OBSESSED
Written by
David Loughery
October 15, 2007
FADE IN:
EXT. HOUSE IN THE HOLLYWOOD HILLS - EARLY MORNING
A two-story California Craftsman with a SOLD sign in the
front yard. Yukon SUV pulls into the drive and stops.
The driver's door opens and DEREK CHARLES steps out, a
handsome and likable African-American in his early 30's; a
guy who's fought hard to make himself a success in business
and life. Derek wears a business suit and the first thing he
does is cross the lawn to the SOLD sign.
With a new homeowner's look of satisfaction, Derek grips the
SOLD sign and pulls it out of the ground.
WOMAN'S VOICE
Derek?
D erek looks over to where his pretty wife BETH is standing
beside the SUV, holding their cute 2 year old son KYLE in her
arms. Beth shakes her head with amusement.
BETH
What are you going to do with that?
CUT TO:
INT. LIVING ROOM - MINUTES LATER
The SOLD sign, now in pieces, burns brightly in the
fireplace. The rest of the room is empty except for KYLE who
is nearby, asleep in his stroller. Derek and Beth's VOICES
drift down from upstairs.
BETH'S VOICE
This is coming down.
DEREK'S VOICE
Why?
BETH'S VOICE
Do you want people to think we put it up?
DEREK'S VOICE
(soft chuckle)
I don't know. I kind of like it.
BETH'S VOICE
Please tell me you're joking.
2.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM - SECOND FLOOR
Derek and Beth stare up at their own reflections in a huge
ceiling mirror. The rest of the room is vacant.
DEREK
All I'm saying, before we take it down...
maybe we should try it out.
(PLAYFUL)
You know. Christen the new house.
BETH
And what do you suggest we use for a bed?
DEREK
What do we need a bed for when we've got
a fine shag carpet?
BETH
(LAUGHS)
Because I'm gonna have fine shag carpet
tattoos all over my --
Derek puts his arms around her waist and pulls her close.
Beth resists -- but only slightly.
BETH (cont'd)
Don't you have to go to work?
DEREK
(nuzzling her neck)
Told `em I'd be late.
BETH
What about...
DEREK
Kyle? That boy wouldn't wake up if a
nuclear bomb went off.
BETH
Maybe not, but the movers...
DEREK
Won't be here for another hour.
Beth smiles, giving in. They look up at themselves in the
mirror like naughty teenagers.
BETH
Derek, you are so bad.
(CONTINUED)
M
3.
CONTINUED:
DEREK
Isn't THAT why you married me?
As they begin to kiss passionately...
CUT TO:
CEILING MIRROR - MINUTES LATER
Distorted images of Derek and Beth in the mirror's
reflection, naked bodies intertwined, making love on the
carpet.
I
NT. LIVING ROOM
Kyle continues to snooze in his stroller. Outside the
window, a moving van arrives and BLOWS its horn.
INT. BEDROOM
Beth, drowsing in Derek's arms. They stir at the sound of
the horn.
DEREK
Want me to stay? Crack the whip on these
guys?
BETH
No. Go to work and earn that promotion.
Somebody's got to pay for all this.
They share a quick kiss and then Beth swings over to find her
clothes.
As Beth dresses, Derek stares up at himself. He smiles with
satisfaction. Life is good.
CUT TO:
INT. LIVING ROOM - LATER
OVERS bring in furniture, placing a big glass table in the
dining room area below the stairs.
Nearby, Beth opens a box and removes family pictures. She
arranges them with loving care on the mantle above the fire
place.
(CONTINUED)
L
A
T
C
4.
CONTINUED:
FRAMED PHOTOS of Derek and Beth in their early dating days,
at their wedding, celebrating holidays, Beth pregnant, the
birth of Kyle; photos illustrating the history of this happy
family.
UT TO:
INT. YUKON - DAY
Picture of Beth and Kyle smiling at him from the dash, Derek
drives the freeway toward the skyscrapers of downtown. He
listens to the stock and financial report. Then, switches
over to CD and Gnarls Barkley's "Gone Daddy Gone" blares out.
The two sides of Derek Charles. C
UT TO:
EXT. DOWNTOWN LA - DAY
ANGLING DOWN from a towering glass and steel office building
as Derek's Yukon enters the parking garage.
CUT TO:
INT. ELEVATOR
Derek and several others ride up from the parking garage.
Derek scans the Business page of a folded newspaper.
he elevator stops on the ground floor, the door slides open
and MORE PEOPLE get on. The doors shut and the car ascends.
t other floors, people get on and off until it's just Derek
and one other passenger: LISA SHERIDAN, balancing an arm
load of thick files. She's in her mid-20's, white,
beautiful, glasses and hair pulled back projecting an
efficient, smart and sophisticated look; simple blouse and
skirt, high heels, great legs.
Lisa glances over at Derek, intrigued.
ISA
Gage/Bendix?
Derek looks up from his paper with a distracted smile.
DEREK
Excuse me?
LISA
I couldn't help but notice we're both
going to Seven.
(CONTINUED)
5.
CONTINUED:
DEREK
Right. Gage/Bendix. I work there.
LISA
I thought you might.
DEREK
Do you have an appointment with us?
LISA
Why? Do I look like a client?
DEREK
Actually, you do.
LISA
(pleasant laugh)
W
ell, I hate to shatter the illusion but
I'm just a lowly temp.
DEREK
(genuinely surprised)
You're a temp?
LISA
Just here for the day.
DEREK
Well, you could have fooled me.
Lisa shifts on her feet.
LISA
I'm beginning to think these heels were a
big mistake.
Derek glances down at her shapely legs.
LISA (cont'd)
I should have worn my track shoes.
They've got me running all over town
picking up these disclosure --
That's when the pile in her arms slides south. The files
fall to the floor and spread out in a mess.
Lisa LAUGHS and drops to her knees.
LISA (cont'd)
God, I'm such a klutz.
Derek bends down to help. Their hands touch briefly.
(CONTINUED)
P
L
T
6.
CONTINUED: (2)
DEREK
No problem. Happen to anybody.
They straighten up, look at each other.
he door slides open, revealing the sleek and vast offices of
GAGE BENDIX, ALTERNATIVE ASSET MANAGEMENT.
ISA
Thanks. I owe you one.
CAMERA FOLLOWS Derek through a warren of cubicles where STAFF
WORKERS attend phones and computers. He becomes aware that
Lisa is right behind him.
DEREK
(with humor)
Are you following me?
LISA
No. I'm taking these files to Mister
Charles' office. They said it was this
way.
DEREK
Derek Charles?
LISA
I guess you probably know him.
DEREK
Oh, yeah, I know him.
(lowers his voice)
Kind of an asshole, takes himself waaaay
too seriously. But don't tell him I said
that. L
ISA
I could get you into trouble?
DEREK
Deep trouble.
Approaching a desk where Derek's assistant, a mild-looking
man in his late 30's named PATRICK looks up and smiles.
Across from Patrick is another desk and another assistant, a
middle-aged woman named MARGE.
ATRICK
Morning, Derek. How's the new house?
(CONTINUED)
7.
CONTINUED: (3)
DEREK
Total chaos. Lucky for me, I sneaked out
as soon as the movers showed up.
PATRICK
Beth must have loved that.
DEREK
If she calls mad -- and she will -- tell
her I'm in a meeting.
PATRICK
Remember who used to sit at this desk?
She'll know I am lying.
DEREK
(with a smile)
Good point.
Patrick CHUCKLES as Derek enters his office and vanishes
inside. Patrick notices Lisa standing there with her arm
load of files.
PATRICK
(to Lisa)
Can I help you?
Lisa stares at Derek's office.
LISA
That's Derek Charles?
PATRICK
Yes.
Lisa breaks into a smile; obviously charmed.
Patrick takes amused notice of Lisa's interest in Derek.
PATRICK (cont'd)
(TEASING)
Watch it, girl. He's married.
LISA
The good ones are always married.
PATRICK
(dramatic sigh)
Or straight.
CUT TO:
G
G
8.
INT. MEETING ROOM - LATER
Derek sits at a long table with his silver-haired boss, JOE
GAGE and his best friend and co-worker BEN KINGMAN. One wall
of the room is glass, giving a view of the outer office
activity. G
AGE
(to Derek)
Did you talk to our German friend, Herr
Ganz?
DEREK
Matter of fact, I just got off the line
to Berlin.
GAGE
And?
DEREK
Ganz doesn't like the way the Stock
Market's been gyrating and he thinks the
hedge fund wave is about to crest.
AGE
You think he's right?
DEREK
Hell, no. I think he's a hundred percent
wrong. We haven't even gotten close to
that point yet. Hedge fund demand is
coming from individual investors which is
why it's gaining mainstream acceptance.
You know Ganz. He gets paranoid when
anything goes mainstream. He started
making Auf Wiedersehen noises but I
managed to talk him into a private equity
portfolio instead... to the tune of 155
mil.
AGE
(PLEASED)
I knew there was a reason I promoted you.
No offense, Ben.
BEN
None taken, Joe. I'm just honored to be
allowed to exist in Derek's world.
Derek looks over at Ben who winks at him. They're friends
and good-natured ribbing is part of their relationship.
(CONTINUED)
B
B
9.
CONTINUED:
GAGE
Good. I want you to throw Derek all your
support on this one.
T
hat's when Lisa walks by on the other side of the glass.
Gage perks up.
GAGE (cont'd)
Whose legs are those?
BEN
Never seen `em before.
DEREK
I think she's one of the temps.
BEN
You mean temptress...
GAGE
Remind me to call that agency and have
them send over a couple more just like
her. Doesn't hurt to have a little eye
candy around the office, does it, boys?
Ben agrees. Derek merely nods. He's not comfortable with
this tone of sexism.
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE - EVENING
End of the day. Workers are leaving. Derek passes an open
office door. Ben sticks his head out.
BEN
I scored an extra Lakers ticket for
tomorrow night. Think you can get free?
DEREK
I'm moving into a new house.
EN
So?
DEREK
Do I look like a man who wants a divorce?
EN
I could call and say it's a work
emergency.
(CONTINUED)
D
10.
CONTINUED:
DEREK
Thanks, but I think I'll stay married
instead.
BEN
(LAUGHS)
Coward.
Ben ducks back into his office. Derek walks past a cubicle
on their way to the elevator.
LISA
Good night, Mister Charles.
Derek stops, turns and sees Lisa sitting at a computer
station. She smiles. L
ISA (cont'd)
You punk'd me.
DEREK
(LAUGHS)
Sorry but you set me up.
LISA
(with humor)
Don't worry. I'll get my revenge. And
by the way, you might like to know
everybody who works here strongly
disagrees with you.
DEREK
About what?
LISA
About Derek Charles being an asshole.
They all say he's the nicest guy in the
firm.
DEREK
Well, that just proves he's got `em all
fooled.
LISA
And he's humble, too. I'm Lisa, by the
way. Lisa Sheridan.
DEREK
Well, it was nice to meet you, Lisa
Sheridan. Good luck with your next job --
erek continues on to the elevator. Lisa calls after him:
(CONTINUED)
C
D
11.
CONTINUED: (2)
LISA
Actually, they're keeping me on a few
more days, so I'll probably see you on
Monday.
Can't tell if he heard. Lisa watches him go out of sight,
then, curious, she turns to her computer and pulls up Derek's
bio and picture on the company web site:
"Derek Charles graduated from UCLA with a major in finance.
Began his career with major Wall Street Brokerage firm before
joining Gage/Bendix working with clients to help them
accomplish their investment objectives. From asset
allocation and investment planning, pension analysis, etc."
C
UT TO:
INT. CHARLES HOUSE - KYLE'S ROOM - NIGHT
Kyle is asleep in his crib. Derek and Beth look down on him,
smiling, then move quietly toward the door. Before they can
sneak out, Kyle lets out A CRY. They look at each other.
DEREK
Damn. Almost made it.
BETH
Your turn.
erek returns to the crib and picks up Kyle.
DEREK
Hey, little man. What's wrong? You
should be...
(feeling him)
Uh oh. Poopy diaper. Beth...
BETH
(in the doorway; with a laugh)
I've been changing him all day.
Beth leaves. Derek carries Kyle over to the changing table,
opens Kyle's diaper and turns away.
DEREK
Whew. What's that woman been feeding
you?
UT TO:
T
12.
EXT. CHARLES HOUSE - LATER THAT NIGHT
Derek and Beth sit at a table on the outside deck that
overhangs a sheer drop to the canyon below. In the distance,
the LA basin sparkles like a diamond in the night.
Derek and Beth are happy but exhausted. In front of them is
an empty pizza box. Derek picks up a bottle of champagne and
pours some for Beth and himself. They're both a little
drunk.
BETH
Well, we toasted the house --
DEREK
Toasted Kyle --
BETH
Your promotion --
DEREK
But I've saved the most important toast
for last...
(raising his glass)
To my beautiful wife who I love and adore
more than anything in the world.
BETH
And to my handsome husband. I asked for
the moon and he gave me the stars.
hey clink glasses and drink.
BETH (cont'd)
Derek...
DEREK
(YAWNS)
Uh huh?
BETH
How would you feel about trying out that
mirror again? This time in our own bed.
DEREK
(perks up)
Yeah? Give the magic mirror another test
drive?
BETH
You know how I like looking at your sexy
butt.
(CONTINUED)
13.
CONTINUED:
DEREK
(LAUGHS)
Beth, you are so bad.
BETH
Isn't that WHY you married ME?
CUT TO:
EXT. OFFICE - MORNING
Derek arrives to find Lisa sitting at his outer desk in
Patrick's place. She looks up and smiles. She's not wearing
her glasses and her hair is down giving her a softer, less
severe look.
LISA
Hi. Remember me?
DEREK
Lisa Sheridan, Girl Temp. Where's
Patrick?
LISA
Out with the flu. I did some trading
with the other temps and wrangled your
desk. I hope that's okay.
D
EREK
Uh... sure.
Looking over at the assistant outside the other corner
office.
DEREK (cont'd)
Hey Marge.
