Bad Fish (2024)

[bunniefuu]

(gentle music)

(liquid bubbling)

(waves splashing)

(seagulls squawking)

(glass clinks)

(dynamic music)

(waves splashing)

(pensive music)

(waves splashing)

(seagulls squawking)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(siren sobbing)

(music intensifies)

(sobbing continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(siren screams)

(eerie music)

(boat horn blaring)

(seagulls squawking)

(engine rumbling)

(alcohol splashing)

(Bill exhales)

(upbeat music)

Even when the river stops

Even when it all looks different, yeah

Even if I grow up

Even if something's missing

If something's missin',

I'm still coming home

I'm still coming home

I wanna lay on these old streets

I wanna stay here for awhile

- [Flo] Good morning, Sheriff.

- [Skip] Morning, Flo.

Good morning, gentlemen.

- Sheriff.

- Morning, Sheriff.

- Breakfast this morning?

- Nope, just coffee.

Maryanne made me some very nice biscuits

and gravy this morning.

- How nice.

- Very nice.

She wants somethin' (chuckles).

Don't laugh, she does.

How's the fishing, gentlemen?

- Not good, Sheriff.

- [Fisherman] There's no fish.

- Well, that can't be.

It's October.

We're in the middle of the season run.

- Yeah, you'd think so, but

like he said, there are no fish.

- How do you explain it?

- We called Tillamook.

- Right?

- Their numbers are fine.

- Good.

- But whatever reason this area, barren.

- Any one of you call a state biologist?

- Mm, no.

- They track this stuff, right?

- Everyone's heading north, Sheriff.

- Anyone with any sense, anyway.

(helicopter whirring)

(patrons chattering)

(boat horn blaring)

- [Alice] Skip, you got a copy?

- Yeah, Alice, go ahead.

- [Alice] Hey, could

you meet the responder

down at the dock?

Bill Morgan's on his way now.

- Sure, what's up?

- [Alice] He says he lost his deck hands.

- He lost his deck hands?

- [Alice] I mean, overboard.

- You gotta be kiddin' me.

All right, Alice, I'm on my way.

- [Alice] Roger.

I'm en route now.

- [Skip] What happened?

- I was in the engine room

and when I come back up,

they were gone.

(gasping) Not a damn sign of 'em.

- You're bleeding.

- (groans) Yeah, I hit

my head on the door.

- What the hell happened out there, Bill?

- I was down in the engine room.

I was re-settin' the

engine over heat switch.

And then I hear the screaming,

and I come back up and they're gone.

There was bottles,

these bloody bottles all around the boat.

It was horrible.

- I need to get you

down to the med center.

- My boys are still out there somewhere.

- Coast Guard's out searching for 'em now.

(pensive music)

- Have you been drinkin', Bill?

- What's this?

- That'd be a bottle of rum.

- You know you're not supposed

to be drinkin' out there, Bill.

- Okay, I had a little splash-

- You had a little splash, I know.

Right, I need you to go with Alice.

- Are you arresting me?

- No.

No, but I am detaining you

until we could sort this thing out.

- This ain't right, Skip.

- Right.

- What about them boys?

Hm?

- If they're out there, the

Coast Guard'll find them.

(music continues)

I need to have a blood

alcohol done on him.

I'm gonna go over to the Coast Guard.

I'll meet you back at the station.

- You got it.

(waves splashing)

(music continues)

(fishing pole ticking)

(music continues)

(fishing pole ticking)

(Ben straining)

(music continues)

(waves splashing)

(music continues)

(music intensifies)

- Oh, sh*t.

- [Brad] Hey, Sheriff.

- Hey, Brad.

What's the situation out there?

- So far, nothin'.

We found that beacon,

but no sign of anyone out there.

- Hey, Sheriff.

- Hey, Darren.

- Was just headin' down to

the responder to talk to Bill.

Why didn't he wait for

us to get out there?

- Aw, he came in, he was talkin' crazy.

I don't know, could have been drunk.

We found a bottle of rum on the boat,

so I took him into custody.

- (sighs) So, what's the story?

- He said he was down below.

When he came up, they were gone.

And he said something

about a strange sound

and bloody bubbling water.

I don't know.

I have him down at the

med center with Alice.

We're doing a blood alcohol on him,

find out if he's really drunk.

- Been quite awhile since we've had

any fishermen lost at sea around here.

- Yeah, it sure has.

- Earl Green.

We never knew they were missing.

Took off for Newport

and washed ashore about

a mile up the coast.

- Right.

And that was what, about 10 years ago?

- Yep.

Almost exactly.

- We had a bad salmon run

that year too, didn't we?

- We had no salmon run that year.

- Right, and that's what the

fishermen are saying now.

No fish.

What do you think's causing it?

- I don't know.

Sharks, maybe.

You should talk to that marine biologist.

- I was thinkin' about that.

John Burton.

Right, Newport Marine Biology Center.

- Right guy, wrong place.

He's at Ocean World in Crescent City.

- Ocean World?

Isn't that some kind of

kiddy roadside attraction?

- Yeah, I guess he got demoted.

- [Skip] Hm.

- [Officer] Sheriff, you copy?

- Yeah, go ahead.

