Pilot

© 2023

CAST LIST

EVANGELINE DRAKE

EZRA DRAKE

DELANEY STANTON

MICHAELA BURKE

MELODIE MORRISON (O.S.)

RUSSELL

NICOLE

YOUNG EVANGELINE

YOUNG JASMINE (NON-SPEAK)

TIFFANY (NON-SPEAK)

FLIGHT ATTENDANT (NON-SPEAK)

SET LIST

INTERIORS

EVANGELINE’S APARTMENT

AIRPORT

EZRA’S PICKUP TRUCK

EZRA’S HOUSE

KITCHEN/LIVING ROOM

EZRA’S ROOM

EZRA’S OFFICE

EVANGELINE’S BEDROOM & BATHROOM

SUSHI RESTAURANT

COFFEE SHOP

MICHAELA’S CHARGER

AIRPLANE

EXTERIORS

EZRA’S STREET

DOWNTOWN STREET

TIFFANY’S HOUSE

WATERFRONT

EZRA’S HOUSE

BACK PORCH

GARAGE

AQUATIC CENTER

TEASER

INT. EVANGELINE’S APARTMENT – SUMMER MORNING

EVANGELINE DRAKE stands next to her daybed, in the center of her studio apartment, packing a few final items in her suitcase.

EVANGELINE (V.O.)

I’ve always been interested in origin
stories, the parts of people’s backgrounds
that helped shape them into who they are.
Where someone came from, and how that place
made them feel. The things a person overcame
to get to where they are, and who they are,
now.

She zips up her suitcase and lifts it down onto the floor. She grabs her backpack and begins to double-check its contents.

EVANGELINE (V.O.) (CONT’D)

To me, stories are all about two things:
character and setting. These encapsulate the
most important elements of stories — and of
lives. The relationship between character and
setting allows for a push and pull between
intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

She glances at her phone then walks over to the window, looking out at the Boston street below.

EVANGELINE (V.O.) (CONT’D)

The circumstances of a particular place,
and the desire to stay in it or leave it, can
also be a source of motivation in a person’s
life. And because we don’t choose where and
how we start our lives, settings have a major,
inescapable influence on our origin stories.

Evangeline almost puts her backpack on her back to leave, but she decides to grab a reporter’s notebook off of the desk and toss it into the backpack before putting it on. She rolls her suitcase over to the door, looking back at her apartment.

EVANGELINE (V.O.) (CONT’D)

I’m drawn to origin stories, but lately
I’m even more curious about how they end.
Where does the origin story end and the rest
of life begin? What makes up the dividing line
between origin and being? I used to think the
origin story ended when the character left the
place where they started; or when they finally
went to the place they had yearned to be.

She turns out the lights and closes the door behind her.

EVANGELINE (V.O.) (CONT’D)

But now I realize it’s not that simple.

END OF TEASER

FADE IN:

EXT. EZRA’S street - sunrise – TRACKING – ten years ago

We follow YOUNG EVANGELINE (9, long brown hair) as she walks down the suburban street toward the rising summer sun. She slowly examines the houses; this place is new to her. Gradually, her pace quickens.

INT. AIRPORT - AFTERNOON – TRACKING - PRESENT

We continue to follow EVANGELINE DRAKE (19, dirty blonde) as she makes her way through a bustling airport terminal toward baggage claim, where she expects to be greeted by her father. Evangeline glances around the terminal, and spots her father, EZRA DRAKE (early 50s, clear resemblance between father and daughter) waving at her. Evangeline is slightly taken aback to see a woman, DELANEY STANTON (mid 30s, long black hair, dressed like a teenager) standing beside him. Ezra and Delaney are beaming, though Evangeline perceives Delaney’s smile as at least partly feigned, and Evangeline manages a halfway convincing grin as she approaches them.

EZRA

Eva, it’s so good to see you.

EVANGELINE

Hi, dad. You too.

DELANEY

Hi Evangeline, I’m Delaney.

Evangeline wonders if this introduction is supposed to mean something.

EVANGELINE

Nice to meet you.

EZRA

Why don’t we get your bag and head home?

EVANGELINE

Okay.

INT. EZRA’S PICKUP TRUCK (MOVING) - LATE AFTERNOON

Delaney sits in the passenger seat, and Evangeline is cramped in the truck’s pseudo-backseat. An uncomfortable silence ensues, and Delaney rests her arm on Ezra’s leg as he drives.

DELANEY

How was your flight, sweetie?

Momentary silence until Evangeline realizes this question was addressed at her...

EVANGELINE

Oh, it was good.

(beat)

Uh, how’s the weather been here lately?

EZRA

Hot. Humid too.

DELANEY

Your dad and I got a membership to the
aquatic center for the summer. You can use
it while you’re here if you want.

EVANGELINE

Nice, thanks.

Evangeline’s gaze drifts to the window, and Delaney absentmindedly scrolls on her cell phone. Evangeline instinctively looks back toward Delaney, scrutinizing her movements and trying to catch a glimpse of what she’s doing on her phone.

EZRA

Is everything looking familiar Eva?

EVANGELINE

Sort of. It’s been a while.

Ezra nods, but does not respond.

INT. EZRA’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM/KITCHEN - EVENING

Ezra, Evangeline, and Delaney enter the living room. Ezra is carrying Evangeline’s suitcase.

EZRA

I’ll take this upstairs for you, Eva.

EVANGELINE

Thanks, dad.

Delaney heads into the kitchen, getting out glasses.

DELANEY

Can I get you a drink babe?

EZRA (O.S.)

I’ll just take a beer.

DELANEY

Do you want anything sweetie?

(beat)

Evangeline?

EVANGELINE

Oh, uh, I’ll just take some water. Thanks.

Delaney hands Evangeline a glass of water.

DELANEY

You’ll be a sophomore this fall, right?

EVANGELINE

Yeah, I will.

DELANEY

Your dad says you’re doing really well. Do
you know what you want to major in?

EVANGELINE

I have some ideas.

Evangeline decides not to share them.

EVANGELINE (CONT’D)

I haven’t really made my mind up though.

DELANEY

It’s a tough decision. I definitely didn’t
know what I wanted to do when I was
nineteen.

