DUCK DUCK GOOSE
by
Nathan Logan Hanley
©1999 Nathan Logan Hanley
Mirror Image Entertainment
CREDIT SEQUENCE: DUCK DUCK GOOSE
EXT. HOUSE - DUSK
JOSIE COHLMAN (mid 20s), a thin, pretty brunette stands in front of a large beige house. Josie stands with her right index finger extended to the white doorbell button. She has yet to push it.
JOSIE
What the fuck are you doing Josie? Did you drive all the way up into the hills for nothing, have a shitty time with people you hoped you'd never see again? Well...
Josie pushes in the button. The muffled ding dong echoes from inside.
JOSIE
Only one way to find out.
A few moments pass. Josie hears voices coming from inside, but can't recognize them through the thick wood door. Before long, the door opens. SIMON BLOCK (mid 20s), handsome with short dreadlocks and a muscular build, stands in the doorway.
SIMON
Well well. Josie Cohlman. It is still Cohlman right?
JOSIE
Still Cohlman. Hi Simon. Can't say I expected you here.
SIMON
You must have an invitation too huh?
JOSIE
I do.
SIMON
Well you better come in then.
INT. HOUSE - DUSK
Josie steps through the doorway into the large unfamiliar house. She looks around at the piano next to the large dining room table. She sees the long hallway with closed doors on either side. Josie picks up voices coming from the kitchen to her right.
JOSIE
Is Tabitha here then?
SIMON
Of course. How about these invitations?
Simon reaches into his right pocket to retrieve the folded black and white invitation.
SIMON
Yours the same as mine?
JOSIE
I guess so.
Josie pulls hers from her front left jeans pocket. She looks at it.
JOSIE
Josie Cohlman, please come to a private celebration. Sorry, this invitation is good for one person only. You. Food and drinks will be provided. RSVP by June twentieth. Tabitha Brooks. Time seven p.m. and this address.
SIMON
Damn spooky invitation you ask me. Took me forever to find this place. Turn left turn right turn fuckin' sixty times and sing a song.
JOSIE
No kidding. I was a hair close to staying home.
SIMON
Well I'm glad you came. Tabitha's just a creative gal's all.
JOSIE
So who else is here?
SIMON
Just Tabitha and Marcus.
JOSIE
Mitchell?
SIMON
Yeah they're in the kitchen. Shall we?
JOSIE
Might as well.
Simon and Josie walk the short distance to the kitchen. TABITHA BROOKS (mid 20s), a gorgeous red head, and MARCUS MITCHELL (mid 20s), a stalky, intimidating guy sporting a black tee sit at the small kitchen table. Marcus scratches the three day growth on his chin. A Corona sits in front of Marcus' ringed fingers. Tabitha drinks white wine. She stands up as Josie walks in. Marcus looks over.
TABITHA
Josie.
Josie smiles. Tabitha hugs her lightly.
JOSIE
Hi Tabitha.
TABITHA
You came. You didn't call so I was hoping I'd see you.
JOSIE
Here I am.
TABITHA
You look great.
MARCUS
Heya Josie girl. Never thought I'd see you again.
JOSIE
You wouldn't have.
MARCUS
C'mon now sweets, no bad feelins' alright? You didn't like me, that's fine. High school's long over.
Josie just forces a smile.
TABITHA
You like my house?
josie
Yeah it's really nice. Remote. Is it your parents?
TABITHA
It's sort of our summerhouse but nobody really comes up here much.
SIMON
Well it's great Tabitha, I needed an escape.
JOSIE
So who else got invitations to this, reatreat or whatever it is?
TABITHA
These two.
Tabitha waves her glass toward Simon and then Marcus.
TABITHA
Beetle, remember him?
JOSIE
Beetle? What kind of crowd is this?
TABITHA
Mixed. Also Kyle Donovan and Wanda Reigns.
JOSIE
Really? Just seven people huh?
MARCUS
I barely remember that Kyle guy. I remember Wanda, oh man, an' I remember you Josie. What are you up to now anyway? Married? Knocked up? Alcoholic?
JOSIE
You haven't changed much.
MARCUS
Well I am who I am. C'mon Josie, you take me too serious is the problem.
JOSIE
Why this crowd Tabitha?
The doorbell rings. Tabitha puts up her finger and walks to answer the door.
SIMON
I hear you Josie. Somethin' must be up right? I think right now I'm just extremely curious you know?
Tabitha opens the front door. A male voice can be heard greeting Tabitha.
BEETLE
Heya Tabbi cat.
tabitha
Thanks for comin' Beetle.
Tabitha walks in. Behind her is PERRY "BEETLE" BAILEY (mid 20s). He stands about 5'9", muscular build, with butched dirty brown hair. He sports a tight blue camouflage tee shirt, and one bat tattoo on each of the insides of his forearms. He looks at Marcus first.
BEETLE
What's up man? Long time no see.
MARCUS
Hey partna', too long.
They hug. Beetle turns to Josie.
BEETLE
Heya Josie. Nice seein' you here.
josie
Hi Beetle.
They shake hands. Beetle then clasps hands with Simon.
BEETLE
What's up Simon? How you doin' man?
SIMON
Just doin' really. How 'bout with you?
BEETLE
Same fuckin' shit. And you know what? I may give that answer the rest a' my life. It's cool though, I'm happy enough.
Someone knocks on the front door. Tabitha again walks to answer it.
BEETLE
That was your uncle I read about in the paper right? Didn't you say you had an uncle Thomas?
SIMON
Yeah that was him. Life he chose I guess.
BEETLE
What do you know about it? I mean I just know what I read but it looked pretty fucked up.
SIMON
Where'd you read it?
BEETLE
The Chronicle.
SIMON
They left alot out. I'll tell ya' if you want.
BEETLE
Yeah I wanna' hear it.
Tabitha again walks in. Now behind her is KYLE DONOVAN (mid 20s). Kyle's shoulder length blonde hair is pulled into a pony tail. He's handsome and wears a silver hoop in his left ear.
KYLE
Damn, what a group.
Kyle turns to Josie.
KYLE
This is some kind of reunion. Hi Josie.
Josie smiles.
JOSIE
Hi Kyle.
KYLE
You look great.
MARCUS
I think I remember you man. You were in the plays right? We had ta' go our senior year in humanities. That shit wasn't bad. That was you right?
KYLE
Yeah. I hope I don't screw this up. Marcus right?
MARCUS
Yeah man. Fuck, I don't know how you remember that, we barely knew eachother.
KYLE
Good memory I guess.
BEETLE
You still actin' at all?
KYLE
Beetle. People still call you that?
BEETLE
Couldn't shake it if I wanted to.
They shake hands.
KYLE
Good to see you man.
BEETLE
So still actin'?
KYLE
Yeah, well I'm tryin'. It's tough though. I mean the acting I love. I practice. It's that connection that's eluded me, the whole breakin' in part.
SIMON
Must be a little frustrating.
KYLE
Sometimes. Simon how you doin'?
They shake hands.
SIMON
Just doin' really. Beetle though, he's happy as a Telletube.
BEETLE
C'mon man, nobody's that fuckin' happy.
MARCUS
So just one person left. Miss beautiful Wanda Reigns.
BEETLE
Wanda huh? This might get interesting.
JOSIE
You think she'll show Tabitha?
TABITHA
Eventually I'm sure.
BEETLE
So Simon fill me in man.
TABITHA
Let's go into the dining room.
Everyone gets up and follows Tabitha to the long, dark brown, wood dining table. They all sit. Seven crystal coasters sit scattered in front of each chair. One chair, Wanda's, is empty.
KYLE
Where'd you get the Corona Marcus?
MARCUS
Tabitha had it.
TABITHA
I've got Corona, Heiniken, or wine.
KYLE
Red or white?
TABITHA
White.
She lifts her glass.
TABITHA
Chardonnay.
Tabitha gets up and walks into the kitchen.
KYLE
I'll have a Heiniken.
JOSIE
Second that, thanks Tabitha.
Tabitha speaks from the kitchen.
TABITHA
Sure. Who else?
BEETLE
Corona for me please.
SIMON
Any juice?
TABITHA
Orange.
SIMON
Sounds great.
MARCUS
What, you worried about drivin'?
SIMON
I just kinda' feel like juice.
BEETLE
So speak up man, your uncle.
The doorbell rings and quickly rings again.
TABITHA
Can someone get that? It's just Wanda.
Simon gets up and goes to the door.
KYLE
What are you guys talkin' about?
BEETLE
Well Simon's uncle was in the paper a little while ago. Poor guy was found shot six times in the back of a mack truck.
KYLE
No shit? Damn.
BEETLE
That's not the half of it.
Simon now walks in followed by WANDA REIGNS (mid 20s). She is absolutely thin and gorgeous, with long black hair. Marcus starts singing.
MARCUS
Here she comes...Miss America!
WANDA
Great. Marcus. I need your shit like I need cancer.
MARCUS
Oh relax princess.
Wanda turns to the kitchen.
WANDA
Tabitha, this party of yours isn't starting on a very good note.
TABITHA
C'mon Marcus, settle down alright? Grab a chair Wanda, have some wine.
