Act 1Scene 1

Hall’s Tavern(A beggar, Marvel, is panhandling by Hall’s Tavern. Several Patrons pass by, but all

ignore Marvel)

Marvel.

Alms for the poor? Alms for the poor? Help a poor, old beggar? Help a cripple? Starving college student? (Griffin, the Invisible Man, enters carrying a large bag and three books, bound with a leather strap, tucked under one arm. He is bundled from head to toe in a long coat and trousers, boots that disappear under the trouser legs,

thick gloves, a scarf wrapped several times around the neck, bandages wrapped round his head, dark goggles, and a hat. The attire is quite mismatched and many

pieces seem ill fitting, as though he has been cobbled together. Marvel notices him and determinedly blocks his path) Hey Guvna, you look like a sympathetic fellow!

How’s about a shilling for one of God’s children. (Griffin passes by towards the door) Go to hell, you ingrate! (Griffin’s hat falls off. Marvel picks it up and holds it out for

Griffin) Hey Guvna, your ha-

(Marvel trails off, struck by the fact that the top of Griffin’s head is missing. The bandages simply stop, giving his head an uneven look. Griffin turns and crosses back

to Marvel. He takes the hat back and puts it on his head. Marvel is still frozen with shock and fear. They stare at each other for a bit. Griffin moves closer to Marvel. He reaches out slowly and puts his hand behind Marvel’s ear. He retracts it, holding a shilling, which he places in Marvel’s hand, accompanied by a hushed finger to the lips. Griffin turns back to the Tavern and enters, with Marvel, all the while, frozen. After Griffin enters the Tavern, Marvel breaks, looks down at the coin, and quietly

goes back to the panhandling place and takes a long swig from a bottle. Griffin, meanwhile, crosses to a small desk with a bell. The Patrons have gone quiet. All eyes are on Griffin. Mrs. Hall comes to the desk, busily cleaning a glass. She doesn’t look

up until she is within arm’s reach of Griffin, at which point, she looks up at his bandaged face and screams. This startles everyone, Griffin included, who manages

to hide most of his shock. Patron 4 & 5 wake from a drunken sleep with a start)

Patron 4.

(Joyously)

Happy Birthday!

Patron 5.

(Pulling Patron 4’s hat down over face)

Shhh!

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(Mrs. Hall recovers and smacks Griffin with her cleaning cloth)

Mrs. Hall.

What you trying to do, give me a heart attack? Face all wrapped up like a mummy. Shame on you! Who is it in there?

Griffin.

I would like a room.

Mrs. Hall.

Is that you, Thomas?

Griffin.

No, Madam, I am not.

Mrs. Hall.

Richard, then? Or Harold? (She tries to peek underneath the bandages, but Griffin knocks her hand away)

Griffin.

You can go through every Tom, Dick, and Harry. I am none. Now, I would like a room!

Mrs. Hall.

Awfully pushy, aren’t you?

Griffin.

Please! I can pay. (He produces some coins and places them on the desk)

Mrs. Hall.

Very well, Sir, I’ll need your name and length of stay. (She takes out a guestbook and quill)

Griffin.

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(Throwing some extra coins onto the desk) No names. Indefinite stay.

Mrs. Hall.

(Her demeanor changes as she promptly shuts the book. A smile stretches from ear to ear) Well, why didn’t you say so, Mr. Smith? My name is Janny Hall and I run this

fine establishment. I’ll have my husband George fetch your bags. (She turns her head and hollers off) George! (Mr. Hall rushes in) Bring Mr. Smith’s bags to his room.

Griffin.

That’s fine. I only have the one bag.

(Mr. Hall leaves)

Mrs. Hall.

I won’t hear of it. No need to strain yourself. George! (Mr. Hall rushes in again) Take Mr. Smith’s bag!

Griffin.

I’d prefer to hold onto it.

(Mr. Hall turns to leave)

Mrs. Hall.

George, don’t be rude. Take the bag.

Hall.

(Almost pathetic in his pleading) Please, Sir, let me take your bag? (Reluctantly, Griffin hands it over. Mr. Hall takes it about ten steps to the Guestroom Door) Here

you are, Sir. (Exasperation bleeds through Griffin’s clothes and he begrudgingly snatches back the bag)

Griffin.

(Without turning) Thank you.

(He closes the door hard behind him. The room is furnished with a table and chair, and a bed partially offstage. He sets down his books, and then begins to take various chemical instruments out of his bag and place them on the table. Once he is finished,

he stretches and exits past the bed. While that is going on in the Guestroom, Mr. & Mrs. Hall motion over some of the Patrons)

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Mrs. Hall.

Anyone know who that feller is?

Patron 1.

Never seen him before in my life.

Patron 2.

Came in off the street as far as I can tell.

Patron 3.

Not from around here, that much is plain.

Hall.

He seemed nice enough to me.

Mrs. Hall.

Well, I don’t trust him. There’s something awfully fishy about him.

Hall.

A might peculiar, too!

Mrs. Hall.

Still, he’s a guest and a paying one, at that.

Hall.

Can’t go making assumptions about people.

Mrs. Hall.

But why’s he got his face all bandaged up? It doesn’t make sense.

Hall.

Hiding something, no doubt.

Mrs. Hall.

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That’s it, George! You’ve struck oil!

Hall.

I- I have? (He hesitantly looks down around his feet)

Mrs. Hall.

The man must be some sort of criminal. Why else would he be giving no names, paying extra for it, not showing his face? And you know what they say about a

wanted man…

Hall.

(Less certain than ever) Ke- Keep him away from the silverware.

Mrs. Hall.

…There must be a reward for turning him in! Hmmm. It’ll be tough finding a patrolman at this time of night. You’ll have to keep him distracted until I return.

Hall.

I’ll tell him that joke I know. “An Irishman walks out of a bar.” No, that’s not it. How does it go again?

Mrs. Hall.

On second thought, George, why don’t you look for the patrolman and I’ll distract him?

Hall.

Oh, that sounds lovely. Perhaps I can tell him my joke?

Mrs. Hall.

Perhaps. Now get going. (George exits, excited to be given something to do. Griffin reenters and cross to the door)

Griffin.

Mrs. Hall? (She comes to his door)

Mrs. Hall.

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How may I be of service, Sir?

Griffin.

A meal.

Mrs. Hall.

Me?

Griffin.

I would like one.

Mrs. Hall.

Oh, of course! Right away, Sir. (She starts to go)

Griffin.

Mrs. Hall? (She returns) Once I receive my meal, I wish to not be disturbed for the remainder of the evening. I have a lot of important work to do and my concentration

must not be broken. Have I made myself clear?

Mrs. Hall.

Crystal.

(They each go their separate ways, Mrs. Hall to the kitchen, Griffin to his room, with the door closed. He takes out some small vials of different colors and carefully starts

mixing them. Mrs. Hall comes and raps on his door. Griffin, frustrated at the interruption, sets the vials down and answers the door)

Griffin.

That was fast.

Mrs. Hall.

Sorry, Sir, I forgot to ask: What will you be wanting to be eating?

Griffin.

Food, preferably. Anything. Doesn’t matter. Now please, no more interruptions.

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(Mrs. Hall nods and leaves. She comes right back and raps again)

Mrs. Hall.

Anything to drink?

Griffin.

Is drink not included with meal?

Mrs. Hall.

It is, but you didn’t mention one, so I thought I’d ask.Griffin.

Yes, a drink will be fine. (He ushers her back out of the room as she cranes her neck to see what she can. He closes the door, turns to continue working, but senses

something. He stops and waits. Sure enough, Mrs. Hall comes back)

Mrs. Hall.

Side dish?

Griffin.

Yes! Yes to the meal! Yes to the drink! Yes to the side dish! Yes to ANYTHING else you have to offer! For the love of all that is holy in this infernal town if I hear you

knock on my door without food again, I will knock on your head! (He slams the door hard)

Mrs. Hall.

Well, just for that, I’m not going offer him candlelight to dine by! (She picks up the hem of her dress and storms out with her nose in the air.)

Patron 2.

You think he’s a crook?

Patron 1.

He’s a right temperamental one, he is. What’s he doing that’s so important anyway?

(Mrs. Hall reenters)

Patron 3.

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What’re you going to do, Mrs.?

Mrs. Hall.

Feed him, naturally. No reason the man should go to jail on an empty stomach.

Patron 1.

Besides, if she cooks it, he’s got to pay for it.

Patron 3.

You should tell him you’ll need tomorrow’s rent in advance! (The Patrons have a good laugh at this)

Mrs. Hall.

I might do just that. (She crosses to the door, but remembers Griffin’s threat and doubles back)

Patron 2.

Would you look at that! Janny Hall afraid of the devil!

Mrs. Hall.

The devil my eye! I just don’t want to upset him before the authorities arrive. (Mr. Hall enters, very pleased with himself) George! Did you find a patrolman?

Hall.

I most assuredly did.

Mrs. Hall.

Did you speak with him?

Hall.

I did.

Mrs. Hall.

And?

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Hall.

He laughed.

Mrs. Hall.

He laughed?

Hall.

He did.

Mrs. Hall.

Why? Didn’t he believe you?

Hall.

He did.

Mrs. Hall.

Then why did he laugh?

Hall.

I suppose he laughed because he thought it was funny.

Mrs. Hall.

He thought it was funny?!

Hall.

Yes, he said, “You’re absolutely right, George. That’s exactly what an Irishman would say!”

Mrs. Hall.

George, dear.

Hall.

Yes, Mrs.?

Mrs. Hall.

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Did you tell him anything other than your joke?

Hall.

Well, I only know the one.

Mrs. Hall.

So I gather you didn’t tell him about the escaped convict in our guestroom?

(Mr. Hall starts to respond, but as slow realization creeps over him, he closes his mouth, turns and trudges back out the door, thoroughly deflated)

Patron 2.

Poor Janny. Can’t find good help these days.

(Mrs. Hall rolls her eyes in disgust and goes back to the kitchen)

Patron 1.

(Stands and raises a glass in toast) Poor, poor Janny Hall, Who went into the kitchen to bawl,Because the man that she did take

For a husband was half-baked,Requiring her to stall

A potentially dangerous criminalShould the police show up at all

Poor Janny Hall!

Patron 3.

(Following suit) To Mrs. Hall, Who dreamt of more money.

At least the patrolmanThought her husband was funny!

Patron 2.

(Joining) A toast to the host who gave us the mostLaughs for our money spent, which was none!

(They burst into laughter as Mrs. Hall reenters with Griffin’s meal. Mr. Hall dashes in as well, stopping to catch his breath)

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Mrs. Hall.

Well?

Hall.

On his way. Says he had to notify Constable Jaffers.

Mrs. Hall.

We will have to make do until then. (She takes the food to the door, knocking lightly. Griffin answers it. Mrs. Hall tries to carry the food into the room, but Griffin blocks

her)

Griffin.

I will take it, thank you.

Mrs. Hall.

Very well, Sir. As you see fit.

Griffin.

I would like to apologize for my earlier outburst. I am under a lot of strain at the moment, but it does not excuse rudeness.

Mrs. Hall.

(Caught a little off guard) Thank you, Sir. Is the room to your satisfaction?

Griffin.

Very much so. (He nods and she gives a slight curtsey in return. He gently closes the door. Mrs. Hall makes her way back to the Patrons, lost in thought. Hall enters with

Constable Jaffers and two Officers)

Mrs. Hall.

Hello Constable Jaffers. To what do I owe the pleasure?

Jaffers.

Evening Mrs. Hall. Your husband tells me that there is a fugitive from justice residing in your establishment.

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Mrs. Hall.

