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The Traveling Vampire Show
by Curtis Coffey (de_cafe6914@yahoo.com)

Rated: R   Genre: Horror   User Review: ***
Three friends get more than they bargained for when they decide to go to the Traveling Vampire Show, a one-night attraction showcasing a real vampire. Based on the novel by Richard Laymon.


The characters and settings of this book were created by Richard Laymon, and published by Leisure Books, 2001, all rights reserved. The screenplay is the work of its author, and may not be used without the express permission of the author.



FADE IN:

EXT. GRANDVILLE, USA - DAY
                                                            
Ah, the city of Grandville, August 1963. It's your typical
mid-western small town. It's waking up and coming alive.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
The summer I was sixteen, the
Traveling Vampire Show came to
town.
                                                            
 
EXT. DWIGHT'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
The house is a relatively nice house. Not poor, not rich.
Middle-class. It's two stories, got a porch, a good size
lawn, and two vehicles in the driveway, one of which, is a
police car. The lawn needs to be mowed.
                                                            
 
INT. DWIGHT'S HOUSE, KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
LACY THOMPSON, our hero's mother, is in the kitchen, pouring
her husband, FRANK THOMPSON, a cup of coffee.

Lacy is a high school English teacher, and FRANK is, as I'm
you can guess, a police officer. He's dressed and ready for
work.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Thank you, dear.
                                                            
Frank is reading the newspaper.
                                                            
Lacy butters a piece of toast for him, and sets it down in
front of him.
                                                            
                       LACY
Will you be working late tonight?
                                                            
                       FRANK
No, I should be done around six or
seven tonight. It's been a quiet
summer.
                                                            
                       LACY
And that's good for all of us.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT (O.S.)
Morning.
                                                            

2.

Our hero, DWIGHT THOMPSON, enters the kitchen. He's got the
typical late fifties-early sixties flip-do hairstyle. He's a
handsome kid, aged around 16 or 17.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Morning, sport.
                                                            
                       LACY
Sleep well?
                                                            
Dwight yawns and sits down at the table.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I guess.
                                                            
                       FRANK
It's a good thing you got up
early. You can get the lawn done
before it gets too hot.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Aw dad, are you serious?
                                                            
                       FRANK
It's good for you.
                                                            
Frank gets up and walks over to Lacy. He gives her a kiss,
and Dwight cringes.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I've got to get to work. Have a
good day.
                                                            
Frank turns to Dwight.
                                                            
                       FRANK
I expect that lawn to be done by
the time I get home tonight.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Yes, sir.
                                                            
Frank walks out of the kitchen, and we hear the front door
open and close.

Lacy hands Dwight some toast.
                                                            
                       LACY
After you finish the lawn, I'm
sure you and Russel and Frances
can go down to the creek for a
swim. That'll feel good, huh?
                                                            

3.

                       DWIGHT
Sure. What are you doing today?
                                                            
                       LACY
I've got some errands to run and
some shopping to do. I'm supposed
to be meeting Lucy for tennis a
little later.
                                                            
Lacy stands up, and taps Dwight on the head with the
newspaper.
                                                            
                       LACY
Eat up. The sooner you get out
there, the sooner the lawn gets
done.
                                                            
 
EXT. DWIGHT'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Dwight is out front mowing the lawn with one of those old
fashioned push mowers, not the power kind.

Lacy walks out the front door, gets in her car, and drives
away, honking.

Dwight has no shirt on, and is sweating pretty bad.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
It was a hot August morning, and
there I was, out in my front lawn
with a push mower. It's not that
we couldn't afford a power one, my
father just couldn't stand that
"godawful racket" that they made.
Plus he thought that hard work was
good for me, and built character.
                                                            
Dwight looks up at a girl and a guy approaching his lawn.

FRANCES "SLIM" DRAKE and RUSSELL "RUSTY" SIMMONS.

Slim is a very pretty girl with relatively short hair, while
Rusy is a husky young guy with long-ish dirty blond hair.
Both of them are Dwight's age.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
I heard about the show first from
my two best friends, Rusty and
Slim. Rusty's real name was
Russell, but he hated that. Slim's
real name was Frances, which she
always said was the name of a
talking mule, so she generally
            (MORE)

4.

                       ADULT DWIGHT (cont'd)
went by the name of the main
character of whatever book she was
reading at the time.
                                                            
Dwight stops mowing, and the two walk up to him.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Hi guys.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
What's up?
                                                            
Rusty looks and smiles at Dwight as if he meant it as a
sexual innuendo.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Not much, just mowing.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Are you working hard, or hardly
working?
                                                            
Rusty maintains that stupid grin, and Dwight and Slim just
wrinkle their noses.
                                                            
                       SLIM
It's way too hot to be mowing your
lawn.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Yeah, well, tell that to my dad.
                                                            
                       SLIM
      (playfully)
Let me at him!
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
He's working.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Then he's getting off lucky, isn't
he?
                                                            
Dwight and Slim both smile, and look each other in the eyes
for a moment, before breaking contact.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
How much longer till you're done?
                                                            
Dwight looks around at his yard.
                                                            

5.

                       DWIGHT
Not too much longer. I can take a
break for a bit.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Good. Come with us.
                                                            
Dwight nods his head and runs back to house. A moment later
he comes out, a clean shirt on, his hair freshly combed.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Where are we going?
                                                            
                       SLIM
You'll see.
                                                            
 
EXT. ROUTE 3 - DAY
                                                            
The three of them are walking down Route 3, a relatively
busy road.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Why does it look like we're going
to Janks field?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Because we are. Check this out!
                                                            
Rusty takes a folded flier out of his pocket and shows it to
Dwight.
                                                            
CU - FLIER
                                                            
The flier announces "THE TRAVELING VAMPIRE SHOW" which holds
the only known vampire in captivity - Valeria. It's for one
night only, at Janks Field, Midnight. Nobody under 18
admitted.
                                                            
Dwight looks over the flier.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Oh, bummer.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Bummer? What are you talking
about, bummer? It's a vampire
show! The only REAL vampire in
captivity. And she's female! She's
supposed to be gorgeous! See? She
drinks peoples blood!
                                                            

6.

                       SLIM
Bitchin'.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Did you not read the whole flier?
It says no one under 18 allowed.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
That's why we're going there now,
to catch a glimpse of her.
                                                            
                       SLIM
We're just going to see what we
can see, you know? The set up and
what not.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
And maybe we'll even see her.
                                                            
Dwight looks up at the sky.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I might be a little off here, but,
isn't the sun out? Do you really
think you're going to catch her
sunbathing?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Huh?
                                                            
                       SLIM
Valeria. She's supposed to be a
vampire, moron.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Oh!
                                                            
He got it. Rusty is a little on the slow side.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
So she'll be in her casket, right?
                                                            
                       SLIM
Right.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
But seriously, maybe we will catch
her sunbathing. In the nude!
                                                            
Both Dwight and Slim groan.
                                                            

7.

                       SLIM
I doubt it. Even if she's not a
real vampire, there's no way
they'd let their star attraction
get a tan before the show. She's
supposed to look pale.
                                                            
The three stop walking, and look at the dirt road to the
right of them. The road leads to Janks Field. It's
completely surrounded by woods, and the road is pretty hard
to see, except now signs are plastered all around it
highlighting the show.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Well come on, what are you waiting
for? Let's go see her.
                                                            
Rusty starts walking down the long, dim dirt road.

Slim and Dwight hesitate for a moment.
                                                            
EXT. DIRT ROAD - DAY
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Don't be chicken shits!
                                                            
With a sigh, Slim and Dwight walk down the road to Rusty's
side.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
Janks Field was the sort of place
that made you nervous at all
times, whether it was day or
night. It doesn't belong to anyone
named Janks. It doesn't, and never
did. It's called Janks Field
because of what Tommy Janks did
there in 1954.
                                                            
 
EXT. JANKS FIELD, 1954 - NIGHT
                                                            
The place is barren and empty, except for a man that is
huddled by a campfire. TOMMY JANKS.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
I was just a little kid at the
time, but I remember that my dad,
being the chief of police, wasn't
home very often, and my mom was
oddly nervous. There was talk
about missing girls. Then one
night, something big happened.
                                                            

8.

A group of BOYSCOUTS are quietly walking across the field,
and they approach Jank.

Janks is deaf, and he does not hear them.

The Boyscouts gasp.

Next to Janks, is the body of a YOUNG GIRL, her chest is
ripped open.

Janks is roasting her heart on a stick over the fire.
                                                            
TIME LAPSE
                                                            
Police cars speed across the field at Janks, and he sees the
lights.

He gets up and starts to run, grunting and mumbling.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
My dad captured Janks, and the
boyscouts became instant heroes.
                                                            
Frank fires a round into Janks' leg, and Janks falls to the
ground, shouting.
                                                            
                       JANKS
Gah! No! Din't taste!
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
Before this, there was never a
path to the field, and nobody was
ever out there. However, the
remains of twenty-three bodies
were found. Janks got fried in the
chair, and the clearing got called
Janks Field.
                                                            
 
EXT. DIRT ROAD, PRESENT - DAY
                                                            
Our three heroes continue walking down the road.

It's a couple miles long. The surrounding woods cast all
kinds of shadows and darkness on the road.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
There had never been a road to
Janks Field until all that took
place. But after all the cops and
crime scene investigators drove
through, it just kind of created
itself. Once everything settled,
the place became a hot spot for
            (MORE)

9.

                       ADULT DWIGHT (cont'd)
teens and thugs. A good place to
party, make out, and fight. There
was even talk about witchcraft and
the sacrifice of virgins.
                                                            
FLASH
                                                            
 
EXT. JANKS FIELD - NIGHT
                                                            
A young VIRGIN is tied to a pole.

A campfire burns in front of her, and a bunch of naked young
WITCHES dance and jump around her, chanting.

One Witch has a knife, and she approaches the Virgin,
cutting her throat.
                                                            
FLASH
                                                            
 
EXT. DIRT ROAD, PRESENT - DAY
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
But the town tried to make use out
of the field, creating a stadium
of sorts for sporting events and
concerts. It wasn't long before
that all fell through, though.
                                                            
Rusty is as giddy as a school girl.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
What if we actually get to see
her? I bet she's gorgeous!
                                                            
                       SLIM
We need to get you a girl, Rusty.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I bet she's an ugly hag.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Nope, no way. The flier even says
she's stunning.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Yeah well, don't believe
everything you read.
                                                            

10.

                       RUSTY
You want to put your money where
your mouth is?
                                                            
Slim roles her eyes.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Here we go. No, you guys are not
going to bet.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
It's just a little wager. Not
money.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Then what?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
I dunno.
                                                            
Rusty stops walking for a minute.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Hold up guys, I gotta take a leak.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Pick a tree.
                                                            
Rusty runs off towards the woods.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
No looking, you pervs!
                                                            
Dwight and Slim look at each other, shaking their heads.
                                                            
                       SLIM
      (quietly)
You might not want to take that
bet. If she's not a real vampire,
then she at least must be pretty,
otherwise they wouldn't have a
show.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Yeah, but-
                                                            
                       RUSTY
I've got it!
                                                            
Rusty returns to his friends, and they continue walking.
                                                            

11.

                       RUSTY
The loser has to kiss the winner's
ass.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
That's ridiculous.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Fine. Then the loser has to kiss
her ass!
                                                            
Rusty motions to Slim.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Nobody is kissing my ass.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
      (to Dwight)
You know you want to.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Rusty!
                                                            
                       SLIM
I've got it. The loser has to
shave their head.
                                                            
Rusty runs his hand through his hair.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Man, I dunno.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I'll do it.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
But, my hair, man.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Chicken shit.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Fine. Done.
                                                            
Dwight and Rusty shake hands.
                                                            
                       SLIM
I'm the one who determines whether
or not she's hot.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Okay.
                                                            

12.

                       RUSTY
Oh, great. You always take
Dwight's side.
                                                            
                       SLIM
I promise to be fair.
                                                            
 
EXT. JANKS FIELD - DAY
                                                            
The three of them step out into the clearing that is Janks
Field. It is a barren land. Broken glass, wrappers, jagged
rocks, and holes litter the dirt ground.

There is a small, open arena, and a concession stand.
Nothing more. It is uneasily still. It has started to cloud
over. It doesn't look like anything has been out here in a
long time. No Vampire Show. Nothing.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Well, some vampire show.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
They're just not here yet. It's
early still.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Well, I guess we should head on
back, then. Maybe next time.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
We're staying until they show.
                                                            
The three of them walk up to the concession stand. It's
shabby, and empty.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Who knows how long that will be.
Dwight's gotta finish the lawn,
and if anyone knows we were out
here...
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Oh, shit.
                                                            
Slim and Dwight turn to the direction Rusty is facing.

From out of the woods, a DOG comes trotting.

The dog's fur is torn, haggard, and dirty. Its tail is
tucked between its legs, and it has only one eye.

It stops a few feet in front of them.
                                                            

13.

                       RUSTY
Oh, shit. What do we do? The
thing's going to eat us.
                                                            
Rusty backs up to the concession stand.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Just relax. It's not rabid, or
it'd be foaming at the mouth.
                                                            
The dog growls, and shows its nasty teeth.

Slim slowly takes off her white shirt, revealing her bikini
top, and grips it in both hands. She leans down towards the
dog.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Good doggie. Yeah, good boy.
                                                            
The dog growls more, louder this time.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Slim, what are you -
                                                            
                       SLIM
I don't know what these stupid
boys are waiting for, do you,
doggie? Me either. They should be
climbing up on top of the
concession stand, shouldn't they?
Yes they should.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
But Slim...
                                                            
                       SLIM
And if Dwight keeps arguing with
me, I'm going to kick him in the
balls, aren't I doggie? I really
am. You're such a nice boy, aren't
you?
                                                            
Dwight helps hoist Rusty onto the roof of the concession
stand.

The dog watches them, and begins to growl even louder.
                                                            
                       SLIM
You're being so good, doggie. Yes
you are.
                                                            
Slim takes one step back, and the dog snaps.


14.

With a sudden loud bark, and a burst of speed, the dog jumps
at Slim, knocking her to the ground onto the broken glass.

Slim uses the white shirt to keep the dog from biting her,
but it scratches her, and continues to bark and snarl,
snapping at her.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Slim!
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
Seeing Slim in danger and bleeding
like that caused something inside
me to snap. I couldn't let
anything happen to her. Not Slim.
                                                            
Dwight runs behind the dog, and grabs it by the tail.

It turns around, attempting to bite Dwight, but Dwight spins
with it, and tosses it across the field.

It lands and slides across the ground with a yelp.

Dwight pulls Slim to her feet, and runs with her to the
concession stand.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
It's coming back!
                                                            
From out of a dirt cloud, the dog comes charging, barking
and snarling.

Dwight helps lift Slim up, and Rusty pulls her to safety.

Dwight begins to climb up, the dog mere feet away.

