SUICIDAL WEDDING
by
Hugo Santander
EXT. SIR WEYDEN'S HOUSE TERRACE. DAY
Groups of people drink and talk around a swimming pool.
27-year-old bride TRACY kisses 34-year-old dark-skin RICARDO SAINT-
ANDRÉ on the cheek. SAINT-ANDRÉ—whose most prominent feature
is his protuberant aquiline nose, wears a black suit and a
white
scarf. 29-year-old GABRIELLE stands nearby. A
professional camera hangs from Gabrielle's neck. She snaps
pictures of people now and then. FRANK, a 70-year-old
steward, serves drinks.
TRACY
(excited)
Ricardo! I'm so delighted you made
it all the way from America.
Tracy
embraces him.
RICARDO
Tracy! Gabrielle--my wife.
TRACY
(cold)
Are you? Of course! I'm so sorry I
couldn't come to your wedding.
GABRIELLE
Never mind. I sent the invitations
too late.
Tracy peruses Gabrielle.
TRACY
(to Ricardo)
Five years is a long time. Now
we are
married.
RICARDO
I'm
anxious to congratulate the groom.
TRACY
What
for? You could have married the
daughter
of a tycoon as well.
(to Gabrielle)
How did you like the University in
America?
GABRIELLE
I'm glad it's over. I just finished
my one-year internship with the US
government.
TRACY
I see.
(to
Ricardo)
Is it
true that you intend to move
to
England for good?
RICARDO
Gabrielle found a job in a
Manchester-based consulting
company.
TRACY
Did she?
GABRIELLE
We are quite surprised as well--believe
me.
TRACY
I believe you. An outcome
of
globalization.
(to Ricardo)
Did I hear that you are going to open a
detective bureau--as in Portugal?
RICARDO
(smiling)
I'd rather work as a Professor.
TRACY
Of Spanish?
RICARDO
Of theatre. I studied Drama in the US.
TRACY
Yes, of course. What a pity.
Scotland
Yard requires with urgency
people
like you. There are too many
weirdoes
on the streets.
GABRIELLE
We have also sent the sick and the desperate
to jail.
Tracy opens her mouth, puzzled. She smiles.
RICARDO
I beg you, don't take Gabrielle's remarks
too seriously.
65-year-old SIR WEYDEN approaches. 23-year-old ALBERT
accompanies him.
Frank serves a drink to Sir Weyden.
SIR WEYDEN
Thanks, Frank.
TRACY
Sir Max Weyden, Albert Urwin, this
is Mister Saint-André.
(staring at Gabrielle)
Gabrielle--his wife.
Albert looks at her. Gabrielle looks at him. They shake hands.
ALBERT
Enchanté.
SIR WEYDEN
How was your flight from Portugal?
RICARDO
We actually flew from Pennsylvania.
TRACY
Ricardo just testified in a trial.
SIR WEYDEN
Did you?
RICARDO
We did. Gabrielle was hired to gather
evidence against a man accused of
having murdered his second wife.
ALBERT
(laughing)
I suppose those Quakers intend to
murder him in return.
Sir Weyden looks coldly at him.
RICARDO
Actually Gabrielle proved his
innocence.
ALBERT
(surprised, to
Gabrielle)
Are you a lawyer?
GABRIELLE
I have just developed an instinctive
sympathy for victims, Mr. Urwin.
Albert smiles and looks intensely at her. Tracy looks at him.
TRACY
Albert and I study dentistry at
the University of Manchester.
(beat)
Rachel!
65-year-old red-hair RACHEL and 56-year-old white-hair MRS.
LAWN approach them.
RACHEL
Tracy!
(to Sir Weyden)
Max!
(to Albert)
How are you, Albert?
ALBERT
Enjoying this placid evening.
Thanks. Are you still leaving your
French guest locked outside, Mrs.
Lawn?
Albert
laughs.
MRS. LAWN
(offended)
Monsieur Philippe is blaming me
for all the awful sicknesses he
has developed while living in this
country! It offends our sense of
justice. He has gone so far as to
ask me to pay for his medical
bills!
