VICTOR
But. . . where does it come from? How do you figure out what to say? I try, but what I know isn’t –
REX
(supressing a laugh) Wait a minute. You want to know where I get my ideas? (beat) Is that your big question?
VICTOR
Well, as a matter of fact. . .
SOUND
REX STANDS AND WALKS A FEW PACES.
REX
Open your eyes. It’s right in front of you.
VICTOR
What is?
REX
This rifle on the wall, for example. Or the Japanese sword next to it.
SOUND
A SLIGHT RATTLING AS REX TOUCHES THW SWORD.
VICTOR
I still don’t understand.
REX
Don’t you? Everybody – and every thing – has a story, waiting to come out. Sometimes it takes a little coaxing, that’s all. It’s my mission. You and I are two of a kind. We both have the same goal. To find the story that’s inside you.
VICTOR
What if there’s nothing there?
REX
Oh, there is, I promise. And you have the same right to share it with the world as anybody else. It’s your birthright. What you were put here for.
VICTOR
(with emotion) I – I want to believe that. . .
REX
You’re perfect, Vic. I can’t get that
SOUND
REX DRAWS THE SWORD OUT OF ITS SCABBARD.
VICTOR
Wait. What –?
REX
You want to know where I get my ideas? Well just where do you think? From this cesspool called life! And I’ll never run out, as long as I go directly to the source – because I’ll never, ever finish paying you all back!
VICTOR
No! My God, no! You’re wrong! It’s a lie! You’re –
REX
I want to know what you feel right now! Open up to me, Vic – all the way! It won’t hurt! I promise!
VICTOR
Get off me! Stop. . .!
SOUND
REX STABS VICTOR WITH THE SWORD. LIKE A KNIFE STRIKING A MELON.
REX
How does this feel, Vic? I have to know! Tell my readers! What about this? And this. . .?
VICTOR
MORE STABS AS THEY STRUGGLE.
VICTOR
(screaming) No. . .! No. . .!
REX
(all but shrieking) Tell me! I must find the pefect method! Tell me. . .!
SOUND
FADE DOWN.
SOUND
FADE DOWN.
AFTER A PAUSE, SLOW FADE IN TO:
EXT. – NIGHT – OUTSIDE VICTOR’S HOUSE. AS ANOTHER CAR APPROACHES OVER DIRT. THE CAR STOPS AND A BRAKE RATCHETS UP. THE DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES AS JOLENE CLIMBS OUT. WE FOLLOW HER FOOTSTEPS ACROSS THE DIRT TO THE STONE WALKWAY AND THEN TO VICTOR’S DOOR. SHE USES THE METAL DOOR KNOCKER.
JOLENE
(calling) Victor? Victor, it’s me!
(to herself) Where is he. . .?
SOUND
(OFF) REX’S FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING OVER DIRT AND LEAVES.
REX
Can I help you?
JOLENE
Oh! I didn’t see you there.
REX
Sorry if I gave you a scare.
JOLENE
Is Victor home, do you know?
REX
Vic? I don’t think so.
JOLENE
Are you a friend of his?
REX
Just passing through. I was about ready to move on.
JOLENE
Well, have a good evening. And – happy holidays!
REX
(lingering) Thought I was lost. Then I saw the light. In the window. He was – very helpful.
JOLENE
He’s like that. Always thinking of others. . . Where could he be?
SOUND
SHE KNOCKS AGAIN.
REX
Is he expecting you?
JOLENE
Well, not exactly. I brought Christmas dinner. The whole works.
REX
Did you really.
JOLENE
He deserves it. All alone in this big old house. Maybe I there’s a door that’s open. . .
REX
I wouldn’t bother.
JOLENE
Why not?
REX
The last I saw of him, he was – down by the river.
JOLENE
What was he doing there?
REX
He wanted to show me everything. Very hospitable.
JOLENE
(warmly) That sounds like Victor.
REX
Would you like to join him?
JOLENE
Oh, no. I’ll wait. (reconsidering) ’Course the food’s getting cold. . .
REX
I can show you the way.
JOLENE
Well. . .
REX
It’s not far.
JOLENE
I hope he’s ready for a surprise.
REX
Oh, he is. I’m sure of it.
SOUND
THEY WALK OFF TOGETHER, FOOTSTEPS GROWING FAINT AS THEY STEP THROUGH LEAVES AND TWIGS.
JOLENE
(moving off) I even brought a pretty good wine. If you’d care to join us. For a taste, I mean. One for the road.
REX
(moving off) No, thanks. I have a few more stops to make.
JOLENE
(off) On Christmas Eve?
REX
(off) My work’s never done.
JOLENE
(off) That’s too bad. . .
REX
(off) No, it’s good. It’s been a great year. And it’s almost finished. Watch your step. . . Have you known him long?
JOLENE
(off) Victor? Let me see. . .
REX
(off) Go on. You can tell me. . .
JOLENE
(off) Not much to tell. . .
REX
(off) I want to know everything. . .
SOUND
THEY WALK OFF THRU BUSHES. FOR A FEW SECONDS ONLY AMBIENT NIGHT SOUNDS. THEN:
JOLENE
(off) Wait. What’s that under your coat? What are you –? Wait! Wait!
SOUND
(OFF) THE FAINT METALLIC SCRAPE AND CLANK OF THE SWORD AS IT IS DRAWN FROM ITS SHEATH.
JOLENE
(off) No! No, please. . .! (a single scream, cut short)
SOUND
THEN SILENCE, EXCEPT FOR A HOOTING OWL. . . THE RUSHING OF THE RIVER BELOW. . .AND A FAINT SPLASH IN THE DISTANCE. AFTER THAT ONLY THE TREES RUSTLING IN A SUDDEN BREEZE.
FADE DOWN. . . TO SILENCE.
MUSIC
EPISODE SCORE.
NARRATOR
So now you know the secret – where some writers get their ideas. A word of warning, though. It may be a long time till morning, and there’s no law against talking in the dark. . . but watch what you say. Or your nightmares might end up trapped between. . . the covers of a book!
MUSIC
SERIES THEME.
ANNOUNCER
“Talking in the Dark” was written for Dread Time Stories by Dennis Etchison, based upon his short story.
(additional closing credits)
end.