Dwight pulls his legs to safety as the dog jumps up and
slams into the stand, biting and snapping. It keeps trying
to jump up, barking like crazy.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Thanks for the help, Rusty.
                                                            
Slim is lying on her stomach. Her back is cut up and
bleeding.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Jesus, Slim. Are you okay?
                                                            
                       SLIM
I've been much worse. You know
that.
                                                            

15.

                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
I had a pretty good idea, anyway.
About what that bastard Jimmy did
to her and her mother.
                                                            
Dwight pulls a piece of glass out of Slim's back, and she
gasps.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
That was real brave, Slim.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
We need to get her help.
                                                            
Rusty looks over the edge of the stand, and the dog barks
and jumps at him.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Yeah, right, sure. You expect us
to just hop down with that damn
cur waiting to eat us?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
She's bleeding bad, Rusty.
                                                            
                       SLIM
I'm fine. It's just a few scrapes.
No big deal.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
It is a big deal. We're going to
go get you help.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
But we might miss when the show
arrives!
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I don't give a damn about the show
right now.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Well one of us should stay here
with Slim, you know, make sure
she's alright.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Alright, fine. You stay. I'm
going.
                                                            

16.

                       SLIM
Dwight, it's not a problem.
Really. I'll be fine. Just give me
a few minutes.
                                                            
Dwight looks over the edge, and again, the dog jumps, and
trys to scurry up the side to no avail.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I'll be back in an hour.
                                                            
Dwight goes to jump off.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Hey Dwight?
                                                            
Dwight turns and looks at Slim.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Be careful. See you soon.
                                                            
Dwight smiles, and Slim smiles back.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
The sooner you two are done
blowing each other, the sooner you
get back and we can get out of
here.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Right. Later!
                                                            
Dwight stands up, and looks down at the dog.

He jumps. Right for the dog, he jumps, trying to crush it.

The dog moves just in time, but Dwight lands on its tail,
and it lets out a howl of pain.

And Dwight takes off running.

The dog whimpers, looking at its tail. It then growls, and
charges after Dwight.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Damn. Damn. Damn.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Hey you fuckin' mangy piece of
shit!
                                                            
The dog turns and looks at Rusty, then begins running after
Dwight again.

17.


A shoe hits the ground next to the dog, and it scatters out
of the way, turning back towards the stand, barking.

Rusty throws a second shoe, and it lands a few feet in front
of the dog.

The dog charges back to the stand.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
      (to himself)
Thanks, Rusty.
                                                            
 
EXT. ROUTE 3 - DAY
                                                            
Dwight continues running down Route 3, heading for town.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
The dog attack should have been a
sign to stay away from the show. A
sign of things to come, but of
course, our brains couldn't
process that thought. My only
thought was to get help for Slim.
I didn't even care who saw me
running down Route 3, or if my
parents found out I was at Janks
Field.
                                                            
 
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY
                                                            
Dwight slows down to a walk, breathing heavily.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
My safest bet was to get Lee, my
brother's wife. She wouldn't ask
too many questions, and I knew I
could trust her. Lee and I were
close. She even taught me how to
drive. Even though I crashed her
truck once before, she never told
Danny, my brother, and kept right
on teaching me.
                                                            
Dwight walks up the driveway and enters the house.
                                                            
INT. LEE'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Lee? You home? It's Dwight.
                                                            

18.

LEE THOMPSON, a beautiful young woman in her mid to late
twenties steps out of the kitchen.
                                                            
                       LEE
Hey there, young man. Can I get
you a coke?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Uh, yeah, sure.
                                                            
Lee disappears and returns with a coke in her hand.

Dwight takes it and chugs it.
                                                            
                       LEE
What brings you here? Your brother
is out of town for the week, you
know.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I wanted to ask if I could borrow
the truck.
                                                            
                       LEE
What for?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I wanted to go to the drive in,
and I just thought -
                                                            
                       LEE
What happened?
                                                            
A look of concern crosses Lee's face. She knows Dwight is
lying.

Dwight sighs and looks at her.
                                                            
 
EXT. JANKS FIELD - DAY
                                                            
A semi truck pulls onto the field, followed by a bus, a
couple cars, and a hearse.

The dog turns its attention towards the vehicles, and begins
barking at them.

Rusty slinks down behind the sign that reads BEER SNACKS
GIFTS, and Slim crawls towards the edge of the roof to get a
better look.
                                                            

19.

                       RUSTY
Now's our chance. The dog isn't
paying us any mind. Come on.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Come on, this is what you wanted
to see. You're going to chicken
out now? Besides, if we leave,
we'll miss Dwight.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
But what if they see us? I don't
like the look of this. I mean,
shit, they've got a hearse!
                                                            
                       SLIM
Do what you want, but I'm staying
and waiting for Dwight.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Suit yourself.
                                                            
Rusty drops down the back of the stand, and runs for the
woods.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Coward.
                                                            
Slim attempts to get a better view, while still staying out
of sight.

The dog runs over to the now parked vehicles, barking like
crazy.

A group of men, all dressed in black, climb out of the van,
and they have spears in their hands.

They surround the dog, and it continues to snarl.

They taunt the dog, and jab at it with their spears, causing
it to whine and then bark.

Eventually they begin stabbing it hard enough to draw blood,
and after a few brutal moments, the dog lies motionless on
the ground.

Slim watches in horror.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Oh, my God.
                                                            

20.

A man approaches the dog. He's wearing leather pants, a silk
button down shirt, and boots with spurs. He's got a good
build and is pretty handsome. JULIAN STRYKER.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Such a waste.
                                                            
Stryker takes a spear from one of the men, and impales the
dead dog. He lifts it up and examines it.

He then makes his way to the back of the hearse, opens the
door, and inserts the spear.

There are sounds of movement, and Stryker pulls the spear
out.
It is now empty.

Stryker closes the door, and returns to his gang.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Let's start setting up.
                                                            
Slim lays there, frozen by shock.
                                                            
 
INT. LEE'S TRUCK - DAY
                                                            
Dwight looks straight ahead, not saying anything. Lee is
driving.
                                                            
                       LEE
It's going to be fine. I'm not
going to tell. We'll bring Slim
right back to my house to clean
her up unless she needs a doctor,
okay?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Alright.
                                                            
Dwight takes a swig from a coke bottle.
                                                            
                       LEE
Let me have a drink of that.
                                                            
Dwight hands her the bottle, and she takes a drink, handing
the bottle back to Dwight.
                                                            
                       LEE
What were you doing going to Janks
Field, anyways?
                                                            

21.

                       DWIGHT
We were looking for a vampire.
                                                            
Lee looks at Dwight, raising her eyebrows.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Yeah, I know they don't exist, but
there's some kind of show in town
tonight, and they say they have a
real vampire. We were hoping to
get a look at it before the show
tonight, because no one under
eighteen is allowed at the show.
                                                            
                       LEE
In daylight? You need to brush up
on your lore.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
We figured she was phony, and we'd
be able to see her. But Janks
Field was empty, except for that
dog.
                                                            
EXT. DIRT ROAD - DAY
                                                            
The truck turns down the dirt road, and cruises down it,
kicking up dust and rocks.
                                                            
 
EXT. JANKS FIELD - DAY
                                                            
The truck pulls up at Janks Field. The crew for the show are
unloading equipment.

Lee and Dwight get out of the truck, looking around.

Slim and Rusty are nowhere to be seen.
                                                            
                       LEE
Well, the show arrived.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Looks that way. I don't see Slim
or Rusty.
                                                            
                       LEE
Let's find out if any of these
guys have seen them.
                                                            

22.

The twelve workers(four of which are women) stop what they
are doing as Lee and Dwight approach.

Stryker walks over to them.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
I'm sorry, but if you're here for
tickets, they don't go on sale
until an hour before the show.
                                                            
                       LEE
I can't buy any in advance?
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Not until 11 o'clock tonight.
                                                            
                       LEE
But what if you've sold out by
then?
                                                            
                       STRYKER
That would be nice, but it won't
happen at this arena.
                                                            
Stryker looks at Dwight.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
There's an age restriction, you
know.
                                                            
                       LEE
But my brother's the one who wants
to see it. Him and his friends.
                                                            
Stryker flashes a grin at Dwight. There's something sinister
about it.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Yeah, I'll bet.
                                                            
                       LEE
They might be around here
someplace. You haven't seen them,
have you? A young girl and guy?
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Haven't seen them. Nobody's been
here but my crew.
                                                            
Lee turns towards the concession stand, shouting.
                                                            
                       LEE
Slim! Rusty!
                                                            

23.

Nothing. She returns her gaze to Stryker.
                                                            
                       LEE
If you happen to see them, would
you let them know that we were
here?
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Of course...
                                                            
He pauses, waiting for Lee to tell him her name.
                                                            
                       LEE
Lee. And this is my brother,
Dwight.
                                                            
Stryker shakes both their hands.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Lee. Dwight. I'm Julian.
                                                            
                       LEE
I guess they were out here hoping
to catch a glimpse, and were going
to see if there was some way for
me to get them tickets to the
show.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Well there's some blood-letting
during the show, and sometimes
certain body parts get exposed,
which is why there's an age
restriction. But if you're willing
to supervise and vouch for them, I
guess maybe I can make an
exeption.
                                                            
He smiles at her suggestively. He's flirting with her.
                                                            
                       LEE
Oh, that's wonderful. I'll be with
them for the whole show. Let me
grab my purse.
                                                            
Lee runs to the truck, grabs her purse, and returns, check
in hand.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Alright, four tickets at ten
dollars a piece, that's forty
dollars, please.
                                                            

24.

Lee scribbles it down on the check.
                                                            
                       LEE
Alright, and who do I make this
out to? The Traveling Vampire
Show?
                                                            
                       STRYKER
No, to me. I'm the owner of the
show. Julian Stryker. That's
Stryker with a "y".
                                                            
Lee finishes writing, and hands the check to Stryker.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
I'll be right back with your
tickets. Oh, and if it bounces,
I'll require payment in blood.
                                                            
He smiles, and walks away, headed for the bus.

Dwight turns to Lee.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
That check has your address on it.
                                                            
                       LEE
No big deal.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I wonder where Rusty and Slim
went.
                                                            
                       LEE
They probably took off when they
saw the show coming.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
But what about the dog?
                                                            
                       LEE
I dunno. I'm sure they're fine,
and at home.
                                                            
Stryker returns with four tickets in his hands.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Four tickets for tonight's
performance.
                                                            
He hands them to Lee with a smile.
                                                            

25.

                       LEE
Thank you so much, Julian.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
My pleasure. Come early to make
sure you get a good seat, and stay
late. After the show, I'll
introduce you to Valeria. You,
your brother, and his friends.
                                                            
Stryker casts another sinister smile at Dwight, who smiles
uneasily back.
                                                            
                       LEE
That might be nice. Thanks.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Yeah, thank you.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
If you'll excuse me, there's a lot
of work to be done before the
show. I'll look forward to seeing
you tonight.
                                                            
With another suggestive smile towards Lee, he slightly bows,
and walks away.

Dwight and Lee head back to the truck, and get in.

The truck drives away.
                                                            
 
INT. LEE'S TRUCK - DAY
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
You didn't have to buy us tickets.
                                                            
                       LEE
You wanted to see the show, right?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I guess so, but mom and dad are
never going to let me go.
                                                            
                       LEE
Not if they know about it.
                                                            
Lee winks at Dwight.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I hope Slim and Rusty turn up.
                                                            

26.

                       LEE
They will.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
I couldn't shake the uneasy
feeling I had. About Slim and
Rusty's fate. About the dog. About
the show. About Stryker. Something
about him bothered me.
                                                            
Dwight looks out the window, scanning for his friends.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
What bothered me most was that I
left Slim with Rusty, and I
shouldn't have. Rusty was a coward
in most instances, and was pretty
self-centered. I hoped that this
time he stuck it out with Slim.
                                                            
                       LEE
Any sign of them?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
No.
                                                            
                       LEE
I'm telling you, they're already
back home.
                                                            
 
EXT. DWIGHT'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Lee and Dwight pull up to Dwight's house. Standing by the
garage, shirtless and smiling at them, is Rusty.
                                                            
                       LEE (O.S.)
Look who's here.
                                                            
Lee and Dwight get out of the truck, and Rusty walks over to
them.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Where've you been?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Out at Janks Field. Where's Slim?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
She went home. Hi, Mrs. Thompson.
                                                            
                       LEE
Hi, Rusty.
                                                            

27.

                       DWIGHT
You were supposed to wait for me.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Yeah, well once the show arrived,
we beat it. It was creepy. I mean,
they had a hearse, man.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
And the dog?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
It went after the hearse.
                                                            
Dwight looks down at Rusty's feet. He's got shoes on.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
How'd you get your shoes back?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
What do you mean? I never lost
them. Those were Slim's shoes I
threw at the dog.
                                                            
Dwight is clearly angered by this.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
You used Slim's shoes instead of
your own!?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Chill man, it was her idea. I
offered her mine after, but she
didn't take them.
                                                            
Lee interrupts.
                                                            
                       LEE
Well I'm glad everyone is fine.
I'm going to head home now, I
think. When you meet up with Slim,
head back to my house and we'll
figure out how we're going to pull
tonight off.
                                                            
Rusty raises his eyebrows.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Lee got us tickets to the show.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
No shit! Er, sorry, Mrs. Thompson.
                                                            

28.

                       LEE
Forget it. See you tonight.
                                                            
Lee gets in her truck and drives away.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Your brother is one lucky son of a
bitch. What I wouldn't give...
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
You're telling me.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Shit. I mean, really, what I WOULD
give...
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
We met the owner, Julian. He said
the show can get real gory, and
clothing gets ripped off.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Holy shit! Awesome!
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Yeah. And after the show, we get
to meet Valeria.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Oh, man! This is going to be some
night!
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
If only he knew the irony of his
own words.
                                                            
Dwight walks into the yard, headed for the mower.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I gotta finish the yard.
                                                            
 
INT. DWIGHT'S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Dwight and Rusty sit in the living room, Rusty drinking a
Pepsi. Dwight is wiping himself off with a towel.

The front door opens, and Lacy enters the house, a bag of
groceries in her hand.
                                                            
                       LACY
Hello boys. I thought you'd given
up on the yard, Dwight.
                                                            

29.

                       DWIGHT
No, I just took a break.
                                                            
Lacy takes the groceries to the kitchen, and returns a
moment later.
                                                            
                       LACY
Where's Slim?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
She's at her house.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
How was tennis?
                                                            
                       LACY
I trounced Lucy, and she had to
pay for lunch.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Excellent.
                                                            
                       LACY
Dwight, will your friends be
joining us for dinner? We're
having burgers.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I don't know.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
I'll check with my mom, but it
should be fine.
                                                            
                       LACY
Alright. I'm going to take a bath.
See you boys later.
                                                            
Lacy disappears upstairs.

Dwight gets up and goes to phone, dialing a number.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Who are you calling?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Slim.
                                                            
There's a beat, and Dwight hangs up the phone.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
No answer.
                                                            

30.

