19 Nocturne Boulevard - MAKING BOOK - Reissue
Reissue of one of 19 Nocturne's earliest episodes (from October 2008).\xa0 Includes notes from Julie about the history and making of 19 Nocturne Boulevard.
MAKING BOOK
[warning - mature language and violence]
Retired safecracker Fay James has to do one last job, to save her brother\xa0Rusty from leg-breakers - but what they\xa0 steal turns out to be dynamite!\xa0\xa0
Cast List
Fay James - Julie Hoverson
Rusty James - Reynaud LeBoeuf
Mr. Broadstreet - Cole Hornaday
Jimmy - Jake Stratton
Jordan - Greg Porter
Gertie - Jody Montague
Bank phone voice - Beverly Poole
Music:\xa0 Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com)
Recorded with the assistance of Ryan Hirst of Neohoodoo Studio
Editing and Sound:\xa0\xa0 Julie Hoverson
Cover Photo:\xa0 Konrado Fedorczyko
(courtesy of Stock Xchange.com)
"What kind of a place is it?
Why it's a rich man's study - where else would you find...burglars?"
\xa0
\xa0TRANSCRIPTS
Intro material then the full script
MAKING BOOK with intro
\xa0
This was one of the first ten episodes of 19 Nocturne Boulevard that I made and put out, back in late 2008.\xa0 I can't recall, specifically, what order I made them in, which may seem odd, but I was determined to have a bunch ready to go when I debuted the series - in October, naturally - to make sure they would come out on time, which would help me establish the series and its credibility.\xa0 Even back then, shows came and went with the wind.
By the time I was prepping to start, the wonderful and always missed Bill Hollweg of Brokensea audio announced that Brokensea was going to put out or host a new episode every day in October for a big spooky month event, so I volunteered 4 episodes to debut there (I think I actually ended up sharing 6 with them, but again - it was a while ago).\xa0 BrokenSea was a big part of most audio drama fandom at the time, and it was a great way to quickly get 19 Nocturne Boulevard out to the audience they already reached.
So these episodes first debuted in Brokensea's feed, then when I put them up myself, I was still piggybacking on the feed of The Unspeakable and Inhuman, which I will talk about in another intro.\xa0 That's why my own libsyn listing doesn't have a full list, in order, for me to consult to recall precise dates.
I warn that Making Book has "foul language", but the language in this episode is incredibly tame, compared to several other of my stories.\xa0 This is because when I wrote it, I was still working with an old time radio mentality, and the language in this would be considered unbroadcastable, for the 1940s.\xa0
While we recorded this - we were still working in Ryan's basement studio, with his excellent help, back in those early days - and the hardest thing to record was the screaming.
Screaming is one way to quickly overpower a microphone, so it has to be carefully placed, gained, and modulated.\xa0 I amazed everyone with the length and breadth of the screams I was able to produce.
The main monster fx were mainly me making mouth noises, then playing with various ways to tweak the sound.\xa0 I'm quite pleased with what I came up with in all that.\xa0 This was very early days in my learning how to sound edit, and yet I managed some really good stuff.\xa0 The hardest sound to find was the sound of the lights turning off in the bar.\xa0 Go figure.
The music in this episode is all from the amazing Kevin MacLeod of incompetech.com, including "Netherworld Shanty", the piece I adopted as the 19 Nocturne Boulevard theme song.
Mike Flowers helped me with doing a bit of sound tuning and will be helping me with episodes for as long as he can put up with me!
If you want to listen to this story without all this intro jibjab, the original is still available through the episodes page on my website at 19nocturneboulevard.com, or do a quick search on our libsyn page at nineteennocturne.libsyn.com
The script of the episode follows.
\xa0
MAKING BOOK
"This episode has some foul language and excessive violence and may not be suitable for all listeners.\xa0 Please listen responsibly."
\xa0Cast:
- Olivia [host, intro]
- Fay James (F/26), reformed safecracker and strip club dancer
- Rusty James (M/23), unreformed gambler
- Simeon Broadstreet (M/40s), spooky client
- Jimmy (M/40s), sleazy bartender/boss
- Jordan (M/30s), mysterious stranger
- Gertie (F/40), another dancer
- John (M/any)
- Bank Phone voice (any)
- Teacher (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 rich man's study, can't you tell?\xa0 Where else would you find... a safecracker?
