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-------------------------

OTTER LAKE

FADE IN:

EXT. WISCONSIN LAKE DAY

Summer.

Establishing shot of a nearly deserted lake in the 
forests of northern Wisconsin.  The woods are home to 
bears, wolves, deer and various other critters.  

The lake is approximately twenty miles from the nearest 
town and several miles from the nearest tavern.  

Looking around we can see the woods are dense and 
virtually untouched by man except for a couple of 
ATV/Snowmobile trails that run through them.  There are 
two dirt roads leading from the main road to the lake.

There are three rental cabins and one year round log 
cabin home surrounding three quarters of the lake.  
Each cabin sits on the edge of the water with fishing 
docks leading into the water.  Each dock has a small 
fishing boat tied to it.  

The only sounds we hear are the sounds of the forest.  
Birds, loons, crickets.  We also hear the hungry coos 
of otter pups.

Camera pans the lake and we see an otter family, 
several adults and a couple of pups, living on the side 
of the lake away from the cabins.  There are a couple 
of otters relaxing, floating and eating and a couple 
that are playing.  

One otter in particular catches our attention as he 
goes floating by.  Although it's hard to tell for sure, 
he looks to be about three times the size of the rest 
of the family.  He is the giant otter.

Suddenly the otters stop what they are doing and lift 
their heads to the air.  We begin to hear voices, very 
faintly.
		
		HAROLD (OS)
	Okay, here we go.  
	One..two..three..lift.  Easy, easy.

EXT. CABIN 1/FRONT YARD DAY

HAROLD, MARK AND JON are detaching a trailer from their 
pickup truck.  The trailer carries an ATV.  The bed of 
the pickup truck is packed with another ATV, hunting 
gear and traps (otter/beaver jaw traps), duffle bags of 
clothes and a large cooler of beer.

Harold, Mark and Jon are factory workers and best 
friends.  They are in their mid thirties and rugged in 
their own way.  Harold is clearly the leader of the 
group.
		
		HAROLD
	Easy guys.  Set her down easy.

The three unload the ATV and park it next to the 
cabin.  They gather around the truck.
		
		JON
	Damn, I can't wait to get out in them 
	woods. 
	(pause)
	We the only ones here, Harold?
		
		HAROLD
	So far.  Except for the full timers.
		
		JON
	Hope it stays that way.  That'd make 
	this weekend a hell of a lot easier.
		
		MARK
	Who wants a beer?
		
		JON
	Hell yeah.
		
		HAROLD
	No beer yet Mark.  We got work to do.
		
		JON
	Oh come on.  We can still get the work 
	done.
		
		MARK
	Harold's right Jon.  Let's set the 
	traps first.
		
		HAROLD
	We unpack the truck, we set the traps, 
	then we drink the beer.
		
		JON
	Okay. 
	(pause)
	You think that hairy son of a bitch is 
	still here?
		
		HAROLD
	He's here alright.  
		
		MARK
	We're going to get him this year...I 
	can feel it.  
		
		JON
	What if the traps don't work.  Last 
	time he didn't go near them so what if 
	he..
		
		HAROLD
	(interrupting)
	If he don't, then we get the guns.  
	Either way that otter's about to see 
	his last day.
		
		MARK
	Then we can get back to our regular 
	hunting.  There's a buck in these 
	woods somewhere with my name on it.
		
		HAROLD
	Amen to that.  Lets get moving.

There is a sudden loud squeal coming from across the 
lake.
		
		JON
	What the hell is that?
		
		HAROLD
	Told you he was here.  Sounds like 
	he's eating something that don't want 
	to be eaten.

They listen for a moment for more squeals.  They hear 
none.  They begin to unload the truck.

INT. WISCONSIN AIRPORT EARLY EVENING

SONNY MAC and LAUREN KING are walking through the 
airport towards the luggage pickup area exit doors.

Lauren is a famous movie star, always acting and 
dressing for her role as diva.  She is a bitch to 
everybody.  Sonny is a small time actor and Lauren's 
boyfriend.  He is the complete opposite of Lauren; he 
is friendly, outgoing and he loves the country.

They are being followed by the paparazzi who are taking 
pictures and shouting questions. 
		
		PAPARAZZI 1
	What brings you to northern Wisconsin 
	Miss King?
		
		PAPARAZZI 2
	Are you guys finally getting married?
		
		PAPARAZZI 3
	One picture Miss King?  Sonny, just 
	one picture.
		
		SONNY
	Come on you guys.  Leave us alone 
	please.
		
		PAPARAZZI 1
	Lauren, over here.
		
		PAPARAZZI 3
	Just one picture.  Come on don't be 
	that way.
		
		SONNY
	Cut the crap you guys.  We're in a 
	hurry.

Lauren abruptly stops, faces the cameras and smiles. 
The paparazzi snap a dozen pictures.
		
		LAUREN
	Okay fellas.  Thank you.  Enough now.  
	I have to go.
		
		PAPARAZZI 2
	What are you doing here Lauren?
		
		SONNY
	That's enough!!

Sonny grabs Lauren by the arm and they walk even faster 
than before.  
		
		SONNY(CONT'D)
	(to Lauren)
	Come on.  I've got a car waiting 
	outside the luggage terminal.  Our 
	luggage should already be in the car.

They exit the airport.

INT. LIMOUSINE EARLY EVENING

The limo is pulling out of the airport heading towards 
the highway.  Lauren and Sonny are sitting in the 
back.  Lauren is looking out the window at the 
paparazzi that has followed them and Sonny is fixing a 
drink.
		
		SONNY  
	Damn them.
		
		LAUREN
	They're just doing they're jobs baby.  
	Settle down.
		
		SONNY
	Just one more reason why I wanted to 
	come here.
		
		LAUREN
	Peace and quiet?
		
		SONNY
	Nothing but.  We are going to be 
	anonymous this weekend.  If there are 
	any weekenders at the lake, I can 
	guarantee they're not going to care 
	who we are.
		
		LAUREN
	They might not care who you are but I 
	bet they'll care about who I am.

Sonny is pissed off at this comment.  He glares at her 
then turns away.
		
		LAUREN(CONT'D)
	What?  What?  Oh come on Sonny, 
	everybody knows me.  I can't help it.
		
		SONNY
	Lauren, I thought you were going to 
	try working on your "people skills".  
	You don't have to be so self absorbed 
	all the time....especially with me.  I 
	love you, remember?
		
		LAUREN
	The only one.  Yes.  I remember.  I'm 
	sorry baby.  Forgive me?

They kiss and make up.
		
		LAUREN(CONT'D)
	So what am I going to do this weekend?
		
		SONNY
	You won't be posing for any pictures, 
	that's for sure. 
	(pause)
	We can take the boat out, fish, walk 
	around in the woods.
		
		LAUREN
	No.  That's what you'll be doing.  I 
	don't like any of that stuff..I'm an 
	indoor girl.
		
		SONNY
	Well if you won't do any of those 
	things for me then you can just sit 
	there and watch me have all the fun.  
	It's going to be great.  Peace and 
	quiet and rest and relaxation.
		
		LAUREN
	We'll be back in L.A. in time for my 
	premiere, right?
		
		SONNY
	Yeah, baby.  I know you wouldn't miss 
	that for the world.

EXT. CABIN 3/FRONT YARD AREA EVENING

A van approaches from the dirt road and parks in front 
of the cabin.  The Johns family gets out one by one.

JULIAN and MARY, both 40 years old, SCOTT and STEVE, 
their twin sons, 15 years old and AUNT MERN, 70 years 
old, Mary's aunt.  They are a middle class family who 
frequently vacation in northern Wisconsin.

They each take in their surroundings before the guys 
start to unload the van and Mary and Aunt Mern walk to 
the front door.

INT. CABIN 3 LIVING/DINING/KITCHEN AREA EVENING

 Mary and Aunt Mern enter through the front door.  

This cabin has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a den 
and a loft area over the living room.

The front door opens up to one large room: living room, 
dining room and kitchen area combined.  The living room 
has sliding glass doors that lead to the back deck.  
The back deck has a grill, a patio table and several 
chairs.  There is a fire place in the living room.

Mary starts turning on the lights and Aunt Mern walks 
to the sliding glass doors and opens the blinds.  The 
lake is in full view.
		
		AUNT MERN
	I've forgotten how beautiful it is 
	here.  Look at it Mary.

Mary walks over to the sliding glass doors and checks 
out the view.
		
		AUNT MERN(CONT'D)
	I can't thank you enough for bringing 
	me with you.
		
		MARY
	We love having you with us Aunt Mern 
	and we're glad you're here.

They hug.  Julian, Scott and Steve walk in carrying 
their luggage.
		
		STEVE
	Same rooms as last time mom?
		
		MARY
	Yeah Steve.  You and Scott are in the 
	den.

Steve and Scott roll their eyes and carry their bags 
into the den. Julian carries Aunt Mern's stuff up the 
stairs to the loft. 
		
		AUNT MERN
	(to Mary)
	Why don't you and Julian take the loft 
	this time.  I'll be fine down here.
		
		MARY
	No.  You're upstairs.  It's your very 
	own room.
		
		AUNT MERN
	But the stairs..
		
		MARY
	(interrupting)
	I'll help you.  Besides the doctor 
	said exercise is good for you.

Aunt Mern looks disappointed.
		
		MARY(CONT'D)
	You promised!
		
		AUNT MERN
	I know, I know.
		
		MARY
	Plus the view from up there is great.  
	You can see the lake and woods and 
	even the sky.  Can you imagine a 
	better view as you drift off to 
	sleep?  
		
		AUNT MERN
	Or wake up to?
		
		MARY
	Exactly.
		
		AUNT MERN
	Okay, you talked me into it.

INT. CABIN 1 LIVING/DINING/KITCHEN AREA EVENING

This cabin has one bedroom and one bathroom and a loft 
area over the living room.

The front door opens up to one large room, living room, 
dining room and kitchen area combined.  The living room 
has sliding glass doors that lead to the back deck. The 
back deck has a grill, a patio table and several 
chairs.   There is a fire place in the living room.

Jon is setting the dinner he cooked onto the dining 
room table.  The table is set for three.

Harold and Mark walk in through the front door.
		
		JON
	You guys are just in time.  Ready to 
	eat?
		
		MARK
	Hell yeah.  I'm starving.  And I'm 
	ready for those beers now.

The three men sit down at the table and begin eating 
and drinking.
		
		JON
	How many traps did you get out?
		
		HAROLD
	We each put out three.  But this time 
	we put most of them along the 
	shoreline.  
		
		MARK
	We should definitely get something 
	tonight.
		
		JON
	I hope so.  I don't want this trip to 
	be like last years.  I want to enjoy 
	myself this time.  I don't want to 
	spend it running for my life..
		
		HAROLD
	(interrupting)
	Let's not go there, okay.  Last year 
	we were ignorant.  We are going to 
	kill that son of a bitch this time.
		
		JON
	Do you really think those traps will 
	kill it?  I mean, they're otter traps, 
	yeah, but this is no ordinary otter, 
	they probably won't even phase it.
		
		HAROLD
	No, they won't kill it, but if we can 
	catch it...we can blow it's head off.
		
		MARK
	We should tell Jerome what we're up 
	to.  
		
		HAROLD
	Yeah, first thing in the morning.  
	We'll go out and check our traps then 
	go over to Jerome's.
		
		JON
	Not me man..I'm going fishing.  Fresh 
	fish for lunch tomorrow.
		
		MARK
	Another reason I love the woods.

They nod in agreement and continue eating and drinking.

INT. CABIN 2 LIVING/DINING/KITCHEN AREA EVENING

This cabin has one bedroom and one bathroom and a loft 
over the living room.

The front door opens up to one large room, living room, 
dining room and kitchen area combined.  The living room 
has sliding glass doors that lead to the back porch. 
The back deck has a grill, a patio table and several 
chairs.   There is a fire place in the living room.

Lauren and Sonny are sitting on the couch, snuggled 
together, looking at the view of the lake seen through 
the sliding glass doors. 

There is a fire roaring in the fireplace.
		
		SONNY
	Isn't it beautiful?
		
		LAUREN
	I guess.
		
		SONNY
	I could live here forever and never 
	leave.  It's just so peaceful.  
		
		LAUREN
	Yeah, it's definitely quite.  Too 
	quite, for me.
		
		SONNY
	City girl.  You don't think you could 
	live here?
		
		LAUREN
	No way.  I'm only here for you.  To 
	experience some of your way of life.  
	This is not for me.
		
		SONNY
	Too bad.  Maybe you'll change your 
	mind in the next couple of days.  This 
	way of life can be very addictive.
		
		LAUREN
	It's too quite.  I don't like quite.  
	And it's too dark.  I don't like dark 
	either.
		
		SONNY
	Well, for the next few days it's just 
	me and you.  No computers, no cell 
	phones...absolutely nothing 
	Hollywood.  
		
		LAUREN
	No paparazzi.  That's the best part.
		
		SONNY
	Yeah, you can finally let your hair 
	down, Lauren.  Have some fun and be 
	normal.  You can turn yourself off.
		
		LAUREN
	Easier said than done.  Besides I like 
	being "on".
		
		SONNY
	I know, I know.  But I want to be with 
	the Lauren I fell in love with..not 
	Lauren the "movie star".

Sonny leans in and kisses Lauren.  
		