MARGE
Good morning, Derek.
Back to the temp.
DEREK
Grab your pad and follow me.
Derek goes into his office. Lisa collects her things and
does as told.
INT. DEREK'S OFFICE
Derek goes behind the desk as Lisa enters and sits down on
the couch. She crosses her legs. Those great legs.
(CONTINUED)
D
14.
CONTINUED:
LISA
I put a memo on your desk about the
Christmas party this Friday.
EREK
Is it that time already?
Derek picks up the memo and scans it.
LISA
Why don't they invite spouses?
DEREK
How's that?
LISA
To the Christmas party. It says "for
employees only."
DEREK
It's like that in most companies. They
think people are more inhibited in front
of their spouses, less likely to kick
back and enjoy themselves and mingle with
co-workers, which is what the party is
about.
LISA
So, does this party get pretty wild?
DEREK
Just the opposite.
LISA
Well that's no fun.
Derek notices a container of Starbucks coffee.
LISA (cont'd)
I
called Patrick. He said you like it
black with two sugars.
Derek is impressed. He opens the container.
LISA (cont'd)
If it's cold, I can run down and nuke it
in the Break Room.
DEREK
(takes a sip)
No, it's perfect.
Lisa is pleased. She raises her pad and pencil.
(CONTINUED)
15.
CONTINUED: (2)
LISA
Fire away.
DEREK
Well, it's Monday and first thing on
Monday...
LISA
I took care of that.
DEREK
Took care of what?
LISA
On Mondays you always send your wife a
dozen long-stemmed red roses.
(off Derek's look of surprise)
I called to confirm they've been
delivered.
DEREK
Thanks.
LISA
I think that's incredibly sweet. How
long have you two been married?
DEREK
Three years in March.
LISA
And you still send her flowers every
Monday morning? Lucky girl.
DEREK
It's kind of a tradition.
LISA
Patrick said you started sending them
back when Beth worked here as your
assistant. Is that how you won her
heart?
DEREK
Well, it took a little more than roses.
(getting down to business)
We need to run some calls.
LISA
(POISED)
Ready when you are.
(CONTINUED)
C
16.
CONTINUED: (3)
DEREK
(
AMUSED)
Are you always this efficient?
LISA
Does that surprise you?
DEREK
Well, it's just that most of the temps we
get here...
LISA
I think you'll find I'm not your typical
temp.
DEREK
No. Definitely not.
(THEN)
Okay not your typical temp... start with
Phil Trendle at Emerson... set up a lunch
for end of the week. Wherever he wants
but push the Water Grill. Then Terry
Mills at Imagio. Am I going too fast for
you?
LISA
No. Go faster. I can handle it.
UT TO:
INT. CHARLES HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
Beth is feeding Kyle while talking on the phone to Derek.
BETH
It's a beautiful little park with a duck
pond and close enough to push Kyle.
INTERCUTTING DEREK IN HIS OFFICE, while he listens and goes
over reports.
BETH (cont'd)
I've already met a dozen other women with
kids the same age. One of them, Lauren
something asked if we'd like to come over
for a barbecue on Saturday.
DEREK
I don't know. It's shaping up to be a
work weekend.
Outside, at her desk, Lisa eavesdrops on her headset,
listening with interest.
(CONTINUED)
D
D
17.
CONTINUED:
BETH
You can work at home and then we'll go to
the barbecue.
A
s Beth chats on, Derek gets a weird feeling. Still on the
phone, he slowly gets up from his desk and moves quietly to
the door. He looks out, expecting to catch Lisa listening
in. Instead, she's not at her desk. She's standing several
feet away at a file cabinet. She turns and smiles at him.
LISA
Do you need me?
Derek shakes his head no and steps back into his office.
CUT TO:
INT. CHARLES HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT
Derek finishes some work on his home computer. In the
background, Beth sits in bed reading a book.
BETH
Work at the office. This is home. Come
to bed.
DEREK
In a sec.
Derek finishes. He rises, walks over to the bed and climbs
in beside Beth. She puts her book on the night table and
switches off the light. They cuddle together. Beth
CHUCKLES.
BETH
The card that came today with the
roses...
EREK
Uh huh?
BETH
... was addressed "To Betty."
EREK
Betty?
BETH
(with humor)
Your other wife?
Yeah. Who's Betty?
(CONTINUED)
B
B
18.
CONTINUED:
DEREK
Blame it on the new girl. Patrick called
in sick and I had a temp on my desk.
B
ETH
I thought we had a deal. No female
assistants.
DEREK
Honey, I don't control the temp pool.
BETH
She pretty?
Derek gives Beth a look.
ETH (cont'd)
Just asking...
DEREK
Yeah, she's pretty... plain.
BETH
(JOKING)
I don't care. I want her fired
immediately.
DEREK
Actually, she did a great job... aside
from the card.
They get comfortable. Beth puts her head on Derek's chest.
ETH
Night, Derek.
DEREK
Night... Betty.
Beth LAUGHS, gives him a playful punch.
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE - DAY
TWO DELIVERY GUYS come out of the stairwell, struggling with
an undecorated Christmas tree. Marge directs them to a spot
to put it.
INT. DEREK'S OFFICE
Beth and Kyle are visiting. Derek has Kyle on his desk,
letting him play with his keys.
(CONTINUED)
19.
CONTINUED:
BETH
Hope you don't mind us dropping in
unannounced.
DEREK
You kidding? This is a treat.
BETH
Sheila's meeting us for lunch at Central
Market. Then I'm taking Kyle to the
Grove.
(to Kyle)
And who are we going to see at the Grove?
KYLE
(EXCITED)
Santa!
BETH
(to Derek)
You want to come? Get your picture taken
on Santa's lap?
DEREK
I'd love to but I'm all jammed up. But
say hi to your sister.
BETH
That guy she was seeing, the one we met
at Thanksgiving... Jack.
D
EREK
The one she said was perfect.
BETH
Apparently he's not so perfect. He told
her he just wants to be FWB.
DEREK
FWB?
BETH
Friends With Benefits.
DEREK
What does that mean?
BETH
You know. Sex but no commitments.
DEREK
And Sheila's got a problem with that?
(CONTINUED)
(
20.
CONTINUED: (2)
Beth laughs. Lisa appears at the door.
LISA
Excuse me.
They turn. Lisa smiles sweetly.
DEREK
Lisa, this is my wife Beth. Beth, Lisa.
She's temping for Patrick.
BETH
(friendly but checking her out)
Hi.
LISA
It's great to meet you, Mrs. Charles.
eyes lighting up)
And this must be Kyle. I can already
tell he's going to grow up to be a
heartbreaker.
Lisa comes over. Kyle presses shyly against Derek.
LISA (cont'd)
Hi, Kyle. I'm Lisa.
When Kyle doesn't respond...
DEREK
Kyle, say hello.
BETH
He can say hello. He's usually not this
shy around strangers.
LISA
What a handsome boy.
(to Derek)
He looks just like you.
DEREK
Actually, most people think he takes
after Beth.
LISA
Talk about the perfect family. The three
of you should be on a magazine cover.
BETH
I hope my husband's not working you too
hard.
(CONTINUED)
B
21.
CONTINUED: (3)
LISA
(cheery tone)
He is. But I like it. I'm learning a
lot.
(to Derek)
Joe Gage needs to see you when you get a
minute.
BETH
Well, that's our cue to leave. We just
dropped in to say hi.
(taking Kyle from Derek)
Come on, big boy.
Lisa steps back, moves off to the door.
LISA
It was great to meet you... Beth.
ETH
You, too... Laura.
She did it on purpose, winking at Derek. He smiles.
LISA
Lisa.
BETH
Excuse me?
LISA
It's Lisa. You said Laura.
BETH
I did?
If Lisa knows she's being fucked with, she doesn't show it.
BETH (cont'd)
Sorry. Lisa.
LISA
(WAVING)
Bye, Kyle. Say hi to Santa for me.
Lisa exits. A beat.
DEREK
(to Beth)
That was intentional.
(CONTINUED)
22.
CONTINUED: (4)
BETH
Wasn't me. Blame "Betty." So what's the
deal with her?
DEREK
What do you mean?
BETH
She knew I was taking Kyle to Santa.
DEREK
So?
BETH
So she was obviously listening at the
door.
DEREK
Well, she probably didn't know when to
come in.
BETH
I thought you said she was plain. Derek,
that girl may be a lot of things but one
of them is not plain.
DEREK
How would I know? I only have eyes for
you. B
ETH
(LAUGHS)
Oh, you are so slick.
They put Kyle in his stroller.
DEREK
Come on. I'll walk you to the elevator.
You can say hi to the old gang.
(BEAT)
Ever miss it?
BETH
I like to think I traded up.
Derek beams. They share a kiss.
EXT. ELEVATOR
Derek, Beth and Kyle are surrounded by office workers making
a fuss over Beth and Kyle. Even Joe Gage comes out of his
office to embrace Beth and chat.
(CONTINUED)
T
D
L
23.
CONTINUED:
Lisa watches from a distance. Her face betrays no emotion.
After a moment, she turns and enters Derek's office.
isa sits behind the desk in Derek's chair and look at a
framed picture on Derek's desk -- Derek, Beth and Kyle, the
perfect happy family.
Nearby, Lisa sees a pile of CD's. She looks through them and
smiles with an idea.
CUT TO:
INT. SUV - DAY
A warm LA morning with a hot sun coming up. Derek drives to
work, listening to Gnarls' "Crazy."
INT. OFFICE - MORNING
Workers hang bulbs and decorations on the Christmas tree. A
festive holiday spirit is in the air.
Derek exits the elevator, heads to his office. Patrick is
back at his desk. D
EREK
Hey, Patrick. Feeling better?
PATRICK
Much. Thanks.
(BEAT)
You know it's going to take more than the
flu to keep me away from that Christmas
party.
LISA (O.S.)
Not sure we can say the same for Marge...
Derek turns to see Lisa, now sitting at Marge's desk.
EREK
You get around don't you?
LISA (CONT'D)
Poor thing called in with a fever...
PATRICK
Yeah... She's not speaking to me at the
moment.
he three share a laugh.
(CONTINUED)
L
D
24.
CONTINUED:
DEREK
Alright. You two behave yourselves out
here...
erek goes into his office. We stay with Patrick and Lisa.
PATRICK
(whispers to Lisa)
So, how many times did you get busted
listening in on Derek's calls?
LISA
(light laugh)
I'm way too devious to ever get caught.
Besides, I thought all you assistants
listened in.
PATRICK
(with a smile)
We do.
A beat. Lisa wonders if she might make a friend here.
LISA
How long have you worked here?
PATRICK
Ten years this Spring.
ISA
I'll bet you know more about what goes on
behind these closed doors than anybody.
PATRICK
Oh you got that right girl. I know all
the dirty little secrets.
L
ISA
Well maybe we should grab a drink some
night after work for a little girl talk.
PATRICK
(lonely guy; flattered by her
INTEREST)
Listen, honey, if you think you can buy
my silence with a couple of Cosmo's...
you're right.
They share a laugh, bonding.
CUT TO:
25.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Deserted at lunch hour. Derek, in shirtsleeves, emerges from
his office and approaches the Break Room.
INT. BREAK ROOM
Derek enters, opens the refrigerator and takes out a lunch
bag. He hears a slight SNIFFLING NOISE, turns and is
surprised to find Lisa seated a corner table, a little
tearful.
Lisa looks up, quickly wipes her eyes with her hand and puts
on a smile.
LISA
Sorry. I thought everybody was at lunch.
An awkward moment. Lisa starts to rise.
LISA (cont'd)
I should go...
DEREK
No. Stay. I was just gonna take this
back to my office.
Lisa sits back down. Derek starts to leave; hesitates.
DEREK (cont'd)
Anything I can do to help? I mean... if
you want to talk about it.
LISA
It's nothing.
DEREK
Most people I know don't cry over
nothing.
LISA
(
with humor)
You think I was crying? This is just my
allergies.
DEREK
Uh huh. What are you allergic to?
LISA
Men, apparently. Actually it's more like
they're allergic to me.
(CONTINUED)
(
26.
CONTINUED:
DEREK
Boyfriend trouble?
Lisa hesitates, wondering if she can confide.
LISA
It's stupid really.
(a beat)
This guy I've been seeing just calls and
dumps me. Middle of the day. No
warning. No explanation. Just "I don't
think we should see each other anymore."
DEREK
OUCH!!! That's pretty cold. How long
were you together?
LISA
Two months.
small laugh)
Actually, it was one of my longer lasting
relationships. I don't know what it is
but sooner or later I just seem to scare
men off.
(BEAT)
I'm starting to think there's something
wrong with me.
Derek sits down beside her. He puts a comforting hand on her
shoulder.
DEREK
(like a big brother)
Nothing wrong with you. Your boyfriend's
a fool, that's all.
LISA
I wish I could believe that.
DEREK
Maybe you just haven't met the right guy
yet.
LISA
I'm beginning to think all the good ones
are taken. D
EREK
Look, I'm no expert but if it didn't work
out, maybe it wasn't meant to be. When
the right guy comes along... you'll know
it.
(CONTINUED)
D
(
D
L
27.
CONTINUED: (2)
She looks up at him; smiles.
LISA
Is that how it was with you and Beth?
DEREK
Actually, yeah. We both knew pretty
quick.
LISA
Love at first sight?
DEREK
It does happen.
ISA
Great. Now I'm jealous.
DEREK
Why?
LISA
She's got it all. Perfect husband,
perfect child, perfect marriage.
EREK
Nobody's perfect. There are problems in
every relationship. The important thing
is to keep moving forward.
trying to buck her up)
Don't get down on yourself. You're a
bright, attractive girl. Any man would
be lucky to have you.
LISA
Oh, yeah. Right.
DEREK
No, really. If I was single...
LISA
But you're not.
EREK
I just meant...
LISA
I know. You're just trying to make me
feel better.
(touches his hand)
And you have.
Lisa gets up.
(CONTINUED)
I
28.
CONTINUED: (3)
LISA (cont'd)
Thanks, Derek.