                       RUSTY
Maybe she's soaking in the tub
like your mom.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Or couldn't hear the phone over
the shower.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Girls don't take showers. They
take baths for hours, sliding a
bar of soap all over their bodies.
Oh man, I just thought of
something. How'd you like to be
Slim's bar of soap?
                                                            
Dwight blushes.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Quit it, Rusty.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Or even better, Lee's! Haha,
you're blushing!
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Shut up. Come on.
                                                            
Dwight puts his shirt on, and walks towards the door, Rusty
following.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Where we going?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Slim's. I want to make sure she's
okay.
                                                            
 
EXT. SLIM'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Dwight and Rusty walk up to Slim's front door, and knock.

They wait a moment. Nothing. They knock again. Another beat.
Nothing.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Guess she's not here.
                                                            
Rusty reaches for the handle and turns it, cracking open the
door.
                                                            

31.

                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
Back in those days, especially in
Grandville, nobody locked their
doors. Everybody knew everybody
and looked out for one another. It
was a safe town.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
What are you doing?
                                                            
Rusty opens the door a bit more and leans in.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Slim! You home?
                                                            
Rusty opens the door, and steps inside.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Rusty, what are you doing?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Just taking a quick look. Making
sure she didn't pass out from
blood loss, you know?
                                                            
Dwight steps inside as well.
                                                            
 
INT. SLIM'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Dwight and Rusty look around the dim house.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Slim! It's us!
                                                            
Rusty heads for the stairs and begins going up them.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Hey! You can't go upstairs!
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Just gotta check.
                                                            
The two make their way upstairs, looking around. It's eerily
quiet in the house.

The two split up in the hallway, each looking in different
rooms.
                                                            
INT. SLIM'S ROOM
                                                            

32.

Dwight looks around the room. There's a wide assortment of
books and papers. It's nicely decorated. The bed is made.
However, it doesn't look like she's been in it recently.
                                                            
INT. SLIM'S MOM'S ROOM
                                                            
Rusty is in Slim's mother's room, and he's going through her
underwear drawer.

Dwight walks in.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
What the hell are you doing? I
don't think Slim is hiding in
there.
                                                            
Rusty holds up a pair of underwear, and inhales.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
I don't think these have been
washed since she wore them last.
                                                            
Rusty tosses them at Dwight.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Take a whiff.
                                                            
Dwight throws them back at Rusty.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
You're sick. Put them back. We're
leaving. She's not here.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Obviously.
                                                            
The two walk out of the bedroom.
                                                            
 
EXT. STREET - DAY
                                                            
Dwight and Rusty walk down the street.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
We're not far from the police
station. Maybe I should talk to
dad about Slim.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Are you nuts? Your dad? A cop?
We'll be in so much trouble.
                                                            

33.

                       DWIGHT
Yeah and maybe Slim had to go to
the hospital or worse. I don't
give a damn if I get in trouble.
                                                            
Rusty stops walking.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
I know where Slim is.
                                                            
Dwight stops walking and looks at Rusty.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
What?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
I didn't exactly tell you
everything. Slim and I split up.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
What do you mean you split up?
Where?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Back at Janks Field, when the show
arrived. I tried to get her to
come with, but she refused. So, I
left her.
                                                            
Dwight slugs Rusty in the arm.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Goddamn it!
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Ow, shit man. That hurt!
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
You left her there!
                                                            
                       RUSTY
You left both of us!
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
That was to get help, numb nuts.
                                                            
The two continue walking.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
She's probably out looking for us.
                                                            

34.

                       DWIGHT
Yeah, or she passed out somewhere.
Or was bitten by a poisonous
snake. Or worse.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
I'm sure this'll turn out fine.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
It better.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
C'mon, let's go to my house. I
need a shirt and when can get some
food and something to drink.
                                                            
 
INT. POLICE CAR - DAY
                                                            
Frank is cruising down Route 3, smoking a cigarette.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Not a damn thing to do.
                                                            
The cigarette falls out of Frank's mouth, landing in his
lap.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Ah, shit.
                                                            
He looks down to pick it up, and returns his eyes to the
road.

A dog has appeared in the road, right in front of him. It
looks strangely familiar...
                                                            
EXT. ROAD - DAY
                                                            
Frank slams on the brakes and turns the wheel hard.

The car swerves away from the dog, narrowly missing it.

It loses control, spins, and slams into a tree on the side
of the road.
                                                            
INT. POLICE CAR - DAY
                                                            
Frank lays face down on the steering wheel, bleeding and
unconscious.
                                                            

35.

                       DOLLY (O.S.)
Frank, this is Dolly back at the
station. Do you read me? Over.
Frank? Frank, you there?
                                                            
 
EXT. RUSTY'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Rusty and Dwight walk along the side of Rusty's house.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
We'll go in through the kitchen.
Mom's hosting the bridge club in
the living room today.
                                                            
 
INT. RUSTY'S HOUSE, KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
The two enter the kitchen, and Rusty heads straight for the
fridge. He pulls out a pitcher of lemonade, and cold
hotdogs.

Dwight nods in approval.

They eat hungrily, and slowly drink.

The kitchen door swooshes open behind them.

Rusty's kid sister, ELIZABETH "BITSY" SIMMONS, enters the
kitchen. She can't be more than 12 or 13, and is quite
pudgy.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Hi guys.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
Bitsy was Rusty's kid sister, and
she had a crush on me. Her real
name was Elizabeth, but Rusty
called her Bitsy, which stuck. Her
mother hated it, because it
brought attention to her size, and
not in a flattering way.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Hi, Bitsy. How are you?
                                                            
                       BITSY
Oh, I'm fine, thank you.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Hey Bits, you want to do me a
favor?
                                                            

36.

                       BITSY
Hmm?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Get me a shirt.
                                                            
                       BITSY
What for?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
To wear, stupid.
                                                            
Dwight looks at Rusty.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
I never understood people that
smarted off when asking for a
favor.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
His shirt got ruined over at Janks
Field.
                                                            
                       BITSY
You were at Janks Field? You're
not supposed to go there.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Thanks, Dwight. Now she's going to
tell on us.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Am not.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
A dog attacked us, and his shirt
got ruined.
                                                            
Bitsy looks at Rusty.
                                                            
                       BITSY
What shirt do you want?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
I don't care. Just go in my closet
and grab one.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Your closet?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Just do it.
                                                            

37.

                       BITSY
Alright.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Thank you.
                                                            
                       BITSY
You're welcome, Dwight.
                                                            
She smiles, blushing.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Hey, where's Slim?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Not with us.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Why not? Is she okay?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
She's fine.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Something happened to her, huh?
Where is she?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
She's at home doing laundry.
                                                            
Bitsy opens her mouth to argue more, but Dwight stops her.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Go get Rusty his shirt, and I'll
tell you about Slim in the
backyard, okay?
                                                            
                       BITSY
Okay!
                                                            
Bitsy exits the kitchen, and the two boys head outside.
                                                            
 
EXT. RUSTY'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Rusty looks at Dwight in annoyance.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Why'd you tell her about Janks
Field?
                                                            

38.

                       DWIGHT
I have a hard time lying
sometimes.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
You should work on that, because
we're screwed now.
                                                            
The back door opens, and Bitsy comes out, shirt in hand.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Give.
                                                            
Bitsy hands Rusty his shirt.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Okay, so tell me about Slim.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
You promise not to tell?
                                                            
                       BITSY
Promise.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
She'll tell.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Will not!
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
We're going to look for Slim now.
When we got attacked, we split up.
Now we don't know where Slim is.
So, we're headed back to Janks
Field.
                                                            
Bitsy nods her head.
                                                            
                       BITSY
I'm coming with.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
The hell you are!
                                                            
                       BITSY
No. I'm coming. Slim's my friend,
too. I want to help.
                                                            
Rusty begins to go after Bitsy, but Dwight pushes him back.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
That's fine. Go get your shoes.
                                                            

39.

                       BITSY
Be right back!
                                                            
Bitsy runs back into the house.

Dwight and Rusty look at each other.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Bail?
                                                            
Dwight nods, and they take off.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
I felt awful about it, but she
only would have slowed us down,
and I didn't want anyone else to
get involved.
                                                            
 
EXT. DIRT ROAD - DAY
                                                            
Dwight and Rusty head down the dirt road towards Janks
Field, looking in the woods every now and then for Slim.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
We better find her soon.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
We will.
                                                            
Something rustles in the woods next to them, and the two
stop walking.

More rustling.

Dwight and Rusty look at each other and slowly walk towards
the tree line.

The rustling continues, and grows louder, closer. Then
stops.

Rusty turns to Dwight.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Must've been a 'coon.
                                                            
Suddenly, a clawed hand reaches out from the trees and
grasps Rusty's shoulder. He lets out a cry and pulls away,
turning around.

It wasn't a clawed hand. It was Slim's, and there she is,
right in front of them.
                                                            

40.

                       SLIM
Hey, fellas.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Slim! Where've you been?
                                                            
Dwight hugs her, and quickly releases her when she gasps.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Sorry.
                                                            
                       SLIM
It's alright.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I've just been so worried about
you.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
We've been worried about you.
                                                            
Slim looks at them in a funny way.
                                                            
                       SLIM
You act like I've been gone for
days.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
It's just been a hard, long day.
Me and Lee came back down to the
field, and you and Rusty were
nowhere to be seen. And I just
thought...I don't know what I
thought.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
He thought the vampire show got
you.
                                                            
                       SLIM
I wouldn't be surprised after what
they did to the dog.
                                                            
A look of sorrow crosses her face.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
What they did to the dog?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
What'd they do to the dog?
                                                            
Her eyes slightly tear up.
                                                            

41.

                       SLIM
They - they killed it.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Good for them! Miserable thing.
                                                            
                       SLIM
No. The way they killed it. They
tormented it first. I felt bad for
it. They were poking it with
spears, and then it just
collapsed. Then this other guy
impaled it and threw it in the
hearse, like he was feeding it to
something.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Valeria! Killer.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
The guy that impaled the dog. What
did he look like?
                                                            
                       SLIM
He was handsome. Had a good build.
Wore boots with spurs.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Julian.
                                                            
Slim looks at Dwight, confused.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
He's the owner. Lee and I met him
when we came back looking for you.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Oh.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Let's get out of here.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Sounds great.
                                                            
Dwight takes off his shoes, and offers them to Slim, who
refuses.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Take them.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Fine.
                                                            

42.

Slim puts them on.

Rusty, feeling left out, offers his clean shirt to cover her
wounded back.
                                                            
                       SLIM
No thanks, Rusty.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
You took Dwight's shoes...
                                                            
Slim sighs and puts the shirt on.

They begin walking down the road.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Give her the good news, Dwight.
                                                            
                       SLIM
What good news?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Lee bought us each a ticket to the
show.
                                                            
                       SLIM
I'm not going back there. There's
no way.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Oh come on, don't be a chicken!
                                                            
This pisses Slim off.
                                                            
                       SLIM
A chicken? You didn't see what
they did to that dog. How cruel
and evil it was. Why? Because you
were too busy being a coward,
ditching me!
                                                            
Slim flicks Rusty on the nose, hard. It begins to bleed.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Jeez, what'd you do that for?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Suck it up.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Asshole. I'm not going to that
show. Sorry.
                                                            

43.

                       DWIGHT
It's fine. You don't have to.
We're taking you to Lee's to get
cleaned up. She's expecting us.
                                                            
 
EXT. JANKS FIELD, ARENA - DAY
                                                            
The crew is setting up a cage in the middle of the arena.

Stryker watches over them, and takes something out of his
pocket. Lee's check.

He examines it, thinking about something.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
It's going to be a good night.
                                                            
 
EXT. LEE'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
It's still cloudy out, and it seems to be getting darker.

The trio approach the house.

Dwight looks in the screen. The house is dark. Apparently
empty.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Lee! We're here!
                                                            
                       LEE (O.S.)
Come on in. I'll be right there!
                                                            
The three enter the house.
                                                            
 
INT. LEE'S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Dwight, Rusty, and Slim sit on the couch.

Lee enters the living room a moment later. She's been doing
some cleaning.
                                                            
                       LEE
Ah, glad you turned up, Slim.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Thanks for coming to rescue me,
Mrs. Thompson.
                                                            
                       LEE
Any time. Sorry we missed you.
                                                            

44.

Slim smiles weakly.
                                                            
                       LEE
Come on, let's get you cleaned up.
                                                            
Slim stands up, and Lee motions her to the bathroom.
                                                            
                       LEE
We'll be out in a bit. You boys
help yourselves to whatever.
                                                            
Lee and Slim enter the bathroom, shutting the door behind
them. The sound of rushing water and mumbled voices is
heard.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Sounds like someone is taking a
shower. Want to find out who?
                                                            
Rusty begins to rise from the sofa.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Stay put. You've screwed up enough
for one day.
                                                            
Rusty sits back down.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Think she's going to tell Lee
about the dog?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Dunno.
                                                            
Rusty begins to twiddle his thumbs, and sighs heavily.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Slim's probably naked in there.
                                                            
Dwight looks at Rusty with disbelief.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
You really don't know when to
quit, do you?
                                                            
Rusty opens his mouth to protest, but then stops when the
sound of rushing water stops.

The mumbled voices grow louder, and another moment later,
Slim appears in Lee's clothing, followed by Lee herself.
                                                            

45.

                       SLIM
I'll have to let you borrow it
some time. It's a fantastic read.
                                                            
                       LEE
Yeah, I'll check it out.
                                                            
Both Dwight and Rusty stand up upon their entrance, and the
four look at each other.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
How is she?
                                                            
                       LEE
She'll live. She could probably
use a stitch or two, but since she
refuses to go see a doctor, I've
done everything I can.
                                                            
                       SLIM
I'll be fine. Doctors are for
wusses.
                                                            
Slim hands Rusty back his shirt, who greatfully puts it back
on.

She then hands Dwight his shoes, and he puts them on.

Lee plops down in a chair, and the three kids sit down on
the sofa.
                                                            
                       LEE
So, are we all set for tonight?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Not sure yet.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
We're working on it.
                                                            
Slim just shrugs her shoulders.
                                                            
                       LEE
When you figure it out, let me
know. I have no spectacular ideas.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
      (to Dwight)
I can get permission to sleep at
your house. When your parents hit
the sack at ten, we'll sneak out.
                                                            

46.

                       DWIGHT
I don't know if that will work.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
I was trying to find any way
possible to get out of going to
the show. I didn't want Slim to
feel uncomfortable.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
It's always worked before.
                                                            
Lee looks at Dwight, raising her eyebrows, smirking.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
We didn't really do anything.
                                                            
                       LEE
I won't tell. I'd like to hear
about it sometime, though. Then
I'll tell you about all the times
I snuck out.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Here's how to work it. Dwight, you
tell your parents you're staying
at Rusty's. Rusty, you tell your
parents you're staying at
Dwight's. Then you both come over
to my house, and we come to Lee's
from there.
                                                            
Dwight and Rusty look at her, stunned.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
What about your mom?
                                                            
                       SLIM
She'll be gone all night. She has
a date.
                                                            
                       LEE
Great. Just come over here around
ten thirty.
                                                            
 
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY
                                                            
The trio walk through the neighborhood. The sun still can't
penetrate the dark clouds.
                                                            

47.

