Genre: Horror
Tagline: Some secrets you should bury on your own.
SPICE
By Don and Kim Jindra
(Rev. 20110401)
(c) Copyright 2011, Don and Kim Jindra
Page 1
FADE IN:
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
EMMA (40) and husband STEVEN lie in bed. Emma reads "The
Moral Animal". She's a serious person. Steven is bored
by moral philosophy. So he taps her shoulder.
EMMA
Okay. Five minutes, missionary
position.
They engage.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, HALL - NIGHT
CLAUDIA (29), dressed in a maid's uniform, cracks open the
rear door. BOYFRIEND pops inside.
CLAUDIA
Shhh...
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, MAID'S BEDROOM
Boyfriend pulls his T-shirt over his head. Claudia leads him
down to the mattress.
Faces -- SMACK!
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, MASTER BEDROOM
Steven rolls off his wife.
EMMA
How fulfilling.
She re-opens her book, grabs a bottled water off the
nightstand, finishes it off.
EMMA (V.O.)
I never meant to kill anybody. I just
wanted to save my marriage.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, KITCHEN - LATER
Emma opens the refrigerator door. She grabs a bottled water.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, MAID'S CHAMBER - CONTINUOUS
Emma carries her water passed the door. She backtracks,
leans her ear against the door.
EMMA
Claudia?
Page 2
She knocks.
EMMA
Claudia?
The door opens revealing scantily clad Claudia. Emma peeks
around her.
EMMA
Are you alone?
CLAUDIA
I think so, Mrs. Heilburger.
Emma forces herself into:
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, MAID'S BEDROOM
Emma rips off the bedsheet revealing --
CLAUDIA
Oh my God! There's a man in my bed!
EMMA
(to Boyfriend)
Out!
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, MAID'S CHAMBER - LATER
Claudia sits on the edge of her bed. Emma paces.
EMMA
I cannot permit you to corrupt my family
any longer! You slut!
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, KITCHEN - DAY
Tweener TARA draws calligraphy at the kitchen table.
Six year old TODD resides near the wall. One hand grasps a
huge metal dumptruck. The other pinches an old doll.
Emma enters in a house coat.
EMMA
Good morning, children.
TARA
Claudia says she's not making breakfast
anymore.
Emma peers inside the coffee maker.
Page 3
EMMA
We'll manage.
TARA
She says she's packing her bags. Too
bad.
Todd runs the doll over with the truck.
TODD
Die! Barbie, Die!
Emma peeks at the coffee directions.
TARA
You want me to do that for you?
EMMA
Would you?
Tara starts the process like a pro.
Todd backs the truck over the doll.
TODD
Squirt blood you fiend!
Tara stares. Todd returns the stare. He rams, rams, rams
the doll to the wall.
TODD
Squirto! Mucho! Bloodo!
Emma opens the dishwasher, pulls out a glass. It's covered
with dried muck.
TODD
Croak! Croak! Croak!
TARA
(off Todd's violence)
Mom...?
Emma touches standing water.
EMMA
God!
Steven enters dressed for work.
TODD
Ex-pi-re!
Page 4
STEVEN
Stop that, Todd.
Steven calmly grabs the dumptruck.
TODD
Give that back!!!
Steven raises it out of his reach.
EMMA
Steven, something's wrong with
the dishwasher.
TODD
Give! It! Back!!!
Suddenly -- THUMP! Todd kicks his father in the shin.
On Steven's icy stare --
TODD
H-E-L-P !!!
He runs from the room.
EMMA
(to Steven)
Don't even think about it!
Steven limps away.
STEVEN
It was nothing.
TARA
Please get that boy on Ritalin!
STEVEN
I guess you girls will be washing by
hand.
TARA
How medieval!
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, DEN
Emma stands over Steven menacingly as he slips on shoes.
EMMA
You know how I feel about sexual
stereotyping!
Page 5
STEVEN
Yes, boss.
Tara peeks from around the corner.
EMMA
I'm serious!
She claps her hands.
EMMA (CONT'D)
Come children! Time to go!
Todd runs in and hugs his father's leg. Steven pats his
son's head.
TARA
Barf-ola.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, MAID'S CHAMBER - DAY
Claudia zips up the last of her luggage.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, KITCHEN
Emma sips coffee as she examines the Barbie doll her son
destroyed.
Claudia enters.
CLAUDIA
I'll be going now.
EMMA
Claudia, I was angry last night. We
don't want you to leave. I want to
apologize.
CLAUDIA
You never apologize. So why now?
EMMA
The children love you.
CLAUDIA
They don't love anybody. They're too
much like you.
EXT. HEILBURGER HOUSE
A cabbie toots his horn.
Page 6
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, KITCHEN
Claudia heads for the rear door.
CLAUDIA
My cab is waiting.
She exits.
EMMA
Wait!
EXT. HEILBURGER HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Claudia approaches the cab. Emma chases.
EMMA
Why did you say that?
The cabbie stows the luggage.
CLAUDIA
You never cared what I thought before,
Mrs. H.
EMMA
Tell me. Please.
CLAUDIA
You'll interrupt.
EMMA
I won't.
CLAUDIA
Okay. I did your cooking, laundry,
groceries and cleaning. Loving is
doing, Mrs. H, and you do nothing but
talk. You're poison. Your whole family
is poison. And now I'm leaving before
YOU corrupt ME!
Emma's about to interrupt --
CLAUDIA (CONT'D)
Shhh! I'm still talking! Pay attention
to your husband's laundry. And last
week, in the shower, I turned around and
your husband was staring at me.
EMMA
I don't believe you.
Page 7
CLAUDIA
Wrong answer!
She slams the door and the cab leaves.
INT. SUV - DAY
Kids strapped in like zombies, Steven navigates through
school traffic. Tara checks her Wonder Woman watch.
TARA
I'm glad Mom corrected you.
Steven pulls to a quick stop. The kids unbuckle.
STEVEN
Wives don't correct their husbands.
It's unnatural.
TODD
Mom corrects everyone.
The kids exit the car.
INT. CLOISE, RAMBLING, JONES AND ASSOCIATES, ELEVATOR - DAY
Steven enters. Just as the door closes, HANNAH enters.
She's a cute young thing but bleary-eyed.
STEVEN
More boyfriend problems, Hannah?
HANNAH
I almost called your wife the other day.
STEVEN
Almost? Good for you.
INT. HALLWAY - ELEVATOR
Steven follows Hannah as they emerge. He studies her hips.
AN OFFICE DOOR
A nameplate says: STEVEN HEILBURGER, ASSOCIATE.
INT. STEVEN'S OFFICE
Steven enters. A CARPENTER stands at the window which
overlooks the parking lot. He tacks up a frame.
STEVEN
What's going on?
Page 8
CARPENTER
I'm placing that plywood over this
window.
STEVEN
Why would you do that?
CARPENTER
Not a clue.
INT. RECEPTIONIST AREA
Steven approaches with determination. Hannah is on the phone,
hiding tears.
HANNAH
(whispering in phone)
Could you hold, please.
(to Steven)
Yes?
STEVEN
What's happening to my window?
HANNAH
Oh. You were in St. Louis last week.
I guess you missed the memo. All the
Associates' windows are being sealed
because the Vice Presidents' offices
have smaller windows. Stinks, huh? Oh,
I got you an early flight to Houston
after all.
STEVEN
Great.
INT. OFFICE LAVATORY
Steven places his foot atop the counter and carefully rolls
up his pant leg. There's a big bruise on his shin.
Athletic, overly confident RON GERO (41) walks in.
RON GERO
Wow. Where'd you get the shiner?
STEVEN
My son.
RON GERO
Sure it wasn't the wife?
STEVEN
Why would you say that, Ron?
Page 9
RON GERO
Because of the redhead I saw you with
last week?
STEVEN
Redhead?
RON GERO
Coming out of O'Shea's
STEVEN
Couldn't have been me.
RON GERO
Probably not. Why risk it? That wife of
yours would eat you alive.
STEVEN
About my window --
RON GERO
Try to understand management's position.
INT. STEVEN'S OFFICE
Carpenter runs his power tools. Steven pops up an Internet
radio. He studies a financial statement.
INT. WJAX RADIO, SOUND BOOTH - DAY
Emma enters with a cup of coffee as an engineer counts down
with his fingers --
CANNED ANNOUNCEMENT (O.S)
And now for all you stubborn dreamers,
you frustrated Cinderella wannabes, you
pathetic romance junkies, it's time for
Dr. Emma Heilburger and a dose of
relationship reality.
-- as Emma slips into her chair and puts on headphones.
EMMA
Well, hello America!
The phone lines blink like a Christmas tree.
EMMA
My, my, we have an anxious lot this
morning. And I've had such a terrible
morning. Let's just get right to it.
Sally from Ventura, you're on.
Page 10
Emma is a doodler. She draws on a pad as she listens.
CALLER-SALLY (filtered)
(crying)
My husband....
EMMA
Calm down dear. We're here for you.
CALLER-SALLY (filtered)
It's my husband...
EMMA
We got that.
CALLER-SALLY (filtered)
He's....
Caller bawls.
EMMA
Beating you?
CALLER-SALLY (filtered)
(sniffling)
No. He's kind.
EMMA
So tell me the problem.
CALLER-SALLY (filtered)
(crying almost uncontrollably)
Well,.. I couldn't ask for a better
father for my kids... We
have a good home...
EMMA
Is he cheating?
CALLER-SALLY (filtered)
No...
EMMA
Honey, what am I missing here? Are
these tears of joy?
CALLER-SALLY (filtered)
He just doesn't do it for me anymore!
EMMA
He doesn't do what?
Page 11
CALLER-SALLY (filtered)
I have no feelings for him. It breaks
my heart!
EMMA
Did I hear correctly. This is about
feelings?
CALLER-SALLY (filtered)
(calming)
Yeah...?
EMMA
Feelings! Bunk! Feelings? Hoey! You
want to dump this dreamboat because of
feelings? Would you rather play Russian
Roulette? You may as well blow your
brains out right now, because once we
start following our feelings we're
a walking disaster!
CALLER-SALLY (filtered)
You think I should stay with him?
EMMA
HELLO! Of course you should stay with
him! Think about your children! You
can be a mature mother or you can be
Princess of selfishness. Your choice.
CALLER-SALLY (filtered)
That's easy for you to say, with your
perfect husband and all!
EMMA
My husband is not perfect! He's a man!
INT. STEVEN'S OFFICE - SAME
The Carpenter is finishing up.
EMMA (filtered)
Sally, listen to me. When your three
wishes come true, stop wishing!
Steven switches off the radio.
CARPENTER
That is one cold bitch.
STEVEN
She's my wife.
Page 12
CARPENTER
Really?
Steven nods. The carpenter takes a seat.
CARPENTER
My girlfriend, Janet, called your wife.
She was advised to set things "right,"
which meant she was supposed to stop
being a homewrecker. But crack was the
homewrecker. I never told Janet the whole
story about my wife. So Janet couldn't
tell your wife the whole story.
Steven notices the carpenter's fingers. They have cuts and
scratches. A man's hands.
CARPENTER (CONT'D)
Do me a favor. Tell your wife things are
never what they seem.
INT. DEPARTMENT STORE, APPLIANCES, - DAY
Emma, peers inside a new dishwasher. She closes the door and
steps to the next one. Steven yawns. He glances towards
the Tools Department.
EMMA
You should take more of an interest.
Emma moves to the next model. Todd jumps up and down on this
one's door like it's a diving board. The hinges CREAK.
EMMA
Todd, don't do that. You might hurt
yourself.
She helps him down and shuts the door. It won't fit snugly.
A SALESMAN wanders by.
SALESMAN
What can I interest you folks in today?
INT. DEPARTMENT STORE, TOOLS
Steven admires a huge crescent wrench.
A sales video runs on a aisle endcap. It praises a wood
router and various accessories. A TOOL-SALESMAN walks up.
TOOL-SALESMAN
You a woodworker?
Page 13
STEVEN
Bank examiner. I.. rob... banks.
(indicating the router)
What would a person do with one of
these?
TOOL-SALESMAN
Build stuff.
STEVEN
Man stuff.
TOOL-SALESMAN
Yes, Sir,
INT. DEPARTMENT STORE, VIDEO CAMERAS
Steven points a display camera. He spots a young couple hand
in hand. He zooms into the girl's unaware face.
EMMA
It's tough when there's so much to
choose from, isn't it dear?
STEVEN
Dishwashers aren't my thing.
Steven picks up a box at his feet.
EMMA
Buy something?
