NightMan (1997–1999): Season 2, Episode 9 - Ring of Fire - full transcript
[DRAGON GRUNTING]
Chu-Jung!
Again?
Sleep.
[WINGS FLAPPING]
Chu-Jung.
[DRAGON GRUNTING]
[SCREAMING]
[THEME MUSIC PLAYING]
[FIRE BLAZING]
[BUTTON ACTIVATION]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
NIGHT MAN: Don'’t be afraid.
Help is here.
You'’re gonna be okay.
I guess I'’m an acquired taste.
It says here, the fire
was suspicious in
origin.
I smelled gasoline
in there.
You know we are
only a block away. Why
don'’t we swing by?
Why?
Ha ha, come on man.
What kind of self-respecting
hero doesn'’t want to visit
the scene of his latest triumph?
No.
Ten minutes tops.
Come on.
[BRAKES SCREECHING]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
I'’m telling you,
that was Briony'’s car.
Bay City P.D. must have
a dozen like cars.
RALEIGH:
Oh. Briony will you look--
Wow.
BRIONY: Well.
Surprise, surprise.
Ah, this is detective
Leslie Yee.
Hi, I'’m Raleigh Jordan.
Hi.
JOHNNY: Hi, Johnny.
So nice to meet you,
Johnny.
Nice to meet you.
Leslie is here on
temporary assignment
from Honolulu P.D.
She'’s teaching us how to
please the Chinese community
more effectively.
So, what are you guys
doing here?
Oh, we were just passing
by and Johnny insisted
on stopping.
Er... Yeah.
Are you on this
case?
Mm-hmm.
After all, my favorite
vigilante was involved.
Ya, who, that night man guy?
BRIONY: Mm-hmm. Who else?
He was the hero that rescued
the girlfriend.
Well, lets not hold
the medal ceremony
just yet.
For all we know,
he started the fire in
the first place.
Oh come on. He doesn'’t
kill innocent people.
That we know of.
Besides, this victim
was anything but
innocent.
Victor Lei, second in command,
Eddie Chin.
Chinatown'’s most notorious
mobster.
You think it
was a hit?
Could be. A rival
gang where,
maybe Victor got a little
too ambitious and then
he sent a message.
Well the girlfriend has
a different theory.
She believes Victor was killed
by the executioner of
the Gods.
RALEIGH: Excuse me?
In Chinese mythology,
the God of fire is
also the executioner
of the Gods.
He is sent to Earth,
to destroy humans
who offend them.
His name is Chu-Jung.
Hmm, there'’s a hot
lead.
Why would you think
that?
Well, she said the Victor
had recurring dreams
about Chu-Jung.
Including one last night.
Tell them how this
Chu-Jung travels.
He flies down from
the heavens in a form
of a dragon.
Of course, how else?
So...uh...
Reliable sources tell
me that you'’re the
top musician in town.
You should come down,
to the House of Soul,
sometime.
It'’s a date. I'm
looking forward to it.
Good.
Well, we better hit it.
Go break the sad news
to Eddie Chin.
Oh, and then check to see
if there were any dragon
sightings last night.
Listen, I'’m sorry about
coming on to Johnny
like that.
I do realize, you two
had a thing going.
[LAUGHING] What are
you talking about?
Who said we have a thing going?
No one said but there
were signals.
Oh, well not for
me. I mean,
John'’s a nice guy and
great looking and all that
but er... He'’s a saxophone
player, I'’m a cop...
You know.
Then, there'’s not even
a chance?
It never works so
why even go down that road.
I see.
So, if I decide to take
an interest...
Ah, hey, you'’re both
consenting adults.
There'’s Eddie Chin's place,
Jade palace.
What is it a restaurant?
I... not exactly.
[CLUB MUSIC PLAYING]
There he is.
Ladies, sit down and have
a drink with us?
No, thanks.
Isn'’t that part of your
job, that and the,
showing us your assets.
We don'’t work here.
Oh, right.
Bodies like that,
you don'’t work
here, come on?
You have big butts.
Maybe, start your
shift a little early.
Need somewhere to
stuff this.
How about where the moon
don'’t shine, hmm?
[MEN LAUGHING]
Cut the crap, you
pussy little broad.
You mean, cut the crap
you pussy little
police lieutenant.
Here, check my ID.
-You see that?
-Yes ma'’am.
Good, good.
I suggest you remember it.
Back to your Shirley
Temple.
Charming clientele.
Yeah, tomorrow'’s captain of
industry.
We'’re here to see Eddie.
Cops.
Eddie Chin.
Lieutenant Branca.
Detective Yee.
We'’re about Victor Lei.
I heard.
Such a tragedy.
We were very close.
BRIONY: Yeah.
Thick as thieves.
Very droll lieutenant.
I suppose you want
to know about my
whereabouts last night.
I was here.
Dozens of witnesses.
Present company, included.
How about around 3:30
this morning?
Ooh.
[KISSING]
Just one witness.
Yeah, he was with me.
Definitely, with me.
[CHUCKLING]
Don'’t suppose you know of any
enemies ,Victor might have had?
No.
Sweet guy like that.
How can he have any enemies?
Right.
Well,
thanks for your co-operation.
You know, lieutenant,
whenever you get tired
of playing cops and robbers,
come see me.
I can guarantee you triple
of what you'’re making
now.
Ooh,
either one of you,
Yeah, wouldn'’t
work out Eddie.
I mean, guys like
you are the reason I
enjoy carrying a gun.