Wanda finds an empty chair and sits. Tabitha brings over one Heiniken for Kyle, one for Josie, and Beetle's Corona. She goes back for two glasses of wine, one for herself and one for Wanda, and Simon's juice. Tabitha sips from her glass as she sits at the table.
WANDA
So Tabitha, you mind tellin' me why I'm sittin' here with Marcus Mitchell?
BEETLE
Jese Wanda you haven't changed a bit. There're four other people here you haven't even said hello to.
WANDA
Hello Beetle, you look good. Hi Josie, you look good. Hi there what's your name, you look okay I guess.
KYLE
Kyle.
WANDA
Right, Kyle. Happy now?
KYLE
You know, high school ended a long time ago. You don't have to act like you're queen of all that is anymore.
WANDA
Really?
TABITHA
Okay you guys, somethin' nice huh?
JOSIE
What's this all about Tabitha?
Tabitha sips her wine.
TABITHA
It's a reunion and we'll talk about it when the time comes. Right now we drink, talk, and get along. Alright?
Wanda lifts her glass, smiles, and drinks.
BEETLE
Okay Simon, no more fuckin' interruptions. I wanna' hear about your uncle.
SIMON
Uncle Thomas. You guys want a good story?
BEETLE
Yeah man, out with it.
SIMON
What did you read?
BEETLE
I saw the headline first. Eleven people found dead in truck. I came to the victim list an' there was Thomas Block. Shot six times, all of the dead shot with the same gun but cops can't find shit.
SIMON
Well the story goes like this. About three years ago my uncle hooked up with this guy whose pop was some kind of Mafia player. Not a Don but high up in it none the less. You have to understand, my uncle always fucked around on the wrong side a' the law. Grand larceny, car theft, even robbed a few banks way back when. So he meets this kid. Apparently the kid is spoiled
by Mafia money, all hot headed and not afraid of much. Anyways, kid had some scam to actually rip off his own dad. Sounds smart right? My uncle confided in my old man an' my old man just passed all the info to me.See, I guess this kid found out his dad was shippin'
SIMON (CONT.)
all kinds of stuff in big white mack trucks. You know, hot stuff. Electronics, jewelry. You get the picture. He had my uncle and ten other guys jackin' these trucks once a week. About three weeks into it they find a duffel bag full of cash.
MARCUS
How much?
SIMON
Two million to the penny.
BEETLE
Fuck, paper didn't say shit about all this.
SIMON
Because cops didn't find any money. They found a mack truck in an underground parking lot with eleven dead bodies in the back.
JOSIE
So what happened?
SIMON
Someone got greedy. Mafia son dissapeared and cops still don't really know what happened. Did the mafia take 'em all out, deal with the son separately? Or did the mafia son double cross his whole crew and run.
BEETLE
That's pretty fucked, either way.
MARCUS
Yeah well money can do that. Make people do fucked up shit. An' two million equals a lot of fucked up shit.
SIMON
True.
JOSIE
So what's the moral? Don't steal from the mob?
SIMON
I'd say it's a pretty bad idea.
TABITHA
Were you close to your uncle?
SIMON
Pretty much yeah. I remember him showin' Penthouse to me when I was like twelve. Next thing I know I see him in that coffin just lyin' there. He was only shot in the body so they had an open casket. I'm waitin' for him to say nice to see you Simon, you're all big now 'aint you? But he didn't. He was like a wax statue.
JOSIE
Haven't you been to a funeral before?
SIMON
No never. I'd never seen a dead body like that, up close. Only photographs.
beetle
It's a sad sight bro. I remember seein' my aunt lowered into the ground at the cemetary. Fucked me all up for a while.
SIMON
I kept lookin' at him thinkin' how fucked it was he had to die like that. You know, like his life was worthless compared to all that money.
WANDA
Guys, enough alright? This conversation is fucking depressing. I'm sorry for your uncle, Simon, but I came here to drink and have a good time.
MARCUS
And get laid, right princess?
WANDA
You must be out of your fucking mind. Poor lost boy.
MARCUS
C'mon Wanda. You just scared a' my joint's all. You're used to skinny little white dicks, not cocks as God intended 'em.
WANDA
You make me sick, you know that?
MARCUS
Be cool princess. I gotta' good story myself. Why don't you listen a minute?
WANDA
I'm sure. I'm going to the bathroom for this.
Wanda walks up and down the hall. She goes into the second door on her right.
MARCUS
Man she is still such a goddamn prude.
TABITHA
Alright Marcus, why don't you tell your story.
MARCUS
'Aint even perverted. Coupla' months ago my friend Dexter an' I were at this bar in the city at like two a.m. or so. It was a Wednesday I think so there were only a few people there. This couple was at a table in the back. For a while they were all smoochy and makin' us fuckin' sick, next thing we know they're yellin' back and forth about some goddamn thing. This other guy who was sittin' at the bar walks over to 'em. He starts goin' off on how they gotta' find Jesus an' stop yelling at eachother or God may send 'em to hell. 'Course they're already pissed off and drunk. Guy looks like he's about to nail the evangelist or whoever he was when Dex walks up to the Fallwell clone and asks him if he's so goddamn perfect what's he doin' in a bar at two a.m.? He starts sayin' stuff like, what, you don't take a shit? You don't wake up with a stiffy every now and then? Before the guy can open his mouth this fine woman with a dress so tight she could barely walk comes up to him. She says sorry I'm late an' let's go get this over with it's been a long night. Guy puts his head down and walks out.
BEETLE
What about the couple?
MARCUS
Fuckin' looked back at eachother, smooched an' forgot about whatever the hell they were bitchin' about.
Wanda walks back and sits at the table.
WANDA
So how bad was it?
BEETLE
You missed out Wanda.
WANDA
And I'm so depressed about it.
TABITHA
How 'bout a game. Where are they now. We go around and tell all about what we've been doing since high school. I know that's a lot of ground to cover but we'll shorten 'em. Cliff's notes, fifty words or less.
BEETLE
Is that a game?
TABITHA
Not really but we can pretend can't we?
kyle
Sounds like fun to me. Who starts?
TABITHA
Josie. Care to open up?
JOSIE
Okay. Well let's see. I went to junior college out of high school. No Universities or major schools, just classes here and there. My love is guitar, I play twice a month at a coffee shop. Played around for about a year. Portland, Seattle, up to Toronto. No serious relationships and I pay bills by bartending four nights a week.
TABITHA
Perfect. Nice synopsis Josie.
KYLE
You play guitar huh?
JOSIE
Since before high school.
KYLE
Acoustic or what?
JOSIE
I'm in a band actually and yeah it's mainly acoustic. We use the electric on a coupla' riffs.
BEETLE
You go Josie, right on. I love chick rockers.
josie
Well thanks Beetle. I just love music. It's a language everyone can understand you know? Touches something inside nothin' else can get to.
TABITHA
I agree Josie.
MARCUS
What about you Wanda?
wanda
I don't want to play.
MARCUS
Bullshit. Fuck girl, you take center stage any chance you get. You mean to tell me you don't wanna' sit here and tell us all how great you are now?
WANDA
Fuck you Marcus. You think you know me is that it?
BEETLE
Man, she doesn't wanna' play she doesn't have to. I'll admit though Wanda I'm curious what you've been up to.
MARCUS
Maybe she's ashamed man. She 'aint done shit to speak of an' she's all pissed that high school ended an' she's no longer queen a' the fuckin' world.
WANDA
I'll talk Marcus, to shut you up. I'm a manager now, okay? Banana Republic. I live in a one bedroom apartment in the city. I graduated from Cal last year, and guys like you still kiss my feet thinking I'm gonna' give them something I'm not.
MARCUS
I'll kiss your feet in your dreams and only there princess.
BEETLE
I heard somethin' about you gettin' into filmmaking in college.
WANDA
Yeah, well. I took some classes but majored in business. Don't listen to rumors Beetle. Half have been twisted thanks to going from mouth to mouth, the rest are completely made up.
TABITHA
Simon, you wanna' give us fifty words or less?
SIMON
Alright. Well, went to S.F. State just outta' high school. Majored in literature. Graduated. Spent six months travelling around Europe. I've been mulling over book ideas but nothing's caught yet. Do construction to get by. No wife, nothin' close.
BEETLE
You know, I 'aint surprised to hear that at all man. I remember that short story you read, what was that, junior year? That shit had me on the edge a' my seat.
simon
Yeah, that was a fun one. Mr. Cook heard me say fuck an' damn near fell over.
WANDA
Okay Marcus, how about you? You on paroll or did you break out for this?
MARCUS
You'd like that wouldn't you?
WANDA
You have to ask?
MARCUS
Well f.y.i. princess, I'm clean as Mr. Rogers' bathroom. No I didn't go to some fancy ass University, but I work hard now layin' tile for twenty bucks an hour. Girlfriends come and go as they always have, and I may play Arena Football next year.
BEETLE
I didn't know that man. Still givin' it a go then huh?
MARCUS
Til I get too hurt ta' keep tryin'.
JOSIE
Weren't you a running back Beetle?
BEETLE
Just senior year.
TABITHA
Beetle, you wanna' keep going now?
BEETLE
Alright. I went to Cal Poly but dropped out less than a year into it. Right now I'm managing a comic book store. Sometimes I go on tour to different comic book conventions. Last year I went to New York, Chicago, coupla' other spots. I have a girlfriend but she's stayin' with her folks for the summer. They live in New Orleans.
