Hangman: The Anniversary Case

This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to situations or persons, living or dead, is unintentional and coincidental.



HANGMAN
"The Anniversary Case"



FADE IN:
INT. BOSTON CITY STREET DAY
DEJA SIPHER is driving down the street amongst traffic. Then, she turns right onto a residential street.

INT. BOSTON RESIDENTIAL STREET DAY
Deja Sipher drives down a quiet residential street, pulling into the drive of a lower-middle-class home. She parks the car and exits the car.

INT. OUTSIDE THURSTON HOME DAY
Deja Sipher then retrieves a large, glass punch bowl from the back seat of the driver’s side. After shutting the back door by pushing it with her hip, she then walks up to the front door where she hears an argument from inside the home. She begins to push the doorbell, but thinks twice and doesn’t, uncertain about what to do. MAGGIE THURSTON AND JOHN THURSTON are inside the house.

GLEN THURSTON (V.O.)
(yelling) No!

MAGGIE THURSTON (V.O.)
(yelling) Why won’t you help me with this?

GLEN THURSTON (V.O.)
(yelling) I don’t want to talk about it anymore.

MAGGIE THURSTON (V.O.)
(yelling) Why can’t you just talk to me?

Deja begins to step away from the door, but then looks at the punch bowl and then steps back towards the door.

GLEN THURSTON (V.O.)
(yelling) I don’t want to hear anymore about it. Now, drop it!

MAGGIE THURSTON (V.O.)
(yelling, in tears) Glen! I thought I could count on you!

GLEN THURSTON (V.O.)
(yelling) We’re not going to talk about this again. Do you hear me?

Deja rings the doorbell, grimacing. The house quiets and Maggie Thurston opens the door to greet Deja. Maggie appears to have been crying. Maggie is pale, weak, and a scarf covers a bald head.

MAGGIE THURSTON
Deja, hi. Come on in. (takes the bowl) Here, let me take that.

DEJA SIPHER
Oh, dear Maggie, thank you. I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to hold on to it much longer.

INT. INSIDE OF THURSTON LIVING ROOM DAY
Deja Sipher follows Maggie Thurston inside. Deja closes the door. Maggie takes the bowl to another room, but then returns without it. Glen Thurston comes from another room to greet Deja as she enters.

GLEN THURSTON
Deja, you found it. (gives Deja quick peck on the cheek)

DEJA SIPHER
Yes, it was hidden away in the attic. Henry had to come over and help me get it down. All the cups that go with it are in the trunk. I’m hoping none of them broke on the way over here. You know, this punch bowl has seen many celebrations over the years. I’m so glad you asked for it to be the centerpiece of your anniversary party this weekend.

MAGGIE THURSTON
After everything we’ve been through in these five years, we just wanted it to be special. We thought maybe recreating our wedding reception might be a nice idea.

GLEN THURSTON
Yeah, band and all. The woman who made our wedding cake is even making a new one. She used one of our wedding pix to remember what the original looked like. Here, Deja, sit down.

Deja and Glen sit down on the couch.

MAGGIE THURSTON
Would you like something to drink, Deja?

DEJA SIPHER
Actually, I’d love a cup of coffee if you have one. I haven’t been past the office yet and that’s where I usually get my daily dose of caffeine.

Maggie goes toward the kitchen. Deja leans toward Glen.

DEJA SIPHER
(continuing)
(quietly) So, how are the two of you doing? I couldn’t help but overhear. (she points to the door)

GLEN THURSTON
(runs his hand through his hair)(quietly) It’s okay. (reassuringly) Really, Deja. We’ve just been under a lot of stress. it blows up from time to time but everything really is okay.

DEJA SIPHER
(quietly) How’s her treatment coming along?

GLEN THURSTON
(shakes his head)(quietly) It’s not going so well. The doctors were disappointed with this last round of chemo. They say Maggie didn’t respond like they had hoped. They’ve got her on more meds than ever, pills and injections. Some of them are to fight the cancer and some of them are for the side effects that come from the meds that fight the cancer. It’s like a big circle.

DEJA SIPHER
(puts her arm around Glen)(quietly) You are the grandson of my oldest and dearest friend, Glen. You know, if you need anything, I’m here for you.

GLEN THURSTON
(smiles gratefully) (quietly) Thanks, Deja. But, unless you have a magic wand, I’m not sure there’s anything you can do.

Maggie brings a tray with three cups of coffee, sits down in a chair near the couch, and distributes the coffee. Glen takes a quick sip.

GLEN THURSTON
Oh, Deja, if you’ll give me your trunk key, I’ll go get those punch bowl cups before I forget about it.

DEJA SIPHER
Oh, my purse and the key are still in the car. I didn’t know about tying to balance my purse and the punch bowl. (pats Glen on the knee) Trunk latch is just above the parking break.


GLEN THURSTON
Okay. (stands, goes outside)

DEJA SIPHER
So, Maggie, dear, I’ll ask you what I asked Glen. How are things between the two of you? You’re both so young to be in a situation like this.

MAGGIE THURSTON
(sips her coffee) Glen’s worried. He stays that way. He tries not to let me know just how worried he really is, but I can tell. I’ve known him too long not to. But, we married for better or for worse.

DEJA SIPHER
Well, you’ve certainly seen the worst.

MAGGIE THURSTON
(smiles) Yes, we have, and Glen’s been my rock through it all. He’s amazing. He’s held on to his job and still managed to take care of me, be with me at all those appointments. Good news or bad news, when we hear it, we hear it together.

DEJA SIPHER
Is he still working in the lab at that little zoo at the edge of Boston? What’s it called?

MAGGIE THURSTON
Habitats. He sure is. And, he’s getting some internship credits and lab credits for his work there. He’s only considered an assistant, but he’s really earned the trust of the vet so he’s been helping out with all sorts of clinical studies with the animals. I never knew there was so much involved in becoming a vet.

DEJA SIPHER
It’s said to be the toughest medical profession because there are so many different species and the patients can’t tell you what’s wrong! (laughs)

MAGGIE THURSTON
Well, I hope you’ll come out next week and help us. We’re setting up a booth just outside the gates to hand out some literature. The zoo is at risk of being shut down; it’s so small it doesn’t get enough customers I guess. We’d like it to stay open.

DEJA SIPHER
What would happen to the animals if it closed?

Glen walks in with a large box, takes them to another room and then returns to sit on the couch.

MAGGIE THURSTON
Oh, the animals would be transferred to a larger zoo, maybe even the one here in Boston. But, being a small, independent zoo, it’s been able to really concentrate on some areas of research that would probably just get lost in a larger zoo.

GLEN THURSTON
It’s true. For the past few years, we’ve been able to collect and study the venom of African snakes. We’ve not only been able to help create the serum to counteract the poisons but we’ve been able to study parts of the venom, see if it could actually be used for other medical purposes.

MAGGIE THURSTON
We’re hoping to raise enough money that Habitats could receive another grant, at least try and keep it open another year or two. If the zoo is closed, Glen would have to travel a lot farther to work or find another job.

GLEN THURSTON
The staff isn’t really that large. We’d either be transferred or be at risk of losing our jobs. But, the city’s at risk of losing a great asset. We’re trying to get the newspaper to write an article, maybe even get the TV to do a piece.

DEJA SIPHER
Well, I’ll certainly be there to do what I can. But, first things first, we have an anniversary party to finish planning.

