Absolutly Hypnotic

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ABSOLUTELY HYPNOTIC
by
Sandy Gillis
Email:patsandy(at)yahoo.com

INT. VERA SPALDING'S DISTASTEFULLY DECORATED APARTMENT-- SATURDAY MORNING

Vera is gulping down a sausage muffin,as she sits in front of her computer screen doing research on serial killers. Vera presently works in a large retail receiving dept, but dreams of becoming the next Mary Higgins Clark. Vera picks up a newspaper lying next to the computer. A large bold print advertisement in the morning paper catches her eye. CURE YOUR COMPULSIVE OVEREATING WITH HYPNOSIS.Reading the fine print she discovers Dr. Dave Maraschino(like the cherry) is coming to town for several Saturdays, for weight loss through hypnosis sessions.

VERA

(standing looking in a mirror and talking to herself)

You've tried Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers,high protein low carb, high carb low protein. You've chewed gum, sipped on tea and even tried Richard Simmoms Deal A Meal. Not to mention the Doctor visits for phen phen , redux, and meridia.

Tossing the newspaper aside she waddles to the bathroom and showers to prepare for her first weight loss through hypnosis session.

FLASHBACK

EXT. DRIVING DOWN OLD HIGHWAY 703-- MORNING

Vera's mind is wandering on the research she is doing for a murder mystery she is trying to write. Looking at the Lake that runs parallel with Highway 703 causes Vera to daydream about The Zodiac. The Zodiac was an unique killer of the 60's and 70's. He always killed on weekends,near bodies of water. He would search out young lovers, and shoot them point blank with a .22 caliber. The Zodiac performed his post murder ritual. The Zodiac would use a stick or a blunt object and draw a cross enclosed in a circle.

END FLASHBACK

Vera pulls into the parking lot of Township Hospital, eases out of her dilapidated Ford Escort, takes a deep breath and bravely follows the arrows indicating the direction for the hypnosis for weight loss sessions.

INT. SMALL DARK CONFERENCE ROOM INSIDE THE HOSPITAL-- NOON

Everyone in the group knew the hypnotist had arrived the minute he catapulted through the door. Mr. Dave Maraschino was the only person in the room that looked as if he might have missed an occasional meal. His brown eyes were as dark as the color black, and were neatly trimmed with stylish gold Carlo Capucci glasses. Only a small part of his olive complexion was exposed. Most of his face was covered with a beard. All of his 5'3" frame exuded the confidence of a good public speaker.

His eyes roamed the crowd for several minutes before he spoke.

DR. DAVE MARASCNINO

First thing I want all of you to do is, pick up your chair and turn it around.

Vera had no choice but to follow Dr. Maraschino's instructions. If she had not she would be sitting facing everyone else. Mr. Maraschino made a dash to the front of the group where Vera had been forced to sit, because of the chair turning trick the hypnotist had played on them.

DR. DAVE MARASCNINO (CONT'D)

What was once the back row is now the front row.

DR. DAVE MARASCNINO (CONT'D)

Now I would like everyone in the group to tell me your name and a little about yourselves.

Tom Truppe was the fattest person in the group. His bright pink shirt with the green peacock made it apparent his choice of clothing tolled as loud as his voice.

TOM TRUPPE

My name is Tom Truppe and I own the Sports Bar on Spring Street. It's just a hop skip and a jump from the hospital, so if you still want to eat and drink after this session stop in.

DR.DAVE MARASCINO

Of course you will still want to eat and drink after this session. The difference will be you will only want to eat and drink half of what you ate and drank before this session.

It appeared meeting Tom Truppe was enough to make Dr. Maraschino forget his request for introductions from everyone.Clapping his hands and chanting to the words of half only.

DR.DAVE MARASCINO (CONT'D)

Why don't we begin now.

Waving his hands over the group.

