Moonspender (6)
VITTORIO No awkward questions?, no suspicions? PROF No, just as I told you, the minute she started digging she forgot everything else. Her only suspicions have to do with the Monk's satanic activities, it seems Martha has been busy. VITTORIO I'll have to verify that, but, yeah, you handle it. This is getting embarrassing. The Professor cross his fingers under the table. PROF And? VITTORIO Let us endeavor to not fuck up this sale, it just might be the beginning of a very lucrative relationship. 75 VITTORIO (continuing) Get me the items by the end of the week. Then the Monk, get rid of him what ever way is the easiest, dont make it more complicated than it is. FADE TO: INT> SHERIFF"S OFFICE (NIGHT) The Sheriff and 3 ISRAELI HIRED GUNS, prepare for their mission. They are all dressed in black including black gloves. The Sheriff prepares a basket with a bottle of wine and a fresh loaf of bread, another of the men puts a bottle of chloroform and a cloth in his pocket, another prepares a hypodermic, the 3rd checks his pistol but the Sheriff stops him. SHERIFF No guns, if that goes off we blow the whole deal. And get rid of the yamaka, if you drop that, you could start a war. The 3rd man laughs and takes it off. 3RD MAN How much did you say our fee was? SHERIFF 100,000 each plus travel. Why?, you got something better to do? Now, let's go, in and out fast. CUT TO: INT> PROFESSOR"S VILLA (NIGHT) Betty, Stamatis and the Professor have just finished their meal on the veranda. The Professor offers them both a cigar, even Betty takes one in honor of the occasion, puffing like a blowfish to the amusement of her companions. The man servant comes to clear the table. PROF If you would be so kind as to bring us cognac and some fruit, you may retire for the evening. The man nods, fills a large tray and disappears into the kitchen. 76 He return immediately with the cognac and fruit. He knows his employer well. He bows to him and the guests and exits. The Professor pours three snifters and raises his glass to the young couple. PROF To your happiness. I'm glad to see my Betty has found a good fellow to fall in love with, I would expect no less. STAMATIS Thank you so much for having us here, this is really an amazing place you have. PROF (smiles) Well, after 40 years of trekking around in mud and dust, I felt I deserved it, but of course even the most beautiful environment pales if you haven't good friends to share it with. (stands) I'm not a person to go about shopping for small appliances, But I wanted to give you two a little something in honor of your partnership (goes into the living room) BETTY Please, Professor, that's not necessary, you've given me so much already. He returns holding a box tied with a ribbon and places it in front of Betty. PROF I know it's not necessary, that is what makes it a pleasure STAMATIS (laughs) What are you looking at me for, open it, silly. She carefully unties the ribbon, when she lifts the lid a gasp escapes her. Her eyes well up. 77 BETTY I dont know what to say. CU it is a small ancient fertility figure from the Professor's private collection. CU Stamatis' face then back to the figure. Like most fertility statues this one is a very pregnant woman. But to Stamatis she looks like she's wearing high heeled boots and a micro-miniskirt. He's in shock. PROF (looks from Betty to Stamatis with a solemn expression) Just tell me your decision doesn't mean that you are abandoning your career. Archeology need people like you. STAMATIS Dont worry, Professor, I fell in love with a brilliant ambitious young scientist. I couldn't live with myself if I let her turn into a complacent housewife. The fertility figure winks at him lewdly. Stamatis swallows hard and tries to act natural. The Professor looks longingly at an assegai, a Zulu spear, hung on the wall. CUT TO: EXT> MONASTERY (NIGHT) The man with the chloroform takes his place by the door. The Sheriff places the 2 baskets about 6 feet from the door, then pulls the bell rope and disappears into the shadows. They all hold their breath until the door opens a crack. The Monk peers out, he sees the baskets and opens the door a little wider, but his paranoia makes him cautious. He looks around suspiciously, sniffing the air like an animal. He can smell the bread, it is still warm, and stomach overcomes his fear. 78 He steps out and just as he bends and places his hands on the basket, the man by the door makes his move, clamping the cloth soaked in chloroform over the Monk's mouth and nose. The Monk is stronger than his scrawny frame would suggest and it is all the man can do to hold him, especially when the clamps his teeth on the man's hand. The man curses him in 9 languages. Finally, the Monk's body goes slack and the man drags him through the door followed by the others. The Sheriff picks up the baskets and brushes away the evidence of the struggle in the dirt. CUT TO: INT> THE MONK'S CHAMBER (NIGHT) The 1st man lays the Monk on his cot then tends to his hand. 1ST MAN Look at this, the mallaka bit me right through a leather glove. SHERIFF Well, I told you he was pyscho. 2ND MAN (jabbing the hypodermic into the Monk's foot) He wont be anything at all until morning. 