19 Nocturne Boulevard - DRAWER 23 - Reissue
Tim might expect to see corpses, working graveyard
in the morgue, but never expected one that could talk...\xa0\xa0
Cast List
Timothy Grant - Jasper Loovis
Bedelia Crane - Emmatrice Devan
Gordy - George Dunn
Darcy - Megan Lane
Halston - Gene Thorkildsen
Sophia - Julie Hoverson
Mr. Summerfield - Bryan Hendrickson
Male Body - Reynaud LeBoeuf
Security Guard - Sky Iolta
Music:\xa0 Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com)
Recorded with the assistance of Ryan Hirst of Neohoodoo Studio
Editing and Sound: \xa0 Julie Hoverson
Cover Design:\xa0 Brett Coulstock
"What kind of a place is it?
Why it's a morgue - can't you tell?"
\xa0
*********************************************************
DRAWER 23
Cast:
- Olivia, host
- Timothy Grant (M20s), temp. night shift at morgue
- Sophia (F30s), who Tim is replacing
- Gordy (M20s), the go-to guy
- Darcy (F20s), med student
- Halston (M40s), swing shift attendant
- Bedelia Crane (F40-ish), ghost, southern belle from the 1920s
- MALE BODY - Bedelia, but with a man's voice
- Summerfield (M50s), tough boss
- Security guard (any)
OLIVIA \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0Did you have any trouble finding it?\xa0 What do you mean, what kind of a place is it?\xa0 Why, it's a morgue, can't you tell?
MUSIC
\xa0
SCENE 1.\xa0\xa0\xa0 MORGUE, NIGHT
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 WHOOSH OF HYDRAULIC DOORS OPENING
SOPHIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 And THIS--
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 --Got it.\xa0 I watch CSI.
SOPHIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 On this shift, you won't usually have to deal with the - well, everyday ins and outs, but there are times when somebody has to get in here right away, so you need to know the check-in procedures.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh, sure.\xa0
SOPHIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Is this your first time dealing with cadavers?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Mm, yeah, but I--
SOPHIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Try not to faint when you smell them.\xa0 The cold helps, but I have some mentholatum if you need it--
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh, yeah, I saw Silence of the Lambs.
SOPHIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [sigh, then muttered]\xa0 And you plan to be a doctor...?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Hmm?
SOPHIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 If you, or anyone else, does faint, and sustains any appreciable injury, you must fill out a form 5-C-H dash 2-1-7 dash 62.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 There's a form for it?
SOPHIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 There's insurance for it.\xa0 Did you ever see Quincy?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Quincy Jones?
SOPHIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [Sigh] A television show.\xa0 In the opening credits - never mind.\xa0
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 DOOR OPENS
SOPHIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 There are 30 drawers.\xa0 You always fill the top row first, followed by the next down, and the floor level ones last of all.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 30?\xa0 I never thought that Cumberland Pass would--
SOPHIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 We really don't.\xa0 I've only seen all the drawers filled once - after that really bad fire.\xa0 Well, all the drawers but one.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [waits, then] One?
SOPHIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [sighs, somewhat embarrassed]\xa0 This one.\xa0 Twenty-three.\xa0 It's... tsk... It's supposed to be haunted.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 I guess it's the right place for a--
SOPHIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 I don't really believe it, but everybody else does.\xa0 No one will put a body in that drawer.\xa0 And me, I figure - why take a chance?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 I-- I'm not getting it.\xa0 So there's a ghost and you don't want to put a body in the drawer why...?\xa0 Because it'll get scared?
SOPHIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 For 12 years, I have not seen anything to be scared of.\xa0 I haven't heard anything but stories.\xa0
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [eager] Tell me!
SOPHIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Timothy, most people find working third shift hard enough without having ghost stories to freak out over.\xa0 Just do the three months and when I get back, I promise you I will tell you everything I know.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 What if you decide not to come back?
SOPHIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh, please!\xa0 Once this munchkin arrives, I'll be desperate to get back to my wonderful peaceful nights here.\xa0 Dale swears up and down she's ready to lose sleep for the both of us.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Kids take a lot of time.
SOPHIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [teasing] Don't get your hopes up - they take a lot of cash too, and I'm not about to give up my health benefits.
MUSIC
\xa0
SCENE 2.\xa0\xa0\xa0 CAFETERIA
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [coming on]\xa0 Hey pal!\xa0 I heard you got graveyard shift in the land of the dead!