                       RUSTY
Why didn't you tell her about the
dog?
                                                            
                       SLIM
I didn't want to ruin the show for
you two. But I'm still not going.
When it comes time, tell Lee I've
got a headache.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Or that you're on your period. You
can't go to the show on your
period. All that blood would drive
them crazy.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Get bent.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
I'm serious. It would be like
swimming in shark-infested water.
                                                            
Slim turns and flicks him hard on the nose again, and once
again, his nose bleeds.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Ow! Damn it!
                                                            
It bleeds heavier this time, and Rusty pinches his nose.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Happy?
                                                            
                       SLIM
      (Mocking)
You can't go to the show with a
bloody nose like that. It'll drive
those vampires crazy. They'll suck
you dry.
                                                            
Slim turns to Dwight.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Where are we going to hang?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
My house. We can hang there till
supper. My mom is expecting us,
anyways.
                                                            

48.

                       SLIM
Alright. I'll meet you guys there.
I want to go home and change
first.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
We're coming with you.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Huh?
                                                            
                       SLIM
What for?
                                                            
Dwight searches for words, but can't find them.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
He's afraid you'll get lost.
                                                            
Slim looks at Dwight with a slight smile.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
It's true. When I didn't know
where you were, I thought maybe
they'd gotten their hands on you,
and -
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Shoved a spear up your ass!
                                                            
Slim shakes her head, smiling.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Alright.
                                                            
 
INT. SLIM'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
The trio enter Slim's house, shutting the door behind them.

Slim begins to head upstairs.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Wait down here. I'll be right
back.
                                                            
Slim disappears upstairs.

Dwight and Rusty look around, uneasily.

A quiet moment passes, then
                                                            

49.

                       SLIM (O.S.)
Hey guys! Can you come up here?
                                                            
Dwight and Rusty look at each other, and then walk upstairs.

They walk down the hallway.
                                                            
                       SLIM (O.S.)
In here.
                                                            
They enter Slim's room. She has changed her clothes, but is
staring at her bed, frozen.

Dwight and Rusty look at the bed.

Laying face-up on the bed, is a copy of the book "Dracula."
It looks like it's been chewed up and spit back out. It's
ragged and has scratches and tears, and it's covered with
slobber.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
How the hell did that happen?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
We better look around. Whoever did
it might still be in the house.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Or whatever.
                                                            
Slim heads over to her closet, opens it, and takes out two
knives. A hunting knife and a boyscout pocket knife.

She hands the hunting knife to Dwight and the other to
Rusty.

She reaches into her closet again, and pulls out a bow and a
quiver of arrows.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
Slim had won first place in a YWCA
Fourth of July archery contest a
couple summers ago. Most people
wouldn't have expected a girl to
win it, but I knew she would.
                                                            
Slim arms the bow, and slowly walks out of the bedroom.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Watch my back.
                                                            
Dwight and Rusty walk behind Slim, who heads across to her
mother's room.

50.


It's empty, but there's a shatter perfume bottle and broken
vase on the carpet. A few rose pedals remain on the ground.

They exit the bedroom, and slowly creep down the hall.

They check the bathroom and the spare bedroom. The tension
rises.

They head downstairs, and check the living room, followed by
the kitchen.

The pantry door is partially open.

They slowly inch towards it. They stop in front of the
partially open door.

Slim takes a deep breath, and then pulls the door open.
Nothing.
                                                            
                       SLIM
There's nobody here. Come on,
let's get that glass cleaned up in
my mom's room.
                                                            
The three head back upstairs.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
I have to use the john.
                                                            
Rusty enters the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

Dwight and Slim continue to her mom's room.

They begin cleaning up the glass.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I'm not liking this.
                                                            
                       SLIM
It's weird, that's for sure.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I know it's stupid, but I keep
thinking it's Stryker and his
gang.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Yeah, but how would they know
where we live?
                                                            

51.

                       DWIGHT
Maybe they've been following us
without us knowing. Ever since you
disappeared...
                                                            
Slim looks in Dwight's eyes.
                                                            
                       SLIM
I never disappeared.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
But I thought you had.
                                                            
Slim smiles at Dwight. Dwight smiles back. The smiles slowly
fade, but they continue looking into each others eyes.

Is this it? Are they going to kiss? They're almost close
enough.

The toilet flushes down the hall, and the bathroom door
opens.

Dwight and Slim go back to picking up the glass.

Rusty enters the room.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
We done here?
                                                            
Dwight and Slim toss the broken glass in the waste basket.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Yeah.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Let's head to my place.
                                                            
 
INT. DWIGHT'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Dwight, Slim, and Rusty enter the house. It's empty.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Mom? Dad?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Their cars weren't in the
driveway, doofus.
                                                            
Dwight shoots Rusty an irritated look.
                                                            

52.

                       SLIM
Maybe your dad is working late and
your mom forgot something at the
store.
                                                            
INT. DWIGHT'S HOUSE, KITCHEN
                                                            
The three enter the kitchen. On the kitchen table, there is
a note. Dwight picks it up and reads it.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Oh. Man.
                                                            
                       SLIM
What?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Mom's at the hospital. Dad got
into an accident.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Is it bad, you think?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
The note says it's not that bad.
She said she's going to call.
                                                            
Dwight sets the note down. He's clearly worried.

The phone rings. Dwight walks over to it and answers.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Mom? (Beat) Sorry, Mrs. Simmons.
(Beat) Yeah he's here. (Beat) I
know. I'm sorry, we shouldn't
have. (Beat) I'm fond of her, too.
(Beat) I'll send him right away.
Bye.
                                                            
Dwight hangs up the phone and looks at Rusty.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Your mom wants you to come home,
right now.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Shit. I'm in trouble, aren't I?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
She didn't sound very happy.
                                                            

53.

                       RUSTY
Great. Well there goes my chances
of going to the show. Wait till I
get my hands on Bitsy.
                                                            
Rusty walks out of the kitchen, heading for the door.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Talk to you guys later, I hope.
                                                            
Rusty exits the house, closing the door behind him.

Dwight sits down at the kitchen table, Slim sits down next
to him.
                                                            
                       SLIM
I'm sure he's fine. Your mom said
it wasn't serious in the note,
right?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Yeah, but he's still in the
hospital. It can't be good.
                                                            
The phone rings again. Dwight jumps up and answers.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Hello?
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL, ROOM 119 - DAY
                                                            
Lacy is sitting beside Frank, who is lying in bed.

He has gauze wrapped around his head, and his eyes are
black.

Lacy has a phone in her hands.
                                                            
                       LACY
Hey hun, you're home. I called
earlier, but I got no answer. I
figured you went for a swim or
something. (Beat) Yeah, he's right
here next to me.
                                                            
                       FRANK
Tell him I'm fine. Just a bump on
the head.
                                                            
                       LACY
Dad says he's fine. (Beat) Well, I
guess he was driving down Route 3,
and a dog ran out in the middle of
            (MORE)

54.

                       LACY (cont'd)
the road. And, well, you know dad.
He'd rather hurt himself than
another animal. He needed a couple
stitches and has a mild
concussion, but he's fine.
                                                            
                       FRANK
It's bogus that they're keeping me
here over night.
                                                            
                       LACY
We'll be here for the night.
There's hamburger in the fridge,
so make up some burgers for your
friends and you.
                                                            
A DOCTOR enters the room.
                                                            
                       FRANK
What's up, doc?
                                                            
Frank chuckles quietly, and then groans from the pain.
                                                            
                       LACY
I've got to go, sweetie. The
doctor's here. (Beat) Okay, see
you tomorrow. I love you. (Beat)
Bye.
                                                            
 
INT. DWIGHT'S HOUSE, KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Dwight hangs up the phone, and sighs with relief.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Well?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
He's really alright. He hurt his
head, but he's good. They're going
to be at the hospital for the
night, though.
                                                            
                       SLIM
That'll make going to the show
easier, then.
                                                            
Dwight shrugs his shoulders.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
Secretly I was hoping that with
Rusty in trouble with his folks,
the show wouldn't be happening for
            (MORE)

55.

                       ADULT DWIGHT (cont'd)
us tonight.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Are you hungry? We can make
burgers.
                                                            
Slim stands up from the table.
                                                            
                       SLIM
That sounds great, I'm starved.
I'll make the patties if you grill
them.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Deal.
                                                            
 
EXT. DWIGHT'S BACKYARD - DAY
                                                            
Outside, the sun is starting to fade.

The burgers are on the grill, and Dwight and Slim are
sitting next to each other on the deck steps, drinking
bottles of coke.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Those are smelling really good.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Yeah, they are.
                                                            
                       SLIM
What made your dad crash, by the
way?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I guess a dog ran out in front of
him on Route 3.
                                                            
Slim looks at Dwight, raising her eyebrows.
                                                            
                       SLIM
A one-eyed dog?
                                                            
They both laugh, uneasily.

Dwight gets up and flips the burgers, and returns to the
steps, sitting back down next to Slim.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Almost done.
                                                            

56.

                       SLIM
It's kind of nice just sitting
here.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Yeah.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Just the two of us.
                                                            
The two are looking out at the yard, avoiding eye contact.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Not that I've got anything against
Rusty.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
He can be a pain in the ass.
                                                            
They both chuckle.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Yeah, sometimes I wish he'd take a
long walk off a short pier. It
would be nice if just the two of
us could do stuff sometimes.
                                                            
They turn and look at each other.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Really?
                                                            
                       SLIM
Yeah. I don't want to hurt his
feelings or anything, I just sort
of like being alone with you. Like
now.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Same here.
                                                            
They look in each others eyes for a moment, and slowly inch
towards each other.

Then, they're kissing. It's a sweet, passionate kiss.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
I wanted that moment to last
forever. The way she felt, the way
she tasted. It was perfect. My
whole body ached for her. In that
moment, I forgot everything. It
was just her and I.
                                                            

57.

Oops. Dwight spills some of his soda on his shirt.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Ah, cold.
                                                            
And just like that, the kiss is over.

Dwight stands up, wiping himself off.
                                                            
                       SLIM
I guess kissing can be messy
sometimes, huh?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I guess so.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
Her saying that made me think of
all the messy kisses she had to
put up with from that scumbag
Jimmy. And all the other things.
The day Jimmy left, it was like
her and Mrs. Drake were free
again.
                                                            
Dwight walks over to the grill, and opens it.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Done.
                                                            
 
INT. DWIGHT'S HOUSE, KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Having finished their meal, Slim and Dwight are in the
kitchen, cleaning up.

It's slowly getting darker outside.
                                                            
                       SLIM
I decided I'm going to the show
with you, after all.
                                                            
Dwight looks at her, surprised.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
You are?
                                                            
                       SLIM
Yeah. I mean, so they killed a
dog, big deal. That dog would've
killed us. Besides, with the weird
things that have been going on, I
don't really want to be alone
tonight. Besides, it means a lot
            (MORE)

58.

                       SLIM (cont'd)
to you guys.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
It means a lot to Rusty. I don't
know how we're going to get him to
the show.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Let me handle that. Go change your
shirt, and I'll call Mrs. Simmons.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Okay.
                                                            
Dwight exits the kitchen, and Slim picks up the phone, and
begins dialing a number.
                                                            
INT. DWIGHT'S HOUSE, BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
Dwight enters his bedroom, and heads for the closet.

He takes his shirt off, tossing it to the floor. He takes a
clean one off the hanger, and puts it on.

He then turns around, and freezes.

On his bed is a single yellow rose. One of the roses from
Slim's house. There are pedals strewn along his bed as well.

Dwight breathes heavily, and looks around his room. He's the
only one in it.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Slim!
                                                            
He waits a moment. There's no response.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Slim! Come up here!
                                                            
A moment passes, and Slim enters the bedroom.

She looks at Dwight, and then the bed.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Oh.
                                                            
Dwight looks at Slim.
                                                            

59.

                       SLIM
Let's get out of here. We're going
back to my house to pick up the
car.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Huh?
                                                            
                       SLIM
My grandmother's old car. We're
using it to pick up Rusty. I just
got off the phone with his mom.
And I really don't want to stick
around here anymore.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Me either.
                                                            
They walk out of the bedroom.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
The book was one thing, but now
the rose? Things were getting
creepier for us by the minute.
                                                            
 
INT. SLIM'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
It's dark in Slim's house, for the sun is just about gone.

Dwight and Slim enter.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Alright, grab my bow and the
knives. They're in the kitchen.
I'll get the car ready. Meet me in
the garage.
                                                            
Dwight nods, and the two split up.

Dwight heads into the dim kitchen, and picks up the bow and
quiver of arrows as well as the two knives.

From the garage, there's the sound of something clattering,
followed by an sinister silence.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Slim? That you?
                                                            
Nothing.

Dwight slowly walks to the door leading to the garage.

60.


Dwight opens it, and steps into the garage.
                                                            
INT. GARAGE - DAY
                                                            
Slim isn't in the garage. It's just the car, and darkness.
The side door leading outside is open, and blowing in the
wind. It's creepy.

Dwight heads for the door, and looks outside for Slim. She's
not there.

Dwight turns around and heads back for the door leading to
the house. He opens it, and as he does, the outside door
slams.

He turns around with a start.

Slim is standing there, smiling.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Sorry, the wind caught it.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Where'd you go?
                                                            
Slim raises her hand, there's a bottle of oil in it.
                                                            
                       SLIM
The car needs oil.
                                                            
They smile at each other.
                                                            
 
EXT. SLIM'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
The beat up old car backs out of the driveway, and Dwight
walks out of the garage, pulling the door down behind him.

He gets in the car.
                                                            
INT. CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
How did you get Rusty's mom to let
him out?
                                                            
                       SLIM
I said that we were going to the
drive-in. There's a slight snag,
though.
                                                            

61.

                       DWIGHT
And what might that be?
                                                            
                       SLIM
We have to take Bitsy.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
We can't take her to the show.
                                                            
                       SLIM
We're not going to. We're going to
take her to one of the movies,
then drop her back at home. From
there, we leave for the show with
Rusty.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
If you say so.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
Riding in the car with Slim made
me think of the last time we were
all in the car together. Some
creeps had given us a scare, and
tried to take Slim.
                                                            
 
EXT. RUSTY'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
The beat up old car pulls up to Rusty's house, and the
engine is shut off.

Dwight and Slim get out of the car and walk up to the house.


Rusty is sitting on the porch steps, waiting for them. He
stands up and bows.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
My heroes. You guys are genious. I
mean it.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
It was Slim, not me.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Well I owe you big time.
                                                            
Rusty gets up and opens the front door, yelling inside.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Bits, come on! They're here! Let's
go!
                                                            

62.

