01x04 - Gifted
Posted: 05/30/23 16:13
[music playing]
You into horror-- horror titles?
Not really.
Too much blood.
Oh.
First contact.
I can sign that for you if you like.
Are you stalking me?
Hmph.
It's Wednesday.
And that's, what, stalking day?
It's the day the new comics come in, Mr. Fitzroy.
Hmm.
We'll take that too.
So what made you so interested in graphic novels
all of a sudden?
Well, I figured if we were going to work together,
I should know more about you.
I would have told you anything you wanted to know.
Oh, you see, people tell you what they want you to believe.
These things tell me who you are.
Um-hmm.
The detective brain at work again.
Is that what it's like being in a relationship with you?
Coffee and interrogation in the morning?
What's the matter?
Afraid you couldn't stand the scrutiny?
I've lived long enough that I don't have to answer to anyone.
Hmph.
And that's what it's like being in a relationship with you?
Fine.
Read my books.
Sniff into the secrets of my inner life.
But be careful how deep you dig, Vicki.
It might be a dark ride.
Come on, Sarah.
It's bedtime.
We have to be up early for the movers.
I'm not going to move.
I'm staying here.
Honey, you can't.
You'll like where we're going.
I won't.
And neither will Buttercup.
Oh, Sarah.
I hate you!
[banging noises]
Aah!
[MUSIC - TAMARA RHODES, "LIVE FOREVER"]
(SINGING) I can't explain these things of late.
And it burns in the night in the place where I keep my peace.
And I can't explain these strange things of late.
And when the darkness falls, I'll hear you call.
It goes on and on and on.
I say.
Who wants to live forever?
Who wants to stop the sun?
Who wants to live forever?
It's you.
It's me.
It's in your blood.
Who will be my fantasy?
Who will be my ecstasy?
Who wants to live forever?
It's you.
It's me.
It's in your blood.
Guess what?
No.
OK.
Close your eyes.
Ta-da.
Isn't it awesome?
What's so awesome about a queen-sized futon sale?
Not that.
This.
"No case too strange?
Supernatural and occult our specialty."
Yeah.
No.
No, I didn't ask you to do this.
Look, I'm not Ghostbusters.
They had a lot of clients.
And now, so do we.
Your 10:30 is waiting.
Oh, dear mother of God.
Please say this is not going to be another trip
into the Twilight Zone.
[door slams]
This, uh, Steve-- he's just a regular guy, right?
Nothing freaky.
He's a mechanic who likes old cars.
And he just took off?
No forwarding address, no contact information.
When I asked Celeste if she knew why he'd left,
she said that it was none of my business.
Well, when people run, it's usually because there's
someone chasing them.
Did Steve have any bad habits--
women, cards, dr*gs?
I don't know what went on between Steven and my daughter.
But from what I saw, he was a good man.
With Celeste gone, Sarah's all alone,
and she needs her father.
Before I was sick, I could have looked after her.
But if her school hadn't taken her in,
I just don't know what would have happened to her.
Emily, I have to ask you.
Do you think there is any possibility
that Steve might have had something to do
with your daughter's m*rder?
I don't think he could have hurt Celeste.
All right, I will look into it.
I can start with the vintage cars.
That's probably a good place.
And I need you to tell me anything you can
think of about Steve Jeffries.
SARAH: I don't remember.
It's OK, Sarah.
You're not in trouble.
Mom went in the other room, and she called me.
And then there was screaming.
INTERVIEWER: Did you hear anybody else?
I didn't hear anybody.
There was nobody out there.
INTERVIEWER: How do you know that, Sarah?
There just wasn't.
I didn't hear anybody.
I just heard Mommy.
Then I went out, and she was bleeding.
That's all I know.
VICKI NELSON: Kid's hiding something.
INTERVIEWER: OK, Sarah, why don't we take a break?
She's upset.
What about cause of death?
Deep incisions.
Any s*ab wounds?
No, more like teeth and claw marks.
From what, dogs, animals?
That was our first thought.
The front door was open when we got there.
Burglary was also a possibility.
There was no sign of an intrusion.
She could have left the door open.
Do you leave your door open that late?
Did Sarah mention her dad?
Split over a year ago.
Have you run him?
m*rder's a lot cheaper than alimony.
Is she always this intense?
Oh, she's just warming up.
There was no alimony, no history of v*olence.
The guy didn't even sh**t for visitation.
He deserted his family.
He has issues.
And sometimes people with issues solve them
by getting other people dead. - Vicki.
Look, as far as I'm concerned, the guy isn't even
on the radar for this.
You want to find him to take care of the girl?
Knock yourself out.
Just remember, you're not investigating a homicide here.
[phones ringing]
What is she so edgy about?
I wonder.
You OK with this case you got?
Standard missing persons.
So, uh, runaway dads, they don't
push your buttons anymore?
How could they?
They're never there.
Your therapist must be thrilled.
Yo.
Hey, got some knowledge on that Fitzroy dude.
Hey.
Yeah, I mean, took a lot of work.
That flies way under the radar.
I know.
So he the guy Vicki's hooking up with?
They are working together.
OK.
So you just checking him out 'cause
they like the same comic books?
No, I think this guy's into something.
Yeah, I think he's into something all right.
[laughs]
What is it with you?
I see a sore, I bring the salt, baby.
That's what friends do.
Sarah is a very special girl.
I'm happy we're able to help her.
Well, hopefully, we can get her hooked up with her dad
soon.
It's no problem for us to put her up.
Almost half of our students live here.
Aren't some of these kids a little
young to be in boarding school?
Their parents all recognized their children's talents
at an early age.
They understood that enrolling them in the Cobb Academy
would be the best way to fully realize those talents.
I saw your website.
It says gifted children.
So this is a little Einstein Academy?
Some of our students are burgeoning writers
scientists, mathematicians.
We have one 10-year-old boy who can work out cube roots
faster than a calculator and recall
pi to 22,000 decimal places.
Hmm.
What's Sarah's gift?
She's an artist.
Her drawings show a grasp of imagination,
proportion, and composition of someone well beyond her age.
Did her dad ever come and visit her?
You mean since he abandoned her and her mom?
You're not a fan.
Well, it was something of a negative influence.
Always derisive of what Sarah accomplished here at school.
Always fighting her growth.
Well, I guess some men are not supposed to be fathers.
Did Celeste say why she was moving them out of town?
Well, I assumed it was for work.
I had given her some recommendations for schools
out West.
Mr. Cobb.
Ah.
And this is Laurel, Sarah's art teacher.
She and Sarah have a special relationship.
I'm very lucky.
Sarah made a painting for my room today.
