DIGGING OUR OWN GRAVE

A Pretty Little Liars Episode

Written by

Ashton Trumble

720-840-3754ashton.trumble@pepperdine.edu

TEASER

FADE IN:

DREAM SEQUENCE - INT. ROSEWOOD HOSPITAL - ICU ROOM - DAY

SILENCE save for the steady BEEPING of a HEART MONITOR. EZRA lies sound asleep, propped up in bed. ARIA sits at his side, alternating her gaze between various medical machines.

The NURSE enters the room. Aria turns to the door.

NURSEIm afraid visiting hours are over.

When Aria turns back around, ALISON has taken Ezras place in the hospital bed. She is deathly pale with leaves and twigs in her hair.

ARIAAli?

ALISONWhat have you done?

SPENCER (O.S.)Aria?

END DREAM SEQUENCE.

INT. ROSEWOOD HOSPITAL - ICU ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Aria is asleep on Ezras hospital bed. Her hair and makeup are messy. SPENCER nudges her.

SPENCERAria?

Aria opens her eyes. Spencer sticks a latte in her face.

SPENCER (CONTD)You need this more than I do.

ARIATerrifying, but true.

Spencer checks her watch.

SPENCERCome on, lets get you home.

Aria keeps her gaze fixed on Ezra.

ARIAWhat if he wakes up while Im gone?

SPENCERAria, the two of you will have matching comas unless you get some sleep.

ARIAThen Ill just borrow some of your speed pills.

Spencer recoils.

ARIA (CONTD)Im sorry. Im so sorry, Spence.

Spencer helps Aria up and guides her toward the door.

SPENCERIf youre up for diving into the Philadelphia River to retrieve them, theyre all yours.

INT. ROSEWOOD HOSPITAL - ICU HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

Nurses and doctors zip across the hallway. Aria squints against the bright ceiling lights and leans against Spencer.

SPENCERElevator.

Aria looks back at Ezra through the window in the door.

ARIAThis is all my fault.

SPENCERAria. I told Mindy I was just running out to grab coffee. If Im gone longer than five minutes shell tell my parents Im in a back alley shooting up.

Spencer grabs Arias arm and drags her across the hallway. Aria slams straight into WES.

WESAria!

He gives her an awkward hug.

2.

ARIA(mouths to Spencer)

Do something!

Spencer throws her hands in the air.

Aria emerges from the hug and runs her fingers through her hair. She and Wes stare at each other for a painfully long second.

WESLEYSo hows--

ARIAHave you--

SPENCERAria. Back alley.

Wess brow furrows.

ARIAI have to go.

WESNo worries. Ill be here.

ARIAOh, you will. Yeah, of course you will! Well then Ill see you soon!

Arias face falls as soon as she makes it past Wes to the elevator.

SPENCERWhen it rains, it pours.

ARIAStop it, Spencer! Thats Ezras younger brother.

SPENCER(laughs)

Oh now it makes sense.

Aria shakes her head and pushes the button for the elevator.

END OF TEASER

3.

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

INT. HASTINGS RESIDENCE - KITCHEN - DAY

The spotless kitchen is seemingly empty. Spencer slinks inside. MINDY sneaks behind her.

MINDYIsnt the coffee shop just down the street?

SPENCER(startled)

Yeah.

MINDYSeems like it shouldnt take an hour to grab a latte.

SPENCERI ran into a couple friends. Whats the big deal?

Mindy grabs a notebook out of her satchel and jots something down.

MINDYWell, you promised you would only be gone ten minutes. Im suspending your phone and freedom privileges for the rest of the week.

SPENCERThats ridiculous! I was on a coffee run!

MINDYI highly doubt that. This is what your parents hired me to do, Spencer.

SPENCERDean would not be treating me like this.

MINDYDean got caught sleeping on the job. Literally. I can hardly blame your mother for firing him.

4.

SPENCERYou have no idea--

VERONICA enters the kitchen.

VERONICAGood afternoon, girls.

MINDYGood afternoon, Mrs. Hastings.

VERONICAIts a beautiful day. Spencer, your sister is thrilled youre doing better and would like to have lunch with you this week. Theres something important she wants to discuss.

SPENCERToo bad Im on house arrest.

VERONICA(to Mindy)

Oh, Im sure Mindy can make an exception.

MINDYAbsolutely.

SPENCERIll be in my room.

(to Mindy)That is, if Im allowed.

MINDYBe my guest.

Spencer marches toward the stairs.

INT. HASTINGS RESIDENCE - SPENCERS ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Spencer pulls out the bottom drawer of her dresser and unhooks the top part of the drawer to reveal a secret cubby. She shakes a cheap-looking cellphone and a SIM card out of a pair of socks. She inserts the SIM card into the phone.

