Dead Crush

DEAD CRUSH BLUES

Dead Crush Blues

ACT ONE

INT. BLACKFISH, A POPULAR COFFEEHOUSE IN THE MALL

EXT. AN UPSCALE MINI-MALL IN NORTH SEATTLE - DAY, AUTUMN

FADE IN:

It is a wintry morning, and people are stopping for food and coffee before their workday

Begins. There is a line of customers that extends outside the door and all the inside

The tables are occupied.

Jack PARKER, in their early twenties, is waiting patiently in the Blackfish order line. He is staring at his cell phone while keeping pace with the two women in front of him.

Woman#1 (TALK TO HER FRIEND)

Do you know what Sophie wants?

Woman#2

You worry too much, Suzie. If Sophie doesn't get in line before we get to the counter, that's on her.

SUZIE

That's nice, Doris. You're such a bitch in the morning.

DORIS

I am before I get my coffee. It's in my nature.

SUZIE

Whatever.

Jack continues to ignore them and stares at his phone.

Maureen, Jack's work friend, is sitting at a table by the front window, waiting for

Jack. She is checking her makeup and brushing her hair. She waits until Jack is

Looking forward, she checks her makeup again and refreshes her lipstick.

Maureen's POV: She is watching Jack move along with the crowd. There are two women in

Front of him and he is carefully maintaining a four-foot distance.

CLOSE IN: Maureen IS WATCHING Jack LOOK AT THE WOMEN.

A tall, nervous Woman with an unusual facial tick is crowding Jack.

NERVOUS Woman

The line is moving, kid. No gaps.

Jack looks over his shoulder but says nothing. He shuffles forward.

We see a blonde Woman exit the restroom and join her friends in front of Jack.

The new arrival turns to Jack and smiles.

NEW ARRIVAL

I hope you don't mind me cutting in front. I couldn't wait any longer and Suzy offered to hold my place.

Jack stares at the New Arrival and smiles. He says nothing.

Suzy turns around and smirks.

SUZY

That's right. I'm tired of watching Sofie dance

Without music.

Jack

No worries. I saw nothing.

SOFIE

You're a peach. I wouldn't cut in, but if I don’t, I won't be able

To eat with my friends.

Jack (CALM, REASSURING)

Most people don't apologize.

Sofie looks over her shoulder, flashes a perfect smile, then joins her friends.

INT. TABLE WHERE Jack’s FRIEND IS WAITING.

Maureen throws her Jacket over the empty chair next to her and glares at anyone who comes near the table. She moves the two extra chairs to a nearby table.

Jack successfully survives the ordering gauntlet and joins Maureen.

CLOSE IN: MAUREEN'S TABLE

JACK

One macchiato and a chocolate croissant. You got

The last one.

MAUREEN

Good boy. I'm nothing if I don't get my chocolate every day.

Took you long enough.

JACK

There was a line.

MAUREEN

You didn't seem to mind.

Maureen eats the croissant slowly and leaves half. She puts it on the plate and shoves it aside. We can see she is ill at ease.

JACK

I smell an implication.

MAUREEN

You made a new friend?

JACK

I was being friendly. Nothing more.

MAUREEN

Really? Seemed like a lot more to me.

JACK

Don't start. It's not what you think.

MAUREEN

Bullshit. You're in denial.

JACK

Whatever.

MAUREEN

It's her again. Isn't it?

JACK

Stop.

MAUREEN

Your dead crush.

JACK (CASUALLY)

I HARDLY NOTICED.

MAUREEN

I saw you glancing at her table as you walked over here.

JACK

Only you would notice.

MAUREEN

Go ahead. Admit it.

JACK

You already know.

MAUREEN

How close?

Jack shakes his head and sighs in defeat.

JACK

Dead ringer, dead crush.

MAUREEN

That good?

JACK

Impossible, but yes.

MAUREEN

I gotta see this.

JACK

Don't be obvious.

Maureen rises from her chair and walks nonchalantly to Sophie's table. She leans over and smiles at Sofie.

JACK'S POV: MAUREEN STOPS AT THE TABLE AND SAYS SOMETHING TO SOFIE.

MAUREEN

Don't worry, we're just friends.

SOPHIE

Good to know. Thanks.

Maureen nods, then Sofie points back at Jack and they both laugh.

