Context: The following script was created for Dramatic Writing class with Mrs. Shiver. The assignment asked students to write a scene involving a flashback, set in a noir, mystery, or comedy genre. 

EXT. RAINY ALLEYWAY – NIGHT

Rain beats down through the dark clouded sky, falling between the tall concrete structures of the city. It lands on the riddled and bloodied corpse of a man, who is laid out on top of crumpled garbage bags.

DUCKTECTIVE enters from off screen and casts a long shadow over the body, followed by the smaller shadow of NIBBS.

DUCKTECTIVE
Poor kid, caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

NIBBS
(gags) We can’t be this desperate for jobs, Boss. Can’t we let the police handle this one?

DUCKTECTIVE
And let those idiots ruin another case for me?

Nibbs approaches the body and begins searching around it.

DUCKTECTIVE (V.O)
It was a fresh case – the first one in weeks. I needed it like a fish needs water, I had to keep working.

DUCKTECTIVE reaches into the pocket of the corpse and takes his wallet.

DUCKTECTIVE
We got a name for the body – Harold Reeves. Could’ve sworn I heard the last name Reeves somewhere–

NIBBS
Hey, boss? I found something.

Nibbs hands Ducktective a small greeting card.

DUCKTECTIVE
I’ve seen one of these before. With my old partner.

Ducktective brings the card to his bill and sniffs it.

DUCKTECTIVE (V.O)
Like I thought – it’s that smell. More sickeningly sweet than any honey or sugar. It reminded me of her.

INT. DARK MESSY OFFICE (FLASHBACK)

DUCKTECTIVE (V.O)
Her and everything she had taught me. The mark of her she had left for me.

Ducktective pecks at his desk repeatedly devouring a slice of bread as a bell rings and the door creaks open.

DUCKTECTIVE
Hey, we’re closed.

PETRA leans over the desk flicking a scent card that lands in front of Ducktective surrounded by crumbs.

PETRA
Even for me?

DUCKTECTIVE
Especially for you. I banned you for a reason.

Ducktective picks up and examines the card skeptically, watching Petra from the corner of his eye.

DUCKTECTIVE
What’s this thing? You getting into perfume manufacturing or something?

PETRA
Oh, ye of little faith. It’s a calling card every real professional has one. I thought I might as well leave you one to remember me by.

DUCKTECTIVE
Well, you wasted your time. I told you to never come back, and I damn well meant it.

Petra stands in the doorway of the office with a smirk across her face

PETRA
I know. I look forward to seeing you again, Ducktective.

                                                                                                                                       [END FLASHBACK]

EXT. DARK SIDEWALK – NIGHT

DUCKTECTIVE (V.O)
I kept track of her every day since then. Someone like her couldn’t be trusted to walk away clean.

Ducktective stares at the scented card and continues down the sidewalk.

NIBBS
So you think she’s involved somehow boss?

DUCKTECTIVE
Most likely. If she’s not, then we can still get some info out of her.

Both Nibbs and Ducktective stand in front of a rundown dirty diner.

DUCKTECTIVE
The last name on record for this building is her if she’s anywhere it’d be here.

NIBBS
Would it Kill her to mop now and then? The place is a mess.

Ducktective stomps ahead and enters the building with Nibbs following closely behind.

[END SCENE]