"CRAVINGS"

 

                 an original screenplay

                           by

                     Charles Deemer


 

 

 

FADE IN:

 

 

EXT. BRITISH COLUMBIA - WOODS - NIGHT

 

A gang of MEN holding flashlights and torches chases someone

through the woods.

 

The object of their hunt is VICTORIA LESEUR, late 30s and

looks younger. She wears a formal gown that is blood-stained

and torn.

 

Victoria looks terrified as she races ahead of the pursuing

gang. And with reason: the men are gaining.

 

Victoria sees an obstacle ahead, a mountain of stone. She

struggles to reach it before the men catch her.

 

The men also see the mountain.

 

                      MAN

           She can't get far now!

 

They run even harder. The lights dart ahead of them like

volleys of bullets.

 

 

EXT. WOODS - CAVE - NIGHT

 

At the foot of the mountain is a cave. Victoria sees it.

 

The men are closing in.

 

                      MAN

           She's heading for the cave!

 

Just ahead of them, Victoria disappears into the cave.

 

 

INT. CAVE - NIGHT

 

The cave is filled with bats.

 

A smile crosses Victoria's lips. One would think she was

home. She moves deeper into the cave.

 

The men enter. Lights dart through the darkness.

 

Bats flutter everywhere.

 

                      MAN

           There!

 

A light falls on something on the ground: it is Victoria's

gown. She's disappeared, leaving her gown behind her.


                                                            2.

 

 

The men exchange knowing glances. Just as they suspected:

she's turned into a bat!

 

They mumble among themselves. Then a bat dive bombs them,

and the men race out of the cave.

 

Out of the shadows comes Victoria, in her underwear, smiling.

She is safe.

 

 

EXT. CROWN MOUNTAIN RESORT - SWIMMING POOL - NIGHT

 

Late. Victoria has the pool to herself. It's officially

closed but she swims quiet, slow laps. She looks relaxed

after the earlier ordeal.

 

Into the light steps MARTIN LESEUR, 40s, her husband. He

waits at the deep end until she swims close.

 

                      MARTIN

           Time to come to bed, Victoria.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Do I have to?

 

                      MARTIN

           You know you must.

 

She climbs out of the pool.

 

 

INT. SOFTWARE COMPANY - VICTOR'S OFFICE - DAY

 

VICTOR MONTGOMERY, 20s, sits at his desk, working on a

computer.

 

JANEY, 20s, beautiful, appears in the doorway.

 

                      JANEY

           Knock, knock.

 

Victor looks up. He is stunned, and quickly flustered, to

see her.

 

                      JANEY

           Hello, stranger.

 

                      VICTOR

           Janey ...

 

                      JANEY

           I hear you finally got a date --

           you're getting married! Bad joke. But

           it's true, you're getting married?


                                                            3.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           Yes, I met her, Margaret, five or six

           months ago and--

 

                      JANEY

           You don't have to explain anything to

           me. I'm just glad you're happy.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm happy, yes, of course.

 

                      JANEY

           So the broken heart I gave you wasn't

           permanent. See how I was right? We're

           too different. I'm thrilled you found

           someone. Well ... That's all I came

           by to say.

 

She leaves.

 

                      VICTOR

                (after her)

           I'd like you to come--

 

But she's already gone. Victor buzzes his secretary.

 

                      VICTOR

           Muriel, send a wedding invitation to

           Janey, Jane Sebastian, in Accounting.

 

 

INT. SOFTWARE COMPANY - VICTOR'S OFFICE - DAY - LATER

 

Victor stares out the window, lost in his thoughts. JEFF,

20s, knocks and steps into the office.

 

                      JEFF

           Jitters?

 

Victor turns from the window.

 

                      VICTOR

           I saw Janey. She came by to wish me

           happiness.

 

                      JEFF

           You okay with that?

 

                      VICTOR

           I don't know. It's strange ... the

           moment I saw her ...

 

He can't go on.


                                                            4.

 

 

                      JEFF

           Victor, you're getting married.

 

He quickly recovers and looks at his watch.

 

                      VICTOR

           I have an appointment.

 

                      JEFF

           Brew after work?

 

                      VICTOR

           I'll meet you there.

 

 

INT. OFFICE BUILDING - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Victor steps off an elevator and walks down a hallway to an

office.

 

The door reads "Lloyd Jacobson, Private Investigations."

 

 

INT. JACOBSON'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Victor and JACOBSON, 30s, a detective, sit in his office.

Victor is studying a photograph.

 

The PHOTOGRAPH is of Victoria LeSeur, taken when she was in

her 20s.  It is clearly the woman who was being pursued in

the woods.

 

                      VICTOR

           Where did you find her?

 

                      JACOBSON

           She lives in Viren. It's in British

           Columbia, Canada.

 

                      VICTOR

           And my father?

 

                      JACOBSON

           He's also alive.

 

Victor hands Jacobson the photo but the detective doesn't

take it.

 

                      JACOBSON

           It's yours.

 

                      VICTOR

           Thank you.

 

He looks at it again.


                                                            5.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           She's so beautiful.

 

He looks at Jacobson.

 

                      VICTOR

           I can't tell you how important this

           is to me.

 

Jacobson hands him a business envelope.

 

                      JACOBSON

           You can try ... your bill.

 

 

INT. BAR - DAY

 

A popular after-work watering hole.

 

 

INT. BAR - BOOTH - DAY

 

Victor and Jeff share a pitcher of beer.

 

                      JEFF

           You've been trying to find your

           parents for almost a year and now

           that you've found them, you look like

           you just got fired. What's up?

 

                      VICTOR

           It's Janey.

 

                      JEFF

           I was afraid of that.

 

                      VICTOR

           I should've let it pass. Said thank

           you and sent her on her way.

 

                      JEFF

           I don't follow.

 

                      VICTOR

           I invited her to the goddamn wedding.

 

                      JEFF

           You're not still in love with her ...

           Victor?

 

                      VICTOR

           Of course not.

 

Jeff looks skeptical.


                                                            6.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           Jeff, I'm getting married! I love her.

 

                      JEFF

           Who?

 

                      VICTOR

           Margaret!

 

 

EXT. WALLER MANSION - GARDEN - DAY

 

Victor is walking in a luxurious garden with his fiancee,

MARGARET WALLER, 20s, plain, aristocratic.

 

Margaret is looking at the photograph of Victoria LeSeur.

 

                      MARGARET

           She's so beautiful.

 

                      VICTOR

           Almost as beautiful as you.

 

                      MARGARET

           Do you have a picture of your father?

 

                      VICTOR

           No.

 

They walk in silence a moment, looking at the photograph

together.

 

                      VICTOR

           Margaret, I'm going to Canada. I have

           to see them.

 

This surprises her.

 

                      MARGARET

           When?

 

                      VICTOR

           Right away. I know what you're

           thinking. The wedding's less than a

           week away.

 

                      MARGARET

           There's so much to do!

 

                      VICTOR

           I want them to come, and I don't want

           to give them the opportunity to say

           no on the phone. You understand,

           don't you?


                                                            7.

 

 

                      MARGARET

           This will give mother something else

           to panic about.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm glad you don't take after her.

 

Margaret gives him a funny look, as if thinking, If he only

knew!

 

                      VICTOR

           I'll be back in a few days. I promise.

 

                      MARGARET

           Victor, I love you so much.

 

They embrace and kiss.

 

 

INT. TRAIN STATION - DAY

 

Seeing Victor off are Margaret and her mother, GLADYS

WALLER, 50s, over-bearing and arrogant. She looks like being

in a public train station is as unsettling as visiting a

prison filled with the unwashed.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           The train, Victor! When time is so

           short?

 

                      MARGARET

           You know he hates to fly.

 

                      VICTOR

           Don't worry, I'll be back in plenty

           of time. And with my parents.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Your parents are the people who

           raised you, God rest their souls.

           Victor, I understand how--

 

                      MARGARET

           Mother...

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Now that you've found them, I know

           how much you want them to be here. I

           truly understand. But that's what

           they have telephones for. You call

           and invite them.

 

                      VICTOR

           I have to board.


                                                            8.

 

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           If you have to ask them in person,

           it's what they have airplanes for.

 

                      MARGARET

           Call me from the hotel.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Today we have email, for God's sake.

           There's no reason to stoop to this

           level.

 

                      VICTOR

           Mrs. Waller, be thankful I didn't

           take the bus.

 

He winks at Margaret and moves off to get in line to board.

 

 

INT. TRAIN STATION - VIEWING AREA - DAY

 

Margaret and Gladys watch the train pull out of the station.

 

                      MARGARET

           He's going to be fine, mother.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Of course, he is. He thinks I'm such

           a worry wart. I didn't want to

           disappoint him. We can get a lot more

           done without Victor around to distract

           you. Come along, dear.

 

She takes her daughter's arm and moves off.

 

 

INT. TRAIN - DAY

 

Victor moves down the aisle, looking for a seat. The train

is crowded.

 

He finds an empty seat and takes it.

 

 

INT. TRAIN - CLUB CAR - DAY

 

The club car, too, is crowded. Victor enters and finds a

spare seat at a small table, occupied by a man sitting alone.

This is JIMMY BOW, 30s.

 

                      VICTOR

           Do you mind?

 

                      JIMMY

           Please.


                                                            9.

 

 

Victor sits down.

 

                      JIMMY

           How far you going?

 

                      VICTOR

           Viren. It's in British Columbia. I've

           never been there before.

 

                      JIMMY

           You like mountains?

 

                      VICTOR

           The higher, the better.

 

                      JIMMY

           You'll love Viren then.

 

                      VICTOR

           How far are you going?

 

                      JIMMY

           Past Viren, to the end of the line.

 

 

EXT. VIREN - MAIN STREET - DAY

 

Viren is a small town in the foothills of rugged mountains.

 

Main Street. Taverns, shops.

 

A MAN stops at an alley. He looks up and down the street,

then darts into it.

 

 

EXT. ALLEY - DAY

 

The man continues forward, looking behind to make sure no

one has seen him.

 

He reaches a boarded-over building at the end of the alley.

He takes steps down to a basement door.

 

 

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - BASEMENT - DAY

 

A 12-step meeting is in progress as the man enters late. He

takes a seat in the back.

 

Only a dozen or so people are in attendance. Some wear dark

glasses, despite the dim interior. All have sallow

complexions.

 

Sitting in the meeting together are Victoria and Martin. He

is holding his wife's hand.


                                                           10.

 

 

Victoria wears a scarf, a hat, dark glasses, looking like an

imitation of Greta Garbo in hiding.

 

The meeting is chaired by a WOMAN wearing too much makeup.

She looks a little ghoulish.

 

                      CHAIRWOMAN

           Anyone else?

 

The man in back rises.

 

                      MAN

           I'm James, and I'm a vampire.

 

                      VOICES

           Hi, James, welcome!

 

                      MAN

           Last night I put my coffin in the

           closet -- and slept in a bed!

 

Scattered applause.

 

                      MAN

           I had a good night's sleep, too. And

           one more thing, you'll notice I

           stopped wearing dark glasses! Thank

           you.

 

He quickly sits down, grinning.

 

                      CHAIRWOMAN

           We have time for one more.

 

Martin nudges his wife. She shakes her head.

 

He gives her a stare, Do it!

 

Victoria gives in and stands up.

 

                      CHAIRWOMAN

           Yes, dear?

 

All eyes are on Victoria.

 

                      VICTORIA

           My name's Victoria, and I'm a vampire.

 

People respond in unison.

 

                      PEOPLE

           Hi, Victoria, welcome!


                                                           11.

 

 

                      VICTORIA

           Last week ... while we were on

           vacation ... I relapsed again. You

           probably read about it in the paper

           ... the young man at the resort ...

 

Scattered responses: surprise, groans of disappointment.

 

                      VICTORIA

           So it's back to square one.

 

Knowing nods around the room.

 

Martin reaches up, smiles, squeezes her hand. Tears well in

her eyes.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I'm going to really try to do better

           this time.

 

A few people applaud. Others look skeptical.

 

Above the chairwoman, a banner reads: "Vampires Anonymous"

 

 

INT. TRAIN - CLUB CAR - DAY

 

Victor and Jimmy still sit over drinks.

 

                      JIMMY

           That's quite a story. Your parents

           must be as excited as you are.

 

                      VICTOR

           They don't know I'm coming.

 

                      JIMMY

           Really? That's even better. I'm sorry

           I'm on assignment, it would make a

           hell of a human interest story.

 

                      VICTOR

           On assignment?

 

                      JIMMY

           I write for The Spectacle.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm sorry, I don't know it.

 

                      JIMMY

           One of those tabloids you see in the

           supermarket. We're the new kid on the

           block.


                                                           12.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           What's the assignment?

 

Jimmy grins.

 

                      JIMMY

           A guest at a resort was murdered. I'm

           supposed to show that a vampire did it.

 

A WAITER appears.

 

                      WAITER

           Another round, gentlemen?

 

                      JIMMY

           By all means.

 

 

INT. TRAIN - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Victor and Jimmy head back to their seats.

 

They reach a men's room.

 

                      VICTOR

           It was nice talking to you.

 

                      JIMMY

           Likewise.

 

Victor enters the men's room.

 

 

INT. TRAIN - MEN'S ROOM - DAY

 

Victor stares at his face in the mirror. He looks tired,

worried.

 

He turns on the water, stoops forward and splashes water on

his face.

 

 

EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - SUNSET

 

The train speeds along tracks at sunset. There are mountains

in the distance.

 

 

INT. TRAIN - DINING CAR - NIGHT

 

Victor and Jimmy share a table again. They are dining.

 

                      VICTOR

           Is it hard to write about something

           you know isn't true?


                                                           13.

 

 

Jimmy looks puzzled.

 

                      VICTOR

           "Boy born with three heads and each

           has the brain of a genius."

 

                      JIMMY

           You read the headlines. Everyone

           does, of course. Most people won't

           admit it.

 

                      VICTOR

           Is it like writing humor? You're

           laughing as you do?

 

                      JIMMY

           Laughing all the way to the bank.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm curious. How do you track down a

           vampire?  How do you figure out what

           to write?

 

                      JIMMY

           I interview people. You can find

           someone who believes almost anything.

           Then it's just a matter of getting

           him to open up. And embellishing what

           he says so it's more colorful.

 

                      VICTOR

           Sounds like a very creative job.

