When Yellow Casts a Crimson Shadow by Julie Hoverson (19 Nocturne Boulevard reissue of the week)

19 Nocturne Boulevard

Thanks for your patience! Winter is tough.

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This episode includes graphic violence, archiac psychiatric attitudes and terminology, gaslighting, and misogyny. It was written intentionally to emulate the style of Italian "GIALLO" thriller films of the 1970s and 80s.

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Hot chicks in peril, black leather-gloved killer, faces through plate glass, badly-dubbed voices, and lots and lots of the red stuff!

Written and produced by Julie Hoverson

Cast List Dr. Silver - Anthony D.P. Mann Jessica - Julie Hoverson Adrienne - Robyn Keyes Dana - Kate Waterous Chris - Tanja Milojevic Inspector Gules - Glen Hallstrom Manager - Dru Williams Voice on Phone - Lord Blood-Rah Cop1 - Desmond Reddick (Dread Media) Cop2 - Miguel Guerreiro (FearShop.com) Coroner - Jack Kincaid (Edict Zero) Detective - Caretaker (Graveyard Show)

Music: Professor Kliq Editing and Sound: Julie Hoverson Cover: Brett Coulstock

"What kind of a place is it? Why it's a psychiatrist's office, can't you tell?"

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WHEN YELLOW CASTS A CRIMSON SHADOW

Cast:

[Opening credits - Olivia]

Jessica

Dr. Silver

Dana

Adrienne

Chris

Detective Gules

Manager

Voice

Cop1

Cop2

Detective

Coroner

OLIVIA Did you have any trouble finding it? What do you mean, what kind of a place is it? Why, it's a psychiatrist's office, can't you tell?

MUSIC

SOUND LOW MUSIC PLAYS

SOUND DOOR OPENS

JESSICA Dr. Silver?

1. SILVER Ah, you must be Jessica. Come in! Come in. Your father has spoken of you often.

JESSICA Mm. He told me to come to you if I.... needed anything.

1. SILVER Come in! Sit down! I can't tactfully say I am pleased to see you, but I can heartily say I am most happy to make your acquaintance.

JESSICA Oh. Yeah. Thanks.

SOUND DOOR SHUTS QUIETLY, SHE CROSSES ROOM AND SITS

1. SILVER There. Now tell me what I can do for you.

JESSICA Since I moved to Florence, I've - I've been doing really well. Sleeping. Even without the drugs.

1. SILVER You haven't been taking your prescriptions?

JESSICA My doctor back home said I could cut back some - once I started feeling better.

1. SILVER Your doctor--?

JESSICA Dr. Gelb. Joan Gelb?

1. SILVER Ah, yes, I am familiar with some of her work. Go on.

JESSICA Go... on?

1. SILVER You had a reason for coming to me, didn't you?

JESSICA Oh! Yes. [very down] The dreams.

1. SILVER [after a beat] Yes?

JESSICA Well, I came here to attend university. And be closer to my father.

1. SILVER He is not in the United States?

JESSICA No. He's on diplomatic attachment in the Netherlands - [amused] but I don't understand any Dutch.

1. SILVER [chuckles]

JESSICA So I found a room with three other girls from the college. They're all models. To pay for their classes. Well, except Dana - she just models for fun... Sorry. That's probably not important.

1. SILVER Don't let it worry you. Go at your own pace.

JESSICA Can I have a piece of paper?

1. SILVER You want to take notes? [teasing] That's really my job.

JESSICA No, no! It helps me concentrate. Please?

SOUND PAPER RIPPED FROM NOTEBOOK, PASSED OVER

JESSICA Thank you.

SOUND PAPER FOLDED, TORN - UNDER THROUGHOUT

JESSICA So, Dana, Chris, and Adrienne - are all gorgeous. I'm the mouse. [heavy sigh] Don't get me wrong - they're all very nice.

1. SILVER But you are a bit jealous?

JESSICA They've all got legs all the way up to their shoulders!

