Satanic Draft 10

8/6/2019 Satanic Draft 10

1/15

SATANIC

Written by

Robert William McCormack

56 Gorham AvenuePembroke, MA 02359(781) 361 1409


2/15

BLACK SCREEN:

Sudden, jarring, and very unsettling, the sound of SHATTERINGGLASS pierces the silence.

HARD CUT TO:

INT. WARNER HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT

Spilled wine oozed across a tiled kitchen floor, shards ofbroken glass scattered every which way.

The sound of DRIPPING WATER is distant.

Somewhere, a CLOCK TICKS.

Then, a PHONE RINGS.

Fierce and fiery, exuding a stubborn desperation in the midstof her messy kitchen, CATHERINE WARNER, 30, holds her hand ina paper towel, blood seeping through.

CATHERINEShit.

The phone continues to RING.

Catherine stumbles from the cluttered counter towards thesink. Quickly, she grabs a sponge and drops to the floor tosop up the mess, just missing the phone.

Kneeling, Catherine is oblivious to the sliding glass doorquietly opening just out of sight, an INTRUDER entering.

A gun comes into range, aimed directly at Catherines head.

HARD CUT TO:

INT. KATZ HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT - (2 HOURS EARLIER)

Despite the pall of tension that lingers over the residence,the Katzs kitchen is immediately warm and inviting.

At the center of the room, seated at an old wooden table, isCatherine, visibly frazzled. Beside her sits BETH KATZ, 59,

wife of WARREN KATZ, 61, who is seated farthest to the right.

Warren, dressed in his night clothes, still looksdistinguished and respectable. Beth appears just as refined.


3/15

Her anxiety slowly starting to manifest itself, Catherineshuffles through her papers, piling them around the

manuscript for Warrens novel, SATANIC.

CATHERINEI dont think you understand the

gravity of the situation, Warren.

The author seems unaffected, which further aggravates hisagent.

CATHERINE (CONTD)These... threats are no longersomething we can just set aside andignore. Youve seen the news. Whatthey did to Kenning over in Osloproved that.

Warren sips his drink silently.

BETH(quietly desperate)

Warren. Please, just listen to whatshe has to say.

CATHERINE(suddenly intense)

This will not go away. You canpretend it will, but in allreality, it wont. There are no two

ways about it. You either live...or you die.

Warren, still seemingly unfazed, takes another sip of hisdrink before setting it back down.

Beth, awestruck, sits back in her chair.

Catherine realizes she has crossed a line

CATHERINE (CONTD)Im sorry.

She sighs, proceeding quietly.

CATHERINE (CONTD)Its just... its just this job. Itdoesnt usually entail the life ordeath situations that were facinghere.

Warren leans forward in his chair, picking up the novel.

2.


4/15

WARRENI understand, I really do.

Warren looks towards Beth, taking her hand gently in his.

WARREN (CONTD)

I am so sorry about everything thathas happened. But I refuse to givein. I refuse to let them win.For gods sake, what ever happenedto freedom of speech?

Beth takes a sip of her drink, appearing almost hurt at whatis being said.

BETHYou pissed off the wrong people,Warren. They dont care aboutfreedom of speech. I just... I just

want it all back.

Catherine nods slowly in agreement.

CATHERINEAnd I think I can help you get justthat.

She sighs, setting down the papers in hand and picking up apen to fiddle with.

CATHERINE (CONTD)(pronounced)

I see it like this. We send you offfor a few months. Somewhere warm,remote, a place they wont think tolook at. You two can call it avacation.

Catherine looks at Warren, quickly realizing that shes notwinning the argument.

CATHERINE (CONTD)A working vacation, perhaps. We letthis thing cool off, let the books

success speak for itself in theinternational markets. By Christmastime, the world will be in fullsupport of Warren Katz, and wellbring you back full throttle, maybehave a book on the shelves by thesummer.

(to Beth)Let the government do what it doesbest and handle these people.

3.


5/15

She gives a smile with the intention of appearing reassuring.

Warren leans forward in his chair.

WARRENHas it really come to this? Running

away?

CATHERINE(beat)

Ill be honest, Warren. It doesntlook like theres much else we cando at this point, not unless you

want to spend the next two yearsunder constant police supervision --

WARRENPrisoners in our own home.

Before Warren can continue, Beth takes a stand.

BETH(growing agitated)

So youre telling me to just dropeverything -- friends, family, work-- and just go off on vacation?

She glares at Catherine, the reality of what has to happenslowly setting in on her.

BETH (CONTD)How is that supposed to solve

anything?

Now noticeably upset, Warren stands to comfort his wife.

WARRENBeth, its okay. Its going to befine.

Beth pushes him away, starting to pace.

BETH(anger intensifying)

You seem to have this misplacedsense of security, Warren. Its notokay, and if you keep ignoring whatis right in front of you, it willnot be fine!

Genuinely hurt, Warren pauses, staring past his frantic wife.

4.


6/15

WARREN(to Catherine)

Catherine, could you give us amoment?

Catherine stands, pushing her chair in at the table.

CATHERINEIll just be in the other room ifyou need me.