♪ I'’m still searching♪
[SAXOPHONE PLAYING]
♪ This side of heaven
is where we are♪
♪ We stumble, we fall
♪ Our battle scars
♪ This side of heaven
♪ The land of God
♪ The innocent never know
♪ This side of heaven
♪ Is where we are
♪ We'’re still do fine ♪
♪ Battle scars
♪This side of heaven,
the land of God ♪
♪ This side of heaven
♪ I believe
♪ la la la la
[CROWD APPLAUDING]
That set was er...
Amazing.
Even better than
the last one.
Thanks.
You'’re welcome.
Can I get you a drink?
No, thanks.
I'’ll stick to my water.
[LAUGHING]
Did you see that?
They'’ve been flirting with
each other, all night.
Well, so?
So?
Johnny hasn'’t exactly
been in a romantic mood
since he lost his father.
Well, this is a good
thing then.
I think its a sign that he'’s
getting along with his life,
actually.
Yeah.
Yeah, I guess. It'’s just...
Kind of sudden,
you know.
So, how long is your
assignment here?
Two more weeks.
Two more weeks.
Not much time?
For what?
Well, for er...
Whatever.
So glad you want to
get to know me better.
Yeah.
It'’s been a long time
since I felt anything.
I know.
Briony told me about
your father.
I'’m so sorry.
You know,
on any rational level,
it doesn'’t make sense
for us to just start something
we can'’t finish.
Not everything has to be
rational.
Well.
We don'’t have much time.
I want to know
everything about you.
What if you don'’t
like the real me?
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
What'’s wrong?
It'’s just er...
Nothing.
Nothing.
What'’s that?
What the hell is that?
Its Chu-Jung.
What?
The fire god.
Look out.
[DRAGON GRUNTING]
JOHNNY: You'’re saying this
whole thing was an
hallucination?
BRIONY: Mostly, yeah.
You see, you were
inhaling fluro-benzoate.
Which was leaking
from the chemical
company, below this cliff.
And the fire?
That was real.
But, caused by the same gas
which is highly in-flammable.
Lucky for you, the company
had already discovered
the leak
and notified emergency
services.
They were on their
way up here when
the fire broke out.
Not that they expected to
find people parked
in such an isolated spot
in the middle
of the night.
We were admiring the view.
Right.
And then, you thought
you saw Leslie as a fox.
Who will ever figure out
the complex symbolism
of that one?
JOHNNY: How are you feeling?
LESLIE: I'’m okay, thanks.
RALEIGH: A fox?
No wonder Briony
made fun of you.
She wasn'’t there, I was.
You don'’t buy her
explanation?
I don'’t know.
It all seems logical
except for...
Leslie looking like a fox.
I'’m getting a bad
feeling.
You picking up evil
vibes?
Ahh.
I don'’t know.
But I do want to find
out this Chu-Jung legend.
Leslie has a local
contact that'’s
some kind
of an expert.
LESLIE: Guan Sao is the priest
who runs the city'’s main
Daoist temple.
He'’s very knowledgeable
about Chinese culture.
JOHNNY: Seems like our man.
So, how'’d you hook up
with him?
Well, I was looking for someone
to introduce me to the local
Chinese community.
He volunteered.
He'’s very nice.
You'’ll like him.
A little young, isn'’t he?
Is that jealousy
I hear?
Ahh... no, no.
I was expecting more
of a grey-bearded old
wise man.
In it'’s simplest terms,
the Dao is merely
the way.
From the way, arises
Ying and Yang.
The two opposing yet
inter-connective forces
of the universe.
Now, from these two come
three.
Heaven, earth and
humanity.
Then, the myths like
Chu-Jung and the fire
god
arise from Daoism?
For the most part.
Although, the Chinese
people have adapted
stories and legends from
Buddhism and Confucianism'’
as well.
And I'’m not sure
if myth is the best way
to describe Chu-Jung.
It'’s a little that talking
to Christians about
the myth of Jesus.
PRIEST: Sorry, no offense.
None taken.
But, bear in mind,
that many Chinese people
want the absolute belief
and existence of their gods.
For them,
Chu-Jung is as real as you are.
LESLIE: Hey lieutenant.
Sorry, I'’m late.
My fault.
Hmm, why am I not surprised?
Anyway, you'’re just in
time.
I just got the arson
investigator'’s report
on the Victor Lei
fire.
What'’s it got to
say?
Definitely was arson.
The ignition source was too hot
to occur naturally.
It had to be something like
a blow torch.
Larger.
His best guess would
be a military type flame
thrower.
That'’s not good news.
Hitman was a flame
thrower.
This is just what we need,
some scum driving
around town
with no conscience and a car
loaded with jelly gasoline.
Like a rolling napalm
bomb.
Yeah.
Well I'’m gonna check the
national crime computer
to see if there'’s been another
recent murder using this
MO.
Of course, there'’s one
possible ignition source
that the arson investigator
never even considered.
Yeah, whats that?
Chu-Jung.
The winged dragon?
Ah, right.
Tell you what,
why don'’t you and John work
that angle?
After all, you'’ve seen
him in person.
Okay, then.
[HUMMING SONG]
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
[PLAYING THE SAXOPHONE]
Ah, Chu-Jung, Chu-Jung...
[SCREAMING]
[CROWD APPLAUDING]
JOHNNY: It'’s the the same as
last time.
Fox face appearing
after hers.