STEVEN
Router.
EMMA
What's it do?
STEVEN
It routs.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, STUDY - NIGHT
Emma sits at her desk composing an ad.
EMMA
(writing)
Wanted: Mature maid.
She crosses it out.
Page 14
INT. GARAGE - NIGHT
Steven, kneeling on the floor, pulls the router out of its
box. He reads the directions.
STEVEN
"Place the router on the workbench."
He scans the garage. No bench in sight.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, DEN
Steven clears off the top of a fancy pedestal table. He
picks it up.
INT. GARAGE
Steven admires the router on the top of the pedestal table.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, STUDY
Emma is interrupted by a high-pitched noise.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, DEN
Emma looks at where the pedestal once was.
INT. GARAGE
Steven has the router at high speed. It vibrates the tiny
table. He spots Emma and turns it off.
EMMA
That's a five hundred dollar table,
Steven!
STEVEN
Ten thousand rpms!
EMMA
Just be careful. Listen to this.
(reading)
"Loving family wants mature, dependable
Domestic as live-in. No pets, No
personal life. $2000 per month and
Christmas Day off."
STEVEN
Lovely.
EMMA
I don't want to sound desperate.
Page 15
STEVEN
Yet how long can we face housework?
EMMA
Just be careful with that table.
INT. AIRPORT - DAY
Steven walks briskly through the airport, carry-on bag
hung over his shoulder.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, MASTER BATHROOM - DAY
Emma opens the clothes hamper and pulls out laundry. She
examines one of Steven's shirts. Nothing suspicious. She
smells it anyway.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, LAUNDRY ROOM - DAY
Emma piles laundry into the washer, adds soap, switches it
on.
The washer does nothing. She fiddles with switches --
EMMA
Come on baby... Come on, come on...
She bangs on it.
EMMA
You sick bastard!
EXT. HEILBURGER HOUSE - DAY
Emma loads three bags of laundry into the BMW.
EXT. LAUNDROMAT - DAY
Emma's BMW pulls in and parks. She unloads the laundry.
INT. LAUNDROMAT - DAY
Emma loads four washers.
INT. LAUNDROMAT - LATER
There's a wrinkled National Inquirer nearby. Nobody is
around. Emma takes a peek.
INT. LAUNDROMAT - LATER
The door swings open. Emma quickly lays aside the tabloid as
JAN enters with her laundry. She's early twenties.
Page 16
As Jan loads a washer, Emma notices her skimpy outfit, her
great legs.
Jan deposits her money and takes a seat.
JAN
Howdy.
EMMA
Hi.
Jan grabs the tabloid.
JAN
That your BMW?
EMMA
Maybe.
JAN
Nice car.
(indicating the tabloid)
This yours too?
EMMA
No.
JAN
Anything good in it?
EMMA
Never read them.
JAN
Me neither.
Jan flips pages.
JAN
Says here that Courtney Love is having
sex with Kurt Cobain's ghost. Wonder
what that would be like? Probably like
married sex.
EMMA
Married sex is great.
JAN
Yeah, yeah. I believe.
an finds another story.
Page 17
JAN
Says here, a woman in Cleveland had
aliens remodel her bathroom and now
nobody can figure out how to flush.
EMMA
What makes you so cynical about
marriage?
JAN
I work for this service. Wives and
girlfriends have us investigate
their men.
EMMA
You're a sex decoy!
JAN
In my experience all men are pigs.
(another headline)
Says here a wife shot her husband
because he was having an affair with a
kitchen utensil. See what I mean?
EMMA
My husband is completely faithful.
JAN
Got a photo of Mr. Fab?
Emma opens her purse, displays a wallet picture.
JAN
Cute. Real cute. I better give you my
card. The company charges $500. But
I've been doing some extra on the side.
$300 for you.
The card says "Check-A-Mate."
EMMA
No, no. I couldn't. Really. This is
not me.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, KITCHEN - DAY
Emma throws the Check-A-Mate card into the trash.
INT. AIRPLANE - DAY
Steven notices the sexy legs of the BUSINESS WOMAN seated to
his left. She's reading VOGUE. She turns the page, notices
Steven's attention, smiles big.
Page 18
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, KITCHEN - DAY
Emma peels potatoes, not too artistically.
INT. AIRPORT, TERMINAL - DAY
Steven follows the business woman off the plane.
Other passengers hug their waiting loved ones. The business
woman passes through unscathed.
STEVEN
No one is waiting for you?
BUSINESS WOMAN
I'm here on business.
STEVEN
Is it a lonely business?
INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Steven, just showered, dresses as he dials.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, KITCHEN - SAME
Emma, Todd and Tara finish dinner. Emma answers her cell
phone.
INTERCUT STEVEN AND EMMA
STEVEN
Hi.
EMMA
Hi.
STEVEN
I'm beat. I think I'm going to bed
early.
EMMA
Okay darling. Take care.
She hangs up.
TODD
Who was that?
EMMA
Your daddy.
Page 19
TODD
I want to talk to him! RIGHT NOW!
INT. HOTEL LOBBY
As Steven walks toward the Business Woman his cell phone
vibrates. He looks at the number.
BUSINESS WOMAN
You need to get that?
STEVEN
It can wait.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, KITCHEN
Phone to his ear, Todd hears the RING. Emma listens over his
shoulder.
TODD
Why doesn't he ANSWER?
EMMA
He was tired. He went to bed.
Todd throws the phone to the floor.
EMMA
Todd!
TODD
I want to say good night to my daddy! I
WANT TO SAY GOOD NIGHT!
EMMA
Todd! Settle down!
TODD
I WANT MY DADDY!
EMMA
Todd! I have an idea! Stand in the
chair. This chair. Put your hands
around your mouth like this, and yell
"GOOD NIGHT DADDY" as loud as you can.
TODD
Why?
EMMA
Maybe he'll hear you.
Page 20
TODD
Really?
EMMA
We'll try.
Todd climbs the chair, cups his hands over his mouth --
TODD
Good night Daddy! GOOD NIGHT DADDY!
EMMA
Louder!
Tara covers her ears.
TODD / EMMA
GOOD NIGHT DADDY!
EMMA
Feel better now?
TODD
Yeah!
He runs out of the room.
TARA
Who would have thought he'd go for that.
EMMA
Never underestimate the power of
suggestion.
She drops a dirty plate into the trash -- right on top of the
Check-A-Mate card.
INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAY
Steven wakes to a travel alarm.
INT. HOTEL ROOM, BATHROOM - DAY
Steven washes his face, looks into the mirror.
STEVEN
You sick bastard.
EXT. FIRST CITY BANK
Steven enters the huge glass doors.
Page 21
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Steven at a conference table, boots his laptop.
CLERK plops down bulky financial documents.
CLERK
Here's everything.
She hovers.
STEVEN
Yes?
CLERK
Your wife. I'm the biggest fan!
STEVEN
She'll be glad to hear.
CLERK
She speaks so highly of you. On the
show.
STEVEN
She tends to exaggerate.
CLERK
That is so like you!
INT. WJAX RADIO, OFFICE
BARB speaks into her headset.
BARB
The Emma H. show. What's your name?
JOAN (filtered)
Joan.
Caller ID shows on her computer screen. The address appears.
BARB
And where do you live?
JOAN (filtered)
Pasadena.
BARB
Street?
JOAN (filtered)
Why?
Page 22
BARB
Emma likes to verify. That's all.
JOAN (filtered)
Okay. 753 Farley Street.
It checks.
BARB
A brief description of your problem.
INT. WJAX RADIO, SOUND BOOTH
Emma's in her chair.
JOAN (filtered)
I have a problem, Dr. Emma.
EMMA
Problem solver, here.
JOAN (filtered)
My twelve year old son, well, yesterday
I caught him with a pornographic
magazine.
INT. HOTEL ROOM
Steven packs as we
INTERCUT WITH EMMA
EMMA
Pornographic? We've got to nip this
thing in the bud.
JOAN (filtered)
Thank God you said that!
EMMA
What do you mean?
Steve lifts a dress shirt off the floor.
JOAN (filtered)
When I approached my husband with this
issue he said, "Ignore it."
EMMA
Ignore it?
Steven looks closely. There's a reddish smudge on the
collar.
Page 23
JOAN (filtered)
He says it's nothing to worry about.
Steve balls up the shirt and puts it into a courtesy sack.
EMMA
The male barbarian speaks! Ignore your
husband! It's our duty as mothers to
civilize these "boys!" Men can't be
depended upon to know right from wrong
in matters of sex! Their heads aren't
screwed on.
JOAN (filtered)
But...
EMMA
Don't "but" yourself out of this. We
don't want over-sexed monsters running
around the neighborhood, do we?
INT. AIRPORT
As Steven rushes to catch his plane he stuffs the plastic bag
into a trash recepticle.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, KITCHEN - NIGHT
Emma takes the plastic liner out of the trash can and ties it
closed.
She carries it into the --
INT. GARAGE
-- and deposits it by another trash bag.
EXT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, REAR ENTRANCE - DAY
A cab pulls up. Steven steps out.
Todd runs to his father.
TODD
Daddy!
Steven hugs him affectionately. Maybe too affectionately.
TODD (CONT'D)
Did you hear me tell you good night last
night? I yelled with all my might!
Page 24
STEVEN
That was you? Really?
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, BEDROOM - NIGHT
Steven removes his shoes.
Emma pulls clothes from his bag. She spots a smudge on his
undershirt.
EMMA
You're not starting to wear makeup, are
you, dear?
STEVEN
What?
EMMA
There's a spot on your shirt. See?
STEVEN
Maybe from shaving?
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
Steven is asleep. Emma stares at the ceiling. She gets
quietly out of bed.
INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT
Emma holds Steven's shirt up to the light.
INT. GARAGE - MOMENTS LATER
Emma rips open a plastic trash bag and rummages. She pulls
out the grimy Check-A-Mate business card.
On her way out she grabs her pedestal table.
INT. GARAGE - MORNING
Steven stands over his lonely router.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Ron Gero addresses eight men, including Steven, seated around
a conference table,
RON GERO
The feds aren't satisfied with First
Fidelity of Atlanta. We need to spot
check some assets. Any volunteers?
Page 25
Steven slowly raises his hand.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, KITCHEN - NIGHT
The family sits at dinner.
EMMA
Atlanta? You just got back from
Houston!
STEVEN
It's not as if I volunteered!
EMMA
My counter encounter Group is Saturday.
I was counting on your help with the
children. And I have five nannies lined
up for interviews, two on Sunday. I'd
appreciate your input.
STEVEN
Well that's easy. Just hire the
prettiest one.
INT. WJAX RADIO, SOUND BOOTH - DAY
Emma takes a call.
CALLER (filtered)
He says we have nothing in common
anymore except sex, and I laughed.
EMMA
You laughed?
CALLER (filtered)
Yeah. I was there during the sex. We
don't have that in common either!
EMMA
Have you tried my 'Ten Logical Ways to
Spice Up Your Marriage?'
CALLER (filtered)
He's spicing up elsewhere.
EMMA
Then dump him.
CALLER (filtered)
Just like that, after nine years? After
all the emotional investment? The
sacrifices?
Page 26
EMMA
Stop whining. Cut your losses like a big
girl. Don't compromise yourself!
INT. WJAX RADIO - DAY
Emma leaves the sound booth with attitude.
INT. EMMA'S OFFICE
Emma enters to find CHUCK sitting on her couch.
CHUCK
I've got GREAT news! TriCorp just
signed on. That's forty more
stations. This breaks us into the East
coast. I'm telling you, we're toe to
toe with the big boys now!
EMMA
I'd love to celebrate but something's
come up.
She grabs her purse and exits.
EXT. GROCERY STORE - DAY
Emma steps from her BMW in dark sunglasses and a scarf. She
approaches the store.
INT. GROCERY STORE
Emma searches the cereal aisle... The canned goods...
She spots Jan at the vegetables.
Jan thumps a cantaloupe as Emma walks up.
JAN
You know how to pick these things?
EMMA
No.
JAN
You got the cash?
EMMA
(displaying cash)
But you have to go to Atlanta.
JAN
Atlanta? I do local gigs.
Page 27
EMMA
I'm willing to pay more.
JAN
What's wrong with here?
Emma takes off her shades.
EMMA
You don't know who I am, do you?
JAN
Should I?
EMMA
No. I'll pay double.
JAN
Atlanta? I'll have to ask my
partner.
EMMA
I'll be your partner.
JAN
That could be painful.
EMMA
No problem. I'm a big girl.
Jan grabs the $$.