Phone screen reads: MISSED CALLS (6): TOBY CAVANAUGH

Spencer rests her head on the dresser and scrolls through her contacts.

Phone screen reads: CONTACT: TOBY CAVANAUGH: 215-423-6798

5.

Spencers finger hovers over the SEND key. She continues to scroll.

Phone screen reads: CONTACT: DEAN STAVROS: 215-792-6455

Spencer takes a deep breath and holds the phone to her ear.

EXT. ROSEWOOD - NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY

It is a cold and blustery day in Rosewood. Aria walks along the sidewalk and rubs her hands up and down her arms. She yawns and glances at the DiLaurentis house. She pauses on the sidewalk and walks up toward the house.

EXT. DILAURENTIS RESIDENCE - FRONT WALKWAY - DAY

Leaves clutter the front porch, and the garden is dry. The house is completely dark.

Aria steps onto the porch. She rings the DOORBELL.

ARIAHello? Mrs. DiLaurentis?

Aria tries the DOOR. It opens with a CREEAK.

INT. DILAURENTIS RESIDENCE - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Every window in the living room is open. Curtains billow in the breeze. Leaves blow in and rest in heaps on the DiLaurentiss ornate furniture.

The wind causes the DOOR to SLAM shut behind Aria. She jumps, startled, and walks toward the kitchen.

INT. DILAURENTIS RESIDENCE - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS

A large pile of dirty dishes pollutes the kitchen sink. Flies gather around the rotting food. WATER DRIPS from the faucet.

Aria turns off the faucet. A figure in a black hoodie swiftly crosses the hallway behind her. The FRONT DOOR OPENS. Aria spins around.

ARIAHello?

She makes a beeline for the door.

6.

INT. DILAURENTIS RESIDENCE - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

The front door is open and swinging in the wind. Aria races onto the porch.

EXT. DILAURENTIS RESIDENCE - FRONT WALKWAY - CONTINUOUS

Aria runs halfway down the front path but stops when she sees a garden shovel lying across the walkway.

Aria looks around before picking up the shovel. There is a note wrapped around the handle. Aria unfolds it.

The note reads: All bitches become like their mothers. Better start digging. --A

Aria turns the note over but its blank on the other side. She grips the shovel and surveys the barren yard.

INT. MONTGOMERY RESIDENCE - ARIAS BEDROOM - DAY

Aria paces back and forth. HANNA and EMILY enter.

EMILYHey, we got your S.O.S. Whats up?

ARIAWheres Spencer?

Hanna plops down on Arias bed.

HANNAShes on lock-down.

ARIAOh, thats my fault. Poor Spencer.

EMILYHow is that your fault?

HANNACan we prioritize our problems here?

(to Aria)I was on my way towards a bowl of pasta salad when I got your text.

EMILYAre you doing okay, Aria?

HANNAYeah, you look like a zombie.

7.

EMILYHanna!

Aria and Emily join Hanna on the bed.

ARIANo, shes right. I havent slept in over 12 hours. I was walking home from Spencers house--

HANNAYou were at Spencers? I cant believe that bitch Mindy let you inside but not me!

EMILYHanna, let her talk.

ARIAI didnt go inside. Spencer drove us to her place because she was running late. On my way home, I walked past the DiLaurentis house. It looked...different. There was no one inside--

HANNAYou went inside?!

EMILYHanna!

HANNASeriously, Aria?! I wouldnt touch that place with a ten foot pole!

ARIAWould you settle for a ten foot shovel? Cause thats what was on the walkway after I bolted.

EMILYYou think A put it there?

HANNAYou sure you werent hallucinating? Sleep deprivation and all?

Aria reaches into her back pocket and hands the note to Hanna.

ARIAThis was wrapped around the handle.

8.

HANNA(reads aloud)

All bitches become like their mothers. Better start digging. A.

EMILYDo you think Mrs. D is the one who wrote the note?

EMILY (CONTD)Whoa, slow down. Ali already told us her mom isnt A.

ARIAWell dont you find it odd that she disappears into thin air immediately after Ezra gets shot?

EMILYMaybe she got scared and left, just like Ali. Maybe thats what A meant by the note.

HANNAWhere did you put the shovel?

ARIAI left it there.

HANNAWhat? Its a clue!

ARIASlow down, Nancy Drew. We dont even know what were digging for.

Emily straightens.

EMILYMaybe we should start in the spot Ali was buried alive.

Aria and Hanna exchange glances.

HANNAGreat. I blew fifty dollars on this manicure and now Im going to ruin it digging up soil and God knows what else.

ARIAItll be somewhere in the yard. We just have to look.

9.

HANNANow? My stomach is eating itself!

Emily stands.

EMILYNo, later. Right now Aria needs to get some sleep.

Arias PHONE DINGS. She fishes it out of her pocket.

ARIAIts Wes.

HANNAWho?

