Stab Unit Case Files: Unit 5150

Episode 001 of the Boy From Ipanema (Rusty Henderson) Series

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RIO DE JANEIRO

The sounds of a massive, ravenous crowd shakes the city.

Christ the Redeemer statue somberly overlooks Botafogo bay in the dark of night.

Copacabana beach, with Ipanema lit up, pulses to the vibe.

Zip up the mountainside and over to reveal--

MARACANÁ STADIUM

Brazil vs. France. A brutal grudge match nears the critical, final moments. Elbows fly and players flop.

The CENTER-FORWARD for Brazil steals the ball and shoots at the goal. The crowd goes wild.

GOOOOAL!

The center-forward exalts his splendor and sprints toward his fan section ripping off his jersey in ecstasy.

Eardrum blasting samba blares from drums and the rabid, intoxicated fans blister the opposing team's players with obscenities. Brazil now leads France 2 to 1.

The raucous fans throw batteries and garbage into the field of play.

BRAZIL GOALIE'S BOX

Goalie MARCELLO NUVES, 26, black, muscular and tall, raises his arms in celebration. He dodges some flying debris and then he prepares for the on-sides kick by crouching low and rocking back and forth to stay limber.

Total concentration.

Something whips past him and hits the goal post by his right arm.

POOF!

A small explosion blasts vapor into the air above his head.

No one notices, and Marcello fans his face as the mist descends on him. He breathes some of the vapor into his lungs and coughs.

He grabs his right temple and massages quickly.

Headache. No time for distraction. Concentrate.

Blood drips from his nose and splashes his jersey.

The clock shows 90:37. Just a matter of time now.

Marcello glares at the REFEREE daring him to look at his watch and end the match.

He wipes his nose.

Players run back and forth in front of him. They briefly go blurry. Then back into focus.

A flop by one of the French forwards results in a yellow card. Crap.

Nuves focuses intently on the free-kick. Sweat pours from his forehead.

Something's not right.

He grabs his right temple in agony. Blood sprays from his nose. He quickly falls to his knees and then onto his back. His face grimaces with shock and pain.

Blood leaks from the corners of his bloodshot eyes as well as his nose. His torso quivers for a moment, then his body goes limp.

Everything goes black.