CUT TO:
EXT. IN FRONT OF MRS. LAWN'S HOUSE. NIGHT
MONSIEUR PHILIPPE, a 55-year-old man, tries in vain to open
the front door. He steps back and screams out at the windows.
ALBERT (V.O.)
If you locked him outside on a
winter day, you must assume the
responsibility. You were lucky he
didn't get pneumonia.
It snows. The windows are closed.
MRS. LAWN (V.O.)
That man is not suited for our
weather conditions.
Monsieur Philippe coughs.
BACK TO SCENE:
EXT. SIR WEYDEN'S HOUSE TERRACE. DAY
MRS. LAWN
(to Tracy)
I have never left a creature
outside my house in 35 years of
work.
GABRIELLE
Henry Purcell, one of my most dear
composers, was never locked out of
his house until he was 35. One
week later, he died.
MRS. LAWN
Oh! Are you... a foreigner?
GABRIELLE
I’m a man.
SIR WEYDEN
(to Gabrielle,
impatient)
Mrs. Lawn suffered a heart attack
last week.
GABRIELLE
No kidding!
RACHEL
(suddenly smiling)
This weather is extraordinary,
indeed.
(to Sir Weyden)
In our past celebration we had
rain the entire evening, Sir Weyden.
ALBERT
I remember. It was a simple
wedding.
(to Tracy)
I hope you don't mind, darling.
SIR WEYDEN
Tracy knows my life as much as I
know hers.
RICARDO
May I know, then, how many times
have you been married, Sir?
SIR WEYDEN
(ill-humored)
Four.
RICARDO
A remarkable record. Is Tracy your
fifth bride, then?
SIR WEYDEN
Yes.
TRACY
(to Rachel and Mrs.
Lawn)
Mister Saint-André is an old
acquaintance of our family. He
once helped us resolving a family
dispute, in Portugal.
RACHEL
Oh! Sir Weyden owns a country house near Lisbon.
I love
the South of Portugal.
GABRIELLE
Do you? Or do you rather love
Sir
Weyden’s company?
Sir Weyden laughs. Mrs. Lawn and Rachel look uneasy.
MRS. LAWN
(to
Ricardo)
How do you like England, Monsieur?
RICARDO
Yes, I do. It’s green and cold.
(to Rachel)
Congratulations on the sale of
your house.
RACHEL
(surprised)
Have we met each other before?
RICARDO
This morning, in front of a
restaurant. You came out of a
small house on sale. A married
couple followed you.
RACHEL
(offended)
Do you both intrude always in other
people's lives, Mister?
TRACY
Rachel, please!
ALBERT
He was,
after all, a private
detective.
SIR WEYDEN
(conciliatory)
You have an admirable memory,
Mister...
RICARDO
Saint-André.
MRS. LAWN
(skeptical)
Saint-André? Are you French?
RICARDO
You are not the first person surprised
by my swarthy complexion,
Mrs. Lawn. I was born in Bolivia.
Rachel gazes at Sir Weyden with surprise.
RACHEL
(impatient)
Tracy! Can you introduce us to
Hernán Sousa?
ALBERT
The football player?
Tracy gestures in agreement. They walk away. Mrs. Lawn
follows them.
RICARDO
I find your house quite suitable
for these kinds of festivities.
SIR WEYDEN
(impatient)
What do you do for a living,
Mister?
RICARDO
Well… I translate books.
SIR WEYDEN
No wonder.
(scornful)
I import goods from America. My
business
relationship
with that young country is fairly
profitable.
RICARDO
I’m sure that Tracy will help
you to increase your wealth.
CUT TO:
EXT. SIR WEYDEN'S HOUSE TERRACE. DAY.
26-year-old SARA and 31-year-old HERNAN walk along the
swimming pool along a wooden fence.
HERNAN
They have always preferred your
sister. Didn't you see the car
they bought her for her wedding?
SARA
We'll get another. My step-mother
promised me an equal share for our
wedding.
HERNAN
Right. And the Cottage?
SARA
That was a gift from Lord Halifax.
HERNAN
Ah! Lord Halifax. That old bastard
removed you from his will. They
must consider your future. Sir
Weyden is a gold digger. I do not
have interest, whatsoever, in the investments
of your family.
SARA
Quit your job with the club. Let's
go to Boston, Hernán!
