LA Observed: Los Angeles media, politics and sense of place since 2003
Right of Way 50
NAPOLITANO
Is she down there?
(calling)
Celeste...!

Omar quickly pulls his gun.

OMAR
Hey! Don't make me waste you right here, 'cause I will.
NAPOLITANO
I need some time to get the money together, but we'll work it out -- if she's okay.

Omar nods and waves him ahead with the gun. The two of them skitter down the ramp on their hands and their butts.

UNDER THE CANAL

There's a gate with a busted lock and a sign saying, "This gate closed from sunset to sunrise." Omar pushes through the entrance and waves Napolitano ahead into a darkened tunnel.

NAPOLITANO
Celeste... It's Russ.

Omar flicks his LIGHTER and uses it to find a makeshift torch -- old rags tied to a branch with dried palm fronds -- left leaning against the entrance. He LIGHTS it up.

IN THE TUNNEL

It's empty.

NAPOLITANO
Are you screwing with me, Omar?

Omar paces nervously, clearly freaked out by Celeste's absence. Napolitano kneels to examine the grounds.

NAPOLITANO
Bring that light here.

Omar moves closer with the torch. Napolitano sees evidence of a scuffle: Cut cords left in a pile, shreds of ripped clothing, a two-tone, jagged rock.

OMAR
That stupid bitch!
NAPOLITANO
Get closer. This looks like blood.

Napolitano kneels to look closer, not wanting to contaminate the rock with his own prints. As he does, Omar suddenly swings the torch hard, CRACKING it against his skull. Napolitano folds in a heap, and we --

FADE OUT:

 
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Eric Estrin