KISS KISS GOODBYE
Episode 7: “Nobody's Innocent Here”
FADE IN:
INT. HOTEL BALLROOM – NIGHT (NOW PRESENT TIME – THE NIGHT OF THE MURDER)
The New Year’s Eve party is in chaos. Guests whisper, security paces, and hotel staff try to keep people from leaving.
Sophia Caldwell is dead.
Ava stands near the body, frozen. The air around her is stifling.
Danny leans against the bar, gripping a half-empty glass. His hands are shaking.
Julian is off to the side, speaking with the Detective. His jaw is tight. His eyes unreadable.
DETECTIVE
You were close to her, weren’t you?
JULIAN
(Steady)
Everyone was close to Sophia.
The Detective doesn’t look convinced.
DETECTIVE
Right. So let’s start there.
CUT TO BLACK.
TITLE CARD: KISS KISS GOODBYE
INT. PRESTIGIOUS CONSULTING FIRM – DAY (BEFORE THE MURDER – HOURS EARLIER)
The last workday of the year. The office has a strange buzz—anticipation mixed with something heavier.
Ava scrolls through her phone. A message from Sophia:
"Meet me before the party. We need to talk."
She stares at it, debating.
Danny leans against her desk.
DANNY
Tell me you’re not actually working today.
Ava locks her phone.
AVA
We still have a few hours left.
DANNY
A few hours until we pretend to like each other over champagne and overpriced shrimp.
Ava smirks. But it doesn’t reach her eyes.
INT. JULIAN’S OFFICE – DAY
Julian stands at his desk, staring at the envelope Sophia gave him in Episode 6.
His hands hover over it. Then—
He rips it open.
Inside: A single sheet of paper.
Julian’s eyes scan it. His expression hardens.
He grabs his phone. Dials.
JULIAN
(into phone)
We need to meet. Before the party.
CUT TO—
EXT. HOTEL – NIGHT (HOURS BEFORE THE MURDER)
Ava arrives first. The New Year’s Eve party is in full swing inside, but she lingers near the entrance.
She texts Sophia.
"I’m here. Where are you?"
No response.
Danny arrives next, adjusting his suit.
DANNY
You waiting for someone, or just reconsidering your life choices?
Ava doesn’t answer.
Julian pulls up in his car. He doesn’t get out immediately. He’s staring at something in his hand—the note from Sophia.
He finally steps out. Ava and Danny watch him carefully.
AVA
You look like hell.
JULIAN
That’s corporate nonsense even for you.
Danny snorts, but Ava’s gaze lingers on Julian.
Something is off.
INT. HOTEL BALLROOM – NIGHT
The party is at its peak. Laughter. Clinking glasses.
Sophia hasn’t arrived yet.
Julian moves through the crowd, looking for her.
Ava does the same.
Danny, already a few drinks in, watches them both. Waiting.
Then—a text comes through on Julian’s phone.
"Meet me outside. Now."
It’s from Sophia.
He doesn’t hesitate. He leaves the ballroom.
EXT. HOTEL BALCONY – NIGHT
Julian steps out into the cool night air. The city sprawls below.
Sophia is already there.
She turns to face him. Something in her eyes—cold. Calculating.
SOPHIA
I’m done playing games.
Julian steps closer.
JULIAN
Then tell me the truth.
Sophia hesitates.
She reaches into her purse.
Julian tenses.
Then—
A SCREAM FROM INSIDE.
They both snap their heads toward the ballroom.
CHAOS. MOVEMENT. SOMEONE YELLING.
Julian and Sophia exchange one last look.
Then—Sophia turns.
She heads back inside.
Julian stays behind, his mind racing.
And it’s the last time he sees her alive.
INT. HOTEL BALLROOM – NIGHT (NOW PRESENT TIME – AFTER THE MURDER)
Security keeps everyone locked in.
Danny stands near the bar, gripping his drink. His fingers tap against the glass—anxious.
Ava hasn’t moved. She’s staring at Sophia’s body.
Julian watches as the Detective scans the room. Taking everyone in.
The Detective steps toward the body, crouching down. Examining. Thinking.
Then, he looks up—directly at Julian.
DETECTIVE
Mr. Carter. You’re coming with me.
Ava’s breath catches.
Danny freezes.
Julian doesn’t react. He just nods.
As the Detective leads him away, Danny exhales, running a hand through his hair.
He mutters, almost to himself—but loud enough for Ava to hear:
DANNY
Nobody’s innocent here.
FADE TO BLACK.