A Killer Hand

Act 1

Scene 1

Setting/At Rise: [Lights go on.] [The scene starts at a crowded cafe, main character gets up and walks to the bathroom. After some time, returns back to his seat. He takes a sip of his coffee. He faces the audience, the actors on-stage go into a whisper. Looks to the audience]

[BLACKJACK:] (In a British accent) Life, I never understood it. Why do we live? Why do we exist?

[Pause]

One simple reason, to continue the cruel cycle of natural selection. Some are born “Normal” but some take advantage of this inexplicable cycle.

[Looks at a man he passed. Sees the man drinking his drink. He grins.]

Some would say, that is murder; I call it the preservation of certain lives. You see I like to prevent disaster by killing people. I base my reasoning on The Trolley Dilemma By Philippa Foot.

[BARISTA:] (Announces Order to the Customers) Earl Gray with milk!

[Blackjack gets up from his table folding his newspaper, and walks to the counter. Suddenly, a man falls to the ground convulsing, coughing, and with foam starting to come out of his mouth. Blackjack smiles mischievously. A woman pulls out a phone to call for help. Goes to the man and puts the phone on a table. He grabs the phone from the table.]

It doesn’t matter what path you choose…

[He snaps the phone in half and throws it on the floor]

...in the end, someone’s death is inevitable.

[He exits the cafe. Ambulance sirens can be heard in the background.]

Act 2

Scene 1

Setting/At Rise: [Reporter/Narrator enters and stand facing the audience.]

[NEWS REPORTER:] (In British Accent) Breaking News. Earlier today, the Blackjack killer struck again at a local cafe on Down Street and Piccadilly. So far, the killer has claimed the lives of five people. Authorities from New Scotland Yard and local constables have commented …

The victim, Eric Archer was a young banker at the BFI Southbank, and a deeply loved man by the community. The Inspectors investigating suspect it was the work of the Blackjack Killer. A Jack of Spades card was found at the scene of the crime. The authorities assure the public that justice will be served to the perpetrator of these crimes. Police have also established a hotline for any information regarding the investigation; and a reward of 5,000 pounds to anyone who can provide any information about the killer that leads to their arrest.

Act 2

Scene 2

Setting/At Rise: [Scene starts at the scene of the crime. Two inspectors from New Scotland Yard have arrived to assess the scene.] [They go up to the lead constable overlooking the crime scene.]

[INSPECTOR #1:] Hello, are you the lead constable here? I’m Inspector Irving with my partner Inspector Corwyn. What was the cause of death?

[LEAD CONSTABLE:] If you will.

[Leads the way to the body.]

The victim was Eric Archer a, local banker. The victim died of a lethal dose of Hydrogen Cyanide. We have interviewed his co-workers and they all said he was a man who was recently married. With that information we can rule out suicide. Right now, my department is looking into his past to establish a connection and find anyone who would have a motive.

[INSPECTOR #2:] Did the killer leave any DNA, fingerprints, anything? Because based on the place and the method of death this was a kill with much hatred and anger towards the victim. He wanted this to be a public killing. Like a sort of message. The question is what is the message?

[INSPECTOR #1:] Good thinking Corwyn. You’re might be right, he wanted to send a message. Constable is there any CCTV footage of the murder.

[LEAD CONSTABLE:] In the back of the cafe. Follow me.

[Starts to walk to the back room.]

[FSS INVESTIGATOR:] Inspectors, Constable! I have something very interesting you might want to take a look at this.

[They rush to the investigator and arrive.]

There seems to be a small puncture to the cup. By my hypothesis, the cyanide was injected into his coffee using a syringe to pass through the lid of the cup undetected. After I analyse the item more carefully, I’ll get back to you.

[INSPECTOR #2:] Good work, now we know the method of delivery of the poison. We can now look for the killer in the CCTV footage. Lead the way, constable.

[Motions to the constable, to take them to the back room. They exit.]

Scene 3

Setting/At Rise: [Blackjack is at a restaurant in the outside tables, watching intently at a woman and her son across the street.]