SCENE 1.\xa0\xa0\xa0 THE HEIST
MUSIC\xa0\xa0\xa0 MISSION IMPOSSIBLE STYLE CAPER MUSIC
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 SILENCE.\xa0 A COUPLE OF QUIET CLICKS
[NOTE\xa0\xa0\xa0 THEY WHISPER THROUGHOUT THIS SCENE.]
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Fay!\xa0
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [startled] \xa0Huh?\xa0 Crap!\xa0 Rusty, shut your pie-hole!\xa0 You'll make me lose the damn--
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Don't swear, Fay.
[note:\xa0 while Fay is relatively foul-mouthed, I kept it low-key in this because I set the story in the 1940s, as a classic-style radio story.]
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Rusty...!
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 A car just turned in!
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Then cork it and let me finish this damn thing, or we can get the hell out right now.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [annoyed and disappointed] Fay!
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Watch the damn window and freaking shut up!
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Ok.
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 CLICKS
MUSIC
\xa0
SCENE 2.\xa0\xa0\xa0 THE GETAWAY
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 IN A CAR, DRIVING
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [annoyed sigh]
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [breaking an uncomfortable silence] Sorry.\xa0 I get so tense when I'm working.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [sullen] I know.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I said I'm sorry.\xa0 I should ... I should be more careful what I say.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 You're never gonna do anything with your life if you don't start talking more nicer.
[note:\xa0 they both speak with the poor grammar of the "stereotypical gangster" and thus this is ironic]
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [chuckles] Hey, who's the older sister here?
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Not me - I don't got the parts.\xa0 But seriously, sis - You always looked out for me, I'm just trying to return some.\xa0 Besides, I get all clenched up inside when you start spouting off like that.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I'll work on it.\xa0 Speaking of who's looking out for who - if this all comes off, you're clear, right?
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [sheepish] Yeah.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 You know I don't wanna do this again - I've mended my ways and all that bullsh-- all that ... bull.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Mr. Broadstreet's paying ten Gs.\xa0 That should get me clear.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 And then you stop.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Stop?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 You know.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 It's usually not that big a--
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Rusty.\xa0 You need to stop.\xa0 Just cut it out.\xa0 Cold turkey.\xa0 Don't you watch Dr. Phil?\xa0 Gambling is an addiction - there are support groups and everything.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I guess.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Tell you what, maybe we both see if we can quit - me with the bad words, you with the bets.\xa0 Just for a month.\xa0 Whatya say?
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [long sigh]\xa0 Let me deal with this first, OK?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [sigh] Yeah.
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 RATTLE OF PAPER WRAPPED PARCEL BEING TURNED OVER IN RUSTY'S HANDS
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 What do you think it is?
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 SHAKES IT [no rattle]
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Ten thousand dollars.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Really?\xa0
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 TAPPING ON THE PARCEL - sounds like a book
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Maybe we should open it?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Jeez, Rusty, sometimes I really think you're too stupid to live.\xa0
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Fay!
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I meant I think it's worth the ten thousand your wack job employer is going to pay for it.\xa0 Undamaged.\xa0 He said that.\xa0 Undamaged.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 But it won't hurt if I unwrap it, will it?
SOUND \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0PAPER TEARING
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Do I haveta pull this car over?
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 A book?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 What?
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 It's just a big old book.\xa0 [sniffs, coughs]\xa0 Gah, even smells old.\xa0 Look, it's got a lock, like a diary.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 What is it?
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [slowly, "duh"] A book.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I mean the title.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0 \xa0Um...\xa0 It's ain't in English.\xa0 If that's even writing....
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 SCRATCHING ON BOOK LEATHER
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 So don't--
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 CREAK OF LEATHER
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 OK, that's it!
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 JAMMING ON THE BRAKES
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Gahh...
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Give me that!
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I was just seeing if it was really locked.\xa0
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Did you not get the part about he wants it undamaged?\xa0 You think prying open the lock or trying to snap the leather somehow don't count?
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I was, I was just thinking, Fay, that why would someone pay a bunch of dough for a book?\xa0 Maybe it just looks like a book, and it's really a box full of jewels or something.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 You're willing to throw away a sure thing--
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 You could probably pick that lock in a heartbeat, couldn't you, Fay?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Look, Rusty-- [softening, worried]\xa0 This ain't the double down, li'l bear [little bear and sissy/sister bear are their childhood nicknames for each other] - the odds are - oh, I dunno, but it's pointless.\xa0 This book, as is, will get you out of hock to the bad men.\xa0 This time.\xa0 You were damned lucky to find someone with that kind of dough to sling around - why screw it up?