Maggie and Glen smile at each other.

INT. HENRY DAVID’S DETECTIVE OFFICE ENTRY RM DAY
Deja Sipher walks in and removes her coat. PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR HENRY DAVID is sitting at Deja’s desk, sorting through the mail.

HENRY DAVID
Everything okay over at Glen’s?

DEJA SIPHER
Oh, yes. They were arguing when I arrived, but I suppose it was nothing more than a lover’s spat; they were fine when I left. Maggie does not look good though. She’s so pale.

Henry stands and holds the seat for Deja as she sits.

DEJA SIPHER
(continuing)
Thank you, Henry. Glen told me privately that the doctors have given Maggie six months. Maggie seems to be at peace with it, but Glen just looks worried out of his mind.

HENRY DAVID
(sitting on the corner of the desk) It must be hard on him, seeing her go through this, knowing she’ll die soon.

DEJA SIPHER
Yes, it is. That’s why it’s so important that we all be at that anniversary party this weekend; we need to let them both know that they have all of our support.

HENRY DAVID
(kisses her on the cheek) Don’t ever die on me, Aunt, Deja. I just don’t know what I’d do. (begins to walk away)

DEJA SIPHER
(looks at two envelopes) Well, you certainly wouldn’t know how to open and sort the mail! Junk mail just goes straight to the recycling bin. (tosses away an envelope)

HENRY DAVID
(smiles) Yes, ma’am. Should have known that. (puts on his overcoat and fedora) I need to go do some work on that Peterson divorce case.

DEJA SIPHER
Oh, the one where the husband hired you to follow his wife, the heiress, that he had declared legally insane. Well, that’s nice, dear. Maybe while you’re out you can figure out how to get a better class of clientele. (winks at him)

HENRY DAVID
(smiles) I’ll be back in a bit, Aunt Deja.

DEJA SIPHER
Alright, dear.

Henry leaves.

INT. CITY STREET DAY
Henry David sits in his car watching traffic and RANDOM PEOPLE as he twists his hat and exhales three times in boredom. Finally, he sees MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON carry bags out of a store and he watches her, taking a camera from the passenger seat and snapping photos of her as she walks to her car. She puts the bags in the trunk, turns around and sees him, and then walks to his car. Henry’s window is up.

HENRY DAVID
(seeing her coming) (quietly) Oh, no.

Mrs. Peterson arrives at Henry’s car, knocking three times on the window with her knuckle. Henry responds by rolling down the window and tipping his hat uncomfortably towards her. Mrs. Peterson squats near the car and speaks to Henry through the open window.

MRS. PETERSON
(calmly) Hi. I don’t know who you are, but you seem to know me. So, I assume my husband hired you for one thing or another.

HENRY DAVID
(uncomfortable) How are you, Mrs. Peterson?

MRS. PETERSON
(calmly) I won’t ask you to break any confidentiality. I’m sure you have rules about those kinds of things. But, just to make it a bit easier on us both, I’m headed to that little café (she points to THE SWEET STUFF café near her car) there for a coffee and muffin. I may be a few minutes. After that, I have to go pay the electric bill. I use the drive-thru at that branch office over at the corner of Main and Clover so I can miss the downtown traffic. And, unless I have to stop to fill up on gas, I’ll be going home after that.

HENRY DAVID
(uncomfortably) Thank you for that, uh, agenda.

MRS. PETERSON
Yeah, well, no reason not to cooperate.

Henry watches Mrs. Peterson walk back towards her car, but turn and enter the café. Henry puts the camera back into the passenger seat, grabs a steno pad from the seat, and jots down some notes.

INT. LARGE RECEPTION ROOM DAY
RANDOM WORKERS are setting up band instruments on a small stage, placing tablecloths over tables, arranging floral centerpieces, and pulling wine glasses and fancy china out of boxes. The punch bowl sits on a long table. Maggie carries in a box and places it beside the punch bowl. She then puts her hand to her head, weak. Maggie’s mother, PENNY MILLS sees Maggie weaken, sets down the enlarged framed wedding photograph of Maggie and Glen amongst several others, and goes to Maggie.

PENNY MILLS
Maggie! (leads her to a chair, helps her sit) I knew all this wedding business was too much for you right now.

MAGGIE THURSTON
Mom, I’m okay. I just got a little winded.

PENNY MILLS
You should be taking it easy. Getting some rest.

MAGGIE THURSTON
(exhales slowly, getting her breath back) It’s okay, really. I’m alright now. The box was just a little too heavy for me. That’s all. I just want this party to be perfect.

PENNY MILLS
Well, it sure is shaping up to look just like the reception you had at your wedding. (pats Maggie on the shoulder) If I can’t talk you in to going home, at least just sit here a bit. I’ll work on the punch setting. You were going to put them to the left of the cake weren’t you?

Penny goes toward the table with the boxes and punch bowl and begins removing the cups from the box. Maggie Thurston swallows hard, weakening again.

MAGGIE THURSTON
(weak, softly) Yeah, Mom, that’s right.

INT. CITY STREET DAY
Henry David sits in the car, watching as Mrs. Sophie Peterson comes out of the café. She waves to him. He lowers his head, embarrassed, as he raises his index finger toward her over the steering wheel. Mrs. Peterson gets into her car. When she pulls away, Henry follows.

INT. HENRY DAVID’S DETECTIVE OFFICE DAY
Deja sits at her desk, talking on the phone.

DEJA SIPHER
That’s right. (pause) Yes, two hours before the reception should be fine. Then, the cake will be sitting pretty when all the guests arrive. (pause, laughs) She’s so excited. I’m sure it will be perfect, just like the first time. Thank you so much. (hangs up the phone)

Deja makes a mark on a steno pad.

DEJA SIPHER
(continuing)
Cake confirmed. (dials phone) Let’s double-check the drinks.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON WALKS IN TO THE OFFICE.

DEJA SIPHER
(continuing)
Oh, Mr. Peterson. (hangs up the phone) (unconvincing) I hope you’re doing alright today.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
(angry) Where is that so-called detective Henry?

DEJA SIPHER
It’s David. Detective David. Henry’s his first name.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
Whatever. Where is he?

DEJA SIPHER
I believe he’s out following your wife as you asked him to do, sir.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
My wife just called me and told me she spotted Detective Henry or David or whatever his name is, actually talked to him. I thought detectives were supposed to be inconspicuous? I’m paying good money for his services.

DEJA SIPHER
I’m sure you are, Mr. Peterson. But, having someone followed as often as you’ve asked for Detective David to follow Mrs. Peterson, well, that’s like sending her a sign from a lighthouse. Even in a city this size, someone is bound to notice being followed that much.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
Listen, you tell that good-for-nothing detective that he better do his job a little better and get some information on my wife for my divorce case or he can find another case to work on. (walks out, slams the door behind him)

DEJA SIPHER
I’d prefer the latter. (returns to her notes)

INT. OUTSIDE THURSTON HOUSE SUNSET
Glen Thurston helps Maggie Thurston walk up to the porch.

MAGGIE THURSTON
Just let me sit for a minute.

Glen helps Maggie sit on the porch, then sits beside her.

GLEN THURSTON
(sadly, softly) It’s just a party. You don’t need all this right now.