Sarah, this is Ms. Nelson.
She wants to talk to you.
Laurel and I are going to be just over there.
Tell you what.
I can call you Sarah.
You can call me Vicki.
OK.
OK.
So do you like it here at the Academy?
It's good.
All my friends are here.
Well, it's good to have friends.
Everybody needs somebody to look out for them, right?
How about your dad?
You think you could live with him?
Daddy doesn't want me.
Did he ever come by when your mom wasn't around?
No.
Did he ever call?
I told you.
He hates me.
You know, it might feel like that.
But I bet he doesn't hate you.
He left because I was bad.
Oh, don't say that.
That's not true.
I'm sure your dad doesn't hate you.
Who could hate you?
I'm going to go to my room.
Of course.
Good night, Sarah.
Sarah, it's OK.
Sarah!
Her father really did a number on her.
She thinks it's her fault the guy took off.
Children idolize their parents.
And when a parent abandons them, they often absorb the blame.
So what else do you know about Steve Jeffries?
[music playing]
Henry, long time.
Too long.
Did you cut your hair or something?
Never.
Something different about you.
Really?
Really.
(WHISPERS) I never change.
Mm.
You're so sexy.
Mr. Fitzroy is a major tenant.
He owns half the top floor.
You think he did something?
Oh, no.
No, I'm just trying to help him out.
But we do have to try and keep this on the down low,
if you know what I mean.
Nice enough guy.
Comic business must pay pretty good.
You to have some serious cake to live here.
Ha, ha.
Keep regular hours?
No, total night owl.
I guess that's where he gets the ideas for these comics of his,
huh? Pretty disturbing.
He gave me a few for Christmas last year, along with a C note.
I kept the money, gave the comics to my sister's kid.
Kid's kind of twisted anyway.
[laughs] Does he got a lot of friends coming and going,
that kind of thing?
You could say that.
Mr. Fitzroy is quite the ladies man.
Oh.
[moans] Oh.
Oh.
[phone rings]
Your phone.
Fitzroy.
20 minutes.
You're going?
Something came up.
It's important.
OK.
You've definitely changed.
[door creaks open]
So you think the child's father told the mother
where he was staying?
Well, when guys bail, they don't usually
worry about staying on the Christmas card list.
As a guy, I might resent that.
Really?
You don't really strike me as the long term commitment type.
I'm the definition of long term.
Not necessarily one woman, of course.
If he didn't tell his wife where he was living,
what exactly are we doing here?
Well, even if he didn't tell her,
he might've left something to lead us to him.
[inhales]
You OK?
It's the blood.
It's not making you sick, is it?
Just hungry.
Right.
You smell anything else?
Can you sniff out whoever it was that did this?
I'm a vampire, not a blood hound.
Right.
OK, well, we are looking for anything
he might have sent her--
a picture, card.
Henry, look at this.
Vivid imagination.
What can you expect from a girl who just lost her mother?
This was dated a week before mom died.
Hi, I'm glad you're still here.
Well, I work when my clients need me.
It seems I'm not the only one who has
switched to the night shift.
I wonder if I might ask you a few questions about the Celeste
Jeffries m*rder.
Oh, it was quite abnormal.
Frankly, I was beginning to wonder when you
were going to ask me about it.
A real conundrum.
At first, I thought it was a creature or creatures.
What do you mean, like dogs or something?
Well, only if they've started breeding dogs
that don't shed and leave no trace of saliva in bites.
Didn't the police find that strange?
The police are trained to ignore
things that are too strange.
You used to.
Well, let's just pretend that I don't find anything
too strange these days.
What's your best guess?
Nothing anyone could arrest.
So there are no leads?
Well, I know whoever or whatever
did it was scared or angry.
Otherwise, it would have stopped when she was dead.
Could something like this have k*lled her?
If it existed.
Does it?
Thanks for your help, Rajani.
Why did you show that to her?
Big teeth and claws [inaudible]..
For my money, this isn't a drawing.
It's a crime scene photo.
All right, you place your bet on the boogie man.
I'm going with dad.
Well, you know I had lunch with the boogie man last week.
Really? How is he?
I haven't seen him since I was five.
I so deserve a bonus.
I pay you?
I checked every classic car restorer in the city
and found Sarah's father.
He works at Vanguard Vintage Auto in Maple.
Wow.
You are good.
You know, at this rate, I can take a vacation.
What about my bonus?
I'll bring you a t-shirt from Jamaica.
What do you think of this?
Looks like some kid's got an active imagination.
No, I mean this.
Could it be anything supernatural?
I don't know.
Sasquatch, maybe.
Last time I checked, they weren't orange, though.
OK.
Get on the net.
See if you can find anything that
even remotely resembles this.
Meanwhile, I'm going to go check on our honest-to-goodness flesh
and blood suspect.
Steven David Jeffries?
Who are you?
I'm here about your wife.
I didn't hurt Celeste.
I didn't ask.
A guilty denial's always entertaining.
My ex-wife is dead.
Police obviously don't like exes.
Yo, Steven.
I need a hand while I back up a Beamer.
OK.
Hey, Danny, where was I last Saturday night?
Uh, we were watching ultimate fighting at the Brew King
with the rest of the team.
Why?
Nothing.
I'll be out in a couple of minutes.
So now what?
You're going to arrest me?
Who says I'm a cop?
Well, then why are we talking here?
Look, I'm a private investigator.
You mother-in-law hired me.
She wants you to come home and take care of Sarah.
Tell Emily to find somebody else.
I can't help her.
You're the kid's father.
They confess yet?
They will.
Found Dad?
Yeah, he's got an alibi.
Something happened in that family, Mike.
Oh, Vick.
No, the dad knows, the kid knows.
She knows who k*lled her mother.
And you still think it's the dad?
Look, Kate talked to the girl.
The shrink talked to her.
They both believe Sarah doesn't know anything.
Well, who do you believe?
[sighs] Phone records from Steve's garage show that he
did make a call to the school.
So he did talk to her?
He talked to somebody.
It doesn't prove anything.
It's a start.
You know, ordinarily, I'd say trust your gut.
But this one worries me.
Ah, nah, don't worry.
You'll get wrinkles.
I told you.
He doesn't want me.
I made him go away.
Kids don't make grownups do anything.
My dad left when I was little too.
It's true.
Know what?
Sometimes grownups, they just leave.
And it's not your fault, OK?
And I-- I hated my dad after he left.
You still hate him?
Well, I'm not nominating him for father of the year
anytime soon.
Did your dad ever hurt you or your mom?
No.
Why are you saying that?
Can I go back?
Just one more thing.
Is this your dad?
