A Quantum Leap (2022) Fan Script
by Ashe P. Kirk
Fade In
Ben finds himself standing on the side of a busy freeway, with one arm against a gum tree.
He's wearing sweaty working class clothes, a short-sleeved flannel shirt and well-worn jeans, topped with an Akubra hat. It's clear from his sweat and the beating-down sun that the weather is hot.
We hear a trickle, indicating that Ben is in the middle of peeing into a bush.
He looks down in confusion, then glances towards the road, where cars are driving on the left side. The cars are all early to mid nineties models or older, as the year is 1994.
Ben
(mumbling)
Left lane...? Where am I?
As his gaze moves, he jumps as he spots a kangaroo grazing by the road. Yes: Ben is in Australia.
Ben
Okay, that narrows things down a little.
A female voice calls out, prompting Ben to spin around, as he awkwardly zips his fly.
Female Voice
Are you finished yet?
This is Marcy, a 20-year-old American backpacker leaning out the passenger window of a refrigerated semitrailer parked on the side of the freeway.
Ben
(shouting back)
Uh, yeah! Just a sec...
Ben glances around, and sees a billboard advertising the film "Muriel's Wedding" before heading to the truck, finding keys in his pocket.
As Ben climbs into the seat, he grumbles:
Ben
(glancing at gearbox)
Not again...
Marcy
What?
Ben
(improvising)
Uh, that... kangaroo. Ran one over a few days ago. I hope I don't do it again.
Marcy looks out the window, spotting the kangaroo, and is visibly excited.
Marcy
Oh my god! I've never seen a real kangaroo!
She opens her door and jumps out, pulling a disposable camera from her pocket, the kind that has a roll of film already built in.
Marcy
Sorry, I need a photo.
As she runs off to snap a photograph, Ben checks his reflection -- it's a sweaty white man in his forties with stubble. The kind of bloke that you'd expect to find drinking all day at a rural pub.
Ben
Crikey.
He finds a wallet in his back pocket, and flips it open, revealing a New South Wales Driver's license.
The name on the licence: Darren Blake Harvey. We don't get a good glimpse of the street address, but we see that it's in Campbelltown.
Ben
(to self)
Hello, Darren Harvey.
He quickly puts the wallet away as Marcy climbs back into the truck.
Marcy
(deflated)
Hopped away. Probably got a blurry picture of its tail sticking out from behind a tree at best.
Ben
(turning the ignition)
That's too bad.
As the engine starts, the stereo comes on, and our first 1994 Australian needle drop begins with an iconic favourite of the year:
Ben grapples with the stick shift, pulling bumpily onto the road.
Marcy
So, how much further to Sydney?
Ben
(grimacing)
Excellent question.
As the truck drives into the distance, the strains of the song fade away as we --
Cut to:
"Quantum Leap" Title Card
The truck continues its journey, as we hear a new song through the stereo playing under the dialogue:
"Wildflowers" -- Things of Stone and Wood
Ben studies the woman in the passenger seat, between glances back to the road, noting her large, bulky rucksack. Meanwhile, Marcy is lining up a selfie with her camera, with middling success.
Ben
So... remind me again where I'm taking you?
Marcy
(looking at him funny)
Chatswood Station. Like I said.
Ben bites his lip, having no clue where he is or where this station might be.
Suddenly, Addison phases in behind Ben. She stands at the back of the cab, just behind Ben's seat, her holographic legs dipping below the floor so her head is only a little above Ben's. She's leaning over him.
Addison
G'day!
Ben jumps as he hears her voice, and gives her a smile and nod -- clearly relieved she's made her entrance.
Addison
(badly attempting an Australian accent)
Looks like yaw down undah, mate!
Ben glances back at her with an expression that says "what the hell was that?"
Addison
(cheeky)
You gave me that same look the last time I tried that accent. We vacationed here a couple of years ago. Beautiful country.
Ben
I don't remember...
Marcy
Don't remember what? Where the station is?
Ben
I don't remember... what I did with my... map.
Marcy
I thought you said you drive this road all the time?
Ben
(awkward)
I sure do. Don't worry, I'll get you where you need to go.
He looks back at Addison, who is looking at her handlink with some concern.
Addison
I'm not sure taking her to the station is a good idea, Ben. When you drop her off, that's the last time anyone sees her alive.
Ben gives her an alarmed look.
Addison
(from handlink)
Marcy Little -- Californian backpacker on her first solo trip abroad. Her body was found in a shallow grave in Budderoo National Park in April 1995 after being missing five months -- today is November seventeenth, '94.
Ben looks ahead at the road with silent concern, casting a fleeting eye at Marcy, who stares out the open passenger window, hair flying in the wind.
Addison
Ben, the killer was never found. So I would suggest keeping eyes on her until Ziggy says she's in the clear.
Ben takes a deep breath as he processes this information.
Ben
(to Marcy)
Uh, so what are you going to...
(testing new word)
'Chatswood'... for?
Marcy
It's just a major station. I'll head towards the city centre from there, find a hostel.
Ben
Listen, why don't you stay tonight at my place?
(wondering)
I'm sure I have... a couch.
Addison cringes, knowing how creepy Ben just sounded, looking as he does currently.
Addison
Swing and a miss...
Marcy reacts in the expected way, immediately becoming uncomfortable.
Marcy
Like, no offence or anything, but for all I know you could be a serial killer. No thanks.
Addison
(eyes popping)
Of all things for someone to say the day they're due to be murdered.
Ben
Uh, yeah, that came out kinda creepy, didn't it? At least let me take you to the city centre.
Addison looks down at the handlink, fiddling with it.
Addison
This could work.
Marcy
Sure, thanks.
(beat)
What's your name, anyway?
Ben & Addison
(in unison)
Darren--
Addison
--Harvey... Ah, figured that one out already.
(checks handlink)
Friends call you... 'Dazza.' That's... incredibly Australian.
Marcy
I'm Marcy.
Ben
Nice to meet you. Properly, I mean. How long are you in the country?
Marcy
Two more weeks. I've actually been here a month already; seen most of the sights. Ready for a little big city fun before I have to head home.