		SONNY(CONT'D)
	You ready for bed?
		
		LAUREN
	Oh yeah.

Sonny and Lauren get off the couch and walk toward the 
bedroom.

INT. CABIN 3 LIVING/DINING/KITCHEN AREA EVENING

Julian, Mary and Aunt Mern are sitting around the 
dining room table drinking wine and playing cards.

There is a fire roaring in the fire place.  
		
		AUNT MERN
	Oh my god, I am so relaxed.  I could 
	probably fall asleep on the way up the 
	stairs.
		
		JULIAN
	I know what you mean.  
		
		AUNT MERN
	Maybe I could just sleep right here 
	for the night.

They laugh a little at this.
		
		MARY
	And by the morning you're back would 
	be so stiff we'd have to carry you 
	around the rest of the vacation.
		
		JULIAN
	Yeah and I'd be way to tired for that.

They laugh a little.
		
		JULIAN(CONT'D)
	Why don't we call it a night.  I've 
	got fishing and boating and hiking on 
	my schedule tomorrow.  Those boys are 
	going to wear me out.
		
		MARY
	Good idea.  Tomorrow is another day.
		
		JULIAN
	Aunt Mern let me help you up stairs.
		
		AUNT MERN
	Okay, Julian.  Thanks.

Aunt Mern and Julian leave the table and walk up the 
loft stairs.  Mary stays at the table and stares into 
the fire.

Julian comes back down the loft stairs and walks over 
to Mary and reaches for her hand.  He helps her up.
		
		MARY
	Too tired for me?
		
		JULIAN
	Not on your life.  Why do you think I 
	wanted to turn in so early?  

He kisses her.  They walk to their bedroom.

EXT. WISCONSIN LAKE/OTTER DEN MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

The woods are quiet except for the occasional chirping 
cricket and wolf howl.  Raccoons are foraging.

We close in on the otter den, where all, except one, 
are fast asleep.  The giant otter is on the move.  

EXT. WISCONSIN LAKE/SHORE LINE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

He is on land, near the edge of the water, moving very 
slowly toward the raccoons.  He watches them for a 
moment then charges full speed ahead.  

The raccoons put up a fight but are no match for the 
otter. He kills one after another until they are all 
dead. He eats only one and leaves the rest lying on the 
ground.

The echoes of this animal fight are heard across the 
lake.

EXT. WISCONSIN LAKE/SHORELINE EARLY MORNING

Mark is riding an ATV along the shoreline.  He is 
looking for the traps he set the day before.  He is 
carrying a rifle.  

It is a cloudy and foggy morning.

Mark parks his ATV and gets off it to continue his 
search on foot.  He notices the remains of a large 
animal and walks over for a closer look.
		
		MARK
	What the hell is that?

He retrieves his walkie talkie from his pocket and 
talks into it.
		
		MARK(CONT'D)
	Harold, come in.  Over.
		
		HAROLD (OS)
	What's up Mark?  Over.
		
		MARK
	Got a nasty mess over here.  Some kind 
	of large animal looks like it's been 
	dead awhile.  Over.
		
		HAROLD (OS)
	Hunters?  Over.
		
		MARK
	No way.  Over.

EXT. WISCONSIN LAKE/SHORELINE EARLY MORNING

Harold is sitting on his ATV, parked along the 
shoreline, looking down at the ground.  

He is looking at the dead raccoons.
		
		HAROLD
	I'm looking at what used to be 
	raccoons.  Pretty fresh I'd say.  
	Over.
		
		MARK (OS)
	Jesus!  Our friend's been busy.  Over.
		
		HAROLD
	My traps are clean. Over.
		
		MARK (OS)
	Me too, so far.  Over.
		
		HAROLD
	Keep checking.  Over.

Harold drives away slowly.

INT. BENNETT LIVING/DINING AREA EARLY MORNING

This log cabin home belongs to JEROME and KITTY 
BENNETT, both retired and the only full time residents 
of the lake.  They are both animal and nature lovers.

This home is quite large with three bedrooms, two 
bathrooms and a loft area over the large living room.  
The front door opens into the living room and dining 
room combination.  The kitchen is off the dining room, 
separated by a doorway.

Sliding glass doors separate the living room from the 
large back deck.  The back deck has a grill, a patio 
table and several chairs and lots of firewood piled in 
a corner.  There is a large fire place in the living 
room.

This home is filled with hunting trophies, animal heads 
and furs, tastefully decorated.  The home is beautiful.

Jerome and Kitty are sitting at the kitchen table, 
drinking coffee.  Neither one of them looks rested.
		
		KITTY
	We got company last night, did you 
	hear them?
		
		JEROME
	I heard.
		
		KITTY
	How many do you think?
		
		JEROME
	They're all full.  A couple of big 
	shots, a family and Harold and his 
	boys.
		
		KITTY
	Harold's come back for it.
		
		JEROME
	I suppose.
		
		KITTY
	I heard it killing something last 
	night.
		
		JEROME
	Uh, huh.  
		
		KITTY
	I think we should go warn our 
	temporary neighbors don't you Jerome?  
	I couldn't bear it if something 
	happened again.  The Fismer's were 
	nice people and..
		
		JEROME
	(interrupting)
	Let's not talk about that.  There was 
	nothing we could do.  We didn't know 
	anything back then.
		
		KITTY
	But we do now.  Just because the 
	newspapers and the police covered it 
	up doesn't mean we have to too.  We've 
	got to warn them.
		
		JEROME
	Okay Kitty, okay.  Let's get cleaned 
	up.  We've got a long day ahead of us.

INT. CABIN 3/LIVING/DINING/KITCHEN AREA MORNING

Mary and Aunt Mern are sitting at the kitchen table 
drinking coffee.
		
		MARY
	Julian and I are going into town for 
	supplies.  Are you sure you don't want 
	to come with us?
		
		AUNT MERN
	Yeah, I'm sure.  I don't want to go 
	anywhere.
		
		MARY
	But there's no phone here, what if 
	something happens while we're gone?
		
		AUNT MERN
	Stop worrying!  I'll be fine.
		
		MARY
	You want Scott and Steve to stay here 
	with you?
		
		AUNT MERN
	No, I don't.  I'm going to meditate 
	for a little while and enjoy the 
	aloneness.

Scott, Steve and Julian enter the kitchen ready to 
leave.  Mary stands up.
		
		MARY
	Okay, if you're sure.
		
		AUNT MERN
	I'm sure.
		
		MARY
	Well, we won't be too long
		
		AUNT MERN
	Take your time.  I'll be fine.

Julian leans down and gives Aunt Mern a kiss.
		
		SCOTT/STEVE
	See ya later Aunt Mern.
		
		AUNT MERN
	Bye boys.  And Julian?
		
		JULIAN
	Yes?
		
		AUNT MERN
	Don't forget my martini mix.
		
		JULIAN
	I wouldn't come back without it.

Julian, Mary, Scott and Steve leave the cabin.

Aunt Mern gets up from the table and steps out the back 
sliding glass doors bringing her coffee with her.

EXT. CABIN 3/BACK DECK MORNING

Aunt Mern, carrying her cup of coffee, sits down at the 
patio table and looks at the lake.  It is a little 
foggy and partly cloudy, the sun is trying to come out.

There are several loons fishing for food and calling to 
each other.  She sees Jon fishing off the dock of his 
cabin.  She waves to him.

Aunt Mern notices a wake being made across the lake in 
the direction of Cabin 1.  She tries to make out what 
is causing the wake but can only see a shadow of 
something swimming just under the surface of the 
water.  

She stands up and watches it for a moment, then it 
disappears.
		
		AUNT MERN
	That's strange.

She walks back into the cabin.

EXT. WISCONSIN LAKE/SHORELINE MORNING

Harold has parked his ATV along the shoreline and is 
slowly walking toward one of his traps.  He is carrying 
his rifle and is very cautious.

He stops at his trap which has caught and killed one of 
the otters.  It is a small otter, not the giant otter.

He talks into his walkie talkie.
		
		HAROLD
	Mark, come in.  Over
		
		MARK (OS)
	Find something?  Over.
		
		HAROLD
	Got one.  Over.
		
		MARK (OS)
	THE ONE?  Over.
		
		HAROLD
	No just one of his brothers or 
	sisters.  Over.
		
		MARK(OS)
	I'm heading back to the cabin, my 
	traps are clean.  Over.  
		
		HAROLD
	Meet you there.  Over.

Harold removes the dead otter from the trap and throws 
it into the water.  He resets the trap.

He walks back to his ATV and rides away in the 
direction of Cabin 1.

EXT. CABIN 1/DOCK MORNING

Jon is sitting on the dock fishing.  It is partly 
cloudy with the slightest hint of sunshine.  

His feet are dangling in the water and he is very 
relaxed.  A small portable radio is sitting next to him 
playing country music.

He is throwing bit pieces of ham into the water.  He 
feels something swim by his feet.
		
		JON  
	I knew you fish would wake up for this 
	ham.  There's more on the hook at the 
	end of my pole.  Go eat that.  Come 
	on, stupid fish.

He feels a nibble on his foot and looks down into the 
water.  He sees nothing.  
		
		JON(CONT'D)
	Stupid fish.  Come on, I'm hungry.

The giant otter sticks his head out of the water next 
to Jon's feet.  Jon doesn't like what he sees.
		
		JON(CONT'D)
	YOU!  We've been looking for you.

He tries to pull his feet out of the water but the 
otter grabs his leg with his mouth and pulls Jon into 
the water.
		
		JON(CONT'D)
	Oh shit! No!

Jon tries to pull himself back onto the dock but is 
pulled under the water instead.  He struggles and 
screams but it's no use.  

The otter kills Jon and drags his body to the other 
side of the lake.

INT. CABIN 2/LIVING/DINING/KITCHEN AREA MORNING

Lauren and Sonny are sitting at the kitchen table 
eating breakfast.  Lauren, of course, looks perfect.

Lauren heard a scream coming from outside.
		
		LAUREN
	Did you hear that?
		
		SONNY
	What?
		
		LAUREN
	That noise.  Sounded like a scream.
		
		SONNY
	Probably just a bird.  Don't freak out 
	Lauren.
		
		LAUREN
	I'm not freaking out.

Lauren walks to the sliding glass doors and looks 
outside.
		
		LAUREN(CONT'D)
	So what am I suppose to do while 
	you're gone?

Lauren walks back to the table and sits down.
		
		SONNY
	You could come with me.
		
		LAUREN
	I'd hardly call that little thing down 
	there a boat.  I'm not getting in that 
	thing.
		
		SONNY
	Suit yourself.  Why don't you go for a 
	walk?
		
		LAUREN
	By myself?  In the woods?  Sonny, do 
	you even know me?
		
		SONNY
	Right, okay.  We'll go walking when I 
	get back.  It looks like the sun is 
	trying to come out, why don't you put 
	your bathing suit on and sit out on 
	the deck.  Try to relax a little.  How 
	about that?
		
		LAUREN
	Okay, I guess.
		
		SONNY
	Good. 
	(standing up)
	I'll be back soon.  

Sonny kisses Lauren and walks toward the door.
		
		LAUREN
	I love you Sonny.
		
		SONNY
	Love you too babe.

Sonny walks out the door onto the back deck.

EXT. CABIN 2/DOCK MORNING

Sonny is walking towards the dock, carrying his fishing 
equipment.  

He puts his stuff in the boat and climbs in.  He starts 
the engine and heads toward the middle of the lake.

Lauren steps onto the back deck and watches Sonny ride 
away.  They wave to each other.

Lauren steps back into the cabin.

EXT. CABIN 3/DOCK MORNING

We watch Aunt Mern walk from the back deck of the cabin 
to the dock.  It is partly cloudy with a little sun 
breaking through the clouds.  

She is wearing her bathing suit and carrying a towel.  
She studies the water carefully and sees nothing 
unusual.  

She slowly gets into the water.  She starts to swim, 
slowly, carefully.  

After a few minutes, there is a lot of noise from the 
loons.  They take off across the lake, quickly.  Some 
birds in the trees fly away.  

Suddenly, it is quite.  Very quite.  Aunt Mern looks 
around.  She is uneasy.  A few yards in front of her 
she notices a wake being formed across the water.  She 
watches, confused.
		
		AUNT MERN 
	What the hell?

The wake stops and she sees the hairy back of the giant 
otter rising out of the water, almost as if it's trying 
to  stand up.
		
		AUNT MERN(CONT'D)
	Oh dear God!  What is that?

The giant otter's head comes out of the water and locks 
eyes with Aunt Mern.  Aunt Mern lets out a startled cry 
and turns quickly to swim back to the dock.
		
		AUNT MERN(CONT'D)
	Our father who art in Heaven, 
	(she does the sign of the Cross)
	please get me out of here!  Oh please!

She hurriedly gets out of the water, onto the dock and 
turns around.  She looks around the water and sees 
nothing.  She grabs her towel and walks back to the 
cabin.

INT. CABIN 3/LIVING/DINING AREA MORNING

Aunt Mern enters through the sliding glass doors, then 
turns around to look outside.  The lake is empty.
		
		AUNT MERN 
	Okay, that was a bad idea. 
	(she looks around the empty 
	room)
	Now what?

