Insomnia

In the land of the midnight sun, the shadows are darker and the secrets are deadlier.

Watch the original version of Insomnia

Prologue

The sun never sets in Nightmute, Alaska. It’s a phenomenon that can mess up your internal clock, make you feel like you’re in a dream that never ends. For two Los Angeles homicide detectives, Will Dormer and Hap Eckhart, it’s just one more thing to add to their list of problems. They’ve been sent to investigate the murder of a teenage girl in this remote, northern town where the darkness never comes. But as they dive deeper into the case, they discover that the killer may not be the only thing that’s hiding in the shadows. Will’s insomnia starts to take its toll, and Hap is forced to carry the weight of the investigation. In Nightmute, nothing is as it seems, and the detectives will have to fight to find the truth.

Chapter 1

The plane landed on the runway and came to a halt. Will and Hap disembarked, walking down the steps to the tarmac. The cold air hit them in the face, making them pull their jackets tightly around them. The sky was a bright blue, but the sun was low on the horizon even though it was past nine in the evening.

Will turned to Hap, “You remember your stopover in Minneapolis?”

“Yeah, what about it?”

“I fell asleep there, took pills, was up all night. I haven’t slept since we left L.A.,” Will replied, “It’s like we’re on the moon.”

Hap nodded in agreement, “It’s just the northern lights.”

Will gazed around the airport, seeing the locals who were wearing winter coats, fur hats, and sheepskins. They looked at the two detectives with interest, but no one approached them.

“Nobody’s here to meet us,” said Will.

“Maybe they’re waiting by the car rental,” said Hap.

They headed outside and walked to the car rental booth. Hap managed to get them a ride to the local hotel.

“Try to get some sleep,” Hap told Will.

Will looked back at Hap, “Why don’t you sleep?”

“I’ll take the first shift, then you can take over.”

The sun was still low on the horizon when they reached the hotel. They went to the reception to check in.

Will spoke to the receptionist, “Detectives Will Dormer and Hap Eckhart.”

The receptionist handed them their key.

“Your room’s on the second floor, just down the hall,” she said.

They made their way to their room, which had a view of the bay. Will looked out of the window, scanning the town for any signs of life.

“Nobody’s out there,” he said.

“We’re in the land of the midnight sun,” Hap reminded him.

Will walked over to the phone and dialed the police station.

“Chief Nyback,” said a voice on the other end.

“Chief Nyback, Detectives Dormer and Eckhart. We’re checking in.”

“Good. I need to talk to you both right away, something’s come up.”

“We’ll be there in five,” said Will.

They left the hotel and drove to the station. Chief Nyback was waiting for them in his office.

“Sorry to call you out,” said Nyback, “but I’ve got a real mess on my hands.”

“What’s the problem?” asked Hap.

“A teenage girl, Kay Connell. She’s been murdered.”

“When?” asked Will.

“Late last night. Her body was found by the river this morning.”

“Any suspects?” asked Hap.

“No, nothing yet. But I have a feeling things are going to get ugly.”

Will and Hap looked at each other, knowing that this was not going to be an easy case. The sun was still shining bright outside, and the town was too quiet for comfort. They were in a strange land, where the sun never sets, and the darkness was always lurking.

Chapter 2: The Crime Scene

William and Hap arrived at the remote location where the body was found. The sun was still high in the sky. It was disorienting for the detectives to work in these conditions. They met with the coroner who shared some crucial evidence. She told them that the victim was a high-school student named Kay Connell, who had been missing for several days before her body was found.

The detectives scoured the crime scene carefully, examining every detail, every inch of the surroundings, and evaluating any evidence or clues that could lead them to the killer. They observed how the body was positioned, how it was left, and what could have been left behind. William leaned in and began to inspect around the body in detail. He saw a snake tattoo on Kay’s wrist that seemed significant, but he wasn’t sure why.

Hap talked to the coroner at length and learned that the cause of death was asphyxiation. The killer had used a pillowcase and a belt to strangle Kay. The coroner also revealed that she had been raped. The victim’s torn clothes and bruised neck were evidence of the brutality of the crime. It was clear that the killer had left no stone unturned in the attempt to cover their tracks.

William and Hap spent several hours examining the crime scene. They collected various pieces of evidence, including hair samples, fibers, and anything that could provide them with a clue. They also took pictures of the crime scene from every angle to maintain an accurate record of how things were found.

The detectives then moved to the perimeter of the crime scene, where they talked to several people who might have seen something. They talked to a couple who were hiking nearby and saw nothing unusual. They also spoke with a local fisherman who claimed that he saw a truck leaving the area at the time when Kay’s body was discovered. He couldn’t give a good description of the vehicle or the driver, but the detectives noted the information down.

As the sun began to set, William and Hap realized that it would be difficult to work in the darkness. They decided to return to the hotel for the night and continue their investigation in the morning. They walked through the woods back to their car and drove to their hotel.

