil?

- Uh huh.

- Hey, what are doing with that?

Gimme that.

- When the hell did you

ever graduate from college?

- Just give it to me.

- What is that?

From the LaSalle

matchbook university?

- No, I just had to

go back and finish up.

- Well, next you'll

be telling me

you're a mail-order priest.

- There's a lot you don't

know about me, Neil.

- You have a stain on this tie!

I gave it to you just

five seconds ago.

- Don't worry about it.

Close the door on the way out.

- [Neil] For Christ's sake.

- I'm really very

happy with your resume.

This is impressive,

very impressive.

But I have one question, Steve.

With all of your

credentials, why haven't

you gone into private practice?

- I'm very glad you

asked me that question.

That same thought has

been going through

my head for the last few years.

I've always felt that

serving the community

should be the

psychologist's highest goal.

And in private

practice, psychologists

always think of their

profits coming first

and serving the

community coming last.

And I've always felt

that sacrificing

to the community

should come first,

so I protested by staying

out of private practice,

and waited for the

opportune situation

to come along and I

think this is the one.

- That's very commendable.

But if you don't

mind, I'd like to ask

you a personal question.

- [Steve] No, not at all.

- Are you married?

- I'm single.

- And why aren't you married?

- I just never had

the time or money

to think of settling

down and getting married.

My education comes first.

It's been six long years

to get that degree.

- According to this resume,

it's been seven years.

- Well, yes, seven

years in time, but, yes.

- I see.

Excuse me.

Marene, are you sure

that all the money

I'm going to invest

is tax-deductable

and that the corporation's

name will appear

on all literature

concerned with the project?

- Absolutely.

- Well, the committee

seems satisfied.

Why don't I ring for the butler?

He can bring us some drinks

and we can toast Steve Belmont.

A man more concerned

with self-sacrifice

than self-gain.

A Christian in the

truest sense of the word.

- [Loudspeaker] Clean up

on aisle eight, please.

Clean up on aisle eight.

- Don't you believe in knocking?

And what's the matter with you?

You're 20 minutes late.

- Big deal.

- What?

- I said,

I quit.

- Now wait a minute.

- I quit.

Q-U-I-T.

- What about your debt to pay?

- I got your debt.

- You're supposed

to give me notice.

- This is your notice, cousin.

- Like hell.

What am I supposed to

do for a custodian?

Alright, bozo, remember

this the next time

you want a favor.

Son of a bitch.

- [Loudspeaker] Steve

to aisle five please.

- Oh, Steve.

Could you take over

for just a minute?

Come on.

There's something

I want to show you.

(heels clacking)

Well, this is it.

- What?

- The church just assigned

this office space.

It's the new

Adolescent Crisis Unit.

- It's really gonna happen.

Really coming through.

Whose idea is this?

- [Marene] I knew

you'd be surprised.

- It's perfect.

Right here in the church.

What can I ask for?

- Oh, the church is

gonna get new locks

and keys by the

middle of next week.

- Then it's all gonna be mine.

- Mmm hmm.

- Perfect.

Great, great.

(ringing)

- Hello?

- [Steve] Cheryl?

- Hi, Steve.

- [Steve] What are

you doing tonight?

- Oh, just some studying I'd

like an excuse to get out of.

- [Steve] Let's get

together tonight.

- Okay, what's up?

- [Steve] A surprise.

- Steve, I hate suspense.

- [Steve] I'll be

there in 20 minutes.

- Steve?

Steve?

Men.

Usually you're so

cool about everything.

Not this job.

- It's really gonna

happen, you know?

It's really gonna happen.

- It is happening,

and I'm jealous.

Gonna take all your time.

- Not necessarily.

- Oh, yes it is.

That's why I've

rearranged my schedule,

so I can work for you

at least part-time.

- Oh, really?

You're really that

good, aren't you?

- Yes, I am.

- Alright.

And nothing's gonna stop me.

(melancholy music)

(moaning)

- I love you Steve.

Oh.

Let's make love.

Right here.

What's the matter?

- Nothing.

- Steve, what's wrong?

- I'm gonna have the desk

coming out from here, you know?

With the point in the middle.

- Steve.

What just happened?

- Nothing.

- I don't understand.

You just got me all,

uh, nothing.

- You know the problem with you?

You're selfish.

- What?

- I said you're selfish.

(eerie music)

I gotta go to the head.

- Wait.

It's alright.

It's nothing to be ashamed of.

You're worried about

your new job, that's all.

(eerie music)

(toilet flushes)

(mumbling)

He does family counseling.

Sometimes he can

really help out.

Listen, why don't you

stay with us for a while?

Maybe, I think we

can talk about this.

- Look, lady, I just

asked you for some money.

If you don't wanna give

it to me, that's fine.

- Cheryl?

- Wait, come back.

I wanna help you.

That's odd.

What an odd little girl.