Before Evangeline can ask Delaney what she did end up doing, Ezra returns to the kitchen and Delaney hands him a beer. Ezra and Delaney kiss, and Evangeline takes a long drink of water.

EVANGELINE

So... has anything interesting been going
on around here?

She asks despite recognizing that something obviously has, in fact, been going on.

DELANEY

It’s a small town, that’s for sure.

EZRA

Our work picnic was last week, and they’re
having a parade and fireworks in town for
the Fourth. Other than that, nothing too
exciting.

DELANEY

Your dad and I try to get into Tampa on
weekends whenever we can. We got tickets
to see an amazing local band last weekend.

EVANGELINE

That’s good.

Evangeline hesitates but decides to continue the attempt at conversation.

EVANGELINE (CONT’D)

My roommate and I got to go to some really
good concerts in Boston in the fall, but
in the spring we were so busy with school.

DELANEY

Yeah? That sucks. Maybe we can go to
something fun like that while you’re here.

EVANGELINE

I mean, yeah, sure.

EZRA

Eva, do you remember our old neighbors
Russell and Nicole?

EVANGELINE

Uh, not really.

EZRA

Nicole used to babysit you once in a while
when you were really little.

EVANGELINE

Oh, yeah, I think I know who you mean.

DELANEY

They’ve invited us to dinner at this
awesome new sushi place in town.

EVANGELINE

Sounds good.

EZRA

We should probably leave in about 45
minutes.

EVANGELINE

Should I change?

DELANEY

It’s kind of a formal restaurant, so I’m
probably going to.

EVANGELINE

Okay. I’ll, uh, go get ready then.

Delaney smiles, too sweetly, toward Evangeline, and Evangeline heads upstairs.

INT. EVANGELINE’S ROOM - EVENING

Evangeline enters her old room and begins looking around. It’s apparent that she hasn’t been here for several years. She opens her suitcase to begin unpacking, and takes out some clothes to hang. She opens the closet, finding it empty except for a box of toys on the floor. She closes the closet door, leaving her clothes on the bed.

INT. EVANGELINE’S BATHROOM - SAME

Evangeline, changed into a sleeveless sundress, looks into the mirror and slowly brushes her hair, thinking. After a few moments of silence, we hear muffled voices from downstairs.

DELANEY (O.S.)

You know I love you.

EZRA (O.S.)

Honey... Okay, babe.

DELANEY (O.S.)

What do you think... Everything’s been so
great.

EZRA (O.S.)

I know, Delaney... whatever you want, babe.

INT. EVANGELINE’S BATHROOM - EVENING – TEN YEARS AGO

Young Evangeline brushes her hair while staring into the same mirror. From downstairs, we can hear the muffled voices of Evangeline’s mother, MELODIE MORRISON, and Ezra.

MELODIE (O.S.)

I can’t believe this, Ezra!

EZRA (O.S.)

Look, Melodie. Just calm down.

MELODIE (O.S.)

Calm down? What the hell were you thinking?

EZRA (O.S.)

I just...

MELODIE (O.S.)

How’d you meet her? She’s married too, you
know.

EZRA (O.S.)

Damn it, it wasn’t my fault.

MELODIE (O.S.)

That’s bullshit and you know it. If it
wasn’t your fault, whose fault was it? How
could you do this to us? Did you even
think? How long has this been going on?

INT. EVANGELINE’S BATHROOM - EVENING – PRESENT

Evangeline has stopped brushing her hair and looks into the mirror, processing the memory. She puts her brush down on the counter with a brusque, decisive movement. She practices an inviting smile, then abruptly lets it drop, wondering to herself what she’s even doing.

INT. EZRA’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Evangeline enters the living room to find Ezra and Delaney intertwined on the couch. Delaney has not changed clothes.

EZRA

Hey, Eva. You all set?

Evangeline puts her rehearsed smile into action.

EVANGELINE

I’m ready when you guys are.

EZRA

Great. Let’s head out, ladies.

INT. SUSHI RESTAURANT - NIGHT

Ezra, Delaney, and Evangeline enter the restaurant and are greeted by RUSSELL and NICOLE.

NICOLE

Evangeline Drake! Is that you?

Inexplicably, Evangeline wants to make things look good to their old neighbors.

EVANGELINE

Nicole, it’s so great to see you. How have
you been?

NICOLE

I’ve been really good, thanks honey. I
can’t believe you’re so grown up already!

RUSSELL

Hi, Evangeline.

EVANGELINE

Hey, Russell. Good to see you again.

RUSSELL

Have a seat, guys. We’re glad you could
come.

INT. SUSHI RESTAURANT – NIGHT - AN HOUR LATER

Ezra and Russell are discussing baseball as Delaney feigns interest. Nicole leans over to Evangeline and speaks to her in an almost maternal way.

NICOLE

How is it, being back in town with your
dad?

EVANGELINE

Well, it’s been good so far.

NICOLE

Did you just get in today?

EVANGELINE

Yeah, I flew in this afternoon. I wasn’t
really sure if I’d remember much about
town, but it feels really familiar.

NICOLE

I know you haven’t been back for a while.
Hopefully you’ll enjoy your time here.

Evangeline smiles at Nicole, aiming to channel a bit of the sweet little girl Nicole would remember.

EVANGLEINE

Yeah, I hope so.

NICOLE

How’s your mom been?

Evangeline quickly settles on her standard lie of omission.

EVANGELINE

She’s... She’s been good.

NICOLE

I’m glad to hear it.

Evangeline pauses, mentally reaching for a new topic of conversation.

EVANGELINE

I remember you had a puppy you used to
bring over sometimes, do you still have
him?

NICOLE

Duke! Well he’s definitely not a puppy
anymore. But yeah, he’s a happy senior dog
now.

EVANGELINE

That’s good. I used to love playing with
him.

Nicole glances sideways across the table to see that Delaney is still concentrated on feigning enthusiasm for Ezra and Russell’s discussion.

NICOLE

So, how long ago did your dad tell you
about Delaney?

EVANGELINE

Well, actually, he never really did.

NICOLE

You mean... You didn’t know until you got
here?

EVANGELINE

No, I didn’t.

(beat)

Um, how long have they been... together?

NICOLE

They’ve been dating for about six months,
and Delaney moved in with your dad about
two months ago, I think.