This time I wasn'’t
wacked down on some
sort of gas.
RALEIGH: So what do you think
is causing it?
I don'’t know.
What'’s happening?
Victor Lei, all over
again.
Except this time, its just some
poor guy who ran a little
business.
BRIONY: I don'’t get it.
[POLICE RADIO TALKING]
Not a likely target
from my book.
Hmm, the case of
my theory is out the window,
but
the alternative is a helluva
lot worse.
Instead of a dangerous
but predictable contract
killer,
we'’ve got some freaking
fire bug who randomly
torches people,
instead of places.
-Later.
-Yeah.
Glen must be behind this.
Head for his club.
I wanna surprise him.
[GUN COCKING]
Trouble?
We'’ll see.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING]
NIGHT MAN: There'’ll be no gang
wars in this city.
[STRUGGLING]
[SCREAMING]
LESLIE: We appreciate you
taking time to see us
again.
Especially when you
are this busy.
I have excellent helpers to
assist me.
Is it always like this?
Unfortunately, not.
When the gods get angry
people get frightened
and return to worship again.
JOHNNY:
Something I don'’t understand.
I can see why they
would think that Chu-Jung
would punish a low life
like Victor Lei.
But why an ordinary citizen?
Things aren'’t always
what they seem.
Mr. Wong was more than
your local acupuncturist.
He'’s right, Johnny.
I'’ve heard rumors
that Wong was the numbers
runner for Eddie Chin.
No wonder Eddie was
so paranoid.
[PHONE RINGING]
Excuse me.
Detective Yee...
Yeah, alright, I'’ll
meet you there.
Excuse me,
I have to meet lieutenant
Branca, at the jade
palace.
Thanks, for your help.
LESLIE: Thank you.
[COMPUTER NOISES]
JOHNNY: What are you
working on?
RALEIGH:
Classic Japanese cinema.
JOHNNY: Okay.
Why?
RALEIGH: To help you.
Ha ha... how?
All those visual disturbances
you'’ve been having,
where you see Leslie
as a fox.
Hmm.
Well, I remembered a scene
from Akira Kurosawa'’s
classic film, " Throne
of Blood,"
it'’s the one he based
on Macbeth.
Great flick.
The way he constructs
the scenes
and the shots--
Yeah, yeah.
Right, right. Anyways
At the end of the film, when
the good guys catch up
to the lady Macbethcharacter,
she changes into a fox
to escape.
You see, the fox has special
significance in Asian
mythologies.
It'’s worth a shot?
WOMAN: Eddie'’s not here.
BRIONY: Where is he?
Hiding.
This last murder has
really got him spooked.
LESLIE: Why?
BRIONY: He can afford to hire
as much muscle as
any of his rivals
That'’s just it,
he doesn'’t think this
was one of his rivals.
Because Wong was too small
a part of his operation, to be
a target.
If Eddie isn'’t worried
about a turf war, then
why...
Wait a minute.
You'’re not trying to tell me
Eddie Chan,
believes in all this
vengeance of the gods,
mumbo-jumbo.
Look, I'’m not saying
that he is religious or nothing,
he'’s just not taking
any chances, either.
Must be a heck
of a sale.
I'’ll go check
it out.
LESLIE: Excuse me.
What'’s up?
Put those credit cards
away, there'’s no sale.
They'’re all buying gold
because of Chu-Jung.
What?
They'’re afraid of his
anger so they'’re making
offerings at the Daoist temple.
Traditionally, gods prefer
gold to cash, so.
Interesting.
Let'’s interview the owner.
Then, I'’d like to have a
little chat with that priest.
-Guan Sao.
-Mm-hmm.
I thought you weren'’t
interested in mythological
mumbo-jumbo.
Well, I'’m not.
But, I'’ve been ignoring
a major component of a criminal
investigation, motive.
As in, who stands to
profit, from these crimes.
So you suspect Guan Sao?
He'’s collecting piles
of gold.
True.
RALEIGH: Alright.
Here it is. All the 411
on fox spirits.
[COMPUTER DOWNLOADING DATA]
Fox spirits?
Yeah. You see in many Asian
mythologies, the fox is
considered
the cleverest of all
animals.
As in, sly as a fox.
That'’s brilliant, really.
If I could finish?
The fox is always striving
to become human and
when it does,
it'’s almost always as a
beautiful woman.
But, it'’s an evil beauty
who enjoys leading men to
their ruin.
So you think Leslie,
is a fox spirit?
Leading me to ruin.
I'’m not making any
judgments here, I'’m just
sharing information.
I mean, Leslie
certainly is beautiful.
Hmm. It also says here
that they have a hard time
maintaining their human form
when they drink alcohol.
I suppose Leslie drinks,
does she?
No.
What else?
Hmm.
The hardest part for them
to disguise is their tail.
[LAUGHING] I don'’t suppose
you'’ve gotten a good look.
This is getting
ridiculous.
See...You try and help someone
and all they do is give
you grief.
Well, I really didn'’t think
it would take this long to
track Guan Sao, down.
LESLIE: Well, he wasn'’t at
the temple or his quarters so,
his mother'’s place is the only
other link we'’ve got.
Take the next right,
then the first left.
[LIGHT BUZZING]
BRIONY: This it?
LESLIE: They said it was
a narrow street.
Excuse me, lieutenant.
Detective Yee.
Johnny.
Are we still on
for tonight?
Sure, but I might
be a little late.