EXT. WISCONSIN LAKE/SONNY'S BOAT LATE MORNING

Sonny is in his boat fishing.  It is partly cloudy with 
a little sunshine. 

He has several fish hanging from a stringer and another 
one on his pole.  He takes the fish from his pole and 
puts it on the stringer with the others.
		
		SONNY
	Okay just two more and I'm out of 
	here.

He casts his line again and gets a big "hit".  He tries 
to reel it in but the line sags heavily.  He struggles 
and the line finally breaks and he goes flying 
backward.
		
		SONNY(CONT'D)
	Son of a bitch!

As he is reaching for replacement line, the boat is 
bumped and rocked from underneath.  He stands up and 
looks from one side of the boat to the other.
		
		SONNY(CONT'D)
	Son of a bitch!

The boat is bumped and rocked again and Sonny is thrown 
overboard.  He barely has a chance to come up for air 
when he is attacked by the giant otter.  There is a 
brief struggle and the giant otter kills Sonny and then 
drags his body to the side of the lake where a dead Jon 
is waiting.

The empty boat drifts aimlessly.

EXT. CABIN 2 BACK DECK LATE MORNING

Lauren is sunbathing with her headphones on.  She gets 
up to drink some of her water and looks around the 
lake.  She doesn't see Sonny or his boat.

She shrugs her shoulders and lies back down.

EXT. CABIN 1 FRONT YARD AREA LATE MORNING

Harold and Mark drive up on the ATV's and park them.  
They walk to the front door.  It is partly cloudy with 
a little sunshine.
		
		MARK
	Where is it?
		
		HAROLD
	Where's what?
		
		MARK
	The one you caught.  We could use it 
	as bait or something.
		
		HAROLD
	I threw it in the lake.  I didn't want 
	it to be found.
		
		MARK
	I hope Jon's got some food ready.  I'm 
	starving.

They reach the front door and step inside.

INT. CABIN 1 LIVING/DINING/KITCHEN AREA LATE MORNING

Harold and Mark walk through the front door.
		
		MARK 
	Jon!  Hey man we're back.

The place is silent.  They look around.
		
		MARK(CONT'D)
	Dammit!  No lunch.  Where is he?
		
		HAROLD
	He must have went fishing.  Go check 
	the dock.

Mark exits the cabin through the back sliding glass 
doors.  Harold continues to search the inside of the 
cabin.

Mark enters the cabin a moment later through the 
sliding glass doors.
		
		MARK
	He's not out there.  His stuff is 
	there but he's no where to be seen.
		
		HAROLD
	Shit!  This can't be good.
		
		MARK
	Where do you think he went?  
		
		HAROLD
	I don't know.  He couldn't of went far 
	though, the keys are gone but the 
	truck is still here.
		
		MARK
	Well, where the hell is he?
		
		HAROLD
	Let's not panic, I'm sure he'll come 
	walking through that door any minute.  
	(pause)
	Guess you're making lunch today.
		
		MARK
	Oh man!  I knew you were going to say 
	that.

INT. CABIN 3 LIVING/DINING/KITCHEN AREA LATE MORNING

Julian and Aunt Mern are sitting at the kitchen table.  
Mary is putting the groceries away.

Scott and Steve are hanging out on the back deck, 
listening to the radio and playing a board game.
		
		AUNT MERN
	I'm telling you I've never seen 
	anything like it.  Scared me right out 
	of the water.
		
		MARY
	What were you doing down there by 
	yourself anyway Aunt Mern?
		
		AUNT MERN
	Did you just hear me?  I'm telling you 
	something is in that lake.
		
		JULIAN
	What do you think it was Aunt Mern?
		
		AUNT MERN
	I don't know.
		
		JULIAN
	You know, there are beavers and otters 
	that live here.  And all kinds of 
	birds.., ducks and loons.
		
		AUNT MERN
	It wasn't a bird.  It came UP from 
	UNDER the water, Julian. 
		
		JULIAN
	Well then I'm sure it was just a 
	beaver or an otter but they won't hurt 
	you.
		
		AUNT MERN
	This one looked like it could.  It was 
	huge...maybe six feet long.
		
		MARY
	I don't think beavers or otters are 
	that big.  Julian, why don't you and 
	the boys take the boat out and have a 
	look around.  It would make me feel 
	better.
		
		JULIAN
	Good idea.
		
		MARY
	Lunch will be ready when you get back.
		
		JULIAN
	(standing up)
	We'll be back.

Julian exits the cabin through the back sliding glass 
doors.  Aunt Mern watches as Julian and the boys head 
down to the dock.

EXT. CABIN 1 BACK DECK AFTERNOON

Harold and Mark are sitting at the patio table, 
finishing their lunch and drinking some beer.

Jerome and Kitty approach the deck stairs.

It is still partly cloudy but now there is also a light 
breeze.
		
		HAROLD
	Hey Mark, look who's here.
		
		MARK
	Oh man.  We were going to come find 
	you guys.

Jerome and Kitty walk over to the patio table and sit 
down.
		
		MARK(CONT'D)
	Jerome, Kitty.  How are you guys 
	doing?
		
		JEROME
	Harold, Mark.  How's it going?
		
		HAROLD
	Just having a little lunch.  What can 
	we do for you guys?
		
		JEROME
	Set any traps this morning Harold?
		
		HAROLD
	We set some last night.  You're not 
	going to stop us are you Jerome?
		
		KITTY
	No, we're not going to stop you.  We 
	want to help you.
		
		MARK
	Well all right.
		
		JEROME
	Did you catch any?
		
		HAROLD
	Just a little one.  We don't need any 
	help though Jerome.
		
		JEROME
	Yeah, you do.  You haven't been out 
	here in awhile.  Our little friend 
	isn't so little anymore. 
	(pause)
	Have you seen it yet?
		
		MARK
	Not yet but we saw some of it's 
	dinner.
		
		KITTY
	Where's Jon?  Did he come with you 
	this time?
		
		HAROLD
	He's around somewhere, don't know for 
	sure.
		
		KITTY
	He missing?
		
		HAROLD
	No, I'm sure he's here somewhere.  
		
		JEROME
	We need to go warn the people in the 
	other cabins.  We'll help you guys 
	catch it but we have to do this first.

Jerome and Kitty stand up to leave.
		
		JEROME(CONT'D)
	You guys coming?
		
		HAROLD
	We'll catch up.  We're going to look 
	for Jon first.

Jerome and Kitty walk back down the steps and disappear 
around the corner of the cabin.
		
		MARK
	Are you worried about Jon?

Harold doesn't answer.
		
		MARK(CONT'D)
	You are, aren't you?  You think the 
	otter got him?  Come on Harold, you 
	think that?
		
		HAROLD
	Of course not.  Let's not get weirded 
	out.  We'll find him.
		
		MARK
	Suddenly I got a bad feeling about 
	this.

INT. CABIN 2 BEDROOM AFTERNOON

Lauren is in the bedroom changing out of her bathing 
suit into shorts and a T shirt.  There is a knock at 
the front door.  She checks herself in the mirror, and 
satisfied she looks perfect, goes to answer the door.

INT. CABIN 2 FRONT DOOR/ENTRY WAY AFTERNOON

Lauren opens the front door and finds Jerome and Kitty 
standing there.
		
		LAUREN
	Yes?  Can I help you?
		
		KITTY
	Hi.  I'm Kitty Bennett and this is my 
	husband, Jerome.  We live in the cabin 
	just up the road here.
		
		LAUREN
	Can I help you?
		
		KITTY
	May we come in and talk to you for a 
	minute?  It's kind of important.
		
		LAUREN
	Are you from the newspapers?  Or the 
	rag mags?
		
		JEROME
	What?
		
		LAUREN
	How did you find out I was here?

Jerome and Kitty look at each other, confused.
		
		KITTY
	We're here to talk to all the 
	visitors.  Can we come in?
		
		LAUREN
	No you cannot come in.  I'm not giving 
	interviews or posing for pictures 
	today.  

Lauren starts to close the door, Jerome stops her.
		
		JEROME
	Listen, lady, I don't know what you're 
	talking about.  We don't want your 
	picture.  We need to talk to you about 
	your safety while you're staying here.
		
		KITTY
	Please, let us in.
		
		LAUREN
	You'll have to come back later.  
	Sonny, my fiancee, is out fishing and 
	I'm not letting you in while he's not 
	here.  Go away!

Lauren shuts the door in their faces.

EXT. CABIN 2 FRONT YARD AREA AFTERNOON

Kitty and Jerome are standing near the front door.

It is mostly cloudy now, a storm is inevitable.
		
		KITTY
	What should we do now?
		
		JEROME
	Let's go next door and then come back 
	here after we talk to the others. 
		
		KITTY
	Did she look familiar to you?
		
		JEROME
	Yeah.  And she's just like I thought 
	she would be.  Let's go.

Jerome and Kitty walk away towards cabin 3.

INT. CABIN 3 LIVING/DINING/KITCHEN AREA AFTERNOON

Julian, Mary, Jerome and Kitty are sitting around the 
kitchen table.  Aunt Mern, Scott and Steve on sitting 
on the couch.
		
		JEROME
	We really do hate to intrude like this 
	but we need you to listen to us. 
	(pause)
	What we're about to tell you, will 
	seem unreal, even foolish, but it's 
	the truth.
		
		JULIAN
	What is it?
		
		JEROME
	A couple of years ago, there was a 
	family staying here.  The Fismer's.  
	They were having a family re-union and 
	had rented out all three cabins.  The 
	first few days everything went well.  
	Kitty and I were invited to come over 
	and join them.  They had bar-b-cues, 
	fishing contests, boat races..
		
		STEVE
	Sounds like fun.
		
		JEROME
	It was fun.  They were having a great 
	time until...
		
		JULIAN
	Until what?
		
		JEROME
	Until several of them were attacked 
	and killed.
		
		MARY
	Oh my God!
		
		JULIAN
	Attacked by what Jerome?
		
		JEROME
	An otter.

Everyone sits in disbelief.  
		
		MARY
	That's not possible.
		
		SCOTT 
	An otter?  You're kidding, right?
		
		KITTY
	We're not kidding.  And it's not just 
	an otter.
		
		AUNT MERN
	It's a giant one, isn't it?
		
		KITTY
	Yes.  He's very big.  Have you seen 
	it?
		
		AUNT MERN
	Yes, I saw it.  I was in the water and 
	it came right up to me.  
		
		KITTY
	And it didn't hurt you?
		
		AUNT MERN
	No, I got away.  It just sat there and 
	stared at me.  I was scared to death.  
	The Lord was really looking out for me 
	today.
		
		KITTY
	You're lucky Aunt Mern.  No one's 
	gotten away from it before.
		
		JULIAN
	That's impossible.  Otters don't kill 
	people.  Maybe it was a bear or 
	something?
		
		JEROME
	Julian, it was an otter.  We saw it 
	attack.  We are trying to warn you.  
		
		STEVE
	What are we suppose to do?
		
		JEROME
	Nothing.  Just stay away from the 
	lake.  There are some guys in cabin 1 
	who set some traps.  We are going to 
	catch it and kill it.  Until then, 
	it's best if you stay inside.
		
		SCOTT
	That sucks.  We don't want to stay 
	inside.
		
		STEVE
	Yeah, we didn't come here to sit 
	inside.  We can do that at home.
		
		KITTY
	Well, maybe you better leave.  There 
	are a couple of motels in town.  I'm 
	sure they have room and you'd be safer 
	there.
		
		MARY
	We're not going anywhere.  I find this 
	all very hard to believe.
		
		JEROME
	You'd better believe it.  Believing 
	could save your life.
		
		STEVE
	But we've already been on the lake.  
	We didn't see anything.
		
		JULIAN
	Actually...
		
		JEROME
	Actually what?
		
		JULIAN
	Something strange.  We found an empty 
	boat.
		
		JEROME
	Empty boat?  Where?
		
		JULIAN
	Floating around in the lake.  We 
	brought it back and tied it to our 
	dock.  Any idea who's missing a boat?
		
		KITTY
	The lady next door maybe?
		
		JEROME
	She said her fiancee went out fishing 
	this morning.  The boat was empty 
	Julian?
		
		JULIAN
	Yes.  There was a couple of fishing 
	poles and a tackle box...that's it.
		
		KITTY
	Oh dear God.

EXT. WISCONSIN LAKE/OTTER DEN AFTERNOON

Dark clouds cover the afternoon sky.  A slight wind is 
blowing.  A thunderstorm approaches.

Several otters are in the water hunting for food.  One 
of them leaves the water for dry land.  He begins to 
snoop around the water bank for food.  He walks right 
into one of the traps.

An otter scream pierces the lake.

INT. CABIN 2 LIVING/DINING/KITCHEN AREA AFTERNOON

Lauren is sitting at the kitchen table giving herself a 
manicure.  She hears a piercing scream.  She jumps, 
messing up a nail.
		
		LAUREN
	God Dammit!  What the hell was that?

She walks to the sliding glass doors and looks out.  
She sees nothing.

There is a knock at her front door, she jumps again, 
startled.
		
		LAUREN(CONT'D)
	Now what?

She walks to the front door and opens it.

EXT. CABIN 2 FRONT DOOR/ENTRY WAY AFTERNOON

Lauren opens the front door and Harold and Mark are 
standing there.

A thunderstorm approaches.
		
		LAUREN  
	What?
		