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yeah, Sophia's been showing me the ropes.\xa0 Seems easy.\xa0 Clean this, lock that, don't take pictures of dead celebrities, make sure no one gets in without proper authorization.
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Did she tell you about the ghosts?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 More than one?\xa0 I mean, she mentioned [snickers] a haunted drawer in the cool room, but--
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Hmm.\xa0 Never heard THAT one, but there are supposed to be a bunch of--
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [coming on]\xa0 This seat taken?\xa0 [sits without waiting]\xa0 Hey, Tim!\xa0 [less enthused] Gordy.
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 The lovely Lady Darcy.\xa0
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Hey Darce.\xa0
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Deigning to sit among the common folk?\xa0 What will the world come to?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Gordy was just telling me--
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Warning you.\xa0 About the ghosts.\xa0 In the morgue.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 That's ridiculous.\xa0
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Huh?\xa0 And I suppose you know everything about--
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I don't know anything about the morgue, but I do have a smattering of supernatural lore\u2011\u2011
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I suppose someone's got to watch Ghosthunters.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 AND it is absolutely accepted common belief that a ghost haunts the place it DIED, not the place its body went later.\xa0
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Maybe someone ... died in the morgue. [shudder]
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 "Accepted common belief"?\xa0 That's about as nebulous as "according to statistics."
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 The O.R., now.\xa0 Or the Burn Ward.\xa0 That's where you'd find ghosts.
MUSIC
\xa0
SCENE 3.\xa0\xa0\xa0 MORGUE, NIGHT
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 HYDRAULIC DOOR OPENS
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Hello?\xa0 Hello?\xa0 Hello?
HALSTON\xa0\xa0\xa0 [off]\xa0 Just a moment!
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 HYDRAULIC DOOR CLOSES
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 PAPERS RUSTLE
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [muttering to self]\xa0 Checklist, check.\xa0 Clipboard - no scheduled arrivals, check.
HALSTON\xa0\xa0\xa0 [coming on]\xa0 Yeah?\xa0
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 I'm Timothy Grant--
HALSTON\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh, yeah.\xa0 Soph's gone off to spawn?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 She went into labor this morning, so I get to start early--
HALSTON\xa0\xa0\xa0 Don't worry.\xa0 Piece of cake job.\xa0 Could be done by a monkey, only monkeys won't work for this pay.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [chuckles]\xa0 Seems fine to me.
HALSTON\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yeah, well, you don't have the monkeys' union.\xa0 You need anything before I take off?\xa0 Any last questions?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 I don't think so - Sophia left me a pretty comprehensive set of notes.
HALSTON\xa0\xa0\xa0 Not surprising - she's so damn organized, that kid won't stand a chance.\xa0 Well, don't you go slacking off and make her clean up your messes when she gets back.\xa0 It'll be bad enough when all the construction starts, [shrugs] but she's always happiest telling people what to do.
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 FOOTSTEPS START TO LEAVE, DOOR OPENS
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh, I did--
HALSTON\xa0\xa0\xa0 [pause] What?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh, [embarrassed] someone was telling me about a... well, a ghost.\xa0 In one of the body drawers.
HALSTON\xa0\xa0\xa0 And?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 What do you think?\xa0 I'm dying of curiosity.\xa0
HALSTON\xa0\xa0\xa0 You ain't the ghoulish type, are you Tim?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 I - I don't think so.
HALSTON\xa0\xa0\xa0 [thinks, then sighs]\xa0 The guy who used to do nights, before Sophia took over, swore that there was ghost in drawer 23.\xa0 He said the guy before him told him about it, but that no one really knew any details, like who or what it was, just that--
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yes?
HALSTON\xa0\xa0\xa0 Shit.\xa0 This is just one of those "you can't win" things.\xa0 No matter what I say now, chances are you're gonna do something stupid.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Maybe not.\xa0 I mean, I'll try--
HALSTON\xa0\xa0\xa0 Just don't blame me.\xa0 So Fred - the guy who told me this - Fred said that one night he DID put a body into 23.\xa0 And nothing happened.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [deflated] \xa0Oh.