Lieutenant and I just met with
Eddie Chin but we'’ve got one
more subject to interview.
Why don'’t you call
me after you get off duty
and we'’ll hook up?
Alright, that sounds good.
[FIRE EXPLOSION]
What was that?
[SCREAMING]
Leslie?
[FIRE BLAZING]
[DIGITAL BUZZ]
So, whats the story, Nance?
We found some personal
items.
No bodies, the car was
empty when it went off.
Anybody see what happened?
No witnesses yet.
No sign of lieutenant Branca
or detective Yee.
[HELICOPTER]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING]
BRIONY: How did Guan Sao find
out so fast that he was
a suspect?
I spoke to this one
when we came looking
for Guan Sao.
Must have tipped him off.
To what, we wanted to talk
to him?
How does translate into being
a suspect?
Ladies.
Well, if it isn'’t the fire god
Chu-Jung.
Ah, banter.
I have no time
for banter
Who else did you
tell your suspicions to?
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
Up yours.
I think separate
interviews,
may prove to be more fruitful.
Take her next door.
RALEIGH: Hmm, let me see
him explain this.
[DOOR CLOSING]
Johnny?
Yeah.
Come and take a look at this.
Thought I was wasting my
time huh? Well check that.
-Who is it?
-That'’s the Honolulu police ID
for detective Leslie Yee.
No. It'’s gotta be a mistake.
I can double check but
that'’s right out of her
personnel file.
JOHNNY: Wait a minute.
Wait a minute.
Leslie had an alibi
for the second incident, me.
She was at the club
that night.
She must have one or
more accomplices.
But, she'’s been with
me constantly
and I didn'’t pick-up
any evil vibes.
You know, as a fox
spirit, she probably has
the power to block you.
Wherever she is,
she'’s how we find
Briony.
Where do we start?
I can'’t believe it.
I planned this for three years.
But, it took me, to
really make it happen.
Are you sure no one suspects
anything?
I was with that Lieutenant,
the whole time.
She didn'’t tell anyone else
that she suspected you.
Then we'’ve succeeded.
Almost.
Load up the gold and
on our way out of town,
we'’ll drop lieutenant
Branca off.
Off the Bay bridge.
MAN: See anything?
EDDIE: No.
At the moon'’s rising, so I want
one of you at this window
for the rest of the night.
You got it, boss.
Is Eddie around?
Thanks.
RALEIGH: You out there?
Yeah, go ahead.
No sign of Eddie here.
JOHNNY: Never mind.
I got him.
RALEIGH: Okay.
You again. What do you want?
The two police women.
-Where are they?
-I don'’t know.
Ah, they were fine
when they left here.
Ask Mr. Lin, the jeweler across
the street.
Why?
Uh, they went to see him
after they left here.
His... he'’s lives above
the shop, just ask him.
It'’s your lucky day.
RALEIGH: Mr. Lin? Mr. Lin?
Hi.
I'’m sorry to be bothering
you so late, but I need to talk
to you about those
two police women you met
today.
Thank you.
RALEIGH: Mr. Lin said that
Briony seemed very interested
to find out the reason
all the gold was being
purchased was
for offerings at
the temple.
Then the person who
is profiting from this
is the man who runs the temple.
Guan Sao, he'’s only
few blocks from here.
Meet me there.
Yeah.
That'’s it.
Not necessarily.
LESLIE: Time to go.
Are you an impostor
or traitor?
An impostor.
The best you'’ve ever
seen.
GUAN SAO: Let'’s go.
You know what'’s the
funny thing about this
situation...
it kinda makes me
feel like you have nothing
to lose.
RALEIGH: Ooh, whoa.
Nice timing.
Yeah.
I'’m going after Leslie.
RALEIGH: Night man.
Raleigh, did you
find Briony?
Yeah. She'’s with me.
Then I'’m going after
Guan Sao.
Okay.
RALEIGH: There.
[DOOR OPENING]
BRIONY: She'’s gotta be here.
[RUNNING]
Who was that?
A fox.
Fox?
Now you'’re mine.
No.
Can'’t be real.
[SCREAMING]
JOHNNY: Thanks for the good news
Briony. I'’ll talk to you later.
RALEIGH: What'’s good news?
They'’ve located the real
detective. Leslie Yee.
Some local psych ward,
for temporary amnesia.
She knew where she
was a couple of hours ago.
Mm-hmm.
RALEIGH: What do they think
happened to Guan Sao?
Well they think, he er... he was
a rogue priest who got
who got dive-bombed by
some winged dragon,
named Chu-Jung.
Mm-hmm...
Nice try.
Where you going?
To get a fork.
Chu-Jung, right.
What does the police report
say?
They think that the fuel
tank and the flame thrower
leaked and caught fire,
when Sao panicked
and drove off the cliff.
-Could have happened.
-Yeah.
Still wondering about
his partner in crime.
No, she was no more his
partner than she was yours.
You see, fox spirits delight
in fooling and ruining all men.
She got hers.
Yeah, you sure about that?
Oh yeah, we caught her.
Forced her to transform
to escape. You see once
a fox spirit gives up her human
form, she can never have it back
again.
You know, speaking of..
Beautiful spirits, you never did
yell me about how close
you and Leslie--
Let it go.
Let it go.
Okay.
I guess there are more
things in heaven and earth
that are dreamed of
in our philosophy.
How'’d you get that off
a, fortune cookie?
Shakespeare'’s Hamlet.
Act one, scene five.