		HAROLD
	Excuse us, Miss but we're looking for 
	Jerome.  Is he here?
		
		MARK
	Oh my God...you're Lauren King!
		
		LAUREN
	Yes, I am.  And there is no one named 
	Jerome here.
		
		MARK
	It's a pleasure to meet you Miss 
	King.  I'm a big fan.
		
		LAUREN
	I'm sure you are.  
		
		HAROLD
	Has Jerome been here?
		
		LAUREN
	They were here a little while ago and 
	now they're gone.  Now if you'll 
	excuse me.

She shuts the door.

INT. CABIN 2 FRONT DOOR/ENTRY WAY AFTERNOON

Lauren is walking away from the front door when there 
is another knock.  She walks back to the door and opens 
it.
		
		HAROLD
	Miss King, I hate to bother you again, 
	but if you could just tell us where 
	Jerome went we'll be on our way.
		
		LAUREN
	They said something about going to the 
	next cabin.  
		
		MARK
	Miss King are you okay?
		
		LAUREN
	Of course.  Why wouldn't I be?
		
		MARK
	You're not scared?
		
		LAUREN
	Of what?  You?  Hardly.  Now excuse me 
	I'm very busy.

She shuts the door in their faces.
		
		LAUREN (CONT'D)
	"Oh, nobody will care who you are" he 
	says.  "Nobody will recognize you", he 
	says.    

She walks to the sliding glass doors and looks 
outside.  The storm is fast approaching.
		
		LAUREN(CONT'D)
	Come on Sonny.  Where are you?

EXT. CABIN 3 DOCK AFTERNOON

Julian and Jerome are on the dock checking out the 
empty boat that Julian found.

The clouds are very dark and it is starting to 
thunder.  There is a slight breeze.

Harold and Mark walk over to them.
		
		JEROME
	Hey boys.
		
		HAROLD
	Jerome.  I think we got one.
		
		JEROME
	I heard.  Harold, Mark, this is Julian 
	Johns. 
	(Harold, Mark and Julian shake 
	hands)
	Julian, this Harold and Mark.
		
		JULIAN
	Nice to meet you?
		
		MARK
	Julian,  did Jerome tell you what's 
	going on out here?
		
		JULIAN
	Yes, although I find it hard to 
	believe.
		
		HAROLD
	Believe it.  We're going to check the 
	traps.  You coming Jerome?
		
		JEROME
	Yeah but we need to deal with this 
	first. 
	(he points to the boat)
	The girl next door said her fiance 
	went out fishing....well, here's his 
	boat.
		
		HAROLD
	What happened to the fiancee?
		
		JEROME
	Good question. 
	(pause)
	You guys find Jon yet?
		
		MARK
	No and I'm beginning to think 
	something bad happened to him.

They all stare at each other for a minute.  

Another piercing otter scream echoes across the lake.
		
		JULIAN
	Jesus!  
		
		HAROLD
	Come on Mark, let's go.  We got 
	another one.
		
		MARK
	Let's hope it's THE ONE.
		
		JEROME
	(to Julian)
	We've got to check that out.  You go 
	next door and tell that girl we found 
	her boat.  Maybe her fiance is there.
		
		HAROLD
	He's not.  We just came from there.
		
		JULIAN
	Okay but then what should I tell her?
		
		JEROME
	Tell her she needs to come with you to 
	my house.  I think we'd be better off 
	if we were all together.  
		
		JULIAN
	You really think that's necessary?
		
		JEROME
	Yes.  Especially with this storm 
	coming.  You don't want to be stuck in 
	your cabin when the electricity goes 
	out.   Tell Kitty to take everyone to 
	our house.  You go get the girl and 
	meet us at my house.
		
		JULIAN
	Okay, got it.

Jerome, Mark and Harold walk off the dock and towards 
the woods.

Julian walks off the dock and in the direction of Cabin 
2.

INT. BENNETT LIVING/DINING AREA AFTERNOON

Mary, Aunt Mern, Kitty, Scott and Steve are hanging out 
in the living room.
		
		KITTY
	Scott, Steve, would you guys like to 
	watch TV?  There's one in our bedroom 
	that's hooked up to a dish.
		
		SCOTT
	That'd be great.
		
		KITTY
	Go ahead and help yourself.  First 
	door down the hall.
		
		STEVE
	Thanks.

Scott and Steve disappear down the hall.
		
		KITTY
	Can I get you something to drink?  How 
	about some fresh coffee.
		
		MARY
	Coffee would be great.
		
		AUNT MERN
	How many people has that otter killed?
		
		KITTY
	Four that we know of.  Why?
		
		AUNT MERN
	That look in it's eye.  I don't think 
	he's done yet.

Kitty leaves the living to go make the coffee.
		
		MARY
	Don't say things like that.  You're 
	scaring me.
		
		AUNT MERN
	Maybe we should leave.  
		
		MARY
	There is no way I believe that an 
	otter killed four people.  Have you 
	seen an otter?  Their bodies aren't 
	capable of killing a person.
		
		AUNT MERN
	A nice hotel in the middle of town 
	sounds great.  We could take the boys 
	swimming in the pool, or do a little 
	shopping. 
	(pause)
	We should take the boys out of here.
		
		MARY
	Stop it!  Okay, just stop it.  We're 
	not going to do anything until Julian 
	gets back.  And please don't say 
	anything to scare the boys.
		
		AUNT MERN
	I don't think it's the boys that are 
	scared, Mary.  I'm scared.  You're 
	scared.  The boys are not scared.
		
		MARY
	What could be taking Julian so long?

Kitty walks back into the living room carrying a tray 
of coffee.
		
		KITTY
	Don't worry Mary.  I'm sure ALL the 
	guys will be back any minute.  Let's 
	have some coffee and try to stay calm.

EXT. WISCONSIN LAKE/WOODS SHORELINE AFTERNOON

Jerome, Harold and Mark are carefully walking along the 
edge of the lake towards the otter den.  Harold and 
Mark are carrying rifles.

It is thundering and lightning and a light rain is 
starting to fall.
		
		MARK
	Great!  This is the last thing we need 
	right now.  
		
		HAROLD
	It's just a little rain. 
	(pause)
	Keep your eyes open.
		
		JEROME
	Okay you guys, we're getting close.  
	Watch your footing and be as quite as 
	possible.
		
		MARK
	Right.

They come to the first trap with a dead otter in it.
		
		HAROLD
	That's not the one we wanted.  Dammit!
		
		MARK
	What should we do with it?
		
		JEROME
	We've got to take it out of there and 
	get rid of it.  Hopefully it's big 
	brother hasn't seen it yet.  
		
		HAROLD
	All right I got his one.  You two go 
	ahead and find the other one.

Jerome and Mark continue walking along the shoreline.  
They pass several more empty traps.  Each trap is set a 
little closer to the otter den.

They are very close to the den when they come upon the 
other dead otter in a trap.  
		
		MARK
	This isn't the one either.

They look around, both of them are uneasy.  Except for 
the thunderstorm, the lake is quiet.
		
		JEROME
	I don't like this.  I feel like he's 
	watching us.
		
		MARK
	Who?  The big one?
		
		JEROME
	Yeah.  Be quite.

Jerome is studying his surroundings and Mark is getting 
his rifle ready to fire.
		
		MARK
	You want to take this one out and I'll 
	keep watch?
		
		JEROME
	Okay.  Keep a close eye on the lake.

Mark steps a little closer to the water as Jerome 
starts to take the dead otter out of the trap.

The edge of the bank is slippery and Mark is nervous.  
He is having a hard time standing still.

Jerome has successfully taken the dead otter out of the 
trap.
		
		JEROME(CONT'D)
	Okay, I got it.  Let's get out of 
	here.
		
		MARK
	Let me reset it first.

Mark hands the rifle to Jerome and then bends down to 
reset the trap.  They hear movement in the water and 
turn to look.

The giant otter is coming out of the water and onto the 
bank.  There is no time to aim the rifle.
		
		JEROME
	RUN!  Go!  Go, go.
		
		MARK
	Holy shit.

Mark and Jerome start running, visibility is not that 
good.  Jerome drops the dead otter as they are 
running.  The giant otter stops at the dead otter.

Mark and Jerome run past Harold.
		
		MARK(CONT'D)
	He's coming Harold, time to haul ass.
		
		HAROLD
	Let's just shoot it.
		
		MARK
	No time, no time.

Harold joins Mark and Jerome and they run along the 
bank towards Jerome's house.

Behind them an anguished otter scream is heard.

INT. BENNETT LIVING/DINING AREA AFTERNOON

Jerome, Harold and Mark run into the living room.  They 
are soaking wet, out of breath and scared.

Kitty, Aunt Mern and Mary are sitting in the living 
room.
		
		KITTY
	Oh my God!  What happened?
		
		JEROME
	We were face to face, Kitty.  
		
		MARY
	Are you guys all right?
		
		MARK
	Yeah, yeah.  We're fine.  I've never 
	run so fast.  Jesus that thing is 
	huge.
		
		AUNT MERN
	(to Mary)
	Told you.
		
		HAROLD
	We need a new plan.

Kitty goes to retrieve some towels from the bathroom.
		
		JEROME
	Where's Julian and the girl from Cabin 
	2?
		
		MARY
	They're not here yet.  I don't know 
	what's taking them so long.
		
		HAROLD
	Maybe we should go check.

Kitty comes back into the living room carrying towels.  
She hands Jerome, Mark and Harold one.  They dry 
themselves off.
		
		KITTY
	(to Jerome)
	Are you alright?
		
		JEROME
	I'm fine honey..really. 
	(to all)
	I agree with Harold.  We need to get 
	Julian here.  We need to all be 
	together.
		
		MARK
	Has Jon been by here?
		
		KITTY
	No, I'm sorry he hasn't.
		
		HAROLD
	Okay, Mark and I will go get Julian.  
		
		MARY
	I want to go too.  He's my husband and 
	he may need some help.
		
		HAROLD
	Bad idea.  If he needs help, we'll 
	help him.  It's slippery and wet out 
	there and we don't want to risk 
	something happening to you.
		
		MARY
	Well then what am I suppose to do?
		
		MARK
	Just wait here.

Harold and Mark leave the living room.
		
		AUNT MERN
	Jerome, we've made that thing furious 
	now, haven't we?
		
		JEROME
	I'm afraid so.  I was hoping to get 
	the dead ones out of the traps before 
	it noticed them, but I think we were 
	too late.  He was waiting for us.
		
		AUNT MERN
	So the traps are a bad idea?
		
		JEROME
	They can't hurt but I don't think he 
	will go near them now.  Or the others 
	in the family.  They're not dumb.
		
		KITTY
	So what now?

INT. CABIN 2 BEDROOM AFTERNOON

Lauren is in the bedroom packing her clothes into her 
suitcase.  She is crying.  Julian is standing in the 
bedroom doorway.

It is raining pretty heavily outside.
		
		JULIAN
	Why don't you let me help you?  We are 
	in kind of a hurry.
		
		LAUREN
	My stuff has to be packed a certain 
	way.  
		
		JULIAN
	Lauren, listen..I'm very sorry about 
	Sonny.  You're upset, I understand 
	that 
	(he goes over to her and grabs 
	her by the shoulders)
	but we have to go.  Just leave your 
	stuff and we'll come back for it 
	after.
		
		LAUREN
	After what?  Huh?  What?  I'm planning 
	on never stepping foot in this place 
	again, so I'm getting my stuff now!  
	If you're in such a big hurry, why 
	don't you just leave?
		
		JULIAN
	I can't leave you here by yourself.

Harold and Mark come in the front door and step into 
the bedroom.
		
		HAROLD
	What the hell is taking you guys so 
	long?  We've got to get out of here.
		
		LAUREN
	What are you guys doing here?  I don't 
	need any help.
		
		MARK
	Miss King it's nice to see you again.
		
		LAUREN
	Whatever.

Lauren continues packing and crying.  Harold, Mark and 
Julian talks amongst themselves.
		
		HAROLD
	How's she doing?
		
		JULIAN
	Not good.  She doesn't believe 
	anything bad has happened to Sonny.
		
		HAROLD
	Why is she so upset then?
		
		JULIAN
	Because she thinks he just went off 
	without her and now she has to deal 
	with "us people".
		
		MARK
	She's gorgeous.
		
		HAROLD
	Shut up Mark.  
		
		MARK
	I'm just saying, if you've got to be 
	stuck in a room with someone, might as 
	well be her.
		
		JULIAN
	I think we're going to have problems 
	with her.  She doesn't seem to get the 
	importance of what's happening here.
		
		HAROLD
	I'll help her.

Harold walks over to Lauren and picks her up and slings 
her over his shoulder.
		
		LAUREN
	What the hell do you think you're 
	doing?  Put me down!
		
		HAROLD
	As soon as we get to Jerome's 
	sweetheart.

Harold walks out of the bedroom carrying Lauren.
		
		JULIAN
	(to Mark)
	What happened to you guys out there?
		
		MARK
	I'll explain on the way.

Julian and Mark follow Harold.

INT. BENNETT BEDROOM AFTERNOON

Scott and Steve are in the bedroom trying to watch TV.  
The storm outside is affecting the TV reception.

They are getting aggravated.
		
		STEVE
	This sucks.
		
		SCOTT
	No kidding.  Can't go outside and now 
	we can't watch TV.
		
