Shadows Of Vengeance

After the Storm

Scene 1: Basement – Aftermath of the Gunshots

(The deafening silence fills the basement as everyone realizes the gunshots have finally stopped. They slowly begin to relax, taking deep breaths as the weight of the recent events settles in.)

Delia: (whispering, looking around) It’s over. For now.

(Even though the danger seems to have passed, the children are still visibly shaken, especially Allison, who clings to Taylor with a frightened expression. She’s so distressed that she’s had a small accident, her face flushed with embarrassment. Taylor gently holds her close, whispering calming words.)

Taylor: (softly) It’s okay, Alli. No one’s going to hurt you. I’ve got you, sweetheart.

(The boys, Logan and Jayden, tug at Xander’s arm, their little faces scrunched up in confusion and fear.)

Logan: (innocently) Xan Xan, why meanie people here?

Jayden: (nodding) Yeah, we don’t like the meanie people!

(Xander shares a look with Bryan and Delia, who quickly pick up on the boys’ distress. They huddle closer, smiling gently as they attempt to explain the situation in a way the boys can understand.)

Delia: (softly) You know how in stories, sometimes there are silly people who don’t know how to be nice?

Bryan: (nodding, smiling) But we’re all like heroes here, keeping everyone safe. And you two are our little heroes, too, being so brave.

(The boys smile, their fears beginning to ease as they imagine themselves as heroes alongside their family.)

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Scene 2: Later That Evening – Garden Area

(The sun has set, and the family has begun to recover from the earlier chaos. Ermanno is wandering outside when he overhears Jude, a mischievous teenager, talking to M’s six-year-old grandson, Kolby. He’s stunned as he listens in, realizing the twisted words coming from Jude’s mouth.)

Jude: (sneering) Look, Kolby, Allison’s just a little… a little pest. She’s adopted, annoying as anything, and she’s taken your mommy, daddy, and even your abuela. Isn’t that annoying?

(Kolby, looking up to Jude with wide eyes, nods along as Jude continues.)

Jude: (whispering) So, you want my help to get rid of her? We’ll make it so she’s not around anymore. We’ll figure it out.

(Ermanno watches, a heavy frown forming as he hears Jude plant these harmful thoughts in Kolby’s mind. Just as Jude turns to leave, Dixie, one of Marco’s friends, steps into view, having caught the whole exchange.)

Dixie: (raising her voice) Jude! What the hell do you think you’re doing?

(Jude freezes, caught red-handed. He stammers, but Dixie isn’t letting him get away with anything. She pulls out her phone, dialing Charley.)

Dixie: (firmly) Charley, you need to get over here. Jude’s been filling Kolby’s head with lies about Allison, and he’s planning something nasty.

(Charley arrives a few minutes later, her face tight with fury. Together, they give Jude a piece of their mind, warning him that his actions won’t be tolerated.)

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Scene 3: Morning – Warehouse Meeting

(The next morning, Marco and his close friends gather at the warehouse for an urgent meeting. Everyone is there: Ermanno, Diana, Carlo, Adrianna, Angelo, Bryan, Delia, Hunter, Xander, and the rest of Marco’s trusted circle. The mood is tense as they discuss the events from the night before.)

Marco: (addressing the group) Last night was too close. This family’s under attack, and we need to find out who’s behind it all. Ethan and Jackson might be pulling the strings, but we don’t have the full picture yet.

Diana: (nodding) We need to protect our own. They went after Valentina, after Allison… they’re targeting our children now.

Ermanno: (clenching his fists) And Jude? He’s already plotting against Alli, dragging Kolby into it. We have to keep an eye on him.

Adrianna: (frowning) Jude may just be a puppet. We need to trace this back, find out who’s really orchestrating all of this.

(As the conversation continues, they brainstorm strategies to protect the family and gather intelligence on their enemies. However, amidst the talk of defense and counterattacks, there’s an ominous tension hanging in the air.)

Hunter: (muttering) Whoever’s behind this won’t stop. They’ll keep coming until we put an end to it.

(Just as the meeting seems to be winding down, a loud sound echoes through the warehouse. The group goes silent, their gazes snapping toward the door as they hear faint footsteps approaching. The door creaks open slightly, but no one can see who’s there.)

Marco: (tense) Stay alert.

(Everyone tenses, preparing for whatever or whoever might be lurking just beyond the door. The silence grows thicker as they wait, the tension reaching its peak.)