NORTHSTAR .1 INT. POLICE STATION/INTERROGATION ROOM ...

NORTHSTAR .1

INT. POLICE STATION/INTERROGATION ROOM - NIGHT

DETECTIVE PATRICK MILES, sits slumped over, smoking a
cigarette, he has a look that has been through hell and back,
flashes of light seem to surround him as he takes a drag from
his cigarette.

We finally reveal the rest of the interrogation room, a few
feet from him a body is covered, blood seeping through the
blanket, as Forensic investigators take samples.

Above the area on the wall brain and blood splatter.

DETECTIVE MILES (V.O.)
This is a mess, I still can't
believe this, it has to be a bad
dream, how the hell could this
shit have happened...

We move over slowly as the photographer continue taking
pictures, as another detective moves over to the side, to
reveal a beautiful STRAWBERRY RED HAIRED GIRL, a chair is
thrown to one side, her face a perfect serenity, her eyes
wide open in shock, on her forehead a bullet hole, laying on
the floor behind her head a large pool of blood.

DETECTIVE MILES (V.O.)
(continuing)
So many people dead, where could
I have gone wrong? What could I
have done to prevent this?

On the wall the remnants of her tissues and blood are smeared
across.

The photographer takes another picture.

DETECTIVE MILES (V.O.)
(continuing)
Maybe if start from the beginning
all of this could make sense.
Yeah, the beginning...

The photographer takes one more picture, as the white flash
fills the screen.

INT. BAR - NIGHT

We reveal a small bar, sitting are a few patrons, a couple of
older men, two of them chatting with each other.

As we move along we finally reach Detective Miles sitting by
himself, he takes a sip of his drink as he observes a barmaid
talking to a patron, she slips a bill into his pocket, as she
takes out with the same move a small bag and quickly hides it
under her tray in her hand.

NORTHSTAR .2

Detective Miles shakes his head, another man approaches his
side returning from the bathroom, DETECTIVE GERALD STAFFORD,
a short stub of a man, with a reckless behavior.

The barmaid turns and smiles towards Detective Stafford. Then
makes her way towards the bar. The barmaid approaches the
area where the two are sitting, stops for a moment, leans in
and whispers something in Stafford's ear, as her hand places
itself on the crotch area of his lap.

She turns and looks towards Miles, who simply stays looking
at her seriously, she gives him a look over and walks away
towards the back bathroom, where Stafford had just returned
from.

STAFFORD
I'll be right back.

DETECTIVE MILES
What a waste.

Miles has this look on his face, as he turns towards the bar
keeper.

DETECTIVE MILES
(continuing)
Can I get another beer, Angel?

ANGEL (O.S.)
You got it.

Detective Miles lights up another cigarette, as he takes a
drag his pager goes off.

He quickly takes a look at it as he frowns.

DETECTIVE MILES
Aw, fuck.

Angel brings him the beer, as Miles pulls out some cash and
drops it on the counter and takes a quick long sip of his
beer, then places the glass down.

DETECTIVE MILES
(continuing)
Hey, Angel can you do me a favor
and dump this for a cup of coffee
to go please, I'll be right back
to pick it up.

ANGEL (O.S.)
Sure thing Pat.

NORTHSTAR .3

Miles turns and makes his way to the bathroom in the back, he
does not look happy, as he reaches the door.

INT. BAR/BATHROOM - CONTINUING

Miles opens the door to the bathroom, and looks to the right
at one of the closed toilets.

From underneath you can see the barmaid is on her knees
standing in front of her leaning on the door of the toilet
stall you can see Stafford's feet. You can hear the sucking
sound of a blow job being performed

Miles has a look of disgust.

DETECTIVE MILES
Hey, Staff we gotta go.

STAFFORD
Yeah, shit, sorry babe.

We hear the zipper being pulled up as a couple of twenty
dollar bills fall on the floor next to Stafford's feet.

STAFFORD
(continuing)
Aw shit, I'm so sorry honey.

CRYSTAL
Don't sweat it pumpkin.

The door opens as Stafford walks over and quickly washes his
hands, then begins to walk out of the bathroom, passing
Miles.

DETECTIVE MILES
If you hadn't washed your hands,
I swear I was gonna shoot your ass.