- What did she want?

- She said she was

running away from home.

Couldn't stay there anymore.

Something about her dad.

She said she needed bus fare

to get to a relative's

out of town.

What is it?

- Nothing.

That's just the oldest

con in the book.

Whatever she wanted

that money for,

it wasn't bus fare.

- No, you don't think

she was conning me?

- Oh, yeah, kids always

get a kick out it.

(mumbling)

Besides, it's an easy way

of making a fast buck.

Drug money, probably.

Come on, let's go.

- What about my stuff?

- I'll go get it.

You wait here.

(eerie music)

Ready?

- Sure.

- Let's go.

- She really suckered me in.

- Yeah, see, I

know all about this

because I've been suckered

a few times, myself.

- She sure ran when you came.

- Yeah, I think she

knew her gig was up.

I could smell a con

right off the bat.

- Poor girl.

Maybe she really did

need the money, Steve.

- Nah.

No, I don't think so.

I think she can take

care of herself.

She probably lives

in the neighborhood.

- You think so?

- Sure.

You see how she took off

running between the houses?

Probably lives in the block.

- You're probably right.

You wanna come in for a while?

- No, I don't think so, really.

I've got to get up

early in the morning.

Thanks anyway.

- It has been kind of a

strange evening, I guess.

I'm kind of burned out, too.

Well, good night.

- Hey listen, uh,

after the unit gets going,

I'll be myself again.

- I'm sure you will.

(eerie music)

- Shhh, Debbie, it's me, Steve.

- Shit, man, you scared

the crap out of me.

- I knew you'd

come back, Debbie.

Come on out from

underneath the desk.

Come on, sit down.

- You're gonna turn

me in, aren't you?

- Calm down.

- I'm in trouble.

- I'm not gonna do

anything right away.

Let's talk about this, okay?

- Talk, bullshitty talk.

- Why'd you run away from home?

- It's too messed up to go into.

I just don't wanna

live there anymore.

- Why?

- Let's not get into this.

Just turn me in or whatever.

I'll go like a good

little puppy dog.

- Alright, alright.

If your heart's

really set into it.

If you'd like, you can

come over to my place.

Spend the night,

crash on the couch.

I've got some food

in the refrigerator.

When was the last time you ate?

- Why you doin' this?

- Let's just say I feel bad

about what happened

in the classroom.

The way I saw your father react,

I figured this'd be the best way

to make it up to you.

Mind you, though, it's

just for the night.

Tomorrow morning

you have to decide

what you want to do.

- Even after all the

trouble I caused you?

You'd do this?

- Lord taught us to always

turn the other cheek.

- Oh, man, you really

live that crap, don't you?

- I believe in it, yes.

- Okay, I'll go.

If I'd have known you

were a decent guy,

maybe I wouldn't have

caused you so many problems.

Let's go, I'm starving.

(ominous music)

(weeping)

- I should have helped her.

She was conning me for money.

I thought she'd be alright.

- Shhh.

- As she was leaving,

I had her thinking,

I thought that there

was something wrong.

I should have done

something more.

- Okay, you did

the best you could.

- [Steve] I feel good.

Really alive.

I just wish there was some

way I could cheer you up.

- [Cheryl] I'm sorry.

It was a bad idea for

me to come out today.

I feel really out of it.

- It was that girl, wasn't it?

Cheryl, there's nothing

we could do about it.

Listen, you're gonna

have to learn something.

If you want to be

working at that unit,

you're gonna have to learn

how to cope with these things.

- How do I learn to

cope with the murder

of a young girl?

- I didn't mean

that, in particular.

I'm talking about in general.

I mean, maybe sometimes,

no matter what

you say or do, these

youngsters are gonna

go out there and

they're gonna do

what they wanna do, even if

it means hurting themselves.

- You're right, of course.

- Cheryl, I don't

mean to be preaching

like I know everything,

but in this particular

situation, it was her fault.

- How can you say that?

How can you say it was her fault

that she was murdered

by a monster?

You think this is funny.

- No, I don't think it's funny.

I think your

reactions are funny.

Cheryl, the girl

was a con-artist,

couldn't you tell that?

She went out into

the street alone.

She knew the dangers were there.

She just figured

she could go out

and handle them on her own.

I think she was a

little surprised

when she found out

that she couldn't.

Look, I didn't mean

it to sound that way.

What I'm really trying

to say to you is,

are we really that guilty?

- Yes, we are.

Society is guilty.

It's guilty because

it creates a situation

that forces a young girl

out into the street.

It's guilty because

it creates a monster

that would take advantage

of that young girl.

We're guilty because we're

part of society, Steve.

- I don't know what

you're trying to say.

- I had a strange

thought the other night,

and the more I thought about it,

the less strange it got.

What if the murderer

knows that that office

is the Adolescent Crisis Unit?

- Yeah, so?