 

                      JIMMY

           It pays the rent while I work on my

           novel.

 

 

EXT. VIREN - TRAIN STATION - NIGHT

 

The train pulls into the station.

 

 

EXT. VIREN - TRAIN STATION - PLATFORM - NIGHT

 

Victor and Jimmy come off the train. Jimmy quickly lights a

cigarette.

 

Jimmy offers his hand.

 

                      JIMMY

           Good luck with meeting your parents.


                                                           14.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           Thank you. And you with finding your

           vampire.

 

Jimmy playfully crosses two index fingers to form a cross.

 

                      JIMMY

           Bring them on!

 

Victor laughs and heads out.

 

 

INT. LESEUR APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

Victoria and Martin sit at the dinner table, sipping wine.

Victoria has been crying.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Martin, I couldn't help it. He was so

           beautiful.

 

                      MARTIN

           You were old enough to be his mother.

           It's always that way.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I'm sorry.

 

                      MARTIN

           What's going to be different this time?

 

                      VICTORIA

           I try. I really do. Maybe we should

           move.

 

                      MARTIN

           When has moving ever worked?

 

He finishes his wine and stands up.

 

                      VICTOR

           Don't hate me.

 

                      MARTIN

           I could never hate you. You disappoint

           me. I'm going to read.

 

                      VICTORIA

                (after him)

           I'll do better. I promise.

 

But even she doesn't look like she believes it.


                                                           15.

 

 

EXT. VIREN HOTEL - NIGHT

 

Establishing.

 

 

INT. VIREN HOTEL - FRONT DESK - NIGHT

 

Victor is at the front desk. The CLERK returns a sheet of

paper.

 

                      CLERK

           That's just up the street and around

           the corner, sir. Less than a mile.

 

                      VICTOR

           Good, I can walk. Thank you very much.

 

 

EXT. VIREN HOTEL - NIGHT

 

Victor comes outside and heads up the street.

 

 

EXT. LESEUR APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

Victor arrives in front of the LeSeur apartment. He checks

the address with the one he has written down.

 

 

INT. LESEUR APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

Martin is reading when the doorbell rings. He calls to

Victoria in another room.

 

                      MARTIN

           I'll get it!

 

He goes to the door and opens it. He faces Victor.

 

A silence. Victor can't speak.

 

                      MARTIN

           Yes?

 

Victor clears his throat.

 

                      VICTOR

           Is this the LeSeur residence?

 

                      MARTIN

           It is.

 

                      VICTOR

           You're Martin LeSeur?


                                                           16.

 

 

                      MARTIN

           I am. And who are you?

 

                      VICTOR

           Sir, I think I'm your son.

 

Martin stares at him, waiting. Finally:

 

                      MARTIN

           My son?

 

                      VICTOR

           My name is Victor Montgomery. I was

           named after my stepparents, who

           adopted me when I was very young. For

           the past nine months, since my step

           parents died, I've been doing research

           to learn the identity of my birth

           parents.

 

                      MARTIN

           And if I told you I didn't have a son?

 

                      VICTOR

           Then there must be another Martin

           LeSeur.

 

Martin studies him.

 

                      MARTIN

           Can I buy you a drink? There's a pub

           around the corner.

 

                      VICTOR

           Yes, sir.

 

                      MARTIN

           I'll be just a moment.

 

 

EXT. LESEUR APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

Victor and Martin come outside. They start walking to the pub.

 

They are awkward together, neither knowing what to say.

 

 

INT. PUB - NIGHT

 

Martin joins Victor at a table. He carries two pints of ale.

 

                      VICTOR

           I guess I should apologize.


                                                           17.

 

 

                      MARTIN

           Not at all.

 

                      VICTOR

           Sir?

 

                      MARTIN

           For God's sake, boy. Victor.

 

He reaches across the table and squeezes Victor's hand.

 

                      VICTOR

           Dad?

 

Martin nods, yes.

 

Victor takes his other hand. Neither knows what to say until:

 

                      MARTIN

           I'm so glad to see you. I never

           thought I would.

 

He grabs Victor by the back of the neck, pulls him forward,

and their foreheads touch.

 

                      MARTIN

           My son.

 

 

EXT. VIREN - NIGHT

 

Victor and Martin walk along a street.

 

                      MARTIN

           I want to forewarn you, your mother

           may not be able to handle this. She's

           often regretted giving you up for

           adoption.

 

                      VICTOR

           Really?

 

                      MARTIN

           She also hasn't been feeling well.

 

                      VICTOR

           I could come back tomorrow ... after

           you talk to her.

 

                      MARTIN

           Let me see how she's doing.

 

They arrive at the LeSeur apartment.


                                                           18.

 

 

INT. LESEUR APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

They enter.

 

                      MARTIN

           Make yourself comfortable.

 

He gestures to the living room.

 

                      MARTIN

           I'll be right back.

 

 

INT. LESEUR APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Victor comes into the living room.

 

The room is dark, gothic.

 

He finds a photograph on the mantle: the young Victoria is

holding a baby. Could it be himself?

 

 

INT. LESEUR APARTMENT - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Victoria has fallen asleep. A magazine rests on the bed

beside her.

 

Martin approaches and touches her.

 

                      MARTIN

           Victoria?

 

She opens her eyes. She sees something in his expression.

 

                      VICTORIA

           What is it? What happened?

 

                      MARTIN

           I have wonderful news.

 

 

INT. LESEUR APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Victor still stares at the photograph when Martin leads

Victoria into the room. He holds her arm.

 

                      MARTIN

           Victor?

 

Victor turns.

 

                      MARTIN

           May I present your mother, Victoria

           LeSeur.


                                                           19.

 

 

                      VICTORIA

           Victor?

 

                      VICTOR

           Hello, mother.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Victor!

 

She races into his arms, and they embrace.

 

 

INT. LESEUR APARTMENT - DINING ROOM - NIGHT

 

An empty bottle of champagne is on the table. Victoria sits

next to Victor, Martin across from them.

 

                      MARTIN

           You must spend the night here.

 

                      VICTOR

           I've already paid for a room at the

           hotel. I have to call Margaret.

 

                      VICTORIA

           What's she like?

 

                      VICTOR

           Warm, thoughtful. You'll like her.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Martin, one day we'll be grandparents.

 

                      MARTIN

           I suppose we will.

 

                      VICTOR

           What time is it?

 

                      MARTIN

           You must be exhausted.

 

                      VICTORIA

           We're all exhausted! It's been such

           an extraordinary night.

 

                      VICTOR

           What time shall I come by in the

           morning?

 

                      MARTIN

           We're late sleepers. And we'll have

           to pack.  Why don't we meet you at

           the station for dinner? Say sixish?


                                                           20.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           Then you want to take the night train.

 

                      MARTIN

           It's the best we can do.

 

                      VICTOR

           I mean, that's fine! Dinner at the

           station it is.

 

 

EXT. LESEUR APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

Victoria and Martin escort Victor out.

 

Victoria embraces her son again. The look she gives him is

almost lustful.

 

                      VICTORIA

           You've grown into such a handsome boy!

 

                      VICTOR

           The photograph on the mantel ... ?

 

                      VICTORIA

           Of course it's you! I've looked at it

           every day these past ... how many

           years?

 

                      VICTOR

           Twenty-four.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Twenty-four years. But now we can

           start anew, can't we?

 

                      VICTOR

           Yes, we can.

 

                      MARTIN

           Goodnight, my son.

 

                      VICTOR

           Goodnight.

 

He walks away.

 

Victoria watches him until Martin takes her arm and leads

her back inside.

 

 

INT. LESEUR APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

They come back into the apartment.


                                                           21.

 

 

Victoria sees how Martin is looking at her.

 

                      VICTORIA

           What?

 

                      MARTIN

           This is not just another handsome

           young man. This is your son!

 

                      VICTORIA

           And he's come back to me!

 

 

EXT. VIREN HOTEL - DAY

 

Victor comes out the next morning.

 

 

A SERIES OF SHOTS

 

Victor sight-seeing the town: having coffee at an outdoor

cafe; browsing through a bookstore; walking through a park.

 

 

INT. VIREN HOTEL - NIGHT

 

Victor closes his packed suitcase.

 

 

EXT. TRAIN STATION - NIGHT

 

Victor stands at the station, waiting for his parents.

 

He sees them in the distance and waves.

 

Victoria and Martin arrive with a large amount of luggage.

 

Martin sees that Victor is surprised by how much they have.

 

                      MARTIN

           We're going to move. Your mother

           insists on living close to you.

 

Victor looks at his mother, who is smiling at him. He smiles

back.

 

 

INT. TRAIN - NIGHT

 

The threesome move down the aisle, looking for free seats.

 

They find some together and take them.


                                                           22.

 

 

INT. TRAIN - CLUB CAR - NIGHT

 

Victor, Martin and Victoria enter the club car. Jimmy is

sitting alone at a table.

 

                      JIMMY

           Victor! Please join me!

 

                      VICTOR

           Jimmy, what are you doing here?

 

                      JIMMY

           Story was a piece of cake. Join me,

           please.

 

                      VICTOR

           Thank you, we shall.

 

Everyone gets settled.

 

                      JIMMY

           You must be the parents.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm sorry ... Martin, my father ...

           and my mother, Victoria.

 

                      JIMMY

           Victor told me the story. It's quite

           something.

 

 

EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - NIGHT

 

The train speeds along.

 

 

INT. TRAIN - CLUB CAR - NIGHT

 

The foursome at the table.

 

                      VICTOR

           How'd the interviews go?

 

                      JIMMY

           Quite predictable, actually.

 

Victoria looks at Victor.

 

                      VICTOR

           Jimmy is a writer.

 

                      JIMMY

           A real one when I have time. I'm only

           a hack to pay the rent.


                                                           23.

 

 

                      VICTORIA

           And what do you write about?

 

                      VICTOR

           He was interviewing people about

           vampires. You must've heard about the

           murder.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I'm not sure.

 

                      JIMMY

           A young man at Crown Mountain Resort

           was found with his throat slit. Some

           people interpreted this as the wound

           left by a vampire.

 

                      VICTORIA

           And what do you think?

 

                      JIMMY

           I don't believe in vampires, if

           that's what you're asking.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I do.

 

                      MARTIN

           She also believes in Santa Claus and

           the Tooth Fairy.

 

He grins.

 

 

EXT. TRAIN - NIGHT

 

The train speeds along.

 

 

INT. TRAIN - AISLE - NIGHT - LATER

 

Victor is moving down the aisle toward his seat.

 

Coming the other way is Victoria.

 

They meet and stop.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Is the rest room this way?

 

                      VICTOR

           Straight ahead.

 

They move to pass one another in the narrow aisle. There's

barely enough room.


                                                           24.

 

 

As they pass closely, chest to chest, Victoria's mouth comes

near Victor's neck.

 

Her mouth opens longingly before he passes on.

 

Then she watches him go.

 

 

EXT. TRAIN - DAY

 

The sun rises as the train continues its journey.

 

 

INT. TRAIN - SEATS - DAY

 

Victor, Martin and Victoria in their seats together.

 

                      MARTIN

           We're almost there, love. You may

           want to get ready.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I was just about to. Excuse me.

 

She takes a small suitcase and leaves.

 

 

INT. TRAIN - LADIES ROOM - DAY

 

Victoria has barely enough room to open the small suitcase.

 

She prepares for being exposed to the sun: she puts a

protective cream on her face and arms. Then she puts on the

same Greta Garbo outfit she wore before (sunglasses, scarf,

shade hat).

 

 

EXT. TRAIN STATION - DAY

 

The train pulls into the station.

 

Waiting for it are Margaret and Gladys.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           I'm nervous. I hope they come from

           good stock.

 

                      MARGARET

           Mother, you are not going to act like

           a snob with them. Let them find out

           slowly.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           I'm just saying I hope he comes from

           a good gene pool.


                                                           25.

 

 

                      MARGARET

           It doesn't matter.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           It most certainly matters to your

           children!

 

Passengers disembark.

 

Victor, Martin and Victoria step off. Behind them is Jimmy.

 

Victor offers his hand.

 

                      VICTOR

           It's been a pleasure.

 

                      JIMMY

           The same.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'd like to invite you to my wedding.

 

                      JIMMY

           I'd love to come.

 

Margaret spots Victor.

 

                      MARGARET

           Victor! Victor!

 

She heads off, with her mother following.

 

Everyone meets. All eyes turn to Victor to make the

introductions.

 

                      VICTOR

           Mrs. Waller, I'm pleased to present

           my parents.

 

Gladys can't take her eyes off Victoria but recovers enough

to fake cordiality.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           This is such an honor.

 

Victoria immediately figures her out and plays along.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Likewise, I'm sure.

 

Victor and Margaret exchange a look of relief. They seem to

get along.

 

The Waller limo pulls up, and the CHAUFFEUR, Daniel, hops

out to open the door.


                                                           26.

 

 

He's a hunk, and Victoria immediately notices.

 

Martin notices Victoria admiring the chauffeur and discreetly

elbows her.

 

 

INT. WALLER LIMO - DAY

 

Everyone has plenty of room in the back of the Waller limo.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Of course you'll stay with me. I have

           so much room, especially since Edgar

           died. I need someone besides the help

           to talk to.

 

                      MARTIN

           Thank you, but we can't. We have a

           terrible affliction, I'm afraid:

           we're really very private people.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           I don't blame you! There are so few

           people in the world worth knowing.

 

                      MARGARET

           Mother ...

 

                      MARTIN

           Any hotel that's convenient would be

           fine.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           At least let me get you a suite at

           the Ambassador.

 

                      MARTIN

           I wouldn't think--

 

But he stops when Victoria elbows him.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Do they have a swimming pool?

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Olympic size, I'm sure.

 

Gladys picks up the limo phone and punches a button.

 

 

EXT. AMBASSADOR HOTEL - DAY

 

The limo pulls in front of the Ambassador Hotel.

 

A DOORMAN rushes forward to open the door.


                                                           27.

 

 

INT. WALLER LIMO - DAY

 

Martin and Victoria maneuver to get out.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           I'll send the limo at ten. It will

           give us a chance to visit before the

           wedding. Or is that too early?

 

                      VICTORIA

           Perhaps a little.

 

                      MARTIN

           Ten is fine.

 

They step out.

 

 

EXT. AMBASSADOR HOTEL - DAY

 

Martin and Victoria watch the limo pull away.