No.
That's Buttercup.
See?
Buttercup wouldn't hurt anybody.
Ms. Nelson, I appreciate your concern.
But you're upsetting her.
Sarah, it's time for your session.
I'll take you down.
VICKI NELSON: Laurel--
Vicki, right?
Yeah.
Do you mind if I ask you some questions about Sarah's art?
Sure.
She's got a great eye.
More than you know.
You sent this to her mom a few days ago.
Maybe this is a bad idea.
Excuse me.
You also called her father, I think.
LAUREL: Hmm?
Steve called here and talked to someone.
It wasn't Sarah.
I don't think it was Cobb.
I was worried about her.
I am worried.
She's been drawing things like that for a few months.
I spoke to both her mom and her dad.
And this has something to do with why
Sarah's mom was moving them?
I think so.
She wanted to give Sarah a change of scenery.
I thought it was a good idea.
And the dad?
It was like he already knew what was going on with her.
And it seemed like he didn't care.
Yeah, I kind of got that feeling too.
Was there anything else going on that
had you worried besides the picture?
It wasn't just a picture.
It was pictures.
[keypad beeps]
[door buzzes]
Very good.
And increase both dexterity and duration.
Hello, Sarah.
Hello, Buttercup.
I think we have to talk.
When I first saw these, I knew she was gifted.
I showed them to Mr. Cobb, and he agreed.
He even made her one of his special students.
Special students?
He takes a special interest in the brightest
and most talented kids.
For him, it's all about letting kids' talents take
them as far as they can go.
The pictures started getting more and more violent.
Could this represent her dad, some kind of abuse?
I don't know.
I'm not a psychologist.
I just wanted somebody to get her some help.
We have a problem, Sarah, with Laurel.
Why?
Laurel's my friend.
Well, you're my friend, Sarah.
Laurel has lied to us.
She sent a picture of Buttercup to your mom.
That's why your mom wanted to move.
She wouldn't do that.
She did.
And now she's talking to the other woman.
Why?
Because they want to take you away.
And they want to take Buttercup away from you.
They know that Buttercup hurt your mom.
He didn't mean to.
They don't care about that Sarah.
Laurel's talking to her now, trying to take you away.
She shouldn't do that!
What is that?
I-- I don't know.
I don't want to hurt people.
It's not you, Sarah.
I told you.
It's Buttercup.
Let Buttercup go.
You should be angry.
Laurel wants you out of her class.
She hates you.
Then I hate her!
[expl*si*n]
[growling]
Vicki!
Get down!
[screams]
What happened?
I don't know.
I'm going to find out.
Just get some rest, OK?
[police radio chatter]
Vicki.
Hey.
And you come to accident scenes now?
Paramedics called and said that you were involved.
What happened?
Well, see, here's where we're going to have a problem.
Because I can tell you.
But--
[clears throat] But, uh, I'm not going to believe you,
right?
Why do you automatically take that attitude with me
these days, huh?
OK, a giant transparent creature appeared in the room,
smashed me on the floor, and nailed Laurel
to the light fixture.
You know, a woman almost died here, Vicki.
This isn't a joke.
I'm serious.
What?
Like all of your cases now are suddenly something
out of the crypt of terror?
I assume Fitzroy is in this somehow.
Henry has nothing to do with this.
He wasn't even here.
He is now.
I got work to do.
Mike--
A breakdown in police relations?
Yeah, more like a meltdown.
You're wasting your time.
Told you I'm done with Sarah.
You know, she's a kid, not a poker game.
You don't just get to fold your hand when you don't like it.
[slams tools down]
You have no idea what's going on.
Stay out of it.
You know, I lie awake at night sometimes praying that one
day that'll be my style.
So far, it hasn't happened.
[slams tools down]
You don't know her.
Besides, I couldn't help her anyway.
Celeste wouldn't let me.
So you and your wife had some problems.
Big deal.
Everyone does.
When you have a kid, you are supposed to be there for them.
You people deserve what's coming to you.
Get out of here.
Sarah's teacher was almost m*rder*d by something tonight.
And I think you know who or what it was.
Now, this lady here is trying to help you.
I'm ambivalent.
I'd advise you to be nice.
All right.
You want to know what it is?
Why not?
It's not like you'll believe me anyway.
What did this?
It was Sarah.
You know what?
You can start making sense anytime now.
You ever have an imaginary friend?
Yeah, the kind that lived in a castle
and came for tea parties.
Not any that did that.
Well, Sarah's did.
Even when she was a baby, things started happening.
Stuff would shake around or fall off
shelves, or even just break.
Celeste thought it was poltergeists,
you know, like the movie.
I know.
Crazy, right?
You'd be surprised.
Go on.
Well, when she got older, whenever something happened,
she'd say her doll did it.
Buttercup.
So what, is she psychic?
Telekinetic.
Yeah, that's what Cobb said it was, her headmaster.
I met him.
We found him through a psychologist
we were taking Sarah to.
He said he could help us.
Said she was gifted.
At first, it was great, you know?
Things stopped breaking.
Sarah seemed happy.
And then it all changed.
Whenever Sarah wanted something, Buttercup would just take it.
And whatever power she had, it just kept getting stronger.
Doesn't exactly sound like the school helped much.
I told Cobb what was happening.
He just said it was all under control.
I wanted to take Sarah out of the school.
Celeste fought me.
Cobb had her all messed up too.
Then one night, I come home from work.
Sarah's trashed the kitchen.
Sarah, you can't keep doing this.
Buttercup didn't mean to.
It wasn't Buttercup, honey.
He's not real.
Don't say that.
Sarah, you've got to stop this.
Buttercup hates you.
Hates you.
I barely survived.
So yeah, I think I know what k*lled Celeste.
But who's going to believe me?
I think you're sitting with the whole club.
You know, Celeste was planning to take
Sarah out of that school.
[scoffs] I knew it would turn on her too.
If only she'd listened to me sooner.
Well, you can still help Sarah.
She'll be fine, her and that thing.
No.
If what you're saying about that school is true,
she is in danger.
We need you to take her back.
She almost k*lled me once already.
I'm not going back for more.
Well, so, what?
You're going to let Cobb turn her into a k*ller?
What kind of father are you?
Not a very good one, I guess.
Sorry.
You know what?
You call me when you grow a conscience.
(MUTTERING) Son of a--
So what now?
Not exactly something Child Services is going to take.
No.
It's the kind of thing parents are
supposed to be responsible for.
This guy is leaving his kid high and dry.
HENRY FITZROY: He has his reasons.
Yeah.
Yeah, they all have their reasons, don't they?
His wife rejected him.