Evangeline tries, with mixed success, to hide her surprise at this information.

EVANGELINE

She, uh, doesn’t seem like she’s from
around here.

NICOLE

They met when your dad was on a business
trip to New York, and they visited each
other back and forth after that until
Delaney moved down here.

EVANGELINE

Do you know what she does? Like for work?

Nicole smirks slightly.

NICOLE

Nothing that I know of.

INT. EZRA’S HOUSE – KITCHEN - NIGHT

Ezra, Delaney, and Evangeline enter the kitchen, and Evangeline puts a takeout box into the fridge.

EVANGELINE

It was really nice to see them again.
Especially Nicole.

DELANEY

Aw, I know they were happy to see you too,
sweetie.

EZRA

Eva, you’re probably pretty tired from
traveling, huh? It’s getting late.

Evangeline debates refusing to take this hint, but she decides to grant Ezra a favor he doesn’t deserve.

EVANGELINE

Uh, yeah. I am tired. I think I’ll head up
to bed. Good night.

DELANEY

Good night, Evangeline.

Ezra reluctantly hugs Evangeline; their embrace is unfamiliar.

EZRA

Good night, Eva.

INT. EVANGELINE’S ROOM - NIGHT

Evangeline lays on top of the bed on her back, staring at the ceiling while talking on the phone.

EVANGELINE

Yeah. I didn’t ask. That’s just what
Nicole told me.

(beat)

I know. I know. Six months, apparently.
And she’s been living here for two.

Evangeline rolls onto her side, looking out the window.

EVANGELINE (CONT’D)

No, I don’t need to talk to him about
that. It doesn’t bother me anymore.

(beat)

I know. I remember. But I’m an adult now.
I think he’s just trying to move on with
his life. Just like my mom and I did...
After what he did. But something about his
relationship with Delaney feels kind of
off to me.

Evangeline considers something seriously for a few moments, then sits up suddenly and continues.

EVANGELINE (CONT’D)

Yeah, I actually might call the
investigator Jeffrey recommended to me. I
still trust his judgement, no matter what
people say about him now. He’s the best
teacher I’ve ever had. And I’m not just
saying that in case he tapped my phone.

(beat)

Okay. Yeah, I will. Remember to water my
plants. Goodnight.

Evangeline hangs up and sets her phone on the nightstand. She lays back down and returning her gaze to the ceiling.

INT. EVANGELINE’S ROOM - NIGHT – TEN YEARS AGO

Young Evangeline lays in bed staring at the ceiling, thinking hard about what she heard earlier.

INT. EVANGELINE’S ROOM - LATE NIGHT - PRESENT

Later that night, Evangeline still lays awake. She is thinking deeply about something, remembering, and seems conflicted. She suddenly rolls onto her side and fixes her gaze on the window, before purposefully closing her eyes.

INT. EZRA’S HOUSE – KITCHEN - MORNING

Evangeline enters the kitchen to find Delaney sitting at the table with a bowl of cereal and coffee.

EVANGELINE

Good morning.

DELANEY

Good morning, Evangeline. How’d you sleep?

EVANGELINE

Really good, thanks.

Evangeline opens a cabinet, expecting bowls to be there. She closes it and opens a few others with no luck.

DELANEY

Oh, are you looking for a bowl?

EVANGELINE

Uh, yeah.

DELANEY

Let me get it for you. Did you want some
coffee?

EVANGELINE

Yes, please. Thanks.

Delaney hands Evangeline a bowl and spoon and pours her a cup of coffee. Evangeline puts creamer in it and pours her cereal and milk, then joins Delaney at the table.

DELANEY

Your dad’s in the shower. He should be out
pretty soon though.

EVANGELINE

Okay. Is he working today?

DELANEY

Yeah, he is. But I think he’s going to try
to get home early so we can all do
something together.

EVANGELINE

That sounds good.

DELANEY

You know your dad and I are really happy
you could come visit.

Evangeline studies Delaney’s face as she says this.

EVANGELINE

Yeah. Me too.

Delaney and Evangeline continue to eat breakfast in silence for a few moments. Evangeline considers how to make conversation with Delaney without interrogating her.

EVANGELINE

So... How do you like living here so far?

DELANEY

Well, in the summer the heat can be kind
of brutal. But it’s beautiful, and the
beaches are perfect.

EVANGELINE

You moved from New York right?

DELANEY

Mm-hm, the Upper East Side.

Evangeline refuses to be impressed.

DELANEY (CONT’D)

Yeah, I’ve always lived in the city, so a
little change has been good.

Ezra enters the kitchen, in a fitted blazer and jeans, and pours some coffee into a thermos.

EZRA

Good morning, girls. I’m running a little
late this morning, so I’m going to get
going.

DELANEY

Okay babe.

Ezra kisses Delaney briefly and turns to leave. Evangeline momentarily studies her father’s movements.

EVANGELINE

Have a good day at work, dad.

EZRA

I can’t make any promises. But you two
have a nice day, too. I’ll see you this
afternoon.

INT. EZRA’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM - EARLY AFTERNOON

Evangeline sits on the couch, reading a book. She glances at her phone to check the time then puts the book down, standing up. She walks, reluctantly, down the hall and knocks on the door to EZRA’S ROOM.

DELANEY (O.S.)

Come on in, Eva. What’s up?

INT. EZRA’S ROOM – EARLY AFTERNOON

Delaney is sitting on the bed, doing her makeup.

EVANGELINE

Hey. Uh, I was wondering what you wanted
for lunch. I can make something if you
want.

DELANEY

Oh, don’t worry about it, sweetie. I found
this amazing new recipe for a veggie
quiche that I thought I’d try for lunch.

EVANGELINE

Okay. That sounds good.

DELANEY

I’ll start it in a little bit.

Delaney struggles to think of a way to end the exchange.

EVANGELINE

Um, it’s really nice out so I think I
might find my old longboard and go for a
ride.

DELANEY

Oh, good!

Delaney’s inflection confirms to Evangeline that neither of them wants to be together.

DELANEY (CONT’D)

I’ll have lunch ready when you get back.

EVANGELINE

Okay.

Evangeline closes the door behind her.