MAGGIE THURSTON
(quietly) Don’t you understand why I want this party, Glen? I’ll never have a chance at another one. I want this to be really special, for you, for me, for everybody we know.

GLEN THURSTON
(calmly) You can’t just give up like that, Mag. Anything could happen. The meds might work this time. You never know. We just have to keep your health up and keep fighting. I’ll be here by your side the whole time. I swear. Just don’t give up.

MAGGIE THURSTON
(takes his hand) I know that if love could conquer cancer, it would have been gone as soon as it came. (pause, leans her head on his shoulder) Glen, there’s something I still need you to help me with.

INT. PETERSON MANSION NIGHT
Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are in the kitchen, arguing.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
(yelling) You just remember, your days are numbered! When this divorce is over, this city will know you for the trash that you are and I’ll be the one with the house and all the bank accounts.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
(yelling) I can’t believe how stupid I was. How could I not have seen you for what you are? Everybody I knew warned me about you, said you were just after the money. But, oh, no, I couldn’t listen to them. You had me convinced that they were just out to sabotage us. God, I was so stupid. But, no more. I know exactly what you are now and I won’t let you get away with it.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
Oh, please. Just sit back and wait. You’re gonna get what you’ve got coming to you.

Mr. Robert Peterson leaves the kitchen in an angry rush as HOUSEKEEPER enters the room, concerned about the argument.

INT. CITY STREET MORNING
Mrs. Sophie Peterson gets out of her car near The Sweet Stuff cafe and walks back towards Henry’s car. Henry rolls down his window as she comes.

HENRY DAVID
Morning, Mrs. Peterson.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Morning, Detective Henry.

HENRY DAVID
Uh, David. It’s Detective David. Henry is my first name.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
My mistake. Um, would you mind terribly coming and having a cup of coffee with me? My treat. I have a lot to do today; it’d be easier for me to tell you over coffee than here by your car. Besides, I might have some information that may interest you.

INT. INSIDE THE SWEET STUFF CAFÉ MORNING
Mrs. Sophie Peterson and Henry David sit at a small table. Henry’s hat sits off to the side of the table.

HENRY DAVID
Quite a story.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Certainly one I never thought I’d be telling. At least, not about my own life. Detective David, I realize that you have no reason to believe me. After all, you do work for my husband. Besides, how many people are going to believe anything said by someone described as seeing people who aren’t there and hearing voices that don’t exist.

HENRY DAVID
Mrs. Peterson, how do I know you’re telling the truth when you say that you’ve not found any proof of these, well, apparitions? It is a bit, well, far-fetched. You don’t even have any proof that your husband was bringing women into the house.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
I guess you really can’t prove it. Maybe it’s too much of me to even ask you to try. But, it’s true. That’s all I can say. It’s true. But as crazy as this story is, and I do realize how crazy it sounds, I’m not insane, Detective David.

HENRY DAVID
Did you ever find any physical signs of these women? Shoe, scarf, anything? No matter how small it might have seemed.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
No. A couple of times, I saw the housekeeper carrying sheets from the room, and it’s always the same room, Detective, but she’d never say if she ever saw anyone in there. My husband can be very persuasive, Detective. He’s probably convinced her that I’m crazy or something. I don’t know. But, if there’s any way for you to check in to it, well, then, you may finally see my husband for the monster he really is. And, if you don’t, well eventually I may go insane after all.

INT. HENRY DAVID’S DETECTIVE OFFICE ENTRY RM MORNING
Henry David is completing hanging up his fedora and coat as Deja Sipher stands nearby waiting to give him his cup of coffee.

DEJA SIPHER
You’re lucky I didn’t tell that Mr. Peterson what I really think of him. But, I’m too much of a professional and too much of a lady to speak like that.

HENRY DAVID
(takes the coffee) He can be a handful.

DEJA SIPHER
Well, I, for one, think you should follow up on Mrs. Peterson’s offer. There’s something that just doesn’t sit well with me about that Mr. Peterson.

HENRY DAVID
But, Aunt Deja, Mr. Peterson is our client. I can’t just go out hunting for information to damage the client. That’s not what I’m being paid for.

DEJA SIPHER
No, it’s not. But, sometimes, Henry, you have to forget about the money and concentrate on doing the right thing.

Henry takes the cup of coffee and considers Deja’s words.

INT. RECEPTION ROOM DAY
Deja Sipher enters the reception room. It is empty except for Glen Thurston and a COUPLE WORKERS placing floral centerpieces on each table. The room is completely decorated now except for the cake, drinks, and food. photographs of the wedding day line the walls. Glen is standing near the door.

DEJA SIPHER
Would you look at this place! Oh, Maggie will be so pleased.

GLEN THURSTON
She really did a great job. The few details that are left are last minute types of things. Or, so I’m told. (smiles) Maggie’s better at planning things than I am.

DEJA SIPHER
It may sound a bit sexist, but women tend to be a bit better at such things. Anything else I can do?

GLEN THURSTON
I think it’s all taken care of.

DEJA SIPHER
You know, I could swear that I saw the priest who performed your ceremony pass me when I was coming in.

GLEN THURSTON
You did. But, it’s a secret, Deja. Okay? Maggie went to so much trouble planning this anniversary party to be exactly like our wedding reception, that I thought I’d surprise her by inviting the priest that married us and asking Maggie to marry me again, right here, at the party. If she’ll have me, that is.

DEJA SIPHER
Oh, Glen, that’s a wonderful idea. (takes his arm) I’m sure Maggie will say yes all over again.

INT. THURSTON LIVING ROOM DAY
Maggie enters the room, supporting herself by holding on to the wall, but bending over in pain. She sits down in the chair and pulls her knees in toward her chest. She rubs her brow with her hand and wipes away a single tear from her cheek. She then leans her head back against the chair in exhaustion and closes her eyes.

INT. OUTSIDE PETERSON MANSION EVENING
Henry David sits in the bushes with a zoom lens camera, looking toward the Peterson home. Mr. Robert Peterson walks into the house with a WOMAN. Henry grabs his hat back when a limb moves it. Henry watches curiously and with concern.
Henry looks through the lens again. Mrs. Sophie Peterson then arrives home, parks, walks to the door, and enters. Then, Henry’s cell phone rings.

HENRY
Hello. (pause) Following up on some of your advice. (pause) Yes, I remember. I’ll be there. Nice to know at least one marriage in this town is lasting.

INT. RECEPTION ROOM DAY
The sun is shining in through the windows as a LARGE GROUP OF PEOPLE mingle about the reception room. WAITERS are carrying trays about the crowd. The wedding cake is placed near the punch bowl that is now filled with red punch. Henry David and Deja Sipher walk in to the room. Glen and Maggie Thurston are mingling amongst the guests. Maggie appears weak, but smiling and happy. Glen keeps his arm about Maggie, supporting her. Hats and coats are taken by a WAITER as Henry and Deja enter the room. The band is playing classic love songs.

HENRY DAVID
Five years. Wow. Longer than any of my marriages. They really went all out for this party.

DEJA SIPHER
Well, consider the circumstances, dear.

HENRY DAVID
Sorry, didn’t mean to be inconsiderate, Aunt Deja.

DEJA SIPHER
(pats his arm) Let’s go say hello to the happy couple.

Henry and Deja make their way through part of the crowd until they meet up with CHIEF FRANK LENNOX.

DEJA SIPHER
Frank (kisses him on the cheek), you made it!