Oh, there are no fugitives here, Constable. Only the usual riff-raff. I’m afraid you’ve been victim to one of my husband’s practical jokes. Shame on you, George! Such a

cruel prank.

Hall.

But you told me to-

Mrs. Hall.

Never take advantage of a policeman’s trust. I’m terribly sorry, Constable. I’ll make sure that something like this never happens again.

Jaffers.

Er, Mrs. Hall? (Pulling her aside and in hushed tones) You’ve put me in sort of a bind. You see, I promised the boys that they’d get to see some action tonight. You know,

arrest someone, whatnot? Ain’t you got someone who needs arresting?

Mrs. Hall.

(She slowly glances over at Mr. Hall) Well, between you and me, Constable, my husband has had quite a bit to drink.

Patron 4.

That’s right, sir. He’s a lush!

Patron 5.

It’s true! I’ve seen it with my own two hands!

Jaffers.

(Almost excitedly) You think he could stand a night cooling off in the drunk tank?

Mrs. Hall.

I think that would be just the thing!

Jaffers.

(Turns to Officers) All right, boys! Cuff him.

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(Much to Mr. Hall’s horror, the Officers grab him by the arms and slap handcuffs on him)

Hall.

Wait! What’s all this about? Janny!

Mrs. Hall.

I’m sorry, George, but maybe now you’ll learn to stay away from that bottle. I’ll come get you in the morning, love.

Jaffers.

Let’s go, Mr. Hall.

Hall.

(Flabbergasted- this is all moving too fast for him) But I’m no drunk! I’m a Methodist, for crying out loud! (He’s dragged off)

Patron 3.

Blow me down with a teapot! Mrs. Hall’s flipped her lid!

Patron 1.

Why in heaven’s name did you do that?

Mrs. Hall.

Maybe he’s not such a bad egg. I think we just got off on the wrong foot, is all. Besides, we do need the money. Haven’t had a regular guest for a long while.

Patron 2.

Ah, there it is! The truth’s out!

Mrs. Hall.

Maybe if you lot paid your tabs more frequently, I wouldn’t be having to do this! I feel right awful about my poor husband. What’s done is done, though, and there’s no

good in reminiscing about it. Oh! I just remembered! I haven’t brought the poor fellow his drink, yet! (She makes a quick dash off and returns with a glass and a

bottle. She calls out to Patron 2) Give me a hand with the door, will you? (Patron 2 Gets up and opens the door for her. They see Griffin, who, in the process of eating,

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has opened the bandages covering his mouth- there’s nothing there! Mrs. Hall screams) I think I’m going to faint!

(As Mrs. Hall starts to keel over, Patron 2 reaches out and grabs the glass and bottle from Mrs. Hall, who lands with a thud and a groan. Griffin stands up and runs out of the room and the Tavern, mouth cover still open. As he makes his way out, Patrons

4 & 5 sing boisterously)

Patrons 4 & 5.

(Sung, discordantly, at different speeds, they somehow get their pacing matched for the last line)

For he’s a jolly good fellow, for he’s a jolly good fellow, for he’s a jolly good fellow… and so say both of us!

(Griffin passes Marvel, who sees the gaping mouth-hole. Marvel holds up the bottle, eyes the label suspiciously, and dumps out the remains. Meanwhile, Mrs. Hall has

recovered herself)

Patron 3.

You all right, Mrs.?

Mrs. Hall.

As God is my witness, that man had no mouth!

Patron 1.

What do you mean “no mouth”?

Mrs. Hall.

Exactly what I said. No mouth! Just a big, gaping hole! You saw it, didn’t you?

Patron 2.

I didn’t see much of anything. He was moving too fast.

Patron 1.

Sounds like Constable Jaffers took the wrong Hall!

Mrs. Hall.

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I know what I saw!

(Marvel enters, wide-eyed)

Marvel.

I just saw a man leave here with no mouth, and he had come in missing the top of his head! Just how much are you charging for rooms these days?

Mrs. Hall.

Marvel! You saw it too?

Marvel.

I most certainly did, believe you me!

Patron 2.

You want us to fetch Jaffers again?

Mrs. Hall.

He ran out. Maybe he won’t come back. There’s more explaining I’d have to do.

Marvel.

I didn’t see him leave with his bag. Suppose it’s still here?

Mrs. Hall.

Let’s have us a little peek.Patron 3.

You’re going to look through the man’s belongs?

Mrs. Hall.

You have a problem with it, Mr. High-And-Mighty who can’t pay his tab?

Patron 3.

(Embarrassed) No, I was just asking…

Mrs. Hall.

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Right, let’s hop to it, then.

(Mrs. Hall charges bravely forward, followed closely by Marvel and the Patrons. She halts abruptly at the door)

Marvel.

Well? What you waiting for?

Mrs. Hall.

I- I don’t know.

(Beat)

Marvel.

(Pushing past) I call dibs then. ‘Scuse me. (Marvel crosses to the bag as the other file in and begins rummaging about) Junk. Junk. Don’t know what that is. (Marvel pulls

out a series of vials) Looks tasty. (Uncorks one and sniffs it) Smells all right. (Drinks it in one like gulp before anyone can protest. All eyes are on Marvel, who starts

coughing) That’ll put hair on your chest! (Sees the books) What do we have here?

Patron 1.

Books?

Marvel.

(Picking them up and flipping through them) No, they’re sandwiches with words on them. It seems like some sort of scientific journal.

Mrs. Hall.

(Grabbing one of the books) What makes you say that?

Marvel.

Because I can’t understand a lick of it. They must be something important. Here! Listen to this: “July 9th. The cat is almost gone now. Only its eyes remain, hovering off

the ground like two synchronized orbs. I lose track of them from time to time and become haunted by its incessant mewing. I do not know yet if the eyes will become

transparent on their own in time, such as the rest of its body, or if further experimentation is required. If it should become entirely invisible, I doubt that it

should be able to survive for long in the outside world.”

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Griffin.

I would thank you to put those down immediately!

(Everyone jumps and looks to the doorway. No one is there.)

Marvel.

Which one of you said that?

Griffin.

Put my books down now. I will not say that again!

(Before Marvel can respond, a chair goes sliding out of the way and Patron 3 is shoved aside by an unseen force. Marvel retreats away from the incident towards

the far corner of the room, clutching to books protectively. Patron 1 grabs a candlestick and starts swinging wildly at the air. Suddenly, their arm is caught and

twisted swiftly behind their back. As they yell in pain, the candlestick clatters to the floor. Patron 2 rushes to help Patron 1, but is doubled over by an invisible blow to

the stomach. We hear a loud SNAP and Patron 1 screams with pain and clutches their arm, which now hangs loosely at their side. Patron 1 crumples in a sobbing,

writhing heap on the floor. Marvel attempts to keep to the opposite side of the table from which the action is happening. Mrs. Hall takes Griffin’s bag and holds it high

above her head)

Mrs. Hall.

Stop this at once or I’ll smash the whole lot of the bag to pieces!

Griffin.

You do and, so help me, you’ll be the next thing smashed to pieces! (This deters Mrs. Hall, who lowers the bag, but holds onto it. Patrons 2 and 3 have recovered and

believe they have found Griffin’s position. They move to either side of him to form a pincer maneuver and rush in to tackle him. They collide head-on and collapse.

Griffin cackles with glee.) Now to deal with you! Give me my books!

Marvel.

Listen Guvna, I don’t want no trouble. But if I hand over these books, how do I know you won’t just bash my head in like you’ve done them? (Suddenly, the table flips

over –seemingly of its own accord. Marvel cries out in terror and bolts out the door, and the Tavern, books in tow)

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Griffin.

Thief! I’ll wring your scrawny neck!

(Silence. Mrs. Hall waits for a beat, worried that Griffin might not have left. She pulls herself together. With the utmost of calmness, she surveys the destruction in her Tavern. Once she is satisfied, she makes her decision and smashes the bag to the

floor to the sound of shattering glass. She brushes her hands off, places them on her hips and, to the sounds of the whimpering and groaning of the Patrons on the floor,

pours herself a drink. She knocks it back in one gulp.)

(END SCENE)

Scene 2Kemp’s House

(A sparse social room, lacking much furniture save for an armchair with a side table and a chaise lounge with a small coffee table in front of it. A door opens carefully as

so not to creak. It hangs there for a brief time before quietly closing again. It is difficult to see in the almost pitch black room. The coffee table is bumped and it

jerks hard. There is a stifled grunt of pain, but clearly audible nonetheless. Silence again, which is shortly interrupted by the door opening again. This time, someone is

there. It is Paul Kemp. He is dressed in a nightgown and nightcap and carries a candle in a simple holder. Though only recently awake, he is alert. He holds the

candle out away from him to illuminate the room as best he can)

Kemp.

Who’s there? (Beat) Hello? (He steps into the room and cautiously makes his way around the room) Is someone here? Come out. I have a gun. (He moves the candle a

little higher and reveals his face)

Griffin.

(In hushed tones) Kemp? Paul Kemp? Good Lord, is that you?

Kemp.

It is. Who are you?

Griffin.

Ha! What luck! Of all the places. It’s Griffin, Kemp! We went to school together, remember?

Kemp.

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Griffin? (Realizing) Griffin, what are you doing in my house at this hour of the night? And where exactly are you? (He sweeps the candle outward again)

Griffin.

That is rather hard to explain.

Kemp.

Which part?

Griffin.

Are we alone?

Kemp.

Alone?

Griffin.

Yes, alone in this house. Are we alone?

Kemp.

No. My wife is upstairs, asleep. The maid has gone home, though.

Griffin.

All right. I’m going to come over to you and place my hand on your shoulder. Please do not be alarmed.

Kemp.

I don’t understand.

Griffin.

You will shortly.

Kemp.

You’re making me nervous, Griff. What are- (He gasps and spins around, searching with the candle in one hand, the other firmly place on where his shoulder was

touched) How did you do that? Where are you?

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Griffin.

I’m right in front of you. Would you like me to do it again?

Kemp.

(Jumping and pulling back as Griffin repeats the gesture) Stop it!

Griffin.

Where’s that gun you were talking about, kemp? Were you bluffing?

Kemp.

It’s in my bedroom. I didn’t thinking to bring it. Where are you, Griffin? Explain.

Griffin.

I’m invisible, Kemp.

Kemp.

You’re…

Griffin.

Hold out your hand.

Kemp.

(He extends his free hand. Ever so gently, his arm begins to move around as though it is being gripped. Griffin lets go of Kemp, who immediately retracts his hand and studies it like a foreign object) That’s incredible. This isn’t some sort of trick, is it?

Griffin.

I assure you this is very real.

Kemp.

What… How…

Griffin.

There are many questions. I will do my best to answer all of them. Would you like to

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sit down?

Kemp.

I think I’ll stand.

Griffin.

Well, if it’s all the same to you, I’d like to be off of my feet for a little while. (Kemp nods) Much obliged. Where shall I begin?

Kemp.

(He thinks it over) How did you become invisible?

Griffin.

I thought that might be the first question. I don’t wish to bore you with all of the trials and errors, but suffice to say that it has been the culmination of my years of

experimentation after graduation. If you want a more literal answer, chemicals. Lots of chemicals. The goal was to de-saturate the color of the entire human body to the point of complete transparency. Invisibility, if you will. I had progressed to human

trials and felt that I was a suitable specimen.

Kemp.

How long do the effects last?

Griffin.

Undetermined.

Kemp. You don’t know?

Griffin.