- [Officer] Can you come

over to Pearl Beach?

Old Ben Burns called.

Well, you just need to get over here.

- What now?

All right, Roger that.

On my way.

- Busy day?

- Keep me posted.

- Will do, Sheriff.

(sullen music)

(music continues)

- What the hell's goin' on?

- Ben Burns was perch

fishing, hooked into a leg.

I'm guessing it's one of

our missing fishermen.

(Skip sighs)

- Guys, get this over

to the medical examiner.

See if they could figure out

what the hell caused this.

Get a location of where Ben went fishing?

- Yep, right next to

that rock outcropping.

- sh*t, the tide's comin' in.

What time is low tide again?

- 8:25 a.m.

- Organize a search party.

We're gonna need a dog.

- Will do.

- Figure if the leg washed up,

the rest of 'em can't be

too far behind, right?

Alice, you copy?

- [Alice] Roger, Skip.

Go ahead.

- Reach out to Ocean World.

Get in touch with John Burton,

ask him if he can meet

us up on Pearl Beach,

eight a.m. tomorrow.

- [Alice] Roger, that Sheriff.

Will do.

- Leave this tape up before we run

that search party in the morning.

- You got it, Sheriff.

(sullen music)

- Have a good tour, everybody.

- Hey.

Hey.

Hi.

- Have a good tour.

- Hey, guys.

- Hey.

- Hi.

- All right, you have a good tour.

- I will.

(Sandy chuckles)

(unsettling music)

(soft music)

Hello, everybody.

My name is John Burton.

Welcome to Ocean World.

The first stop today is the tide pool,

where you'll find lots of

our local tide animals,

mostly sea stars and sea anemones.

Now, if you were to touch

one of the sea anemones,

you might notice they feel a

little sticky on the outside

and that is actually

them trying to sting you.

But not to worry because

your skin is way too thick

to be affected by their stingers.

Lots of different types of

sea stars in the tide pool.

The larger, more colorful ones

are the ochre sea star and

these small red slimy ones,

those are leather sea stars.

- See?

- Oo.

- John, call for you.

- Can you take a message?

- It's the Sheriff's Office in Harburg.

They wanna talk to you.

- What does he want?

- I can take over.

Hi, everyone.

My name's Sandy.

I'll be your guide for

the rest of the tour.

If you wanna just watch

your step and follow me,

we'll head on down to the shark tanks.

(tourists chattering)

(crickets chirping)

(patrons chattering)

(lively music playing)

(music continues)

- It's so exciting, we haven't

had a band in a long time.

- Oh, Phyllis, you didn't have

to go through all this trouble.

- Yes, I did.

It's good to have you home again.

- Thank you.

You're sweet.

(music continues)

(phone ringing)

(officers chattering)

- Blood analysis.

- Great, thank you.

How 'bout the coroner?

Any word?

- Not yet.

- All right, let me know when you do.

(pensive music)

(door closes)

(music continues)

- How long do you expect to keep me here?

- I'm not, unless I charge you

with somethin', which I can.

Your blood alcohol content is 0.07.

- What the f*ck is that supposed to mean?

- It was one point under

being legally drunk.

So I can charge you with impairment.

- But I'm not, Skip.

You know, I ain't drunk,

and I told you everything

there is to tell.

I'd done nothing, nothing,

nothing to them boys.

- We found a piece of a body

washed up on Pearl Beach.

- Jeez.

- The good news is, at least for you,

is that the blood on your boat is type O.

You happen to be type O.

So I'm going to guess that

you've been telling us

the truth about that.

- Of course I've been

tellin' you the truth.

- We're gonna let you go, Bill.

I'm gonna overlook that you were drinking

while you were driving a boat,

but you are not to go around

telling any tall tales.

Do you understand?

Do you understand me?

Not a peep until we figure this thing out.

- You have my word.

(pensive music)

Hey Skip, if you need anything,

you just gimme a call.

Okay?

Anything.

- Go home and get some rest.

(soft music)

(door closes)

- Press is out there.

- Oh, terrific.

Listen, do me a favor,

take Bill out the back.

- No problem.

- All right.

- Oh, and John Burton says he'll meet

you at the beach tomorrow.

- Okay.

Hey, guys.

We had an unfortunate event today.

This morning, a couple of our

local fishermen went overboard

and the Coast Guard was

contacted immediately.

As of this hour, neither has been found.

- And what are their names?

- We're not releasing names right now.

- What's going on at Pearl Beach?

- I can't comment on that.

- Is it true that Bill

Morgan is a suspect?

- No, no.

Bill was treated for

non-life threatening injuries

and he was released.

That's all I got for you right now.

As soon as we get anything else,

you'll be the first to know.

- Okay.

- Thank you.

- [Skip and Reporter] Thank you.

- [Employee] Now it's a

bit of a grand finale,

before I will show you just how high

a sea lion can jump up out of the water.

So please direct your focus

on that red buoy up there.

Good, woo!

All right.

(audience cheering)

(audience applauding)

- Thank you all for visiting Ocean World.

We hope you come back and

visit us again really soon.

- Thank you.

- Bye, thank you.

- Bye, thank you.

- Thank you so much.

Bye.

- Bye.

- Oh, hey.

Bye, bye.

