Script Discussion
Feb 18, 2016 2:24:49 GMT
Post by joannem on Feb 18, 2016 2:24:49 GMT
This is a draft script subject to editing before production. Please post any thoughts below. Provisional casting details are on the production updates thread.
The House Guest/Spectre of the Past/Alternative Title
by Rosie M
DP –
Lily: 20 something’s American woman
Anna: 30’s English woman
Alex: A dog
Clark: A moving man: Man American (Hillbilly type)
Franklin: a local historian/librarian. American
Melvin: American man.
Police Officer: Male American
(SFX)
Clark: Last box, miss. Put it with t’others?
Lily: Yes, please.
(Footsteps across wooden floor. The sound of a box being put down.)
Lily: Thank you.
Clark: My pleasure. You, uh, you have my number…I’m just down the road if you ever need anything.
Lily: Um…righto. Bye bye.
Clark: Oh, ma’am!
Lily: (Annoyed) Yes?
Clark: I put your birdhouse in, but it’s a little loose. (Shakes the birdhouse to a distinct rattling sound). I can fix that for you , but I’ll need some tools.
Lily: I don’t think that will be necessary. Goodbye.
(Door closes. Footsteps on stairs and box being put down)
Lily: Okay, Alex, that just about does it for the bedroom. Five more boxes and we are moved in. How’s that sound?
Alex: Bark
(From the next room the sound of a (Skype) internet video call ringing)
Lily: Coming, hold on.
(Sound of running footsteps then clicking of keyboard)
Lily: Hello!
Ann: Lily!
Alex: Bark
Ann: Alex! (Laughter) Looks like you must be in your new house.
Lily: Yes, ma’am just about done moving in. How are you?
Ann: Very well thanks. Lots of work, and it’s bloody hot here, but otherwise quite well.
Lily: I wouldn’t mind a bit of summer up here. It looks like the frozen tundra out there.
Ann: It’s 105 in Sydney today, so I’d be glad to switch with you.
Lily: What’s that in Celsius?
Ann: Funny! I could say just about any number and you wouldn’t know the difference. How did the move go? Exciting finally owning a home?
Lily: It went pretty smoothly. Packing up was tough but I hired a local man to help me unpack the moving truck, so that went really smoothly.
Ann: Did your not so secret admirer bid you a fond farewell?
Lily: Melvin? He was just desperate to help. Poor guy. He actually loaded some of the heavier furniture onto the truck before I could stop him.
Ann: Poor guy? He was mental. I’ve never even met him and I can tell that.
Lily: Yes, we’re all perfectly aware of what your position is on such things.
Ann: Tonight is your first night in the new house right? Nervous?
Lily: I’m more nervous about going into hillbilly town tomorrow for shopping. The mover who helped me looked like an extra from Deliverance.
Ann: But at least the banjo music will be entertaining. What’s the house like?
Lily: Hmm…it’s nice. Old but nice. The landscape is pretty barren this time of year. All the corn is cut and there’s a little bit of snow on the ground so the fields that surround the house look like the face of a vampire who hasn’t shaved in a few days.
Ann: That sounds…dark.
Lily: Lonely…I would say the house is lonely. My nearest neighbor is three quarters of a mile away down an old dirt road.
Ann: Lily, I think maybe you’re a bit lonely.
Lily: How could I be lonely? I’ve got you!
Alex: Bark
Lily: Alright you too, Alex!
Ann: Well, keep your mobile handy, and keep Alex close by.
Lily: Yes, ma’am!
Ann: Oh, did you get my house warming gift?
Lily: The birdhouse?
Ann: We call them nestboxes.
Lily: Very sturdy piece of architecture. Those little birds will be able to survive a nuclear war. Shipping must have cost a fortune.
Ann: You’re worth it. I have to run. I’ll talk to you soon. Kiss.
Lily: Kiss.
- Later that night -
(Sounds of creaking boards, then silence for a beat, more creaking and a low growl.)
Alex: Barking wildly.
Lily: (startled from sleep, her voice thick and confused) Alex, what is it? What are you barking at?
(Sound of light being switched on. The dog begins growling again)
Lily: There’s nothing there, it’s just the ceiling you silly animal. Stop barking it’s…two am.
(Sound of creaking)
Lily: What was that? (long pause and sounds of wind in the eves) Alex, come here. Sleep on the bed with me tonight.
Alex: Growling
Lily: (Whispered) What is it, boy? (Louder) Hello, is someone there? (Long pause) If there’s someone there you better look out. I have a huge dog in here and he’ll rip your throat out. (Pause) He’s a vicious pit-bull I rescued from a fighting club.
(Silence for a beat. Then creaking bedsprings, bare feet on wood floor and sound of door being closed and locked, followed by sound of bare feet on floor and creaking bedsprings.)
Lily: If anyone comes I’ll call the police, okay Alex? If we hear any other noises I’ll call them.
- Next Day -
(Sound of typing on keyboard)
Lily: Yes, Mr. Kane, the documents are in order for your estate, but I will have to send you to my notary in the city for signature verification.
(Pause)
Lily: No, I’m afraid I can’t meet you Mr. Kane, I’m quite a ways outside the city. I’m working remotely now. I only come in twice a month for client meetings.
(Pause)
Lily: Thank you, sir. I look forward to speaking to you again soon too. Bye bye.