 

                      MARTIN

           Poor Victor.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I don't know what he sees in her.

 

                      MARTIN

           I meant the mother. And I saw the way

           you looked at the chauffeur.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Looking does not mean touching, Martin.

 

She smiles but he doesn't look convinced.

 

 

EXT. WALLER MANSION - NIGHT

 

Victor is saying goodnight to Margaret. They break an embrace.

 

                      MARGARET

           I'm so happy for you. It's almost a

           miracle, isn't it?

 

                      VICTOR

           The timing couldn't be better.

 

                      MARGARET

           Tomorrow at this time, I'll be Mrs.

           Victor Montgomery.

 

They embrace and kiss again.


                                                           28.

 

 

EXT. WALLER MANSION - BACK AREA - DAY

 

A stage, tents, tables. The set up for the wedding is

extravagant. It looks like a festival is going on.

 

In the distance, a tennis court. A swimming pool.

 

Dozens of early GUESTS are mingling as a stream of others

arrive.

 

Gladys is looking for someone. Finally she finds her

chauffeur.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Daniel!

 

He comes running to her.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           You're to pick up Victor's parents at

           the Ambassador.

 

                      CHAUFFEUR

           I know, Mrs. Waller. At ten, I believe.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Oh, do it earlier. It will give us

           more time to get to know one another.

 

                      CHAUFFEUR

           Certainly, madam.

 

 

INT. AMBASSADOR HOTEL - ROOM - DAY

 

Martin comes into the room.

 

                      MARTIN

           Victoria, are you ready yet?

 

No reply. He goes through the suite, looking for her.

 

 

INT. AMBASSADOR HOTEL - SWIMMING POOL - DAY

 

Victoria is swimming laps as fast as she can. She is

exhausting herself.

 

Martin appears.

 

                      MARTIN

           Victoria! We're running late.


                                                           29.

 

 

INT. AMBASSADOR HOTEL - ROOM - DAY

 

Victoria is sitting on a wooden chair, breathing heavily,

still exhausted.

 

Martin is behind her, massaging her shoulders, trying to get

her relaxed.

 

                      MARTIN

           Better?

 

                      VICTORIA

           Martin, you know what I need.

 

                      MARTIN

           It's only what you think you need.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I have such strong cravings--

 

                      MARTIN

           I'm going to find a meeting.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Here?

 

                      MARTIN

           I don't expect to find the meeting

           you need. But twelve steps are twelve

           steps.

 

 

EXT. AMBASSADOR HOTEL - DAY

 

Martin and Victoria come out and get into a cab. Victoria is

still covered to protect herself from the sun.

 

 

INT. CAB - DAY

 

The CABBY turns around.

 

                      CABBY

           Where to, folks?

 

                      MARTIN

           We're looking for a 12-step meeting.

 

                      CABBY

           What kind?

 

                      MARTIN

           It doesn't matter.


                                                           30.

 

 

                      CABBY

           I know an AA meeting that started at

           nine. It's only a couple miles from

           here.

 

                      MARTIN

           Perfect.

 

 

INT. CATHOLIC CHURCH - BASEMENT - DAY

 

The meeting is already in progress when Martin and Victoria

enter in back.

 

They find empty chairs and sit down.

 

 

EXT. AMBASSADOR HOTEL - DAY

 

The Waller limo parks. The chauffeur gets out and enters the

hotel.

 

 

INT. AMBASSADOR HOTEL - FRONT DESK - DAY

 

The chauffeur waits as a DESK CLERK buzzes the room. He

gives up.

 

                      DESK CLERK

           They don't answer, sir.

 

                      CHAUFFEUR

           Have they gone out?

 

                      DESK CLERK

           I just got on.

 

Another EMPLOYEE passes by.

 

                      HOTEL EMPLOYEE

           Who are you looking for?

 

                      DESK CLERK

           Mr. and Mrs. LeSeur.

 

                      HOTEL EMPLOYEE

           The lady in the Hollywood starlet

           disguise, like she doesn't want to be

           recognized?

 

                      CHAUFFEUR

           That's the one.


                                                           31.

 

 

                      HOTEL EMPLOYEE

           They left in a cab about half an hour

           ago.

 

 

INT. CATHOLIC CHURCH - BASEMENT - DAY

 

Victoria stands up.

 

                      VICTORIA

           My name's Victoria and I'm a ...

 

She stops. Everyone waits.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I'm a ... an addict.

 

                      EVERYONE

           Hi, Victoria! Welcome!

 

                      VICTORIA

           I'm new ... I mean, I've never been

           to this meeting before ... we live in

           Viren, in British Columbia, my

           husband and I ... or did. We're here

           for my son's wedding. I think we'll

           move permanently, to be closer to him.

           ... I don't know why I'm so nervous.

           I do this sort of thing all the time

           in Viren.

 

                      SOMEONE IN AUDIENCE

           You're doing fine.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Thank you. ... I woke up this morning

           with the shakes. I needed ... I

           needed, well, a drink, yes ... I

           needed a drink so bad! ... Sometimes

           a good swim will stop my cravings but

           today it didn't work.

 

Knowing nods around the room.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I got the shakes and couldn't stop.

           Martin, my husband, insisted on

           bringing me here. We didn't even know

           if we could find a meeting or not. On

           such short notice, you know ... but

           we did, and being here is really

           helping me. It truly is. Thank you so

           much for being here for me.

 

She sits down. Everyone applauds wildly.


                                                           32.

 

 

Victoria turns to Martin. He smiles and nods.

 

 

EXT. WALLER MANSION - BACK AREA - DAY

 

The chauffeur has explained the situation to Gladys.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           They're not here, and they're not

           there, so I have no idea where they

           can be. Shopping. They must be

           shopping. They probably didn't have

           time to buy a wedding gift. We just

           have to assume they'll be here on

           time, don't we?

 

 

EXT. CATHOLIC CHURCH - DAY

 

The meeting is over. People come up out of the basement.

 

Martin and Victoria are shaking hands as people crowd around

to meet them.

 

Finally they are alone.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Martin, that's just what I needed.

           You're such a love.

 

                      MARTIN

           We're late. Let's find a cab.

 

 

INT. WALLER MANSION - ROOM - DAY

 

From an upstairs room, Victor looks over the crowd below.

 

Jeff comes in.

 

Victor hears him and turns.

 

                      VICTOR

           Is it time?

 

                      JEFF

           We're waiting for your parents.

           They're late.

 

                      VICTOR

           Have you seen Janey?

 

                      JEFF

           I don't think she's coming. ... Say,

           Good, Jeff.


                                                           33.

 

 

                      VICTOR

                (ignoring this)

           I don't know why I'm so nervous.

 

                      JEFF

           Loosen up. You're supposed to be

           nervous.

 

 

INT. WALLER MANSION - BACK AREA - DAY

 

Wandering through the crowd is Jimmy.

 

Gladys spots him and approaches.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           I don't believe we've met. I'm Gladys

           Waller. You must be a friend of

           Victor's.

 

                      JIMMY

           Jimmy.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           It's so nice of you to come.

 

                      JIMMY

           I'm honored to be here.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           We'll be starting very soon now!

 

She hustles away to play hostess with someone else.

 

 

EXT. STREET - DAY

 

A cab is caught in traffic.

 

 

INT. CAB - DAY

 

Victoria and Martin sit in the back seat.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Relax, dear. It's not the end of the

           world.

 

                      MARTIN

           We don't dare be late. Our only son,

           his only wedding.

 

                      VICTORIA

           You don't know that.


                                                           34.

 

 

Martin shoots her a disapproving look.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Half of the marriages today do end in

           divorce.

 

                      MARTIN

           What a thing to say.

 

                      VICTORIA

           There's no point in ignoring the

           truth, is there?

 

 

EXT. WALLER MANSION - BACK AREA - DAY

 

The cab pulls up. Martin and Victoria climb out.

 

Across the way, Gladys sees them entering the area. She

shouts out to no one in particular:

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Here they are!

 

 

INT. WALLER MANSION - ANOTHER ROOM - DAY

 

Margaret is with one of her bridesmaids, ANNA. They've been

looking out the window to the crowd below.

 

                      ANNA

           Is that them?

 

                      MARGARET

           Yes! Thank God they made it. Victor

           would have been so disappointed.

 

 

EXT. WALLER MANSION - TENT - DAY

 

MUSIC starts on a very loud organ. People move to take their

seats.

 

Gladys approaches Martin and Victoria.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           I'm so glad you made it on time.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I need to use the ladies room.

 

Gladys starts to object, then changes her mind. She looks

around.


                                                           35.

 

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Daniel!

                (to Victoria)

           You'll have to hurry.

 

The chauffeur hurries over.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Show Mrs. LeSeur to the ladies room.

 

                      CHAUFFEUR

           Yes, ma'am.

 

Victoria smiles at him, and they head off.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

                (to Martin)

           Let me show you where you'll be

           sitting.

 

 

INT. WALLER MANSION - BACK ENTRY - DAY

 

Daniel, the chauffeur, leads Victoria inside.

 

                      CHAUFFEUR

           You can use this one here, ma'am.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Is there a room where we can have

           privacy?

 

Daniel isn't sure how to respond.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I need you to help me with something

           first. It would be embarrassing if

           someone happened along. It will only

           take a minute.

 

                      CHAUFFEUR

           The library's this way.

 

 

EXT. WALLER MANSION - BACK AREA - DAY

 

Everyone but Gladys is seated. She's looking toward the back

of the mansion, waiting for Victoria to return.

 

Martin looks upset that his wife is holding up the wedding.

He gets up to go fetch her.


                                                           36.

 

 

INT. WALLER MANSION - LIBRARY - DAY

 

Victoria closes the library door. She walks to Daniel and

turns her back to him.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Unzip my dress.

 

                      CHAUFFEUR

           Pardon me?

 

                      VICTORIA

           Unzip me.

 

                      CHAUFFEUR

           I'm not sure I understand.

 

                      VICTORIA

           There's really nothing to understand.

           My bra is bothering me and I'm going

           to remove it. Unzip my dress, and I

           can do the rest.

 

But Daniel doesn't move.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Unzip the dress and then you can leave.

 

Daniel reaches out and takes the zipper. He starts pulling

it down.

 

                      VICTORIA

           All the way, please.

 

He does so.

 

                      CHAUFFEUR

           I'm going now, Mrs. LeSeur.

 

He is not yet at the door when:

 

                      VICTORIA

           Wait!

 

He turns. Victoria has removed her bra and faces him bare-

breasted.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Do you find me attractive?

 

                      CHAUFFEUR

           I don't want any trouble--

 

He stops when she starts moving seductively toward him. His

eyes say he should go but his feet won't budge.


                                                           37.

 

 

Victoria reaches him. She kisses him firmly on the lips

 

Daniel resists for only a moment and then is kissing back.

 

Victoria's lips move from his lips to his neck. Her eyes

sparkle with desire.

 

Her mouth opens wide and she bites into his neck.

 

 

EXT. WALLER MANSION - BACK ENTRY - DAY

 

Martin is walking up the steps to the mansion when he hears

a terrifying male SHRIEK. He starts running.

 

 

INT. WALLER MANSION - LIBRARY - DAY

 

Daniel is on his back on the floor. Victoria is on top of

him, still sucking his blood.

 

Martin races in.

 

Victoria looks up, her face covered with Daniel's blood.

 

                      MARTIN

           My God, Victoria!

 

                      VICTORIA

           I couldn't help it. He's so beautiful!

 

Martin rushes forward and pulls his wife to her feet.

 

                      MARTIN

           What are we going to do? You've

           ruined everything!

 

                      VICTORIA

           I couldn't help myself ...

 

A MAID steps into the library. When she sees Victoria's face

covered with blood, she SCREAMS.

 

Victoria looks troubled for the first time. She stares at

Daniel's body on the floor.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Oh my God ... Martin, did I do that?

 

                      MARTIN

           Yes.

 

                      VICTORIA

           What are we going to do?


                                                           38.

 

 

                      MARTIN

           I don't know.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I need a swim.

 

                      MARTIN

           No!

 

 

EXT. WALLER MANSION - BACK ENTRY - DAY

 

The maid comes running out of the mansion.

 

                      MAID

           Somebody call the police!

 

She faints on the steps as people react in confusion.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Everyone be calm!

 

Gladys rushes ahead to see what is going on.

 

 

INT. WALLER MANSION - LIBRARY - DAY

 

Gladys enters the library.

 

A small crowd has gathered around Daniel on the floor. A

DOCTOR among the guests kneels at his side.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           What happened?

 

                      DOCTOR

           He's dead.

 

 

EXT. WALLER MANSION - FIELD - DAY

 

Martin and Victoria stumble across a field beyond the

mansion. Martin practically has to drag her.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Stop, I want to turn myself in ...

 

                      MARTIN

           No! They would kill you.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I deserve to die ...


                                                           39.

 

 

                      MARTIN

           We're going to beat this thing,

           Victoria. You just need more time.

 

 

EXT. WALLER MANSION - DAY

 

An ambulance moves across the lawn to the back of the mansion.

 

Victor and Margaret have appeared during the commotion.

 

                      VICTOR

           What's going on?

 

He takes Margaret's hand and they move toward the mansion.

 

 

EXT. WALLER MANSION - BACK ENTRY - DAY

 

Victor and Margaret have to maneuver through a large crowd

to reach the back steps.

 

The AMBULANCE CREW is carrying a stretcher to their van.

 

Victor and Margaret see the body.

 

                      MARGARET

           Oh Victor ...

 

Victor elbows his way to the front of the crowd as the

stretcher is put into the van. Jimmy stands nearby.

 

His mother comes up.

 

                      VICTOR

           What happened to him?

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           His throat was cut.

 

Victor gasps.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Victor, Daniel and your mother came

           into the house together ... and now

           both your parents are missing.

 

Victor stares at her in disbelief.

 

Jimmy overhears this and looks like a reporter who just

found a story.


                                                           40.

 

 

EXT. WALLER MANSION - DAY - LATER

 

Several police cars are parked outside the mansion.

 

Victor stands at the car that was supposed to be the bride-

and-groom's getaway. It is decorated for the occasion.

 

With Victor is Jimmy. Margaret is nowhere to be found.

 

                      JIMMY

           Can I get you a drink?

 

                      VICTOR

           Not at the moment. Thanks.