CHIEF LENNOX
Deja! Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Henry, how are you? (shakes hands with Henry) You know, my cousin’s mother went to school with Glen’s mother. Or, something like that. Anyway, I’ve known Glen since he was just a baby.

DEJA SIPHER
Have you had a chance to talk to the couple yet?

CHIEF LENNOX
I have, I have. (quiets, leans in to Deja) Deja,
Maggie’s not looking too good. Glen’s been holding her up and helping her stand ever since I got here. They’ve been trying to hide it, but I guess these old cops eyes can see right through it.

DEJA SIPHER
Yes, well, I’ll explain all of that later. For now, let’s just help them celebrate. Excuse me. (she pats Chief on the arm and walks toward Glen)

CHIEF LENNOX
(nods in agreement) Henry, how did we manage to both get some time off today?

HENRY DAVID
(jokingly) I work for myself. But, as soon as this party’s over, it’s back to surveillance duty for me.

CHIEF LENNOX
Anybody I know?

HENRY DAVID
Peterson case.

CHIEF LENNOX
Mrs. Peterson, the heiress?

Henry nods in agreement.

CHIEF LENNOX
(continuing)
(laughs) The crazy heiress?

Henry frowns at Chief.

CHIEF LENNOX
(continuing)
(pats Henry on the back) Hate to tell you, buddy, but you can stay as long as you like. That nut finally got herself involuntarily committed last night.

HENRY DAVID
(surprised) What?

CHIEF LENNOX
Um-hum. Police got called out to the house around midnight. Woman’s crazy as a loon. Kept saying that she saw another woman in the house, said she was just walking down the hallway and the woman just came out of a room, looked toward her, and then walked away. Her old man called the doctor and Mrs. Peterson held to her story. Even the doctor didn’t find any evidence of somebody else in the house, but the Peterson wife still stuck to her story. Doctor had her committed, called us to transport. Peterson had a cut on his arm Superficial one if you ask me. He said the wife did it.

Henry appears confused and concerned.

Deja makes her way to Glen and Maggie Thurston, hugging them both as she greets them.

DEJA SIPHER
Don’t you two look wonderful! It certainly turned into a beautiful party. (waves to Penny Mills a few people away) And, your mother was able to make it. How nice! I haven’t seen her in ages.

GLEN THURSTON
Where’s your drink?

DEJA SIPHER
Oh, I’ll get one in a minute.

MAGGIE THURSTON
Oh, and you have to try the wedding cookies. They’re to die for, they just melt in your mouth.

DEJA SIPHER
I will certainly do that. (pulls a card from her purse and gives it to Maggie) Even though you requested that donations be made for cancer research in lieu of gifts, I just had to at least get you a card. Five years is serious business these days. (smiles)

Maggie reads the card and begins to cry, then hands the card to Glen and hugs Deja.

MAGGIE THURSTON
It’s beautiful. Thank you, Deja. (whispers in her ear) I hope you know how much you’ve meant to me.

Glen then hugs Deja as Maggie wipes her eyes.

GLEN THURSTON
Thanks so much, Deja.


Henry and Chief stand before the bar.

CHIEF LENNOX
(to Henry) Hum. That is interesting. (to the bartender) Beer, please. (takes the beer) Thanks. (to Henry) So, you think it might be a setup?

HENRY DAVID
Jury’s still out. I’m gonna keep checking on it.

CHIEF LENNOX
Well, if you need some help, give me a call. It sounds more interesting than anything I’m working on right now.

INT. PADDED HOSPITAL ROOM DAY
Mrs. Sophie Peterson paces about the white padded cell.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
(quietly, to herself) How? How is he doing this? (paces across the room twice, then goes to the door and knocks four times)

INT. OUTSIDE PADDED HOSPITAL ROOM DAY
A NURSE walks up to the door, moves a small metal plate to reveal a small face-size opening in the door, and speaks to Mrs. Sophie Peterson through the hole.

NURSE
What do you need, Mrs. Peterson?

INT. INSIDE PADDED HOSPTIAL ROOM DAY
Mrs. Sophie Peterson is inside the padded cell, speaking through the small hole in the door.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
(calmly) Am I allowed to make phone calls?

NURSE
Not until the doctor examines you and says that he’ll allow it.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Are you allowed to make phone calls for me?

NURSE
No, ma’am. Is there anything else?

MRS. SOHPIE PETERSON
I need to speak to Detective David, Henry David. If you could just get a message to him.

NURSE
I’m not allowed to do that ma’am. (shuts the small metal plate)

Mrs. Sophie Peterson watches the plate close, turns her back to the door, and slides down the door until she’s sitting on the floor.

INT. RECEPTION ROOM DAY
Deja Sipher approaches Penny Mills at the Thurston anniversary party. They both drink from the punch cups.

DEJA SIPHER
So, what do you think, Penny?

PENNY MILLS
Even better than the first one.

Glen Thurston goes up to the microphone, the band stops playing. Maggie Thurston stands with the crowd just in front of Glen.

GLEN THURSTON
Excuse me, everyone. If I could have your attention, please. (the crowd quiets) First, Maggie and I would like to thank you all for coming to help us celebrate our fifth anniversary.

The people applaud.

GLEN THURSTON
(continuing)
Thank you. Maggie has spent a lot of time planning this party. ‘Bout as much time as she spent planning our wedding. So, it hasn’t been easy to plan a surprise, but I wanted to do something special for her after everything she’s done for me. (to Maggie) Mag, you’ve given me the five best years I could have asked for. But, I’m asking you now, before all our family and friends, and Father Clayton…

FATHER CLAYTON winks to Maggie from the corner of the crowd. Maggie looks to him with surprise.

GLEN THURSTON
(continuing)
…will you’ll marry me again today.

The crowd ahhs and applauds. Maggie begins to cry as she goes to Glen and embraces him.

GLEN THURSTON
(continuing)
(whispers to Maggie) So, whadda ya say?

MAGGIE THURSTON
(whispers) The answer will always be yes.

The crowd cheers.

INT. PETERSON MANSION KITCHEN DAY
Mr. Robert Peterson sings to himself as he enters the room.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
I’m in the money. I’m in the money.

He reaches the sink and looks at the slight cut on his arm. He then picks up a knife from the sink and sees the blood.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
(to himself) That’s disgusting. Hum. (rinses it off and puts it in the dishwasher) a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. (begins singing as he leaves the room) I’m in the money. I’m in the money. Won’t be long and I’ll have all the money, all the money, honey.

INT. PETERSON MANSION LIVING ROOM DAY
Mr. Robert Peterson walks into the living room. The woman Henry David saw going into the house with Mr. Peterson walks into the living room from another room.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
(continuing)
Oh, there you are. Good performance last night.

Takes three hundred dollar bills from his wallet and gives them to her.

WOMAN
Thank you. (takes the money) Anytime you need some help, just give me a call.

Mr. Robert Peterson walks her to the door.

WOMAN
(continuing)
So, tell me again what all this spook stuff is about?

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
Oh, just a little practical joke on my wife. She’s in to all that supernatural stuff, you know. Well, thanks again.

The woman turns around as the door opens.

WOMAN
Uh, you drove me here. How do you expect me to get back home?