DEREK
(ENCOURAGING)
Hang in there. It'll happen.
Lisa nods. She smiles and exits.
ncident forgotten, Derek opens his lunch bag and takes out a
sandwich.
B
en appears in the doorway, grins at Derek.
BEN
What was that all about?
DEREK
Poor kid got dumped by her boyfriend.
BEN
Really? I wouldn't mind taking up the
slack. That is one hot piece of ass
there.
(off Derek's look)
Like you haven't noticed.
DEREK
(AMUSED)
Hey, I'm a happily married man. And so
are you.
BEN
Doesn't mean we can't look.
Ben goes to the refrigerator, opens it and starts rooting
around.
BEN (cont'd)
Not like the old days, back when you
could get away with a little office
nookie on the side and not get nailed for
it.
(turns and gives him a grin)
Don't give me that "I'm appalled" look.
That's how you got together with Beth,
isn't it?
DEREK
Ben, if you're looking to start something
with that girl...
(CONTINUED)
(
D
29.
CONTINUED: (4)
BEN
You saw her first?
DEREK
Fuck off.
BEN
Besides, I don't think I'm her type. Now
you on the other hand...
EREK
Ben, do me a favor...
BEN
All I'm just sayin' is a lot of these
single gals see the work place as a
hunting ground.
cocking his finger like a gun)
And this one's got you in the cross
hairs.
With a grin, Ben "pulls the trigger -- bang!" and exits.
Derek looks a little annoyed. C
UT TO:
INT. DEREK'S OFFICE - DAY
Derek at his desk. He notices an envelope with his name on
it. He opens the envelope. A note and a home-made CD slide
out.
"Thanks for the shoulder, Lisa. (Thought you might like
these.)"
Curious, Derek feeds the CD into his computer, lowers the
volume and is hit with Gnarls Barkley in concert. He turns
down the volume and smiles, continues to listen.
He hear the ding of an IM on his computer. It's from
TEMPGIRL:
TIS THE SEASON TO BE GNARLY.
Derek considers, types back.
WHERE DID U FIND THIS
Reply: CONCERT BOOTLEG. TOTALLY ILLEGAL. WE COULD BE
ARRESTED.
He responds: WORTH THE RISK. I LUV GNARLS.
(CONTINUED)
C
30.
CONTINUED:
Reply: ME 2
He responds: THANX. GET BACK 2 WORK.
She replies: GONE DADDY GONE.
Derek smiles, then goes back to work.
CUT TO:
INT. CHARLES HOUSE, KITCHEN - DAY
Breakfast. Beth and Derek at the table. Derek is feeding
Kyle. We can see a naked, undecorated Christmas tree in the
next room.
BETH
On your way home, can you pick up those
Baby Einstein DVD's for you know who.
DEREK
I'll have to do it tomorrow. Office
party's tonight.
BETH
I forgot. Well, if you drink too much,
take a cab, okay?
D
EREK
If it's anything like last year, I'll be
home early.
(THEN)
Kyle, I want you to eat this.
Kyle shakes his head "no" and points at the Christmas tree.
KYLE
Santa!
DEREK
Yeah, Santa. And he's coming soon. So
eat. Don't you know Santa only brings
presents to boys who eat all their food?
Kyle considers; then furiously eats. Derek and Beth LAUGH.
UT TO:
INT. RESTAURANT - DAY
Derek sits at the bar by himself, reading the paper. He
looks up and sees Lisa come in. Lisa catches Derek's eye,
surprised. Then she smiles, starts to make her way over...
(CONTINUED)
D
31.
CONTINUED:
LISA
(gesturing to the empty stool
next to him)
This seat taken?
DEREK
(always a good guy)
No. Be my guest...
A HALF-HOUR LATER
Lisa is sitting next to Derek at the bar. The food has come.
DEREK (cont'd)
(CHEWING)
Still the best burger in town.
Lisa chews and nods in agreement.
EREK (CONT'D) (cont'd)
(WHISPERS)
... And the best Margarita.
LISA
(raises her eyebrows)
Really?
DEREK
We used to cut loose here after a long
day at work.
LISA
Work hard, play hard. Right?
DEREK
(LAUGHS)
Back in the day...
(BEAT)
How's that boyfriend trouble coming?
LISA
Keep moving forward, right?
D
EREK
Exactly.
LISA
How about you, Derek? What's the grand
plan?
(CONTINUED)
L
L
L
32.
CONTINUED: (2)
DEREK
You know, run the company by 35. Jet by
40. Retire to my private island and own
the Lakers by 50.
isa laughs.
ISA
Lakers suck.
DEREK
Not with me in charge.
Touche. They both smile.
ISA
You want one?
DEREK
What?
LISA
A margarita?
DEREK
Oh, I don't know.
LISA
C'mon big talker... it's Christmas time.
Works dead --
Derek's not sure.
LISA (cont'd)
I won't tell if you don't.
DEREK
All right. One. What do you like?
Strawberry?
LISA
Rocks. Salt...
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE - EVENING
The Christmas party is in full swing with MUSIC, TWO
BARTENDERS and lowered lights. The tree is all lit up. The
mood is happy and playful and people are getting a little
tipsy.
(CONTINUED)
M
D
33.
CONTINUED:
A MALE WORKER gives A FEMALE WORKER a back massage with a
computer mouse.
Joe Gage, in a Santa suit, is passing out gag presents.
Lisa is in a group with Patrick and some other women,
chatting. She glances over and sees Derek.
He's off to the side with Ben, sipping drinks.
esks and furniture are shoved back and workers are free-
style dancing, crowding into the center of the room.
arge grabs Derek by the arm and pulls him out. Derek makes
some half-hearted dance moves, then gets into the spirit.
It's crowded, people are close together and a moment later,
Derek finds himself dancing face to face with Lisa.
L
ISA
(with humor)
Well, if it isn't the Office Asshole.
DEREK
That's Mister Office Asshole to you.
LISA
I'm impressed. You can dance.
DEREK
All those years watching Soul Train.
LISA
(LAUGHS)
I wasn't sure I was going to come
tonight.
DEREK
Why not?
LISA
Well, it's not like I've been here that
long.
DEREK
I'm sure everybody's glad you decided to
show up.
LISA
Even you?
DEREK
What do you mean "even me?" I'm your
number one supporter around here.
(CONTINUED)
D
D
34.
CONTINUED: (2)
This makes her smile happily.
LISA
(looking up)
Uh oh.
Derek looks up, too. They're under the mistletoe.
EREK
How did that get there?
They look at each other, smile. An awkward moment. Derek
laughs it off.
LISA
(PLAYFUL)
Maybe a quick one on the cheek? If we
don't, people will really suspect there's
something going on.
But Derek steps away.
DEREK
Guess we'll just have to take that
chance.
LISA
(good natured laugh)
Coward.
The music changes, breaking the mood. Derek smiles at Lisa
and slips away, rejoining Ben.
erek looks at his watch.
BEN
You're not thinking about bailing, are
you? Fun's just getting started.
Remember last year? Sally Sloane did a
table dance.
H
e indicates a pretty secretary LAUGHING and accepting
another drink.
BEN (cont'd)
I give her one more drink, then stand
back. How about you, buddy? Need a re-
fill? Come on, where's your holiday
spirit?
DEREK
With Beth and Kyle. I'm gonna take a
piss and sneak out.
(CONTINUED)
35.
CONTINUED: (3)
BEN
You're no fun.
Derek heads down the hall, a little unsteady.
INT. MEN'S ROOM
Derek enters. No one else around. He goes to the urinal and
begins to unzip. About 30 seconds later he hears the door
open and close but thinks nothing of it because it is a large
public Men's restroom in the workplace with 4 urinals and 2
stalls.
But suddenly, a hand snakes around his waist and grabs his
crotch. Derek whirls around, face to face with a brazen,
smiling Lisa who dangles a sprig of Mistletoe in her free
hand. Her eyes flash with desire.
DEREK
(ALARMED)
What are you doing?
Lisa tries to kiss him. Derek resists. He staggers away
from the urinal with Lisa still holding him.
DEREK (cont'd)
Lisa --
They knock open a stall door and fall in. Derek goes back
against the toilet and Lisa is now practically straddling
him. D
EREK (cont'd)
Lisa, stop --
LISA
Why?
DEREK
Are you out of your --
That's when someone comes in. Derek kicks the stall door
shut with his foot just in time. He and Lisa freeze, pressed
close together as A DRUNK MALE WORKER staggers to the urinal
and unzips.
Lisa hides a GIGGLE. Derek is horrified they'll be
discovered.
Then...
The Drunk begins to piss. Loudly. And then begins to sing
Santa Claus is coming to town... even more loud.
(CONTINUED)
36.
CONTINUED:
In the stall, Lisa and Derek are face to face. His hand
grabs her wrist as she squeezes his crotch. He tries to
remove it but her grip is like a vice.
DEREK (cont'd)
For god's --
LISA
Oh, come on...
Hearing something, the Drunk hesitates in mid-piss, looks
back over his shoulder.
DRUNK
(BLEARY)
Hey, who's there?
Derek is trapped. Lisa gives him a naughty smile. She's in
control and enjoying this, turned on by the thrill of getting
caught.
DRUNK (cont'd)
Somebody in there?
Lisa is about to answer. Derek hushes her.
When there's no reply, the Drunk resumes pissing.
Lisa smears the Mistletoe sprig against Derek's face, then
starts to go down on him. He clutches her head with both
hands forcing her to stop. She looks up at him, eyes
gleaming with passion.
D
EREK
(HISSING)
Don't do this...
The Drunk continues his piss. Endless. Finally.. finished.
He clumsily zips back up, lurches over to the sink. He looks
at himself in the mirror, runs his fingers through his hair,
smiles at himself and then stumbles out the door.
The stall door bangs open as Derek pushes Lisa aside and
staggers out, trying to zip up his fly.
LISA
(CONFUSED)
Wait. Where are you going?
DEREK
(FLUSTERED)
You've got the wrong idea!
(CONTINUED)
A
P
37.
CONTINUED: (2)
Lisa doesn't seem to understand but she's amused. Derek is
already out the door.
INT. OFFICE
It's a wilder scene now. Sally Sloane is doing an
uninhibited table dance to the delight of everyone gathered.
atrick, standing off, sees Derek hurry down the hall and
head for the elevator.
moment later, he sees Lisa come down the hall and rejoin
the party. A little tipsy, he walks over to her.
PATRICK
Living dangerously, aren't we?
LISA
Oh, Patrick, you're such an old queen.
(THEN)
Come on. Dance with me.
Lisa pulls Patrick out with the other dancers.
LISA (cont'd)
(as they dance; teasing)
I
'll bet you've never been this close to
an actual woman.
PATRICK
Honey, I've never been this close to an
actual man.
CUT TO:
INT. YUKON - NIGHT
Derek drives home. He's agitated, trying to calm down,
trying to make sense of what happened.
That's when he hears a SIREN. Derek's eyes go up to the rear
view mirror in panic as a police car with flashing lights
gains on him.
Derek pulls over, heart pounding. This is all he needs right
now.
The police car flies by on its way to some emergency.
Derek closes his eyes; lets out a deep breath.
D
38.
EXT. CHARLES HOUSE - NIGHT
Swept by headlights as Derek pulls into the drive.
INT. KYLE'S BEDROOM
Dark. Derek looks in on his sleeping son.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM
Dark. Derek approaches the bed where Beth sleeps. He slips
in beside her.
BETH
(SLEEPY)
How was the party?
DEREK
I only stayed for two drinks.
BETH
That dull, huh?
A long beat. Derek considers telling her.
EREK
Beth...
BETH
Not tonight, honey, okay? I'm really
tired.
And Beth is already back asleep.
Derek lies there, in Hell. He looks up and sees his own dark
reflection in the ceiling mirror. C
UT TO:
INT. OFFICE - MONDAY MORNING
Derek gets off the elevator and walks to his office, turns a
corner and sees:
Lisa coming the other way, carrying files. Derek tenses and
stops, expecting the worst. Lisa merely gives him a pleasant
smile and walks by.
LISA
Good morning.
DEREK
Morning.
(CONTINUED)
D
D
39.
CONTINUED:
Like the other night never happened. Lisa continues on her
way, delivering the files to a co-worker.
erek stands there, observing Lisa, wondering. Ben appears
beside Derek.
BEN
You okay, bro?
Derek turns, a little startled. He registers Ben.
DEREK
Yeah. I'm fine.
BEN
You should have stuck around.
DEREK
What?
BEN
The Christmas party. Hank in Human
Services tossed his cookies on the
Christmas tree.
DEREK
(barely registering)
Really? Sorry I missed that.
Derek goes to his office. Ben goes to his.
CUT TO:
INT. DEREK'S OFFICE - LATER
erek is at his desk, working. Lisa appears in the doorway.
Derek looks up; tensing.
LISA
Bad time?
DEREK
(WARY)
No...
LISA
Joe wants to know if you're done with the
Ganz portfolio.
DEREK
Tell him he'll have it end of the day.
(CONTINUED)
(
40.
CONTINUED:
LISA
(starts to go)
Thanks.
DEREK
You're working Joe's desk?
LISA
Just for today.
light laugh)
He's a real screamer, isn't he?
DEREK
Don't let him fool you. His bark really
is as bad as his bite.
Lisa smiles and exits. Derek is thinking Great, maybe she
doesn't remember.
CUT TO:
EXT. DEREK'S OFFICE - LATER
Derek is at his desk working. It's the end of the day and
workers are leaving. Patrick appears at the door.
PATRICK
Okay if I take off?
DEREK
Yeah, go home.
PATRICK
See you tomorrow.
Patrick leaves. Through the open door, Derek can see other
workers leaving, getting on the elevator. Lisa is one of
them. She doesn't even look his way.
Derek relaxes, goes back to his work.
CUT TO:
INT. PARKING GARAGE - NIGHT
Derek walks to his Yukon SUV, the only car remaining. He
BEEPS it and the doors unlock.