 

Gladys Waller comes out of the mansion and down the stairs

to the car.

 

                      JIMMY

           I'll let you two be alone.

 

                      VICTOR

           Thanks, Jimmy.

 

                      JIMMY

           I'll call you later.

 

Jimmy moves off.

 

                      VICTOR

           How is she?

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           How do you expect? You said some

           terrible things to her.

 

                      VICTOR

           Not as bad as--

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Victor, put yourself in Margaret's

           shoes. You tell her that the wedding

           is called off indefinitely and--

 

                      VICTOR

           I said we should delay it until the

           police can--

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Nonetheless, in her eyes--

 

                      VICTOR

           I can't believe my parents had

           anything to do with this.


                                                           41.

 

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Then why did they disappear?

 

                      VICTOR

           I don't know.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           As far as the police are concerned,

           they are the only suspects.

 

 

EXT. CITY - SEEDY HOTEL - DAY

 

Martin and Victoria approach a seedy hotel in a rundown part

of the city.

 

They converse briefly, then Martin enters alone.

 

Victoria moves into a doorway to wait. Her face is still

covered with blood.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL - DAY

 

Martin hands the clerk the registration card.

 

                      CLERK

           How long will you and your wife be

           with us ... Mr. Smith?

 

                      MARTIN

           I'm not sure.

 

 

EXT. SEEDY HOTEL - DAY

 

Martin comes outside. Victoria steps out of the doorway.

 

                      MARTIN

           This way.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Do they have a swimming pool?

 

                      MARTIN

           Of course not.

 

He leads her to a side entrance.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL - BATHROOM - DAY

 

Martin wipes off the blood from Victoria's face with a towel.


                                                           42.

 

 

                      MARTIN

           I'm going to send for him. I have to

           let him know about us.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Do you think he'll come?

 

                      MARTIN

           I don't know.

 

 

EXT. WALLER MANSION - NIGHT

 

The police cars are gone. The bride-and-groom's car is still

parked out front.

 

 

INT. WALLER MANSION - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Margaret is stretched out on a bed. Victor stands beside her.

 

                      VICTOR

           I just need a few days to myself.

           Please try to understand.

 

                      MARGARET

           I'm trying very hard to understand. I

           wanted tonight to be so special ...

 

                      VICTOR

           I know.

 

                      MARGARET

           Maybe in a few days we can recapture

           what tonight was supposed to be.

 

                      VICTOR

                (ignoring this)

           I'll call you in the morning.

 

He leans down to kiss her. She offers him her cheek.

 

 

INT. BAR - NIGHT

 

Victor sits alone at a bar, drinking and thinking.

 

 

EXT. VICTOR'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Victor approaches his house. A TEENAGE BOY comes out of the

shadows.

 

                      TEENAGE BOY

           Are you Mr. Montgomery?


                                                           43.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           I am.

 

                      TEENAGE BOY

           This is for you.

 

He hands Victor a note, then turns and hurries off.

 

                      VICTOR

                (after him)

           Who gave you this?

 

He reads the note.

 

 

EXT. SEEDY HOTEL - NIGHT

 

Victor finds the address of the seedy hotel.

 

He looks around, nervous to be in such a neighborhood.

 

Then he enters.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL - BAR - NIGHT

 

Victor enters the hotel bar and looks around. He sees Martin

in a corner booth.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL - CORNER BOOTH - NIGHT

 

Victor sits down.

 

                      VICTOR

           Please tell me what happened.

 

                      MARTIN

           I very much hope to do that. It's

           just--

 

                      VICTOR

           Just what?

 

                      MARTIN

           There are things that may be hard for

           you to understand.

 

A WAITER comes to the booth.

 

                      WAITER

           Something to drink, sir?

 

                      VICTOR

           Scotch and water.


                                                           44.

 

 

                      MARTIN

           Another for me, too.

 

The waiter leaves.

 

                      MARTIN

           Victor, do you have any friends who

           are addicts?

 

                      VICTOR

           Drug addicts?

 

                      MARTIN

           Or alcoholics? Addicted to food?

           Anything?

 

                      VICTOR

           I know a few alcoholics. Why?

 

                      MARTIN

           Your mother and I are addicts. We've

           been so all our lives.

 

                      VICTOR

           What are you addicted to?

 

                      MARTIN

           We're addicted to ... blood.

 

Victor laughs, more from nerves than a sense of humor.

 

Martin looks sternly at him.

 

                      VICTOR

           You're serious.

 

                      MARTIN

           Of course.

 

                      VICTOR

           I have to know what happened.

 

                      MARTIN

           Your mother is particularly tempted

           by the blood of handsome young men.

 

                      VICTOR

           Are you telling me she did it?

 

                      MARTIN

           We're vampires. And so are you.

 

Victor isn't sure how to respond. Finally:


                                                           45.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           That's ridiculous.

 

                      MARTIN

           Let's just say you are genetically

           predisposed.

 

                      VICTOR

           Vampires don't exist.

 

                      MARTIN

           Oh, they do. We have a very long

           history.

 

                      VICTOR

           It's myth.

 

                      MARTIN

           One day, unfortunately, you will

           learn that myth is usually based on

           fact.

 

                      VICTOR

           Even assuming it's true ... why did

           mother do it? What did the chauffeur

           ever do to her?

 

                      MARTIN

           It was nothing personal. She had one

           of her spells of ... insatiable

           cravings.

 

                      VICTOR

           She murdered him!

 

Victor self-consciously looks around, to see if anyone

noticed his outburst.

 

                      MARTIN

           I wouldn't blame you for turning her

           in. But she's getting better. We've

           been in recovery for several years

           now, though it's taken better with me

           than with her, I'm afraid.

 

                      VICTOR

           Recovery?

 

                      MARTIN

           We have our 12-step program like

           everyone else.

 

                      VICTOR

           Oh, that's rich. That's perfect.


                                                           46.

 

 

                      MARTIN

           He was too good-looking and in the

           wrong place at the wrong time. ...

           Will you go to the police?

 

                      VICTOR

           And tell them you're vampires? They'd

           lock me up -- and rightfully so.

 

                      MARTIN

           I could take you to a meeting.

 

                      VICTOR

           This isn't happening.

 

                      MARTIN

           But it is. You have to know this

           about yourself. Forewarned is

           forearmed, Victor. My son.

 

Victor closes his eyes.

 

                      VICTOR

           Dear God ... I don't know what to do

           here ...

 

 

EXT. SEEDY HOTEL - NIGHT

 

Martin walks Victor outside.

 

                      MARTIN

           She will get better, given time.

 

                      VICTOR

           You sound like you believe it.

 

                      MARTIN

           I have to. I love her too much not to.

 

                      VICTOR

           Will you be staying here?

 

                      MARTIN

           Probably not long.

 

                      VICTOR

           I want to come in. I want to see her.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL - ROOM - NIGHT

 

Martin and Victor come in.


                                                           47.

 

 

                      MARTIN

           Victoria? Just a minute.

 

He leaves to fetch his wife. Alone, Victor looks around at

the peeling walls and stained carpet.

 

Martin returns alone.

 

                      MARTIN

           She's not here. Is there a public

           swimming pool in the area?

 

 

EXT. CITY PARK - SWIMMING POOL - NIGHT

 

Victoria is swimming laps. Martin and Victor arrive at the

fence. They watch her swimming.

 

                      MARTIN

           She likes to swim to calm her nerves.

           Always has.

 

Turning in the pool, Victoria sees them.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Martin, take him away! I don't want

           him to see me like this!

 

                      VICTOR

           Mother? I want to talk to you!

 

                      VICTORIA

           Make him go!

 

She dives and swims under water.

 

                      MARTIN

           I think it would be best.

 

                      VICTOR

           Tell her ...

 

He doesn't know how to finish.

 

                      MARTIN

           I'll say the right thing.

 

Victor nods, tears welling his eyes, and leaves.

 

 

INT. BAR - NIGHT

 

Victor is back at the bar, drinking, brooding.

 

Behind the bar, the bartender cuts his finger.


                                                           48.

 

 

Victor stares at the blood. A new feeling rushes into his

body, a feeling that terrifies him.

 

He gets up, drink unfinished, and flees.

 

 

EXT. CITY - STREET - NIGHT

 

Victor strides quickly into the night.

 

He comes to a phone booth. He takes out his wallet and finds

a business card. He dials the number on it.

 

                      VICTOR

           This is Victor. I was  wondering if

           you had time for a drink.

 

 

INT. CITY - COCKTAIL LOUNGE - NIGHT

 

Victor and Jimmy sit in an isolated back booth.

 

                      VICTOR

           If I tell you something, you have to

           promise me not to write about it.

 

                      JIMMY

           Okay.

 

                      VICTOR

           This is going to sound nuts. I saw my

           dad. He told me he and mother ...

           Christ, you're going to think I've

           lost it.

 

                      JIMMY

           What is it?

 

                      VICTOR

           They're vampires. That's why she had

           to kill him. She had cravings.

 

                      JIMMY

           Cravings?

 

                      VICTOR

           For his blood.

 

 

EXT. CITY - STREET - NIGHT

 

Victor and Jimmy stroll down a deserted street.

 

                      VICTOR

           What should I do? What would you do?


                                                           49.

 

 

                      JIMMY

           I'd go on with my life and get married.

 

                      VICTOR

           What about my parents?

 

                      JIMMY

           That's a tough one. I don't know what

           I'd do. Nothing until I let it all

           sink in. There are people who have

           delusions and believe they're vampires.

           If you believe you're one, I suppose

           you start acting like one.

 

                      VICTOR

           He said it's like a sickness. They

           even have a recovery program.

 

Jimmy can't hold back a grin.

 

                      JIMMY

           I'm sorry.

 

                      VICTOR

           Don't be. It all sounds so ridiculous.

 

                      JIMMY

           You've got a new life ahead of you,

           Victor. I'd focus on that.

 

 

INT. WALLER MANSION - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Gladys stands beside Margaret, who is in bed.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           It was a mistake for him to ever

           track them down.

 

                      MARGARET

           You don't understand how important it

           was to him.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           I understand what it's doing to you.

           And to this marriage, if that's what

           you still want.

 

                      MARGARET

           Mother, I don't need this.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           He should thank his stars he found

           this out about his parents before he

           became too attached to them.


                                                           50.

 

 

                      MARGARET

           I need some sleep, please.

 

 

EXT. VICTOR'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Jimmy and Victor shake hands.

 

                      VICTOR

           Thanks for coming.

 

                      JIMMY

           Get a good night's sleep. And pay

           attention to that lovely fiancee of

           yours. Don't let this get in the way,

           Victor.

 

Victor goes inside without a word.

 

Jimmy smiles, looking like a reporter after a great interview.

 

 

INT. VICTOR'S HOUSE - BATHROOM - DAY

 

Victor is shaving.

 

He nicks himself. In the mirror, he stares at the sight of

his own blood, which begins to trickle down his cheek.

 

He takes a finger and dabs at it.

 

He stares at the bloody finger. Slowly he puts it into his

mouth.

 

He sucks away the blood and waits, as if expecting something

to happen. But he feels nothing.

 

He looks relieved.

 

He tears off a piece of toilet paper and puts it on the cut.

And goes back to shaving.

 

 

INT. SPECTACLE NEWSPAPER - EDITOR'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Jimmy is talking to his editor, HANK ANDREWS, 50s.

 

                      HANK

           Will this guy go on record that his

           parents are vampires?

 

                      JIMMY

           I think I can move him in that

           direction.


                                                           51.

 

 

                      HANK

           And it's the same couple that was in

           Canada?

 

                      JIMMY

           Exactly.

 

                      HANK

           "My Mother's A Vampire Serial Killer."

           It could work.

 

 

INT. VICTOR'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

 

Victor is on the phone.

 

                      VICTOR

           Tomorrow is great. Thank you.

 

He hangs up and immediately the phone rings. He picks it up.

 

                      VICTOR

           Hello?

 

 

INT. SPECTACLE NEWSPAPER - DESK - DAY

 

Jimmy is calling.

 

 

INTERCUT

 

                      JIMMY

           This is Jimmy. You free for a beer

           around five?

 

                      VICTOR

           Actually no. I just made reservations

           for Maui.

 

                      JIMMY

           Really? How long you going to be gone?

 

                      VICTOR

           A week. I'll touch bases with you

           when we get back.

 

                      JIMMY

           Okay. Have a good trip.

 

 

INT. SPECTACLE NEWSPAPER - DESK - DAY

 

Jimmy hangs up.


                                                           52.

 

 

                      JIMMY

                (under his breath)

           Shit ...

 

 

INT. VICTOR'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

 

Victor punches a number.

 

 

INT. WALLER MANSION - DAY

 

Margaret picks up the phone.

 

 

INTERCUT

 

                      MARGARET

           Hello?

 

                      VICTOR

           We leave tomorrow morning.

 

                      MARGARET

           Leave where?

 

                      VICTOR

           Maui. I thought we could use some

           time together. Get back on track.

 

                      MARGARET

           Oh, Victor ...

 

 

EXT. CITY - LIBRARY - DAY

 

Victor enters the library.

 

 

INT. LIBRARY - DAY

 

He sits at a table in the Reference area. He's reading about

vampires in an encyclopedia.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL - ROOM - DAY

 

Martin puts down the phone.

 

                      MARTIN

           I finally found a meeting.


                                                           53.

 

 

EXT. SEEDY HOTEL - DAY

 

Martin and Victoria come out of the hotel. Both wear

disguises.

 

They walk up the street.

 

 

EXT. ALLEY - DAY

 

They approach an abandoned building at the end of an alley.

 

 

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - ROOM - DAY - LATER

 

A 12-step meeting is in progress. Victoria has the floor.

 

                      VICTORIA

           My name's Victoria, and I'm a vampire.

 

                      VOICES

           Hi, Victoria, welcome!

 

Among the voices replying is Janey, from Victor's office.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I relapsed again. I'm having such a

           hard time controlling my cravings.

 

Tears swell in her eyes.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I don't know if I'll ever be able to

           get it right.

 

                      JANEY

           Keep coming back!

 

                      MARTIN

           Yes, keep coming back.

 

Victoria manages a smile. Janey is beaming at her.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL - ROOM - DAY

 

The door opens, and Martin and Victoria enter, still in

their disguises.

 

Victor is sitting in the room, waiting for them.

 

Victoria is shocked to see him. At first he doesn't recognize

them. He quickly stands up.


