The Lost Client - Screenplay


Included below is the full screenplay for The Lost Client. The identifiers in square brackets in the scene headings refer to the iClone project files that make up the movie.


               FADE IN:



               EXT. PINHEAD'S HOME - FRONT YARD - NIGHT [PRE]

               It's dusk in the peaceful suburb.  It's quiet but for the
               cheerful chirping of the evening birds.  Pinhead's single
               family home is seated in a pleasant front yard.

               A dog runs by and briefly glances at the dark-clad figure of
               BOB GARRETT, in gloves and hat, who is squatted near an
               contraption placed at the edge of the front yard.  

               Garrett engages a counter and the stillness is disturbed by a
               beep every second to accompany the steady countdown.  Garrett
               rises while the relentless countdown continues. 



               INT. PINHEAD'S HOME - VESTIBULE - NIGHT [S00]

               WALTER PINHEAD is standing in the vestibule of his home,
               drawn there by a beeping noise.  

                                   PINHEAD
                         Thought I heard something!

               A sudden explosion blasts the front door open. 



               EXT. PINHEAD'S HOME - FRONT YARD - NIGHT [S00]

               Fire erupts throughout the house, as more explosions follow. 
               Soon the whole structure is ablaze.  The garage doors are
               blown from their hinges and hurled onto the driveway. 

               Pinhead is projected from the front door, swirling like a
               bowling pin after a major impact.  His T-shirt is full of
               smudges.

               The force of the bursts flip open the mailbox, revealing a
               cell phone.  With the inferno raging, the phone lights up and
               starts ringing. 

               Pinhead as bowling pin slowly comes to rest with his back to
               the house.  After a few rings of the phone, a dazed Pinhead
               turns towards the mailbox.



               EXT. PINHEAD'S HOME - SIDE OF HOUSE - NIGHT [S00b]

               Ringing phone in hand, Pinhead walks slowly along the side of
               his house towards a shed in the backyard.  

               He brings the phone to his ear.  The sinister voice of BOB
               GARRETT growls from the earpiece.

                                   GARRETT (V.O.)
                         I thought that might get you
                         moving!



               EXT. PINHEAD'S HOME - BACK YARD - NIGHT [S01]

               With the fire blazing,  a cacophony of sirens heralds the
               steady advance of an army of rescue vehicles.

               Pinhead, holding the phone, continues strolling towards the
               shed.

                                   PINHEAD
                             (in phone, staccato)
                         Oh. It's. You.

                                   GARRETT (V.O.)
                         We got Alura.  You better hang on
                         to this phone if you want to help
                         her.  I'll contact you again, in
                         exactly one hour.  Make sure you
                         pick up.  And, be alone.  No,
                         authorities. 

               A busy signal marks the end of the call.  Pinhead stands
               forlorn and in shock.  

               He then pulls himself together, walks the last few steps
               towards the shed, and opens its front door. 



               INT. GARDEN SHED - NIGHT [S02]

               The shed is a wooden structure with a front door and a back
               door.  Most remarkable are a flight of stairs to a
               subterranean room.  On the side away from the doors stand two
               tables, filled with various gardening paraphernalia.

               Pinhead closes the front door and lets out a deep sigh.  He
               then perks up and descends the stairs.



               INT. GARDEN SHED - SUBTERRANEAN ROOM - NIGHT [S03a]

               The room's walls are built out of large Durox blocks and are
               decorated with film-noir posters.  The concrete floor is
               painted.  Off the room is a small hallway towards the back,
               leading to a beaten-up metal exit door. 

               Opposite the stairs is a large wall-mounted video screen,
               showing the images of four rotating security cameras, labeled
               as: "Front Door", "Back Patio", "Garage", and "Sewer Tunnel". 

               In the corner to the left of the screen, is an old-fashioned
               secretaire.  It is open and holds a laptop and a telephone. 
               In front of the desk is an aged wooden office chair.

               Pinhead halts at the bottom of the stairs and gazes at the
               devastation unfolding on the wall screen.



               INT. CSA FIELD OFFICE - OPERATIONS ROOM - NIGHT [OC-A]

               SUPER: "CLANDESTINE SURVEILLANCE AGENCY, OPERATIONS ROOM"

               The huge room has a transparent wall, flanking a hallway. 
               Across the hallway are enormous video screens, showing
               episodes of Pinhead's past adventures.  Personnel walks by. 