HERNAN
(defensive)
A soccer player is nobody in the United
States.
Sara looks at Ricardo, who stands on the other side of the
swimming pool.
CUT TO:
EXT. SIR WEYDEN'S HOUSE TERRACE. DAY.
65-year-old MR. PERRY. who has a facial deformity, talks to
35-year-old MRS PETRA. Seated close to her, 70-year-old MR.
BALTIMORE reads a newspaper.
PETRA
Did he sign the contract?
PERRY
All the papers are in order.
PETRA
Wonderful.
(to Mr. Baltimore)
At this pace we'll be able to
print the brochures before the end
of the year.
Mr. Baltimore has fixed his gaze on Ricardo.
PETRA
(continuing)
Darling!
MR. BALTIMORE
Sara has invited an exceptional
character.
PETRA
(looking at Ricardo)
Who is he?
MR. BALTIMORE
Ricardo Saint-André. He
worked for me as a private
detective. The diamond affair. Did
I tell you?
PETRA
Yes. I've heard something about it. Now I
remember. Where is he from?
MR. BALTIMORE
From India or Brazil—I'm not sure…
Sara and Hernán approach.
PETRA
You bought a splendid dress, Sara.
Was it another of your presents,
Mr. Sousa?
SARA
My father paid for it, Petra. Did
you forget to check his accounts
this morning?
PETRA
(smiling)
I did.
MR. BALTIMORE
Petra has asked you a simple
question, Sara. Be patient with us
today, please.
PETRA
Congratulations on your last game,
Mr. Sousa.
HERNAN
Did you receive the tickets on
time?
PETRA
I'm afraid we couldn't get them.
But I read an enthusiastic article
about you.
HERNAN
I will mail you another couple of
tickets.
SARA
They've never been interested in
your professional career, Hernán.
They hope we'll split up before
Christmas.
HERNAN
(conciliatory)
You almost succeeded in inviting
the whole community, Mr. Baltimore.
MR. BALTIMORE
(impatient)
This is OUR community, Mr. Sousa.
You will understand me better once
you go back to your country.
SARA
This is his country, Dad.
Albert, Gabrielle, Rachel, Tracy, and Mrs. Lawn approach.
MR. BALTIMORE
Is it?
Petra takes her husband's newspaper and reads it.
SARA
Gabrielle! I'm so happy to see you
again.
Sara embraces Gabrielle.
SARA
(continuing)
Where is Ricardo?
Petra hands out the newspaper to Albert.
PETRA
(to Albert)
Albert! Did you hear about that
wicked dentist?
(to Sara)
He has been infecting his patients
for 30 years.
INSERT:
Albert reads the headline: «Doctor Knox, portrait of a serial
killer.» Beneath it there is a photo of DOCTOR KNOX--a 70-
year-old bald man.
BACK TO SCENE:
ALBERT
Actually, he is one of our
professors. A wicked genius.
Tracy! Didn't you see him on the
day they arrested him?
TRACY
It was a nightmare.
ALBERT
How so?
TRACY
I don't
want to talk about it.
SARA
(to Gabrielle)
Where are you staying?
TRACY
Sara! Let me introduce Hernán to
Albert.
Albert and Hernán shake hands.
ALBERT
It's a pleasure to meet you. I
hope you will stay in Cheshire for
good.
HERNAN
I cannot think of a better place
to live. Sara's family has been
very warm and hospitable.
RACHEL
(to Sara, flattering)
I heard you were planning to get
married. Is it true?
SARA
You don't know, darling, how much
gossip Hernán's family has
motivated among my relatives and
friends.
RACHEL
(smiling)
What do you think about that, Mr.
Baltimore? Would you like to
increase your family all over
Brazil?
Tense
silence.
MR. BALTIMORE
Sara deserves the best.
CUT TO:
EXT. SIR WEYDEN'S HOUSE TERRACE. DAY.
Wagner's nuptial march is interpreted by an ORCHESTRA, placed on
a small platform.
TRACY
Cheers!
200 guests, seated around a white-covered long table, raise
their champagne glasses in a toast.
ALL
Cheers!
Tracy and Sir Weyden drink from metallic cups, linking their
arms. People laugh and talk. They scatter and cluster.