HALSTON\xa0\xa0\xa0 Until midnight.\xa0 Then the corpse woke up and screamed.\xa0 It screamed and scratched at the drawer for just about an hour--
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 The witching hour--
HALSTON\xa0\xa0\xa0 Whatever - around one, it just shut off like a light.\xa0
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Maybe the poor stiff was still alive!\xa0 Why didn't he open the drawer and check?
HALSTON\xa0\xa0\xa0 [beat, ominous]\xa0 Because the body was already autopsied.
MUSIC
\xa0
SCENE 4.\xa0\xa0\xa0 DAY, SCHOOL
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 QUICK FOOTSTEPS IN A TILED HALLWAY
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [off mike, slightly out of breath]\xa0 Hey!\xa0 Darcy?
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Huh?\xa0 Tim?\xa0 What...?
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 FOOTSTEPS APPROACH AND STOP
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Hey.\xa0 I- um, I wanted to ask--
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [excited]\xa0 Yes?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 --about ghosts.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [deflated]\xa0 Oh.\xa0 Why?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 It's the stories - you know about the ghosts in the morgue.\xa0 And you seemed to know a lot.\xa0 I mean, about ghosts.\xa0 So-- I figured what the heck?
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 This is really not the place--
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Step outside?\xa0 Just for a moment.\xa0 I just got off shift and need some fresh air, anyway.
\xa0
SCENE 5.\xa0\xa0\xa0 OUTDOORS, CONTINUOUS
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 DOOR OPENS.\xa0 MORNING NOISES - BIRDS, CARS
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [takes a deep breath]\xa0 So.\xa0 Ghosts.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Anything you can tell me.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 That's like asking a gearhead about cars.\xa0 It covers way too much territory.\xa0 You need to be more specific.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 How do you ...talk to them?
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Depends.\xa0 Some ghosts can't talk.\xa0 A lot of them don't even realize they're dead - they say it's the trauma.\xa0 They wipe their death right out of their memories, and then get mad because people are ignoring them.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Do you ...need a medium or something?
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Do you need a doctor to know when you have a cold?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 What?
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I'm saying that without some detail about your symptoms, you won't know whether to consult an expert.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh, Ok.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I approach ghosts from a theoretical and psychological angle.\xa0
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Very scientific.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 So?\xa0 Bring me some parameters.
MUSIC
\xa0
SCENE 6.\xa0\xa0\xa0 MORGUE, NIGHT
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 BIG DRAWER ROLLS OUT
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 I wonder if it has to be pushed in?
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [filter, crackly] Dude, you're breaking up - the morgue sucks for reception.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [snicker] A dead zone.
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [filter, crackly] Ha-ha.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 So I got this guy...\xa0 [muttered, to corpse] Sorry, man.\xa0 [to Gordy] \xa0I wonder if it needs to be rolled in?
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [filter, crackly] Did you remember to tie it up?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [resigned] Yes.
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [filter, crackly, fading]\xa0 You'll thank me if this is a flesh eating zombie situation.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 In, I think.
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 DRAWER ROLLS IN
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 10, 9, 8--
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [filter, crackly, fading badly] 7--[static] 5--
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 4, 3, 2...
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 PHONE BEEPS OFF
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Crap!\xa0
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 MUFFLED SCREAMING ["MALE BODY"] AND BANGING - CONTINUES UNTIL NOTED
MALE BODY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [light accent - very southern belle] LET ME OUT!
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [almost paralyzed]\xa0 Oh, shit!\xa0 Oh, shit oh shit oh shit!!!
MALE BODY\xa0\xa0\xa0 PLEASE!!!\xa0 LET ME OUT!!!
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 DIALING PHONE
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Gordy, man!
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 PHONE BAD CONNECTION SOUND
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Shit!
MALE BODY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [Screaming incoherently]
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [yelling] If I open the drawer, will you shut up?
MALE BODY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [suddenly silent, then] Is there someone out there?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yes.\xa0 Just, be calm, OK?
MALE BODY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I'll try.
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 DRAWER ROLLED OUT
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [reacts in fear]
MALE BODY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Thank you ever so much!\xa0 I was afraid--\xa0 I-- Why on earth am I bound?\xa0 [clears throat, tries to speak higher pitch] And what in heaven's name has happened to my voice?
MALE BODY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I think somehow there is a great deal you are choosing not to tell me.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 You're right, but--- this isn't going to be easy.\xa0 First, who are you?\xa0 Do you remember?