As Derek opens the driver's door and slides inside, the
passenger door opens and Lisa slips in, wearing her overcoat
and an intimate smile.
(CONTINUED)
41.
CONTINUED:
DEREK
(STARTLED)
What are you --
LISA
I owe you an apology for the Christmas
party. I think I sort of took you by
surprise.
DEREK
(UNEASY)
We both had a few drinks. Just forget
it. L
ISA
What if I can't?
DEREK
Lisa... nothing happened.
LISA
All right, have it your way. Nothing
happened.
Lisa lets the front of her overcoat fall open. She's naked
underneath.
DEREK
(jolt of panic)
You really need to get out of my car.
LISA
Why?
DEREK
This is so not right.
LISA
Relax. Nobody's around to see us now.
God, I almost went insane today, didn't
you? Having to go pretend like I was
concentrating on work when all I could
think about --
DEREK
(FLARING)
Lisa, get out of my car!
LISA
(startled; confused)
Derek, what's wrong? What did I do?
(CONTINUED)
L
42.
CONTINUED: (2)
Derek suddenly reaches across her and throws open the
passenger door.
DEREK
I don't know if you're just dense or
what's wrong with you but I want you to
understand something. There's nothing
going on between us. I would never --
never -- jeopardize my job with a co-
worker.
ISA
Maybe you are an asshole.
Wow.
DEREK
Get out!
Derek physically forces her out.
Derek quickly turns the key in the ignition, REVS the engine
and peels out in reverse. The passenger door bangs shut.
Lisa stands there in her overcoat staring in mute
disappointment as Derek speeds out of the parking garage.
C
UT TO:
INT. CHARLES HOUSE - NIGHT
Derek lets himself in, determined to tell Beth everything.
DEREK
(CALLING)
Beth? Honey?
BETH'S VOICE
In here.
Derek heads for the dining room.
DEREK
There's something I need to...
He stops, seeing Beth at the table, looking upset with a
bottle of wine and a glass.
DEREK (cont'd)
What's wrong?
BETH
I've been on the phone for the last hour
with Rachel MORE)
( Hendricks.
(CONTINUED)
H
B
D
43.
BETH(cont'd)
CONTINUED:
She found out Tim's been having an affair
with a neighbor and it's been going on
for the last year and a half.
EREK
(stops dead)
Tim? Really?
Derek sits down at the table.
BETH
At first I couldn't even conceive of it.
They've always seemed to be so much in
love, totally devoted to each other.
DEREK
Tim... told her?
ETH
Just blurted it out last night when he
came home from work. Then he said he was
moving out. You know they've got three
kids. Poor Rachel's a wreck.
DEREK
Yeah. That's tough.
BETH
Tough? It's a disaster. If it was me...
DEREK
Beth, you know I'd never cheat on you.
Derek reaches across the table and takes her hand.
BETH
I know.
e moves closer and puts an arm around her.
DEREK
Tim's an idiot.
B
ETH
He's a son of a bitch.
(beat; then)
What did you want to tell me?
There's no way he can tell her now.
DEREK
Forget it. Just a little problem at
work. (MORE)
(CONTINUED)
B
44.
DEREK(cont'd)
CONTINUED: (2)
(BEAT)
Nothing I can't take care of.
CUT TO:
INT. BEN'S OFFICE - NEXT DAY
Derek, agitated, has confided in Ben who's both concerned and
a little turned on.
BEN
Why didn't you tell me?
DEREK
There was nothing to tell.
BEN
Nothing to tell? She grabbed your cock?
Flashed her tits in your car? Come on,
man. I thought I was your best friend.
DEREK
You think this is funny?
BEN
I just... jeez. I mean, I kinda got she
was interested but I never figured
she'd...
DEREK
What the hell did I do? I was nice to
her, that's all.
EN
Sure you didn't lead her on? Just a
little? I mean, a pretty girl... it
would be normal...
DEREK
I didn't do a damn thing.
BEN
Maybe she thinks she can make the jump
from assistant to wife, too?
DEREK
Thanks. You're a big help.
BEN
Sorry... What are you going to do?
DEREK
Report it to Human Resources...
(CONTINUED)
D
45.
CONTINUED:
BEN
Get her fired?
DEREK
I don't have a choice.
BEN
I'd be very careful if I were you. What
if she makes trouble and says you came on
to her?
D
erek gives Ben a look. C'mon man...
BEN (CONT'D) (cont'd)
Look... it's not like you don't have a
history of behavior here. When's the last
time you had a female assistant on your
desk? People are going to wonder.
EREK
Then I need to get my side on the record
first.
They look at each other.
BEN
(a beat; making a joke)
Wouldn't it be cheaper to just have her
killed?
Derek frowns at him.
CUT TO:
INT. HUMAN RESOURCES - LATER
A determined Derek arrives and enters the offices of HENRY
TRUMAN, IN CHARGE OF HUMAN RESOURCES. A SECRETARY looks up
from her desk.
SECRETARY
Morning, Mister Charles.
DEREK
Hi, Connie. Is Hank in? I need to talk
to him.
HANK
(from the inner office)
Derek? That you?
Derek enters Hank's office and closes the door.
(CONTINUED)
46.
CONTINUED:
DEREK
Hey, Hank.
HANK
What's up?
DEREK
Well, it's sort of a personal matter. I
need to talk to you about one of the
temps, Lisa Sheridan.
HANK
Right. She worked your desk for awhile.
DEREK
(about to confess)
Listen, Hank, this going to be a little
awkward...
HANK
If you're here to file a complaint about
her performance, save your breath. Her
agency called this morning and said she
wouldn't be coming in any more. They
already sent over a replacement.
D
EREK
(hiding is surprise)
She quit? They give a reason?
HANK
No. Did you have some kind of a problem
with her?
DEREK
Well, I just thought she was unqualified,
sort of in over her head. But if she
already quit...
HANK
Looks like she beat you to it.
DEREK
(absorbing this)
Yeah.
HANK
Anything else?
DEREK
No. I guess not.
(CONTINUED)
B
(
47.
CONTINUED: (2)
HANK
How's the new house?
DEREK
New house is great.
a smile)
Couldn't be better.
HANK
Tell Beth I said hi.
DEREK
I will. Listen. We'll have you and
Kathy over some night when we're more
settled.
HANK
Sounds like a plan.
Derek opens the door and exits.
Outside, down the hall, Ben is waiting.
BEN
Well?
DEREK
She quit.
BEN
Really?
DEREK
Yeah.
Ben grins. He raises his hand for a high five.
EN
Come on, bro. That's good news. Problem
solved.
DEREK
(as his good luck sinks in)
Looks that way, doesn't it?
BEN
Not a bad little Christmas present.
Derek, happier now, returns the high five.
CUT TO:
T
48.
EXT. CHARLES HOUSE - DAY
Christmas morning.
hrough the window we see Derek, Beth and Kyle under the tree
unwrapping presents, having a great time. For Derek, all
troubles are forgotten. C
UT TO:
INT. DEREK'S OFFICE - DAY
Derek, at his desk, in a good mood, on the phone.
DEREK
Hans? Derek. How was your Christmas?
Well, you people invented it. You got
the prospectus? Great. Look it over. I
think it's gonna be a happy new year for
all of us.
Derek looks at the doorway where Ben is standing. Derek
gives Ben the thumbs up. Ben beams and does a little victory
dance.
CUT TO:
INT. MASTER BEDROOM - A WEEK LATER - NIGHT
Derek and Beth come in, dressed in tux and gown, exhausted
from a New Years party.
BETH
God, it's after three. That's the last
time I'm going out on New Years Eve.
Next year we'll celebrate here at home.
Just you, me and Kyle.
A "You Have Mail" DING comes from Derek's home computer on
the other side of the room.
DEREK
I'm just gonna check my e-mail and come
to bed.
BETH
Can't it wait?
DEREK
It's already tomorrow in Berlin. Ganz
was supposed to send me his approval.
That's probably him.
(CONTINUED)
D
I
U
49.
CONTINUED:
Beth goes into the adjoining bathroom.
With a YAWN, Derek sits down at his computer and goes to e-
mail. He scans it and is instantly confused.
Dozens of e-mails, all from the same sender: TEMPGIRL.
A
little fearful, Derek pulls up the first e-mail. It opens
up to reveal a self-taken photo of Lisa looking sexy and
inviting on a bed, smiling seductively and wearing skimpy
lingerie that shows off her sexy body.
nder her photo: SEE YOU IN THE NEW YEAR.
Derek feels a jolt of panic. He deletes it, brings up the
others.
t's the same photo, Lisa on the bed, over and over.
Derek stares at Lisa on screen, feeling sick and invaded. He
isn't aware of Beth coming out of the bathroom behind him.
She approaches as he continues to delete.
BETH
Ganz?
She's about to peer over his shoulder. Derek hits the delete
key and the last photo of Lisa disappears.
BETH (cont'd)
What was that?
DEREK
(acting perturbed)
Nothing. I gotta get a new spam blocker.
Beth gives him a kiss on the cheek.
BETH
Forget it. He'll call you in the
morning. Come to bed.
Beth goes away.
erek stares at the computer screen saver: A picture of Beth
with Kyle sitting on Santa's knee at the Grove.
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Derek is at his desk, tensely typing on the computer, sending
an e-mail to TEMPGIRL.
(CONTINUED)
50.
CONTINUED:
Derek types: LEAVE ME ALONE.
He sends it and sits back.
Almost instantly there's a reply.
D
erek stiffens. Then, tentatively, he opens the new e-mail.
TEMPGIRL has replied with one of those annoying YELLOW SMILEY
FACES. It winks at him.
Derek is chilled.
CUT TO:
EXT. CHARLES HOUSE - DAY
Mid-January. The withered Christmas tree waits at the curb
for pick-up.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM - DAY
Beth helps Derek pack a bag.
BETH
Remember the last time Joe had one of his
weekend work retreats?
DEREK
How could I forget? I had a hangover for
a week after.
BETH
Any women coming this year?
DEREK
No, just the usual suspects. Joe says
it's going to be a male bonding
experience.
BETH
I can just picture you guys in the hotel
jacuzzi, getting in touch with your
innermost feelings.
DEREK
(zips up his bag)
Hopefully, they'll all get drunk and
crash early. Or if I'm really lucky...
drown in the jacuzzi.
BETH
Call me tonight.
(CONTINUED)
J
D
51.
CONTINUED:
DEREK
I will.
erek gives her a kiss. Their image is reflected in the
overhead mirror.
CUT TO:
INT. HOTEL BAR - NIGHT
A COCKTAIL WAITRESS delivers drinks to Derek, Joe Gage, Ben
Talbot and THREE OTHER MEN smoking cigars and relaxing after
dinner. The mood is rowdy. They're all a little toasted.
A drink is put in front of Derek.
DEREK
I didn't order this.
The Cocktail Waitress leans down and WHISPERS in his ear:
WAITRESS
It's from the lady at the bar.
D
erek turns and peers at the crowded bar area. He catches a
flash of a young woman in a tight dress seated on a stool.
But a crowd of people move into his line of vision and when
they clear, the woman is gone.
Derek tenses.
JOE
Derek, you okay?
DEREK
I'm fine. Just thought I saw somebody.
JOE
Somebody you know? Or somebody you'd
like to know?
The other guys chortle.
BEN
No way. You can't tempt this guy.
OE
Who could blame him with a wife like
Beth.
(CONTINUED)
52.
CONTINUED:
DEREK
Speaking of Beth, I said I'd give her a
call before she puts Kyle to bed. I'll
be right back.
Derek picks up his drink and leaves.
JOE
Hurry back. This party's just getting
started.
EXT. PATIO OUTSIDE THE BAR
Low-lit. Empty. Derek comes out, flips open his cell to
call home. He puts his drink down on a table.
DEREK
Hey, honey. It's me.
INTERCUTTING WITH BETH in Kyle's bedroom, putting him to
sleep.
BETH
How's the male bonding?
DEREK
They're all getting wasted. Any minute
now, Joe's going to suggest the Jacuzzi.
BETH
Well, if your future depends on putting
on a bathing suit and hot tubbing it with
a bunch of drunks... Derek? You there?
Derek freezes. Across the patio, he sees A FIGURE slowly
approaching. It's a woman back-lit, a silhouette. But as
she passes into the light from the bar, she's revealed as
Lisa, transformed into an alluring femme fatale.
D
EREK
I have to go.
BETH
Wait. Kyle wants to say good night.
DEREK
(TENSE)
They're yelling for me to come back.
BETH
It'll just take a second...
Beth picks up Kyle.
(CONTINUED)
(
53.
CONTINUED:
BETH (cont'd)
Say good night to Daddy.
As Lisa comes closer...
DEREK
(DESPERATE)
Beth, I'll call you later.
BETH
I'll be in bed -- Derek?
Derek clicks off and pockets his cell.
On the other end, Beth looks perturbed.
Now Lisa comes face to face with Derek, smiling. She boldly
picks up his drink and takes a sip.
LISA
I can always tell from the pained look on
your face when you're talking to Beth.
DEREK
(DEMANDING)
How did you know I'd be here?
LISA
I've got my sources.
slight frown)
What's wrong? You don't look happy to
see me.
DEREK
Why did you come here?
LISA
You said you could never be with someone
you work with.
(when he doesn't seem to "get
IT")
That's why I quit. So we could be
together.
Derek looks at her, astounded.
DEREK
(holding down panic)
Lisa, you need to leave.
LISA
(teasing smile)
Or what? You'll make a scene?
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
54.
LISA(cont'd)
CONTINUED: (2)
Call security? What would Joe and Ben
and the others think? I'll tell you what
they'd think. They'd think we arranged
it. And in a way, we did.
Lisa turns aside. Out of Derek's sight, she slips a capsule
into his drink, then puts it back on the table.
LISA (cont'd)
This hook-up was on the books from the
day we met.
D
EREK
What are you talking about?
LISA
One of us has to take control and I guess
it's me. So you go back, say your good
nights to the boys and I'll be waiting in
my room. 610.
DEREK
I'm not coming to your room.