		STEVE
	What do you want to do?

Mary enters the bedroom.
		
		MARY
	How you boys doing?
		
		STEVE
	Not great.  The TV won't come in 
	anymore.
		
		MARY
	I'm sorry guys.  This isn't exactly 
	the vacation we planned.
		
		SCOTT
	What's going on out there?  Is there 
	really a giant otter out there that 
	kills people.
		
		MARY
	That's what they say.  I'm beginning 
	to believe them.
		
		SCOTT
	You scared?
		
		MARY
	No.  As long as we stay in here we'll 
	be fine.
		
		STEVE
	We've got to leave sometime.
		
		MARY
	I know.  We're working on what to do 
	next.

Kitty enters the room.
		
		KITTY
	Sorry about the TV.  We've got some 
	bored games in the closet if you're 
	interested.  And cards.
		
		STEVE
	Okay.  Thanks.
		
		KITTY
	(to Mary)
	Julian's here.  Safe and sound.
		
		MARY
	Thank god.
		
		KITTY
	(to boys)
	You guys might be interested to see 
	who he brought with him.
		
		STEVE
	Who?

They all leave the room.

INT. BENNETT LIVING/DINING AREA AFTERNOON

Julian, Harold, Mark and Lauren are drying themselves 
off with towels.

Lauren is still upset.
		
		LAUREN
	Great!  Just great!  Look at me.  I'm 
	a mess.

Aunt Mern is sitting on the couch.
		
		AUNT MERN
	Honey, we've got a lot more important 
	things to do than worry about how you 
	look.  What's the matter with you?
		
		LAUREN
	What's the matter with me?  Are you 
	kidding?  I've just been kidnapped 
	from my cabin, I don't know where 
	Sonny is, I'm a mess...
		
		HAROLD
	Oh will you shut up!  Just shut up!  
	We've got someone missing too you 
	know!

Lauren is silent but pissed off.  Mary, Kitty, Scott 
and Steve enter the living room from the hallway 
leading out of the bedroom.
		
		SCOTT
	(to Steve)
	Oh my God!  That's Lauren King.
		
		STEVE
	I don't believe it.
		
		KITTY
	Lauren, I've got some dry clothes you 
	can change into if you want.
		
		LAUREN
	Okay I guess.  Do you have a blow 
	dryer too?
		
		KITTY
	Sure.  Come with me.

Kitty rolls her eyes to Jerome.  She and Lauren leave 
the room.
		
		MARY
	(to Scott and Steve)
	Do you think you guys can keep Miss 
	King occupied for a while?  
		
		SCOTT
	Excellent.
		
		STEVE
	Yeah, mom, I don't think that will be 
	a problem.
		
		MARY
	Great.  We'll send her to the 
	bedroom.  You guys play a game or 
	something.

Scott and Steve walk back to the bedroom.
		
		JULIAN
	She is a real piece of work.
		
		MARK
	Okay, let's make a plan to catch that 
	son of bitch.  Jerome?

Everyone takes a seat.
		
		JEROME
	Well, I think the traps are going to 
	be of little use now.  I don't think 
	they're the smartest animals in the 
	world but they won't go near those 
	traps again.
		
		HAROLD
	So we'll have to take a different 
	approach.
		
		JEROME
	Yeah, but the first thing we need to 
	do is go to their place.
		
		MARK
	What?
		
		JEROME
	We need to see exactly how many there 
	are.
		
		MARK
	I thought it was just one.
		
		JEROME
	One big one, yes.  But we need to see 
	how many are in the family.  We know 
	that three of them are already dead.
		
		JULIAN
	We're not concerned with the little 
	ones, are we?  I mean, otters are 
	known to be happy go lucky...playful 
	even.
		
		JEROME
	That's true but they can also be 
	aggressive.  And they have vicious 
	tempers.
		
		MARY
	Then you shouldn't go over there.  
		
		HAROLD
	They only attack if cornered and we 
	won't do that...we'll be okay.
		
		MARY
	Yeah, but it's storming and you won't 
	be able to see clearly.  How do you 
	know you won't "accidentally" corner 
	one?
		
		JULIAN
	Yeah and we can't even see them when 
	they're underwater.  The big one could 
	attack us before we even see him 
	coming.
		
		JEROME
	We don't have any choice.

Kitty enters the living room.
		
		JEROME(CONT'D)
	We have to go.
		
		HAROLD
	Okay, let's go.  Jerome, Mark and I 
	will go.
		
		JULIAN
	What about me?
		
		HAROLD
	You stay with the women...and your 
	sons.

EXT. WISCONSIN LAKE/WOODS SHORELINE AFTERNOON

Jerome, Harold and Mark are walking along the bank of 
the lake.  It is raining a little harder now.  They are 
carrying flashlights and rifles.

Jerome is leading.
		
		JEROME
	Stay close to the shore line but do 
	not go in the water.  We'll search the 
	perimeter of the lake, checking the 
	traps as we go.

Harold and Mark nod in agreement.
		
		HAROLD
	And keep your eyes open for Jon.  
	Maybe he's hurt out here somewhere.
		
		MARK
	Right.

They continue walking.

EXT. BENNETT HOUSE/FRONT DOOR AFTERNOON

The rain is coming down pretty hard and it is a little 
darker.  Visibility is not so good.

We hear noises and see a dark figure, low to the 
ground, approaching the front door.  The giant otter is 
dragging the body of Jon towards the front door.

The giant otter sets Jon's body directly in front of 
the front door then disappears around the side of the 
house.  

INT. BENNETT LIVING/DINING AREA AFTERNOON

Mary, Kitty, Aunt Mern and Julian are sitting in the 
living, looking uneasy.  They hear noises coming from 
beyond the front door.
		
		AUNT MERN
	Did you hear that?  What was that?
		
		KITTY
	I'm not sure.  Maybe the guys forgot 
	something.
		
		JULIAN
	I'll go check.

Julian gets up and leaves the living room.

Aunt Mern, Mary and Kitty wait patiently.  They hear 
Julian open the front door.

Julian screams.
		
		JULIAN(CONT'D)(OS)
	Oh my God!  Oh my God!

Julian slams the front door closed and runs back into 
the living room just as Mary and Kitty are about to run 
to the door.
		
		MARY
	Julian!  Julian, are you all right?
		
		KITTY
	What happened?
		
		JULIAN
	It's Jon.., I think.
		
		KITTY
	Jon's back?  Thank God!  Did you let 
	him in?  Where is he?

Kitty starts for the front door.
		
		JULIAN
	Kitty don't!  Don't go over there.
		
		KITTY
	But Jon?
		
		JULIAN
	He's dead.  I'm sorry.

Kitty leaves the living room and walks to the front 
door.
		
		AUNT MERN
	How did a dead man get to the front 
	door?
		
		MARY
	That's a good question.
		
		JULIAN
	Better question is, what are we going 
	to do with him?

Kitty walks back into the living room, visibly upset.
		
		KITTY
	That's Jon alright. 
	(pause)
	We have a couple of tarps on the back 
	porch.  We should at least cover him 
	up or something.
		
		MARY
	Good idea.  I'll go get it.

Mary walks to the sliding glass doors off the living 
room, that lead to the back porch.  She opens the door 
as Kitty walks over and flips on the outside light.

At their feet lay the body of Sonny.

Mary and Kitty scream.

Steve, Scott and Lauren run into the living room from 
the hallway leading out of the bedroom.
		
		SCOTT
	Mom!  Dad!
		
		STEVE
	What's going on?  What happened?

Lauren notices Sonny's body, screams and rushes over to 
him.  Julian grabs her.
		
		JULIAN
	Lauren don't!
		
		LAUREN
	Oh my God!  Sonny!  Sonny!  No!

She screams and cries uncontrollably.

EXT. WISCONSIN LAKE/OTTER DEN AFTERNOON

Jerome, Harold and Mark have reached the otter den.  It 
is still raining and somewhat dark.

They are huddled together, low to the ground, watching 
the den.
		
		MARK
	Now what?

Several of the smaller otters are hanging out in the 
den, seemingly unaware of Jerome, Harold and Mark.

The giant otter is nowhere to be seen.
		
		MARK(CONT'D)
	Look at them...just hanging out like 
	nothing's happening.
		
		HAROLD
	They're just animals dumb ass.  What 
	did you think they would be doing?
		
		JEROME
	Shh!  Let's not draw attention to 
	ourselves. 
	(pause)
	I don't see the big one anywhere.  Do 
	either of you?

Harold and Mark look around and shake their heads no.
		
		JEROME(CONT'D)
	Good.  I see three of them in the den.
		
		HAROLD
	Yeah, three.
		
		JEROME
	We didn't find anymore in the traps.  
	It's possible though, that there are 
	more swimming around, but for now, 
	we're up against three.
		
		HAROLD
	Maybe that's the last of them.
		
		JEROME
	Yeah, maybe.
		
		MARK
	Let's take them out.

Mark aims his rifle.
		
		HAROLD
	I agree.  But we'll have to shoot 
	straight AND fast.  If we all shoot 
	together we can take them out at one 
	time.
		
		JEROME
	We may only get one chance.  If we 
	hesitate, they'll scatter.  You guys 
	ready?

The three men aim they're rifles, each picking a 
target.
		
		HAROLD
	Ready...aim...fire!

Rifle shots ring out through the air.

INT. BENNETT LIVING/DINING AREA AFTERNOON

Lauren is sitting on the couch, crying and Aunt Mern is 
trying to console her.

Julian and Kitty are covering the body of Sonny.

Mary and Scott and Steve are talking quietly in a 
corner.
		
		STEVE
	Mom, I'm starting to get really scared 
	now.  I don't like it here anymore.
		
		MARY
	I know, I know.  I don't either.  
		
		SCOTT
	We've got to get out of here. 
	(pause)
	Mom, how can something like this 
	happen?  I don't understand.
		
		MARY
	I don't know.  I honestly don't know.  
	I'm so sorry you boys had to see Sonny 
	like that.   
		
		SCOTT
	How can an otter do something like 
	that?
		
		MARY
	It's not just an otter, honey.  
		
		SCOTT
	What then?
		
		MARY
	I just don't know.
		
		STEVE
	Why can't we just get in the van and 
	get out of here?

Julian and Kitty have finished with Sonny.  They walk 
over to Mary and Steve and Scott.
		
		SCOTT
	Dad, we want to get out of here.
		
		JULIAN
	Me too.  This is just too much.  I 
	think it's time we called the police.
		
		KITTY
	I've already tried.  The storm has 
	knocked out the phone line.
		
		JULIAN
	Do you have a cell phone?
		
		KITTY
	No.  
		
		STEVE
	Why don't we just walk to our cabin, 
	get in the van and leave?
		
		JULIAN
	Okay.  But we need to wait for Jerome 
	and Harold and Mark.  We can't just 
	leave them.
		
		KITTY
	(to Scott and Steve)
	Why don't you guys make yourself 
	something to eat.  I'm sure the guys 
	will be back soon.  Help yourselves to 
	whatever you can find.
		
		STEVE
	I'm not hungry.
		
		SCOTT
	Well I am.  Come on Steve.

Steve and Scott go to the kitchen.
		
		KITTY
	Do you think we can all fit in your 
	van?
		
		JULIAN
	It will be tight but we're not leaving 
	anyone behind.  We'll go straight from 
	here to the Sheriff's office.
		
		MARY
	I hope they get back soon.

EXT. WISCONSIN LAKE/OTTER DEN AFTERNOON

Jerome, Harold and Mark have walked to the otter's den 
and are looking at the otter's they killed with their 
rifles.  All three otters are dead.

It is raining pretty hard now, visibility is not 
great.  The shore line is slippery.
		
		MARK
	Nice shootin'.  Now, where is the big 
	guy?

Behind them the giant otter has gotten out of the water 
and slowly and quietly, stalks up behind them.

Harold turns to have a look around and sees the giant 
otter just as it is lunging at Mark.
		
		HAROLD
	Look out!  

Harold tries to push Mark out of the way but is not 
successful.  The giant otter bites down on Mark's leg 
and yanks.  Mark falls over.  Jerome and Harold try to 
free Mark from the otter.  The otter is unfazed  and 
begins to drag Mark away.  Mark is screaming and 
putting up a good fight.

Harold and Jerome grab their rifles and aim.
		
		HAROLD(CONT'D)
	Shit!  I can't get a shot without 
	hitting Mark.
		
		JEROME
	Me either.

They charge at the giant otter and start hitting it 
with their rifles.  Mark is still screaming.  
		
		MARK
	Get this god damn thing off me!  Get 
	it off me!

The giant otter drags Mark to the water and pulls him 
under.
		
		HAROLD
	Where'd he go?  Dammit I can't see 
	him.
		
		JEROME
	I don't know, I don't know.

Harold and Jerome are at the edge of the water, 
shinning the flashlights over the water.
		
		HAROLD
	Dammit!  Mark!  Mark!  
	(pause)
	I'm going in.
		
		JEROME
	Harold, NO!

Harold jumps in the water and frantically searches for 
Mark.  

Jerome stands on shore, rifle ready, watching.
		
		HAROLD
	Where'd he go?
		
		JEROME
	He hasn't come up yet?  I don't know.
		
		HAROLD
	Shit!  I can't find him.

Harold and Jerome look around.
		