MAUREEN

Good Luck.

Finished, Maureen stands up and walks toward the restroom.

Jack continues to cast furtive glances at Sofie's table.

A sad-faced clown in street shoes is standing in line, entertaining the crowd with his juggling skills. The clown suddenly looks at Jack and winks.

Jack is unnerved by the sudden attention. He looks away and drinks his coffee as he checks his Facebook page. When he looks again, the clown is gone.

Sophie walks up to the table and taps Jack on his shoulder.

SOPHIE

Has anyone ever told you that you're a dead ringer for Joe Betterman?

Jack is momentarily frozen. He leans back to get a better look.

JACK

Are you a Yankees fan?

SOPHIE

No. I like old movies.

JACK

How old?

SOPHIE

Fifties and Sixties.

JACK

They still have those?

SOPHIE (LAUGHING)

When they can find them.

JACK

Joe was a baseball player, not a movie star.

SOPHIE

He was married to one.

JACK

Got me there. You could be Ms. Betterman.

SOPHIE (SEDUCTIVELY)

I think this is Kismet.

JACK (EXAGGERATED EMPHASIS)

You too?

SOPHIE

Dead Crush?

JACK

You don't sound like her.

SOPHIE

I'm not trying.

JACK

Could you?

Sophie raises her eyebrows.

SOPHIE (USING A BREATHLESS LUNA VOICE)

I doubt you could score at least one hit in 50 consecutive games and maintain a .410 batting average.

JACK

You really do sound like her. Do you always date Joe looks like?

SOPHIE

I don't kiss and tell.

JACK

I don't mind if you don't.

SOPHIE

What about your friend?

JACK

She is a good friend, but we're not involved.

SOPHIE

Good. I don't like complications.

Sophie bends over and puts a note in his hand. She whispers into his ear.

SOPHIE

Call me later.

CLOSE IN: CAMERA FOCUSES ON JACK.

Jack smiles and stuffs the note in his pocket. He watches Sophie and her friends collect their purses and coats as they head for the door.

LONG SHOT: THE EXIT DOORS OF THE BLACK FISH.

Sophie throws a quick glance toward him just before she passes through the door, she grins.

CLOSE IN: JACK AT THE TABLE

Jack nods and continues to watch the door.

CLOSE IN: FOCUS ON MAUREEN

Maureen returns, plops down on her chair, and puts both elbows on the table, then she closes her fists, brings them together, and rests her chin on the heel of each palm.

HIGH ANGLE MEDIUM DISTANCE: FOCUS ON THE TABLE

MAUREEN

Something happened while I was gone?

JACK

Maybe. What did you say to her?

MAUREEN

I said I didn't own you. Now spill it, Parker.

JACK

You didn't!

MAUREEN

Got her attention. Go on.

JACK

She left a note.

Maureen raises an eyebrow, elevates her chin, and looks down at the table.

MAUREEN

This sounds too easy. Women don't walk up and give notes to strangers.

JACK

And whisper in their ears?

MAUREEN

You're kidding.

JACK

From my mouth to God's ears.

MAUREEN

Probably a hooker.

ACT TWO

EXT. BEL-RED NEIGHBORHOOD BELLEVUE WA SOPHIE'S HOUSE - EVENING

Jack is waiting outside for Sophie to answer the door. He can see her in silhouette as she approaches the door.

Jack fidgets with his car keys. He looks away for a moment and watches the traffic on NE 16th.

Sophie throws open the door, causing Jack to jump back.

SOPHIE

Nervous?

JACK

Not yet.

SOPHIE

Do I remind you of someone?

JACK

Dead Crucat'sor Sophie?

SOPHIE

You choose.

JACK

Would you mind?

SOPHIE

It's girls’ night out. Luna it is.

JACK

Girls? Or did you say girl?

SOPHIE

Don't get sidetracked. I intend for this to be a night to remember.

A breeze appears and attacks Sophie's white strapless dress.

SOIE

Oooh. Do you feel the breeze from the Sounder train? Isn't it the cat's pajamas?

Sophie holds her dress down by straightening her arms and controlling the billows with her hands.

JACK

Do you mean the Sounder commuter rail?

SOPHIE (ADOPTING A BREATHLESS LITTLE GIRL VOICE)

Close enough. Sometimes you must use your imagination to overcome the shortcomings of real life.

