BLOODY COVEN
by
Lanny Maude
FADE IN:
EXT. LAKE - NIGHT
A wooded area around a lake. It is night and the sky is clear
enough to see plenty of stars.
All is quiet.
A shooting star streaks through the sky. The meteorite is not
completely burned up, a small fragment continues falling.
It hits the ground next to a trail by the lake. It's not very
heavy, so it doesn't make a big crater.
The fragment glows slightly.
EXT. LAKE - DAY
Four MOUNTAIN BIKERS drive into a parking lot by the lake. They
have just left work. They are MIKE, TOM, GLEN, and LARRY.
They exit their vehicles and talk while they prepare for the
ride.
MIKE
I thought the day was never going to end.
TOM
I know what you mean, Mike. I've got so
many projects going, I can't seem to make
headway on any of them.
MIKE
Hey, Glen. You finish your monthly report
yet?
GLEN
No, I'm only about halfway through. But
there was no way I was going to miss this
ride today.
LARRY
I have a theory. I think that nobody ever
reads these monthly reports. To test it, I
turned in the same report from last month.
TOM
Oh, get real, Larry. What are you going to
do if someone does read it?
LARRY
Then I just say I accidentally printed out
the wrong report and tell them I'll print
out the right one when I get home.
(beat)
Of course, I'll have to write it first.
They all laugh.
They finish preparing for the ride.
Glen hops on his bike.
GLEN
Let's do it!
Mike, Tom, and Larry all jump on their bikes and take off.
SERIES OF SHOTS - THE MOUNTAIN BIKERS RIDING
A) They race down a section of single track, taking blind
corners at dangerous speeds and following each other too
closely.
B) They ride through some technical stuff. They're moving much
slower now. They're also more spread out.
C) They putt along on a wide section of trail. This gives them
the chance to ride next to each other and just take it easy.
D) They ride up a hill, straining with the effort.
EXT. LAKE TRAIL - DAY
The mountain bikers come to a large dip in the trail.
They all ride through without problems except for Glen. He
comes last and crashes before making it up the other side.
At least he's not hurt.
GLEN
Shit.
He notices the meteorite beside the trail. It still glows
slightly.
GLEN
What the hell is that?
He picks up the fragment.
The glowing starts to pulse.
He stares at the fragment. He is hypnotized by the blinking.
The fragment dissolves into his fingers until there is no trace
of it.
He continues to stare at his fingers.
The others are still riding along the trail.
Tom notices that Glen is no longer with them.
TOM
Hold up guys! I don't see Glen.
They stop riding and turn around to see if Glen will catch up.
They wait a moment.
LARRY
I'll go back and find him.
He turns his bike around and takes off.
He gets to where Glen took the spill and sees Glen sitting on
the ground looking at his hand.
LARRY
Hey, Glen.
There is no response from Glen.
Larry dismounts, goes down to him, and shakes his shoulder a
little.
LARRY
Hey Glen! You okay?
Glen snaps out of it. He looks up at Larry.
GLEN
Huh?
LARRY
You okay? You didn't answer when I called.
Glen looks around. He remembers nothing of the incident with
the meteorite.
GLEN
Yeah, I guess so. Maybe I fell a little
harder than I thought.
Larry picks up Glen's bike.
LARRY
Did you hit your head?
Glen absentmindedly feels his head.
GLEN
No, I don't think so.
LARRY
Can you ride back the rest of the way?
Glen gets up, takes a quick personal assessment.
GLEN
Yeah. Nothing hurts, so I guess I'm okay.
He takes his bike from Larry and pushes it up the hill.
Larry follows.
They both mount their bikes and ride off.
Mike and Tom are still waiting for a sign.
Tom sees the others coming.
TOM
There they are.
Mike and Tom get back on their bikes and are riding by the time
Glen and Larry reach them.
They all ride back to the parking lot. They put their bikes in
their respective vehicles.
Mike stretches his legs and back out a bit.
MIKE
Oh, man. I need to ride more often than
this.
Larry offers Mike a soda. Mike takes it.
MIKE
Thanks.
LARRY
I know. I think I'm pretty much in shape...
until I go riding.
Tom and Glen come over. Larry gives them both sodas.
TOM
Thanks.
GLEN
Thanks.
They all drink their sodas and relax after the ride.
MIKE
Well guys, I need to go. The wife is
probably already waiting as it is.
TOM
Me too. I have to go home and listen to
what junior has done today.
They all make their good-byes and leave.
INT. GLEN'S HOUSE, BATHROOM - NIGHT
Glen enters his bathroom. He's looking a bit pale.
He grabs some tissues and blows his nose.
He looks at himself in the mirror.
To him, his reflection is like a stranger looking back.
He rubs his face and opens the medicine cabinet for some flu
medication.
He pulls out a small package and looks at it.
GLEN
I hope this does the trick.
He takes the medicine.
He puts the rest of the medicine away and looks at himself in
the mirror again.
He leaves the bathroom.
IN THE BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Glen enters the bedroom and goes to bed.
INT. MOUNTAIN BIKERS' WORK - DAY
Mike and Tom run into each other in a hallway.
MIKE
Have you seen Glen today?
TOM
No. I was going to ask you the same thing.
MIKE
He looked okay yesterday. I think I'll find
Margaret and see if he called in sick today.
TOM
Let me know what you find out.
INT. GLEN'S HOUSE, BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Glen is still in bed. He is very pale and sweating profusely.
He is convulsing uncontrollably.
INT. MOUNTAIN BIKERS' WORK - DAY
Mike catches up with Tom to update him on the Glen situation.
MIKE
Hey, Tom. I talked to Margaret. She said
that Glen didn't call in today. I tried
calling him at home, but got no answer.
TOM
I wonder what's going on. It's not like
Glen to just skip out.
MIKE
I know. Pretty strange, huh?
TOM
I'll swing by his place on the way home,
make sure there's nothing wrong.
MIKE
I'll give you a call later tonight.
TOM
Alright. Talk to you later.
They part company.
INT. GLEN'S HOUSE, BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Glen is still lying on his bed. He looks really bad.
He is moments away from dying.
He slowly raises his hand so he can look at it. It is the hand
that the meteorite dissolved into.
His hand falls limply back to the bed.
Glen is dead.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
EXT. GLEN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Tom parks in front of Glen's house, gets out of his car, and
goes up to the front door.
He rings the doorbell and waits.
Nothing happens.
He rings the bell again and knocks.
Still nothing.
He tries to look in the front window, but can't see anything
useful. He tries the front door, but it is locked.
He looks around to see if anybody is watching him. He sees no
one so he lifts up the corner of the doormat with his foot to
uncover a key.
He retrieves the key, unlocks the front door, and enters the
house.
INT. GLEN'S HOUSE, ENTRY - CONTINUOUS
Tom cautiously comes in through the front door. He looks
around.
TOM
Hey, Glen. You home?
Tom stands still as he listens for a moment. Hearing nothing,
he closes the front door and ventures deeper into the house.
TOM
Glen?
IN THE HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Tom comes to Glen's bedroom.
TOM
Glen?
IN THE BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Tom peeks in the doorway to the bedroom.
He sees Glen lying on the bed.
TOM
GLEN!
He rushes over to Glen. He feels Glen's neck for a pulse.
There is no pulse, and Glen is cold enough that Tom realizes
Glen is no longer among the living.
Tom closes Glen's eyes, pulls a blanket up over his face, and
leaves the room.
IN THE ENTRY - CONTINUOUS
Tom returns to the entry where there is a telephone. He picks
up the phone and dials 911.
An EMERGENCY OPERATOR answers the phone.
OPERATOR
(filtered)
Emergency Operator. Can you hold, please?
TOM
I...
OPERATOR
(filtered)
Thank you.
Tom is placed on hold.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
INT. STRANGER'S HOME, LIVING ROOM - DAY
It's early morning. Stranger's home is dimly lit and sparsely
furnished.
There's a stack of pizza boxes in one corner. There's a
partially filled bottle of whiskey and a closed notebook
computer sitting on the coffee table.
The sound of running water can be heard from down the hall.
The sound stops.
IN THE BATHROOM - DAY
DIRK STRANGER is standing in front of the steam-fogged mirror.
He has a towel around his waist and he's drying his short hair
with another towel.
When he's done drying his hair, he uses the towel to clear a
section of the mirror then tosses the towel over the shower
curtain rod to dry.
He looks at himself in the mirror while rubbing his clean shaven
face.
His eyes are completely black, even most of the scleras.
IN THE LIVING ROOM - DAY
Stranger enters the room. He's wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and
boots. There's a gun in a holster on the back of his belt.
He sits on the sofa and opens the computer on the coffee table.
He starts his web browser and points it to www.mib.org.
The screen comes up plain, unassuming... just a sign-in screen.
He enters "Dirk Stranger" in the name space. The series of
characters he types for the password shows up as stars.
The system accepts Stranger's password and replies with a much
better looking screen. He selects to send e-mail.
The next choice is between local e-mail and interstellar e mail
(or i-mail). He chooses i-mail.
He enters strange_mom@mib.org in the To: space. He checks a box
labeled "Translate?" then types a brief message to his mother in
the Message space.
Once he's completed the message he selects the Transmit button.
A series of strange characters streams quickly across the screen
as the message is translated. The character stream stops then
the screen displays "Queued for Transmission."
There are two buttons at the bottom of the screen: Continue and
Log Out.
He selects Log Out then turns off the computer before he rises
and shrugs on his coat... a full-length leather duster.
He picks up a small box off of the table and opens it. Inside
is a pair of scleral contact lenses so Stranger can simulate
blue eyes. He closes the box and tucks it into a pocket.
He pulls a pair of sunglasses out of another pocket, dons them,
then opens the door and leaves.
EXT. STRANGER'S HOME - CONTINUOUS
Stranger closes his door. He strolls over to his
transportation... a late-model Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
He hops on and fires the thing to life.
The pop-and-rumble of the exhaust is music to his ears.
He rides off down the street.
INT. UNUSUAL INVESTIGATIONS, RECEPTION - DAY
It is a small, unremarkable room with an entrance and two doors
leading to two offices.
SHIRLEY STONE, the receptionist, is sitting at her desk. She is
reminiscent of a 1940's hard-boiled detective's secretary.
JOHN THOMAS is sitting on the edge of Stone's desk. He is the
junior partner at U.I.. He's a nerdy kind of guy who is
absolutely smitten with Stone.
He's currently trying to get her to go out with him.
THOMAS
Just tell me what kind of food you do like.
We'll go wherever you want.
The phone rings. She holds a finger up to him and answers the
phone.
STONE
Good morning. Unusual Investigations. May
I help you?
Stone listens for a moment.
STONE
Uh huh. Did you see the alien yourself, or
was your sister the only one who saw it?
Stone again listens for a moment.
STONE
Okay. Both of you better come down. We're
open till five today.
Another slight pause.
STONE
You're welcome. See you this afternoon.
She hangs up the phone and turns her attention back to Thomas.
Stranger enters the office. He is the U.I. senior partner.
He used to have long hair, but he is wearing his hair much
shorter than usual today.
Stone and Thomas turn to look at Stranger.
STRANGER
Morning guys.
Stone and Thomas stop suddenly and stare.
STRANGER
What?
STONE
What's with the hair?
STRANGER
I just got tired of dealing with the way it
knots while riding the bike.
(beat)
Anything interesting happening?
STONE
No. Business as usual.
STRANGER
Keep up the good work.
He heads into his office.
The phone rings again and Stone answers it.
STONE
Good morning. Unusual Investigations. May
I help you?
IN STRANGER'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Stranger sits down at his desk.
Behind him is his shelf of trophies and oddities. It's things
he's collected while working on cases.
He starts sorting through the papers and folders on his desk.
Stone knocks on the open door. Stranger looks up from his desk.
STRANGER
Yeah?
STONE
That was the sheriff's department on the
phone. They apparently had a body walk out
of the morgue last night.
STRANGER
Didn't John already take care of our zombie
problem?
STONE
Yeah. It was that guy in the back room at
Bojo's House of Mojo. But they say this one
is different. They want you to check it
out.
STRANGER
Okay. Let me sort through all of this
first.
He indicates the papers on his desk.
STONE
I'll call back and tell them you'll drop by
in a bit.
STRANGER
Okay. Thanks.
She leaves and he goes back to his papers and folders.
INT. CAFETERIA - DAY
Stranger and Thomas are sitting in a booth by a window. They
are conversing between bites.
STRANGER
So I asked, "how could a naked corpse wander
around town without being noticed?"
THOMAS
What did he say to that?
STRANGER
He said people are too self-centered. They
only look out for themselves, and they
specifically ignore things that are too
unusual.
THOMAS
I think I'd notice if a naked corpse was
walking around.
Glen's naked corpse walks past the window of the diner.
Neither Stranger nor Thomas take any notice.
EXT. CITY - CONTINUOUS
Glen passes the cafeteria as he walks down the street. He is
walking as if in a daze, his eyes looking blankly ahead.
He comes to the opening of an alley and stops walking.
He sniffs the air.