Rusty closes the door and walks down the steps, joining Slim
and Dwight in the yard.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
This is going to be great! Are you
guys excited?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Thrilled.
                                                            
The front door of the house opens, and Bitsy steps out,
closing it behind her.

She's carrying a purse and is in a flowered dress. She
clearly wanted to look as nice as possible.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Hi Dwight! Thank you for inviting
me out tonight.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I'm glad you could come.
                                                            
                       BITSY
I'm sorry to hear about your
father.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Thanks.
                                                            
She looks at Slim, and a brief look of disgust crosses her
face, but she replaces it quickly with a smile and nod.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Hey, Slim. I'm glad you're okay.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Thank you, Bitsy. You look nice
tonight.
                                                            
                       BITSY
What do you think, Dwight? Do I
look nice?
                                                            
Rusty rolls his eyes.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Yes, you look very nice.
                                                            
Bitsy smiles and looks down at her feet.
                                                            

63.

                       RUSTY
Alright, that's enough. Let's go.
Time's wasting.
                                                            
The four make their way to the car and get in.

The car comes to life, and pulls out of the driveway,
heading down the street.
                                                            
INT. CAR
                                                            
Bitsy looks out the window, confused.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Where are we going? The drive-in
is the other way.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Don't worry about it, squirt.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
We're stopping by Lee's house
before the drive-in.
                                                            
                       BITSY
What for?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Stop being such a nosy pain in the
ass.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Cut it out, Rusty.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
My brother's out of town for the
weekend. We're just stopping by to
make sure everything's okay.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Is something wrong?
                                                            
                       SLIM
A lot of weird stuff has been
happening today.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Like what?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Come on, guys. She's going to
tell! She always does.
                                                            

64.

                       BITSY
I will not!
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Bullshit.
                                                            
 
EXT. LEE'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
The car parks in the driveway, and the four get out of the
car. The house is dark.

They walk up to the screen door.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Lee! It's Dwight! You home?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
What if Julian is in there?
                                                            
                       BITSY
Who's Julian?
                                                            
                       SLIM
Maybe she went over to a
neighbor's.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I'm going in.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Wait.
                                                            
Slim runs back to the car, and opens the trunk.

She slings her quiver of arrows over her shoulder, and takes
out the bow and two knives.

She returns, and hands them to Dwight and Rusty.
                                                            
                       BITSY
What's going on?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Go wait in the car.
                                                            
                       BITSY
I don't have to. Do I, Dwight?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
It might be safer.
                                                            

65.

                       SLIM
No, we're sticking together.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Who's in there?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Maybe nobody.
                                                            
Rusty gets close to Bitsy's face.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Maybe a vampire.
                                                            
                       BITSY
No such thing.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Whatever makes you feel better.
                                                            
Dwight slowly opens the screen door, and Slim enters the
house, with Dwight and Rusty flanking her, Bitsy at the
rear.
                                                            
 
INT. LEE'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
It's dark. It's quiet. It's scary. The only sounds are the
breathing of our heroes.

From somewhere in the house, there is a creak. An appliance
begins to hum.
                                                            
                       SLIM
      (whispered)
Let's do a quick sweep. Stay
close.
                                                            
And they slowly make their way through the one-story house.

They check the bedrooms, the bathroom, the living room, the
kitchen, and the den.

No Lee.

They regroup back in the living room, turning on a lamp.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Can we go to the movies now?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Screw the movies. We were never
going to go in the first place.
                                                            

66.

                       BITSY
Were, too! Weren't we, Dwight?
                                                            
Dwight nods at Bitsy, and turns to Rusty.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
We figured we'd head to the first
one, anyway.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Why not both?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
      (to Bitsy)
We have to be back here at
ten-thirty.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Dwight! Jesus, tell her
everything, why don't you? Then we
can really get in trouble when she
tells on us.
                                                            
                       BITSY
I won't tell!
                                                            
                       SLIM
This has to be a secret, Bitsy.
You can't tell anyone, okay?
                                                            
                       BITSY
Promise.
                                                            
Rusty sighs.
                                                            
                       SLIM
We think somebody is after us.
Maybe somebody from the Traveling
Vampire Show.
                                                            
                       BITSY
What for?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
To shut us up.
                                                            
                       SLIM
We don't know what they're up to.
I saw them do something horrible
to a dog today. Maybe they want to
scare us to keep us quiet about
it. They chewed up a book of mine,
Dracula, which is about vampires.
                                                            

67.

                       DWIGHT
But we don't think a vampire did
it.
                                                            
                       SLIM
But someone trying to scare us.
Then, in my mother's room, they
broke a vase and took roses, and
left one on Dwight's bed.
                                                            
                       BITSY
      (to Dwight)
They were at your house?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Left it on my pillow.
                                                            
                       SLIM
And now Lee's missing. She met the
owner of the show earlier today,
and wrote him a check with her
address on it.
                                                            
Bitsy is collecting all the information, putting two and two
together.
                                                            
                       BITSY
So, you think they took her?
                                                            
                       SLIM
We don't know.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
She ain't here.
                                                            
Rusty looks down at the coffee table.

The tickets for the show are sitting there. All four of
them.

He picks them up.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Alright! The tickets! We can still
go to the show!
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Not wihout Lee.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Come on, we'll take three and
leave her one, for when she comes
back.
                                                            

68.

                       SLIM
If she comes back.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
I'm sure she will. She's probably
out somewhere planning on coming
back here in time to take us to
the show. I mean, her purse was
still on the counter.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
If Julian took her, do you really
think he'd stop and let her grab
her purse?
                                                            
Bitsy looks at everyone, as if trying to tell them
something.

She raises her hand.

Rusty looks at her, scoffing.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Little Einstein here thinks she
has a solution. What?
                                                            
                       BITSY
Lee just went out somewhere. I
mean, you guys are worried about
that guys from the show....Julian?
He didn't do any of that stuff
with the book and roses...I did.
                                                            
The three look at her, shocked. She's clearly embarassed.
                                                            
 
EXT. LEE'S HOUSE - NIGHT
                                                            
Bitsy rushes out of the house, screaming, Rusty on her
heels.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
You stupid little twat! I'll kill
you!
                                                            
Dwight and Slim follow behind.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Rusty, no!
                                                            
                       SLIM
Stop!
                                                            

69.

Their cries are in vain.

Rusty slams into her, sending her slamming into the grass,
rolling onto the street in a shriek.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Damn it!
                                                            
Bitsy lays in the street, crying.

Slim runs over to her, and lifts her up, trying to comfort
her.

Dwight glares at RUSTY.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
What the hell did you have to do
that for?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Serves the little shit right.
                                                            
Slim helps Bitsy to her feet, and leans her against the car,
brushing her off.
                                                            
                       SLIM
It's alright. You're alright.
                                                            
Bitsy looks at Rusty through tear-filled eyes.
                                                            
                       BITSY
I hate you!
                                                            
                       RUSTY
You want more? I shoulda got you
worse for what you did! What were
you thinking?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Cool it, Rusty.
                                                            
Through sobs, Bitsy speaks.
                                                            
                       BITSY
I just wanted to play a trick on
you. You know, for ditching me
earlier.
                                                            
                       SLIM
That was a pretty mean trick,
though.
                                                            
Bitsy begins to calm down.
                                                            

70.

                       BITSY
I know. I'm sorry. All I ever
wanted was to hang out with you
guys.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
It's alright, Bitsy. We'll take
you to the movies now.
                                                            
                       BITSY
I don't want to go to the movies
anymore.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Great, here we go. She wants to go
home so she can tell on me.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Do not. I want to go to the
Traveling Vampire Show.
                                                            
Slim, Rusty, and Dwight look at each other, stunned.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
We'd like to have you come with
us, but there's only four tickets.
                                                            
                       BITSY
And there's four of us.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
One of the tickets is for Lee,
though.
                                                            
                       BITSY
But she's not here.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Thanks for stating the obvious.
                                                            
Bitsy shoots him a look.
                                                            
                       SLIM
We might not be able to get in
without her, hun.
                                                            
                       BITSY
If I can't go to the show, then I
want to go home.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
You can go, okay? Jesus.
                                                            

71.

Dwight and Slim look at Rusty.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
We leave now so we can get there
nice and early. We take three
tickets, and leave one for Lee so
she can meet us there. We get to
the show, and have another adult
buy us a ticket.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
For the first time in his life,
Rusty had a good plan. Though I
still didn't want to go, and
especially didn't want Bitsy to
go, I couldn't argue with him.
                                                            
                       SLIM
It might just work.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Alright. So let's grab the
tickets, leave Lee a note, and go.
                                                            
 
EXT. DIRT ROAD - NIGHT
                                                            
If the dirt road leading to Janks Field was creepy during
the day, it's downright terrifying at night.

The beat old old car drives down the road. About 3/4 of the
way to the field, it pulls over to the side, off the road.

The four get out of the car.

Cars drive past them now and again, heading to the show.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Why did we stop here?
                                                            
                       SLIM
We don't want to park at the
field. Not only does that risk a
flat tire, but also a major
traffic jam at the end of the
night. We'll walk from here.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Whatever you say.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Quit bitching.
                                                            

72.

                       BITSY
I'm not. So how come you're going,
Slim?
                                                            
                       SLIM
I gotta watch out for my guys.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Plus Slim's the judge.
                                                            
                       BITSY
The judge?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Me and Dwight have a bet. I think
Valeria will be gorgeous, and
Dwight thinks she'll be a hag.
Whoever is wrong has to shave
their head.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Who's Valeria?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
The vampire, dumb ass.
                                                            
They walk down the side of the road, shrouded in darkness by
the low-hanging trees. Another car passes.

It gets quiet, the only sounds are their feet on the road.

A horn honks loudly, startling them.

They duck down behind a bush.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Maybe we shouldn't be going, after
all. Someone might see us and tell
our parents.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Well I'm going. You want to
chicken out? Fine. Fuck ya both.
Give me one of those tickets.
                                                            
Rusty extends his hand, waiting for a ticket.
                                                            
                       SLIM
You don't want to go alone.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Come on, Rusty. Let's just go to
the drive-in.
                                                            

73.

                       RUSTY
Go to hell. I'm seeing the
Traveling Vampire Show.
                                                            
Slim hands him a ticket.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Fine. Go.
                                                            
Rusty walks away, heading down the dark road. Another car
drives by.

Slim looks at Dwight.
                                                            
                       SLIM
You better go with him.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Huh?
                                                            
Slim calls out.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Rusty! Wait! Dwight's coming!
                                                            
She looks back at Dwight.
                                                            
                       SLIM
We can't let him go by himself.
Besides, Lee is expecting to meet
you there.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
What about you? It might not be
safe.
                                                            
                       SLIM
We'll be fine, the car's well
hidden.
                                                            
Slim hands him a ticket, and then kisses him.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Be careful. We'll be waiting for
you.
                                                            
Bitsy looks at Dwight, lifting her head for a kiss.
                                                            
                       BITSY
What about me?
                                                            
Dwight looks at Slim, who nods.


74.

Dwight leans down and gives Bitsy a hug, then turns to walk
away.
                                                            
                       BITSY
I'm coming with!
                                                            
                       SLIM
No, you're staying with me.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Dwight! You promised I could see
the show!
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Dwight! You coming or not?
                                                            
                       SLIM
Come with me, Bits.
                                                            
Slim motions for her to walk back to the car.

Bitsy jerks away.
                                                            
                       BITSY
I don't want to!
                                                            
She grabs Dwight's hand, but he jerks it away, starting to
meet up with Rusty.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Stay with Slim.
                                                            
                       BITSY
But I want -
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Shut the hell up and go with Slim!
                                                            
Bitsy looks like she's going to cry.

Dwight is surprised by what he said.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Sorry.
                                                            
Dwight turns away and runs to Rusty.

The two continue walking down the road as more cars begin to
pass.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Good choice, man. It's going to be
worth it.
                                                            

75.

                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
Nothing was going to be worth it.
                                                            
 
EXT. JANKS FIELD - NIGHT
                                                            
Dwight and Rusty slowly step onto Janks Field.

There are many cars parked along the field.

People are walking into the arena.
                                                            
 
EXT. DIRT ROAD - NIGHT
                                                            
Slim and Bitsy walk down the road, back towards the car.

Bitsy is quietly crying.
                                                            
                       SLIM
I'm sorry Bits. I know you're
upset, but it's just not a good
idea for us to be there. We'll
head back to the car and talk
about boys and other girl things,
okay?
                                                            
Bitsy stops walking, and crouches down along the side of the
road, her back towards Slim.

Slim approaches her.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Bits? Bitsy? Are you okay?
                                                            
Bitsy shrieks and spins around, clubbing Slim in the head
with a fallen branch.

Slim drops to the ground in a gasp.

Bitsy whacks her two more times, drops the stick, grabs a
ticket, and runs off.
                                                            
 
EXT. JANKS FIELD - NIGHT
                                                            
Dwight and Rusty inch onto the field.

A hand grabs Dwight, and he turns with a start.

It's Bitsy.
                                                            

76.

                       BITSY
I'm back.
                                                            
She's out of breath. Must've run the whole way.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
What the hell is she doing here?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Where's Slim? Why aren't you with
her?
                                                            
                       BITSY
She said I could come.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Fat chance. How'd you get away?
                                                            
Bitsy looks at the ground, then back at Dwight.
                                                            
                       BITSY
I told her I had to take a leak,
and took off. She caught me,
pushed me to the ground and told
me I was going with her. I called
her a name and she let go.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
What did you call her?
                                                            
Bitsy looks down at her feet.
                                                            
                       BITSY
A dirty whore.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
Back in those days, you never
heard the "c" word, so calling a
girl a "whore" was about as low
and you could get, and I was
angry.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
What!?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Real neat, fat ass.
                                                            
                       BITSY
I wanted her to let go, and she
did. Then she gave me a ticket and
told me to go. I said thanks and
she said "fuck you."
                                                            

77.

Rusty snaps.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
I've had enough of you tonight!
                                                            
Rusty grabs Bitsy by her hair, and knees her repeatedly in
the stomach.

He then throws her to the ground by her hair, kicking at
her.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
You stupid little pain in the ass!
                                                            
                       BITSY
Dwight! Help me!
                                                            
Dwight stands there, watching as Rusty kicks Bitsy.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Now piss off!
                                                            
Rusty walks away from her, past Dwight.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Let's go, Dwight.
                                                            
Dwight looks down at Bitsy, pity in his eyes.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Go back to the car, Bitsy. You
better hope Slim forgives you.
She's always been nice to you, and
that was real lousy. Don't follow
us.
                                                            
Dwight walks and meets up with Rusty.

BITSY slowly gets to her feet, sobbing.

Dwight and Rusty make their way through the make-shift
parking lot.
                                                            
 
EXT. DIRT ROAD - NIGHT
                                                            
Bitsy slowly staggers down the dark road, still crying.