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
The housekeeper will drive you. Oh, and, uh, she’s not in on the joke. She thinks you’re a nurse that was checking in on my wife’s health. So, stick to the role. (hands her another hundred dollar bill)

The woman walks out the door. Mr. Peterson closes it.

INT. RECEPTION ROOM DAY
Maggie and Glen Thurston stand on the bandstand. Father Clayton is with them as the crowd looks on. Deja Sipher smiles and leans her head on Henry’s shoulder.

FATHER CLAYTON
…for better and for worse, through sickness and in health…

INT. PADDED HOSPITAL ROOM DAY
Mrs. Sophie Peterson sits on the floor in the middle of the room, quietly looking around with tears in her eyes.

INT. PETERSON MANSION LIVING ROOM DAY
Mr. Robert Peterson sits down in a chair in the living room, lights a cigar, an expression of pride on his face.

INT. RECEPTION ROOM DAY
Glen and Maggie Thurston are being remarried by Father Clayton.

MAGGIE THURSTON
(to Glen) …till death do us part…

INT. BOSTON SKYLINE SUNSET
The sun sets over Boston.

INT. HENRY DAVID’S DETECTIVE OFFICE-ENTRY RM MORNING
Mr. Robert Peterson walks in and speaks to Deja Sipher who is sitting at her desk.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
Is he in?

DEJA SIPHER
If you’re referring to Detective David, no, he’s not in just yet.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
Figures. Well, when he gets in (hands her a check from his jacket pocket) give him this. It should cover his payment for my case. Then, tell him I’ll no longer be in need of his services. The matter had been handled. (he turns and leaves)

DEJA SIPHER
(after he’s gone, looks at the check) It could never be enough. (she drops it on the desk as if it’s dirty)

INT. THURSTON HOME LIVING ROOM MORNING
Maggie Thurston walks into the living room, bending over in pain, supporting herself by holding on to an end table.

MAGGIE THURSTON
(yelling for him) Glen!

Glen runs to her, coming from the kitchen.

GLEN THURSTON
I’ve got you. (helps her to a chair) I’ll call the doctor.

MAGGIE THURSTON
(crying) No, no more doctors. I’m tired of doctors. (pause) Help me.

GLEN THURSTON
What do you want me to do?

MAGGIE THURSTON
Just hold me.

Glen, near tears, puts his arms around Maggie as they both sit in the chair.

INT. PADDED HOSPITAL ROOM MORNING
The Nurse opens the door and Henry David walks in. Mrs. Sophie Peterson stands from a seated position on the floor to greet Henry.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
I’m sorry I can’t offer you better conditions, Detective. How about the floor?

They both sit on the floor. Henry removes his hat.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
(continuing)
I’m surprised they’d even let you in here.

HENRY DAVID
Well, I have to admit it’s a new experience. But, I was hoping you might be able to give me some more information. I’ve been thinking about what you told me, about why you’re in here.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
(cautiously) I know you’ll find this hard to believe, but..

HENRY DAVID
But, you’re certain you saw a real woman, not a phantom.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Yes. And, I did not cut my husband’s arm. I swear it. He did it himself. Can’t you check for fingerprints or something?

HENRY DAVID
Well, you both live in the household. It would be expected that the knife would have either or both of your fingerprints. What can you tell me about the woman you saw?

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Just that she was as real as you or me. She came out the room, that same bedroom as always, and then she just walked away.

HENRY DAVID
Walked away?

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Walked down the hall. Just like all of them have. It’s not like they disappear into a wall or something. Although sometimes…

HENRY DAVID
Have you seen this woman before?

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
A few times. It’s not always the same woman, but some of them I’ve seen multiple times.

HENRY DAVID
If they just walk away, why don’t you follow them?

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
The first few times, I was too spooked. I ran in the opposite direction. A couple times, started to follow them but I just couldn’t. I can’t explain it. A few times, I did work up the nerve, but they were gone by the time I got to the stairs.

HENRY DAVID
Mrs. Peterson, I need you to be honest with me. This isn’t the first time you’ve seen, uh, people, is it?

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
No. I had a few problems in my teens after my mother died. I thought I saw her spirit around the house. They called it post-traumatic. I was treated, hospitalized actually, but after some therapy I got past it. It never happened again until this past year. But, I can tell the difference, Detective David. What I’ve been seeing at the house are real women. They’re real. I think they spooked me because I saw someone unexpected in my house and, well, because I remembered what happened after my mom died.

HENRY DAVID
Your current doctor, your husband, they know all this?

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Sure. The doctor has all my medical records. And my husband, well, he’s known since before we were married. He was a psychiatric intern when I was hospitalized. It was where we met. He gave up medicine because of the conflict of interest. At least, that’s what he said. I know better now. He went to work for my father after we got married.

HENRY DAVID
Your father, huh?

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Yeah, they invent computer software that can do just about anything, but they specialize in special effects for movies. He started in sales, but worked his way up to executive. When my father died, we inherited it all. (pause) If I had only known it would all come to this…

INT. OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL DAY
The Nurse and Henry David escort Mrs. Peterson to a cab.

HENRY DAVID
I’d be happy to give you a ride now that your husband has fired me.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Thanks, but I feel like I need to do this on my own. All of this has just made me feel incapable of everything.

Henry opens the cab door. Mrs. Sophie Peterson gets in.

HENRY DAVID
Where you headed?

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Home. Now that Robert’s gotten power of attorney over me, I don’t have any place else to go. But, don’t worry. I’ll be alright. (smiles slightly and closes the cab door)

The cab drives away. Henry adjusts his hat with unease.

INT. THURSTON BEDROOM DAY
Glen Thurston helps Maggie Thurston lie on the bed. Maggie is gripping at her stomach. Glen pulls a light blanket over Maggie and strokes her hair with his hand. Maggie closes her eyes in pain and Glen swallows hard as tears fill his eyes. A small, clear glass sits at the edge of the bedside table along with a syringe.

INT. HENRY DAVID’S PERSONAL OFFICE DAY
Henry David and Deja Sipher are dusting his book shelves.

HENRY DAVID
Have you ever had this feeling like there was something you were supposed to do, but you had no idea what it was? I guess it’s those detective instincts.

DEJA SIPHER
No, dear, it’s those human instincts. No good can come from this situation. Something’s about to happen. And, you can sense it.

INT. PETERSON MANSION LIVING ROOM DAY
Mrs. Sophie Peterson walks in the door. Mr. Robert Peterson is sitting at a desk, placing the telephone back in the base.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Robert, you’ve outdone yourself this time.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
Well, well, Sophie, how’d you like your little padded room? (laughs) I tried to get them to decorate it in your favorite color, but I didn’t think they’d be able to find pink padding on such short notice.

Mrs. Sophie Peterson drapes her coat over the couch and begins to walk from the room but turns around toward Mr. Robert Peterson. Mr. Peterson picks up a drink in a small, clear glass from near the phone.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Does it mean anything to you at all that I trusted you? That I loved you?

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
(rattles the cubes in the glass) No. (takes a sip)

Mrs. Peterson’s expression saddens more as she leaves the room. Mr. Peterson chuckles as he takes another drink.

INT. A KITCHEN COUNTR DAY
Two bottles of pills are poured into a plastic baggie. Then, the baggie is crushed into a powder with a rolling pin. The powdered contents of the bag is then poured into a clear, small glass.