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 But if there's any chance--
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 No goddam way.\xa0 This is the end.\xa0 I'll drop you off on my way to Jimmy's, but I'm keeping this bad boy with me.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 It'll get stolen!
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 By who?\xa0 Crackheads don't read.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 But, 10 grand'll just get me out, what'll I do for a stake?
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 CAR GETS MOVING AGAIN
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [said a million times] You could get a job.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 You know I ain't no good at anything.\xa0 Not like you.\xa0 You just touch a lock and it--
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 There are zillions of jobs that don't need you to be any good.\xa0 You just gotta do what people tell you.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 How can I go work for peanuts when I know I can win a fortune?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 But you don't win, Rusty.\xa0 Peanuts is better than a hole in the head.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [sullen]\xa0 Is that what you tell yourself when you're dancing for sweaty old men?\xa0
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [warning] \xa0Rusty.\xa0 [deep breath, calms]\xa0 So I'm doing whatever the hell it takes to get MY stake - to get some school and maybe a business of my own.\xa0 I'm 100 percent legit.\xa0 Finally.\xa0 That's what counts.\xa0
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 But you could get what you need real easy-like.\xa0 Just pull another job or two ... then go legit.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 ...and just one more and just one more and just one more, right?\xa0 No, Rusty.\xa0 Cuz then I'd be you.
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 CAR STOPS
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [tight control] I'll call your guy and make all the arrangements for us to meet tomorrow.\xa0
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 car door opens, shuts
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Fay, I--
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Rusty.\xa0 Next time you dig yourself in deep, you know what I'm gonna do?\xa0
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 What?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I'm gonna buy you some goddamn crutches.\xa0
[because the guys he owes money to would break his legs]
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 Car slams into gear, roars off.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 "Just this one more time, Fay."\xa0 "It's gonna change, Fay."\xa0 Jeez, I'm such a shit-fer-brains.
MUSIC\xa0\xa0\xa0 FOR FLASHBACK
\xa0
SCENE 3.\xa0\xa0\xa0 HOME, COOKING
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 COOKING NOISES.\xa0 Mixing, rinsing dishes, sizzling
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Just this one more time, Fay.\xa0
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 No.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 It'll be easy.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I'm done, Rusty.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 But, but they'll-- [teary sniff]
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 pause in the movement
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [long beat, long sigh, then quietly]\xa0 They'll what.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Nothing.\xa0 [making a big deal out of sniffing] \xa0That sure smells good.\xa0 I love your cooking, sissy bear.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [under her breath] ...bastard.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Hmm?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 What will they do, Rusty?
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh.\xa0 Well, this is Mr. Capelli, and his guys - well, they don't kid around.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [tight] --and?
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 They'll hurt me real bad.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 How much do you need?
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Nothing!
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Nothing?
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 That's the best part - I found this guy who is willing to cover everything--
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 How much?
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Ten large.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Ten?\xa0
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 CLATTER LIKE DROPPED LID
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 How did you get in that far?
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 But this guy, see, he just wants us to get something, and I told him I might, you know, know someone.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Get something?
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 A package.
MUSIC \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0ends flashback.
\xa0
SCENE 4.\xa0\xa0\xa0 IN CAR, STILL DRIVING
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yep.\xa0 Shit.\xa0 Fer. Brains.
music\xa0\xa0\xa0 transition fades into pounding hard rock, vastly distorted, then fades into background
\xa0
SCENE 5.\xa0\xa0\xa0 STRIP CLUB
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 on filter, phone rings
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [to self] Come on, come on.\xa0
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 on filter, phone picks up
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [jumping in] \xa0Mr. Broadstreet?
BROADSTREET\xa0\xa0\xa0 Hello?\xa0 What?\xa0 Yes, this is--
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 We got your package.\xa0 I mean Rusty and me - I helped him.\xa0 We've got it.
BROADSTREET\xa0\xa0\xa0 Unopened?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [gasp] Oh, yeah.\xa0 It's fine.\xa0 Look, we need to get the cash soonest.\xa0 When can we meet?
BROADSTREET\xa0\xa0\xa0 It is vital that the ...package... remain closed.\xa0 Can you guarantee that?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yeah.\xa0 I got it all safe and sound.\xa0 You got the cash or not?
BROADSTREET\xa0\xa0\xa0 I have the cash.\xa0 Come to my house---
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I'd really rather we do this somewhere a bit more neutral.\xa0 You know.