- Bye.

- [Tourist] Have a good one.

- Thank you.

- [Sandy] John, what was that all about?

- Somethin' washed up on the beach

and they want me to take a look at it.

- Well, look at you.

(John chuckles)

- Told 'em I would be down in the morning.

Do you mind drivin' me?

I could use an assistant.

- You mean a chauffer?

- Get my license back in two months.

I could use the help.

Official business only.

- Oh, well that's no fun,

but sure, I could use a break from here.

Sure.

(lively music)

- Look who's got an eye for ya, Greg?

He's kinda cute, hard worker.

- I would never go for a fisherman.

- Oh honey, you're gonna have

to lower your standards if you

wanna get a man around here.

This ain't Miami Beach.

- There you go.

- How you doin', Abby?

- Hi.

Hi, Greg.

- I just wanted to say

it's nice to see ya.

It's been a long time.

When'd you get back?

- Just last week.

Can I get you another?

- Yes, please.

- Here you go.

- Thank you.

- It's kinda sweet if you ask me.

- I told you I would

never date a fisherman.

- One, two, three and...

What do you do with a drunken sailor

What do you do with a drunken sailor

What do you do with a drunken sailor

Early in the morning

Way hay, and up she rises

Way hay, and up she rises

Way hay, and up she rises

Early in the morning

- [Band Member] One more time!

Way hay, and up she rises

Way hay, and up she rises

Way hay, and up she rises

Early in the morning

(audience cheering)

(audience applauding)

Put him in a long boat till he's sober

Put him in a long boat till he's sober

Put him in a long boat till he's sober

Early in the morning

- Any word from Burton?

- No, he said he'd be here.

(pensive music)

(dog barking)

- Dog's onto somethin'.

(music continues)

(barking continues)

- It's just a dead seagull.

- [Skip] It's just a seagull.

- Sheriff, I just got a

frantic call from Jeff

on the Jenny Lynn.

Says he thinks he found one

of your missing fishermen.

- Oh, sh*t.

At the harbor?

- Yeah.

Also a John Burton called,

said he's on his way.

- All right, give a call to Burton.

Tell him to make me

down at the harbor dock.

- Yes, Sir.

- All right?

(somber music)

- You're not gonna believe this one.

- [Skip] What's goin' on, Jeff?

We went out yesterday, set some pots.

- Right.

- Let 'em soak overnight.

Came out,

- Yeah.

- run 'em this mornin',

no crabs in 'em and

this was what was in it.

(pensive music)

(mysterious music)

- Just hang tight.

I'll be right back.

- I think it's-

- I know who it is.

(boat horn blaring)

All right guys, get him outta here.

- Oh wait, can I get a look?

- Thank you for comin', man.

- Hey, sorry I'm late.

- It's all right.

- Well...

- What could do this?

- Huh.

Somethin' mean.

Man.

I'm gonna need an autopsy room.

You got one?

- At the coroner's office.

- Great.

Also, could you give me the coordinates

where you pulled this up?

- Absolutely.

It's not very far out there.

I'll show you exactly.

- Okay.

All right.

- Thank you, John.

- Deputy Nelson, Alice.

- Nice to meet you, Alice.

(boat horn blaring)

(mysterious music)

- What the hell's goin' on, Sheriff?

- Let's wait and see what John has to say.

(music continues)

(boat horn blaring)

- You're not gonna wanna see this.

- Do you want me to wait

in the car every time?

- (sighs) Okay, fine.

(body bag unzipping)

(Sandy groans)

Can you get her outta here, please?

- Sure.

- [John] Thank you.

- As you can see,

the top and bottom

extremities have been severed.

- Yeah.

Well, I can say by the bite

pattern that it's not a shark.

I mean, you can see by the bones,

they're more snapped

off than bitten through.

And sharks leave a clean bite mark.

- So, you have any idea what did this?

- Honestly, I would say a giant squid,

but that's just too unlikely around here.

Hm.

Can you gimme a boat?

- Yeah, I could set somethin'

up with the Coast Guard.

- No, I need a fishing boat.

- Fishing boat?

(pensive music)

All right, I'll call Bill.

He owes me one.

- Tell him to bring some bait.

(boat horn blaring)

(music continues)

- You're back.

- Yeah.

You feelin' better?

- A little.

I should probably eat something.

There's a tavern across the street.

You wanna go with me?

John?

- Sorry.

They have a bar?

- It's a tavern.

Yes, they have a bar.

- Just gimme a couple minutes

and I'll meet you over there.

- Sure.

(music continues)

(patrons chattering)

(music continues)

- [Abby] Hi, there.

- Hey.

- [Abby] What can I get ya?

- Do you have a 7Up?

- 7Up.

You want a glass?

- [Sandy] No.

- There you go.

- Thanks.

- So, I don't recognize you.

Where are you from?

Are you visiting?

- I guess you can say that.

Can I see a food menu?

- We have chips.

- Chips? That's it?

- We just have chips.

- Just chips.

- Okay (chuckles).

- So, where are you from?

- Crescent City.

Boss drug me up here.

- It's not that far.

I'm Abigail, but most people call me Abby.

- Sandra.

Most people call me Sandy.

- [Abby] So, what do you do?