His daughter almost k*lled him.
Steve isn't the same guy as your father.
Everybody's got their father issues.
Hell, mine took me 300 years to get over.
(SINGING) All right.
His stuff has a totally epic feel.
Really creates his own universe.
What kind of universe?
You know From Hell, right?
Right.
Yeah, I loved that one.
Yeah, same sort of historical detail.
He did this one set in World w*r I. It's like you're there.
And there's this creature that shows up during Christmas--
Shh.
No spoilers, Edwing.
If it's on the cover, it's not a spoiler, right?
So what other stuff are you into?
We've got the underground stuff upstairs.
I'm into finding out about Fitzroy.
What's he like?
Like I told you, like more.
But with a Warren Ellis edge.
You don't have a Warren Ellis edge.
You're an idiot. [interposing voices]
I'm talking to you.
Hey.
Hey.
So signings usually at night?
Yeah, it's great.
Some of our customers actually have day jobs.
Hmm.
Really loves the blood, doesn't me?
Oh, yeah.
This one time, a Goth chick came in and sliced her finger
and asked him to sign the book in blood.
I thought he was going to jump her right there.
She was hot.
She was so hot.
[phone rings]
Vicki Nelson.
[phone rings]
Ah.
Vicki Nelson.
This better be good.
Hey, it's me.
VICKI NELSON (ON PHONE): Hey, Mike.
I was going to call you.
Oh.
What time is it?
MIKE CELLUCI (ON PHONE): Are you sleeping?
No, I was just resting my eyes.
I found out something about Cobb--
you know, the guy who runs the school?
MIKE CELLUCI (ON PHONE): Ah.
More, uh, transparent monster stuff?
VICKI NELSON (ON PHONE): No, it's Cobb.
He's, uh-- he's doing something to the kids, you know?
To Sarah Jeffries and maybe some of the others.
What are we talking about here, abusing them?
VICKI NELSON (ON PHONE): Oh, more like mind control.
You know, using their mental powers to k*ll people.
I didn't hear that last part.
But I'll sniff around the rest of it, OK?
OK, thanks.
MIKE CELLUCI (ON PHONE): Oh, hey, Vicki, do me a favor
and stay away from that school.
VICKI NELSON (ON PHONE): Oh, Mike.
You know better.
Never give orders to a girl who's had
less than three hours sleep.
[phone beeps off]
[phone chimes]
I was totally just calling you.
Here I totally am.
Steve Jeffries just called.
He said to tell you that you were right.
He said he's going to get his daughter.
What?
He said he's on his way.
You put the family back together.
Happy ending, right?
Yeah, either that or I just sent a man to his death.
Come on.
Henry.
Hi, it's me.
Uh, I really need you right now.
Sarah's dad is on his way to the school.
[grunts]
9 out of 10 people you do that later report it was a bad idea.
What are you doing here?
Trying to stop you from getting yourself k*lled.
I don't need your help.
Actually, I think you do.
Come on.
Let's go get your daughter.
VICKI NELSON (ON VOICEMAIL): Henry, hi.
It's me.
I really need you right now.
Sarah's dad is on his way to the school.
I'd better get there and stop him before he
does something stupid.
Please, please, please, please, please meet me there.
Bye.
[tires squeal]
[keypad beeps]
[door buzzes]
Let's talk gifted kids.
Ms. Nelson, Mr. Jeffries.
I'm sure Sarah would love to see you.
Let's go.
We have visitors.
Sarah?
Daddy?
I'm gonna take you home.
Sarah, he's come to take Buttercup away.
Sarah, no.
You should've told me you wanted to follow me.
Because you've got nothing to hide, right?
No.
So I would've have had to slow down so you wouldn't get lost.
You should go back to tailing school.
Ooh, tailing school.
Whatever you call it.
What are you doing here, haunting the place?
Not so romantic.
Vicki's here, and she's in trouble.
You can join me if you like.
I'm only doing what's best for Sarah.
By turning her into a k*ller?
She's not a k*ller.
Buttercup is, right?
Buttercup is very special.
There is no Buttercup.
There is what Sarah believes in, the power of the mind
to shape reality.
Quantum physics bears this out.
You're a quantum nut job!
Sarah lives in the real world.
The real world is what destroys
a child's beliefs and the potential
that accompanies them.
I will let Sarah keep Buttercup alive.
And he will give her power that few people can even imagine.
With you advising her, right?
Not a chance.
Come on, honey.
We're getting out of here.
Look what he's doing, Sarah.
He wants to hurt Buttercup.
Steve, put the g*n down.
Stop it!
You can't do that!
Get out of the way.
Yeah, right.
A linebacker couldn't budge this thing.
All right, I'm going to find another way in.
[door smashes in]
Sarah, your dad just wants to help.
No, he doesn't.
He had a g*n.
That's bad.
You're bad too!
Police!
Mike, put the g*n down.
My bet is with you dead, this whole nightmare will be over.
Henry, no!
Nobody hurts anybody.
Sarah, that's not what we're supposed to do, right?
[gasps for air]
No, you don't want to do this.
Tell Buttercup to stop.
No!
Sarah, don't let Buttercup do this.
You can control him.
Don't let him control you.
I don't have to listen to you.
Sarah, I love you.
I just want to take you home.
He's lying.
You know that.
Sarah, listen.
I talked to your dad.
He loves you.
You-- you-- you have to forgive him.
You said you didn't forgive your dad.
Your dad came back.
Don't listen, Sarah.
He's right there. He loves you.
And he's going to take you home.
You lied.
Buttercup didn't do those things.
I did.
It was me all the time.
And I didn't stop it.
Daddy?
Hey.
You OK?
Yeah.
Man, family reunions are a b*tch.
Yeah.
STEVE JEFFRIES: Sarah, honey, I missed you so much.
SARAH: Me too.
We're going to me OK.
You and me and Buttercup.
Buttercup's gone.
Going to be OK, Sarah.
What are you, Fitzroy?
I draw comic books.
Let's leave it at that.
I saw you in there and what you did, the way you looked.
You're not even human.
What the hell kind of freak are you?
[gasping]
Henry, no!
Henry, please, put him down.
Oh, god, please, Henry!
[coughing]
Mike, it's not what you think.
What, this?
You knew this?
He's not all Bram Stoker and--
What?
What, he's Casper the friendly vampire?
What the hell are you doing with him, Vicki?
We work together.
Yeah?
[panting] What else, huh?
Mike.
It has been a really long day.
[car starts]
[theme music]
(SINGING) Who wants to live forever?
Who wants to stop the sun?
Who wants to live forever?
Who wants to stop the sun?