[BLACKJACK:] (Looks to the audience) That man whose life I unexpectedly took. I wonder if his soul is now mine? Does the soul leave the body transported to heaven or hell? Is there even an afterlife? Well, he’ll find out soon. That man, wasn’t a random victim. Or an innocent man. No, quite the contrary, he was a man who did terrible things. He was a meticulous man. He would beat his wife to a pulp, and in places where her injuries wouldn’t be seen. He believed himself that he was so clever. Until he threatened he would beat his son. At the time, I was watching, listening I heard that … that … disgusting threat. I had to take action. I see myself as their guardian angel. I don’t consider myself a angel, or a protector; just a preventer of useless death. Oh, stop worrying. I promise nothing will happen to his wife or child by my hand.

[Scene ends with him leaving his table.]

Scene 4

Setting/At Rise: [Scene opens up at the New Scotland Yard Headquarters. Inspectors Irving and Corwyn at a meeting with papers and files spread all over the table. A picture of the victim and a man who passes him quickly facing away from the camera.]

[INSPECTOR #1:] Damn, the bastard is smart. There’s nothing, he leaves no trace or clues [Sits down frustrated]

[INSPECTOR #2:] Maybe we’ve looked at this wrong. I just received an old report about our victim. It might be the motive of the killer. The report consists of a domestic incident between the victim and his wife. A concerned neighbor called an operator because she heard the victim threaten to beat his son. Perhaps the killer was trying to protect the wife and child.

[INSPECTOR #1:] I guess that’s possible. In any case, a small lead is better than no lead. Let’s send some constables to interview the wife.

[Inspector nods and goes outside assign some constables for the interview.]

Now a new question springs up. Who are you going to kill next, Mr. Blackjack?

[Looks at the CCTV person with a motivated stare. Moments later, Inspector #2 comes in.]

[INSPECTOR #2:] It’s done.

Act 3

Scene 1

Setting/At Rise: [Scene opens up at a restaurant, we see the victim’s wife with a woman. They seem to be conversing intimately as if they were friends. We see Blackjack at a table near them with a friend who is clearly drunk.]

[BLACKJACK:] (Looks to the audience) Secrets. Everyone has skeletons in their closets. These secrets are the hidden true colors of a person’s intentions and emotions. It is the raw madness in everyone waiting for a chance to escape. It seems I have stumbled on a secret the wife has kept, a late-night activity. Every night for the past couple of months, she’s left her house, walked to an alley on Old Bond Street, but, never followed her down the alley. I have a growing suspicion that something strange is going on, something secretive. It’s puzzling, I need to know. Tonight, I will satisfy that nagging curiosity.

[Pause]

Tonight, her secret will be revealed.

[Sees a waiter and with a hand up with the forefinger pointing out]

Sir, check please.

Scene 2

Setting/At Rise: [Scene opens up in a desolate street in the rain, the victim’s wife is walking down the sidewalk, with a watchful eye on her surroundings. Tracking her journey, Blackjack is carefully trailing her every move and trying to not be seen by her. She arrives at the alley. Takes one last look behind her. Sees nothing and continues on her way down the alley. Blackjack peeks down and sees she walks through a door. Blackjack gets to the door and sees a corridor connecting to another room. He opens the door and steps into the hallway quietly. But doesn’t reach the door.]

Scene 3

Setting/At Rise: [Scene opens up in a one room multi-purpose room, Victim’s wife starts to enter the connected room via door, and Blackjack follows but is delayed]

[MARGARET/VICTIM’S WIFE:] [Walks into room via door. Opens door. Shakes the rainwater off her umbrella.] Hey, so you texted me. Oh my god! Lauren!

[Rushes to woman in the middle of the room with props of a sleeping bag, a spoon, a small package spread on the floor. Sees a needle on the side of the woman with a rubber surgeon tube loose under her arm. In a panicked voice, crouching to lauren.]

No No No No!

[Pause. Checks her pulse. Semi-relieved but also disappointed]

Why Lauren? You were doing so well in the program.