- Marine biology.

I mean, I'm not a marine biologist yet.

My boss, John is.

He let me tag along.

- And are you working on something?

Trying to figure out what

attacked those fishermen.

- Why do you think something

attacked those fishermen?

- Well, let's just say they're

finding them in pieces.

(door creaking)

Oh, there you are.

I was just telling Abby

about the fishermen.

- You must be John.

- [John] John Burton.

- John Burton, the marine biologist.

- Yes, wow.

She must have told you

a lot in five minutes.

- It's really awful what

happened to those guys.

Do you really think

something attacked them?

- I can't say, but you know,

probably shouldn't be talking about it

because it's an ongoing investigation.

So, you know what I can say?

I would love a rum and coke with a lime.

- Rum and coke with a lime.

I'm gonna go grab another bottle.

- Thank you.

What are you doing?

- I was just making small talk.

- That's not small talk.

And it will spread like wildfire,

so please just keep your mouth shut.

- I'm sorry, I f*cked up.

- It's fine.

- Rum and coke with lime.

- Can I get those chips?

- What's wrong with you?

- Nothing.

Just tired.

- [Abby] There you go.

- Thanks.

Have a nice night.

- You too.

- See you back at the hotel.

- Sorry, I got her in trouble, didn't I?

- No, it's fine.

I mean, she just doesn't

know all the rules.

- I shouldn't have been prying.

- No, it's fine.

Listen, if you could do me a favor

and just keep whatever

she said to yourself,

it'd be helpful.

- Deal.

Can I ask you about marine biology?

- Why?

- [Abby] Because I think it's fascinating.

- Huh.

Okay, Abby, sh**t.

- What is the most

interesting sea creature

you've ever seen?

- Hm.

Mm, that's a tough one.

They're all interesting.

- Well, if you had to choose one?

- Why don't we go with

smartest 'cause that's easy?

- Smartest, I know the answer to that.

- You do?

- Mm hm.

- Well, which one is it?

- What do you think

chased the salmon away?

- Sure, tell me.

- A pot of mermaids from far

away came and scared them off.

- Wow.

Well, thank you, Abby, because

now the problem is solved.

- You're welcome.

You want another?

- Yes, but no.

I have to get up early now tomorrow

and go fishing for a mermaid?

- They're not that hard to catch.

Just make sure they don't catch you first.

You gonna be in town for awhile?

- We shall see.

- I will give you my number

and if you need anything,

(singer vocalizing)

(gentle music)

just gimme a call.

- All right.

Well, thank you, Abby, and

thank you for the drinks.

- [Abby] I'll see you around.

(singer vocalizing)

(gentle music)

(music continues)

(anticipatory music)

(music continues)

- You didn't eat your chips.

That bartender was a trip.

- You really are a d*ck.

- Whoa!

Where is this coming from?

Oh, you're not jealous

of her or something?

(Sandy sighs)

- I work with you every day.

I protect you mostly from yourself.

And I do it because I

care about you, John.

I do, I really care about you.

I really do.

And you act like you don't

have a drop of interest in me.

- You know that's not true.

- No, it is true.

It is true.

I'm so stupid you.

You didn't even thank me for driving

you up here and I fainted.

"Get her outta here."

Yeah, I heard that.

And yet, you know, hey,

you can go chat it up

with the sleazy bartender

and then everything's

just great and act like

I'm not even there.

So,

I am,

I'm done.

I'm outta here.

I'm gonna go.

- What? No, listen.

- Yeah.

(John sighs)

- Look, you're right, okay?

I am a d*ck,

and I take you for granted.

I take everyone for granted,

which is why I'm 45

and I've never had a

meaningful relationship.

I'm sorry.

I care about you a lot.

And you're right, you know?

I need to be better at showing that.

(John sighs)

Okay?

Can we just get through whatever this is

and when we get back, I

promise I will be better.

(gentle music)

Deal?

- Yeah, deal.

(music continues)

- Want a chip?

- Sure.

- [John] I can't believe

you didn't eat 'em.

(Sandy chuckles)

- I was pissed at you.

Thanks.

(phone ringing)

- (throat clears) Hey, Skip.

Yeah, I'm on my way.

(waves splashing)

(pensive music)

(footsteps approaching)

(dramatic music)

(blood gushing)

(music continues)

(flesh squelching)

(music continues)

(Sandy screams)

(boat horn blaring)

(seagulls squawking)

John.

- Hey.

This is Bill Morgan,

he was the skipper when

those deckhands were lost,

thought he'd be the

best guy to take us out.

- Yeah, I was sorry to hear that.

- So, what's the plan?

- Well, let's head out to

the mouth of the river.

If there's any salmon out

here, that's where they'll be.

Did you bring bait?

Perfect.

(pensive music)

(engine rumbling)

(water splashing)

(music continues)

(music continues)

Bill, we good?

- [Bill] Yeah, this is it.

Drop a line.

(anticipatory music)

(music continues)

(fishing reel ticking)

(music continues)

(music continues)

- We'll see.

- All right.

- There's nothing down there.

The sonar's markin'

zero fish, not a thing.

- I mean, there has to be somethin'

out here drivin' these fish away.

- Well, could do that, John?

- It's hard to say.