(Sound of telephone receiver being replaced)
Lily: Insufferable prick.
(Sound of skype call)
Lily: Hey, Ann, what’s cooking in the big city?
Ann: It’s 106 degrees here so…me.
Lily: (Sarcastically) Oh what a surprise, the weather report.
Ann: What’s the matter?
Lily: What do you mean?
Ann: You look…well you don’t look well anyway.
Lily: I didn’t sleep very well last night.
Ann: Why? Is the new house too strange for you?
Lily: I don’t want to say why, you’ll laugh at me.
Ann: When have I ever laughed at you?
Lily: This month? Hmm let’s see. You laughed so hard you cried when I asked you how many quarts were in a gallon.
Ann: Well, that was quite daft of you. But I won’t laugh, I promise.
Lily: I think my new house may be haunted.
Ann: (Laughs)
Lily: See!
Ann: Come on, you’re smarter than that, you know there’s no such thing as ghosts.
Lily: Of course! It’s just that…
Ann: What?
Lily: Five nights ago Alex started freaking out, barking at the ceiling of my room, like he saw something there. He was growling and carrying on. And then I thought I heard something too. Like someone walking around on the ceiling.
Ann: It was probably just the wind or the house settling.
Lily: As all scary things seem in the light of day, sure, that seems rational. And by this morning I thought the same. But there’s other things.
Ann: Like?
Lily: I had some bread and jam in the fridge. The jam was on the door. I always put the jam on the shelf of the door. But when I went to make breakfast the jam was on the main shelf. And the bread heel was missing. I always save the heels for the end, then usually get a new loaf and give them to Alex.
Ann: (Sighing) Lily, sweetie, I think maybe you’re just stressed out. You’re in a new environment, you just broke up after a very long relationship and with your mother getting sick…it’s perfectly normal to act a bit strange.
Lily: I know, I know. But it’s odd. There are a bunch of little things that just seem out of place. Laundry moved about, food missing, chairs in different places, doors I knew I closed standing open.
Ann: It is your first week in the new house. Maybe you should just give it some time and see. I bet in another week you will look back on this and think how silly it was.
Lily: You’re probably right. I’m just stressed and tired I bet.
Ann: Where’s Alex? He keeping a good watch over you?
Lily: That’s the other thing, Alex is usually my shadow, wherever I go he’s right there with me. The past few days he has been laying in the hall staring at the hall closet door.
Ann: Hmm that is odd.
Lily: Before you ask, I already checked. The closet is empty. I almost expected to find it filled with peanut butter or something the way he sits there and stares.
Ann: (Laughs) It could be a mouse.
Lily: Gross, I’d prefer a ghost.
Ann: You should be safe either way. It would be a brave mouse that would come out of that closet now. How was shopping? Did you get your beaver traps and shotgun bullets?
Lily: Of course, but sadly they were out of coonskin hats in my size. Actually, it wasn’t so bad. The town is quite nice in a Mayberry kind of way.
Ann: How so?
Lily: All the people are friendly and will talk to you about the weather, but in the parking lot all the cars have “Protect our borders” and “America Love it or Leave it” bumper stickers.
Ann: Luckily, you’re white as a gho-…er…sheet.
Lily: Nice save. Anyway, I have to courier some paperwork back to the office for one of my clients. I’ll talk to you soon. Kiss.
Ann: Kiss. Say “Hi” to Casper for me.
(Call closing)
- Another Day -
Lily: No, Alex, you stay. I have to take out the trash. I’ll take you for your walk in a bit.
(Door opening)
Lily: (Gasps) W-what are you doing here?
Clark: (Shyly as if embarrassed at being caught) Sorry it I startled you, I was just checking in on you. And to see if you wanted me to fix that bird feeder for ya.
Lily: I assure you, I don’t need checking in on.
Clark: No, of course not. Gosh, I didn’t mean to sound...
Lily: (Annoyed) Is there something I can help you with Mr. Clark?
Clark: Well it snowed last night.
Lily: I can even handle the snow by myself Mr. Clark, believe it or not.
Clark: (Chuckles) I don’t doubt that for a second ma’am. It’s your roof, I was concerned about.
Lily: It snowed barely an inch. I doubt that would collapse my roof.
Clark: Take a look ma’am.
(Crunching footsteps in the snow)
Lily: (Sighs, exasperated) It’s a roof alright. And look at that, completely free of snow.
Clark: Bingo!
Lily: What do you mean?
Clark: If your roof was properly insulated, the snow wouldn’t have melted so quickly. The reason your roof is clear is because you’re losing a whole buncha heat from the top of your house.
Lily: Oh, hmm…That is odd.
Clark: Probably poor insulation in your attic.
Lily: (curtly) Thank you, I’ll make sure to call someone. In the future if you would be so kind as to knock and not just loiter around my side yard, I would appreciate it.
(Crunching footsteps followed by a door opening and closing)
(Dog panting)
Lily: He must think I’m a complete idiot just because I’m from the city Alex.
Alex: Bark.
Lily: Jokes on him, I don’t even have an attic.
(Phone ringing)
Lily: Fields and Associates, this is Lily Fields.
(Pause)
Lily: Franklin? Oh yes! From the library. Yes, of course I recall. Thank you for reaching out to me.
(Pause)
Lily: Sure, I have access to a computer one moment.
(Footsteps through the house.)