A car passes, and then darkness.

It's quiet.

Something moves in the woods beside her.

78.


She stops, looking around.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Slim? Is that you? I'm sorry.
                                                            
Nothing.

Bitsy continues walking.

More movement.

She stops again, looking into the woods.
                                                            
                       BITSY
Hello? Is someone there?
                                                            
A FIGURE suddenly jumps out of the woods, and grabs Bitsy.

She screams as she's pulled into the darkness.

Silence.
                                                            
 
EXT. JANKS FIELD - NIGHT
                                                            
Dwight and Rusty continue weaving through all the cars,
trying to get to the arena.

They come across a pick up truck and stop. The windows are
open. It's red, just like Lee's.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Is this Lee's?
                                                            
Dwight looks at it.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I'm not sure.
                                                            
Rusty gets right next to the passenger door, and leans in.

With a bark and snarl, a POODLE jumps up from the passenger
seat, latching onto Rusty's forearm with its teeth.

Rusty yells and flings his arm out of the truck with the
Poodle still attached.

The Poodle slams onto the dirt ground and slides partially
under another car.

It gets to its feet with a snarl.


79.

SOMETHING grabs it from under the car, and pulls it into the
darkness.

Dwight and Rusty look at each other.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
What was that?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
No clue. How's your arm?
                                                            
Rusty looks at his arm, which is bleeding, but it's not that
bad.

He shrugs.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
I'll be okay. Come on.
                                                            
The two run through the field up to the arena.

At the gate, VIVIAN, one of Stryker's workers, is taking the
tickets from people, letting them into the arena.

She eyes them as they approach with their tickets in their
hands.
                                                            
                       VIVIAN
You don't look eighteen to me.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
We've got tickets.
                                                            
                       VIVIAN
Good for you. That doesn't change
the fact that you're not eighteen.
Did you not read the fliers? It
clearly says nobody under eighteen
is allowed in. No exceptions,
boys.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
We have special permission from
Stryker.
                                                            
Vivian eyes the boys, then turns to one of the other
WORKER's.
                                                            
                       VIVIAN
Cover the gate. I'll be back.
                                                            
She leads the boys to the side of the arena, and knocks on
the door of the tour bus.

80.


A moment later, the light flicks on, and Stryker opens the
door, buttoning his shirt.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Can I help you, Vivian?
                                                            
He is clearly annoyed by the disturbance.
                                                            
                       VIVIAN
These boys claim that you gave
them special permission to view
the show.
                                                            
Stryker looks from Rusty to Dwight.

When he sees Dwight, he smiles.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Ah, Dwight, isn't it?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Yes, sir.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Where's Lee? She was supposed to
accompany you to the show tonight.
That was the deal.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
She's coming late. She had to do
something first. She sent us to
get good seats.
                                                            
Stryker eyes Dwight for a moment, and then nods his head,
smiling.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Very well. Let them in, Vivian.
Sit with them until Dwight's
sister arrives. Enjoy the show,
boys.
                                                            
With that, Stryker turns and shuts the door behind him.

Vivian begins walking towards the arena.
                                                            
                       VIVIAN
Come with me.
                                                            
 

81.

EXT. ARENA - NIGHT
                                                            
The three enter the arena.

The bleachers are pretty filled up. A decent crowd showed up
for the show. It is brightly lit.

In the center of the arena, is a large box, draped in red
velvet.

Dwight looks around, and sees Lee in the bleachers. She
waves him over.


Dwight points at her, looking at Vivian.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
That's her right there.
                                                            
Vivian looks over at Lee, who nods and waves, smiling.
                                                            
                       VIVIAN
Very well, then.
                                                            
Vivian leaves the boys, who run up the bleacher, sitting
next to Lee.
                                                            
                       LEE
Got your note. I didn't expect to
beat you here. Where's Slim?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
She decided not to come.
                                                            
                       LEE
Why not?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
It's that time of the month. She
figured it would be a bad idea.
                                                            
Dwight looks at Rusty like he wants to slug him.
                                                            
                       LEE
Oh, I see.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Where did you go? We stopped by
your house, and you weren't there.
                                                            
                       LEE
It was so nice, I decided to take
a bottle of wine and go out to the
lake for a bit. I guess I dozed
            (MORE)

82.

                       LEE (cont'd)
off.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
We were worried about you.
                                                            
                       LEE
Why would you -
                                                            
She's cut off.
                                                            
                       STRYKER (O.S.)
Ladies and gentlemen, may I have
your attention please?
                                                            
They turn their attention to the cage.

Standing in the cage, decked out in the leather pants and
silk shirt, is Stryker, a microphone in his hand.

He's standing atop the large box.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Welcome to the Traveling Vampire
Show. My name is Julian Stryker.
I'm the owner of the show and the
master of tonight's extravaganza.
                                                            
Applause and cheers erupt from the crowd.

Stryker raises his arms for silence.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Not long ago, Valeria roamed the
Transylvanian Alps, feeding on the
blood of peasants in the dead of
night for many years. I knew
nothing of this until I heard news
that my uncle and his family were
savagely murdered by the creature.
Learning this, I vowed to bring
the slayer to justice. For three
long years, my team and I searched
for her, always one step behind.
Until, one day, we found her lair,
and discovered her sleeping in her
coffin. As I opened to coffin to
kill her, I was overcome by her
beauty, and couldn't bring myself
to do it. Still, I couldn't let
her roam around killing, either.
So, with the help of a wiseman
well versed in the art of
mesmerism, I took control of her
            (MORE)

83.

                       STRYKER (cont'd)
mind. And so I removed her from
her country, and brought her to
our....America!
                                                            
More applause.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Unfortunately, do to her blood
lust, she's not very welcome in
our land. Like a wandering Jew,
she must forever travel, never
stopping for long to rest. Never
calling a place home. So here we
are, pausing briefly on our
journey to bring you good folks
with a chance to view an actual
vampire. View her, and more!
                                                            
Whispers travel through the crowd.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Ladies and gentlemen, I'll make
you wait no longer. Here she is!
The world's only living vampire in
captivity. The lovely! The lethal!
The mouth-watering temptress of
Transylvania! Valeria!
                                                            
Stryker raises his arms high in the air, and the crowd
bursts into cheers.

Stryker lowers his arms.

Sparks erupt from the corners of the arena, and the red
velvet drops, revealing a cage.

It's roof and sides are made of iron bars. It's raised a few
feet off the ground on cinder blocks, and a wooden floor.

A coffin sits in the center of the cage.

It becomes silent.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Valeria! Arise!
                                                            
The lid to the coffin flies off, crashing to the wooden
floor.

Slowly, VALERIA sits up, as if in a trance.

She's gorgeous. Long flowing black hair. Fair skin.

84.

Beautiful. Great shape.

She stands up in the coffin, her cape flowing in the wind.

She's wearing a red leather bra-like top, a short red
leather skirt, and red leather boots with spurs.

Valeria slowly turns, so that the whole crowd can see her.

Rusty watches, stunned.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Holy shit.
                                                            
Valeria jumps out of the coffin gracefully, landing on the
wooden floor quietly.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Ladies and gentlemen, Valeria has
been locked inside her coffin
since our last performance several
nights ago. She is hungry for
blood!
                                                            
Laughter, cheers, and applause.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
The Traveling Vampire Show is more
than entertainment. It's also a
method for sustaining Valeria's
life. Before being captured, she
hunted at random and drained her
victims completely of their blood.
Tonight, as in each performance,
she gains her nourishment not from
one source, but from
several...members of the audience!
                                                            
More cheers.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
We make it a contest, ladies and
gentlemen. If you can last in the
cage with Valeria for five minutes
without her getting a drop of your
blood, you win a cash prize of
five hundred dollars!
                                                            
                       AUDIENCE MEMBER (O.S.)
You mean we have to fight her?
                                                            

85.

                       STRYKER
Only if you volunteer, but that's
exactly what I mean. Five hundred
dollars cash money to the victor.
And don't worry, folks. People
rarely die from being bitten by
Valeria. It's no more dangerous
than donating a pint of blood to
the red cross, but much more
pleasurable.
                                                            
Various MEN shout out, ready to take on the challenge.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Before I take volunteers, I must
warn you that Valeria is very
powerful, and can be dangerous.
You run a risk of injury, and in
rare cases, possible death. That
is why before entering the cage,
you must sign a waiver.
                                                            
Stryker looks down at Valeria.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Valeria, are you hungry?
                                                            
Valeria flings off her cape, roaring.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Audience, do I have a volunteer?
                                                            
About ten to fifteen MEN stand up, cheering and raising
their hands.

Stryker looks through the crowd, before pointing to someone.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
You, sir!
                                                            
He points at a built man, named CHANCE WALLACE.
                                                            
                       CHANCE
Semper fi!
                                                            
Chance makes his way down towards the cage as the audience
goes crazy.

Lee looks at Dwight.
                                                            
                       LEE
This should be good.
                                                            

86.

Vivian approaches Chance, mutters some words to him, and has
him sign the clip board.

Stryker leaps down from the cage, and stands next to Chance.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Your name, sir?
                                                            
                       CHANCE
Chance Wallace.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Chance, huh? Well, do you think
you stand a chance against
Valeria?
                                                            
                       CHANCE
Yes, sir!
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Good luck to you.
                                                            
                       CHANCE
Thank you, sir.
                                                            
Stryker steps away from Chance, and opens the door to the
cage.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
This door will remain open so that
the vic - the volunteer may leave
at anytime.
                                                            
                       CHANCE
May I ask a question, sir?
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Shoot.
                                                            
                       CHANCE
What are the rules?
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Do whatever it takes to avoid
being bitten, as long as no
weapons are used. Remember, five
minutes, five hundred dollars. Are
you ready?
                                                            
                       CHANCE
Yes, sir!
                                                            

87.

Stryker steps away, and Chance walks up the few wooden steps
and enters the cage.

Stryker takes a stopwatch out of his pocket.
                                                            
 
INT. CAGE - NIGHT
                                                            
Chance stands several feet away from Valeria.

She looks at him, her gaze cold.
                                                            
                       STRYKER (O.S.)
Let the contest begin!
                                                            
Chance raises his arms, ready to defend against Valeria,
whenever she chooses to strike.

Chance circles her.

She does nothing but watch him.
                                                            
                       CHANCE
Come on, darling. Don't be afraid.
I'm not like you, I won't bite.
                                                            
With a roar, Valeria pounces at Chance.

He is expecting it, and he grabs her and sends her to the
ground with a hip toss.

Quick as a flash, Valeria is back on her feet, hissing.
                                                            
                       AUDIENCE MEMBER (O.S.)
Come on, honey! Bite him!
                                                            
                       CHANCE
Hear that? That's for you.
                                                            
Vlaeria charges at Chance again, and Chance spins, grabbing
her arm and slamming her into the iron bars.

She turns around with a roar, and begins to circle Chance.
                                                            
                       CHANCE
Bring it!
                                                            
Valeria runs at Chace, and he sends her to the ground with a
shoulder take-down.

However, Valeria is quick to retaliate, and with a sweeping
kick, she trips Chance to the ground.


88.

Quick as a flash, she's on him, sinking her teeth in his
neck, sending blood spurting across the wooden floor.

Stryker enters the cage.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
And the winner is Valeria!
                                                            
Valeria continues drinking.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
      (away from the mic)
Valeria, quit!
                                                            
She doesn't, and Stryker rakes the spur of his boot across
her back.

Valeria's head darts up with a roar, blood flying from her
mouth.

Silence from the audience.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
      (back into the mic)
You've won, my dear.
                                                            
Valeria gets off of Chance, who struggles to his feet.

Stryker helps him up.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Let's hear it for a real
contender! Chance Wallace, ladies
and gentlemen!
                                                            
Applause from the crowd.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Chance's time with
Valeria....three minutes
forty-eight seconds! A fine
display of courage! That was just
the beginning, folks. Chance's
blood did little more than whet
Valeria's appetite. Who's up next?
                                                            
 
EXT. ARENA - NIGHT
                                                            
Rusty leans towards Dwight.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
How bitchin' was that?
                                                            

89.

                       DWIGHT
Pretty cool.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
Although what I had just seen had
shocked and amazed me, I found
myself wishing that Slim was
there. I couldn't stop thinking
about Bitsy, either. Why didn't I
stop Rusty?
                                                            
Chance is led out of the cage by Vivian, and escorted off to
the side of the arena.

Lee looks at Dwight.
                                                            
                       LEE
That sure was something, huh?
                                                            
                       STRYKER (O.S.)
You there!
                                                            
CHESTER MILLER, a scrawny, balding guy in his late forties
with glasses walks down towards the bleachers.

He's wearing knee-high socks, loafers, shorts, and a
buttoned shirt.

Lee smiles.
                                                            
                       LEE
I think we've found our winner.
                                                            
Dwight and Rusty laugh while the crowd cheers.

Chester makes his way down towards the cage, where Vivian
meets him with the clipboard.

He signs it, and Stryker stands next to him, just outside
the cage.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
And you are?
                                                            
                       CHESTER
I'm Chester.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Well Chester, if you can last a
mere minute and twelve seconds
longer than Chance, you'll win
five hundred dollars. How does
that sound to you?
                                                            

90.

                       CHESTER
It sounds damn good!
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Would you like to take your
glasses off so they're not broken?
                                                            
                       CHESTER
I'll keep them on, thanks. This
Valeria is a fine looking woman.
A guy'd have to be crazy to go in
that cage without his glasses.
                                                            
Laughter and cheers from the crowd.

Stryker steps to the side and motions for him to enter the
cage.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Best of luck, friend.
                                                            
Chester walks up the steps and enters the cage.
                                                            
 
INT. CAGE - NIGHT
                                                            
Chester looks at Valeria, smiling.

She doesn't return the gesture.
                                                            
                       STRYKER (O.S.)
Let the contest begin!
                                                            
Chester stands there, arms down by his side, just staring at
Valeria.

She doesn't move.

Then, Chester raises his hands and pretends to honk her
breasts.

Laughter, cheers, and boos from the audience.

Valeria smirks, sticks her chest out, and takes a step
forward, nodding in approval.

Chester is stunned.
                                                            
                       CHESTER
Me?
                                                            
Again, Valeria nods, and Chester steps forward.


91.

He grasps her breasts, and squeezes them.

Then, in a growl, Valeria grabs him by the balls with one
hand, and by the shirt with the other, lifting him, slamming
his head up through the bars at the top of the cage.

Chester cries out, grabbing the bars, keeping himself up
there, afraid to let go and fall.

Valeria tears his pants off, revealing his boxer shorts.

Various cries from the audience.
                                                            
                       AUDIENCE MEMBER (O.S.)
Bite it off!
                                                            
Valeria opens her mouth, when Chester kicks her right in the
chest.

She staggers back and falls to the ground.

Chester drops down from the bars and runs to jump on her.

Valeria raises her leg.

Braced up by her leg, Chester is thrown over her body,
splattering blood onto Valeria.