               Inside the room are three workstations with LCD screens on a
               wide desk.  Young operators study footage featuring Pinhead.

               On the left, female OPERATOR #1 stares intently at the LCD. 

               In the middle, executive Commander ROBERT SIMMONS instructs
               female OPERATOR #2.

                                   SIMMONS
                         Look at this file again and see
                         what you can make of it.  We are
                         interested in his fears, his
                         phobias.

                                   OPERATOR #2
                         Yes, Commander Simmons!

               On the right, male OPERATOR #3 watches a recording from
               Pinhead's cell phone, showing the back of the burning house. 
               The PROGRAM DIRECTOR, an elegant grey-haired woman, stands at
               his side and looks with him at the screen.

                                   PROGRAM DIRECTOR
                         What's footage like?

               The operator looks glum.

                                   OPERATOR #3
                         It breaks off!

               Meanwhile, from a back hallway, a senior analyst walks to the
               front of the room.  

               The Director studies the screen and then nods.

                                   PROGRAM DIRECTOR
                         That's OK.  We know the phone
                         transmits.  Pinhead will need to
                         switch it on again in one hour.  We
                         just wait. 



               INT. GARDEN SHED - SUBTERRANEAN ROOM - NIGHT [S03b]

               Pinhead walks to the desk and switches the phone to speaker. 
               At the dial tone, he pushes a speed-dial button.  The number
               is dialed, and the phone rings in short double beeps.  At the
               second ring, FRANCISKA, late twenties, answers. 

                                   FRANCISKA (V.O.)
                         Yes?

                                   PINHEAD
                         Franciska, I need code 25.

                                   FRANCISKA (V.O.)
                         Fifteen minutes.

                                   PINHEAD
                         P - H out.

               Pinhead ends the call.



               INT. GARDEN SHED - SUBTERRANEAN ROOM - NIGHT [S04]

               Determined, Pinhead walks to the other side of the room.  A
               section has been walled off, with a curtained opening in the
               middle.

               Pinhead slides the curtain to the side.  He briefly looks
               over his shoulder, then enters.

               When he reemerges he is all smiles and dressed in a long
               leather trench coat and a hat, mimicking the attire of a
               private eye from the forties or fifties.

               He walks over to the wall screen and gives a voice command.

                                   PINHEAD
                         Tunnel!

               The screen changes to show just the video from the camera
               that monitors the sewer tunnel.  Fog rises up from a slow
               stream of soiled water. 

                                   PINHEAD (CONT'D)
                         Sound!

               The sound of flowing water fills the room, mixed with a faint
               roar that becomes loader and louder.

               On the video screen, the shape of a fast approaching jeep
               emerges from the fog and then stops.

               Pinhead's face lights up.

                                   PINHEAD (CONT'D)
                         Ah!  Franciska!

               Then, a final voice command.

                                   PINHEAD (CONT'D)
                         Engage alarm!

               The screen shows the four security cameras again and informs:
               "Security Engaged".

               Satisfied, Pinhead turns away from the screen and walks
               towards the metal exit door.



               INT. SEWER TUNNEL - NIGHT [S05]

               Soiled water streams slowly through a canal in the middle of
               the tunnel.  There are raised platforms on either side.   

               Yellow-orange lighting establishes an eerie atmosphere,
               enhanced by the fog that rises up from the water. 

               Pinhead emerges from a metal door in the left-hand side wall. 

               Franciska is waiting in the jeep.  She turns to Pinhead.

                                   FRANCISKA
                         Hop in.

               Pinhead lowers himself into the seat next to Franciska.

                                   PINHEAD
                         Thanks for coming.

               Franciska nods and they drive off.



               INT. SEWER TUNNEL WITH MOVING JEEP - NIGHT [S05; S06]

               Franciska studies Pinhead.

                                   FRANCISKA
                         It's that latest case, right?

                                   PINHEAD
                         My house was blown up, and my
                         client was kidnapped.  To contact
                         me, the kidnappers left me a
                         mobile.  They will call in about
                         forty minutes.  I've switched it
                         off.

                                   FRANCISKA
                         Good.  They will not be able to
                         trace you.  But, I'll try to trace
                         those guys instead.

                                   PINHEAD
                         Franciska, you're a marvel.

