CUT TO:
EXT. AUNT JONI'S HOUSE – NIGHT
DJ pulls up in his Winnebago. He and Amber scramble out of the vehicle and towards the front porch of the house. They can hear yelling coming inside.
AMBER: This should be fun …
DJ pushes the front door open.
INT. AUNT JONI'S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
DJ and Amber walk past Uncle Frank who is passed out on the couch. They find Tatum and Aunt Joni, for the first time, in an argument.
TATUM: - and you sent the cab away?!
AUNT JONI: Tatum – you're not thinking clearly! Like with your head like you normally do -!
TATUM: I am thinking with my head! And right now, my daughter needs me!
AUNT JONI: But Tatum, you're not going to be of any help to Nicky if you just rush off into danger!
TATUM: I'm a mother! That's what we do!
Tatum sees DJ and Amber and she throws up her hands.
TATUM: Thank God! Will you guys talk to Aunt Joni, I'm not getting through to her!
DJ: What's going on?
TATUM: She cancelled my last cab, my tires have been slashed –
AUNT JONI: Tatum, you need listen to reason!
TATUM: I would, but you're not being reasonable!
AUNT JONI: I'm trying to help you! You're not in your right state of mind, you need my help!
TATUM: You're acting like I'm a freaking child!
AUNT JONI: You're not a child, but you've got a lot of people scaring you and telling you things are happening and they're not! I'm telling you, Nicky is safe and this is all a ploy by Billy to get you back!
DJ: Um, I can attest to the fact that this is all for real and Nicky is really in a lot of danger and Aunt Tatum needs to get to her -.
AUNT JONI: Would you stay out of this, DJ?
TATUM: Don't talk to him like that!
DJ: I got the Winnebago, Aunt Tatum. Amber and I are gonna catch a ferry to the city from Weehawken and circumvent the traffic.
Tatum hoists her purse over her shoulder.
TATUM: Great! Best advice I've heard all day! Let's go!
She heads for the door. Aunt Joni is still behind them chattering away.
AUNT JONI: Tatum, you can't do this! You can't just up and leave! This is all Billy. You're falling for his shit all over again!
TATUM: The only shit I've been falling for is yours! C'mon DJ!
DJ: So does this mean you and Uncle Billy are -.
TATUM: Nope. We're still done. Joni being a wacko doesn't undo the damage your Uncle has done. After we rescue our daughter, I hope to God this is the last I hear from him!
DJ: So you're willing to see him at least? I'll take it!
They reach the front door. Aunt Joni is hysterical.
AUNT JONI: You can't leave me! You need me, whether you want to admit it or not, you need me to help you and support you –
Tatum reaches the door.
THE LIGHTS GO OUT!
DJ: I'm guessing that wasn't supposed to happen?
Amber peers through the peephole – A FIGURE IN BLACK DARTS ACROSS THE BACKYARD. She backs up.
AMBER: Someone's out there.
AUNT JONI: Probably a neighbor.
DJ: You don't have neighbors! You live in the middle of nowhere!
Uncle Frank lumbers into the kitchen.
UNCLE FRANK: Power's out?
AUNT JONI: Switch on the generator Frank, won't you?
UNCLE FRANK: Yeah, yeah …
DJ: (to Tatum) Should we make a break for the Winnebago?
TATUM: Do you think we can time it right?
AUNT JONI: Don't be ridiculous. It's only the neighbor! But you better stay here, Tatum. Just in case.
TATUM: You just said a second ago there was no danger!
AUNT JONI: At least wait until Frank gets the generator going, will you?
CUT TO:
EXT. JONI'S BACKYARD – NIGHT
Uncle Frank curses as he walks with a flashlight through the wooded backyard. He's muttering to himself.
UNCLE FRANK: Stupid wife, stupid family … always making me do stuff.
He comes to a shed. He swings the door open. In the interior is landscaping equipment and there – a backup generator. Frank plays with the generator, cursing. He fiddles with it and it comes alive – illuminating GHOSTFACE behind him. The masked killer CHARGES, impaling his knife through Frank's back into the generator.