Miles nods as he closes the door to the bathroom behind him.

EXT. CHURCH ALLEY - CONTINUING

An unmarked car pulls up to a patrol vehicle parked next to
a church.

Miles and Stafford exit as Miles looks up he makes the sign
of the cross, and says something softly in latin.

DETECTIVE MILES
(in the Latin

language "God bless
my soul")
Deus beatus meus animus.

NORTHSTAR .4

STAFFORD
I still say you should've been a
priest.

DETECTIVE MILES
(in Latin again,

"Lord please forgive
this fat idiot for
his ignorance")
Senior commodo indulgeo is pinguis
idiot pro suus ignarus.

They make their way towards a garbage dump area.

An officer notices the Detectives making their way towards
them.

DETECTIVE MILES
(continuing)
What have you got Mike?

OFFICER MIKE
We have a John Doe, no
identification, possible O.D.

They get closer and notice the man's pants waist is slightly
opened, his belt is off and wrapped around his left arm.

DETECTIVE MILES

Hmmm.

STAFFORD

What?

POLICE OFFICER # 1 (O.S.)
Sir, I think we found something.

They all turn and move towards the other officer and begin
walking over to see.

Miles throws one more look back towards the victim as he
turns and catches up to the rest of them.

The officer shines a flashlight under one of the garbage
bins, as Detective Miles gets closer we see the object of
their attention.

Strewn on the ground a STRAWBERRY RED COLORED CONDOM.

STAFFORD
Kinky, looks like someone had some
fun.

NORTHSTAR .5

DETECTIVE MILES
Ten to one that came from our John
Doe.

Stafford leans in and takes a better look at the condom.

EXTREME CLOSE ON CONDOM

It looks very clean and very new.

STAFFORD
I'll be damned, it was just used.

DETECTIVE MILES
As soon as forensics arrives make
sure they test that first, I want
to know who used that immediately,
if there was a girl on the other
end of that I want to know who she
is.

OFFICER MIKE
Yes Sir.

They turn to walk away, as an ambulance approaches and parks
behind them.

Miles waves them back, to indicate they are leaving.

STAFFORD
Are we leaving?

DETECTIVE MILES
No I'm just gonna move the car so
the PM's can do their job, then we
are going to go and have a chat
with God.

Miles throws a look back at the church.

INT. CHURCH/FOYER - CONTINUING

The two Detectives are waiting in the foyer.

Detective Miles, stays contemplating a painted portrait of
Saint Michael slaying the Serpent.

Detective Stafford, looks at old BLACK & WHITE framed picture
of a young boy dressed for a first communion.

Detective Stafford takes a closer look at the picture then
turns and throws a glance towards Detective Miles.

NORTHSTAR .6

STAFFORD
No....it can't be?

DETECTIVE MILES
Did my first communion here.

STAFFORD
That's wild.

Stafford takes out a cigarette and just as he gets ready to
light it as he throws another look towards Miles, who nods
"NO."

Stafford puts the cigarette away as a Priest enters the
chamber.

Detective Miles smiles as he sees the Priest.

DETECTIVE MILES
Father CASIANO.

The two men hug.

FATHER CASIANO
My child prodigy.

DETECTIVE MILES
Sorry to have awakened you so late.

FATHER CASIANO
If this is the only way to get you
back to visit me and the church,
I will not mind at all, now what
can I do for you?

DETECTIVE MILES
Have you noticed any thing unusual
in the area lately?

FATHER CASIANO
Nothing out of the norm. Not
really. Why do you ask?

DETECTIVE MILES
We just found a body near the
dumpster behind the church.

FATHER CASIANO
I heard the sirens but didn't
think much of it, with all that
goes on in the city, if it didn't
happen in the front steps I myself
would never know. Was it another
mugging?

NORTHSTAR .7

DETECTIVE MILES
Still looking into it, possible
drug over dose.

FATHER CASIANO

I see.

DETECTIVE MILES
Figured I asked you first,
since...you know...since I know
you and the history of this old
building. Just wanted to make
sure you were ok.

FATHER CASIANO
That is why I hold you in such
high esteem my son.

(he looks towards
Stafford)

Did you I ever tell you that he
was an alter boy here, then became
my lecturer and reader.

STAFFORD
(smiling)
More than once, Father.