               Franciska smiles, briefly.

                                   FRANCISKA
                         I know.  Now you rest.  It will be
                         a long night.

               Pinhead smiles back, then closes his eyes.



               EXT. SEVILLE ROAD - NIGHT [S07]

               Seville Road is lined with devastated architecture.  Its four
               lanes attest of past grandeur, long forgotten.  Somewhere
               among the structures is an old office with glass entrance
               doors that have miraculously survived.

               The street has a sewer manhole right in front of the office
               building.  A police SUV is parked along the curb, and OFFICER
               ANDERSON is studying the manhole cover, attracted by the
               sound of car engine coming from it.  Then a human voice adds
               to the mystery, muffled by reverberation.

                                   FRANCISKA (V.O.)
                         Pinhead, Pinhead, wake up!

               A yawn follows, and a miffed Anderson stares at the manhole.



               INT. SEWER TUNNEL - NIGHT [S08]

               Pinhead and Franciska are standing on the platform next to
               the jeep.  In the wall is a metal exit door.  Next to the
               door are a small video screen and an intercom. 

               Franciska activates the screen, which shows the street with
               the manhole and the investigating Officer Anderson.

                                   FRANCISKA
                         Damn!

               She switches on the intercom.

                                   FRANCISKA (CONT'D)
                         Gregory!

               Some shuffling comes through the tiny speaker, then the wary
               voice of GREGORY JONES.

                                   GREGORY (V.O.)
                         Huh, who's this?

                                   FRANCISKA
                         This is Franciska. I need a
                         diversion near the Seville Road
                         manhole.

                                   GREGORY (V.O.)
                         Now?

                                   FRANCISKA
                         Yes, now!  Stop complaining!

                                   GREGORY (V.O.)
                             (mutters)
                         Women...



               EXT. SEVILLE ROAD - NIGHT [S09]

               Gregory an older man with grey hair and a grey beard walks
               down the pavement towards the manhole. 

                                   GREGORY
                             (grunting)
                         Uh - ah - aw - eh ouch!

               He suddenly collapses and slumps to the pavement.

                                   GREGORY (CONT'D)
                         Officer, over here!

               Officer Anderson turns and rushes towards Gregory, then
               kneels besides him, his back to the manhole.

                                   OFFICER ANDERSON
                         Hey, Gregory, it's you?  What ye
                         doing out so late?

                                   GREGORY
                         Just getting some libation,
                         officer.  I was thirsty...

                                   OFFICER ANDERSON
                         Let me check your leg.

               Officer Anderson feels Gregory's ankle.

                                   GREGORY
                         Ouch, that hurts! Officer, you
                         think it's broken?

               Behind Anderson, the manhole cover is slid open.  Pinhead's
               head appears.  He moves aside to peek along the parked SUV. 

               Gregory ever so slightly looks past Officer Anderson and
               meets Pinhead's gaze. 



               EXT. SEVILLE ROAD - NIGHT [S10]

               While Pinhead slides the cover back in place, Franciska walks
               up to Gregory and Anderson,.

                                   FRANCISKA
                         Hi Gregory!  What's up?

               Anderson turns to face Franciska, a wailful look in his eyes.

                                   OFFICER ANDERSON
                         Good evening, do you know this man?

               Pinhead joins the company.

                                   FRANCISKA
                         Yes we do.  We will see what he
                         needs. 
                             (to Gregory)
                         Can you try to stand?

               Slowly Gregory gets up, accompanied by a few more grimaces
               and moans.

                                   OFFICER ANDERSON
                         All right.  I'll be on my way. 

               Franciska smiles at him sweetly.

                                   FRANCISKA
                         Thank you for assisting, officer. 
                         Gregory is an old friend...

                                   GREGORY
                         I'm not that old!

               Meanwhile, the police car drives away.

                                   PINHEAD
                         Thanks for your help, Gregory.

                                   GREGORY
                         Anytime.  Well, I'll be off!

               Gregory slowly shuffles away.

                                   FRANCISKA
                         Bye!

               A distant clock strikes nine.  Pinhead turns to Franciska.

                                   PINHEAD
                         Twenty more minutes.  We better get
                         cracking, uh, hacking...



               EXT. SEVILLE ROAD - NIGHT [S11]

               Pinhead and Franciska enter the office building. Gregory
               limps away along the sidewalk, shrouded in fog.