1. SILVER [musing] A woman with legs up to her shoulders might be missing a heart.

JESSICA [startled, laughs, relaxes a bit] I like that. But, they're nice - really nice.

1. SILVER You're lucky. Good friends are hard to find.

JESSICA Yes... [trails off, sighs, then absently] The dream.

1. SILVER Whenever you're ready.

JESSICA You're going to think I'm horrible!

1. SILVER Nonsense. Dreams are primarily symbolic, and everyone dreams about things they are embarrassed by. I promise not to judge you.

JESSICA [gulps, long breath] In the dream, I come home. Our apartment is on the top floor, so I walk up and up the endless stairs. It's the type that goes round and round an open space. [her voice slowly picks up an echo, as if in a stairwell] You know, where you can look all the way down to the ground floor - as long as you don't have to worry about vertigo?

SOUND [under] FOOTSTEPS ECHOING UP THE STAIRWELL

1. SILVER Mm.

JESSICA And the door was ... open.

JESSICA [under] Hello?

JESSICA I pushed it the rest of the way, and went in. And everything was red. Red on the walls. I couldn't understand. All I could think was - did we repaint?

1. SILVER Yes?

JESSICA And then I looked up and saw the light fixture. It was red too. Red and dripping. [slowly] Slowly dripping.

1. SILVER [after a pause] Is that when you woke?

JESSICA [hollow, numb] No. [coming back] Can I have another piece of paper? I'll trade you.

1. SILVER A crane? Very nice.

JESSICA It was... part of my therapy.

SOUND PAPER RIPS, PASSED OVER, MORE FOLDING BEGINS

1. SILVER Still... very nice.

JESSICA Thanks. [deep breath] I went into the next room. [half a chuckle] Out of the foyer into the frying pan. [lame laugh] You must think I'm awful, to be able to joke at a time like this!

1. SILVER No. Humor is a very common way to deal with painful circumstances. Don't concern yourself with what I think.

JESSICA Adrienne was in the sitting room. [trying not to choke up] Dead. She was - all cut up, and the mirror next to the kitchen door was smashed and bloody. I could see my reflection in the shards ....sticking ...out of her ...eyes.

JESSICA [tinny] [screams]

1. SILVER [after a short moment] Was that where the dream ended?

JESSICA [trying to be chipper] Yes. Just that. Just... seeing her dead.

1. SILVER I'd... like to venture an interpretation of this dream that might help you... come to terms with it.

JESSICA Yes?

1. SILVER It's a manifestation of a deep-seated jealousy.

JESSICA I'm not jealous!

1. SILVER It's normal - don't worry. She's a beautiful model and you want to see yourself in her eyes as she appears to yours.

JESSICA [brightening] Really? But it was so bloody.

1. SILVER Symbolism again. Red is the color of jealousy and passion. Nothing more.

MUSIC

SOUND HER FOOTSTEPS ECHO UP ENDLESS STAIRWAY

SOUND HEAVY FOOTSTEPS BELOW

SOUND HER FOOTSTEPS STOP

SOUND A COUPLE OF HEAVY FOOTSTEPS, APPROACHING

SOUND HER FOOTSTEPS, RUNNING UP THE STAIRS

SOUND SHE PAUSES AGAIN

JESSICA [heavy breathing, trying to be quiet and listen]

SOUND NO FOOTSTEPS

SOUND THUMPING SOUNDS APPROACH - SETS OF FOUR

SOUND TURNS OUT TO BE A BALL COMING DOWN THE STAIRS

SOUND SHE CATCHES THE BALL

JESSICA [sigh, chuckle]

CHILD [strangely bland] My ball!

JESSICA [gasp, almost a scream] Oh! [more normal] I've got it.

SOUND HER STEPS BEGIN AGAIN

MUSIC

SOUND DOOR OPENS

DANA [lecturing] I only eat chocolate off a man.

JESSICA [gasp]

CHRIS Ha! What a line to come in on! Dana was just explaining her perfect diet plan.

ADRIENNE It makes perfect sense - work up a sweat, then have all the chocolate you want!