He turns to look down the alley. He doesn't turn from the neck,
but from the waist.
He goes into the alley.
The alley is a dead end. There is litter scattered around.
There is a BUM sleeping in the alley.
Glen moves over to the bum and looks down.
INT. CAFETERIA - CONTINUOUS
Stranger and Thomas are just about finished eating their meal.
STRANGER
I'll make a few calls and see if I can come
up with something.
BUM (O.S.)
AAAARRRRGGGGHHHHHH!!!
Stranger and Thomas look at each other and quickly leave to see
what's going on.
EXT. CITY - CONTINUOUS
Glen is in the alley, kneeling by the bum. He has torn the
bum's throat out and is munching away.
Stranger and Thomas react with disgust.
Stranger whips out his gun, a chopped Smith & Wesson model 29
revolver. He takes a stance and aims the gun at Glen.
STRANGER
Stop!
Glen turns and looks up at him. Glen has a vacant look on his
face and he just keeps chewing.
STRANGER
STOP!
Glen turns back to the bum and leans down to take another bite.
Stranger fires.
The shot catches Glen in the head. His skull loses the battle
against the .44 caliber silver bullet.
He falls over the body of the bum.
THOMAS
Jeez. Why does shit like this always have
to happen just after you eat?
Stranger holsters his gun and cautiously advances on Glen and
the bum. He looks down at the pair.
The two are definitely dead. Glen is missing some important
head pieces, and a good chunk of the bum's throat is in Glen's
stomach by now.
Stranger looks up from the carnage. He is definitely not in a
good mood now.
STRANGER
Well, this is probably going to tie up the
rest of my day.
An approaching siren is heard in the distance.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
INT. UNUSUAL INVESTIGATIONS, RECEPTION - DAY
Stone is sitting at her desk looking at Thomas, who is sitting
on the edge of her desk.
THOMAS
This new theater complex just opened over by
where I live. How about you and...
Stranger opens the door and enters the room. Stone and Thomas
halt their conversation and look toward him.
STRANGER
Morning guys.
STONE
(simultaneous)
Hi Dirk.
THOMAS
(simultaneous)
Morning Dirk.
Stranger is carrying a small jar of liquid with some strange
thing suspended in it. This thing looks like a small bulb with
very fine tendrils growing out of one end.
He holds the jar up to show Stone and Thomas.
STRANGER
What do you think?
They take a look at it.
THOMAS
Where did you get that?
STONE
Yeah, and what is it supposed to be?
Stranger sets the jar on Stone's desk.
STRANGER
I swung by the coroner's on my way in this
morning.
He points to the jar.
STRANGER
That is what the coroner pulled out of that
guy's brain that I shot yesterday.
Thomas picks up the jar and looks closely at the bulb. When
he's done, he passes the jar to Stone.
THOMAS
Do you know what it is?
STRANGER
Not yet. The coroner took some samples
already. He let me "borrow" it so I could
check it out.
Stone puts the jar back down on the desk.
STONE
Wow. Pretty bizarre. Did he find anything
else?
Stranger picks up the jar.
STRANGER
No. This is the only anomaly he found.
When I get home tonight, I'm going to spend
some time in my lab.
He takes a close look at the thing in the jar.
STRANGER
I'll figure this one out.
He peers closely at the thing in the jar.
MATCH CUT TO:
INT. STRANGER'S HOME, LAB - NIGHT
Stranger is standing in his at-home lab, taking a close look at
the thing in the jar.
There is a table with various scientific-looking things on it.
Many books and additional pieces of equipment fill the shelves
in the room.
He sets the jar on the table and prepares for some
experimenting.
He removes his coat and hangs it on a coat rack in the corner.
He carefully sets his sunglasses down on the table.
He removes a dissecting tray and some tongs from a drawer and
sets them on the table.
He picks up the jar again and unscrews the lid.
STRANGER
Let's see if we can figure out what you
are...
He removes the thing from the jar with the tongs and puts it in
the dissecting tray.
He turns away from the tray to get some more instruments and
returns to the table with a scalpel, tweezers, and a microscope
slide.
He cuts a small slice out of the bulb and places it on the slide
using the tweezers. He puts the slide into a microscope.
Before he peers into the microscope, he pulls a lab notebook
from a shelf. He opens it to a blank page and starts to examine
the specimen.
He scribbles some notes while looking at the sample.
SERIES OF SHOTS - STRANGER INVESTIGATING THE SPECIMEN
A) He looks through the microscope.
B) He pages through a reference book.
C) He puts the bulb slice in a beaker and pours some chemical on
it to watch the reaction.
D) He writes some notes.
E) He cuts a piece of tendril off.
F) He searches through the shelves for a particular book.
G) He writes some more notes.
H) He looks through the microscope again.
LATER
Stranger is still in his lab sitting in front of the microscope,
analyzing a sample.
He straightens up, arches his back, and stretches.
STRANGER
That's just too long to spend hunched over a
microscope.
He's been sitting there for a long time and he's tired.
He rubs his eyes and the bridge of his nose.
He grabs his coat from the rack and his glasses from the table
and leaves the room, turning off the lights on his way out.
IN THE LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Stranger enters the living room and flips on the light.
He tosses his coat onto a chair, then he removes his belt with
its holster and gun and tosses them on top of his coat.
He puts his glasses on the coffee table and strips down to his
shorts.
He grabs the blanket off of the sofa and drapes it over himself.
He stretches out on the sofa and goes to sleep.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
EXT. WOODED AREA - DAY
It is sunrise.
The bum is staggering along between the trees. He falls to his
knees.
His body is having trouble functioning due to the damage
inflicted on it. It takes him a while before he can get back
up.
He rises and continues staggering away.
INT. UNUSUAL INVESTIGATIONS, RECEPTION - DAY
Stone is sitting at her desk filing her nails. Stranger enters.
STRANGER
Morning, Shirley.
STONE
Hi, Dirk.
STRANGER
Is John here?
STONE
No. He had to spend last night in that
haunted house to try to find the ghost.
STRANGER
Oh, that's right. I forgot about that.
STONE
He went home for a few hours of sleep before
coming in. You get anywhere with that thing
last night?
STRANGER
I got a lot of good information.
He sits in one of the chairs in the reception room.
STRANGER
We'll see if I can make anything of it.
(changes subject)
I need you to open a new case file for me.
I dropped that thing off at the coroner's
office on the way to work this morning
and...
STONE
...and they had another corpse go for a
walk.
She holds the file out for him. He looks at her with mild
confusion.
STONE
The coroner called first thing this morning.
I guess he didn't mention it to you while
you were there.
He rises and takes the file from her.
STRANGER
I thought for a moment there you started
reading minds or something.
She teases with him.
STONE
I doubt I'd let you know if I could read
minds. I don't need you investigating me.
She smiles at him.
He chuckles and goes into his office.
STONE
(quietly)
Besides, there's something different about
your mind that makes it unreadable.
STRANGER (O.S.)
What?
STONE
Nothing. Just mumbling to myself again.
EXT. CITY - DAY
The sun is shining brightly on a residential section of the
city.
There isn't too much activity because many people are already at
work or in school.
EXT. WITCH HOUSE - DAY
There is one house here that is different than the others. It
isn't different physically, but in that it is the meeting place
for the local coven of witches.
There are a few vehicles parked in the driveway and in the front
of the house.
SERIES OF SHOTS - THE WITCH HOUSE
A) The living room, which looks unremarkable.
B) A bedroom, which looks unremarkable.
C) A bathroom, which looks unremarkable.
D) A study, which looks unremarkable.
INT. WITCH HOUSE, KITCHEN - DAY
The kitchen also looks unremarkable. There are no clues as to
what goes on here.
There is a door that leads to the basement.
The door opens and a WITCH named LISA comes out.
She is wearing a long, black dress, her fingernails have black
polish on them, and she is wearing dark lipstick.
She looks very Goth.
LISA
(nervous)
I can't believe I counted wrong.
She retrieves a crystal goblet from a kitchen cupboard and
returns to the basement.
She closes the door behind her.
IN THE BASEMENT - CONTINUOUS
The basement is where the coven meets.
There is a table in the center of the room with 13 chairs around
it. There are 12 crystal goblets on the table and a few bottles
of wine. The bottles have been opened already.
The only illumination is provided by black candles. There are
black candles everywhere.
There is a large tapestry on the wall showing a pentagram in a
circle.
There is a pedestal in the room on which there is a large black
candle that is kept lit at all times.
Also on the pedestal is the priestess's Book of Shadows.
There are twelve WITCHES sitting around the table. The other
witches are named DIANE, SUSAN, BETH, MAGGIE, JANET, TAMARA,
TRACI, JANINE, EMMA, PAULA, and LINDA.
They are all dressed similar to Lisa.
Their priestess is DONNA.
Lisa comes down the stairs, goblet in hand. She puts the goblet
she is carrying with the others on the table then sits in the
one open seat at the table.
DONNA
Please pour now.
The witches pour the wine into the 13 goblets and distribute
them around the table.
They raise their goblets until they are all touching in an
unbroken circle around the table.
DONNA
As we prepare for the celebration of Lammas,
let us be of one mind.
WITCHES
(simultaneous)
One mind.
DONNA
Let us be of one heart.
WITCHES
(simultaneous)
One heart.
They all drink from their goblets then place them on the table.
Donna takes a small leather pouch out of a pocket in her dress.
She opens the pouch and pours the contents on the table.
It is several small bones.
Donna picks up the bones. She closes her eyes as she slowly
rubs the bones between her hands.
She releases the bones onto the table.
After a few seconds, she opens her eyes to look at the bones.
She studies the layout of the bones before making her
pronouncement.
DONNA
The ritual this night will be a turning
point. Something significant is building
and it will reveal itself to us at Lammas.
She collects the bones, puts them back in their pouch, and tucks
the pouch away.
DONNA
This will be the most important night for
our coven.
(beat)
I can feel it in my bones.
They are all very excited about this. They raise their glasses
and drink some more wine.
EXT. WITCH HOUSE - DAY
All of the witches except Donna exit the house.
They are now dressed like anyone you'd see walking down the
street.
They say their good-byes, pile into various vehicles, and drive
off.
Donna looks up and down the street before closing the front
door.
INT. UNUSUAL INVESTIGATIONS, RECEPTION - DAY
Stone is helping Stranger disposition some old case files. He
hands a stack of folders to her.
STRANGER
These can go into long-term storage.
She takes the stack of folders as Thomas walks in the door.
There is a faint outline following Thomas. It's the ghost from
the haunted house.
THOMAS
Hi, guys.
STRANGER
(beat)
Hey, John. How did you do with that ghost?
THOMAS
I think those people are crazy. There are
no ghosts in that house.
He heads for his office. The ghost follows him.
THOMAS
I have to get to work. Talk to you guys
later.
Stranger and Stone look at each other.
STRANGER
Don't worry. I'll tell him later today if
he doesn't notice it himself.
He returns to his office.
Stone looks over toward Thomas' office and shakes her head.
EXT. WITCH HOUSE - DAY
The witches load up the vehicles in preparation for their big
ritual tonight.
Sacks of food, ice chests, ritual paraphernalia are being put
into the vehicles.
They all pile in and hit the road.
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
The convoy of witch vehicles travels down the highway.
EXT. RITUAL SITE - NIGHT
The ritual site is in a secluded area. This way, the witches
are able to hold their rituals without any kind of disturbances
from others.
The witch convoy pulls in and parks.
They unpack the cars, then start to set up for the ritual.
Donna takes a heavy short sword and marks off on the ground a
pentagram enclosed in a circle. She goes back and fills in the
lines with crushed chalk.
While she is doing this, Lisa and Diane stack wood in the center
of the pentagram for a fire, and others place representative
items at the five points of the pentagram:
Susan and Beth place a dish of salt (earth),
Maggie and Janet place a bell (air),
Tamara and Traci place a candle (fire),
Janine and Emma place a chalice of water (water),
and Paula and Linda place a quartz crystal (spirit).
Once everything is set properly, Donna lights the fire then
looks up into the sky.
DONNA
It is nearly time, sisters.
They all gather together.
They remove their clothes to change into their ritual garb:
loincloths. They have varieties of bones, beads, and special
items about their waists and necks.
They also strap on their athames (ritual daggers).
They take turns painting a pentagram on each other's chest.
When the preparation is finished, they form a circle around the
fire and join hands.
They raise their hands and let go of each other's hands as they
back up until they are outside of the circle.
Their hands are still raised.
They look skyward.
DONNA
Great Goddess. We have assembled tonight
for the celebration of Lammas. We ask you
to look upon us and guide our celebration.
In unison, they go down to their knees.
Their hands are still raised.
DONNA
We also ask for a sign. We ask for
direction for our coven to guide us until
the coming of the Harvest Moon.
The bum staggers out of the darkness, startling the witches and
interrupting the ceremony.
Some of the witches rise to their feet.
The bum moves toward the fire like a moth is attracted to a
light. He makes it to the ring of witches and stops.
All of the witches are standing by now and some have moved to
either make room for the bum or to see better what's going on.
