Chapter 16 (The Wrath of Francis)

Chapter 16 (The Wrath of Francis) is the sixteenth and final chapter of The Clearwood Murders: Episode I - The Wrath of Francis and the sixteenth chapter of the overall Clearwood series. It was written by Donald Newton and was published on June 25, 2020.

Plot
Survivors must either move on or prepare for a second wave.

Full Chapter
EXT. CEMETARY - DAY

Scott and Andrew stand over the graves of their friends who they've lost as a narrator speaks over the scene.

NARRATOR: It's been a few weeks since the murders ended. Andrew and Scott's friendship is stronger than ever. Iris has made a full recovery and continues to be part of their group, which they shall reestablish with new people. They mourn the loss of their friends; Alice, Cassie, Oscar, Chuck, Cheri, and Jeremy. Scott wants to mourn Melina. But it's painful knowing that she was the one responsible for it all.

Andrew and Scott walk over to Lorraine, who is standing over a grave. It's Keith's grave.

SCOTT: (to Lorraine) You okay?

LORRAINE: I don't know. I'm trying to be. My biggest regret is cheating on him. I wish I could take that back.

As the three stand there, a YOUNG GUY (17) approaches Keith's grave.

YOUNG GUY: Excuse me.

The Young Guy places flowers on Keith's grave and stands there with the trio. Andrew, Scott, and Lorraine are curious about this guy. He looks exactly like Keith except he's younger, taller, skinnier, and has longer hair.

SCOTT: You knew Keith?

YOUNG GUY: Yeah. He was my brother.

LORRAINE: I'm Lorraine...Keith was my boyfriend.

KEITH'S BROTHER: I know. He told me all about you. It's nice to finally meet you.

SCOTT: I'm Scott.

ANDREW: I'm Andrew.

Keith's Brother smiles and turns to the trio.

KEITH'S BROTHER: Nick...Nick Curtis.

The trio look at each other. They know what he's going through. They've lost so many friends from these murders. Perhaps, they should be there for him.

SCOTT: You doing anything today?

NICK: No.

ANDREW: We were thinking of going to the Beamer for lunch. Would you like to join us?

Nick takes a moment to think about their offer before smiling.

NICK: I'd like that.

Nick joins Scott, Andrew, and Lorraine as they walk away from Keith's grave together.

NARRATOR: Nick Curtis has become part of the group consisting of Scott, Andrew, Iris, and somewhat Lorraine. They have a new bond as survivors. But Lorraine is still stuck in her old ways and sleeping around.

INT. SCOTT'S HOUSE - DAY

Scott walks into his house only to find it nearly emptied. A letter is waiting for him on the floor. He picks it up and reads it.

SCOTT'S MOTHER: (voice over) Dear Scott, I'm sorry. But I leaving you behind. You're old enough to take care of yourself. I can longer be your mother. I'm never coming back. So don't come looking for me.

Scott removes his sunglasses, revealing that tears are forming around his eyes as the abandonment hits him hard. His own mother doesn't want him anymore.

INT. CARTER RESIDENCE - BASEMENT/EXTRA ROOM

Clarence helps set up a cot for Scott as Andrew and Scott stand by in the extra room in the basement.

SCOTT: I appreciate this, Mr. Carter.

CLARENCE: It's no problem, Scott. You need a place. You know you're always welcome here, son. Okay?

Scott nods as he fights back tears. The Carters are the only ones who care enough for him.

NARRATOR: Francis and Melina may be dead...but...there was still the Stalker and Zero.

AT AN UNKNOWN LOCATION

We find Zero crying alone and scared without his father (The Stalker). Suddenly -- A DARK SHADOW APPROACHES FROM BEHIND. Feeling this presence, Zero turns around and smiles when he sees -- THE STALKER ALIVE AND WELL. The Stalker and Zero hug each other in relief to see each other alive.

NARRATOR: But is that all it is? Is the Stalker and Zero the only thing they have to worry about?

INT. CLARENCE'S PRIVATE HOME OFFICE

Clarence is going through some personal things hidden away as the voice continues to narrate.

NARRATOR: Could there be other things from the Carter family's past that could come back to haunt them? Could any one of them be holding a secret? One that could destroy them?

As the narrator speaks of a possible "secret", Clarence pulls out a picture that looks to be between ten to five years old. It's a picture of Clarence...with ANOTHER WOMAN (NOT HIS WIFE). We focus on the woman as ominous music plays in the background...like there is something about her that is VERY important. Could Clarence be holding a dark secret?

NARRATOR: Francis and Melina may be dead. But the troubles for Carter family are FAR from over. The Clearwood Murders...has only just begun!

WE SMASH TO BLACK.

This is the end of THE CLEARWOOD MURDERS: EPISODE I - THE WRATH OF FRANCIS.

But Scott, Andrew, Lorraine, Iris, Nick, Clarence, and Kathy will return with new friends, new victims, and new killers in..

THE CLEARWOOD MURDERS: EPISODE II - THE SURFACK CLUB

Deaths
None.

Trivia

 * This is the chapter finale of Episode I.
 * This chapter introduces Nick Curtis, younger brother of Keith Curtis. Nick joins the main characters to become one of the mains for the next story.
 * This chapter implies that Clarence had an affair and that affair will play a part in the next episode.