EXT. EZRA’S HOUSE – GARAGE - EARLY AFTERNOON

Evangeline carries her old longboard out onto the driveway, dusting off the design on the bottom of the deck and spinning the wheels. She finds her old pink skate tool in the bottom compartment of Ezra’s toolbox and begins to adjust the wheels and trucks.

EXT. EZRA’S NEIGHBORHOOD - AFTERNOON – TRACKING

Evangeline rides her longboard through the neighborhood, slowly at first then pushing faster. We follow her as she speeds down the house-lined streets until she reaches the street across from the WATERFRONT and stops.

Evangeline hops off and picks up her board, then begins to walk along the coastal road, taking in the scenery. After a few moments, she gets back on her board and rides down the street, going a different direction than the way she came.

EXT. DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD - AFTERNOON - TRACKING

Evangeline rides through another neighborhood, with more purpose. She fixes her gaze on one specific house (TIFFANY’S HOUSE) and slows as she approaches it then stops, remembering it.

EXT. TIFFANY’S HOUSE - DAY – TEN YEARS AGO

Young Evangeline and YOUNG JASMINE (7, long blonde hair) play catch in the backyard. Ezra and TIFFANY (late 20s) are seated close together on the back porch with drinks, talking. As the girls toss the ball back and forth, Ezra and Tiffany laugh loudly, and Young Evangeline looks towards her father.

EXT. DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD - AFTERNOON – PRESENT

In deep thought, Evangeline holds her gaze on the house's front door. After a few moments, she rides away.

INT. EZRA’S HOUSE – KITCHEN - AFTERNOON

Evangeline walks into the kitchen to find Delaney and Ezra slicing the quiche.

EZRA

Hey Eva.

DELANEY

Hi sweetie. How was your ride?

EVANGELINE

It was really nice. I went down by the
waterfront. It looks just like I remember.

EZRA

Yeah, not much has changed in the past few years.

This comment has a double meaning for Evangeline and gives her pause. Delaney hands her a plate and the three of them sit down for lunch.

EVANGELINE

How was your day at work?

EZRA

Not bad. I had a few meetings then I was
able to sneak out early. Did you two have
a good morning?

DELANEY

We did, we just kind of relaxed and took
it easy.

EZRA

Eva, is there anything you’d like to do
this afternoon?

EVANGELINE

I don’t really have anything in mind. What
were you guys thinking?

EZRA

Well, I still have the paddleboards, and I
thought you might like to go out on the
water.

EVANGELINE

Yeah. That sounds good.

DELANEY

Actually, I have some errands to run over
on that side of town, so if you want you
could drop me off on your way over. That
way you guys get some father-daughter time
too.

EXT. WATERFRONT - LATE AFTERNOON

Ezra and Evangeline pull two paddleboards and paddles out of the back of Ezra’s truck.

EVANGELINE

Do you use these much?

EZRA

Well, no. They haven’t been used for a
while.

(beat)

But as far as I know they float.

Evangeline sees Ezra smiling sarcastically at her, waiting for a reaction, and she musters a smirk back.

EVANGELINE

That’s reassuring.

EXT. WATERFRONT - LATE AFTERNOON

Ezra and Evangeline paddle out into smooth water. Ezra lifts his paddle out of the water, drifting, and Evangeline does the same. Alone, they seem almost comfortable with each other.

EZRA

I hear that school is going well.

Evangeline almost asks Ezra where, exactly, he would hear that, but she decides against it.

EVANGELINE

Yeah, it is. I really like it in Boston so
far.

EZRA

I’ve seen some of the articles you’ve
published.

Evangeline pauses a moment, wondering if this observation is meant to constitute a compliment.

EVANGELINE

Oh, yeah. My editor gave me some good
assignments even though I was a freshman.

EZRA

You’ve always been good at writing.

(beat)

And at figuring things out.

Evangeline glances toward Ezra following this comment, but he is already looking away, focused on the water in front of him as he paddles.

EXT. WATERFRONT - EVENING

Dripping wet, Ezra and Evangeline carry their paddleboards back to the truck to find Delaney leaning against the passenger side with a few shopping bags.

DELANEY

Hey kids. I was thinking about sending out
a search party.

Ezra and Delaney kiss briefly.

EVANGELINE

How was shopping?

DELANEY

It was nice. The little shops in town are
so quaint.

EVANGELINE

That’s good.

DELANEY

Did you two have a good time?

EVANGELINE

Yeah, we did.

Ezra and Evangeline put their boards in the back of the truck. Ezra opens the passenger door for Delaney, while Evangeline crawls into the backseat from the driver’s side.

EXT. EZRA’S HOUSE - NIGHT

Evangeline sits on the PORCH, looking up into the night sky. Ezra comes outside and sits next to her, leaving some space between them.

EZRA

I really enjoyed this afternoon, Eva.

EVANGELINE

Me too... Dad.

Ezra and Evangeline sit in silence for a few moments. Ezra follows Evangeline’s gaze into the sky.

EXT. EZRA’S NEIGHBORHOOD - LATE MORNING – TRACKING

We follow Evangeline as she rides her longboard leisurely through the neighborhood. She gazes at the houses as she passes them, but her mind is somewhere else. Her phone rings, and she pulls it out of her pocket and raises her sunglasses, looking at the screen a few moments before answering.

EVANGELINE

Hey... Yeah, thanks for calling me back.
First of all, you need to realize this is
not something I’m really in the habit of
doing. Really, it’s not something I’ve
ever done.

Evangeline puts her foot down and stops her board.

EVANGELINE (CONT’D)

Yeah. Melodie was my mom.

Evangeline gets back on her board and begins pushing again, cruising slowly.

EVANGELINE (CONT’D)

Okay.

(MORE)

EVANGELINE (CONT’D)

My dad’s usually at work for at least part
of the day, but Delaney pretty much stays
in the house unless we all go out
somewhere. So the issue will be getting
her out of the house so I can look around.

(beat)

It’s not really the way I like to find
things out; I’m more of a watch and listen
type of person. But I think it’s
justified; I’m only here for a few more
days.

She habitually glances over her shoulder before continuing.

EVANGELINE (CONT’D)

It’s not like I owe him anything... And I
definitely don’t owe her anything. I’ll
let you know what I find.