I didn’t have much of a choice! I started out small. I tried inanimate objects, but I needed something with a circulatory system to carry it through the subject’s

entirety. Mice were too fickle and cats were easier to catch. My mistake was in not keeping the little beasts tied up. I went through fewer failures than you would

imagine before achieving success. The transformation wasn’t instantaneous. No, it took several hours working its way into the bloodstream. First the fur went, then skin and muscle tissue. Next went the blood vessels and, finally, bone itself. One

thing remained, however: its eyes. Floating in my room, hovering this way and that. They never went away. They haunted me, constant reminders of my failure. When I

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couldn’t stand it anymore, I killed the beast and tossed it in a field. I went back to my books and figured out where I went wrong. The next trial went better.

Kemp.

Griffin, that’s horrible!

(The door suddenly opens and Kemp nearly jumps in alarm. Gloria, Kemp’s wife, enters sleepily)

Gloria.

Paul? Who are you talking to?

Kemp.

No one! Myself. Sorry, I couldn’t sleep. Go back to bed dear, I’ll be up shortly.

Gloria.

Did you find out what that noise was?

Kemp.

Yes, it was nothing as well.

Gloria.

There seems to be a whole lot of no one and nothing going on in this house tonight.

(She walks further into the room and towards the chaise lounge)

Kemp.

Um, dear, why don’t you go back upstairs and lie down?

Gloria.

That’s all right. I’m awake now, so I think I’ll just keep you company.

(She is about to sit down)

Kemp.

Gloria! Don’t!

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(She stops)

Gloria.

Paul, what has gotten into you? Have you got a girl in here or something?

Kemp.

It’s just… I’d like to be alone for a little while.

Gloria.

Really?

Kemp.

Yes. I’m sorry I snapped at you like that.

Gloria.

It’s fine. I just wish you’d be more honest with me from the get go. (She kisses his forehead) Goodnight, Paul. (She closes the door as she leaves, but not all the way.

Kemp waits a moment before turning back to the chaise lounge and speaking)

Kemp.

That was a close one, eh, Griff?

Griffin.

I’m over here, Kemp. (The door closes all the way) You have a lovely wife. However did you come to meet her?

Kemp.

Oh, you know how it goes-

Griffin.

I’m afraid I don’t.

Kemp.

Well, uh, she had recently ended a relationship and I had as well, and by some stroke of luck, we ran into each other. It was… what’s the word I’m looking for?

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Griffin.

Kismet. (Kemp gives a quizzical look) Fate.

Kemp.

I was thinking more along the lines of “destiny” but kismet it is.

Griffin.

Did she tell you anything about her past relation?

Kemp.

No, we agreed to leave the past in the past. Why the interest?

Griffin.

Inquisitive nature. Which leads me back to my story.

Kemp.

Ah, yes. You were murdering cats.

Griffin.

You can hardly call it murder.

Kemp.

What would you call it then?

Griffin.

Putting them out of my misery. I eventually discovered the root of the problem and remedied it, but therein lay a complication.

Kemp.

You couldn’t find the cat to test an antidote.

Griffin.

Bravo, Kemp. You’re better at this than I was. Hence, why I said I should have tied it up. It kept mewing and mewing incessantly. The landlord thought I was

experimenting with vivisection and threatened to throw me out, but he could never

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prove anything. And still it kept crying out. I was trapped, mocked like the narrator of Poe’s Tell-Tale Heart. Finally, the landlord had had enough. He went to the police with his outlandish lies of me dissecting live animals. I knew they were coming and

would be here any instant, so I did the only thing I could do!

Kemp.

You became a human guinea pig.

Griffin.

I accelerated to human trials.

Kemp.

But you said the change takes time. If the police were already on their way, how did you-

Griffin.

I say, it’s rather chilly in here. Do you happen to have some spare clothes? We’re similar enough in height, I believe.

Kemp.

Of course. I can get you my smoking jacket. What else?

Griffin.

Long socks and slippers, if you‘ve got them. Gloves, too! You have no idea how difficult it is to pick things up when you can’t see your hands. Oh! Something for my

head! Bandages, dark glasses or goggles. In case anyone should wander in again. (Kemp nods and steps out. Griffin sighs, chuckles, and moves aside the armchair as he makes his way around the room. Kemp returns with the clothes. The gloves float

through the air and come to life on invisible hands. The hands slip easily into the smoking jacket. Next the socks form feet and slid into the slippers) Help me with the

bandages, Kemp. I wouldn’t want anything peaking out the back. (Kemp does as asked. He wraps the bandages carefully around Griffin’s head. When he is finished, Griffin takes the driving goggles, puts them on and turns around. The Invisible Man

is now complete!) That better now, isn’t it?

Kemp.

It does make conversation seem a little saner.

Griffin.

25

Haha! Excellent sense of humor, Kemp. How I missed that about you. Old Good-Humor Kemp!

Kemp.

I trust you’re warmer now?

Griffin.

Quite cozy, indeed. Where was I?

Kemp.

You had just turned invisible.

Griffin.

Yes!

Kemp.

And, jumping ahead, I’m assuming that you’ve had difficulty with the antidote.

Griffin.

Yes… As you’ve guessed, my antidote did not work as hoped. I had been working on a new serum when I was interrupted from my work once again by meddling fools. I was almost there, too, but a beggar peasant stole my books, the rat! When I get my hands around their throats I’ll… I’m sorry. Please, forgive me. Sometimes, lately, I

get worked up into a rage. I can scarcely control it.

Kemp. Has that been a recent development?

Griffin.

Only since I lost the ability to sleep regularly. You see, becoming transparent to others also makes me transparent to myself. I see right through my eyelids when

they’re shut and unless I’m in a locked room, I am afraid to fall asleep lest someone tread on me unknowingly and uncover my secret. This leads me to a rather informal

request. Would you mind terribly-

Kemp.

If you spent the night? By all means. It’s not like I could really stop you.

26

Griffin.

No. It’s not.

Kemp.

How long ago were your books taken?

Griffin.

Earlier tonight. I will find the wretched coward in the morning.

Kemp.

Forgive me if this is a stupid question, but why?

Griffin.

Why get my books back?

Kemp.

Why invisibility?

Griffin.

Power. You came from a wealthy family, Kemp. You were born into power. I was not. But to be a fly on the wall, able to come and go as I please; hear every secret; see

every shameful act. It is the very gift of wisdom itself. I can be where I want, when I want, and no one the wiser to stop me. To access whatever private information I want when people think they are alone and, therefore, most vulnerable. If I need

money, I follow someone to his or her secret savings and take it. If I want to know what someone thinks of me, I simply sit in and listen to the conversation. Privacy

has become an illusion to the world. In this day and age, the only safe place to keep things is in your head.

Kemp.

That seems to be a dangerous level of power.

Griffin.

It could be a force for good. Imagine a police force that you couldn’t see. No one would ever attempt a crime for fear of being caught. The world would move like

27

clockwork.

Kemp.

And since you hold the key, you make all the rules?

Griffin.

How is that any different from the way things are now, Kemp? Those with the power make the rules! If you’re powerful enough you can get away with anything. Throw

enough money at something ugly and it disappears. You can make facts into fiction. Problematic people wither and die around you. You can even kill without

repercussion.

Kemp.

You sound like a man with a vendetta.

Griffin.

If you only knew, Kemp, the pain I’ve held in my heart all these years.

Kemp.

The pain of jealousy?

Griffin.

Don’t insult me! Do you remember Herbert Cuss?

Kemp.

The banker? How could I not? He owned half the county when he died.

Griffin.

Yes, and when he did die, everything went to his widow. Including all of the loans he was collecting on.

Kemp.

Don’t tell me!

Griffin.

So! Now the planets are aligning for you, eh, Kemp? The story was in the local paper.

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My father had taken out a loan from Herbert Cuss the week before he died. After his death, the Widow Cuss demanded its return in full. My father could not repay it. He

shot himself in his bedroom that very day. A debt must be repaid.

Kemp.

So this is why you turned yourself invisible?

Griffin.

A debt must be repaid. Ha! Looking at myself blathering on like this! I’m so tired I can’t filter myself anymore. I must rest.

Kemp.

You may stay in here. I’ll see to it you are not disturbed.

Griffin.

Thank you, Kemp. You were always a good friend. (Kemp makes to leave) Oh, and Kemp? (Kemp stops) I am not so tired as to have not realized what I’ve said here this evening. You are now my compatriot in this deed. You know too much. If you betray

me, I will kill you. (Kemp nods gravely and closes the door. Griffin yawns and stretches. Pausing a moment, he appears to consider something. Griffin stands and

begins removing his gloves.)

(As Griffin begins to move, so do the chaise lounge and door; the lounge going off with Griffin, the door rotating to reveal Kemp wearily trudging off to bed. His mind is heavy with what he has witnessed. After travelling down the hallway, he opens another door and enters into his bedroom. In the bedroom is Gloria, asleep in bed,

with an adjacent night stand. Across is an armchair. Kemp makes his way to the bed but, not wanting to waken Gloria, he settles into the armchair. His thoughts gives way to sleep and he dozes. After a brief time, the door opens, slowly, quietly, and stays that way. Another pause. The bedsheet over Gloria slides down gently, not waking her. Her hand instinctively grabs her arm, slightly raised, as if a hand is

already there. The hand slips away. The door closes in the same fashioned that it opened. The click of the door wakes Kemp. Uncertain of what he heard, Kemp goes

to the door and listens. Caution aroused, he throws on his coat.)

(END SCENE)

Scene 3Police Station

(Col. Adye sits at a desk. Jaffers, Smith and a few other officers stand with hats in hand)

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Adye.

All right Jaffers, why don’t you just take a deep breath and start from the beginning?

Jaffers.

It’s like I said, Colonel, an invisible man attacked Janny Hall and some customers.

Adye.

How would they have known it was an invisible man? Did he say so?

Jaffers.

I wasn’t there. I’m just reporting what they had told me. I was on patrol, carting in a drunk, when I heard Janny Hall shouting that an invisible man who had just been

there had attacked her and her customers. I thought she must have gone crackers, so me and the boys go in to have a look-see. Figured someone else had had too much

to drink and needed some time locked away to sober up. We had just pulled one from there earlier. Not a big to-do, right? But we come in there and see that the

whole place had been ransacked!

Adye.

Are you sure that it wasn’t Mrs. Hall’s spirits to blame?

Jaffers.

They have ghosts there too?!

Adye.

Ingestible spirits, Jaffers.

Jaffers.

No, Sir. I hadn’t a drop since Tuesday morning.

Smith.

Besides, Colonel, I saw it too!

Adye.

Perhaps you and Jaffers were having the same thing?

30

Smith.

No, Sir! I had a rum and tonic.

(An officer enters with Mr. & Mrs. Hall, the latter still in hysterics)

Jaffers.

Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Hall! They will corroborate our story.

Adye.

So, Hall, I hear you’re at the center of this whole debacle.

Hall.

(Removing his hat) Well, you see Sir-

Mrs. Hall.

Oh, it was horrible! Frightened me to the very core, it did! Tell him, George!

Hall.

Yes, Sir, it did. Frightened her good and proper.

Adye.

You’re confirming that the man was indeed invisible?

Hall.

I don’t know about invisible. My wife just told me to say so. I wasn’t there, really.

Adye.

Where were you?

Hall.

In the drunk tank, Sir.

Adye.

(Pause) Why don’t you tell what happened while you were there, then?

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Hall.

Right, well-

Mrs. Hall.

Just came in out of nowhere, he did. Tell him, George!

Hall.

Walked in out of the blue. Went straight to the Mrs.-

Mrs. Hall.

Came right up to me, bandages all round his head, stating he needed a room immediately and was not to be disturbed under any circumstances.

Adye.

And was he?

Mrs. Hall.

Was he what?

Adye.

Was he disturbed?

Mrs. Hall.

Well, I’d say so! Carrying on the way he did, becoming a ghost and all!

Adye.

No, no, no. Did you disturb him?

Mrs. Hall.