JOSIE
I love comic books.
BEETLE
Yeah? You got a favorite?
JOSIE
I don't read 'em much anymore, but I used to be into Swamp Thing, Animal Man, mostly DC stuff. Only Marvel I read was X-Men.
BEETLE
Oh you're missin' out. DC's got great books nowadays. Preacher, Hitman. Shit, anything by Garth Ennis kicks ass.
SIMON
What's with the bat tattoos? You didn't have those back in high school did you? Is that a comic book thing?
BEETLE
No I got these about three years ago. Bats are my power animal. Somethin' I always wanted, one on each arm like that. Finally just went for it.
JOSIE
What about you Kyle? What's your story these days?
KYLE
My turn huh? Okay, well I went to UCLA. Graduated, live in L.A. Santa Monica. I've been backscreen on a few films and done a few commercials. I work at a grill taking orders and whatever I can get paid acting. I've got an agent, head shot, the whole bit. Just nothin' steady yet.
BEETLE
So you came up to Frisco just for this then?
KYLE
Well my parents still live here an' I don't see enough of 'em. So I do the son thing and then trek my way up here.
JOSIE
Okay Tabitha that just leaves you.
tabitha
I guess it does. Alright. Well I'm still in school. I tried acting also, moved to L.A. for a while. Just frustrated the hell out of myself and now major in astrology. Folks'll basically keep me set up so long as I stay in school. Right now I'm single and damn happy about it.
BEETLE
Tabitha, you are spoiled girl.
Beetle stares for a moment, almost a little spaced out.
BEETLE
Man I'm feelin' really weird. Like not a normal buzz here. Kinda' numb or somethin'.
JOSIE
Me too.
SIMON
So am I and I just had juice.
BEETLE
Wow, this definitely 'aint right.
Beetle's eyes roll back into his head as he falls forward. The camera fades out.
FADE IN: INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT
Josie's eyes flutter open to the pasty white ceiling above her. She sits up and realizes she's lying in an empty bathtub. Josie quickly looks around. She sees she's alone in a small bathroom. She sees an envelope taped to the wall in front of her. Her name is written in big black letters on the front. Josie slowly pulls it off the slick green tile. She is clearly confused and still groggy from whatever drug got her into this bathroom. Josie opens the envelope and pulls out a white note with big black typed letters. Josie reads to herself.
JOSIE(V.O.)
Rules of the game. Josie Cohlman, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you are now in a life or death situation. You were brought to this house for one reason, to see if you can survive the night. There is no way out of this house. Homemade bombs lay in front of each door to the outside world. Your only chance is to figure out who I am. There is a pistol hidden somewhere in the house. Trust me, I will come for you sooner or later. Find the pistol and take me out. That's your only chance. The phones are dead, so forget calling the police. I know you're curious why someone would do this to you, but if I told you, you'd know who I was wouldn't you? Good luck Josie and let the game begin.
Josie drops her arms.
JOSIE
You gotta' be kidding me. Oh man, this is so not worth coming. Josie, why didn't you walk away when you had the chance? Think Josie, now, don't panic.
There is a slight tapping on the bathroom door. Josie's eyes widen. She looks around the bathroom. Josie stands up and walks to the front of the large mirror, just across from the door. She snatches up a bottle of hairspray resting just next to the bathroom sink, and aims it at the door. The handle turns slowly. The door then flies open. Beetle stands in the doorway, lifting a brass candlestick in the air.
BEETLE
Josie, thank God.
Josie sprays Beetle in the face with the hairspray. Beetle closes the bathroom door behind him and lifts his arm to block the hairspray.
BEETLE
Whoa, whoa! Stop Josie! I'm not him, I'm not the guy!
Josie stops spraying but holds the bottle extended in front of her.
JOSIE
Stay back Beetle.
Beetle looks at the canister.
BEETLE
You're threatening me with hairspray?
Josie looks at the bottle.
JOSIE
Yeah, well I had to think fast.
BEETLE
Look Josie I'm not him. I got a note. Last thing I remember we were all drinkin', talkin', have a grand old time. I remember feelin' numb. Next thing I know I wake up in a bedroom with this note taped to my face.
Beetle pulls out his note. It's identical to Josie's. Only the names are different. Beetle sees Josie's note on the ground next to the bathtub. He grabs it and reads it over.
BEETLE
See, just like yours. I don't know if this is some sick fuckin' joke or what, but I like life way too much to not take it seriously. So I got up, spotted this candlestick, and thought I'd better go gun hunting.
JOSIE
You know I can't trust you.
BEETLE
And I can trust you? We're both in the dark here Josie.
JOSIE
Are you kidding? I'm a girl Beetle. Only guys do crazy fucked up shit like this. How many female serial killers have there been? Can you name one?
BEETLE
Okay, maybe you're right. But come on Josie, you know me. You think I'd do something like this? What the fuck for? What in the hell would the motive be? I'm a comic book man, Josie. I like heroes and good guys. Whoever did this is a villian and is definitely not gonna' be on my Christmas list this year.
JOSIE
So who is it then Beetle? He's in the house somewhere and he wants to kill us for some fucking reason.
BEETLE
I don't know who it is Josie. To be honest, I wouldn't suspect anyone that was around that table tonight to be responsible for this.
JOSIE
But someone is.
BEETLE
Someone is. Josie, look. Two heads are better than one. If we can atleast trust eachother we can also watch eachother's backs. We can't leave right? Phones are dead and the motherfucker stole my cell phone. I'm not about to wait here 'til crazy boy decides to walk in and shoot us.
JOSIE
Alright. You're right, you are. If this person is walkin' around out there we're better off together.
BEETLE
You want to live right? I want to live. We can maybe find this supposed gun if we have two sets of eyes and two pairs of hands.
JOSIE
Any idea where to start looking?
BEETLE
Down the hall and into the first door we see I guess.
JOSIE
Alright. Well, I guess we'd better go huh?
BEETLE
You might wanna' find somethin' more useful than the uh, hairspray there.
Josie looks at the hairspray.
BEETLE
Here.
Beetle steps to and reaches behind the toilet. He pulls out a long black and brown plunger. He hands it to Josie.
JOSIE
You gotta' be kidding.
CUT TO: INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT
The bathroom door opens, and Beetle and Josie step out into the dim hallway. Beetle holds the candlestick like a baseball bat, ready for anything. Josie tries to do the same, but the plunger is awkward and seems to flip flop around. They each look around, down each side of the long hallway. Beetle points to a closed door ahead on the left. They cautiously walk toward it, leaving the bathroom door open behind them. They reach the closed door and stand in front of it, candlestick and plunger lifted high and ready. Beetle slowly, quietly, turns the knob and pushes the door open, his left hand grasping the candlestick.
The room is dim. A sewing machine rests on a small table at the far end of the room. Yarn balls of blue, green, black, and other colors can be seen all around the floor. Kyle lies in the middle of the room on his back, his eyes shut. An envelope with Kyle written on the front is taped to his chest. Beetle and Josie walk in and look around. Beetle closes the door behind them.
BEETLE
Look.
Josie sees Kyle now, as well as the envelope.
BEETLE
Kyle. He's still out.
Beetle takes the envelope off Kyle's chest. He quietly opens it and reads to himself.
BEETLE
It's the same. Addressed to Kyle. We better wake him up.
Beetle crouches down and squeezes Kyle's left shoulder.
BEETLE
Kyle. Kyle you gotta' wake up bro.
Kyle's eyes flutter open. He sees Beetle and Josie standing above him.
KYLE
Wha..Where am I? What the fuck happened?
BEETLE
You were drugged man. I found Josie just a minute ago. We were both drugged too. Someone's fuckin' with us big time.
KYLE
What do you mean? Someone spiked our drinks?
BEETLE
That's exactly what I mean.
KYLE
Why?
JOSIE
We don't know.
BEETLE
You'd better read this.
Beetle hands Kyle the letter. Kyle reads it over. A look of astonishment slaps him in the face.
KYLE
Is this real? This is a joke right, it's not real is it?
BEETLE
We woke up same as you man, with the same letter waiting for us.
KYLE
How can this be real? Who would do something like this?
JOSIE
We don't know Kyle. We're trying to figure out the same thing.
BEETLE
Well whoever it is is out there lookin' for us. They obviously want some sort of game outta' this whole thing or they woulda' killed us when we were dreamin'. Now we can sit here and try an' figure this whole thing out or we can act. We've gotta' find that gun.
JOSIE
Beetle what about Tabitha? I mean, she's obviously responsible for drugging us considering she got the drinks. This is her house, she invited us.
BEETLE
Yeah I thought of that. If she's still in this house we have to find her, no doubt about it. But she's obviously not in this room. Someone must be pulling her strings Josie, I can't picture Tabitha doing something like this.
KYLE
Me neither. Tabitha can't have written this. It must be Marcus.
BEETLE
I doubt it. All that guy cares about is girls, weed, and money. I haven't seen him in a while but I gurantee he's no killer.
KYLE
Oh really? You two were pretty close back in high school. Maybe it's you, maybe you two are in it together.