She hangs up, putting her phone back in her pocket. She pulls her hair out of her face, holding it in a loose ponytail between her palms, then lets it drop back to her shoulders, pushing faster.

EXT. EZRA’S HOUSE – BACK PORCH - NIGHT

Ezra and Delaney sit together on the porch, with glasses of wine on the table. Delaney leans in towards Ezra, slowly, and kisses him. Evangeline, watching through the screen door, sees an opportunity and decides to take it. She opens the door and steps out onto the porch.

EVANGELINE

Okay, you guys are too cute out here.

Delaney smiles up at Evangeline as Ezra glances sideways in mild embarrassment.

DELANEY

Oh, thank you sweetie.

Evangeline studies Delaney’s smile. She doesn’t trust it, but she smiles back.

EVANGELINE

Listen, let me get you a little more wine?
And I can clean up the kitchen tonight.
There’s such a nice breeze tonight, you
should enjoy it.

EZRA

Oh, that’s nice of you Eva. You don’t need
to do that.

EVANGELINE

No, I’m happy to.

Evangeline carries their wine glasses to the kitchen and picks up the wine bottle, noting its label. She pours two generous glasses and carries them back outside.

DELANEY

Thank you, Evangeline!

Delaney grips Ezra’s hand tightly and leans into his shoulder, and they kiss again. Evangeline heads back inside, closing the glass door this time.

INT. EZRA’S OFFICE – NIGHT

Evangeline walks slowly into the office, now wearing an oversized hoodie. She leaves the light off and peers out the window at her father and Delaney on the porch. She pulls her phone out of her back pocket and turns on the flashlight. She approaches the desk, which is immaculately clean, and she pulls on the drawers to find them all locked. She unzips her hoodie and pulls a small pouch from the pocket.

Evangeline props her phone on the desk chair with the light aimed at the top drawer, then grabs a small tool out of the pouch and begins picking the lock, which she apparently has some experience doing.

She opens the top drawer carefully, glancing through the contents and testing the bottom of the drawer. She quickly opens the bottom file drawer, and begins quickly flipping through the folders. Something catches her eye, and she pulls it out and begins to take pictures of the files.

INT. EVANGELINE’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Evangeline lays on her bed, talking on the phone.

EVANGELINE

Yeah. I found a power of attorney document
and some bank statements for a couple of
different accounts. But I couldn’t check
Delaney’s stuff because it was locked in
their room, and I didn’t think I had time.

(beat)

Okay... I’ll get her out of the house with
me tomorrow. I can leave the back door
unlocked for you.

INT. EZRA’S HOUSE – KITCHEN - MORNING

Evangeline enters the kitchen, getting herself a bowl of cereal and a cup of coffee. She joins Delaney at the table.

DELANEY

Good morning, sweetie.

EVANGELINE

Morning. Is dad getting ready?

DELANEY

He actually already left. He wanted to get
an early start since he had a meeting this
morning.

EVANGELINE

Oh, okay.

(beat)

I was wondering if you’d want to do
something together today. Like go swimming
or something.

DELANEY

That would be so nice, Evangeline! I
haven’t been to the pool for a couple
weeks.

EXT. AQUATIC CENTER - AFTERNOON

Delaney lays on the pool deck, sunbathing, while Evangeline treads water then lingers along the edge of the pool. After a few moments, Evangeline swims to the center of the pool, then takes a deep breath and surface dives underwater.

EXT. AQUATIC CENTER - AFTERNOON – TEN YEARS AGO

Young Evangeline springs up from underwater, splashing Young Jasmine. The two of them play in the shallow end of the pool, giggling and splashing water at each other. The girls head to the edge of the pool, where Ezra and Tiffany are sitting on the deck.

YOUNG EVANGELINE

Daddy, do you think I could sleep over at
Jasmine’s tonight?

Ezra turns to Tiffany, and the two of them whisper seriously.

EZRA

Not tonight, girls. Sorry. Maybe another
time.

Young Jasmine and Young Evangeline turn to continue their game, and Young Evangeline glances over her shoulder at Ezra before diving back underwater.

EXT. AQUATIC CENTER - AFTERNOON – PRESENT

Evangeline surfaces at the other end of the pool and gasps a few times before beginning to swim laps. She sees Delaney’s purse laying on the pool deck next to her chair. Delaney appears to be asleep. Evangeline pulls herself out of the pool and walks quickly to her chair, next to Delaney’s, grabbing a towel and drying herself off. She finds herself distracted by a tattoo on Delaney’s back, of a two-headed serpent wrapped around a broken sword.

Evangeline drapes her towel over her chair, quickly laying down on it then sitting back up and leaning toward Delaney’s purse. She tugs at the zipper and slides her hand into the side of the bag when Delaney suddenly begins to roll over toward Evangeline. When Delaney faces Evangeline, she is laying on the chair with her hands behind her head, apparently relaxing.

INT. EVANGELINE’S ROOM - LATE AT NIGHT

Evangeline lays awake again, staring at the ceiling. Suddenly, she gets out of bed, stumbling through the darkness to flick on the light. She walks over to her closet and pulls the box of toys across the floor.

Rummaging through its contents, she finds a frame buried at the bottom and pulls it out. She slides the box back into her closet and sets the frame – which contains an old picture of Ezra, Melodie, and Young Evangeline - on her nightstand, then turns out the light.

INT. EZRA’S HOUSE – KITCHEN - MORNING

Evangeline enters the kitchen to find Ezra standing, drinking a cup of coffee.

EZRA

You’re up early.

EVANGELINE

Really? I didn’t even check the time.

Evangeline pours herself a cup of coffee.

EZRA

Did you sleep well?

EVANGELINE

Pretty well, yeah.

(beat)

How about you?

EZRA

Good.

EVANGELINE

Is Delaney up yet?

Ezra smirks slightly at this question.

EZRA

Definitely not.

EVANGELINE

You two seem to really like each other.
How did you meet her?

EZRA

Oh, I was up in New York for a conference.

EVANGELINE

She was at the conference?

Evangeline watches Ezra’s eyes intently, and he instinctively averts her gaze.

EZRA

No, I met her at a restaurant one evening.

(beat)

Well, I’d better be heading to work here
pretty soon.

Evangeline notes his evasion.

EVANGELINE

Okay. I might go longboarding for a bit
before breakfast. Before it gets hotter
out.