JESSICA You girls.

DANA Don't tell me you wouldn't, if you had a chance?

JESSICA Well...

CHRIS Maybe she doesn’t like chocolate!

ADRIENNE Maybe she doesn't like men.

JESSICA I like chocolate! My father sent me some cocoa - the good Dutch kind.

DANA I'm surprised you like men any more, Adrienne, after all that bastard Alberto put you through.

ADRIENNE Don't get me started. [beat] You should really be allowed to shoot men when you're through with them.

CHRIS I'd have a trail of bodies stretching to the sunset.

JESSICA Are there any more of those apples?

DANA Catch!

SOUND CATCHING AN APPLE

CHRIS What would we do when we run out of men?

ADRIENNE [bitter, haunted] Not all men, just the ones who want to track you down and torment you.

DANA He didn’t!

CHRIS Again?

JESSICA [bites into apple, then chewing] What?

DANA You should tell her.

ADRIENNE It makes me sound like such a victim.

DANA Why do you think she never does bikini shots?

CHRIS She's moved three times in the past year - but he always finds her.

DANA She's got the scars to prove it.

MUSIC

SOUND SOFT MUSIC PLAYS

SOUND DOOR SLAMS OPEN, HURRIED FEET ENTER

JESSICA It happened again!

1. SILVER Calm down, Jessica.

JESSICA I'm - I'm so sorry to burst in here like this--

1. SILVER Sit down.

JESSICA But I - I can't concentrate on anything today--

SOUND PAPER RIPPING FROM NOTEBOOK

1. SILVER Here. Now sit.

SOUND SHE SNATCHES THE PAPER, FLAPS IT

JESSICA Thank you. Are you sure it's ok?

1. SILVER I've got plenty of paper.

JESSICA [chuckles] No, I mean-- [sighs] Thank you.

SOUND SHE SITS, BEGINS FOLDING

JESSICA I feel like such a fool.

1. SILVER It obviously upset you. Sharing will make you feel better. You had another dream?

JESSICA No! That's the weird part - it was the same dream!

1. SILVER The same?

JESSICA Well, it started the same. Going up the stairs, and the blood on the light, and ... [almost a whisper] Adrienne.

1. SILVER And...?

JESSICA It was all the same - except the ending.

1. SILVER How did it end, then?

JESSICA It didn't. I mean - it went on, from where I woke up before.

1. SILVER Hmm.

JESSICA I was staring at myself in the mirror shards - but then I realized it wasn't me. Not Jessica. Not this time - that was different.

1. SILVER Who was in the reflection?

JESSICA I think it was.... the killer!

[NOTE - now the voices in the consulting room are tinny, as the scene plays out underneath]

SOUND [repeat of Jessica's scream from the first dream, which trails off into a weird noise of breathing]

SOUND FOOTSTEPS WALK SLOWLY THROUGH SQUISHY BLOODY PUDDLE

1. SILVER Be as specific as you want. You won't shock me. You can give me every detail.

JESSICA I can smell the blood. It's everywhere.

1. SILVER It's quite a distinctive smell.

JESSICA Yes.

SOUND DOOR PUSHED SLOWLY OPEN, FOOTSTEPS MOVE INTO DRY SPACE

SOUND SQUEAK AS KNIFE IS CLEANED OFF - LEATHER AGAINST METAL

SOUND FOUR TAPS OF KNIFE AGAINST WOOD

JESSICA It was Dana's room. And she was sleeping.

1. SILVER So this was nighttime?

JESSICA [slightly confused] I don't know. Dana sleeps late.

1. SILVER Jessica - in the dream, are you Jessica, or are you the killer?

JESSICA I - I'm not sure. I'm not... thinking in the dream, just seeing and feeling... and smelling. I can't see a face - even in the mirrors - I just knew it was the killer looking back at me, but I couldn't tell you what he...I...looked like.

1. SILVER [too interested] What are you wearing?

JESSICA Boots. Black. Leather gloves. I move toward Dana's bed...