On the drive back, William couldn’t help but think about the case. He had seen many crime scenes in his career, but there was something different about this one. The endless daylight, the remote location, and the brutality of the crime all contributed to his overwhelming feeling of unease. He felt a sense of foreboding that he couldn’t shake off.

Back at the hotel, William and Hap went over their notes and discussed their plan for the next day. They reviewed everything they had seen and gathered as much information as they could. They knew that they had to be careful not to make mistakes and miss something crucial.

William went to bed, but he couldn’t sleep. The events of the day kept replaying in his head, and he felt restless. He was worried about what tomorrow would bring, and he knew that there was a lot of work to be done.

As William lay in his bed, he kept staring at the ceiling. The endless daylight was making it difficult for him to fall asleep, and his thoughts were racing. He was beginning to feel the effects of insomnia, a condition he had struggled with before. He knew that he had to get some rest if he wanted to be alert and focused for the investigation. But he just couldn’t sleep.

The sun was still shining through the window, casting its bright light into William’s room. He felt like he was trapped in a never-ending day, and he couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in his mind.

As the night wore on, William remained awake, staring at the ceiling and trying to find some peace of mind. His thoughts kept drifting back to Kay Connell and the snake tattoo on her wrist. He knew that it was significant, but he didn’t know why. He made a mental note to investigate it further and drifted off to sleep, eventually succumbing to his insomnia.

Chapter 3: The Suspects

William and Hap had interviewed several people and had started to build a list of suspects. They decided to start with the most obvious person, the hotel manager. She had been acting suspiciously and seemed to know more than she was letting on. As they entered the hotel, they saw her talking to a couple of guests.

“Excuse me, ma’am,” William said as he approached her. “Can we speak with you for a moment?”

The hotel manager looked up, her face contorting in surprise. “Of course, detectives. How can I assist you?”

“We would like to ask you a few questions about the murder of the teenage girl,” Hap said, his voice firm.

The hotel manager nodded and led them to her office. As they sat down, William noticed a picture of a young girl on her desk. He assumed it was her daughter. The manager noticed his gaze and picked up the picture.

“That’s my daughter, Amy. She’s in college now,” she said, a small smile appearing on her face.

“Did you know the victim?” William asked, his eyes narrowing.

The smile disappeared, and the manager shook her head. “No, I didn’t know her. But it’s a small town. Everyone knows everyone.”

“Did you notice anything unusual on the night of the murder?” Hap asked, studying her face.

The manager shook her head again. “No, everything was normal. It was a busy night at the hotel. Lots of guests coming and going.”

“Do you have any employees that seemed suspicious to you?” William asked, his eyes never leaving the manager’s face.

The manager hesitated before answering. “There’s one employee, a maintenance worker. He’s been acting strange lately. He’s always on his phone, and he seems to disappear for long periods of time.”

“Thank you for your time, ma’am,” Hap said as they rose to leave.

As they walked out of the hotel, William turned to Hap. “We need to find this maintenance worker. He could be our guy.”

“I agree. Let’s start with the hotel staff,” Hap said, squinting his eyes against the bright sunlight.

They went back to the police station, where they got a list of all the hotel employees. They started interviewing the staff, beginning with the maintenance worker. His name was Andrew, and he was a lanky man with a nervous disposition.

“Can you tell us where you were on the night of the murder?” William asked, staring at him intently.

“I was working in the boiler room,” Andrew said, his hands shaking.

“Did you see anything unusual?”

Andrew shook his head, a bead of sweat rolling down his forehead. “No, everything was normal.”

Hap noticed that Andrew’s eyes kept darting towards the door. “Do you mind if we take a look around?”

“Uh, sure, go ahead,” Andrew said, his voice shaking.

As they searched the boiler room, they found nothing out of the ordinary. However, as they were leaving, Hap noticed a door that led to a small storage room. He opened it and found a backpack on the floor.

“Whose backpack is this?” Hap asked, holding it up.

Andrew’s face turned pale. “That’s mine. I must have left it there by mistake.”

“Mind if we take a look inside?” William asked, his eyes flickering over to Hap.

Andrew hesitated before nodding. As they opened the backpack, they found a large amount of cash and a knife covered in blood.

“Andrew, you’re under arrest for the murder of the teenage girl,” Hap said, his voice stern.

Andrew broke down, his body shaking with sobs. “I didn’t mean to do it. It was an accident.”

As they took him to the police station, William couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. It had been a quick and easy arrest. However, as they started to process Andrew, they realized that things were not as simple as they seemed.

They found out that Andrew had a history of mental illness and that he had been off his medication. They also found out that he had a girlfriend who was keeping something from them. As they investigated further, they began to realize that there was something far more sinister going on in Nightmute.

William and Hap knew that they had barely scratched the surface of the case. They still had a lot of work to do. But as they headed back to their hotel, they couldn’t shake off the feeling that they were in over their heads.