BROADSTREET \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0[thinks a moment]\xa0 There's a courtyard at the library downtown.\xa0 You have to go through the rare books section to get there, so it's usually quite deserted.\xa0 Can you find it?\xa0
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Sure.\xa0
BROADSTREET\xa0\xa0\xa0 I expect to see you - both of you - with the package, tomorrow at noon.
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 on filter, phone hangs up
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Hey!!\xa0
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 fay slams down receiver
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 You arrogant sonofab--
JIMMY \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0[coming on]\xa0 Fay!\xa0 I don't pay you to gab on the phone all night!
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [through gritted teeth] \xa0I'm on my break.
JIMMY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Well, I hope you made it to the can, too, since that was your last break before closing - now get out there and shake it.\xa0 There's an old fart at table 5 who still got some green left.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Right, Jimmy.
MUSIC\xa0\xa0\xa0 rock music, for time PASSES, THEN cutS off or winds down - SOUND system IS SHUT OFF.
\xa0
\xa0
\xa0
SCENE 6.\xa0\xa0\xa0 STRIP CLUB, CLOSING TIME
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 light SWITCHES being thrown.
GERTIE\xa0\xa0\xa0 Hey, Fay, coming out for some grub?
JOHN\xa0\xa0\xa0 [in background] Hey babe, come on.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Nah, you go on - I'm waiting on a call.\xa0
GERTIE\xa0\xa0\xa0 Your brother.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yeah.
sound \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0quick steps, jingle of bell on door.
GERTIE\xa0\xa0\xa0 [off] That deadbeat.\xa0 [beat, remembering]\xa0 Oh, crap!
JOHN\xa0\xa0\xa0 [still off]\xa0 What's the deal, sweetheart?
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 STEPS RETURN
GERTIE\xa0\xa0\xa0 Here's that catalog.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [down] Thanks.\xa0 I don't think I --
GERTIE\xa0\xa0\xa0 Take it.\xa0 Read it.\xa0 It's not too late.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I'm kinda in the middle of something.
GERTIE\xa0\xa0\xa0 You got a week to register for Fall.\xa0 [waits, then]\xa0 Winter, maybe?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Maybe.
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 FOOTSTEPS RETREAT AGAIN
GERTIE\xa0\xa0\xa0 [moving away] \xa0You really don't want--
JOHN\xa0\xa0\xa0 [off]\xa0 Let's skip the food, babe and get right to the motel.
GERTIE\xa0\xa0\xa0 [off] --to end up like me.
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 door closes behind gertie
sound \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0FAY's footsteps echo slightly, empty room.
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 phone rings
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Huh?\xa0
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 walks quickly over, phone picked up
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 You're early.
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 [on filter, ominous voice]\xa0 You have the book.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Broadstreet?\xa0 Wait, no--
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 Broadstreet must not get the book.\xa0
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 How'd you get this--?
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 Bring the book to me tomorrow at 2 pm.\xa0 At the corner of central and 12th.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 What the hell--?
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 dial tone.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Great.
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 hangs up phone
sound \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0fay's footsteps as she walks into changing room
no music for scene
\xa0
SCENE 7.\xa0\xa0\xa0 CHANGING ROOM
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 door opens.\xa0
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 serrated knife cutting leather - continues until noted
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Jimmy!\xa0 You bastard!\xa0 What the-- No!
JIMMY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Back off babe.\xa0 I'm just seeing what you got in your little diary, here--
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 knife ends, finishes the cut
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 You scumbag!!!
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 book creaks open, pages flip.
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 tentacles pop out of the book and grab jimmy
JIMMY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [screaming in fear and agony]
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [screaming at the top of her lungs in terror]
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 horrid ripping noise as Jimmy is torn asunder\xa0
JIMMY \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0[stops screaming suddenly]
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 slurping noise as tentacles go back into the book.\xa0 book slams shut.
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 trickles of blood running down the walls.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [screaming winds down to gasps and sobs]
sound \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0phone rings and keep ringing
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [shrieks once, then starts to almost laugh]
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 hesitating footsteps.\xa0 One slightly wet sounding one.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Ew!