SOUND CREAK OF THE LEATHER GLOVES

1. SILVER Do you stab her too?

JESSICA [offhand] Oh, Adrienne wasn't stabbed - at least... that wasn't how she died. She was strangled.

SOUND CREAK OF LEATHER

DANA [gasps, awakens, tries to breathe]

SOUND CLAWING AT LEATHER, SHAKING OF BED, POUNDING

1. SILVER And then she died?

JESSICA Oh, no. That would be too quick. I let up just in time - she's out.

1. SILVER [licks his lips] Do you tie her up?

JESSICA Yes. I tie her to the bed frame. Up and down.

1. SILVER What is she wearing?

JESSICA A scarlet negligee. She got it after one of her modeling shoots - the picture is on the wall over the bed. Huge. Her. Posed in red. Enticing.

SOUND [tinny] CRUMPLE OF PAPER

1. SILVER And then...?

JESSICA [coming out of it] I-I- can I have another piece of paper?

1. SILVER [breathing a bit heavily, trying to calm down] Of course.

SOUND PAPER TORN RATHER CLUMSILY OUT OF NOTEBOOK - RIPS IN HALF

1. SILVER Damn. What will you make?

SOUND TEARS ANOTHER PIECE, SHE SNATCHES IT AWAY FROM HIM, BEGINS FOLDING

JESSICA A box. I feel like I'm in a box.

1. SILVER Perhaps you should make something more... open. Something you can get out of.

JESSICA Maybe next time.

1. SILVER All right. Was there more to the dream?

JESSICA A little. After Dana woke up.

1. SILVER [trying to hide his excitement] What happened?

JESSICA [evasive] I just... killed her.

MUSIC ESCALATES

SOUND STABBING - SETS OF FOUR

DANA [Screaming, begging, gurgling]

SOUND SPLATTER

DANA [gurgling]

SOUND A COUPLE MORE KNIFE STABS

DANA [death rattle]

SOUND DRIPPING

SOUND WIPING KNIFE WITH GLOVES AGAIN

MUSIC

SOUND FOOTSTEPS IN STAIRWELL, STOP FOR A SECOND

SOUND FAR AWAY, DOOR OPENS

JESSICA [sigh]

SOUND TWO STEPS

SOUND DOOR NEARBY SLAMS OPEN

SOUND FEROCIOUS DOG!!!!!

JESSICA [screams, then smothers it]

SOUND SCRABBLING OF DOG NAILS ON TILE FLOOR

JESSICA Mrs. Amarelo! Mrs. Amarelo! Please!

MUSIC

SOUND TEAPOT WHISTLING, TAKEN OFF, WATER POURS

JESSICA [talking loudly to someone in another room] She really needs to keep that dog on a shorter leash. She's lucky I didn't jump back and fall down the stairs.

SOUND DOOR OPENS, SLIPPERED FEET IN

DANA [half awake] Mm. Coffee?

JESSICA [silly!] Cocoa. [gasp] Oh!

DANA You don't like it? It's imported French lace.

JESSICA I'm just not used to--

DANA And red is such a good color on me.

ADRIENNE [calling from the other room] --she's just shy.

SOUND FOOTSTEPS COME IN

ADRIENNE [close] Haven't you ever wondered, Jessica?

JESSICA [disturbed] Wondered... what?

SOUND A COUPLE OF STEPS

DANA Mmm?

ADRIENNE What it would be like with a woman?

JESSICA [disturbed] Um - no. Uh, I don't even know anyone who does--

ADRIENNE Anyone who you KNOW does, anyway.

JESSICA Um... I guess.

SOUND DOOR SLAMS OPEN

CHRIS [freaking out, out of breath] Oh, god!

SOUND DOOR SLAMS SHUT, BODY THUMPS AGAINST IT

ADRIENNE What's wrong? Sit down!

SOUND DOOR LOCKS

JESSICA Cocoa?

CHRIS Thanks! [sips, then shudders in a breath]

ADRIENNE What happened?

CHRIS [gasping it out] On the street. A gun! It was so loud!