Ben
Fair enough. Well, just relax. I'll get you there.
Addison
Listen, I'm gonna go get some research sorted. Just keep heading this way. The signage is pretty straightforward. Think of it like a road trip.
Ben acknowledges this with a subtle gesture, as Addison disappears.
Ian is absorbed in their computer screen -- showing some police reports about Marcy's case, and news articles about disappearances -- as Addison approaches from behind. She taps them on the shoulder, making them jump.
Ian
Whoa, now I know why Ben wanted a bell on you.
Addison
Am I really that sneaky, or am I just surrounded by deep concentrators who lose track of everything going on around them?
Ian
A little Column A, a little Column B. So, what brings you to me?
Addison
Well, first off I was wondering what Ben's doing in Australia. We've got no records of any previous leap happening there before.
Ian
What, you don't think other countries have problems too?
(thinking)
You know, Sam Beckett once leaped into Egypt.
Addison
That's true.
(beat)
So what do we know about this killer? Anything?
Ian
Frustratingly little. They were never caught, and we don't even know if this was their only kill. However-- (POINTS TO SCREEN) --Marcy certainly wasn't the only solo traveller around Sydney to turn up dead in this time period.
Addison
So you're saying we might be dealing with...
Ian
A serial killer? Yeah, could well be.
Addison
Okay.
(beat)
Bring up everything you can about these cases, see if you can connect them in any way... we need all the info we can get, because I get the feeling Ben isn't here just to drive a girl to town.
Ian turns back to the computer screen.
Ian
You got it.
(turning mischievous)
Twenty bucks says you can't get Ben to throw a shrimp on the barbie some time this leap.
Addison
(glaring)
You know they don't even call them shrimp. It's "prawns."
(grinning against her better judgement)
But... you're on.
The semi-trailer is most of the way across the iconic bridge, heading southbound. Now playing on the stereo:
"Confide In Me" -- Kylie Minogue
Marcy has her camera out, and is snapping the occasional photo of the harbour.
Addison materialises behind Ben, just as before.
Addison
You can drop her off at the next place you can pull over. Ziggy's telling me she should be in the clear now.
(less brightly)
She should be, but--
Ben flicks her a look.
Addison
(pointing)
Take a left here -- a parking spot just opened up.
Ben turns the wheel.
The semi turns to the wrong side of the road, before swerving to avoid an oncoming car.
Marcy
Dude, what the hell?
Ben
(anxious)
Sorry.
Addison
(more amused than shaken)
Smooth move. Driver's side on the right, vehicle on the left. Try not to die, yeah?
Ben frowns -- that's easy for her to say.
The truck pulls to the side of the busy road, and the engine shuts off, along with the music.
Marcy and Ben climb out of their respective sides of the truck, and meet up on the footpath, while Addison blinks to them.
Marcy
(hoisting on her rucksack)
Thanks so much for the ride, Darren.
Ben
No problem!
(beat)
Listen, let me give you my number. If you need another ride or something...
Marcy
Thanks, that's sweet.
Ben opens the truck door and rummages in the glove box. Within the glove compartment we see a book of delivery records.
After a moment, he returns to Marcy, having acquired a scrap of paper and a pen. He places the paper on the side of the truck and poises the pen over it.
Ben
(looking at Addison)
And my number is...
Addison
Uh--
(looks at handlink)
--Oh! Your number is 624-2088.
Ben scribbles this number down, and passes the paper to Marcy.
Marcy
(cheerful)
Thanks. See you!
Ben
Enjoy the rest of your trip.
As she walks away, he sighs with relief, and returns to the driver's side of the truck.
Ben climbs into the seat, where Addison is already waiting in the passenger side.
Ben
So, that was easy. Does this mean I can leap now?
Addison
Oh, I wish it were that simple.
(gravely)
According to Ziggy, in saving her, you've only shifted who the victim is. Tomorrow, another traveller fitting the same profile goes missing, and is found dead in Marcy's place.
Cut to Black
The stereo is off, and Ben drives in silence through the Sydney streets, headlights in his eyes.
He's stressed out -- it's bad enough that he's unfamiliar with the area, and he's driving stick, and he's driving on the opposite side of the road, but he's now grappling with the knowledge he seems to have put someone new in danger.
Ben
(trying to change lanes)
So what, I have to catch some serial killer now?
Ben makes a frustrated gesture to another driver. Addison notices his edginess.
Addison
(soothing)
Hey, if you need to pull over and take a breather, just do it.
Ben
Addison, I just need to get back to whatever this guy's house is. I doubt I'll be able to think until I do.
Addison
Alright, but when you get home, you'll have a wife and three kids to deal with.
Ben
(exasperated)
Perfect.
(beat)
Then we'd better do all our talking now.
The truck jolts as Ben brakes suddenly. He grunts.
Ben
(at another driver)
Are you blind? I was right next to you!
Addison hides her amusement.
Addison
We're trying to develop a profile of the killer, but the only solid data point we have now is the next victim.
Ben
So -- what? -- I show up when and where they're last seen and keep them safe from there? Like I did this time?
(beat)
But that'll just put a third person in danger, won't it?
Addison
Yeah, it's not as simple as keeping the victim safe. We need to catch the killer in the act so we can identify who it is.
Ben
Why can't it ever be simple?
Addison
(trying to be encouraging)
I don't know, but if you pull this off, you could save upwards of twelve people -- if the data is to be believed.
Ben takes a moment to absorb this.
Ben
Okay. So, wife and three kids, huh?
Cut to:
Darren's home is a single-storey fibro affair: think the house from "The Castle" if the family lived in southwest Sydney. There's probably asbestos in this house, and the exterior paint might have lead in it.
As Ben enters the house, a small, adorable 9-year-old girl -- Jessica -- runs toward him, arms outstretched. She's clearly excited to see her father.
Jessica
Daddy!
She throws her arms around him as Addison phases through the wall beside Ben, watching.
Addison
That's Jessica, the middle child. Eight years old -- wait, she turns nine tomorrow. Birthday girl.