		HAROLD (CONT'D)
	Mark!  Mark!
		
		JEROME
	He's gone Harold.  Get out of the 
	water.
		
		HAROLD
	No.  I'm not leaving him here.
		
		JEROME
	You're going to be next if you don't 
	get out of that water.  Come on!

Harold, looking defeated, finally gets out of the 
water.
		
		HAROLD
	Son of a bitch!  I can't believe 
	this.  It's like the re-union all over 
	again.  
	(pause)
	I'm going to kill that son of a bitch!
		
		JEROME
	We've got to get out of here.  Come 
	on.

Harold and Jerome run towards Jerome's house.

INT. BENNETT LIVING/DINING AREA AFTERNOON

Kitty, Mary and Julian are sitting around the dinning 
room table.

Aunt Mern and Lauren are on the couch.  Lauren has 
calmed down a little but is still upset.
		
		LAUREN
	This is too much.  Too much.  What am 
	I going to do without Sonny?  He's the 
	only one who loved me.  What am I 
	going to do?
		
		AUNT MERN
	I'm so sorry Lauren.  I really am.
		
		LAUREN
	I'm scared.  I am really scared.  In 
	the movies I have people telling me 
	what to do...how to react.  Oh, I wish 
	some of those people were here right 
	now.
		
		AUNT MERN
	This isn't a movie Lauren.  No one 
	here will tell you how to act.  You've 
	lost someone dear to you and it's okay 
	to be scared.  We're going to get out 
	of this just fine.
		
		LAUREN
	What if we don't?  What if we die just 
	like Sonny?

Harold and Jerome walk into the living room through the 
sliding glass doors.  They are soaking wet and visibly 
upset.

Kitty rushes to Jerome and hugs him.
		
		KITTY
	Oh my God!  Are you okay?
		
		JEROME
	I'm fine.
		
		JULIAN
	Where's Mark?
		
		JEROME
	He didn't make it.
		
		MARY
	Oh dear God!
		
		KITTY
	I think it's time we got out of here.  
	Let the sheriff handle it now.  Julian 
	and Mary have a van and we can all 
	squeeze in it...
		
		HAROLD
	(interrupting)
	I'm not going anywhere.
		
		JEROME
	He's right.  We can't go anywhere..you 
	didn't see this thing in action..we 
	have to take it out.
		
		MARY
	My boys are scared to death.  We've 
	got to get them out of here.
		
		JULIAN
	She's right.  You have no idea what 
	we've been through while you were 
	gone.
		
		LAUREN
	Sonny's dead!  And so is your friend.
		
		HAROLD
	Friend?  Jon?
		
		JULIAN
	Yeah, I'm sorry.  He's out front.

Harold leaves the living room walking towards the front 
door.
		
		AUNT MERN
	If Harold and Jerome want to stay and 
	see this thing through to the end, 
	that's fine.  But I think the rest of 
	us should go.  
		
		KITTY
	If Jerome stays, then I stay.
		
		AUNT MERN
	The less people that are here, the 
	less people it can kill.
		
		JEROME
	She's right.  You have to go, Kitty.  
	I don't want anything to happen to 
	you.
		
		KITTY
	You're my husband and this is our 
	house and..

Harold walks back into the living room, interrupting 
Kitty.
		
		HAROLD
	Everybody's leaving!  Right now.  
	(to Julian)
	Where's the keys to your van?
		
		JULIAN
	On the table in our cabin.
		
		HAROLD
	Okay.  I'm going to get the keys and 
	bring the van back here.  Everyone be 
	ready to go when I get back.

Stunned silence by everyone as Harold leaves the cabin.

EXT. CABIN 3 FRONT YARD AREA AFTERNOON

Harold is walking fast toward cabin 3.  He is very 
alert and visibly upset.

The rain has let up a little but the sky is still 
dark.  It is thundering and lightening.  

He makes his way to Cabin 3 and sees the van 
immediately.  He notices something is not quite right.  
Upon closer inspection he sees that all the tires are 
flat.
		
		HAROLD
	What the hell!  God damn it!

He takes one last look around and runs back to the 
Bennett house.

INT. BENNETT LIVING/DINING AREA AFTERNOON

Harold runs through the front door into the living 
where everyone is waiting.
		
		MARY
	Okay, we're ready.
		
		HAROLD
	We're not going anywhere.  Son of a 
	bitch got the van...all the tires are 
	flat.
		
		JULIAN
	What?
		
		MARY
	That's impossible.  I don't care how 
	big that thing is...it CAN NOT flatten 
	tires.
		
		HAROLD
	Well it did. 
	(pause)
	But, I have another idea.
		
		AUNT MERN
	What?
		
		HAROLD
	Our ATV's.  
	(to Scott and Steve)
	Can you boys drive those?
		
		SCOTT/STEVE
	Yeah.  No problem.
		
		HAROLD
	Good.  We have two, so you can each 
	drive one.  You can each take a 
	passenger so at least four of you can 
	get out here.  I'm staying so the rest 
	of you can determine who goes.
		
		MARY
	Well, I think Aunt Mern should be one 
	of them.
		
		AUNT MERN
	Don't I get a say in this?
		
		MARY
	No.  I'm sorry.  You need to go.  
	Anybody have a problem with that?

Everyone shakes their head no.
		
		JEROME
	Okay.  So who else goes?

Mary and Kitty look at Lauren.
		
		KITTY
	I think Lauren should go.  She's 
	pretty shook up.
		
		LAUREN
	You just think I don't belong here.  
	You're trying to get rid of me.
		
		KITTY
	Lauren, you're upset and we don't 
	blame you.  We are too.  But this 
	really isn't your element.
		
		LAUREN
	Oh and it's theirs?  
	(she points to Julian and Mary)
	He's an accountant for God's sake.  
	They're "out of their element" too.
		
		MARY
	We've been coming here for years...
		
		HAROLD
	(interrrupting)
	Okay, enough!  Lauren, Julian, Mary 
	and Kitty will draw straws, so to 
	speak.  That's final.

Jerome steps outside the sliding glass doors and gets 
four sticks from his kindling pile.
		
		JEROME
	Sticks will have to do.

He breaks one so it is much smaller than the rest.
		
		JEROME(CONT'D)
	Okay, who's first?

Lauren, Kitty, Mary and Julian walk to Jerome.  They 
each pick a stick.  Mary picks the shortest one.
		
		JEROME(CONT'D)
	That's it, Mary.  You and Aunt Mern go 
	with the boys.  We'll give you 
	directions to the Sheriff office.  Go 
	there, tell them what's going on and 
	get someone out here fast.  Okay?
		
		MARY
	Okay.  

Mary is distraught about leaving Julian.  She goes over 
to him and hugs him.
		
		MARY(CONT'D)
	Please be careful.  Let them kill it.  
	You stay safe.
		
		JULIAN
	Don't worry about me, I'll be fine.  
	Just make sure you get the boys to 
	safety.  Okay?

Julian and Mary hug each other.
		
		HAROLD
	Okay, come on.  We'll go together to 
	my cabin.  You'll leave from there but 
	we have to be quick.  I don't know 
	where that thing is now.  You guys 
	ready?

Scott, Steve, Aunt Mern and Mary shake their heads yes.
		
		HAROLD(CONT'D)
	Let's go.

They walk toward the front door.
		
		JULIAN
	(to Jerome)
	So what's the plan?
		
		JEROME
	I don't know yet but whatever we do, 
	we have to do it together.  It's going 
	to take all of us working as a team to 
	get through this.

Julian nods his head in agreement.
		
		JEROME(CONT'D)
	(to Lauren)
	Lauren?  You okay?
		
		LAUREN
	Great, just great.
		
		KITTY
	It's going to be dark soon.  Why don't 
	I get us some food together and we can 
	discuss a plan over dinner.
		
		JEROME
	Good idea.
		
		KITTY
	(to Lauren)
	I could use some help.
		
		LAUREN
	I don't cook.
		
		KITTY
	(exchanging a glance with 
	Jerome)
	Well, come with me anyway.

Lauren and Kitty walk to the kitchen.

EXT. CABIN 1/FRONT YARD AREA EARLY EVENING

Harold, Scott, Steve, Aunt Mern and Mary are outside of 
Cabin 1.  Harold is handing keys to Scott and Steve.

It is raining again and almost dark.  Visibility is not 
good.
		
		HAROLD
	You should have enough daylight left 
	to get you out of the woods.  Follow 
	the road...stay ON the road.  Don't 
	try to take any short cuts, you'd 
	never find your way through the woods, 
	especially in this rain.
		
		SCOTT
	Okay.
		
		HAROLD
	Go as fast as you can and don't look 
	back.  And stay together!
		
		SCOTT
	Okay.

Scott and Mary climb onto one ATV and Steve and Aunt 
Mern climb on another.
		
		HAROLD
	Scott, you and your mom go first, 
	yours has a brighter head light.
		
		SCOTT
	Okay.
		
		HAROLD
	Aunt Mern and Mary..,you two keep your 
	eyes open and stay alert.  Okay?
		
		MARY
	Okay.  And you guys be careful Harold.
		
		HAROLD
	Go on!  Hurry, get out of here!  And 
	watch your backs.

They ride away.  Harold watches them for a minute.  
When he's confident they are safe he turns toward the 
Bennett house and starts walking.

He hears a noise, not far away from him, and turns to 
look.  He stops but sees nothing.
		
		HAROLD
	Where are you you piece of shit?  Come 
	and get me.  Come on!

He looks around, waiting.  Nothing happens.
		
		HAROLD(CONT'D)
	I didn't think so.

He starts to run toward the Bennett house.  The otter 
springs from it's hiding place and slams itself into 
Harold.  Harold falls down with the otter on top of 
him.

The otter is biting him and Harold is putting up a 
fierce fight.  He manages to knock the otter off him 
and stand up.  He is a bloody mess but runs as fast as 
he can.

The otter follows.

They near the Bennett house.

EXT. BENNETT HOUSE FRONT YARD AREA EARLY EVENING
		
		HAROLD
	Jerome!  Jerome!  Help!  Jerome!

The otter has caught up with Harold and once again 
knocks him down.  Harold is screaming in pain.

Jerome, Kitty, Julian and Lauren run out of the house 
and see Harold fighting the otter.  They stand in the 
rain, watching.
		
		HAROLD(CONT'D)
	Jerome, shoot it!  Shoot it!

Jerome runs back into the house.
		
		LAUREN
	Oh my God!  Oh my God!

Jerome runs back out of the house, rifle in his hands.  
He aims.
		
		HAROLD
	Shoot it!

Jerome shoots and knicks the otter.  It screams in 
pain.

Harold manages to free himself and stumble to the 
house.

The otter sits and stares at Jerome, Harold, Julian, 
Kitty and Lauren.  Jerome is frozen with fear and can 
not shoot the rifle again.

Finally, slowly the otter crawls away.

INT. BENNETT LIVING/DINING AREA EARLY EVENING

Harold is lying on the couch.  He is in pain and 
bleeding.  Kitty is cleaning him off and bandaging him 
up.

Jerome and Julian are sitting at the dining room 
table.  There is food on the table.

Lauren is pacing around the room.
		
		KITTY
	My God Harold you're a mess.  But I 
	think you're going to live.  You're 
	lucky.
		
		HAROLD
	Yeah, lucky me.
		
		KITTY
	This may hurt a little.

Kitty pours some antibacterial solution on one of 
Harold's wounds.  He grits his teeth in pain.
		
		KITTY(CONT'D)
	Sorry, sorry but I need to get this 
	cleaned.  No telling what kind of 
	diseases that monster is carrying.
		
		LAUREN
	What the hell was that?  I mean, what 
	the hell was that?  There is no way 
	any of this is happening.  I'm Lauren 
	King for God's sake..this shit doesn't 
	happen to me.
		
		JEROME
	(walking towards Lauren)
	Lauren you've got to calm down.
		
		LAUREN
	Calm down!  Calm down?  How can I calm 
	down, did you see that thing?  What 
	the hell was it?
		
		JEROME
	(raising his voice)
	It's an otter, Lauren.  What the hell 
	do you think we've been trying to tell 
	you all day?
		
		LAUREN
	Don't you yell at me and don't treat 
	me like I'm stupid.
		
		KITTY
	No one thinks your stupid Lauren.
		
		LAUREN
	Otters are small..they're cute and 
	cuddly and they're SMALL!  That thing 
	was huge..
		
		KITTY
	(interrupting)
	Well, it's true.  It's just that that 
	one is NOT small or cute or cuddly.
		
		JULIAN
	Why isn't it?  I mean, how did it 
	get..like that?  Was there some kind 
	of toxic waste here or something?
		
		JEROME
	No.  There is no environmental or 
	ecological explanation.  Kitty and I 
	have lived on this lake for fifteen 
	years.  The water is not contaminated, 
	no radioactive waste....the trees and 
	plant life here are consistent with 
	what you should find here.  Nothing 
	out of the ordinary.
		
		JULIAN
	You've been here fifteen years?  How 
	long has that thing been here?
		
		JEROME
	We don't know.  The first time we saw 
	it was at the Fismer family re-union. 
	That was two years ago and I'm 
	guessing that thing was a couple of 
	years old then.
		
		LAUREN
	So what are saying?  It's just a 
	really BIG otter?
		