In most marine life, they emit

panic impulse frequencies.

It's kinda like flight animals.

One starts runnin',

they all start runnin',

no matter what the threat is.

Yeah, I don't know.

We might as well just go in.

I was just hopin' that we-

- Markin' somethin' under the boat.

It's pretty big.

(fishing reel ticking)

(suspenseful music)

(music continues)

(ticking continues)

(fishing line whips)

(music continues)

- God damn it.

- I ain't ever seen

anything in these waters

break a hook like that.

Gotta be a Great White.

- It's not a shark.

- How's that?

- Sharks don't have scales.

Here, hold this.

Don't move.

Lemme see this.

Let's head in.

I'm gonna have Sandy take this

up to the lab for a DNA test.

- How long is that gonna take?

- Probably a day or two.

(engine rumbling)

(pensive music)

- [Sandy] Hi, it's Sandy.

Leave a message.

- Sandy, where the f*ck are you?

I need you to take a scale

sample up to the lab.

Call me.

(soft music)

(singer vocalizing)

(music continues)

(vocalizing continues)

(boat horn blaring)

Hey, is there a car rental

place anywhere around?

I may need to drive this

up to the lab myself.

- Oh, okay.

Well, I'll tell you what,

I can find a vehicle in the fleet for you.

I'll have one of the

deputies drive it over, okay?

- Great.

- Good.

Need to lift to the hotel?

- No, I think I'm gonna

take a walk up the river.

Just, you know, have a look around.

- All right.

Find something interesting

you'll let me know, right?

- I will.

(Skip chuckles)

Thank you.

- Okay, thank you, John.

(boat horn blaring)

- Hey, hey, John.

- Hi.

- Hey.

You're still around.

- If it isn't my favorite bartender.

What happened to your hand?

- Oh, a sea urchin,

prickly little boogers.

- Yeah.

Make sure you clean that up.

You don't want it getting infected.

- Yes, Doctor.

So, did you catch any mermaids today?

- You know, smoking marijuana

is a lot more dangerous than people think.

- You're funny.

Where's Sandy?

- I don't know.

She went for a run this

morning, but I haven't seen her.

- Where are you headed?

- Just thought I'd walk up the river

for a little bit.

- For?

- To see if any salmon

have made their way up.

- Well, after you're done,

if you wanna come by,

we got a liquor shipment

today, so plenty of rum.

- Well, I may take you up on that.

- Well, I hope you do.

- Okay.

(line trilling)

(boat horn blaring)

- [Coroner] Coroner.

- Hey, it's John Burton calling.

How you doin'?

- [Coroner] Good.

- Listen, would it be possible

to take a second look at that fisherman?

- [Coroner] Yeah. Today?

- Yeah, I'd appreciate it.

- 10 minutes?

- Sure.

- You got it.

- Okay, great.

Thanks a lot, I'll see you soon.

(boat horn blaring)

I just wanted to make sure

I didn't miss anything.

- Okay.

(bag unzipping)

- Oh, that's good.

- [Coroner] Okay.

(pensive music)

- You got some chemos?

- Yeah.

- Thank you.

- Mm hm.

(music continues)

(music intensifies)

- That a scale?

- Yep.

- Sorry.

- Jesus girl, where have you been?

- I just went for a swim

and I lost track of time.

- What happened to your hand?

- Sharp rock.

- What?

- Your eyes.

(music intensifies)

(water bubbling)

Who is he?

What's his name?

- John.

- [Phyllis] John what?

- John Burton.

He's a marine biologist.

- Marine biologist?

You can't be messin' with

professional men like that.

They're hard to land, and

they're even harder to hold.

- I really like him.

- Well, just watch your step.

Don't be gettin' your heart broke.

- I will.

I won't, I won't.

- And do somethin' with your hair.

Looks like hell.

(music continues)

(music continues)

(waves splashing)

- The weather is beautiful today.

- Yeah, it's been brilliant

weather beside the start.

- I am too, I'm glad we took the time.

(girl whimpers)

- What?

(dramatic music)

- Oh, Lord!

That's a body!

- Hey, it's John.

Good.

Listen, have you guys

heard from Sandy today?

(gentle music)

Okay.

Yeah no, she went for a run this morning,

but I haven't heard from her since.

All right.

Well, listen, just do me a favor.

If you do hear from her,

just have her give me a call.

(fist knocking)

(waves splashing)

(mysterious music)

(music continues)

(line trilling)

Hey, Skip.

It's John.

- John, I'm glad you called.

I just sent a car over to ya.

It ain't much, but it will get you around.

- Listen, you know anything

about a local fisherman, Jack Brand?

Is he still alive?

- I do know Jack.

And yes, he is very much alive.

He's legendary.

- Yeah, I'd like to ask

him a few questions.

- (chuckles) Yeah, if he'll talk to ya.

Ya know, he can spin a

pretty good yarn that guy.

- You happen to know where he lives?

- Yeah, it is at the Bank Tavern.

It's just a couple of blocks away from ya.

- Yeah, I know where it

is, but what do you mean?

He lives there?

- Yeah, he owns the place.

- Well, I think I'm gonna pay him a visit.

- John, if you do that,

please be very careful.