Chapter 4: A Break in the Case

William and Hap gathered enough evidence to make an arrest. They had identified a suspect who fit the description of the killer. They had placed him under surveillance and built a case against him. They were confident in their conclusions and believed they had solved the case. However, they soon realized that the case was not as simple as it seemed.

The suspect’s name was Walter Finch, a respected writer and community member. He had no criminal record, but his alibis were weak, and his behavior was suspicious. They had found his DNA on the victim’s body, and they had a motive – she had written a bad review of one of his books. It seemed like an open and shut case.

They went to his house to make the arrest, but Finch was not there. They found evidence that he had fled the town and was on the run. They issued a statewide alert and began a manhunt.

They combed the town for leads and found a witness who had seen Finch leaving town in a hurry. They tracked down his car, which had been abandoned on the side of a deserted road. The car had been wiped clean of fingerprints, except for one belonging to Finch. They searched the car and found a clue – a page torn from one of Finch’s books, with a cryptic message written on it.

The message was a clue, and it led them to a remote cabin on the outskirts of town. They found Finch hiding inside, armed with a gun. He was cornered, and they had no choice but to apprehend him.

They took him back to the station, and William began to interrogate him. Finch was uncooperative at first, but he eventually broke down and confessed to the crime. He revealed that he had killed the girl in a fit of rage and panic, and that he had fled the town to escape the consequences.

The detectives thought the case was over. They had a confession, a motive, and hard evidence. They were ready to close the case and return to Los Angeles. However, something didn’t feel right. William couldn’t shake off the feeling that they were missing something.

He went back to the crime scene, alone. He walked around, observing the details of the murder scene, and trying to piece together the puzzle. That’s when he saw it – a small clue that had been overlooked. There was a scratch on the victim’s watch, a scratch that didn’t match the rest of the evidence.

William realized that the scratch was a clue, and it led him to a shocking revelation. The victim’s watch had been stolen. The killer had taken it as a trophy, and Finch didn’t have it in his possession.

William rushed back to the station and confronted Finch. He asked him about the watch, and Finch denied any knowledge of it. However, William knew he was lying. He confronted him with the evidence, and Finch broke down.

He revealed that he had sold the watch to a local pawn shop. William and Hap rushed to the pawn shop and found the watch. It was a vital piece of evidence that could prove the identity of the killer.

They ran a DNA test on the watch, and the results were shocking. The DNA didn’t match Finch’s, but it did match someone else – a local police officer, who had been working on the case with them.

The revelation sent shockwaves through the department. The police officer was arrested and charged with the murder. The case had taken a dramatic turn, and it was far from over.

The detectives were left reeling. They had thought they had solved the case, but they had missed a crucial detail. They realized that the case was more complex than they had imagined, and that they still had a lot of work to do. They knew that the coming days would be challenging, but they were ready to face whatever lay ahead.

Chapter 5: Doubts and Fears

William had always been a confident and sharp detective, but the constant daylight in Nightmute was starting to take its toll on him. As the days stretched on, his insomnia worsened, and he became increasingly paranoid.

He confided in Hap, explaining how he was feeling and how he was struggling to trust his own judgment. Hap listened intently, knowing that William’s doubts and fears were not unfounded.

“We’ve made mistakes before,” William said, his voice low and tense. “What if we make the wrong choice in this case? What if we send an innocent person to prison?”

Hap thought about the question, weighing the options in his mind. “We have to be sure,” he said finally. “We can’t rush this. We need to gather all the evidence, cross-check everything, and make sure we have a solid case.”

William nodded, but his expression was still troubled. “I know,” he said. “But what if we miss something? What if we overlook a crucial detail?”

Hap put a reassuring hand on William’s shoulder. “We won’t,” he said firmly. “We’ll double-check everything. We’ll make sure we have all the facts. And if there’s any doubt, we’ll keep investigating until we get to the truth.”

William took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. The endless daylight was making him feel like he was losing his grip on reality. He had always been a stickler for detail, but now he found himself questioning everything.

He started to talk about his past mistakes, about cases he had mishandled or misjudged. Hap listened patiently, nodding understandingly. He knew that William was struggling with his own demons, and he wanted to help him through it.

As they headed back to their hotel, William’s mind was racing. He was desperate to solve this case, to prove himself as a competent detective. He was afraid that his insomnia and doubts would get in the way, that he would miss something crucial.

But as they passed by the town’s general store, something caught his eye. It was a group of locals, gathered in a tight circle, whispering and murmuring. William’s instincts kicked in – he knew that something was up.

“Wait here,” he said to Hap, before heading over to the group of people. He could hear them talking about the murder case, about the suspect and the evidence. He tried to listen in, to catch any clues or insights.

But as he leaned in closer, he stumbled and tripped over a rock. The group turned to look at him, and he felt a pang of embarrassment. He knew he looked like a fool, stumbling around in broad daylight.

