Ms. Thalia Richardson? Will you sign here, please?

THALIA

Thank you.

She closes the door, beaming. Unwrapping the flowers, she smells them deeply and opens the card.

Make a mess at your place. Just had my pool cleaned.

Thalia unwraps the box and opens the lid to reveal, under tissue paper, a revolver.

Thalia slowly lifts the gun.

Thalia walks down the long hallway, back to her bedroom.

The lilies and revolver held in each hand, hanging limply at her sides.

INT. THALIA’S BEDROOM—MOMENTS LATER

Thalia sets the lilies on the bureau.

She sits on her bed, backlit by the window, looking at the shrine of Alex and Thalia memorabilia.

She kneels by her bed, whispering a silent prayer. Slowly she raises the

PUSH IN on the shrine on the bureau, photos of the happy couple beaming back among the lilies and teddy bear.

Bang!

Blood sprays.

INT. ALEX’S PRIVATE GYM—EVENING

Alex does push-ups until he lies exhausted on the floor. He rolls over and stands, walking to the mirror.

Removing his sweat-soaked shirt, he touches his own image erotically.

KNOCK on the door.

INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE ALEX’S GYM—CONTINUOUS

Drew hovers outside the door to Alex’s gym. On a silver tray sits a cordless phone, a list of names and numbers, and a red rose. Hesitating a second, Drew removes the rose and puts it in his jacket lapel. Reconsidering, he places it back squarely beside the phone.

DREW

Sir, I have your phone messages.

ALEX (O.S.)

I’m busy, Drew, I’ll take them later.

DREW

One is from the police. They said it’s urgent, sir, and are sending over a constable to speak with you.

Silence.

DREW (CONT’D)

Sir?

Drew cautiously opens the door.

DREW (CONT’D)

Sir, I think that maybe.…

INT. ALEX’S PRIVATE GYM—CONTINUOUS

Drew pokes his head through the door, seen in the mirror over Alex’s shoulder.

ALEX

I said I was fucking busy!

Alex slams his fist into the floor-length mirror, shattering it. It falls in large shards of glass all around him as he sinks to the floor.

ALEX (CONT’D)

Do you understand what that means, you witless shit?

Drew stands, startled.

Alex tries to push himself up, his hand slipping on the glass.

Drew rushes to Alex’s aid. Alex grabs him by his shirt, pulling him down to him.

Drew struggles to sweep away the shards of glass from Alex, cutting his own hands.

ALEX (CONT’D)

Why are you so eager to please, Drew?

DREW

I love working for you, sir.

ALEX

Love!

Alex laughs as his eyes settle on the rose among the shards of glass.

ALEX (CONT’D)

Love is irregular, but you’re the closest match I’ve found.

Drew stops cleaning, looks at Alex.

DREW

We should get you cleaned up before the police arrive, sir.

ALEX

Call me Alex.

Drew blinks.

DREW

Yes, sir… Alex.

Alex leans closer.

ALEX

(whispering)