DR.DAVE MARASCINO (CONT'D)

Drop your heads and close your eyes. Slowly take a deep breath, relax and prepare yourself for an absolutely hypnotic experience. Notice when you inhale you can feel the cool air at the back of your throat; let this air become a source of refreshment. Now as you exhale, relax your chest. Take a slow deep breath. As you exhale this time relax your stomach. Concentrate and focus. Breath in ... breath out. Relax the thighs, ankles, and feet. Slow deep breaths. Relax the body deeper. 5...4....deeper and more relaxed. 3...2...1 relax the entire body. Concentrate on that phrase thin and slim. No need for sugar sweet salty or fattening foods. Let those cravings go. Roll your eyes upward until you reach the dark part of your brain. Replace the dark part of your brain with the thought I will become thin and slim by eating half only...half only...half only.

As Vera tranced on half only she had intertwining thoughts of the Zodiac Killer. When this session was over she would take the scenic route past Grand Lake St. Marys.

EXT. DRIVING PAST GRAND LAKE ST MARYS--AFTERNOON

Vera is driving past Grand Lake. Vera wheels into a parking lot adjacent to a picnic area. She decides just to sit there and stare into the water. Vera lays her head back and closes her eyes. Once again her mind wanders to the zodiac killer. She has a vision of the Zodiac picking up a stick and drawing a cross, surrounded by a circle, in the sand.

Vera opens her eyes and looks into her rear view mirror and discovers a fish shack diner. Giving into her hunger Vera saunters toward the termite infested establishment. The exterior is decorated with cardboard signs. With pink fluorescent ink, the signs advertise everything from minnows to the day's special.

INT. FISHSHACK CAFE- AFTERNOON

The inside of the diner was impressive only in comparison with the outside. The apple red Formica counter top was surrounded by nine orange bar stools. Four tables with chairs that didn't match were the only thing else that could fit in the diner. The salt and pepper shakers were old baby food jars. Betty Boop could see her customers come in through a peep hole in the kitchen.

BETTY BOOP (O.S.)

(screeching voice)

What can I do for you?

Betty Boop comes out of the kitchen. She has dark hair that's speckled with gray, and she is no bigger than a minute. Her size six pastel blue jump suit hangs loose as she slides individual cake servings into the towering cake saver.

BETTY BOOP

My name is Betty, but most people 'round these parts call me Boop. I'm the sole proprietor, waitress, cook, and dishwasher. If you need minnows, or something to eat, I'm your woman.

VERA

Something to eat. Make it a small hamburger, small fries, and small shake.

BOOP

That's the first time I've ever seen such a big woman order everything small.

VERA

This is the first time I've ever ordered anything without adding the words biggie size it at the end of my order.

BETTY BOOP

Well the grease is hot and the hamburger is precooked, so I'll have your small order to you in five minutes. Do you need this to go honey?

VERA

Yeah I'm going over to the picnic table by the edge of the lake and have a picnic with me, myself, and I.

BETTY BOOP

Sounds like you'll be in good company.

VERA

Yeah I always choose my friends carefully. Most of the people I work with are younger and spend their time hooping and hollering in honky tonks. I'd rather be by myself. If you want my opinion, friends are over-rated.

BETTY BOOP

Know what you mean honey. You may be fat, and I may be skinny, but were both a couple of old bags that don't fit in with the young crowds. That'll be $3.59.

Vera reaches into the pocket of her size XXL denim dress and pulls out four ones.

VERA

Keep the change.

BETTY BOOP

Thanks big spender.

Vera chooses to ignore Boop's sarcasm as she exits the diner.

EXT. LAKE PICNIC TABLE-- AFTERNOON

Spotting a picnic table located close to the lake and under a large shade tree Vera walks toward the lake. Once seated she spreads out a napkin and dumps her fries on it. After counting out twelve and one half fries to eat she puts the remaining twelve and one half back in the bag. She proceeds to tear the hamburger in half. She lays one half next to her fries and puts the other half back in the bag for tomorrows lunch. Vera fills stuffed after eating the small portions of food.