JACk

You do a great Luna Logan

SOPHIE (USES BRITISH ACCENT)

The evil that men do.

JACK

The Charles Bronson movie?

SOPHIE

No, silly. Just a fact of life I'm very familiar with.

JACK

It's a dinner date. I promise to remain at first base.

SOPHIE

You don't look like a saint to me. Everyone says they will be a gentleman, then they hit a double and try to steal third base.

Jack stands straighter, stretching to his full height.

JACK (FAKE JIMMY STEWART VOICE)

You know, fear can be an insidious and deadly impediment.

SOPHIE

Can you imitate that guy who played Joe Betterman in the movie "Who’s The Betterman.”?

Jack laughs and shakes his head.

JACK

Joe played himself in that picture.

SOPHIE

Wow. Most men don't make it this far.

JACK

I don't give up easily.

Sophie puts her hands on her hips.

SOPHIE

Name my best movie.

JACK

My opinion. The General’s Wife. You never looked better.

SOPHIE (PUbRRING)

I'm getting warm all over. You're the one I've been waiting for.

J(STILL ON A ROLL)

Still, your performance in The Wrong Side of The River was riveting. I couldn’t take my eyes off you.

Sophie looks like she's about to faint and grabs the door frame.

SOPHIE

Stop it!

JACK (CONTUING)

When Red Hightower lifts you into his arms you kiss him for the first time. Let us just say I wouldn’t want to stand up in the theater if the lights were on.

Sophie grabs Jack's Jacket and pulls him toward her.

SOPHIE

Forget dinner and come inside.

JACK

Oh, no! I came to have dinner with Luna Logan, and I didn't want to put the dessert before the main course.

Sophie sighs and pushes Jack back out the door.

SOPHIE

You're right, I forgot myself. Luna would never give it up before dinner. It'd better be nicer than the Walkabout.

JACK (IN BETTERMAN FAKE VOICE)

Nothing could beat dinner with you other than the thrill of watching you in The Devil in Darla.

SOPHIE

Jesus, and I thought I was good.

Sophie guides Jack toward his car and they leave for dinner.

INT. CRIPPLE CREEK SEAFOOD AND SPIRITS RESTAURANT

Jack and Sophie walk behind the host as he leads them to their table, and almost everyone they pass takes notice.

HOST (SOLICITOUSLY)

Here is your table. Can I get you something to drink?

The Host takes their drink order while glancing repeatedly at Sophie, smiles too much, and leaves.

Jack leans across the table.

JACK

I don't think we will have any trouble with the staff tonight.

SOPHIE

You get used to it.

JACK

I feel flushed.

SOPHIE (CONCERNED)

First time?

JACK

No! I was fifteen.

SOPHIE

Oh? Good to know. I was referring to eating here at the Cripple Creek.

Jack makes a face.

JACK

My bad. I feel a little dizzy. Is it hot in here?

SOPHIE

Have you had the COVID-19 vaccination?

JACK

You're ruining my dinner.

SOPHIE

I'll make it up to you.

JACK

You're starting to look more like Luna Logan than Luna Logan. I must be dreaming.

The waiter brings drinks and takes their order. They wait until he finishes.

SOPHIE

Are you getting nervous?

JACK

Facsimile Luna Logan I can manage; real Luna might kill me.

SOPHIE

Afraid to die?

JACK

Not in the future.

SOPHIE

You're avoiding the question.

JACK

How hard could it be? Everyone does it.

Sophie laughs.

SOPHIE

Good point.

JACK

It's a long way off for me.

Sophie leans closer.

SOPHIE

Have you ever thought of making love to Luna?

JACK

Just to be clear. Are we talking home run?

SOPHIE

Yeah. At my place. You and me alone. Anything you want.

JACK

Anything? I have needs.

SOPHIE

Your dreams come true. Fantasy Island without Mr. Roarke.

JACK

Or Tattoo?

SOPHIE

Just me.

JACK

What's the vig on your end?

SOPHIE

I'm no Shylock, but you will be indebted.

JACK

Monetarily?

SOPHIE

No, Jack. I want you to say something before we go further.

JACK

Like what?

SOPHIE

Tell me you want me so much you'll sell your soul.

JACK

For one night with the Luna Logan?

SOPHIE

That's the deal.