FATHER CASIANO
He could have been anything he
wanted, I of course wanted him to
join me in the priesthood, but
alas his heart was playing cops
and robbers.

There is an uncomfortable silence between them as Father
Casiano realized what he has just done.

FATHER CASIANO
(continuing)
Come walk with me while I make my
rounds.

Father Casiano takes Miles by the arm, and begins walking out
towards the main hall.

INT. CHURCH/MAIN HALL - CONTINUING

As they walk down the isle.

FATHER CASIANO
I need you to do me a favor my son.

DETECTIVE MILES
What is it?

NORTHSTAR .8

FATHER CASIANO
A new parishioner approached me a
couple of days ago and asked me to
help her find her daughter.

DETECTIVE MILES
I don't work runaways Father. I
can give the name of someone in my
precinct.

FATHER CASIANO
I know, I know, but this is a
little delicate, if I had called
the police, well, you know, these
people are afraid that they would
be reported to the INS.

STAFFORD
Illegal?

FATHER CASIANO
Sadly yes, and you know how
fearful they are of anything or
anyone with authority approaching
and asking questions, so I figured
I could ask you to do this favor
for me, quietly.

They reach the main doors.

DETECTIVE MILES
I'll do what I can.

FATHER CASIANO
Thank you my son, I knew you would
understand, do you have a piece of
paper.

Stafford takes out his small note book and hands it to Father
Casiano with his pen.

As he begins writing some information down.

FATHER CASIANO
(continuing)
This is the girl's name and
address, I will call her mother to
let her know that you will be
visiting them.

He finishes it off, and tearing carefully the paper hands it
to Miles, then passes the notebook back to Stafford.

NORTHSTAR .9

FATHER CASIANO
(continuing; to

Stafford)
Thank you.

STAFFORD
You're welcome.

EXT. CHURCH - CONTINUING

Miles and Stafford walk away from the church as Detective
Miles tries to get a better look at the address, and then
places it into his right breast jacket pocket.

STAFFORD
You calling FRANK on this one?

DETECTIVE MILES
Yeah, maybe, hey you got any plans
for Sunday?

STAFFORD
Not that I know of?

DETECTIVE MILES
God Son's birthday, if you got
nothing going on, you're more than
welcome to join us.

Detective Miles lights up another smoke, as Stafford does the
same.

STAFFORD
At Ben's? What time?

DETECTIVE MILES
Any time after three.

STAFFORD
Can I bring a date?

DETECTIVE MILES
As long as it's not that girl from
Angel's it's ok.

STAFFORD
You don't like her very much do
you?

DETECTIVE MILES
You think? Now let's go see if
they found anything else.

NORTHSTAR .10

They walk away from the steps of the church. As Stafford's
phone goes off, he takes it out and looks at the panel, then
throws a quick look towards Miles.

STAFFORD
(no too happy)
It's my ex, let me get this.

DETECTIVE MILES
I swear I get to hear more about
the ex, then when she was with
you, and I never met her, I'll
wait for you in the car.

Stafford answers the phone, as he turns and walks away.

STAFFORD
What the fuck you want now?

INT. MILES APARTMENT - LATER

He is sitting on a couch in front of the television, with a
can of beer in his hand, his eyes glazed over as he blinks
trying to keep them open. He places the can down after
taking the last sip, then takes a puff from his cigarette, he
turns off the tv with the remote. Kills the cigarette, and
covering his mouth he yawns exhausted, he leans his head back
and closes his eyes.

EXT. BACK YARD/PARTY - AFTERNOON

It's a small private party, some kids are gathering around a
birthday cake as a young boy ISAIAH ECHEVARRIA, blows out the
candles.

The Echevarria's are well dressed, BEN is in a very sharp
Navy Blue Pin Stripe suit, they seem to be in a good income
of sorts, Ben and ELIZABETH are Miles's best friend.

INT. BACK YARD/PARTY - LATER

Ben is grabbing a beer from the bar, as Miles approaches him
from behind, putting a hand on his shoulder.

DETECTIVE MILES
Nice suit.

BEN
(turning)
It's an Andrew Fezza, you like?
I can get you one for your
birthday?

NORTHSTAR .11

DETECTIVE MILES
Nah, way too flashy for me. I
would look like a pimp in the
precinct.