INT. THURSTON BEDROOM EVENING
EMT#1 pulls a sheet over Maggie Thurston’s face. EMT#2 stands near with a chart. Glen Thurston stands, upset, at the side of the room with Chief Lennox who tries to comfort Glen. Chief’s arm is around Glen. The clear, small glass is missing as is the syringe.

INT. OUTSIDE THURSTON HOME EVENING
The ambulance drives away. Penny Mills and Glen Thurston walk away from Chief Lennox and are on their way inside the house when Deja Sipher and Henry David pull up into the drive. Deja goes to Chief.

DEJA SIPHER
Frank, we just heard.

CHIEF LENNOX
Yeah, Glen’s not holding up too well.

DEJA SIPHER
What about Penny?

CHIEF LENNOX
(shakes his head no) She just got here. We all knew Maggie wasn’t doing well. We just didn’t think it’d be this soon.

DEJA SIPHER
There never seems like there’s enough time.

HENRY DAVID
Had they made any arrangements beforehand?

CHIEF LENNOX
I don’t know. It may be postponed anyway. Death at home means an autopsy. Penny was really upset about that.

DEJA SIPHER
Oh, Frank, no.

CHIEF LENNOX
Standard procedure, Deja. Nothing I can do.

INT. PETERSON MANSION BATHROOM EVENING
A bathroom counter is cluttered with make-up and bottles of facial products and hair styling items. Amongst the mess is a small, clear glass filled with cubes and liquid. Mrs. Sophie Peterson locks the bathroom door. The tub is running as water is filling the tub. Mrs. Peterson removes her house shoes and places them neatly by the wall. She places the drink on the side of the tub, removes her robe, and gets in to the bath. She exhales and lifts the drink to her lips, but before drinking she hears footsteps and the door knob turning but found to be locked. She looks toward the door, hears distant female laughter, and then looks again toward her drink with confusion. Mrs. Peterson sets the drink back on the side of the tub, watching it carefully as she hears footsteps walking away. She sinks further into the tub as if afraid.

INT. PETERSON MANSION LIVING ROOM DAY
Mrs. Sophie Peterson is pacing in the living room as Henry David walks in from a back room.

HENRY DAVID
Well, I didn’t find anyone in the house.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
(relieved) Oh, good. I just couldn’t bring myself to check. Thanks for coming over. I thought it’d be better if you came when Robert was at the office.

HENRY DAVID
You’re probably right. Which room was it that you saw the women coming from?

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Upstairs. Third bedroom on the right, right beside mine. I can show you.

HENRY DAVID
Uh, no, I’d really like to check it alone, if that’s alright.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Sure.

Henry walks upstairs.

INT. PETERSON MANSION UPSTAIRS HALLWAY DAY
Henry David studies the bedroom door before opening it, fingering the sides of the door and testing the knob. He then turns the knob and goes inside.

INT. INSIDE PETERSON UPSTAIRS BEDROOM DAY
Henry David looks about a bedroom decorated with antiques. He opens the dresser drawers, but nothing is inside. He tests the lamps by the bedside, turning on the light then off again. He opens the bedside table drawer, and finds a matchbook to the OLD BOSTON HOTEL, opens it, closes it, and puts it back in the drawer. Henry moves his hand along the back of a painting near the bed, but finds nothing. He then smiles as he sees an old style radio sitting atop a cabinet. Henry tries to turn it on, but when he does, distant female laughter emerges instead of music. He turns it off with an expression of surprise on his face. He turns it on again, but distant laughter emerges again, and then he turns it off again. He studies the back of the radio and finds wires that go into the cabinet on which the radio sits. He opens the cabinet doors, kneeling so that he can reach upward toward the top of the inside of the cabinet. Henry finds a small tape player taped to the top of the cabinet with wires that go through the back of the cabinet and into the wall outlet behind the cabinet. Henry then closes the cabinet doors and looks about the room again, but then goes into the hallway. He leaves the tape player and wires where they are.

INT. PETERSON MANSION HALLWAY DAY
Henry David looks at the painting at one end of the hall and goes toward it. He moves his hand along the top of the painting and pulls out a tiny penlight camera attached to a wire that goes into the wall. He returns it to where he found it. He looks to the other end of the hall at a large mirror in a golden frame.

INT. PETERSON MANSION LIVING ROOM DAY
Henry David walks in to the room. Mrs. Sophe Peterson is still pacing.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Find anything?

HENRY DAVID
I’m not entirely certain. Are you sure there’s nowhere else you have to stay? Even if it’s a different part of the house.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
There’s the guesthouse. I could stay there. But, why?

HENRY DAVID
Just try it. It’ll buy some time; I need to check on some things.

INT. OUTSIDE OLD BOSTON HOTEL EVENING
Henry David sits in his car beneath the Old Boston Hotel sign, looking through his camera lens toward the hotel lobby. Mr. Peterson walks out with the Woman who had previously been at the house. Henry snaps several pictures before lowering his camera.

INT. OUTSIDE THE PETERSON MANSION NIGHT
Four squad cars are in the parking area, their lights flashing. THREE OFFICERS are walking from around the right side of the house to the parking area to speak to Chief Lennox and Henry David. As Mr. Robert Peterson drives toward the house, an ambulance drives casually past him towards the road. Mr. Robert Peterson then parks, gets out, and goes toward Henry.

HENRY DAVID
(toward Chief, quietly) I’m not sure I want to do this. (adjusts his hat)

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
(yelling as he approaches) Detective Henry!

CHIEF LENNOX
(quietly, to Henry) Hum. Too late now.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
Henry! (arriving) What is all this commotion? And, why are the police here? What’s going on?

HENRY DAVID
(calmly, quietly) If you’ll just give me a moment, Mr. Peterson. I’m here, the police are here, because we received a call from your wife.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
What now? Seeing things again, is she? You know she moved out to the guest house, don’t you? It’s not good for her to be alone out there where her mind can just run wild.

CHIEF LENNOX
(clears his throat) Mr. Peterson, we received a 911 call from your wife.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
So, what did she say?

CHIEF LENNOX
Well, her speech was quite blurred, sir. We’re not sure what she was trying to say. But, that’s enough of a reason for a 911 call to be responded to. I called Detective David because you had mentioned the last time we were out here that you had hired him.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
For all the good it did.

CHIEF LENNOX
Um-hum. Mr. Peterson, the responders found your wife unconscious and called for the ambulance.

HENRY DAVID
Your wife is dead. She was barely breathing by the time the police got here. They did all they could until the ambulance arrived, but it was too late.

Mr. Peterson looks away, then down, shuffles his feet, and feigns being sad.

CHIEF LENNOX
We found a small glass near her hand, quite a bit of residue in it, and some empty pill bottles that shouldn’t have been empty. We’ve sent the glass to the lab, but we think she may have either swallowed a bunch of pills or tried to dissolve them in the liquor or maybe crushed them or something. The lab will tell us more. And, of course, there’ll have to be an autopsy.

Mr. Peterson looks away again, without emotion.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
The guest house, huh?

HENRY DAVID
That’s where she was found. For now, the police have taped off the house until they finish the official investigation.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
(looks toward the front door) Oh, so you haven’t gone in the main house? Uh, I have more of her prescriptions in there. Some of them were so potent I kept them locked up. Guess I should have kept them all locked up. She was crazy, but I didn’t think she (pause) well... I mean, this was rather unexpected.