He quickly made his excuses and returned to Hap. “Sorry,” he said, his face red with shame. “I didn’t hear anything useful.”

Hap nodded sympathetically. “It’s okay,” he said. “We’ll keep investigating. We’ll find the truth, no matter what.”

But as the days wore on, William’s doubts and fears continued to grow. He could feel his grip on reality slipping away, replaced with a sense of unease and disorientation.

He started to see things that weren’t there – shadows moving on the walls, figures lurking in the corners. His insomnia was ruining his concentration, and he struggled to focus on the investigation.

Hap tried to help, offering suggestions and advice. But William was trapped in his own head, unable to escape the endless daylight and the weight of his own doubts.

As the week drew to a close, the detectives were no closer to solving the case. They had uncovered several leads, but nothing was solid yet. William felt like he was drowning in a sea of uncertainty, and he didn’t know how to find his way back to solid ground.

He knew that he needed to keep investigating, to keep pushing forward. But his doubts and fears were threatening to overwhelm him, leaving him stranded in the land of the midnight sun.

Chapter 6: The Dark Side of Nightmute

As the investigation progresses, William and Hap begin to realize that Nightmute has a dark side that they never anticipated. The town’s seemingly idyllic facade begins to crumble, revealing a web of corruption, secrets, and strange rituals that lie beneath.

Their first indication that something is amiss comes when they question the local officials. They are met with hostility, obstruction, and obfuscation. The detectives soon learn that many of the town’s officials are corrupt and have been covering up the truth about the murder.

Their next clue comes from a strange source. They meet with a reclusive writer who seems to have an unhealthy fixation on the case. As they talk to him, they realize that he has been keeping tabs on the investigation and has information that they were not aware of. He tells them that there is more to the case than meets the eye and that they need to look deeper if they want to find the truth.

The detectives’ investigation leads them to a secluded area on the outskirts of town. They witness strange rituals being performed by a group of individuals dressed in black robes. The detectives are initially shocked and disturbed by what they see. They eventually realize that this group is linked to the murder of the teenage girl.

As they dig deeper, they uncover an intricate web of lies and deceptions. They find that many of the town’s residents are involved in the ritualistic practices, and that the murder was just one part of a larger scheme. The detectives begin to question the motives of everyone they meet.

Their progress is slow and frustrating, and their efforts are often met with resistance. They find themselves isolated in a town where no one wants to help them. As each day passes, William’s insomnia worsens. He becomes increasingly paranoid and starts to question his own judgment. He confides in Hap about his past mistakes and fears that they will make the wrong choice in this case.

Despite the challenges they face, the detectives continue to push forward. They are determined to uncover the truth and bring the killer to justice, no matter what it takes.

As they delve deeper into the dark side of Nightmute, they begin to realize that the case is much more complex than they had initially thought. They uncover a web of deceit and corruption that extends far beyond the murder of the teenage girl. The town’s officials, residents, and even the police seem to be involved in a conspiracy that runs deep.

Their investigation eventually leads them to a climactic showdown. Lives are at stake, and the outcome is far from certain. But the detectives are determined to see justice done, no matter the cost.

As they come to the end of their investigation, the detectives reflect on the lessons they have learned. They realize that justice is not always straightforward, and that the truth can be elusive. But despite the difficulties they faced, they know that they did their best to uncover the truth and bring the killer to justice. They pack up and head back to Los Angeles, knowing that they will never forget their time in the land of the midnight sun.

Chapter 7: A Desperate Search

The clock is ticking, and the detectives know that time is running out. They are determined to find the missing witness before it’s too late. They speed through the town, scanning every street, searching for any sign of the person they seek.

William’s mind is racing. The lack of sleep is taking its toll, and he can feel his thoughts becoming disjointed. He fears that he may miss an important clue or overlook a crucial piece of evidence.

Hap notices his partner’s increasing agitation and tries to reassure him. “We’ll find them, William. Keep your eyes open and your mind focused.”

They arrive at a run-down apartment building on the outskirts of town. William has a hunch that this is where their witness might be hiding. They cautiously make their way up the stairs, their guns drawn, ready for anything.

As they approach the door of the apartment, they hear muffled voices inside. William signals for Hap to cover him, and he slowly opens the door.

Inside, they find their missing witness, tied up and gagged. The room is in disarray, and it’s clear that there has been a struggle. The detectives quickly free the witness and try to calm them down.

“Who did this to you? Do you know anything about the murder?” William asks, his voice urgent.

The witness, still clearly shaken, tells them what they know. It’s not much, but it’s enough to help them piece together some missing parts of the puzzle.

They hear a noise from outside the apartment and know that they need to leave quickly. But as they turn to exit, they are confronted by a group of men, armed and dangerous.