               INT. OFFICE BUILDING - LOBBY [S11]

               Franciska and Pinhead walk towards the elevator.  Pinhead
               presses the "UP" button.  A moaning ensues, announcing the
               descend of a tired elevator.



               INT. OFFICE BUILDING - TOP FLOOR HALLWAY - NIGHT [S12]

               The hallway provides access to the two top-floor offices.  To
               the right is a door with a frosted glass window.  Elegant
               lettering on the window reads: "Walter Phineas Pinhead /
               Private Investigator".  

               A door at the end of the hallway has the silhouette of an
               angry cat shown on a binary pattern and a "Private / Keep
               Out" sign.  

               This door leads to the domain of Franciska.  She opens it,
               and she and Pinhead both enter.



               INT. FRANCISKA'S PLACE - NIGHT [S13]

               Franciska's place serves as her living quarters and her
               hacking workshop.  On two worktables four monitors are set
               up.  To the right of the tables is a large server rack. 

               Franciska is busy typing, and all kinds of data flashes on
               the screens.

                                   FRANCISKA
                         This phone comes from the C - S -
                         A.

                                   PINHEAD
                         What is the C - S - A?

                                   FRANCISKA
                         The Clandestine Surveillance
                         Agency.

                                   PINHEAD
                         I see.  Why?

                                   FRANCISKA
                         I think it has to do with your
                         client.  What is her last name?

                                   PINHEAD
                         Simmons.  I am to investigate her
                         husband Robert.

               Franciska nods.

                                   FRANCISKA
                         Robert Simmons is the top-honcho at
                         the C - S - A.  But why the
                         kidnapping? 

                                   PINHEAD
                         I have no idea.

               Pinhead checks the wall clock.

                                   PINHEAD (CONT'D)
                         Almost nine-twenty.  Are we ready
                         for the call?

                                   FRANCISKA
                         Yup.  All set.  It's on speaker.



               INT. FRANCISKA'S PLACE - NIGHT [S14]

               The phone rings.  Franciska presses a few keys to connect.

                                   PINHEAD
                         Well?

               The gruff voice of Bob Garrett fills the room.

                                   GARRETT (V.O.)
                         Where are you?  You messed with the
                         phone?

                                   PINHEAD
                         Far from it.  Now what do you want?

                                   GARRETT (V.O.)
                         We want you to stop working on the
                         case and hand over everything.

                                   PINHEAD
                         How do I know Alura is OK?

                                   GARRETT (V.O.)
                         I can let her talk.

                                   PINHEAD
                         I want her on screen, and have her
                         read something I tell her.

                                   GARRETT (V.O.)
                         Wait...

               Franciska turns to Pinhead, then mutes the phone.

                                   FRANCISKA
                         Clever!

                                   PINHEAD
                         What about the trace?

                                   FRANCISKA
                         I'll be done before the call is
                         over.

               Garrett reappears on the phone.  Franciska unmutes.

                                   GARRETT (V.O.)
                         Here.  Make it brief.  No funny
                         stuff.

               The phone switches to video.  ALURA SIMMONS appears. 

               Pinhead looks at the wall clock.  It shows 9:21.

                                   PINHEAD
                         Alura, what's the date and time on
                         the phone.

                                   GARRETT (V.O.)
                         Go ahead.

                                   ALURA (V.O.)
                             (on screen)
                         April 12, nine-twenty-one, P.M. 
                             (scared)
                         Pinhead!

               The screen goes blank.

                                   GARRETT (V.O.)
                         That's enough.  Now about your case
                         notes...



               INT. CSA EXECUTIVE COMMANDER OFFICE - NIGHT [S15]

               A lavishly appointed office with a large desk.  A picture
               window reveals the city's skyscrapers.  On the desk, a photo
               of Alura.  Behind the desk, Executive Commander Robert
               Simmons glares up at his visitor: the Program Director.  

                                   SIMMONS
                         What do you mean you lost him?  You
                         used our tracer phone, right?

                                   PROGRAM DIRECTOR
                         Pinhead must know someone who
                         neutralized it.  He couldn't do it
                         himself.

                                   SIMMONS
                         Well, find him!

                                   PROGRAM DIRECTOR
                         Yes, sir!

               The Director leaves.