Ben
(giving a lukewarm return to her hug)
Hey... sweetie...
Addison
Sure hope Darren's got her a present, huh?
The hug finally ends, and Ben continues into the house with the child in tow.
The lounge room is lit up with a boxy CRT television currently playing "Home and Away" in the background. Tobacco smoke gives the room a certain haze.
On a well-used sofa sits a 40-year-old woman smoking a cigarette -- this is Dot, Darren's wife. She speaks with a broad Australian accent.
Next to her sits a 17-year-old boy with a mullet hair cut -- this is Kyle. He's also SMOKING.
On an armchair in the corner sits another man in his forties sipping a VB Stubby (beer). This is Jonno -- he is not related to the rest of the family.
Jessica runs to the sofa, and sits on Dot's lap as Ben and Addison wander into the room.
Dot
Evening, luv. Bit late. Your dinner's cold.
Addison
(pointing)
That's your wife, Dot. The teenager is Kyle, and the guy over there... I'm working on that one.
As Addison taps at her handlink, Ben waves the smoke from his face, doing his best not to cough.
Ben
Uh yeah, sorry. Traffic was a nightmare. And I picked up a hitch-hiker.
Jonno
(smirking)
A hitcher? Was she hot?
Ben
(raising an eyebrow)
I didn't say it was a girl.
Jonno
Come off it, we all know you only pick up chicks. So was she a babe, or a moll?
Ben
(to self, barely audible)
'Moll'...?
Dot
Shut up Jonno. Nobody wants to know!
(gesturing to Jessica)
'Specially not the littlies.
Jonno
Yeah, awright. Steady on.
Jonno stands, finishing his beer. He crosses to Ben, placing a hand on his shoulder. Ben is visibly struggling to follow the slang-heavy conversation.
Jonno
Still on for tomorrow, yeah?
Ben
(guessing)
...Jessica's birthday?
Jonno gives a belly laugh, as if Ben just made a joke.
Jonno
Nah; mate's weekend!
Jonno spreads out his arms, as if this is the most obvious answer in the world.
Addison
(warning)
Ben, you have a killer to catch tomorrow.
Ben
Uh... listen. Can we postpone? I have a lot on my plate.
Jonno looks surprised, but moreso hurt, at this suggestion.
Jonno
Serious? We've been planning this for yonks! Don't leave me high and dry, Dazza!
Dot
(standing, aggravated)
I bloody told you it was Jess's birthday tomorrow, Jonno!
Dot leans over and kisses Ben on the cheek. Apparently, this was something she'd been waiting for him to say.
Dot
Cheers, hun.
(to Jonno)
No reason you can't go Sat'dee morning, is there?
Jonno looks between Dot and Ben for a moment, before giving a defeated sigh.
Jonno
Righto.
(to Ben, serious)
Give you a bell later, Daz.
Ben
Uh... okay. Mate.
Jonno gives a broad wave to the room, before heading out towards the front door.
Ben takes the armchair on which he had been seated, slumping into it with a sigh.
Dot
(appraising him)
Ah, luv. Had a bit of a rough run of things?
Ben isn't sure what she's saying.
Addison
She's asking if you had a hard day. I think.
Ben
You could say that. A few unexpected detours.
(beat)
I'm happy to finally be in a seat that's not vibrating.
Dot stamps out her cigarette in an ash tray on the coffee table, before heading for the door.
She stops in the doorway, turning back.
Dot
(warmly)
Nice work, putting your foot down with Jonno. Just for that, I'm gonna go heat up your tea for ya.
Ben
Oh... cheers, hun.
Dot acknowledges his response cheerfully, and leaves the room. Ben looks at Addison, hoping he said the correct sequence of words. She nods in approval.
Addison
That's good. Don't go too hard and fast with the slang; only repeat words you've heard others say. Let their perception of Darren do the rest.
Ben takes in this pearl of wisdom, as Kyle finally pipes up.
Kyle
So you are going to Jess's birthday dinner now?
Addison
You might not have the chance, but for now, just say you are.
Ben looks warmly at Jessica.
Ben
You only turn nine once, right? Wouldn't miss it for the world.
Jessica
(excited)
I'm gonna eat five sausage sandwiches!
Ben
(playing along)
Five? Wow! You'll be sick!
Jessica
That's all part of my master plan. If I chuck up dinner, I'll have room for dessert!
Ben
(amused)
Ah, of course. Like the Romans.
Jessica
Romans?
Ben
(vaguely recalling)
Yeah, the ancient Romans used to feast until they were sick, and then would vomit so they could fit more in.
Addison
Actually, that's a common misconception.
Ben
...Or maybe I just made that up. You decide.
Addison shares an amused glance with Ben.
Jessica
Well, I don't know what a Roman is but they sound smart.
Dot (O.S.)
Darren! Dinner!
Ben reacts to the call, standing from his seat.
Ben
Coming!
Addison
I'll be back in an hour, Ben. Enjoy your... reheated feast. Consider ...(IMITATING AUSSIE ACCENT)... prawns for tomorrow.
Ben looks at her curiously as she disappears. With her gone, he shakes his head, and heads in the direction of Dot's call.
Ben is seated at a seventies era kitchen table, where in front of him sits a plate of reheated peas, broccoli, roast beef, and potatoes, all slathered with gravy.
Dot places an open stubby of VB by the plate -- clearly something Darren would normally have with his dinner. He looks at it with trepidation, before bringing it to his nose to sniff it.
Ben
(unimpressed by the smell)
Thank you.
He gives it a token sip, before placing it down -- doing his best to hide that he doesn't like the beer.
He begins to pick at his microwaved plate with a knife and fork as Dot sits across from him at the table.
Dot
Can I expect you to man the barbecue tomorrow, then?
Ben
(between mouthfuls)
Long as I get home in time.
Dot
Nah, yeah. Traffic. Just don't be giving lifts to any more Yank skanks.
Ben is puzzled by this turn of phrase.
Dot
Oh, don't give me that look, Daz. I know full well you have some delusion that one of these seppo birds'll root you if you drive 'em far enough, but you've got Buckley's chance. You're stuck with me, like it or lump it.