JAN
Remember, this isn't a sure thing.
EMMA
I understand.
INT. DEPARTMENT STORE - DAY
Steven and Tool-salesman admire a top-of-the-line
workbench.
STEVEN
Load her up.
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
Steven travels with the huge boxed workbench filling the SUV.
EXT. HEILBURGER HOUSE - DAY
Steven pulls up to the garage and hops out.
Page 28
EXT. SUV - MINUTES LATER
Steven has the rear door open. He and Emma look at all the
brand new tools.
EMMA
We don't build things, Steven. We
aren't good with our hands.
EXT. GARAGE - LATER
Steven wheels in a big box on a dolly.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, DEN
Emma positions a lamp so that it shines brightly on the chair
across from the couch.
INT. GARAGE - NIGHT
Steven is lost among empty boxes and directions. He bolts a
leg onto a bracket. Emma enters.
EMMA
You going to help with the interviews?
STEVEN
I already made my choice. The last
applicant. Shirley-what's-her-name.
Hold that bracket right there, please.
She holds it as he bolts it on.
EMMA
How much time are you going to waste out
here?
STEVEN
Quiet time is not a waste.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, DEN - LATER
Pad and pen on her lap, Emma interviews applicants.
The lamp shines in their eyes.
INTERCUT ALL INTERVIEWS
EMMA
How old was the child?
Page 29
NANNY-YOUNG
Thirty six. The doctors claimed he had
the mentality of a ten year old, but I
think that was a stretch. Young ones
will be guinea pigs for me. That's not
a problem, is it?
EMMA
Do you have any formal childhood
development training?
NANNY-YOUNG
Right, Like I'd be here if I had.
Emma strikes through a name.
EMMA
What was your worst childcare
experience?
NANNY-HESITANT
I once had a five year old fall into the
toilet. That was a mess.
NANNY-DESPERATE scratches nervously at a sore on her wrist.
NANNY-DESPERATE
(in tears)
God help me but I didn't know an eight
year old could be suicidal!
Emma hands her a kleenex and strikes through a name.
EMMA
Are you comfortable helping with
homework?
NANNY-SWEET
Homework is such fun, don't you think?
EMMA
What do you like about being a nanny?
NANNY-SWEET
That's easy. Children's laughter. I
could listen to it all day.
EMMA
How do you discipline children?
Page 30
NANNY-SWEET
I whack their plump behinds. I'm
pleasant to be around and I like
children to be the same. There's never
too much pleasantness in the world.
NANNY-HESITANT
They're good kids aren't they?
EMMA
How do you comfort children?
NANNY-SWEET
Candy. My children tend to be... healthy
sized.
EMMA
What will my children be doing on any
given day under your care?
NANNY-SWEET
Whatever makes them happy. I like
squeals of laughter. That's my one
rule. Always leave them laughing. Kids
love me.
(singing)
"...these are a few of my favorite
things!"
Emma strikes through the last name.
INT. AIRPLANE - DAY
Steven grabs a TIME Magazine as the airplane cruises. He
notices his hands have cuts and scratches. He rubs his man-
hands with satisfaction.
EXT. BOXING GYM - DAY
Emma walks from her BMW with Tara and Todd in tow.
EMMA
I'm depending on you, Tara.
TARA
(to Todd)
If you give me so much as a headache
I promise I'll spend MUCH more
time with you.
INT. BOXING GYM - DRESSING ROOM
Emma dresses as a referee.
Page 31
EMMA
I'll try to check on you every half
hour.
Tara checks her Wonder Woman watch.
INT. BOXING GYM, RING - DAY
A dozen women dressed in boxing gear surround the ring. Two
women are in orange trunks, two in red, two in green, etc...
A video crew prepares to get this on tape.
MONSTERWOMAN(GREEN) overhears pretty JOYCE(GREEN) --
JOYCE(GREEN)
Sure there are kids involved but how
much is a person supposed to sacrifice
for "the kids?" I mean, really...
Emma enters the ring.
EMMA
Welcome everyone! Thanks for coming to
help on my new video. I'm so excited!
Ready?
The cameraman gives a thumbs up.
EMMA {CONT'D)
Our purpose today is to transform
ourselves into battle hardened women.
The best way to achieve this is for
every one of you to become... me.
All laugh nervously.
EMMA (CONT'D)
Exercise one. Tell us your story. The
person dressed in your color will play
your sparring partner, rational self and
inner therapist, Okay. Yellow.
SANDRA(YELLOW) and SUSAN(YELLOW) step forward meekly.
EMMA
(to Sandra)
You take the offensive, that is,
tell us your sad story.
(to Susan)
As therapist, you counter punch.
Page 32
SANDRA(YELLOW)
Well, I've been seeing this guy.
EMMA
Don't just stand there! Swing! Move!
This is a video. Let's see some action!
Sandra and Susan put up their gloves.
SANDRA(YELLOW)
It's a long distance relationship.
EMMA
Swing! You call that a swing?
SANDRA(YELLOW)
I don't want to hurt her.
EMMA
Therapy is PAIN!
SANDRA(YELLOW)
Alright.
She jabs Susan's glove.
SUSAN(YELLOW)
Does he have a name? The guy.
SANDRA(YELLOW)
Lawrence.
EMMA
Harder!
SANDRA(YELLOW)
I'm so tired of being lonely!
She breaks into tears -- a pathetic sight. Susan hugs her.
SUSAN(YELLOW)
It will be okay.
SANDRA(YELLOW)
I'm thirty-eight years old!
EMMA
Alright! Break it up! Susan, you can't
afford to get emotionally involved.
SUSAN(YELLOW)
I'm sorry.
Page 33
Emma pushes their gloves up.
SUSAN(YELLOW)
What's wrong with this Lawrence?
SANDRA(YELLOW)
He's cold, emotionally distant.
SUSAN(YELLOW)
Duh! He's a man!
SANDRA(YELLOW)
Cold even for a man.
SUSAN(YELLOW)
You don't want to be lonely, but you're
with a guy who is going to keep you
lonely. You don't see the irony?
SANDRA(YELLOW)
Yeah! He's just like my father!
SUSAN(YELLOW)
So this is about unresolved issues!
EMMA
Yes!
Sandra blindsides Susan who stumbles backward.
SANDRA(YELLOW)
Daddy never loved me!
Shaking it off, Susan advances menacingly.
SUSAN(YELLOW)
So now you want to marry this Lawrence
of Arabia to fix Daddy!
They swing harder.
SANDRA(YELLOW)
I think this time he loves me!
SUSAN(YELLOW)
Or maybe you just want to punish him!
She lands a good one.
SUSAN(YELLOW) (CONT'D)
And in ten years, you'll wonder why did
I marry this lousy bastard? Was I
trying to punish myself?
Page 34
A solid punch. Emma rings the bell.
EMMA
Great job girls! We choose our men for
a reason. It says more about us than
it does about him. If you pick a
damaged man, it's...
She motions all to join in...
EMMA/ALL
"because you're damaged!"
EMMA
Okay, now let's hear from Joyce.
Joyce(green) steps forward, MonsterWoman(green) steps
forward. She's itching to flatten this sweet young thing.
-- just as Emma's cell phone rings.
EMMA
Hello?
(to the group)
You girls start without me. Tonight's
babysitter.
Everyone nods with understanding.
EMMA
(to cameraman)
Keep rolling.
INT. BOXING GYM - DRESSING ROOM
Todd jumps up and down on a bench, then repeatedly kicks a
metal locker. BANG! BANG! BANG!
Tara checks her Wonder Woman watch.
TARA
Good boy, Todd! Get it out
of your system!
She puts on headphones,
INT. BOXING GYM, RING
Joyce defends herself. The others cheer.
MONSTERWOMAN(GREEN)
You're nothing but a pretty ass
home wrecker!
Page 35
-- while Emma speaks into the phone --
EMMA
I was depending on you, Kristin. Do you
REALLY need to go to this Prom thingy?
-- and MonsterWoman pummels poor Joyce.
MONSTERWOMAN(GREEN)
Enough of your sexual gratification!
EMMA
(into phone)
Who? Brittany? Know anyone else?
Joyce is rubber legged. MonsterWoman shows no mercy.
MONSTERWOMAN(GREEN)
Control your degenerate animal
INSTINCTS!
One last punch and Joyce hits the mat with a thud.
Emma hangs up, stunned.
EMMA
Anyone know of a good babysitter?
MONSTERWOMAN(GREEN)
There ARE no good babysitters!
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, KITCHEN - DAY
A repairman, lying on the floor, installs the new dishwasher.
Todd squats beside him.
TODD
I'm not supposed to talk to strangers.
REPAIRMAN
Good idea.
Todd pulls a squirt gun out of his holster and fires!
REPAIRMAN
Holy SHIT!
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, MASTER BEDROOM
Todd runs in as Emma packs a bag.
TODD
I got him! I got him good!
Page 36
EMMA
Todd, come here. I'm sorry I have to
leave tonight but I have something very,
very important I have to do. It's not
the fault of the man in the kitchen.
The door bell rings.
EXT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, FRONT DOOR
Seventeen year old BRITTANY, purple streaked hair, tattoo on
each shoulder, fidgets as Emma opens the door.
EMMA
Hello, Brittany. Thanks for coming on so
short a notice.
BRITTANY
Must be scraping the bottom of the
barrel.
EMMA
Nonsense! I do believe you're darker
everytime I see you. What happened to
that cute blonde hair?
BRITTANY
Mood swings. Where are the kiddos?
EMMA
Children.
Todd runs in, takes one look at Brittany and runs away.
BRITTANY
Right. Children. 200 bucks for the
night, I'll pretend.
Tara enters.
TARA
Brittany. Cool.
EXT. STREET - DAY
A cab waits curbside. Jan runs out of her duplex with a
small travel bag. She hops in to find the impatient --
INT. CAB
-- Emma. The cabbie drives.
EMMA
You know, tardiness is unprofessional.
Page 37
JAN
Just drop it,
INT. AIRPLANE - DAY
Emma and Jan sit with spy paraphernalia spread between their
laps.
JAN
And this --
She holds up a small receiver.
JAN
-- has a range of about two miles. If
we start moving away from the site,
walking to get a pack of cigarettes for
example --
EMMA
He doesn't smoke.
JAN
Well, whatever. Just follow. Only don't
be obvious. Be cool. Always be cool.
Remember I'm the one in control.
I know how to clue you in without him
suspecting. Men are putty.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, TARA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Tara and Brittany lie on Tara's bed, thumbing through fashion
magazines. Todd is bored.
BRITTANY
(re: fashion ad)
I've got to get some of these panties no
matter how much they ride your crack.
How cool!
TODD
I wanna watch TV!
TARA
Just play with the dolls, Todd. Like
all good boys.
He throws a doll at her.
BRITTANY
Oh God! Look at this dress! I'd kill
for this dress!
Page 38
Todd hops up to get a look.
TARA
Don't let Todd see.
Todd thumps her leg. She shoves him away. He slaps her hard
on the jaw.
Tara is stunned.
INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Steven dresses as he makes this call.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, DEN - SAME
Ring...
Tara finishes tying Todd to a chair. He's dressed up as a
girl, clearly not his idea.
Ring... Brittany answers.
BRITTANY
Bates Motel.
STEVEN (O.S.)
Who is this?
INTERCUT CONVERSATION
BRITTANY
Babysitter. Who is this?
STEVEN
Bates,
BRITTANY
Just a sec.
(hollering)
Tara!
Tara grabs the phone.
TARA
Hello, Daddy. Mom had some emergency.
She said, don't ask.
STEVEN
Oh. So you doing okay?
TARA
Studying.
Page 39
STEVEN
How about Todd?
TARA
He's quiet for now.
STEVEN
Good, good. I guess I'll see you later.
Love ya.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, DEN - MOMENTS LATER
Tara puts a wig on Todd. She pulls off the gag. Brittany
aims a camera.
TODD
I'M TELLING! I'M TELLING!
TARA
You do and I'll tell EVERYBODY you play
with dolls and wear makeup.
Tara pulls out some lipstick.
INT. UNDERGROUND PARKING
Steven walks over to his rental car and gets in as
INT. CHASE CAR
Jan and Emma watch, Emma is in the driver's seat.
JAN
Looking sharp.
EXT. HOTEL PARKING - NIGHT
Steven's car merges into traffic.
The women follow a few seconds back.
INT. CHASE CAR
Emma's driving.
Emma
I feel like such a fool.
JAN
We shall see.