Lily: Let me put you on speaker for a moment. (Beeping of changing to speaker on a cellphone) Hello, Franklin?
Franklin: Hello I’m here.
Lily: Okay, I’m ready when you are.
Franklin: First of all, I figured out why you were having trouble finding out about your home.
Lily: Oh?
Franklin: You were looking up 112 Cherry Spring Lane. The road name only recently became Cherry Spring. Before that it was Hunsicker’s Lane.
Lily: That makes more sense, as there aren’t any cherry trees or springs on the road. Why did they change it do you know?
Grace: That’s the second thing I found. Did you get that article I emailed you?
Lily: Opening now…(Reading) Man found dead in home…the rest is a bit fuzzy.
Franklin: Our technology budget isn’t fantastic at the library as you can guess. The man found dead was Steven Hunsicker. He committed suicide in his home, located at 112 Hunsicker’s Lane.
Lily: That’s…disturbing. Does it say why?
Franklin: The article I sent you does not. But, I spoke with Mrs. Burke in Periodicals. She’s about as old as the mountains. She said that the Hunsickers were some of the first people to live in these parts and were mostly farmers. Steve was kind of an odd duck.
Lily: Odd how?
Franklin: It turns out the police were called when a farm hand found the bodies of some tortured animals on his farm out there.
Lily: That’s terrible. What a monster.
Franklin: That’s not the worst part. During the animal cruelty investigation, the state police found a bunch of photographs of children. You can use your imagination as to what type of photos they were.
Lily: And this was in my house?
Franklin: Oh no! The photos and the animal cruelty didn’t happen there! Goodness no. It was in the barn about 3/4s of a mile down Hunsicker’s Lane.
Lily: My neighbor’s house.
Franklin: Yes, Mr. Clark’s current home.
Lily: Clark lives there?
Franklin: Yes, he’s in my church group. I’ve been out to his house several times. Confidentially, I might not go to this year’s Fourth of July picnic.
Lily: I don’t blame you.
Franklin: The only thing that I could find for 112 Cherry Spring Lane was the suicide. The police found his body there when he failed to show up for a hearing.
Lily: Well thank you, Franklin. You've been very thorough.
Franklin: I wish I could say it was my pleasure. But it was nice speaking with you anyway. If you need anything else feel free to give me a call, or if you’re in town, stop by the library.
Lily: I will. Thank you again. Bye bye.
- Later, at night -
(Wind in the eves and the sounds of gentle snoring. Creaking of footsteps, followed by a low growl. Dog paw steps on hardwood floor. A door opens then closes)
Lily: (Gasping as she is startled awake. The sound of her panting breath.)
(Something is dragged slowly across the floor in the distance.)
Alex: (Whines)
(Sound of bed moving and bare feet on hardwood floor. A door opens a very little bit)
Lily: (calling out) Hello!
(Something falls)
Lily: (Cries out.)
(Door slams and bedsprings as she jumps in the bed. Outside there is a flurry of footsteps coming closer. The footsteps stop. The growling grows louder and Alex begins to bark)
Lily: (Desperately) What do you want?
(Door rattles as if someone is jiggling the door knob violently)
Lily: (Frightened and near tears) Go away! Leave me alone!
(Door stops rattling and all becomes silent but for the sound of gentle sobbings)
- Time passes -
(Skype call ringing. In the background there is barking muffled by the door)
Lily: (Tired) Fields and Associa…I mean, hey.
Ann: Lily, you look dreadful! What’s wrong?
Lily: It was so bad last night. The…the whatever it is, was right outside my door. I haven’t slept at all.
Ann: What do you mean? What was outside your door?
Lily: The ghost.
Ann: (Long pause) Lily, you need to talk to someone.
Lily: Who? Do you think the police would ever believe me?
Ann: (Another long pause) Sweetie, I don’t mean the police.
Lily: You think I’m crazy.
Ann: I think you’re stressed out. I think you’re in a terrible state. I think you’ve gone three weeks with barely a wink of sleep.
Lily: I’m not crazy.
Ann: No one is saying you’re crazy.
Lily: I found out yesterday that the previous owner was a pedophile, animal torturer.
Ann: That might explain why you’re so wound up.
Lily: And he killed himself in this house.
Ann: That’s grim. What is Alex carrying on about?
Lily: He’s taken to barking at that closet. I’m guessing that’s where the guy killed himself.
Ann: And what? Now his spirit dwells forever in your coat closet?
Lily: Last night I heard a crash Ann. I was so terrified I locked myself in my room and the door started shaking like someone was trying to get in. When I went down stairs this morning one of the kitchen chairs was overturned. Did my crazy imagination do that?
Ann: (Another long pause) Did you ever change the locks?
Lily: Like the front door locks?
Ann: Yes, those locks.
Lily: …No…and…There’s something else (with dawning horror) My closest neighbor is this weird hillbilly guy who has been loitering around my house. He even said my roof needed work or something, like he wanted an excuse to get inside.
Ann: If he’s your nearest neighbor, maybe he has a key.
Lily: No, I bolted the front door and put the chain on.
Ann: Still. People are really clever, especially sick people.
(Phone rings in the distant)
Ann: That’s my client. I have a meeting to get to. I will be back in four hours and will call you. And, I’m booking you a room in the hotel in town. At the very least you can get a good night’s sleep.
Lily: (A sigh, defeated bordering on relieved.) Okay.