HENRY DAVID
Well, no one ever does.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
Uh, Chief, do you need me for anything. I’d like to go inside and just sit a bit if that’s okay.

CHIEF LENNOX
That’s fine, Mr. Peterson. If we need you, we’ll contact you.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
Thank you. (walks slowly towards the door, shuts the door)

HENRY DAVID
(quietly) He doesn’t seem too traumatized.

CHIEF LENNOX
(quietly) Uh-uh. Nope, he sure doesn’t.

INT. THURSTON HOME LIVING ROOM DAY
Deja Sipher embraces Glen Thurston. The room is filled with floral arrangements, ceramic angels, and cards. After embracing, Glen, appearing quite tired, moves some flowers off the couch, then he and Deja sit.

DEJA SIPHER
How you holding up, dear?

GLEN THURSTON
(tearfully) I’m okay, hanging in there. Can you believe all this (motions to the room)? I guess you don’t realize how much you’ll be missed until you’re gone. And, Maggie deserved every one of these.

DEJA SIPHER
People are just trying to help you through this, Glen. But, you’re right; it’s too bad more people didn’t think to send her flowers when she was alive.

GLEN THURSTON
Brings a whole new meaning to sympathy flowers, I guess. I don’t know. The flowers, the cards, they’ve not stopped coming since Maggie died. Penny’s house looks about the same, lots of people sending cards and flowers there too.

DEJA SIPHER
Have you talked to Penny lately?

GLEN THURSTON
Yeah. I don’t think an hour goes by that one of us doesn’t check on the other, a phone call or something. Penny doesn’t seem to be doing well. She keeps saying that a parent expects to go first, that the parent is always supposed to go first. I don’t know what to say to help her.

DEJA SIPHER
By the time you reach my age, you finally begin to realize that it’s not always about saying the right thing or the wrong thing; sometimes it’s just about listening, about being there. Penny knows that and I’m certain that she’s as worried about you as you are about her. (pats Glen’s hand) Actually, I plan on going to see her after our little visit. I’ll call you afterwards with an update.

GLEN THURSTON
Thanks, Deja.

DEJA SIPHER
Have you made any arrangements yet?

GLEN THURSTON
The basics, I guess. Penny picked out a dress for Maggie to be buried in. And, Maggie always wanted to be buried out on Old Mountain Road. She said it was real peaceful out there. So, I bought a couple of plots. And, uh, (rubs his forehead) oh, the St. Angelique Funeral Home for the service. That’s about all I can remember right now. Sunday, she’ll be buried on Sunday.

DEJA SIPHER
Did the police finish their autopsy?

GLEN THURSTON
(shakes his head yes) They just said her death was caused by cancer, even took her prescriptions to make sure they hadn’t been overused, caused a heart attack or something. I don’t know if you know, but the cancer had pretty much taken over her whole body. But, she fought it, Deja. (becoming more upset) She fought through that horrible pain everyday. She tried to never let on how bad it really was, but I could tell. And, there towards the end, it was to the point where she just couldn’t hide it anymore.

DEJA SIPHER
(tearfully, puts her arm around Glen) She fought because she wanted to live, Glen. She wanted to be here with you.

GLEN THURSTON
She asked me, before the anniversary party, to help her. She kept saying she couldn’t stand the pain anymore. And, she had been through so much, the chemo, surgery. She hated needles, so I was giving her morphine injections and vitamin injections and she was taking so many prescriptions every day. Nothing seemed to be helping. Even the morphine wasn’t helping the pain anymore. She wanted me to up the amount in the morphine injections until it was too much.

DEJA SIPHER
She wanted you to help her commit suicide?

GLEN THURSTON
(shakes his head yes) I just couldn’t do it. I wanted her here with me. I couldn’t bring myself to help her die. But, seeing how much pain she was in at the end, I wonder if I made the right decision. Maybe if I hadn’t been so selfish, she wouldn’t have suffered so much.

DEJA SIPHER
(rubs Glen’s back) Glen, Maggie knows how much you loved her. I think she understood.

INT. PETERSON MANSION--HALLWAY DAY
Mr. Robert Peterson removes the painting at the end of the hall, then removes the penlight camera.

INT. PETERSON MANSION—BEDROOM DAY
Mr. Robert Peterson reaches in to the top of the cabinet above the antique radio and pulls the tape player and the wires out. He then reaches behind the cabinet, removes a switchboard plate, and then hides the remaining wires in the small compartment before returning the switchboard plate.

INT. PETERSON MANSION LIVING ROOM EVENING
Mr. Robert Peterson sits at the phone desk, talking on the phone with a drink in his hands.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
Doing quite well, actually. We bury the bitch tomorrow. (pause) Well, it really doesn’t matter anymore, now does it? (pause) (laughs) Suicide? Can you believe it? Who knew she had it in her? It was nice of her to help me out like this, though. Now I won’t have to fork out money for hospital expenses for the rest of her days. And, I won’t have to keep coming up with ways to convince that doctor to declare her insane. (pause) Yes, but I didn’t expect her to wait that long to drink it. I was all ready to call the police all upset that I’d found my wife dead in the tub. Boo Hoo, Boo Hoo. (pause) Well, darlin’, we did get away with it, and Sophie even helped us! By the way, keep those wigs, will you. Never know when we might need them again. But, for now, just don’t worry your pretty little head about it. Just pack that bag for the Bahamas and as soon as this funeral is over, we’re on a plane headed south. And, those bumbling detectives won’t suspect a thing. (hangs up the phone, rubs his head, looks toward his drink, stands, and puts his hand to his stomach as he grimaces)

Mr. Robert Peterson goes to the liquor cabinet and refills his drink, then he sits on the sofa reading the Boston Herald and drinking from a small, clear glass.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON (V.O.)
(soft whisper) Robert.

Mr. Robert Peterson looks about the room, but returns to his paper.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON (V.O.)
(soft whisper) Robert.

Mr. Robert Peterson walks to the window, moves the curtain, and looks about the property through the window. He shakes off the experience, finishes his drink, and goes into the kitchen.

INT. PETERSON MANSION KITCHEN EVENING
Mr. Robert Peterson walks into the kitchen. On the counter, he sees a pair of gloves and an empty clear, small glass with pill residue in it. He grabs them and throws them into the trash beneath the sink. He then leaves the room.

INT. PETERSON MANSION LIVING ROOM EVENING
Mr. Robert Peterson picks up the phone and dials.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
(to phone) Uh, nothing. I just dialed the wrong number is all. Talk to you later. (hangs up phone)

INT. PETERSON MANSION KITCHEN EVENING
Mr. Peterson walks back into the kitchen. He sees the gloves and the glass sitting on the counter where they had been before. He goes to pick up the glass, but stops, pours his drink down the drain, and returns to the liquor cabinet.

INT. PETERSON MANSION LIVING ROOM EVENING
Mr. Peterson takes each bottle of liquor and carries it to the kitchen.

INT. PETERSON MANSION KITCHEN EVENING
Mr. Peterson takes each bottle, places it on the side of the sink, and then begins pouring the liquid down the drain.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
Sophie, were you playing around with my liquor? Well, you won’t win this round either.

INT. OUTSIDE PETERSON HOME EVENING
Henry David and Chief Lennox sit in a car outside the property looking toward the house with cameras and binoculars.

CHIEF LENNOX
What exactly are we waiting on, Henry?