Hernán and Sara walk away.
RICARDO (O.S.)
Sara!
They meet Ricardo and Gabrielle. Ricardo holds a cup in his
hand. Gabrielle takes a picture of Sara.
SARA
Ricardo!
RICARDO
I may presume you are the bride,
Sara. You look splendid!
SARA
How charming! This is Hernán Sousa.
Hernán and Ricardo shake hands.
HERNAN
It's a pleasure to meet you. Sara
has mentioned you both in
the most commendable terms.
RICARDO
That's very generous of her.
HERNAN
I understood you cleared her name,
after her mother's death.
RICARDO
A trifle.
GABRIELLE
(to Sara)
We were worried about you. Why
didn't you answer my e-mails?
SARA
I haven't had the strength... to
tell you.
HERNAN
Sara has been in psychiatric
treatment for five months.
GABRIELLE
I'm sorry.
(pause)
Are you leaving the party?
SARA
(surprised)
Just for a while. I see you met
the groom... A bloody asshole.
RICARDO
A proud
and ambitious man.
HERNAN
No one
exceptional—by my
standards.
GABRIELLE
Your dress is spotted.
Sara looks at her white dress. There is a yellow spot over
it, just above her belly.
SARA
Oh! That's why I'm leaving.
Excuse me… I'm so happy to see
you both!
A tear runs down Sara's cheek.
Sara and Hernán walk away.
CUT TO:
INT. SIR WEYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT
The interior of a Victorian mansion. Petra plays Mozart's
second movement of the piano sonata No 11, K. 331.
Of all the characters introduced until now, only Gabrielle
and Ricardo are present. Gabrielle listens attentively to the
music. Ricardo looks across the room.
Waiters serve drinks and snacks to the guests, who are
sprawled on the canopies.
Behind the guests there is a glass wall. Ricardo concentrates
his sights on two silhouettes projected against it. One
figure slaps the other across the face. The silhouettes
disappear.
Ricardo concentrates on the music. He listens to a
conversation.
WOMAN 1 (O.S.)
(whispering)
They have all left the party.
There is no reason why we should
stay here.
MAN 1 (O.S.)
They will reward us with a piece
of cake.
WOMAN 1 (O.S.)
If we don't leave, Tommy, I will
fall asleep in this chair.
Suddenly a loud noise is heard--the sound of a car crashing.
People spring up out of their seats and run outside.
Ricardo moves towards a window. Gabrielle follows him.
CUT TO:
EXT. SIR WEYDEN'S HOUSE TERRACE. NIGHT
A Mercedes is half-smashed against a wall. Inside, Hernán,
behind the wheel, lies unconscious. His forehead bleeds.
Mrs. Lawn comes out of the house and screams. She looks at a
nearby tree.
Mr. Baltimore raises his eyes.
Sara hangs from the tree. A note is stuck to one of her hands.
Ricardo looks at her from a window.
CUT TO:
EXT. MANCHESTER CEMETERY. DAY
All the characters, but Tracy, listen to FATHER SAMUEL, a
tall 44-year-old priest. They wear mourning clothes and carry
umbrellas. It rains.
FATHER SAMUEL
Lux aeterna luceat eis, Domine,
cum sanctis tuis, in aeternum-quia
pius es.
Ricardo looks at Mr. Baltimore, who looks at the coffin,
where Sara lies.
Petra looks at Sir Weyden. She turns towards Ricardo. Ricardo
looks at Father Samuel.
FATHER SAMUEL (O.S.)
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine,
et lux perpetua luceat eis. Cum
sanctis tuis, in aeternum, quia
pius es.
Albert looks at Gabrielle. Gabrielle looks at him. Ricardo
looks at Gabrielle.
FATHER SAMUEL (O.S.)
(continuing)
Gloria Patri et Filio: et spiritu
sancto. Sicut erat in principio et
nunc et semper: et in saecula
saeculorum. Amen.
Requiem music. The coffin is lowered into the grave.
CUT TO:
EXT. MANCHESTER CEMETERY. DAY
Mr. Baltimore opens the door of his car. Petra gets in. In
the background, people get into their cars.