3RD MAN I'll bring the truck around. The Sheriff grabs a used glass from the galley, opens the wine and pours most of it down the sink. He pours water after it to remove the traces then returns to the gallery. 2ND MAN Jesus, it stinks in here. SHERIFF What does an Israeli mean when he says 'Jesus'? 79 2ND MAN You figure it out. The Sheriff laughs then sets the wine glass on the table. He pours a little wine in the glass, swishes it around, then dribbles it over the Monk's lips, beard and robe. He sets the glass back on the table by the bottle, tears the bread putting one end in his pocket. He removes a large key from the Monk's belt, then satisfied with the setting, calls the others. SHERIFF Time. They move stealthily through the monastery. The 3rd man joins them with a large furniture dolly. The Sheriff opens a huge iron door and as it creaks open the 4 men astounded. 3RD MAN And you said no guns. The walls are lined with weapons, in the center of the room are the marble friezes covered by old woolen blankets. SHERIFF Christo, what did he think, those crazy old broads were going to become his private army? 3RD MAN Gun running to Serbia. SHERIFF Why the Hell didn't you? 2ND MAN Because America is on the other side. 1ST MAN Why? 3RD MAN Because the Soviet Union collapsed and NATO is out of job so they got to find something for them to do. SHERIFF Move it! 80 3RD MAN The Serbs should have pretended they were losing, America likes to back losers, they're more dependent, like the Greeks. SHERIFF And you made the same mistake as South Africa. They only wanted Dutch, you only wanted Jews. You should have invited in all these Balkan farmers, the Serbs, the Bulgarians, they've been fighting the Moslems all their lives. 3RD MAN I hate to say it, but it makes sense. SHERIFF Move it!! 1ST MAN That shit looks heavy. SHERIFF It is and we better not put a chip or a scratch on them either. We'll put put the crates in their place and cover them with blankets then by the time he realizes they're gone... 3RD MAN Leave the guns?! SHERIFF Alright, one apiece. The 3rd man picks up a H&K machine 9mm machine pistol. 1ST MAN And what about Serbian atrocities? 3RD MAN (fondling the H&K) That's the problem with getting intellectuals into politics. They're so used to looking at both sides of a problem that they make the world's worst decision makers. FADE TO: 81 EXT> MONASTERY (ALMOST DAWN) One of the Monk's devotees arrives on the doorstep with a basket: fresh milk, cheese, a few boiled eggs. She pulls the bell rope and waits, there is no answer, She pulls it again then, figuring that he must be out on some errand, leaves the basket and shuffles off down the road. CUT TO: INT> MONK"S CHAMBERS (ALMOST DAWN) By the time the sound of the bell penetrates the opium clouds in his brain and he manages to stagger to the door, the woman is long gone. When he sees the other basket, he begins to regain his senses. He picks up the wine bottle and smells the contents, then tastes a little: it's just good local wine. He settles down and tears into the cheese and bread. Suddenly, gripped by a notion, he searches his belt frantically, but calms down again when he discovers the key in its proper place. He chews slowly and thoughtfully for a moment, then stands and goes to the massive iron door. CUT TO: EXT> MONASTERY (ALMOST DAWN) An inhuman cry emanates from the bowels of the old structure. Suddenly, the door opens and the Monk emerges, crazed he runs around the building in a blind rage. Then he pantomimes that he has an idea. As always, it is a very bad idea. CUT TO: EXT> THE VILLAGE (THIN WATERY GREEN DAWN)) Betty's car is parked under a tree. A dog barks and a figure scuttles along between the vehicles. FADE TO: EXT> THE MOUNTAIN (DAY) It is the last day and Betty surveys her little kingdom for the last time. Stamatis takes pictures 82 of her as they walk the site. The workers pack up the equipment on donkeys and file past her on their way back to the village. She hands each one an envelope with their final pay plus a little something. By the time the 3rd has passed she is crying as she thanks them profusely for their help. Stamatis stands at a respectful distance. He watches with mixed emotions, only occasionally looking trapped. CUT TO: EXT> VILLAGE (DAY) Betty and Stamatis load up their respective vehicles. Stamatis seems in a rush about something. Betty brings him all her notes, films, sketches. (Greek) BETTY Can you take these for me? STAMATIS (unsettled) Why?, dont you want to? BETTY I...I would like you to carry them for me. He carefully places them in his car then turns to her and lifts her chin. STAMATIS Spit it out, Garanis. His face clouds momentarily, she is on the verge of tears. You promised. BETTY I know, I'm sorry, it's just that there are so many people I haven't had a chance to thank, to say good-bye to, they've helped me so much. He hugs her as she starts to cry. He cups her face in his hands. STAMATIS Yeah, sure, why not? 83 He kisses her and they embrace tightly. Give everyone my love, I owe them a lot too for taking such good care of you. But I'll take your car, you take the truck. It's heavier, it's a little safer going down the mountain. BETTY Then we have to repack everything? STAMATIS No, for one day what difference does it make? BETTY No, I couldn't if you got killed, I'd feel guilty. STAMATIS (laughs) You poor child how you suffer. They clinch. POV pulls back until they're a dot in the landscape. CUT TO: CU Betty. She wipes her eyes and watches as he drives off. Martha comes up behind her. MARTHA He's not staying for Aphrodite's party? BETTY (smiling sadly) He really wanted to, but he's got to be at the construction site at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow. MARTHA (hugs her) Poor dear, well, now that you're going to be married, we cant have him losing his job. BETTY I have to run an errand in town, want me to bring you anything? 