There's some really rough

dudes hang out there.

- Yeah, will do.

Listen, I'll keep you posted, all right?

- Right.

- All right.

(fist knocking)

- Brown Hyundai Elantra,

confiscated in a drug bust.

It runs.

Where are you headed?

- Bank Tavern.

- Pretty rough place.

- So I hear.

(engine rumbling)

(John's throat clears)

- Oh, hi.

- [John] Hi.

- What can I get for ya?

- Yeah, I'm lookin' for Jack Brand.

- Who's lookin' for him?

- I am.

- Yeah, who the f*ck are you?

- I'm John Burton.

I just want to ask him

about the incident in 1979.

- You're John.

Abby told me all about you.

- You want me to toss him?

- No, it's all right, Roger.

He's upstairs.

Go on up.

He's waiting for you.

- Thank you.

(dramatic music)

(music continues)

- [Jack] What took you

so long, John Burton?

- How do you know who I am?

- Well, you're the talk of the town, John.

(paper rustling)

- [John] What happened in 1979?

- Have a drink, John.

- It's a little early for me.

- You wanna talk, you gotta drink.

(oxygen hissing)

(alcohol sloshing)

Every 10 years they return.

- Who's they?

- Daughters of the Sea.

Ain't no shark or squid

you're dealin' with out there.

Of course you know that already, don't ya?

- No, I don't.

- 30 years ago, me and my boys

were out fishin' and drinkin'.

(engine rumbling)

(pensive music)

Out of nowhere comes somethin'

singin' from the sea.

(creature vocalizing)

Compass starts spinnin'.

(air whooshing)

(water splashing)

(air whooshing)

(water splashing)

I come out of that wheel

house and they're gone,

nary a sign of 'em.

And them boys didn't

fall out of that boat.

They were pulled out of that boat

into the sea for a tasty meal.

- By mermaids?

- Mermaids, sirenes,

call 'em what you will,

but they're bad fish, John.

Bad fish.

(unsettling music)

(vocalizing continues)

- So, let me get this straight.

Every 10 years or so,

mermaids come in and feed on fishermen?

- All but one.

And she has to stay and find a mate.

She has to be quick.

Only seven days to breed

or she must return to

the sea with the others.

- And if she finds a mate?

- When she accepts the seed of a man,

she will live her

remaining days on dry land.

- No, that's enough.

Listen, I appreciate the drinks.

I do.

And that's a hell of a story you got.

It is.

I mean, you should write a book.

And I can see, the whole

slammin' shots thing really,

it gives it a certain charm.

- You're the one she wants, John Burton.

You can resist, oh, you'll try.

But in the end, you will

not be able to stop her.

(pensive music)

- Thank you, Mr. Brand.

I appreciate the information.

(music continues)

(oxygen hissing)

(ice cubes clinking)

(Jack grimaces)

(phone vibrating)

Hey, it's John.

What's up?

What?

Where?

f*ck!

I'll be right there.

(solemn music)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(waves splashing)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music fades)

- John.

Look, man, I know you're really upset.

Do me a favor, don't leave now, okay?

I need your help right now, man.

- I'm not the right man for the job.

Look, you need to hire experts

or forensic detectives.

I'm just a biologist.

- You are supposed to be the expert.

- But not for this sh*t.

Look, my assistant was eaten.

And the only information that I can get

around here is from a drunken fisherman

and a bartender who keep tellin'

me about f*ck' mermaids.

- Well, right, mermaids?

- Mermaids, Skip.

Look, just hand it over to

the FBI or the Coast Guard.

- [Skip] John, I'm really sorry.

- I'll get the car back to you tomorrow.

(boat horn blaring)

- f*ck!

(solemn music)

(waves splashing)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

- [Abby] Okay, last one, Bill.

- Seriously?

- Yeah, I think you've had enough.

- Just fill it up, darlin'.

- Bill, take it easy.

- [Abby] No more.

John, there you are.

I thought you left.

- Listen, we need to talk.

- About what, John?

- Hey, this is a marine biologist.

- You know exactly about what.

- Hey, pal, this is no

way to talk to a lady.

- I mean it.

We need to talk.

- I said-

- Back off, Bill.

We need to talk.

(fist thuds)

- We're outta here.

- All right, Jeff,

get him outta here.

- Come on, let's go.

Get up.

Come on, let's go brother.

- I bet I know what you need.

- I need the truth.

What do you know about Jack Brand?

- I know that he's my father.

- Cut the sh*t, Abby.

Look, I don't know what kind

of twisted game you're involved with here,

but people are dead, including Sandy.

- Oh yeah, Sandy.

I'm sorry about that.

It's not a game.

(alcohol sloshing)

(unsettling music)

(music continues)

Rum?

- I don't want a drink.

I wanna know what the f*ck

is goin' on around here.

- Have your drink and I'll

explain everything to you.

I at least owe you that.

- Jack Brand style, huh?

(pensive music)

Now talk.

(unsettling music)

What'd you put in my drink?

God damn it.

- I can give you things.

Don't you want that, John?

Let's go for a walk.

I was born here.

I usually leave,

but this year I needed to

stay to complete the cycle,

replenish the family, create a Sister.