ARIA(looking at her phone)

Oh my God, Ezras awake.

Aria stands and dizzily walks toward the door.

EMILY Aria, you need rest.

ARIANo! Not before I see him!

INT. ROSEWOOD HOSPITAL - ICU HALLWAY - EVENING

Wes stands outside Ezras room. He lights up when he sees Aria.

WESWow, you made it back here fast!

ARIAHow is he? Is he okay?

WESHes fine. Hes talking to your friend.

ARIAMy friend?

WESShe said her name was Shana.

Aria peers into Ezras room. SHANA is inside, talking to Ezra. Aria bursts through the door.

10.

INT. ROSEWOOD HOSPITAL - ICU ROOM - CONTINUOUS

ARIAListen, Shana, I dont know what your game is, but you better--

SHANAI was just leaving.

(to Ezra)Nice talking with you, Ezra.

Shana holds Arias gaze as she walks to the door and exits. Aria collapses at the side of Ezras hospital bed.

ARIAEzra!

Ezra is weak. He shifts his body weight to face Aria.

ARIA (CONTD)(tearing up)

Ezra, I am so sorry about--

EZRAShhhhh.

Ezra reaches up to rub Arias cheek, bringing several cords and tubes with him.

EZRA (CONTD)Im the one whos sorry, Aria.

The nurse enters.

NURSETime to go, sweetie. He needs his medication.

Aria stands.

ARIA(to Ezra)

Ill be back.

INT. ROSEWOOD HOSPITAL - ICU HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

Wes stands slumped against the wall, staring at the ceiling. Aria cocks her head at him.

ARIAGetting a little bored?

He straightens up.

11.

WESNo way. I love it here. White is my favorite color.

ARIANot exactly the Marine Center in Halifax.

WESHey, look who remembered!

ARIA(yawning)

Send the baby seals my regards.

Aria rubs her eyes. She looks like she hasnt slept in weeks.

WESCan I give you a lift home? I was just about to run some errands.

ARIAOh, no, I couldnt ask you to do that.

Arias eyes close and her knees buckle. She teeters toward Wes. He grabs her just in time.

WESThats it, youre coming with me.

INT. WESS CAR - EVENING

Aria rolls her head against the headrest. She is slightly delusional. Wes, thoroughly amused, keeps a firm grip on the steering wheel.

ARIA(yawning)

Thanks for doing this, Wes.

WESHey, no thank-yous necessary. This is the most exciting thing thats happened to me all day.

ARIAExcept for the call that your brother was shot in the stomach.

Aria makes a little shooting motion with her hand.

12.

WESTechnically, that was yesterday. And its not like that was the first time.

ARIAWhat?!

WES(beat)

Shoot, never mind. Forget about it.

ARIAHa! SHOOT! Get it?

Wes cant help but laugh.

WESIf only your lucid self could see you right now.

Aria leans into Wess space in the drivers seat. Her head lolls onto his shoulder.

ARIAThats not fair. You cant just...

(yawning)Drop a bomb like that and then leave me hanging.

WESOkay, fine. But only because you probably wont remember this.

Aria beams at Wes.

WES (CONTD)I shot Ezra.

Aria gasps, but her gasp turns into a yawn.

WES (CONTD)We were kids. Our dad used to take us out hunting. My aim was terrible.

ARIAObviously.

WESI thought he was a duck!

Aria cackles hysterically. Wes laughs as well. Aria continues to rest her head on Wess shoulder.

13.

ARIAPoor Ezra.

The laughter subsides.

WESYeah. Poor guy.

Aria lifts her head from Wess shoulder and repositions herself in the passenger seat. Wes keeps his gaze locked firmly on the road in front of him.

INT. HASTINGS RESIDENCE - SPENCERS ROOM - EVENING

Spencer looks messy and tired. She sits at her desk, scrolling through articles on her laptop.

Laptop screen reads: The Rosewood Observer: GUNMAN SHOOTS ENGLISH TEACHER.

Spencer scrolls to another article saved on her computer.

Laptop screen reads: The Rosewood Observer: STILL MISSING. A picture of Alison is beneath the headline.

There is a KNOCK on Spencers door. MELISSA enters.

MELISSA Hey, Spencer.

Spencer does not look up from her laptop.

SPENCER Hi.

Melissa leans against the door frame.

MELISSAHow are you?

SPENCERPeachy.

MELISSAI came all the way from London, Spencer. The least you can do is look at me.

Spencer turns to face Melissa.

SPENCERI didnt ask you to come back.

14.

MELISSANo, Toby did. He was worried sick about you. So were Mom and Dad.

SPENCERThey have a very funny way of showing it.

Melissa moves from the door to the chaise lounge.

MELISSAI wanted to discuss this with you over a nice meal at Rive Gauche, but I guess thats not an option for you this week.