Ben has not followed a word of this.
Ben
(not knowing what else to say)
...Okay, then.
Dot
(triumphant)
Good on ya. Aimee's waiting for her bedtime story, when you're done there.
Ben
Aimee?
(beat)
...Righto.
Ian, Magic, and Jenn are crowded around Ian's computer, looking at some data related to the murders, as Addison joins them.
Addison
How's it coming along?
Jenn
To access police records in a sovereign nation, I might have had to do some technically illegal things, but other than that? It's doing okay.
Magic
(exasperated)
I told you not to bring that up in front of me. I don't want to know -- plausible deniability.
Jenn
(winking at Addison)
My bad.
Ian
(gesturing to screen)
I have everything we could get on the next vic. Name, date of birth, home address -- but, most importantly, last known whereabouts.
Addison
Great.
Ian
Last seen leaving a hostel near Town Hall station. According to witnesses she had been talking about hitch-hiking to Newcastle, but later seemed to already have a ride arranged.
Addison
Do we know who it was with?
Ian
Nope. Trail runs cold right there.
Addison
Well, it's a good basis.
Magic
(to Ian)
Has Ziggy analysed the data from the other deaths?
Ian
Sure has.
Ian brings up some new windows on the computer, showing some data tables.
Ian
Looks like eight of the twelve victims have a greater than 75% chance of being from the same killer, and another three have a greater than 50% chance. This killer could easily make the top 5 serial killer body counts in Australian history.
Addison
(reading the dates in the data)
'95... '95... '96 -- all of these happened after Ben leaped in -- we can prevent them all if we catch this guy before he goes through with the first one.
Jenn
But to have enough evidence to get him off the streets, how far does Ben need to let him go before intervening?
Addison mulls this over, uncomfortable.
Ben peeks a head into the room where the 5-year-old daughter of Darren, Aimee, sits upright in bed, hugging a large picture book.
The room has two beds, and is shared by Aimee and Jessica -- the decor reflects the two age groups of the occupants. On the wall hangs a mirror beside a poster of The Wiggles.
She smiles as she notices the movement, but upon seeing Ben's face, the smile turns to confusion.
Aimee
Who are you?
Ben
(off-guard)
Wh-what? I'm... your Daddy? Aren't I?
Aimee
Um... no you're not.
Ben glances into the mirror, noting that he still has Darren's reflection.
Ben
What do you mean I'm not?
Through the mirror, Aimee catches his eye.
Aimee
(pointing at mirror)
That's Daddy.
(pointing at Ben)
But you're someone else. And you talk like... Big Bird.
Ben glances around the room, frantic.
Ben
(whispering fiercely)
Addison, I need you right now...
Aimee's demeanour becomes fearful as she jumps to a conclusion.
Aimee
Is Daddy trapped in the mirror?!
Ben doesn't know what to make of any of this. He struggles to improvise a way to diffuse this situation.
Ben
No -- wait, yes.
(crouching by Aimee)
I'm doing my best to rescue him, but it's important that you pretend as if I'm Daddy in front of everyone, or I may not be able to get him out. Can I count on you?
Aimee looks at him, wide-eyed, before nodding.
Aimee
Okay...
Ben
(less on-edge)
Okay, we have a deal. Now, can I read you that story?
He gestures to the book, and Aimee reluctantly hands it to him. The book is:
"The Kookaburra That Helps at the Nest" -- Pauline Reilly.
Ben eyes the title.
Ben
(reading)
The... coo-cab-urra --
Aimee
Kookaburra.
(incredulous)
Don't you know what a kookaburra is??
Ben
(pointing at the cover)
I'm guessing it's one of these birds?
Aimee nods.
Aimee
They laugh like this.
Aimee sets about imitating a kookaburra's call.
It's loud, and when it's done, Dot pokes a head into the room.
Dot
Reading the kookaburra book, are we?
Aimee nods enthusiastically. Dot gives an amused look at Ben.
Dot
Don't get yourself worked up, pet. Beddy-byes.
(to Ben)
Tuck 'er in and put on the lamp, Daddy.
Ben switches on the lamp at Aimee's bedside, and Dot turns off the overhead light.
Dot
(to Aimee)
Nighty night, darl.
With that, Dot leaves. Aimee watches her go, looking confused.
Ben begins to pull the covers over Aimee and tuck her in.
Aimee
She really does think you're Daddy...
Ben
She sure does. It's our very important secret that I'm not.
Aimee smiles. She likes keeping a secret from the grown-ups.
Aimee
(to mirror)
Don't worry, Daddy. I won't tell.
It's a bustling Thursday evening at an inner-city bar.
Marcy has gone out with a group of scruffy fellow backpackers from around the globe, and they congregate at a table, engaged in spirited conversation.
Marcy clinks beverages with a woman of similar age, beside her. This is Josephine, another young American woman. She's a little less well-travelled than Marcy, a little more timid.
Marcy sips at her drink before speaking.
Marcy
(loudly over the background din)
Where did you say you were headed?
Josephine
(loud, tipsy)
North up to Newcastle.
Marcy
You said you were thumbing a ride?
Josephine
Yeah, but I'm a bit nervous about it.
Marcy
(thoughtful)
I think the guy that brought me to Sydney goes that way every day. Bit of a weirdo, but he went out of his way to bring me to the city centre. I think he's alright.
She pulls out the slip of paper Ben had given her earlier.
Marcy
Got his number right here.
Josephine accepts the number.
Josephine
(uncertain)
Thanks. I'll think about it.
Ben has the wardrobe open and is rummaging around the shelves, in search of something.
Behind him, Addison materialises.
Addison
Whatcha looking for?
Ben looks back at her with relief.
Ben
Finally! I'm freaking out here, Addison. The youngest of Darren's kids can see me as me.
Addison processes this without surprise, but with some apprehension.
Addison
Damn. Small children and animals may be able to see you -- and me. But I thought Aimee was too old.
Ben
(agitated)
You mean you knew there was a possibility this would happen?