The bum just stares straight ahead as he drops to his knees and
then topples over. He lies there motionless.
Diane cautiously approaches to check his pulse.
DIANE
He's dead.
They all gather around to look down at the bum.
DONNA
Shit! This is just what we need.
SUSAN
What? We didn't do anything.
DONNA
No. But do you think anyone is going to
believe us.
They dissolve into disarray.
Cries of "what will we do?" and "oh, no!" and other similar
phrases fly back and forth.
Donna takes control of the chaos.
DONNA
Sisters! Sisters! Calm down and listen to
me.
They quiet down in order to listen to Donna.
She points at Lisa and Diane.
DONNA
You, build up the fire. Make it big.
They go to get wood and build up the fire.
DONNA
The rest of you, pack up the cars.
The other witches pack the vehicles.
Donna oversees the operations.
The fire is eventually transformed into a roaring bonfire.
Lisa and Diane go to Donna for further instructions.
Donna gestures to the bum's body.
DONNA
Okay, put the body on the fire.
They react with mild surprise. They hesitate.
DONNA
Do what I tell you! Do it now!
Some of them move to pick up the bum.
Donna thinks again.
DONNA
Wait. Beth, I need you to wipe out all of
the chalk lines.
BETH
Yes, Priestess.
She rubs out the chalk lines as the others toss the bum's body
onto the fire.
DONNA
Okay, check the area to make sure we haven't
forgotten anything, then everyone into the
cars.
They make a quick check of the area before they pile into the
vehicles.
Donna stands by the fire to make sure that the body is going to
burn.
The others are all in the vehicles, ready to go.
MAGGIE
Shouldn't we at least get dressed?
Donna watches the body burn.
The wind shifts suddenly and Donna breathes in some smoke and
vapors from the fire. She starts coughing.
Janet jumps out and runs to help Donna.
JANET
Are you okay, Priestess?
Donna recovers and turns to face her.
DONNA
Yes, I'm okay. Just got some smoke in my
eyes. Let's go.
They go to the vehicles and climb in.
DONNA
Let's get out of here.
They leave.
EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT
The witches try to get dressed as they drive down the highway.
EXT. WITCH HOUSE - NIGHT
The witches pull up and park. They all get out of the vehicles
for a quick gathering on the front lawn.
DONNA
Now, not a word of this to anyone.
TAMARA
But what are we going to do?
DONNA
I'll work this out.
(beat)
We will meet back here in two days. I'll
tell you what we'll do then. But for now,
everyone go home. And keep what happened
tonight to yourselves.
They mumble okay and head back into the vehicles.
Donna heads for the front door.
She digs out the key and opens the door. She turns and waves as
the Witches drive off.
She enters the house and closes the door behind her.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. WITCH HOUSE - DAY
Nothing seems out of the ordinary.
INT. WITCH HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - DAY
All is quiet. There is no movement in the room.
IN THE BEDROOM - DAY
Donna is still in bed. She is shivering and she looks really
bad.
She was infected by the brain alien when she breathed the vapors
from the bum as he burned in the bonfire.
She doesn't have the strength to get out of bed, or even pick up
the phone.
INT. POOL HALL - DAY
It's lunch time so there are a few patrons in the pool hall, but
it's not very crowded.
Stranger and Thomas are playing pool.
THOMAS
I still don't understand how that ghost
could sneak around behind me like that. I
though I was better than that.
STRANGER
Don't worry about it, John. We all get
caught once in a while.
Stone enters the pool hall. She locates Stranger and Thomas.
Thomas is still not over the ghost incident and he has to let
Stone know it.
THOMAS
I can't believe you let that ghost follow me
around. I though you liked me.
STONE
Oh, I do like you, John...
She gives him a quick peck on the cheek.
STONE
But you have to admit... it was kind of
funny.
THOMAS
(reluctantly)
Yeah, I guess it was.
STRANGER
Want a beer, Shirley.
STONE
No thanks. I just had to come by to drop
off a message because you won't take your
cell phone with you...
Stranger interrupts. They have had this conversation before.
STRANGER
Hey, it doesn't look right to carry a cell
phone while riding a Harley.
STONE
...and you didn't answer my pages.
He takes a quick look at his pager. He unclips it from his
pants for a closer look.
He fiddles with it for a second then clips it back on his pants.
STRANGER
It'll probably work better now that it's on.
(beat)
What's up?
STONE
Alex called from the coroner's office. He'd
like you to give him a call back as soon as
possible.
STRANGER
Thanks. I'll give him a call when we're
done here.
Thomas attempts to get Stone to stick around a little longer.
THOMAS
Want to join us for a game.
He indicates the pool table.
STONE
No, thanks. I have to get back to the
office. Someone has to keep the agency in
business.
She turns and leaves without giving them a chance to respond to
her comment.
They watch her walk to the door.
She turns when she gets to the door and sees them watching her.
She blows them a kiss before leaving.
They are still looking toward the door, even though she is out
of sight.
THOMAS
I want her, Dirk.
STRANGER
Patience, John, patience.
He claps Thomas on the shoulder.
STRANGER
Let's finish this game.
They return to their game of pool.
INT. WITCH HOUSE, BEDROOM - DAY
Donna is lying dead in her bed.
Her eyes open suddenly. Her body is now being controlled by the
brain alien.
Since this body is new to the alien, it will take a little time
to adjust.
She sits up in bed and looks around. All of this is new to her
now.
She looks down at herself. Her pajamas consist of panties and
an oversize tee-shirt.
She feels her body, kind of to see what's where. She feels her
face.
She gets up from the bed and takes a few steps. She is shaky.
She wanders into the bathroom.
IN THE BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS
She sees herself in the mirror.
The first thing she tries to do is touch her image in the
mirror. She finally understands that she is looking at herself.
She checks out her body and face again in front of the mirror.
She looks around at the other things in the bathroom, decides
not worry about them for now, and wanders off to explore the
rest of the house.
IN THE LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
She wanders into the living room.
She investigates things as if seeing them for the first time.
This is the case because only the body is her's. The mind
belongs to the brain alien.
She looks at some miscellaneous items on some shelves, spending
more time looking at some items than others.
Some she totally ignores. Others, she drops to the floor and
goes on after a lengthy viewing.
She gives up on the shelves and walks by the sofa and coffee
table. She picks up and looks at a couple of magazines from the
table.
She loses interest and tosses them aside.
She picks up the TV remote control. While inspecting the
control, she turns the TV on.
She is startled by the sudden visuals.
She goes to the TV and touches the picture tube. She is
completely mesmerized by the TV.
She sits down in front of the TV to watch for a while.
INT. UNUSUAL INVESTIGATIONS, RECEPTION - DAY
Stone is sitting at her desk, reading a magazine.
Stranger and Thomas return from their lunch-time pool game.
STRANGER
Hi Shirley. Anything else happen?
STONE
No, it's been pretty quiet today.
Thomas heads for his office.
THOMAS
Catch you guys later. I'm going to try to
get caught up today.
He leaves Stone and Stranger in the reception room.
STONE
You call Alex yet?
STRANGER
No. I figured it could wait until after
lunch.
STONE
Listen, Dirk. Alex is a good man to have on
our side. He's been very helpful in the
past. You don't want to get him pissed at
us. He's too valuable.
STRANGER
Don't worry. I'll call him right now.
He heads for his office.
STRANGER
And I'll be sure to apologize profusely.
With him gone now, she returns to her magazine.
IN STRANGER'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Stranger hangs up his coat and sits at his desk.
He flips through his Rolodex. He finds the card he wants, picks
up the phone, and dials.
ALEX (O.S.)
(filtered)
Hello.
STRANGER
Hi Alex. It's Dirk.
INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION
ALEX is one of the coroner's assistants. He's wearing a lab
coat with blood smears on it. His office is small and
cluttered.
ALEX
Hi Dirk. How's it going?
STRANGER
Not bad. What's up? I heard you were
looking for me.
ALEX
Yeah, just a sec...
Alex digs through the papers crowding his desk until he finds
what he's looking for.
ALEX
We got some results back from analyzing that
thing we pulled out of that guy's brain.
STRANGER
Anything worthwhile?
ALEX
Not much. There's still more questions than
there are answers.
STRANGER
How about a quick overview?
ALEX
At first we were thinking it was a strange
kind of tumor, but the cellular structure of
it was too different from the victim's for
that to be the case.
STRANGER
Any conclusions?
ALEX
Not yet. At least not in the report.
STRANGER
What do you think, Alex?
ALEX
(beat)
You didn't hear this from me, but I think
it's some kind of alien life form. Oh, I
don't mean alien as in UFOs, but something
we don't understand. I haven't been able to
pull a cell match with any known life forms.
I'm pretty sure it was living. For lack of
a better description, I'd say it was
"killed" by a bone fragment from your shot.
There was a piece of bone lodged in the main
part of that thing.
STRANGER
Anything else useful?
Alex puts the report back onto the mess on his desk.
ALEX
No. We're still trying to run some tests.
We're going to send some samples to the CDC.
They may have some ideas. For all we know,
it could just be a mutated germ.
They both get a little bit of a laugh from that comment.
STRANGER
Let me know if you get anything else, Alex.
I really appreciate what you've given me so
far.
ALEX
No problem, Dirk. You take it easy. Say hi
to Shirley for me.
STRANGER
I will. Talk to you later.
ALEX
Bye.
They hang up.
IN STRANGER'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Stranger pulls out a pad of paper and begins writing down some
notes. Mostly stuff regarding the conversation he just had with
Alex.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
INT. WITCH HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Donna has spent hours in front of the TV.
She eventually figured out what the remote control was for and
how it works.
She has been watching a bit of everything: news, music videos,
movies, cartoons.
She comes across a showing of Night of the Living Dead.
This really intrigues her. She is fascinated by the imagery of
the zombies feasting on people.
She eventually decides to explore further.
She leaves the room with the TV still on.
IN THE KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Donna wanders through the kitchen, opening the cupboards,
drawers, refrigerator, etc.
She inspects many of the items she comes across... none of them
holding her interest for very long.
She reaches the door to the basement, opens it, and ventures
down.
IN THE BASEMENT - CONTINUOUS
The basement is quite dark. The only light is coming from the
door to the kitchen and from the large candle that is always
lit.
Donna is drawn to the candle.
She inspects it carefully, analyzing how it works.
She gets one of the tapers that is close by and lights it from
the large candle.
She gets another taper and lights it too.
LATER
Eventually, Donna lights all of the candles in the basement.
She returns to the pedestal.
She looks at the Book of Shadows on the pedestal. She opens it
and quickly flips through some of the pages.
The pages look like old parchment. They contain text and
diagrams that outline various histories, spells, journal
entries, etc.
She closes the book and goes over to the shelves.
She runs a hand across the spines of the books.
She randomly pulls one of the books off of its shelf. It is a
book on witchcraft during the Salem witch trials era.
She looks through the book with interest.
She goes on to another book. It's a volume on witchcraft and
demonology.
Again, she goes through the book with interest.
She returns the book to its shelf and heads for the stairs.
As she is climbing the stairs, she has a series of flashbacks.
EXT. RITUAL SITE – NIGHT - FLASHBACK
POV THE BUM as he staggers out of the darkness, startling the
witches and interrupting the ceremony.
Some of the witches rise to their feet.
He moves toward the fire like a moth is attracted to a light.
He makes it to the ring of witches and stops.
All of the witches are standing by now and some have moved to
either make room for him or to see better what's going on.
He just stares straight ahead as he drops to his knees and then
topples over. He lies there motionless.
Diane, cautiously approaches to check his pulse.
DIANE
He's dead.
They all gather around to look down at the Bum.
DONNA
Shit! This is just what we need.
SUSAN
What? We didn't do anything.
DONNA
No. But do you think anyone is going to
believe us.
The witches dissolve into disarray.
Cries of "what will we do?" and "oh, no!" and other similar
phrases fly back and forth.
Donna takes control of the chaos.
DONNA
Sisters! Sisters! Calm down and listen to
me.
They quiet down in order to listen to Donna.
She points at Lisa and Diane.
DONNA
You, build up the fire. Make it big.
They go to get wood and build up the fire.
DONNA
The rest of you, pack up the cars.
The other witches pack the vehicles.
Donna oversees the operations.
The fire is eventually transformed into a roaring bonfire.
Lisa and Diane go to Donna for further instructions.
Donna gestures to the bum's body.
DONNA
Okay, put the body on the fire.
They react with mild surprise. They hesitate.
DONNA
Do what I tell you! Do it now!
They move to pick up the bum.
Donna thinks again.
DONNA
Wait. Beth, I need you to wipe out all of
the chalk lines.
BETH
Yes, Priestess.
She rubs out the chalk lines as the others toss the bum's body
onto the fire.
POV THE BRAIN ALIEN. The brain alien has been converted to a
vapor as the bum's body burns, so the perceptions are distorted.
The vapor floats out from the fire and is inhaled by Donna.
EXT. WITCH HOUSE – NIGHT - FLASHBACK
POV DONNA as the witches pull up and park. They all get out of
the vehicles for a quick gathering on the front lawn.