The power SURGES – Frank cries as electricity courses through his body. Ghostface steps back watching, his mask illuminated by sparks. Frank's body catches FIRE, his eyes explode … and then his head falls forward – limp. All that's left of him now is a char-broiled stick of jerky.
INT. BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE – NIGHT
A full audience is in attendance upon hearing that the famed producer Gael DeLaouritz will be there. The attendees sit, chattering among themselves. Mr. DeLaouritz sits in the front, fully prominent in his purple outfit, still chattering on the phone.
Behind the curtain is pandemonium. Nicholette is in costume. Kirby is there, fixing her outfit. Ace stands at the side in his ascot.
KIRBY: You look stunning!
NICHOLETTE: Thanks Kirbz.
The assistant director (AD) comes in, headset on.
AD: Has anyone seen Nathan?
NICHOLETTE: Not since this afternoon.
AD: The biggest show of his night and he probably decided to get dead wasted, the drunk. What about Chris? Where is our Raoul? We can't go on without Chris as Raoul!
KIRBY: What about his understudy?
AD: Diarrhea! (Beat) Oh, we're gonna have to cancel the show! And with a full house!
Next to them, Ace inhales and exhales. He centers himself mentally.
ACE: I will be your Raoul!
KIRBY: Umm … that's not a good idea! Do you remember your audition?!
ACE: I am a superstar.
KIRBY: You are not, you're –
ACE: Guru Hopchek taught me that if you can visualize it, it actuates itself.
KIRBY: I have no idea what that means! You can't sing!
NICHOLETTE: (whispering) Let him go … this whole thing is about baiting the killer, remember?
KIRBY: Alright, fine. Fine. Go Ace! Go make an ass of yourself!
AD: (grabbing Ace) C'mon you!
Nicholette sees Brian walking towards his private room. He sees her, turns and tries to avoid her. She sighs.
NICHOLETTE: Kirby, I'll be right back.
INT. BRIAN'S DRESSING ROOM – NIGHT
Brian is putting on his Phantom of the Opera outfit. He's in his tux with a cape. The Phantom mask lies on the table. He plays with it when the door knocks.
BRIAN: Yes?
Nicholette sheepishly enters.
BRIAN: Nicky? What are you doing, the show starts –
Nicholette presses her finger to his lips.
NICHOLETTE: I wanted to say I was sorry.
BRIAN: For what?
NICHOLETTE: Last night. At the Empire State Building.
BRIAN: There's no need. I went too far, I shouldn't have kissed you –
NICHOLETTE: No! You should have. I'm sorry that I left you. (Beat) I ended things with Danny. You told me I had to ask myself what I wanted. And I realized … the answer was you.
Brian's face falters into a sad smile.
BRIAN: You have no idea how long I've waited to hear you say those words. Ever since I first saw you in Drama Club at High School …
NICHOLETTE: Sorry it took me so long.
BRIAN: Better late than never. Thank you for coming before the show. I was getting nervous … but you just gave me the boost of confidence I needed! I'll make sure this is a show to remember! I'll make sure everyone sees you just as I do … a beautiful, radiant, intelligent woman! And when the Phantom sings of his love for Christine – well, it won't be acting for me!
The two lean in and their lips meet.
INT. AUNT JONI'S HOUSE – NIGHT
The power comes on, SURGES – before the lights go out once again. DJ is sitting at Joni's dinner table, arms folded.
DJ: I'm guessing Uncle Frank can't figure it out?
JONI: Oh nonsense, he's an expert electrician. He'll have the electricity on and better than ever in a jiffy. More coffee, Tatum?
KNOCK! KNOCK!
It comes from the door. Everyone stands. Joni heads for the door – DJ holds out his hand.
DJ: Wait!
JONI: I'm sure it's just Uncle Frank –
DJ: You don't know the rules of horror movies, do you?
JONI: What on earth are you talking about?
DJ: Forget Uncle Frank, he's probably shish-kabob by now. That's the killer!
JONI: What a horrible thing to say! I mean, you kids have had your minds warped –
Joni peers through the peephole. She doesn't see anything.
JONI: No one's there …
KNOCK! KNOCK!
It comes from another door – a back door. Tatum opens her purse, pulls out a bottle of pepper spray.
TATUM: Alright, everyone stick close to me. I have the most experience in this department.