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 rubbing foot on floor, then running for phone
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 phone picks up
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [on filter]\xa0 Hey.\xa0 Sorry about earlier.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [laughs almost soundlessly, almost hysterical]
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Fay?\xa0 Wait, is this Fay?\xa0
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yeah, Rusty, it's -- it's me.\xa0 [breathing, trying to calm down]
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 What's so funny?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Nothing.\xa0 Oh, shit.\xa0 L'il bear, I need your help with something.\xa0
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Anything, sissy bear.\xa0 You know it.\xa0
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Come down to the club, and bring me some old clothes.\xa0 Bring some for you too.
music
\xa0
SCENE 8.\xa0\xa0\xa0 CHANGING ROOM, LATER
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 FAY SCRUBBING
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 RUSTY ENTERS
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yikes!\xa0 Was it a holdup?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Sure.\xa0 A holdup.\xa0 A really, really messy holdup.\xa0 Go in the back there and fill this bucket - really hot water - about halfway.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Good thing the book didn't get all bloody.\xa0 Then Broadstreet would never pay for it.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [almost a sob] \xa0Yeah.
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 scrubbing fades into
music
\xa0
SCENE 9.\xa0\xa0\xa0 CHANGING ROOM, EVEN LATER
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Fay!\xa0 The book
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 her reaction is very frightened, until she turns and sees nothing
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 What?\xa0 What!!
RUSTY \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0The strap's been cut!
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yeah.\xa0 Uh, I'm gonna see if I can fix that-- Don't touch it!!!
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Why not?
FAY \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0Here, I'll... [gulps] move it.
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 a couple of wet slappy steps.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [deep breath, then an effort]\xa0 There!
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 Book dropped quickly onto table
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Fay, you gotta tell me what's up - you're totally acting nutso.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 You gotta trust me l'il bear, don't touch it.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I hate it when you treat me like a kid, Fay!\xa0 I can take it!\xa0 [sudden idea] Did you kill Jimmy?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [hollow] What makes you so sure this was Jimmy?\xa0 It's just ... chunks.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Who else would it be?\xa0 Level with me Fay, or...\xa0 or--
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 or what?
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [sharp breath]
sound \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0quick squishy steps
RUSTY \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0Or I'll... I'll open it!
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 No!\xa0 No!\xa0 Don't screw around, Rusty!\xa0 This is way more serious than you know!
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Tell me, Fay.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Not here.\xa0 I'll tell you when we're done and home.\xa0 Please, it's - it's just too much.
MUSIC
\xa0
SCENE 10.\xa0\xa0\xa0 IN THE CAR
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [begging] Give me the book, please?
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 No, Fay.\xa0 I gotta know what went down.\xa0
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [still breathing hard, almost sobbing, subdued, reliving the event] Jimmy, being the nosy bast-- busybody that he is, got into my locker.\xa0 He saw the book looked like something, and he ... cut through ... the ...strap... [sobs]
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [not willing to budge] --And then?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 It killed him.\xa0 Rusty, the book did it.\xa0 Don't open it, it was horrible.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [ghoulishly interested]\xa0 Tell me!\xa0 Sissy bear, tell me!
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 You don't need to know!\xa0
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [wheedling]\xa0 Sissy bear!
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [beat]\xa0 Things came out, like squids--
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Tentacles?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [breaking] Yeah.\xa0 Yeah.\xa0 They grabbed him and just pulled him into pieces, then pulled the pieces ... most of them ... in and shut the book behind it.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [excited] It must be some kind of a door to another reality.\xa0 I read about those things all the time.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 A door to h-e-- double hockey-sticks!\xa0
music
\xa0
music
\xa0
SCENE 11.\xa0\xa0\xa0 PHONE BANK
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 BEEPS, MECHANICAL VOICE
AUTOTELLER\xa0\xa0\xa0 --[a balance of] two thousand, one hundred thirty two dollars and seventy four cents. To repeat this, press 6--
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 RECEIVER HANGS UP
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 RECEIVER PICKED UP, PHONE DIALS
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Hey Beans, Wally around?\xa0 No!\xa0 What's he in for? Again?\xa0 Shoot, I was hoping he could use-- oh, never mind.
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 DOOR OPENS, RUSTY ENTERS
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 You up already?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Like I could sleep.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 You doing ok?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yeah. \xa0Ain't no goddamn love lost between me and Jimmy.\xa0 But I gotta feeling this means I'm out of a job.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 But, seeing all that blood and stuff--?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [muttered]\xa0 Why you think I ain't sleeping? [louder]\xa0 But there ain't jack shi--
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [warning noise]
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 There ain't nothing I can do about it now.\xa0 I just ain't got time for a freakout.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Should I rustle us up some breakfast?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [slightly teasing] Sure.\xa0 You get started, I'll unplug the smoke detector.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [mock annoyed] Hey!\xa0 Besides, even I can't mess up corn flakes.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I'll get something started in a minute, l'il bear.\xa0 [a moment] Thanks for staying.\xa0 I really didn\u2019t wanna--
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Are you kidding?\xa0 And miss out on my chance to do something for you?\xa0 [pause] Some day Fay, I'm gonna - I dunno, strike it rich, and then we'll see who's taking care of who.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [rueful] Yeah.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I was thinking.\xa0 Maybe we shouldn't give this guy the book.