		JULIAN
	I've heard of giant otters before.  
	They can reach six feet in length.  
	That thing was definitely...at least 
	six feet long.  Giant otters are just 
	one of..like..thirteen different 
	species, right?
		
		HAROLD
	There's a problem with that theory, 
	Julian.

Kitty has finished with the bandages and Harold tries 
to re-position himself on the couch.
		
		JULIAN
	What's that?
		
		HAROLD
	Our giant friend doesn't have the same 
	characteristics as the "giant otter" 
	species.  The nose is 
	different...diamond shaped...it's hair 
	or fur is much thicker.  And the 
	colors are all wrong.  Giant otters 
	have distinctive white markings on 
	their throat.  This one doesn't.  I 
	have had a very close up view of it's 
	throat.  And most importantly, they 
	live in the South American rain 
	forests NOT northern Wisconsin.
		
		JULIAN
	So what is it then?
		
		HAROLD
	Lutra canadensis.......Nutria de 
	Sumatra.....Lontra del naso peloso.
		
		LAUREN
	What?
		
		KITTY
	The North American River Otter.  
	Nothing more, nothing less.
		
		LAUREN
	You mean it's just a freak of nature 
	or something?
		
		JEROME
	Exactly.  It's genetics.  Has to be.
		
		LAUREN
	Genetics?  Yeah, like when two dwarf 
	parents have normal size children or 
	average size parents having a kid 
	that's seven feet tall.
		
		JEROME
	Something like that.  All the other 
	otters we saw were normal size.  This 
	one has a genetic deformity of some 
	kind.
		
		LAUREN
	And from what I saw, it has super 
	powers too.
		
		JULIAN
	How the hell are we supposed to kill 
	it?

EXT. WISCONSIN LAKE/WOODS EARLY EVENING

Steve and Aunt Mern are riding on the ATV, seemingly 
lost.  Scott and Mary are nowhere around.

It is raining slightly and almost dark.

Steve brings the ATV to a stop.
		
		STEVE
	I can't believe this!  How could we 
	have lost them?  They were right in 
	front of us.  What happened?
		
		AUNT MERN
	It's okay, it's okay.  We got a little 
	too side-tracked trying to keep our 
	eyes open for that beast.  It's okay.  
	Let's think for a minute.  Turn off 
	the engine for a minute.

Steve shuts the engine off.
		
		STEVE
	Why?
		
		AUNT MERN
	Let's listen for a minute and see if 
	we can hear the other ATV.

They listen but hear nothing but the rain.
		
		STEVE
	It's useless.  I don't hear anything.  
	This sucks!
		
		AUNT MERN
	Okay, well lets not sit here too 
	long.  Let's just keep going the way 
	we were, it's bound to lead us 
	somewhere.

Steve starts the engine and they begin riding again.

INT. BENNETT LIVING ROOM EARLY EVENING

Harold is un-conscience on the couch.

Jerome, Kitty, Julian and Lauren are sitting around the 
dining room table.  Some of the food has been eaten.
		
		KITTY
	Harold has had it.  There is no way he 
	can go back out there.
		
		JEROME
	I know.  I know.  
	(to Julian)
	Looks like it's just you and me.
		
		JULIAN
	I was afraid you'd say that.  What's 
	our plan?
		
		JEROME
	First, let's just make sure that no 
	one here wants to capture that thing 
	alive...turn it over to some agency 
	for scientific study or something 
	stupid like that.
		
		LAUREN
	Yeah, that's what they'd do in the 
	movies.  They always do that and more 
	people end up getting killed.
		
		JULIAN
	I don't think any of us want to SAVE 
	it.

Everyone shakes their head no.
		
		JEROME
	Good.  Then we're gonna blow it's head 
	off.

EXT. BENNETT HOUSE BACK YARD AREA EARLY EVENING

Julian and Jerome are hiding in the woods, separately, 
rifles ready.

The rain has momentarily stopped.  Everything is soaked 
and slippery.

Kitty is pacing back and forth on the back porch.  She 
is holding a large butcher knife.

Lauren watches from inside the house.
		
		KITTY
	(to herself)
	Okay, here I go.

Kitty slowly walks down the steps, she is very alert.  
She walks to the dock and stands there waiting for the 
giant otter to attack.
		
		KITTY(CONT'D)
	Okay, I'm here!  Come and get me!  
	Here I am!

From behind her, Jerome screams.

EXT. WOODS NEXT TO BENNETT HOUSE EARLY EVENING

Jerome screams as the giant otter attacks him.  He 
starts beating it as it bites him in the throat.

Kitty comes running over, slipping every few steps in 
the mud.
		
		KITTY
	No!  No!  Jerome!

Kitty charges at the giant otter and stabs it 
repeatedly with her knife.  The otter then turns to 
Kitty and attacks her.

Julian runs over to Kitty.  He has a hard time keeping 
his balance on the wet ground.
		
		JULIAN
	Kitty!  Kitty, get out of there.

Julian tries to pull her away but it is too late.

Jerome and Kitty are dead.

Julian runs as fast as he can back to the house.

Lauren is standing on the back deck, frozen in fear.
		
		JULIAN
	Cone on Lauren, move your ass!  Get in 
	the house.

Julian grabs Lauren and pushes her through the sliding 
glass doors.

INT. BENNETT LIVING ROOM EARLY EVENING

Harold is laying on the couch, barely conscience.  
Lauren and Julian are are in a state of shock as they 
run through the sliding glass doors.
		
		JULIAN
	Damn it!  I can't believe this.  Never 
	in my life have I seen anything like 
	this.
		
		LAUREN
	That is not an animal!  It's not! What 
	are we going to do?  My God what are 
	we going to do?
		
		JULIAN
	It's like reading our minds or 
	something.  How does it know what 
	we're planning?  Harold?  Harold?
		
		LAUREN
	Don't waste your breath, Harold's out 
	of it.
		
		JULIAN
	Great.  Just great.  
	(pause)
	Wonder if the phones are working yet.

Julian walks over to check the phone.  Lauren watches 
him.
		
		JULIAN(CONT'D)
	Nope.  Still dead.  What about a cell 
	phone?  Lauren, you have to have a 
	cell phone, right?  Have you tried it?
		
		LAUREN
	Only about a million times.  There's 
	no signal out here.
		
		JULIAN
	Damn.  What about your car?
		
		LAUREN
	I don't have a car.
		
		JULIAN
	How'd you get here?
		
		LAUREN
	A limo.  And it's not coming back for 
	another two days.
		
		JULIAN
	Figures.  Great.  We might not be 
	alive in two days.  I'm gonna go check 
	Jon's pockets for keys to their 
	truck.  That's our last hope.

Julian leaves the room towards the front door.

EXT. BENNETT HOUSE FRONT DOOR EARLY EVENING

Julian, being very cautious, bends down over the body 
of Jon.  He carefully pulls the tarp off and searches 
Jon's pockets.

He doesn't find any keys.

It is raining again.

He looks around and studies the area for a moment then 
goes back inside.

INT. BENNETT LIVING ROOM EARLY EVENING

Lauren is sitting next to Harold on the couch.

Julian walks in the room.
		
		LAUREN
	Did you find them?
		
		JULIAN
	No.  There's no way we're going to get 
	out of here unless we kill it.  Finish 
	what we started.
		
		LAUREN
	That's insane.  Every time someone 
	goes outside they get killed.  We need 
	to just stay in here.  We're safe in 
	here.
		
		JULIAN
	For how long?  We can't stay in here 
	forever.
		
		LAUREN
	Your wife should have reached the cops 
	by now.  Let's just stay in here and 
	wait to be rescued.
		
		JULIAN
	I pray that they made it.  But even if 
	they did and the cops come..if that 
	thing is still alive there's a good 
	chance more people will be killed.  
	It's up to us now Lauren.  We've got 
	to kill it and we've got to do it now.
		
		LAUREN
	How?  We're no heroes Julian.  We 
	don't know the first thing about any 
	of this.  I wish I would have never 
	come here..I can't believe this..I 
	want to go home...
		
		HAROLD
	(interrupting,very groggy)
	In the front yard...from the roof.  We 
	need to lure it to the front of the 
	house.  And we have to hurry..I don't 
	think I have much time left.

Julian walks over to Harold's side.
		
		JULIAN
	Harold you've got to relax, you're 
	going to be okay as long as you stay 
	put.  Lauren and I will....
		
		HAROLD
	(interrupting)
	No.  It has to be me.  I want it to be 
	me.  After this, get me to the 
	hospital okay.
		
		JULIAN
	Okay.  I promise. What's the plan?

EXT. WISCONSIN LAKE/WOODS EVENING

Steve and Aunt Mern are riding on the ATV, lost in the 
woods.  They stop in front of a trail marker.

It is raining and dark.  They are soaked, cold, and 
scared.
		
		STEVE
	It's no use.  I don't know where in 
	the hell I'm going.  We're lost.
		
		AUNT MERN
	No, no we're not.  Look over there, 
	(she points to the trail marker)
	a trail marker.  Go in the direction 
	of the arrow.  It's got to take us 
	somewhere.
		
		STEVE
	But where?
		
		AUNT MERN
	Either the main road or back to the 
	lake..I guess.
		
		STEVE
	Or to another trail.
		
		AUNT MERN
	Just go!  I feel like a sitting duck 
	out here.
		
		STEVE
	I hope it goes to the road..we're 
	almost out of gas.

They drive off following the direction of the trail 
marker.

EXT. BENNETT HOUSE FRONT YARD AREA EVENING

Julian and Lauren are on top of the roof. Julian has 
his rifle ready.  Lauren carries a flashlight.  As she 
moves the flashlight around, they study the area 
carefully.

Harold is sitting the middle of the yard.  He holds a 
hunting knife.

It is raining and very dark.  Visibility sucks.
		
		HAROLD
	You guys ready up there?
		
		JULIAN
	Ready as ever.

They wait for a moment or two, looking in all 
directions. 
		
		LAUREN
	This is so stupid..I don't understand 
	why we can't stay in the house.  This 
	is suicide.
		
		JULIAN
	Not for us.  For Harold.  He's a 
	sitting duck down there.  Now stop 
	complaining and start looking.  If he 
	dies it will be our fault.
		
		LAUREN
	No, no it won't.  None of this is my 
	fault.

Harold hears a noise to his right.
		
		HAROLD
	Shh!  Shh!  I heard something. 
	(to Julian)
	To my right, to my right.  He's 
	coming.

Lauren shines the light to Harold's right side and 
Julian aims the rifle.

The giant otter charges toward Harold.
		
		LAUREN
	There it is, there it is.  Shoot it 
	Julian.

Julian takes aim, shoots and misses.  The otter stops 
and looks around.

Julian aims and shoots again.  He misses again.

The otter takes off after Harold who is desperately 
trying to get to his feet.
		
		JULIAN
	I've got to help him.  Take this. 
	(he hands the rifle to Lauren)
	I'll get it off Harold and you shoot 
	it.
		
		LAUREN
	No, no.  I've never shot one of these 
	before..
		
		JULIAN
	Just aim and pull the trigger.  And I 
	pray your aim is better than mine.

Harold is trying to hold the otter away from himself.  
He is fighting for his life.

Julian runs into the front yard.
		
		JULIAN(CONT'D)
	Hey!  Hey over here!

Julian runs up behind the giant otter and kicks and 
punches it.
		
		JULIAN(CONT'D)
	Come on, come on!  Over here you piece 
	of shit!

The otter releases Harold and faces Julian.  Julian 
backs away slowly and the giant otter gets ready to 
charge.
		
		JULIAN(CONT'D)
	Shoot it Lauren!  Now!  Now!

Lauren shoots.  She hits the giant otter and wounds it 
but doesn't kill it.  It races toward Julian.
		
		LAUREN
	Run Julian run!  Get back up here.
		
		JULIAN
	I can't.  You're going to have to 
	shoot it again.  Shoot it again!

Lauren aims the rifle again.

In the background we hear the engine of an approaching 
ATV, getting louder as it gets closer.

Julian is trying to keep his distance from the otter.

Steve and Aunt Mern come hauling ass down the 
ATV/Snowmobile trail.  Steve sees what's happening and 
doesn't slow down.  He rams the ATV right into the 
giant otter, hurting it badly.
		
		JULIAN(CONT'D)
	Lauren, again, now!  Blow it's head 
	off.

Lauren fires the rifle and blows the giant otters head 
off.

Everyone is silent and still for a moment.
		
		LAUREN
	Oh yeah!  Yeah!  I got it, I got it.  
	Hah!  Bet you guys are glad I didn't 
	get the short stick now, huh?  Woo-
	hoo!

Julian runs over to Harold.  
		
		JULIAN
	Harold?  Harold?  Come on man, we got 
	it.  We got it!

Harold is dead.

Steve and Aunt Mern get off the ATV and rush into 
Julian's arms.
		
		STEVE
	Dad are you okay?
		
		JULIAN
	Yeah thanks to you.  What are you 
	doing here anyway?
		
		STEVE
	We got lost.
		
		JULIAN
	Lucky for us.

Lauren is still on the roof.
		
		LAUREN
	Can someone help me down?

In the background we hear police sirens approaching.

Lauren collapses on the roof, crying and shaking 
uncontrollably. 
		
		STEVE
	I got her Dad.

Steve walks away.  Julian and Aunt Mern survey the 
damage around them.
		