William and Hap are outnumbered, but they refuse to go down without a fight. A brutal fight ensues, with punches thrown, guns fired, and furniture smashed. William’s insomnia has made him jittery and erratic, but somehow he manages to stay focused.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the detectives emerge victorious. They are battered, bruised, and exhausted, but they have what they need. As they leave the apartment, they can hear police sirens, and they know that they need to hurry.

They race back to their car, speeding through the town, their adrenaline still pumping. William can feel his heart racing, and his eyes are wide open, darting from side to side.

“We did it, Hap. We found the missing link,” William says, a hint of triumph in his voice.

Hap nods, but he can see the toll that the case has taken on his partner. He knows that William’s insomnia has reached a critical point, and he worries about what might happen next.

As they approach the police station, they can see a group of officers waiting for them. They rush inside, where the chief is waiting for them.

“Good work, detectives. We’ve got the suspect in custody. Thanks to your efforts, we’ve got the evidence we need to put him away for good,” the chief says, a hint of relief in his voice.

William and Hap exchange a glance. They know that the case isn’t over yet. They have a feeling that there’s still more to be uncovered.

As they head back to their hotel, William’s mind races. He’s starting to feel like he’s losing control. The lack of sleep has made him feel like he’s on the edge of a cliff, and he’s not sure how much longer he can hold on.

Hap notices his partner’s distress and tries to talk to him. “Hey, man, you need to take a break. You’re not yourself lately.”

William nods, but he can’t shake the feeling that there’s still something he’s missing. Something important that he needs to figure out.

They arrive at the hotel, and William immediately collapses onto his bed. He’s exhausted, but his mind won’t stop racing.

As he drifts off into a troubled sleep, he realizes that the case has taken its toll on him in more ways than one. He’s starting to see things that aren’t there, and he’s not sure what’s real anymore.

The sun shines brightly outside, casting an unending glow over the town. But inside William’s mind, there’s only darkness. And he’s not sure he’ll ever be able to escape it.

Chapter 8: The Twist

William and Hap were convinced that they had solved the case. They had enough evidence to go to trial and had already secured a confession from their suspect. But just when they thought they had everything figured out, a new twist emerged.

It was late in the afternoon when they received a call from one of the locals. He had information that could be relevant to the case. William and Hap rushed to meet with him, eager to hear what he had to say.

The man was clearly uncomfortable as he handed them a folder. “I don’t want any trouble,” he said. “But I think you need to see this.”

As they opened the folder, their eyes widened in shock. Inside were photographs and documents that revealed a connection between the murder and the local police department.

They were stunned. They had suspected corruption in the department, but they never expected this. They realized that their suspect may not have acted alone, and that the true killer was still out there.

They knew they had to act fast. They couldn’t trust anyone in Nightmute, not even the police. They decided to take matters into their own hands and conduct their own investigation.

They searched for clues and witnesses, trying to piece together what had really happened. They uncovered more evidence that pointed to the involvement of the police department in the murder. They knew they were on the right track.

But as they got closer to the truth, they began to realize that they were in danger. Someone was watching them, following them, and they didn’t know who.

William’s insomnia had worsened, and he was becoming increasingly paranoid. He couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched, that someone was lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike.

The tension was unbearable. They knew they had to find the killer before it was too late, but they didn’t know who to trust. They felt alone and vulnerable.

As they were walking down the street one night, they felt a sudden rush of wind. They turned to see a figure disappearing into the darkness. They ran after the figure, chasing him through the streets.

They finally cornered him in an alley, and as they shone their flashlights on his face, they gasped in shock. It was the police chief.

He looked at them with a mixture of anger and fear. “What do you want?” he growled.

“You know what we want,” William said. “Why did you do it?”

The chief’s face softened, and he lowered his head. “I didn’t mean for it to happen,” he said. “It was an accident. I was trying to protect my daughter.”

They listened as he told them the whole story. He had accidentally killed the girl while trying to protect his daughter from her abusive boyfriend. He had covered it up to protect his family and had even tampered with the evidence to make it look like someone else had done it.

William and Hap were stunned. They couldn’t believe what they were hearing. They had been so close to the truth, yet they had never suspected the chief.

As the sun finally began to set over Nightmute, they led the chief away in handcuffs. The case was finally closed, but not in the way they had expected.

As they boarded the plane back to Los Angeles, William and Hap reflected on the case. They knew that they had solved it, but they couldn’t shake the feeling that there was still so much they didn’t know. They had been caught off guard by the twist, and they knew that they would never forget their time in the land of the midnight sun.

Chapter 9: A Climactic Showdown

With the sun finally setting over Nightmute, William and Hap knew that they were running out of time. They had confronted many suspects and uncovered a lot of evidence, but they had yet to find the true killer. As they drove through the now-dark streets, they couldn’t shake the feeling that the killer was right under their noses.

They arrived at a remote cabin on the outskirts of town. The cabin belonged to a suspect they had questioned earlier in the investigation. They had found nothing suspicious at the time, but now they had reason to believe that the killer was inside.