Melissa glances toward the laptop. Spencer snaps it shut.

SPENCERDiscuss what?

MELISSASpencer, I had a talk with the police about the night of Alis murder.

SPENCERWhat? Why would you do that?

MELISSADad asked me to.

SPENCERDad? Melissa, what do you know about that night?

Spencer straightens.

MELISSASpencer, I spoke to the police in order to protect our family.

Spencer looks away. She holds her head in her hands.

SPENCEROh, God. I did hurt Ali.

MELISSAWhat? No, Spencer--

Mindy enters.

MINDYOops! Am I interrupting?

15.

MELISSANo.

(to Spencer)We can talk later.

Melissa rises and heads for the door.

SPENCERWait, no, Melissa--

MINDYTime for bed, Spencer.

SPENCERReally? Am I a five-year-old?

Mindy remains cheery.

MINDYA steady sleep schedule is the first step toward a healthy lifestyle.

Spencer deflates. Her PHONE DINGS.

MINDY (CONTD)What was that?

SPENCERMy...alarm clock.

Spencer points to the clock on her bedside table.

SPENCER (CONTD)It dings when the batterys low.

Mindy narrows her eyes.

MINDYSweet dreams. See you tomorrow.

She turns off the light and closes the door behind her. Spencer heads for the window. She attempts to pull it open, but it wont budge. She examines the windowpane and sees that it has been nailed shut.

SPENCER(under her breath)

Unbelievable.

16.

INT. HASTINGS RESIDENCE - MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT

Spencer opens the door and peers inside. The room is dark and empty. She tiptoes over to the balcony door.

EXT. HASTINGS RESIDENCE - MASTER BALCONY - NIGHT

Spencer lifts herself over the railing and climbs over to the gutter. She shimmies down the gutter and hops onto the ground.

EXT. HASTINGS RESIDENCE - SIDE YARD - NIGHT

Spencer walks along the side yard with the DiLaurentis house in sight. She stops when she hears TWIGS SNAPPING. The BUSHES in the woods behind her RUSTLE. As she turns around, a figure in a black hoodie races through the trees.

SPENCERHey!

Spencer chases the figure into the dark forest.

END OF ACT ONE

17.

ACT TWO

FADE IN:

EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - SIDEWALK - NIGHT

Aria, Hanna, and Emily walk arm-in-arm toward the DiLaurentis house.

EMILY You sure youre up for this, Aria?

ARIAA few hours of sleep and a few more Five Hour Energy drinks? Im wired.

HANNAI find that I need at least eight hours of sleep before digging up old grave sites. Just saying.

EMILY Any news from the hospital?

ARIAYeah, Ezras still stable.

HANNAWheres Spencer? Should we go get her?

EMILYI texted that weird number she gave us. She should be here soon.

EXT. DILAURENTIS RESIDENCE - FRONT WALKWAY - NIGHT

The yard is eerie in its dryness and lack of flowers. Aria searches the walkway for the shovel.

ARIAI swear this is where I found it. I left it right here.

HANNAYou were tired. Maybe you just--

18.

ARIAIm not making this up, Hanna. The shovel was lying right here on the ground with the creepy note attached.

EMILYMaybe someone took it.

HANNAWho would take a rusty old garden shovel?

EMILYLets just look around. It has to be here somewhere.

EXT. DILAURENTIS RESIDENCE - BACKYARD - NIGHT

The girls walk cautiously into the dark backyard area.

HANNAIt feels so weird being here without Ali. Cant we just dont and say we--

ARIADidnt?

Emily points to the far side of the yard.

EMILYWhat is that?

The girls rush over to a shovel sticking out of a pile of dirt on the ground.

HANNAIts a trap! We should leave.

EMILYTrap or not, dont you want to know whats under there? It could be the girl who really died that night, the one we thought was Ali.

HANNAUm, no, thank you. Ive already had my rotting corpse fix for a lifetime.

19.

ARIAIm with Hanna. As not exactly in the habit of dishing out favors.

HANNAYeah, and handing us a missing piece of the puzzle would be a big one.

THREE PHONES DING. The girls check their phones and gasp.

ARIA(reading aloud)

I knew I always liked you, Em. But Spencer is another story. Start digging this grave or the next one will be hers. A.

EMILYOh my God, A is out here.

ARIAWatching us.

Hanna holds the phone to her ear.

HANNAIm calling Spencer.

Aria grabs the shovel.

ARIAYou do that.

She buries the shovel in the ground and chunks a lump of dirt off to the side.

ARIA (CONTD)Ill do this.

EXT. WOODS - NIGHT

Spencer races through the woods, leaping over fallen tree trunks and dodging sharp branches. The hooded figure remains several steps ahead of her until she reaches a clearing.

SPENCERI know youre out there!

The figure races through the woods behind her.