Jan tucks her wireless inside her blouse. She puts on a
earphone, performs an audio test:
Page 40
JAN
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall --
EXT. STREET
Steven's car pulls into a parking lot.
INT. CHASE CAR
Emma parks a good distance away.
JAN
A sports bar. Yep.
EXT. MICKEY'S SPORTS BAR
Steven strolls up to the entrance.
INT. CHASE CAR
Jan opens the door as Emma puts on the earphone.
JAN
Got me?
Emma nods. She turns on a recorder.
INT. MICKEY'S SPORTS BAR
Steven, seated at a table, sips beer, one eye on a basketball
game. Jan approaches.
JAN
Got money on the game?
INT. CHASE CAR
Emma listens.
STEVEN (filtered)
Should I?
INT. MICKEY'S SPORTS BAR
Jan turns on the charm.
JAN
I guess that depends.
INTERCUT WITH EMMA LISTENING IN
STEVEN
On what?
Page 41
JAN
If you're a risk taker.
STEVEN
I've been married for 15 years. That
must count.
JAN
Sure does, Buy me a drink.
STEVEN
I'm afraid I don't have the energy
tonight.
JAN
Really? Too pushy?
STEVEN
No. I just need some quiet time.
JAN
I guess that's a timeout. For now.
INT. CHASE CAR
Emma jumps.
EMMA
YES!
INT. MICKEY'S SPORTS BAR - NIGHT
At the bar, Jan keeps a seductive eye on Steven while she
munches on a pretzel. Steven seems content.
DUDE approaches Jan.
DUDE
Whata ya up to?
Jan grabs a pen and draws a tic-tac-toe on a napkin. She
marks her X in the corner.
DUDE
Good move!
He marks his O. She makes a dumb move. He marks an O. She
makes a really dumb move. He marks an easy winner.
DUDE
Oh. Yeah! You're easy. I get it.
Page 42
JAN
Except I wanna play with losers.
Get lost.
STEVEN'S TABLE
He orders another beer. Jan winks at him. He smiles but
returns attention to the game.
Jan yawns.
LATER
Jan walks close to Steven. He ignores her.
LATER
Bored, Jan eats more pretzels. Steven concentrates on the
game.
INT. MICKEY'S SPORTS BAR, RESTROOM
Jan's alone at the sink, She speaks into her blouse.
JAN
I'm calling it a night.
INT. MICKEY'S SPORTS BAR
Jan walks through the big room. Steven observes her exit.
EXT. MICKEY'S SPORTS BAR
Jan walks through the parking lot -- rushing footsteps
behind.
STEVEN
I didn't catch your name.
Jan wears a victory smile as she turns around.
JAN
So, you *do* have energy!
STEVEN
I do.
INT. CHASE CAR
Emma's in shock.
JAN (filtered)
Any ideas on how to spend it?
Page 43
EXT. MICKEY'S SPORTS BAR
Steven closes in on her.
STEVEN
How about a walk?
JAN
Well, that's different.
Steven starts walking. Jan glances towards Emma in the car.
Steven turns around.
STEVEN
You coming?
JAN
Where to?
He shrugs. She catches up. She spots a street sign.
JAN
Oh! Down Peach Street!
INT/EXT. CHASE CAR
Emma exits the car with the recorder and earphone. She
follows Jan and Steven.
EXT. DOWN PEACH STREET
Jan and Steven stroll.
STEVEN
You do this often?
JAN
Walk? No, I'm more of a BMW girl.
INTERCUT WITH EMMA FOLLOWING AT A DISTANCE
STEVEN
I meant, approach older men in bars.
JAN
You don't look old to me. And you told
me up front you're married. So you're
honest.
STEVEN
I'm married. I'm not honest. This way,
okay?
Page 44
JAN
So, what's down... Pine Street?
STEVEN
We can go another way if you like.
JAN
No, no. I always wanted to see what was
so exciting about Pine Street.
EXT. DESERTED SIDE STREET, BETWEEN TWO BUILDINGS
Steven's sitting against the building. Jan stands beside him.
She puffs a cigarette.
STEVEN
You know who my wife is?
JAN
No.
STEVEN
Dr. Emma Heilburger.
JAN
Doesn't ring a bell.
Steven puts his hand on her bare leg and strokes it
comfortably.
STEVEN
The radio talk show host. The
relationship books. The lectures.
Jan is clueless. She looks into his eyes -- eyes that don't
blink anymore.
STEVEN (CONT.)
Sometimes I wonder, am I supposed to
take class notes, or what? The
professor drones on and on until
I can hardly keep my eyes open. Don't
you hate that feeling? It's torture.
One day I'm going to tell her how much I
hate her guidelines, hate her deadlines,
and really, really hate her lectures.
You know what *hate* can do to a person?
JAN
Okay, you can stop stroking my leg now.
STEVEN
Okay.
Page 45
He stands, eyes piercing. Never has Jan seen such eyes.
STEVEN
God, I love that look.
JAN
(terrified)
What look?
A BLOCK AWAY
Emma, listening in...
STEVEN (filtered)
Pure helplessness.
Emma's bewildered eyes.
EXT. DESERTED SIDE STREET, BETWEEN TWO BUILDINGS
As Jan starts her scream Steven SLAMS a hand over her mouth.
STEVEN
Shhh!!!
He methodically wraps his fingers around her neck and clamps
down. His hands become massive in this state of mind.
STEVEN
Just relax.
Her face turns red as she tries to fight him off.
A BLOCK AWAY
Emma runs towards them, no longer concerned about the
equipment. The tape recorder falls to the sidewalk.
EXT. DESERTED SIDE STREET, BETWEEN TWO BUILDINGS
Jan, pinned to the wall, fights for her life, but he's much
too powerful. Slowly her eyes lose their luster and she goes
blue, then limp.
Steven, breathing hard, studies his victim's eyes while the
life drains away. He'd be content to stay there forever if
it wasn't for --
EMMA
Steven?
Steven snaps around.
Page 46
STEVEN
Emma?
Emma stares in disbelief. Steven is embarrassed.
EMMA
What are you up to, Steven?
Jan's body slides down the wall as Steven lets go.
STEVEN
Nothing dear.
EMMA
Did you just kill that poor girl?
STEVEN
(horrified)
No!
EMMA
(tearing up)
I considered her a friend. Well,
almost.
He reaches out tenderly.
STEVEN
I... didn't know.
EMMA
(really crying)
This behavior could put a real strain on
our marriage.
She storms away.
STEVEN
Oh that's just like you! Anytime I want
to do something on my own you lay on
some big guilt trip!
As Emma disappears, Steven takes one last satisfied look at
Jan's cold eyes.
EXT. PEACH STREET
Emma hurries to her car. She spots the tape recorder she
dropped and grabs it.
INT/EXT. CHASE CAR
Emma slips inside and wipes tears away.
Page 47
Steven peers at her through the windshield.
Emma starts the engine.
Steven drops to his knees.
She throws it in gear and charges.
He stiffens.
Emma hits the brakes. The car stops at his chest.
Steven pulls himself up. He slides along the fender to the
passenger door, opens it and plops down in the seat.
STEVEN
What the hell are you doing here, Emma?
Were you spying on me?
He slams the door.
EMMA
Are you going to just leave her there?
STEVEN
You think that's wrong?
INT/EXT. CHASE CAR - MOMENTS LATER
At the scene of the crime, engine running, rear door swung
open, Steven shoves Jan's corpse into the rear seat.
Jan's glazed eyes stare through Emma.
Steven hops into the passenger seat.
STEVEN
Who was she?
EMMA
I hired her.
STEVEN
Oh. Let's go.
EXT. LOEW HARDWARE - LATER
Steven emerges with a brand new shovel.
INT. CHASE CAR
Steven angles the shovel into the back seat. Emma starts the
engine. Steven climbs in,
Page 48
STEVEN
It was on sale. I'm on a roll.
She continues driving.
UNDER A RAILROAD OVERPASS - NIGHT
Steven, bare chested, sweating, dirty, digs the grave. Emma
can't help noticing muscles she's not admired in years.
Steven rolls Jan into the grave, covers her with dirt.
EMMA
You monster. I should call the police.
Why didn't I scream? Why are you doing
this to us? I thought you understood we
had everything. Now I *have* to call the
police!
STEVEN
If you turn this into a self defense
issue, it'll be so much easier.
EMMA
You're scaring me, Steven.
STEVEN
It's about time. Now, disrobe.
EMMA
What?
She backs away.
STEVEN
No time limits. No authorized
positions. And no rules. I hate your
rules.
A train approaches in the distance.
EMMA
I'm not in the mood.
STEVEN
I! Don't! Care!
She runs for the car. He catches her. She struggles,
scratches, pounds.
He rips her blouse.
EMMA
Stay away!
Page 49
He unbuckles his pants.
The train whistle blows. Light floods the landscape.
Emma fights free and runs down the tracks, half undressed.
Steven chases, amused.
He catches her by the loose blouse.
She tugs away.
The train whistles deafens.
Emma rips free, races down the tracks. Her shoe jams.
She's stuck. She struggles. She can't free herself!
Light bleaches her face WHITE WITH FEAR.
Steven watches for a long beat.
The train is almost upon her! One last whistle blow! Her
SCREAM!
Steven jumps for her, knocks her shoe free and throws their
bodies clear just as --
The engine ROARS passed. Cars continue: click, click, click,
click.
Emma crying, Steven laughing, madly ripping off clothes.
He kisses her neck, kisses her on the mouth, pulls her legs
up and around him like a blanket and attacks.
She can hardly believe it.
His eyes -- something she almost forgot. Lips quivering.
Hands roaming.
She kisses him back. pulls his chest against hers. He
squeezes her so tight!
YES! YES! HE GETS ME! HE FINALLY GETS ME!
Cars click, click, click, click.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE - DAY
Emma enters with her baggage.
EMMA
Children, I'm home!
Page 50
Todd runs in and gives her a big hug. Then he slaps her!
Emma flinches.
TODD
Never leave me again!
Tara watches from the stairs.
TARA
He's getting strong, huh?
INT. DENTIST'S OFFICE
The DENTIST works on Emma's tooth.
DENTIST
That six year old packs some kind of
wallop. Not too far away from losing
this baby.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, DEN - DAY
Emma, mouth swollen, positions the lamp for more interviews.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, DEN - LATER
Emma is in pain as she conducts two interviews, including the
Nazi-like MATTIE.
INTERCUT INTERVIEWS
NANNY-MATTIE
The children will make very excellent
school work with me. Very excellent. I
shape young lives into proper citizens.
NANNY-PRETTY has perfect posture.
EMMA
You're so pretty.
NANNY-PRETTY
Yep.
Nanny-Mattie has a sergeant's posture.
NANNY-MATTIE
I suggest the proper behavior. But if
things deteriorate --
She opens her purse and pulls out a bottle of --
NANNY-MATTIE
-- Mace. Children's strength.
Page 51
EMMA
How do you comfort children, Mattie?
Mattie stares blankly.
NANNY-MATTIE
Hugs and kisses.
EMMA
Housework?
NANNY-MATTIE
The children may help, but I prefer
doing chores myself.
EMMA
One last question.
Nanny-pretty waits patiently.
EMMA
Has an employeer ever made sexual
advances?
NANNY-PRETTY
Yep.
Emma strikes through a name, looks up to:
NANNY-MATTIE
I have no need for sex.
She rolls up her sleeve, pokes a patch.
NANNY-MATTIE (CONT.D)
The "Just say no" patch. Experimental.
It functions well.
EMMA
I like that, Mattie. But I'll keep the
mace.
She tugs it away from Mattie.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, MAID'S QUARTERS - LATER
Mattie, suitcase in hand, looks at her new quarters.
She spots something on the bed, drops her suitcase. She
carefully lifts a piece of lint off the bedspread, drops it
into the trashcan.
Page 52
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
Emma, spread out in bed, speaks playfully on the phone.
EMMA
You aren't going out tonight are you?
INT. HOTEL ROOM - SAME
Steven flips through yellow pages as he speaks on his
cellular.
INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION
EMMA (CONT'D)
I'm going to be up all night thinking
about your naughty behavior.
STEVEN
I love that.
INT. DANCE CLUB - NIGHT
Steven dances with abandon with FAWN. She's 34 and not bad
looking.
INT. DANCE CLUB - LATER
Steven clicks glasses with Fawn, both drunk.
FAWN
What are we celebrating again?
STEVEN
The monster and liberty!
They down the drinks. Steven whoops it up.
FAWN
Down boy!
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, MASTER BEDROOM - SAME
Emma tosses and turns.