BEETLE
I'm not gonna' defend myself all night. I didn't do this. Period. End of story. I wanna' find who's responsible just as bad as you do.
JOSIE
So let's go. We can't just sit here.
BEETLE
I agree completely. Can you stand up man?
KYLE
Yeah, I think so.
Kyle slowly stands up. He stands for a second to gain his balance.
KYLE
I'm still woozy.
BEETLE
I hear you but we don't really have the luxury of waitin' for you to pull yourself together.
KYLE
I'll be okay.
BEETLE
You might wanna' find somethin' to use.
KYLE
A weapon?
BEETLE
Something.
Kyle looks around the room. He sees a small hammer on the ground to his left. He bends over and picks it up.
KYLE
Like this?
BEETLE
There ya' go.
KYLE
I've never hit anybody with a hammer before. Shit I've never even been in a fight.
BEETLE
Well I'm new at the candlestick swinging myself. I hope none of us have to use these.
JOSIE
A candlestick, a hammer, and the girl's stuck with a plunger.
BEETLE
I won't let whoever this is get to you Josie. Just stay close okay?
We hear a door close from out in the hallway.
KYLE
What was that? A door closed. Did you two hear that?
JOSIE
Sounds like someone went into the bathroom. You think it's him?
BEETLE
I don't know. Could be someone trying to hide. I guess we'd better find out. First let's look around here for that gun.
All three start searching the room. They check around the sewing machine, through the balls of yarn, in the small wood wastebasket. Nothing.
JOSIE
I don't think it's in here Beetle.
BEETLE
I think you're right. Fine. You two ready.
JOSIE
Sure.
KYLE
I guess.
Beetle opens the door and steps out into the hall.
CUT TO: INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT
Beetle, Josie, and Kyle step out into the hallway. They look all around. The bathroom door is now closed. All three walk to it and hold their weapons high, ready for anything. Beetle pushes the door open.
INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT
Wanda stands in the middle of the bathroom. She now hold the hairspray in her right hand, pointed at the door. She sprays Beetle as he steps in. Beetle puts his arms up.
BEETLE
Whoa! Easy! Wanda, stop!
Wanda stops spraying.
BEETLE
Jesus! What's it with women and hairspray.
JOSIE
I resent that Beetle.
BEETLE
Sorry, just tryin' to lighten things up a little.
WANDA
I wish it were mace.
BEETLE
Well gee thanks alot Wanda.
Kyle closes the door behind them. All four characters bnow stand together in the small bathroom. Wanda lowers the hairspray.
BEETLE
You got a letter too, I'm assuming.
WANDA
Yeah I got a letter. If this isn't a joke and someone actually wants to kill me I'm gonna' be really pissed.
BEETLE
Pissed? You mean if you're not dead. You might wanna' take this seriously Wanda.
WANDA
I am, Beetle. But I can't let some psycho push me around, scare me.
JOSIE
Wanda, if there's ever a time to be scared, now is it. Only one of us is crazy right? If we stick together we may have a chance.
WANDA
Hey I read that stupid letter. We have nothing to go on. It could easily be one of you. Then where am I? Stabbed in the back or pushed off the roof?
BEETLE
Wanda, way I see it is we're all in the same boat here. I mean what choice do you have? I can swear to you I'm innocent, does that help?
WANDA
You could be lying.
BEETLE
But I'm not. Look, we keep going like this we'll get nowhere, and before we know it we're dead as a cow on a McDonald's farm. We have to trust eachother because we have no other choice.
WANDA
I don't like it.
JOSIE
None of us do Wanda. I can't tell you how much I wanna' go home right now.
KYLE
Don't you think it might be Marcus?
WANDA
Ofcourse. Marcus is the only asshole here who would do something like this.
BEETLE
You wanna' believe that? Fine. I don't buy it, but believe whatever you want. The bottom line is we all want out of this house right? We find this gun and we've got leverage, whoever it is.
JOSIE
Where'd you wake up Wanda?
WANDA
In a closet in a bedroom. I didn't see anyone else in there. But Marcus, or whoever you want to believe is responsible, also took my mace and my cell phone.
BEETLE
So we've got options. We've got atleast two cell phones hidden somewhere, and Tabitha obviously knows something.
JOSIE
We didn't look in here.
KYLE
For the gun?
JOSIE
Right.
BEETLE
So let's start. We can check the toilet, the medicine cabinet. Under the sink. You never know, we may get lucky.
They all start looking around the bathroom. They check the clothes hamper, the shower, under the big porcelain flap on top of the toilet. No luck.
BEETLE
It's not here. Which means we go into another room and search there. Wanda, you might want to find something you can use.
WANDA
Like what, a weapon?
BEETLE
Yeah something like that.
WANDA
I'll take my chances.
BEETLE
So that means you wanna' lead then huh? Open the doors and take a bullet if he's standing there waiting?
WANDA
No, actually, I won't do that.
KYLE
You don't care about anyone but yourself do you?
WANDA
I care about alot of people, just no one in this house.
JOSIE
That's a pretty fucked up thing to say Wanda, especially given the situation we're in.
KYLE
Yeah, how about trying to be nice instead of being a bitch all the time.
WANDA
Don't call me a bitch you little prick. Atleast I'm not some out of work wannabe actor.
Kyle stares at Wanda for a moment. She gives him a little almost unnoticeable smile.
JOSIE
Wanda, come on. Our goal is to get out of this house alive and in one piece. This shit really doesn't help.
BEETLE
Wanda, you don't wanna' weapon, fine. There's not much you can use in here anyways. I'll take the front, I'll put my life on the line for someone who could care less. But don't insult anyone again alright?
WANDA
Hey he called me a bitch.
BEETLE
Just fuckin' humor us, okay?
Wanda slants her eyes and smiles.
WANDA
So let's go then.
Beetle looks at Wanda for a moment and then turns to the door. He slowly pulls it open. Beetle, Kyle, Wanda, and Josie walk out into the hall. They turn to the left. Every door is closed, except for the knitting room Kyle was in. That door is wide open. They all look around. Beetle points to a closed door ahead on the right. They walk to the door.
WANDA
I think I was in here.
Beetle hesitates before slowly pushing the door open. It is a small, dark bedroom, the small closet door wide open. The bed is draped with a plain olive green bedspread. Beetle closes the door behind them. He turns and scans the room.
BEETLE
I woke up on this bed. Fuck Wanda, we were in the same room and didn't even know it.
JOSIE
Let's start looking.
BEETLE
We'd better.
Everyone starts looking sround the room. In drawers of the large brown chest on the right. In the closet. Wanda takes her time, barely looking really. Kyle bends down and looks under the bed.
KYLE
He's here!
Kyle reaches under the bed. He pulls out a large boot.
KYLE
Whoops, false alarm. Sorry.
BEETLE
Nice try Kyle.
They all go back to looking. Kyle sits still.
KYLE
We could be dead before we know it. I could be sittin' here, he walks in and bam. Dead. if I'm shot I wanna' get it in the head, make it over quick.
BEETLE
Don't start talkin' like that man. I'm twenty five years old. I 'aint about ready to finish my story yet.
JOSIE
Beetle's right Kyle, you've gotta' think positive. We've all got our whole lives ahead of us. You ask me the way to go since we all have to anyway, is in your sleep at a hundred and three.
KYLE
Yeah, well, no one goes out like that anymore. Maybe one person outta' fifty is lucky enough to live that long.
JOSIE
You know what Kyle? I don't wanna' think about it. You wanna' sit here and contemplate the inevitable, fine. But what good does that do. How can you really experience life to the fullest if you're worrying about death all the time.
KYLE
I don't worry about death all the time, I'm just worrying about it right now.
beetle
Well don't. You wanna' keep your mind off it, pretend you're a character. Act like you've got your head together and we're all in some fucked up version of The Breakfast Club. Try not to be pessimistic because we don't need it. I wanna' live. You wanna' live? If whatever this is real, no joke, our living means walking out of this house. Maybe this guy, person, whoever's responsible for this is bluffing. Maybe the front door is clear an' we can walk right out. But I'm not willing to risk my limbs flying off in a hundred directions, are you? Our only chance is that gun and any cell phone so we can call the cops. Now enough with the negative thoughts, just keep looking alright?
KYLE
Sure thing man. You're right. I'm just trying, I don't know, I guess I'm still a little out of it.
JOSIE
I don't think the gun's in here you guys.
BEETLE
I agree. So we keep moving until we find something.
WANDA
Yes sir.
BEETLE
You know what Wanda? You haven't changed a bit since high school. Don't consider that a compliment.
WANDA
Fine, don't like me Beetle. Don't think I care in the least.
JOSIE
Enough. Let's just go alright?
Beetle walks to the door. Again he slowly opens it, with Kyle, Wanda, and Josie just behind him.
They all walk out into the hall. They see one last door at the end of the hall. The other end of the hall leads into the dining room and eventually the kitchen, with the garage behind that. In the hallway, everyone speaks with a whisper.
BEETLE
One last door, then we go back to the kitchen.
JOSIE
Lead the way.
They all slowly walk to the door. Beetle slowly opens it. It's another bedroom, this one much larger. Marcus sits up on the bed. In his hands is the note, his eyes going across, reading it to himself. He seems clearly shocked.