Mr. Baltimore walks towards the driver's side door. A voice
stops him.
RICARDO (O.S.)
You don't believe Sara committed
suicide. Do you?
He meets Ricardo.
MR. BALTIMORE
Ricardo!
(sadly smiling)
I would like to agree with you.
RICARDO
Would you agree to start a private
investigation?
Comme en le vieux temps.
Mr. Baltimore sighs.
MR. BALTIMORE
Nothing would be more pleasant
than to question the tragic end of
my child. But then, we must admit
she was murdered. I'm a pacifist.
Punishment
won't ease my pain.
RICARDO
Sara was dear to us as well.
MR. BALTIMORE
She was always dear to strangers.
RICARDO
I understand you didn't get along
with her fiancé.
MR. BALTIMORE
He was a rude man. He even sent her
to the hospital once.
RICARDO
En serio?
MR. BALTIMORE
She never admitted it.
(almost sobbing)
Poor Sara! She claimed she was the
victim of a burglar. But she was
just protecting him, a... scum!
RICARDO
That scum works for your football
club.
MR. BALTIMORE
Always money!
Mr. Baltimore, unable to speak further, gets into the car.
The car starts.
Ricardo looks around. He sees Gabrielle, who talks to Albert.
Both smile under an umbrella.
FADE OUT:
TITLE CARD
«One Week Later»
FADE IN:
EXT. MANCHESTER'S CITY HALL. DAY
Ricardo stares at the morning newspaper. On the first page is
written:
HEADLINE
«Forensic report confirms suicide
of Sara Baltimore».
Gabrielle stands besides Ricardo. The camera hangs from her
neck.
A Rolls Royce is parked by the sidewalk. Mr. Baltimore and
Sir Weyden come out from city hall and get in.
RICARDO
Murders are often committed by
ambitious grooms.
GABRIELLE
(skeptical)
I'd rather suspect the unsuspected.
RICARDO
(ironic)
Here come our men.
The Rolls starts. Ricardo walks towards the car.
Mr. Baltimore looks out from the window and recognizes
Ricardo.
CUT TO:
INT. ROLLS. DAY
MR. BALTIMORE
(to the chauffeur)
Charles, stop for a moment, please.
BACK TO SCENE:
EXT. MANCHESTER'S CITY HALL. DAY
The Rolls stops next to Ricardo.
Gabrielle takes a couple of pictures of Ricardo, Mr.
Baltimore, and Sir Weyden.
MR. BALTIMORE
Would you like a ride to your
hotel, Señor Saint-André?
RICARDO
Thank you. I have an appointment
with Inspector Zayed.
SIR WEYDEN
Do you know him?
RICARDO
For quite a while.
(to Mr. Baltimore)
I hope you will understand my
doubts, Mr. Baltimore.
MR. BALTIMORE
I do, believe me, I do. If you can
prove she didn't commit suicide,
I... I...
Mr. Baltimore covers his eyes with his hands.
SIR WEYDEN
Why is your life partner taking
pictures of me?
RICARDO
She is an grown up. You can ask
her.
GABRIELLE
(approaching)
I was intrigued by the color of
your hair, Sir.
SIR WEYDEN
(ironic)
Thanks.
(to Ricardo)
Do you suspect I murdered poor
Sara on my wedding night?
MR. BALTIMORE
That's a theory we haven't
considered... Yet.
SIR WEYDEN
Goodbye Sir. Madame.
The car starts.
Ricardo notices INSPECTOR ZAYED, who stands close to them.
GABRIELLE
Daniel!
Zayed embraces her.
CUT TO:
INT. MANCHESTER'S PUB. DAY
Ricardo, Gabrielle, and Zayed drink glasses of water. Zayed
peruses pictures of people at the party.
He stares at the picture of Mrs. Lawn.
ZAYED
Kim Lawn. She came from Birmingham
in the early 50s. Her husband died
of a heart attack last year. A
pro-life
activist during her
free
time, she owns and manages
a bed
& breakfast.
Zayed stares at a picture of Petra.
ZAYED
(continuing)
Petra Schreiber. Born in Austria,
she came to England shortly after
the second world war. Her parents
died in a car accident. Ph.D. in
composition from Oxford,
she used
to work as a
violin teacher--she was, as a
matter of fact, the music tutor of
the Baltimore girls. Now she works
as a pro-choice activist.