Ann: You get the locks changed by tomorrow. And be at that hotel when I call you young lady.
Lily: (More upbeat) Yes, ma’am.
Ann: There’s a lamb. I’ll see you soon. Kiss
Lily: Kiss.
(Call ends but the barking in the background increases in volume)
Lily: Damnit Alex! You’re driving me completely crazy.
(Sound of chair being moved back violently and stomping footsteps.)
Lily: I’m going to show you for the last time there’s nothing in there. (takes a deep breath)
(Door is opened quickly)
Lily: (Nervous exhalation of breath) See, you stupid animal. There’s still nothing in there. Nothing on the floor, nothing on the pole the sick dude probably hanged himself from, nothing on the ceil…. (long pause) What is that?...Is that a…trapdoor?
(Creaking of door being opened and wooden stairs being lowered)
Alex: Whines nervously
Lily: There is an attic after all. Alex, you stay down here.
(Sound of creaking old wooden steps being mounted)
Lily: (to herself) What is this? Ugh, what’s that smell? (Gasps) What…What are…Oh my God!
(Running foot steps and crashes, dog going crazy barking snarling. A slamming sound of a door)
- Later -
(Skype call ringing…ringing…ringing…ringing)
(Clicking of the keyboard, in the background dog continues to bark)
(The landline rings and is answered)
Ann: Hello? Lily?
Melvin (Impersonating Police Officer): Ma’am -
Ann: Who are you? Where’s Lily? I’ve been calling for half an hour and my friend is…
Melvin (Impersonating Police Officer): Ma’am, I’m Officer Mel Travis, Lily is fine.
Ann: What’s going on?
Melvin (Impersonating Police Officer) A man, one Mr. Clark, broke into Ms. Fields’ house. He was waiting for her in her attic this afternoon. We have reason to believe he had broken in several times before. When we arrived on the scene Ms. Fields was unconscious but unharmed. It appears she chased the man away. Our officers are searching for him now.
Ann: What’s wrong with Alex?
Melvin (Impersonating Police Officer): He became incensed when Ms. Fields was led away. We had to isolate him in a room to keep him from biting our officers.
Ann: Oh…Well, do tell her I called.
Melvin (Impersonating Police Officer): Yes ma’am
(The phone is replaced on the hook)
Melvin (Impersonating Police Officer): (creepy drawn out high pitched voice) Oh Lilyyyyyy, come out come out wherever you are. No one else to disturb our reunion now Lil
Lily: (muffled behind a door) Melvin you sick bastard! Did you follow me here after I moved?
Melvin (normal voice now): Oh my sweet Lily, you know I’d never leave you. I arrived at our new house just a few hours before you did. Luckily, you’d written the address so clearly on the boxes I helped you carry, it was like you wanted me to come. I mean, sure I suppose at times I was a little mad, just a little upset that you ignored me. But once we started living together I knew you’d come around.
Lily: Living together?
Melvin: Don’t be such a coy minx. You and I have been living under the same roof these last three weeks. Sharing the same food. I sleep just a few feet from where you sleep. It was difficult timing my meals so as not to disturb you. And I am sorry to have frightened you last night. But when I heard the fear in your voice…why I thought you were in trouble. I was trying to save you. You know I’ve always loved you. (now angry) So open the fucking door! (pounds on the door over and over again as the dog continues to bark and Lily shrieks)
Lily: Go away you freak!
(door crunches as it begins to break. Then swings open and the dog begins snarling followed by Melvin’s screams of pain. Running footsteps down the hall and stairs and finally out the door. The dog yelps and is silent)
Melvin: (breathless) Stupid mutt!
(Footsteps down stairs and out the door. Outside noises footsteps crunching in snow)
Melvin: Lily! You and I will have to have a conversation about your dog. I will admit, I may have hurt him a bit. That animal needs to learn who the master of the house is. But let’s not let that come between us. There’s no use running away. You’ll freeze before you get anywhere.
(Distinct rattling of the birdhouse. Followed by gasp of disbelief from Melvin)
Lily: Bastard! (Sound of birdhouse hitting Melvin)
(Distant sirens approach. Car doors (two) open and close. Crunching footsteps through snow)
Cop: Ma’am, what happened here?
Lily: He…he attacked me. The sick son of a bitch was living in my attic for the last three weeks, I didn’t even know. I hit him with the birdhouse. Thank God I never fixed it.
Cop: Officer Stephens, handcuff that man. Are you okay ma’am?
Lily: I…I think so. How did you know to come here?
Cop: Some lady, named Ann, called it in.
Lily: But…how did she know?
- Later -
(Skype call ringing)
Lily: Hey! How’s the weather?
Ann: It’s so good to see you’re alright.
Lily: So, warm then? I guess I should thank you huh? You’re quite the hero.
Ann: The cops rang me back. I heard that you nearly broke the creeps head open. I think that makes you the hero.
Lily: Serves him right for hurting my dog.
Ann: How is Alex?
Lily: He’s hurt but the vet says he’ll make it.
Ann: That’s good.
Lily: I need a drink. No, I should save it for Clark. I owe him one. Maybe he can mend your birdbox too. Hey, how did you know? How did you know he wasn’t a cop?
Ann: I asked him how Alex was, not the dog, just Alex. How would he know that the dog’s called Alex?
Lily: Clever, look at you all Nancy Drew.
Ann: What will you do now?