JONI: Don't be nonsensical …
TATUM: Do not answer that door, Joni.
Joni approaches the second door.
TATUM: You answer it, we're all dead! (Beat) Amber, DJ – prepare to make a run for the Winnebago on the count of three.
Joni reaches the door. Her fingers find the handle. She hesitates – she swings it open. A FIGURE IN BLACK BURSTS THROUGH –
It's MARTHA MEEKS.
Tatum breathes a sigh of relief.
TATUM: Martha …
MARTHA: I got here as quickly as I could …
TATUM: What are you talking about? I thought you were at a psych convention in the city with Karen?
MARTHA: I was! We got a video from the killer! He's threatening Jill Roberts! And Nicky! And you! Billy called –
AUNT JONI: Of course he did.
DJ & TATUM TOGETHER: SHUT UP!
Joni slides into a chair, looking as though she's been slapped.
MARTHA: Karen went to Broadway to find Nicky. We decided to split up. I came here to make sure you were okay!
TATUM: Bad bit of luck, I'm going to New York right now!
JONI: The hell you are!
MARTHA: Did – did I miss something here? I sense a lot of tension and weird family … dynamics … going on.
DJ: Oh, you have no idea.
His phone vibrates. He pulls it out. An email from himself. He stands up, opening it.
DJ: Guys – guys! The employee manifest from the museum! It's ready!
He opens it, reading through the list of employee names. His face falls as he catches one name.
DJ: Oh fuck!
AMBER: Who? Who is it?
DJ dials Nicholette.
DJ: C'mon Nicky, pick up! Pick up!
It goes to voicemail.
DJ: Crap!
TATUM: Is anyone with her?
DJ: Kirby! Let me try her!
CUT TO:
INT. BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE – NIGHT
Nicholette braces herself for her first song of the night. She steps out onto the stage as Christine. She closes her eyes as the spotlight hits her. The audience watches intently. She turns – sees Brian behind the curtain giving her a thumbs up. She smiles, then turns to the audience, confident.
NICHOLETTE: (singing) Think of me, think of me fondly. When we've said goodbye. Remember me, once in a while. Please promise you'll try. When you find that once again you long to take your heart back and be free. If you ever find a moment, spare a thought for me.
The audience is in complete silence. Mr. DeLaouritz ends his phone call, pocketing his cell and leans forward with anticipation.
Nicholette continues, her confidence soaring with each note.
INT. JONI'S HOUSE – NIGHT
DJ is on the phone. It goes to Kirby's voicemail. He leaves her a message.
DJ: Kirby, call me back right away! I just got the employee manifest! The killer is –
INT. BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE – NIGHT
Kirby watches from the sidelines as the show continues. Her cell phone remains off in her pocket.
BACK TO:
INT. JONI'S HOUSE – NIGHT
DJ: (to Tatum) She didn't pick up …
TATUM: Damn it. Alright, we're going! Martha, feel free to come along! Joni – it's been fun! But for now – I'm saving my daughter.
Tatum opens the door, Joni's voice rising in protest.
JONI: NO! NO, you can't leave me here!
She tries to follow Tatum to the door.
TATUM: Joni – get mental help.
DJ and Amber go to follow – they look up and see GHOSTFACE charging for the house right behind Tatum!
DJ: Aunt Tatum!
Tatum whirls – DJ grabs her by the arm, pulls her inside. They move to slam the door shut – right on Ghostface's arm! The black arm waves a knife around violently as DJ, Amber and Tatum struggle to keep the door closed. Finally, the arm withdraws and they SLAM the door shut, bolt and lock it.
They back away into the kitchen …
- GHOSTFACE APPEARS IN THE KITCHEN WINDOW, BANGING ON IT VIOLENTLY! He races around the side of the house towards the second door that Joni had let Martha in through earlier.
TATUM: (running to the door) Did you lock the door?!
JONI: I didn't think to –
Tatum reaches the door, just as Ghostface appears in the door's glass window. Tatum's fingers turn the lock. The killer bangs on the door, ramming it hard. Tatum backs away as Amber hides her face in DJ's chest.
The banging stops.
TATUM: Joni – are there any other entrances into the house?