DANA Someone was shot? I'm phoning the police.

ADRIENNE Give her a minute! She's nearly hysterical!

CHRIS No! No! Call them! The sooner I tell, the sooner he'll be caught!

JESSICA Did you see the guy?

CHRIS Uh-huh! [yes]

MUSIC

SOUND LOW MUSIC PLAYS

SOUND PAPER FOLDING

JESSICA I have this awful feeling--

1. SILVER Yes?

JESSICA That this is all... some kind of premonition.

1. SILVER You think you're seeing something that might happen in the future?

JESSICA It would make so much sense.

1. SILVER Is there anything in the dream that makes you think it will happen?

JESSICA Like what?

1. SILVER Something with the date? A newspaper, perhaps?

JESSICA [concentrating] Mmm, no. None of us really reads the papers. Magazines, yes, but they don't come out that often. [beat] And they all kind of look the same.

1. SILVER Have you ever had a dream - any dream - come true in the past?

JESSICA What? [half a chuckle] No!

1. SILVER Then I think you are safe. [teasing, fatherly] But make sure to lock your door.

JESSICA [laughs a bit]

1. SILVER [getting back on track] So. The dream came back. Again.

JESSICA [quiet, sad] Yes.

1. SILVER And it was--?

JESSICA Longer.

1. SILVER [avid] So once again, you saw your first two friends strangled and tortured and-- [swallows] mutilated.

JESSICA Yes.

1. SILVER And then? What about your third friend - what was her name?

JESSICA Chris. [numb] Chris was in the hall. She must have heard the commotion with Dana. I... feel like the killer was - ummmm - surprised. Like he didn't expect her to be there.

1. SILVER Why do you say that?

JESSICA I don't know. Just that he - I - had to chase her down.

1. SILVER Be specific.

JESSICA I came out of Dana's bedroom--

[office voices go tinny]

SOUND SQUISHING FOOTSTEPS, WIPE FEET AND STEP ONTO TILE

SOUND DOOR OPENS

CHRIS Dana? What? Oh, god! [screams]

JESSICA I hesitate, stunned. Just long enough for her to run back into her room.

SOUND DOOR SLAMS

SOUND HEAVY FEET RUN, SLAM INTO DOOR

CHRIS [muffled] No! No!

SOUND SLAM INTO DOOR, WOOD CREAKS AND CRACKS

JESSICA There's such a - a rush as the door gives way.

1. SILVER Where is Chris?

JESSICA She's pressed again the window, outlined in light from the pink and red neon across the street.

1. SILVER Ahhhh. What is she wearing?

JESSICA Silk. A blue slip--

1. SILVER Blue? Are you sure?

JESSICA Yes. Why?

1. SILVER The neon light - it might be deceptive.

JESSICA I saw it in the hall.

1. SILVER Ahhh. What color is her hair?

JESSICA Chris? She has long straight blonde hair.

1. SILVER And very pretty.

JESSICA Yes.

1. SILVER Mmmmm.

SOUND WINDOW SLAMS OPEN

JESSICA I raise the knife and she screams again, trying to climb out the window.

1. SILVER Can she?

JESSICA We're six stories up. That's why there's all those stairs.

1. SILVER Do you... cut her?

JESSICA Better. I set the knife aside again--

SOUND LEATHER ON METAL

JESSICA --and take her by the throat. The black leather of the gloves looks strange in the neon pink glow - especially against her pale white throat.

1. SILVER Does she struggle?

JESSICA Like a fiend. She strikes and kicks, but it is all in vain. [coming out of it] The killer must be a man.

1. SILVER [startled out] Um? Of course-- Um, [swallows, clears throat] The um - the killer in the dream.

JESSICA That's what I meant.

1. SILVER Right. More paper?

SOUND RIPS PAPER OUT OF NOTEBOOK

JESSICA Thanks.

SOUND TAKES IT, STARTS FOLDING

1. SILVER You've made me quite a little collection here. What’s this one?

JESSICA A knife.