MALE BODY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Remember?\xa0 Of course.\xa0 Bedelia Crane.\xa0 Miss Bedelia to my students. \xa0And yourself?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Um, Tim.\xa0 Timothy Grant.\xa0
MALE BODY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Grant.\xa0 Well, there's a name for you.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 And -- what year do you think it is?
MALE BODY\xa0\xa0\xa0 1932.\xa0 Now it's your turn.\xa0 Why don't you begin by telling me what it is you are keeping back.
MUSIC
\xa0
SCENE 7.\xa0\xa0\xa0 EMPTY CAFETERIA
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 STRAW POPS MILK CARTON
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 One advantage of working nights - we have our choice of tables.\xa0
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yup.
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 So, do I have to beat it out of you?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 What?
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 What happened?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh.\xa0 [lightly] Body came to life, killed me, went off on a rampage.
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Right, and even now, it is heading for the nation's capital, in search of brains.
TIM \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0Wrong direction.
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Well, that's because I was employing sarcasm.\xa0 It's a tool of the trade for oncologists.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [beat, shrug] Nothing.
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Nothing?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Nope.
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Well. Guess I better cancel that Ghostbuster stripper I hired.\xa0
MUSIC
\xa0
SCENE 8.\xa0\xa0\xa0 OUTSIDE, DAY
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 FOOTSTEPS ON CONCRETE, SECOND SET HURRY UP
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Darcy!\xa0 Got a minute?
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Hi! [damping her enthusiasm] Tim.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 I have some more info on the ghost.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 You're serious?
TIM \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0Oh, yeah.\xa0 I talked to her last night.\xa0 Asked a bunch of questions - it was weird cause I didn't know she was a SHE, and I'd stuck in a man's body, but--
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Tim?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yes?
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 You're telling me you spoke to a ghost?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yes.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 A real live ghost?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Apart from the poor choice of words, yes.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Are you sure you didn't just fall asleep?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [not too sure] Pretty sure.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [sigh] I mean, I want to believe you, but - actually speaking to a ghost?\xa0 Most people "feel a presence," or notice items have been moved a teensy bit from their previous position, or run into a cold spot.\xa0
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Nope.\xa0 We just chatted - once I explained how things were, she seemed mostly OK with it.\xa0 I guess no one ever just talked with her before.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [thinks for a moment, then]\xa0 You need to video this or something.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Don't you even want to know who she is?\xa0 I was kind of hoping you could help me look up her records... [running out of steam] Being in records, and all.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh sure.\xa0 Once I see your recording.
MUSIC
\xa0
SCENE 9.\xa0\xa0\xa0 MORGUE, NIGHT
SOUND \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0DRAWER ROLLS OUT
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Is this one better?
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [delighted] \xa0Oh, much.\xa0 I almost feel like myself again.\xa0 Though of course, I am not.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 You're taking it very well.
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 I have always prided myself on being a practical woman.\xa0 There is no use in shedding tears over what cannot be changed.\xa0 [losing confidence] I do, however, worry some little about what's to become of me.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 I have some questions for you.\xa0 Are you up to answering?
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Certainly.\xa0 And, Timothy?\xa0 Thank you so very much.\xa0 For everything.\xa0 Particularly for providing me with ... garments.\xa0 I know it's ludicrous to be modest with another's--
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 No, no.\xa0 Perfectly reasonable.\xa0 I'm curious\u2011\u2011
BEDELIA \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0Could you help me out first?\xa0 I would prefer to hold any such interview in a less horizontal position.
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 DRAWER OUT A BIT MORE
TIM & BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [grunts as he helps her up]
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 SEVERAL BARE FOOTSTEPS
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [sighs as she sits] Timothy, was this poor girl deformed?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Huh?
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 I can barely keep my balance and walk with such a monstrous bosom.\xa0 Poor, poor child.\xa0
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 It's--\xa0 Um - guys like girls who--
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 How times change.\xa0 Now in my day - well, my heyday, shall we say - the style was a more delicate, and slender figure.\xa0 Athletic.\xa0 A girl like this would have cried her eyes out every night and bound herself to kingdom come, trying to achieve a decent flapper slouch.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [shudder] Uhh.
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Of, course, I was hardly a flapper - I was a bit old to run with that crowd, [nostalgic] but I spent my share of time in the speaks.\xa0 Weekends only, o'course.\xa0 It would never do to show up hung at the schoolhouse of a morning.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Can I ask - I mean without offending you - when you were born?