JONI: No, no, those two doors are the only – wait. The cellar! Frank had an emergency exit built to lead to the generator in the back –
TATUM: Which he needed to use when he went out back! Shit!
AMBER: Why don't we just make a run for the Winnebago?
DJ: You've seen horror movies – we do that, bam – he's out there waiting for us!
TATUM: There's always more than one killer.
DJ: Three this time. As far as we know.
They hear footsteps from below. Then - they disappear.
Only silence.
TATUM: He's in the house …
AMBER: Wait – where's Martha?
DJ: She was just here – I … you don't think …?
TATUM: Martha? No way! (Beat) Maybe.
The four of them back away into the living room towards the kitchen. Behind them, a pantry door swings open – GHOSTFACE BURSTS OUT, KNIFE RAISED, EMBEDDING IT DEEP INTO JONI'S BACK!
Joni cries out. She looks into Tatum's eyes and Tatum sees the fear and isolation in her cousin's eyes. Joni reaches out for her and Tatum bursts into tears. The killer slides his knife out of Joni's back and Joni sinks to her knees.
JONI: … run …
She collapses face first. Ghostface's head darts up.
And Tatum, DJ and Amber are off. Running. DJ and Amber race for the stairs – Tatum takes a left back into the living room.
Ghostface goes after DJ and Amber – they race up the staircase, the killer hot on their tails, his cloak flowing. Amber grabs pictures off the wall, hurling them at the killer. Ghostface bats them away and storms up.
DJ and Amber reach a landing. There's nowhere to go. DJ grabs her hand, running for a bedroom. They race in, turn, see Ghostface charging for them – SLAM the door in his face, locking it.
AMBER: That won't hold him.
Ghostface is pounding on the door. He stops. DJ and Amber breathe for a moment.
THE TIP OF HIS KNIFE PENETRATES THE DOOR, SPLINTERING THROUGH IT!
Outside the room, Ghostface is HACKING his way into the room.
DJ spots a balcony off the bedroom. He grabs Amber's hand and the two race for the balcony.
DJ: We're gonna have to jump!
AMBER: It's two stories!
DJ: You have a better idea?
CRASH!
The door completely splinters. Ghostface barrels in and charges. DJ wraps his arm around Amber and jumps, twisting his body in midair so that she lands on top of him.
He slams his back hard. He groans.
Above, Ghostface peers down at them. He slams his hand down on the balcony railing in frustration before he turns and vanishes back into the bedroom.
EXT. JONI'S HOUSE – NIGHT
DJ lies on his back, writhing. Amber stands up.
AMBER: Can you move?
DJ: Go without me … my back! I think I broke my back!
AMBER: We've gotta go!
DJ: Get help! Get Aunt Tatum and get out of here!
AMBER: I'm not leaving you!
INT. JONI'S HOUSE – NIGHT
Tatum presses herself in a linen closet on the second floor of Joni's house. Ghostface races past her – she holds her breath, seeing him head for the stairs.
Tatum BURSTS out of the closet with a metal fireplace poker. She SLAMS it into the killer's head.
TATUM: It's your turn to scream!
She strikes Ghostface in the head again. He tumbles down the staircase in a tangle of black robes. He looks up – Tatum is racing down the stairs, poker in hand. His boot lashes out, striking her in the gut. She flies back into the stairs, landing on her back. She sees stars and the room spins.
Ghostface is on her in a second. He grips her blond hair and pulls. She screams. He SLAMS her head into the bottom step. The room is really spinning now and blood pools around her. She's losing consciousness.
The last thing she sees before she passes out is Ghostface towering over her.
EXT. JONI'S HOUSE – NIGHT
Amber tries to lift DJ. He groans.
DJ: I can't move! You've gotta go!
AMBER: Not without you!
DJ: You have to!
She grabs his arm and begins dragging him. A twig breaks. She looks up – Ghostface appears around the corner of the house, his knife red. She prepares to run –
Ghostface doesn't chase. He raises an arm – a stun gun is in it. The gun fires, striking Amber in her leg. She cries out, falling and writhing.
GHOSTFACE: You're not going anywhere.
Amber lies on the ground, her body twitching. She's losing consciousness. Ghostface stands over her, staring down at her. She blacks out.