EZRA

Have fun. I’ll see you this afternoon.

Ezra crosses the kitchen, almost pausing to kiss Evangeline on the cheek but deciding against it. Evangeline stands alone in the center of the kitchen for a few moments, listening for the garage to open and close. She slings her crossbody over her shoulder and puts on her sunglasses.

EXT. DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD - MORNING – TRACKING

Evangeline is riding her longboard at a steady pace, slowing down as she approaches a row of businesses downtown. Her phone rings, and she answers it quickly this time.

EVANGELINE

I’m almost to the coffee shop. I took the
long way to make sure my dad wouldn’t
drive past me on the way here.

(beat)

Okay. I’m wearing blue and carrying a
crossbody bag.

Evangeline glances toward the window of the coffee shop, before stopping and picking up her longboard. She takes note of a motor scooter parked a few spaces up the street.

EVANGELINE (CONT’D)

Yeah, I’m the kid with the skateboard.

INT. COFFEE SHOP – MORNING

Evangeline carries her coffee cup and longboard to a table where another young woman (mid-20s), wearing a baseball cap, is sitting. She is MICHAELA BURKE; the person Evangeline has been talking to. Evangeline sits down across from her, propping her longboard up against the table.

EVANGELINE

And you’re calling me a kid?

MICHAELA

Well, I am slightly older than you.

EVANGELINE

And you’re supposed to be more than
slightly more experienced than me.

MICHAELA

At this? I am.

Evangeline wonders whether Michaela’s confidence is justified.

EVANGELINE

Well, what did you find?

MICHAELA

I took a look at the statements you found,
and I checked out some of the legal
paperwork too.

(beat)

By the way, you didn’t need to leave the
desk unlocked for me. I wouldn’t have had
any trouble with it.

Evangeline hesitates for a moment.

EVANGELINE

I couldn’t quite get it locked again. I’ve
unlocked some things, but I’ve never had
to lock something... without the key.

MICHAELA

It’s okay. You get better with experience.

EVANGELINE

It’s not exactly the kind of experience
I’m looking for.

Michaela smirks back at her.

MICHAELA

Anyway, you were right in thinking that
something suspicious is going on. In
Ezra’s transaction history – your answers
to the security questions were right, by
the way, which saved me a little labor –
in his transaction history I saw that, not
only is he paying all of her bills now,
but he actually started making a cash
withdrawal in the same amount every two
weeks starting six months ago.

EVANGELINE

That’s around when he first started seeing
Delaney.

(beat)

Those almost sound like blackmail
payments. Or some sort of payoff, at least.

MICHAELA

And as far as Delaney goes, I do think she
might be using some kind of alias. I
didn’t find any record of a Delaney
Stanton her age from New York.

EVANGELINE

Yeah, me neither. I haven’t been able to
get my hands on her purse to look at her
ID either.

MICHAELA

Well, in the meantime, I did find a couple
of interesting things in their room.

Michaela sets a yellow envelope on the table, pulling out a key.

MICHAELA (CONT’D)

There’s a key Delaney keeps on a gold
chain. I got this copy made for you. It’s
not a house key, it goes to something
else, maybe a PO Box or a safe deposit
box. It might be nothing, but she had it
taped behind the bottom drawer of her
nightstand in a way that made me think
it’s more likely something.

Evangeline takes the key and turns it over in her hand.

MICHAELA (CONT’D)

The other thing is, there’s a little
safe...

EVANGELINE

Yeah, in the closet. My mom used to keep
jewelry in there.

MICHAELA

Right, but there’s also a safe under the
bed. And the safe under the bed is a lot
nicer.

Evangeline considers this for a few moments, reaching for a feasible explanation, but comes up empty.

EVANGELINE

That is weird.

(beat)

I wish I could hear what they actually say
to each other, in private. Or really, what
she says to him.

MICHAELA

Well, you know, there is a simple solution
for that.

Evangeline chuckles at first, then begins to think, spinning one of the wheels of her longboard.

EVANGELINE

I mean, why not I guess.

(beat)

I can get her out of the house to do
something with me again tomorrow.

MICHAELA

That works with my schedule. Just let me
know when the house is empty.

EVANGELINE

Okay.

Evangeline stands up and grabs her board.

EVANGELINE (CONT’D)

Thanks.

MICHAELA

Thank you.

INT. EZRA’S HOUSE – LIVING ROOM - LATE MORNING

Evangeline finds Ezra and Delaney seated on the couch together with cups of coffee.

EZRA

Hey, Eva. Sorry we weren’t up to greet you
this morning. We kind of overslept.

EVANGELINE

Oh, that’s fine. I just went for a ride.

DELANEY

Did you already get something to eat?

EVANGELINE

Yeah, I did, thanks.

EZRA

Eva, Delaney and I were talking about
maybe going to the city to get lunch and
just explore a little bit this afternoon.

Evangeline’s enthusiasm for this idea is genuine.

EVANGELINE

Okay! That actually sounds great.

INT. EZRA’S TRUCK (MOVING) - EARLY AFTERNOON

Delaney is in the passenger seat, resting her hand on Ezra’s leg as he drives. In the backseat, Evangeline focuses her gaze out the window at passing cars. She pulls out her phone and smiles at what she reads, before focusing her gaze on Delaney.

INT. EVANGELINE’S ROOM - LATE AT NIGHT

Evangeline sits on her bed, with a folder of copied documents spread around her, flipping through her reporter’s notebook. Her phone vibrates and she answers it quickly; it is Michaela.

EVANGELINE

Hey.

(MORE)

EVANGELINE (CONT’D)

Already? Well, I guess that’s convenient
for us. I’m surprised my dad would fall
asleep that fast, for her to make a call.

Evangeline gathers the documents into the folder and slides them into her backpack.

EVANGELINE (CONT’D)

It sounds like she gave him something?
This whole situation keeps getting worse
the more we find out.

(beat)

So she actually does get up in the
morning, goes to meet this person, then
pretends to be sleeping in when my dad
gets up for work. Do you know where they
meet?

(beat)

Well, as far as I know she doesn’t drive,
so either someone picks her up or they
meet close by. If it sounds like they’re
meeting at 4:00 in the morning, I can meet
up with you at 3:30, around the corner. Do
you know someone whose car we can borrow,
or do you do stakeouts and tail people on
your scooter?