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh, Timothy.\xa0 You are a delight.\xa0 I'm dead, child, how can you offend me?\xa0
MUSIC
\xa0
SCENE 10.\xa0\xa0\xa0 MEETING DARCY
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 [On RECORDING] OUTSIDE NOISES
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [on recording]\xa0 I was born in the year 1891, in Rock Creek, Georgia.\xa0 I came here in--
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 CLICK - TAPE MACHINE OFF
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [sucks in breath, exasperated noise]\xa0 But--\xa0 but that could be anyone.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yeah, I figured you might think that, so here--
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 CLICKING OF COMPUTER KEYS
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [gasp]
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Sorry, it's the only way to prove - see the time code - this was 11:50, and then this--
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 CLICKING
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Was 1:08.\xa0 There.\xa0 Before and after shots of the same woman - dead.\xa0 Autopsy scars and all.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Still...
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 You could come and see for yourself.\xa0 You can even choose the body--
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I -- no.\xa0 I mean, I'm in records for a reason.\xa0 I don't like ...the smelly parts of medicine.
TIM \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0All right, so--
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [coming on]\xa0 Hey, hey!\xa0 Darcy, are you warm in here, or is it just me?
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Is it funny in here, or is it just the way you smell?
TIM \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0Um--
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I've got to go, Tim.\xa0 If I think of anything, I'll let you know.
TIM \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0Um, Ok.\xa0
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 CHAIR, FOOTSTEPS LEAVE
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Since the ghost in the drawer was a bust--
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [snort - almost a laugh]
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 --I did a little digging in old newspapers and I found you another one.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Really?\xa0 In the morgue too?
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yup.\xa0 There was this freshman at the medical school, who for a hazing had to spend the night in the morgue - to make sure he didn't cheat, the frat boys handcuffed him to one of the drawers
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Number 23?
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Dude, no one was sober enough to count.\xa0 Anyway, so this poor newbie was handcuffed, in his underwear, in the morgue all night, and when they came to let him out--
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [waits, then]\xa0 --Yes?
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 He was gone.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh.
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Wait, wait - He was gone, but his hand was still in the handcuff - he had chewed it off to escape!
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 That's insane -you can't chew through bone.
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Animals do it.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Animals have teeth made for it.\xa0 Humans simply don't have the jaw strength--
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Dude, it's just a story.\xa0 I guess you don't want to hear the best part.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [long sigh, then]\xa0 OK, what is it?
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [offhand, not caring] His body was never found.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Mm.\xa0 Of course.
MUSIC
\xa0
SCENE 11.\xa0\xa0\xa0 MORGUE, NIGHT
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 DRAWER PULLS OUT
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Morning.
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [chuckle]\xa0 Help me out of here, if you please.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Up you come. [grunt]
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [sigh] Oh, this is very nice.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 You like?
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yes.\xa0 A good deal closer my own age, and not bad looking.\xa0
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 I was telling a friend about you--
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [curious] But why?\xa0 I mean, you start telling people that you're speaking with the dead, they're liable to look at you strangely.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh, no - Darcy's cool. I asked if she wanted to drop in, but she's - a bit creeped out.
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 You have the most colorful colloquialisms.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 It's not the ghosts that wig her, it's more the corpses.
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 "wig"?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Bother her.
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Ahh. \xa0I don't wonder - not everyone can take a spirit at face value.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Come, sit.\xa0 I'm eating lunch - I don't suppose you would like some...?
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 I highly doubt it.\xa0 But it certainly smells delicious.\xa0
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [gracious] Smell away.
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Tell me about this lady friend of yours.\xa0 Is it serious?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [almost choking]\xa0 You mean like dating?\xa0 Me and Darcy?
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Of course we called it courting in my day, but yes - is she your intended?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 I-- we-- I guess I never really thought about it.\xa0 I mean, she's smart and pretty and all, but she--\xa0 [snort] She'd never be interested in me.
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Why not?\xa0 After all, you're obviously smart, kindhearted, and a fine-looking young man.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [huh?] Me?
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Of course.\xa0 Is there anyone else in this room?\xa0 Why, if I weren't a couple decades too old for you--
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 --and dead--
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 --and, yes-- [sigh] You see there?\xa0 Perhaps that's why you haven't any lady friend.\xa0 You don't seem to think before you open your mouth.\xa0
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 But - I just - it's the truth.