BEETLE
Marcus.
Marcus looks up at the group.
MARCUS
Beetle. Yo man, what the fuck is goin' on? What is this shit?
BEETLE
It is what it says man. Someone sittin' at that table earlier tonight set us up. Party was a joke, get us all together an' take us out like Murder by Death. You can ask me why but I'm as clueless as you. We're all tryin' to figure that out.
MARCUS
But this is Tabitha's house man, her fuckin' party. She must've dropped somethin' in my Corona an' that makes her suspect number one don't it?
BEETLE
Someone, whoever, coulda' gotten to her too. Threatened her, I don't know.
Kyle closes the door.
KYLE
Enough bullshit man. Don't sit there and pretend you're not responsible for this.
Marcus stands up.
MARCUS
Me? You kiddin'? I just fuckin' woke up brotha'. You're the one we should be lookin' at, Mr. Actor. Probably a psycho think there 'aint no difference between movie killin' an' real killin'. Get off on doin' fucked up things like this ta' people you 'aint seen in five years.
KYLE
Gimme' a break, Marcus. You're the one with all the attitude, somethin' bad to say about everybody an' somethin' worse to say about everybody else.
MARCUS
You better lay off partna' 'cause you don't know me. Don't act to know shit you don't. What about you princess, hidin' back there.
WANDA
You're the only one I'd like to see dead in this house and you're not worth the effort.
MARCUS
I am so bitch.
Beetle steps up to Marcus.
BEETLE
Enough man. Someone's responsible, yeah. An' we can blame and accuse all fuckin' night 'til someone gets shot. But that's not getting us out of this house. We find the gun or a cell phone, that's what we need to do.
MARCUS
An' then I'm gonna' weed this motherfucker out and beat his ass. Maybe it's Simon huh? I don't see him with you all.
BEETLE
Maybe but we haven't been through the whole house yet.
MARCUS
So what're we waitin' for?
JOSIE
Just you.
MARCUS
Are you holdin' a toilet plunger Josie, is that what that is? Plunge a motherfucker to death?
JOSIE
Yeah, well...
She looks at it.
JOSIE
It makes me feel better.
BEETLE
We gotta' look in here. Gun or a cell phone.
Everyone starts looking. Marcus pulls Beetle to the side.
MARCUS
Beetle, who you think did this man? I know you an' I'd bet a casino jackpot you 'aint responsible. No one else may believe me but I know I didn't do this. So who man, what do you think.
BEETLE
I don't know. The whole thing makes zero fuckin' sense Marcus. I don't know who, I don't know why. Right now I'm just goin' a second at a time, try to get outta' here. Let's look. You alright, you awake?
MARCUS
Yeah I'm awake.
BEETLE
Alright then.
Beetle and Marcus go to looking. Everyone else scours the room. The closet is searched. Josie looks under the bed. Nothing turns up.
JOSIE
God damn it.
BEETLE
It's alright, don't get frustrated.
JOSIE
Beetle what if it's not one of us? You know, I was thinkin'. Maybe it's someone outside, watchin' us, pulling Tabitha's strings while looking through the windows.
BEETLE
Maybe. Yeah, that's a possibility.
MARCUS
There 'aint nothin here man.
JOSIE
Should we head for the kitchen?
MARCUS
What about some a' the other rooms?
KYLE
We've been through it.
Marcus looks at Kyle.
MARCUS
And you found nothin'? Maybe you didn't look hard enough.
JOSIE
We looked Marcus, trust me.
WANDA
You're so smart Marcus. In fact your intellect just amazes me.
MARCUS
See, I can understand why someone would want you dead. You're a bitch to everyone an' you only care about yourself. Me? Yeah I got my problems, I'm sure I've got plenty a' enemies. Kyle, I barely know you man but I'm sure you got your skeletons. Beetle, Josie, far as I know you're nice to everyone.
JOSIE
So we start thinking. If it's not someone at the kitchen table...
BEETLE
Well it's obviously someone we went to high school with considering we're all from the same class.
KYLE
I just want out of here. We find out, I mean prove who it is, great, but it won't help if we're dead.
JOSIE
So let's go to the kitchen.
Everyone turns to the door.
MARCUS
Hold up.
Marcus walks to a wood chair facing a desk and mirror in the corner. He flips it over and begins kicking until one of the chair's legs breaks off. He picks it up and holds it like a club.
MARCUS
Alright.
WANDA
That's Tabitha's parent's chair you just inconsiderately broke.
MARCUS
So? Tabitha's got some explainin' to do an' I could give two shits about her parent's fuckin' chair.
BEETLE
I can't disagree at this point. Let's go.
Beetle leads the way as the group walks out into the hall. Beetle walks toward the kitchen, with the rest of the group bunched up close behind. Marcus brings up the rear. All the weapons are raised and ready.
They walk through the dining room, past the large dining room table. All of the drink cups are still there. Simon sits on a small green felt couch near the large window next to the table. Simon looks up at everyone as they walk in.
SIMON
Are we having fun yet?
Simon stands up.
SIMON
Seems someone here is. So who's responsible for drugging me and leaving me under the table? Or do we sit down and play Murder She Wrote time?
BEETLE
Simon. You scared the shit outta' me man, sittin' in the dark like that.
SIMON
Fess up, who is it?
BEETLE
Hey Simon, we've been trying to figure that out too you know. Maybe it's someone else, someone who wasn't here earlier.
SIMON
No, it's someone here. Everyone's acting innocent but someone's behind this. I'm not full of it you guys. I know alot about detecting, spent alot a time with two detectives years ago. Listened to 'em, learned from 'em. There are clues everywhere, you just have to know how to hear and see the little things. Fact is, whichever one of you did this is a moron. Chances are those are car batteries in paper bags out there. Bombs are alot more complicated than threats.
BEETLE
Okay, so let's detect then. Figure this thing out. Because I'm innocent an' I really wanna' go home.
WANDA
Nothing personal Simon, but how do we know it's not you?
SIMON
Fair question, I could be puttin' on a show I suppose. Bottom line is, no matter what any of us say, no one really knows eachother anymore. So we're gonna' have our doubts no matter what. I could say I just came here to have a good time, an' the last thing I would ever do is shit like this. So I say it and I mean it but what are words? Air really. Words are nothing without action.
JOSIE
And no one's confessing.
SIMON
And no one will. People don't do secretive stuff like this to get caught. What's happening here tonight was well thought out and is happening for a reason. Whoever wrote this note is here, that's what I think. Someone going through all this trouble is gonna' want to see how people deal with it.
MARCUS
So where's Tabitha man? We find her we get some a' these questions answered.
SIMON
Well, where have you looked?
BEETLE
That whole side of the house. I woke up first, found Josie. Went through the house looking an' came across everyone else. No Tabitha though. No Tabitha, no gun, and we're missing a coupla' cell phones.
WANDA
And my mace.
SIMON
So what's left? The kitchen, maybe the cabinets there. The garage.
KYLE
Maybe an attic.
SIMON
And maybe an attic. Tabitha's not gonna' be in the kitchen. We may find cell phones or this gun if it even exists.
BEETLE
So let's check the kitchen then.
simon
It's a start.
They all walk into the kitchen and begin rummaging through the cabinets. Beetle checks the fridge, the dishwasher. No luck in the search, just dishes and food.
KYLE
So what now?
beetle
The garage I guess.
WANDA
Simon, you sound real smart and act like you know alot. What if you're leading us right into something. What if whoever this is is waiting for us all to get into the garage or the attic and just shoot us all there.
SIMON
Well, where's the motive behind it all? If someone really wanted us all dead, why didn't they kill us earlier? If someone's the puppeteer with Tabitha playing the role of Pinnochio, why not just put rat poison in our drinks. There's a fog over all this that I can't put my finger on.
WANDA
How do you know Simon?
SIMON
I don't, but then again who really knows anything? If you're a Catholic you're just supposed to have faith. Ask a priest how he knows God exists he'll say he just does. What he should say is I believe or I have faith but he really doesn't know does he?
WANDA
It's a little different isn't it?
SIMON
Completely but it's the same principle. When you don't have absolute, indisbutable, undeniable fact, all you have is faith.
WANDA
Well if I'm expected to depend on belief tonight, then I can't go anywhere else with Marcus. My faith tells me he's responsible for this and I'll stick by that.
KYLE
I agree with Wanda. If it's anyone it's Marcus.
MARCUS
It 'aint me motherfucker. You all wanna' accuse me, fine. I understand. I know I cause my share a' trouble. But I promise I didn't do this shit.
SIMON
Look, we either all walk into the garage or two people stay here. But we need motive. What are motives for this type of thing? Revenge maybe. Money. Can't really see that connection. So we all think about our pasts together. Can someone connect us all? It could be the littlest thing these days. For some reason alot of us humans can't see the value of life. Think 'cause someone trips you in the hallway they deserve to be shot.
JOSIE
Can be a sad world sometimes can't it? Never thought I'd be in the middle of something like this.
kyle
Me neither.
SIMON
Problem is the self serving nature of our species. If everyone saw everything as a part of themself, which it really is, this would be a different world we live in.
MARCUS
Look you all, I 'aint too into havin' some philosophical discussion right now. World is how it is, good and bad you just accept it 'cause it's all there is and that's that.