Heavens no! I was just being hospitable, you know. Wasn’t I, George?

Hall.

Quite. My wife doesn’t intrude-

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Mrs. Hall.

(Almost overlapping him) I would never intrude where I wasn’t wanted, your colonelship. Never have in my whole life. Isn’t that right, George?

Hall.

A most considerate soul, Sir.

Adye.

I think we’ll get to the bottom of this faster if you do the talking, Mrs. Hall.

Mrs. Hall.

The rudest man I’ve ever seen! Well, not seen, but all the same. Always barking orders and in a most irritable mood.

Adye.

Did he say why he didn’t want to be disturbed? Any unusual behavior going on in his room?

Mrs. Hall.

Only had a strapped set of books and a large bag filled with all sorts of peculiar devices. Mind you, I only saw what was inside the bag after the dinner incident.

Adye.

Dinner incident?

Mrs. Hall.

The man had no jaw! Just shoveling food into a great gaping hole in his face! He up and runs out of there fast as a rabbit, so we decided there was no harm in looking

through the man’s things. It was most irregular.

Adye.

I’ll say. What became of his belongings?

Mrs. Hall.

I smashed them.

33

Adye.

Smashed them?! What in blazes did you do that for?

Mrs. Hall.

When he returned, he was all spit and vinegar. Broke my favorite chair, he did. So I did him one back and smashed every bottle and beaker I could find. Serves him

right! He didn’t even offer to pay for my chair!

Adye.

I should expect not. So where is he now?

Jaffers.

That’s just it, Sir; we don’t know. We found all of his clothes in a heap outside the tavern.

Adye.

His clothes? You mean to say that he’s naked?

Jaffers.

(Realizing this for the first time and becoming rather embarrassed by the thought) I… I imagine so.

Adye.

Jaffers, invisible or not, I can’t have a naked man running wild about town. It simply won’t do!

Jaffers.

Right, Colonel. Um, do you have any suggestions how we might go about it?

Smith.

And what about invisible horses?

Jaffers.

Oh, not this again.

Adye.

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Beg your pardon?

Jaffers.

Ever since the invisible incident, Constable Smith has been going on about other possibly invisible creatures. Invisible geese, invisible dogs, invisible mice…

Smith.

I think we need to worry mostly about invisible horses.

Adye.

(With a heavy sigh) Why’s that, Smith?

Smith.

Horses are a lot bigger than geese or mice, Colonel. With invisible horses come invisible hooves, which can trample on peoples feet without knowing they’re about

to be trampled on. Also, you’d have invisible messes and-

Adye.

Smith, let’s focus on catching this man first. Afterwards, I promise you can take all the time you want to round up all your invisible animals, put them on your invisible

ark and sail off on a flood of insanity.

(Kemp enters, dressed in his coat from the previous scene)

Kemp.

Col. Adye, a word with you, please.

Adye.

Speak freely, Dr. Kemp. You are amongst friends and crazies.

Kemp.

Are you certain, Colonel? It’s rather a delicate matter.

Adye.

Nonsense! I’d be glad to have something a little more levelheaded on my plate.

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Kemp.

(Clears his throat) There is an invisible man in my house.

(Pause)

Adye.

Right, half the town’s gone mad.

Kemp.

It’s true! You must send your officers at once. He’s talking of murder.

Adye.

Murder? That’s a serious issue, Doctor, and I won’t take lightly to my leg being pulled.

Kemp.

It’s no ruse. His name is Griffin. I knew him from my college years and right now he’s sleeping in my study with the belief that I’m going to help him kill Mrs. Cuss! You

have to come now, before he wakes and realizes I’m gone.

Adye.

The Widow Cuss? Why the devil would he want to kill her?

Kemp.

A grudge killing, Sir. There’s no time to explain; it will be daylight soon!

Adye.

Go. Keep him there until we arrive. Don’t do anything out of the ordinary. This is a dangerous game, as it is. (Kemp nods and leaves quickly) Jaffers?

Jaffers.

(Stepping forward) Sir?

Adye.

Collect your best officers and head out to Kemp’s place on the double. Let them know exactly what to expect- forewarned is forearmed. Speaking of, advise against

36

lethal action. I don’t want our officers firing blindly at something they can’t see. Likely to do more damage than good, I imagine. Stick to truncheons.

Jaffers. Billy clubs it is, then. (Jaffers exits with Smith and other officers)

(Beat)

Mrs. Hall.

(To Adye as much as herself) Well… That escalated quickly…

(END SCENE)

Scene 4Kemp’s House

(Griffin is sleeping on the chaise lounge)

Gloria.

(Off) Paul? Paul, darling, where are you? (Griffin wakes with a start. Gloria’s voice gets closer to the door. He considers becoming invisible, but abandons the idea. As

she opens the door, he turns away from her) …Paul?

Griffin.

No, just an old friend. Forgive the intrusion; I arrived from out of town late last night. Your husband was kind enough to let me stay the night. My profound

apologies for our conversation waking you.

Gloria.

That’s funny, I don’t recall seeing you last night. Why didn’t Paul introduce us then?

Griffin.

For the same reason I won’t show my face right now. I am horribly burned, you see. I didn’t have my bandages on at the time and I believe Kemp was trying to spare you a

fright.

Gloria.

Oh, where are my manners? I’m Gloria. (She extends her hand)

Griffin.

37

(Does not meet her eyes as he turns and shakes her hand) Gri- er… Grant. Fred Grant.

Gloria.

Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Grant.

Griffin.

Believe me, the pleasure is all mine. (There is a slight pause between them, but it is warm, almost familiar. As this familiarity creeps in on Gloria, Griffin breaks the grip) I apologize for my informal attire. My clothing was rather poor shape and Kemp was

kind enough to loan me something of his to sleep in.

Gloria.

Do you always call people by their family name?

Griffin.

Just a thing between us. We go a ways back, Kemp and I.

Gloria.

How far back is that?

Griffin.

…To be honest, I couldn’t tell you exactly.

Gloria.

Well, that’s almost to be expected. Losing your mind.

Griffin.

Pardon?

Gloria.

As we get older, you know?

Griffin.

Oh. Yes. Quite.

38

Gloria.

I hope you don’t think me rude for asking, but how did you come by those burns? I don’t think I can see an inch of skin under there.

Griffin.

It wasn’t that long ago. About a year or so. I had been working on a personal project for quite some time. Call it a mild obsession, if you will. There was relative success,

but it hadn’t undergone human trials. I elected myself, naturally. There were… complications. A fire. I lost almost everything. I managed to save my books and a few

of my belongings. Now, those belongings are gone and my books are in the possession of a beggar who stole them from my room. My books are the only thing

that can restore me to a somewhat normal existence.

Gloria.

This project of yours, what was it? The way you speak of it, you sound like a scientist. Is that how you know Paul?

Griffin.

Um, yes. Forgive me, I- Do you mind if we change the subject. My past brings up unpleasantness for me.

Gloria.

All right. You pick a topic.

Griffin.

You.

Gloria.

Sorry?

Griffin.

You’ve had me going on about myself. I think I‘d like to hear a little about you. How you and Paul met, for instance.

Gloria.

Quite by chance. I was carrying groceries when I suddenly tripped over my own two feet. The bag split as I went sprawling and apples rolled everywhere. Paul happened

39

to witness this and helped me up, making certain that I was all right. He salvaged what he could of the produce, went back to the grocer and purchased what was lost. He even had the man double-bag everything. He came back with the new bags and asked me if I needed a lift. I accepted. It was all a daze for me. I had gone through a bit of a rough patch recently. My father had tuberculosis. He didn’t have long. He’d been in my care for three months. It was very sudden. My mother had passed the

year before and I was about to be utterly alone. I found myself slipping away, going through the day to day motions, but inside, I was becoming numb to the world

around me. I confessed all this to him- a perfect stranger!

Griffin.

What did he say?

Gloria.

He didn’t. He sat there and listened. Just listened. Not the way a doctor does, mind you, but a friend. A true friend who says everything you need to hear without a

word. He told me that if I liked, he would come by every other day to take me into town for anything I might need. I had never met a man like him before. Anyone,

really. And with him, I felt something that I hadn’t with anyone else. At least, not to this extent.

Griffin.

Love.

Gloria.

Trust. Love is a frightening thing. It makes you tremble when you show it to someone and makes you sweat when you actually place it in their hands. It’s fragile,

like a child. That’s why it grows fainter, less pure, as we grow older. We become jaded, betrayed by others, until the idea takes on a mythical element to it. That’s

why Paul was different. He was the perfect stranger, in more ways than one. There was no fear with Paul. No trembling. There simply was.

Griffin.

Trust.

Gloria.

Yes.

Griffin.

40

And you had never experienced it before.

Gloria.

Once. Many years ago. I realize now that he was more a boy than a man, but at the time I loved him, yes, trusted him. We were engaged to be married. I was young, too young for my own good, but he had a roguish smile and a glint in his eye that always

took away my fears. But girls who marry boys one day wake up and discover that they are no longer girls, but women, and the boy is still a boy. Once you are a

woman, the boy will break your heart. It will happen. Not necessarily right away, but the day will come eventually. He won’t mean to. He probably won’t even know that

he did. Nonetheless, it is broken.

Griffin.

Certainly, being aware of that-

Gloria.

It only makes it worse. You feel like the fool. You want to change him. Grow him up a little. But it’s beyond your control, so you watch him go off on his merry way, none

the wiser to the damage he’s done.

Griffin.

You must have loved him deeply to have hurt you so badly.

Gloria.

Very.

Griffin.

As much as Paul?

Gloria.

With Paul it’s different. There’s no risk involved. No danger.

Griffin.

He’s safe.

Gloria.

Not in the way you suggest. Paul is no consolation prize. He’s a better man than I

41

thought I deserved. I know differently now.

Griffin.

If the boy returned?

Gloria. I would send him on his way with a smile. Boys come and go as they please. I bare

him no ill will.

Griffin.

And if he should return a man?

Gloria.

I would tell him that I’m happy for him. That I hope he found what he was looking for.

Griffin.

What if he told you that it was you he had sought all along? A way to be worthy of you?

Gloria.

Then I would be sad for him. To have come all this way and learned nothing.

Griffin.

And with that you would bring the pain full circle. You would have your revenge.

Gloria.

I care neither for his discoveries nor where this line of questions has been going. I think I shall take my leave of you now, Mr. Grant. I trust you will not be in my

husband’s company too long.

Griffin.

As a matter of fact, where is your husband? You came in here looking for him. Is he not home?

Gloria.

I suspect he must have stepped out to town.

42

Griffin.

Which would leave you here by yourself.

Gloria.

With you.

Griffin.

With me. (A pause, but no longer warm and friendly. Now it is long and increasingly uncomfortable. Gloria and understands that he has intentionally put himself

between her and the door. Griffin has taken on an almost menacing stance. Gloria tenses up, clutching at the hems of her outfit. The door opens and Kemp comes in. She can breathe again. Griffin relaxes his stance) Good morning, Kemp. My good

man, where have you been off to, so early in the morning?

Gloria.

Yes, Paul, where were you?

Kemp.

(With a quiet look to Gloria) Don’t you remember, dear, I had that appointment with Mr. Huxton? He’d been complaining about a dreadful headache.

Gloria.

(Catching on) Why, yes, of course. It slipped my mind completely. Mr. Grant was just remarking on your absence.

Kemp.

Mr. Grant? Ah, Mr. Grant! Um, this is my wife-

Griffin.

We’ve made our own introductions, Kemp.

Gloria.

If you don’t mind, Paul, I think I’ll get started on some breakfast. Excuse me. (She almost tiptoes around Griffin on her way out. She glances at Paul with concern as

she exits)

43

Griffin.