You'’ve been hanging
out here too long.
[THEME MUSIC PLAYING]
Chu-Jung!
Again?
Sleep.
[WINGS FLAPPING]
Chu-Jung.
[DRAGON GRUNTING]
[SCREAMING]
[THEME MUSIC PLAYING]
[FIRE BLAZING]
[BUTTON ACTIVATION]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
NIGHT MAN: Don'’t be afraid.
Help is here.
You'’re gonna be okay.
I guess I'’m an acquired taste.
It says here, the fire
was suspicious in
origin.
I smelled gasoline
in there.
You know we are
only a block away. Why
don'’t we swing by?
Why?
Ha ha, come on man.
What kind of self-respecting
hero doesn'’t want to visit
the scene of his latest triumph?
No.
Ten minutes tops.
Come on.
[BRAKES SCREECHING]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYING]
I'’m telling you,
that was Briony'’s car.
Bay City P.D. must have
a dozen like cars.
RALEIGH:
Oh. Briony will you look--
Wow.
BRIONY: Well.
Surprise, surprise.
Ah, this is detective
Leslie Yee.
Hi, I'’m Raleigh Jordan.
Hi.
JOHNNY: Hi, Johnny.
So nice to meet you,
Johnny.
Nice to meet you.
Leslie is here on
temporary assignment
from Honolulu P.D.
She'’s teaching us how to
please the Chinese community
more effectively.
So, what are you guys
doing here?
Oh, we were just passing
by and Johnny insisted
on stopping.
Er... Yeah.
Are you on this
case?
Mm-hmm.
After all, my favorite
vigilante was involved.
Ya, who, that night man guy?
BRIONY: Mm-hmm. Who else?
He was the hero that rescued
the girlfriend.
Well, lets not hold
the medal ceremony
just yet.
For all we know,
he started the fire in
the first place.
Oh come on. He doesn'’t
kill innocent people.
That we know of.
Besides, this victim
was anything but
innocent.
Victor Lei, second in command,
Eddie Chin.
Chinatown'’s most notorious
mobster.
You think it
was a hit?
Could be. A rival
gang where,
maybe Victor got a little
too ambitious and then
he sent a message.
Well the girlfriend has
a different theory.
She believes Victor was killed
by the executioner of
the Gods.
RALEIGH: Excuse me?
In Chinese mythology,
the God of fire is
also the executioner
of the Gods.
He is sent to Earth,
to destroy humans
who offend them.
His name is Chu-Jung.
Hmm, there'’s a hot
lead.
Why would you think
that?
Well, she said the Victor
had recurring dreams
about Chu-Jung.
Including one last night.
Tell them how this
Chu-Jung travels.
He flies down from
the heavens in a form
of a dragon.
Of course, how else?
So...uh...
Reliable sources tell
me that you'’re the
top musician in town.
You should come down,
to the House of Soul,
sometime.
It'’s a date. I'm
looking forward to it.
Good.
Well, we better hit it.
Go break the sad news
to Eddie Chin.
Oh, and then check to see
if there were any dragon
sightings last night.
Listen, I'’m sorry about
coming on to Johnny
like that.
I do realize, you two
had a thing going.
[LAUGHING] What are
you talking about?
Who said we have a thing going?
No one said but there
were signals.
Oh, well not for
me. I mean,
John'’s a nice guy and
great looking and all that
but er... He'’s a saxophone
player, I'’m a cop...
You know.
Then, there'’s not even
a chance?
It never works so
why even go down that road.
I see.
So, if I decide to take
an interest...
Ah, hey, you'’re both
consenting adults.
There'’s Eddie Chin's place,
Jade palace.
What is it a restaurant?
I... not exactly.
[CLUB MUSIC PLAYING]
There he is.
Ladies, sit down and have
a drink with us?
No, thanks.
Isn'’t that part of your
job, that and the,
showing us your assets.
We don'’t work here.
Oh, right.
Bodies like that,
you don'’t work
here, come on?
You have big butts.
Maybe, start your
shift a little early.
Need somewhere to
stuff this.
How about where the moon
don'’t shine, hmm?
[MEN LAUGHING]
Cut the crap, you
pussy little broad.
You mean, cut the crap
you pussy little
police lieutenant.
Here, check my ID.
-You see that?
-Yes ma'’am.
Good, good.
I suggest you remember it.
Back to your Shirley
Temple.
Charming clientele.
Yeah, tomorrow'’s captain of
industry.
We'’re here to see Eddie.
Cops.
Eddie Chin.
Lieutenant Branca.
Detective Yee.
We'’re about Victor Lei.
I heard.
Such a tragedy.
We were very close.
BRIONY: Yeah.
Thick as thieves.
Very droll lieutenant.
I suppose you want
to know about my
whereabouts last night.
I was here.
Dozens of witnesses.
Present company, included.
How about around 3:30
this morning?
Ooh.
[KISSING]
Just one witness.
Yeah, he was with me.
Definitely, with me.
[CHUCKLING]
Don'’t suppose you know of any
enemies ,Victor might have had?
No.
Sweet guy like that.
How can he have any enemies?
Right.
Well,
thanks for your co-operation.
You know, lieutenant,
whenever you get tired
of playing cops and robbers,
come see me.
I can guarantee you triple
of what you'’re making
now.
Ooh,
either one of you,
Yeah, wouldn'’t
work out Eddie.
I mean, guys like
you are the reason I
enjoy carrying a gun.