EXT. DANCE CLUB - NIGHT
Steven and Fawn emerge. She leans on his shoulder.
Steven opens the passenger door of his rental.
FAWN
Why drive when you can fly!
Page 53
She slips to the ground. Steven helps her into the car.
FAWN
You're so sweet. Let me sit.
Steven shuts the door.
INT. RENTAL CAR
Steven slips in, starts the engine, pulls away.
FAWN
Guess my good news.
STEVEN
What's your good news?
FAWN
My son has leukemia. Found out this
week. Get some sleep they said. I
prefer booze.
Tears stream down her cheeks.
FAWN
Visiting hours. Worst two words in any
language.
She wipes the tears away.
FAWN (CONT'D)
I promised I wouldn't do this.
She composes herself.
FAWN (CONT'D)
I'll bet you could put me out of my
misery. Are we moving?
Steven pulls to a stop.
STEVEN
No.
He admires her helpless repose.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
Leukemia is a bitch.
His fingers slide to her throat. He's getting crazy-eyed.
She leans back, offering herself.
Page 54
FAWN
I'm shit. My ex was right to leave me.
Steven's hands tremble.
FAWN (CONT'D)
My son needs hope. It's all I have to
offer. It's not nearly enough.
She studies Steven's menacing expression.
FAWN
Hey, I see what you want. Go ahead. You
can kiss me.
He presses her face between his palms,
FAWN
Just do it already!
But he can't. So he kisses her hard on the forehead.
FAWN
You're so sweet. One look, I knew.
INT. WJAX RADIO, SOUND BOOTH - DAY
Emma is in the middle of a call.
EMMA
How long did you date before the
cohabitation?
INT. STACY'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
STACY paces as she speaks on her phone.
STACY
Four years.
INTERCUT WITH EMMA
Emma writes FOUR YEARS! on her pad. Her hand shakes.
EMMA
You didn't see signs of the LYING,
CHEATING, and DRUG USE until RECENTLY?
STACY
No. And this week I found out he's been
involved in a shooting.
EMMA
A DRUG SHOOTING?
Page 55
Emma writes "KILLER!"
STACY
Well...
EMMA
Where were we during all of this? Were
we "in love?"
STACY
That's not a crime is it?
She writes "LOVE CRIMES" underlining three times.
EMMA
"I love him" therefore I can stop using
my head? Don't make compromises that
can destroy me! I mean you!
STACY
I can fix him. Tell me how.
EMMA
YOU CANNOT FIX MEN!
STACY
LIKE SHIT YOU CAN'T!
INT. WJAX RADIO, EMMA'S OFFICE - LATER
Emma, at her desk, studies her trembling hand. Chuck enters.
CHUCK
Great show! Very assertive!
EMMA
Sit down, Chuck!
CHUCK
Yes, Ma'm.
Emma searches for words.
CHUCK
Feeling okay, Emma?
EMMA
Steven and I have issues. Serious
issues.
CHUCK
No!
Page 56
EMMA
I'm just warning you.
CHUCK
Fix it.
She breaks down.
EMMA
God! Tell me what to do!
CHUCK
Suck it up, Emma. Do not let your
marriage fail or we'll be laughed off
the air. Emma. Seriously. Get a
prescription or something.
INT. AIRPORT, NEWSSTAND - DAY
Steven selects a copy of MODERN CARPENTRY.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, KITCHEN - DAY
Mattie pulverizes bread dough in a mixing bowl.
Tara wanders in, dressed in skimpy clothes. She pulls a
gallon of ice cream from the freezer.
Mattie gives her outfit the evil eye while she kneads dough.
Her muscles bulge like stiff sausages.
Tara dishes lumps of ice cream into a bowl, daring Mattie to
object.
TARA
Claudia and I had an understanding.
MATTIE
Claudia?
TARA
Before you there was Claudia.
She had my back and I had hers.
MATTIE
She overlooked your weaknesses.
(RE: ice cream)
You're skinny today. But you'll
be fat tomorrow,
Mattie shapes her dough into a round blob. She fashions two
stubs for legs and plops on a head. She admires her dough-girl
artwork, cackling.
Page 57
MATTIE
That's you tomorrow. See?
Tara examines the creation. There's a hint of admiration but
she detects a flaw. So she takes more dough and adds fatness
to the tummy.
TARA
That's you today. No ice cream
for you.
Tara leaves victoriously.
Mattie grabs her rolling pin. In one tremendous explosion
she flattens the dough-girl. She strikes it again even harder.
A deep breath. She rolls out the dough.
MATTIE
(to self)
Oh... so... pretty! We'll see.
INT. HEILBERGER HOUSE - NIGHT
Steven enters with his luggage. He shuts the door, turns to
find --
MATTIE
Mr. Heilburger?
STEVEN
Present.
She sticks out her hand.
MATTIE
Mattie. Your children are in good
order.
They shake hands. She exits unceremoniously.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
Steven enters. Emma lies awake in bed.
STEVEN
Emma? Why are you in bed?
EMMA
I had a bad day.
STEVEN
Who is that person out there?
Page 58
EMMA
I hired a nanny.
STEVEN
Well, I don't like her.
EMMA
She'll be okay if we keep her away
from her mace.
She points to the mace on the nightstand.
STEVEN
I hope you checked her references.
EMMA
Of course I did.
STEVEN
You're sure?
EMMA
Stop avoiding the real question.
Did you make a mess last night?
STEVEN
Sweetie pie! Nothing happened. Nothing
at all. She wasn't my type.
EMMA
She was already dead?
STEVEN
I have standards, you know.
He strokes her hair.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
I'm glad we can whisper secrets again.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, MASTER BEDROOM - MUCH LATER
Emma, in bed, staring at the ceiling.
INT. CLOISE, RAMBLING, JONES, RECEPTIONIST AREA - DAY
As Steven approaches he overhears:
Page 59
RON GERO
(to Hannah)
That's PRINCIPAL - "AL" as in interest
on money. That's what we do here. It's
all about money. Not PRINCIPLE - "LE"
as in laws of integrity. That's NOT
what we do here. Now proof read!
Ron walks away. He brushes past Steven,
Tears well up in Hannah's eyes. Steven stops,
STEVEN
What an ass-hole.
HANNAH
I try. I really try. He's always in
such a hurry.
INT. CLOISE, RAMBLING, JONES, BREAK AREA
Steven and Hannah sit across from each other. Hannah butters
a bagel, fighting back tears.
STEVEN
You know he's setting you up, don't you?
He rushes you because he knows you'll
make mistakes.
She hands the bagel to Steven. He takes a bite.
HANNAH
Why would Ron want to do that?
STEVEN
To get even.
HANNAH
Get even for what?
STEVEN
You tell me.
HANNAH
It's not like that. Really. He can be
very sweet.
INT. WJAX RADIO, SOUND BOOTH
Series of shots of Emma on the air. She's in extreme stress.
EMMA
Melanie, honey, pain is the price of
personal growth!
Page 60
The room spins.
EMMA
No, no, no! You let him order you
around because you're weak! Weak! WEAK!
Spinning faster...
EMMA
Go ahead, Ann. Be a martyr to
intuition.
-- and wobbling.
EMMA
Forget about feelings!
Emma tries to steady herself but cannot.
EMMA
Don't think you're going to trip me up
on the compassion issue! I'm talking
about basic human morality! What's so
complicated about that! Stop feeling
and start doing! Think! Think!
She goes limp. Her chin hits the table. She slides out of
the chair, head slamming the floor like a corpse.
CALLER (filtered)
But I don't think there is morality
without feelings.
INT. WJAX RADIO
Emma wakes to smelling salts. Paramedics and crew look on.
EMMA
What... happened?
PARMEDIC
You passed out. We're taking you in for
evaluation.
They lift her on a stretcher.
INT. EXAMINING ROOM - LATER
Emma on an examination table. DOCTOR finishes up.
DOCTOR
Well, you seem to be fine. But we should
run some more tests.
Page 61
EMMA
I've never passed out before.
DOCTOR
Have you been under some stress?
EMMA
Nothing I can't handle.
EXT. HEILBERGER HOUSE - DAY
Tara lies on a float in the swimming pool. She talks on her
portable phone.
TARA
I know all her albums suck. But you
want to be cool you got to buy cool. So
just pretend to like it.
INT. HEILBERGER HOUSE, TARA'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Mattie peeks out Tara's upstairs bedroom window to see Tara
is in the pool. Mattie moves to the dresser, opens a drawer,
rifles through.
She opens the jewelry box revealing the Wonder Woman watch.
She lays it on the floor, stomps on it, puts it back.
She pulls a minature action figure out of her pocket and
drops it to the floor.
INT. HEILBERGER HOUSE, STAIRWAY - LATER
Tara climbs the stairs in her swimsuit. She's still on the
phone --
TARA
No, I didn't say I like him. I said I'll
try to like him. There's a difference.
Let's say I *try* to like you. How
would you feel about that?
INT. HEILBERGER HOUSE, TARA'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Tara goes to her dresser, reaches for the jewelry box, but
steps on something -- OUCH!
She picks up the action figure.
TARA
Great!
She grabs her watch from the jewelry box, puts it on. It's
cracked! She glances at the action figure.
Page 62
TARA
TODD!
INT. HEILBERGER HOUSE, TODD'S ROOM
Tara enters to find Todd smashing a spaceship into the
bedpost. Behind her back she clutches a pair of scissors.
TARA
Todd! There's spacemen out the window!
Todd runs to the window.
TODD
Where?
Tara lays the scissors on his bed and leaves.
INT. HEILBERGER HOUSE, TODD'S ROOM - LATER
Todd examines the scissors -- how sharp! He places them
under his pillow.
INT. SUV - NIGHT
Steven drives Emma home.
EMMA
This is all your fault, you know.
STEVEN
Is that what you tell those women every
day? It's the man's fault? No, you
have issues, dear. Study your
pronouncements. I've given you a growth
opportunity.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, DEN - NIGHT
Emma lies back on the couch, a wet rag across her forehead.
INT. KITCHEN
Mattie finishes wiping down the kitchen counters. The room
is spotless.
ON THE FLOOR
A speck. Mattie stoops. She pinches the speck between her
finger tips.
Page 63
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, DEN
Mattie approaches Emma with the speck. She transfers it to
Emma's fingers.
MATTIE
I can't work under this pressure.
INT. GARAGE
Steven cuts a 1x4. He measures the piece against the side of
some sort of box he's building.
Emma enters with the speck. Sawdust powders the floor.
EMMA
Steven?
He turns. She puts the speck before his eyes.
EMMA
You're tracking sawdust into the house.
Mattie is livid.
Steven examines the speck.
STEVEN
It doesn't take much to set her off,
does it?
EMMA
What are you building, anyway. It's too
small to be a casket.
STEVEN
Hope chest.
EMMA
A hope chest? Not for Tara. Hope is
for losers.
STEVEN
Then I suggest you start your own
project.
INT. WJAX RADIO, OFFICE - DAY
Emma interrupts Barb's typing.
EMMA
Barb, do you have Tuesday's transcript?
BARB
Sure.
Page 64
EMMA
Email it to me.
BARB
How are you feeling?
EMMA
Better.
INT. WJAX RADIO, EMMA'S OFFICE - DAY
A list of names on Emma's laptop -- she selects "Stacy."
Stacy's problem: "Loves violent man."
Emma cuts the address, pastes to Google Maps.
MOMENTS LATER
Emma waits while the printer spits out the map.
INT. GARAGE - DAY
Steven hand sands a piece of wood. He fits it into the hope
chest.
INT. BANK ATM - DAY
Emma withdraws lots of cash.
EXT. GHETTO - DAY
Emma drives through the hood. She approaches a group of four
young men.
She parks, gets out of her BMW, clutches her purse.
EMMA
Are you gentlemen drug dealers?
They stare at her.
EMMA (CONT.)
Maybe I'll just talk to one of your
competitors.
DRUG DEALER
Hold on now. What sort of relaxant you
need?
EMMA
A gun...
She pulls cash from her purse. The dealer tugs it away.
Page 65
EMMA
...and thirty bullets?
DRUG DEALER
Tomorrow. Right here.
EMMA
Tomorrow?
She tugs the cash right out of his fingers.
DRUG DEALER
Hold on now. There's a twenty-four hour
cooling off period on handguns. No
exceptions.
EMMA
Tomorrow then.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, DEN - NIGHT
Cartoon spaceships chase each other on the big screen.
Todd runs, jumps, and falls with the action.
Mattie enters with a package of Oreo cookies.
MATTIE
Little boy, come here.