Awfully early for an appointment, eh, Kemp?

Kemp.

Sorry, Griffin, I was going to tell you, but I figured you would prefer to be left sleeping.

Griffin.

You thought wrong.

Kemp.

What’s with this Grant business, anyway?

Griffin.

I don’t want my name floating around here. This is my home town after all. Why are you so out of breath?

Kemp.

Truth be told, I was hoping to make it back here without you noticing-

Griffin.

Why?

Kemp.

I didn’t wish to alarm you in your state with my absence.

Griffin.

What state is that exactly?

Kemp.

There’s something not right with you, Griffin.

Griffin.

Well, I am invisible.

44

Kemp.

No, I mean your mental health.

Griffin.

Nonsense! I’ve never felt better.

Kemp.

You’re quick to agitation.

Griffin.

Only with stupid people, Kemp. Try again.

Kemp.

Griffin, something’s wrong with you. Let me help you.

Griffin.

You’re right on both accounts. There is something wrong: Vera Cuss is alive and my father is not. You can help me by drawing her out in the open. Her health is failing

and she rarely leaves her manor anymore.

Kemp.

If she’s in as bad shape as you say she is, then why not let nature take its course? Why stoop to murder?

Griffin.

She must die by my hand. I will not let her go quietly from this world.

Kemp.

Griffin, I cannot help you in this plot. I won’t. It’s madness.

Griffin.

Don’t talk to me of madness, Kemp! I am not mad; I am superior! As an invisible man, I can do whatever I want, whenever I want. No mortal can stop what they cannot see! It wasn’t easy, you know? Becoming invisible. Living like that. How

many times I must have misjudged proximity. How it was nearly impossible pick up objects at first. I couldn’t eat for a while. First, because I had to relearn everything

45

half-blind, so to speak, and later because consuming food meant giving me away. Until the food had digested, my invisibility was exposed. The unrelenting cold I have

had to endure to remain undetected. The sniffle or sneeze that would almost stop my heart for fear of discovery. The hardest part, though, has been sleep. It is sleep

that I’ve missed the most, Kemp. The peace of shutting out the world for a few hours. The sacrifices I’ve made... There is nothing left now except for this. So you can

either help me or…

Kemp.

Or what, Griff?

Griffin.

(In a low tone) Or you can be made an example of.

Kemp.

Threats are words.

Griffin.

And actions speak louder. Oh, I wasn’t fooled for a second, Kemp. The minute Gloria came in here looking for you, I knew it would only be a matter of time. Let me guess,

you’re wondering why I remain? It’s simple, really. (Griffin starts to remove his attire, slowly, casually at first, keeping a fair distance from Kemp) I think it’s time

the world fear the invisible man. I want you to witness the horror you’ve unleashed by betraying me. (The door bursts open and Jaffers enters with six officers, clubs drawn, just as Griffin has removed all but his robe) Ah, the cavalry, right on cue.

Let’s give them a taste, shall we? (With that, the robe falls to the floor) Only seven? I’m insulted!

(An officer is hit hard in the stomach and doubles over, the club floating out of their hand. The club strikes a second officer on the head, before moving to a third’s knee. As the third officer bends down to clutch their knee, the club comes down to rest on

their neck. A fourth officer reaches to draw their gun)

Jaffers.

No! No guns!

(Two officers’ heads thud together and they also drop to the floor. Jaffers suddenly struggles to keep hold of his baton, which has just smacked another officer in the

back of the head. He tugs to try to wrestle it back)

Griffin.

46

Whoops! (Griffin has let go of Jaffers baton, send both reeling over the side of the chaise lounge. Kemp rushes to help, but stops and pries at his throat, as if being strangled. Griffin lifts him into the air) Remember Kemp, I can kill you anytime I please, but I’m saving you for my grand finale. (He tosses Kemp over the chaise

lounge, whose fall, in turn, is broken by Jaffers, who had just gotten to his feet) It’s funny. Gloria had just been talking about how trustworthy you are. Ta! (He is gone)

Gloria.

(Rushing in as the officers start to pick themselves up) Paul! Darling, are you hurt?

Kemp.

Just my pride.

Gloria.

Constable Jaffers told me to wait outside, but I heard all that commotion and when the door flew open, I heard this horrible cackling sound.

Kemp.

Did he touch you?

Gloria.

Touch me? Who?

Kemp.

That was Griffin.

Gloria.

Griffin?!

Kemp.

An old school chum, or so I thought. He’s made himself invisible.

Gloria.

Good Lord. Invisible?

Kemp.

47

Yes, and he means to do people harm. Constable Jaffers?

Jaffers.

(Nursing a sore back) Yes, Doctor?

Kemp.

Where is Mrs. Cuss at the moment?

Jaffers.

I’d imagine Col. Adye has her under guard at the station.

Kemp.

I think that’s where I should be headed as well. You see, Griffin’s just put me on his list.

(END SCENE)

Scene VPolice Station

(Col. Adye paces back and forth, deep in thought. Kemp enters with Gloria, Jaffers and the officers)

Adye.

Well?

(Kemp shakes his head)

Jaffers.

He got the jump on us, Colonel. I wish we had better news.

Adye.

Ideas as to his whereabouts?

Kemp.

Speculation, but no hard facts. Is Mrs. Cuss not here yet?

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Adye.

I sent for her, but that was a while ago. Knowing he’s on the loose, I’d send more officers, but you’re on his hit list, too. I’d rather at least keep one of you safe.

Kemp.

It might be best to send them. He told me that he was saving me for last.

Adye.

Do you trust his word?

Kemp.

He’s mad, but of a single mind. She’ll be his next target.

Adye.

Very well. Jaffers? Find Mrs. Cuss and escort her here safely.

(Jaffers nods curtly and departs with four of the officers)

Kemp.

Colonel, do you mind giving my wife and me a moment’s privacy?

Adye.

I don’t advise you being alone with this invisible madman on the prowl.

Kemp.

Just a moment. Please?

Adye.

Two minutes.

Kemp.

Thank you. (Adye and the other officers leave)

Gloria.

What is it, Paul?

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Kemp.

Gloria, I was dishonest with you last night. Griffin was there; I was talking to him. I don’t know why I didn’t send him away. I suppose it wouldn’t have mattered,

anyway. How would I have known he’d gone? But regardless, I endangered you and for that, I am sorry.

Gloria.

Paul, you don’t have to shelter me from the world. I’m an adult, and an invisible man is no less frightening to me than it is to you. As for letting him stay, what else could

you have done? He would have killed you right there.

Kemp.

Possibly. His mind has no rationale to it. It’s hard to predict his train of thought.

Gloria.

Going to the police was the correct thing to do. It was the only thing you could do.

Kemp.

Never in a million years would I have thought that Griffin was capable of…

Gloria.

He was. (Beat) I know we agreed not to bring up our past, but I don’t have a choice. Before he left for college, Griffin and I were engaged to be married.

Kemp.

What?

Gloria.

It’s not as simple as he or I have made it out to be. We were happy, but his family fell on great financial hardship and he changed, Paul. Suddenly, there seemed to be a

vindictiveness about him. He waded in pessimism and his sense of humor became grisly and morbid. Sure, he had dabbled with science as a career and hobby long

before I’d met him, but obsessed in such a fashion that I feared for his health. More than that, though, I started to fear him. He snapped at the slightest disagreement

and only took joy in his experiments; still I stayed by his side. Then he hit me. A part of me grew up that day and I broke off the engagement. I never saw him again. I

guess that’s still true.

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Kemp.

Gloria, I had no idea-

Gloria.

How could you have? We agreed to never talk about it. I certainly never thought that it would play a part in the future. You can be shaped by your past without living in

its shadow. I wanted a fresh start.

Kemp.

Is there anything you can think of that might help us predict his next move?

Gloria.

If there was I would have said something sooner. He’s arrogant and rash, but I’ve done my best to forget him. After he hit me, I felt betrayed. Like his love was really just some smoke and mirrors parlor trick, or something to placate his own vanity.

Kemp.

(An idea strikes him) Darling, I think you’ve just hit upon the very thing! Colonel Adye!

Adye.

(Entering with the two officers) Everything all right?

Kemp.

More than all right! How’s the search for the widow going?

Adye.

She just arrived. Jaffers is dealing with her security detail at the moment.

Kemp.

Grand. I know what we’ll need to level the playing field a little. We can’t see him, but he’s still tangible.

Adye.

I don’t follow.

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Kemp.

He’s still a shape, just one we can’t see, right?

Adye.

Right.

Kemp.

He told me that he has trouble finding places to sleep because sometime might trip over him. Because he’s still a solid.

Adye.

So?

Kemp.

So we use other elements on our side. Smoke him out.

Adye.

Of course! If there’s a lot of smoke in the room, he’d have to penetrate it to pass through.

Kemp.

Yes, what else?

Adye.

I can have my officers carry buckets of water with them. If they think he’s nearby, splash some water. He’ll drip if it hits him.

Gloria.

He’d also leave wet footprints!

Kemp.

Correct!

(Mrs. Cuss enters, followed by Vickers, Marco, Jaffers and his officers. Vickers and Marco carry many suitcases and travel gear)

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Cuss.

It seems rather obvious, to me, what should be done. Crushed glass in all the streets and walkways. How far do you think a barefooted, homicidal naked man will get

with that?

Adye.

Ah! Mrs. Cuss.

Cuss.

Colonel. What do you think of my idea?

Kemp.

I think it’s rather unsportsmanlike. Not to mention the innocents that would be inconvenienced and risked injury.

Cuss.

I take it you’re the man who been threatening my life?

Kemp.

I’m the one saving it.

Cuss.

As of right now, you’re the one inconveniencing people since all that I have to go on is a strangers word that another stranger wishes to do me harm, who, by the way, is

invisible.

Kemp.

He is.

Cuss.

How conducive to your story.

Kemp.

Aren’t you the least bit concerned about this?

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Cuss.

Young man, being told that someone wants me dead is hardly something that rattles my bones. I receive threats like a doctor receives patients. It comes with my line of

work. My husband received threats on a monthly basis from people far more powerful than you and your invisible friend for forty-one years and do you know

how he died? In his sleep.

Kemp.

You think this is a joke.

Cuss.

I’ll admit it is the most fantastical death threat I’ve heard.

Kemp.

You’ll believe it soon enough.

Cuss.

I will believe it when I see it.

Kemp.

So why are you here at all?

Cuss.

One can’t be too cautious.

Kemp.

That looks like an awful lot of baggage for “cautious”.

Cuss.

If there is a serious threat, which I find a tough pill to swallow, I have a cottage in a remote area a small ways from here. Think of it as a safe house. If I have to, I can

reside quite comfortably there while this whole debacle blows over, and with Vickers and Marco here to keep vigil, I can sleep quite comfortably, too.

Kemp.

Griffin’s a resourceful fellow. I doubt it will be hard for him to find you.

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Cuss.

And we’re back to my crushed glass suggestion.

Kemp.

He’s still a human being. We should do what we can to help him, not cripple him.

Cuss.

Then you’d better hope you find him before he finds me.

Gloria.

Can’t you both stop this petty bickering? It’s not doing any good.

Cuss.

Little girl, mind your place and let the grown-ups talk.

Kemp.

Don’t you dare talk to my wife like that! (He takes a step towards her, but Vickers and Marco are quicker and block his way) You think you thugs will keep you safe

from Griffin?

Cuss.

Vickers, I think I’m done dealing with the common people for today. Please give them my regards (She turns away from Kemp)

Vickers.

Mrs. Cuss thanks you for your concern, but she has decided to retire for the day. If you would like, you may send a letter to her tomorrow. (They make to leave but

Adye halts them)

Adye.