Lily: I was thinking about moving, but now that the paranormal activities have quieted down I think I’ll stay, and get six or seven more dogs.
End.
The House Guest/Spectre of the Past/Alternative Title
by Rosie M
DP –
Lily: 20 something’s American woman
Anna: 30’s English woman
Alex: A dog
Clark: A moving man: Man American (Hillbilly type)
Franklin: a local historian/librarian. American
Melvin: American man.
Police Officer: Male American
(SFX)
Clark: Last box, miss. Put it with t’others?
Lily: Yes, please.
(Footsteps across wooden floor. The sound of a box being put down.)
Lily: Thank you.
Clark: My pleasure. You, uh, you have my number…I’m just down the road if you ever need anything.
Lily: Um…righto. Bye bye.
Clark: Oh, ma’am!
Lily: (Annoyed) Yes?
Clark: I put your birdhouse in, but it’s a little loose. (Shakes the birdhouse to a distinct rattling sound). I can fix that for you , but I’ll need some tools.
Lily: I don’t think that will be necessary. Goodbye.
(Door closes. Footsteps on stairs and box being put down)
Lily: Okay, Alex, that just about does it for the bedroom. Five more boxes and we are moved in. How’s that sound?
Alex: Bark
(From the next room the sound of a (Skype) internet video call ringing)
Lily: Coming, hold on.
(Sound of running footsteps then clicking of keyboard)
Lily: Hello!
Ann: Lily!
Alex: Bark
Ann: Alex! (Laughter) Looks like you must be in your new house.
Lily: Yes, ma’am just about done moving in. How are you?
Ann: Very well thanks. Lots of work, and it’s bloody hot here, but otherwise quite well.
Lily: I wouldn’t mind a bit of summer up here. It looks like the frozen tundra out there.
Ann: It’s 105 in Sydney today, so I’d be glad to switch with you.
Lily: What’s that in Celsius?
Ann: Funny! I could say just about any number and you wouldn’t know the difference. How did the move go? Exciting finally owning a home?
Lily: It went pretty smoothly. Packing up was tough but I hired a local man to help me unpack the moving truck, so that went really smoothly.
Ann: Did your not so secret admirer bid you a fond farewell?
Lily: Melvin? He was just desperate to help. Poor guy. He actually loaded some of the heavier furniture onto the truck before I could stop him.
Ann: Poor guy? He was mental. I’ve never even met him and I can tell that.
Lily: Yes, we’re all perfectly aware of what your position is on such things.
Ann: Tonight is your first night in the new house right? Nervous?
Lily: I’m more nervous about going into hillbilly town tomorrow for shopping. The mover who helped me looked like an extra from Deliverance.
Ann: But at least the banjo music will be entertaining. What’s the house like?
Lily: Hmm…it’s nice. Old but nice. The landscape is pretty barren this time of year. All the corn is cut and there’s a little bit of snow on the ground so the fields that surround the house look like the face of a vampire who hasn’t shaved in a few days.
Ann: That sounds…dark.
Lily: Lonely…I would say the house is lonely. My nearest neighbor is three quarters of a mile away down an old dirt road.
Ann: Lily, I think maybe you’re a bit lonely.
Lily: How could I be lonely? I’ve got you!
Alex: Bark
Lily: Alright you too, Alex!
Ann: Well, keep your mobile handy, and keep Alex close by.
Lily: Yes, ma’am!
Ann: Oh, did you get my house warming gift?
Lily: The birdhouse?
Ann: We call them nestboxes.
Lily: Very sturdy piece of architecture. Those little birds will be able to survive a nuclear war. Shipping must have cost a fortune.
Ann: You’re worth it. I have to run. I’ll talk to you soon. Kiss.
Lily: Kiss.
- Later that night -
(Sounds of creaking boards, then silence for a beat, more creaking and a low growl.)
Alex: Barking wildly.
Lily: (startled from sleep, her voice thick and confused) Alex, what is it? What are you barking at?
(Sound of light being switched on. The dog begins growling again)
Lily: There’s nothing there, it’s just the ceiling you silly animal. Stop barking it’s…two am.
(Sound of creaking)
Lily: What was that? (long pause and sounds of wind in the eves) Alex, come here. Sleep on the bed with me tonight.
Alex: Growling
Lily: (Whispered) What is it, boy? (Louder) Hello, is someone there? (Long pause) If there’s someone there you better look out. I have a huge dog in here and he’ll rip your throat out. (Pause) He’s a vicious pit-bull I rescued from a fighting club.
(Silence for a beat. Then creaking bedsprings, bare feet on wood floor and sound of door being closed and locked, followed by sound of bare feet on floor and creaking bedsprings.)
Lily: If anyone comes I’ll call the police, okay Alex? If we hear any other noises I’ll call them.
- Next Day -
(Sound of typing on keyboard)
Lily: Yes, Mr. Kane, the documents are in order for your estate, but I will have to send you to my notary in the city for signature verification.
(Pause)
Lily: No, I’m afraid I can’t meet you Mr. Kane, I’m quite a ways outside the city. I’m working remotely now. I only come in twice a month for client meetings.
(Pause)
Lily: Thank you, sir. I look forward to speaking to you again soon too. Bye bye.
(Sound of telephone receiver being replaced)
Lily: Insufferable prick.
(Sound of skype call)
Lily: Hey, Ann, what’s cooking in the big city?