TODD
Cookies!
He grabs one and starts munching. She stares at him.
MATTIE
I'm from Mars. Did you know that? The
planet Mars. Do you know why I'm here?
You're very smart. I'll bet you can
guess.
He shakes his head, no.
MATTIE (CONT'D)
My mission is to find bad little boys.
Can you keep a secret?
He nods, yes.
Page 66
MATTIE (CONT'D)
When we find bad little boys we cut out
their guts and fill their bodies with
Martian guts. One more boy and my
mission will be complete. I can go home.
Bad little boys love Oreo cookies. Did
you know that, bad little boy? Your
parents will never know the difference.
Martian guts will make you smarter and
well behaved. Here, have another
cookie.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, BATHROOM
Todd puts his mouth under running water and spits out what
remains of the cookie.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, DEN
A grinning Mattie switches the TV from cartoons to the news.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
Emma dresses for bed. Steven, sitting on the edge of the
mattress, concentrates on his video game.
EMMA
Let's go on a date.
STEVEN
(half listening)
What kind of a date?
EMMA
You know.
He stops working the joystick.
EMMA
Your space pods are disintegrating.
INT/EXT. BMW - DAY
Emma's parked at the drug dealer's corner. She opens a paper
sack and peeks inside.
EMMA
Any warranty?
The drug dealer hangs over the car counting his cash.
DRUG DEALER
No refunds.
Page 67
EMMA
You give lessons?
INT. ABANDONED TENEMENT - LATER
Four floors up, Emma's handgun dangles from her fingers.
The drug dealer grabs a broken hunk of plaster board, goes to
a wall, sketches the outline of a man. He returns to her and
takes the gun.
Five other hoods watch.
DRUG DEALER
I hold the weapon like so. This way,
Notice, it points haphazard.
The onlookers scatter.
DRUG DEALER
Very effective when outnumbered. But
accuracy sucks. You, I say should try
the Police Woman stance.
He drops down into the stance.
EMMA
Police Woman?
DRUG DEALER
You know, Angie Dickinson. Hot white
bitch.
He gives her the gun.
DRUG DEALER
You try.
She drops into position.
EMMA
May I fire?
DRUG DEALER
Pop him!
She fires. The bullet goes straight between the eyes of the
drawing.
DRUG DEALER
Sheeeeit, woman! He's dead!
The other hoods clap and hoot.
Page 68
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Emma and Steven sit at a romantic table.
EMMA
I'm going to make tonight very special.
INT. BMW - NIGHT
Emma drives passed a little green house. She parks half a
block away.
EMMA
Come on.
She grabs her purse.
EXT. STREET
They walk towards the house.
EMMA
It's no good picking up girls in bars,
Steven. There's no future in it.
She goes up to the porch and knocks. A light switches on.
Stacy opens.
STACY
Hello?
EMMA
Hi Stacy.
STACY
Yes?
Stacy concentrates. Then it hits her.
STACY
No...!
EMMA
Yes!
STACY
Oh my God. Dr. Emma H!
EMMA
You got it!
STACY
Well, come on in!
Page 69
EMMA
This is my husband, Steven.
INT. STACY'S HOUSE
Stacy leads them into the living room. Her cheek and
shoulder are noticably bruised.
BARRY, beer-handed, consumes ESPN.
STACY
This is Barry, my intended.
Barry waves and belches.
STACY (CONT'D)
Please take a seat.
They sit. Stacy curls up to Barry on the couch.
STACY
Well, I want to tell you Dr. Emma, Barry
and I had a long talk and he's a changed
man!
EMMA
Changed?
STACY
Promises were made.
EMMA
Ah! Promises. The words that sting!
STACY
And, of course, the flowers.
EMMA
Tangible evidence. And are those his
love tattoes?
BARRY
Exactly who are these dipshits, Stacy?
Emma calmly unzips her purse and pulls out the gun.
EMMA
I'm a radio talk show host.
BARRY
That's a crazy-ass way to....
Emma calmly fires. The bullet pierces his forehead.
Page 70
STACY
Barry! Honey! No! No!!!
EMMA
(to Steven)
She's yours.
Emma calmly leaves. She spots the vase of flowers. She
stops to smell as Stacy and Steven wrestle in the background.
EXT. STACY'S HOUSE
Emma sits on the porch. Stacy SCREAMS from within.
INT. STACY'S HOUSE
Steven chases. Stacy tries a window.
STACY
Help! Help!
KITCHEN
Stacy pulls open a drawer and grabs two knives.
She swings. He backs off.
STACY
Stay away!
She throws one. He dodges.
She slices, nicks his arm, then scrambles across the floor,
He jumps on her and rips the knife away. She SCREAMS as he
slowly rips the knife through her gut.
EXT. STACY'S HOUSE
Next door -- a NEIGHBOR rides up on his motorcycle. He
dismounts and strolls to his door to the sound of
bloodcurdling SCREAMS. He and Emma lock eyes.
NEIGHBOR
At it again, huh?
EMMA
It never stops.
He shakes his head and enters his house.
EXT. STACY'S HOUSE - LATER
Steven steps out to join Emma on the porch.
Page 71
STEVEN
That was different.
INT. BMW - LATER
Emma drives. A Brazillian Bosa Nova plays on the CD.
STEVEN
Where'd you learn to shoot like that?
And when did you get to be so hot? Pull
over.
EMMA
You're bloody.
EXT. FOUNTAIN
Emma and Steven jump into the water and splash. They kiss
like lovebirds.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE - NIGHT
Water-logged shoes SQUEAK in the dark. Emma and Steven
giggle -- touchy-feely.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, MAIDS'S QUARTERS
In bed, Mattie hears the commotion. The clock reads 3:15.
On the nightstand sits a picture of Mattie and her beau of
last century. She pulls it carefully towards her, then licks
the glass.
INT. WJAX RADIO, SOUND BOOTH - DAY
Emma's on the air.
EMMA
What a great today! Give me your worst
stuff. Stuff you can't possibly live
with!
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE - DAY
Todd runs frantically through the house popping into rooms.
There's nowhere to hide.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE - MASTER BEDROOM
Todd peeks under the bed, then dashes into the bathroom. He
opens the clothes hamper door.
Page 72
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE
Mattie carries a plate of Oreo cookies. A sharp knife sits
on the plate.
MATTIE
Little boy. It's snack time.
She checks the same rooms Todd rejected.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE - CLOTHES HAMPER
Todd watches the door squeak open. He tries to hold it but
can't.
Mattie towers above. She lowers the plate of cookies to his
nose.
MATTIE
You must be very hungry.
Todd shakes, no. The knife sparkles.
MATTIE
Do you want to go to your room and play
the quiet game?
He nods, yes.
MATTIE
Alright. Go.
He scurries away.
Mattie can't help but smile. Then she notices blood on a
sock in the hamper.
INT. STEVEN'S OFFICE - DAY
From behind his desk, Steven can't keep his eyes off the
sealed window.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, DEN - NIGHT
Mattie watches the news. A REPORTER interviews DETECTIVE
SMITH.
REPORTER (on screen)
The victims have been identfied as 26
year old Stacy Kord and 33 year old
Barry Simms. The couple was discovered
by the dead woman's own children this
morning.
Page 73
DETECTIVE (on screen)
Ballistics indicate one murder weapon
was the same used in a drug related
shooting 6 months ago.
Mattie turns to see Emma putting flowers in a vase. Emma is
watching the news story too.
MATTIE
Some people deserve what they get.
EMMA
Yes, they do.
MATTIE
But some don't.
She turns back to the TV,
INT. GARAGE - NIGHT
Steven admires the bright wood of the hope chest.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, KITCHEN
Steven washes at the sink. Mattie looks on with disdain.
EXT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, TARA'S BEDROOM
Steven knocks.
STEVEN
Tara, I want to show you something.
INT. GARAGE
Steven and Tara gaze at --
STEVEN
It's called a hope chest.
Tara opens the lid.
TARA
It's empty.
STEVEN
You're supposed to fill it with hope.
TARA
You're not making fun of me, are you,
daddy?
Page 74
STEVEN
No. Fill it with hope in the form of
things for your house, for when you get
married.
TARA
Ick!
STEVEN
I know. Your mother wants you virginal
until you get a PhD. But I say, take a
chance. Don't worry about what can go
wrong. Believe things will go right.
TARA
Great Dad. Did Mom okay this with you?
He grabs her arm.
TARA (CONT'D)
Ouch!
STEVEN
I'm serious! Say you believe.
TARA
Okay, I believe. Now let go.
He does.
STEVEN
Good girl.
INT. WJAX RADIO, SOUND BOOTH - DAY
Emma takes a call.
CALLER #1 (filtered)
I just can't help myself. I see a
married man and I want him for myself.
Is that so wrong?
EXT. PARK - NIGHT
Steven tackles a woman from behind. The victim kicks
aimlessly as Steven strangles her.
Emma walks up.
EMMA
Good job, Steven.
Page 75
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT
Emma takes a shower.
In the bedroom Steven goes through her purse. He pulls out a
map. He pulls out her notes.
The mace that used to sit on the night stand is now in her
purse along with her gun.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, KITCHEN - DAY
A plate full of Oreo cookies sits on the table. Todd glances
over his shoulder. No sign of Mattie.
His outstretched fingers practically touch a cookie. But
it's like there's a force protecting them. Todd dashes away.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, TODD'S ROOM
Todd strikes Tara's Barbie with the scissors. He STRIKES it!
STRIKES it! STRIKES it! He gouges out its eyes.
INT. A STRANGE BEDROOM - NIGHT
Emma and Steven swing knives. Their victim dies gurgling.
Blood splatters everywhere.
EMMA
(giggling)
This is so wrong!
Steven stops cold.
STEVEN
We've had our say.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, KITCHEN - DAY
Todd shovels his cereal as quickly and methodically as
possible. He has an eye on Mattie who hovers within striking
distance.
Tara watches in amazement.
Emma enters in her house coat.
EMMA
Good morning, children.
TODD/TARA
Good morning.
Page 76
Todd resumes his chore. Emma notes Mattie's authoritative
stance, and Tara's amazement.
Todd finishes. He places his spoon neatly on the table.
TODD
May I be excused?
MATTIE
Yes, Todd.
Todd meekly marches his bowl to the sink, deposits it, and
exits the room.
Emma and Tara stare at Mattie, the miracle worker.
MATTIE
I love my work.
INT. CLOISE, RAMBLING, JONES AND ASSOCIATES, ELEVATOR - DAY
Steven enters with Hannah. She's bleary-eyed again.
STEVEN
Hannah, do you sometimes think you
deserve better?
She breaks down and cries. She might lean on his shoulder.
He nearly wraps a comforting arm around her.
HANNAH
I almost called your wife for advice.
STEVEN
Almost?
HANNAH
Yes, almost.
STEVEN
Good for you. Fight, Hannah. Fight your
own battles. Equip yourself.
The door opens. She exits. Steven admires her hips. Hannah
turns around.
HANNAH
You're so sweet. Why aren't there more
men like you?
INT. STEVEN'S OFFICE - DAY
Steven has the Internet radio on.
Page 77
EMMA (filtered)
Well, hello America!
He opens a drawer, pulls out a screwdriver. He begins prying
off the window covering.
EMMA (filtered)
I'm in a good mood today! But I
understand my first caller is at the end
of her rope. Hannah from Los Angeles,
you're on!
HANNAH (filtered)
(crying)
Dr. Emma, it's so complicated!
On hearing Hannah's voice, Steven drops the plywood and --
INT. CLOISE, RAMBLING, JONES, RECEPTIONIST AREA
Steven rushes down the hall to find Hannah absent from her
desk. He scans the surroundings then --
INT. CLOISE, RAMBLING, JONES, OUTSIDE WOMEN'S RESTROOM
Steve bursts inside.
INT. CLOISE, RAMBLING, JONES, WOMEN'S RESTROOM
Hannah pours her life into her cell phone.
STEVEN
Hannah!
INT. WJAX RADIO, SOUND BOOTH - DAY
Emma listens to --
HANNAH (filtered)
Steven?
STEVEN (filtered)
Hang up that phone!
EMMA/HANNAH (filtered)
What?
INT. CLOISE, RAMBLING, JONES, WOMEN'S RESTROOM
Insisting!
STEVEN
Hang it up!
Page 78
HANNAH
(into phone)
Sorry. I have to go.
INT. WJAX RADIO, SOUND BOOTH - DAY
Did Emma hear correctly?
EMMA
Hello? Hello? Hannah are you there?