BEETLE
Marcus is right Simon. We don't have time for this. I just wanna'get outta' here, that's all.
WANDA
I'm not going anywhere else with Marcus. I think it's him and that's all there is to it.
MARCUS
Man, I have to say I could really care less what happens to you tonight.
WANDA
See? It's that attitude that spells conviction in my book.
MARCUS
This is really fucked.
JOSIE
So what do we do? Some of us check the garage, attic if we need to. Others stay here?
BEETLE
That's not a bad idea.
JOSIE
I can't feel comforatble accusing anyone here. But if it was Beetle he could have killed me earlier and he didn't. If I go so does he.
KYLE
I can't disagree with Wanda. I'm not gonna' feel comfortable with Marcus behind me. Shoot me in the back or hit me with that table leg there.
MARCUS
You know, I barely remember your ass my man, an' here you are pinnin' me. You got racist written all over you.
KYLE
I'm no racist, I'm a realist.
MARCUS
Call it whatever you want man.
SIMON
I'll stay here. You and I both Marcus. If that's better, than the rest of you can go into the garage and look for Tabitha. How 's that? Somethin' happens, scream, bang the walls. Do whatever you can to get our attention.
WANDA
I can live with that.
SIMON
Then good luck. I have faith we'll get outta' this.
CUT TO: INT. GARAGE - NIGHT
Josie, Beetle, Kyle, and Wanda walk into the dark, cluttered garage. Beetle flicks on the light by the wall.
JOSIE
We're never gonna' find anything in here.
BEETLE
Don't say that. We could find Tabitha.
JOSIE
Unless she's dead.
BEETLE
Definitely don't say that.
WANDA
Maybe we should go straight up to the attic.
KYLE
Good idea. We don't find anything up there we could try tackling this garage.
WANDA
Besides, how could Tabitha be in here? It's all junk and old crap. Can't you guys see there's nowhere here she could be?
BEETLE
Wow Wanda. Well since you have x-ray vision maybe you should take the lead.
WANDA
I have eyes Beetle, and I'm realistic. Look around once, that's all it takes.
BEETLE
Fine, you wanna' go up to that attic we will. Didn't you here Simon? We don't know shit about anything tonight. Anything could be in this garage. But we'll please you and go up to the attic first, okay?
WANDA
You think I wanna' be here, is that it? This night is worse than prom when Brad Wallice puked on my nine hundred dollar dress. I want out of here just like you.
KYLE
Your life being threatened should be worse than some puke on your dress, I mean, is there really a comparison there?
WANDA
I don't need your mouth actor boy.
BEETLE
What I need is for everybody to shut the fuck up. That must be to the attic.
Beetle points to a small, tight wood staircase.
BEETLE
Who's first?
WANDA
Don't look at me.
BEETLE
Of course not.
JOSIE
I'll go.
BEETLE
You sure Josie?
JOSIE
Someone's got to. I wanna' get to the bottom of this.
Josie starts walking up the staircase into the attic.
CUT TO: INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Marcus and Simon sit across the long wooden table. Simon's back is to the kitchen. Both do seem a little nervous and edgy, given the situation, but do their best to hise it from eachother.
MARCUS
So? Who is it Simon the detctive? Who, what the fuck for, that's what I really wanna' know is what the fuck for.
SIMON
That's the question isn't it? I been thinkin' back and remembered that fight you and I got in when we were kids. You remember that? Seventh grade or so.
MARCUS
Yeah, so you beat my ass. You think I carry shit that long? It 'aint me Simon. An' since you're so positive it 'aint someone outside I'd say you sent someone upstairs with a psycho.
CUT TO: INT. ATTIC - NIGHT
Josie stands now in the dark, dusty attic. It's worse than the garage, very cluttered, and nails stick up through some of the beams running across the attic floor. Josie looks around at old clothes hanging, papers and photos scateered around. She sees old high school yearbooks lying around with other books and magazines.
INT. GARAGE - NIGHT
Beetle, Kyle, and Wanda stand at the bottom of the stairs.
BEETLE
You alright?
INT. ATTIC - NIGHT
josie
Yeah I'm fine. It's pretty dark up here though.
INT. GARAGE - NIGHT
beetle
Who's next?
KYLE
All you man.
BEETLE
Fine.
Beetle walks up the staircase.
INT. ATTIC - NIGHT
Beetle walks into the attic. He stands next to Josie, who still looks around the attic.
BEETLE
Jesus, look at this.
JOSIE
I think someone's up here.
BEETLE
Yeah I get that feeling.
JOSIE
You hear that?
We can hear a humming of some sort coming from the corner of the attic.
BEETLE
I hear it. I don't see anything though.
JOSIE
It's coming from the corner.
Beetle turns his head to the staircase.
BEETLE
You guys better come up here.
Wanda steps up into the attic. Josie looks around carefully before walking toward the corner. She holds the plunger ready. Beetle is right behind her with the candlestick. He sees the yearbooks on the ground. They soon reach the corner and look down to see Tabitha tied and gagged on the ground. Two cell phones and a can of mace are close by her feet.
JOSIE
Tabitha.
CUT TO: INT. GARGAGE - NIGHT
Kyle looks up the staircase. He turns to the middle of the garage. He walks to an old brown leather suitcase and unzips it. He reaches in and pulls out a revolver. He looks at it and walks toward the kitchen.
CUT TO: INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Marcus and Simon still sit at the large dining room table.
MARCUS
We should go up there man, it isn't right.
SIMON
You think I'm convinced it's not you?
MARCUS
What do you want from me? I swear on my grandmother's grave man, 'aint that good enough?
KYLE
Don't listen to him Simon.
Kyle walks into the dining room. He aims the gun at Marcus.
simon
Where'd you get that Kyle, an' where is everyone else?
KYLE
It's Marcus Simon, I know it is. I know it's you man.
MARCUS
Put the gun down Kyle, it 'aint me. I don't know where you got that but I 'aint all that comfortable with you pointin' that thing at me.
KYLE
I'm pointing it at you to get the truth an' I'm not putting it down until you confess.
CUT TO: INT. ATTIC - NIGHT
Josie bends down and takes the tied sock from Tabitha's mouth. Beetle unties her arms and legs. Wanda picks up her can of mace.
TABITHA
Josie, don't let him up here.
BEETLE
Who?
TABITHA
Kyle.
JOSIE
Kyle?
TABITHA
He's behind this whole thing. I'm so sorry, I didn't want to drug you guys but I had no choice, he's severely fucking crazy.
Beetle turns around. He now notices Kyle did not follow them upstairs.
BEETLE
Where is he?
WANDA
I should've known. Fuckin' little prick.
JOSIE
Why? Why would he do this?
TABITHA
He's just lost it. L.A. must've done it to him.
BEETLE
Why us?
TABITHA
Can you ever explain a crazy person's actions?
JOSIE
Okay, so what now? How do we get out of this?
TABITHA
We overwhelm him.
CUT TO: INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
kyle
Confess Marcus. In front of Simon here or I'll shoot you in the stomach.
MARCUS
You gonna' shoot me motherfucker? This 'aint The Crucible man, I 'aint confessin' to somethin' I'm not responsible for.
KYLE
Just do it Marcus! Simon, you gotta' believe me man.
We hear footsteps coming from the garage staircase. Kyle turns around. Marcus quickly gets up and rushes him. The gun goes off as Kyle turns back around. Marcus drops flat. He lies on the ground still, blood spilling from his neck. He's dead.
KYLE
Oh no. Oh no no no no no no.
Simon stands up and looks at Marcus.
SIMON
You did not just do that. Marcus, oh man.
Simon bends down to check Marcus' pulse. Simon drops his head in grief.
SIMON
This is not good. Marcus, Jesus Christ.
Kyle looks at the gun.
KYLE
What is this? What just happened? A real gun? No no no no no.
SIMON
This isn't the old west Kyle. There's such a thing as innocent until proven guilty. You've got murder on your hands my man.
Kyle is stunned, silent.
SIMON
Put the gun down alright?
Kyle, eyes wide open at Marcus' dead body, lies the gun on the dining room table. Simon sees Beetle, Wanda, Josie, and Tabitha now walk into the kitchen.
TABITHA
Where is he?
Kyle turns around as he hears Tabitha's voice.
KYLE
What?
Josie sees Marcus face down on the floor.
JOSIE
Marcus.
BEETLE
Fuck!
Beetle rushes to Marcus. He checks and sees that he is dead.
BEETLE
Oh no. Oh Marcus man. This is so fucked up. Marcus buddy. Who did this? Kyle? You responsible, you fuckin' responsible? Where'd that gun come from?
KYLE
I'm sorry man. I'm sorry Marcus. It wasn't supposed to happen like that. I fucked up, I really fucked up.
BEETLE
Yeah you fucked up alright.
TABITHA
Nobody listen to him. He's responsible for all of this.
Wanda holds the can of mace lowered in her right hand.
TABITHA
He's an actor! He's been lying his way through the whole night.
KYLE
What? No, I mean...
Wanda steps up and sprays Kyle in the mouth with her mace. She holds it there for a few seconds before Kyle turns and runs down the hall. He clutches his throat, desperate to breath. Kyle falls in the hallway. He scrapes at his throat, like he absolutely has to get out what he can't. Kyle shakes and dies.