DONNA
Now, not a word of this to anyone.
TAMARA
But what are we going to do?
DONNA
I'll work this out.
(beat)
We will meet back here in two days. I'll
tell you what we'll do then. But for now,
everyone go home. And keep what happened
tonight to yourselves.
INT. WITCH HOUSE, BASEMENT – NIGHT – BACK TO PRESENT
Donna finds herself standing on the stairs.
The words "two days" echoes in her head.
She continues up the stairs.
IN THE BEDROOM - NIGHT
Donna is preparing to go out. She goes through the drawers and
closet in the bedroom to put together a good outfit.
She ends up putting a very sexy outfit together.
She chooses a cleavage-enhancing bra and a tight-fitting top to
go over a short, black miniskirt. She finishes off the outfit
with black fuck-me pumps.
She looks at herself in the mirror with approval.
INT. POOL HALL - NIGHT
The pool hall is populated by the usual late-night crowd. A few
people are drinking, a few are playing pool.
Donna enters the pool hall. Some of the patrons look to the
door with mild curiosity to see who just came in.
The mild curiosity quickly turns to intense interest.
Donna walks slowly toward the pool tables. She looks back and
forth at the patrons as she goes.
GRAHAM, who had been playing pool until Donna walked in, goes up
to her as she nears the table he is at.
He gestures at the pool table he's using.
GRAHAM
Care to join me in a game?
She studies him for a moment. She briefly looks at the pool
table then back at Graham.
DONNA
You start.
She walks to the wall and picks a cue stick from the rack.
He sets up the table.
GRAHAM
Want a beer or something?
DONNA
No... not yet.
He grabs his stick and breaks while she watches.
His break is unremarkable. No balls go in.
He gives her a 'be my guest' gesture.
She circles the table looking for a good shot. She picks a shot
that will put her directly in front of him.
She leans over the rail, preparing for the shot.
He is faced with a perfect view of her ass as her miniskirt
rides up in back.
She is wearing a pair of thong-style panties. She shifts back
and forth a little, giving him a show.
She takes her shot.
LATER
Donna eventually wins the game. This is not because she is a
good player, but because she is having a very distracting effect
on Graham.
GRAHAM
I don't know what happened. I'm usually
better than this.
She slides over to him and places a hand on his chest.
DONNA
Don't worry. I'll give you a chance to show
me how good you are.
INT. WITCH HOUSE, BEDROOM - NIGHT
Donna and Graham are having sex in the bed. He is currently on
top.
They shift around until she is on top.
She gently places her hands on his neck. Keeping up with her
rhythm, she presses her thumbs into Graham's carotid arteries.
She does this gradually and without ceasing her pumping.
She increases the pressure on his neck until he passes out, the
blood no longer reaching his brain.
When she is sure that he's out, she jumps off of him and drags
him into the bathroom.
IN THE BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS
She eventually gets him into the tub.
Just as she's finishing positioning him, he starts to come
around.
She quickly applies pressure to his carotid arteries again to
put him back under.
She rushes out of the bathroom.
IN THE KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
She enters the kitchen and goes straight for the knife drawer.
She opens it and grabs an assortment of knives and rushes out of
the kitchen.
IN THE BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS
She comes back into the bathroom. She was in a hurry because
she didn't want Graham to come to while she was out of the room.
She kneels next to the tub and puts the knives on the floor.
She picks out a sharp one.
She takes one of his wrists and points it into the tub before
running the knife across his wrist.
His blood sprays into the tub. It will be easier to clean up
that way.
He starts to stir. He is weak.
GRAHAM
Where am I...
Donna gently strokes his forehead.
DONNA
Just relax. You slipped and hit your head.
He tries to pull himself into a sitting position.
GRAHAM
I feel so tired.
She places a hand on his chest.
DONNA
Just lay back. You need rest.
He swipes her hand off of his chest.
GRAHAM
No! Let me up.
He tries to pull himself up, but he's too weak. He slumps back
into the tub, unable to hold his head up anymore.
His eyes close.
She grabs his other wrist and slits it too.
There is no response from him, he finally dies of blood loss.
Donna sorts through the knives and selects a great big one. She
starts to cut Graham up into pieces with it.
During this grisly task, she slices off a piece of him and eats
it.
It is delicious to her.
After he is reduced into convenient-sized chunks, she turns on
the water to wash all of the excess blood off of the pieces.
She leaves the bathroom.
IN THE LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
She grabs a stack of newspaper that is sitting next to the sofa.
She leaves.
IN THE BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS
She returns with the newspaper.
She settles down next to the tub and wraps up all of the pieces.
IN THE GARAGE - NIGHT
Donna is putting wrapped pieces of Graham into the large freezer
in the garage.
IN THE BATHROOM - NIGHT
Donna showers the blood off of herself.
As she showers, she cleans the last of the blood off of the tub
surfaces.
Once the blood is all cleaned up, she turns off the water and
climbs out of the shower.
She dries off then wraps a towel around herself.
She picks up all of the knives and leaves.
IN THE KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
She returns all of the knives to their proper places.
She leaves the kitchen through the door to the basement.
IN THE BASEMENT - CONTINUOUS
She goes to the table where there is a book.
It's a book on mind control that she picked out earlier.
She sits down and commences reading.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
INT. WITCH HOUSE, BASEMENT - NIGHT
All of the witches are gathered together again.
They trade nervous chatter and drink wine.
Donna leaves her seat and moves to the podium.
The room becomes silent.
She opens the Book of Shadows before she begins speaking.
DONNA
Sisters. Since our celebration of Lammas, I
have been studying and praying to the
Goddess in order to understand the meaning.
She pauses and turns a page for dramatic flair.
DONNA
Our coven will now move in a different
direction...
(beat)
...one that includes human sacrifice.
They react with gasps and other sounds of surprise.
DONNA
Quiet, sisters.
They quiet back down. The room is silent again.
DONNA
This is to be done with discretion. It is
how our coven will serve society. We will
thin society of criminals, especially those
who prey on women.
They are still uncertain.
Donna continues to explain the situation using her newly gained
knowledge of mind control to convince them that this is the
right thing to do.
DONNA
Also, we must partake of each offering in
order to show thanks for a successful
sacrifice. Does anyone have any problem
with this?
They exchange glances, but nobody has a problem with the
sacrifice.
DONNA
Please bring down tonight's meal.
Some of the witches leave to get the meal as she returns to her
seat.
The witches soon return and place the plates on the table.
They pass the food around and eat.
Emma leans over to the Witch seated next to her.
EMMA
Tastes a bit like chicken, doesn't it?
LATER
The dishes are either empty of close to empty.
Donna continues her explanation.
DONNA
There will be one sacrifice each month.
Eight months out of the year, the sacrifice
will be done on ritual night. The other
four, it will be done on the last night of
the month.
She pauses to take a sip of wine.
DONNA
Since we've just had Lammas, the next
sacrifice will happen on September eve.
(beat)
What I'd like you all to do now is go home
and think about our coven's new direction.
Donna picks out one of the Witches.
DONNA
Janine, you will do the research to select
our sacrificial offering.
JANINE
Yes, Priestess.
The witches all file out of the basement.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
EXT. BRUCE'S HOUSE - DAY
Janine and Diane are standing on the porch of the house of the
coven's first sacrifice. They are dressed conservatively, their
skirts coming to bottom-of-knee level.
Janine is holding a notebook under one arm.
They ring the doorbell.
After a short wait, the door is answered by BRUCE. He looks a
little scroungy, but unremarkable.
He eyes the pair of witches before saying anything. He has a
very suspicious nature.
BRUCE
Yeah?
JANINE
Good afternoon, sir. We're in the
neighborhood today collecting donations for
the Battered Women's Shelter. Would you
care to help us out?
Bruce looks at the two again. He doesn't plan to donate
anything, but he would like a chance to look at them some more.
BRUCE
I may be able to help. Why don't you come
inside. You can tell me more about it.
He steps back from the door to make room for the witches.
They enter his house.
INT. BRUCE'S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The living room is small but uncluttered. It contains all of
the standard living room equipment.
Bruce gestures toward the sofa.
BRUCE
Have a seat.
After the witches sit, he sits in the chair that halfway faces
the sofa.
He's trying to get a good look at their legs.
JANINE
Thanks for speaking with us today. We'd
like to tell you a little about the shelter
and what the donations are used for.
BRUCE
Okay.
Janine rises and walks to stand in front of him. She opens the
notebook and holds it where he can look at it.
The first page is a building that is supposed to be the shelter.
To do this, she bends over in front of him. Although she is
dressed conservatively, from this position she shows a little
cleavage.
Bruce just stares at her breasts.
Janine launches into her bogus sales pitch.
JANINE
This is our shelter. It was founded in 1980
by a group of philanthropic women executives
who saw the need...
As she talks and turns the pages in the notebook, Diane gets up
and moves around until she is standing behind Bruce.
He doesn't realize it because he is still staring at Janine's
boobs.
Diane quietly pulls a drugged rag out of a zip-lock baggie.
JANINE
...the current funding is supplied entirely
from--
Diane puts the rag over Bruce's mouth and nose as Janine drops
the notebook and pins down his arms.
Bruce struggles but is quickly overcome by the drug. He slumps
unconscious.
LATER
It's now night.
Janine and Diane have kept Bruce drugged.
EXT. BRUCE'S HOUSE - NIGHT
A car pulls up into the driveway and goes all the way to the
back of the house.
The back door opens and out comes Janine and Diane carrying
Bruce. They stuff him into the car and climb in after.
The car backs out of the driveway and drives down the street.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
INT. WITCH HOUSE, BASEMENT - NIGHT
The witches have built a sacrificial altar in the basement.
It is vertical and heavily decorated.
There is a recessed space where the offering can be strapped.
There is a lid that closes over the recess. The inside of the
lid is lined with razors.
The altar is designed so that when the razors slice into the
victim, the blood will run out special passages into waiting
collection containers.
Bruce is strapped into the altar's recess. He comes to.
He is naked except for a loincloth.
The witches are all standing around the altar holding hands.
They have their pentagrams painted on their bare chests and they
are wearing their loincloths, decorations, and athames.
It is their standard ritual garb.
Donna is directly in front of Bruce.
He is a bit dazed, but he looks around at the witches he can
see. He realizes that he is restrained, but he is too weak to
do anything about it.
He finally focuses on Donna.
DONNA
Hello, Bruce.
He is pissed.
BRUCE
Who are you?
He looks at his restraints.
BRUCE
What am I doing here?
DONNA
Bruce Canella, you have been found guilty of
crimes against women--
BRUCE
What the fuck are you talking about you
stupid bitch! You can't to this!
She gestures to Emma.
Emma breaks the circle to advance on him. She pulls a piece of
duct tape off of the side of the altar.
He sees what she is doing.
BRUCE
NO! YOU CAN'T DO--
She slaps the tape over his mouth then returns to her place in
the circle.
He continues his protests, but his cries are muffled by the
tape.
DONNA
When you stood trial for your crimes, the
courts were responsible for Man's justice.
Tonight we are meting out Woman's justice.
He continues his pointless, muffled protests.
DONNA
Your sentence is death...
(beat)
...to be carried out immediately.
She breaks the circle, moves to the altar, and grabs the lid.
He tries to scream for all he's worth.
She slams the lid.
His muffled scream doesn't last long. It fades soon after the
many razors in the lid slice into him.
The containers at the bottom of the altar start to fill with his
blood.
The witches just stand there and watch, convinced that they are
doing the right thing.
All of them except one, that is.
Traci looks on in horror. She looks at the other witches, but
none of them are reacting.
Donna goes to a blood container. There is a valve over it.
She closes the valve to stop the flow of blood into that
container before picking it up.
She moves from witch to witch, drawing two vertical lines in
blood on the face of each witch, one line under each eye.
She also puts a drop of blood on the tongue of each witch.
She puts the same two lines on her own face and a drop of blood
on her own tongue.
Traci cannot believe what she is seeing, but she is too scared
to do anything about it.
DONNA
Let us sit.
They all move to the table and take their seats.
DONNA
Tonight's sacrifice has been a great
success. Janine is to be commended on a job
well done.
The witches look at Janine and give her smiles. Some of them
tip their glasses to her.
DONNA
Our next sacrifice will take place on
September 21st during the celebration of the
Harvest Moon.
She looks at Susan.
DONNA
Susan?
SUSAN
Yes, Priestess?
DONNA
You will do the research to select our next
sacrificial offering.
SUSAN
Yes, Priestess.
The witches continue with their celebrating.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
INT. LIQUOR STORE - DAY
Your typical liquor store.
A bored CLERK is standing behind the counter.
STAN is standing in front of the nudie magazine rack. He's
currently flipping through one of the magazines.
Someone bumps into him.
He turns around, ready to complain, and Susan is standing there.
She is the one who bumped into him.
She is dressed very nicely, just a bit provocatively.
SUSAN
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bump into you.
He is flustered for a few seconds, unable to respond. He
finally gets it together.