Addison
Yeah. At one time, you also knew that. What did you do?
Ben
Well, she thinks her Daddy's trapped in the mirror and I've convinced her to pretend I'm him for now.
(beat)
Anyway, right now I'm trying to find out if Darren's got a birthday present hidden away somewhere in here.
He returns to his rummaging, and Addison peers over his shoulder.
A moment later, he pulls out a small gift box.
Ben
Maybe this is it?
He pulls it open, only to find the only contents are a single photograph and a folded up piece of paper.
The photo is of Darren, holding up a fish. On the left of the photo are a few gum trees. In one of the trees sits a white bird. On the right of the photo is the ocean.
Ben glances at the photo in the box for a moment, before unfolding the paper, and somewhere off-screen, a telephone starts ringing.
Written on the paper is a list of strange numbers and letters:
225 A12
18 G11
208 B9
122 L6
Ben scans it for a fleeting moment, brow furrowed. Then he folds it up and puts it back in the box. In doing so, the photo flips over, revealing another letter and number combination: F4.
Ben
Well, that isn't it. I don't know what that is.
He puts the box back where he found it, then his eye is drawn to a bright red object at the top of the wardrobe obfuscated by some rolled up socks.
He reaches up, and sure enough, it's a present with a tag that clearly reads: "To Jess, Love Dad".
Ben sighs with relief.
Addison
Okay, great. One mystery solved.
Kyle (O.S.)
(shouting from another room)
Dad! Jonno's on the phone!
Ben sighs at this.
Ben
(calling back)
Okay! Be right there!
Kyle is waiting, phone in hand, as Ben enters the room. The curled cord extends from a standard push-button Telecom Phone on the wall.
Ben accepts the handset, and he raises it to his ear as Addison enters, eyes on Ben. Kyle, meanwhile, wanders out of the room.
Ben
Hello...
Jonno (V.O.)
(in greeting)
Dazzaaaa! How's it going?
Ben
Hey, Jonno. What can I do for you?
Jonno (V.O.)
Look mate, even if we don't start our trip tomorrow night, I need to know if you're on board! Do you at least have the fishing gear?
Ben
(hesitant)
Uh...
Jonno (V.O.)
You don't, do you?
(disappointed)
Strewth. Dropping the ball a bit, ay?
(beat)
D'you want me to get it? I can have everything ready and rearing and meet you there Saturday.
Ben just wants to end this meaningless conversation.
Ben
(brusque)
Sure. Fine, I'll meet you there. Sounds good.
Jonno (V.O.)
(sounding relieved)
Sweet as! Cheers mate. Bye.
With that, there's a click and a dial tone. Ben hangs up the phone with a sigh.
Ben
(to Addison)
Who is Jonno?
Addison
(referring to handlink)
Full name's Jonathan Potts. Looks like he's been besties with Darren since they were both eight years old. Doesn't look like he's got much in the way of family.
Addison frowns as she reads.
Addison
He's a serial bachelor who seems to spend all his time with Darren's family -- if his Facebook photos are anything to go by.
Ben
Does he work?
Addison
Well, yes, but it's all under the table stuff. Got convicted of tax fraud in '99, along with Darren. Looks like 'Dazza' pays him in cash for working as an assistant in his delivery business.
Ben
I'm not just here to stop that, am I?
Ben knows it's only wishful thinking, but holds a glimmer of hope that Ziggy was wrong about his objective.
Addison
(chuckling)
'Fraid not, champ.
Ben
Well, it was worth a try.
The semi is parked outside of an abattoir, as Ben reads over a copy of his delivery manifest, and pencils some details into his records book. Seated in the passenger side is Addison.
Ben
Okay, I have a semi full of dead farm animals to transport to Maitland... and I have no idea where Maitland is.
Addison cranes her neck, and points to a thick NSW Street Directory (aka Street Atlas) on the floor of the truck.
Addison
Not exactly Google Maps, but that tome should get you there.
Ben sighs as he heaves it onto his lap and flips it open.
Addison
The victim leaves the hostel at 5:03PM, so make sure you're back to Sydney by four to be safe.
Ben
(checking watch)
Okay, so I need to be up and back in seven hours.
Addison
(looking at handlink)
Should be plenty of time. Round trip won't be longer than six at worst, unless you get in an accident.
(beat)
Don't crash, Ben.
Ben
(wryly)
I'll keep that in mind.
Addison
Anyway, see you later.
Ben
What? Where are you going?
Addison
Ben, I haven't slept in twenty hours. The time where I am doesn't really line up with this leap. I'll be back in four hours sharp, okay?
Ben
Alright. Don't let me stop you.
Addison
(cheeky)
Cheers, hun.
She gives him a ghostly peck on the cheek that he doesn't feel physically, but appreciates nonetheless, and dematerialises.
Ben returns to looking at his directory, flipping to a new page where he freezes as he sees the map number at the top of the page.
Map 208
Ben's photographic memory begins pulling its weight. We see --
A flash of the box containing the photo and scrap of paper.
We see the scrap of paper's writing with "208 B9" in focus.
Ben studies the GRID on the map, and traces the path to B9 -- a stretch of motorway.
Ben stares at this for a moment, puzzled, before closing the book and turning the ignition.
A new song begins to play, which will CONTINUE INTO THE NEXT THREE SCENES:
"Better Get A Lawyer" -- Cruel Sea
Ben has reached his delivery destination. He is at a large supermarket loading dock. He and a handful of Butchery staff unload animal carcasses and boxes of off-cuts.
For a moment, Ben peers into the back of the refrigerated truck, deep in thought.
He sees the walls and floor lined with plastic sheeting, covered in leaked red meat fluids that glisten. Ben looks at the scene with wide eyes.
Ben drives along the motorway, glancing down at the Street Directory on the passenger seat, which is open to Map 208.
He looks, alarmed, at an approaching billboard -- the same one he saw right after he leaped in, advertising "Muriel's Wedding".
He turns the wheel, pulling over.
Ben retraces his steps from his ostensible bathroom break when he leaped in.