- Well, think about it a minute.

All he'd have to

do is lurk around

until some troubled

kid came along,

and then, one less teenager.

It would be our responsibility.

- You have a vivid imagination.

- That unit would be like

bait for his victims.

- So, what are you saying?

- I guess I'm trying to say

that I don't like

feeling helpless.

So, I went to Ed Eubanks

and I told him how I felt.

He agrees with me.

Ed's going to withhold

funding from the unit

until the killer is caught.

(ominous music)

Steve, what's the matter?

Steve, you're scaring me.

- What am I supposed to do?

You had to interfere,

didn't you?

You know I quit a job to

be the head of that unit.

- Aren't you being

a little selfish?

Doesn't the safety of

the kids come first?

- Leave it to a woman

to fuck things up.

- Steve.

- I trusted you.

Dammit, dammit.

(clinking)

(ringing)

- Hello?

- [Steve] Hello, Marene?

- Oh, Steve.

- [Steve] Is it true that

Ed has withheld the funding?

- Oh, Cheryl must've told you.

- [Steve] It's true, then?

- Yes, Ed thought it best.

- [Steve] You mean

you thought it best.

- Steve, are you alright?

- [Steve] Oh, I

never felt better.

- I know it must

come as a shock, but,

oh, it's only temporary

until they find that killer.

- [Steve] Absolutely.

I wholeheartedly agree.

- I'm glad you feel that way.

- [Steve] Say, Marene,

I'm afraid Cheryl

and I got into an

argument and she left

in a bit of a huff

before I could apologize.

Do you know where she

might go when she's upset?

- Oh, no, no, no.

Unless she's at one

of her girlfriends.

- [Steve] I'm gonna

try to find her,

but if she gets home

before I see her,

will you tell her

how sorry I am?

- Yes, of course, but I

wouldn't let it worry you.

Steve?

- You don't know how

insensitive you sound.

- I know, I know, you're right.

Listen, I am sorry

for the way I acted.

Everything will turn

out for the best.

- Maybe I was a little

insensitive, too.

I mean, after all, the

job meant a lot to you.

- No, no, you were

absolutely right.

I think that the safety

of these children

should always come first.

Listen, uh, why don't

we get out of here?

Let's go for a drive, huh?

- That sounds really good.

- [Steve] We can go

to my favorite place.

- [Cheryl] Where's that?

- [Steve] The desert.

- [Cheryl] What the

hell's out there?

- [Steve] Peace.

- [Cheryl] This is so beautiful.

I'm glad we came out here.

Steve, anything wrong?

- [Steve] No, nothing.

- [Cheryl] God, this

is sure deserted.

You sure you know

where you're going?

- [Steve] Absolutely sure.

(engine puttering)

(ominous music)

- What's wrong?

- Oh, nothing.

- We're in the

middle of nowhere.

What is it?

- You just had to

interfere, didn't you?

- What are you talking about?

- Something good comes along

and you have to fuck it up!

- Ah!

What are you doing?

- You women are all

the same, aren't you?

As soon as something

good comes along,

you gotta fuck it up!

- You're scaring me!

- Oh, I'm sorry about that.

Hey, look, if you don't like it,

why don't you just

get the hell out?

- Don't do this, Steve.

- That's it.

You think you can

survive out there,

out in the middle of nowhere?

Hey, maybe the old

coyotes'll get ya, huh?

Remember when we first met?

- Why are you doing this?

- Huh? Huh?

I was gonna kill you!

That's right.

You've heard of the

Mojave Murderer.

Well, I killed all of 'em,

even that girl, Debbie.

She was the best

one of them all!

- [Cheryl] Don't hurt me!

- Hurt you?

I'm gonna blow your

fuckin' head off!

- [Cheryl] No!

(thuds)

(ominous music)

- Now I'm gonna have

some fun with you, baby.

Yes, it's time to

squeeze the life

out of you, you bitch!

Shall I go through

with it or not, huh?

- I love you, please.

- Love me?

What the fuck's that

got to do with it?

If you love me, you

won't die so quickly.

(choking)

(mumbling)

- Come here, come here.

- [Steve] What?

- Kiss me.

- Kiss you?

Kiss you?

Oh, you really get off

on this, don't you, baby?

(moaning)

Ah!

(screaming)

(whimpering)

- You son of a bitch!

You son of a bitch!

- No, no, no, Cheryl.

- You son of a bitch!

- No, Cheryl! No!

(gunshot)

Ah!

(groaning)

- Goddammit.

God damn you.

All those people!

All those people you killed.

(gunshot)

I'm gonna kill you

for all those people.

(gunshot)

- You're right, you're

right, I'm wrong.

(gunshot)

(screaming)

(tense music)

(groaning)

(sniffling)

(sobbing)

(eerie music)

- Oh, God.

(whimpering)

(eerie music)

(wind whooshing)

(eerie music)