1. SILVER [amused] A paper knife. And this?

JESSICA A shrew.

1. SILVER No more cranes?

JESSICA Cranes are peaceful. I haven't been feeling very... peaceful.

1. SILVER Do you want to continue?

JESSICA Don't you have another appointment?

1. SILVER No. Your case is fascinating, so I cleared some extra time for you.

JESSICA Oh. All right.

1. SILVER At least follow the dream to the conclusion.

JESSICA Where was I?

1. SILVER [too quick] You were strangling Chris.

SOUND STRANGLING NOISES UP AGAIN

SOUND HAND POUNDING AGAINST GLASS

[voices go tinny again]

JESSICA Right. Then she passed out.

SOUND STRUGGLE STOPS, SQUEAK OF HAND SLIDING DOWN PANE

1. SILVER Gooood.

SOUND ROPE PASSING THROUGH HANDS

1. SILVER And--?

JESSICA I took the cord from the blinds and wrapped it around her neck.

1. SILVER Strangling her? Again? Why?

JESSICA It wasn't tied that tight.

1. SILVER Then, what?

JESSICA Then I cut her a little. Not deep. Just enough to see red - just enough for the blood to flow. Shoulders. Thighs. Chest. It took a long time for her to wake up again.

1. SILVER Did you cut her blue slip off?

JESSICA It's not blue any more. Now it's wet and dark in strange rivulet patterns. So is the floor.

1. SILVER And then?

JESSICA Her eyes open - and once again I see my own reflection twice in one face. And this time I can almost make out who I am. If it weren't for that darn pink neon, I might be able to.

1. SILVER Does SHE recognize you?

JESSICA [dismissively] Maybe. She tries to scream. But I already gagged her. [little sigh] She was asleep a long time.

1. SILVER Uh-huh?

JESSICA I pull her up by her hair - her long blonde lovely hair. The word "tresses" pops into my mind.

1. SILVER Tresses. That's a good word.

JESSICA She squirms and tries to escape. Her eyes plead with me. But I don't waver. I show her the knife and she closes her eyes. I run the hilt of the knife over her forehead and she squeals - when really all I want to do is press her eyelids open.

1. SILVER She can't understand that, can she?

JESSICA I just want her to see. She was always a big one for seeing things.

1. SILVER See what?

JESSICA The window.

1. SILVER Is there something outside?

JESSICA Not yet.

1. SILVER Oh?

JESSICA As soon as her eyelids flutter open, I turn her toward the window and slam her face into it, shattering the glass. Something breaks in her, too, and I hear her muffled agony.

1. SILVER Her nose?

JESSICA I don't know, since as soon as the glass is gone, I push her out.

1. SILVER On the cord?

JESSICA She dances so prettily.

1. SILVER Do the people outside see?

JESSICA No, the music from the club with the neon is very loud, and no one ever looks up.

1. SILVER What about the blood?

JESSICA I don’t know. I woke up.

1. SILVER [breathing heavily, calming down]

JESSICA What do you think?

1. SILVER We definitely have some work to do. You'll see me each afternoon for a while - can you promise me you will?

JESSICA Of course, if you think it's important.

1. SILVER Very. And here is my home number--

SOUND SCRIBBLING ON A CARD

1. SILVER --In case anything else comes to mind.

JESSICA You're sure you don't mind if I call you?

1. SILVER No. Of course not. In fact, I insist. I am here for you.

MUSIC

AMB STREET, NOT TOO MANY PEOPLE AROUND

SOUND JESSICA'S STEPS, HURRYING

SOUND A STRANGE TAPPING NOISE - SETS OF FOUR - GETTING CLOSER

SOUNDS SHE SPEEDS UP

SOUND THE TAPPING GETS CLOSER

SOUND SHE SPEEDS UP MORE

JESSICA [gasping]

SOUND GRAB AND FLING OPEN DOOR

SOUND FEET RUN INTO BUILDING

SOUND DOOR SLAMS SHUT

JESSICA [breathing heavily]

SOUND TAPS GO PAST OUTSIDE

JESSICA [sighs, almost laughs]

MANAGER [off slightly] Scotomaphobia?