It's you.
It's me.
It's in your blood.
You into horror-- horror titles?
Not really.
Too much blood.
Oh.
First contact.
I can sign that for you if you like.
Are you stalking me?
Hmph.
It's Wednesday.
And that's, what, stalking day?
It's the day the new comics come in, Mr. Fitzroy.
Hmm.
We'll take that too.
So what made you so interested in graphic novels
all of a sudden?
Well, I figured if we were going to work together,
I should know more about you.
I would have told you anything you wanted to know.
Oh, you see, people tell you what they want you to believe.
These things tell me who you are.
Um-hmm.
The detective brain at work again.
Is that what it's like being in a relationship with you?
Coffee and interrogation in the morning?
What's the matter?
Afraid you couldn't stand the scrutiny?
I've lived long enough that I don't have to answer to anyone.
Hmph.
And that's what it's like being in a relationship with you?
Fine.
Read my books.
Sniff into the secrets of my inner life.
But be careful how deep you dig, Vicki.
It might be a dark ride.
Come on, Sarah.
It's bedtime.
We have to be up early for the movers.
I'm not going to move.
I'm staying here.
Honey, you can't.
You'll like where we're going.
I won't.
And neither will Buttercup.
Oh, Sarah.
I hate you!
[banging noises]
Aah!
[MUSIC - TAMARA RHODES, "LIVE FOREVER"]
(SINGING) I can't explain these things of late.
And it burns in the night in the place where I keep my peace.
And I can't explain these strange things of late.
And when the darkness falls, I'll hear you call.
It goes on and on and on.
I say.
Who wants to live forever?
Who wants to stop the sun?
Who wants to live forever?
It's you.
It's me.
It's in your blood.
Who will be my fantasy?
Who will be my ecstasy?
Who wants to live forever?
It's you.
It's me.
It's in your blood.
Guess what?
No.
OK.
Close your eyes.
Ta-da.
Isn't it awesome?
What's so awesome about a queen-sized futon sale?
Not that.
This.
"No case too strange?
Supernatural and occult our specialty."
Yeah.
No.
No, I didn't ask you to do this.
Look, I'm not Ghostbusters.
They had a lot of clients.
And now, so do we.
Your 10:30 is waiting.
Oh, dear mother of God.
Please say this is not going to be another trip
into the Twilight Zone.
[door slams]
This, uh, Steve-- he's just a regular guy, right?
Nothing freaky.
He's a mechanic who likes old cars.
And he just took off?
No forwarding address, no contact information.
When I asked Celeste if she knew why he'd left,
she said that it was none of my business.
Well, when people run, it's usually because there's
someone chasing them.
Did Steve have any bad habits--
women, cards, dr*gs?
I don't know what went on between Steven and my daughter.
But from what I saw, he was a good man.
With Celeste gone, Sarah's all alone,
and she needs her father.
Before I was sick, I could have looked after her.
But if her school hadn't taken her in,
I just don't know what would have happened to her.
Emily, I have to ask you.
Do you think there is any possibility
that Steve might have had something to do
with your daughter's m*rder?
I don't think he could have hurt Celeste.
All right, I will look into it.
I can start with the vintage cars.
That's probably a good place.
And I need you to tell me anything you can
think of about Steve Jeffries.
SARAH: I don't remember.
It's OK, Sarah.
You're not in trouble.
Mom went in the other room, and she called me.
And then there was screaming.
INTERVIEWER: Did you hear anybody else?
I didn't hear anybody.
There was nobody out there.
INTERVIEWER: How do you know that, Sarah?
There just wasn't.
I didn't hear anybody.
I just heard Mommy.
Then I went out, and she was bleeding.
That's all I know.
VICKI NELSON: Kid's hiding something.
INTERVIEWER: OK, Sarah, why don't we take a break?
She's upset.
What about cause of death?
Deep incisions.
Any s*ab wounds?
No, more like teeth and claw marks.
From what, dogs, animals?
That was our first thought.
The front door was open when we got there.
Burglary was also a possibility.
There was no sign of an intrusion.
She could have left the door open.
Do you leave your door open that late?
Did Sarah mention her dad?
Split over a year ago.
Have you run him?
m*rder's a lot cheaper than alimony.
Is she always this intense?
Oh, she's just warming up.
There was no alimony, no history of v*olence.
The guy didn't even sh**t for visitation.
He deserted his family.
He has issues.
And sometimes people with issues solve them
by getting other people dead. - Vicki.
Look, as far as I'm concerned, the guy isn't even
on the radar for this.
You want to find him to take care of the girl?
Knock yourself out.
Just remember, you're not investigating a homicide here.
[phones ringing]
What is she so edgy about?
I wonder.
You OK with this case you got?
Standard missing persons.
So, uh, runaway dads, they don't
push your buttons anymore?
How could they?
They're never there.
Your therapist must be thrilled.
Yo.
Hey, got some knowledge on that Fitzroy dude.
Hey.
Yeah, I mean, took a lot of work.
That flies way under the radar.
I know.
So he the guy Vicki's hooking up with?
They are working together.
OK.
So you just checking him out 'cause
they like the same comic books?
No, I think this guy's into something.
Yeah, I think he's into something all right.
[laughs]
What is it with you?
I see a sore, I bring the salt, baby.
That's what friends do.
Sarah is a very special girl.
I'm happy we're able to help her.
Well, hopefully, we can get her hooked up with her dad
soon.
It's no problem for us to put her up.
Almost half of our students live here.
Aren't some of these kids a little
young to be in boarding school?
Their parents all recognized their children's talents
at an early age.
They understood that enrolling them in the Cobb Academy
would be the best way to fully realize those talents.
I saw your website.
It says gifted children.
So this is a little Einstein Academy?
Some of our students are burgeoning writers
scientists, mathematicians.
We have one 10-year-old boy who can work out cube roots
faster than a calculator and recall
pi to 22,000 decimal places.
Hmm.
What's Sarah's gift?
She's an artist.
Her drawings show a grasp of imagination,
proportion, and composition of someone well beyond her age.
Did her dad ever come and visit her?
You mean since he abandoned her and her mom?
You're not a fan.
Well, it was something of a negative influence.
Always derisive of what Sarah accomplished here at school.
Always fighting her growth.
Well, I guess some men are not supposed to be fathers.
Did Celeste say why she was moving them out of town?
Well, I assumed it was for work.
I had given her some recommendations for schools
out West.
Mr. Cobb.
Ah.
And this is Laurel, Sarah's art teacher.
She and Sarah have a special relationship.
I'm very lucky.
Sarah made a painting for my room today.
Sarah, this is Ms. Nelson.