LISA
Would you rather I came to yours?
DEREK
You're crazy... sick. You need help.
LISA
I know. I need help.
(moves closer; seductive)
Help me, Derek.
She presses against him.
DEREK
Stay away from me!
Lisa emits a musical little laugh and smooths her dress. She
registers Derek's angry face and clenched fists. She smiles.
LISA
All right, Derek. You play your games...
(turning away)
... and I'll play mine.
Lisa disappears into the darkness, high heels echoing.
Derek feel his cell phone vibrate. He pulls it out.
DEREK
Beth, I'm sorry --
(CONTINUED)
D
D
55.
CONTINUED: (3)
BEN'S VOICE
Beth? It's Ben. Where the hell are you,
bro?
EREK
I'm right here. Coming back in.
Agitated, Derek picks up his drink, downs it and re-enters
the bar.
CUT TO:
INT. HOTEL CORRIDOR - NIGHT
After midnight.
erek and Ben get off the elevator. Ben is slightly drunk
but Derek is farther gone -- wobbly on his feet, bleary.
BEN
Come on, it's early. We'll go to my room
and plunder the mini-bar, charge it all
to Joe. D
EREK
Can't, man. That last drink totally
kicked my ass. I need to lie down.
BEN
All right, be that way. But don't
forget. Nine o'clock in the California
Room. Joe's big rah-rah to the troops.
Ben goes one way, Derek the other.
Derek, feeling more and more disoriented, makes his way to
his room. He fishes around in his pockets and finds his key
card. He slides it and pushes open the door.
INT. HOTEL ROOM
Derek lets himself in, doesn't even click on the lights.
There's enough moonlight coming through the window to lead
him to the bed where he flops down on his back. He doesn't
even bother to undress.
Derek closes his eyes, then opens them. He feels sick.
Sound and perception are playing games with his head. The
room begins to spin and he can hear a sound, a rushing noise.
Is it the shower in the bathroom? The bathroom door is shut
but there's a crack of light around the edges. Is someone in
there?
(CONTINUED)
56.
CONTINUED:
Derek is too out of it to care. He just wants to sleep, make
it go away. He closes his eyes, begins to drift off.
The bathroom door opens, letting in a cloud of steam and a
shaft of light. A woman's silhouette appears, naked. She
moves to the bed.
D
erek feels the bed move... feels a tug on his trousers...
then, an amplified ZZZZIIIPPP.
Derek's eyes open in shock. He can't believe what he sees --
Lisa, naked, straddling him. Her hand caressing his face.
It's like a dream. A nightmare. Lisa smiles seductively and
puts a finger to her lips.
LISA
Shhhhh.
DEREK
(groggy; can barely get the
word out)
No..
LISA
Hush, baby.
Her voice seems distorted like it's coming from another
world.
LISA (cont'd)
I'm going to take real good care of you.
Derek tries to resist but finds he has no control over his
body or mind. All he can see is a shifting, distorted image
of Lisa's face... her smile... her teeth.. her lips... the
blazing look of sexual desire in her eyes. And somewhere in
those eyes he can see HIMSELF.
And that's the last thing Derek sees before he passes out and
the entire world goes black and silent. C
UT TO:
INT. HOTEL ROOM - NEXT MORNING
Dazzling sunlight. Derek wakes up, startled by a pounding on
the door.
WOMAN'S VOICE
Housekeeping!
(CONTINUED)
D
57.
CONTINUED:
Derek blinks, blinded by the sun. His brain is fogged and
he's disoriented. It takes him a moment to realize where he
is. A hotel room. Naked under the covers. How did he...
WOMAN'S VOICE (cont'd)
Housekeeping!
The door begins to open.
DEREK
(SHOUTING)
Later! Come back later!
WOMAN'S VOICE
Okay. I come back.
The door closes.
erek glances over at the clock. 10:15. Shit. He's
overslept and now he's late for the seminar.
Derek starts to get up, looks over and -- his heart stops.
There's Lisa sprawled beside him on her stomach, naked under
the covers. She opens her eyes and gives him a sexy, sleepy
smile, stretching her body like a cat.
LISA
Morning.
Derek goes into panic mode, jumping out of the bed like it's
on fire.
DEREK
You've got to get out of here!
LISA
What are you talking about?
DEREK
Leave! You've got to go!
Derek grabs Lisa by the arm, drags her out of the bed at the
same time gathering her clothes from the floor and thrusting
them into her arms.
LISA
Derek, come on...
D
EREK
I want you out of here!
(CONTINUED)
L
58.
CONTINUED: (2)
LISA
Why? You worried somebody's gonna catch
us?
DEREK
Just get the hell out.
LISA
(HALF-AMUSED)
We woke up a little grumpy this morning,
didn't we?
Lisa barely manages to slip into her dress before Derek opens
the door and pushes her out into the hall.
ISA (cont'd)
Derek, what is wrong with you?
Derek slams the door. On the other side, we hear Lisa's
musical laugh.
LISA (cont'd)
All right. Have it your way.
Derek locks the door. Shaking, he goes to the bed, sits on
the edge and buries his throbbing head in his hands.
DEREK
(in hell)
Fuck... fuck... fuck.
CUT TO:
INT. HOTEL - SEMINAR ROOM - MINUTES LATER
Derek slips in and takes a seat next to Ben at the end of a
big table. The other guys are there, also a little under the
weather. They take notice of his late arrival.
JOE
(interrupting his talk)
Thank god. We were about to send out a
search party.
DEREK
Sorry. Overslept.
Derek glances over at Ben who frowns at him. Derek looks
over at the wall clock as Joe resumes talking. 10:35.
T
IME CUT
(CONTINUED)
I
(
59.
CONTINUED:
It's now 12:50. While Joe continues his talk, A HOTEL CLERK
quietly slips into the room, goes over to Derek and whispers
to him. Derek perks up with concern. He leans over to Ben,
WHISPERS:
DEREK (cont'd)
It's Beth.
BEN
What about her?
DEREK
She's here.
MYSTIFIED)
I'll be right back.
Derek gets up and leaves.
NT. CORRIDOR OUTSIDE
Derek follows the Clerk. As they turn a corner...
CLERK
Here's your wife, sir.
Derek stops dead. It's not Beth waiting for him. It's Lisa,
dressed sexy/casual, bright smile. The Clerk goes away.
LISA
I thought you might need an excuse to get
out of there. How about some lunch?
DEREK
Lunch?
LISA
It's gorgeous outside and I made a
reservation at --
Derek grabs her by the elbow and hustles her out of sight,
trying to keep his voice down.
DEREK
What do you think this is?
LISA
The morning after?
DEREK
(FLARING)
We didn't do anything last night.
Lisa gives him a sly smile.
(CONTINUED)
D
60.
CONTINUED:
LISA
But you can't remember, can you?
DEREK
It didn't happen!
LISA
Derek, not so loud. You'll cause a
scene.
DEREK
That's exactly what we
Right. A scene.
need.
Derek hauls her roughly back down the hall.
LISA
What are you doing?
DEREK
What I should have done last night.
Taking you inside to tell Joe and the
others whatever you want. They'll know
you're out of your mind.
H
e yanks her toward the door.
LISA
(trying to pull away)
Why are you trying to ruin this?
EREK
THERE IS NO THIS!!!
LISA
Don't say that.
DEREK
Godammit!
Derek throws her roughly against the wall. She hits her
head, a little stunned.
Derek steps back, surprised by his own violence.
DEREK (cont'd)
I'm sorry...
LISA
What's wrong with you? You're acting
like a stranger.
(CONTINUED)
L
61.
CONTINUED: (2)
DEREK
Yeah! That's exactly what I am. A
stranger, a person you don't know. Now
either go inside and tell them your
bullshit lies or get the hell out of
here.
LISA
(flaring; ugly tone)
You think you can use me, then throw me
away? I'm not some piece of garbage,
Derek. I'm a human being...
Lisa reaches out to him.
Derek, in frustration, raises his hand as if to strike her.
Her eyes flash with excitement. Derek stops himself,
revolted by his own behavior.
LISA (cont'd)
Do it. Hit me. You can do anything you
want to me. Don't you know that?
Anything.
Derek stares at her like she's a thing, an object. He shakes
his head.
ISA (cont'd)
Don't look at me that way.
DEREK
How else do you look at somebody who
sickens and repulses you?
L
ISA
Derek, please...
DEREK
I don't care what you do or what you say.
What goes on in that twisted mind of
yours. It doesn't matter because the
truth is, there's never going to be
anything between us. So go ahead,
Lisa... do your worst.
They stare at each other.
Then, Derek turns and goes into the seminar room, closing the
door behind him.
(CONTINUED)
D
62.
CONTINUED: (3)
With a heartbreaking expression of hurt, Lisa stares at the
door for a long moment, wipes a tear from her face and walks
away.
CUT TO:
INT. HOTEL RESTAURANT - THAT NIGHT
Derek, Ben, Joe and the others eat dinner. A lively
atmosphere. Derek seems apart from the others, lost in
thought.
BEN
Derek, you drinking?
DEREK
Not tonight, man. I'm sticking to ice
tea.
CUT TO:
INT. ELEVATOR/HOTEL CORRIDOR - LATER THAT DAY
Derek gets off on his floor and heads to his room.
INT. HOTEL ROOM
Derek steps inside and freezes, confronted with his worst
nightmare.
High heels and a path of discarded clothing leads to the bed
where Lisa lies in bed, naked under the covers, her eyes
shut, seemingly asleep.
EREK
(anger rising)
No. No fucking way...
Derek moves toward the bed and the sleeping girl.
D
EREK (cont'd)
Goddamn it, Lisa.
No response. Her head is cocked to one side and her skin is
ghostly pale.
Derek leans over and shakes Lisa's naked shoulder.
DEREK (cont'd)
Lisa, get up.
It's like shaking a doll.
(CONTINUED)
D
63.
CONTINUED:
DEREK (cont'd)
Get up or I'll drag you out and throw you
in the hall.
That's when Derek sees it. On the night stand: an empty
bottle of prescription pills. Derek picks up the bottle and
looks at the label: Ambien.
Derek grabs the bedside phone and punches Desk.
DEREK (cont'd)
(fighting panic)
This is 622. There's a woman in my room,
she's taken an overdose of prescription
pills -- Ambien. You need to get the
paramedics and security up here right
away. Please hurry.
Derek hangs up. Now he puts one knee on the bed and takes
Lisa's face in his hands, turning her head. He might as well
be handling a marionette.
DEREK (cont'd)
(SHOUTS)
Lisa!
No response. He puts his ear to her naked chest, trying to
detect a heartbeat. If there is one, he can't hear it.
Derek gently slaps her cheeks. Rolls back her eye lids.
Nothing.
DEREK (cont'd)
Oh god...
Now Derek begins to perform CPR. He tilts Lisa's jaw back,
clears her mouth and begins to breathe into her, alternating
chest compressions.
EREK (cont'd)
Lisa! Wake up, goddamn it... C
UT TO:
INT. ER WAITING AREA - NIGHT
In a corner, Derek looks haggard, being interviewed by a
veteran police detective, MONICA REYES. Reyes looks more
like a middle-aged suburban mom than a cop but she's very
good at her job.
REYES
All right, Mister Charles, let me get
this straight. E)
(MOR
(CONTINUED)
64.
REYES(cont'd)
CONTINUED:
This girl you barely know, works in your
office, fantasizes you're having an
affair and when you reject her, she tries
to commit suicide in your bed.
DEREK
I know how it sounds but, yeah, that's
pretty much it.
REYES
This affair...
DEREK
There WAS NO affair.
REYES
So she just... made it up in her head?
With no help from you?
DEREK
Maybe I was too nice to her, said
something she took the wrong way, I don't
know. All I know is I did not lead her
on.
REYES
And you had no idea she'd be at the
hotel?
DEREK
None. I don't even know how she got in
my room.
REYES
Apparently she told one of the
housekeepers she was your wife and lost
her key.
DEREK
Doesn't that prove she did this on her
own?
REYES
All it proves is she lost her key.
DEREK
She never had a key.
REYES
Look, Mister Charles, I don't care if you
were or weren't banging this girl. I
just need to get your version for my
report. (MORE)
(CONTINUED)
D
65.
REYES(cont'd)
CONTINUED: (2)
Besides, if it's a question of innocence,
I'm not the one you have to convince.
D
EREK
What do you mean?
REYES
Let's just say I wouldn't like to explain
a situation like this to my husband.
Before Derek can respond, Reyes sees AN ER DOCTOR signalling.
REYES (cont'd)
I'll be right back.
Reyes goes to talk to the Doctor. Derek watches them talk.
The Doctor hands Reyes a piece of paper. Derek can't stand
the suspense. He walks over and interrupts.
DEREK
How is she?
Reyes nods to the Doctor and takes Derek aside.
REYES
They pumped her out in time. Doctor says
she's groggy and disoriented. Probably
tomorrow they'll move her out of ICU and
up to the fifth floor for a psychiatric
evaluation. All suicides are put on 72
hour hold, it's standard.
EREK
Did she say anything?
REYES
As a matter of fact, she was lucid long
enough to give the doctor a name to call
in case of emergency. He wrote it down.
Here.
Reyes hands Derek a piece of paper. Written on it is DEREK
CHARLES and his phone number.
REYES (cont'd)
Still want to stick to your story?
CUT TO:
EXT. CHARLES HOUSE - EARLY MORNING
Dawn is breaking as Derek guides the Yukon into the drive.
He steps out, hesitates. The front door of the house opens
to reveal a very tense looking Beth in a robe.
(CONTINUED)
D
66.
CONTINUED:
They look at each other across the distance. Derek walks to
her.
BETH
(a little cold)
Tell me everything. From the beginning.
Derek nods. This is not going to be easy.
CUT TO:
INT. LIVING ROOM - LATER
erek has told it all. Beth, looking stunned, stares at him,
uncomprehending. A long beat, then...
BETH
How could you let this happen?
DEREK
You think I encouraged it?
BETH
Maybe you liked it.
DEREK
Beth...