                                                           54.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm sorry, I must have the wrong room.

 

                      MARTIN

           It's us.

 

Victoria covers her face with her hands.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Don't look at me!

 

Martin comforts her. Suddenly Victor takes a crucifix out of

his pocket and holds it at them.

 

                      MARTIN

           What are you doing?

 

                      VICTOR

           If you really were vampires, this

           would drive you away.

 

                      MARTIN

           Don't be silly.

 

                      VICTOR

           So would this.

 

He reaches into his pocket and tosses Martin a garlic bulb.

Martin one-hands it.

 

                      MARTIN

           We're in recovery, Victor. The point

           is to learn to deal with things like

           this. Much of it's a matter of

           attitude, a change in one's belief

           system. Unfortunately, there are

           biological aspects as well, and those

           are the last to go.

 

                      VICTOR

           Like cravings?

 

                      VICTORIA

                (to Martin)

           I told you he'd never believe us.

 

She retreats into the bathroom.

 

                      VICTOR

           I don't know what to believe.

 

                      MARTIN

           Have you gone to the police yet?


                                                           55.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           No.

 

                      MARTIN

           How about a cup of coffee?

 

                      VICTOR

           Sure.

 

                      MARTIN

           Wait for me outside. I need to check

           on her.

 

 

EXT. SIDEWALK CAFE - DAY

 

They sit at an outdoor table over coffee.

 

                      VICTOR

           If I was genetically predisposed,

           wouldn't I have felt something when I

           tasted my own blood?

 

                      MARTIN

           Not necessarily. You said you felt

           something when you saw the bartender

           cut his finger.

 

                      VICTOR

           Maybe because it was on my mind.

 

                      MARTIN

           Each of us has a particular craving.

           If you're fortunate, you'll never

           learn what yours is.

 

 

EXT. SEEDY HOTEL - DAY

 

Victor and Martin reach the entrance.

 

                      MARTIN

           We'll spend tonight somewhere else.

 

                      VICTOR

           We leave for Maui in the morning.

           Please call my voice mail and let me

           know where you are.

 

                      MARTIN

           I'm not sure what our plans are.

 

                      VICTOR

           Do you think she'll be able to get

           better?


                                                           56.

 

 

                      MARTIN

           I did, so it's possible.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm glad she has your strength to

           lean on.

 

                      MARTIN

           Sometimes it's not enough.

 

                      VICTOR

           Give mother my love.

 

They embrace.

 

 

EXT. MAUI - SKY - DAY

 

A small jetliner is descending over the island of Maui.

 

 

INT. MAUI - RESORT - DAY

 

Victor and Margaret enter their room. A BELLHOP carries

their luggage.

 

                      MARGARET

           Victor, look at the view!

 

She heads for the deck.

 

Victor tips the bellhop.

 

                      BELLHOP

           Thank you, sir!

 

 

EXT./INT. RESORT - DECK - DAY

 

Victor joins Margaret on the deck.

 

                      MARGARET

           Look at the color of that water! I

           want to take a swim.

 

 

EXT. MAUI - OCEAN - DAY

 

Margaret races into the water, followed by Victor. She dives

and starts swimming. She's a better swimmer than Victor, who

wades in shallow water, watching her.

 

                      VICTOR

           Be careful! I think they have an

           undertow here.


                                                           57.

 

 

EXT. MAUI - OCEAN - COVE - DAY

 

They've moved to a rocky area, with a cove and small beach.

 

Victor lies on a blanket on the sand. Margaret is exploring

on the rocks.

 

Suddenly Margaret cries out.

 

                      VICTOR

           What is it?

 

                      MARGARET

           Damn -- I cut my foot!

 

Victor races to her and starts climbing out on the rocks.

 

                      VICTOR

           Stay put, I'm coming!

 

He reaches her.

 

                      VICTOR

           How bad is it?

 

                      MARGARET

           I don't know.

 

                      VICTOR

           Lean on me for support.

 

She does and they slowly inch back toward sand.

 

 

EXT. MAUI - COVE - DAY

 

Victor helps Margaret down onto the blanket. Her foot is

bleeding.

 

                      VICTOR

           Let me look at it.

 

He examines her foot. He lifts her leg, bringing her foot to

his mouth.

 

He starts sucking the blood from her cut.

 

                      MARGARET

           How bad is it?

 

                      VICTOR

           Not as bad as I thought. I think I

           might be able to stop it.


                                                           58.

 

 

He keeps sucking the blood from her cut. He gets aroused

doing this. His lips move across her foot and up her thigh.

 

                      MARGARET

           Victor?

 

Ignoring her, his lips move to her bikini bottom. His hands

grip the waistline, tugging them down.

 

                      MARGARET

           What are you doing?

 

He ignores her.

 

                      MARGARET

           I'm having my period ...

 

He doesn't care. His mouth moves between her legs. Margaret

closes her eyes, giving in to the pleasure.

 

 

INT. MAUI - RESORT - DAY

 

Victor helps Margaret into the resort, letting her put her

weight on him.

 

Seeing them, the bellhop rushes forward with a wheel chair.

 

                      BELLHOP

           What happened?

 

                      MARGARET

           I cut my foot.

 

                      BELLHOP

           I'll take you to the first aid station.

 

He helps her into the wheel chair.

 

                      MARGARET

           Go on up to the room, Victor. I'm

           sure I won't be long.

 

                      VICTOR

           Are you sure?

 

                      MARGARET

           You look like you need a shower.

 

She smiles at him sexily, as if promising more pleasure to

come.


                                                           59.

 

 

INT. RESORT - ROOM - DAY

 

Victor comes into the room. He moves to the mirror and

stands in front of it, studying himself. He leans forward to

look more closely.

 

A trace of dried blood can be seen around his lips.

 

He looks at his hands: more dried blood.

 

He stares at himself in the mirror, as if trying to read his

own image, to decipher unsettling thoughts on his mind.

 

 

INT. ROOM - SHOWER - DAY

 

Victor stands under a steaming spray from the shower.

 

The door opens and Margaret slips in beside him. They embrace.

 

                      MARGARET

           That was wonderful. What got into you?

 

He doesn't answer her. She slides her hands down his chest,

to his groin, dropping slowly to her knees.

 

His face reflects intense pleasure.

 

 

INT./EXT. RESORT - DECK - NIGHT

 

Victor is on the deck, looking out at the ocean. He's

dressed for dinner.

 

Margaret appears, looking pretty good for as plain as she

really is.

 

                      MARGARET

           I'm ready.

 

Victor turns -- and takes her all in.

 

                      VICTOR

           You look spectacular.

 

 

INT. MAUI - RESORT - RESTAURANT - NIGHT

 

A candlelight dinner. Their table is secluded, romantic.

 

                      MARGARET

           This is as lovely as I imagined it

           would be.

 

Victor is lost in thought, somewhere else.


                                                           60.

 

 

                      MARGARET

           Victor?

 

                      VICTOR

           Yes?

 

                      MARGARET

           Where are you?

 

He shrugs.

 

                      MARGARET

           It's your parents, isn't it? We don't

           control who our parents are, Victor.

           Maybe it was a blessing in disguise

           for you not to know for so long.

 

                      VICTOR

           No, I'm glad I found out.

 

                      MARGARET

           But it's so hard for you now.

 

                      VICTOR

           Not so bad really.

 

                      MARGARET

           Victor, they--

 

                      VICTOR

                (changing the subject)

           This is great. How's your crab?

 

 

EXT. MAUI - BEACH - NIGHT

 

They walk along the beach under the stars.

 

Margaret stops him.

 

                      MARGARET

           I love you so much.

 

They embrace and kiss.

 

 

INT. RESORT - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

They are in bed. Margaret is asleep. Victor stares at the

ceiling.

 

He slips out of bed. He goes out on the deck.


                                                           61.

 

 

INT./EXT. RESORT - DECK - NIGHT

 

He stares out at the ocean.

 

 

EXT. RESORT - NIGHT

 

Victor comes out, dressed, and gets into a cab.

 

 

EXT. MAUI - TOWN - NIGHT

 

The cab pulls in front of a bar.

 

 

INT. CAB - NIGHT

 

Victor pays the fare.

 

                      CABBY

           You want me to wait?

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm not sure how long I'll be.

 

                      CABBY

           Some cabbies won't come out here this

           time of night. How long you think

           you'll be?

 

                      VICTOR

           No more than an hour.

 

                      CABBY

           I'll wait.

 

 

INT. BAR - NIGHT

 

Victor comes into the bar. It's a lowlife place, with a

clientele to match.

 

The first free PROSTITUTE who spots Victor hurries to greet

him.

 

                      PROSTITUTE

           Hi. You look like you need company.

 

 

INT. BAR - UPSTAIRS ROOM - NIGHT

 

The prostitute leads Victor into a small room. A bed, a

sink, not much else.


                                                           62.

 

 

                      PROSTITUTE

           How do you want to do it?

 

                      VICTOR

           I want you to cut your finger.

 

                      PROSTITUTE

           Get out of here.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm serious.

 

                      PROSTITUTE

           You're into blood?

 

                      VICTOR

           Yes. I just want to taste your blood.

 

                      PROSTITUTE

           My finger's all I'm gonna cut.

 

                      VICTOR

           That's enough.

 

She goes to the sink and turns on the water. While it flows,

she opens a drawer and takes out a small paring knife.

 

                      PROSTITUTE

           I don't think I can do this myself.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'll do it.

 

He goes to the sink, and she hands him the knife. He takes

her hand and puts it under the flowing water.

 

                      PROSTITUTE

           Not too deep.

 

                      VICTOR

           I won't.

 

He slices a small cut in her finger. Quickly he brings the

finger to his mouth and begins sucking on it.

 

                      PROSTITUTE

           You already did it?

 

Victor's eyes are closed, and he looks ecstatic.

 

 

INT. RESORT - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Victor comes in to find the bedside lamp on and the bed

empty. He finds Margaret standing out on the deck.


                                                           63.

 

 

She comes back in.

 

                      MARGARET

           Where were you?

 

                      VICTOR

           I couldn't sleep. I took a walk.

 

                      MARGARET

           I don't like waking up without you.

 

                      VICTOR

           Let's go back to bed.

 

 

EXT. MAUI - MARKET - DAY

 

Victor and Margaret explore an outdoor market. They pass by

stalls filled with fresh vegetables.

 

 

EXT. MAUI - MARKET - SIDEWALK CAFE - DAY

 

They sit at a small table, sipping coffee. The market crowd

moves by them.

 

Margaret stands up.

 

                      MARGARET

           The line's down, I'm going to the

           bathroom.

 

She heads off toward a nearby portable toilet area.

 

 

EXT. MAUI - MARKET - SIDEWALK CAFE - DAY - LATER

 

Victor is looking over the crowd when the prostitute from

last night appears by his table.

 

                      PROSTITUTE

           Why, good morning!

 

Victor, nervous, looks around to make sure Margaret isn't

returning.

 

                      PROSTITUTE

           Don't you remember me?

 

                      VICTOR

           I remember you.

 

                      PROSTITUTE

           You want to see me again tonight?


                                                           64.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           No, I don't think so.

 

                      PROSTITUTE

           You seemed to have such a good time.

 

She teasingly pokes her finger at his mouth.

 

                      PROSTITUTE

           You want to bite me now? Suck a

           little blood?

 

                      VICTOR

           No! Listen, it was nice seeing you

           again. Goodbye.

 

                      PROSTITUTE

           You're hurting my feelings.

 

Suddenly she bends down and plants a big kiss on his lips.

 

Margaret is returning and sees this. She arrives as the

prostitute breaks the kiss. The prostitute doesn't notice

Margaret.

 

                      PROSTITUTE

           I thought you'd at least bite my lip.

 

Victor sees Margaret and gets quickly to his feet.

 

                      VICTOR

           My name is not Edward, madam! You

           have the wrong person.

 

He grabs Margaret's arm and heads off. Behind them, the

prostitute starts laughing.

 

                      MARGARET

           Who was that?

 

                      VICTOR

           She thought I was someone else.

 

 

INT. RESORT - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Victor and Margaret are getting ready for bed.

 

                      MARGARET

           Is something the matter?

 

                      VICTOR

           No. Why do you ask?


                                                           65.

 

 

                      MARGARET

           You're so distant.

 

                      VICTOR

           I think I did too much sight-seeing

           today. I'm exhausted.

 

They get into bed. Victor turns out the light. Margaret

cuddles up next to him, and Victor turns his face away.

 

                      VICTOR

           Goodnight.

 

 

EXT. AIRPORT - DAY

 

A jetliner lands.

 

 

INT. AIRPORT - TERMINAL - DAY

 

Gladys greets Victor and Margaret as they come into the

terminal.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Don't you both look tan!

 

 

EXT. VICTOR'S HOUSE - DAY

 

The Waller limo, with a new chauffeur, pulls up in front of

Victor's house.

 

 

INT. WALLER LIMO - DAY

 

In back are Victor, Margaret and Gladys.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           You know I don't approve of people

           living together before they marry.

 

                      MARGARET

           We're not living together. I'm just

           staying over-night. Mother, I've done

           it many times before.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           If you insist on being together, I

           wish you'd stay with me. Victor's

           place is so small!

 

                      MARGARET

           It will do fine, mother.


                                                           66.

 

 

INT. VICTOR'S HOUSE - DAY

 

Victor and Margaret come into the house. Victor goes right

to the phone and picks it up.

 

                      MARGARET

           Victor? Who are you calling?

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm checking voice mail.

 

He punches some numbers, then listens.

 

                      MARTIN (FILTERED)

           Victor, as soon as you get back, call

           this number any afternoon at three

           p.m. ...

 

Victor looks at his watch.

 

 

EXT. VICTOR'S HOUSE - DAY

 

Margaret follows Victor onto the porch.

 

                      VICTOR

           He just wants to talk to me.

 

                      MARGARET

           It's harboring a suspect. It's

           breaking the law.

 

                      VICTOR

           The police will never know.

 

He stares at her, as if waiting for reassurance.

 

                      VICTOR

           You're not going to tell your mother,

           are you?

 

                      MARGARET

           No.

 

 

EXT. STREET - DAY

 

Victor steps into a phone booth. He looks at his watch.

 

A WOMAN comes up to use the phone.

 

                      WOMAN

           Excuse me. Are you going to use the

           phone?