CUT TO:

INT. KATZ HOUSE - MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT

Warren holds the door to the master bedroom open, leading hiswife in. As he gently closes the door behind him, Beth setsoff.

BETHHiding?

She stops for a moment, shooting Warren a pained look.

BETH (CONTD)Hiding! Oh my god, Warren! Is this

what its come to? Forced to flyaway to a tropical island to escapeour problems?

Warren chuckles tiredly.

BETH (CONTD)Is there something funny aboutthis?

Warren wearily rubs his temples, shutting his eyes for amoment.

WARRENIts not as if I like it any morethat you do. But you heardCatherine. Do we really want to

spend what could easily turn intothe next two, even three, years ofour lives locked down in our ownhouse? Is that any sort of life wereally want? At least with whatshes offering, we can... we canhave some semblance of a normallife.

5.


7/15

BETH(slowly cooling down)

Or as normal a life as we can haveat this point.

A weary Beth takes a seat next to her husband on the bed.

BETH (CONTD)(defeated)

You know Id love nothing more thanto hop on a plane and be whiskedaway for a year in the sun. But areall our problems going to be gone

when we get back? And for thatmatter, what about our lives? Iknow you can pack up and go, but Ihave the network -- the show! What

will everyone say?

For a moment, nothing is certain.

Husband and wife gaze deeply into each others eyes, all thepain and uncertainty of the past few months boiling over.

WARRENBeth, I dont know. Thats all Ican say. For once, I dont have ananswer.

(beat)But Catherine does. She can keep ussafe.

Warren lowers his gaze from his wife for just a moment.

WARREN (CONTD)(softly)

At this point, I think thats allthat really matters.

Warren looks back at his wife.

CUT TO:

INT. KATZ HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Catherine meanders restlessly through the living room,glancing at an assortment of books, picture frames, and otherfamily items that clutter the shelves of the living room.

As Warren and Beth descend the stairs leading to the bedroomhand in hand, Catherine jumps to attention.

6.


8/15

CATHERINESo, do we have a verdict?

WARRENWell go. We just need a few hoursto prepare some things, and then

were all yours.

Catherine seems visibly pleased.

CATHERINE(relived, even excited)

Okay, excellent! This is greatnews! Start by packing only thebare essentials. Ill have the bulkof your belongings shipped downover the course of the next week orso. Ive spoken to a privateairline. They said they can have

you off the ground from Plattsburghby six. Antigua sound nice? Ivefound a great little place downthere for you.

Warren gives a weak smile, but Beth isnt so easilysatisfied.

BETHWhat about work? The network willbe asking all sorts of questions!

Catherine scurries over to the table, pulling a manila folder

out of her bag, drawing from it a letter, which she quicklypasses to Beth.

CATHERINEIve drafted a detailed letterexplaining the situation. Ofcourse, like most people, Im surethey watch the news and are prettyfamiliar with what has been goingon. Still, Ill make sure theyrespoken to by the properauthorities.

Beth nods anxiously, Warren taking the letter and scanning itover.

WARRENIt sounds very good.

(to Beth)How about you start packing somethings? Id just like to have a

word with Catherine.

7.


9/15

Beth sighs, feigning a sense of calm.

Warren looks to Catherine, motioning outside.

WARREN (CONTD)The porch?

CUT TO:

EXT. KATZ HOUSE - PORCH - NIGHT

Warren leads Catherine out on a screened-in porch, quietlyshutting the sliding door behind them.

Somewhere in the distant darkness, a CLAP of THUNDER seems tobitterly reiterate the ominous tension that hovers over theKatzs household.

Catherine appears as tense as ever.

WARRENIll be blunt, Catherine. Im notjust worried about our safety here.You and I both know what happenedto Paul Kenning. It was...

Warren struggles for words.

WARREN (CONTD)... savage. If they can get to anoverseas translator, they can most

certainly get to...

CATHERINE... an agent.

Catherine looks Warren dead on.

CATHERINE (CONTD)Trust me, Ive heard it all. Youknow how protective Lucas andHolloway can be, especially when itcomes to the well-being of their

top agent.

Catherine forces a smile, though Warren doesnt take muchnotice to her attempt at humor.

CATHERINE (CONTD)Anyway, its not my job to worryabout myself. Im here to make sureyou and Beth are taken care of, andthats what I plan to do.

8.


10/15

This time, she gives a genuine smile.

Warren nods hesitantly, placing a hand on Catherinesshoulder.

WARREN

Beth and I will never be able torepay you for what youve done forus. Just know were thankful.

For a fleeting moment, Catherine appears almost emotional.

CATHERINEI know.

Another CLAP of THUNDER echoes in the distance.

Catherine ushers Warren towards the door.

CATHERINE (CONTD)Here, you better start packing now.

INT. KATZ HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT (CONTINUOUS ACTION)

The pair step into the living room.

CATHERINEIll go ahead and confirm with theairline.

Catherine picks up her purse from on the table in the

adjoining kitchen and begins rustling through it forsomething.

CATHERINE (CONTD)Shit. Shit. Shit.

Warren, en route to the bedroom upstairs, stops in histracks.

WARREN(alarmed)

Whats wrong?