FAY \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0Huh?\xa0 Why not?
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 He's not gonna want to pay for it, damaged and all, and, well, if it's all you say, sounds like it's pretty dangerous.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yeah, like I wanna keep it around!
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 We could sink it in the river.\xa0 Maybe seal it in a block of concrete.\xa0 We don't know this guy.\xa0 Who knows what he plans to do - or who he plans to do, with it?\xa0 [sure] I'll handle it.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I-I don't really care what this guy has up his sleeve.\xa0 I'm just hoping he'll pay something, damaged or not, and that maybe Mr. Capelli will take half down.\xa0 Pass me that, wouldya?
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 WRAPPING PAPER
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Isn't this--?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I want to get this thing re-wrapped.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 You think maybe it'll fool him?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [snort] Nah.\xa0 I'm just hoping it will give us time to be out of reach when he opens it.
MUSIC
\xa0
SCENE 11.\xa0\xa0\xa0 LIBRARY RENDEZVOUS
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 daytime noises, footsteps echo slightly on stone
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I'm glad you were willing to see reason.\xa0 I don't know who your buyer is, but he must have some tough mojo to think he can control something awful like this.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yeah.
BROADSTREET\xa0\xa0\xa0 [coming on]\xa0 Ah, good to see you.\xa0 You have my package?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Right here.\xa0 There was a ---
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 It's just fine.\xa0 You got the money?
BROADSTREET\xa0\xa0\xa0 Here.\xa0 Shall we trade?
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 How 'bout you put down the briefcase, and I bring you the book?\xa0 Then, when you're happy, I'll take the money.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [surprised, side of mouth] \xa0Good going, L.B. [lil bear]
BROADSTREET\xa0\xa0\xa0 An eminently sensible plan.\xa0 I'll have to check and make sure the book has not been tampered with.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Be my guest, here, I'll get it out for you.
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 rustle of paper being unwrapped
BROADSTREET\xa0\xa0\xa0 Just hand it over--\xa0 aaaugh!
[note\xa0\xa0\xa0 rusty opens the book, facing toward Broadstreet]
Sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 Same sounds as before slurp, squish, crunch
BROADSTREET \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0[screams]
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [screaming]
BROADSTREET \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0[stops in mid-scream]
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 all sounds end with a slurp and the book slamming shut.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [screaming, ending with] \xa0Rusty!\xa0 Ohmigod, Rusty what the hell do you think you're doing?
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 DRIPPING NOISES
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I was right!!\xa0 For once, I GOT it!
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Rusty, what the hell--
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Look, Fay.\xa0 Don't you see, this is our ticket?\xa0 My ticket, anyway, if you're too chicken.\xa0 We may have a mess, but we also have ten thousand dollars AND the book.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 And what pray tell do you plan to do with the sonofabitch goddamn book?
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [dark, serious] \xa0Don't swear, Fay.\xa0 [almost chuckling]\xa0 It's so perfect - no way to trace it, so there's no way to catch me!\xa0 All I gotta do is walk up to someone, open the book at 'em, just like now, and whammo!\xa0
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 You're gonna go around killing people?\xa0 Once they're eaten, it's not like you can take their wallets!
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I thought of that.\xa0 I'm not gonna ROB no\xa0one.\xa0 Just hire myself out.\xa0
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 How could you?\xa0 Mom would never have--
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [bitter, accusing] Yeah, well, I never knew mom, sissy bear.\xa0 Any problems with my upbringing?\xa0 They're all on you!
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 But--
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I knew it.\xa0 You just want me to be a wimp, so you can push me around.\xa0 Just your little bear.\xa0 You never want me to win big, because if I was ever a success, you wouldn't have anyone to gloat over and preach to!\xa0 Well, it's too late - it's my turn, Fay.\xa0 This is my chance to be the man!
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Rusty, you stop this.\xa0 Right now.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 What're you gonna do, put me over your knee?\xa0 I got the book, and while I'd hate to have to use it again right away...