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 You are much too literal, Timothy.\xa0 Sometimes - most of the time - tact isn't in what you say, so much as when you choose to say nothing at all.\xa0 You would be amazed at how far a little tact and charm can take you.
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 DOOR OPENS, ANGRY FOOTSTEPS ENTER
SUMMERFIELD\xa0\xa0\xa0 What in hell's going on?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 I--I--
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [sharp]\xa0 Sir?\xa0 And who the devil are you?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [whispered] It's my boss.
SUMMERFIELD\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yeah, I'm his boss, he's my soon to fired employee, and who the devil are you?
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [sweetness] I am Timothy's aunt, Bedelia Crane.\xa0 I am so pleased to meet one of Timothy's co-workers.\xa0 I didn't think I'd have such a chance--
SUMMERFIELD\xa0\xa0\xa0 This is a restricted area, lady.
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [as if he was being polite] Oh, you can call me Bedelia.\xa0 And you are--?
SUMMERFIELD\xa0\xa0\xa0 [rapidly losing steam] Alvin Summerfield, but--
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 I'm afraid this is all my fault, Mr. Summerfield.\xa0 Or may I call you Alvin?
SUMMERFIELD\xa0\xa0\xa0 [softening noticeably] Alvin--Alvin's fine.\xa0 Or Al.
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [troweling it on] Alvin is much more dignified.\xa0 As I was saying, this is entirely my fault.\xa0 I'm afraid I dropped in without the least warning - I'm only in town for a couple of hours, before my bus leaves again - and I came by with lunch to surprise him.\xa0 I'm afraid Timothy just didn't have the heart to send his poor old aunt back out into the night, when we never get to see each other, ever, ever.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yeah.
SUMMERFIELD\xa0\xa0\xa0 Well, I really can't let you stay, ma'am, but I... I understand.\xa0 I won't write Tim up.\xa0 This time.\xa0 May I walk you to your car?
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 I'm parked quite some ways away, and couldn't possibly take you away from your business here for that long - but I would certainly appreciate an escort out of the building--
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 TAKES HIS ARM, THEY WALK OFF
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [fading out] \xa0--I got myself terribly lost, trying to find my way in.\xa0 But then, it is a fascinating place!
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 DOOR STARTS TO SWING SHUT, RUNNING FOOTSTEPS, DOOR SWINGS OPEN AGAIN
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Don't forget the time, aunt Bedelia!\xa0
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 You've only got [checks] uh, 43 minutes.\xa0 Until you gotta be where you have to be.
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 I understand!\xa0 [fading again] Such a good boy - wants to make sure I don't get left behind somewhere--
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 DOOR SHUTS
MUSIC
\xa0
SCENE 12.\xa0\xa0\xa0 MORGUE, NIGHT, LATER
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 PACING
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 12:49.\xa0 Where the heck is she?\xa0 I need to get that body back--
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 CELL PHONE RINGS
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [startled] Aah!\xa0
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 FUMBLES WITH PHONE, THEN TURNS IT ON
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 H-hello?
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [on phone]\xa0 [spooooky voice] Whooo-ooooo.\xa0 This is your wake-up ghost.\xa0
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Gordy?
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [on phone]\xa0 No, it's Mabel fable, put the money back on the table.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Gordy!
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [on phone]\xa0 Ok, ok!\xa0 Jeez, don't get your shroud in a bunch.\xa0
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Is there a point--?
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [on phone]\xa0 Yeah.\xa0 I was googling the morgue and stuff, and realized that one reason I didn't find much was that the hospital changed its name in the 1970s.\xa0 Once I found that, I uncovered a bunch of stuff.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 In the middle of the night?
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [on phone]\xa0 "Best time"\xa0 "In an empty house"? - "best place."
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Huh?
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [on phone]\xa0 [sigh] You're such a nerd.\xa0 All right.\xa0 Most of the stuff is crap.\xa0 Not very interesting. [beat] Except....
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [disinterested] The freshman's handless body?
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [on phone]\xa0 No. [serious]\xa0 There really was a guy - and you can believe this, cause there's a wiki entry on it - who was working in the morgue and went nuts in the middle of July 17th.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [beat]\xa0 That's it?
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [on phone]\xa0 He claimed that a huge black shadow had risen from the floor or something, and touched him, and he like had visions or something and went nuts.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 When did this happen?