STAN
It's alright. It was my fault. I shouldn't
have been taking up so much of the aisle.
She points to the magazine in his hand.
SUSAN
Do you like looking at those pictures?
He looks at the magazine. He had forgotten that he was holding
it.
He's a little embarrassed and quickly closes the magazine.
STAN
Yeah, I guess so.
SUSAN
Do you like looking at the real thing?
He looks her up and down. He unconsciously licks his lips.
He answers in a half whisper.
STAN
Yeah.
SUSAN
You know, I model for some of these
magazines. I really enjoy it... thinking of
all you guys looking at me.
He just stands there staring. He's not sure what to do.
SUSAN
In fact, I'm going to be doing a shoot next
week. Would you like to watch me practice
so you can tell me if my poses are exciting
enough?
He is stunned. He just stares, unable to answer.
SUSAN
Well... what do you think?
He finally finds his voice.
STAN
Okay.
SUSAN
Good. I'll wait for you outside.
She quickly turns and leaves.
He watches her go.
After she is gone, he looks at the magazine still in his hand.
He puts it back on the shelf.
He goes to the section where the whiskey is and picks up a
bottle.
When he gets to the register, he sets the bottle down.
CLERK
That all?
Stan's eyes stray to a display of single-use cameras on the
counter. He picks one up and sets it next to the bottle.
STAN
One of these too.
EXT. LIQUOR STORE - CONTINUOUS
Susan is standing in the parking lot.
Stan exits the store with a bag in his hand. He sees Susan
there.
STAN
You're still here.
SUSAN
You sound surprised.
STAN
I am a little, I guess.
SUSAN
You ready to go?
STAN
Yeah.
SUSAN
Which car is yours?
He points to a nondescript car in the lot.
STAN
That old piece of shit.
She heads for the car.
SUSAN
Let's go.
He finally moves. He just can't believe any of this is really
happening.
He goes to his car and gets in.
He reaches over, unlocks the passenger-side door and opens it
from the inside.
She climbs in and closes the door.
He starts the car and heads home.
Shortly after Stan pulls out of the parking lot, another car
follows.
EXT. STAN'S HOUSE - DAY
Stan's piece-of-shit car pulls into the driveway.
He and Susan get out.
She briefly looks back the way they came and sees the car that
followed them from the liquor store.
He looks back at her as he heads for the front door.
STAN
Right this way, little lady.
She turns back to face him.
SUSAN
Why, thank you, kind sir.
She follows him to the front door.
He unlocks it, opens the door, and they enter the house.
INT. STAN'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Another unremarkable bachelor pad, minimally furnished.
Stan closes the door.
Susan hides her disgust.
SUSAN
Nice place.
STAN
Thanks.
(beat)
Want something to drink.
SUSAN
Sure.
STAN
Be right back.
He sets his bag on the end table and heads into the kitchen.
She sets her small purse on the coffee table and looks around a
bit. She doesn't have to hide her disgust with him out of the
room.
He is quick to return with a couple of glasses.
SUSAN
How about some music?
STAN
Sure.
He sets the glasses on the end table and goes to the stereo. He
turns it on and puts a CD on to play.
While he's doing this, she gets the whiskey out of the bag and
pours some in the two glasses.
She hands a glass to him and gestures to the chair next to the
end table.
SUSAN
Have a seat.
He takes the glass.
STAN
Yes, ma'am.
He sits and takes a sip of the whiskey.
She sets her glass on the coffee table next to her purse.
She starts swaying to the music.
SUSAN
Just sit back and enjoy.
She starts her striptease. She moves slowly.
He puts down his glass and grabs the camera out of the bag. He
takes a picture.
SUSAN
D'you like it so far?
STAN
Yeah...
She continues stripping while he continues taking pictures.
She faces away and slowly removes her skirt, bending over in the
process.
Next, she moves to her blouse, squeezing her breasts through the
material. She then removes her blouse and repeats the squeezing
through her bra.
She gives him a couple of nipple peak-a-boos before removing her
bra.
She continues her tease.
She figures the time is finally right and signals him with a
finger.
SUSAN
Come here...
He gets up slowly, the camera dangling, forgotten at his side.
He moves to her as she continues her swaying.
When he is in range, she puts her hands on his shoulders, looks
deep into his eyes,
And knees him in the balls for all she's worth.
Stan lets out scream and crumples to the floor, cupping his
balls in agony.
The camera drops to the floor and bounces unnoticed under the
sofa.
She grabs her purse and quickly extracts a drugged rag which she
uses to knock out Stan.
She puts her clothes back on.
EXT. STAN'S HOUSE - DAY
The front door opens and Susan looks out.
The car that followed from the liquor store starts up, comes to
Stan's house, and pulls into the driveway.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
INT. WITCH HOUSE, BASEMENT - NIGHT
Stan is strapped into the altar. He is gagged and naked except
for a loincloth.
The witches are standing around the altar in their ritual state
of undress, holding hands.
It's almost an identical replay to the first sacrifice.
Stan tries to protest, but his cries are muffled by the duct
tape covering his mouth.
DONNA
When you stood trial for your crimes, the
courts were responsible for Man's justice.
Tonight we are meting out Woman's justice.
Stan continues his pointless, muffled protests.
DONNA
Your sentence is death, to be carried out
immediately.
She breaks the circle, moves to the altar, and slams the lid.
As she slams the lid, Traci closes her eyes tight.
She can't stand to watch. It's bad enough she has to listen to
him die.
His muffled scream fades quickly.
The containers at the bottom of the altar fill with Stan's
blood.
All of the witches except for Traci stand there and watch.
Donna closes the valve, picks up the blood container, and
carriers out the same blood ritual as last time.
Traci manages to hide her disgust.
DONNA
Let us sit.
The witches all move to the table and take their seats.
DONNA
Again, we have been blessed with a
successful sacrifice.
She tips her glass to Susan.
DONNA
Good job, Susan.
The rest of the witches tip their glasses to Susan.
DONNA
Our next sacrifice will take place on
October 31st during the celebration of
Samhain.
She looks at Traci.
DONNA
Traci?
Traci is a little nervous. She's scared for what she knows is
coming next.
TRACI
Yes, Priestess?
DONNA
You will do the research to select our next
sacrificial offering.
Traci hesitates before answering.
TRACI
Yes, Priestess.
DONNA
You don't have any problem with that, do
you?
TRACI
No, Priestess.
DONNA
Good.
She raises her glass.
DONNA
On with the celebration.
The witches continue with their celebrating.
INT. UNUSUAL INVESTIGATIONS, RECEPTION - DAY
Stone is sitting at her desk, filing her nails.
Traci enters the office.
Stone stops filing and looks up.
STONE
May I help you?
Traci is unsettled.
TRACI
Can I speak to Mr. Stranger?
STONE
May I ask what this is regarding?
Traci hesitates. She's not sure she's doing the right thing,
but she can't think of anything else to try.
She looks around before answering, and then she answers quietly,
as if she doesn't want anyone to hear.
TRACI
Human sacrifice.
STONE
One moment please.
She stands and walks to the open door to Stranger's office.
IN STRANGER'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Stranger is sitting at his desk, reading a book.
Stone raps on the door to get his attention.
He looks up from the book.
STONE
New case just walked in.
STRANGER
Let's have it.
He sets the book down as she signals for Traci to come to the
door.
When Traci enters the door, he stands. He motions to a seat.
STRANGER
Come on in. Have a seat.
She moves to and takes the offered seat.
Stone closes the door.
STRANGER
Now, what can I do for you Miss Wells?
TRACI
I'm not sure if I'm doing--
Traci just realizes something.
TRACI
Wait a minute. How do you know my name? I
didn't even tell your receptionist.
He leans back in his chair and replies matter-of-factly.
STRANGER
We investigate a wide variety of things that
other people would call nonsense.
(beat)
Along those lines, I know about your coven,
and I know who all of the members are.
He leans forward again.
STRANGER
I just kind of assumed that someday, our
paths would cross. Now, what can I help you
with?
She is still unsure, but what the hell.
TRACI
I'm not sure if I should be talking to you
about this.
She pulls out a folded newspaper and holds it toward him.
TRACI
It says here you work on cases that nobody
else will.
He takes the paper and looks briefly.
INSERT - THE NEWSPAPER, WHICH READS:
"VAMPIRE MURDERS SOLVED"
BACK TO SCENE
He hands the paper back.
STRANGER
That was a tough one.
He glances over at the shelves in his office. He looks at the
fanged skull with the ragged bullet hole in the top.
He pulls himself back to the present.
STRANGER
Why don't you explain why you're here.
TRACI
Well... I think the problems all began
during our Lammas celebration.
STRANGER
This was July 31st?
TRACI
Yes. We were out at the ritual site, just
starting, when this guy stumbled out and
died right in front of us.
He scribbles down some notes as she speaks.
TRACI
We got scared... figured we'd be blamed for
killing him in a ritual.
She gets a little excited.
TRACI
People don't understand witches! They don't
know what we do!
STRANGER
It's alright. I understand.
(beat)
What happened next?
She hesitates.
TRACI
We put him in the fire.
She winces. She's expecting a strong reaction from him.
STRANGER
You're sure he was dead?
She is surprised. She wasn't expecting him to just take her
story in stride like that.
TRACI
Uh... yeah. We checked first.
STRANGER
I'll need to know where your ritual site is.
I'll need to go check it out.
TRACI
Sure. I'll give you directions.
IN RECEPTION - DAY
The door to Stranger's office opens and Traci comes out,
followed by Stranger.
STRANGER
Shirley, I need you to arrange a safe place
for Traci for a little while. She doesn't
have any family or friends to turn to right
now.
STONE
No problem.
She opens a desk drawer to get some information.
Stranger addresses Traci.
STRANGER
Shirley will take care of you. I'll start
investigating and check back with you in a
few days.
TRACI
Okay.
STRANGER
Stay out of sight, and especially stay away
from the coven. If you need anything, call
here.
TRACI
Thank you, Mr. Stranger.
She offers her hand. He clasps it briefly.
STRANGER
Please, call me Dirk.
TRACI
Okay, Dirk.
STRANGER
Talk to you soon.
He returns to his office.
She turns to Stone who holds out a card and a key.
STONE
You can stay here for now. Call here if you
need anything else.
Traci takes the card and looks at it.
TRACI
Thanks.
She leaves.
Stranger pops his head out of his door.
STRANGER
I'll be leaving to do some investigating on
this one. I should be back tomorrow.
STONE
Okay. I'll keep things running here.
He ducks back in his office to prepare for his trip.
IN STRANGER'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
He straightens things up on his desk, grabbing his notes on the
current case.
He gets his coat and heads for the door.
IN RECEPTION - CONTINUOUS
Stranger exits his office and closes the door.
STRANGER
See you tomorrow.
STONE
Be careful.
STRANGER
I will. Bye.
STONE
Bye.
Stranger opens the door and leaves, closing to door behind
himself.
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
It's still day but not for much longer. The scenery is pretty
desolate.
Stranger is cruising down the highway toward the ritual site.
EXT. RITUAL SITE - NIGHT
Stranger arrives at the ritual site. He parks his bike and
briefly looks around.
He dismounts and opens one of his saddlebags to pull out a
flashlight. He turns on the light and starts looking around.
He soon realizes that he's not going to be able to find much in
the dark so he returns to his bike.
He pulls a blanket out of the saddlebag and settles down to
sleep.
EXT. RITUAL SITE - DAY
Stranger wakes in the morning and strikes out for clues.
He soon comes across the remains of the witches' fire. He kicks
around a bit in the dirt around the fire and uncovers some chalk
marks.
It's pretty obvious that he's found the right place.
He returns to the remains of the fire and studies it carefully.
He uses a stick to prod through the debris until he uncovers the
skull of the bum. He moves the skull out of the ashes with the
stick.
He reaches into his pockets to retrieve a pair of rubber gloves.
After donning the gloves, he picks up the skull to inspect it
and finds nothing unusual.
He looks around until he locates a rock that is suitable to
crack open the skull.
Cracking open the skull, he finds burnt brain material inside.
He scrapes out some of the material with a rock and smears the
scrapings into the palm of his left glove.
He pulls off his left glove, effectively bagging the sample. He
wads the glove in his right hand and pulls his right glove off.
He puts the double-bagged sample into his pocket.
He looks around a little more but finds nothing worth noting.
He eventually returns to his bike and leaves the ritual site.
INT. STRANGER'S HOME, LAB - DAY
Stranger enters the lab. He pulls the sample out of his pocket
and places it on the table.
He removes his coat and glasses before sitting down to study the
sample.
He carefully extracts some of the material to place it on a
slide. He puts the slide in the microscope and looks briefly
into the scope.
He goes to a bookshelf to get his notebook then returns to the
microscope.
He flips to his notes regarding the organism that he got from
the coroner before peering into the scope again. He scans the
sample, checking references in his notes periodically.
Ultimately he determines that the bum was being influenced by
the same type of organism that was controlling Glen.
STRANGER (V.O.)
So her story must be true.
He looks at his notes. He scribbles some additional notes while
he talks to himself.