Ben starts to laugh.

BEN
You know, you're funny fucker when
you don't want to be.

Ben reaches over and grabs another beer.

BEN
(continuing)
Here have a beer instead.

DETECTIVE MILES
Now you're talking bro!

They touch bottles.

BEN
Here's to twelve years of
friendship.

DETECTIVE MILES
And to all the bitches we laid in
college, before we ever got
married.

BEN
(taking a sip)
Speak for yourself. I kept my
princess.

DETECTIVE MILES
Excuse me if I don't puke all over
your nice duds bro!

They laugh Ben puts his arm around Miles as they begin
walking away together.

BEN
I can't help it if I'm still
married. Hey if you want I can
still hook you up with Nancy?

DETECTIVE MILES
(Miles shakes)
Uuummmm, no thanks, I can't afford
her. But thanks anyway.

Ben and Miles look up to see Elizabeth. Who waves to Ben.

NORTHSTAR .12

ELIZABETH
Honey, I need you for a second
please.

BEN
Duty calls.

DETECTIVE MILES
See ya, and I wouldn't wanna be ya.

Ben turns and punches him in the stomach lightly.

BEN
You dick!

DETECTIVE MILES
I know you are, but what am I?

Ben walks away and turns to get off one more.

BEN

Dick.

DETECTIVE MILES
I know you are, but what am I?

He makes a face as Ben flashes him the finger, you can tell
by the way Ben's walking away, he looks a little too happy
from the beers.

Miles simply smiles as he takes another sip from his bottle
he turns and sees Stafford entering with a present in hand.

Stafford looks across as Miles holds up his beer towards him.
Stafford nods as makes his way through.

EXT. BACK YARD/PARTY - LATER

In the background we can see Miles, Stafford, Ben and
Elizabeth Echevarria.

DETECTIVE MILES
Can't believe how fast this kid
has grown.

BEN
It would be nice if you showed up
more often. Yeah the kid's
growing fast.

DETECTIVE MILES
I don't have the time or the money
like you guys do.

(more)

NORTHSTAR .13

DETECTIVE MILES (cont'd)
You see, the two of you work, I
have to deal with everything alone.

(Pat throws Stafford
a look)

No offense.

STAFFORD
Non taken.

ELIZABETH
Any interesting cases Pat?

DETECTIVE MILES
Nah, same ol' same ol', dead
people and crime.

Elizabeth turns to see another family member approaching them
with a camera. Her COUSIN NANCY, she has money written all
over, beautiful, sexy and very femme fatale, with BLACK RAVEN
HAIR.

COUSIN NANCY
Smile for the camera.

They pose, as the picture is being taken. FLASH. Nancy
smiles.

COUSIN NANCY
(continuing)
Thanks.

Just as she is about to turn. Miles goes into his pants
pocket.

DETECTIVE MILES
Nancy, can you do me a favor and
take one with my camera.

He pulls out a cheap-o-disposable.

BEN
Jeez, with your salary I thought
you could at least afford
something better?

DETECTIVE MILES
Don't knock it, by the way did I
ever tell you I love your suit?

BEN
Kissing your best friend's ass,
isn't going to change a damn thing.

NORTHSTAR .14

STAFFORD
Jesus. Don't tell me that's the
same camera from the beach?

DETECTIVE MILES
You know what? Just shut the fuck
up and smile, I've got to finish
this roll.

Nancy takes a picture as they pose again.

DETECTIVE MILES
(continuing)
Should have one more left mind if
we take another?

Nancy looks at the camera.

COUSIN NANCY
No, you actually three more shots
here.

DETECTIVE MILES
Cool, just one more the rest are
for Isaiah.

BEN
Nancy, get in the picture.

COUSIN NANCY

Okay.

Nancy grabs a guest walking by passing him the camera and
instructing him. She quickly moves between Ben and Elizabeth
as the guest takes the picture.

DETECTIVE MILES
Cheese boogers.

Elizabeth sees to her left some more guest has just arrived.

ELIZABETH
Excuse me boys.

Elizabeth turns and walks away.

Miles takes the camera and puts it back into his pocket.

DETECTIVE MILES
Thanks.

Nancy follows Elizabeth.