Looking up from her lunch, she observes a couple of young lovers. Her mind wanders to thoughts of the Zodiac Killer. Teenage couples were the Zodiacs prey. Sometimes he would shoot them point blank with a 22 caliber. Before leaving the scene of the crime, the Zodiac drew his insignia in the ground with a stick or blunt object. Drawing the cross inside the circle completed the murder ritual for the Zodiac.

INT. RECEIVING AREA OF A LARGE RETAIL STORE- EARLY MONDAY MORNING

Vera's co-worker Carla was meaner than a spring tornado in Ohio, and smellier than a three day old dish rag.

CARLA

I know you hate this job Vera, but so do I, and I manage to make it on time. Why in the hell can't you get her on time.

Vera ignored Carla's remark and listened to Tyler and Caleb's conversation.

TYLER

They found a teen-age couple lying in the sand. Both of them shot point blank with a .22 caliber. There was some kind of insignia next to them. A cross or something with a circle around it.

VERA

(mumbling under her breath to herself)

That's an odd coincidence

TYLER

What'd you say Vera

VERA

Nothing, I didn't say anything important. Where'd they find the bodies?

TYLER

Over on the East Side Beach of Grand Lake St. Marys. Early Saturday afternoon.

VERA

The East side? Any clues as to who did it?

TYLER

None.

The boxes were coming off the conveyor belt faster and everyone went silent to try to keep up with boxes. Vera struggled to get a large box off the conveyor and onto a skid. This was a slow process for her and three smaller boxes came off the end of the conveyor belt and smashed onto the concrete receiving floor.

CARLA

Vera get your head out of your ass. And don't use that old age crap with me either. If you can't cut it around her; than go work somewhere else.

VERA

That's my plan. As soon as I loose weight, I'm looking for a better job.

CARLA

Right. Loose weight. Like that's goin happen.

VERA

Trust me Carla. It's going to happen. I've found a sure fire way.

INT. VERA'S SPALDING'S DISTASTEFULLY DECORATED APARTMENT-- SATURDAY MORNING

Vera is spending her time this Saturday morning the same way she does every Saturday morning. She's researching for the mystery thriller she intends to write some day.

VERA

(mumbling to herself)

It's not to hard to figure out how Aileen Wuornos ended up so wacky.

Vera leans in closer to the computer screen to read the article out loud:

VERA (VO)(CONT'D)

Aileen Wuornos father, Leo Dale Pittman was a convicted child molester and sociopath. Aileen's mother Diane Wournos found motherhood unbearable and abandoned Aileen and her brother in 1960. The grandmother that adopted them committed suicide, and Aileen's brother died of throat cancer.

VERA(VO) (CONT'D)

Aileen Wuornos left for Florida and took up hitchhiking and prostitution. Truckers on her hitchhiking route were being found with .22 caliber slugs in their heads.

Vera looks at the clock and realizes it's time for her weight loss by hypnosis session. Vera strips, checks her weight, and shouts hallelujah as she dances around in circles pushing the palms of her hands toward the ceiling. Vera's elated with the 5 pound weight loss.

INT. SMALL DARK CONFERENCE ROOM AT THE HOSPITAL--NOON

TOM TRUPPE

Hey where were you last Saturday Vera? I thought you might stop at my bar and drink half a beer.

Vera rolls her eyes with annoyance as she glances up at Tom Truppe.

VERA

I'm not a beer drinker or a sports fan. My weight problem comes from eating calories not drinking them.

TOM TRUPPE

Well I have food there too. I'd even share a sandwich with you. Remember half-only . . .half-only .. . half-only

VERA

Of course I remember.

Tom Truppe senses that Vera is not warming up to him and takes a seat in the row behind her instead of sitting in the vacant seat next to her.