Evangeline smirks at Michaela’s response.

EVANGELINE (CONT’D)

You were the only person in that coffee
shop who would feasibly drive a scooter.
Plus I could hear the waves over the phone
the first time I talked to you, and there
was fresh sand in the tire treads. And you
parked just far enough away from the
entrance to try and conceal which store
you went into, but not quite successfully,
I might add.

(beat)

Yeah, I think that might be a little more
inconspicuous. I’ll see you in a few hours.

Evangeline hangs up, pulling her crossbody bag out of the nightstand and putting her phone and notebook inside. She zips up her backpack and slides it under her bed. Evangeline turns out the light, laying on her back and closing her eyes for a few moments, before opening them again, accepting the fact that she won’t be sleeping tonight.

EXT. EZRA’S HOUSE – BACK PORCH – MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

Evangeline steps out onto the porch, carefully sliding the door closed behind her. She slings her crossbody over her shoulder and slides along the wall, avoiding the motion sensor light. Once she rounds the corner of the house, she jogs toward the street.

EXT. EZRA’S STREET - SAME

Evangeline walks briskly up the street away from Ezra’s house, passing cars parked along the street until she sees an interior light flash on and off quickly. Evangeline quickly gets in the passenger side of the car, a dark-colored Charger that has seen better days.

INT. MICHAELA’S CHARGER - SAME

Michaela sits in the driver’s seat wearing a camera around her neck, with two cellphones, one in each cupholder. She locks the car after Evangeline gets in.

MICHAELA

I haven’t heard anything yet this morning,
and there haven’t been any cars for the
last few hours.

EVANGELINE

What time did you get here?

MICHAELA

I got here right after we talked last
night.

(beat)

Just in case.

Evangeline eyes Michaela, whose attention is still steadily focused up the street. Michaela does know what she’s doing, but she wants to prove it.

EVANGELINE

By the way, how do you know Jeffrey? He
was pretty emphatic in recommending you to
me.

(beat)

I was honestly surprised he could speak
that favorably about anyone.

Michaela glances toward Evangeline, concealing her surprise at this statement with mixed success.

MICHAELA

Really? He told me you might call, and
that if you did I should take you
seriously. He told me you had the best
instincts of any investigative journalist
he’d ever worked with.

EVANGELINE

So he really has taken to telling lies,
then.

MICHAELA

I don’t think so. From what I’ve seen so
far, he was right.

EVANGELINE

I think so, too.

They make brief eye contact before focusing up the street again. They trust each other but are not entirely sure why.

EVANGELINE

Anyway, I was just his student for a
semester. I didn’t really work with him.

MICHAELA

What did you think? About what happened?

EVANGELINE

I think he was set up. There’s no way he
would trust a source without vetting them.
And he definitely wouldn’t quit his job
without being forced out.

MICHAELA

I haven’t been able to reach him at all,
since then.

EVANGELINE

Me neither. The last time I talked to him,
he recommended you.

(beat)

But that was before I knew about any of
this; before I knew about Delaney.

MICHAELA

You planned on investigating something
else while you were here?

EVANGELINE

Kind of. I wanted you to help me find
somebody, maybe.

(beat)

It doesn’t really matter now, though.

MICHAELA

(pointing) Look.

A black SUV pulls up to the corner, lingering across from Ezra’s house. Delaney walks down the driveway, carrying two purses. She crosses the street and gets in the backseat of the SUV.

Evangeline and Michaela watch in silence, while Michaela takes pictures and Evangeline notes the time and license plate in her notebook. It doesn’t seem like the SUV is going anywhere.

EVANGELINE

Who are you meeting, Delaney?

After a few moments, Delaney gets out of the SUV, carrying only one purse, and walks back toward Ezra’s house. The SUV lingers until she is inside, then pulls a sharp U-turn in the intersection and speeds away.

MICHAELA

The glass was pretty tinted, but I’ll go
blow these up and see if I can make out
the driver.

(beat)

You better go back in and be ready to look
like you had a restful night. What time is
your flight?

EVANGELINE

Early afternoon. I’ll see if I can get my
dad to drive me to the airport, alone.
Maybe I can get him to tell me what he
really knows about Delaney.

MICHAELA

Good luck. I’ll let you know what I can
make out.

EVANGELINE

Okay. See you.

Evangeline gets out of the car and walks back toward Ezra’s house, heading toward the backyard.

EXT. EZRA’S HOUSE – BACK PORCH – SAME

Evangeline slides along the house to the back door, successfully avoiding the motion sensor again. She pulls gently on the door; it does not move. She tugs it harder and finds that it is locked. She does her best not to panic, but realizes that Delaney must have locked it.

She pulls out her phone and calls Michaela.

EVANGELINE

I went out the back door, and now it’s
locked.

(beat)

I don’t think I have the right tools for
this lock.

(MORE)

EVANGELINE (CONT’D)

I’ll wait a little while. I don’t see any
lights on in their room, but if she does
know I went out she might be waiting. She
knows I don’t have keys to the house, so
she would expect me to come through the
garage with the passcode. She’ll be
listening.

(beat)

Okay. I think I can get the front door
open. I guess I’ll have to chance it.

INT. EZRA’S HOUSE – KITCHEN - MORNING

Evangeline walks into the kitchen, finding
both Ezra and Delaney sitting at the
kitchen table with coffee.

DELANEY

Good morning, sweetie.

Evangeline studies Delaney’s expression. The sickeningly sweet tone of her voice does not match her face this time. She’s suspicious.

EVANGELINE

Good morning.

(beat)

Good morning, dad.

EZRA

Good morning, Eva.

DELANEY

Did you sleep well?

EVANGELINE

Yeah, I did. How about you?

DELANEY

Oh, I always sleep well. It’s so quiet and
peaceful here.

EVANGELINE

Yeah...

DELANEY

We’re lucky it’s such a safe neighborhood.
Somehow, we left the back door unlocked
all night.

EVANGELINE

Really? I guess it is lucky this is such a
quiet neighborhood.

Evangeline pours herself a cup of coffee, watching how Ezra reacts to this conversation. She wants to text Michaela and ask if she heard Delaney tell him something, and she begins to reach for her phone, but she decides to wait.