SIMON
What the fuck?
They all stand and look at Kyle's body.
SIMON
Wanda, what're you doin'?
WANDA
He was gonna' shoot us Simon, what're you blind?
Beetle walks to Kyle's body and looks down. He sees Kyle frozen, lifeless, poisoned.
BEETLE
He's dead.
JOSIE
Jesus Christ.
WANDA
Unless he's a fucking great actor.
Beetle looks at Wanda.
SIMON
I could never picture tonight going down like this.
BEETLE
Me neither. This kind of shit just doesn't happen.
WANDA
So that's it then.
JOSIE
What about the bombs out front?
SIMON
Well Tabitha?
TABITHA
Well what?
SIMON
Well, you're here sayin' Kyle's responsible for all this bullshit. So what did he have on you? This is your house, you invited all of us. I'm not going anywhere until I get some kind of acceptable explanation, and why ever Kyle did this, he must've gotten to you first.
Tabitha is silent as she looks over the bodies of Marcus and Kyle.
BEETLE
Speak up Tabitha. Explain what almost got me killed.
TABITHA
I can't handle this right now. Can't you see what we just went through?
JOSIE
Tabitha. We do, we all do, and I wanna' know why just like everyone else. Kyle and Marcus are both dead. There may be bombs outside and we need to know how we're gonna' walk out of here. Don't think just talk.
TABITHA
He's crazy. Was. He said he was gonna' kill my family. My grandparents. My aunt and uncle. My cousin.
JOSIE
Why? Kyle was not crazy when I knew him and honestly if you would've asked me then if I thought he would eventually go crazy I would've said not in a million years.
TABITHA
I'm telling you, he was crazy as a dodo. You think you knew him Josie, but you didn't.
JOSIE
So why not go to the police? Why not when he first approached you, why not go to the cops then?
TABITHA
How could I? My word against his. He'd get out sometime. This was my only choice.
SIMON
How could you say that? There had to've been somethin' else, because two people are dead because of you making this choice.
TABITHA
Why am I on trial? I'm the victim.
BEETLE
Why us? Me and Kyle had nothin' against eachother.
TABITHA
I don't know okay. He told me what to do, who to invite. Obviously something happened you can't remember.
WANDA
I turned him down for a date once.
TABITHA
See? Little things like that seem to make lunatics cross the line. And that's exactly what Kyle was.
WANDA
So what now?
BEETLE
I think my cell phone was up in the attic. We have to get the cops up here, check those bombs. Then we can sit at desks for the next three days answering questions.
SIMON
Let's go Beetle.
Simon and Beetle walk into the kitchen.
CUT TO: INT. GARAGE - NIGHT
Simon and Beetle walk into the garage.
BEETLE
Where'd that gun come from? Marcus was shot in the neck.
SIMON
Kyle walked in with it.
BEETLE
He never walked up with us. He must've had the gun stashed in here, ready to go.
SIMON
Let's go get that cell phone man.
Beetle and Simon walk upstairs.
CUT TO: INT. ATTIC - NIGHT
Simon and Beetle walk into the dark, cluttered attic.
SIMON
Jesus look at this. I have a feeling this attic isn't visited every day.
BEETLE
Watch the nails.
Simon looks down at the nails poking up. He sees the yearbooks.
SIMON
Our senior yearbook.
BEETLE
Yeah, I saw that.
Beetle walks to the corner. He bends down to pick up one of the black cell phones. Simon stops. He stares in to the corner of the attic.
SIMON
Hold up man.
Simon walks off to the left. He takes a small towel from the top of a black video pointed towards where Tabitha was.
SIMON
Check it out.
Beetle looks over.
BEETLE
Holy shit. What the fuck is this?
SIMON
It's on. No one ever comes up here, but there's a camera on and recording in the corner. We've been taped all night I bet.
BEETLE
Fuckin' psycho. Jesus Christ, Kyle. Who'da thought.
SIMON
I don't know Beetle. You may not've seen it but I did. How he reacted when he shot Marcus? He said the gun wasn't supposed to be real.
BEETLE
I heard him say it wasn't supposed to happen like that and I wondered what he meant but then I just figured he was acting.
SIMON
He could've been. But Tabitha said he was crazy and his reaction was not one of a crazy person. It was more like someone who realized what happened and how serious it was. I mean, he's not Daniel Day-Lewis is he? If he was acting he convinced me and I 'aint easily convinced.
BEETLE
So, what, you think someone else was behind it?
SIMON
Think about it. We're being video taped right now, see. Isn't it possible someone hired Kyle? You know? Tell********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ake it a step further. The supposedly fake gun isn't fake at all. Make the play really real. See how real people react in that kind of situation.
BEETLE
So why? Who? What for?
SIMON
Someone crazy enough to think the tape might sell maybe. Maybe it's not a vendetta at all, but some kind of fuckin' art house film project. I mean, the best kind of acting is reality isn't it? Think of what's been popular in the last ten years. Those cops shows, worlds scariest chases, The Real World. Fuck, even America's funniest home videos. Those shows are huge, people eat that shit up. Wasn't Blair Witch Project so popular because everybody thought it was real? Hire one actor to keep it going. None of us are really great friends are we? We've all hung out at one time or another but now we barely see eachother. Any of us could actually be some kind of filmmaker and the others would know shit.
BEETLE
I know Marcus wasn't any kind of filmmaker. Man, Marcus. That really 'aint cool.
SIMON
Someone's responsible.
BEETLE
Yeah, Kyle.
SIMON
But I saw it Beetle. Kyle shot him on accident. Marcus rushed him and the gun just kind of went off, like a flinch.
BEETLE
Well Kyle shot him, however it happened. He had the gun and his finger tugging back is what sent that bullet into Marcus' neck. If he was set up I feel sorry for him. I feel sad for both a' them. Now we can only hope the after life is a nice place to be.
SIMON
We've gotta' avenge them Beetle. Sure, we can't bring 'em back, but we can't exactly walk away from this. Tabitha knows something. This is her house and if anyone's lyin' she is.
Simon turns and stares at the camera.
CUT TO: INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Josie, Tabitha, and Wanda stand in the dining room.
JOSIE
Tabitha I hate to tell you this but to put all of our lives on the line to save yourself and your family. Well that's pretty fucked up.
TABITHA
I'm sorry Josie, but you're alive aren't you. You're alive and he's dead. Now I can go to the cops.
JOSIE
With what evidence now?
TABITHA
My word, your word. Wanda's, Simon's, Beetle's. And I prepared. Before you all got here I set up cameras around the house.
JOSIE
What?
TABITHA
I figured if I had a tape it would mean that many fewer questions. I could say, you wanna' know what happened? Watch the tape, it's all there. Even if I was killed the tape would be there.
JOSIE
How many cameras?
TABITHA
Every room.
JOSIE
I don't get it. Tabitha this still doesn't make any sense. Kyle's actions, crazy or not, you'd think there'd be some explanation.
WANDA
I'm just glad I'm alive. To be honest I really just wanna' be out of here at this point.
JOSIE
What about the bombs Tabitha?
TABITHA
I don't know. I never saw them, he never said anything about bombs.
JOSIE
So they could be real.
TABITHA
They could be anything. Look, stop worrying Josie. I know it's scary, I've been scared for a while now. I've never seen a dead body before and now I've got two in my house. But what can we do? We're victims here who beat the bad guy. It's horrible what happened here tonight but we still won.
WANDA
We need to call the cops.
TABITHA
Where are those two?
CUT TO: INT. ATTIC - NIGHT
Simon continues to stare at the camera. He walks to the camera and ejects the tape and looks at it closely. Written on the tape is: Attic scene.
BEETLE
What you got?
SIMON
I don't know. Maybe nothing. Maybe something.
Simon sees the senior yearbook on the floor. He walks to it. Simon picks up the yearbook and begins flipping through the pages. Beetle peeks over his shoulder.
BEETLE
What are you thinking?
SIMON
The tape is written on, see?
Beetle grabs the tape and looks at it.
BEETLE
It says attic scene.
SIMON
Exactly. See how it says scene?
BEETLE
Yeah. So someone did set this up.
SIMON
Let me see that.
Beetle hands him back the tape. Simon goes through the yearbook, comparing the writing on the tape with blurbs to Tabitha. He passes writings from Marcus, Josie, Kyle, Beetle, and finally stops on Wanda.
SIMON
Fuck me.
The writing on the tape matches the writing in the yearbook exactly.
BEETLE
Holy shit.
SIMON
It's Wanda.
CUT TO: INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
TABITHA
He may have shot us all Wanda, if it wasn't for you. We all owe you.
WANDA
Yeah, well what else is new.
JOSIE
This isn't right.
Simon and Beetle walk through the kitchen and into the dining room.
SIMON
That it isn't Josie.
TABITHA
Did you get a cell phone?
SIMON
We did.
BEETLE
Cops aren't on their way though.
TABITHA
Why not?
BEETLE
Because we're not through yet.
WANDA
What are you talking about Beetle?
simon
I'll give you credit you two, you almost pulled it off.
TABITHA
Excuse me Simon?