STRANGER (V.O.)
That bum must have been infected by the bite
of that guy who escaped from the morgue.
A beat.
STRANGER (V.O.)
The witch priestess must have been infected
by breathing the vapors from the burning
organism in the bum's skull.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
INT. UNUSUAL INVESTIGATIONS, RECEPTION - DAY
The front door opens and Stone enters.
She walks to the open door to Stranger's office where she peers
in with surprise.
IN STRANGER'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Stranger is sitting at his desk doing some paperwork. He hears
Stone so he looks up at her.
STONE
You're here early.
STRANGER
Lot of things to do. Lot of things to catch
up on.
STONE
Okay, I'll leave you alone.
STRANGER
No...
He rises and moves toward Stone.
STRANGER
I need you to check up on Traci. Give her a
call to make sure everything is alright.
Her story checks out completely so far.
STONE
Sure, Dirk.
STRANGER
And I need one of those miniature cameras
you keep locked up.
STONE
Okay.
She turns around and he follows her into the reception room.
IN RECEPTION - CONTINUOUS
Stone goes to her desk where she unlocks it to retrieve a
camera. It's extremely small.
She hands it to Stranger.
STRANGER
Thanks.
STONE
Just don't lose it. These things aren't
cheap.
STRANGER
Just remember who pays for these things.
STONE
Okay... lose it. See if I care.
She gives him a smile.
He winks back at her before returning to his office.
She sits at her desk and prepares for the day.
Stranger returns with his coat on.
STRANGER
I shouldn't be long.
STONE
Okay. Be careful.
STRANGER
I will.
He leaves the office.
EXT. WITCH HOUSE - DAY
Stranger pulls up on his bike and parks. He looks up and down
the street before dismounting.
He slowly heads for the front door, all the time taking in the
details of the house.
When he reaches the door, he rings the bell. There's no answer
so he knocks.
He's just getting ready to knock again when Donna opens the
door.
It's obvious that she had been sleeping by the look of her face
and her attire.
DONNA
Yes?
STRANGER
I'm sorry to bother you so early.
He hands a business card to her while he continues.
STRANGER
My name is Dirk Stranger, and I'm
investigating a series of missing pets in
this neighborhood. May I have just a few
minutes of your time?
She hesitates.
DONNA
Okay. A few minutes.
She backs away from the door, making room for him to enter.
After he passes through the door, she closes it.
INT. WITCH HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
They enter the living room. She gestures toward the sofa.
DONNA
Have a seat. I'll be right back.
STRANGER
Thank you.
She leaves the room.
He quickly surveys the room to find a suitable location for the
camera. He locates a good place on a shelf where it won't be
easy to detect and plants the camera.
After estimating the aim and adjusting the camera position, he
takes a seat on the couch.
She enters the room and he stands.
She is wearing a more substantial robe.
He sits after she takes a seat.
STRANGER
Again, I'd like to apologize for the early
intrusion--
DONNA
Don't worry about it. You said something
about missing pets.
STRANGER
Yes. We've had a number of reports of
missing pets in this neighborhood. We're
talking to as many people as possible as
part of the investigation. Have you heard
anyone mention anything about missing pets?
DONNA
No, I haven't heard anything. I don't have
any pets here.
STRANGER
Have you seen any strange things happening
around here?
DONNA
Nothing unusual.
STRANGER
Okay...
He stands.
STRANGER
...You have my card. Please call if you
come across any useful information.
She stands as well.
DONNA
I will.
They leave the living room.
EXT. WITCH HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
The door opens and Stranger exits the house.
Donna stands in the doorway.
He turns to face her.
STRANGER
Thanks again. Let me know if you can be of
any help.
DONNA
I will. Goodbye, Mr. Stranger.
STRANGER
Bye.
He turns and walks to his bike.
She closes the door. One of the curtains beside the door opens
a crack so she can watch him.
He gets on his bike and leaves.
The curtain moves back into position.
INT. STRANGER'S OFFICE - DAY
Stranger enters his office and opens a cabinet where there is a
VCR and a monitor.
He turns the whole mess on and when the monitor warms up,
there's a picture of Donna's living room.
He opens a new video tape, pops it in the VCR, and sets the VCR
for 24-hour record.
He watches for a moment before he closes the cabinet and leaves
his office.
IN RECEPTION - CONTINUOUS
Stone is at her desk.
STRANGER
I'll be gone for a while. I'm gonna check
out Traci's victims.
STONE
Alright. Take care.
He leaves.
EXT. BRUCE'S HOUSE - DAY
Stranger pulls into the driveway and parks.
He heads for the front door where he rings the doorbell.
There's no answer so he knocks. Again, no answer.
He tries the door but it's locked.
He leaves to slowly wander around the house. He looks
carefully, making sure he sees no movement through the windows
as he goes.
He comes to the back door and looks around briefly before trying
it. It's unlocked.
The witches missed this little detail when they left.
He opens the door and enters the house.
INT. BRUCE'S HOUSE, KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
He quietly closes the door behind himself.
He looks around the kitchen. It's an unremarkable bachelor
kitchen.
He continues into the house.
IN THE LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
He looks around carefully, including getting down on hands and
knees to look under the furniture. He finds nothing unusual.
He continues his search.
IN THE BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
It's a bit messy, but there's still no evidence of foul play.
He opens the closet to check there as well.
IN THE BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS
He checks behind the shower curtain and in the medicine cabinet.
Still nothing.
He leaves.
EXT. BRUCE'S HOUSE - DAY
He leaves through the back door.
He goes to his bike, mounts up, and drives off.
EXT. STAN'S HOUSE - DAY
Stranger pulls into the driveway and parks.
He heads for the front door where he rings the doorbell.
There's no answer so he knocks. Again, no answer.
He tries the door but it's locked.
He looks around a little bit, looking in through the front
window as well.
As he walks in front of the door to see the other side, he
accidentally kicks the door-mat, revealing a key.
STRANGER
That was too easy.
He retrieves the key and unlocks the front door. He opens it
cautiously.
Seeing nothing unusual, he heads inside.
INT. STAN'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
He enters the living room and closes the door. He looks around
without moving at first.
He walks around the room, looking for anything unusual.
When he gets down on hands and knees and looks under the sofa,
he sees a small box. He pulls it out.
It's the disposable camera that Stan bought at the liquor store.
He stands then pockets the camera before he wanders out of the
living room.
IN THE BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
He enters and looks around the room, in the closet, and under
the bed.
There's a stack of nudie magazines under the bed.
He stands.
IN THE BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS
He comes into the bathroom for another quick search.
He finds nothing noteworthy so he leaves.
IN THE KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
He enters for another brief search but finds nothing unusual
before leaving.
EXT. STAN'S HOUSE - DAY
He exits Stan's house and closes the door. He replaces the key
underneath the door-mat.
He pulls the camera out of his pocket to look at it in the
daylight.
STRANGER
I guess you're it.
He drops the camera back into his pocket and heads for his bike
where he mounts up and rides off.
INT. FOTO FAST - DAY
It's your typical small photo developing place.
A FOTO CLERK is behind the counter.
Stranger enters.
FOTO CLERK
Can I help you?
STRANGER
Yeah, I need to get this developed.
FOTO CLERK
Okay, just fill this out.
The clerk pushes a form and pen across the counter.
Stranger quickly fills out the form and hands the form and
camera to the clerk.
FOTO CLERK
It'll be ready in an hour.
STRANGER
Thanks.
He leaves. He's got better things to do than stand around
waiting for the pictures.
INT. UNUSUAL INVESTIGATIONS, RECEPTION - DAY
Stone is sitting at her desk looking at Thomas who is sitting on
the edge of Stone's desk.
THOMAS
...and they've just finished fixing up that
park by my place. How'd you like to go for
a walk in the park? I could bring a
picnic--
The door opens and Stranger enters.
STRANGER
Hi guys.
STONE
(simultaneous)
Hi Dirk. How's it going?
THOMAS
(simultaneous)
Hey Dirk.
STRANGER
Anything new?
STONE
You need to know I haven't been able to
reach Traci.
He thinks for a moment before turning to Thomas.
STRANGER
John, go to the safe house and check on
Traci.
THOMAS
Sure.
He gets off the desk.
THOMAS
I'll let you now what I find.
STRANGER
Thanks.
Thomas leaves to find Traci.
STRANGER
I'm going to check to see if there's
anything on the video.
STONE
Okay.
He heads for his office.
EXT. SAFE HOUSE - DAY
Thomas pulls into the driveway.
Before getting out of the car, he looks up and down the street.
Nothing unusual.
He gets out of the car and slowly walks up to the front door,
looking carefully at the house the whole way.
He rings the door bell. No answer.
He knocks. No answer.
He digs the key out of his pocket and unlocks the door.
He opens the door a little bit.
THOMAS
Anyone home?
He decides he's given enough warning. He enters the house.
INT. SAFE HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
A typical living room. It's neat and tidy. A little bit
sterile because it's not lived in.
Thomas enters and closes the door. He looks around.
THOMAS
Hello...
He proceeds to check the house. He leaves the living room.
IN THE KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
He enters and finds the same sterile neatness that was in the
living room.
He continues his search.
IN BEDROOM #1 - CONTINUOUS
He enters where he finds everything untouched. A quick peek in
the closet reveals nothing.
He leaves.
IN BEDROOM #2 - CONTINUOUS
This is the room where Traci was sleeping. This is the only
room that shows signs of life.
The bed is made, but slightly rumpled. There are a few clothes
tossed on the foot of the bed.
But still no Traci.
He leaves.
EXT. SAFE HOUSE - DAY
The door opens and he exits the house.
He closes the door, checking to make sure it's locked before
returning to his car.
He pulls out his cell phone and dials a number.
INT. UNUSUAL INVESTIGATIONS, RECEPTION - CONTINUOUS
The phone rings.
Stone answers it.
STONE
Unusual Investigations, may I help you?
INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION
THOMAS
Hi Shirley
STONE
Hi John. You find anything?
THOMAS
No. The place is clean. Nothing. I'm
going to check Traci's place.
STONE
Okay. Be careful.
THOMAS
I will. Bye
STONE
Bye.
She hangs up.
EXT. SAFE HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Thomas turns off his cell phone and puts it away.
He backs out of the driveway and leaves for Traci's place.
EXT. TRACI'S APARTMENT - DAY
Thomas pulls up in front of the apartment complex.
He follows a similar ritual as when he came to the safe house,
checking up and down the street.
He gets out of his car and proceeds to Traci's apartment. There
is no doorbell, so he knocks.
He waits a short time before knocking again. Still no answer.
He tries the doorknob, but it's locked.
He looks around. It's mid-day. There's no activity at the
complex.
He pulls out a set of lockpicks and soon has the door open.
He quickly moves inside and closes the door.
INT. TRACI'S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS
He surveys the living room. It's a total shambles.
He pulls his gun out before continuing his search.
IN THE KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
He looks into the kitchen. Things have been pulled out of the
cupboards.
IN THE BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS
Continuing his search, he cautiously peers into the bathroom.
Same mess.
IN THE HALL - CONTINUOUS
He looks to the bedroom. The door is closed almost all of the
way.
He stands out of the way and slowly pushes the door open.
He takes a quick peek through the crack on the hinge side of the
door to make sure there's nobody hiding behind the door.
It looks safe so he enters the bedroom.
IN THE BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
It's a disaster.
The bed is torn apart. There're clothes everywhere.
Still no sign of Traci.
Confident that he's alone in the apartment, he tucks his gun
away. He surveys the damage, rubbing the back of his neck.
It's a stressful situation, an armed search of an unknown place.
He starts looking through the mess for any clues.
EXT. TRACI'S APARTMENT - DAY
The door opens and he comes out.
He quietly pulls the door shut, checking the lock, before he
leaves.
He gets to his car and looks around.
Parked across the street where he doesn't notice is Paula.
She takes a picture of him with a Polaroid camera then ducks
back down in her car so she won't be spotted.
He gets into his car and drives off.
Paula sits back up, starts her car, and leaves.
EXT. WITCH HOUSE - DAY
Paula's car is in the driveway.
INT. WITCH HOUSE, KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Paula and Donna are sitting at the kitchen table.
Donna is looking at the Polaroid picture in her hands.
PAULA
...and I watched until he went into her
apartment just to be sure.
DONNA
(almost to herself)
So this is who was helping that little
bitch.
INSERT - THE PICTURE, WHICH SHOWS:
Thomas about to get into his car.
DISSOLVE TO:
INSERT - A PICTURE, WHICH SHOWS:
Susan in Stan's house, starting her striptease.
INT. FOTO FAST - DAY
Stranger stands there thumbing through the pictures from the
camera he found at Stan's house.
The clerk looks on disinterested.
These are the cheesecake photos Stan was able to take before
Susan took him down.
Stranger tucks the pictures back into the envelope.
STRANGER
Thanks.
FOTO CLERK
You're welcome.
Stranger leaves.
INT. WITCH HOUSE, BASEMENT - DAY
Traci is tied up and gagged in a chair. Her head is hanging,
defeated.