Hap stayed outside to keep watch while William entered the cabin, gun drawn. The cabin was silent, and William’s heart pounded in his chest. He knew that if he made one wrong move, he could be killed. But he also knew that they had to find the killer before anyone else died.

He moved stealthily through the cabin, checking the rooms one by one. As he reached the last room, he heard a noise from inside. He pushed the door open slowly and saw a figure in the darkness.

“Police!” he shouted, his gun aimed at the figure. “Get on the ground!”

The figure turned around, and William’s heart skipped a beat. It was the suspect they had arrested earlier in the investigation – the one they had thought was the killer.

“I didn’t do it,” the suspect said, his hands raised in surrender. “I swear to God, I didn’t do it.”

William hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. He had been so sure that this was the killer, but now he wasn’t so sure. He lowered his gun and took a step forward.

Suddenly, the suspect lunged towards William, knocking him to the ground. William’s gun flew out of his hand, and he struggled to get back up. The suspect was on top of him, his hands around William’s neck, squeezing tight.

William couldn’t breathe. He gasped for air, his vision starting to fade. He reached for anything he could find, and his hand closed around a heavy object – a lamp. He swung the lamp with all his strength, hitting the suspect in the head.

The suspect collapsed on top of William, unconscious. William pushed him off and struggled to catch his breath. He grabbed his gun and called for Hap to come in.

Hap rushed into the room, gun drawn. “What the hell happened?” he asked, looking at the unconscious suspect on the floor.

“He attacked me,” William said, still struggling to breathe. “I had to defend myself.”

They searched the cabin and found evidence that confirmed the suspect’s innocence in the murder case. They realized that they had been wrong all along – the real killer was still out there.

As they left the cabin and got back in their car, they heard the sound of someone running towards them. They jumped out of the car, guns drawn, ready for a fight.

But it wasn’t the killer. It was a witness – a young girl who had seen the murder happen. She had been too scared to come forward earlier, but now she was ready to testify.

With the witness’s help, they finally identified the true killer. It was someone they had never suspected – a respected member of the community, a man who had never been suspected of anything before.

They confronted the killer in a tense and violent showdown. Shots were fired, and lives were put at risk. But in the end, the detectives emerged victorious.

As they left Nightmute and headed back to Los Angeles, William and Hap reflected on the case. They had made mistakes, but they had also learned a lot. They had solved the case and brought a killer to justice. But they knew that they would never forget their time in the land of the midnight sun.

Chapter 10: The Aftermath

As the plane takes off from the small airport in Nightmute, William and Hap take one last look at the strange, remote town that they had spent the last few weeks in. The sun had finally set, and darkness had descended upon the land of the midnight sun. It was almost as if Nightmute itself was a different place under the shroud of night.

Sitting in the cramped plane, William’s mind is racing. The case had taken a lot out of him – both physically and mentally. He had never experienced insomnia like this before, and it had taken its toll on his judgment and mental state. As he stares out the window, he reflects on the lessons he learned during the case.

Hap notices the distant look on William’s face and reaches out to him. “You okay?”

William takes a deep breath and nods. “Yeah, I’m okay. Just… thinking.”

“About the case?”

William nods again. “Yeah. It was a tough one.”

“It was. But we solved it,” Hap says, trying to reassure his partner.

William manages a small smile. “Yeah, we did. But at what cost?”

Hap looks at him quizzically. “What do you mean?”

William shrugs. “I don’t know. I just feel like we missed something. Like there was some crucial piece of evidence that we didn’t see. And if we had seen it, maybe we could have prevented all of this.”

Hap shakes his head. “We did everything we could. We followed every lead, interviewed every suspect. We even went on a wild goose chase through the woods in the middle of the night. We did our job.”

William nods slowly, still lost in thought. “I know. But still…”

Hap reaches over and pats his partner on the shoulder. “Hey, we did good. We caught the killer. That’s all that matters.”

William nods again, slowly. “Yeah. You’re right. I’m just… tired, I guess.”

Hap smiles. “Well, the good news is that we have a long flight home. Plenty of time to catch up on some sleep.”

William manages a chuckle. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

As the flight takes off into the night sky, William closes his eyes and tries to relax. But even as he drifts off to sleep, he can’t shake the feeling that something is still not quite right.

Days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months. The case in Nightmute becomes just another file in the detectives’ long careers. But William can’t shake the feeling that he missed something. He spends his spare time going over the evidence, trying to find something that he didn’t see before.

Then, one day, something catches his eye. A small detail that he had overlooked before. It was insignificant at the time, but now, with the benefit of hindsight, it seems crucial. William can’t believe that he missed it.

He rushes to Hap’s office, carrying the file with the new evidence. Hap looks up as William bursts in, panting and holding the file.

“What’s going on?” Hap asks, concerned.

William practically throws the file onto Hap’s desk. “Look at this. I can’t believe I missed it.”

