Page 3

INT. BURROWS’ OFFICE – EARLY MORNING

Burrows shuts the door once Stryker is inside.

With Stryker uncomfortably standing there, Burrows walks around his desk and sits in a chair that looks as weary as Burrows himself.

CAPTAIN BURROWS

Please.

Burrows gestures for Stryker to take a seat, which he reluctantly does.

Burrows is the first to break the silence.

CAPTAIN BURROWS

Don’t let Ryder get to you. We all know David’s death wasn’t your fault.

STRYKER

I know.

(changes subject)

Why have you called me in here, sir?

CAPTAIN BURROWS

I heard the autopsy report is in.

STRYKER

Just like the other two victims.  Strangled. Strung from the ceiling. No latents. No hair fibers. They did find some trace evidence, particles possibly dirt or spores of some kind.

CAPTAIN BURROWS

Spores?

STRYKER

Forensics is in the middle of analyzing them as we speak.

Burrows carefully regards Stryker.

CAPTAIN BURROWS

So, how are you doing?

STRYKER

I’m doing fine.

CAPTAIN BURROWS

Are you sure? I can’t have you going around fighting everybody in the department.

STRYKER

But I…

CAPTAIN BURROWS

Please, let me finish. Everybody has been affected by David’s death, especially Ryder out there.

Stryker looks tormented.

CAPTAIN BURROWS

This is turning into a high profile case. I need you completely focused and functioning at 100%.

STRYKER

I’ve always given you 100%, sir.

CAPTAIN BURROWS

You used to give me 100%. You’ve been withdrawn and distracted since David’s death.

(changes subject)

You will let me know once forensics is finished analyzing those particles.

STRYKER

Yes, sir.

Stryker looks as if he wants to say something, but is reserved in doing so.

CAPTAIN BURROWS

Is there anything else?

STRYKER

I…

(hesitant)

I’ve hit a wall, sir.

CAPTAIN BURROWS

You? I find that hard to believe.

STRYKER

We have a serial killer on our hands and I have absolutely nothing to go on. No motive. No suspect. No evidence.

CAPTAIN BURROWS

Does this have to do with David’s death?

We can see by the look on Stryker’s face that the words hurt.

STRYKER

No sir.

CAPTAIN BURROWS

You’re a good detective. We both know that.

Stryker slightly nods his head in agreement.

STRYKER

This has nothing to do with David. I have no evidence to profile the killer.

(slight beat)

I was wondering. A friend of mine is a profiler for the FBI. I honestly think she could help us on this case.

CAPTAIN BURROWS

Does she have that kind of time to help us?

[ Continue to page 4 ]