BETH
What man wouldn't? The attentions of a
pretty young girl? I can just see those
adoring blue eyes batting at you every
time you told her how pretty she looked
or what a nice dress --
DEREK
Stop it, Beth. You know I never said
those things.
BETH
You must have said something. Done
something to give her the idea.
DEREK
If I did, it wasn't intentional.
B
ETH
She was in your bed, Derek! You spent
the night together and you want me to
believe nothing happened?
(CONTINUED)
67.
CONTINUED:
DEREK
I was passed out... drunk. Nothing
happened.
BETH
Damn you, Derek. Damn you.
Beth turns away, her face burning.
DEREK
I love you, Beth. I
love Kyle and the life we have together.
I would never do anything to screw that
up. This girl is disturbed. She's
seriously disturbed and for some reason,
she fixated on me.
B
ETH
Why?
DEREK
I don't know. She's crazy.
BETH
You should have told me. From the very
beginning, you should have told me.
DEREK
I know.
BETH
Why didn't you?
DEREK
At first I thought it was no big deal.
And then... I was just embarrassed. I
didn't know how to explain it to you
without looking...
BETH
Guilty?
DEREK
I said I was wrong.
A beat.
BETH
Did she know about us, Derek?
DEREK
What?
(CONTINUED)
C
68.
CONTINUED: (2)
BETH
How we met?
DEREK
Don't do this, Beth. You'll make
yourself sick.
BETH
I'm already sick.
DEREK
Honey, I know I screwed up...
Derek reaches out.
DEREK (cont'd)
But I've told you the truth. I have to
know you believe me.
BETH
(weary sigh)
I don't know what to believe. All I know
is, I need to be alone for awhile.
DEREK
Beth, don't --
BETH
I need to be alone --
Beth moves quickly upstairs. Leaving Derek there. He sits
back on the couch, head in his hands. At a loss. After a beat-
-
INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Derek makes a determined rush up after her. Only to find the
bedroom door locked.
Derek's upset. Resigned, he makes his way over to--
INT. GUEST ROOM - CONTINUOUS
He grabs a pillow. Punches it twice. Knows he's in the dog
HOUSE--
UT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
Lisa is propped up in a hospital bed, a dark brooding
expression on her face, tangled hair hanging down. Just
staring, eyes wide, a little dopey looking.
(CONTINUED)
R
L
L
69.
CONTINUED:
Monica Reyes appears in the doorway.
REYES
Miss Reynolds? I'm Monica Reyes.
isa looks up. Her face transforms into a bright smile.
LISA
Come in. I'm sorry I'm such a mess but
they won't let me take a shower or wash
my hair.
(dismissive laugh)
Apparently I'm still on suicide watch.
REYES
I'm a police officer assigned to your
case. How are you feeling?
LISA
Well, still a bit groggy from the
medication. But it isn't stopping me
from feeling ashamed for all the trouble
I've caused.
REYES
Do you feel like talking about the other
night?
LISA
Have you spoken to Derek?
REYES
Yes.
LISA
And he's all right?
REYES
Relatively speaking.
ISA
When can I see him?
EYES
See him?
LISA
Derek.
REYES
I'm afraid that's not possible.
(CONTINUED)
R
R
70.
CONTINUED: (2)
LISA
Why?
REYES
Miss Sheridan, I don't think Mister
Charles wants to speak to you or continue
any kind of contact.
Lisa looks at her oddly.
LISA
Then why did he send these?
Really?
Lisa indicates a bouquet of flowers in a vase nearby.
REYES
(keeping the surprise out of
her voice)
He sent you flowers?
L
ISA
Peonies. My favorite.
Reyes inspects the attached card. "Lisa Darling, the other
night was just a misunderstanding. Don't ever leave me.
Love always, Derek."
REYES
When did these show up?
LISA
A few hours ago. They're lovely, aren't
they?
eyes decides not to push it, goes into her Q & A:
REYES
Can you tell me what happened at the
hotel, why you were there.
LISA
Didn't Derek tell you?
REYES
I'd like to hear your version.
LISA
There's not a lot to tell. We got
together at the hotel and you can guess
what we did.
EYES
Slept together. Had sex.
(CONTINUED)
(
R
(
71.
CONTINUED: (3)
LISA
Of course.
REYES
Derek denies it.
LISA
He's just being a gentleman, trying to
protect me.
REYES
I see. Go on.
LISA
The next day when Derek told me his wife
wouldn't give him a divorce and that we
could never see each other again, I guess
I over reacted.
BEAT)
I didn't realize he was just being noble.
REYES
Noble?
LISA
He was thinking about his little boy,
Kyle... what the breakup might do to him.
He's not even two, you know. My parents
broke up when I was pretty young. It
leaves a scar that never really heals.
REYES
So you believe Mister Charles is in love
with you? L
ISA
Read the card. Derek and I belong
together and nothing can change that.
But I do feel bad about his wife.
EYES
You do?
LISA
I'm not a home-wrecker. I'm not stealing
him away. Their marriage is dead and
Beth is in denial. It can't be easy to
find out that the man she loves is in
love with another woman. I just hope she
doesn't do something foolish.
strange smile)
You know the old saying.
(CONTINUED)
D
72.
CONTINUED: (4)
REYES
What's that?
LISA
"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."
Lisa could almost be talking about herself. Reyes nods but
she's chilled.
REYES
You take it easy now. We'll talk again.
She excuses herself. Lisa goes back to happily smiling at
her flowers.
CUT TO:
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Derek and Joe Gage.
JOE
I don't have to tell you how an incident
like this could impact the company. Even
the slightest whiff of impropriety...
DEREK
There was no impropriety, Joe. This is
just the sick fantasy of a very disturbed
girl.
JOE
Who might retaliate by hitting us with a
sexual harassment lawsuit.
DEREK
There was no sexual harassment. If
anything, I'm the one who was sexually
harassed.
(SIGHS)
I can't believe this is happening to me.
It's like a nightmare.
JOE
By now, you're probably wishing you had
fucked her.
erek gives him a shocked look.
J
OE (cont'd)
For all the trouble it's costing you.
(THEN)
Sorry. Bad joke.
(CONTINUED)
J
73.
CONTINUED:
DEREK
Goddamit, Joe, if there's an injured
party here, it's me.
JOE
Derek, calm down. I believe you and you
know I'll back you up all the way. But
if I find out there was something going
on, I won't have a choice.
DEREK
That's not going to happen because
there's nothing to find out.
OE
Good. Then you have nothing to worry
about. Meantime I'm going to put Ben on
the Ganz account.
DEREK
But Ganz is my client --
JOE
Look, maybe you should take some time
off. Just til this blows over.
Marge sticks her head in.
MARGE
Sorry to interrupt. Derek, there's a
Detective Reyes here to see you.
Joe and Derek exchange looks.
CUT TO:
INT. DEREK'S OFFICE - LATER
Derek and Monica Reyes face each other across Derek's desk.
DEREK
She obviously ordered the flowers for
herself.
REYES
With your credit card.
DEREK
My secretary keeps all my personal
information on her computer. Lisa must
have accessed it when she was working my
desk.
(CONTINUED)
74.
CONTINUED:
Reyes gives him a blank look.
DEREK (cont'd)
You think I sent the flowers? I'd have
to be as crazy as she is.
REYES
There's more.
DEREK
More?
Reyes opens a bag.
REYES
This is a print out of Lisa's blog. It's
sort of a diary she was keeping.
Reyes puts a large pile of papers on Derek's desk.
REYES (cont'd)
It's a rather graphic and detailed
account of your various sexual liaisons
together. D
EREK
What?
REYES
You can read them for yourself but I
should warn you they're a little... X-
rated.
Derek pages through, growing more alarmed. We see thing like
"THREE TIMES... FROM BEHIND... ON THE FLOOR... I WAS
SCREAMING... WE WERE LIKE TWO ANIMALS... COMING TOGETHER OVER
AND OVER... WHEN HE SLAPPED ME THE PAIN WAS EXQUISITE..."
DEREK
(REACTING)
This is... none of this ever happened. I
was never at her apartment. I never even
touched her, let alone did any of this...
REYES
According to those entries, you're quite
the accomplished lover, Mister Charles.
And you made promises to her, promises to
divorce your wife and marry her...
DEREK
You can't possibly believe this.
(CONTINUED)
75.
CONTINUED: (2)
REYES
Whether I believe it or not is
irrelevant. The only thing that matters
is that she believes it.
DEREK
There's got to be something I can do to
protect myself... my family.
REYES
You could file a restraining order. But
that may not be necessary.
DEREK
Why not?
LISA
Lisa's left town. She was released in
the custody of an older sister yesterday.
Her sister flew down from San Francisco
and took her back. Lisa's agreed to
check herself into a neuropsychiatric
hospital up there.
DEREK
(some relief)
Well, I can't say I'm unhappy to hear
she's gone. Maybe now she can get the
help she needs.
REYES
W
ith any luck, Mister Charles, you'll
never hear from her again.
CUT TO:
EXT. CHARLES LIVING ROOM - DAY
Beth moves through the room, stopping to pick up one of
Kyle's toys. She looks through the sliding glass window and
sees Derek on the deck, holding Kyle in his arms. They're
playing a game. Derek points to objects in the distance and
Kyle identifies them. "Truck... doggie... bird..." and so
on.
A tear in Beth's eye. She comes closer. They don't see her.
DEREK
(singing to Kyle)
"Four little ducks went out one day...
over the hill and far away..."
CUT TO:
B
76.
EXT. CHARLES HOUSE - NIGHT
A few days later.
INT. CHARLES LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
A 14 year old baby sitter SAMANTHA walks Beth and Derek to
the front door. They're dressed for a night out.
BETH
You've got our cell numbers so if there's
any problem, don't hesitate to call us,
okay?
DEREK
Come on, honey. Samantha knows what to
do, don't you?
SAMANTHA
I've got four little brothers. Trust me.
I'm really good at this.
ut Beth remains concerned.
BETH
(to Derek)
I don't know. Maybe we should...
DEREK
No way. Do you know how hard it was to
get these reservations? Come on, we
agreed. This is an important night. And
I am not gonna waste you in that outfit.
(to Samantha)
She looks fantastic, doesn't she?
SAMANTHA
Like a movie star.
D
erek takes Beth by the arm.
DEREK
Everything's gonna be fine.
BETH
(giving in; to Samantha)
Okay, but you call us.
Derek grins and leads her out the door, calls back to
Samantha.
DEREK
Lock this. We'll be back by ten.
(CONTINUED)
D
77.
CONTINUED:
SAMANTHA
Have fun.
Samantha closes the door behind them and locks it.
CUT TO:
INT. RESTAURANT - LATER THAT NIGHT
Derek and Beth sit together in a romantic candle-lit booth,
working on a bottle of wine.
EREK
I haven't seen you looking this relaxed
and beautiful in weeks.
BETH
I'd forgotten what this was like... the
two of us out together.
DEREK
Yeah. It's been awhile.
He looks at her. It's been awhile since they've touched or
had sex, too. Beth smiles a little shyly, drops her eyes.
DEREK (cont'd)
(ENCOURAGED)
So... there's hope?
BETH
It's not that easy.
DEREK
I need you to believe me.
Derek pours the last of the bottle into Beth's glass and
signals the Waiter.
DEREK (cont'd)
Could we get another bottle, please?
Derek smiles at Beth. She looks at her wine glass.
BETH
Derek, not everybody gets drunk and does
things they regret.
Derek looks like he's been punched in the face.
DEREK
I keep telling you I didn't do any thing
to regret.
(CONTINUED)
78.
CONTINUED:
Beth looks up and gives him a hard, cold look.
BETH
(SLOWLY)
I am telling you... you did.
CUT TO:
INT. CHARLES LIVING ROOM - LATER THAT NIGHT
S
amantha is sprawled on the couch. The TV is going, she's
listening to music on her I-pod while texting a friend on her
phone and paging through a teen magazine all at the same
time, multi-tasking.
She doesn't hear the door bell RING the first time. Or the
second. Then there's a LOUD KNOCKING. Samantha becomes
aware, looks around, then sees a shadowy figure through the
frosted window next to the door.
With a SIGH of annoyance, Samantha gets up and goes to the
door. She unlocks and opens it. Lisa is standing on the
threshold, looking fresh and pretty and smiling.
LISA
(super friendly)
Hi, I'm Beth's friend Allie. She's
expecting me.
Lisa breezes right in.
SAMANTHA
Mister and Mrs. Charles are out.
LISA
Out?
SAMANTHA
They went to dinner.
LISA
What? Beth told me to drop by. That's
strange. Oh well, I have something for
Kyle. I'll just run up and give it to
him.
SAMANTHA
You can't. He's sleeping.
LISA
Oh, I won't wake him.
(CONTINUED)
K
79.
CONTINUED:
SAMANTHA
Maybe you should come back.
LISA
But I'm here right now. Why should I...
oh, I see. Just doing your duty. Good
girl. You know what, let me call Beth.
Lisa takes out a cell phone, punches in a number. Samantha
looks relieved.
LISA (cont'd)
(into her cell)
Beth? Hey, girlfriend. It's Allie.
Where am I? Where are you! I'm at your
place. You told me to come by.
(
to Samantha)
No it's okay. She forgot.
(back into cell)
No, Samantha was a little concerned so I
said I'd call you.
(winks at Samantha)
Yeah. Okay, honey. You two have a great
night.
(to Samantha; holding out the
CELL)
Oh, wait. Did you want to talk to her?
Samantha shakes her head "no."
LISA (cont'd)
(into cell)
Beth, I'll call you tomorrow.
Lisa clicks off.
LISA (cont'd)
(to Samantha)
Great. This will only take me a minute.
Lisa crosses to the stairs and goes up. Samantha returns to
the couch and resumes texting.
INT. KYLE'S BEDROOM
yle is asleep in his crib. The door cracks open, emitting
light from the hall, turning Lisa into a silhouette. She
enters the room, silent as a ghost, and approaches Kyle's
crib. She stands over him, smiling down at the vulnerable
sleeping child.