JACK

Then I give you my soul?

SOPHIE

Satisfaction requires sacrifice.

JACK

That's a little whack?

SOPHIE

I'm superstitious.

JACK

Are you serious?

SOPHIE

Like Darth Vader.

Jack sighs and shakes his head.

JACK

Fine. Tell me what I need to say.

SOPHIE

Say you will give me your soul to make love to me.

JACK

Okay, I'll play along. I will give you my soul in exchange for spending the night making mad passionate love with Luna Logan.

Sophie smiles.

SOPHIE

Close enough. The deal is done.

JACK (NERVOUS VOICE)

That sounded ominous.

Sophie leans forward and kisses Jack.

SOPHIE

I had a good feeling about you.

Sophie takes Jack's hand and puts it between both of hers.

JACK

You feel hot. Are you ok?

SOPHIE

It must be you.

JACK

You smell like honey and peaches. The hair on my neck is itching.

SOPHIE (SOFT VOICE)

Nothing to worry about. I can make you forget about that.

The waiter brings their dinner.

WAITER

Here you go, miss. I believe you ordered the grilled salmon?

SOPHIE (CURTLY)

Yes, that's fine. I hope it's not cold.

WAITER

And the Cripple Creek Ribeye for you, sir. Medium rare. Can I refresh your drinks?

JACK

This looks great. Hit us again. Same drinks.

The waiter finishes the service and hurries away.

JACK (SPEAKING THROUGH A MOUTHFUL OF STEAK)

I'm usually not this ravenous.

Sophie watches as Jack devours the ribeye.

SOPHIE

You must be hungry.

Jack smiles and continues eating.

SOPHIE

I was thinking we could go to my place after dinner. I have a wet bar.

JACK

You don't want to go to a club? Get a little crazy.

SOPHIE

I'm with the guy I want. Why bother?

Jack looks at Sophie for a moment and continues eating.

JACK

It's like you're in my head.

Sophie smiles and bats her eyelashes.

SOPHIE

That's where I want to be.

ACT 3

INT. JACK'S CAR - THEY ARE DRIVING NE ON BEL-RED ROAD HEADED TO SOPHIE'S HOUSE. LATE EVENING, SLIPPING INTO DARKNESS.

Jack turns to Sophie and smiles.

JACK

You going to stay in character for the rest of the night?

SOPHIE

Yes, if that's what you want. I like to take Luna out of the closet and walk her around when I can.

JACK

Suits me. Luna is my Dead Crush, so I would love to play along tonight.

SOPHIE

We can make beautiful music together.

JACK

Like Bogey and Bacall?

SOPHIE

You know how to whistle, don't you?

Jack whistles a few bars of "As Time Goes By".

SOPHIE

You never miss a beat. It's like you're ninety and I'm bewitched.

JACK

Sort of. I'm an old soul in the body of a twenty-five-year-old.

Sophie grins, leans over, and kisses Jack on the cheek.

INT. SOPHIE'S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM.

Sophie makes a Caipirinha for herself and a Manhattan for Jack and brings the drinks over to the coffee table.

SOPHIE

Do you like my place?

JACK

The turquoise couch and Scandinavian furniture feel like fifty years ago.

SOPHIE

More like sixty-five.

JACK

The bathroom, too?

SOPHIE

Soft pink tiles and a baby blue commode.

JACK

Certainly, the bedroom.

SOPHIE

White canopy curtains on a king bed with a white duvet cover and silk sheets.

JACK

Why Mrs. Robinson, are you trying to seduce me?

SOPHIE

That was a fair Dustin Hoffman. Are you asking me to seduce you?

JACK

I'd like to finish my Manhattan.

Sophie sits down beside Jack and puts her hand on his knee.

SOPHIE

I could make it a double.

JACK

And then third base?

SOPHIE

You could even steal home.

Jack finishes his drink and embraces Sophie.

JACK

I'm not sure if we're in Multnomah Falls or Apartment Affair.

SOPHIE

Does it matter?

JACK

Not anymore.

Sophie takes Jack's hand and leads him toward the bedroom. As they leave the living room, the lights go out and the candles extinguish themselves.

Jack DOESN'T NOTICE.