♪ I'’m still searching♪
[SAXOPHONE PLAYING]
♪ This side of heaven
is where we are♪
♪ We stumble, we fall
♪ Our battle scars
♪ This side of heaven
♪ The land of God
♪ The innocent never know
♪ This side of heaven
♪ Is where we are
♪ We'’re still do fine ♪
♪ Battle scars
♪This side of heaven,
the land of God ♪
♪ This side of heaven
♪ I believe
♪ la la la la
[CROWD APPLAUDING]
That set was er...
Amazing.
Even better than
the last one.
Thanks.
You'’re welcome.
Can I get you a drink?
No, thanks.
I'’ll stick to my water.
[LAUGHING]
Did you see that?
They'’ve been flirting with
each other, all night.
Well, so?
So?
Johnny hasn'’t exactly
been in a romantic mood
since he lost his father.
Well, this is a good
thing then.
I think its a sign that he'’s
getting along with his life,
actually.
Yeah.
Yeah, I guess. It'’s just...
Kind of sudden,
you know.
So, how long is your
assignment here?
Two more weeks.
Two more weeks.
Not much time?
For what?
Well, for er...
Whatever.
So glad you want to
get to know me better.
Yeah.
It'’s been a long time
since I felt anything.
I know.
Briony told me about
your father.
I'’m so sorry.
You know,
on any rational level,
it doesn'’t make sense
for us to just start something
we can'’t finish.
Not everything has to be
rational.
Well.
We don'’t have much time.
I want to know
everything about you.
What if you don'’t
like the real me?
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
What'’s wrong?
It'’s just er...
Nothing.
Nothing.
What'’s that?
What the hell is that?
Its Chu-Jung.
What?
The fire god.
Look out.
[DRAGON GRUNTING]
JOHNNY: You'’re saying this
whole thing was an
hallucination?
BRIONY: Mostly, yeah.
You see, you were
inhaling fluro-benzoate.
Which was leaking
from the chemical
company, below this cliff.
And the fire?
That was real.
But, caused by the same gas
which is highly in-flammable.
Lucky for you, the company
had already discovered
the leak
and notified emergency
services.
They were on their
way up here when
the fire broke out.
Not that they expected to
find people parked
in such an isolated spot
in the middle
of the night.
We were admiring the view.
Right.
And then, you thought
you saw Leslie as a fox.
Who will ever figure out
the complex symbolism
of that one?
JOHNNY: How are you feeling?
LESLIE: I'’m okay, thanks.
RALEIGH: A fox?
No wonder Briony
made fun of you.
She wasn'’t there, I was.
You don'’t buy her
explanation?
I don'’t know.
It all seems logical
except for...
Leslie looking like a fox.
I'’m getting a bad
feeling.
You picking up evil
vibes?
Ahh.
I don'’t know.
But I do want to find
out this Chu-Jung legend.
Leslie has a local
contact that'’s
some kind
of an expert.
LESLIE: Guan Sao is the priest
who runs the city'’s main
Daoist temple.
He'’s very knowledgeable
about Chinese culture.
JOHNNY: Seems like our man.
So, how'’d you hook up
with him?
Well, I was looking for someone
to introduce me to the local
Chinese community.
He volunteered.
He'’s very nice.
You'’ll like him.
A little young, isn'’t he?
Is that jealousy
I hear?
Ahh... no, no.
I was expecting more
of a grey-bearded old
wise man.
In it'’s simplest terms,
the Dao is merely
the way.
From the way, arises
Ying and Yang.
The two opposing yet
inter-connective forces
of the universe.
Now, from these two come
three.
Heaven, earth and
humanity.
Then, the myths like
Chu-Jung and the fire
god
arise from Daoism?
For the most part.
Although, the Chinese
people have adapted
stories and legends from
Buddhism and Confucianism'’
as well.
And I'’m not sure
if myth is the best way
to describe Chu-Jung.
It'’s a little that talking
to Christians about
the myth of Jesus.
PRIEST: Sorry, no offense.
None taken.
But, bear in mind,
that many Chinese people
want the absolute belief
and existence of their gods.
For them,
Chu-Jung is as real as you are.
LESLIE: Hey lieutenant.
Sorry, I'’m late.
My fault.
Hmm, why am I not surprised?
Anyway, you'’re just in
time.
I just got the arson
investigator'’s report
on the Victor Lei
fire.
What'’s it got to
say?
Definitely was arson.
The ignition source was too hot
to occur naturally.
It had to be something like
a blow torch.
Larger.
His best guess would
be a military type flame
thrower.
That'’s not good news.
Hitman was a flame
thrower.
This is just what we need,
some scum driving
around town
with no conscience and a car
loaded with jelly gasoline.
Like a rolling napalm
bomb.
Yeah.
Well I'’m gonna check the
national crime computer
to see if there'’s been another
recent murder using this
MO.
Of course, there'’s one
possible ignition source
that the arson investigator
never even considered.
Yeah, whats that?
Chu-Jung.
The winged dragon?
Ah, right.
Tell you what,
why don'’t you and John work
that angle?
After all, you'’ve seen
him in person.
Okay, then.
[HUMMING SONG]
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
[PLAYING THE SAXOPHONE]
Ah, Chu-Jung, Chu-Jung...
[SCREAMING]
[CROWD APPLAUDING]
JOHNNY: It'’s the the same as
last time.
Fox face appearing
after hers.
This time I wasn'’t
wacked down on some
sort of gas.