The door at the top of the stairs opens and closes.
Traci looks up as Donna and Paula come down the stairs. She is
scared.
Donna and Paula stand in front of Traci.
DONNA
You won't be alone when we try you for your
crimes against the coven. We know who's
been helping you.
She holds the picture so Traci can see it.
Traci is confused. She doesn't recognize Thomas. She's never
met him.
She looks up at Donna, not sure what's happening.
DONNA
Once we get him, we'll deal with both of
you.
Donna and Paula turn and leave.
Traci returns to her head-down, defeated position.
INT. UNUSUAL INVESTIGATIONS, RECEPTION - DAY
Stone and Thomas are in their usual positions, Thomas continuing
to try to entice Stone into a date.
THOMAS
...and they'll be playing at the
amphitheater this week. I was wondering if
you'd--
The door opens and Stranger enters.
STRANGER
(excited)
I've got a definite connection between the
witches and one of the victims Traci told us
about.
He hands the envelope with the pictures of Susan to Thomas.
Thomas pulls out the pictures and flips through them, handing
them to Stone as he's done looking.
THOMAS
Interesting... but I don't see the
relevance.
Stranger looks at Thomas who looks back.
Stranger looks at Stone who also looks back with a "what?"
expression on her face.
THOMAS
Looks like amateur pornography to me.
Strangers excitement turns to agitation. He gestures with the
pictures.
STRANGER
No, you don't understand. I had these
developed from a camera I found at one of
the victims' houses.
(pointing at Susan)
That's Susan Dunsany. She's one of the
witches.
STONE
You ready to give it to the cops yet.
STRANGER
No, I want to talk to Traci first.
THOMAS
That's going to be tough. I couldn't find
her.
STRANGER
What?
THOMAS
I checked out the safe house, but it was
empty. I went to her apartment and found
the place trashed, but no sign of her.
STRANGER
Okay, first order of business will be find
Traci. I've got a couple thing to do here
real quick.
(to Thomas)
I'll meet you at Traci's.
THOMAS
Okay.
Stranger goes for his office.
IN STRANGER'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
Stranger opens the cabinet with the VCR. He rewinds the tape
and plays it.
All that's on the tape are brief segments where Donna walks
through the living room.
STRANGER
(aggravated)
Forget motion activated.
He plays with the VCR controls.
STRANGER
At least I'll get audio now.
EXT. TRACI'S APARTMENT - DAY
Stranger pulls up on his bike and parks next to Thomas' car. He
dismounts, looks around, and heads for Traci's apartment.
When he gets there, he turns the knob and goes right in.
INT. TRACI'S APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS
He closes the door.
STRANGER
John?
THOMAS (O.S.)
In the bedroom.
Stranger heads toward the voice.
IN THE BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Stranger enters. Thomas is there holding a picture in a frame.
THOMAS
(holds picture out)
Take a look at this.
Stranger takes the picture from him.
INSERT - THE PICTURE, WHICH SHOWS:
A portrait taken in Donna's basement of the whole coven.
This was taken before Donna's conversion. She and all of the
other witches look happy.
Donna is standing in the center. There are three witches on
either side of her, and there are six witches kneeling in front
of her.
BACK TO SCENE
STRANGER
This must be their regular meeting place.
THOMAS
Any idea where it is?
STRANGER
I've never seen it before, but I would guess
it's somewhere in...
(points to Donna)
...her house.
(looks up from picture)
I have to back to the office for a bit. Why
don't you go back to the safe house for
another check. We've got to find
Traci.
THOMAS
Okay.
They leave the room.
EXT. TRACI'S APARTMENT - DAY
The door to Traci's apartment opens and Stranger and Thomas come
out. They close the door, making sure it's locked before
walking to their vehicles.
They stop at Thomas' car.
In a car across the street, Janet and Emma compare Stranger and
Thomas with the Polaroid that Paula had taken of Thomas.
STRANGER
Give me a call if you find anything. I want
to move this as fast as we can.
THOMAS
You got it.
He gets in his car and drives off.
While Stranger is preparing to ride away, he doesn't notice the
car across the street following after Thomas' car.
Stranger rides away.
EXT. STREET - DAY
Thomas drives to the safe house, unaware that he is being
followed by a pair of witches in a car behind him.
EXT. SAFE HOUSE - DAY
Thomas pulls into the driveway. He gets out of his car and goes
straight for the door.
He's not being his usual cautious self. If he were, he may have
noticed the witches as they drive by the house and stop next
door.
He enters the house, closing the door behind him.
INT. SAFE HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
There's no difference from the last time he was here. It still
has the same sterile neat look to it.
He gets on his hands and knees to look under the furniture.
Nothing.
He continues on to the kitchen.
IN THE KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Again, no change.
He opens all of the cupboards as well as the refrigerator,
stove, and microwave. Nothing.
He stands there a moment, just looking.
IN BEDROOM #2 - CONTINUOUS
He enters and surveys the same scene he saw earlier.
He goes through the drawers, pulling everything out. There's
not much.
He repeats this in the closet, finding nothing unusual.
He strips the bedclothes from the bed. He looks under the bed.
There just is nothing useful to be found here.
He stands and looks at the now-wrecked room. "What am I
missing?"
EXT. SAFE HOUSE - DAY
He exits defeated. He goes to his car and plops into the
driver's seat.
As soon as he pulls the door shut, Janet, who has been hiding
behind the seat, pops up and slaps a drugged rag over his face.
The struggle is brief with Thomas quickly succumbing to the
chemical.
Janet hops out of the car, opens the driver's door, and shoves
him across the seat to the passenger side.
She jumps in, starts the car, and drives away.
Emma, who was parked one house over, follows in her car.
INT. WITCH HOUSE, BASEMENT - NIGHT
Thomas is still unconscious.
He is naked except for his ceremonial loincloth, and he's
strapped into the altar. His mouth is covered with duct tape.
His hands have been strapped in frames that keep his fingers out
straight.
The witches are all putting the finishing touches on their
outfits.
Traci has been put in her outfit and tied back into a chair.
She is still gagged.
DONNA
Bring Traci to the center position. I want
to make sure she gets a good look at this.
Maggie and Tamara scoot Traci in her chair to the designated
spot in front of the altar.
Traci lets out a muffled moan of despair.
DONNA
Okay. Places everyone.
The witches all scurry to their places and join hands.
Since Traci's hands are tied, the witches on either side of her
put their hands on her shoulders.
Donna moves to stand in front of Thomas. She has a glass of
water in one hand and his wallet in her other hand.
She throws the contents of the glass in his face.
He starts to come around as Donna sets the glass aside then
moves to stand in front of him again.
He looks at Donna, taking a little time to focus.
He looks down a bit lower and his eyes grow wide as he discovers
that Donna is topless.
He looks back up at her then around the room. He can't believe
he's surrounded by topless women.
He finally focuses on Traci. There is recognition in his eyes.
DONNA
Are you with us now?
He looks back at her, confused. He looks down at himself and
finally notices that he's restrained.
He struggles a little, but he's still weak from the effects of
the drug.
He tries to complain but can't because of the duct tape. He
tries to work off the tape.
Satisfied that Thomas is aware of what is happening, Donna steps
away from the altar to join the other witches. She just looks
at him for a few seconds.
She refers to his driver's license in his wallet before
starting.
DONNA
John Thomas, you are not here because of
your crimes against women, but because of
your crimes against the coven.
She drops the wallet to the floor and joins hands with the other
witches.
He redoubles his efforts to escape but to no avail.
DONNA
You are now standing trial to face the
justice of the coven. You have been found
guilty of aiding and abetting a traitor.
Your sentence is death, to be carried out
momentarily.
She breaks the circle and grabs a box of t-handle straight pins
which she passes out to all of the other witches.
DONNA
You will receive a special punishment before
sentence is carried out.
(beat)
Ladies...
One at a time, ten of the witches go forward to Thomas and drive
their pin under one of his fingernails.
His reactions are extreme, but he is unable to free himself or
stop the torture.
The pain is exquisite.
By the time the witches are finished, he is almost unconscious
from the pain.
The eleventh witch advances and pins a sign on his bare chest
which states "GUILTY."
He hardly reacts.
The witches re-group into a circle except for Donna who moves to
the altar and grabs the lid.
Thomas see what is about to happen, but he hasn't the strength
to do anything about it.
Donna slams the lid. He lets out a brief scream but is soon
silent.
His blood trickles into the catch basins.
Donna turns to face the other witches.
DONNA
We have another matter of business to attend
to tonight.
(looks at Traci)
We have a traitor. Traci Wells, you have
betrayed out coven.
Traci tries to struggle and complain in much the same way that
Thomas did. She's also about as successful as Thomas was.
Donna moves to stand directly in front of her.
DONNA
You involved outsiders in our personal
business.
She signals to the witches next to Traci.
They pull Traci to her feet.
DONNA
You are no longer a member of this coven.
She strips the ceremonial necklace from around Traci's neck.
DONNA
You forfeit all of our ceremonial trappings.
She removes Traci's athame.
DONNA
And as a traitor, you forfeit something
else...
With incredible speed, she pulls Traci's athame out of its
scabbard and stabs her low in the abdomen.
Traci gasps. She is stunned. She looks into Donna's face with
disbelief.
Donna jerks the athame upward, slicing Traci open.
Traci drops to her knees with a stunned look of horror on her
face.
Donna hangs on to the athame so it is pulled out as Traci drops.
Traci looks down at her terminal wound. She looks back up at
Donna one last time before slumping over.
Donna drops the athame and addresses the rest of the coven.
DONNA
We'll start looking for a 13th member
immediately.
INT. UNUSUAL INVESTIGATIONS, RECEPTION - DAY
Stone is at her desk.
The door opens and Stranger enters.
STONE
Morning, Dirk.
STRANGER
Hi, Shirl. You hear from John yet?
STONE
No. I was hoping you did.
He heads for his office.
STRANGER
Let me know if he calls. I want his report
before we go any farther. I'm gonna catch
up on some other stuff.
STONE
Okay.
He enters his office.
IN STRANGER'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
He enters and hangs up his coat.
He goes to his desk where he sits and starts shuffling through
papers.
LATER
Everything is shifted around on his desk.
He pushes away from the desk to stretch.
He takes his glasses of and rubs his face before replacing the
glasses.
He gets up, grabs his coat, and leaves his office.
IN RECEPTION - CONTINUOUS
Stranger comes in shrugging his coat on.
Stone looks up at him.
STRANGER
I'm going to walk down to the pub for lunch.
Wanna come?
STONE
(thoughtfully)
I'd like to, but someone should be here in
case John calls.
STRANGER
Okay. I shouldn't be long.
STONE
Later.
He leaves.
EXT. STREET - DAY
Stranger walks down the street toward the pub.
He looks across the street to see THREE TOUGHS harassing an OLD
WOMAN.
The toughs, society's dregs, are circling the woman, saying
things that Stranger can't hear.
The woman is clutching some kind of hairball to her chest. She
is terrified.
Stranger makes up his mind without thinking. He crosses the
street.
As he gets closer he can hear the taunting.
TOUGH #1
(reaching for the hairball)
So, do you need a hamster license for that,
or what?
The hairball barks, revealing its canine origin, and the tough
quickly pulls his hand back.
TOUGH #2
Do you feed it hamster chow?
TOUGH #3
Where did you find a collar that small?
TOUGH #1
I didn't know you could train rodents.
Stranger is finally in range.
STRANGER
Leave her alone.
The toughs and the woman all look at him.
The toughs can't believe it. Nobody messes with them. They
line up facing Stranger with Tough #1 in the middle.
Stranger stops in front of them.
The woman is still too scared to even run away.
TOUGH #1
What the fuck d'you think you're doing?
Stranger slaps him across the face.
STRANGER
Don't you swear in front of this lady.
The toughs stare with absolute disbelief. This can't be
happening.
Tough #1 pulls out a small handgun.
TOUGH #1
You just signed your fucking death warrant,
shit-head!
He holds the gun on its side in the gangster-fashionable mode
and points it at Stranger's chest.
Stranger calmly pulls out his .44 Magnum and points it at Tough
#1's face.
Tough #1 stares into the big black eye of Stranger's gun.
STRANGER
What did I tell you about swearing?
Absolute silence, a bunch of statues standing on the curb.
The woman's dog breaks the silence with a "yip."
Tough #1 slowly lowers his gun.
Tough #2, who is standing on Tough #1's right, starts to move
away, trying to will himself to be invisible.
Without looking, Stranger pulls out a back-up gun and points it
at Tough #2.
Tough #2 changes his mind about leaving.
STRANGER
One of you slimes better apologize to this
lady.
The toughs trade glances back and forth.
Tough #1 looks at Tough #2.
TOUGH #1
(grits teeth)
Do it.
Tough #2 looks from Tough #1 to the gun pointed at him. He
shakes his head.
TOUGH #2
Uh, uh. I ain't moving.
Tough #1 looks over to Tough #3. He gestures with his head.
Tough #3 swallows hard. He hesitates a moment before turning
around to face the woman.