A woman in a long black skirt and short sleeve black blouse enters the room and with a sigh drops down in the seat next to Vera. Once seated she opens her oversized handbag, and pulls out an Universal office products Steno Notebook. After several minutes of digging to the bottom of the huge handbag she finds her Universal pen. She turns to face Vera and looks her up and down.

CATHERINE PRINCIPLE

Hi. This is my first time trying anything this drastic to rid myself of body fat. How about you?

VERA

Last week was my first time.

CATHERINE PRINCIPLE

And?

VERA

I lost five pounds.

Dr Dave Maraschino enters the room and fixes his eyes on Catherine Principle.

DR. DAVE MARASCHINO

Hello shinny new member. Would you mind introducing yourself.

CATHERINE PRINCIPLE

My name is Catherine Principle and I need to know what is Christian about hypnosis.

Dr Dave Maraschino leans back in his chair, brings his hands together in front of his face and bounces them together by his finger tips. There is a long pause of silence before Dr. Maraschino speaks.

DR.DAVE MARASCHINO

Nothing I suppose. Hypnosis has nothing to do with Christianity.

CATHERINE PRINCIPLE

Well if this is not a Christian group I would like a full refund.

DR. DAVE MARASCHINO

My cashiers have left for the day. If you leave your name and address, I will gladly send you a full refund.

Catherine Principle scribbles her name and address on a page of her notebook. Tears the page out, hands the page to Dr. Maraschino, and throws the notebook back into her messy oversized handbag.

DR. DAVE MARASCHINO (CONT'D)

Before you leave Ms. Principle, may I ask you if you are familiar with Proverbs,Chapter 23.

CATHERINE PRINCIPLE

Well, I can't quote it off the top of my head.

DR. DAVE MARASCHINO

Allow me. Proverbs Chapter 23, verses one . . . two . . . and three. "When you sit down with a ruler,note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave his delicacies, for food is deceptive." Also may I quote Chapter 23 verses 20 and 21. "Do not join those that drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags."

Catherine Principle sits back down.

CATHERINE PRINCIPLE

A hypnotist that quotes Bible verses is good enough for me. I'll stay for the session.

Once again Catherine Principle makes a production out of digging her notebook out of her over sized handbag.

DR. DAVE MARASCHINO

(impatient tone)

If you feel you must take notes the only thing you need to write down is one half. Whatever you ate before, from this day forward you will eat only half of that.

Dr. Dave Maraschino waves his hands over the group.

DR. DAVE MARASCHINO (CONT'D)

Drop your heads,close your eyes, and prepare yourselves for an absolutely hypnotic experience. Slowly take a deep breath. Notice when you inhale you can feel the cool air at the back of your throat; let this air become a source of refreshment. Now as you exhale, relax your chest. Take a slow deep breath. As you exhale this time relax your stomach. Concentrate and focus. Breath in ... breath out. Relax the thighs, ankles, and feet. Slow deep breaths. Relax the body deeper. 5...4....deeper and more relaxed. 3...2...1 relax the entire body. Concentrate on that phrase thin and slim. No need for sugar sweet salty or fattening foods. Let those cravings go. Roll your eyes upward until you reach the dark part of your brain. Replace the dark part of your brain with the thought I will become thin and slim by eating half only...half only...half only.

As Vera Spalding trances on half only . . .half only . . . she has intertwining thoughts of Aileen Wournos; the killer that prayed on truck drivers.

EXT. ROVING MOTORS TRUCK STOP PARKING LOT --SATURDAY AFTERNOON

Vera parks her Ford Escort between two eighteen wheelers. Vera looks the Roving Motors Truck Stop over from inside her car. Her eyes light up as she reads the signs advertising world famous Cheeseburgers and Chile. As she opens and slams shut the door of her car, loose rust falls off the door of Vera's car.