		AUNT MERN
	Thank God you're alright.  
		
		JULIAN
	Yeah.  But Harold didn't make it.  
		
		AUNT MERN
	What about Kitty and Jerome?
		
		JULIAN
	They didn't make it either.  
		
		AUNT MERN
	My God.

Julian and Aunt Mern walk over to the dead giant otter.
		
		JULIAN
	It's all this things fault.  Can you 
	believe it?  This thing has killed 
	nine people.
		
		AUNT MERN
	The authorities won't be able to cover 
	it up this time.

Steve and Lauren walk up to Julian and Aunt Mern.  Aunt 
Mern takes Lauren into her arms and hugs her.
		
		AUNT MERN(CONT'D)
	You're okay.  Everything's going to be 
	okay now.  

The police cars pull up in front of the Bennett house.  
Several POLICEMEN exit their cars and look around.

Scott and Mary get out of one of the police cars and 
run over to Julian.  They hug.
		
		JULIAN
	I am so glad to see you.  And the 
	police are here..finally...thank the 
	Lord.
		
		MARY
	I'm so glad you're okay.

Mary kisses Julian.  
		
		SCOTT
	(to Steve)
	What happened to you man.  One minute 
	you're there the next you're not.
		
		STEVE
	I don't know.  We were driving around 
	in circles, felt like forever, and the 
	next thing we knew, we were back here.

Scott hugs Steve.

A policeman walks over to them.
		
		POLICEMAN
	(to Julian)
	Sir, can I speak with you over hear 
	for a moment?

Julian walks away with the policeman.  They huddle 
together for a moment.

Scott, Steve and Mary get a closer look at the giant 
otter laying dead at their feet.

Julian walks back over to join them.
		
		JULIAN
	The cops are going to keep this 
	quiet.  They don't want anyone to know 
	what happened up here.  They don't 
	want to cause a panic but I think they 
	just don't want to have to explain 
	themselves.  I mean, this has happened 
	twice now.
		
		MARY
	That's crazy.  How are they going to 
	hide this?
		
		JULIAN
	I don't know.  Same way they did last 
	time I guess.
		
		LAUREN
	That's what they think.  
		
		AUNT MERN
	What do you mean?
		
		LAUREN
	Sonny died here.  I'm not going to let 
	them keep this a secret.  I'm going to 
	make sure the whole world knows what 
	happened here.  For Sonny.

Lauren walks away from the group and heads for the 
group of policemen.  They recognize her and gather 
around her like puppy dogs.

EXT. HOLLYWOOD MOVIE THEATER AFTERNOON

A crowd of fans has gathered around the theater.  They 
are screaming and cheering.  A swarm of paparazzi are 
stationed on the corner of the red carpet and the 
street.  They are taking pictures. 

Several reporters are stationed along the red carpet, 
speaking to celebrities as they pass by.

This is the premier of Lauren Kings new movie, My Heart 
for You.  

MOBY SMITH, a reporter for the Los Angeles Review, 
waits for Lauren to appear.  He is talking quietly to 
his CAMERAMAN.
		
		MOBY
	She should be here any minute.  I 
	doubt she will talk to us., she never 
	does, but I want lots of video.  I'll 
	voice over later.  

The cameraman nods his head in agreement.
		
		MOBY(CONT'D)
	With Sonny not here, she'll be totally 
	vulnerable.

The cameraman points to the street behind Moby.  A 
limousine is pulling up to the curb.
		
		CAMERAMAN
	That's got to be her.
		
		MOBY
	Okay, okay.  Camera on.

The cameraman adjusts his equipment to get close ups of 
Lauren.

The driver of the limousine walks around to open the 
back door of the car.

The first to exit the car is Julian, followed by Mary, 
Steve, Scott and Aunt Mern. 
		
		CAMERAMAN
	Who the hell are these people?
		
		MOBY
	I don't know, I don't know.

Lauren is the last to exit the limousine.  She steps 
out and the crowd goes crazy.

She smiles and waves.  The six of them proceed down the 
red carpet.
		
		MOBY(CONT'D)
	What is going on with her?  Are you 
	getting this?
		
		CAMERAMAN
	Yeah, yeah.  Every bit of it.  Looks 
	like she's heading straight for you.

Moby looks confused as Lauren makes her way down the 
carpet and stops right in front of him.
		
		MOBY
	Miss King.  Great to see you.  You 
	look beautiful, as always.
		
		LAUREN
	Thank you Moby.
		
		MOBY
	I'm caught a little off guard here, I 
	wasn't expecting you to stop.  Who do 
	you have with you?
		
		LAUREN
	These are my friends.  My very good 
	friends.  Julian and Mary Johns.  
	Their sons, Steve and Scott.  And of 
	course, Aunt Mern.  These people 
	literally, saved my life.
		
		MOBY
	Well, of course, it's very nice to 
	meet all of you.  Miss King, we are 
	all very sorry to hear of Sonny's 
	death, would you care to make a 
	statement regarding that accident.
		
		LAUREN
	Yes, I would like to make a 
	statement.  First of all, it was not 
	an accident. 
	(Lauren turns to her friends)
	I told you I wouldn't let them cover 
	it up.  For Sonny!  And Jerome and 
	Kitty and Harold and Jon and Mark. 
	(they nod in agreement and 
	Lauren turns back to Moby)
	I repeat it was not an accident and 
	you, Moby, have the exclusive.  Sonny, 
	and some other very fine people were 
	killed, mauled to death, in a small 
	town in Northern Wisconsin.  The 
	authorities there have refused to 
	acknowledge what happened.  For the 
	safety of others, and in memory of our 
	lost friends, I want every reporter, 
	starting with you Moby, to let the 
	truth be told.  

Moby and the cameraman stand there in disbelief as 
Lauren leans in and hugs Moby. 
		
		LAUREN(CONT'D)
	(whispering in Moby's ear)
	Go there, start asking questions, 
	expose the truth.  Thank you.

Lauren smiles into the camera and walks away.  
		
		JULIAN
	(to Mary)
	I think that's the nicest, most un-
	selfish thing she has ever done.  
		
		MARY
	(to Julian)
	I think this experience has changed 
	her forever.  For the better.

They smile at each other and continue to walk the red 
carpet.

The crowd goes crazy with excitement as Lauren passes 
by them.
		
		MOBY (VO)
	There you have it ladies and 
	gentlemen.  From the lips of the woman 
	who experienced a weekend from hell 
	and lived to tell about it.  I, for 
	one, am going to Wisconsin.  More on 
	this story as I uncover the facts.

Lauren, Julian, Mary, Steve, Scott and Aunt Mern enter 
the theater.

EXT. CABIN 2 FRONT YARD AREA AFTERNOON

One month later.

A car approaches from the road and pulls to a stop in 
front of cabin 2.  It is a beautiful sunny day.

There is no evidence left behind of the otter attacks 
that occurred at the lake: the area is remarkably 
clean.

LISA AND SHANE MONTGOMERY, twenty something newlyweds, 
get out of their car, stretch their legs and look 
around.  
		
		SHANE
	My God!  This place is awesome.  What 
	do you think Lisa?  Is this the 
	perfect place for a honeymoon or what?

He rushes to her and kisses her.
		
		LISA
	It's perfect Shane.  In the 
	woods...all alone...imagine the 
	possibilities.
		
		SHANE
	Oh my imagination is already on double 
	time.  

They kiss again.
		
		SHANE(CONT'D)
	Let's unpack and get the party 
	started.

They unload their suitcases and food supplies from the 
car and carry them into cabin 2.

INT. CABIN 2 LIVING/DINING/KITCHEN AREA AFTERNOON

The inside of the cabin is spotless.  There is no 
evidence of anyone having been here before.

Shane puts the suitcases in the bedroom and Lisa puts 
their food supplies on the kitchen table.

Lisa opens the blinds on the sliding glass doors and 
looks out at the view.  Shane comes up behind her and 
puts his arms around her.
		
		LISA
	Never in my life have I seen something 
	as beautiful as this.  
		
		SHANE
	(kissing Lisa's neck)
	I have.
		
		LISA
	I'm so glad you brought me here.
		
		SHANE
	I do take all the credit for this 
	brilliant idea.

They kiss.
		
		LISA
	We're the only ones here?
		
		SHANE
	Uh huh. What do you want to do first?
		
		LISA
	Why don't we see what the bedroom 
	looks like?

They kiss as they walk toward the bedroom.

EXT. CABIN 2 BACK DECK EARLY EVENING

Camera scans the back deck.

The patio table on the back deck is crowded with beach 
towels, lotion, beers, chips and a radio.  The radio is 
on.

Shane and Lisa talking, very faintly, from the dock.
		
		SHANE (OS)
	Who's going first?
		
		LISA (OS)
	You go first.
		
		SHANE (OS)
	I always have to go first.  Why do I 
	always have to go first?

EXT. CABIN 2 DOCK/LAKE EARLY EVENING

There are several loons floating in the lake, and the 
woods are alive with the sounds of birds.

Lisa and Shane are standing on the edge of the dock, 
looking around.  They kiss
		
		LISA
	In case something's in there.
		
		SHANE
	Oh, so I'd be the first to go?

Lisa smiles.
		
		LISA
	Yeah, you the man, remember?
		
		SHANE
	Okay, okay.

Shane jumps into the water.
		
		SHANE(CONT'D)
	Come on Lisa..jump.  I'll catch you.
		
		LISA
	Is it cold?
		
		SHANE
	Of course it's cold.  This isn't 
	Florida.  But I'll warm you up.

After much coaxing by Shane, Lisa finally jumps in.

They swim around and goof off.  They are laughing and 
having a good time.

We watch Shane and Lisa swim but their voices drown out 
as we listen to the radio that is playing from the 
picnic table.
		
		ANNOUNCER (VO)
	Sorry to interrupt the music people 
	but we have a story just in.  A local 
	story coming to us all the way from 
	Hollywood....As most of us have 
	already noticed our town has been over 
	run by reporters lately, asking 
	questions about an incident that 
	happened here last month.  It seems 
	several people were attacked and 
	killed at Forest Lake by..get this 
	people...a giant otter.  Can you 
	believe that?  I said a giant otter.  
	So far the authorities have not 
	commented publicly about this, but it 
	really makes you wonder, doesn't it?  
	We've all witnessed government cover-
	ups before haven't we?  But I for one 
	have been to Forest Lake several times 
	and have never witnessed any giant 
	otter.  A twist to this story is that 
	it originated from Lauren King, the 
	movie star.  Could it be a publicity 
	stunt for an upcoming movie?  That's 
	my guess.  I'm sure this isn't the 
	last we'll hear from the so called 
	Hollywood reporters but let's not 
	panic people the revenue is just want 
	this town needs....  

The announcer voice drowns out as Shane and Lisa's 
voices grow louder.
		
		LISA
	My God this water is freezing.  How 
	can anything live in this water...the 
	fish must be ice cubes.
		
		SHANE
	Come here you..I'll warm you up.

They begin kissing and are oblivious to the wake that 
is being formed a short distance away from them.  

Several birds fly from the trees, and the loons quickly 
leave the lake.  The woods suddenly become very quiet.

Lisa is the first to notice.
		
		LISA
	Do you hear that?
		
		SHANE
	What?  I don't hear anything?
		
		LISA
	Exactly..it got so quiet all the 
	sudden..like everything just died.
		
		SHANE
	What?

They look around.  Shane finally notices the wake that 
has formed and is headed straight at them.
		
		SHANE(CONT'D)
	What is that?
		
		LISA
	I don't know.  Something swimming 
	under the water..I guess.  What did 
	you say lives in this lake Shane?
		
		SHANE
	Just fish..and maybe a few turtles.
		
		LISA
	I don't think that's a fish or a 
	turtle.

The wake suddenly stops, a few feet from Lisa and 
Shane.  They are a little uneasy and a little confused.
		
		LISA(CONT'D)
	What happened Shane?  Where'd it go?
		
		SHANE
	I don't know.
		
		LISA
	Let's get out of here.

They begin to swim back to the dock.  Something brushes 
past them.
		
		LISA(CONT'D)
	Did you feel that?  What was it?
		
		SHANE
	I don't know just keep 
	swimming...hurry!  Hurry!

They swim faster with Shane in the lead.  Lisa is 
pulled under the water.  Shane doesn't look back so he 
doesn't notice she's gone at first.  Finally he turns 
around.
		
		SHANE(CONT'D)
	Lisa?  Lisa!  Lisa!

He is panicking and confused.  He is screaming.
		
		SHANE(CONT'D)
	Lisa!  Lisa!

He swims around, under the water, trying to find Lisa.

He dives and comes up for air several times without 
Lisa.  He gets more panicked each time.
		
		SHANE(CONT'D)
	My God!  My God!  Lisa!!!!

He comes up the final time.  He opens his eyes and 
takes a deep breath.  He turns around in circles 
several times, looking for Lisa.

He feels something brush past his legs.
		
		SHANE(CONT'D)
	Lisa?  

He reaches down and nothing is there.  He swims back to 
the dock.  As he is about to climb onto the dock he 
looks back onto the water one last time.  Behind him is 
a giant otter, emerging from the water.

Scott screams.  The giant otter attacks Scott and pulls 
him under the water.

 

FADE OUT

THE END

 
		
		 


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