I’m afraid you’re going to have to stay, Mrs.

Cuss.

I’m sorry, Colonel, but I must be going. I don’t wish to waste any more of my time here.

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Adye.

That wasn’t a request.

Cuss.

(In a low tone) Colonel, you know who my husband was.

Adye.

I do.

Cuss.

You know who I am.

Adye.

Yes.

Cuss.

And you know what I’m capable of.

Adye.

Are you threatening a police officer?

Cuss.

Not at all. I’m simply pointing out that you are an elected official, whereas my money and influence are everlasting.

Adye.

It won’t be if this invisible man gets you.

Cuss.

If he does somehow get past the crushed glass I’ve suggested, your smokescreen and police force, he’d still have to get through Vickers and Marco before he could lay a finger on me. And they’re paid far too much, coupled with the lack of a severance

package, to let anything happen to me.

Adye.

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All the same, no one is going to die on my watch.

Cuss.

You are exasperating! Very well. I’ll stay, for now.

Gloria.

Col. Adye, what’s your plan? What are you playing towards?

Adye.

This man Griffin, from your experience, how cautious would you say he is?

Kemp.

I’m not sure. He fluctuates. Sometimes he’s overly so, other times he’s thrown it to the wind. I don’t know if it’s a recent behavioral trait, brought on by the serum he

has in his bloodstream, or something that was there before. We weren’t very close at school.

Gloria.

He would fly into fits of rage when he was younger, but I personally believe he has become rash in his decisions as a direct result of his invisibility.

Adye.

Good, then we should not have to wait long.

Kemp.

You’re expecting him to come here. It’s why you’re keeping us all together in a familiar setting.

Adye.

It’s as much of an upper hand as we’re going to get. We can’t see him, but we know what he wants, where it is, and how he has to come in. I have guards stationed outside each entrance to the station with all doors closed. Unless he can move

through walls, we’ll know when he’s here.

Kemp.

You’re ignoring that while he’s hasty, he’s still smart. I think he’ll know a trap when

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he sees it.

Adye.

Regardless, it’s his only move. The building is solid stone, he can’t burn it down, or even smoke us out without drawing attention.

Vickers.

May I interrupt for a second? (To Mrs. Cuss) Forgive me for speaking out of turn, Mrs., but I’ve got a valid question. (Mrs. Cuss waves her hand to allow it) How

exactly did you secure this building?

Adye.

I thought I just explained that.

Vickers.

I mean before we all came here.

Adye.

It’s Vickers, right?

Vickers.

Correct.

Adye.

Well, Vickers, I haven’t left this building since I got here this morning, before all the trouble started at Dr. Kemp’s house. No one has entered or left the building without

my notice.

Vickers.

Did you have your officers sweep the room with anything, though? Sheets, rope, anything of that sort?

Adye.

I, erm, uh… (Adye looks to Jaffers, who shrugs and responds in the negative)

Vickers.

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So at any point, this lunatic could have slipped in here with one of us?

Jaffers.

He has a point there, Colonel.

Adye.

I realize that.

Vickers.

This place isn’t any safer than anywhere else. If anything, you might have just put us all in a coffin. We need to get you out of here, Mrs. Out of our way! (Grabbing Mrs.

Cuss firmly by the arm)

Cuss. Ow! Gentle, Vickers!

Vickers.

There’s no time, Mrs. We have to get out of here! Don’t you people realize! He could have gotten in anytime he pleased! He could anywhere! He could be in this very

room! (Gunshot. Vickers stoops and falls over, dead. Mrs. Cuss screams)

Griffin.

(Cackling) Yes! That’s the face I wanted to see! That look of terror, Mrs. Cuss. Fear! Uncertainty! That recognition that you will die! Soon, but not today. Just know that I

can kill you whenever I choose.

Jaffers.

There! See that floating pistol? (Jaffers feels around holster for gun) Hey! That’s my service revolver. He must’ve lifted it off me. Don’t let him get away! (The police rush

toward Griffin, who cackles)

Griffin.

Here we go gathering nuts in May, nuts in May, nuts in May… (A door flies open and he is gone. Jaffers picks up a gun off the floor. The other officers pursue Griffin off)

Adye.

What is it, Jaffers?

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Jaffers.

My gun. He dropped it. I suppose it needs to be turned in as evidence. I’m sorry. I didn’t want anyone to get hurt. I’m sorry.

Adye.

We know, Constable. (Privately) Why don’t you take to the rest of the day off, hmm?

Jaffers.

Maybe I should.

(Jaffers exits despondently. Mrs. Cuss is frozen, staring down at Vickers. Dr. Kemp has taken off his coat and laid it over Vickers’ body. Marco shakes Mrs. Cuss, gently,

to rouse her from her shock)

Marco.

Come on, Mrs. Cuss. We need to get you somewhere safe.

Cuss.

(Her voice is small and afraid now, like a child) Where is safe? He was here when I mentioned my cottage. He knows my residence in the city. Where is safe, Marco?

Where is safe?

Adye.

Mrs. Cuss-

Marco.

I think you’ve done enough for one day, don’t you? Let me handle this!

(Marco manages to tear Mrs. Cuss away from the scene and they exit. Adye stands over Vickers, head shaking in disbelief)

Adye.

I really bungled this one, eh?

Kemp.

You couldn’t have known.

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Adye.

It’s my job to know. It’s my job to keep people safe. And right now, I’m failing miserably. What good’s a badge and a title against something like this? I don’t know

that I have the brains crack this one.

Kemp.

I think we were on the right path. We just weren’t prepared. Next time, we will be. Until then, we must wait.

Adye.

For what?

Gloria.

(Her eyes are sober and cold) For Griffin to strike again. (Kemp and Adye look at her, knowing that she is correct.)

(END OF ACT)

Act 2Scene 1

Mrs. Cuss’ Safe House(Through out this scene the lights ever so slowly start to dim. There is minimal set dressing. A table lined with three simple chairs and the luggage from the previous act. Mrs. Cuss stands Downstage, staring out of a window. She nervousness shows

through a handkerchief that she absentmindedly plays with. Something moving outside the window catches her eye, or does it? She goes rigid with fear and makes

an attempt to see more clearly. The door opens and Marco steps in, closing the door very quickly behind him. Mrs. Cuss clutches her chest as she whips around to see

who it is)

Marco.

Why wasn’t the door locked?

Cuss.

(Her voice is still small) I thought it was. (Beat) Any news?

Marco.

Half a week and still no sign of him. My guess is he’s skipped town all together.

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How’s it been here?

Cuss.

Quiet.

Marco.

Good.

Cuss.

No. There are no sounds. No animals or other people. Just… Silence. I can’t stand it, Marco. I’m beginning to go a little mad myself.

Marco.

Why don’t you come away from the window, Mrs.?

Cuss.

What does it matter? If he knows where I am, there’s nothing I can do to stop him.

Marco.

All the same, it’s my job to protect you. (She goes to the table and sits. Marco sits as well. She stares at the empty third chair)

Cuss.

Why do you stay, Marco?

Marco.

What do you mean, Mrs.?

Cuss.

Why haven’t you abandoned me? After what happened to Vickers. I’ll admit that I’m not the most pleasant employer, nor do I pay an exorbitant wage. I’m not well liked

or thought very highly of in the community. So why the loyalty?

Marco.

When I originally came to work for your husband, I was unable to find work. I had done some time for theft and no one have me. Your husband looked past that. He

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said, “Young man, if you’ll work hard and not complain, you’ll always be employed in my house.” The pay wasn’t much, but it was livable, and I was grateful for the work. He made me feel valuable and treated me as such. When he passed on, I figured I’d have to start looking for a new job. Lacking a lot of skills, I was dreading it. But you

kept me on. So I figure, since you and your husband helped me in my times of need, I could do no less.

Cuss.

I never knew that. In a strange way, Marco, you’re my only friend in the world. (She begins to weep) I know so little. I’m not ready to die!

Marco.

(He reaches out a hand and places it on her shoulder) You’re not going to. Not for a long time, yet. I’m going to make certain of that. (Looking out the window) It’s

getting dark. I’ll grab some candles. (He goes off left)

Cuss.

Thank you.

Marco.

(Off) For the candles?

Cuss.

For everything. You sharing that with me means more than you’ll ever know. You almost make me believe… (She’s lost in thought for a moment, but only a moment as Marco reenters with two lit candles. He hands her one of the candles, which breaks

her concentration) Have I ever told you the story behind this cottage, Marco?

Marco.

Don’t recall.

Cuss.

This was where my husband grew up. When his parents died, they willed it to him. We spent our first years of marriage here. It was a simpler time then. We didn’t have much and we didn’t seem to notice. We were young and in love. But, as time ticked on, Herb became frustrated because I was unable to bear him a child. He started to

pay a little less attention to me and a little more attention to money. To be fair, I had learned to become dependent on money, too. I harbor no hatred when I say that I

truly believe that he loved me less than when we were first married. At any rate, he

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amassed his fortunes and sold our little cottage. That hurt me more than his distance. Loved this cottage, so quaint, away from it all, like we were in the

beginning. And he never asked me if I wanted him to sell it. True, it wasn’t mine, but it was ours. The thought never occurred to him. I wept. He noticed. I told him why. He listened. That was the last I ever said about it. Late that year, when my birthday

came around, he took me out into the countryside, right here to this very cottage. He had bought it back, at a loss, no less! For my birthday. So in the end Herb loved me

after all. A few summers later, he died. All that I had left was this cottage and his money. I was terrified of being forced to sell our cottage again, so I called in all of the

outstanding loans he had given in order to settle his debts. People hated me for it, but I didn’t care. I couldn’t, no, wouldn’t lose this place again. That’s when I closed

off to the outside world. Let the people have their opinions and criticisms. I had my cottage. (Silence from Marco) You think I was foolish?

Marco.

It’s not my place to judge, Mrs.

Cuss.

No, my judgment will be coming soon enough.

(A noise is heard from outside the door)

Marco.

I’ll see what that was. (He makes his way to the door. He stops) Mrs.? You had started to say, earlier, that I almost make you believe. Believe what?

Cuss.

(Frankly) That this won’t be my legacy. That I can change. That people can change.

Marco.

(Nods) I’ll be right back, Mrs.

(He opens the door and closes it quickly behind him. We hear the door lock. It is very dark now. The only light on stage comes from Mrs. Cuss’ candle. She begins to pace around, leaving the candle on the table, still fidgeting with the cloth. The door

unlocks and creaks slowly open.)

Cuss.

Marco? Is that you? (The door opens wide, then closes at the same pace. She makes to grab the candle, but she’s too far away and thinks better of it) So it’s you, then?

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Did you kill him? Did you kill him, you rat? Did he fight back? I hope he did. I hope he made you work for it. Why so quiet? You could hardly keep your mouth shut in that

police station, so why silent now? Answer me! If I’m going to die, I deserve that much. (She starts to look around) Where are you? Hiding in the darkness? Standing

right in front of me? Coward! Killing a woman. Hiding while doing so. How brave you are- how righteous. Talk to me. Say something. Anything. Don’t make me die

alone. At least let my killer be present. (No response) If I could, I’d take it all back, everything I’ve done to wrong others. I regret how I wasted the time I was given.

You’ve helped me to realize that. I wish I had a second chance, but wishes are like so many breaths on the wind. (Beat) I’m ready. Must I suffer longer? Finish it, in

mercy’s name! Please! (She falls to her knees in defeat) Please… (The door opens, creaking. She stares at it before making up her mind. Cautiously, she gets up and

approaches the door. The door slams shut. She jumps back and cries out) What do you want from me? (She starts to sob. She feels something brush the back of her

neck. She swats at it and scrambles away on all fours. Something grabs her leg and drags her across the floor) No! No! (It lets go and she crawls back towards the light. She curls into a ball with heaving sobs. The door opens again, a little less this time.