I thought I was gonna

have to settle for one

of those dirty old fishermen,

but then you walked in.

Well, you and Sandy.

Sorry about her, by the way.

I just couldn't let her get in between us.

Can't you see, John?

It's all so perfect.

(John thuds)

(pensive music)

Sorry, I can't stay with you tonight.

I've gotta eat.

Sweet dreams.

(dramatic music)

(thunder rumbling)

(Abby snarling)

(Bill snoring)

(thunder rumbling)

(pensive music)

(rain pattering)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

- What?

What the f*ck are you doin' here?

(flesh squelching)

(Bill screaming)

(dramatic music)

(squelching continues)

(thunder rumbling)

(music continues)

(squelching continues)

(waves splashing)

(seagulls squawking)

(rain pattering)

- Oh, you gotta be f*ck' kidding me.

(rain pattering)

(keys jingling)

(engine spluttering)

Oh, sh*t.

(rain pattering)

- There you are, John.

Got a call from the hotel manager.

You were drunk.

- You sleep on the beach?

- Skip, she drugged me.

And then she took the backpack

with the scales in it.

- And you're referring to?

- Abby, the bartender.

- Abby.

The bartender.

Yeah.

She didn't want us to do

the test on the scales,

so she took it.

- You're obviously drunk, John.

- She drugged me.

- Yeah, I'm sorry about this, John.

- You didn't mention you had

a suspended license for a DUI.

- What?

You gotta be kidding me.

(handcuffs tightening)

- Sorry, John.

(rain pattering)

(soft intriguing music)

(Bobby groaning)

(music continues)

(officers chattering)

(phone ringing)

- Hey, assholes, I want my phone call.

- Now, that's enough.

- Look, I had one drink.

She put something in it.

- Not what she says.

- I don't give a sh*t what she says.

She drugged me.

Is that legal here?

- Drinking is legal, John.

Driving under the influence

and a suspended license isn't.

- Okay, take my blood.

You'll find somethin' in it

and it sure as f*ck won't be alcohol.

- Skip will be back soon and

he'll give you a breathalyzer.

- (sighs) Great.

What about my phone call?

- Like I said, Sheriff will be back soon

and you can talk to him about it.

(John sighs)

They found another

victim down on the docks.

- You don't say.

You gonna blame that on me too?

(door closes)

(John sighs)

- How's he doin'?

- Yep.

He's a little hot under

the collar, but he's awake.

Wants his phone call.

- All right, I'm gonna

have to talk with him.

(door opens)

- Well, it's about f*cking time.

- I need to ask you a few questions

about your activities last night.

Jeff said that you and Bill got into

a little run in at the bar.

- Jesus, Skip.

He was drunk off his a*s.

It was nothing.

Ask him.

- I can't, he's dead.

He was m*rder*d on his boat.

He was torn to shreds.

- So was my assistant.

And so were those fishermen.

You think I had somethin' to do with it.

- That's what I'm trying to figure out.

- Well, if you are, you

should be talkin' to Abby

because she's in on all of it.

- Abby?

Abby, who barely weighs 100 pounds?

You're telling me that she ripped

the guts out of some

grown man, is that it?

- I know, it sounds crazy.

It does.

But I'm starting to believe...

I think that she is a-

- (laughs) Come on.

John, don't, don't.

I know, you think she's

a mermaid (laughs)?

- Look, ask her dad.

- Her dad?

Who's her dad?

- Jack Brand.

You remember, I told you.

I thought he was nuts, but

now it all makes sense.

Look, she needs to breed

and she needs semen

and she needs it from me.

I know, Skip, how it

sounds, but I have a PhD.

I know how it sounds.

- Let's chalk it up to this.

Maybe you had a little too much to drink.

- Gimme the breathalyzer, Skip.

- Hold on.

(soft intriguing music)

(door closes)

(John sighs)

(Skip sighs)

(breathalyzer hissing)

(breathalyzer beeps)

- Well?

- Okay, one more time.

Slow.

(air hissing)

(music continues)

(breathalyzer beeps)

- Well?

- Be right back.

- You don't...

f*ck it.

Skip, I want a lawyer.

And I want my phone call.

I have a right to a phone call.

- I'll have Alice bring you a phone.

(door closes)

(music continues)

(phone clatters)

- Thank you.

(music continues)

- Can I get to privacy, please?

(door closes)

(phone beeping)

(music continues)

(John's throat clears)

(line trilling)

(music continues)

Come on.

- [Abby] Hello, John.

- I need you to get to the

sheriff's station right now

and explain to them what you did.

- [Abby] What did I do?

- Well, first you drugged me,

and then you k*lled Bill, I'm assuming.

- [Abby] A girl needs

nutrition to conceive.

Don't be mad at me, John.

- You're gonna see how mad I am at you

when I get my hands around

your f*cking gill neck.

- [Abby] Don't fight it.

I told you it's meant to be.

- You...

(line clicks)

Hello?

Hello?

f*ck.

(phone beeps)

(door closes)

- I guess I owe you an apology.

0.00 on the breathalyzer,

so you're not drunk.

And I can't get you on driving

with a suspended license

because I didn't catch

you behind the wheel.

Footprints on the boat don't match yours.

I got nothing to charge you with.

You're free to go.