He touches the gum tree he was holding, and steps past the tree line. He doesn't know what he's looking for, but he has a weird feeling about this place.
Then he finds it: hidden in a bush, a black garbage bag, wrapped up. Dread fills Ben as he reaches down, and grabs it, looking inside.
Ben pulls out a roll of duct tape, then a coil of rope, then a handgun.
Ben
(distraught)
Oh my god -- it's me. I'm the killer.
The music finally cuts out, as Ben stands silently, staring back towards the semi-trailer, trying to decide what to do next.
Fade Out
Ben is anxiously driving southbound through some north-western Sydney streets. The radio is off, and he's sweating profusely.
Beside him, Addison appears.
Addison
(cheerful)
I'm back! Glad to see you didn't crash.
She sees Ben's tense state, and turns serious.
Addison
Ben, what is it?
Ben glances at her for a moment, before returning his gaze to the road.
Ben
It's me, Addison.
(gesturing to mirror)
I mean, Darren. He's the killer.
Addison
What?! How do you know?
Ben
Oh, I don't know -- could be the cache of serial killer supplies I found based on map coordinates in that box in his closet. Duct tape, rope, gun.
He nods to the floor of the passenger side, where the garbage bag is now sitting. A strand of rope extends out of the opening.
Addison
Oh my god.
Ben
Exactly what I said. I think this guy was right about to retrieve them when I leaped in here.
(beat)
So, I'm going home. I'm gonna cook a nice birthday dinner for Jessica, say goodbye, and then I'm gonna go turn myself in.
Addison
But the victim--
Ben
--Needs to be as far away from me as she can get. No me, no murder.
Addison
(fiddling with handlink)
I don't understand. If you don't leap out, you pose no danger to her, right?
Ben
Same thing if I'm nowhere near her.
Addison is silent as she looks up information.
Addison
If you turn yourself in now, I don't think there'll be enough evidence to put Darren away for long enough to save some of his victims.
Ben
Well, what do you want me to do? Actually kidnap this poor woman?
Addison
Well, I mean... that might...
Ben
(incredulous)
Addison! That was a rhetorical question -- I couldn't do that!
Addison
(defeated)
I know. But I just don't think this plan is a good one.
Ben
Well, if you've got anything better, go right ahead and tell me.
Addison looks at Ben for a moment. She feels for him, but she is sure there must be a better way to solve this problem.
Addison
I'll go and see if I can figure something out.
Ben barely acknowledges Addison as she dematerialises from the truck. His mind is scattered, and he's stressed from driving.
The backyard is mostly an open lawn, with a Hills Hoist clothesline in the middle, a few stray garments dangling off it by plastic pegs. A gas barbecue sits under an awning near the back door, with smoke rising.
Several thin beef sausages sizzle on the grill of the barbecue, and a pair of tongs turns them. On the other side of the barbecue, on a hotplate, cooks some haphazardly chopped shreds of brown onion.
On an unheated surface of the barbecue, a bowl of green prawns sits, as yet untouched.
We see that Ben is tending to the barbecue. He holds a VB stubby set into a coldy-holder with a "#1 Dad" design, from which he is conspicuously not drinking. He is struggling to put on a relaxed expression.
On a flimsy plastic table with a vinyl tablecloth that's half blowing off in the breeze, we find a bowl of ruffled chips beside a plate of fairy bread, which has several flies buzzing around it. Also on the table is a cheap portable cassette player, playing a tinny tween-appropriate song:
Jessica and Aimee, clad in matching primary school uniforms are playing schoolyard handball with a tennis ball, on a concrete area of the backyard, while Kyle sits on a plastic lawn chair, smoking a cigarette.
Dot emerges from the back door, carrying a bowl of unremarkable salad (iceberg lettuce, sliced tomato, grated carrot) in one hand and a supermarket loaf of sliced white bread in the other.
She deposits both on the table, and shoos away the flies, before approaching Ben.
Dot
Almost there, luv?
She gives him a peck on the cheek.
Ben
Five minutes, maybe?
Dot
Good-o.
Ben watches her join Kyle, who passes her a cigarette as she takes a seat.
As he turns back around, he finds Addison standing beside the barbecue.
Ben
Oh, hey. Got anything?
Addison
They're gonna centre me on the victim in a minute so I can keep an eye. Ziggy still insists she disappears...
Addison glances around.
Addison
Jonno's not around today?
Ben
Nope. Told me he'd meet me -- I don't know, somewhere -- tomorrow, for that fishing trip. Doesn't matter now; I don't plan to be free by then.
Ben picks up a prawn with his tongs. Addison eyes it for a moment, before deciding she doesn't care about her bet.
Aimee
(suddenly next to Ben)
I know where Jonno is.
Ben
(startled)
You do?
Aimee
He answered the phone when Mum was in the dunny and he said he was going to pick someone up.
Ben
(wary)
The phone? The one in the kitchen?
Aimee nods.
Ben
When was this?
Aimee
I dunno... before you got home.
(pointing at Addison)
Who's she?
Ben and Addison exchange an alarmed look.
Ben drops the tongs, prawn and all, onto the hotplate.
Flash-cut to:
Ian watches the prawn hit the barbecue on their monitor.
Ian
Ah, sh...rimp.
They slap a twenty dollar bill onto the desk.
Flash-cut to:
Continues direct from before the inter-cut scene:
Addison
Darren and Jonno must be accomplices. So if he takes her, where is he taking her?
Ben
(horrified)
That stupid fishing weekend. Oh god, why didn't I ask where they were meeting?!
Addison
I'm gonna centre on Jonno.
Ben nods, and turns to Dot and Kyle, frantic. Behind him, Addison disappears as Aimee watches with shock.
Ben
(to Kyle)
Kyle, finish that off for me.
Ben dashes into the house, leaving Darren's family baffled. Aimee follows him in excitedly.
Josephine stands nervously, waiting at the kerb.
A beaten-up ute (aka pickup truck) pulls up to the side of the road. The passenger side window is rolled down.
Sitting cross-legged in the back tray of the ute is Addison, looking at Josephine with alarm.