Hap takes the file and starts to read. As he reads, his eyes widen. “This changes everything.”

William nods, relieved. “I knew it. I knew there was something we missed.”

Hap stands up, grabbing his jacket. “Come on. We’ve got work to do.”

The two detectives rush out of the office and head to the station. They spend the next few hours pouring over the evidence, putting together a new theory of the case. They realize that they had been looking at things from the wrong angle – and that the true killer had been right in front of them the whole time.

They gather their team and rush to make an arrest. And as they do, they realize that the case is not over yet. There is still more to be discovered, still more secrets to uncover. But for the first time, William feels like he has a chance to make things right. And that’s all that matters.

Days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months. Another case becomes just another file in the detectives’ long careers. But William can’t shake the feeling that he’s finally gotten it right. That he’s finally put the nightmares of Nightmute behind him.

As he lies in bed at night, he feels his eyelids grow heavy. The dim light from the streetlamp outside filters through the window, casting a soft glow over the room. William feels himself drifting off to sleep, finally at peace.

And as his breathing slows and he sinks deeper into slumber, he thinks to himself that maybe, just maybe, the darkness isn’t so bad after all.


Some scenes from the movie Insomnia written by A.I.

Scene 1

Genre: Crime/Mystery/Thriller

FADE IN:

EXT. NIGHTMUTE, ALASKA – DAY

The small, remote town of Nightmute, Alaska is bathed in the eerie light of the midnight sun. We see two black SUVs driving into town.

CUT TO:

INT. SUV – DAY

Inside the SUV, we see two detectives – WILLIAM and HAP – dressed in suits and looking tired.

WILLIAM:

This place gives me the creeps.

HAP:

(laughing) You’re just not used to the sunshine, partner.

CUT TO:

EXT. HOTEL – DAY

The SUVs pull up to a small hotel. William and Hap get out and make their way to the reception desk.

HOTEL MANAGER:

Welcome to Nightmute! How can I help you gentlemen?

WILLIAM:

We’re here to investigate the murder of a teenage girl.

HOTEL MANAGER:

(surprised) Oh. I see. Well, we’re happy to have you here. We have a room reserved for you.

CUT TO:

INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY

William and Hap enter their hotel room. As they unpack their bags, William looks out the window at the unending daylight.

WILLIAM:

This is going to be one long case.

HAP:

Well, we’ll crack it. We always do.

CUT TO:

EXT. NIGHTMUTE – DAY

William and Hap step outside the hotel and walk through the town. They see people going about their daily lives in the strange, never-ending sunlight.

WILLIAM:

This place is like something out of a horror movie.

HAP:

Come on, partner. Let’s get to work.

FADE OUT.

Scene 2

FADE IN:

EXT. REMOTE LOCATION – DAY

Detectives William and Hap arrive at the remote location where the body of the murdered teenage girl was found. They step out of their car and observe the eerie and desolate surroundings.

HAP

(looking around)

This is a creepy place.

WILLIAM

(nodding)

Yeah, but it’s also the perfect place for the killer to strike.

They approach the coroner who is examining the body.

CORONER

(looking up)

Detectives. I have some crucial evidence for you.

William and Hap approach the body and observe the intricate details of the murder scene.

HAP

(pointing to the victim’s hand)

What’s that in her hand?

CORONER

(reaching for a small object)

It looks like a piece of paper. Let me see…

The coroner hands the object to William, who unfolds it and reads what’s written.

WILLIAM

(surprised)

It’s a note. It says ‘I know what you did’.

HAP

(looking at William)

What do you think it means?

WILLIAM

(shaking his head)

I don’t know, but it’s obviously a message for someone. We need to find out who and why.

CORONER

(somberly)

Based on the injuries, I can tell you that the killer is methodical, and probably has a background in medicine or science.

HAP

(thinking)

That narrows down the suspect pool.

WILLIAM

(nodding)

Let’s start talking to the locals and see if anyone fits the description.

They pack up and head back to town, ready to continue their investigation.

FADE OUT.

Scene 3

FADE IN:

EXT. NIGHTMUTE – DAY

Detectives William and Hap walk out of the hotel and head towards the town center. It’s a small and remote town surrounded by vast forests and mountains.

HAP

(to William)

This place is weird. It’s like a ghost town.

WILLIAM

(nodding)

Yeah, and the fact that the sun never sets is really messing with my head.

They walk past a small diner and decide to stop for lunch. Inside, they see a group of local teenagers laughing and chatting.

CUSTOMER

(to William and Hap)

You guys new around here?

HAP

(nodding)

Yeah, we’re here to investigate the murder of that girl.

The customers look at each other, uncertain.

WAITRESS

(cautiously)

You guys are cops, right?

WILLIAM

(nodding)

That’s right.

WAITRESS

(worried)

Well, be careful. This town has a way of getting under your skin.

William and Hap exchange a glance, realizing that something is off about Nightmute.