She wants to talk to you.
Laurel and I are going to be just over there.
Tell you what.
I can call you Sarah.
You can call me Vicki.
OK.
OK.
So do you like it here at the Academy?
It's good.
All my friends are here.
Well, it's good to have friends.
Everybody needs somebody to look out for them, right?
How about your dad?
You think you could live with him?
Daddy doesn't want me.
Did he ever come by when your mom wasn't around?
No.
Did he ever call?
I told you.
He hates me.
You know, it might feel like that.
But I bet he doesn't hate you.
He left because I was bad.
Oh, don't say that.
That's not true.
I'm sure your dad doesn't hate you.
Who could hate you?
I'm going to go to my room.
Of course.
Good night, Sarah.
Sarah, it's OK.
Sarah!
Her father really did a number on her.
She thinks it's her fault the guy took off.
Children idolize their parents.
And when a parent abandons them, they often absorb the blame.
So what else do you know about Steve Jeffries?
[music playing]
Henry, long time.
Too long.
Did you cut your hair or something?
Never.
Something different about you.
Really?
Really.
(WHISPERS) I never change.
Mm.
You're so sexy.
Mr. Fitzroy is a major tenant.
He owns half the top floor.
You think he did something?
Oh, no.
No, I'm just trying to help him out.
But we do have to try and keep this on the down low,
if you know what I mean.
Nice enough guy.
Comic business must pay pretty good.
You to have some serious cake to live here.
Ha, ha.
Keep regular hours?
No, total night owl.
I guess that's where he gets the ideas for these comics of his,
huh? Pretty disturbing.
He gave me a few for Christmas last year, along with a C note.
I kept the money, gave the comics to my sister's kid.
Kid's kind of twisted anyway.
[laughs] Does he got a lot of friends coming and going,
that kind of thing?
You could say that.
Mr. Fitzroy is quite the ladies man.
Oh.
[moans] Oh.
Oh.
[phone rings]
Your phone.
Fitzroy.
20 minutes.
You're going?
Something came up.
It's important.
OK.
You've definitely changed.
[door creaks open]
So you think the child's father told the mother
where he was staying?
Well, when guys bail, they don't usually
worry about staying on the Christmas card list.
As a guy, I might resent that.
Really?
You don't really strike me as the long term commitment type.
I'm the definition of long term.
Not necessarily one woman, of course.
If he didn't tell his wife where he was living,
what exactly are we doing here?
Well, even if he didn't tell her,
he might've left something to lead us to him.
[inhales]
You OK?
It's the blood.
It's not making you sick, is it?
Just hungry.
Right.
You smell anything else?
Can you sniff out whoever it was that did this?
I'm a vampire, not a blood hound.
Right.
OK, well, we are looking for anything
he might have sent her--
a picture, card.
Henry, look at this.
Vivid imagination.
What can you expect from a girl who just lost her mother?
This was dated a week before mom died.
Hi, I'm glad you're still here.
Well, I work when my clients need me.
It seems I'm not the only one who has
switched to the night shift.
I wonder if I might ask you a few questions about the Celeste
Jeffries m*rder.
Oh, it was quite abnormal.
Frankly, I was beginning to wonder when you
were going to ask me about it.
A real conundrum.
At first, I thought it was a creature or creatures.
What do you mean, like dogs or something?
Well, only if they've started breeding dogs
that don't shed and leave no trace of saliva in bites.
Didn't the police find that strange?
The police are trained to ignore
things that are too strange.
You used to.
Well, let's just pretend that I don't find anything
too strange these days.
What's your best guess?
Nothing anyone could arrest.
So there are no leads?
Well, I know whoever or whatever
did it was scared or angry.
Otherwise, it would have stopped when she was dead.
Could something like this have k*lled her?
If it existed.
Does it?
Thanks for your help, Rajani.
Why did you show that to her?
Big teeth and claws [inaudible]..
For my money, this isn't a drawing.
It's a crime scene photo.
All right, you place your bet on the boogie man.
I'm going with dad.
Well, you know I had lunch with the boogie man last week.
Really? How is he?
I haven't seen him since I was five.
I so deserve a bonus.
I pay you?
I checked every classic car restorer in the city
and found Sarah's father.
He works at Vanguard Vintage Auto in Maple.
Wow.
You are good.
You know, at this rate, I can take a vacation.
What about my bonus?
I'll bring you a t-shirt from Jamaica.
What do you think of this?
Looks like some kid's got an active imagination.
No, I mean this.
Could it be anything supernatural?
I don't know.
Sasquatch, maybe.
Last time I checked, they weren't orange, though.
OK.
Get on the net.
See if you can find anything that
even remotely resembles this.
Meanwhile, I'm going to go check on our honest-to-goodness flesh
and blood suspect.
Steven David Jeffries?
Who are you?
I'm here about your wife.
I didn't hurt Celeste.
I didn't ask.
A guilty denial's always entertaining.
My ex-wife is dead.
Police obviously don't like exes.
Yo, Steven.
I need a hand while I back up a Beamer.
OK.
Hey, Danny, where was I last Saturday night?
Uh, we were watching ultimate fighting at the Brew King
with the rest of the team.
Why?
Nothing.
I'll be out in a couple of minutes.
So now what?
You're going to arrest me?
Who says I'm a cop?
Well, then why are we talking here?
Look, I'm a private investigator.
You mother-in-law hired me.
She wants you to come home and take care of Sarah.
Tell Emily to find somebody else.
I can't help her.
You're the kid's father.
They confess yet?
They will.
Found Dad?
Yeah, he's got an alibi.
Something happened in that family, Mike.
Oh, Vick.
No, the dad knows, the kid knows.
She knows who k*lled her mother.
And you still think it's the dad?
Look, Kate talked to the girl.
The shrink talked to her.
They both believe Sarah doesn't know anything.
Well, who do you believe?
[sighs] Phone records from Steve's garage show that he
did make a call to the school.
So he did talk to her?
He talked to somebody.
It doesn't prove anything.
It's a start.
You know, ordinarily, I'd say trust your gut.
But this one worries me.
Ah, nah, don't worry.
You'll get wrinkles.
I told you.
He doesn't want me.
I made him go away.
Kids don't make grownups do anything.
My dad left when I was little too.
It's true.
Know what?
Sometimes grownups, they just leave.
And it's not your fault, OK?
And I-- I hated my dad after he left.
You still hate him?
Well, I'm not nominating him for father of the year
anytime soon.
Did your dad ever hurt you or your mom?
No.
Why are you saying that?
Can I go back?
Just one more thing.
Is this your dad?
No.
That's Buttercup.