Then, Lisa turns away and looks at herself in a mirror.
(CONTINUED)
80.
CONTINUED:
She takes out a tube of red lipstick and applies it to her
lips.
CUT TO:
INT. LIVING ROOM - A MINUTE LATER
Samantha is listening to i-pod music/texting/watching TV. In
the background, out of focus, Lisa comes down the stairs.
LISA
Thanks, Samantha. Nice meeting you.
SAMANTHA
(preoccupied; doesn't even
LOOK)
You, too.
Lisa vanishes. Samantha sends a last message, then thinks
she ought to check on the baby. She gets up, starts for the
stairs when she gets another text message on her phone. She
checks it, laughs and returns to the couch to text her friend
back. C
UT TO:
INT. SUV - NIGHT
Derek and Beth drive home in tense silence. Finally, Beth
speaks.
BETH
It's his birthday tomorrow.
DEREK
I know.
BETH
I told him we'd take him to Legoland.
DEREK
I'll go on-line tonight and order the
tickets. Unless you think you should
take him alone.
BETH
No. Whatever we're going through, he
needs us to be together.
(CONTINUED)
(
81.
CONTINUED:
Derek turns the corner to their street. The house comes into
sight. The garage door goes up. Derek pulls into the drive
and guides the car into the garage.
CUT TO:
INT. CHARLES LIVING ROOM - A MINUTE LATER
A key in the lock. The door opens. Derek and Beth enter.
On the couch, Samantha ends her texting and greets them with
a bright smile.
SAMANTHA
Hey! You guys got back so fast--
BETH
Any trouble with Kyle?
SAMANTHA
No. He was a doll.
THEN)
But you just missed your friend.
Beth and Derek freeze, turn and look at each other.
BETH
What friend?
SAMANTHA
You know. Allie? She was just here...
called you on the cell?
BETH
(TENSING)
Nobody called me...
DEREK
Someone was here? Inside the house?
SAMANTHA
(to Beth)
You said it was okay. She said she had
something for Kyle...
BETH
(instant panic)
Oh my god! Where's Kyle?
SAMANTHA
In his crib.
Beth streaks for the stairs.
(CONTINUED)
D
82.
CONTINUED:
DEREK
How long since she was here?
SAMANTHA
A couple minutes. What's wrong?
Derek runs for the stairs.
SAMANTHA (cont'd)
(calling after them; now
AFRAID)
You said it was okay!
INT. KYLE'S BEDROOM
Beth runs to the crib. To her horror, it's empty. Lisa lets
out a cry of anguish. Derek appears in the door. Lisa turns
to him in desperate panic.
LISA
She took him! She took my baby!
INT. LIVING ROOM
Derek tears back down the stairs, shouting to Samantha.
EREK
Call 911!
He bursts out the front door.
EXT. CHARLES HOUSE - GARAGE
Derek races into the garage, yanks open the driver's door and
gets in. He starts the engine, turns to back out and --
Surprise! There's Kyle is in the backseat, strapped into his
car seat, smiling at his Daddy.
DEREK
Kyle...
Derek gets out, pulls open the back door and unstraps his
son, then hesitates. What Derek sees makes his blood run
cold. On the child's forehead... a perfect red lipstick
kiss.
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL ER - NIGHT
Kyle is being examined by A DOCTOR while Derek and Beth
comfort him.
(CONTINUED)
(
T
D
83.
CONTINUED:
DOCTOR
We pumped his stomach. X-ray and cat scan
came back normal. We'll wait for the
blood work but it appears he's completely
fine. I don't see any reason why you
can't take Bhim home in a couple hours.
ETH
(tearful relief)
Thank you, Doctor.
Monica Reyes appears in the doorway.
CUT TO:
INT. ER WAITING AREA - A MINUTE LATER
erek and Beth confer with Reyes. Beth is very agitated.
REYES
Apparently Lisa stole her sister's ID to
buy a ticket and board a plane to LA
earlier today, then used her sister's
credit card to rent a car. The sister
didn't even know she was gone until a few
hours ago. She said Lisa had been doing
well in therapy. She didn't know she
checked herself out this morning...
BETH
(EMPHATIC)
She was in our house -- alone with our
son.
DEREK
he doctor says he's fine.
BETH
Well, I'm not fine.
to Reyes; demanding)
I want you to find her.
REYES
We will. She violated the restraining
order so we can arrest her. Look, Mrs.
Charles, I know you're upset. I'm a
mother, too...
BETH
How would you feel if it was your child?
REYES
Exactly the same as you.
(CONTINUED)
D
(
84.
CONTINUED:
BETH
Find her.
Beth goes back into the examining room to join Kyle.
DEREK
Now what? Am I supposed to go out and
buy a gun or something?
REYES
She didn't physically harm him.
DEREK
No, but she could have. Is that the
message she's trying to send?
R
EYES
Either that or...maybe she was trying to
show you she could love him.
off Derek's sickened reaction)
People like Lisa... their emotions can
turn on a dime. What you don't want is
her feelings for you to change to rage.
I don't know. But there's a good chance
she'll try to get in touch. If she does,
you need to call me right away.
Meanwhile, you might want to beef up your
home security.
erek nods.
CUT TO:
EXT. CHARLES HOUSE - LATER THAT NIGHT
The SUV pulls up and parks. Derek and Beth get out. Derek
removes the sleeping Kyle from his car seat and carries him
to the front door where Beth waits.
INT. KYLE'S BEDROOM - LATER THAT NIGHT
Kyle is asleep as Derek tucks him in. Beth CRIES OUT from
another part of the house.
BETH
Derek!
Derek races out of the room.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM
The bedroom has been trashed. The bed has been stripped.
The ceiling mirror is now a spider-webs of cracks.
(CONTINUED)
85.
CONTINUED:
The closet is open and clothes are strewn about. Derek
discovers Beth on her knees, holding up a family photograph
in which Beth's head has been torn off.
BETH
She never left. She was here the whole
time.
Beth scrambles over and finds a wedding photo of herself and
Derek. Again, her head has been removed.
B
ETH (cont'd)
What kind of sick person...
Derek crouches down and holds Beth who begins to cry, her
body shaking.
DEREK
It's all right, it's all right...
BETH
No Derek! It's not all right!!! We have
to do something. We can't live like
this.
As he holds his wife, Derek looks up and sees their
reflection in the mirror -- twisted and distorted, like
Lisa's mind.
CUT TO:
INT. CHARLES HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NEXT DAY
Derek and Kyle watch Baby Einstein on TV.
In the b.g., A SECURITY MAN installs a new alarm system.
Beth is on the phone, talking to someone. Derek keeps an eye
on her.
BETH
(into phone)
Right. Thank you.
Beth clicks off, starts dialing a new number.
DEREK
Who are you calling?
BETH
Guess.
DEREK
You're not...
(CONTINUED)
B
86.
CONTINUED:
BETH
(DETERMINED)
I got her home number from Patrick.
DEREK
She won't be there.
BETH
She can still pick up her messages.
DEREK
Beth, why are you doing this?
ETH
I want her to know who she's dealing with
now.
On the other end, Lisa's cheerful voice:
LISA'S VOICE
Hi, this is Lisa. I'm not here right now
so please leave a message after the beep
and I'll get back to you. Have a good
one.
BETH
(into the phone)
L
isten to me, you little bitch. This is
Beth Charles and I just want you to know
that if you ever... ever... come near my
child or my house again... I'll kill you.
Beth clicks off, gives Derek a defiant look. Derek doesn't
know what to say.
The Security Man appears.
SECURITY MAN
You're all set, folks. You want me to
show you how the system works?
BETH
Definitely.
CUT TO:
INT. GUEST ROOM - NIGHT
Derek lies in bed, wide awake, on guard. He hears a car
engine outside, gets up and goes to the window.
Derek looks out and sees a police patrol car in front of the
house. A moment later, it drives off.
(CONTINUED)
87.
CONTINUED:
Derek goes to Kyle's room. He's sleeping safely. He goes to
the master bedroom and observes Beth from the door way.
She's asleep.
Derek returns to the guest room.
A sudden SOUND. Derek tenses. He hops up and goes to the
window.
It's just the sprinklers going on in the front yard.
CUT TO:
INT. CHARLES LIVING ROOM - NEXT MORNING
Derek is leaving for work. He points to the security pad.
DEREK
Make sure you set this.
BETH
You don't have to tell me.
DEREK
It can't go on much longer. They're
bound to pick her up soon.
(
THEN)
Look, if you want me to stay, I'll call
in...
BETH
No. Go to work. If anything happens,
the security patrol can be here in two
minutes.
(off his look)
Go. I can take care of myself.
Derek opens the door and exits. Beth closes it behind him,
then touches the keypad.
SECURITY VOICE
SET.
Beth watches from the window as Derek drives off to work.
Kyle is nearby playing. The phone rings. Beth goes over and
picks it up, a little wary.
BETH
Hello? Oh hi, Dad.
(THEN)
What's wrong?
(CONTINUED)
88.
CONTINUED:
As she listens with mounting concern, we...
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Patrick is at his desk. The phone buzzes and he picks up.
PATRICK
Derek Charles' office. Oh, hi, Beth.
Patrick perks up at the tone in Beth's voice.
INT. DEREK'S OFFICE
Derek is concentrating at his desk when his phone BUZZES. He
answers quickly.
DEREK
Yeah?
PATRICK
Beth's on 2.
DEREK
Thanks. Hi, honey. Everything okay?
INTERCUTTING WITH:
INT. KYLE'S BEDROOM
Kyle is playing on the floor. Beth is on the phone.
BETH
We're fine but I had some not so great
news from my Dad.
DEREK
What's wrong?
BETH
Mom went back in for more tests. They
wanted to do another biopsy and she's
pretty scared.
D
EREK
I can imagine.
BETH
I'm sure it'll be fine but I thought I'd
drive down to San Diego to hold her hand,
take Kyle with me.
(CONTINUED)
K
T
89.
CONTINUED:
DEREK
I'm gonna be stuck here pretty late but I
could drive down after...
BETH
I don't think that's a good idea. Friday
night traffic's gonna be a nightmare and
they won't know the results til tomorrow.
Why don't you do what you need to do and
drive down in the morning?
DEREK
Are you sure?
BETH
Yes.
here's still that frostiness between them.
DEREK
All right. Say hi to your dad and tell
your mom everything's going to be fine, I
love her. And call me when you're
leaving the house.
BETH
I will.
Beth clicks off and turns to Kyle.
BETH (cont'd)
Come on, sweetie. We're gonna take a
little trip.
KYLE
(EXCITED)
Legoland?
Beth almost laughs. She holds him close.
BETH
Much more fun than Legoland. We're going
down to Nana and Poppa's.
YLE
Daddy, too?
BETH
No. We'll see Daddy tomorrow. Now...
what toys do you want to take?
(CONTINUED)
90.
CONTINUED: (2)
Kyle toddles over to his toy box.
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE
At his desk, Patrick answers the phone.
PATRICK
Derek Charles' office.
LISA'S VOICE
(bright and chipper)
Hey there, girlfriend.
PATRICK
(happy to hear from her; keeps
his voice down)
L
isa?
LISA'S VOICE
How are you?
PATRICK
I've missed you.
LISA'S VOICE
I've missed you, too. Everything okay
around the office?
PATRICK
(hushed/secretive)
Well, actually...
LISA'S VOICE
What?
PATRICK
I'm a little concerned. I heard the
Charles' took out a restraining order
against you.
LISA'S VOICE
(LAUGHS)
Oh, that. That was Beth's doing. She's
not handling this very well. Derek's
just waiting for the right time to tell
her he's leaving.
P
ATRICK
I don't think that's gonna happen.
(CONTINUED)
(
91.
CONTINUED:
LISA'S VOICE
Of course it is...
PATRICK
I'm not sure I should be telling you
this...
LISA
Patrick, don't be such a drama queen. I
thought we were friends.
PATRICK
We are, we are.
LISA
Well?
PATRICK
Well... Beth's headed down to San Diego
tonight. Her mother is having some tests
done. Derek is driving down first thing
in the morning to be by her side.
when she doesn't respond)
Lisa? Did you hear me?
LISA'S VOICE
Patrick, I have to go.
PATRICK
But you just...
LISA'S VOICE
I'll talk to you later.
PATRICK
Wait. I wanted to tell you about my date
I last night. The one my friend set me
up with? The graphic artist? Lisa,
you'd be so proud of me. I met him for
drinks at --
L
ISA'S VOICE
Patrick.
PATRICK
Yes?
LISA'S VOICE
(COLD)
I really don't care whose dick you sucked
last night. I have to go.
The line goes dead.
(CONTINUED)
E
W
92.
CONTINUED: (2)
Poor Patrick looks like he's been hit in the face with a bag
of shit.
CUT TO LISA
She puts her cell phone in her pocket.
IDEN TO REVEAL that she's standing in a grove of trees,
looking down at the Charles house.
INT. CHARLES HOUSE - DAY
Beth goes out the front door, arms full with Kyle and
overnight bags. She sets the alarm and shuts the door behind
her... only to realize she forgot her purse. Beth punches
back in, grabs the purse from inside and closes the front
door again behind her. Forgets to re-set the alarm.
XT. DRIVE WAY
Beth secures Kyle in his kiddie seat, then walks around to
the driver's side, gets in and drives away.
PAN UP TO Lisa watching.
CUT TO:
EXT. CHARLES HOUSE - MINUTES LATER
Lisa approaches the back of the house, carrying a paper bag.
She steps up on the deck and goes to the kitchen door. She
doesn't even check to see if it's locked. She takes the bag
which contains a bottle of champagne and uses the bottle to
break a pane in the kitchen door window. Then she reaches
inside and unlocks the door.
INT. KITCHEN
Lisa steps inside and looks around at the cheerful room,
Kyle's high chair, the places set for three at the table.
L
isa puts the champagne bottle on the counter, then humming
happily, she begins to open shelves until she finds two
crystal champagne flutes. She takes them down. Now she
looks for an ice bucket and finds it.