He flips mid-air, and crashes across the top of her casket.

He's split open from navel to sternum. Her spurs did it.
                                                            
 
EXT. ARENA - NIGHT
                                                            
Dwight, Rusty, and Lee look down, astonished.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Holy shit.
                                                            
                       LEE
And I thought he was a ringer.
                                                            
The black shirt crew carries Chester out of the cage and out
of the arena on a stretcher.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Let's hear it for Chester, ladies
and gentlemen! A real scrapper!
                                                            
Here and there, people make their way down the bleachers,
leaving the show.
                                                            

92.

                       LEE
I can see why there's an age
restriction on this show.
                                                            
Down by the cage, Stryker checks his stopwatch.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Chester's time was two minutes and
thirteen seconds, ladies and
gentlemen.
                                                            
Lee watches some of the people leave.
                                                            
                       LEE
Maybe we should be going to.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
We can't! Let's just stay for one
more!
                                                            
Lee ponders for a moment.
                                                            
                       LEE
One more. Then we leave. Deal?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Deal.
                                                            
Down by the arena, Vivian approaches Stryker, and whispers
something to him.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
I've just been informed that
although he needs some stitches,
Chester is going to be fine. Let's
hear it again for him!
                                                            
Scattered applause here and there.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Perhaps that scrawny bastard
deserved more than he got!
                                                            
Cheers erupt from the crowd. They're back in good spirits.

In the cage, Valeria wipes blood off her using a white rag.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
If Chester can last a fair share
of time, why can't you last the
whole time? Do we have another
volunteer?
                                                            

93.

In the stands, SCOTTY stands up.
                                                            
                       SCOTTY
Right here!
                                                            
Stryker points at him.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Yes! You there! Come on down!
                                                            
Scotty takes off his leather jacket and makes his way down
towards the cage, his friends cheering him on.

He has a slight limp.
                                                            
Dwight and Rusty watch as Scotty steps beside the cage,
signing the clipboard.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I don't believe it.
                                                            
                       LEE
Is that Scotty Douglas?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Yeah.
                                                            
                       LEE
I knew his brother. He was a
real...jerk.
                                                            
Down by the cage, Stryker stands next to Scotty.
                                                            
                       SCOTTY
Name's Scott Douglas. I'm here to
collect my five hundred bucks.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Think you can do it, huh?
                                                            
                       SCOTTY
Damn right, sport.
                                                            
Stryker steps aside, and lets Scotty enter the cage.
                                                            
 
INT. CAGE - NIGHT
                                                            
Valeria doesn't even look at Scotty when he enters the cage.
                                                            
                       STRYKER (O.S.)
Ladies and gentlemen, the contest
has begun!
                                                            

94.

Scotty takes off his shirt, and rolls it up.

He snaps it across Valeria's bare belly, getting her
attention.

She looks at him.
                                                            
                       SCOTTY
Let's go, bitch. Do something.
                                                            
Valeria just looks at him.

Thunder rumbles overhead.

Scotty snaps his shirt at her again, this time however, she
grabs it and tears it out of his hands.
                                                            
                       SCOTTY
Pretty quick...for a girl.
                                                            
Scotty undoes his belt, and then cracks it like a whip,
right on her midsection.

She flinches. That hurt.

The two begin to circle each other.

Scotty keeps cracking his belt, but Valeria manages to dodge
it a few times.

Eventually, however, Scotty catches her right across the
face with it.

Valeria roars.

Scotty goes the snap again, but Valeria undoes her top and
uses it to deflect the belt.

The two become tangled, and Valeria jerks, ripping the belt
out of Scotty's hand, casting both across the cage.

Valeria is now topless.
                                                            
                       SCOTTY
That's my favorite belt, you
fucking bitch!
                                                            
Scotty runs at her, and she kicks him in the stomach.

Scotty punches her across the face before she has time to do
anything else, and then shoulder-tackles her.

Valeria jumps back up on her feet.

95.


Scotty runs for his belt, but before he can make it, Valeria
pounces on him, sinking her teeth into his neck.

Blood gushes from the wound, pouring down his front and
back.

Stryker enters the cage.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
      (away from the mic)
That's enough Valeria.
                                                            
Valeria doesn't stop.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
      (away from mic)
Want another taste of my spur?
                                                            
Valeria releases Scotty, who drops to the ground.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
And the winner is Valeria!
                                                            
Stryker looks down at his stopwatch as two members of the
crew enter the cage, helping Scotty to his feet.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Scott's time with Valeria was
three minutes and seven seconds.
Not bad at all.
                                                            
 
EXT. ARENA - NIGHT
                                                            
Applause from the crowd.

More thunder. Rain begins to sprinkle.
                                                            
                       LEE
Time to go.
                                                            
Lee and Dwight stand up, and turn to Rusty. He's not there.

Halfway to the cage, running at full speed, is Rusty, waving
his hands.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
Me! It's me! I'm next!
                                                            
Stryker looks at Rusty with a smile.
                                                            

96.

                       STRYKER
I see we have an eager young
volunteer.
                                                            
Rusty signs the clipboard.

In the stands, Lee and Dwight make their way towards the
cage, trying to stop Rusty.
                                                            
                       LEE
Wait! He can't! He's too young!
                                                            
Lee and Dwight are held back by two members of the crew.

Vivian approaches her.
                                                            
                       VIVIAN
Just go back to your seat, ma'am.
                                                            
                       LEE
No! You can't do this. He's too
young. I'm his mother and -
                                                            
                       VIVIAN
His mother. Right. Just go back to
your seat or I'll have you removed
from the arena.
                                                            
Dwight and Lee make their way back up the stands.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Great.
                                                            
                       LEE
How's he going to explain this
injury to his parents?
                                                            
Down by the cage, Stryker is next to Rusty.
                                                            
                       RUSTY
I'm Rusty.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Are you ready to take on Valeria,
Rusty?
                                                            
                       RUSTY
You bet.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Best of luck, my young friend.
                                                            

97.

                       RUSTY
Thank you, Mr. Stryker.
                                                            
Rusty walks up the steps to the cage.
                                                            
 
INT. CAGE - NIGHT
                                                            
Rusty enters the cage, and aleria finishes putting her top
back on.
                                                            
                       STRYKER (O.S.)
Let the contest begin!
                                                            
Thunder roars, as does the crowd. The rain begins to pick up
slightly.

Wasting no time, Rusty charges for, slamming his shoulder
into Valeria's gut.

She collapses to the ground and doesn't move.

Rusty stands over her, looking down at her.
                                                            
 
EXT. ARENA - NIGHT
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Get away from her, Rusty!
                                                            
                       LEE
She's playing possum!
                                                            
From the stands, Lee and Dwight watch as Rusty undoes his
pants.

BOOM! A bolt of lightning slams into the bank of the arena
lights, and they explode in a shower of sparks and broken
glass.

Darkness covers the arena.

People yell and scatter like rats, trying to get out.

Lee and Dwight stay put.

Lightning flashes again, and in that flash, we see Rusty, on
top of Valeria, thrusting.

Dwight and Lee watch in horror, but in the chaos, they lose
sight.

They make their way down through the throng of the fleeing

98.

crowd.

Another flash of lightning.

Down in the cage, more thrusting.

Dwight and Lee aren't making any progress.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Rusty!
                                                            
                       LEE
Get the fuck out of my way!
                                                            
Lightning flashes again, and in the flash, Valeria is biting
a chunk out of Rusty's arm.
                                                            
                       LEE
Oh, no! She's got him!
                                                            
The crowd clears, and Dwight and Lee make their way down to
the cage.

They are stopped once again by two members of the crew.

Vivian is once again there.
                                                            
                       VIVIAN
Look, I already told you -
                                                            
                       LEE
We're not going anywhere without
my son!
                                                            
                       VIVIAN
Your son, right. Get out of here.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
You can't make us! This is public
property. And anyway, my dad's the
seriff!
                                                            
                       VIVIAN
Sure, kid.
                                                            
Dwight and Lee continue to struggle.

Stryker walks over to them.

Rusty is carried away by other members of the crew.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
What seems to be the problem here?
                                                            

99.

                       DWIGHT
My friend! They're taking him
away. Rusty, the one who -
                                                            
                       STRYKER
I know who he is. He's been hurt.
They're taking him to an
ambulance.
                                                            
Dwight breaks free of the guy who is holding him, and
Stryker grabs him before he can go anywhere.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Let go of me!
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Just calm down!
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
But I couldn't calm down. Nothing
seemed right.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
They're taking him away!
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Nothing to worry about.
                                                            
Stryker turns to the CREW MEMBER holding Lee.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Let the woman go.
                                                            
The Crew Member lets Lee go.
                                                            
                       LEE
Now let Dwight go.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Giving me orders?
                                                            
Even still, Stryker lets go of Dwight.
                                                            
                       LEE
We want Rusty back.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
He's been seriously injured during
the competition. We'll see he gets
the proper attention.
                                                            
                       LEE
We'll take care of him.
                                                            

100.

                       STRYKER
He's already being looked after.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Where is he!?
                                                            
Stryker looks at Dwight with a sneer.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Wouldn't you like to know?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Yes!
                                                            
Stryker chuckles.

Lee grabs Dwight's hand, and begins to pull him away.
                                                            
                       LEE
Come on, Dwight. Let's go.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
We can't leave Rusty!
                                                            
                       LEE
Now!
                                                            
The two walk out of the arena.
                                                            
 
EXT. JANKS FIELD - NIGHT
                                                            
Dwight and Lee begin walking away from the arena.

It's really pouring rain now.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
What are we going to do?
                                                            
                       LEE
I'm not sure yet.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
We can't leave Rusty.
                                                            
                       LEE
I know.
                                                            
Stryker jogs out of the arena.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Lee! Wait!
                                                            

101.

Lee and Dwight stop walking and turn around, facing Stryker.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
      (as if he forgot)
What is it that you want again?
                                                            
                       LEE
We just want Rusty.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
How bad do you want him?
                                                            
Stryker smiles. It's not a good smile.
                                                            
 
INT. ARENA - NIGHT
                                                            
Dwight is being held back by two of Stryker's crew, with
Vivian ushering them to the bleachers.

Two vehicles have been pulled up to the arena, their
headlights on, casting light on the cage.

The rest of the arena is still very dark.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Lee! No! You can't do this! Don't
fight her!
                                                            
Lee is in front of the cage, preparing to go in and fight
Valeria, who is looking up at the sky, letting the rain fall
down on her.

Lee looks at Dwight, tears in her eyes.
                                                            
                       LEE
Don't worry, honey. It's going to
be alright.
                                                            
Dwight stops struggling, and the three go halfway up the
bleachers, and sit.

Vivian looks at Dwight.
                                                            
                       VIVIAN
Aren't you glad you came?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Fuck you.
                                                            

102.

                       VIVIAN
Such language! Would your parents
approve? I bet they don't even
know you're here, do they?
                                                            
Dwight says nothing, and Vivian laughs.

Down by the cage, Lee faces Stryker.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Five minutes. You do that, and
Rusty is yours.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
I hoped for the best, but I
expected the worst. Even if Lee
did win, we had no guarantee that
Stryker would keep his end of the
bargain.
                                                            
Lee walks up the stairs and enters the cage.

Stryker grabs the gate, closes it, and locks it.

Up in the bleachers, Dwight tries to stand up, but is held
down.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Hey! He shut the gate!
                                                            
                       VIVIAN
Gate or no gate, there's no way in
hell your girl is getting out of
there alive.
                                                            
 
INT. CAGE - NIGHT
                                                            
Lee and Valeria circle each other, each one prepared for the
other to attack.

Suddenly Valeria lashes out, strikes Lee across the face,
and follows through with a kick to the stomach.

Upon impact, Lee grabs Valeria's foot, and launches Valeria
onto her back.

Lee then gets on top of Valeria, smacks her across the face
a few times, and then grabs her by the hair and bashes her
head into the ground a few times.
                                                            
                       STRYKER (O.S.)
Regain control!
                                                            

103.

Valeria knocks Lee on the side of the head, and tosses her
off.

They both get to their feet.

Valeria runs at Lee with a roar, and slams her into the
bars.

Valeria knees Lee in the ribs a couple times.

Lee pushes Valeria away, and then kicks her in the stomach.

Lee tackles Valeria, and the two roll along the cage floor,
grappling, each one trying to get the upper hand.
                                                            
 
INT. ARENA - NIGHT
                                                            
Quick as a flash, Dwight elbows the large CREW MEMBER that's
next to him in the nose, breaking it, jumps up and begins
running down the bleachers, narrowly escaping the Crew
Member's grasp.

He charges down towards the cage.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Open the gate! I'm coming, Lee!
                                                            
Smiling, Stryker opens the gate, and Dwight runs inside.

Stryker closes and locks it behind him.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Two for one.
                                                            
 
INT. CAGE - NIGHT
                                                            
Dwight slams into Valeria, knocking her off of Lee.

Lee and Valeria get to their feet.

Dwight looks at Lee.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Good going, Lee.
                                                            
                       VALERIA
Very good going. For a girl. Do
you suppose you can do better,
Mister Thompson?
                                                            

104.

Her voice has a slight drawl and accent, though she sounds
great.

Lee runs at Valeria, and begins delivering punches into
Valeria's stomach and ribs.

Valeria stands there, taking the beating, looking at Dwight.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Lee's doing just fine.
                                                            
Valeria smiles.
                                                            
                       VALERIA
Is she?
                                                            
Valeria suddenly grabs Lee by the throat, spins around, and
slams Lee into the cage doors, pinning her there by the
throat.

Lee doesn't move.
                                                            
                       VALERIA
Yes, she's doing just fine, isn't
she?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Let her go!
                                                            
Valeria examines Lee's dripping wet body, and slides her
other hand up and down her torso in a very sensual way.

She stops at Lee's right breast and gives it a squeeze.

She turns back to Dwight.
                                                            
                       VALERIA
How do you suppose it tastes?
                                                            
Valeria opens her mouth wide, revealing her fangs, and turns
to Lee.

Dwight runs forward and slams into Valeria.

Lee sags to the floor.

Dwight stays on top of Valeria, pinning her to the ground by
her arms.

He sits up.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Time!?
                                                            

105.

                       VALERIA
This isn't a game anymore.
                                                            
Dwight looks at Valeria.

At the rise and fall of her chest as she slightly struggles
to breathe under his weight. Breathe.

She's not a real vampire.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
I could feel her heart beating,
and the rise and fall of her
diaphragm with each breath. She
wasn't a vampire. Just a woman.
Just.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Give up?
                                                            
                       VALERIA
I think not.
                                                            
Valeria looks down at her breasts, then back at Dwight, who
is on top of her.

She smiles suggestively.
                                                            
                       VALERIA
I know what you'd like to do. Go
ahead. I let your friend do it,
and he's not nearly as cute as
you.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
You let him?
                                                            
                       VALERIA
Did you honestly think he'd
overpowered me? Nothing happens
unless I allow it. I give you
permission, Mister Thompson.
                                                            
Dwight shakes his head.
                                                            
                       VALERIA
I know you want to. I see the lust
in your eyes.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
If you say so. I just want out of
here.
                                                            

106.