See?
Buttercup wouldn't hurt anybody.
Ms. Nelson, I appreciate your concern.
But you're upsetting her.
Sarah, it's time for your session.
I'll take you down.
VICKI NELSON: Laurel--
Vicki, right?
Yeah.
Do you mind if I ask you some questions about Sarah's art?
Sure.
She's got a great eye.
More than you know.
You sent this to her mom a few days ago.
Maybe this is a bad idea.
Excuse me.
You also called her father, I think.
LAUREL: Hmm?
Steve called here and talked to someone.
It wasn't Sarah.
I don't think it was Cobb.
I was worried about her.
I am worried.
She's been drawing things like that for a few months.
I spoke to both her mom and her dad.
And this has something to do with why
Sarah's mom was moving them?
I think so.
She wanted to give Sarah a change of scenery.
I thought it was a good idea.
And the dad?
It was like he already knew what was going on with her.
And it seemed like he didn't care.
Yeah, I kind of got that feeling too.
Was there anything else going on that
had you worried besides the picture?
It wasn't just a picture.
It was pictures.
[keypad beeps]
[door buzzes]
Very good.
And increase both dexterity and duration.
Hello, Sarah.
Hello, Buttercup.
I think we have to talk.
When I first saw these, I knew she was gifted.
I showed them to Mr. Cobb, and he agreed.
He even made her one of his special students.
Special students?
He takes a special interest in the brightest
and most talented kids.
For him, it's all about letting kids' talents take
them as far as they can go.
The pictures started getting more and more violent.
Could this represent her dad, some kind of abuse?
I don't know.
I'm not a psychologist.
I just wanted somebody to get her some help.
We have a problem, Sarah, with Laurel.
Why?
Laurel's my friend.
Well, you're my friend, Sarah.
Laurel has lied to us.
She sent a picture of Buttercup to your mom.
That's why your mom wanted to move.
She wouldn't do that.
She did.
And now she's talking to the other woman.
Why?
Because they want to take you away.
And they want to take Buttercup away from you.
They know that Buttercup hurt your mom.
He didn't mean to.
They don't care about that Sarah.
Laurel's talking to her now, trying to take you away.
She shouldn't do that!
What is that?
I-- I don't know.
I don't want to hurt people.
It's not you, Sarah.
I told you.
It's Buttercup.
Let Buttercup go.
You should be angry.
Laurel wants you out of her class.
She hates you.
Then I hate her!
[expl*si*n]
[growling]
Vicki!
Get down!
[screams]
What happened?
I don't know.
I'm going to find out.
Just get some rest, OK?
[police radio chatter]
Vicki.
Hey.
And you come to accident scenes now?
Paramedics called and said that you were involved.
What happened?
Well, see, here's where we're going to have a problem.
Because I can tell you.
But--
[clears throat] But, uh, I'm not going to believe you,
right?
Why do you automatically take that attitude with me
these days, huh?
OK, a giant transparent creature appeared in the room,
smashed me on the floor, and nailed Laurel
to the light fixture.
You know, a woman almost died here, Vicki.
This isn't a joke.
I'm serious.
What?
Like all of your cases now are suddenly something
out of the crypt of terror?
I assume Fitzroy is in this somehow.
Henry has nothing to do with this.
He wasn't even here.
He is now.
I got work to do.
Mike--
A breakdown in police relations?
Yeah, more like a meltdown.
You're wasting your time.
Told you I'm done with Sarah.
You know, she's a kid, not a poker game.
You don't just get to fold your hand when you don't like it.
[slams tools down]
You have no idea what's going on.
Stay out of it.
You know, I lie awake at night sometimes praying that one
day that'll be my style.
So far, it hasn't happened.
[slams tools down]
You don't know her.
Besides, I couldn't help her anyway.
Celeste wouldn't let me.
So you and your wife had some problems.
Big deal.
Everyone does.
When you have a kid, you are supposed to be there for them.
You people deserve what's coming to you.
Get out of here.
Sarah's teacher was almost m*rder*d by something tonight.
And I think you know who or what it was.
Now, this lady here is trying to help you.
I'm ambivalent.
I'd advise you to be nice.
All right.
You want to know what it is?
Why not?
It's not like you'll believe me anyway.
What did this?
It was Sarah.
You know what?
You can start making sense anytime now.
You ever have an imaginary friend?
Yeah, the kind that lived in a castle
and came for tea parties.
Not any that did that.
Well, Sarah's did.
Even when she was a baby, things started happening.
Stuff would shake around or fall off
shelves, or even just break.
Celeste thought it was poltergeists,
you know, like the movie.
I know.
Crazy, right?
You'd be surprised.
Go on.
Well, when she got older, whenever something happened,
she'd say her doll did it.
Buttercup.
So what, is she psychic?
Telekinetic.
Yeah, that's what Cobb said it was, her headmaster.
I met him.
We found him through a psychologist
we were taking Sarah to.
He said he could help us.
Said she was gifted.
At first, it was great, you know?
Things stopped breaking.
Sarah seemed happy.
And then it all changed.
Whenever Sarah wanted something, Buttercup would just take it.
And whatever power she had, it just kept getting stronger.
Doesn't exactly sound like the school helped much.
I told Cobb what was happening.
He just said it was all under control.
I wanted to take Sarah out of the school.
Celeste fought me.
Cobb had her all messed up too.
Then one night, I come home from work.
Sarah's trashed the kitchen.
Sarah, you can't keep doing this.
Buttercup didn't mean to.
It wasn't Buttercup, honey.
He's not real.
Don't say that.
Sarah, you've got to stop this.
Buttercup hates you.
Hates you.
I barely survived.
So yeah, I think I know what k*lled Celeste.
But who's going to believe me?
I think you're sitting with the whole club.
You know, Celeste was planning to take
Sarah out of that school.
[scoffs] I knew it would turn on her too.
If only she'd listened to me sooner.
Well, you can still help Sarah.
She'll be fine, her and that thing.
No.
If what you're saying about that school is true,
she is in danger.
We need you to take her back.
She almost k*lled me once already.
I'm not going back for more.
Well, so, what?
You're going to let Cobb turn her into a k*ller?
What kind of father are you?
Not a very good one, I guess.
Sorry.
You know what?
You call me when you grow a conscience.
(MUTTERING) Son of a--
So what now?
Not exactly something Child Services is going to take.
No.
It's the kind of thing parents are
supposed to be responsible for.
This guy is leaving his kid high and dry.
HENRY FITZROY: He has his reasons.
Yeah.
Yeah, they all have their reasons, don't they?
His wife rejected him.
His daughter almost k*lled him.