NORTHSTAR .15

STAFFORD
(watching Nancy walk

away)
Um, um, ummmmm, that Nancy is
looking more delicious every day.

The three of them look at her.

DETECTIVE MILES
How long now Ben?

BEN
Twelve years, can you believe it?

DETECTIVE MILES
They still work together?

BEN
Yeah, still with the import export
stuff. Nancy now handles all the
overseas accounts and Elizabeth is
in another department, handling
invoices.

(beat to Miles)
Hey I'm going fishing again, you
want to help me with the bait?

Miles gives him a dirty look.

DETECTIVE MILES
You know what? You fucking suck.

He walks away pissed as Ben starts to laugh.

STAFFORD
What was that all about?

BEN
He suffers from motion sickness.
Last time we went fishing, we went
so far out on the way back he was
puking up a storm, literally
feeding every fish from the sea to
the mainland, man he was sick for
days.

Stafford nods his head slightly laughing.

STAFFORD
Oh, that's sad.

He takes a sip as they observe, Miles speaking with Isaiah,
as he pulls out the camera from his pocket.

NORTHSTAR .16

He brings the camera up and hugging Isaiah they both laugh
and make a face at the camera as he takes the quick picture.

Miles notices that his beer is empty, he gets up and as he
reaches the table he hears a small argument breaking
somewhere in the back around the corner of the house, the cop
in him couldn't resist, as he slowly, with beer in hand takes
a peak.

We see Nancy and Stafford in a heated argument, they stop
when they sensed someone approaching.

DETECTIVE MILES
What's going on?

They look at him. Nancy throws Stafford a dirty look.

COUSIN NANCY
Nothing.

She turns and walks away, as she passes Miles, she pauses
next to Miles.

COUSIN NANCY
(continuing)
You should teach your friend here
some etiquette. Excuse me.

She turns and walks away.

DETECTIVE MILES
What the fuck was that all about?

Stafford smiles as he reaches Miles and puts his arm around
him.

STAFFORD
Just like she said, nothing. Come
on we're missing the party.

He walks away as Miles gives him a curious look.

EXT. APARTMENT COMPLEX - DAY

Detective Miles pulls over to the curb as both men exit the
vehicle. Then begin walking up to the building.

STAFFORD
I still think you shouldn't get
involved with this, we still have
a homicide to solve.

NORTHSTAR .17

DETECTIVE MILES
At least let me find out what's
going on, if it's too complicated
I'll pass it on to Frank, ok?

They make it to the door as Stafford opens the door and holds
it for Miles to walk in.

DETECTIVE MILES
(continuing)
Thanks.

Stafford nods and follows him inside.

INT. GRISELLE'S APARTMENT - CONTINUING

Inside a very attractive mature woman RUBY MARQUEZ, opens the
door.

DETECTIVE MILES
Hi, I'm Detective Miles, this is
Detective Stafford, I'm here to
speak to Griselle.

RUBY
Yes come right in, I'm her niece
Ruby.

They nod as they follow her inside the corridor of the hall.

They walk into an apartment that is so ethnically enriched in
LATIN FLAVOR, even the plastic covered couches with the
knitted and needle pointed table covers.

RUBY
(continuing)
Have a seat, please. Would you
officers like some coffee?

STAFFORD
Yes, black for me please, no sugar.

DETECTIVE MILES
(In Spanish: I want

the same)
Lo mismo para mi.

RUBY
(impressed)
Didn't know you spoke Spanish, que
sorpressa. I'll be right back.

She smiles as she turns and walks away.

NORTHSTAR .18

As soon as Ruby is out of frame.

STAFFORD
(softly to Miles)
Show off.

Miles discreetly displays a middle finger towards Stafford.

Ruby walks back into the room with a heavy set lady in an
apron.

RUBY
Gentleman, this is my Aunt
Griselle.

(to Griselle: Auntie
these are friends of
Father Casiano, this
one speaks spanish)

Tia estos son los amigos del Padre
Casiano. Este habla espanol.

GRISELLE
(thank you, Sir,

Thank you)
Gracias, senor, gracias.

Miles looks over to Stafford, who takes out his notebook.

DETECTIVE MILES
Please forgive me if I have to ask
you some questions in English,
only because my partner here
doesn't understand and two heads
think better than one.