                                                           67.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           Yes. In just a minute.

 

                      WOMAN

           I'd like to use it, too.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm waiting for a call.

 

The woman gives him a dirty look and walks on.

 

Victor looks at his watch again. He waits a few seconds,

then drops in a coin and begins to dial.

 

 

EXT. CITY - BUSINESS STREET - DAY

 

Victor steps into a cafe.

 

 

INT. CAFE - DAY

 

He finds Martin, his disguise slightly varied, sitting in a

booth.

 

Victor looks at him questioningly. Martin nods, and Victor

slides in across from him.

 

                      VICTOR

           Where's mother?

 

                      MARTIN

           She's meeting us later.

 

                      VICTOR

           Dad, I think I know what I'm addicted

           to.

 

                      MARTIN

           So soon?

 

                      VICTOR

           I found out in Maui.

 

 

EXT. CITY - SIDEWALK SALE - DAY

 

Victoria, in a different disguise (with the usual protection

from the sun), is trying out hats at a sidewalk sale.

 

On the street, traffic slowly passes by. Among the cars is a

POLICE CAR. Victoria notices it as she models a new hat --

and a look of concern darkens her face.


                                                           68.

 

 

The police pay no particular attention to her. But this

doesn't matter. Victoria tosses down the hat and hurries

along the sidewalk, darting through the crowd.

 

When she reaches the corner, she turns and starts running.

 

 

INT. CAFE - DAY

 

Victor and Martin are still talking.

 

                      VICTOR

           The intensity was so incredible. I

           can see why it would be hard to stop.

 

Martin sees something across the room and stands up.

 

                      MARTIN

           Excuse me a minute.

 

Victoria has just entered and stands near the entrance, bent

forward and out of breath. Martin reaches her and comforts

her.

 

Victor sees this. He stands up, tosses some money on the

table, and joins them.

 

                      VICTOR

           What's the matter?

 

                      MARTIN

           I'll pay the check.

 

                      VICTOR

           It's taken care of.

 

 

EXT. CAFE - DAY

 

They come outside. Martin steps into the street to hail a

taxi. Victor and Victoria wait on the sidewalk.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I must be so embarrassing for you.

 

                      VICTOR

           No, don't think that.

 

She touches his cheek.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I don't deserve such a sweet boy.

 

A cab stops, and they move forward to get in as Martin holds

open the door.


                                                           69.

 

 

EXT. ALLEY - DAY

 

The cab stops in front of the alley leading to the abandoned

building where the recovery meeting is held.

 

 

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - ROOM - DAY

 

Martin leads Victor and Victoria into the meeting room. They

are early, and only a few recovering vampires are around.

 

HERBIE, 40s, comes forward. He acts like the man in charge.

 

                      HERBIE

           I've seen you at a few meetings but I

           don't believe we've met. I'm Herbie.

 

                      MARTIN

           Martin. This is my wife, Victoria,

           and my son, Victor.

 

Everyone shakes hands.

 

                      HERBIE

           Our next meeting is this evening.

 

                      MARTIN

           I know. We'd like to volunteer to

           help. Whatever you have to do.

 

                      HERBIE

           There's always grunt work to do. You

           want to keep busy, don't you?

 

                      MARTIN

           It helps.

 

                      HERBIE

           That it does. Any of you know how to

           type a letter on a computer?

 

He's looking at Victoria, who shrugs.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm pretty good with computers.

 

 

EXT. ALLEY - ABANDONED BUILDING - NIGHT

 

A few people surreptitiously duck into the alley and hurry

toward the abandoned building.

 

Janey enters the alley.


                                                           70.

 

 

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - ROOM - NIGHT

 

Victor, Martin and Victoria sit together, waiting for the

12-step meeting to begin.

 

Janey enters. Looking for a seat, she spots Victor. She is

shocked to see him there.

 

Suddenly she retreats, leaving the room.

 

 

EXT. ABANDONED BUILDING - NIGHT

 

Janey comes outside. She takes a deep breath, recovering,

and quickly moves up the alley toward the street.

 

 

INT. VICTOR'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Margaret is sitting at a table alone, eating.

 

The door unlocks, and Victor comes in.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm sorry I'm late. I got tied up.

 

                      MARGARET

           You could've called.

 

                      VICTOR

           Yes, I should have.

 

He sits at the table.

 

                      VICTOR

           There's so much I want to tell you. I

           don't know where to begin.

 

Margaret looks like she suspects the worst.

 

                      MARGARET

           I used to think I knew you.

 

                      VICTOR

           I used to think I knew myself.

 

                      MARGARET

           What's happening to us? This has

           something to do with your parents,

           doesn't it?

 

                      VICTOR

           Yes.


                                                           71.

 

 

                      MARGARET

           You're going to protect them.

 

                      VICTOR

           She couldn't help it.

 

                      MARGARET

           It was your mother?

 

                      VICTOR

           She's sick. She can't stop herself.

           And I'm sick, too.

 

                      MARGARET

           What are you saying?

 

                      VICTOR

           I was at a 12-step meeting. There's

           hope for people like me. Like my

           parents. I'm going to beat this,

           Margaret. All I ask from you is to

           believe that I can.

 

                      MARGARET

           How can I believe in you when I don't

           even know what you're talking about?

 

                      VICTOR

           I don't want to tell you yet. I don't

           want to lose you, and I would if I

           told you. You have to trust me.

 

Margaret studies him, then stands.

 

                      VICTOR

           Please.

 

                      MARGARET

           That's a lot to ask, Victor. If you

           want to reach me, I'll be at mother's.

 

She walks out. Victor is devastated.

 

 

INT. VICTOR'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT

 

Victor does the dishes.

 

The phone rings. He lets it ring. When it stops, he retrieves

his voice mail.

 

                      JIMMY (V.O.)

           Victor, this is Jimmy.  How was the

           trip? Give me a call, I'd like to see

           you.


                                                           72.

 

 

Victor hangs up and does nothing.

 

 

INT. VICTOR'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Victor tosses and turns, unable to sleep. Finally he gets up.

 

 

EXT. VICTOR'S HOUSE - NIGHT

 

Victor comes outside. Not a sign of life anywhere. He raises

his collar against the night chill.

 

 

EXT. ALLEY - ABANDONED BUILDING - NIGHT

 

Victor stands in the alley, in front of the abandoned

building where the meetings are held.

 

Suddenly Janey appears.

 

                      JANEY

           Hello, Victor.

 

Victor jumps.

 

                      JANEY

           Looking for a meeting?

 

                      VICTOR

           What are you doing here?

 

                      JANEY

           I think these places should stay open

           twenty-four hours. I saw you at the

           meeting tonight. I was so shocked I

           had to leave. Why didn't you tell me?

 

                      VICTOR

           You mean you ... ?

 

                      JANEY

           It's why I wouldn't go out with you.

           You'd be too tempting.

 

                      VICTOR

           Jesus ...

 

                      JANEY

           There's an all-night diner around the

           corner. You want a cup of coffee?


                                                           73.

 

 

INT. DINER - NIGHT

 

They sit in a booth over coffee.

 

                      JANEY

           How long have you been in recovery?

 

                      VICTOR

           I just started. I only found out

           about ... you know ...

 

                      JANEY

           They say some people never find out.

           They're the lucky ones.

 

                      VICTOR

           And you?

 

                      JANEY

           I've known since I was thirteen.

 

A silence.

 

                      JANEY

           I read what happened in the paper.

           Does your fiancee know?

 

                      VICTOR

           Yes and no. She knows something's

           wrong.

 

                      JANEY

           You can make her one, you know.

           That's what most couples do. One

           turns the other into one.

 

                      VICTOR

           I know so little about how it works.

 

                      JANEY

           It's like anything else, you can

           infect her. As long as you stop

           before she bleeds to death.

 

                      VICTOR

           Can we talk about something else?

 

Janey laughs.

 

                      JANEY

           I'm sorry. It's so much a part of me

           now, I forget how hard it was in the

           beginning.


                                                           74.

 

 

EXT. CITY - STREET - NIGHT

 

Victor and Janey walk along a sidewalk.

 

                      VICTOR

           I proposed to her before I knew

           anything about this.

 

                      JANEY

           And if you'd known?

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm not sure I can go through with it

           now.

 

She stops. He stops. Their eyes meet, and they are drawn to

one another.

 

                      VICTOR

           Is there a way to ... without hurting

           anyone?

 

                      JANEY

           Yes ... if you find a kindred soul ...

 

Their lips move slowly together and touch. They kiss. Then

they are biting, kissing passionately, each drawing blood

from the other.

 

Janey pulls briefly away.

 

                      JANEY

           My place is close ...

 

Victor covers her mouth with a biting kiss.

 

 

INT. JANEY'S APT - BEDROOM - DAY

 

Victor wakes up in bed alone. He gets up and dresses.

 

 

INT. JANEY'S APT - KITCHEN - DAY

 

Janey is at the stove, making breakfast.

 

                      JANEY

           Good morning, sleepy head. Ready for

           coffee?

 

Victor nods and sits on a stool at a coffee bar. He looks

remorseful.

 

                      JANEY

           I was afraid you'd feel guilty.


                                                           75.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm not sure how I feel.

 

                      JANEY

           Nothing has to come of it, you know.

           You get a craving, you satisfy it. We

           can help each other that way.

 

                      VICTOR

           I thought you were in recovery.

 

She laughs.

 

                      JANEY

           All my life. Look, what my program

           is, is not hurting anyone. Not

           killing anyone, for God's sake. If I

           can get by with an occasional fling

           with a kindred soul,  where no one

           gets hurt, what's the problem? But if

           I've hurt you--

 

                      VICTOR

           No! I'm fine.

 

                      JANEY

           Right. I hope you like your eggs

           scrambled, it's the only way I can do

           them.

 

                      VICTOR

           Scrambled's fine.

 

                      JANEY

           There's a meeting at ten. It's better

           than confession.

 

She smiles but Victor looks troubled.

 

 

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - ROOM - DAY

 

Victor and Janey come into the meeting room together.

 

Martin and Victoria are already there. They see Victor with

Janey and exchange a troubled glance.

 

Victor and Janey take their seats together.

 

 

EXT. BUILDING - DAY

 

Martin and Victoria wait outside the building.  Victor and

Janey come out.


                                                           76.

 

 

                      MARTIN

           Victor.

 

Victor approaches them but Janey stays behind.

 

                      VICTOR

           Dad, I'd like you to meet ...

 

But Janey isn't beside him.  He sees her standing back and

goes to her.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'd like you to meet my parents.

 

                      JANEY

           I don't think so.

 

She turns and starts walking away.

 

                      VICTOR

           Wait a minute!

 

She ignores him.

 

 

EXT. STREET - DAY

 

Victor, Martin and Victoria walk down the street together.

Victor stops at a corner.

 

                      VICTOR

           I go this way.

 

                      MARTIN

           Son, if you need to talk about

           anything ...

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm fine.

 

He moves off.

 

                      MARTIN

           He's doomed, Victoria.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Don't say that.

 

                      MARTIN

           He's found his craving. There's

           nothing to be done about it.

 

                      VICTORIA

           You're really talking about me,

           aren't you?


                                                           77.

 

 

                      MARTIN

           No. You hit rock bottom. That's the

           first step toward recovery. He's just

           beginning.

 

 

INT. VICTOR'S HOUSE - DAY

 

Victor comes in -- and finds a note in the entryway.  He

begins reading.

 

                      MARGARET

                (V.O.)

           Victor, I couldn't sleep all night.

           Finally I came back, it was three or

           four in the morning, but you weren't

           home. Where were you? Who were you

           with?

 

He crumples the note and lets it drop to the floor.

 

 

INT. JANEY'S APT - DAY

 

Janey opens the door and Victor steps in.

 

                      JANEY

           Victor, you shouldn't be here.

 

                      VICTOR

           I know. I couldn't stop myself.

 

                      JANEY

           Turn around and go now, before it's

           too late.

 

                      VICTOR

           It's too late.

 

He embraces her. They kiss with growing, biting passion.

 

 

INT. JANEY'S APT - KITCHEN - DAY

 

They sit at the coffee bar.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm engaged to be married. It didn't

           keep me from you.

 

                      JANEY

           It's why they call it an addiction.

 

                      VICTOR

           What am I going to do?


                                                           78.

 

 

                      JANEY

           You do have options.

 

                      VICTOR

           Going to a meeting didn't help either

           of us.

 

                      JANEY

           If you're trying to make me feel

           guilty, too, you're wasting your time.

           I made peace with my disease a long

           time ago.

 

                      VICTOR

           What options do I have?

 

                      JANEY

           You leave her. Or you make her one of

           us.

 

Victor stares at her.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm not sure I understand how that

           works.

 

                      JANEY

           You pass along the disease by

           infecting her blood. You have to be

           careful that you don't go too far --

           she has to survive, of course. But

           it's done all the time.

 

                      VICTOR

           How would I know when to stop?

 

                      JANEY

           You can practice on me.

 

                      VICTOR

           You'd help me?

 

                      JANEY

           Of course. I like you.

 

                      VICTOR

           I've never met anyone like you before.

 

                      JANEY

           Of course you haven't.

 

                      VICTOR

           I have to think about it.


                                                           79.

 

 

                      JANEY

           I know.

 

 

EXT. STREET - DAY

 

Victor creeps alone down the street, lost in his thoughts.

 

He reaches a decision and his pace quickens.

 

 

EXT. WALLER MANSION - DAY

 

Victor waits on the porch. A MAID opens the door.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm here to see Margaret.

 

                      MAID

           Just a minute.

 

She closes the door. Victor takes a deep breath and waits.

 

The door opens again and Gladys comes out.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Now Victor, I think it's time you go

           to the police so life can get back to

           normal.

 

                      VICTOR

           What are you talking about?

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           You know very well what I'm talking

           about.

 

                      VICTOR

           I want to speak to Margaret.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           She doesn't want to speak to you.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'd like to hear that from her.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Why are you doing this? If you loved

           her--

 

                      VICTOR

           Of course I love her!


                                                           80.

 

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Sometimes love requires making a

           sacrifice, even if it's a difficult

           one. I'll say it again: it's time you

           went to the police.

 

Victor stares at her.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           You can also tell that reporter

           friend of yours that I'll have him

           arrested if he bothers us again.

 

                      VICTOR

           I don't know what you're talking about.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           This nonsense about your parents

           being vampires.