(music continues)

- I need you to sign this.

(music continues)

- John, there's a cab

waiting for you outside.

You're to get in it.

He's gonna take you to the bus stop

and I want you on a bus

that's leaving in an hour.

- Don't you worry, Sheriff.

- By the way, Bobby Sharp was found.

He's the other fisherman.

He's alive.

He's pretty beat up.

He's recouping at the hospital right now.

- Hm.

I'm sorry, Sheriff.

I think he had me confused

with somebody who gives a sh*t.

(officers chattering)

(water splashing)

(music continues)

Hey.

Can you take me to the hospital?

- Well, the Sheriff said to

take you to the bus stop.

- Benjamin Franklin said

take me to the hospital.

- Yes, Sir, Mr. Franklin.

(music continues)

(music continues)

- Can I help you?

- Hi, yeah.

I'm here to check in on Bobby Sharp.

- Oh.

Oh, Robert Sharp.

There he is.

He just got outta surgery

so there's no visitors.

- Oh, it's my apologies.

I'm Dr. John Burton.

- Oh, well in that case he's in ICU.

Just go right down the hall.

- Thank you.

(equipment beeping)

(music continues)

(staff chattering)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(monitor beeping)

(music continues)

- Bobby?

Bobby?

Hey, it's okay.

Listen, my name is John Burton,

and I'm just gonna ask you

a couple of questions, okay?

Good.

Listen, you don't need to talk.

Just nod your head.

Did you see what did this to you?

(monitor beeping)

You did?

Was it an animal?

No?

Listen to me.

Was it a woman?

(beeping intensifies)

(music continues)

Yeah.

- What are you doing in here?

- I was just...

I was just leaving, actually.

(monitor beeping)

(music continues)

- Whoa.

- Get in the truck.

- Hey.

- Get in the truck.

- Jesus Christ.

- Get in the truck.

- All right, man.

(dramatic music)

(engine rumbling)

(chair creaking)

(John panting)

- Easy now, John, you ain't

gonna get out of those.

Those are real sailor knots.

You just couldn't resist, could ya?

Now look at ya.

Roger, take that gag out.

- (spitting) You mother f*ck.

- Oh, you got the mouth of

a sailor if nothin' else.

You're gonna fit right in.

- I'd say Abby chose

well, wouldn't you, Jack?

- Not as well as you, my sexy serpent.

- Oh, knock it off, you dirty little man.

Time for the sputum.

(John gasps)

Oh, come on, open up.

Roger.

- Oh!

(hand slaps)

Why don't you take these

ropes off and try that?

(Roger chuckles)

- Hold his head.

(John groaning)

(eerie music)

See with the joining, John,

it's going to be magical.

- Sweet as Tupelo honey,

but don't make 'em mad.

They got a nasty bite to 'em.

(Jack laughs)

(Roger laughs)

(singer vocalizing)

(soft music)

(music continues)

(vocalizing continues)

- Dear Sisters,

we are gathered here in this holy place

to celebrate the joining of Abby and John.

It begins with the joining of the eyes.

They are the gateway to the soul.

Look into each other's eyes

and feel the love you share.

Next, is the joining of the hands.

They will work together

through good and through bad.

And together you will nurture

each other with kindness,

and love, and sustenance.

(music continues)

(vocalizing continues)

And next is the joining of the lips.

With this kiss, you both

will feel the bond of love.

And only between you two

shall your lips ever touch.

And now, the joining of the loins.

Let the transfer begin (gasps).

(dramatic music)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(singer vocalizing)

(music continues)

(vocalizing continues)

(eerie music)

(dramatic music)

(singer vocalizing)

(music continues)

(vocalizing continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music intensifies)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(dramatic music)

(singer vocalizing)

(music continues)

(vocalizing continues)

(music fades)

(soft music)

(waves splashing)

(music continues)

(singer vocalizing)

(music continues)

(vocalizing continues)

(music continues)

(vocalizing continues)

(Abby screams)

(music continues)

(screaming continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(boat horn blaring)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(patrons chattering)

(music continues)

(Abby moaning)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(moaning continues)

(music continues)

(music intensifies)

(air whooshing)

(music fades)

(light music)

Even when the river stops

Even when it all looks different

Even if I grow up

Even if something's missin'

If something's missing,

I'm still coming home

I'm still coming home

To breathe the air

that tastes so sweet in

Knows all my strength,

knows all my weakness

Reminding me that I was a child

Reminding me that I'm, I'm coming home

I am coming home

I wanna lay on these old streets

I wanna stay here for awhile

I wanna go to where we used to

I wanna do the things

that we used to do

'Cause I'm coming home

'cause you are my home

Yeah, yeah

My sweet, sweet home

Oh, my brother's in the backyard

My mama's standing guard

My father's on the boulevard

with my sister in his arms

And now she's older, a little bolder

She's still resting on his shoulders

So that she doesn't miss a thing

Way above the crowd she sits and sings

And I'm coming home

Yes, coming home

Coming home

I wanna lay on these old streets

I wanna stay here for awhile

I wanna go to where we used to

I wanna do the things we used to do

'Cause I'm comin' home

'Cause you are my home

Yeah, yeah

My sweet, sweet home

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)