INT. HOTEL LOBBY – DAY

William and Hap sit in the lobby, looking through some files. The hotel manager, JAMES, walks over to them.

JAMES

(apologetic)

I’m sorry, but I have to ask. Are you guys making any progress with the case?

WILLIAM

(sternly)

We’re doing our job, sir.

JAMES

(nervously)

It’s just that…this is a small town, and I want to make sure that my guests are safe.

HAP

(skeptically)

Why do you sound so worried?

JAMES

(more nervous)

I have a reputation to uphold. I don’t want any negative publicity.

William and Hap exchange a look, sensing that James knows more than he’s letting on.

INT. POLICE STATION – DAY

William and Hap meet with the local police chief, ELLIE. She updates them on the case.

ELLIE

(sighing)

We’ve interviewed several suspects, but we’re not getting anywhere.

WILLIAM

(thoughtful)

What about that writer guy?

ELLIE

(shrugging)

He seems to have an obsession with the case, but he doesn’t seem dangerous.

HAP

(skeptically)

So you’re just going to let him roam free?

ELLIE

(defensive)

We’ve got nothing on him.

William and Hap exchange a glance, knowing that they need to dig deeper into the case.

FADE OUT.

Scene 4

INT. HOTEL ROOM – DAY

William and Hap sit at a table, looking at the evidence they’ve gathered. They both look tired and tense.

WILLIAM:

We’ve got him. I’m sure of it.

HAP:

You think so?

WILLIAM:

We’ve got his prints on the murder weapon, and the fibers from his clothes match those found at the scene.

HAP:

But something doesn’t feel right. These pieces just don’t fit together.

William looks at him, his eyes dark with exhaustion.

WILLIAM:

I know. But we have to make a move before he kills again.

HAP:

Alright. Let’s bring him in.

INT. POLICE STATION – DAY

William and Hap enter the interrogation room. The suspect, a scruffy-looking man in his 30s, is sitting at the table, staring at them.

WILLIAM:

Mr. Johnson, we have reason to believe that you’re involved in the murder of a young girl.

Mr. Johnson looks up at them, his expression blank.

MR. JOHNSON:

I don’t know what you’re talking about.

HAP:

We have evidence that places you at the scene of the crime.

MR. JOHNSON:

You can’t prove anything.

William leans across the table, his voice low and intense.

WILLIAM:

We know it was you. We have your fingerprints, your DNA, and your clothes. You killed that girl, and we’re going to make sure you pay for it.

Mr. Johnson’s eyes flicker with fear.

MR. JOHNSON:

I…I didn’t mean to. It was an accident.

Hap looks at William, a sense of unease spreading over him.

HAP:

William, something’s not right. He’s not telling us everything.

William ignores him, leaning closer to Mr. Johnson.

WILLIAM:

Tell us everything. We need to know the truth.

Mr. Johnson looks at them, his eyes filling with tears.

MR. JOHNSON:

It wasn’t me. I swear. I’m being set up.

William and Hap exchange a look, realizing they’ve made a mistake.

HAP:

What do you mean, set up?

Mr. Johnson looks at them, his voice trembling.

MR. JOHNSON:

There are people in this town who want me gone. They’ve been after me for years. They planted the evidence to make it look like I did it.

William and Hap exchange a look, realizing they’ve been played.

WILLIAM:

We’re going to have to start over. We need to find out who’s really behind this.

HAP:

And fast. We can’t let another innocent person die because of our mistake.

William nods, and they leave the room, their heads spinning. The case just got a whole lot more complicated.

Scene 5

FADE IN:

EXT. NIGHTMUTE HOTEL – DAY

William and Hap walk out of the hotel and head towards their car. William looks haggard and tired. Hap notices.

HAP:

You doing okay, Will?

WILLIAM:

(sighs) Yeah, just haven’t been able to sleep. This place is messing with my head.

HAP:

I know what you mean. It’s hard to adjust to the constant daylight.

WILLIAM:

It’s not just that. I can’t stop thinking about the case. What if we get it wrong again?

HAP:

Hey, we’re not gonna get it wrong. We’re a good team, remember?

WILLIAM:

Yeah, I know. I just can’t shake this feeling.

HAP:

Tell you what, you get some rest and we’ll hit it hard tomorrow. Deal?

William nods and they get in the car.

INT. CAR – DAY

As they drive, William stares off into the distance. Hap turns on the radio to break the silence.

RADIO DJ:

And now for all you Nightmute listeners, here’s a song to keep you company in the never-ending daylight.

The radio starts playing a song. Hap taps the steering wheel to the beat.

HAP:

(smiling) This is kinda catchy.

WILLIAM:

(in a daze) Yeah, catchy.

Hap glances over at William and realizes he’s fallen asleep.

HAP:

Well, I guess that’s one way to get some rest.

Hap turns off the radio and continues driving.

FADE OUT.

Author: AI