RALEIGH: So what do you think
is causing it?
I don'’t know.
What'’s happening?
Victor Lei, all over
again.
Except this time, its just some
poor guy who ran a little
business.
BRIONY: I don'’t get it.
[POLICE RADIO TALKING]
Not a likely target
from my book.
Hmm, the case of
my theory is out the window,
but
the alternative is a helluva
lot worse.
Instead of a dangerous
but predictable contract
killer,
we'’ve got some freaking
fire bug who randomly
torches people,
instead of places.
-Later.
-Yeah.
Glen must be behind this.
Head for his club.
I wanna surprise him.
[GUN COCKING]
Trouble?
We'’ll see.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING]
NIGHT MAN: There'’ll be no gang
wars in this city.
[STRUGGLING]
[SCREAMING]
LESLIE: We appreciate you
taking time to see us
again.
Especially when you
are this busy.
I have excellent helpers to
assist me.
Is it always like this?
Unfortunately, not.
When the gods get angry
people get frightened
and return to worship again.
JOHNNY:
Something I don'’t understand.
I can see why they
would think that Chu-Jung
would punish a low life
like Victor Lei.
But why an ordinary citizen?
Things aren'’t always
what they seem.
Mr. Wong was more than
your local acupuncturist.
He'’s right, Johnny.
I'’ve heard rumors
that Wong was the numbers
runner for Eddie Chin.
No wonder Eddie was
so paranoid.
[PHONE RINGING]
Excuse me.
Detective Yee...
Yeah, alright, I'’ll
meet you there.
Excuse me,
I have to meet lieutenant
Branca, at the jade
palace.
Thanks, for your help.
LESLIE: Thank you.
[COMPUTER NOISES]
JOHNNY: What are you
working on?
RALEIGH:
Classic Japanese cinema.
JOHNNY: Okay.
Why?
RALEIGH: To help you.
Ha ha... how?
All those visual disturbances
you'’ve been having,
where you see Leslie
as a fox.
Hmm.
Well, I remembered a scene
from Akira Kurosawa'’s
classic film, " Throne
of Blood,"
it'’s the one he based
on Macbeth.
Great flick.
The way he constructs
the scenes
and the shots--
Yeah, yeah.
Right, right. Anyways
At the end of the film, when
the good guys catch up
to the lady Macbethcharacter,
she changes into a fox
to escape.
You see, the fox has special
significance in Asian
mythologies.
It'’s worth a shot?
WOMAN: Eddie'’s not here.
BRIONY: Where is he?
Hiding.
This last murder has
really got him spooked.
LESLIE: Why?
BRIONY: He can afford to hire
as much muscle as
any of his rivals
That'’s just it,
he doesn'’t think this
was one of his rivals.
Because Wong was too small
a part of his operation, to be
a target.
If Eddie isn'’t worried
about a turf war, then
why...
Wait a minute.
You'’re not trying to tell me
Eddie Chan,
believes in all this
vengeance of the gods,
mumbo-jumbo.
Look, I'’m not saying
that he is religious or nothing,
he'’s just not taking
any chances, either.
Must be a heck
of a sale.
I'’ll go check
it out.
LESLIE: Excuse me.
What'’s up?
Put those credit cards
away, there'’s no sale.
They'’re all buying gold
because of Chu-Jung.
What?
They'’re afraid of his
anger so they'’re making
offerings at the Daoist temple.
Traditionally, gods prefer
gold to cash, so.
Interesting.
Let'’s interview the owner.
Then, I'’d like to have a
little chat with that priest.
-Guan Sao.
-Mm-hmm.
I thought you weren'’t
interested in mythological
mumbo-jumbo.
Well, I'’m not.
But, I'’ve been ignoring
a major component of a criminal
investigation, motive.
As in, who stands to
profit, from these crimes.
So you suspect Guan Sao?
He'’s collecting piles
of gold.
True.
RALEIGH: Alright.
Here it is. All the 411
on fox spirits.
[COMPUTER DOWNLOADING DATA]
Fox spirits?
Yeah. You see in many Asian
mythologies, the fox is
considered
the cleverest of all
animals.
As in, sly as a fox.
That'’s brilliant, really.
If I could finish?
The fox is always striving
to become human and
when it does,
it'’s almost always as a
beautiful woman.
But, it'’s an evil beauty
who enjoys leading men to
their ruin.
So you think Leslie,
is a fox spirit?
Leading me to ruin.
I'’m not making any
judgments here, I'’m just
sharing information.
I mean, Leslie
certainly is beautiful.
Hmm. It also says here
that they have a hard time
maintaining their human form
when they drink alcohol.
I suppose Leslie drinks,
does she?
No.
What else?
Hmm.
The hardest part for them
to disguise is their tail.
[LAUGHING] I don'’t suppose
you'’ve gotten a good look.
This is getting
ridiculous.
See...You try and help someone
and all they do is give
you grief.
Well, I really didn'’t think
it would take this long to
track Guan Sao, down.
LESLIE: Well, he wasn'’t at
the temple or his quarters so,
his mother'’s place is the only
other link we'’ve got.
Take the next right,
then the first left.
[LIGHT BUZZING]
BRIONY: This it?
LESLIE: They said it was
a narrow street.
Excuse me, lieutenant.
Detective Yee.
Johnny.
Are we still on
for tonight?
Sure, but I might
be a little late.
Lieutenant and I just met with
Eddie Chin but we'’ve got one
more subject to interview.