JESSICA [gasps]

SOUND THUMP AS SHE RECOILS

JESSICA What? Mr. Cramoisie? You - you startled me!

SOUND CIGARETTE CRUSHED OUT

MANAGER The fear of going blind.

JESSICA Huh? Me?

MANAGER I saw you run from the white stick. [chuckles] And I don't know a word for fear of a blind man.

MUSIC

SOUND DOOR OPENS TENTATIVELY

JESSICA [clearly worried] Hello?

ADRIENNE Jess? Is there something wrong?

JESSICA [sigh of relief] No. Nothing. Glad to be home.

SOUNDS STEPS COME IN, DOOR SHUTS

SOUND REMOVING COAT, ETC.

DANA I was just putting on some tea - want some?

JESSICA No, thanks. Save me some water, though?

ADRIENNE You and your cocoa. Come in here - we’ve got company.

SOUND A FEW SLOW STEPS

JESSICA Oh? Hello.

GULES Ah. This must be your other roommate. Very pleased. Four such lovely ladies, [slightly ominous] all alone.

CHRIS This is Detective Gules. That is Jessica. Sit down Jessie.

JESSICA Detective?

SOUND CHAIR CREAKS AS SHE SITS

CHRIS He's investigating - um - [whispered] what I saw yesterday.

GULES We suspect the murder she witnessed was gangster-related, and are concerned for her safety. Your safety, too. This isn't a very secure building. You don't even have grilles on the windows.

DANA Pssht! We're six floors up! Who needs grilles! Here, Jess. Water--

SOUND MUG SET DOWN

DANA And your precious cocoa.

SOUND TIN

SOUND SPOON DROPPED INTO MUG

DANA [to the room, teasing] I wouldn't dare measure it for you.

JESSICA [laughs] That's perfect, Dana, thanks.

SOUND MIXES UP THE COCOA

GULES I'm trying to convince Chris to let me take her into protection. [getting darker] We want to make sure she stays where we can put our hands on her.

MUSIC

SOUND PHONE PICKED UP

JESSICA Hello?

VOICE [harsh whisper] Four girls. Could be three. Or one.

JESSICA Who is this? You're scaring me.

VOICE Will it be you?

JESSICA I'm hanging up now!

SOUND PHONE SLAMMED DOWN

DANA [worried] Jess? Who was that?

JESSICA A heavy breather. You know the type.

DANA I didn’t even hear the phone ring.

JESSICA Oh? Umm... I must have picked it up just as it was starting. Who did you think it was?

DANA Oh, Michel. My brother. He's been asking for money again.

JESSICA What's wrong this time?

DANA Same old shit. Someone's going to break his legs. Someone's going to kill his dog. [disgusted noise] He ran through his half of the inheritance years ago.

JESSICA And you don't feel sorry for him?

DANA I felt one hundred thousand dollars sorry for him, and that was in the first month after he flushed all his cash down one toilet and another. Since then. [shrug] Not so damn sorry.

MUSIC

SOUND SNORING [Dr. Silver]

SOUND PHONE RINGS

SOUND PHONE PICKED UP

1. SILVER [not awake] mmm Hello?

JESSICA [on phone, hysterical] Doctor? Please? Something terrible has happened!

1. SILVER [snapping awake, but still groggy] Jessica? Wha-what's going on?

JESSICA [on phone] You have to come, Doctor! I need help! [backs off and screams]

SOUND [on phone] PHONE DROPS, THUMPS A FEW TIMES.

SOUND BED CLOTHES FLUNG OFF

MUSIC

SOUND DOC'S FEET COMING UP THE STAIRS, QUICKLY

601. SILVER [reading door numbers] 601... 602...?

JESSICA [moan]

1. SILVER Jessica? What has happened?

JESSICA D-doctor?

1. SILVER Come out here. My god - what--?

JESSICA A nosebleed. I - I get them sometimes.