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [on phone] uh [checking] 1945.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 He was probably listening to War of the Worlds or something.
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [on phone]\xa0 Well, there's more, [tailing off] but if you're not interested--
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 All right.\xa0 Go on.
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [on phone]\xa0 It happened three other times - People claimed to have seen something horrible on July 17th, or else [pause, for suspense] they killed themselves.\xa0 Two suicides - a janitor and a nurse who wasn't even supposed to be in the area, both in the mid 50s.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 You're really serious?
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [on phone]\xa0 As a snack attack.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 But Sophia's worked here for twelve years, and she's never had a problem.
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [on phone]\xa0 Hmm.\xa0 Ask her.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yeah - besides, she'll be back by then anyway.\xa0
GORDY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [on phone]\xa0 Good.\xa0 You can start leading a normal life again.\xa0 Oh, wait, you never had a normal life.\xa0 Oh well.\xa0 Chow!\xa0
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Bye.
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 TURNS OFF PHONE
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 MOMENT OF SILENCE, THEN A TAP AT THE WINDOW
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [startled] Ahh!\xa0 Oh shit - Bedelia!
MUSIC
\xa0
SCENE 13.\xa0\xa0\xa0 OUTDOORS, EARLY MORNING
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [fading in] --and then it was 1 a-m and I had to drag the body back in really quick and clean it up!
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [chuckling] You are such a freak!
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 You think I'm a freak - It's Mr. Summerfield who was making all googly eyes at her.\xa0 Ugh.\xa0 Jeez, I hope he doesn't spot that body on the slab.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [shudder]\xa0 The way you talk about her, it's easy to forget she's really... well... dead.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yeah, and she's been giving me all sorts of great advice-- [stops]
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Mm?
TIM \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0Nothing.\xa0 [changing gears with difficulty] Um, Gordy told me there's concrete evidence of another ghostly presence, and I was hoping you might be interested.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Who is it this time?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 He said the only description was a "dark presence" and that came from a guy who went mad.\xa0 I can forward you the e-mail.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [interested] Yeah.\xa0 Do.
MUSIC
\xa0
SCENE 14.\xa0\xa0\xa0 MORGUE, NIGHT
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 It was so lovely.\xa0 Being outside, in the night.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 You shouldn't have been out alone!\xa0 You could have been--
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Killed?\xa0 [chuckles]\xa0 Oh, I haven't any real worries on that score.\xa0
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Guess not.
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 But I do appreciate your concern, Timothy.\xa0 That's very considerate of you.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Well, I--
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Now yesterday, before we were so rudely interrupted, you were telling me about your young lady friend.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Uh, yeah.\xa0 Look - there's something more important--
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 More important than romance?\xa0 Goodness.\xa0 That is just like a man.\xa0
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 It's another ghost.
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Here in the morgue.\xa0 Someone - something - who only appears once a year - July 17 - and drives people crazy.
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 I had an uncle like that, but he only--
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Please!\xa0 Have you ever seen this - thing?
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 [takes a moment to contemplate him]\xa0 tsk.\xa0 Timothy, you know very well that I have spent very little time of the last 75 years or so taking any notice of the world around me.\xa0 When there's no body in the drawer at midnight, I just carry on asleep.\xa0
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 I figured it couldn't hurt to ask.\xa0
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Of course not.\xa0 It never hurts to ask.\xa0 You should ask your young lady to dinner sometime.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Why?\xa0 We eat together - breakfast - all the time.\xa0 [flushes, realizing how this must sound, blurts] I mean when I get off shift, and she's coming in.
BEDELIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Silly boy.\xa0 That's just food.\xa0 "Dinner" is an event.
MUSIC
\xa0
SCENE 15.\xa0\xa0\xa0 OUTSIDE, MORNING
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I think I found out something for you... about your friend Bedelia.\xa0
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Go on?
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 FLIPS PAGES
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Hold on.\xa0 All right. I found her hospital records, and they're pretty useless - it's amazing how unspecific stuff was back in the day!\xa0 But they do say she was admitted on a Saturday morning, very early, unconscious, slipped into a coma and stopped breathing.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 But did it say why?
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [she knows something] Noooo.\xa0 [beat]\xa0\xa0 But--
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 But?