EVANGELINE (CONT’D)

Dad, would you be able to drive me to the
airport in a couple hours? I just have to
finish packing and I’ll be ready to go.

EZRA

I actually have to go to the office to
take care of a couple of things today,
Eva. Sorry. I can schedule a cab for you
though.

EVANGELINE

No, that’s okay, thanks. I can get a
rideshare.

Evangeline takes a long sip of coffee, studying Ezra and Delaney for a few moments. Delaney rests her hand on Ezra’s leg again, and Evangeline now views this gesture as controlling rather than intimate.

EVANGELINE (CONT’D)

I think I’ll just bring this upstairs
(raising her coffee cup), if that’s okay,
and finish packing my stuff.

EXT. EZRA’S NEIGHBORHOOD – EARLY AFTERNOON

Evangeline puts her suitcase in the trunk of the Charger and gets in the car with Michaela.

INT. MICHAELA’S CHARGER (MOVING) - SAME

EVANGELINE

Thanks for the ride.

MICHAELA

Don’t thank me too soon. My rate is the
same as Uber.

As they pull away, Michaela glances at Evangeline, who is rapidly tapping her foot and looking back toward Ezra’s house.

MICHAELA (CONT’D)

You really think she’s suspicious, huh?

EVANGELINE

I know she is.

(beat)

But she might let her guard down after I’m
back in Boston. Maybe you’ll be able to
find out more about what she’s up to, and
who she’s working with.

Michaela grips the wheel loosely with one hand as she drives, yet she is in complete control.

MICHAELA

Maybe so. Either way, I’ll do whatever I
can. Once I start something... I can’t
move on until I figure it out.

INT. AIRPORT – AFTERNOON – TRACKING

We follow Evangeline back through the airport, her hands gripping the straps of her backpack and mindlessly raising off of her shoulders as she walks. She finds her gate and sits down, setting her backpack between her feet. She unzips it and begins to reach for the files, then decides against it and pulls out a book.

She looks at her phone screen for a few moments, then turns it to silent and slides it in her bag. She opens her book and tries to read, but her mind is clearly elsewhere.

In the top of Evangeline’s backpack, we see the screen of her phone light up – Michaela is calling. After a few moments a text from Michaela appears: CALL ME. A few seconds later: SOMETHING IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN. After a few more seconds: SHE FOUND THE BUG!

INT. AIRPLANE – ON THE GROUND – LATE AFTERNOON

Evangeline sits on the plane and looks out the window. Almost all of the passengers have boarded, and the doors will close soon. Evangeline pulls out her phone to switch it to airplane mode, and she sees the messages from Michaela. She rushes to play the voicemail, holding her phone up to her ear.

MICHAELA (O.S.)

Eva! After I dropped you off I was
monitoring the audio feed from Ezra and
Delaney’s room. Delaney made a call to
someone; it sounded like some sort of boss
or handler. Anyway, Delaney said something
like she had enough to wrap up this job
and move on to the next one, whatever that
means.

(beat)

Then, after a few minutes she said she’d
go through the standard protocol, even
though she didn’t think it was necessary
here, and it was quiet for a minute or
two, but I could hear her moving around
the room, and I guess she was sweeping for
a bug because she got back on the phone
and said the job had been compromised.
Right after that I lost the audio.

Evangeline unbuckles her seatbelt and begins zipping up her backpack, still holding her phone to her ear.

MICHAELA (O.S.)

I’m heading back toward the house now to
try and see if anything’s going on there.

(beat)

Um, you can decide what you want to do
here. Just call me when you get this.
And... let me know if you need a ride.

Evangeline walks quickly, then jogs, rushing past the flight attendant preparing to close the cabin door.

INT. MICHAELA’S CHARGER (MOVING) – EVENING

Evangeline and Michaela sit in silence, and Michaela grips the wheel tighter than before.

EVANGELINE

Is this like any case you’ve worked before?

MICHAELA

Honestly, no.

(beat)

Have you ever covered anything like this?

EVANGELINE

No. Whatever “this” even is.

They are thinking about the same thing, but Michaela is the first to say it.

MICHAELA

How would you feel about bringing someone
else in, to help us investigate?

EVANGELINE

I trust you, for some reason. I mean if
you think it’s necessary, I trust your
judgement.

(beat)

We’ve done pretty well so far, considering.

Michaela smiles slightly at this, and glances over toward Evangeline.

MICHAELA

Yeah. I’d say we’ve done alright.

(beat)

What about Jeffrey? I mean, he’s the
reason we’re working together.

EVANGELINE

He would be the obvious choice, if we
could find him or get in touch with him.

(beat)

I have a feeling he’s still digging for
something else to back up his reporting,
to get his credibility back. To get his
life back.

MICHAELA

Maybe he could use a distraction. And
between the two of us, I have a feeling we
could track him down.

They are approaching Ezra’s street. We hear sirens, quiet and distant, then much louder, nearer.

EVANGELINE

Those sound close.

Michaela speeds up, revving the engine.

MICHAELA

They are.

They approach the block where they watched Delaney a few nights ago. They round the corner, and Michaela slows down, pulling to the side of the road.

EXT. EZRA’S STREET – LATE EVENING

Michaela and Evangeline both step out of the car, standing in the street with the doors open, shocked, staring.

At the intersection in front of Ezra’s house, we see fire engines, police cars, and an ambulance.

Ezra’s house is engulfed in flames.

EVANGELINE (V.O.)

The more I think about origin stories, I
realize that we’re not really the ones who
choose to move beyond our origin stories and
into the next chapter. Instead, something
happens. A decisive event, or series of
events, propels the origin story to an end, if
not a real resolution.

We see Evangeline and Michaela walking slowly in the general direction of the house, stunned.

EVANGELINE (V.O.) (CONT’D)

And within an instant, the origin story is
written. It becomes history. And the character
suddenly realizes that she, alone, is
responsible for writing the next chapter.

OFF Evangeline watching the fire. Her face transforms: shocked, fearful, then determined.

EVANGELINE (V.O.) (CONT’D)

And she has to start right now.

FADE OUT.

END OF EPISODE

Stephanie Gemmell

INCOMPLETE ORIGINS