Inside the ute, Jonno leans over to the passenger side, grinning up at the American traveller.
Jonno
Gidday! You Josephine? Newcastle express at your service!
Josephine
(apprehensive)
I thought you were meant to have a truck or something?
Jonno
Only when I'm on the job. Hop in! Too easy!
Addison
Don't do it...
Josephine
O--okay.
As Josephine climbs into the ute, Addison gives a frustrated, desperate groan.
Addison
It's true, then. Dazza and Jonno the serial killer duo...
With the clock now ticking, Ben wastes no time thrusting open the wardrobe doors, and rummaging for the box that was hidden in there.
He finds it, and flips it open, letting the lid fall where it may.
He takes the contents, and hurries out.
The truck is parked in the driveway, and Ben pulls the door open, grabbing the Street Directory and flipping it open. The door remains open.
He unfolds the slip of paper, and throws the photo onto the dashboard.
Unbeknownst to him, a child's hand grabs at the photo -- Aimee has somehow slipped into the truck under his feet while he was absorbed in the directory.
Ben busily looks up the coordinates on the paper. Each shows a seemingly random location on the road.
Ben is getting frustrated.
Addison returns, appearing beside him, face grave.
Addison
It was him alright. He's got her.
Jonno is driving along with a wide grin on his face. Josephine sits in the passenger seat, looking at the signs passing by.
Josephine
(suspicious)
Wait, are we going south? I wanted to go to Newcastle.
Jonno
Nah, you don't want to go there. Bugger all to see in Newcastle. Heaps better where I'm taking you.
Josephine
Pull over, please. I want to get out...
Jonno produces a gun, showing it to her. Josephine goes white, and clams up. She's not a fighter.
Jonno reaches to the radio, turning it on. It starts playing:
"Helping Hand" -- Screaming Jets
Jonno
Love this song.
Jonno's finger taps on the steering wheel in time with the music, as Josephine watches him with terrified eyes.
Ben and Addison pore over the directory, frustrated.
Ben
I think these might all be places they've stashed supplies. But where are they doing the--
Ben is cut off by the sound of Aimee's kookaburra call, coming from inside the truck.
Ben and Addison exchange a startled look, and Ben climbs into the driver's seat. Aimee sits in the passenger seat, grinning.
Alarmed, Ben frantically grabs at the garbage bag at her feet that contains the gun, and stuffs it into the glove box.
Ben
You shouldn't be in here, Aimee...
Aimee
(holding up the photo)
It's a kookaburra!
Ben takes the photo and looks closely at it, seeing the white bird in the tree.
Ben
Huh, it does look a little like a kookaburra. But it's all white. Is that unusual?
He flips over the photo, seeing the "F4" scrawled on the back.
Ben
(to Addison)
Do you think this might be a clue? It's a coordinate, but there's no map number...
Addison
I don't know. Where was the photo taken?
Ben
Wherever it was, there was a white kookaburra.
He shows Addison the picture, and she runs her handlink over it, taking a scan.
Addison
Okay, I'll run this through Ziggy right now.
She moves in close to Ben, trying to calm him.
Addison
Wherever he's taking her, I think he's going to wait for you before he...
Ben
But what's he gonna do to her while he's waiting for me?
Addison
...I'll go as fast as I can, okay? Promise.
With that, Addison vanishes.
No sooner than she does, there is a knock on the window of the truck.
Ben rolls it down with the hand crank, finding Jessica looking up at him, a half-eaten, tomato sauce smothered sausage sandwich in her hand.
Jessica
Where are you going?
Ben looks down at her, his heart breaking, and he climbs out of the truck, crouching to her level.
Ben
Jess... your Daddy's done something... bad. And he might have to go away for a while.
Aimee
(peering out window)
What did Daddy do?
Ben
(to Aimee)
Uh, don't worry about that.
(to Jessica)
I need you to be... strong, for your sister, okay?
Jessica
(not really understanding)
Okay Daddy...
Ben moves to the other side of the truck, opening the passenger door.
Ben
(to Aimee)
Sorry kiddo... you need to go back inside. Where I'm going is dangerous, okay?
Aimee gives him a puppy-dog look, but climbs out of the truck. Ben shuts the door as Jessica joins Aimee on this side of the truck. He leans over the two of them.
Ben
Be good, okay?
(to Jessica)
And your present is waiting for you on your bed.
It's begun to sink in for Jessica that her Daddy is quite serious with what he's saying. She nods silently.
Ben hugs the two of them for a short moment, before letting go and giving them both a nudge towards the house.
Ben
Okay... go on back inside...
He watches them head in the house, before hopping into the driver's seat of the truck and starting it up.
The car radio starts blasting the latter half of "Helping Hand" as Ben pulls out of the driveway.
Addison sprints to Ian.
Ian
Fine, you win.
Addison
What?
(beat)
Look, I need you to run the photo I scanned, see if we can get a location. It's urgent.
Addison holds up her handlink, and makes a swiping gesture over it which transmits the scan directly onto the computer screen.
Ian
(bursting into action)
Okay Ziggy, show me what you've got.
Ian types at the computer, and the computer begins analysing the image.
Ian
I don't know if we'll get a hit; there's really not much to go on geographically in this picture. Can't see any significant landmarks...
Addison
This may be a long shot, but Ben thinks that bird is a white kookaburra. Does that help?
Ian looks at her quizzically, but types in the additional data.
After a moment, they look impressed.
Ian
Wow, that actually made a huge difference.
A map of the Shellharbour area is seen on the screen, with shaded areas around Killalea State Park, Bass Point, and Blackbutt Forest.
Ian
There's a small community of all-white kookaburras seen only around this region south of Sydney. Ziggy still can't pinpoint a specific location, though -- not enough data.
Addison
(thinking)
But the coordinates on the back might...
(beat)
Thanks, Ian!
Addison turns to head back to the Imaging Chamber. She pauses for a split second to snatch the $20 from the desk, before continuing onward.
Picking up right where we left off with "Helping Hand", Addison appears in the passenger seat as Ben drives away from the house.