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 You wouldn't!
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [steely] Try me. \xa0[beat, hollow] Just let me go, Fay.
music
\xa0
SCENE 12.\xa0\xa0\xa0 LEAVING THE LIBRARY
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 busy street noises
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 [startlingly close] \xa0You didn't bring it.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [jumps]\xa0 Oh!\xa0 You're\u2011\u2011
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 I'm Jordan.\xa0
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Jordan something or something Jordan?
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 [almost a chuckle] Something.\xa0 Where's the book?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Tell me what it is first.\xa0 I can't just hand it over without knowing more about it.
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 We can't talk here.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh sure we can - a busy street is as anonymous as you can get.\xa0 Spill.
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 [beat] It is... a gateway.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Hah.\xa0 We figured that.
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 [upset] You opened it?\xa0 How many?\xa0 How many has it devoured?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Keep your voice down.\xa0 We may be anonymous, here, but there is a limit.\xa0 Why's it matter who got et?
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 The book is a Demonilatrium Triskadecorum, one of thirteen gates disguised as ancient grimoires.\xa0 They were put into this world to trap those who seek the deepest levels of occult knowledge.\xa0
[note:\xa0 totally made up name.\xa0 Triskedec is a root meaning "13", and demon is self-explanatory]
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 Each book will take thirteen souls and then - pfft!\xa0 Go back from whence it came.\xa0 This one has already eaten 7 that I've been able to verify.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [hopeful] \xa0But then it'll just go away?
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 Taking the last wielder with it.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [weakly, hopeful] Wielder, like the one facing the book?
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 The one holding it.
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 ODD BIRD CALL
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh, shi--
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 Did you hear that?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 What?\xa0 The car horn?
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 ODD BIRD CALL
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 That.\xa0 Damn, they found us.\xa0 We need to find some place less public - now!
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Why?\xa0 Aren't we sort of safe out here on the street?
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 Doubtful.\xa0 They're after the book.\xa0
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 But Rusty has--\xa0 I mean--\xa0 Shit!
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 They're tracking me, not the book.\xa0 We need to get away from them.
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 RAPID FOOTSTEPS
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Not part of your club, eh?
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 There are many factions seeking to control the Triskadecora.\xa0 This way...!
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 STREET NOISES RECEDE
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Being alone with a bunch of freaks sounds like a dumbass plan, Jordan Something.\xa0
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 I can't cloak us if there are any observers.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Like being able to be invisible, but only if there's no one watching you?
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 Shh.\xa0 In here.
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 SLIGHT SCUFFLE, FOOTSTEPS STOP
AMB\xa0\xa0\xa0 IN A TUNNEL OR UNDER A BRIDGE
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 WEIRD LOW BUZZING NOISE
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 [whispered] Now stay quiet.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [whispered] You have to grope me like this?
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 [whispered] The range is limited, we have to stay very close.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [whispered] I'm not bitching, I just wanted to know.
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 Shh!
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 WEIRD BIRD CALL, STRANGE NOISES MOVE SLOWLY PAST.
SILENCE FOR A MOMENT
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [whispered] Are they gone?
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 [whispered] Just another moment.\xa0 [slightly husky] For safety.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [whispered] Oh... [beat, chuckle] \xa0Well, what do you do when you're not hiding from demons and chasing old carnivorous books, Mr. Jordan?
music
\xa0
SCENE 13.\xa0\xa0\xa0 VISITING THE VICTIMS
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 night ambiance.\xa0 nightclub noises in the near distance
FAY \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0I just hope we got here first.\xa0 Last I checked, nobody'd seen him yet - they're kind of used to me calling around looking for him.
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 And you're quite sure--
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh, yeah - first people he'd go after are his bookies.\xa0 Lucky thing they weren't in town this afternoon or they'd be squid bait long since.
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 Squid?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 You know-- [making a squooshing tentacle noise]\xa0 They come out of the book.
JORDAN \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0I've never actually seen one opened.\xa0 We're working to get them all into safekeeping.\xa0 It sounds like your brother is a prime example why.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 He's weak.\xa0 It's all my fault.\xa0 Our mom died when he was born, then dad went a dozen years later.\xa0 After that, it was just me and him.\xa0 I guess I ... I didn't do it right.
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 [matter of fact] \xa0Probably not.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Hey!\xa0 Not helping!
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 [over at the building] knock on door, door squeaks open.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh, crap.\xa0 That ain't good.