INT. SOPHIE'S BEDROOM. JACK AND SOPHIE ARE IN BED EMBRACING EACH OTHER. THE LIGHTS ARE DIMMED. A BLUE GLOW EMANATES FROM THE BATHROOM, SUFFICIENT TO ALLOW LIMITED OBSERVATION.

Jack is staring at Sophie.

JACK

You're flawless. Like distilled Luna Logan with all the less attractive features corrected. What was in that drink?

SOPHIE

I'm a little insulted that you think it's the drink.

JACK

I didn't mean that. I feel anxious, but I don't know why.

Sophie gives Jack a lingering kiss.

SOPHIE

You should trust serendipity.

JACK

Your right. Karma is as Karma does.

INT: LONG SHOT OF THE BED.

Sophie and Jack do what lovers do and lose themselves in their intimacy. The lights in the bedroom pulse and change color in concert with their movements and emotions. Jack doesn't look at them.

INT. JACK'S OFFICE AT MAZEZONE.

Jack is staring at his terminal, working on a software program. Suddenly his screen goes dark, and he feels a temperature change. There is a "whooshing" sound and Jack jumps up.

When the darkness resolves into day, Jack finds himself facing a window overlooking Elliot Bay. He is sitting on a leather couch and when he gets up, he senses a presence.

He spins around and notices an avuncular bearded man wearing an expensive dark suit.

JACK

Who are you?

STRANGER

I think you know who I am. However, to facilitate our discussion, you may refer to me as Moloch.

JACK

Where is this place and how did I get here?

MOLOCH

I'm sure you remember your date with Luna.

Jack jumps up and confronts Moloch.

JACK

How the hell would you know that? Were you there?

Moloch sits back, a bemused look on his face.

MOLOCH

In a sense. Although not the way you think.

Jack looks out the window and sees the Columbia Center towering over the lesser buildings of the Seattle skyline.

JACK

That's the Seattle skyline.

MOLOCH

Do you like the view from Luna Park?

JACK

That's crazy. I was in my office in Bellevue, and the only thing I should be seeing out the window was Meydenbauer Bay.

MOLOCH

I could give you that view if you like.

Jack looks out the window again and sees his normal view. He walks over to confront Moloch.

JACK

I don't know what's going on, but you'd better tell me now.

MOLOCH

Sit down, Jack.

JACK

What if I don't?

Instantly, he is Back on the leather couch and unable to move.

MOLOCH

I paralyzed you. All normal body functions will perform properly save for your ability to move. You can still speak.

Jack struggles against his paralysis.

JACK

Let me go. I'll cooperate.

Moloch releases Jack.

MOLOCH

Let me provide the answers to your questions. Your body is still sitting at your desk. I have prepared this room for you and provided a scene for the window for you to enjoy.

JACK

What about time? People will notice if I don't move.

MOLOCH

Time is different here. You could live your whole life here and not lose a second in your world.

JACK

Tell me what is going on. Why have you brought me here?

MOLOCH

You agreed to the Luna Logan contract and now you must fulfill your commitment.

JACK

I don't understand.

MOLOCH

I have taken possession of your soul. I am here to discuss the terms and explore your options.

JACK

You sound like a mob guy. That intimidating tone in your voice.

MOLOCH

I'm much worse than a mob guy. I eat mob guys for breakfast. Of course, I toast them first.

JACK

You're bullshitting me. None of what you said is possible.

MOLOCH

I paralyzed you. That should be impossible. I could do it again.

Jack trembles and folds his arms across his chest.

JACK

No thanks, I believe you can do that. Hypnotism or something.

Moloch sighs and shakes his head.

MOLOCH

Look, I could try to explain it to you, but it would be like describing calculus to a dog. I have the time, but not the patience. Give me any more shit and I will bury you alive for a week. Now, can we proceed?

Jack shivers at the thought.

Moloch blinks his eyes and when he opens them again, they are yellow with vertical black slits.

Jack notices and looks away.

JACK (MUMBLES)

This isn't happening ...

MOLOCH

Now, we have come to the fun part. I take your soul and send you back to your office.

JACK

Then what?

MOLOCH

You live your life normally. However, since I have taken your soul, you die and that's it.

JACK

So, is there an afterlife?

MOLOCH

Not for you. When you die, you'll cease to exist.

JACK

What have I done?

MOLOCH

I'm losing my patience, so shut up and listen. You do have one option.

Jack looks up, a hope