Ann: It’s 106 degrees here so…me.
Lily: (Sarcastically) Oh what a surprise, the weather report.
Ann: What’s the matter?
Lily: What do you mean?
Ann: You look…well you don’t look well anyway.
Lily: I didn’t sleep very well last night.
Ann: Why? Is the new house too strange for you?
Lily: I don’t want to say why, you’ll laugh at me.
Ann: When have I ever laughed at you?
Lily: This month? Hmm let’s see. You laughed so hard you cried when I asked you how many quarts were in a gallon.
Ann: Well, that was quite daft of you. But I won’t laugh, I promise.
Lily: I think my new house may be haunted.
Ann: (Laughs)
Lily: See!
Ann: Come on, you’re smarter than that, you know there’s no such thing as ghosts.
Lily: Of course! It’s just that…
Ann: What?
Lily: Five nights ago Alex started freaking out, barking at the ceiling of my room, like he saw something there. He was growling and carrying on. And then I thought I heard something too. Like someone walking around on the ceiling.
Ann: It was probably just the wind or the house settling.
Lily: As all scary things seem in the light of day, sure, that seems rational. And by this morning I thought the same. But there’s other things.
Ann: Like?
Lily: I had some bread and jam in the fridge. The jam was on the door. I always put the jam on the shelf of the door. But when I went to make breakfast the jam was on the main shelf. And the bread heel was missing. I always save the heels for the end, then usually get a new loaf and give them to Alex.
Ann: (Sighing) Lily, sweetie, I think maybe you’re just stressed out. You’re in a new environment, you just broke up after a very long relationship and with your mother getting sick…it’s perfectly normal to act a bit strange.
Lily: I know, I know. But it’s odd. There are a bunch of little things that just seem out of place. Laundry moved about, food missing, chairs in different places, doors I knew I closed standing open.
Ann: It is your first week in the new house. Maybe you should just give it some time and see. I bet in another week you will look back on this and think how silly it was.
Lily: You’re probably right. I’m just stressed and tired I bet.
Ann: Where’s Alex? He keeping a good watch over you?
Lily: That’s the other thing, Alex is usually my shadow, wherever I go he’s right there with me. The past few days he has been laying in the hall staring at the hall closet door.
Ann: Hmm that is odd.
Lily: Before you ask, I already checked. The closet is empty. I almost expected to find it filled with peanut butter or something the way he sits there and stares.
Ann: (Laughs) It could be a mouse.
Lily: Gross, I’d prefer a ghost.
Ann: You should be safe either way. It would be a brave mouse that would come out of that closet now. How was shopping? Did you get your beaver traps and shotgun bullets?
Lily: Of course, but sadly they were out of coonskin hats in my size. Actually, it wasn’t so bad. The town is quite nice in a Mayberry kind of way.
Ann: How so?
Lily: All the people are friendly and will talk to you about the weather, but in the parking lot all the cars have “Protect our borders” and “America Love it or Leave it” bumper stickers.
Ann: Luckily, you’re white as a gho-…er…sheet.
Lily: Nice save. Anyway, I have to courier some paperwork back to the office for one of my clients. I’ll talk to you soon. Kiss.
Ann: Kiss. Say “Hi” to Casper for me.
(Call closing)
- Another Day -
Lily: No, Alex, you stay. I have to take out the trash. I’ll take you for your walk in a bit.
(Door opening)
Lily: (Gasps) W-what are you doing here?
Clark: (Shyly as if embarrassed at being caught) Sorry it I startled you, I was just checking in on you. And to see if you wanted me to fix that bird feeder for ya.
Lily: I assure you, I don’t need checking in on.
Clark: No, of course not. Gosh, I didn’t mean to sound...
Lily: (Annoyed) Is there something I can help you with Mr. Clark?
Clark: Well it snowed last night.
Lily: I can even handle the snow by myself Mr. Clark, believe it or not.
Clark: (Chuckles) I don’t doubt that for a second ma’am. It’s your roof, I was concerned about.
Lily: It snowed barely an inch. I doubt that would collapse my roof.
Clark: Take a look ma’am.
(Crunching footsteps in the snow)
Lily: (Sighs, exasperated) It’s a roof alright. And look at that, completely free of snow.
Clark: Bingo!
Lily: What do you mean?
Clark: If your roof was properly insulated, the snow wouldn’t have melted so quickly. The reason your roof is clear is because you’re losing a whole buncha heat from the top of your house.
Lily: Oh, hmm…That is odd.
Clark: Probably poor insulation in your attic.
Lily: (curtly) Thank you, I’ll make sure to call someone. In the future if you would be so kind as to knock and not just loiter around my side yard, I would appreciate it.
(Crunching footsteps followed by a door opening and closing)
(Dog panting)
Lily: He must think I’m a complete idiot just because I’m from the city Alex.
Alex: Bark.
Lily: Jokes on him, I don’t even have an attic.
(Phone ringing)
Lily: Fields and Associates, this is Lily Fields.
(Pause)
Lily: Franklin? Oh yes! From the library. Yes, of course I recall. Thank you for reaching out to me.
(Pause)
Lily: Sure, I have access to a computer one moment.
(Footsteps through the house.)
Lily: Let me put you on speaker for a moment. (Beeping of changing to speaker on a cellphone) Hello, Franklin?
Franklin: Hello I’m here.