Well, we lost Hannah just when this was
getting so, so interesting!
INT. CLOISE, RAMBLING, JONES, WOMEN'S RESTROOM
Hannah cries.
HANNAH
But I don't understand. I need someone
to listen.
STEVEN
She won't listen. She'll lecture.
HANNAH
Then who will listen? Will you listen?
STEVEN
I'm no good at listening. I'm seriously
flawed at listening.
She cries harder.
HANNAH
Please!
She leans on his shoulder. He hugs her. He hugs her hard.
STEVEN
Okay. Shhh. Okay.
INT. WJAX RADIO, SOUND BOOTH - DAY
Emma finishes a call.
CALLER #2 (filtered)
All I care about is money. You can take
your middle-class theories and shove
them up your --
EMMA
Okay! That's our show for today. And
so, so enlightenned we are!
Page 79
She rips off her headphones.
INT. WJAX RADIO - HALLWAY
Emma hurries into
INT. WJAX RADIO, OFFICE SUITE
Barb motions as Emma breases by.
BARB
Mrs. H. --
EMMA
Not now Barb.
INT. WJAX RADIO, EMMA'S OFFICE
Emma sits at her desk. She takes a deep breath. She grabs her
purse, pulls out her handgun, yanks out the bullet clip.
She aimes at imaginary people. Click. Click.
She sniffs the gun barrel. Sweet.
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD
Emma walks briskly. Steve tries to stop her.
STEVEN
I said, I'm not in the mood tonight.
EMMA
What are you so down about?
STEVEN
It's not the same. Nothing is the same
anymore.
EMMA
Of course. It's better. We're sharing.
STEVEN
We're miles apart on this, Emma. Miles
apart.
Emma walks passed a "For Rent" sign -- to a cottage beside a
bungalow. She knocks on the door.
STEVEN
Just because we do it together, it
doesn't mean you're in my head. You
don't want that. And I sure as hell
don't want to be in your head.
Page 80
Emma knocks harder.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
You're turning this into something with
a purpose. Some sort of weird form of
justice. To be honest, the idea that
this could be "just," well, it kinda
offends me.
EMMA
Offends you?
The door opens. There stands Ron Gero in boxers.
RON GERO
Steven?
EMMA
May we come in?
RON GERO
What in hell for?
Emma pushes passed him.
INT. HANNAH'S RESIDENCE
Steven follows Emma inside. Ron closes the door.
RON GERO
Hannah? We have guests.
Hannah emerges from her bedroom in a T-shirt.
HANNAH
Steven? What's going on?
STEVEN
I thought you were breaking this off.
RON GERO
Breaking what off?
EMMA
Hannah, is this the man you mentioned on
the show?
HANNAH
Well?
As she pulls her gun --
Page 81
EMMA
(to Ron Gero)
It's a pleasure.
RON GERO
Shit!
Emma shoots him through the head.
Hannah SCREAMS and runs for her bedroom.
INT. HANNAH'S BEDROOM
Emma enters, Steven follows.
STEVEN
Emma! No!
Hannah frantically dials on her cell phone.
EMMA
Put that down!
Hannah ignores her. So Emma shoots her in the back. Hannah
falls flat.
She stares up at Emma, totally confused.
HANNAH
My legs! I can't move my legs!
Steven bends down.
STEVEN
Emma! Call an ambulance!
EMMA
Don't be silly.
She hands him a pillow.
EMMA
It's almost done.
She leaves.
Tears stream down Hannah's eyes. Tears stream down his.
HANNAH
No. No. No. Help me. Please, help me!
Please!
Page 82
STEVEN
I'm so sorry, Hannah. I'm so so sorry.
Just relax.
And he covers her face with the pillow.
She fights like crazy. He holds her down.
But he won't look. He'll do anything but look.
When it's over, he balls like a baby. He rams his head into
the floor.
Then he stops, wipes tears away. He looks at the door.
Emma locks eyes with him. Then she turns and leaves.
INT. BMW, HIGHWAY - NIGHT
Emma drives.
EMMA
Crying over that girl? She was nothing.
She was a victim-in-waiting. Who was
she to you? Never mind. For a
while I thought you were strong. I
thought you were someone I could respect
-- in a weird way. But now I see you're
weak. You've always been weak. It's a
good thing I found you out when I did.
You need me.
STEVEN
From now on I'm going it alone.
EMMA
What?
STEVEN
I'm not part of your agenda any more.
EMMA
And I'm not some 19 year old mail-order
bride you can order around! This is a
marriage! You're stuck with me!
STEVEN
Fine, we'll get a divorce.
EMMA
Oh, no you don't! Not after the
sacrifices I've made! Do you even have
a clue?
Page 83
STEVEN
Stop the car!
EMMA
No!
He shifts his leg and stomps on the brake.
A car behind honks.
She opens her purse and reaches for her gun but he grabs it
first.
STEVEN
You can't do it can you? Cut your
losses like a big girl? You sniveling
hypocrite! I think I'm starting to hate
you! And I hardly feel it.
Emma grabs the mace and squirts it all over him.
STEVEN
Christ!
He staggers out of the car with the gun. But he can't see a
thing.
Emma hops out too.
A few cars swerve to miss.
EMMA
You'll kill yourself! Here! I'll help!
STEVEN
Stay away!
He shoves her, trips over the median, then stumbles into
oncoming traffic.
EMMA
Steven!
STEVEN
I'm going to be free! Free!
One car dodges. Then another brushes against him at 50 mph.
The force sends him twisting further into a lane, then,
EMMA
NO!!!!
THUMP! A tanker rips into him. Steven's broken body flies
through the air.
Page 84
The gun arcs across the sky. It lands by Emma's car.
Vehicles screech to a stop.
Emma runs toward Steven just as THUMP! -- another car
squashes his head.
Emma turns and runs for her BMW, grabs the gun, jumps in and
takes off.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, MASTER BATHROOM - NIGHT
Emma opens the toilet tank, drops in the gun.
MASTER BEDROOM - LATER
Emma cries heavily in the dark. It's the end of the world.
MAID'S QUARTERS
Mattie lies awake. She looks at the clock. She gets up.
HALLWAY
Mattie tiptoes toward the master bedroom. She puts her ear
to the door. There's muffled crying.
EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT
The accident site is marked with flares. An OFFICER talks to
a TRUCKER and another WITNESS.
TRUCKER
He must of been drunk.
WITNESS
Or running from that woman.
OFFICER
What woman?
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE - DAY
Mattie fixes breakfast. Emma enters, bleary eyed.
EMMA
I'll be taking the children to school
this morning, Mattie.
MATTIE
You? Is Steven ill?
EMMA
Yes. Very ill.
Page 85
INT. BMW - DAY
Emma is parked at the school. Todd and Tara are in the
backseat.
TARA
(nearly in tears)
But when is he coming home?
EMMA
Never.
TARA
Why? What did we do wrong?
EMMA
Nothing. Okay. I'll tell you the truth.
He died. Now tell me you love me and
go have a nice day.
TARA/TODD
We love you Mom!
They're both crying as they exit the car.
INT. WJAX RADIO, SOUND BOOTH - DAY
Emma sits for the start of her show.
CANNED ANNOUNCEMENT (O.S)
And now for all you stubborn dreamers,
you frustrated Cinderella wannabes, you
pathetic romance junkies...
Emma takes a deep breath and adjusts her microphone.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Mattie knocks on the master bedroom door. No answer. She
enters carefully.
INT. WJAX RADIO, SOUND BOOTH
Emma speaks to her audience.
EMMA
I know I've made a lot of statements on
this show through the years. I've tried
to give good advice.
INTERCUT EMMA CONFESSING AND MATTIE SNOOPING
The bed is unmade. Clothes are strewn on the floor.
Page 86
EMMA
-- But people, including myself, don't
always follow good advice.
MATTIE IN THE BATHROOM
Wet towels on the floor. Spilled makeup.
EMMA
I got into an argument with my husband
and he did something very stupid.
MATTIE USING THE FACILITIES
Underwear around her ankles, looking through the trash can,
she finds Emma's crumpled map.
EMMA
He learned an important, if now somewhat
useless lesson. Trucks are bigger than
people.
Mattie flushes. She checks the medicine cabinet.
EMMA
It was the most tragic night of my life.
Mattie checks the clothes hamper. The toilet is still
filling at full thrust. She jiggles it.
EMMA
I never meant to kill anybody. I just
wanted to save my marriage.
Mattie opens the toilet cover and peers inside.
INT. EMMA'S OFFICE - LATER
Chuck stares at Emma at her desk.
CHUCK
So that settles the divorce issue.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, DEN - DAY
Mattie discreetly observes Detective Smith question Emma --
but he's the one under the spotlight.
EMMA
(weeping)
I couldn't stay and see him lying like
that! So I ran!
Page 87
DETECTIVE SMITH
I understand. I don't think I need
anything else today. I'll let you
grieve in peace. But. No. Later.
EMMA
But what?
DETECTIVE SMITH
Well, I'm embarrassed to ask. It's my
marriage.
EMMA
It's good to lean on each other.
DETECTIVE SMITH
Some other day.
EMMA
Certainly.
FRONT DOOR
Emma watches the detective leave. Mattie looks on.
TARA'S ROOM
Tara lies in bed. TV is on but she's not paying attention.
Todd opens the door. Brother and sister stare at each other a
long beat. Tara pulls back her bed covers.
Todd climbs in beside her. They hug.
HALLWAY
Emma looks through Tara's cracked bedroom door. She closes
the door and starts down the hall.
Mattie is at the other end, watching. She goes down the
stairs.
KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER
Mattie is at the kitchen table when Emma enters.
MATTIE
Something very strange, very strange
here. The police left with many
unanswered questions. They will like
knowing things I know.
Page 88
EMMA
What do you know, Mattie?
Mattie puts Emma's gun on the table. She drops Steven's
bloody sock beside it. Then the crumpled map.
EMMA
So what does that mean?
MATTIE
You and Steven were up to no good.
Emma opens a kitchen drawer and pulls out a knife.
EMMA
Mattie, I hope you understand, snooping
is grounds for termination.
Emma screams as she rushes her. Mattie deflects the knife.
They scuffle. Emma jabs. She steps back.
Both women stare at the knife. It sticks out of Mattie's
side. Blood oozes slowly.
TARA'S BEDROOM
Tara and Todd look towards the hall.
TARA
What was that?
Todd shrugs.
KITCHEN
Mattie pulls out the knife.
EMMA
Now that was an accident.
MATTIE
You are a very bad employer!
EMMA
No need to get personal. We can work
something out.
Mattie and knife approach. Emma grabs the kitchen phone.
EMMA
I've got it! Let's call 9-1-1!
In an incredible show of force Mattie grabs Emma with her
free hand and shoves her into the counter.
Page 89
Emma crumbles to the floor. Mattie towers above.
MATTIE
You fancy doctors with your fancy words!
Think you have answers for everything!
Mattie hammers Emma's head against the counter. She's out
cold.
UNDER TARA'S BED
Tara and Todd watch Mattie's legs.
Tara's finger is positioned over her phone. Her eyes dart
over the keys: 9-1-1, 9-1-1 . But she doesn't dare move.
MATTIE
Little boy. Time to go back to Mars.
The children hold their breath. The feet approach until --
Mattie peeks under the bed.
Todd and Tara scramble. Tara makes it into the hall but
drops her phone.
Todd turns back for it. He scoops it up, turns --
In a lightning move Mattie grabs his collar, yanks the
bedspread off the bed, drops him inside, lifts and twists
the four corners.
She drags him like a sack of potatoes.
DOWN THE STAIRS
Thump, thump, thump, thump...
KITCHEN
Tara enters, out of breath. Emma is tied to a chair.
EMMA
Untie me!
IN THE BEDSPREAD
Todd in a fetal position --
TODD
I don't want to be a Martian boy!
Page 90
KITCHEN
Tara frantically works on the knot.
EMMA
Forget it! Go get help!
Mattie drags Todd their way.
EMMA
GO!
Tara takes off.
Mattie lifts the bedspread and punches it through an overhead
pan hook. Inside, Todd swings like a pendulum.
GARAGE
Tara punches the garage door button. It S-L-O-W-L-Y lifts.
She runs for the opening, slides her body halfway underneath
when --
Mattie punches the button!
The door reverses. It pounds Tara's body. The safety
feature engages. The door starts up again.
Mattie re-punches the button.
The door pounds Tara mercilessly.
Mattie latches onto her feet. Tara kicks.
But Mattie's too strong. She drags Tara to the hope chest,
throws her inside, slams the lid and sits on top.