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I checked the papers around the same time, and there were a number of near deaths from a bad batch of bathtub gin--
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 In 1932 - but prohibition ended-- [cuts self off]
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [waits a second, then] And, they all looked dead, presumably a deep coma, but then revived.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 You mean she--?
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 She probably revived in the drawer and then really died.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh.\xa0 [swallows]\xa0 Well, thanks!\xa0 Sounds like you did a lot of work on that.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh, I like going through old newspapers.\xa0 The ads are hilarious!\xa0 [beat] I also discovered one of the ineffable truths of life.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Huh?
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Gordy is an idiot.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh, well - we knew that.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Your dark shape?\xa0 It exists.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Really?
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 In Ontario.\xa0 Gordy mistook Moss Creek General, which was the old name here, for Moose Creek General, which is in some teensy town in Canada.\xa0 Tsch. The wonders of the internet.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Darcy...
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Hmm?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [very awkward] Would you like to go to dinner sometime?
MUSIC, MUCH TIME PASSES
\xa0
SCENE 16.\xa0\xa0\xa0 ENTERING MORGUE, NIGHT
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Thanks for staying up - Sophia warned me it would be awkward to readjust to days - and even more awkward to just work weekends like this.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 What else am I going to do with my weekend nights?\xa0 [teasing] My boyfriend has to work.
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 KISS, they break apart, both laughing a little
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 A COUPLE MORE STEPS, THEN DOOR PUSHES OPEN.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [shock and horror] What the hell?
HALSTON\xa0\xa0\xa0 Hiya Tim.\xa0 I shoulda warned you - they finished over on the quad building ahead of schedule, so they started tearing stuff out over here.\xa0 Think of it - six months, and we'll have the newest facilities in the state!
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 But--
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh, no!\xa0 [sympathetic] Tim!
HALSTON\xa0\xa0\xa0 What?\xa0 Didya leave something in the morgue?\xa0
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yeah.\xa0 In one of the drawers.\xa0 Where- where ... are ... they?
HALSTON\xa0\xa0\xa0 Out back with the rest of the rubble, I suppose.\xa0 Why?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [strained] Nothing.\xa0 Have a good night! [aside, to Darcy]\xa0 Help me?
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Um, sure.\xa0 What do you--
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Come back at 11:30 and--
HALSTON\xa0\xa0\xa0 [slightly off] At least it means work will be a piece of cake - everyone's being re-rerouted to Central until we get an interim suite set back up.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [whispered] 11:30.\xa0 We'll take a look.\xa0 I just need to - at least say goodbye.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [a little unsure] Sure.\xa0 Um.\xa0 What's the worst that can happen?
MUSIC
\xa0
SCENE 17.\xa0\xa0\xa0 OUTSIDE, OUT BACK
AMBIANCE\xa0\xa0\xa0 DISTANT TRAFFIC, NIGHTTIME
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 CLANKING NOISES
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [whispered call] Found em!
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 HURRIED FOOTSTEPS
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Where?
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 But they're all out of order.\xa0 Ooh.\xa0 Some really didn't take it well.
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Check the numbers?
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh, Tim - most of them don't seem to have them--
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Look for a dent on the front that looks like a pair of lips - I rammed a gurney into the drawer one night.
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 METAL RATTLES, ETC.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [beat] This one?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh, yes!\xa0 Help me turn it back over.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 But without a body, how can you--
SECURITY GUARD\xa0\xa0\xa0 Hey, you over there!\xa0
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 Run, Darcy!\xa0
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 DARCY RUNS
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 TIM CLIMBS UNDER THE DRAWER AND HIDES.
SECURITY GUARD\xa0\xa0\xa0 Hey!\xa0 You kids!
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 RUNNING FEET GO PAST
TIME PASSES
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 DARCY'S FEET RETURN
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [whispered call] Tim?\xa0 Tim?
TIM \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0Over here.
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh!\xa0 When I realized you weren't behind me, I thought he got you!
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 [Sounding like Bedelia] Nonsense.\xa0 I waited in ambush.\xa0 [then, completely himself] Gotta get back to work.\xa0 See you for breakfast?
DARCY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Did you--?\xa0 The drawer--?
TIM\xa0\xa0\xa0 No. [rueful, but sounding just a touch like Bedelia] \xa0Not a soul.\xa0 Any longer. \xa0
CLOSER
OLIVIA\xa0\xa0\xa0 Now that you know how to find us, don't be a stranger - we have enough of those already...\xa0
END