INT. BETH'S CAR
Beth drives down the hill, calling Derek on her cell.
INTERCUTTING DEREK IN THE OFFICE
(CONTINUED)
S
D
93.
CONTINUED:
DERE
(answering his cell)
Hey.
BETH
We just left the house.
DEREK
Good. Did you set the alarm?
BETH
The... I think I did. I had to run back
in and I can't remember if I re-set it.
EREK
Look, don't worry about it.
BETH
No, I'm barely down the hill. I'll do it
and call you back.
Beth clicks off. She slows down and pulls into a driveway.
She backs out and returns up the hill.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM
Lisa enters, carrying the ice bucket with the champagne
bottle in it and the two flutes. She smiles excitedly, like
a woman preparing for her lover's return.
Lisa places the champagne on the night table.
She removes her coat to reveal a sexy white nightgown, then
reaches into the coat pocket and takes out a paper bag.
he upends the bag and with a giggle, begins to sprinkle red
rose petals on the floor, making a trail to the bed.
I
NT. BETH'S CAR
Beth drives up the winding road to the house.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM
The ice bucket and champagne sit on the night table.
Lisa stretches out on the bed, amid the rose petals, leaving
a space for her lover beside her. She gazes up at the
cracked ceiling mirror. She smiles at herself and, thanks to
the cracked mirror, her smile is distorted, scary and insane-
looking.
94.
EXT. CHARLES HOUSE
Beth pulls into the drive.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM
On the bed, Lisa hears the car.
She rolls off the bed and crosses to the window, parting the
curtains to look out.
HER POV
Beth stepping out of the car.
BETH'S VOICE
(barely audible; to Kyle)
Mommy will just be a minute.
Lisa tenses, suddenly fearful.
INT. DEREK'S OFFICE
He can't work, glancing at his cell for Beth's call.
INT. FOYER
Beth lets herself in. She's about to set the alarm when she
hears the floor creak above her.
Beth freezes. She waits, listens.
No further sound. But Beth knows.
Beth goes to the front door as if to leave. She opens the
door and closes it as if she left the house.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM
Lisa, standing very still near the window, hears the sound of
the door opening downstairs, then closing.
Relieved, she moves to the window and peers out, expecting to
see Beth getting into the car. But there's no sight of her.
INT. FOYER
Beth pulls off her shoes and lays them by the door. She
begins to quietly tip toe up the stairs, certain to be as
quiet as she can.
N
95.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM
Beth enters to see Lisa peering out the window.
BETH
Girl, you're even dumber than my husband
said you were.
(BEAT)
Or did you just forget to take your meds?
Lisa whirls around. Beth is standing in the doorway, giving
Lisa a deadly look, like a cat who's just trapped a mouse.
Beth takes notice of the rose petals on the bed and floor.
Lisa is wide-eyed, terrified, caught. Lisa begins to edge her
way around the room.
BETH (cont'd)
You really fucked up this time... coming
back to my house. Didn't you get my
message?
Lisa's eyes dart around for escape. Beth seems remarkably
calm.
BETH (cont'd)
You can look all you want but you're not
getting out of here.
ot until I've given you the beating of
your life... bitch.
And she means it, too.
Lisa tries to dart around her. But Beth cuts her off,
grabbing Lisa by the throat and forcing her back, slamming
her hard against the bed post.
L
isa bounces off the post, stunned. Beth is on her, slapping
her hard, grabbing a handful of Lisa's hair, ripping it out
by the roots as Lisa tries to get free. Lisa lets out a
subhuman shriek of pain.
Beth tosses the hank of hair aside, keeps on coming. She's
beyond pissed.
BETH (cont'd)
Think you can walk into my house... my
bedroom...
Beth slaps and punches Lisa.
(CONTINUED)
(
L
96.
CONTINUED:
BETH (cont'd)
My child... my husband!
Lisa tries to fight back but Beth is a tiger, beating the
hell out of her, knocking her around the room.
ISA
(in pain; terrified,
WHIMPERING)
Please...
BETH
Please? Please what? Please don't hurt
you?
As Beth pummels her, Lisa stumbles/retreats into the
adjoining bathroom. She slams the door shut and throws the
lock, face bleeding, looking around for a weapon, something
to protect herself with.
CRASH! The bathroom door comes off its hinges as Beth barges
in.
LISA
No!
Beth grabs Lisa by the head and slams her face into the
bathroom mirror. It cracks.
Lisa is wobbly, unable to stand. Her face is a bloody mess.
But before she can collapse, Beth props her up.
B
ETH
("CONCERNED")
You're bleeding. We need to wash that
off.
Beth forces Lisa down, shoves her head into the toilet and
flushes it, holding her there as Lisa flops and chokes.
BETH (cont'd)
Don't worry. I'm not going to drown you.
jerking Lisa's head up)
No, no. I'm just getting started...
LISA
(BLUBBERING)
Please... I'm sorry...
BETH
Too late, bitch. Sorry won't cut it.
Beth kicks Lisa out of the bathroom.
(CONTINUED)
I
97.
CONTINUED: (2)
Lisa lands on the floor and gets up, rose petals sticking to
her gown.
As Beth comes out of the bathroom, Lisa lunges for the night
table and grabs the bottle of champagne. She swings it and
hits Beth is the side of the head. Whack! The cork pops and
champagne goes spewing everywhere.
Stunned, Beth goes down on her knees. Lisa wipes blood from
her face, circling Beth, lips drawn back and teeth showing
like an animal.
LISA
He doesn't love you! I'm the one he
wants!
(crazed; screaming)
Why can't you get that through your head?
Lisa raises the bottle to hit her again.
Beth lunges forward and tackles her. The bottle goes flying
as the two women thrash around on the floor.
I
NT. OFFICE
Derek dials Beth's cell.
INT. CAR
Kyle snoozes in his car seat. Inside Beth's hand bag on the
front seat, her cell phone TRILLS.
NT. MASTER BEDROOM
Beth and Lisa fight on the floor like two she-demons. Lisa
breaks free from Beth.
She crawls to the head of the stairs and grabs the post,
pulling herself to her feet, eager to escape.
BETH
(suddenly behind her)
Careful. You don't want to fall down the
stairs.
Beth gives Lisa a shove. Lisa goes crashing down the stairs
and lands at the bottom in a heap.
Beth descends.
BETH (cont'd)
Did that hurt? Because it looked real
painful.
(CONTINUED)
P
98.
CONTINUED:
LISA
(managing to sit up; defensive)
Please... Beth...
BETH
Oh, it's Beth now? What happened to
Betty?
Lisa rises to her feet, wobbly. She raises bloody hands in
surrender.
LISA
Please. I'll go... I'll leave... I swear
I'll never bother you again...
BETH
You got that right.
Lisa turns and desperately hobbles for the front door. But
Beth easily beats her to it, knocking Lisa aside and throwing
the chain.
B
eth turns and faces Lisa with a murderous look. Hugging the
wall for support Lisa back away, leaving a bloody smear.
Beth advances.
In the kitchen, the phone RINGS. Both women freeze.
hone RINGS again. Then...
DEREK'S VOICE ON THE ANSWERING MACHINE
Hi, you've reached the Charles residence.
We're not here right now but if you
have a message for Derek...
BETH'S VOICE ON THE ANSWERING MACHINE
... or Beth... or Kyle.... Kyle, say
hello.
KYLE'S VOICE ON THE ANSWERING MACHINE
(CUTE)
Hello.
BETH'S VOICE ON THE ANSWERING MACHINE
Please wait for the beep.
BEEEEEEP.
DEREK'S VOICE
(with concern)
Beth? Are you there?
(CONTINUED)
99.
CONTINUED: (2)
LISA
Derek!
Lisa tries to make it to the kitchen to get the phone. Beth
grabs her by the sleeve and pulls her back. The sleeve tears
loose in Beth's hand.
DEREK'S VOICE
Beth?
Lisa stumbles back toward the stairs. She scrambles upward,
thinking maybe she can get to the phone in the bedroom.
Lisa reaches the top step just as Beth snags her ankle,
stopping her. Lisa rolls around and viciously kicks Beth in
the shoulder with her other leg. Beth falls back, tumbles
halfway down the stairs.
D
EREK'S VOICE (cont'd)
Beth, pick up!
Lisa makes it to the bedroom. She sees the phone on the
night stand.
DEREK'S VOICE (cont'd)
Beth? Are you there?
Lisa desperately grabs the phone.
LISA
Derek! Oh, Derek, thank god!
INTERCUTTING DEREK IN THE OFFICE
Reacting in surprise and panic.
DEREK
Lisa?
Before she can answer, Beth is suddenly there. She rips the
phone from Lisa's hand and strikes her with it. As Lisa
stumbles back into the hall landing, Beth speaks calmly, even
sweetly, into the receiver.
BETH
Derek, I'm right in the middle of
something... let me call you back.
DEREK
Beth --
Beth hangs up the phone.
(CONTINUED)
T
D
100.
CONTINUED: (3)
Alarmed, Derek hurries out of the office, punching a number
into his cell as he runs to the elevator. A nervous Patrick
watches Derek exit...
EREK (cont'd)
I need to speak to Lt. Reyes. It's an
emergency!
Beth goes out into the hall and Lisa springs on her.
he two women fight, going up against the bannister. They
claw and punch at each other. With renewed strength, Lisa
forces Beth up against the bannister. Beth looks over the
side and down...
Fifteen feet below is that large glass dining table.
Lisa bangs Beth against the bannister. A few feet away is a
heavy crystal chandelier suspended from the ceiling by a
metal chain.
T
he bannister rail begins to crack. Lisa tries to force Beth
over, then Beth suddenly swings them around, reversing
positions --
The bannister cracks, breaks apart and Lisa topples over the
side.
As she's about to fall, Lisa reaches out and grabs the
chandelier with both hands.
By a miracle, it supports her and she swings back and forth
like a human pendulum but now the chandelier is beginning to
pull loose from it's ceiling mount. Plaster cracks and rips
away.
Lisa swings back and forth, dangling.
Beth stands on the landing. She looks at terrified Lisa,
then up at the ceiling mount. It won't take Lisa's weight
much longer.
And both women know it.
Lisa hangs by one hand, reaching out with her other hand to
Beth who could pull her to safety.
LISA
Please....
Beth considers. Then, as if coming out of dream, she slowly
reaches out to Lisa. Their hands lock together. Beth slowly
pulls Lisa toward her, toward safety.
(CONTINUED)
L
T
101.
CONTINUED: (4)
BETH
(quiet voice)
Let go of the chandelier.
LISA
(AFRAID)
No...
BETH
Let go, Lisa.
he chandelier is about to break loose.
B
ETH (cont'd)
(motherly concern)
Listen to me. You have to let go right
now.
And, trusting, Lisa lets go.
But so does Beth!!!
With a look of horror on her face, Lisa falls through space.
The soundtrack goes dead silent as we go into slow motion.
Down, down, down Lisa falls. Her arms and legs flop around
like a marionette with its strings cut, clawing the air.
The fall seems endless.
Then... Lisa hits the glass dining table with her back. Her
whole body buckles. The surface of the table ripples.
In slow mo, the glass shatters and explodes around Lisa,
framing her entire body, forming a halo around her head.
Sound returns -- the sound of breaking glass -- and it's
deafening.
The table gives way and Lisa lands hard on the marble floor,
her skull cracking. Her back is probably broken but she's
still conscious.
ying there, Lisa stares up at Beth on the landing as glass
bounces and TINKLES around her.
The two enemies lock eyes. Beth's face is impassive.
Lisa opens her mouth, trying to speak.
And that's when the chandelier breaks loose.
(CONTINUED)
R
R
102.
CONTINUED: (5)
Beth watches without emotion as the chandelier plunges
downward and hits Lisa in the chest with a radiantly
beautiful shower of crystals. It kills her on impact.
W
e come out of slow motion. Real time resumes.
On the landing, Beth stares down at Lisa's body, splayed
under the chandelier like a broken doll. Lisa's eyes are
open but they're dead.
Beth, stoic, just stands there, looking down.
INT. DEREK'S SUV
As Derek speeds through traffic, desperate to get home.
INT. CHARLES HOUSE
Beth comes down the stairs, taking no notice of Lisa's
lifeless body. She goes to the foyer, unhooks the chain and
opens the front door.
EXT. CHARLES HOUSE
Outside, a car pulls up and Monica Reyes jumps out. Reyes
hurries up the walk and meets Beth standing in the open door.
REYES
Beth? Is everything alright here?
BETH
(very calm)
I'm fine. Lisa had an accident.
(moving past Reyes)
I have to go. My mother needs me.
Reyes looks into the house and sees Lisa's body, then turns
back as Beth goes to her car and opens the driver's door.
EYES
Beth, I need to speak with you.
Beth turns back to Reyes.
BETH
Call me on my cell.
EYES
What happened here?
BETH
I think you know what happened...
(a beat) ORE)
(M
(CONTINUED)
H
I
103.
BETH(cont'd)
CONTINUED:
Now my child has been waiting too long.
I am sure my husband will be home soon...
Beth and Reyes lock eyes. Reyes nods her understanding. Beth
nods back, gets in the car, starts the engine and backs out
of the drive. Reyes watches her exit.
NT. DEREK'S SUV
In traffic. He dials his cell.
INTERCUTTING BETH IN HER CAR
She picks up her ringing cell phone, looks at the caller ID
and glances at Kyle in the rearview mirror.
BETH
(tears start to well)
It's Daddy...
DEREK
(FRANTIC)
Beth, I spoke to Reyes. Are you okay?
BETH
It's over, Derek--
DEREK
Beth...
(a pause)
Tell me baby-- are you hurt?
BETH
I should have believed you...
DEREK
It's gonna be okay, honey. We're gonna
be okay--
BETH
(long beat)
I love you, Derek.
DEREK
And I love you--
Derek continues on against the traffic. The dashboard
picture of Beth and Kyle still smiling back at him.
HIGH ANGLE SHOT, PULLING BACK
As Beth's car drives away, passing police cars on their way
to the house.
THE END
|