[Starts clearing the items next to Lauren one by one. When she gets to looking at the syringe she’s confused.]

Wait a second, this doesn’t make any sense why is this full?

[LAUREN:] [Opens her eyes and suddenly says something.] I’ll show you why.

[Sticks the syringe into Margaret’s chest and injects her with heroin. Margaret shocked. Lauren pushes her to the ground.]

[MARGARET:] (Margaret is on the ground in pain and in a paralyzed/high state.) Lauren why? Why would you do this?

[LAUREN:] (In scornful anger replies.) Because you took him away from me.

[MARGARET:] (Still in pain with confusion.) What do you mean? I didn’t do anything! [Cries out in pain]

[LAUREN:] [In a sad and anger filled voice.] You took Eric from me when you married him. You bitch! He was going to divorce you. We were going to get married, and have children and grow old until you came in.

[Pause]

This... is my revenge. (In a bitter tone)

What’s even better, everyone will believe that the poor widow of the late Eric Archer was a woman addicted to drugs and unfortunately overdosed on heroin in a small little room in an abandoned alley.

[Smiles at her work. Blackjack arrives and sees through the window on the door. Margaret on the floor with a syringe in her chest while Lauren facing away from the door. Blackjack bursts through the door.]

[LAUREN:] (Surprised.) What the …? Who are you?

[BLACKJACK:] Your worst nightmare.

[Lauren is shocked and Blackjack pushes her to the ground and proceeds to kick her a few times ferociously. Then crouches to Margaret to aid her.]

What did you inject her with!?

[LAUREN:] [She spits at Blackjack and laughs.]

[BLACKJACK:] [Stands up in anger and proceeds to kick her in the abdominal area saying each syllable of his repeated question. To the point of near death] What...did...you...inject...her...with!?

[LAUREN:] [She soon succumbs to her injuries]

[BLACKJACK:] [Frustrated, goes back to Margaret and takes out the syringe from her chest. Puts the edge to his mouth and tastes a strong and bitter liquid. He is devastated, he realizes it’s heroin] Dammit! No! Come on Margaret wake up!

[Tries to wake her, and successfully she slightly awakens.]

[MARGARET:] (Slowly wakes, looks pale.) Who are you?

[BLACKJACK:] That’s not important, I must tell you something.

[Pauses]

I was the one. The one who killed your husband. I came here to protect you but …

[Feels her hand go limp. Is depressed and angry.]

No! No! No! No!

[Starts to break down and starts questioning his morals and his god-complex.]

I was supposed to chose who lives and who dies! Margaret was supposed to live.

[Turns to Lauren’s dead body and starts kicking it in anger.] You, you ruined everything!

[Runs out the doorway.]

Scene 4

Setting/At Rise: [It’s the middle of the night. Blackjack can be seen trying to enter his apartment but can’t find his key so in anger throws his keys at the door. A neighbor goes out to the apartment hallway and tries to silence the banging Blackjack is making.]

[NEIGHBOR:] Hey! You there stop making a ruckus, we’re all trying to sleep!

[Blackjack turn to the man and is met with a angry and ferocious glare. Blackjack can be seen running to the man. Lights go out.]

Act 4

Scene 1

Setting/At Rise: [Inspectors Irving and Corwyn arrive at the scene of a murder at an apartment building. They see constables, FSS investigators, and a medical examiner all around the scene. They see a white sheet on a body with blood stains on the head, and upper body regions. They see a constable running out of the crime scene about to vomit.]

[LEAD CONSTABLE:] Inspectors, it horrific, we need to catch this bastard! He’s gone insane.

[Both inspectors look confused.]

[LEAD CONSTABLE:] Constable calm down. What do you mean?

[LEAD CONSTABLE:] Go see for yourself. Go see what your killer did. We know it’s him, he left a Jack of Spades.

[Gestures a sickly face]

Excuse me.

[Runs outside and audience can hear a vomiting noise.]

[INSPECTOR #1 AND #2:] [Go to the body and lift the bloodstained white sheet. They are horrified. Inspectors pull down the white sheet quickly.]