               Simmons smiles faintly and presses the intercom button on his
               phone.

                                   SIMMONS
                         Odette!  Please come.  I need you.

               ODETTE DURAND enters.  She's a young woman in an outfit that
               is quite daring for a secretary. 

                                   SIMMONS (CONT'D)
                         Did you finish the Pinhead files?

                                   ODETTE
                             (French accent)
                         Yes, Monsieur Simmons.

               She walks up to him and hugs him from behind.  Simmons slowly
               shakes his head.

                                   SIMMONS
                         Darling, I'm SO sorry, our dream is
                         turning into a nightmare.

               Odette looks puzzled and kisses the top of his head.

                                   ODETTE
                         Monsieur?



               INT. FRANCISKA'S PLACE - NIGHT [S16]

               Franciska is busy with the keyboard.  Pinhead watches in awe.

                                   FRANCISKA
                             (to herself)
                         OK, this is the account it came
                         from.  This is the closest tower. 
                         Now a bit of triangulation...

               Pinhead shakes his head.

                                   PINHEAD
                         Gobbledygook to me...  Better leave
                         her to it.  

               Pinhead turns to the camera.

                                   PINHEAD (CONT'D)
                         You know, this was going to be such
                         an easy case, like I have done many
                         times...  About a week ago, Alura
                         Simmons hired me to check on her
                         husband, Robert, who'd started to
                         come home later and later.

               In the background, a window with a complicated network
               diagram is displayed on Franciska's LCD screen. On another
               window lines with numbers flash by.

                                   PINHEAD (CONT'D)
                         I began my surveillance.  Simmons
                         went to work in the morning, stayed
                         all day and worked late.  When he
                         left, I tailed him; he went
                         straight home.

               Pinhead shakes his head.

                                   PINHEAD (CONT'D)
                         It was boring...  Then one night,
                         same thing at first, but then
                         Simmons took another route.  I
                         followed... 



               INT/EXT. PINHEAD'S CAR - NIGHT [FLASHBACK] [S17]

               Pinhead drives down a woodsy and bumpy country road in his
               old Ford pickup.  He's in pursuit of a white Bentley.  He
               keeps his distance but follows the Bentley at every turn.



               INT/EXT. BENTLEY - NIGHT [FLASHBACK CONT'D] [S17]

               Simmons is behind the wheel.  In his rearview mirror, the
               Ford is just visible.  He uses his Bluetooth phone.

                                   SIMMONS
                         He's here again.  Don't use
                         violence.  Just scare him off. 

                                   GARRETT (V.O.)
                         Yes, boss!



               EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - NIGHT [FLASHBACK CONT'D] [S17]

               The Bentley goes through a crossing, where a large red pickup
               truck is waiting.  When Pinhead passes, the truck emerges
               from the side road, cutting off the Ford.   

               Pinhead steps on the brakes and the Ford comes screeching to
               a halt.



               INT/EXT. BENTLEY - NIGHT [FLASHBACK CONT'D] [S17]

               Simmons sees only the blocking truck in the rearview mirror.
               He smiles. 

               The Bentley moves on, leaving the Ford and the truck behind.



               EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - NIGHT [FLASHBACK CONT'D] [S17]

               Garrett gets out of the truck and approaches the Ford. 
               Pinhead has rolled down the window.

                                   PINHEAD
                         What's the problem?

               Garrett glares at Pinhead through the open window.

                                   GARRETT
                         It's you.  Lay off of Mr. Simmons,
                         or else...

                                   PINHEAD
                         Is that a threat?

                                   GARRETT
                         Yes.  And I won't warn you again!



               INT. FRANCISKA'S PLACE - NIGHT [S18] 

               An excited Franciska shakes a dozing Pinhead by the shoulder.

                                   FRANCISKA
                         Pinhead, Pinhead, wake up! 

               Pinhead slowly opens his eyes.

                                   PINHEAD
                             (groggy)
                         Uh, what?

                                   FRANCISKA
                         I found the place!

                                   PINHEAD
                         What place?

               Franciska looks frustrated.

                                   FRANCISKA
                         Oh dummy, where the call came from,
                         of course!

               Pinhead perks up.

                                   PINHEAD
                         Franciska, you're a genius!  How
                         did you do it?  On second thought,
                         don't tell...  So, where?