INT. ROVING MOTORS TRUCK STOP-- AFTERNOON

Vera orders hastily and then heads straight to the restroom. Walking down the dark hallway that leads to the rest room in the back of the diner, Vera encounters a tall handsome stranger. The stranger deliberately blocks Vera's path, and leans into her face to give her a mouth open type wink. Vera maneuverers her way around the stranger and enters the bathroom stall. Inside the bathroom stall she pauses for a moment to read the graffiti on the wall.

VERA SPALDING

Truckers make better lovers.

VERA SPALDING (CONT'D)

Here I sit all broken hearted, thought I could shit, but I only farted.

Vera rolls her eyes and hurries back into the dinning area of the truck stop to see if her order is ready.

TINY ATTRACTIVE WAITRESS

Where would you like to sit?

VERA SPALDING

Since I'm alone, I'll just sit at the counter.

Vera situates herself on a barstool purposely next to a harmless looking elderly gentleman. The elderly gentleman is slurping and drooling his cup of tea. He paids no attention to Vera and she decides to return the favor. An easy thing for her to do since the tray of pie on the other side of the counter was far more interesting than any of the people in the diner.

VERA SPALDING (CONT'D)

I'll take a piece of gooseberry pie with my order.

TINY ATTRACTIVE WAITRESS

Coming right up

The waitress slides the pie onto the counter and it bangs into the bowl of chili, causing tomato sauce to spill outside the bowl.

TINY ATTRACTIVE WAITRESS (CONT'D)

Oops Sorry

VERA SPALDING

No Problem

Tiny attractive waitress cleans up the spill and Vera ask for a knife so she can begin her cutting everything in half ritual. She eyeballs the chili and makes an imaginary line down the middle.

VERA SPALDING (CONT'D)

Do you have a doggy bag?

TINY ATTRACTIVE WAITRESS

I have a box. I wonder why they call 'em doggy bags, when their almost always a doggy box.

VERA SPALDING

Don't know, this is the first time in my life I've ask for a doggy anything.

The slurping old man slides off his stool and Frank Fultz takes his place.

FRANK FULTZ

Nobody makes gooseberry pie like my Mama used to make.

VERA SPALDING

Mama's boy are you? I used to be married to a Mama's boy, but now the other woman has him and his Mama both to deal with.

FRANK FULTZ

I'm not a Mama's boy, thank you very much. My Mama used to make her pie with grapes.

VERA SPALDING

Wouldn't that be grape pie?

FRANK FULTZ

Not according to my Mama, because she used her Mama's gooseberry pie recipe. All the time she was sifting, stirring, and rolling out the crust she would be cursing her fate. She had settled in a small town in Northwestern Ohio with my Dad, and no one in the area knew where you could get gooseberries, or even cared. What's your name.

VERA SPALDING

Vera . . . Well just Vera. I don't know you well enough to tell you my last name. Here have the other half of my pie. Your story about being deprived of gooseberries in your youth is breaking my heart.

FRANK FULTZ

That's very kind of you, but I have all the gooseberries a man could need. I bring gooseberries from Michigan to Ohio by the truck loads. This pie's good, but I'd rather have your phone number.

VERA SPALDING

I don't believe I know you well enough to give you my phone number. And besides, if you're one of those fat admirers you might as well forget about me, cause I'm in the process of a major weight loss.

Frank Fultz pulls a napkin from the napkin holder on the counter, and a pen from his shirt pocket. Frank scribbles 616-258-3256 and offers it to Vera. She accepts.

VERA SPALDING (CONT'D)

I haven't rulled you out Frank.

FRANK FULTZ

Thanks for one half of your gooseberry pie.

Vera stares at the bald spot at the back of Frank Fultz's head as he slides off his stool and walks out the door. Vera has intertwining thoughts of Franks rugged good looks and Aileen Wuornos. Aileen Wuornos the woman that shot truck drivers point blank in the head with a .22 caliber pistol.

