Max uses the landline to call, but there's no answer.
Roy:
His bad. We can only hope the killer doesn't know he's returning tonight.
Max (to guard):
If he calls back, please tell him to contact me.
(hands over his card)
---
They return to the car and drive off.
Night falls. The office is quiet. Files lie open on the desk. Max sits under a dim light, scanning details, exhausted but sharp.
Roy: Sir, when can I leave for home?
Max: Oh—sorry. You can go now.
Roy: And you?
Max: I'll stay a little longer. Still got work to do on this case.
Roy: Sir, you should rest. You can continue tomorrow.
Max: What if some important clue disappears by then?
Roy: Then I'll stay with you.
Max: No need. You've already extended your shift. Go home.
Roy (smirking): Really?
Max: Yeah. Good night.
Roy (hands him a can of coffee): You too. Stay focused.
Roy leaves. Max stares at the files, tired but unable to step away.
Max (to himself): What could be his next move...?
---
Scene: Liam & James' Bungalow
James is fast asleep in his room. Liam, restless, sits with a book in hand, trying to calm his nerves.
Suddenly, the lights cut out.
Liam (panicking): Oh my God... please forgive me. I was young. I was forced to do it...
No sound. The silence is louder than any scream.
Liam breathes heavily. Gathers courage. He runs to James' room and knocks.
Liam: James? I'm scared, bro. Can I sleep with you tonight?
No reply. He enters.
Liam: James? You hear me?
He walks to the bed, pulls the blanket—empty.
Lights flicker back on. He turns on the switch. James lies dead on the floor, blood pooling toward Liam's feet.
Liam: screams in pure terror
He turns to run—but a man in black stands by the door, holding a hammer.
Liam (falling, covering himself): AHHHH!
I didn't mean to!
You're right—I should be in jail!
We killed her—but James made me!
I'm sorry! Please!
Silence.
Liam looks up. The man is gone. Only the open door.
A voice whispers from behind:
Man: Still... you helped kill her.
Liam whips around. The man is behind him.
Man: You held her legs, didn't you? (SMASH—hammer to the leg)
You stuffed the cloth in her mouth, didn't you? (SMASH—other leg)
Liam (screaming): I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Don't kill me!
The man pauses. Liam is shivering in pain.
Man: Sorry?
Liam: Y-Yes! I swear I am!
Man: Will you surrender to the police?
Liam: P-police…?
(SMASH—hammer hits his hand)
Liam (crying): I will! I'll confess! Please!
Man (whispers, close): If you don't...
(He draws a line across Liam's neck with his finger)
Liam: I get it! I promise! I'll tell everything! About James! About everyone!
The man unlocks Liam's phone with his finger and dials.
Man: Now... save yourself.
Liam (on phone): Please… send an ambulance. Real Estate Bungalow no.17 Hurry. He's dead. I'm injured.( he hung up the call).
Man (coldly): But the sin you committed… can't be undone, can it?
Liam: What…?
(CRACK—hammer to the head. Blackout.)
[Scene: Hospital Room – Day]
Liam opens his eyes slowly, sunlight seeping through the blinds.