                                   FRANCISKA
                         It's a few buildings down the
                         street, at the corner of Seville
                         and Third!

               Pinhead is astonished.

                                   PINHEAD
                         What?

                                   FRANCISKA
                         Right.  I wasn't sure at first.  I
                         needed to double-check.  Anyway,
                         what's next?

                                   PINHEAD
                         I do have an idea, but we will need
                         some help.  Do you still see Carl
                         sometimes?

               Franciska nods.

                                   FRANCISKA
                         He owes me.  I'll give him a call.



               INT. KIDNAPPER'S ROOM - NIGHT [S20]

               SUPER: "KIDNAPPER'S LAIR"

               Alura sits on a couch.  Garrett sits at a desk staring at the
               smart phone he's holding.  The sound of a Popeye cartoon
               fills the room.

               Alura slowly turns her head to glance at Garrett, to quickly
               look straight ahead again when he glares back at her. 

               Garrett returns his attention to his cartoon, grimacing in
               various ways to show his reaction to the story.



               EXT. CORNER OF SEVILLE ROAD AND THIRD STREET - NIGHT [S19]

               CARL is surveying Third Street. He's wearing dark clothes
               that contrast with the fog that surrounds him. At the
               opposite corner, Pinhead is checking out Seville Road. 

               He nods at Franciska, who speaks into a Bluetooth phone.

                                   FRANCISKA
                         Hey, Carl!

               Carl has a Bluetooth phone as well.

                                   CARL
                         Yo, Fran!

                                   FRANCISKA (V.O.)
                             (through phone)
                         Go, now!

               Carl runs towards a large red pickup truck and skillfully
               opens the door.  Immediately an alarm goes off with flashing
               headlights and a honking horn.  



               INT. KIDNAPPER'S ROOM - NIGHT [S21]

               Garrett's answers his ringing smart phone.

                                   GARRETT
                         Who's this?

                                   FRANCISKA (V.O.)
                             (through phone)
                         Never mind that.



               EXT. CORNER OF SEVILLE ROAD AND THIRD STREET - NIGHT [S19]

               Franciska speaks in her Bluetooth phone.

                                   FRANCISKA
                         Someone is nipping your car.

                                   GARRETT (V.O.)
                             (through phone)
                         Oh, no! Shit!

               Moments later Garrett sprints out of the corner building,
               leaving the front door open. 

               Meanwhile, Carl is busy inside the truck.  Suddenly the alarm
               stops, and Carl manages to start the car.    

               Garrett dashes around the corner and runs towards the still
               stationary truck.  Just then, Carl drives off.  Garrett
               chases after the truck and both disappear into the fog.



               EXT. SEVILLE ROAD - NIGHT [S22]

               A clock strikes one.  Franciska and Pinhead stand in front of
               the corner building.  They give each other a fist bump.

                                   PINHEAD
                         Good work!  I'll fetch Alura.  I'll
                         see you downstairs.

               Franciska nods and walks off towards the manhole cover. 
               Pinhead gazes after her admiringly, then turns to the open
               front door of the building.



               INT. SEWER TUNNEL - NIGHT [S23]

               Franciska is behind the wheel of the parked jeep, with Alura
               next to her.  Pinhead sits on the steps leading to the upper
               platform.  He turns to Alura.

                                   PINHEAD
                         You'll get a full report, but I
                         know that your husband was behind
                         it all.

               Alura looks angry.

                                   ALURA
                         The bastard.  Why?

                                   PINHEAD
                         He tried to jeopardize the case.
                         Which was puzzling, because I
                         couldn't find anything, and would
                         have given up.

               Alura shows surprise.

                                   ALURA
                         Why didn't you?

                                   PINHEAD
                         Well, he then set a trap and had
                         Garrett, your kidnapper, threaten
                         me.  That made me think that he
                         didn't want me to look where I
                         hadn't looked before.

                                   FRANCISKA
                         Which was inside, where Pinhead had
                         no access.  Simmons then realized
                         he had made a mistake and needed to
                         take drastic measures. 

                                   PINHEAD
                         I thought it might be an affair,
                         and it was, but inside, an internal
                         affair...

                                   ALURA
                         I've been so blind!  It's that
                         French tart, Odette!  She once was
                         at a party at our home.  I remember
                         her revealing dress and "Midnight
                         Heat" perfume...  That's what I
                         smelled on Robert's suit the other
                         day! 