Addison
Ben -- head south. You'll need to go to Shellharbour; it's maybe an hour's drive from here.
(beat)
What were the coordinates on the back of that photo?
Ben
F4.
Addison gestures over her handlink.
Addison
Keep driving. I'll see if Ziggy can find a digitised copy of that street atlas and get the right location.
Ben
I hope I get there before anything bad happens.
Addison
Me too, Ben.
The music continues as we --
Cut to:
Jonno's ute drives towards an expansive, deserted beach lit by a full moon, passing a tree where a white kookaburra sleeps.
The music comes to its end as Jonno's ute approaches Darren's semi-trailer, which is already parked.
Ben leans against the truck, his expression unreadable.
Jonno pulls up beside him, rolling his window down. He leans out as we see Josephine inside the car, already with duct tape over her mouth. She is a wreck.
Jonno
(in high spirits)
Dazzaaa! Didn't even expect you 'til tomorrow!
Ben
(attempting to act the part)
G'day! Nah, yeah, I ditched the Missus, told her I was flat out working.
(gesturing to Josephine)
Picked up the fishing gear, I see.
Jonno, looking manic, opens the car door, with his gun pointed at Josephine. He gestures with it for her to get out, and she does so, looking with pleading eyes at Ben.
Ben's facade falters for a moment as he locks eyes with her, but he corrects himself, turning towards the truck and opening the back trailer doors, revealing the creepy insides, featuring plastic sheeting and meat hooks. He grabs the rope from just inside.
Josephine starts to scream -- due to the duct tape over her mouth, it's muffled, but nobody is around to hear it anyway.
Jonno pushes her towards Ben, and she reluctantly does.
Ben
Hands out.
He moves close to her, tying her hands. When he thinks Jonno isn't looking, he leans and whispers into her ear:
Ben
I'm sorry.
He steps back, gesturing to the truck.
Ben
Get in.
Josephine gives him a lingering look, before climbing into the truck.
Jonno approaches Ben, his eyes betraying his excitement at this moment.
Jonno
So, who's batting first innings?
Ben
Well you had her all the way here...
Jonno
Ahhh, fair enough!
Jonno gives Ben a playful punch in the shoulder.
Jonno
Leave her in good nick, hey.
Ben gives him a wink, as he climbs into the trailer, closing the doors behind him.
Josephine backs against the wall as Ben approaches, tears streaming down her face.
As Ben reaches her, he holds a finger to his lips as he rips the duct tape from her mouth.
Ben
I'm not going to hurt you.
Addison has appeared behind Ben, and she watches, clearly affected by it all.
Josephine
(whimpering)
Why are you doing this...
Ben
I can't get into that... because I don't really know either.
(to Addison)
How long?
Addison
(looking at handlink)
Four minutes.
Josephine
What?
Ben
Just hold on a few more minutes for me. Help is coming. But listen...
Ben places a gentle hand on Josephine's quivering shoulder. She flinches at the touch.
Ben
When you testify against us, please don't tell them I helped you. I'm a danger to society.
The sound of a creaking metal door echoes off the walls.
Jonno (O.S.)
I bloody knew you were gonna bugger this up.
Ben turns, seeing Jonno climbing into the truck, his gun drawn.
Ben
(holding up hands)
Hey now...
Jonno
Now I'm gonna have to pop the both of yous.
(genuine hurt)
Dazza, I thought we were best mates.
Addison
(edgy)
Ben, try to keep him talking -- and don't make him angry.
Ben
We are, Jonno. Of course we're mates. Ever since we were... littlies. But we don't have to hurt anyone to prove it...
Jonno
Cathy hurt both of us!
Addison
Cathy?
Addison frantically fiddles with her handlink.
Ben
Look, forget Cathy...
This seems to enrage Jonno, and he moves to Ben, getting right up in his face.
Jonno
You swore to me ya'd never forget what that seppo bitch did.
Addison
The only Cathy I can find that might be relevant here is a Catherine MacDonald, American exchange student at their high school. Hold on, let me bring up more...
Ben
You're right, I won't forget. But just because one American girl hurt us... what are we doing taking it out on someone who had nothing to do with it?
Jonno
They're all the bloody same, Daz. Roots you one day, your best mate the next, then steals your rebound girl just to rub it in.
Addison
Oh my god, Ben -- Cathy turned up dead in 1980. You don't think...
Ben
(alarmed)
W-well, what will killing a complete stranger accomplish now? Cathy already--
(forcing out the words)
--got her... punishment.
Jonno
Pest control, mate. Gotta keep the rats out of this beautiful country.
Jonno aims the gun at Josephine.
Ben lunges, and is able to change the trajectory of the bullet away from Josephine as the gun fires. It ricochets off the back wall of the trailer, and embeds in the floor.
Ben grapples with Jonno for the gun for a moment, before blue and red lights start flashing into the trailer. At the end of the trailer, several police cars have finally arrived.
Policeman (O.S.)
(via loudspeaker)
Drop the weapon and put your hands up.
The distraction has given Ben the opportunity to swipe the gun from Jonno's hands, and he places it gingerly on the floor, before kicking it away from the two of them.
Jonno
(putting his hands up)
Coppers? Bloody oath, Daz.
Ben
(shrugging)
Crikey.
A hand-cuffed Ben sits in the back of the police car, smiling to himself. Next to him sits Addison, looking relieved and tired.
Addison
(looking at handlink)
Well Ben, looks like Dazza and Jonno are both put away -- thank god. Jonno is given fourteen years for kidnapping, and Darren is given ten for being an accomplice.
Ben
That's it?
Addison
Not finished. Jonno's given another twenty-five years for attempted murder.
And both him and Darren are given life sentences for the murder of Catherine MacDonald.
Ben
(relieved)
Okay, so we really did prevent a bunch of deaths.
Addison
Looks like eleven all up.
Ben
But not Cathy.
Addison
Not Cathy, no.
Ben
(grinning)
But you won your bet, right? I threw a shrimp on the barbie.
Addison
How did you know--
Ben
Well, I do now.
Addison smirks, as a chuckling Ben--
--leaps away.
Fade Out