SPENCER (CONTD)Come out already!

20.

The figure runs around the other side of Spencer. She chases after it. The figure continues to run ahead of her but she catches up and grabs the back of the hoodie.

The figure spins around. Its JASON DILAURENTIS. He yanks out his earphones.

SPENCER (CONTD)Jason!

JASONSpencer?

SPENCERWhat the hell are you doing out here?

JASONI could say the same to you.

SPENCERI was going for a run.

Jason looks down at his feet. Spencer follows his gaze. He is wearing running shoes.

JASONLook, Spencer, Ive got a lot on my mind, so...

SPENCERWait, how have you been? Hows your grandmas place?

JASONIts good. Renovations are taking a bit longer than expected.

SPENCEROh.

JASONIm sorry, Spencer, but I really need to go.

Jason takes off.

EXT. DILAURENTIS RESIDENCE - BACKYARD - NIGHT

Aria continues to dig. There is a large pile of dirt next to a decent-sized hole in the yard. Emily jumps at the sound of RUSTLING BRANCHES in the woods outside the yard.

21.

EMILYWhat was that?

Aria stops digging for a moment and looks toward the darkness of the trees. Hanna takes a few steps backward.

Spencer emerges from the woods.

SPENCER(out of breath)

Hey, Im so sorry, its a long story. I thought I saw A, but it turned out to be Jason--

HANNAJason? What the hell is he doing here?

SPENCERThats exactly what I said.

EMILYGuys. Focus. Were on a schedule here, remember?

Spencer takes in the situation.

SPENCERWhat did I miss?

EMILYYou didnt get the text?

SPENCERNo signal.

Arias shovel hits something hard.

ARIAGuys. Theres something here.

The four girls get down on their hands and knees and dig through a layer of dirt to reveal a large rock. Spencer kneels into the hole and picks it up with both hands. She wipes off the excess dirt to reveal a red stain on the side.

HANNAWait, is that...

SPENCERThe murder weapon.

FOUR PHONES DING. The girls reluctantly check their messages.

22.

ARIA(reading aloud)

I dont have to put you in the ground to bury you. A.

SIRENS BLARE down the street, along with blue and red flashing lights. Spencer looks down at the rock in her hands.

ARIA (CONTD)We have to go now. Spencer, put the rock back.

SPENCERNo. Im taking it with me.

EMILYWhat?

HANNAIt belongs with the police. Lets go give it to them!

Aria, Spencer, and Emily shoot Hanna looks that question her sanity.

ARIAGreat plan, Hanna. Oh, we just stumbled across this while we were digging a hole in the DiLaurentiss yard.

CAR DOORS SLAM. Policemen start toward the yard.

EMILY(whispering)

Come on!

The girls run into the woods, out of sight.

INT. HASTINGS RESIDENCE - SPENCERS ROOM - MORNING

Hanna and Emily lie criss-crossed on Spencers bed, sound asleep. Spencer stands by the window, staring at the DiLaurentis house. Aria enters quietly through the door, a tray of lattes in her hand.

ARIAOkay, its all good now. I have caffeine.

Spencer does not look away from the window.

23.

SPENCERMhm.

Aria hands her a latte.

ARIACome on, Spence. We were long gone by the time the police got to the yard.

SPENCERYeah, but A knew we would leave. And A always has a plan.

ARIAHow can we be sure A is the one who called the police in the first place? Maybe a neighbor heard a noise, or...

SPENCEROr someone else saw us digging? Because that would be even worse.

ARIAIf someone saw us, we would know by now.

Hanna sloppily rises to a sitting position.

HANNACan we not talk about crime scenes before Ive had my latte?

Aria hands Hanna her coffee.

ARIAWere on a schedule, Han. I want to be out of here before Mindy shows up.

SPENCERWhy?

ARIAShes not exactly a ray of sunshine, Spence.

SPENCERWell she cant do anything to you guys.

24.

HANNAWe care about you, Spencer. We dont want her to take anything else away from you.

SPENCERTheres nothing left to take.

ARIAWhat about your laptop?

SPENCERAs far as she knows, she already has it.

Spencer sits at her desk.

HANNAHow many technology decoys do you own?

SPENCERIts just a little trick Dean taught me.

ARIADean? As in former-sponsor Dean?

HANNAYou still talk to him? Does Toby know?

Emily stretches.

EMILYIm up. Did I miss anything?

ARIA(to Spencer)

Where did you hide the rock?

SPENCERIn my dresser.

HANNAI still say we should be going to the police.

ARIAIs this because youve been hanging out with Holbrook lately?

25.

HANNANo, Aria. That rock is one more step in the direction toward solving what really happened the night Ali disappeared. Maybe if we know who tried to kill her, we can sniff out another member of the A team and end this.

EMILYIts not that simple, Han. Even if we know who A is, that wont stop them from burying us.