She waits for the slam, but it doesn’t come. Still crying, she inches towards the door. She almost reaches the handle when Griffin blows out the candle. She screams in

pitch black. We hear violent, repeated smashing and the screaming stops.)

(END SCENE)

Scene 2Hall’s Tavern

(The tavern is set in exactly the same manner as the end of act 1, scene 1. Table overturned, furniture in disarray. There might be a bit more damage than what had actually been done by Griffin. Patrons 1, 2, and 3 are in the common area. Patron 1’s arm is in a cast and Patrons 2 and 3 sport bruises and bandages. Patrons 4 & 5 are back in a drunken slumber at the table. Mrs. Hall is writing in a ledger at her small

desk. Gloria enters, wrapped in a coat. She approaches Mrs. Hall)

Mrs. Hall.

(Without looking up) State your business.

Gloria.

Pardon?

Mrs. Hall.

State. Your. Business.

Gloria.

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I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean.

Mrs. Hall.

Are you here for the tour or to drink?

Gloria.

Tour?

Mrs. Hall.

(Finally returning her gaze) Yes, tour. The tour of the attack site. It was in all the papers last week. Ain’t you heard of the invisible man?

Gloria.

Well, yes, I-

Mrs. Hall.

So, you’re here for the tour?

Gloria.

Yes, er, no.

Mrs. Hall.

Which is it?

Gloria.

No, I’m not here for the tour.

Mrs. Hall.

Drink it is.

Gloria.

I came here for information.

Mrs. Hall.

What kind of information?

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Gloria.

Regarding that night.

Mrs. Hall.

Oh, so you’re looking for an interview.

(Gloria waits for Mrs. Hall to say more, but she does not)

Gloria.

I’m willing to pay for it.

Mrs. Hall.

Then I’m willing to tell. (She holds out her hand. Gloria takes out some notes and places them on Mrs. Hall’s palm. Mrs. Hall unashamedly counts the notes in front of

Gloria. When she is content, she looks back up) I was there that night. I saw the whole thing. What do you want to know?

Gloria.

There was a vagrant at your establishment that night.

Mrs. Hall.

Aye, goes by the name of Marvel. The kind that always wants a tab, but never pays it off.

Gloria.

Marvel took something from the invisible man. A book?

Mrs. Hall.

Three books. Ran straight out of here with them tucked under the arm.

Gloria.

Any idea where one might find this Marvel?

Mrs. Hall.

Could be anywhere. Always the traveling type, Marvel was. (Gloria lays down

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another banknote) In the back. Hiding. Scared to death that that lunatic was going to come back for revenge. He killed that widow, did you hear?

Gloria.

I did. Is there any way I might be able to have an audience with your guest.

Mrs. Hall.

George! (Mr. Hall enters) Fetch Marvel. (George exits back the way he came) Be with you in a moment. (Four Guests enter) State your business: tour or drink?

Guest 1.

Tour, please!

Mrs. Hall.

That will be half a crown, each.

Guest 2.

Each!

Mrs. Hall.

If you want all the frills.

Guest 2.

Oh, fine. (Produces coins. Mr. Hall reenters with Marvel, who is timid and nervous)

Marvel.

Hello, mum. They say you wish to speak with me.

Gloria.

I just wanted to ask you a few questions.

Marvel.

And I’d be happy to answer them. For a small prompt. (Holding out hand)

Gloria.

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(Sighing as she takes out more money) The books that you took. What was in them?

Mrs. Hall.

(Separate) George! (George wanders over)

Marvel.

I dunno, mum. I was never much of a reader, but I’d wager they were math equations of some kind.

Gloria.

Do you still have the books?

Marvel.

Well…

Gloria.

Please. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.

Hall.

(With all the sincerity he can muster) Yes, my nightingale?

Mrs. Hall.

Tour group, George.

Hall.

Right this way. (The Guests follow him into the Guestroom)

Marvel.

I do, but I keep them hidden. They’re buried underneath a tree for safekeeping.

Gloria.

I’m not sure that buried under a tree is the best place for books.

Hall.

This is the room the invisible man stayed in the night he went mad. (The Guest ooo

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and awe) Survey the damage his wrath has wrought. (Guest 3 reaches out to touch the overturned table) Survey, not touch.

Guest 3.

Sorry!

Gloria.

Listen, Marvel, is there any way I might purchase those books off of you?

Marvel.

They’re all I own in the world, mum.

Gloria.

You don’t technically own them, you know?

Marvel.

Still, I can’t think of anything that would make me want to part with them.

Hall.

And at the end of our tour you’ll meet the one who stood up to the invisible man; the one who stole his books.

Marvel.

On second thought, I can think of something. I’m a prisoner here. They keep me down in the basement and march me out here every time they have one of their

blasted tours. They said I can leave once I work off my tab. So here’s my proposal: The books for my tab. What do you say?

Gloria.

(Crossing to Mrs. Hall) What is Marvel’s tab? (Mrs. Hall hands her a handwritten receipt. Her eyes go wide as she reads it and turns to Marvel) How can you drink so

much?

Marvel.

That’s an accumulation of meat pies as well.

Mrs. Hall.

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Loves the meat pies, Marvel does.

Gloria.

All right. We have a deal. (She and Marvel shake hands. Gloria settles the bill with Mrs. Hall)

Marvel.

I can’t believe it. I’m free and all my debts are paid!

Gloria.

I’m very happy for you, now please uphold your end of the bargain.

Marvel.

Right this way, mum. (They both exit through the front door, Marvel leading)

Hall.

(Leading the Guests back to the desk) And that concludes our tour. You will now meet the one person who defied the invisible man. (Mrs. Hall leans over and

whispers something in his ear) She did? Oh! Um… Thank you all once again for coming.

Guest 1.

Wait a minute! Where’s this brave one you’ve been going on about?

Hall.

Uh, it appears they are no longer here.

Guest 2.

We paid for all the frills. All you had us do was stare at a bunch of broken furniture. How do we know you didn’t just break the furniture yourself and claim that the

invisible man did it?

Patron 1.

Because we were there. It’s how we ended up like this.

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Patron 2.

We got in a scrape with the invisible man himself.

Guest 3.

You did?

Patron 3.

You bet your hide! This is the extra frills they was talking about. This is Hall’s Autograph Hall. (Referencing Patron 1) That one doesn’t sign on account of the arm.

Patron 1.

But I’ll shake your hand with my other! (The Guests cross to the Patrons with renewed enthusiasm. The commotion wakes Patrons 4 &5. Patron 4 nudges Patron

5)

Patron 4.

Did you hear that?

Patron 5.

Hear what?

Patron 4.

These people fought the indivisible man!

(Patron 5 stands aghast and goes over to Guest 4, thrusting out a hand)

Patron 5.

Excuse me. I just wanted to say thank you for your service to our country.

Guest 4.

(Shaking hands hesitantly)

Uh… Thank you? I think you have me confused with-

Patron 5.

I just wanted to say what a huge fan I am of your work. Truly remarkable stuff!

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Guest 4.

I really think you-

Patron 5.

Now I don’t mean to impose but if you could find it in your heart to spare some drink, I haven’t had a change all day!

(Patron 4 pulls Patron 5 away from the group and they sit back down. Mrs. Hall makes her way over to the other Patrons)

Mrs. Hall.

What exactly are you lot expecting in return for this.

Patron 2.

We want what Marvel got, Janny. Tabs reset at zero. George’s too, just for fun!

Mrs. Hall.

George’s tab?

Patron 3.

Sure! Mr. Hall’s been keeping one for years!

Mrs. Hall.

(About to explode) George! (Mr. Hall’s head seemingly sinks into his chest)

(END SCENE)

Scene 3Kemp’s House

(Dr. Kemp, Col. Adye, Constable Jaffers, and several Police Officers are on high alert. They hear a door open and close off stage. They ready themselves)

Gloria.

(Off) It’s me, Paul! I’ll see you in a moment, I just want to hang up my coat first.

Kemp.

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(To Col. Adye) I told you she’d be fine.

Adye.

Too risky, if you ask me. Until your man, Griffin, is found, I don’t want either of you going out on your own again.

Kemp.

As I’ve said before, it’s me he’s after.

Adye.

Just like he was after Mrs. Cuss? He killed two people to get to her. The deaths were not pleasant, either. We found claw marks on the floor and bits of wood under her

fingernails where they had broken off.

Kemp.

Gloria insisted that she be the one to go and that it must be alone. No police to draw attention.

Adye.

(In hushed tones so Gloria cannot overhear) This is your wife we’re talking about!

Kemp.

You don’t think I know that? You don’t think my stomach’s been in knots the whole time she was away? I’d be lost without her. But there was no other way. An officer going around town looking for a vagrant wouldn’t a fly with information about it. This is our one chance. (Gloria enters and Kemp rushes to her. He hugs her and

holds her close as if protecting her) You’re freezing.

Gloria.

It was so cold out there.

Kemp.

At least you’re safe now.

Gloria.

Well, if Griffin is wanting to remain invisible, he’ll be having a worse time than I was.

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Kemp.

Did you find them?

Gloria.

The books are gone. Marvel dumped them in a river while being chased by Griffin in hopes that he’d give up pursuit.

Kemp.

(Deflated) Then we’re sunk. Those books were our only hope to offer a trade to Griffin.

Gloria.

I’m sorry, Paul. Honestly, I don’t know what good it would have done. Griffin hasn’t shown himself to be the forgiving kind lately.

Kemp.

I was hoping he’d reverse the process. His formula has been driving him to insanity. The opposite might bring him back to reality. A part of me really wants to believe

he’d turn himself in if he realized what he’s done.

Jaffers.

Perhaps it’s a bit too much to hope for, Doctor. The best thing to do now is what we’re already doing.

Adye.

Jaffers is correct. The doors and windows are locked and you’re in a room full of police officers. (A window shatters offstage)

Jaffers.

You two, check that out. (Another window shatters offstage) What in blazes is going on?

Officer 1.

(Running back on) Stones, sir.

Officer 2.

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Here’s one from the other side of the house.

Kemp.

He’s trying to catch us off-guard. Disorient us.

Adye.

I’ve had enough of this. Jaffers, start filling this place with smoke. We’re going to stick to the plan.

Jaffers.

Where are you going, Colonel?

Adye.

Outside. See if I can get a shot at him while he’s throwing rocks.

Gloria.

Be careful.

(Adye nods to Gloria, musters up some courage, and exits)

Jaffers.

Right, you heard the Colonel. Smoke on the double. I wouldn’t recommend getting to close to any of those windows unless you want a rock in the eye. Or worse.

(Curtain closes and Col. Adye creeps out. Griffin twists Adye’s arm up and behind back)

Griffin.

Do you feel that piece of metal pushing into your back? That’s your gun. Go ahead, check your holster. (Adye looks down and confirms)

Adye.

So what’s your game?

Griffin.

I think you already know the answer to that.

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Adye.

Yeah, kiss my- (Griffin twists Adye’s arm more)

Griffin.

Careful. Not too loud.

Adye.

I’m not going to help you.

Griffin.

You know, the last person I did this to, I broke their arm.

Adye.

What’s a little pain before I die?

Griffin.

You don’t have to die. Just go back inside the house with me behind you. My quarrel is not with you or your officers. Only one man has to die tonight.

Adye.

You don’t have to do this. Paul Kemp is not a bad man. Do the right thing. Turn yourself in. You can find redemption in that and the courts will look down favorably

upon it. They might even give you a lighter sentence.

Griffin.

Why on earth would I want to turn myself in on three charges of murder?