INT. RECEIVING AREA OF A LARGE RETAIL STORE-- MONDAY MORNING

Vera misses another package and it drops off the end of the conveyor line.

CARLA

Vera now what are you thinking about instead of your work.

VERA

I was just wondering if you ever thought about trying Rogaine for women.

Carla flashes Vera a cold stare.

Tyler breaks the silence.

TYLER

Did you hear what happen over at Roving Motors Truck Stop Saturday Afternoon?

CARLA

(smart-ass tone)

No, but I bet you're about to tell us.

TYLER

Some trucker was shot point blank with a .22 pistol.

Color drains from Vera's face

VERA

Oh my God

Vera turns and slowly walks to the break room

TYLER

Are you ok Vera

CARLA

Come on Vera stop trying to get out of work.

VERA

I just need to go get a drink of water.

CARLA

It isn't break time yet.

Carla's hateful one-liners fade as Vera makes her way to the water fountain and takes a long drink. The rest of the receiving crew decide to shut down the conveyor line and go to the break room also.

INT. RECEIVING CREWS BREAK ROOM -- MORNING

TYLER

Any of you ever been to Roving Motors Truck Stop.

VERA

I was there Saturday.

CARLA

(over-reacting)

What! What! Did you see the murder?

VERA

Of course not. I was out of there by one o'clock. What time was the murder?

CARLA

One o'clock.

Tyler senses trouble brewing between Vera and Carla, and stops it before it happens.

TYLER

Let's get back to work, those trucks aren't going to unload themselves, and I want to get out of here sometime today.

When the receiving crew gets back to the unloading dock, Tyler arranges for Carla to work at one end and Vera to work at the other. The rest of the work day was uneventful,and everyone pulled together to make an effort to get off work as early as possible. Not one of them liked their job. Low pay and unsatisfying work was the perfect formula for a constant turnover in help.

EXT. VERA'S PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF HER APARTMENT--AFTERNOON

As Vera pulls into the parking space in front of her apartment she observes a gentlemen knocking on her door. Sam Lotto is approximately 5'8" with a stocky build. As Vera cautiously exits her car she can see his gray hair is complimented by eyes of the same color. Sam Lotto is slightly overweight, but well groomed and attractive in his olive green golf shirt and khaki pants.

SAM LOTTO

Are you Vera Spalding?

VERA

Yes, that's my name, what can I do for you?

Detective Lotto flashes his badge

SAM LOTTO

I'm Detective Lotto . . . Detective Sam Lotto. I was informed that you were at Roving Motors Truck Stop Saturday. Do you mind if I come in and ask you a few questions?

VERA

No of course not. Are you as lucky as your name sounds Detective Lotto?

SAM LOTTO

If I was I wouldn't be doing this job.

VERA

Would you like something to drink Detective Lotto?

SAM LOTTO

Got any Diet Coke?

VERA

Yes, as a matter of fact, it's my main beverage.

SAM LOTTO

Have you read the front page story on Todays Daily Paper?

Sam Lotto opens up the newspaper that he brought in from Vera's front step and hands it to her pointing to the front page story.

VERA

(rambling)

Oh my God No! No! No! I can't believe it was Frank Fultz. He was such a nice man. We shared gooseberry pie. He gave me his phone number.

Vera pulls out the number and shows it to Detective Lotto.

VERA (CONT'D)

He was shot point blank in the head with a .22 Just like Aileen Wuornos used to shoot truck drivers.

SAM LOTTO

Like who Ms Spalding"

VERA

Aileen Wuornos. She's a serial killer that I was researching last week.

SAM LOTTO

You research serial killers? Isn't that an odd past-time for someone that works as a receiving clerk?

VERA

I want to be a writer. I dream of being a writer. How can I write about murderers if I can't get in their heads?

SAM LOTTO

Is there anything else you would like to tell me about yourself, Ms Spalding?

VERA

A couple of Saturdays ago I started hypnosis.

SAM LOTTO

For what reason?