Dwight looks out into the arena.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Come on, the five minutes are up!
Call the time! Let us out of here!
                                                            
                       VALERIA
You don't want to die a virgin, do
you?
                                                            
Dwight looks down at Valeria.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Die?
                                                            
                       VALERIA
This is your chance to avoid such
a miserable fate. Kiss me.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
No.
                                                            
                       VALERIA
Fuck me.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
You're beautiful and all, but I
don't like you. I would do it with
you if you were the last woman -
                                                            
Valeria roars and flings Dwight off her body.

Dwight crashes to the ground, and she picks him up by his
shirt, and slams him into the bars.

She rips off his shirt, and takes off her own top.

She rubs her naked chest against his, and puts her face
maybe an inch from Dwight's.
                                                            
                       VALERIA
See what you'll be missing?
                                                            
With one hand, she grabs Dwight by the hair, moving his head
to the side, exposing his neck.

She leans back, hissing, ready to take a bite.

THUNK.

An arrow slams into Valeria's right eye.

She stumbles back, releasing Dwight.

107.


Blood pours from her eye, and another arrow slams into her
right breast, right in her nipple.

She staggers more.

A third and final arrow gets her on the left side of her
chest, just above the heart.

She falls back onto the cage floor, dead.

Dwight looks around, and Lee staggers to her feet.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
You okay?
                                                            
                       LEE
What happened?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I think Slim happened.
                                                            
Dwight looks out into the arena.

The arena is empty.

Stryker and his crew must've fled when the first arrow hit.

Dwight returns to Lee, and they both head for the cage door.

They try to open it. It doesn't budge.
                                                            
                       LEE
Damn. What do we do now?
                                                            
                       SLIM (O.S.)
Hey!
                                                            
Dwight and Lee start to turn around.
                                                            
                       SLIM (O.S.)
Don't turn around. They're in the
bus watching you. Keep messing
with the door.
                                                            
They do as they're told.
                                                            
                       LEE
It's a combination padlock. You'd
better go get help.
                                                            

108.

                       SLIM (O.S.)
Not a good idea. I need to keep
you guys covered.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Are you alright?
                                                            
                       SLIM (O.S.)
I'm fine. Just a little beat up.
Bitsy jumped me.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
What!? That little -
                                                            
                       SLIM (O.S.)
She adores you. Have you seen her?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
We sent her away before the show
started.
                                                            
                       SLIM (O.S.)
Where's Rusty?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Don't know. They took him away
after Valeria bit him.
                                                            
                       SLIM (O.S.)
Still got your pocket knife?
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
I had forgotten I had it in my
pocket. That would've come in
handy a lot earlier. Like I said,
Slim had more brains than Rusty
and I put together.
                                                            
Dwight takes out his pocket knife.
                                                            
                       SLIM (O.S.)
Now come over to my side of the
cage.
                                                            
Dwight turns around, then runs to her side of the cage.

The lights of the bus turn on, shedding light on that side
of the cage.

Slim is really beat up. She has a gash and her face is
swollen.
                                                            

109.

                       SLIM
Trade you!
                                                            
The bus begins to drive towards them.

Slim pushes the bow and arrows through the cage, and Dwight
gives her the pocket knife.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Now kiss me.
                                                            
Dwight kisses her through the cage.
                                                            
                       SLIM
I love you, Dwight. Don't let
yourself get hurt, or I'll have to
kill you.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
God, Slim.
                                                            
The bus hisses to a stop, and the doors open.

Slim takes off towards the bleachers, and a Crew Member, the
one that was guarding Dwight, takes off after her.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Leave her alone!
                                                            
Dwight loads the bow, and fires.

The arrow slams into the Crew Member's back, and he skids
across the ground.
                                                            
Lights flash in Dwight's face, and he turns and readies
another bow, aiming in the direction of the lights.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Turn off the lights or I'll shoot.
                                                            
The lights click off.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Thanks. Now let us out of the
cage.
                                                            
                       STRYKER (O.S.)
Why would I do that?
                                                            
Dwight loads another arrow, and fires into the darkness.

THUP.

110.


It hits SOMEONE, and she cries out in pain.
                                                            
                       FEMALE CREW (O.S.)
You fucking bastard!
                                                            
Again, they all retreat back inside the bus.

Lee stands next to Dwight.
                                                            
                       LEE
You're doing really well.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Thanks. I'm trying.
                                                            
                       LEE
I always knew you were a good guy,
but you're better than I thought.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Thanks.
                                                            
                       LEE
We've just got to stay brave.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I'll try.
                                                            
                       LEE
Me too. At least we don't have to
worry about Slim in that respect.
                                                            
Dwight starts to cry at that comment.

Lee strokes his back.
                                                            
                       LEE
She'll be fine.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
If anything happens to her, I'll -
                                                            
                       LEE
It's okay, honey. I know. It's
going to be fine. You need to be
strong right now. We've got to be
ready for the attack.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
What attack?
                                                            

111.

                       LEE
The one that's sure to come.
                                                            
Lee moves and stands over Valeria's dead body.

She grasps the arrow sticking out of her nipple.

Dwight looks at her in shock.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
What? Lee, no.
                                                            
                       LEE
We need the ammo.
                                                            
From inside the cage, the doors to the bus are heard
opening.

In the darkness, several figures stand in front of the cage.

Lee now has the bow, and an arrow is pulled back at the
ready.

The figures move and surround the cage.

They have spears in their hands.
                                                            
                       LEE
They're all around us.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I noticed.
                                                            
Stryker stands about twenty feet in front of them.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
I'll make you a deal!
                                                            
                       LEE
What sort of deal?
                                                            
                       STRYKER
We'll let you and the kid live if
-
                                                            
Lee lets her arrow fly, and Stryker spins out of the way
just in time.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Fuck!
                                                            
Lee turns to Dwight, handing him the bow.
                                                            

112.

                       LEE
Maybe you'd better shoot.
                                                            
Dwight takes the bow.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Don't do that again.
                                                            
                       LEE
Chuck you, Farley!
                                                            
Stryker blows a whistle.

Spears fly through the air.

Lee pulls Dwight to the ground as the spears fall around
them, sticking out of the ground.

Dwight and Lee slowly stand up.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
I blow that whistle again, and
you'll be writhing on lances. Just
listen to my offer. Do you really
want the kids to die?
                                                            
                       LEE
Yeah well you said you'd let us go
if I fought Valeria, and you
didn't keep that deal, so why
should I trust you now?
                                                            
                       STRYKER
You weren't supposed to kill her.
                                                            
                       LEE
Fortunes of war, buddy.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Here's my new offer. You killed my
sole attraction, so -
                                                            
                       LEE
I didn't kill her.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
You, your friends, it's all the
same. Valeria's dead and we're out
of business unless we replace her.
I want you to take her spot.
                                                            
                       LEE
I'm not a vampire.
                                                            

113.

                       STRYKER
That's not a problem. All you have
to do is travel with us and take
on contestants.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
You can't!
                                                            
                       LEE
For how long?
                                                            
                       STRYKER
For as long as I say.
                                                            
                       LEE
And you'll let everyone else go?
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Certainly. I would have to in
order for you to keep your end of
the bargain.
                                                            
Lee turns to Dwight.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
You can't do it.
                                                            
                       LEE
What other choices do we have?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
We fight.
                                                            
                       LEE
There's too many of them. They'll
kill us. I don't want you to die,
or me to die, for that matter.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
What about Danny?
                                                            
Lee's chin trembles. Her voice shakes.
                                                            
                       LEE
Tell him that I love him. That
I'll always love him. This is
something that I had to do. I'll
come back to him if I can.
                                                            
Dwight cries again.
                                                            

114.

                       LEE
I have to do this, honey. It's the
right thing to do.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
No.
                                                            
                       LEE
Let me have the bow.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
No!
                                                            
Lee grabs the bow and takes it from him.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I thought we were going to fight?
                                                            
                       LEE
I'm sorry.
                                                            
Lee tosses the bow through the bars of the cage.
                                                            
                       LEE
It's a deal!
                                                            
                       STRYKER
You won't be sorry.
                                                            
Stryker approaches the cage, unlocks it, and steps in.

His crew stays outside, still surrounding the cage.

Stryker looks at the fallen Valeria.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
      (to his crew)
I know that Valeria meant a lot to
you. And me too. She will be
dearly missed, but this is our new
star, Lee Thompson.
                                                            
Scattered mutters and applause.

Stryker picks up Valeria's top, and then removes Valeria's
skirt.

He holds them up for Lee.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Now we see how you look in the
outfit.
                                                            

115.

Lee strips, and places on the top and skirt.
                                                            
                       STRYKER
Our new star, Lenora the Vampire!
                                                            
Stryker's thugs go crazy, cheering and clapping.

Nobody notices the hearse until it's too late.

The hearse plows through the thugs, sending them flying
through the air, and scattering about.

It circles the cage.

Stryker watches, shocked.

Dwight takes this moment to his advantage, grabs an arrow
from the quiver, and drives it through Stryker's neck in a
spurt of blood.

Stryker gags, staring wide-eyed at Dwight as he slowly sinks
to the ground.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Come on, Lee!
                                                            
They each grab a spear, and jump out of the cage, running at
the hearse, which is swerving to avoid the spears being
thrown at it.

The hearse spins around, heading for Lee and Dwight.

A THUG jumps in front of them, his spear ready.

Before he can attack though, Lee drives her spear right into
his mouth, and Dwight slams his into his gut, dropping him.

The two run for the hearse and jump in.

It speeds off as spears fall harmlessly to the ground behind
it.
                                                            
 
INT. HEARSE - NIGHT
                                                            
Slim is at the wheel, Lee and Dwight sitting next to her.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Thanks for saving my neck again.
                                                            
                       SLIM
It's my favorite neck.
                                                            

116.

Slim glances in her mirrors.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
I don't think they'll be coming
after us.
                                                            
                       SLIM
It doesn't hurt to check.
                                                            
                       LEE
They've got so many dead.
                                                            
                       SLIM
We decimated their butts.
                                                            
                       LEE
You did a great job, Slim.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
What happened?
                                                            
                       SLIM
I just snuck around, trying to
find Rusty.
                                                            
                       LEE
Any luck?
                                                            
Slim shakes her head.
                                                            
                       SLIM
I don't know where they took him.
I searched the semi and the bus,
but got nothing. Then I found the
hearse, and it was about that time
I saw you guys surrounded in the
cage, so I took care of the driver
and here we are.
                                                            
                       LEE
And we appreciate it.
                                                            
                       SLIM
I just- I wanted to find Rusty. I
don't want to leave him behind.
                                                            
Dwight and Lee look at each other, then back at Slim.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Want to go back?
                                                            

117.

                       SLIM
I don't know. I think so. What
about you?
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Let's go find him.
                                                            
                       LEE
What the hell. In for a penny...
                                                            
                       SLIM
"And gentlemen in England now
a-bed shall think themselves
accursed they were not here, and
hold their manhoods cheap."
                                                            
Slim applies the brakes, and puts the hearse in reverse.

She looks backwards, but can't see anything.

The back is shrouded by a window, which in turn is covered
by a curtain on the other side.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Damn. I can't back up without
being able to see.
                                                            
                       DWIGHT
Turn around?
                                                            
                       SLIM
Road's too narrow.
                                                            
Thud.

Something in the back moves.
                                                            
                       SLIM
Rusty!
                                                            
Lee throws open the door, as does Slim.
                                                            
 
EXT. DIRT ROAD - NIGHT
                                                            
They fling open the door and look inside in horror.

The volunteers are all in the hearse. Chance, Chester,
Scotty, and Rusty.

They're all in pieces, piled up next to a casket, which
holds the real VAMPIRE.


118.

It's a pale, obese, legless and hairless man. His eyes are
bright red, his fangs long, and the nails of his fingers
sharp.

In one hand is Rusty's upside-down head.

The Vampire uses it's other hand to rip out a large gob of
gore, and stuff it into his mouth, smiling at them.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
All things considered, I think we
handles ourselves very well.
                                                            
All three of them scream, gag, and make various other
noises.

Slim slams the door shut, and they run down the dark dirt
road towards Route 3.
                                                            
 
EXT. JANKS FIELD - DAY
                                                            
The three make their way onto Janks Field, armed to the
teeth in anti-vampire gear.

But there's no sign of the show.

All that is there is Lee's pick up truck, a VW Beetle, and a
Cadillac. No bus. No hearse. No bodies.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
That night we made a decision to
return in the morning and finish
the show, and reclaim the body of
our friend. But there was nothing.
It was empty.
                                                            
TIME LAPSE
                                                            
Frank and other police officers are at the field,
investigating.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
Of course there was a big
investigation, but the Traveling
Vampire Show was never seen or
heard from again. Neither was the
bodies of the volunteers or
Stryker or Valeria or any of the
workers that were killed. Or
Bitsy.
                                                            
 

119.

EXT. TROPICAL BEACH - DAY
                                                            
Frank and Lacy are sitting in beach chairs on some tropical
beach.

Sitting on a towel in the sand are Dwight and Slim.

Dwight's head is shaved.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
Rusty had won the bet about
Valeria's beauty, no contest. We
went through with the pay off as a
tribute to Rusty. We only told Lee
the reason why.
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Lee is in a hospital bed, a baby in her arms.

DANNY is next to her, smiling.

The room is filled with the family, and of course, Slim.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
The next year Lee and my brother
had a baby girl.
                                                            
Dwight and Slim smile at each other, and kiss.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
Slim starting calling herself
Fran, short for Frances, and we
were going steady. Things were
just about as great as they could
be. Except for Rusty being dead
and Bitsy missing and Lee and Fran
and me never being able to
completely get away from memories
of what we saw that night in the
back of that hearse.
                                                            
 
INT. DWIGHT'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
In the living room, on the mantle, is a picture of ADULT
DWIGHT and ADULT SLIM, and their two CHILDREN.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
Anyway, that's my story.
                                                            
 

120.

EXT. GRANDVILLE, USA - DAY
                                                            
The town of Grandeville shines brightly.
                                                            
                       ADULT DWIGHT (V.O.)
I just want to say, if you ever
get word that a Traveling Vampire
Show is coming to your town, stay
away from it. For God's sake.
                                                            


THE END


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From Chris Spivey Date 1/24/2009 ***1/2
Excellent adaptation of a great book that I've always wanted to tackle myself. I could never see how to make it a PG or PG-13 script without losing the story, and I see you went the R route yourself. Might be a tough rating sell for what is essentially a coming of age story, but other than that small gripe you've done a great job with the source material.

From Bryce Date 11/2/2008 ***
It was pretty good, it reminded me about Rocky Horror Film Project and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, that is great to, and don't forget to look on page 2, a script called Musical Chairs written by me, anyway good effort!


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