               Alura bends her head and shakes it slowly.  Franciska looks
               on in sympathy.

                                   FRANCISKA
                         Let's go.  I'll take you somewhere
                         safe.  Pinhead, what about you?

               Pinhead shakes his head.

                                   PINHEAD
                         I'll sleep in my office.  Have a
                         good night.

               Franciska and Alura drive off.  Pinhead checks the Seville
               Road exit monitor.  Officer Anderson stares at the manhole,
               which is not covered.

                                   PINHEAD (CONT'D)
                         Oh, I'm so stupid.  

               He presses the intercom.

                                   PINHEAD (CONT'D)
                         Gregory?  You there?

               A load snoring emits from the intercom speaker.

                                   PINHEAD (CONT'D)
                         Bloody hell, well too late.  Better
                         try an other exit.  

               He slowly walks down the platform surrounded by the dampness
               rising up from the water.



               INT. PINHEAD'S OFFICE - DAY [S24]

               SUPERIMPOSE: "WALTER PINHEAD'S OFFICE - ONE WEEK LATER"

               Pinhead's office is decorated like that of a fifties private
               eye.  The desk is old, with an old typewriter and telephone. 
               There is an old radio, and on the ancient file cabinet sits
               an old fan that tries to keep the place cool.  The only
               recent commodity is a flat screen TV mounted on the wall.

               Pinhead sits behind the desk, and Franciska is stretched out
               on the couch.  They watch a newscast that's playing on the
               flat screen.

               FLAT SCREEN TV - NEWSCAST

               A FEMALE NEWS ANCHOR sits behind a large desk on the newscast
               set.  She is in her late twenties and formally dressed in
               blazer and skirt. 

                                   ANCHOR
                         Now the rest of the news.  The
                         Clandestine Surveillance Agency has
                         announced that Executive Commander
                         Robert Simmons will step down.

               On the studio screen behind the announcer, images of Robert
               Simmons in his office appear.

                                   ANCHOR (CONT'D)
                         No official reason was given, other
                         than that Mr. Simmons is leaving
                         the C - S - A for personal reasons. 

               The announcer smiles.

                                   ANCHOR (CONT'D)
                         So much is certain, though: his
                         departure is not a case of: "I want
                         to spend more time with the
                         family".

               Alura appears on the screen.

                                   ANCHOR (CONT'D)
                         Yesterday, his wife Alura Simmons
                         filed for divorce, and she has even
                         accused her husband of kidnapping
                         her.  These allegations have been
                         substantiated by Walter Pinhead, a
                         private investigator hired by Ms.
                         Simmons. 

               A shot of Pinhead appears, in private-eye attire.

                                   PINHEAD
                         Mr. Pinhead and his assistant were
                         also instrumental in the rescue of
                         Ms. Simmons about a week ago.

               Pinhead is shown, gesticulating in the kidnapper's room.

               PINHEAD'S OFFICE

               Franciska glances at Pinhead.

                                   FRANCISKA
                         Assistant?

               Pinhead looks at her sheepishly.

                                   PINHEAD
                         Well, uh...

               FLAT SCREEN TV - NEWSCAST

                                   ANCHOR
                         Mr. Pinhead is working with the
                         authorities, as there is more to
                         this case than meets the eye, even
                         the private eye.

               Franciska turns to Pinhead, who shrugs dismissively.

                                   ANCHOR (CONT'D)
                         Mr. Pinhead has kindly agreed to
                         appear in a special presentation on
                         this channel, titled "The Lost
                         Client".  

               An announcement appears on the screen for "The Lost Client".

                                   ANCHOR (CONT'D)
                         In this exclusive, which will air
                         next Saturday, all will be
                         revealed.  That was the news.  Over
                         to Christine for the weather.

               PINHEAD'S OFFICE

               Pinhead switches the TV off.  He turns to Franciska.

                                   PINHEAD
                         Franciska?

               Franciska looks up.

                                   FRANCISKA
                         Aha?

                                   PINHEAD
                         I would like to take you out to
                         dinner.

               Franciska shows surprise.

                                   FRANCISKA
                         Oh, really?  I thought you'd never
                         ask...

               She smiles cutely at Pinhead.

                                                              FADE OUT:

                                         THE END