 

 

INT. SPECTACLE NEWSPAPER - DESK - DAY

 

Jimmy is working at the computer when the phone rings.

 

                      JIMMY

           This is Jimmy ...

 

 

INT. VICTOR'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

 

Victor is calling.

 

                      VICTOR

           What I told you about my parents was

           off the record! I don't want you

           talking to anyone or writing anything!

           Do you understand me?

 

He slams down the receiver.

 

 

INT. SPECTACLE NEWSPAPER - DESK - DAY

 

Jimmy hangs up. Without missing a beat, he goes back to work

on his story.

 

 

INT. JANEY'S APT - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Victor and Janey relax after lovemaking. Victor slips out of

bed and starts dressing.

 

                      JANEY

           It's so hard for you to keep still.


                                                           81.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           There's something I have to do.

 

                      JANEY

           Be careful.

 

 

EXT. WALLER MANSION - NIGHT

 

Victor darts across the lawn to one side of the mansion. The

mansion is dark, everyone in bed.

 

He goes to a tree that rises to a window at the second floor.

He starts climbing.

 

He reaches the window. It is cracked open.

 

 

INT. WALLER MANSION - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Victor climbs into the dark bedroom. He approaches the bed,

where Margaret is asleep. She looks so peaceful.

 

He bends forward, toward her neck, so white, so inviting.

Margaret stirs.

 

Victor snaps straight up. What is he doing? He steps backward.

 

Margaret stirs again. Victor stops, panicked. She settles

into a breathing rhythm, and he retreats to the window.

 

He climbs out. As soon as he's gone, Margaret stirs -- and

suddenly bolts up, as if from a nightmare.

 

                      MARGARET

           Victor?

 

She looks around the dark room. Nothing. It must have been a

dream.

 

 

INT. JANEY'S APT - NIGHT

 

Janey opens the door, and Victor collapses into her arms.

 

                      JANEY

           Did you tell her?

 

                      VICTOR

           I couldn't.


                                                           82.

 

 

INT. WALLER MANSION - KITCHEN - DAY

 

Margaret enters. Gladys is at a breakfast nook and pours her

coffee.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Did you sleep well, dear?

 

                      MARGARET

           I had a dream about Victor.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           That's to be expected for a while.

 

                      MARGARET

           Mother, I'm going to talk to him.

 

Gladys doesn't look pleased.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Please think carefully before you do

           that.

 

                      MARGARET

           I love him.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           But does he love you? It seems to me

           he had a choice between you and his

           parents and made his decision.

 

                      MARGARET

           If he did, he doesn't mean it. He

           spent so much time looking for them,

           it must be hard to let them go.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Please sit on it for a week. See if

           he comes to you.

 

                      MARGARET

           I miss him.

 

She gets up and leaves, turning at the doorway.

 

                      MARGARET

           It's my life, mother.

 

 

INT. JANEY'S APT - KITCHEN - DAY

 

Janey enters to find Victor already up.

 

                      JANEY

           Aren't you the early bird?


                                                           83.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           I have to talk to her.

 

He starts out.

 

                      JANEY

           This early?

 

                      VICTOR

           I want to see my dad first.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - DAY

 

Martin is reading when Victoria passes through the room on

her way to the door. They retain their last disguises.

 

                      MARTIN

           Going out?

 

                      VICTORIA

           I won't be long.

 

                      MARTIN

           Are we going to the meeting?

 

                      VICTORIA

           I'll meet you there.

 

 

EXT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - DAY

 

Victoria comes out and heads down the street.

 

From the other direction, Victor enters the hotel.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - DAY

 

Martin opens the door to find Victor.

 

                      MARTIN

           Victor. You just missed your mother.

 

                      VICTOR

           I need advice ... Dad ...

 

                      MARTIN

           It's too depressing in here.

 

 

EXT. PARK - DAY

 

Victor and Martin stroll through a park, deep in conversation.


                                                           84.

 

 

EXT. WALLER MANSION - DAY

 

Margaret drives out to the gate. Suddenly Victoria jumps in

front of the car, and Margaret screeches to a stop. Victoria

hurries around to the window.

 

                      VICTORIA

           We need to talk.

 

                      MARGARET

           Have we met?

 

                      VICTORIA

           I'm Victor's mother.

 

Margaret regards her more closely and recognizes her. She

looks around, making sure no one has seen them.

 

                      MARGARET

           Get in.

 

 

EXT. PARK - BENCH - DAY

 

Victor and Martin sit on a park bench.

 

                      MARTIN

           What I hear you saying is this.

           Correct me if I'm wrong. You still

           love Margaret. But now that you've

           tasted blood, you lust for more. And

           that's where Janey comes in.

 

                      VICTOR

           I feel so guilty. There must be a way

           for Margaret to satisfy me the way

           Janey does.

 

                      MARTIN

           Victor, there isn't. You must make a

           very hard decision here.

 

                      VICTOR

           Janey said--

 

                      MARTIN

           You could infect Margaret into

           becoming a vampire. Why don't you

           just kill her instead? She'd be

           happier.

 

A silence.

 

                      MARTIN

           Someone has to say it.


                                                           85.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           So my choices are ... ?

 

                      MARTIN

           Unless she's a strong woman, a rare

           woman, I think you have to face

           reality. She'll never understand your

           problem.

 

                      VICTOR

           So I should leave her ...

 

                      MARTIN

           You're going to be struggling with

           your disease all of your life. Do you

           want to put her through that?

 

 

INT. MARGARET'S CAR - DAY

 

Victoria is in the passenger seat.

 

                      MARGARET

           Before you start, I have to know if

           it's true. Did you kill Daniel?

 

                      VICTORIA

           It's more complicated than a simple

           yes or no.

 

                      MARGARET

           Start with that. I have to know.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Yes. But not because I wanted to.

 

                      MARGARET

           Victor says you couldn't help it.

           You're sick. I don't understand.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I know. The thing is, you'll never

           understand. That's why you must give

           him up.

 

                      MARGARET

           I would only do that as a last resort.

           And only if he wanted me to.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I want to show you something. Maybe

           it will help you make your decision.

           Will you come with me?

 

Margaret looks at her and nods.


                                                           86.

 

 

EXT. GAS STATION - DAY

 

Margaret pulls into a gas station at a full service island.

She gets out.

 

A GAS JOCKEY comes over.

 

                      MARGARET

           Fill it, please. Where are your rest

           rooms?

 

The gas jockey points.

 

 

INT. GAS STATION - DAY

 

Margaret enters and finds the pay phone. She checks through

the window to make sure that Victoria is not watching.

 

She goes to the pay phone and drops in a coin. She punches

911.

 

                      MARGARET

           I need the police ...

 

 

EXT. PARK - DAY

 

Victor and Martin are strolling again. Martin looks at his

watch.

 

                      MARTIN

           I told Victoria we'd catch up with

           her at the meeting.

 

 

INT. MARGARET'S CAR - DAY

 

Margaret gets behind the wheel.

 

                      MARGARET

           Where to?

 

 

EXT. STREET - DAY

 

Margaret's car stops at a stoplight. A car pulls beside

her -- Jimmy is behind the wheel.

 

He notices her and beeps his horn but the light changes and

Margaret pulls ahead. Jimmy follows, changing into her lane.

 

Margaret's car passes a corner where a police car is idling

against the curb.


                                                           87.

 

 

INT. POLICE CAR - DAY

 

Two officers see her pass.

 

                      POLICE OFFICER #1

           That's the one.

 

 

EXT. STREET - DAY

 

The police car pulls abruptly behind Margaret's car, cutting

Jimmy off.

 

 

INT. JIMMY'S CAR - DAY

 

Jimmy slams on the brakes.

 

                      JIMMY

           Hey!

 

 

EXT. STREET - DAY

 

The three cars continue, Margaret followed by the police,

followed by Jimmy.

 

 

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - ROOM - DAY

 

Janey walks into the room, early to the meeting. She finds a

seat.

 

Herbie sees her and approaches.

 

                      HERBIE

           Janey, are you seeing that new

           fellow, Victor, I believe his name is?

 

                      JANEY

           You know I don't date men in recovery.

 

                      HERBIE

           Unfortunately, I know you do. Answer

           the question.

 

Janey smirks at him.

 

                      JANEY

           You worry too much, Herbie.

 

She gets up and retreats to find a distant seat. Herbie just

stares at her departure.


                                                           88.

 

 

EXT. STREET - DAY

 

Margaret's car parks on the street near the alley to the

abandoned building. She and Victoria get out.

 

Victoria leads the way toward the alley.

 

                      MARGARET

           Where are we going?

 

                      VICTORIA

           You'll see.

 

The police car pulls up and parks near the alley.

 

Jimmy cruises by.

 

 

INT. JIMMY'S CAR - DAY

 

Jimmy looks around to see what is going on.

 

 

INT. POLICE CAR - DAY

 

The officer driving is on the intercom.

 

                      POLICE OFFICER

           We need some back up.

 

 

EXT. STREET - DAY

 

Jimmy parks and gets out.  He sees Margaret and Victoria

enter the alley.

 

The police car remains parked at the curb.

 

Jimmy hurries to follow the women.

 

 

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - ROOM - DAY

 

Victoria and Margaret enter.

 

                      VICTORIA

           We must've gotten here first.

 

                      MARGARET

           What is this?

 

She looks around and sees the sign on the front wall,

"Vampires Anonymous."


                                                           89.

 

 

                      MARGARET

           Oh, my God ... are you serious?

 

                      VICTORIA

           We have our 12-step program, just

           like everyone else.

 

                      MARGARET

           This is a sick joke.

 

                      VICTORIA

           No. What it is, dear, is something

           that runs in the family.

 

Jimmy enters. He starts to approach Margaret but changes his

mind when he sees the Vampires Anonymous sign. He moves to a

back corner, watching with interest.

 

                      MARGARET

           Why did you bring me here?

 

                      VICTORIA

           Victor will always be fighting his

           disease. Do you think you really have

           the strength to cope with this?

 

Victor and Martin enter.

 

                      VICTOR

           Margaret, what are you doing here?

 

                      MARGARET

           What are you doing here!?

 

Janey has noticed Victor's arrival and is watching everything

with interest. So is Jimmy.

 

                      VICTOR

           We have to talk.

 

                      MARGARET

           I should think so.

 

 

EXT. STREET - ALLEY - DAY

 

Several other police cars pull up around the alley as

reinforcements.  OFFICERS get out of the cars and approach

the abandoned building.

 

 

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - ROOM - DAY

 

Herbie takes control.


                                                           90.

 

 

                      HERBIE

           Let's all be seated, please, so we

           can begin.

 

Martin and Victoria take their seats. Victor leads Margaret

aside and directs her into a small, adjacent room.

 

Everyone sees this -- Jimmy, Janey, Victoria, Martin.

 

 

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - SMALL ROOM - DAY

 

The room is filled with supplies. Victor closes the door

behind them.

 

                      VICTOR

           This is what I've been trying to tell

           you.

 

                      MARGARET

           I don't believe in vampires, Victor.

           What are you really telling me? You

           belong to a Satanic cult?

 

                      VICTOR

           I can't expect you to understand.

 

                      MARGARET

           Just tell me the truth.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm trying to.

 

                      MARGARET

           What do you want from me? You want me

           to join and do this with you?

 

                      VICTOR

           I don't know what I want.

 

                      MARGARET

           Because I can do that. I love you.

           Just tell me what I have to do to

           make you happy.

 

                      VICTOR

           I think you really mean that.

 

He studies her.

 

                      VICTOR

           Just stay and listen to the meeting.

 

He cracks open the door -- and sees police officers entering

the back of the room. He closes the door again.


                                                           91.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           Police are here.

 

                      MARGARET

           I called them.

 

                      VICTOR

           You what?

 

                      MARGARET

           I turned in your mother.

 

Victor glares at her.

 

                      MARGARET

           I had to. She's the only thing

           standing between us.

 

Margaret starts out but Victor grabs her. She struggles and

he puts his hand over her mouth.

 

 

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - ROOM - DAY

 

The police watch the meeting from the back. They look amused.

 

Martin, Victoria, Janey and Jimmy glance at the closed door

to the small room, wondering what is going on in there.

 

Janey gets up and approaches the room.

 

At the podium, the police have made Herbie nervous.

 

                      HERBIE

           Are we doing anything wrong, officers?

 

                      POLICE OFFICER

           You tell me.

 

                      HERBIE

           We're practicing our constitutional

           right of free assembly.

 

The police officers grin. One playfully forms a cross with

his two index fingers.

 

Herbie continues chairing the meeting, going over

introductory business matters. One officer whispers to

another.

 

                      POLICE OFFICER #1

           Which one is she?

 

                      POLICE OFFICER #2

           Good question.


                                                           92.

 

 

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - SMALL ROOM - DAY

 

Victor struggles with Margaret. In the struggle, their faces

come close and Margaret suddenly kisses him. He begins

kissing back.

 

Their kissing becomes more passionate, and then in Victor's

case, more violent. Finally he can't resist temptation any

longer. He bites her on the neck.

 

The door opens, and Janey comes in, closing the door behind

her. Seeing what Victor is doing, she grabs him, pulling him

off Margaret.

 

                      JANEY

           Victor, no!

 

Margaret slumps to the floor, bleeding from the neck. She

looks in horror at Victor.

 

                      MARGARET

           What are you?

 

She's rapidly getting weak.

 

                      JANEY

                (to Victor)

           We have to get out of here.

 

A filing cabinet blocks another door. Victor begins to move

it.

 

Janey finds a rag to stop Margaret's bleeding.

 

                      JANEY

           You're going to be okay.

 

 

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - ROOM - DAY

 

Martin and Victoria exchange a nervous glance. Martin nods

and gets up. Victoria follows.

 

They step slowly to the door to the supply room and enter.

 

Jimmy sees this. He gets up to follow them.

 

The police officers see this and exchange glances.

 

 

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - SMALL ROOM - DAY

 

Victor has freed the other door. Martin and Victoria enter.


                                                           93.

 

 

                      MARTIN

           Oh, Jesus ...

 

                      VICTOR

           It was an accident!

 

                      JANEY

           She's going to be fine.

 

Martin opens the freed door. A hallway.

 

                      MARTIN

           This way.

 

Without a word, the foursome slip out of the supply room,

into the hallway, leaving Margaret behind. She clutches the

bloody rag to her throat.