HENRY DAVID
I’m not sure.

INT. PETERSON MANSION UPSTAIRS HALLWAY EVENING
Mr. Peterson begins walking down the hallway. Mrs. Sophie Peterson walks out of the guest room, ignoring Mr. Peterson, then she walks down the hall, and disappears into the mirror at the end of the hall.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
(angry) Sophie! I knew you were behind… I know you can hear me. How you’ve done

Mr. Peterson sees Mrs. Sophie Peterson disappear into the mirror and goes pale. He then appears angry again, goes to the painting and finds nothing behind it. He then goes to the mirror and finds nothing behind it.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
What’s going on here?

Mr. Peterson puts his hand to his stomach again and grimaces.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
Damn you, Sophie. What did you do?

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON (V.O.)
(soft whisper) Robert.

Mr. Peterson pulls at his collar as if he needs air. He then turns around and sees Mrs. Peterson walking toward him, but then disappearing.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON (V.O.)
(soft whisper) Robert.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
What do you want!

MRS. SPHIE PETERSON (V.O.)
(soft whisper) Robert.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
(to himself in the mirror) I took out all the wires. She drugged my liquor. That’s the only explanation.

INT. PETERSON MANSION LIVING ROOM EVENING
Mr. Robert Peterson walks in the room, rubbing his forehead with his hand. Mrs. Sophie Peterson is sitting in a chair facing the sofa. Mr. Peterson paces behind the sofa.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
(as he enters) What could she have put in there? (sees Sophie) You’re not there.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Yet, here I am.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
You’re dead. I know it.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Because you killed me.

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
(angry) You deserved it, you crazy bitch. Now, tell me what you put in my drink.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Does it hurt yet, Robert? Do you feel those warm flashes and cold chills?

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
Tell me what you put in there!

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Tell me why, Robert. Was it just the money? Was that all I was to you?

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
Well, it sure wasn’t love! Do you think anyone could love you! You’re nothing! (goes to her, pulls her up from the chair, shakes by her jacket, realizes she’s real and gasps)

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Now who’s insane?

MR. ROBERT PETERSON
You’re not dead. How? (puts his hand to his heart again) What did you do to me! (falls to the floor)

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
(smiles) Nothing. (leans and whispers in his ear) Nothing that an insanity plea won’t get me out of. How’s that for your final thought, Robert. A little dose of your own medicine.

Mr. Robert Peterson gasps for air. The front door opens suddenly, Henry David, Chief Lennox, and two officers come in. The two officers go to Robert Peterson who is on the floor.

OFFICER # 1
(to radio) We need an ambulance here, stat.

Mrs. Sophie Peterson walks to Henry David and Chief Lennox. Mr. Robert Peterson is helped to a sitting position by Officer #2. When Robert Peterson sits, the woman who had come to the house and the hotel walks in the door.

WOMAN
Give it up, Robert. They know everything.

INT. OLD MOUNTAIN ROAD CEMETARY DAY
A CROWD has gathered, surrounding Glen Thurston, Deja Sipher, Penny Mills, Henry David, and Chief Lennox. Father Clayton is holding a bible while speaking over a casket in the cemetery. The cemetery is beside a small country church at a crossroads.

FATHER CLAYTON
We’ll all remember Maggie fondly. She would have wanted us to look at this not as time of death and sorrow but as a celebration of life, of love, of laughter and the smiles she always shared with us. (pause)

Members of the crowd shake their head in agreement and wipe tears from their eyes.

FATHER CLAYTON
There is a time to live, a time to die, a time for every event under Heaven.(pause)

Penny Mills takes Glen Thurston’s arm as she begins to cry.

FATHER CLAYTON
Ashes to Ashes and dust to dust. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The plot is surrounded by flowers. Father Clayton signs the cross and people throughout the crowd do the same. The casket then lowers into the ground. Glen takes a handful of dirt and gently tosses it onto the casket. Penny then does the same. Father Clayton then goes to Glen, embraces him, and then embraces Penny. Some members of the crowd wipe tears from their eyes. The crowd then slowly disperses, but Glen continues to look on to the casket. Deja goes to Glen and puts her arm around him.

DEJA SIPHER
(whispers to Glen) A time to live and a time to die. Maggie would want you to live, Glen, live.

INT. CITY STREET NOON
Deja Sipher, Chief Lennox, and Henry David are eating at a small table outside THE SWEET STUFF café.

DEJA SIPHER
So, he rigged the entire house with special effects?

CHIEF LENNOX
Um-hum. And, thanks to Henry here, we found them before he removed them.

HENRY DAVID
This has got to be the craziest case I’ve ever been a part of. But, I knew once Peterson thought the police might find those wires he’d remove them. So, we went in with a few effects of our own from Peterson’s company, rigged the house when he was at work so he could find out what it was like. Not to mention record him the entire time.

DEJA SIPHER
And the woman?

CHIEF LENNOX
Goes by the alias of Angel Wings. (snickers) And, once Henry saw her with Peterson at the house and at the Old Boston Hotel too, we put the pressure on her to tell us what was going on. We cut her a deal. She’ll get a much lighter sentence for cooperating with us, something I’m sure she appreciates after several priors for prostitution over the last few years. Peterson met her at a bar. Guess she was easy prey. Had her dress up in different outfits and wigs to fool Sophie into thinking there were several women she was seeing in the house.

DEJA SIPHER
So, there really was a woman. A real woman.

CHIEF LENNOX
Um-hum. Well, part of the time. Part of the time it was a like a hologram or something. But, part of the time, yeah, it was the real thing.

DEJA SIPHER
I knew there was something wrong with that man.

Mrs. Sophie Peterson walks up to the table.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Hi, mind if I join you?

DEJA SIPHER
Sophie, please, sit down. These gentlemen were just telling me about your case.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
It was a mess! (smiles) But, I’m really glad it’s over. When Henry told me about the wiring and asked me to pretend I was dead for a few days, I thought I really was going crazy. But, it worked.

CHIEF LENNOX
We found the gloves and the baggie. Pill residue, Peterson’s fingerprints on the inside of the gloves. We got the confession of Ms. Angel Wings (snickers) and the housekeeper. We’ve got Robert Peterson’s partial confession via the wire Sophie was wearing, and the video recording of him removing the tape player and the wires. So, Robert Peterson will be spending quite a bit of time behind bars and I’m pretty sure he’ll lose everything in the divorce.

DEJA SIPHER
So, he’s okay?

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Perfectly healthy, physically anyway. He’s undergoing a psychiatric evaluation. But, he only suffered an anxiety attack that night. Apparently he had tried to kill me by putting some of the medication in the liquor.

Deja’s expression is one of disbelief, concern, and cautiousness.

MRS. SOPIE PETERSON
But, I reappeared under the watchful eyes of these two. I had absolutely nothing to worry about.

DEJA SIPHER
Bad behavior breeds paranoia. But, now, you can concentrate on getting on with the divorce and getting on with your life, Sophie. And, I have no doubts that the future will hold much better things for you. I think things are going to get better for all of us.

MRS. SOPHIE PETERSON
Thank you, Ms. Sipher. I hope you’re right.

DEJA SIPHER
Oh, please, everyone calls me Deja. Now (summons the waiter) let’s get you something to eat.

THE END



written by Debra Phillips

This is a work of fiction.