VERA

For weight loss.

SAM LOTTO

Is it working for you?

VERA

Yes, I've lost ten pounds in two weeks.

SAM LOTTO

Very impressive.

VERA

I've had two sessions and there have been two murders.

SAM LOTTO

Are you confessing Ms. Spalding?

VERA

No, of course not. I could never commit murder. I'm just saying it's all such an odd coincidence.

SAM LOTTO

Ms. Spalding, do you own a .22 caliber pistol?

VERA

Yes, after my husband left, I felt I needed something for protection.

SAM LOTTO

May I see your.22

VERA

Of Course.

Vera leads Detective Sam Lotto to her bedroom, opens the top drawer and digs to the bottom of her vanity. Vera drops her jaw in disbelief.

VERA (CONT'D)

It's gone. Someone stoled my gun.

SAM LOTTO

Don't leave town Ms. Spalding. I'll be keeping an eye on you and we'll be in touch.

VERA

Keep an eye on me all you want. I have nothing to hide.

INT. VERA'S APARTMENT--MONDAY MORNING

VERA

(waking and reaching for the telephone)

Mr. Font I need to use up my last week of vacation. I'm not feeling very well.

MR. FONT

Yeah I'd be sick too, if I was accused of murder.

VERA

Oh the joy of small town life. Everyone knows more about me than I know about myself. Who told you I'm being accused of murder, Carla? Well let me tell you something Mr.Font I'm not capable of murder. If I were Carla would not be alive as we speak. She'd be the easiest person in the world to waste. All I would have to do is put duct tape across her yap, and she would blow a fuse from keeping her big mouth shut.

MR. FONT

Take your week off Vera. As a matter of fact you can have as much time off as you want.

VERA

You sound like you're afraid of me Mr. Font.

MR. FONT

No, of course not Vera, just take your week off.

Vera spends her weeks vacation sleeping in, and working on her murder mystery.

INT. VERA'S APARTMENT COMPUTER SCREEN--SATURDAY MORNING

VERA

(standing and looking in the mirror talking to herself)

This hypnosis thing is working, I'm only eating half of what I did before I started and I'm loosing weight. These murders are just odd coincidences, but just to be safe I'll meditate on all the Bible verses that tell you to love your enemies.

Vera walks away from the mirror, picks up her Bible and reads aloud.

VERA (CONT'D)

Matthew: Chapter 5 verse 44--But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you

VERA (CONT'D)

Luke: Chapter 6 verse 27--But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies,do good to them which hate you.

VERA (CONT'D)

Luke: Chapter 6 verse 35--But love ye your enemies, and do good and lend, hoping for nothing, and your reward will be great, and you shall be the children of the highest,for he is kind unto the unthankful, and the evil.

INT. HOSPITAL--SMALL DARK CONFERENCE ROOM--SATURDAY--NOON

By the third week of the hypnosis sessions, everyone just came in and filed into their usual seats. Vera far right front, Catherine Principle next to Vera, and Tom Truppe, in the chair directly behind Vera.

DR.DAVE MARASCHINO

(walks into the room and gets right down to business)

DR. DAVE MARASCHINO

As Vera tranced on half-only she had intertwining thoughts of Carla tied to a chair with duct tape around her mouth,and Luke: Chapter 6 verse 27-- Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you.

INT. BATH BOUTIQUE-- SPECIALTY SHOP--SATURDAY MORNING

SALES CLERK

How can I help you?

VERA

I'm looking for the healing gardens lavender therapy serene waters body soak.

SALES CLERK

(leading Vera to another section of the store)

At the present time we do not have the body soak individually. All we have is the healing gardens basket, which includes the lavender water soak, along with the lavender body lotion, the lavender bath gel, and the lavender body spray.

VERA

How much?

SALES CLERK

This lovely lavender basket and all of its contents is only $49.95. Is this for yourself, a relative or a good friend?