 

Jimmy enters. He rushes to help Margaret.

 

 

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - ROOM - DAY

 

Several police officers exchange words, then two step out to

go to the supply room.

 

 

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Victor, Janey, Martin and Victoria rush down the hallway.

 

 

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - SMALL ROOM - DAY

 

The two policemen enter.

 

                      JIMMY

           We need an ambulance!

 

 

EXT. ABANDONED BUILDING - SIDE ENTRANCE - DAY

 

Victor, Janey,  Martin, and Victoria dash out of the building

into a different alley. They start running down it toward a

busy street.

 

 

EXT. STREET - DAY

 

They reach the end of the alley and stop. They look one way

and the other. The coast is clear.

 

They move onto the street, walking briskly.


                                                           94.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - ROOM - DAY

 

Victor and Janey sit close at a small table. Across the

room, Martin and Victoria huddle, speaking in hushed tones.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I want her out of here.

 

                      MARTIN

           Does it really matter?

 

                      VICTORIA

           It does to me.

 

                      MARTIN

           I don't know if I can do this any

           more. Maybe we should all turn

           ourselves in.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Don't be ridiculous.

 

                      MARTIN

           How long can we carry on like this? I

           get so tired of it ...

 

Victoria steps away and goes to the small table.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Victor, we're leaving town. I want

           you to come with us.

 

Martin comes over.

 

                      MARTIN

           See what you have to look forward to,

           Victor. Relapse and running, relapse

           and running. You become a criminal

           for life.

 

                      JANEY

           It doesn't have to be that way.

 

                      VICTORIA

           This is a family affair. Don't you

           have somewhere to go?

 

                      VICTOR

           I want her here.

 

Victoria glares at him, then at Janey. Janey smiles back.

 

                      MARTIN

           What are you going to do?


                                                           95.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           I don't know.

 

                      MARTIN

           Why don't you sleep on it? You can

           crash here for the night.

 

                      JANEY

           Why don't we get our own room?

 

She stands and offers her hand. Victor accepts it.

 

The women again glare at one another. Janey leads Victor to

the door.

 

                      MARTIN

           See you in the morning?

 

                      VICTOR

           Of course.

 

Victor and Janey leave.

 

                      VICTORIA

           She's going to destroy him.

 

                      MARTIN

           What difference does it make? He

           seems quite capable of managing that

           on his own.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - VICTOR'S ROOM - NIGHT

 

Victor and Janey make love.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - ROOM - NIGHT

 

Martin is asleep. Beside him, Victoria stares at the ceiling.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - VICTOR'S ROOM - NIGHT - LATER

 

Victor and Janey are asleep.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - HALLWAY - NIGHT

 

Victoria comes into the hallway. She carries a small suitcase.

 

She goes to Victor's door and opens the case. She takes a

tool from it and begins to pick the lock.

 

Success. She cracks open the door. Listens.


                                                           96.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - VICTOR'S ROOM - NIGHT

 

Victor and Janey are still asleep. Janey is on her back.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - ROOM - NIGHT

 

Martin stirs. He notices that his wife is not in bed. He

sits up.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - HALLWAY - NIGHT

 

Victoria takes a wooden stake and a small but heavy mallet

out of the case. She brings them into the room.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - VICTOR'S ROOM - NIGHT

 

Victoria creeps to Janey's side of the bed, carrying the

stake and mallet. She positions the stake over Janey's heart

and raises the mallet.

 

Janey stirs and rolls over toward Victor. Victor stirs.

 

Victoria waits for them to calm down but Victor opens his

eyes. As his mother comes into focus, he looks confused.

 

                      VICTOR

           Mother?

 

Martin appears in the doorway.

 

                      MARTIN

           Victoria!

 

Janey wakes. She sees Victoria with the stake and mallet and

gasps.

 

                      JANEY

           You were going to kill me!

 

Martin grabs Victoria.

 

                      MARTIN

           Go back to bed!

 

Victoria glares at Janey, then turns and leaves.

 

                      MARTIN

           Are you all right?

 

Janey nods. Victor comforts her.


                                                           97.

 

 

                      MARTIN

           I'm sorry. She's not well.

 

He picks up the stake and mallet.

 

                      MARTIN

           I tried using this on myself once. I

           couldn't get enough leverage.

 

He sets them on the dresser.

 

                      MARTIN

           We'll be leaving first thing in the

           morning. I'm sorry you found us.

           Maybe you could've been spared all

           this.

 

                      VICTOR

           Probably not. It's who I am.

 

Martin starts to say something but changes his mind.

 

                      VICTOR

           Dad? Will I see you again?

 

                      MARTIN

           For your sake, I hope not.

 

He goes.

 

Victor and Janey embrace.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - VICTOR'S ROOM - NIGHT - LATER

 

Janey is asleep. Victor stares at the ceiling.

 

He slips out of bed. Janey doesn't stir.

 

As he cracks open the door, he sees the mallet and wooden

stake on the dresser. He stares at them, thinking.

 

He looks at Janey. Back at the dresser.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - HALLWAY - NIGHT

 

Victor comes out of the room and takes a deep breath.

 

 

EXT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - NIGHT

 

He comes outside. No sign of life anywhere.


                                                           98.

 

 

As he steps forward to go, Victoria calls to him from an

open window above.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Can't sleep either, huh?

 

He looks up at her.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Wait, I'll be right down.

 

Victor looks troubled.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - VICTORIA'S ROOM - NIGHT

 

Victoria tip-toes to the door. Martin is snoring.

 

As soon as she is out of the room, Martin opens his eyes and

sits up.

 

 

EXT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - NIGHT

 

Victoria comes out.

 

                      VICTOR

           How could you do that?

 

                      VICTORIA

           Sometimes I get so impulsive. I can't

           help myself.

 

                      VICTOR

           I think I love her.

 

                      VICTORIA

           You lust after her. There's a

           difference.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm no longer sure there is.

 

                      VICTORIA

           You have so much to learn.

 

She smiles and takes Victor's arm as if he were her date.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I love this time of night. I feel

           like I own the world.

 

She leads him up the street.

 

At the window above, Martin watches them.


                                                           99.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - HALLWAY - NIGHT

 

Martin comes out. He looks at the door to Victor's room,

then steps toward it.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - VICTOR'S ROOM - NIGHT

 

The door cracks open. Martin takes the mallet and stake from

the dresser.

 

 

EXT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - NIGHT

 

Martin comes out with the mallet and stake.

 

 

EXT. CITY - STREET - NIGHT

 

Victor and Victoria stroll along an abandoned street. A

stranger would mistake them for lovers by the slow rhythm of

their close bodies.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Will you go swimming with me?

 

                      VICTOR

           Mother ... it's so late ...

 

                      VICTORIA

           Of course you will.

 

 

EXT. CITY PARK - SWIMMING POOL - NIGHT

 

Victor helps his mother climb the fence to get into the

outdoor pool. Then he climbs it to follow her.

 

Victoria quickly strips down to her underwear and dives in.

 

                      VICTORIA

           It's wonderful! Hurry!

 

Victor strips to his shorts. He goes to the shallow end and

steps in.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Want to race laps?

 

                      VICTOR

           Mother, I can barely swim.

 

He moves into deeper water. She swims up to him.


                                                          100.

 

 

                      VICTORIA

           I must have been a mermaid in a

           previous life.

 

She dives under water, playfully grabbing Victor's legs.

 

                      VICTOR

           Mother, stop it!

 

 

EXT. SWIMMING POOL - OUTSIDE FENCE - NIGHT

 

Martin appears. He watches them frolicking in the water

together.

 

 

EXT. CITY PARK - SWIMMING POOL - NIGHT

 

Victor and Victoria are stretched out on long cushions along

the edge of the pool. Victoria's eyes are closed.

 

                      VICTORIA

           We're a unique race with our own

           unique morality. I know it takes some

           getting used to. What you'll learn,

           Victor, is that nothing that feels

           good is ever wrong.

 

A silence.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Victor, are you awake?

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm awake.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Are you all right?

 

                      VICTOR

           What do you have against Janey?

 

                      VICTORIA

           The fact that I'm your mother.

 

                      VICTOR

           I don't understand.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I want you to love me best. Not

           literally, it's much too soon for that.

 

                      VICTOR

           Mother!


                                                          101.

 

 

                      VICTORIA

           If it feels good, Victor, then it is

           good. One thing we vampires have over

           humans is that we're not bound by a

           false restrictive morality.

 

                      VICTOR

           I like being with Janey. You'd better

           get used to the idea.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I've made you angry, and I feel so

           good! I'm going to take a little nap.

           Don't let me sleep too long.

 

Silence.

 

Martin approaches. He is carrying the mallet and stake.

Victor sees him, and Martin quickly puts one finger over his

lips to hush him.

 

Martin kneels by Victoria, who dozes. Victor sees the mallet

and stake and understands what is about to happen.

 

Martin positions the stake. Victor sits up.

 

Father and son look at one another. There's a question in

Martin's eyes. Finally Victor shakes his head. Martin

relaxes the stake.

 

                      VICTOR

           Could you really have done it?

 

                      MARTIN

           Recovery is so much harder for women,

           Victor. They can't control their

           sensuality. In the end, they just

           drag us down. This is not the first

           time I've gotten this far. But I can

           never go through with it.

 

He drops the mallet and stake to the ground.

 

Victoria opens her eyes.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Hello, dear. Did you come for a swim?

 

                      MARTIN

           I came to take you home.

 

                      VICTORIA

                (to Victor)

           See how he looks out for me?


                                                          102.

 

 

EXT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - DAY

 

Martin pulls up in a rental car and gets out.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - VICTOR'S ROOM - DAY

 

Janey is making the bed.

 

                      VICTOR

           The maid will do that.

 

                      JANEY

           It gives me something to do. I'm not

           at my best here.

 

                      VICTOR

           You're doing fine.

 

                      JANEY

           If I go with you, she's going to kill

           me one day. She wants you to herself.

 

                      VICTOR

           That's sick.

 

                      JANEY

           We're not noted for our Christian

           good manners.

 

                      VICTOR

           You're making me choose between my

           parents and you.

 

                      JANEY

           I suppose I am.

 

 

INT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - VICTORIA'S ROOM - DAY

 

Martin enters.

 

                      MARTIN

           Ready?

 

                      VICTORIA

           I've decided she can come with us.

 

                      MARTIN

           That's up to her.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I think it's the only way we'll have

           Victor. They're still here, aren't

           they?


                                                          103.

 

 

                      MARTIN

           They'll meet us at the coffee shop

           down the street.

 

 

EXT. SEEDY HOTEL #2 - DAY

 

Victor and Janey come out.

 

                      VICTOR

           At least talk to them.

 

                      JANEY

           You're going with them, aren't you?

 

                      VICTOR

           I don't know. I want everybody to sit

           down and talk.

 

 

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

Victor and Janey sit together in a booth.

 

Martin and Victoria appear. Martin drops a copy of The

Spectacle on the table in front of Victor.

 

A headline reads: "Vampire Bites Fiancee!" with a photograph

of Margaret clutching a bloody rag to her neck. The story

has Jimmy's byline.

 

                      MARTIN

           We have to get you out of town.

 

Martin and Victoria sit down.

 

                      MARTIN

                (to Janey)

           I hope you're feeling better.

 

                      JANEY

           I'll survive.

 

                      MARTIN

           I suppose we should get right to the

           point.

 

                      VICTORIA

                (to Janey)

           I want you and Victor to come with us.

 

                      JANEY

           I don't think I can do that.


                                                          104.

 

 

                      VICTORIA

           I can understand why you'd feel that

           way. Anybody would. Sometimes I just

           get such strong impulses to do

           something--

 

                      JANEY

           Spare me the rationalizations.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Victor can't stay here. It's not safe.

 

                      JANEY

           I realize that. Victor has to do what

           he's going to do.

 

                      VICTOR

                (to Janey)

           Will you move somewhere with me?

 

                      JANEY

           No.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Then it's decided.

 

                      VICTOR

           It's not decided!

 

He stands up and lifts Janey to her feet.

 

                      VICTOR

           We have to talk.

 

 

EXT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

Victor leads Janey outside. Martin and Victoria sit in the

window behind them.

 

                      VICTOR

           I love you.

 

                      JANEY

           That doesn't change anything.

 

                      VICTOR

           I want you to come with me.


                                                          105.

 

 

                      JANEY

           I have a life here. A rhythm here.

           It's actually a very delicate balance

           that I survive within, Victor. I've

           learned how to satisfy my cravings

           and stay out of trouble at the same

           time. I'm not going to do anything to

           jeopardize that.

 

                      VICTOR

           I can't stay here, I'll be arrested.

 

                      JANEY

           Which is why you have to leave. Maybe

           I'll visit you sometime.

 

Victor embraces her. Janey breaks it.

 

                      JANEY

           I was your first vampire, Victor. I

           know you'll always remember me.

 

She kisses him on the cheek and abandons him on the sidewalk.

 

In the window, Victoria gets up and Martin behind her.

 

Victor is watching Janey go, not knowing what to do. Martin

and Victoria come out.

 

                      MARTIN

           We have a long trip.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Have you decided where we're going,

           dear?

 

                      MARTIN

           I've heard the midwest has a growing

           recovery community. I'm not sure

           we'll like the winters.

 

                      VICTORIA

           We can always move in winter. We can

           spend the winter in Florida!

 

                      MARTIN

           Victor?

 

A parent moves to each side of him. They  start toward the

car, leading Victor along.


                                                          106.

 

 

INT. MIDWEST TOWN - MEETING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Victor is on his feet at a 12-step meeting. Martin and

Victoria sit beside him.

 

                      VICTOR

           My name's Victor, and I'm a vampire.

 

                      VOICES

           Hello, Victor, welcome!

 

A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN speaks alone after the others.

 

                      BEAUTIFUL WOMAN

           Hi, Victor -- welcome ...

 

Victor catches her eye. They smile at one another.

 

Victoria glares at her.

 

Victor clears his throat and goes on.

 

                      VICTOR

           I've never been to the midwest before.

           I think I'm going to like it here.

 

The beautiful woman smiles at him. Victor smiles back.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm new to recovery and can use all

           the help I can get.

 

The beautiful woman gives the slightest nod.

 

Victoria looks outraged. Martin closes his eyes, here we go

again.

 

Victor looks like he's ready to boogie.

 

FADE OUT