SPENCERYeah, and not once has going to the police ever worked in our favor.

Hanna throws up her hands.

HANNAFine, do what you want. I just want to nip this whole situation in the butt.

SPENCERBud.

HANNAWhatever!

Veronica enters, talking on the phone.

VERONICA(on the phone)

All right. Thank you.

She hangs up.

VERONICA (CONTD)That was the police.

The girls tense and exchange worried glances.

SPENCERWhat did they want?

VERONICAThey didnt want anything, Spencer. They were informing us...Jessica DiLaurentiss body was found buried in her yard last night.

26.

ARIAWhat?

EMILYOh my God!

Veronicas PHONE RINGS.

VERONICA(to Spencer)

That will be your father. Get dressed and come downstairs as soon as possible.

Veronica exits.

HANNAAll bitches become like their mothers.

EMILYIs that what we were supposed to be digging for? Mrs. Ds body?

SPENCERNo. A wanted to frame us for murder. Thats why we have the murder weapon.

HANNADo you think A killed Mrs. D?

SPENCERWe know she saw whoever tried to kill Ali last year. If A killed her, that means A was probably involved.

ARIASo whoever killed Mrs. DiLaurentis did it because she knew too much.

EMILYPoor Ali. I wonder if she already knows.

HANNASucks to think shell probably find out via newspaper headline.

ARIAWhat about Jason? You saw him last night, Spence. How was he?

27.

SPENCERWeird. Fugacious.

Aria looks to Emily and Hanna for help.

HANNAHuman words, Spence.

SPENCERIt means elusive.

ARIAMaybe he knows what happened to Mrs. DiLaurentis. Maybe thats why hes back.

Spencer shakes her head.

SPENCERHe wasnt half as sad as a guy who should be mourning the death of his mom.

EMILYMaybe we should check on him.

VERONICA (O.S.)Spencer, can you come down here?

SPENCERDuty calls.

The girls stand and gather their things.

SPENCER (CONTD)Dont talk to any cops before we see each other again on Monday.

Hannna looks at the ground.

SPENCER (CONTD)Deal, Hanna?

HANNADeal.

END OF ACT TWO

28.

ACT THREE

FADE IN:

INT. ROSEWOOD HOSPITAL - ICU ROOM - DAY

Ezra is asleep. Aria waits patiently by his side. The nurse enters with a colorful envelope. She places it on the table next to Aria.

NURSESomeone just dropped this Get Well card off for him. Would you make sure he gets it?

ARIAOf course.

Aria glances at the card and does a double-take. She picks it up.

Front of the card reads: To Dick, Love Nicole

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. PUB - NIGHT

Ezra sits on a couch, engrossed in a book. Alison googles something on her phone.

Phone screen reads: Tender is the Night: The tragic tale of Dick and Nicole Diver, a glamorous couple who take a villa in the South of France.

ALISONIts tragic, isnt it?

EZRAOh, sorry?

ALISONThe book. Its one of my favorites.

EZRAI read it every summer.

ALISONWhats better to read than Tender is the Night while sunning in the French Riviera?

29.

BACK TO PRESENT

Aria runs her fingers over the cursive letters.

ARIA(under her breath)

Ali.

She tears open the envelope.

The inside of the card reads in harsh red lettering: Watch out, Aria. Her distance makes his heart grow fonder. But dont worry, Im all yours. --A

Aria shoves the card in her purse and bolts from the room.

INT. ROSEWOOD HOSPITAL - ICU HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

Aria searches for the nurse within the sea of people flowing from one room to the next. She spots her scribbling on her clipboard and approaches her.

ARIAExcuse me, hi, um...

(holds up the card)Can you tell me who dropped this off?

NURSEThey wanted to remain anonymous.

Aria deflates.

NURSE (CONTD)Pretty hair, though.

The nurse walks away. Aria watches her go, eyes wide.

INT. THE BREW - DAY

Hanna stands in line to order coffee. DETECTIVE HOLBROOK walks in. Hanna smiles at first but then turns her back to the door. Holbrook spies her immediately.

DETECTIVE HOLBROOKHanna?

Hanna turns.

HANNADetective Holbrook!

30.

DETECTIVE HOLBROOKCall me Gabe. Youre just the person I wanted to see.

Hanna cant help but smile.

HANNAI am?

DETECTIVE HOLBROOKDid you hear about what happened last night?

Hanna gives him a clueless look.

DETECTIVE HOLBROOK (CONTD)We shouldnt talk about this here. Do you want to take a walk?

Hanna is torn.

HANNAYes.

DETECTIVE HOLBROOKGreat.

HANNAI mean, I want to, but I cant. Not today.

Holbrook moves closer to Hanna.

DETECTIVE HOLBROOKI normally wouldnt ask you, but its pretty urgent.