Tara beats on the inside.
KITCHEN
Emma is in tears.
EMMA
Todd, answer me, baby!
IN THE BEDSPREAD
Todd whimpers. He wipes his eyes.
He shifts his back, reaches under his body and yanks out the
the cell phone.
Page 91
GARAGE
Mattie scoots the chest and herself closer to Steven's
workbench.
She lays hands on a hammer. She grabs some nails in a can
near Steven's router.
Still sitting, she nails the lid shut. Tara screams inside.
KITCHEN
Emma is excited.
EMMA
That's 9-1-1, honey. 9-1-1. Just press
the buttons.
IN THE BEDSPREAD
Todd presses "9".
GARAGE
Mattie positions Steven's dolly. She lifts the hope chest on
two wheels. She rolls it out of the garage door.
EXT. SWIMMING POOL
She parks the hope chest at the deep end. She tips the
dolly. The chest falls into the water.
The dolly sinks. The chest floats.
INT. HOPE CHEST
Tara SCREAMS!
INT. EMERGENCY CALL CENTER
911 OPERATOR answers --
911 OPERATOR
9-1-1.
IN THE BEDSPREAD
Excited --
TODD
Hello?
Page 92
EXT. POOL
Mattie uses the pool cleaning net to position the hope chest.
It floats to the middle of the pool. Satisfied, she leaves.
GARAGE
Mattie grabs Steven's router. She finds an extension cord.
IN THE BEDSPREAD
Todd tries really hard --
TODD
A Martian is here and I'm scared!
EMMA
No, honey! Don't mention the Martians
again!
INT. EMERGENCY CALL CENTER
Operator tries to understand.
911 OPERATOR
What did you say, little boy?
IN THE BEDSPREAD
On hearing "little boy" Todd's eyes widen. He disconnects.
INT. EMERGENCY CALL CENTER
The Operator turns to a co-worker.
911 OPERATOR
Are Martians an emergency?
IN THE BEDSPREAD
The material rips. Todd yanks with everything he has. It
rips more. He punches. The hole expands.
EMMA
Now see if you can crawl through!
Todd strains with all his might. The stress causes a huge
rip. He spills to the floor.
EMMA
Great job!
Page 93
KITCHEN ENTRANCE
Mattie witnesses Todd's fall. She drops the router and lunges
for him.
When he scampers Tara's cell phone falls to the floor beside
the bloody knife.
Mattie picks both up. She quickly works Tara's phone. The
kitchen portable rings. She puts it on speaker and places the
receiver near Emma.
Mattie leaves as she speaks through Tara's cell --
MATTIE
And now for all you stubborn dreamers,
you frustrated Cinderella wannabes, you
pathetic romance junkies --
as Mattie goes up
THE STAIRS
INTERCUT MATTIE AND EMMA
MATTIE (CONT'D)
-- it's time for the Emma H. show and a
dose of relationship reality! Our first
guest today is Mattie, and she's right
upstairs! And she has a big problem with
Todd!
DOWN THE HALLWAY
MATTIE (CONT'D)
Where, oh where can the little boy be?
Answer me that, Dr. H! What are we going
to do with your misbehaving boy? What
punishment does he deserve?
KITCHEN
EMMA
No, Mattie!
With her eyes focused on Steven's router Emma desperately
scoots her chair towards the knife drawer.
TODD'S BEDROOM
Mattie searches.
Page 94
MATTIE (CONT'D)
Little boys do like their childish
games!
KITCHEN
Emma pulls open the knife drawer with her mouth.
MASTER BEDROOM SUITE
Mattie opens the clothes hamper door. No sign of Todd. She
pulls a few clothes away from the top. There's Todd.
MATTIE
Hello there, little boy! Let me see
that plump little tummy of yours.
KITCHEN
Emma struggles with the drawer. She tries to pull it
completely out. But it's stuck.
CLOTHES HAMPER
Todd hides his face.
MATTIE
Be brave. Raise up that shirt and let me
see that cute tummy!
Todd looks at the bloody knife. He cries.
TODD
I want my daddy!
MATTIE
Your daddy is dead. But I'm going to
send you to be with him by this magic
knife.
Mattie wipes his tears away.
MATTIE
Now raise up your shirt. Be brave.
Todd slowly raises his shirt.
MATTIE
That's a good boy. Say good-bye to your
mother.
She holds the phone to Todd's mouth.
Page 95
KITCHEN
Emma ferociously knocks her body against the knife drawer.
EMMA
(screaming)
If you hurt him I'll kill you Mattie!
I'll kill you!
CLOTHES HAMPER
Mattie brushes the knife against Todd's bare tummy. He
flinches at the cold metal. His little body heaves as he
tries not to cry.
MATTIE
This won't hurt for long. I promise.
KITCHEN
Emma's bashing causes the drawer to fall to the floor with a
huge noise. Knives scatter.
CLOTHES HAMPER
Mattie hears too.
MATTIE
(to Todd)
So what is your mother up to now?
Todd shrugs.
MATTIE
Hide that face again!
Mattie slams the clothes hamper door shut on him. She
wrestles a chest of drawers against the hamper door.
HALLWAY
Mattie runs through.
STAIRWAY
Mattie flies down.
KITCHEN
Emma rocks her chair. She crashes to the floor. She tries to
maneuver her hands near a knife. Just as she has hold of one
she looks up to see --
Page 96
MATTIE
Our next caller is Mattie -- this time
from the kitchen! And she wants to know
just what you think you're doing?
EMMA
What did you do to Todd?
MATTIE
No, no. On this show the caller asks the
questions and the doctor searches for
answers. Know your format!
Mattie lifts the chair (with Emma tied to it) and leans it
back against the counter as in a dentist's office.
MATTIE
So! Young Mattie has a question. Young
Lester cheated on her. The poor girl was
devastated. Should she leave the only
man who showed her any attention? Is
pride worth happiness? Does Mattie live
to regret her decision? What does the
doctor predict?
EMMA
I'm so sorry, Mattie.
MATTIE
Wrong! Pity is for losers!
She positions the knife under Emma's throat.
MATTIE
Two minutes. Two minutes of a person's
life is all you know and you tell us how
to live! WHAT HAPPENS TO US WHEN YOU'RE
WRONG?
EMMA
(crying)
I'm so sorry.
Mattie carves a long cut up Emma's arm. Emma groans.
EMMA
I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry. Please
don't hurt the children.
CLOTHES HAMPER
Todd SMASHES his feet against the door. It budges slightly.
Page 97
EXT. POOL
The hope chest is 2/3 submerged.
KITCHEN
Mattie slices open Emma's other arm. Emma screams.
MATTIE
Just look at that blood. You're making
a mess of my kitchen!
EMMA
None of us are happy, Mattie! None of
us! You're not alone!
MATTIE
But you have the big house! A house I
clean! Do you think I like cleaning
your toilets?
She holds the knife menacingly.
CLOTHES HAMPER
Todd continues SMASHING against the door. He's opened a crack
big enough to squeeze through. Then he's out.
He runs into
THE HALLWAY.
KITCHEN
Mattie gets in Emma's face.
MATTIE
Lester was fun. Lester made cleaning
toilets mean something. What meaning
does advice put into my life? Are your
words warm? Do they snuggle? Do they
leave a smell on the pillow? Do they
remain faithful? Or do they cheat!
EMMA
No. Mattie. I can't help you.
MATTIE
Then you're worthless!
She stabs Emma's left thigh.
EMMA
Please! No!
Page 98
She stabs Emma's right thigh.
MATTIE
Clean your own toilets! Raise your own
children! Live your own life! Tell
that on your show! Tell the truth!
Tell us that!
She buries the knife in Emma's chest. Emma gasps. Mattie
grabs the router. She plugs in the extension cord. She
fingers the switch. It SCREAMS alive.
Emma's chest is blood-soaked. She's wheezing. Blood dribbles
from her mouth.
EMMA
Please, Mattie. Please. Please don't
hurt the children.
TODDS'S BEDROOM
Todd pulls the scissors from underneath his pillow.
INT. HOPE CHEST.
Tara fights for air.
TARA
I believe. It's silly but I believe.
STAIRS
Todd races down with scissors in hand.
KITCHEN
Mattie buzzes the router near Emma's skull. She switches it
off for --
MATTIE
One last question. And think hard
before answering. Why is it so hard
to say, 'I don't know?'
EMMA
I don't know. I don't know. I
never knew!
MATTIE
Finally the truth!
Mattie powers up the router. The blade whirls at 10,000 rpms
only millimeters away from Emma's temple.
Page 99
Emma SCREAMS as the blade picks up the first bits of her
flesh. This promises to be gore-city. Soon it will be not-
too-mercifully over except for --
ON THE FLOOR
-- scissors pierce through the void and stab Mattie's calf.
Mattie YELPS!!! She drops the router as she loses balance
and KABLUNK!
She drops to the floor like a wounded ox and grovels in the
blood spurting from her calf.
Todd scoops up the scissors and runs for it! But Mattie
catches his leg.
He sees her big X-RAY eyes. That terrible stare! Only one
thing to do. He jabs straight! -- straight into one of those
eyes!
MATTIE SCREAMS! She jumps up, wobbles, turns wildly,
scissors sticking from her eye.
She runs blindly towards the door, SMACKS into the frame.
The impact drives the scissors deep into her skull.
She falls over convulsing, blood spewing.
Todd claps.
Emma coughs weakly, blood dribbling down her face.
EMMA
Todd. Find Tara. The garage.
Todd obeys.
GARAGE
Todd scans then runs out the open door.
EXT. POOL
Todd stands on the edge, The hope chest is almost under.
A muffled scream. Weak knocks.
Todd races back through the
GARAGE
Page 100
Through the
LIVING ROOM
to the
FRONT DOOR
He swings it open. There, miraculously, stand two POLICEMEN.
POLICEMAN #1
Everything alright here, son?
TODD
I killed the Martian! My mother is
bleeding and my sister is in the box.
EXT. POOL
In the water, one policeman pushes the submerged hope chest
to the edge. The other emerges from the back door speaking
into his radio --
POLICEMAN #2
10-32 and 10-53 at 119 Willow Lane.
Both policeman lift the hope chest with great effort. They
knock off the top. Tara is unconscious.
Todd watches Policeman #2 proceed with CPR.
TODD
Be careful with my sister!
POLICEMAN #1
We will, son.
TODD
She's my sister!
POLICEMAN #1
We know! Go in the house, son!
TODD
No!
Suddenly Tara spits out water and coughs.
POLICEMAN #2
Good girl!
But she's bewildered. She cries. She sees the hope chest
beside her and tries to climb back inside.
Page 101
POLICEMAN #2
No, no. You're safe now. You're
safe. Relax.
Todd runs over and hugs her. The policemen try to separate
them. Brother and sister hold tight.
TODD
I love you, Tara.
Tara cries hard.
EXT. HEILBERGER RESIDENCE
Ambulance lights.
Emma is wheeled out on a gurney. One PARAMEDIC adjusts an
oxygen mask, another applies pressure to wounds. The knife
still sticks out of her chest.
She's alive but just barely.
PARAMEDIC
You have a punctured lung. Hang in
there.
Tara is wheeled out and loaded into a second ambulance.
Todd stands by.
INT. HEILBURGER HOUSE, KITCHEN
Todd sits on a counter as the Detective Smith interviews him.
DETECTIVE SMITH
You certainly are one brave boy.
TODD
Yeah! Will I get a medal?
DETECTIVE SMITH
Maybe, but for now you can have one of
these --
He pulls a six-pack of Oreos from his pocket. Todd stares at
the cookies.
DETECTIVE SMITH
You don't like cookies?
Todd shakes 'no'.
Page 102
DETECTIVE SMITH
Alright, then.
He helps Todd down.
DETECTIVE SMITH
Now go sit over there. Some nice people
are on their way to help you.
Todd wanders away.
Detective Smith addresses the other cop.
DETECTIVE SMITH
What do you have there?
The cop hands him Emma's handgun. Smith smells it.
DETECTIVE SMITH
Been fired recently. No telling
what this kid has been through.
He places the gun into an evidence bag. It lays next to
Steven's tagged, bloody sock and the crumpled map.
ON THE FLOOR
Unnoticed, Todd wanders over to Mattie's body. He pulls the
sheet off her face. He grabs the scissors' handle which
still sticks out of her eye socket.
DETECTIVE SMITH (O.S.)
But the mother is a first-rate therapist.
The kid's going to be alright.
Todd wiggles the scissors back and forth with glee.
FADE OUT.