Adye.

Because that man in there, the one you’re trying to kill, doesn’t think you’re beyond saving. He even tried to find your books for you! So you could change back.

Griffin.

Change back?! From this? Don’t make me laugh. I am powerful, nigh indestructible. The world will fear the invisible man. A murder every couples of weeks, just to keep

people on the toes. A poor man one week, a rich man the next. A woman. A child. I

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won’t discriminate. Death could come for anyone at any time. Anyone who crosses my path will spend the rest of their short lives in terror.

Adye.

Dr. Kemp was wrong. There’s no saving you. You’re a monster.

Griffin.

You flatter me, but caution, you try my patience. What’s it going to be? You strike me as a survivor. Is his life really worth more than yours? Think about what’s at stake

here. You’re head of the police. Got a family? Kids that will miss you?

Adye.

(In grim defeat) All right. You win. I’ll do whatever you want.

Griffin.

There a smart fellow. Now, start walking like everything’s normal. I’m going to let go of your arm, but mind you, I still have your gun and I won’t hesitate to pull the

trigger if I sense any treachery. (Adye nods) Go. (Griffin and Adye exit.)

Adye.

(Offstage) Kemp! He has my firearm! Don’t let him get insi-

(Gunshot. Curtain opens. Kemp’s house is now thick with smoke. Jaffers is peering through the window downstage)

Kemp.

What happened? Is he-

Jaffers.

He’s not moving. (To two officers) Stay with Dr. Kemp and his wife at all times. Dr. Kemp?

Kemp.

Yes, Constable?

Jaffers.

Lock the door behind us as we leave. I don’t want you to open the door for anyone

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until I saw that we’ve got him. Is that clear?

Kemp.

As ice.

Jaffers.

Everyone else, we’ll split up and guard every entrance. I don’t want a single door or window unsecured. (They all exit, save for Dr. Kemp, Gloria, and the two officers)

Smith.

Smith’s the name. That’s Officer Walton. You let us know if you see anything; just holler and we’ll be right on it.

Kemp.

Certainly, Officers.

Gloria.

Paul, let me talk to him. I can reason with him, I’m sure of it.

Kemp.

Griffin’s irrational. I won’t let you risk your life for me again.

Gloria.

I have to try. I’m not going to just give up.

Kemp.

He just shot Col. Adye without a second thought. I cannot let you go.

Gloria.

(Harshly) I’m not a child, I’m your wife! I’m tired of being treated like I need permission to do things. Unlock the door.

Kemp.

Gloria!

Gloria.

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He’s going to get in, Paul. We both know it. It’s only a matter of how many more bodies you want him to leave in his wake.

Smith.

Afraid we can’t let you do that, Doctor.

Walton.

This is a police matter, now. You need to let us handle this. Remember, as long as this door stays locked, you’ll be safe.

(Griffin steps up from behind Walton, visible in the smoke. He snaps Walton’s neck)

Smith.

He’s in here!

(Smith is thrown across the room, landing on the chaise lounge. Griffin knocks Smith of it. Smith tries to get up, but Griffin puts a stop to the effort with a swift kick to the head. Griffin takes Smith’s gun, just as Kemp wrestles Walton’s free. Griffin is faster,

though. There is a banging at the door as Jaffers and others try to get in)

Griffin.

Put it down, Kemp.

Kemp.

Why, so you can shoot me?

Griffin.

No, so I won’t have to threaten to kill Gloria as well. Put the gun down and I will only kill you.

Kemp.

How- how can I trust that you’ll do as you say?

Griffin.

I’m pragmatic.

Gloria.

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I’d like to argue that statement.

Griffin.

Shut up and stay out of this. Lower your weapon, Kemp! (Kemp does as instructed) Put it on the floor. (Again, he follows the order)

Gloria.

All these years and still you’ve learned nothing.

Griffin.

Quiet out there! We’re trying to have a conversation. (He fires once at the door. The pounding abruptly stop amid some brief shouts and chaos) On the contrary, I’ve

learned a great deal in these past years. Mankind is a weak immune system, susceptible to virus and disease. If it wants to be strong and continue to thrive, it needs regulation. To be kept in check. And I’ve found that the best way to control

people is through fear.

Gloria.

Griffin, control is an illusion and the harder you strive for it, the farther away it gets. Just look at yourself right now. Do you feel in control? Does it make you happy or

give you peace?

Griffin.

Do not pretend to know what goes on inside my head.

Gloria.

I’m not trying to get inside your head. I’m trying to get you to be honest with yourself, for once in your life!

Griffin.

What’s that supposed to mean?

Gloria.

I know you, Griffin, and I am having trouble believing that you’ve plotted revenge for years against an old woman.

Griffin.

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She killed my father.

Gloria.

Your father killed himself.

Griffin.

She may as well have pulled the trigger.

Gloria.

But she didn’t. That fact of the matter is that your father took out a loan and, when she called for the money back, he didn’t have it, so he shot himself.

Griffin.

She asked for it ahead of the agreed time. It wasn’t my fault!

Gloria.

What did you say?

Griffin.

I said… it wasn’t his fault.

Gloria.

No, that’s not what you said. You said “my fault”. Griffin, why didn’t your father have the money he needed?

Griffin.

Shut up.

Gloria.

Answer it, Griffin. Why didn’t your father have the money?

Griffin.

Shut up! I swear I’ll shoot you where you stand! I don’t care.

Kemp.

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Gloria, don’t!

Gloria.

No. Answer, Griff. Why didn’t he have it? Answer me. Why?

Griffin.

(Roaring with anguish) Because I stole it! I stole it. I needed funding for my research. I was turned down everywhere. Laughed at. Scoffed at. It was only going to be gone

a few days. My father wouldn’t even know. I had the blueprint I just needed the materials. I was going to sell my formula to the government. Invisibility for warfare

and espionage. Why wouldn’t they want that? I only needed a few days. But she called for it early. And the worst part? My trial failed. I had the formula wrong. I

wouldn’t succeed for a few years yet. I had failed- in the most awful possible way. It was my fault. It was all my fault.

Kemp.

Oh, Griffin…

Griffin.

That’s why they have to pay.

Gloria.

Who?

Griffin.

Everyone! They must suffer as I suffer. I will yoke them with my burden. That’s the only way I can go on.

Gloria.

That’s not the only way, Griff.

Griffin.

I’ve tried dealing with it, Gloria. For years. And now I’ve finally achieved my desired effect. I’ve become invisible to the world. And myself. I cannot spare your husband,

Gloria. He has wronged me. But if you leave now, I will spare you.

Gloria.

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Griff, you truly are lost…

(At that moment Kemp lunges at Griffin, who is caught by surprise. The two struggle, but Griffin gets the upper hand and begins to choke Kemp)

Griffin.

A valiant attempt, Kemp, but I don’t need a gun to kill you.

(Kemp tries desperately to breathe, gasping for air)

Kemp.

Gloria! (He points to the gun on the floor. Gloria picks it up) Aim... true…

(Gloria steadies her aim and fires. The grip on Kemp’s neck slackens. Kemp rolls Griffin off of him, then tries to find a pulse)

Gloria.

(Rushing to him) Paul, are you hurt? (He shakes his head, still catching his breath) Is he…?

Kemp.

No, I can feel him breathing. (He feels something on his hands. He smells it) He’s bleeding, badly. The bullet must have gone clean through him. Without being able to

see the damage, I don’t know what I can do. Open the door for Jaffers, would you?

Gloria.

(Unlocking the door) Is there anything you can do?

Kemp.

(Pragmatically) Tie a tourniquet and make him comfortable. It’s in God’s hands after that.

Jaffers.

(Entering with the other officers) Where is he? Is everyone all right?

Kemp.

Far from it, Constable. Far from it.

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(END SCENE)

Scene 4Kemp’s Bedroom

(Griffin lies on a bed, still invisible, with the sheets pulled up to his neck. Three leather straps hold him down, one at his chest, the next at his waist, the last at his

ankles. Kemp is watching over him. Jaffers enters through a door upstage)

Jaffers.

How is he fairing?

Kemp.

Hard to tell. I can’t see him. His breathing has increased and sounds stronger. At times he’s lucid; at times he’s not. Heart rate has been steady. The bleeding seems to

have stopped.

Jaffers.

How can you tell?

Kemp.

The sheets aren’t wet.

Jaffers.

Think he’ll recover?

Kemp.

I hesitate to say so, but he might.

Jaffers.

I hope he does. He killed friends of mine. Good people, they were. Had families and the lot. It should have been me. But I hope he lives. I want to see him get a fair trial, have his day in court, and be hanged for murder. I just wish if that happens, I’ll be

able to see it.

Kemp.

Don’t hold your breath. Without his journals, I wouldn’t know where to begin. I

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don’t know if he would, either. If he has to inject something into his bloodstream, how would he find a vein?

Jaffers.

Well, I’m heading out now. We’re done downstairs.

Kemp.

Thank you, Constable, for all of your help.

Jaffers.

Of course, Doctor. (Gloria enters) Mrs. Kemp. (Jaffers passes her, tips hat, and exits through the door)

Gloria.

Will he live? (Kemp shrugs) There’s a reporter downstairs who wants to speak with you about the incident.

Kemp.

How are you holding up, Gloria?

Gloria.

I’m fine, Paul.

Kemp.

I worry about you, darling. You did just shoot your old flame. (He places his hand on her cheek)

Gloria.

(Taking it away) I’m fine.

Kemp.

(Nodding) All right. I’ll be with the reporter if you need anything. Remember to lock the door when you leave. (He hands her a key and goes to the door. He turns to say

something, but thinks better of it. He exits, closing the door gently behind him)

(Gloria looks at the door before turning her attention to Griffin. She moves to the bed, speaking as she does so)

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Gloria.

It’s funny, don’t you find? Last time we were alone in a room together, our situation was reversed. In a manner of speaking. I felt as helpless as I’m sure you do now. I don’t know if you can hear me, but it doesn’t really matter. This is mostly for my

benefit. That day, you brought back a fear that I hadn’t felt in a long time. You made me feel vulnerable. Paul had spent years making me feel safe and you stripped that away in an instant. Did it make you feel powerful to take that away from me? Did it

make you feel like a man? Well, I can take things away, too! Something far worse than what you took from me. Your immortatlity. A scientist’s legacy is his work.

Other than your murderous rampage, it’s the only thing you’ll leave behind. Without your books, you’ll fade from memory as that peculiar case where a fellow, I forget

his name, became invisible and scared a town for a good week or so. The end. It reminded me of when we were together. Do you remember the good old days, Griff?

No, I doubt you do. I doubt you remember much of anything anymore. But that’s how I remember it. A blurred, distant memory- like smoke escaping from a bottle. Would you like to know how I did it? I dumped them, all my memories of you, just like I dumped your books into the river. (Feigns surprise) That’s right, Griff. All of

you life’s work is gone. Splash! (Close to his face now) I bet you wish you had more strength. That you could reach those hands of yours up and wrap your fingers

around my neck. It’s so delicate, Griff. It would be so easy to break it. (Pulling away) But I’m not going to give you that chance. You’ve hurt me enough for one lifetime.

(She takes his pillow and holds it over his head. Griffin squirms beneath the sheets and straps, fighting for life. Gloria holds firm. Griffin manages to almost free an arm, but it’s too late. He goes limp. She lifts the pillow as she pulls the sheets up over his head, sliding the pillow back underneath. She steps away, taking in what she’s done. A look of contentment crosses her face. When she is satisfied, she turns and exits the room, looking back only to close and lock the door. After the door closes, lights dim

to a spot on Griffin. His lifeless hand slips from the strap and dangles below the sheet, visible)

(END OF PLAY)

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