1. SILVER With the dreams?

JESSICA Uh-huh.

1. SILVER Why are you out here in the hall?

JESSICA I didn’t want to wake anyone.

1. SILVER They're your friends. They will surely understand. Let's go inside. [suave] Maybe have some of your famous cocoa?

JESSICA [small laugh] That would be nice.

1. SILVER Invite me in?

SOUND DOOR OPENS

JESSICA You're invited.

SOUND A COUPLE OF STEPS, A SLIGHT SQUISH

1. SILVER [slight shock] What?

MUSIC

JESSICA [sips, then] The dream was sooo bad this time.

1. SILVER [grunt]

JESSICA Then I found these--

SOUND SLAP OF LEATHER GLOVES

JESSICA And suddenly everything started to be so real. But it can't be, can it?

1. SILVER [grunt]

JESSICA I hoped I would wake up, and the gloves would be gone, but here they are.

SOUND GLOVES CREAK

1. SILVER [agreeing grunt]

JESSICA It's really good isn't it? Is it too hot for you?

1. SILVER [slight overreaction negative grunt]

JESSICA My father sent it. From the Netherlands. He's always somewhere else. I mean somewhere else from where I am, anyway. Did I tell you how my mother died?

1. SILVER [negative]

JESSICA She committed suicide when I was 5. I found her. Dr. Gelb says that's why I can't sleep. She says I can never forget my mother's dead eyes.

1. SILVER Hmm?

JESSICA They looked at me, but they weren't really her any more, you know?

1. SILVER Hmm.

JESSICA [briskly] But this is all beside the point. I'm so glad the girls are heavy sleepers. So we can talk.

1. SILVER Mm-hmm.

JESSICA [very important] I finally saw myself in the dream.

1. SILVER Mmm?

JESSICA I mean, I, in the killer's eyes, saw me - Jessica. Do you know how frightening that could be? The idea that I could not only watch myself be butchered, but that I would somehow be behind the eyes of the one doing it?

1. SILVER [sigh]

JESSICA [sips]

SOUND SETS DOWN CUP, PICKS UP PIECE OF PAPER, STARTS FOLDING

JESSICA Somehow, when I have a piece of paper in my hands, the dream fades into something that might have been on the television.

1. SILVER Hmm.

JESSICA [beat, then] Once Chris was dead, the killer must have pulled her back in. She was on the bed, starred with glass in the dark. Pink stars, catching the neon.

1. SILVER Mmm.

JESSICA I watch his black gloved hand push open my own bedroom door. I'm lying on the bed, tossing in my sleep.

1. SILVER Umm.

JESSICA The knife in my - his - hand leads me to the bed. To the woman. To me.

1. SILVER Umm?

JESSICA [agreeing] I know.

SOUND [off slightly] DOOR SLAMS OPEN

JESSICA What?

COP1 [off] Oh my god!

COP2 [off] [trying not to hurl]

SOUND HER SQUISHY, STICKY BARE FOOTSTEPS

JESSICA [way too calm, calling] Chris? Did you call for the police? [to the police] You should have knocked.

COP1 What the hell? What... the ... hell!

COP2 Is all that...blood?

JESSICA What? Oh, the nosebleed. Sorry, I should have changed into something fresh. Would you like some cocoa?

COP1 [calling back over his shoulder] Watch where you step!

MUSIC

SOUND GURNEY AFTER GURNEY BEING WHEELED OUT BEHIND THEM

SOUND DOG BARKING DOWN THE HALL, KEEPS GOING

COP1 It's bad, sir.

COP2 You might want some shoe covers.

DETECTIVE Who could have done such an awful thing?

COP2 Someone crazy. Truly out of his mind.

DETECTIVE Or her mind.

COP1 Do you have any reason to suspect a woman?

DETECTIVE [shrug] I suspect everyone. How many bodies?

CORONER Four bodies. And one clinging to life.

DETECTIVE And the smell?

CORONER Rotting flesh. [long sniff] Been lying here several days, if I don't miss my guess.

MUSIC

end