SIMON
Oh I'm sorry. I said you two almost pulled it off. Stress the almost. Film can be a frustrating business I guess.
JOSIE
What do you mean Simon, what am I missing here?
BEETLE
Well Josie, seems like Wanda and Tabitha here have been playing us for fools all night.
Simon holds up the tape and yearbook.
SIMON
Writing matches Wanda. Attic scene. See Josie, Wanda here apparently is more into filmmaking than she let on earlier. And Tabitha's an actress remember? These two were making a film, using is as characters in some sick twisted idea of art.
JOSIE
That's what this was?
BEETLE
They duped Kyle. Probably told him it was a play, just for fun you know? Then planted a real gun, see what happens. Marcus gets shot and they've got themselves a very realistic looking film.
SIMON
If you two are so determined why not just raise some cash and make a film with actors and a script and the whole thing? Two people died, for what? For you to get rich? Famous? Is that what's so imporatnt to you you'll let somebody die for it?
WANDA
You are quite the detective aren't you Simon.
Wanda smiles. She reaches over and grabs the gun off the dining room table. Tabitha hits Josie from behind with the chair leg. Josie drops unconscious. Wanda points the gun at Simon and Beetle.
WANDA
Quite the detective indeed. Fucking black Matlock. You could've walked out of here, all of you could have. Now I have to edit, fix what you've fucked up.
beetle
Simon, you are fuckin' good man.
SIMON
What are you thinking now Wanda? Shoot us both. Maybe kill Josie too. Then what? How exactly are you supposed to edit that?
Tabitha and Wanda stand silent.
TABITHA
Yeah Wanda how are we supposed to do that?
WANDA
Tabitha just act okay? You stick to the acting and I'll stick to the directing.
TABITHA
Well I'm a little nervous now.
SIMON
You're nervous now? You're responsible for the death of two people and what you're worried about is getting caught right?
WANDA
I knew it was smart to cast you Simon. Too bad you don't understand anything.
SIMON
Like what Wanda?
WANDA
Like everything Simon. I know you think you've got it all figured out, but you know shit. This is America Simon. You're nobody if you're not a success. That's what this country is all about. People look up to stars like they're gods and treat the average worker like dirt. People come into Banana Republic with some problem or question they treat me like I'm window dressing. Like I'm some robot good for serving them and that's it. And to be honest I've spent my whole life trying to get out of that. In high school I was adored and I loved that feeling. You know what it was? Respect. Yes, that's what I'm after, and money is what draws it in this country.
TABITHA
And fame.
WANDA
And fame.
BEETLE
You need help girls, big time.
WANDA
Is that so? Why, for being realistic?
BEETLE
How about for being a bitch.
WANDA
This gun is real, remember? Don't tempt me.
SIMON
Don't you think you've taken it a little far? Two people are dead and Tabitha you hit Josie pretty hard.
WANDA
Broken eggs Simon. That's the way it goes.
SIMON
So you want respect and success and the whole bit but you have no compassion or remorse or really any humanity whatsoever.
WANDA
Gimme' a break Simon.
beetle
Why us Wanda, why us specifically?
WANDA
Because none of you know us anymore. I figured you'd all look okay on film, I knew you'd all react differently. I was pretty sure you'd all show up. Marcus was the patsy.
TABITHA
You know you're confessing to everything, Wanda. How are we gonna' edit this anyway?
WANDA
I'll figure it out Tabitha.
TABITHA
What about these three? I mean they know now.
WANDA
I realize that Tabitha. Let me think, alright?
BEETLE
Wanda, how could you think this would make you famous? What you're doing isn't even a real film. What about a script or a budget or fucking anything.
WANDA
What do you know Beetle? You run a comic book store. You sell heroes that just don't exist in the real world. This film is gonna' be huge. People want real. News gets more attention than anything in this country and that's what this is.ilm because of me. If it wasn't for my acting you couldn't have pulled this off.
WANDA
Yeah well, think whatever you want.
Wanda has slowly lowered the gun.
TABITHA
Are you gonna' screw me on this Wanda?
WANDA
What?
Josie's eyes flutter open just behind Tabitha. She puts her right hand on her forehead.
TABITHA
Take all the attention. You said you'd cast me in your first studio film.
WANDA
And I will.
TABITHA
I'm not so sure now.
WANDA
This isn't the best time Tabitha.
Simon lunges and grabs Wanda's arm at tilm because of me. If it wasn't for my acting you couldn't have pulled this off.
WANDA
Yeah well, think whatever you want.
Wanda has slowly lowered the gun.
TABITHA
Are you gonna' screw me on this Wanda?
WANDA
What?
Josie's eyes flutter open just behind Tabitha. She puts her right hand on her forehead.
TABITHA
Take all the attention. You said you'd cast me in your first studio film.
WANDA
And I will.
TABITHA
I'm not so sure now.
WANDA
This isn't the best time Tabitha.
Simon lunges and grabs Wanda's arm at the wrist. She turns to him and tries to break free. Tabitha picks up the chair leg. Josie grabs Tabitha's knees and pulls her down. The chair leg goes skidding across the floor. Simon yanks the gun from Wanda's hand and points it at her. Wanda stops moving. Josie and Tabitha continue to wrestle on the floor. Josie punches her, knocking her out.
SIMON
Stillness Wanda, I flinch easy.
Josie walks to the chair leg across the hall. She picks it up and walks behind Wanda.
SIMON
Go ahead Josie.
Josie hits Wanda with the chair leg, knocking her out.
JOSIE
That felt good.
Beetle stands still.
SIMON
You might wanna' call the cops now Beetle.
BEETLE
Right.
FADE TO: TITLE CARD OVER BLACK: THREE MONTHS LATER
FADE TO: INT. CAFE - DAY
Simon and Beetle sit at a small glass table over glasses of beer. Josie walks up to the table.
JOSIE
Can I sit?
BEETLE
Hey Josie.
Simon pulls out the empty red and silver chair.
SIMON
Right here beautiful.
JOSIE
How are you guys?
BEETLE
Great.
SIMON
Good. Thanks for coming.
Josie sits down.
JOSIE
Ofcourse. Only that it's here. I'm never meeting at someone's house again.
BEETLE
I hear that.
JOSIE
So what's the news?
SIMON
Well, Wanda and Tabitha are still being held. Wanda for murder, Tabitha for conspiracy to commit. You've seen the headlines I know. Way people are seeing those two I don't think they'll get a studio contract anytime soon.
JOSIE
I bet your book helped. I saw it at Kepler's the other day.
SIMON
You didn't buy it?
JOSIE
I was hoping you'd give me a copy. Maybe sign it too.
SIMON
Ofcourse I will.
Simon reaches into the black bag at his feet. He pulls out a copy and a pen. He signs it: To Josie, You were there. Love Simon. He hands it to Josie.
BEETLE
Am I in it?
SIMON
We all are really.
Simon hands Beetle a copy.
BEETLE
Thanks man.
Beetle reads the cover.
BEETLE
Whatever it takes. Crossing the line for fame. By Simon Block.
SIMON
How about you Josie? How are you? Copin' alright?
JOSIE
Yeah I'm coping. My gigs are alot more crowded since the whole thing happened. Maybe the interviews have brought people, I don't know. I think I'm really starting to appreciate life more.
BEETLE
Me too. This indie comic company has got me dressing as one of their characters at conventions now. So I walk around and kids run up to me and just want a smile and I shine one at 'em. I'll tell you, it feels damn good. They light up and run off and I really feel like I made someone's day.
SIMON
That's great man. Can I treat you to a drink Josie?
JOSIE
It's alright Simon I'll get it.
Josie stands up and walks to the bar. She comes back with a bottle of Dos Equis. She sits down.
JOSIE
You know, we really owe you Simon. If it wasn't for you we may be dead. If anything Wanda and Tabitha would've gotten away with it. So thanks.
SIMON
Well you're welcome Josie.
JOSIE
And you too Beetle. You were really tough all night.
BEETLE
That's the comic book spirit in me.
JOSIE
One thing I can't shake are the visions. Kyle and Marcus, I think about them alot. Cry sometimes but that doesn't seem to help much.
SIMON
You know what I heard once I kind of clung on to, 'specially since my uncle died? The light bulb theory. That life is pure energy, like the power that fuels a light bulb. You twist in a new bulb and flick on a switch and that's like a life, a new life being born. Click the switch down and it's like the bulb's sleeping, flip it up and it's awake again. Then eventually like all bulbs it burns out. Does that mean the energy that lit up that bulb to begin with is gone too? Wasn't it always there? All you do is twist in a new bulb, flip the switch up again and boom it's light again. The energy's back, just in a new shape, a new bulb. That's the light bulb theory. That we're all fueled by this energy that is behind all life. I've thought alot too Josie, every day. They're gone and that theory is just my positive way of looking at things.
BEETLE
Not a bad theory either man.
JOSIE
Thanks Simon, but we can all have hopes for heaven and pure happiness after death. Right now I'm here, and sometimes I just feel sad.
BEETLE
Should we toast them?
They all raise their glasses.
SIMON
To Kyle and Marcus.
JOSIE
To Kyle and Marcus.
They clank their glasses.
BEETLE
And to Disney. Did I tell you guys how much I like animation now?
They all smile and drink.
FADE OUT: THE END.