VERA

None of the above. Its for the co-worker from Hell. My worst enemy. But you know what the Bible says. Luke: Chapter 6 verse 27: Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you.

SALES CLERK

(confused tone and expression)

No I didn't know the Bible said that.

VERA

I'll take the lavender basket and wrap it with a big lavender bow on the top.

SALES CLERK

The bow is $10.00 extra.

VERA

Nothing but the best for my enemy.

EXT. CARLA'S FRONT PORCH--SATURDAY AFTERNOON

Vera rings the door bell to Carla's run down house several times. Vera sits the gift basket down, turns to leave, and then changes her mind, and eases her way through the narrow passage to the back of Carla's house. It was one of those neighborhoods where the houses were so close; you could stick your hand out the window and say pass the salt. Vera gasped at what she sees when she looks through the kitchen window. Carla is duct taped to a kitchen chair, with the duct tape wrapped twice around her mouth. Vera and Carla's eyes meet. Vera reaches into her purse and pulls out her Nokia phone. A blow to the back of her head causes Vera's phone to fly from her hand. The blow also left her groggy, as someone pulls her inside Carla's house. When she came too, Vera was duct taped to the chair next to Carla.

TOM TRUPPE

Well Vera it looks like your fantasy is going to come true. You wanted your co-worker's mouth duct taped so she would blow a fuse from not being able to mouth off at you. Or maybe I should say half of your fantasy will come true, you see I really don't think anyone will explode from not being able to talk

TOM TRUPPE (CONT'D)

(waving Vera's .22 in the air)

So I think I'll just shoot you both with your .22 Vera.

TOM TRUPPE (CONT'D)

(mocking tone)

What's a matter Vera, are you about to explode from all the questions, you can't open up your mouth and ask. Before I blow your brains out, let me answer all your questions Vera.

TOM TRUPPE (CONT'D)

Vera you know a little bit about hypnosis, but you don't know everything. Did you know that the easiest time to read someones mind is when they're under the spell of hypnosis?

TOM TRUPPE (CONT'D)

And Vera did you know serial killers choose their victims in different ways. I guess you could say I'm a serial/mind reader. Reading your mind has kept me very busy Vera.First I had to enter your apartment and steal your .22 I had to do a murder in the Zodiac style. I had to reenact an Aileen Wuornos murder, and blow away that trucker friend of yours.Yeah I'm gonna kind of miss you in the Saturday morning hypnosis class. Since you were such a snob, I decided just to sit behind you, and read your mind. I'm sure gonna miss that when I finish off you and your co-worker.

Sam Lotto breaks down the door and shoots the .22 out of Tom Truppes hand. The back up officers come in and hand cuff Truppes bloody hands.

SAM LOTTO

(as he's taking the duct tape off the women)

Vera I've been following you because I suspected you would lead me to the next murder, I would've never guessed you were about to be the next victim.

VERA

If you were following me, what took you so long?

SAM LOTTO

I got caught up in traffic back at the stop sign. And I had to call the bomb squad to make sure there was no bomb inside the lavender gift basket.

CARLA

(duct tape just removed from her mouth)

What lavender gift basket?

They go to the porch and Vera picks up the gift basket.

VERA

Here Carla I bought this for you.

CARLA

(suspicious tone)

You wouldn't be trying to tell me I need a bath; would you?

VERA

No, of course not. I've always enjoyed the healing gardens lavender therapy, and wanted to share that joy with you.

CARLA

(ungrateful and suspicious)

Whatever

Carla turns and goes inside her run down house. Sam Lotto and Vera Spalding walk down the sidewalk together.

SAM LOTTO

So this hypnosis to eat half only, is that still working for you?

VERA

Yes it is.

SAM LOTTO

How about you and I going out for half a dinner sometime.

VERA SPALDING

I'm sure you have my number.

Sam and Vera each enter their own car; smile, wave and drive off.

FADE OUT

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