[INSPECTOR #1:] Are we sure this is the Blackjack Killer? This is too barbaric. Blackjack is much too meticulous to leave behind a mess. Anyone can leave behind a card. Maybe we’re looking at a copycat.

[INSPECTOR #2] I don’t think so. Blackjack also covers his tracks, and this place is clean. I agree with the lead constable, he’s devolving. We need to catch him as soon as possible or more victims will come. We have to tell our superiors at the Yard. His capture has just became the number one priority.

(Pauses)

You know this is the perfect proximity to the geographic profile given to us by the FSS Investigators of the yard?

[INSPECTOR #1:] You’re right, Corwyn. The killer might be somewhere around this apartment. It may be that the killer might even be in this very apartment complex.

[LEAD CONSTABLE:] (Enters into conversation.) What’s a Geographic Profile?

[INSPECTOR #2:] It’s a method of approximating where a killer/serial killer could be located by the general locations of the murder or murders, and the report given to us from the FSS gave this area as a potential place where the killer lives.

[LEAD CONSTABLE:] Okay, then I am handing temporary control of the rest of my constables. Tell us what you want to do. This has gone on long enough!

[INSPECTOR #1:] I saw that the door in the complex has a timestamp mechanism and a key card entry system. Do you have the records for that?

[LEAD CONSTABLE:] First thing I checked with the managers when we secured the crime scene. Constable can you bring the timestamp schedule.

[CONSTABLE:] Yes sir.

[Gets documents.]

Here you go sir.

[Hand the documents.]

[LEAD CONSTABLE:] [Looks through documents and get to the last page. Catches four numbers.] Here, there were four people who came at the time when the murder took place.

[Shows inspectors.]

[INSPECTOR #2:] Alfred Leonard, Lewis Drake, James Reinhardt, and Ian Alastair. Good. Constable, send two men to question Lewis Drake, You and another man to Ian Alastair, Me and another constable will go question James Reinhardt, and finally Irving go with another partner to question Alfred Leonard. Got that?

[All nod]

Let’s go. Time is of the essence.

Scene 2:

Setting/At Rise: [Blackjack hears a knock, he gets up from his bed and goes to the door with sluggishly. Answers the door. Door opens.]

[BLACKJACK:] Hello? Who are you?

[INSPECTOR #1 WITH CONSTABLE] Alfred Leonard?

[BLACKJACK/ALFRED LEONARD:] Yes?

[INSPECTOR #1:] My name is Inspector Irving with the New Scotland Yard and this is Constable Smith. May we come in and question you about a murder in the area?

[BLACKJACK:] [Everyone except Blackjack freezes. Faces audience, Inspector and Constable can’t hear him.] Shit, I’ve been found.

[Back in conversation with the authorities. Resume normal time.]

Inspector and Constable, excuse me but I have to get to work. I’ll be fired if I’m late again.

[INSPECTOR #1:] [Suspicious, but decides not to push the suspect to drastic measures.] Of course, Mr. Leonard. Pardon the intrusion. Thank you for your cooperation.

[BLACKJACK:] Of course Inspector and constable.

[Inspector and constable leave and Blackjack closes the door. Fade to black]

Scene 3

Setting/At Rise: [Scene starts at Blackjack’s apartment. Later in the day. He has a gun. He is sitting in a chair. There is a table in front of him.]

[BLACKJACK:] Annihilation, the act of total destruction. My morals have been annihilated, by some cruel higher being. I was supposed to choose who lives and who dies! I was supposed to control all free will! But now, I was too sloppy and the authorities have found me out. There is only one way to end my transgression to the world.

[Pulls the gun from the table.]

Even gods must die, the craziness of my mind is becoming a harbinger of death and destruction. My cycle must now end.

[Places the gun to his chest, aimed to only slightly pierce the heart.]

No matter, what path you choose…

[pause]

...someone must die.

[Fires gun and Blackjack throws the gun to the other end of the table. He bleeds out slowly and painfully. Is in tremendous pain, and when he dies a Jack of Spades card falls out of his hand.]