Why don'’t you call
me after you get off duty
and we'’ll hook up?
Alright, that sounds good.
[FIRE EXPLOSION]
What was that?
[SCREAMING]
Leslie?
[FIRE BLAZING]
[DIGITAL BUZZ]
So, whats the story, Nance?
We found some personal
items.
No bodies, the car was
empty when it went off.
Anybody see what happened?
No witnesses yet.
No sign of lieutenant Branca
or detective Yee.
[HELICOPTER]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING]
BRIONY: How did Guan Sao find
out so fast that he was
a suspect?
I spoke to this one
when we came looking
for Guan Sao.
Must have tipped him off.
To what, we wanted to talk
to him?
How does translate into being
a suspect?
Ladies.
Well, if it isn'’t the fire god
Chu-Jung.
Ah, banter.
I have no time
for banter
Who else did you
tell your suspicions to?
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
Up yours.
I think separate
interviews,
may prove to be more fruitful.
Take her next door.
RALEIGH: Hmm, let me see
him explain this.
[DOOR CLOSING]
Johnny?
Yeah.
Come and take a look at this.
Thought I was wasting my
time huh? Well check that.
-Who is it?
-That'’s the Honolulu police ID
for detective Leslie Yee.
No. It'’s gotta be a mistake.
I can double check but
that'’s right out of her
personnel file.
JOHNNY: Wait a minute.
Wait a minute.
Leslie had an alibi
for the second incident, me.
She was at the club
that night.
She must have one or
more accomplices.
But, she'’s been with
me constantly
and I didn'’t pick-up
any evil vibes.
You know, as a fox
spirit, she probably has
the power to block you.
Wherever she is,
she'’s how we find
Briony.
Where do we start?
I can'’t believe it.
I planned this for three years.
But, it took me, to
really make it happen.
Are you sure no one suspects
anything?
I was with that Lieutenant,
the whole time.
She didn'’t tell anyone else
that she suspected you.
Then we'’ve succeeded.
Almost.
Load up the gold and
on our way out of town,
we'’ll drop lieutenant
Branca off.
Off the Bay bridge.
MAN: See anything?
EDDIE: No.
At the moon'’s rising, so I want
one of you at this window
for the rest of the night.
You got it, boss.
Is Eddie around?
Thanks.
RALEIGH: You out there?
Yeah, go ahead.
No sign of Eddie here.
JOHNNY: Never mind.
I got him.
RALEIGH: Okay.
You again. What do you want?
The two police women.
-Where are they?
-I don'’t know.
Ah, they were fine
when they left here.
Ask Mr. Lin, the jeweler across
the street.
Why?
Uh, they went to see him
after they left here.
His... he'’s lives above
the shop, just ask him.
It'’s your lucky day.
RALEIGH: Mr. Lin? Mr. Lin?
Hi.
I'’m sorry to be bothering
you so late, but I need to talk
to you about those
two police women you met
today.
Thank you.
RALEIGH: Mr. Lin said that
Briony seemed very interested
to find out the reason
all the gold was being
purchased was
for offerings at
the temple.
Then the person who
is profiting from this
is the man who runs the temple.
Guan Sao, he'’s only
few blocks from here.
Meet me there.
Yeah.
That'’s it.
Not necessarily.
LESLIE: Time to go.
Are you an impostor
or traitor?
An impostor.
The best you'’ve ever
seen.
GUAN SAO: Let'’s go.
You know what'’s the
funny thing about this
situation...
it kinda makes me
feel like you have nothing
to lose.
RALEIGH: Ooh, whoa.
Nice timing.
Yeah.
I'’m going after Leslie.
RALEIGH: Night man.
Raleigh, did you
find Briony?
Yeah. She'’s with me.
Then I'’m going after
Guan Sao.
Okay.
RALEIGH: There.
[DOOR OPENING]
BRIONY: She'’s gotta be here.
[RUNNING]
Who was that?
A fox.
Fox?
Now you'’re mine.
No.
Can'’t be real.
[SCREAMING]
JOHNNY: Thanks for the good news
Briony. I'’ll talk to you later.
RALEIGH: What'’s good news?
They'’ve located the real
detective. Leslie Yee.
Some local psych ward,
for temporary amnesia.
She knew where she
was a couple of hours ago.
Mm-hmm.
RALEIGH: What do they think
happened to Guan Sao?
Well they think, he er... he was
a rogue priest who got
who got dive-bombed by
some winged dragon,
named Chu-Jung.
Mm-hmm...
Nice try.
Where you going?
To get a fork.
Chu-Jung, right.
What does the police report
say?
They think that the fuel
tank and the flame thrower
leaked and caught fire,
when Sao panicked
and drove off the cliff.
-Could have happened.
-Yeah.
Still wondering about
his partner in crime.
No, she was no more his
partner than she was yours.
You see, fox spirits delight
in fooling and ruining all men.
She got hers.
Yeah, you sure about that?
Oh yeah, we caught her.
Forced her to transform
to escape. You see once
a fox spirit gives up her human
form, she can never have it back
again.
You know, speaking of..
Beautiful spirits, you never did
yell me about how close
you and Leslie--
Let it go.
Let it go.
Okay.
I guess there are more
things in heaven and earth
that are dreamed of
in our philosophy.
How'’d you get that off
a, fortune cookie?
Shakespeare'’s Hamlet.
Act one, scene five.
You'’ve been hanging
out here too long.
[THEME MUSIC PLAYING]