Steve isn't the same guy as your father.
Everybody's got their father issues.
Hell, mine took me 300 years to get over.
(SINGING) All right.
His stuff has a totally epic feel.
Really creates his own universe.
What kind of universe?
You know From Hell, right?
Right.
Yeah, I loved that one.
Yeah, same sort of historical detail.
He did this one set in World w*r I. It's like you're there.
And there's this creature that shows up during Christmas--
Shh.
No spoilers, Edwing.
If it's on the cover, it's not a spoiler, right?
So what other stuff are you into?
We've got the underground stuff upstairs.
I'm into finding out about Fitzroy.
What's he like?
Like I told you, like more.
But with a Warren Ellis edge.
You don't have a Warren Ellis edge.
You're an idiot. [interposing voices]
I'm talking to you.
Hey.
Hey.
So signings usually at night?
Yeah, it's great.
Some of our customers actually have day jobs.
Hmm.
Really loves the blood, doesn't me?
Oh, yeah.
This one time, a Goth chick came in and sliced her finger
and asked him to sign the book in blood.
I thought he was going to jump her right there.
She was hot.
She was so hot.
[phone rings]
Vicki Nelson.
[phone rings]
Ah.
Vicki Nelson.
This better be good.
Hey, it's me.
VICKI NELSON (ON PHONE): Hey, Mike.
I was going to call you.
Oh.
What time is it?
MIKE CELLUCI (ON PHONE): Are you sleeping?
No, I was just resting my eyes.
I found out something about Cobb--
you know, the guy who runs the school?
MIKE CELLUCI (ON PHONE): Ah.
More, uh, transparent monster stuff?
VICKI NELSON (ON PHONE): No, it's Cobb.
He's, uh-- he's doing something to the kids, you know?
To Sarah Jeffries and maybe some of the others.
What are we talking about here, abusing them?
VICKI NELSON (ON PHONE): Oh, more like mind control.
You know, using their mental powers to k*ll people.
I didn't hear that last part.
But I'll sniff around the rest of it, OK?
OK, thanks.
MIKE CELLUCI (ON PHONE): Oh, hey, Vicki, do me a favor
and stay away from that school.
VICKI NELSON (ON PHONE): Oh, Mike.
You know better.
Never give orders to a girl who's had
less than three hours sleep.
[phone beeps off]
[phone chimes]
I was totally just calling you.
Here I totally am.
Steve Jeffries just called.
He said to tell you that you were right.
He said he's going to get his daughter.
What?
He said he's on his way.
You put the family back together.
Happy ending, right?
Yeah, either that or I just sent a man to his death.
Come on.
Henry.
Hi, it's me.
Uh, I really need you right now.
Sarah's dad is on his way to the school.
[grunts]
9 out of 10 people you do that later report it was a bad idea.
What are you doing here?
Trying to stop you from getting yourself k*lled.
I don't need your help.
Actually, I think you do.
Come on.
Let's go get your daughter.
VICKI NELSON (ON VOICEMAIL): Henry, hi.
It's me.
I really need you right now.
Sarah's dad is on his way to the school.
I'd better get there and stop him before he
does something stupid.
Please, please, please, please, please meet me there.
Bye.
[tires squeal]
[keypad beeps]
[door buzzes]
Let's talk gifted kids.
Ms. Nelson, Mr. Jeffries.
I'm sure Sarah would love to see you.
Let's go.
We have visitors.
Sarah?
Daddy?
I'm gonna take you home.
Sarah, he's come to take Buttercup away.
Sarah, no.
You should've told me you wanted to follow me.
Because you've got nothing to hide, right?
No.
So I would've have had to slow down so you wouldn't get lost.
You should go back to tailing school.
Ooh, tailing school.
Whatever you call it.
What are you doing here, haunting the place?
Not so romantic.
Vicki's here, and she's in trouble.
You can join me if you like.
I'm only doing what's best for Sarah.
By turning her into a k*ller?
She's not a k*ller.
Buttercup is, right?
Buttercup is very special.
There is no Buttercup.
There is what Sarah believes in, the power of the mind
to shape reality.
Quantum physics bears this out.
You're a quantum nut job!
Sarah lives in the real world.
The real world is what destroys
a child's beliefs and the potential
that accompanies them.
I will let Sarah keep Buttercup alive.
And he will give her power that few people can even imagine.
With you advising her, right?
Not a chance.
Come on, honey.
We're getting out of here.
Look what he's doing, Sarah.
He wants to hurt Buttercup.
Steve, put the g*n down.
Stop it!
You can't do that!
Get out of the way.
Yeah, right.
A linebacker couldn't budge this thing.
All right, I'm going to find another way in.
[door smashes in]
Sarah, your dad just wants to help.
No, he doesn't.
He had a g*n.
That's bad.
You're bad too!
Police!
Mike, put the g*n down.
My bet is with you dead, this whole nightmare will be over.
Henry, no!
Nobody hurts anybody.
Sarah, that's not what we're supposed to do, right?
[gasps for air]
No, you don't want to do this.
Tell Buttercup to stop.
No!
Sarah, don't let Buttercup do this.
You can control him.
Don't let him control you.
I don't have to listen to you.
Sarah, I love you.
I just want to take you home.
He's lying.
You know that.
Sarah, listen.
I talked to your dad.
He loves you.
You-- you-- you have to forgive him.
You said you didn't forgive your dad.
Your dad came back.
Don't listen, Sarah.
He's right there. He loves you.
And he's going to take you home.
You lied.
Buttercup didn't do those things.
I did.
It was me all the time.
And I didn't stop it.
Daddy?
Hey.
You OK?
Yeah.
Man, family reunions are a b*tch.
Yeah.
STEVE JEFFRIES: Sarah, honey, I missed you so much.
SARAH: Me too.
We're going to me OK.
You and me and Buttercup.
Buttercup's gone.
Going to be OK, Sarah.
What are you, Fitzroy?
I draw comic books.
Let's leave it at that.
I saw you in there and what you did, the way you looked.
You're not even human.
What the hell kind of freak are you?
[gasping]
Henry, no!
Henry, please, put him down.
Oh, god, please, Henry!
[coughing]
Mike, it's not what you think.
What, this?
You knew this?
He's not all Bram Stoker and--
What?
What, he's Casper the friendly vampire?
What the hell are you doing with him, Vicki?
We work together.
Yeah?
[panting] What else, huh?
Mike.
It has been a really long day.
[car starts]
[theme music]
(SINGING) Who wants to live forever?
Who wants to stop the sun?
Who wants to live forever?
Who wants to stop the sun?
It's you.
It's me.
It's in your blood.