Aunt Griselle gives him a look then throws a glance towards
Ruby.

RUBY
Of course.

(to Griselle: They
are going to ask
questions in english
because the other
officer doesn't
understand spanish)

Ellos te van hacer unas preguntas,
la razon que hablan en ingles es
por el otro que no entiende el
espanol.

Aunt Griselle nods yes in understanding.

NORTHSTAR .19

DETECTIVE MILES
Do you have a picture of the
missing girl.

RUBY
Yes.

(to Griselle: Auntie
give the photo)

Titi, denme la foto.

She takes out a picture of a young very attractive girl.

Suddenly Griselle starts to cry.

DETECTIVE MILES
I'm sorry I can come back another
time.

She hands the picture to him.

RUBY
No, she needs to find out.

They both take a look at the picture.

DETECTIVE MILES
She's very pretty, what's her name?

RUBY
Charito.

DETECTIVE MILES
How old is she?

RUBY
Sixteen.

DETECTIVE MILES
How long has she been gone?

RUBY
About, two weeks.

DETECTIVE MILES
Are there any other family members
she could gone to, a friend, a
boyfriend maybe?

RUBY
She has an uncle that lives in
another state, he was the first
person we called, she hasn't
spoken to them in a while and she
hasn't shown up there yet.

NORTHSTAR .20

Miles nods.

RUBY
(continuing)
She was seeing a boy in school, we
don't know much about this boy and
we were afraid to contact the
police...

Miles putting up a hand.

DETECTIVE MILES
I know, it's okay, do you have any
Idea who this boy is?

RUBY
(thinking: Auntie

what is that boy's
name?)
Titi, como se llama ese muchacho?

GRISELLE
(Julio, it's all I

know)
Julio, es lo unico que se.

Miles nods in understanding.

DETECTIVE MILES
Do you have any idea where can I
find this Julio?

RUBY
One of Charito's class mates told
us that he hangs out with a group
of guys at the Highland school
yard.

STAFFORD
I know where that is.

DETECTIVE MILES
Thanks for your help.

They turn around and begin walking towards the door, as Ruby
leads them out.

INT. GRISELLE'S APARTMENT/HALLWAY - CONTINUING

Stafford begins walking down the hall, as Miles turns to face
Ruby.

NORTHSTAR .21

DETECTIVE MILES
We'll let you know of anything we
find.

RUBY
Thank you for your help.

(she looks at his
card)

Is it alright to call you if
something comes up?

DETECTIVE MILES
(smiling)
Yes, of course you can call me
anytime, let me give you my phone
number just in case.

He takes the card and writes a number on the back, then hands
it back to her.

She looks at the number.

RUBY
Thank you. Maybe you'd like to
join us for dinner sometime, if
your wife doesn't mind?

DETECTIVE MILES
Divorced. But yeah, maybe I will,
thank you. Bye.

RUBY
Good-bye Detective Miles.

She closes the door behind him as Miles looks up and sees
Stafford waiting impatiently.

STAFFORD
What was that all about?

DETECTIVE MILES
Nothing.

(beat)
Let's go talk to this kid.

EXT. HIGHLAND YARD - LATER

A group of kids are playing basketball, suddenly they stop
playing as one of the kids nods towards the two Detectives
walking their direction.

JULIO PEREZ, a young good looking teen turns and sees them.

NORTHSTAR .22

JULIO
I gotta go.

He starts walking away.

Stafford sees one of the boys walking away quickly.

STAFFORD
Shit.

(yelling out)
JULIO!

The kid takes off running.

DETECTIVE MILES
Aww shit.

They both take off after him.

As they run through the yard and out to the street.

EXT. STREETS - CONTINUING

Julio almost gets hit by a car as he stops, and almost gets
run over by another car.

By the time Stafford and Miles make it out to the street,
he's nowhere to be seen.

STAFFORD
Son of a bitch.

DETECTIVE MILES
(seriously thinking)
Don't worry we'll find him.

Suddenly the radio goes off.

DISPATCH (O.S.)
Dispatch to Miles, come in please.
Over.

DETECTIVE MILES
This is Miles.

DISPATCH (O.S.)
You have a 10-40. Do you want me
to patch it through. Over.

DETECTIVE MILES
Yes, copy.

His cell phone rings.