Catherine, distraught, walks back into the living room.

CATHERINEThe company credit card. Its notin my purse.

She runs her hands through her messy hair.

9.


11/15

CATHERINE (CONTD)I ordered some software yesterdayfrom home. I must have left it onthe counter.

Catherine pauses to look at the kitchen clock.

CATHERINE (CONTD)Go pack. Im going to have to goback home and get the card. Illconfirm the flights from there.

(beat)Its ten past ten now, Ill be backno later than midnight. The rideout to Plattsburgh is nearly threeand a half hours, so we need toleave by two thirty at the latest.

Again, Warren nods.

WARRENBe careful, Catherine.

Catherine just shrugs off the warning.

CATHERINEOf course.

EXT. KATZ HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - NIGHT

Catherine, juggling her purse and a handful of papers,

unlocks her car and gets in.

QUICK CUT TO:

INT. CAR - NIGHT (CONTINUOUS ACTION)

Catherine slams the car door shut, tossing her mess into thepassengers seat.

Quickly, she starts up the car.

QUICK CUT TO:

EXT. KATZ HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - NIGHT (CONTINUOUS ACTION)

Catherine backs her car out of the driveway and pulls away.

10.


12/15

Another CLAP of THUNDER is followed by the first drops ofrain.

QUICK CUT TO:


Catherine pushes her way into the kitchen by way of the backdoor, which she only lightly shuts.

Dropping her stuff by the door, she head to the counter wherea jumble of papers and manuscripts lie.

Catherine grabs her laptop from the mess, once again bootingit up, and dials a number on her cell phone.

A DIAL TONE precedes the answering machine.

WARREN (O.S.)Hello, youve reached the Katzs.We cant come to the phone rightnow, so please leave a name andnumber and well get back to you assoon as possible. Thank you.

An BEEP.

CATHERINEHi Warren, its me. Its about fiveafter eleven and I just got in.

Catherine pulls a credit card from the mess on the counter.

CATHERINE (CONTD)Ive got the card and Im bookingthe flights now. Im going tofreshen up and Ill be on my way alittle before midnight. Give me acall back if you get this. My cell

will be charging, so call thehouse. Ill see you in a bit. Bye.

A click as she hangs up.

HARD CUT TO:

INT. WARNER HOUSE - BATHROOM - NIGHT

Catherine splashes water over her face.

11.


13/15

After drying off, she gazes into the mirror, a tired, worn,and restless woman starring back at her.

CUT TO:

INT. WARNER HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT - MONTAGE

Catherine pours herself a sparing glass of wine beforesitting down at the counter with the laptop and mess ofpapers.

Time drifts as she orders the tickets, eventually slippingthe card back into her wallet.

Her tasks completed, Catherine is engulfed by a moment ofquiet.

Silence.

She closes her eyes, letting herself, for the first time inages, unwind.

Suddenly, the PHONE RINGS, jolting Catherine back to reality,her elbow knocking the wine glass to the floor.

Catherine gasps, dropping to her knees in an effort to pickup the shards of glass.

In the rush, she slices her finger on a piece of glass.

As the PHONE RINGS one last time, Catherine rises, grabbing a

paper towel to absorb the blood.

CATHERINEShit.

Coming full circle, Catherine grabs a sponge from the sinkand begins to mop up the mess.

Oblivious, she fails to notice the back door slowly openingbehind her, a pair of feet quietly moving towards her.

A gun comes down from above, aimed at point blank range.

The trigger is slowly pulled back.

HARD CUT TO:

12.


14/15


A light turns on as Beth jolts up from her slumber, only alight afghan blanket covering her. Breathing heavily, shelooks around the room for her husband.

BETHWarren?

CUT TO:

INT. KATZ HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Warren awakes, having dozed off on the couch.

He jumps to attention, nearly tripping over several smallsuitcases stacked around the living room.


Warren appears in the bedroom, relived to find his wife stillin bed.

WARRENBeth, whats wrong?

Beth covers her face in her hands.

BETH(almost whimpering)

I just had an awful dream.

WARRENDont worry, my love. Its alrightnow. Catherines on her way back. Ijust missed her at the house.

BETHCatherine was at home and someone

with a gun came in and --

WARREN

Shh... Dont. It was only a dream.Well be free of this mess in justa few hours.

He smiles comfortingly.

WARREN (CONTD)You rest up now.

Beth nods, resting back down on the pillow.

13.


15/15

BETH(still slightly unsettled)

Right. Okay.

Beth gives a smile, as if trying to reassure Warren.

BETH (CONTD)Wake me when Catherine arrives?

Warren pulls the blanket up on his wife.

WARRENOf course.

The author leans in, tenderly kissing his wife on theforehead.

WARREN (CONTD)As soon as she arrives.

HARD CUT TO:


The PHONE RINGS again.

WATER DRIPS from the sink.

Catherines lifeless, outstretched arm is bathed in a growingpool of blood on the kitchen floor, the title sheet for the

manuscript of SATANIC resting next to her, dotted with

speckles of blood.

Quiet. Just as unsettling as before.

FADE TO BLACK.

14.

Satanic Draft 10

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