Lily: Okay, I’m ready when you are.
Franklin: First of all, I figured out why you were having trouble finding out about your home.
Lily: Oh?
Franklin: You were looking up 112 Cherry Spring Lane. The road name only recently became Cherry Spring. Before that it was Hunsicker’s Lane.
Lily: That makes more sense, as there aren’t any cherry trees or springs on the road. Why did they change it do you know?
Grace: That’s the second thing I found. Did you get that article I emailed you?
Lily: Opening now…(Reading) Man found dead in home…the rest is a bit fuzzy.
Franklin: Our technology budget isn’t fantastic at the library as you can guess. The man found dead was Steven Hunsicker. He committed suicide in his home, located at 112 Hunsicker’s Lane.
Lily: That’s…disturbing. Does it say why?
Franklin: The article I sent you does not. But, I spoke with Mrs. Burke in Periodicals. She’s about as old as the mountains. She said that the Hunsickers were some of the first people to live in these parts and were mostly farmers. Steve was kind of an odd duck.
Lily: Odd how?
Franklin: It turns out the police were called when a farm hand found the bodies of some tortured animals on his farm out there.
Lily: That’s terrible. What a monster.
Franklin: That’s not the worst part. During the animal cruelty investigation, the state police found a bunch of photographs of children. You can use your imagination as to what type of photos they were.
Lily: And this was in my house?
Franklin: Oh no! The photos and the animal cruelty didn’t happen there! Goodness no. It was in the barn about 3/4s of a mile down Hunsicker’s Lane.
Lily: My neighbor’s house.
Franklin: Yes, Mr. Clark’s current home.
Lily: Clark lives there?
Franklin: Yes, he’s in my church group. I’ve been out to his house several times. Confidentially, I might not go to this year’s Fourth of July picnic.
Lily: I don’t blame you.
Franklin: The only thing that I could find for 112 Cherry Spring Lane was the suicide. The police found his body there when he failed to show up for a hearing.
Lily: Well thank you, Franklin. You've been very thorough.
Franklin: I wish I could say it was my pleasure. But it was nice speaking with you anyway. If you need anything else feel free to give me a call, or if you’re in town, stop by the library.
Lily: I will. Thank you again. Bye bye.
- Later, at night -
(Wind in the eves and the sounds of gentle snoring. Creaking of footsteps, followed by a low growl. Dog paw steps on hardwood floor. A door opens then closes)
Lily: (Gasping as she is startled awake. The sound of her panting breath.)
(Something is dragged slowly across the floor in the distance.)
Alex: (Whines)
(Sound of bed moving and bare feet on hardwood floor. A door opens a very little bit)
Lily: (calling out) Hello!
(Something falls)
Lily: (Cries out.)
(Door slams and bedsprings as she jumps in the bed. Outside there is a flurry of footsteps coming closer. The footsteps stop. The growling grows louder and Alex begins to bark)
Lily: (Desperately) What do you want?
(Door rattles as if someone is jiggling the door knob violently)
Lily: (Frightened and near tears) Go away! Leave me alone!
(Door stops rattling and all becomes silent but for the sound of gentle sobbings)
- Time passes -
(Skype call ringing. In the background there is barking muffled by the door)
Lily: (Tired) Fields and Associa…I mean, hey.
Ann: Lily, you look dreadful! What’s wrong?
Lily: It was so bad last night. The…the whatever it is, was right outside my door. I haven’t slept at all.
Ann: What do you mean? What was outside your door?
Lily: The ghost.
Ann: (Long pause) Lily, you need to talk to someone.
Lily: Who? Do you think the police would ever believe me?
Ann: (Another long pause) Sweetie, I don’t mean the police.
Lily: You think I’m crazy.
Ann: I think you’re stressed out. I think you’re in a terrible state. I think you’ve gone three weeks with barely a wink of sleep.
Lily: I’m not crazy.
Ann: No one is saying you’re crazy.
Lily: I found out yesterday that the previous owner was a pedophile, animal torturer.
Ann: That might explain why you’re so wound up.
Lily: And he killed himself in this house.
Ann: That’s grim. What is Alex carrying on about?
Lily: He’s taken to barking at that closet. I’m guessing that’s where the guy killed himself.
Ann: And what? Now his spirit dwells forever in your coat closet?
Lily: Last night I heard a crash Ann. I was so terrified I locked myself in my room and the door started shaking like someone was trying to get in. When I went down stairs this morning one of the kitchen chairs was overturned. Did my crazy imagination do that?
Ann: (Another long pause) Did you ever change the locks?
Lily: Like the front door locks?
Ann: Yes, those locks.
Lily: …No…and…There’s something else (with dawning horror) My closest neighbor is this weird hillbilly guy who has been loitering around my house. He even said my roof needed work or something, like he wanted an excuse to get inside.
Ann: If he’s your nearest neighbor, maybe he has a key.
Lily: No, I bolted the front door and put the chain on.
Ann: Still. People are really clever, especially sick people.
(Phone rings in the distant)
Ann: That’s my client. I have a meeting to get to. I will be back in four hours and will call you. And, I’m booking you a room in the hotel in town. At the very least you can get a good night’s sleep.
Lily: (A sigh, defeated bordering on relieved.) Okay.
Ann: You get the locks changed by tomorrow. And be at that hotel when I call you young lady.
Lily: (More upbeat) Yes, ma’am.