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 Stay behind me.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 As if.
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 running footsteps
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Rusty?\xa0 Rusty?\xa0 Rusty?
sound \xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0footsteps slow, then stop
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Aw, jeez, Rusty.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Stay out of it, Fay.\xa0
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 That's a lot of blood, Rusty.\xa0 How... how many were there?\xa0
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Just Mr. Capelli and his bodyguard.\xa0 I'm still waiting for the other guys to get back.\xa0 You gonna help or just mess me up - like always?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Like always?\xa0 Who's the one always comes when you start screaming about guys being after you?\xa0 This whole goddamn thing started because you can't keep your hands off an inside flush. [a bad gamble in poker].
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Fay, you better leave.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Look Rusty... there's this guy and he - he knows about the book.\xa0 I mean he can tell you, he - you gotta listen to him, Rusty - this isn't a joke, l'il bear!\xa0 He really - It's worse than you think!
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Fay, you better leave.\xa0 It's gonna get messy real soon.\xa0 I don't wanna haveta kill you.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Oh, li'l b--.
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 Ah-hah! [attack noise, not so silly]
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 BEGIN STRUGGLE
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Hey, what? [grunting with exertion]
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 FABRIC RIPS, BODY SLAMS INTO SOMETHING HARD.
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 [grunting with exertion] Give me the--
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 FINGERS SKID ACROSS LEATHER.\xa0 BOOK DROPS TO THE FLOOR.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 No!
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 SCRAMBLING, SLAPPING AS THE MEN FIGHT FOR THE BOOK
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 No!\xa0 Get back!
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 PAGES FLIP
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [Screams in anguish]
JORDAN\xa0\xa0\xa0 [screams in agony, but not too clear which man this is]
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 blahlalalalalalalala monster eats Jordan
moment of silence
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I can't believe you did that.\xa0 My own brother.\xa0 What kind of a goddam monster are you?
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [breathing hard, triumphant]\xa0 I'm alive Fay.\xa0 That's what counts.\xa0 I'm the one holding the book.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Rusty, that was the one guy who knew what this stupid freaking thing really is.\xa0 And your dumbass book just ate him!
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 STOP SWEARING!\xa0 You know I hate it when you do that!
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Rusty - I think this has gone waaay beyond my potty mouth.\xa0 Give me the book now, or put your goddamned money where your mouth is and feed me to it.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [snapped back to reality] \xa0What?\xa0 Sissy--?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [under her breath] \xa0Seven... eight nine...
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I don't wanna haveta kill you, Fay.
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [under her breath] \xa0Ten and eleven, oh shit, twelve.\xa0
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Talk to me sissy bear - why can't you see this is good for me?\xa0 You got locks, I finally got something!
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [under her breath] \xa0Oh, hell.\xa0 [loud]\xa0 Bite me you whining little piece of shit.\xa0 I am so sick of your weakling ass dragging around behind me.\xa0
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [shocked] Fay!
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Yeah, if it weren't for you and the gigantic hole in your stupid ass pocket, I woulda been free and clear years ago.\xa0 Do you know how much goddamn sonofabitch money I have pissed down the freaking drain for you?
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [getting angry] Fay, stop it!
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I am so goddamn sick to the teeth of feeling guilty over you, you puling little ass-wipe, worrying over you and having to run around changing your dirty diapers every time you freaking crap yourself!
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [almost crying] If -- if I'm all -- all you say, it's your fault, you made me this way!
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [hissing] I might have made you weak, but I never made you a murderer - there, you're self-made.
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 I'll make you stop!
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 PAGES FLIP
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [Gasps, braced]
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 again.\xa0 monster.\xa0
RUSTY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Hey, what?\xa0 No!\xa0 Noooo!\xa0 I'm the master!\xa0 I'm the master---[trails into agonized screams]
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 Rusty dies in screaming agony.
moment of silence
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 [sobbing] Goodnight, ...l'il bear.\xa0
SOUND\xa0\xa0\xa0 SHE WALKS AWAY
music
\xa0
SCENE 14.\xa0\xa0\xa0 college classroom.\xa0
sound\xa0\xa0\xa0 people shuffle into seats.\xa0 papers move.
TEACHER\xa0\xa0\xa0 [utterly bored] Jackson? \xa0good.\xa0 Fay James?
FAY\xa0\xa0\xa0 Here.
TEACHER\xa0\xa0\xa0 Good.
MUSIC STING
end