HANNAOkay, ten minutes tops?

DETECTIVE HOLBROOKNot a second more.

INT. HASTINGS RESIDENCE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

Melissa and Veronica sit on the couch and TALK in HUSHED TONES. PETER stands by the fireplace. Spencer apprehensively enters from the stairs. She eyes Peter.

PETERSpencer! You look chipper today.

31.

SPENCERIs this about Mrs. DiLaurentis?

VERONICATake a seat, Spencer. We have a lot to discuss.

Spencer sits on the edge of the couch. Melissa turns to face her.

MELISSAYou look better.

(to Peter)Mindy was a good choice, Dad.

SPENCERIs that why Im here? So you can tell me I look slightly less like an addict than I did last week?

VERONICASpencer, dont be rude to your sister.

MELISSAIts okay, Mom. Shes been under a lot of stress.

SPENCERWell, Im glad we had this talk.

Spencer moves to stand up.

PETERWe received some troubling news today.

SPENCERYeah, Mom told me.

MELISSANot Mrs. DiLaurentis. Its about Jason.

SPENCERJason?

VERONICAAt 6:05 am this morning, his car was found at the bottom of the Hampton River. Since your father is now his closest family member, we were the first to be notified.

32.

SPENCERWait, what?

PETERJason was driving the car. Hes gone, Spencer. Jasons dead.

MELISSAI know how hard this is for you to hear, especially now.

Spencer leaps up from the couch.

SPENCERNo! Jasons not dead, hes not even in Virginia!

VERONICASpencer, he had his wallet in his pocket. The photo on his drivers license was a perfect match.

PETERIm flying down to Virginia tomorrow to I.D. the body, just in case.

SPENCERGood, because it isnt him. I saw him last night! I talked to him!

Veronica stands.

VERONICALast night? Where were you last night?

SPENCERI...thats not the point!

PETERWe want to be here for you, Spencer. But we cant do that if you wont tell us the truth.

SPENCERMe? Youre the one whos lying. Jason is alive. But I bet you wish he were gone. Hes a giant crack in your squeaky clean windshield.

Spencer storms upstairs.

33.

EXT. ROSEWOOD - STREET - DAY

Hanna and Holbrook walk along the sidewalk past various shops and restaurants, laughing like old friends.

HANNAThe scene after the bank robbery, when The Mastermind sends that message that everyone died because of some crucial mistake? I read it fives times over and it still gives me nightmares.

DETECTIVE HOLBROOKAnd yet The Mastermind is your favorite character. Pretty sure thats against the rules.

HANNAHey, rules dont apply when it comes to James Patterson.

DETECTIVE HOLBROOKFair enough. If you liked this, you should read Four Blind Mice.

Hannas PHONE DINGS. She glances at the screen.

Phone screen reads: TO: YOU, ARIA, EMILY. FROM: SPENCER: Jasons up to something. Talk later.

HANNAHey, about Mrs. DiLaurentis, thanks for telling me in person.

DETECTIVE HOLBROOKI know how close you were with that family.

Holbrook stops and faces Hanna.

DETECTIVE HOLBROOK (CONTD)One more thing.

HANNAOkay.

DETECTIVE HOLBROOKWe have CeCe Drake in custody. She claims to know who killed the girl everyone thought was your friend Alison.

34.

Holbrook scans Hannas face for a reaction. Hanna tries to keep her cool.

HANNAWho does she think did it?

DETECTIVE HOLBROOKCeCes a tricky one. She likes to play games, kind of like The Mastermind.

Hanna looks uneasy. She is no longer having a good time.

HANNAWhy are you telling me this?

DETECTIVE HOLBROOKWell, she mentioned your name. She said you would know something.

HANNAMe?

Holbrooks PAGER BEEPS.

DETECTIVE HOLBROOKI have to meet someone. Thank you for indulging me.

HANNAYeah! No problem.

Holbrook starts to walk away but calls out over his shoulder:

DETECTIVE HOLBROOKAlways a pleasure!

Hanna smiles, but her smile fades as Holbrook continues walking.

INT. HASTINGS RESIDENCE - SPENCERS ROOM - DAY

Spencer sits on the floor on the far side of the room and leans against the bed. She talks quietly on the phone.

SPENCER(on the phone)

She was one step away from tucking me into bed last night.

35.

EXT. ROSEWOOD - STREET - DAY

Dean walks with a purpose, weaving through shoppers on the sidewalk.

DEAN(on the phone)

Thats cute.

INTERCUT - TELEPHONE CONVERSATION BETWEEN SPENCER AND DEAN

SPENCERIt is not cute. Shes a black widow and Im a bug caught in her web.

DEANWell Im glad to see you havent lost your knack for generating gruesome analogies.

SPENCERI am a gruesome analogy. Spencer Hastings: ticking time bomb.