Ann: There’s a lamb. I’ll see you soon. Kiss
Lily: Kiss.
(Call ends but the barking in the background increases in volume)
Lily: Damnit Alex! You’re driving me completely crazy.
(Sound of chair being moved back violently and stomping footsteps.)
Lily: I’m going to show you for the last time there’s nothing in there. (takes a deep breath)
(Door is opened quickly)
Lily: (Nervous exhalation of breath) See, you stupid animal. There’s still nothing in there. Nothing on the floor, nothing on the pole the sick dude probably hanged himself from, nothing on the ceil…. (long pause) What is that?...Is that a…trapdoor?
(Creaking of door being opened and wooden stairs being lowered)
Alex: Whines nervously
Lily: There is an attic after all. Alex, you stay down here.
(Sound of creaking old wooden steps being mounted)
Lily: (to herself) What is this? Ugh, what’s that smell? (Gasps) What…What are…Oh my God!
(Running foot steps and crashes, dog going crazy barking snarling. A slamming sound of a door)
- Later -
(Skype call ringing…ringing…ringing…ringing)
(Clicking of the keyboard, in the background dog continues to bark)
(The landline rings and is answered)
Ann: Hello? Lily?
Melvin (Impersonating Police Officer): Ma’am -
Ann: Who are you? Where’s Lily? I’ve been calling for half an hour and my friend is…
Melvin (Impersonating Police Officer): Ma’am, I’m Officer Mel Travis, Lily is fine.
Ann: What’s going on?
Melvin (Impersonating Police Officer) A man, one Mr. Clark, broke into Ms. Fields’ house. He was waiting for her in her attic this afternoon. We have reason to believe he had broken in several times before. When we arrived on the scene Ms. Fields was unconscious but unharmed. It appears she chased the man away. Our officers are searching for him now.
Ann: What’s wrong with Alex?
Melvin (Impersonating Police Officer): He became incensed when Ms. Fields was led away. We had to isolate him in a room to keep him from biting our officers.
Ann: Oh…Well, do tell her I called.
Melvin (Impersonating Police Officer): Yes ma’am
(The phone is replaced on the hook)
Melvin (Impersonating Police Officer): (creepy drawn out high pitched voice) Oh Lilyyyyyy, come out come out wherever you are. No one else to disturb our reunion now Lil
Lily: (muffled behind a door) Melvin you sick bastard! Did you follow me here after I moved?
Melvin (normal voice now): Oh my sweet Lily, you know I’d never leave you. I arrived at our new house just a few hours before you did. Luckily, you’d written the address so clearly on the boxes I helped you carry, it was like you wanted me to come. I mean, sure I suppose at times I was a little mad, just a little upset that you ignored me. But once we started living together I knew you’d come around.
Lily: Living together?
Melvin: Don’t be such a coy minx. You and I have been living under the same roof these last three weeks. Sharing the same food. I sleep just a few feet from where you sleep. It was difficult timing my meals so as not to disturb you. And I am sorry to have frightened you last night. But when I heard the fear in your voice…why I thought you were in trouble. I was trying to save you. You know I’ve always loved you. (now angry) So open the fucking door! (pounds on the door over and over again as the dog continues to bark and Lily shrieks)
Lily: Go away you freak!
(door crunches as it begins to break. Then swings open and the dog begins snarling followed by Melvin’s screams of pain. Running footsteps down the hall and stairs and finally out the door. The dog yelps and is silent)
Melvin: (breathless) Stupid mutt!
(Footsteps down stairs and out the door. Outside noises footsteps crunching in snow)
Melvin: Lily! You and I will have to have a conversation about your dog. I will admit, I may have hurt him a bit. That animal needs to learn who the master of the house is. But let’s not let that come between us. There’s no use running away. You’ll freeze before you get anywhere.
(Distinct rattling of the birdhouse. Followed by gasp of disbelief from Melvin)
Lily: Bastard! (Sound of birdhouse hitting Melvin)
(Distant sirens approach. Car doors (two) open and close. Crunching footsteps through snow)
Cop: Ma’am, what happened here?
Lily: He…he attacked me. The sick son of a bitch was living in my attic for the last three weeks, I didn’t even know. I hit him with the birdhouse. Thank God I never fixed it.
Cop: Officer Stephens, handcuff that man. Are you okay ma’am?
Lily: I…I think so. How did you know to come here?
Cop: Some lady, named Ann, called it in.
Lily: But…how did she know?
- Later -
(Skype call ringing)
Lily: Hey! How’s the weather?
Ann: It’s so good to see you’re alright.
Lily: So, warm then? I guess I should thank you huh? You’re quite the hero.
Ann: The cops rang me back. I heard that you nearly broke the creeps head open. I think that makes you the hero.
Lily: Serves him right for hurting my dog.
Ann: How is Alex?
Lily: He’s hurt but the vet says he’ll make it.
Ann: That’s good.
Lily: I need a drink. No, I should save it for Clark. I owe him one. Maybe he can mend your birdbox too. Hey, how did you know? How did you know he wasn’t a cop?
Ann: I asked him how Alex was, not the dog, just Alex. How would he know that the dog’s called Alex?
Lily: Clever, look at you all Nancy Drew.
Ann: What will you do now?
Lily: I was thinking about moving, but now that the paranormal activities have quieted down I think I’ll stay, and get six or seven more dogs.
End.
