Fragrance of Poison

EXT. FOREST -- DAY - FLASHBACK

A SLOW DOLLY from within the forest, to POLICE OFFICERS standing around a grave. Some cops are moving about working on the crime scene. CONSTABLE JOHNSON and CONSTABLE FLINT examine the decomposed FEMALE BODY. A horrific SCREAM is heard as we DOLLY away from the constables, back into the trees from where we started.

EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS -- MORNING

Various city streets and buildings. Starting out in the inner city, TITLE CREDITS appear, as we come out of downtown and make are way to the suburbs.

ANGLE ON QUAINT APARTMENT BUILDING

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. APARTMENT HALLWAY -- MORNING

ANGLE ON WINDOW

sunlight glares through the window. A laugh is heard in the distance.

CUT TO:

INT. APARTMENT BEDROOM -- CONTINUOUS

CLIFF and RACHEL laugh as they lie on their bed, naked. We realize Rachel is the dead body. Rachel swats at him, her breathing heavy from making love.

RACHEL

(breathing heavy)

Stop it...stop it.

CLIFF

What's the matter? You can't handle me?

Rachel slaps him on the chest. Her breathing slowing down.

RACHEL

Handle you. I own you.

INT. APARTMENT/LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT -- FLASHBACK

A QUICK glimpse of Rachel looking up at the CAMERA, bloody and terrified.

BACK TO SCENE

INT. APARTMENT BEDROOM -- CONTINUOUS

CLIFF

(devilish grin)

Sure, sure.

Cliff softly pushes her back and throws himself on her. She screams with laughter. He leans down and kisses her as she giggles.

RACHEL

(Soft giggle)

I love you.

Cliff stares into her eyes.

RACHEL

I love you so much.

INT. APARTMENT/LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT -- FLASHBACK

Another QUICK glimpse of Rachel struggling with the unknown murderer.

BACK TO SCENE

INT. APARTMENT BEDROOM -- CONTINUOUS

CLIFF

I love you too.

He kisses her again. And jumps up off the bed. Rachel looks at him for a beat and then lets her head fall into the pillow. STAY ON Rachel as Cliff finds his underwear and jeans, he puts them on.

ANGLE ON CLIFF

Cliff walks to the closet and looks for a shirt.

RACHEL

The doctor called. You gotta get your results.

Cliff bobs his head yes. He grabs a shirt and turns around.

CLIFF

(putting shirt on)

I know. I'm gonna go there after breakfast.

RACHEL

I honestly don't know how you could possibly get Hep C from a hospital.

(beat)

It's just insane.

CLIFF

Yes.

(beat)

It's just precautionary.

RACHEL

I know...but still.

Cliff shrugs, finishes buttoning up his shirt and walks out the room. Rachel grabs a box of rubbers.

RACHEL

We can finally stop using these.

She throws them on the floor.

RACHEL

(yelling)

Are you making food? Make lots I'm starving.

Rachel smiles and wiggles comfort into the bed and blankets.

INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE/WAITING ROOM -- DAY

Cliff enters and walks through a maze of PEOPLE and chairs. A KID looks up at him and points.

KID

Daddy! Daddy!

CLIFF

(smiling)

Sorry kid, I can't afford the child support.

Laughter comes out of Cliff's mouth. He looks over at the MOTHER. She gives an "I'm sorry" look. Cliff just smiles and walks to the front counter. He waits for the RECEPTIONIST to notice him.

CLIFF

Appointment for Doc Waterson, Miss.

RECEPTIONIST

Name, please.

CLIFF

Cliff Tomms.

The Receptionist looks through her appointment book.

RECEPTIONIST

The Doctor will be with you in just a minute. Please, have a seat.

CLIFF

Thanks.

Cliff walks over to a chair and sits down.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE/WAITING ROOM -- LATER

A NURSE opens the door to the back and steps out.

NURSE