TOUGH #3
(almost inaudible)
...we're sorry...
STRANGER
I don't think she heard you.
TOUGH #3
(with shaking voice)
We're sorry, ma'am.
STRANGER
Good job. Now face me.
Tough #3 turns around.
STRANGER
(to Tough #1)
Very carefully set your gun down on the
sidewalk.
A slight hesitation, then Tough #1 bends his knees. He goes
down until he sets the gun on the sidewalk, never taking his
eyes off of Stranger.
After releasing the gun he slowly stands.
STRANGER
If I ever see any of you doing anything like
this again, I will kill you. Do you
understand me?
TOUGHS
(in unison)
Yes, sir.
STRANGER
Now go do a good deed for someone to make up
for your reprehensible behavior.
TOUGHS
(in unison)
Yes, sir.
They all continue standing there.
STRANGER
Go!
The toughs looks at each other then slowly move away from him.
Once they get a few yards away, they break into a run.
He holsters his guns then retrieves the gun from the sidewalk
and tucks it into a pocket.
He advances on the woman who is still protectively clutching her
dog.
STRANGER
Are you okay?
WOMAN
Just shaken up.
STRANGER
Okay. Happy to have been able to help.
He continues on his way.
WOMAN
Thank you.
STRANGER
(turns around)
You're welcome.
He takes a few more steps then stops and turns to face to woman.
She is still looking at him.
STRANGER
You know... it does look a lot like a
hamster.
He quickly turns and leaves.
The woman stands there with a how-dare-you look on her face
before leaving in the other direction.
Stranger smiles to himself as he walks away.
He gets a little father down the street when he sees something
out of the corner of his eye. He looks at a bus stop bench
across the street.
On the bench is a ghostly image of Thomas.
He is sitting there, wearing his ceremonial loincloth, staring
straight ahead. His hands and chest are bloody.
Stranger stops.
Thomas slowly turns his head to looks at Stranger. The two
stare at each other.
Thomas puts out his arms as if asking for help.
Nobody else notices him as he starts to bleed. He bleeds from
every place a razor cut into his body during the witch ceremony.
A large vehicle goes by in the street and when Stranger can see
the bench again, Thomas is gone.
He hurries back to the office.
INT. UNUSUAL INVESTIGATIONS, RECEPTION - DAY
The door opens and Stranger enters.
Stone looks up, surprised to see him so early.
He is slightly winded from the rush trip back.
STONE
What's up, Dirk--
STRANGER
You'll never guess what I just saw.
She stares past him, not hearing.
He looks at her and notices that she's staring past him.
He turns around.
In the doorway is a ghostly image of Traci wearing her
ceremonial finery.
STRANGER
(looks at Stone)
You see that?
STONE
Yeah.
He looks back at Traci.
Traci puts out her arms, just like Thomas did, as if asking for
help.
She then starts to bleed from a point just above the top of her
loincloth.
She stands like that for a moment then a slice suddenly appears,
all the way up to the bottom of her ribcage.
She bleeds profusely for a moment before fading away.
Stranger and Stone look at each other.
STRANGER
We got problems. We got real problems.
STONE
What now?
STRANGER
I'm not sure...
(heads for door)
...but somehow I gotta finish this.
STONE
Wait!
He leaves, slamming the door.
STONE
(quietly)
...be careful...
EXT. WITCH HOUSE - DAY
Stranger pulls up, ready for a fight.
He dismounts and goes to the front door where he rings the bell.
There is no answer so he rings again. Still no answer, so he
tries knocking.
There must be nobody home.
He tries the door, but it's locked.
He glances up and down the street before wandering around to the
back of the house. He checks the back door only to find it
locked as well.
He looks at the windows and finds one that is partially open.
He teases the screen out of the frame, opens the window, and
climbs into the house.
INT. WITCH HOUSE, KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
He reaches out through the window to get the screen. He
replaces it in the frame and closes the window.
He looks around the kitchen, noting the door to the basement.
He checks the knob. Locked.
He cautiously proceeds into the rest of the house.
IN THE LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
It's the same as when he was here before. Nothing unusual.
He continues his search.
IN THE BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Donna's bedroom is fairly neat. Nothing there to raise
suspicion.
He heads for the bathroom.
IN THE BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS
Quick glance. Might as well take a peek in the medicine
cabinet.
IN BEDROOM #2 - CONTINUOUS
Must be a guest bedroom. It's neat, but unlived-in. Closet is
empty. Drawers are empty.
IN THE LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Stranger tries to decide what to do next. There's just nothing
here.
He goes back to the kitchen.
IN THE KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Stranger heads for the window through which he came into the
house.
He again notices the locked door to the basement. He had
forgotten about that.
He digs into a pocket and pulls out a lock-pick set as he walks
to the door. He kneels, opening the pick set.
He looks at the lock, then at the set. He selects an
appropriate tension wrench and slides it into the lock.
He sorts through the picks, choosing one to try. He pulls it
out and puts the set back into his pocket.
He fiddles with the lock for a while, but gets nowhere.
He pulls the pick set out of his pocket and swaps picks. He
returns the set to his pocket and tries again.
It takes a little working, but he finally manages to get the
door unlocked. He puts away all of his tools and stands.
He opens the door slowly. It makes no noise, indicating that it
is well used.
It is pitch black on the other side of the door, as if all light
was scared to enter.
He feels around on the wall inside the door until he finds the
light switch. He toggles the switch.
The light is bright and sudden after such total darkness.
Stranger barely has time to comprehend that Donna is standing
directly in front of him with an up-raised baseball bat.
DONNA
Good night...
She brings the bat down on his head.
CUT TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
INT. WITCH HOUSE, BASEMENT - NIGHT
Stranger comes to amidst face slaps. He finally realizes that
Donna is in front of him, slapping him awake.
She stops when she sees that he's now with her.
DONNA
(sarcastically)
Found your missing pets yet?
He looks at her.
He's tied to a chair, his coat, glasses, and gun removed. He's
still a little fuzzy, but improving.
She looks more closely at him.
DONNA
Is there something wrong with your eyes?
STRANGER
(mumbling)
Birth defect.
She lifts one of his eyelids to get a better look.
DONNA
Why don't I believe you?
STRANGER
Your choice.
She is unsatisfied, but decides to move on for now.
DONNA
We'll be having a celebration shortly.
We're going to have a new initiate soon.
(teasing)
Unfortunately we recently lost one of our
members.
She pauses to retrieve another chair. She places it in front of
him and sits.
She might as well be comfortable.
DONNA
You're lucky, though. The timing couldn't
have been better. There is only one time of
year that a new witch can be initiated:
Samhain, or November eve. You know it as
Halloween. That will happen next week.
She is still curious. She looks into his eyes again.
DONNA
I have to go, but I'll be back. We'll have
more time to talk before next week's
celebration.
She stands and starts to leave.
She turns back to him briefly.
DONNA
I like your eyes. Maybe you'll tell me more
about them tomorrow.
She leaves, flicking off the lights. The only light now is
coming from the large black candle on the pedestal at the other
end of the room.
LATER
The lights come on.
Stranger looks up.
He's looking a bit scruffy now, a week's worth of beard on his
face.
His captivity is also showing. He's a bit pale and his eyes are
somewhat sunken.
Donna advances on him.
DONNA
Good news. You get to do a little more than
just use the toilet today.
IN THE KITCHEN - DAY
Stranger slowly emerges from the open door. His hands are tied
behind his back.
Donna is following.
DONNA
Come on. You know the way.
IN THE BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Stranger and Donna enter. He heads for the bathroom.
DONNA
Wait a minute. I told you this wasn't your
usual toilet break.
STRANGER
What then?
DONNA
Face down. On the bed.
He looks at her, unsure.
DONNA
Do it!
STRANGER
Okay. Don't blow a fuse.
He lies on the bed.
She comes up behind him, spreads his legs, and kneels on the bed
with one knee between his legs.
DONNA
One sudden move and I'll jam your balls so
hard, you'll be able to taste 'em.
She unties him and climbs off of the bed. She picks up his gun
from the night stand and points it at him.
DONNA
Get up.
He does... slowly. He faces her, looks at his gun.
DONNA
You're going to take a shower now. We need
you clean for the celebration and this is
the easiest way to do it. Just remember...
I've got the gun.
STRANGER
You're the boss.
He goes into the bathroom and reaches for the door.
DONNA
No. Leave it open.
He shrugs.
She sits on the edge of the bed.
She keeps the gun trained on him while he runs the water,
undresses, and climbs into the shower.
While he showers, she takes all of his clothes and replaces them
with a loincloth.
LATER
Stranger emerges from the bathroom, wet hair, wearing his new
loincloth.
DONNA
Much better. Now back on the bed. You know
the routine.
He climbs onto the bed face down and puts his hands behind his
back.
She climbs aboard, placing her knee strategically again. She
ties his wrists then gets off of the bed.
DONNA
Now roll onto your back.
He complies.
She grabs a rag from the nightstand.
DONNA
This will make it a little easier.
She slaps the rag over his nose and mouth.
His eyes grow wide and he tries to fight, but the drug acts too
quickly.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
INT. WITCH HOUSE, BASEMENT - NIGHT
Stranger is strapped into the altar.
The witches are standing around the altar in their ritual state
of undress, holding hands.
There is a new witch whose name is VIOLET.
Donna breaks the circle and moves to the altar where she lightly
slaps Stranger to wake him.
He stirs, coming to. He focuses enough to see Donna in front of
him, topless with a pentagram painted on her chest.
He looks around and sees the others.
Donna gives him the time to take it all in.
He realizes he's restrained and looks at Donna again.
STRANGER
This looks bad for me.
Donna smiles at that comment.
DONNA
You're taking this rather well.
STRANGER
Would you rather I scream?
DONNA
No.
(thinks a moment)
How about telling me about your eyes.
STRANGER
I keep telling you, it's a--
DONNA
(reaches for lid)
If you say it's a birth defect, I'm slamming
this lid right now.
He shuts his mouth. He may be a cool customer, but he doesn't
want to die.
DONNA
That's better.
She turns to face the rest of the witches.
DONNA
We're here tonight to celebrate Samhain and
initiate a new witch into our coven.
Violet smiles as the other witches look at her and smile.
DONNA
As the new initiate, she will have the honor
of performing this evening's sacrifice.
Violet is positively beaming.
Donna turns to Stranger again.
STRANGER
(calmly)
You plan to kill me.
DONNA
Yes.
He makes up him mind quickly.
He speaks quietly.
STRANGER
Then before you do it, let me tell you about
my eyes.
That gets Donna's attention. She forgets about the other
witches who patiently wait in their formation.
DONNA
Alright.
STRANGER
Come closer and I'll tell you.
She moves closer. She looks into his eyes then backs up
suddenly.
DONNA
You wouldn't be trying to hypnotize me,
would you?
STRANGER
(almost a whisper)
No. I just don't have the strength to speak
very loud.
(beat)
I'll close my eyes if it will make you feel
more comfortable.
He closes his eyes and puts his head back.
Donna is hooked. She moves to a position right in front of him.
DONNA
(whispering herself)
Tell me.
STRANGER
I'm not from around here.
She feels a small measure of triumph.
DONNA
I didn't think so.
She moves a bit closer.
He cracks an eye open to check her position.
His next action is so sudden, so brutal, that nobody is prepared
for it.
He snaps his head forward with all of his might, driving his
forehead into Donna's.
The impact is so great that it crushes the front of Donna's
skull.
The other witches all grab their heads and scream. Some fall to
their knees.
Donna stands up straight, twitches and jerks a couple of times,
then crumples to the floor.
Stranger's skull isn't crushed, but the skin is broken and he
did knock himself out.
The organism in Donna's head has been pierced by a bone shard
and dies.
The mental hold over the other witches is broken.
They react as if coming out of a daze.
INT. STRANGER'S HOME - DAY
Stranger is lying on the couch.
His head is bandaged, his eyes are closed.
There is a quiet knocking on the door.
He doesn't move.
STRANGER
Come in.
The door opens and in walks Stone.
He doesn't move, doesn't look.
Stone closes the door.
STONE
How are you today?
STRANGER
Better... I can stand without having
fireworks go off in my head.
(beat)
And the stitches come out tomorrow.
STONE
D'you need anything?
STRANGER
No.
(beat)
Well... I could use some company right now.
She is happy to hear that.
STONE
Sure, Dirk. I can stay.
She moves closer to him and sits on the coffee table. She takes
his hand.
He pulls her hand to his mouth and kisses it, then returns it
back to its original position on his chest.
They sit there in silence, holding hands.
STRANGER
I feel so alone sometimes.
STONE
You don't have to. Not anymore.
STRANGER
I dislike being in this position of
weakness.
STONE
Don't worry. I won't tell anyone.
STRANGER
D'you have the time to listen to a long
story?
STONE
For you? Sure.
He opens his eyes and looks at her.
She realizes what she's looking at and lets out a little gasp.
STRANGER
I'm not from around here...
FADE TO BLACK.
The End
Bloody Coven is © 1998 Lanny Maude