84 MARTHA Cant thing of anything off hand, just dont be late. Aphrodite wants us there by 3:00 BETTY (smiles) I wont be late. CUT TO: INT> SHERIFF"S OFFICE (DAY) The Sheriff is playing backgammon against a computer when there is a knock at the door. SHERIFF Yeah... The door opens tentatively and Betty enters. The Sheriff is taken by surprise, he didn't expect to see her again. BETTY I hope I'm not bothering you. SHERIFF Why do I get the feeling that you're going to? BETTY It's just, well, I'll take that ouzo now. Stunned, he extracts his bottle and plastic cups from his drawer. SHERIFF You want ice? I can call the kid. BETTY (smiles) No, straight is fine. He pours and hands her hers. I will be leaving now, but I wanted to thank you before I go. SHERIFF (uncomfortable) I dont know what for. 85 BETTY I do. She raises her glass, he looks at her a moment then touches his to hers. SHERIFF You're an unusual woman, Miss Garanis. They drink. BETTY And you are a good man, whether you like it or not. I brought you something, it's probably silly, but I wanted you to have it. She hands him a flat square package, he is embarrassed by the gesture but awkwardly accepts it and opens the gift. It is a sketch of a wolf in a simple frame. He is touched. SHERIFF You do this? BETTY (blushes) Yeah...I told you it was silly, but it reminded me of you, that's why I wanted you to have it. SHERIFF (looking at it to avoid her eyes) I dont think it's silly at all, but what's this got to do with me? BETTY You figure it out. SHERIFF People keep saying that to me, but nothing seems to help...Wolves hunt in packs. BETTY Yes. CUT TO: EXT> DELPHI (DAY) 86 STAMATIS has stopped to get something to drink, looks worried and tries to call the general store. STOREKEEPER Now what? STAMATIS Betty, is she near there? STOREKEEPER No, she went into town to say some more good-byes. Should be back in an hour, make that 2, no 3. STAMATIS I'll wait. STOREKEEPER Dont, you dont want to drive that mountain at night. She'll be a widow before she's even married. Message? Stamatis hangs up, gets into Betty's car and drives. He starts to turn back then changes his mind again and drives back down the mountain. And it is getting dark. CUT TO: INT> SHERIFF"S BEDROOM (TWILIGHT) The Sheriff is jarred from sleep by the incessant ringing of the telephone. He drags himself out of bed and stumbles over to the offending instrument. SHERIFF Yes, already?...What...aww shit, OK, OK, I'm coming, yeah, thanks. He hangs up and starts to get dressed. CUT TO: EXT> MOUNTAIN ROAD (TWILIGHT) The Sheriff pulls up to where a shepherd and a few locals have gathered by the roadside. He notices the skid marks on the preceding curves and shakes his head. He scrambles down the ledge talking to himself. 87 SHERIFF Damn farmers never check their brakes. The word is 'preventative maintenance', you dont use something till it breaks, because then it's too late. They point out the car to him, 1500 ft. below. He recognizes it immediately. He stares turns toward his car, turns back again to make sure it really happened. He stares for a long moment then jumps into his car and roars away. CUT TO: SHERIFF"S OFFICE (NIGHT) On the wall behind the desk, we see the wolf sketch hanging by the icon. The Sheriff bursts in, throws his coat down and goes straight to the phone, his voice low and menacing when it's picked up at the other end. VITTORIO (filtered) Prego? SHERIFF Why, you son of a bitch, just tell me why. VITTORIO Who is this? SHERIFF You know damn well who this is. VITTORIO Sheriff?, what is the matter, aren't our accounts balanced. SHERIFF Accounts?!, you just had to kill her, didn't you? VITTORIO At the risk of sounding patronizing, why dont you tell me what happened? 88 SHERIFF Single car accident, break failure, one fatality, archeologist, sound familiar? VITTORIO Quite frankly, no. SHERIFF You're saying that you had nothing to do with this! VITTORIO Not exactly, it was her boyfriend's car that was supposed to have the cables cut. Better check that. SHERIFF But he left last night. VITTORIO They rigged the wrong car, those bastards will never work here again. The Sheriff hangs up as Betty walks in and sits down. BETTY He took my truck. I mean he took my car, he left me the truck, he said it would be safer. SHERIFF Of course. BETTY I didn't want to, but there were things I had to move. Things from the site. Heavy things. SHERIFF Of course. BETTY It was the only way to keep them from being stolen. SHERIFF Of course. 89 He opens a desk drawer, takes out his bottle of ouzo and fills 2 plastic cups. He hands one to her. BETTY Metaxa really shows much better taste. Dont you have any Metaxa? HE STARES AT HER. FREEZE FRAME
Copyright © 1999 Victoria King |