DEANOnly if you dont do what Mindy tells you.

SPENCERBut--

DEANListen, Spencer. I know you like to do your own thing, but your current sponsor knows whats best for you. The more you play by the rules, the higher the chances the cravings will stop.

VERONICA (O.S.)Spencer, lunch!

SPENCERI have to go.

DEANGive em Hell.

(hangs up)

END INTERCUT

36.

INT. HASTINGS RESIDENCE - SPENCERS ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Spencer tosses the phone under her comforter.

INT. THE GRILLE - DAY

Dean arrives at a sophisticated restaurant and scans the room. Holbrook stands from one of the tables nearby.

DETECTIVE HOLBROOK Dean, thanks for meeting me.

Dean sits across the table from Holbrook.

DEAN I have the info on Spencer.

INT. ROSEWOOD HOSPITAL - ICU ROOM - DAY

Aria and Wes sit by Ezras side as he sleeps. Aria alters her gaze from machine to machine like shes watching a tennis match.

WESAria, hes stabilized.

ARIAThen why is he still asleep?

WESIm no doctor, but my guess would be the painkillers.

ARIARight.

(beat)You would know.

WESHm?

ARIAWell he must have slept like a baby after being mistaken for wild game.

Wes laughs but is taken aback.

WESOkay, you dont repeat that story, and Ill keep quiet about you running headfirst into a pole and naming it Dolores.

37.

ARIAI did that?

WESOh, so you remember my embarrassing stories but not your own.

Aria smiles. She and Wes lock eyes for a long moment. MACHINES BEEP. Aria is the first to look away. She glances at the clock, then at the door, then back at the clock.

WES (CONTD)I know youre worried about Ezra, but youre one head spin away from checking in here yourself.

ARIAYeah, Ive got a lot on my mind.

(beat)I should have brought something to read. It calms my nerves.

Wes reaches into his backpack and pulls out a copy of The Awakening.

ARIA (CONTD)You like Kate Chopin?

WESKind of girly, I know.

ARIANo! Thats one of my favorites.

Wes hands the book to Aria. She flips through the pages.

ARIA (CONTD)You really are a Fitz.

She runs her fingers over a sticky note.

ARIA (CONTD)Why did you bookmark this page?

Wes peers over Arias shoulders at the book.

WESThats when Edna comes back to her house.

ARIAAnd she finds out Robert is gone.

(beat)

38.

(MORE)

That was the only scene deserving of a sticky note?

Wes gently takes the book back from Aria.

WESRobert is a pretty motivational guy. Maybe if he had shaken off his social ties, his wife would still be alive.

Moment. A long, silent second is interrupted by the QUICKENED BEEPING of Ezras HEART MONITOR.

The nurse enters and adjusts a few tubes. Ezra rustles on the bed. Aria and Wes exchange glances. Ezra slowly opens his eyes. Aria leans in close to him.

ARIAHey.

Ezra opens his mouth to speak but his words are caught in his throat.

ARIA (CONTD)You dont have to talk.

(moves to the side)Wes is here, too.

WESHey, brother.

ARIAEzra, I am so s--

EZRA(faintly)

Alison.

Arias face falls. Ezra looks directly at her.

EZRA (CONTD)Alison.

ARIAShes gone now. You dont have to worry about her anymore.

Ezra strokes Arias cheek.

EZRAAlison. I missed you.

39.

ARIA (CONT'D)

Its like Ezra is pumping ice into Arias veins. All the color drains from her face. She is in shock.

INT. HASTINGS RESIDENCE - SPENCERS ROOM - DAY

Spencer enters her room and heads straight for the bed. She runs her hand underneath the comforter. Her brow crinkles as she lifts up the comforter. No phone. She bends down and scans under the bed, then checks the comforter again.

As she works herself into a tizzy, something on the far side of the room catches her eye. The window is half open. As she moves closer, it is revealed that the nails have been ripped out of the wooden frame.

Spencer rushes to her dresser and checks the secret cubby. The rock is gone. In its place is a typed note. Spencer picks up the note with a shaking hand.

Note reads: You like murder mysteries, Spence. Want to solve this one? Heres a clue: Next time you dig up the weapon, wear gloves. --A.

In a fit of anger, Spencer crinkles the paper into a ball and chucks it at the dresser. She is at her wits end.

INT. ROSEWOOD HOSPITAL - ICU ROOM - DAY

ANONYMOUS FIGURE POV: We see a black-gloved hand open the door to Ezras hospital room. Ezra is sound asleep. MACHINES BEEP. The figure moves toward the IV stand next to Ezras bed.

CLOSE ON: Two gloved hands remove the current tube of medicine flowing into the IV and replace it with a different, but seemingly identical tube. Off of the replaced IV medication we SMASH CUT TO BLACK.

END OF SHOW

40.