Zayed stares at a picture of Albert.
ZAYED
(continuing)
Albert Urwin. A student of
dentistry. He owes about fifty
thousand pounds to credit
institutions.
Zayed stares at a picture of Rachel.
ZAYED
(continuing)
Rachel Newton, a key property
manager. Ex-nanny of the Baltimore
girls, she still maintains a close
relationship with Tracy.
Zayed stares at a picture of Sir Weyden.
ZAYED
(continuing)
Sir Maximilian Weyden. A gambler
and a playboy, who spends his
holidays in Monaco and Las Vegas.
Sara opposed Tracy's marrying
him.
GABRIELLE
You told us something about their
lack of closeness, didn't you?
ZAYED
Sibling rivalry. They were always
getting involved in each other's
business. Sara used to complain
about the parties Mr. Baltimore
was throwing for her sister in
Manchester. Fifty thousand pounds
per party--used to say Sara over
and over.
GABRIELLE
(to Ricardo)
Don't you remember the day Tracy
visited us in France?
RICARDO
Her first question was about
Sara's monthly allowance.
ZAYED
Family tensions are commonplace.
(pause)
Do you want to prove her innocence?
RICARDO
I have reasons to suspect she was
murdered.
ZAYED
(skeptical)
I'm afraid to tell you that I
agree with the official report.
According to her medical records,
Sara had a history of depression.
The fact that she chose her
sister's wedding day to commit
suicide does not surprise me at
all. Did you read her suicide note?
RICARDO
Yes. I took it out from her hand.
CUT TO:
EXT. SIR WEYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT
The Mercedes is smashed against the wall. Groups of people
look at the scene--which is cordoned off with plastic.
An ambulance awaits the victims. Two nurses place Hernán,
unconscious, inside. Gabrielle looks at Hernán's hand: he
grasps a can of beer.
Petra cries, leaning on the shoulder of Mr. Baltimore. Tears
roll down Gabrielle's cheeks.
Two policemen lower Sara's body from the tree. Gabrielle
peruses the knot: a surgeon's knot.
Ricardo advances and takes a small adhesive note from Sara's
corpse's hand. He reads it.
RICARDO (V.O.)
«Don't blame anyone... Sara
Baltimore».
Ricardo places it back to her hand. He walks under the tree
where Sara was found. He finds several footprints on the
grass.
BACK TO SCENE:
INT. MANCHESTER'S PUB. DAY
Ricardo looks at his empty glass of water.
RICARDO
Did you see the footprints, under
the tree?
ZAYED
By the time we arrived, they were
no longer visible--too many people
had stepped underneath…
GABRIELLE
The
graphologist?
ZAYED
He
confirmed Sara's handwriting.
RICARDO
Yes, but…
ZAYED
Her own
relatives are not
interested
to support an investigation.
RICARDO
Mr. Baltimore authorized me to
proceed with my own inquiries--just
about thirty minutes ago.
ZAYED
I'm surprised.
GABRIELLE
So am I.
CUT TO:
EXT. OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM. DAY
Players from the local team roll the ball over the grass.
Ricardo and Gabrielle look at them from the stands--two
colorful spots among hundreds of chairs.
Both share a plate of fries.
25-year-old goalkeeper DAVID BOGLE catches a difficult shot
under the goalpost.
CUT TO:
EXT. OLD TRAFFORD STADIUM. DAY
Ricardo, Gabrielle, and Bogle walk along the green, desolated
field.
BOGLE
I don't like to gossip about
people's private lives, Mister..
Bogle reads a printed card he holds in his hands.
BOGLE
(continuing)
Saint-André... Ricardo Saint-André.
RICARDO
You can call me Ricardo.
BOGLE
(to Gabrielle,
smiling)
Are you French or Spanish?
RICARDO
I'm from Bolivia, but my last name
is French.
BOGLE
My wife is from South America as
Well--from Peru.
GABRIELLE
(cold)
She has to be from somewhere.
BOGLE
Sara... She was one of our
best friends. She and my wife used
to talk about politics. South
America is a corrupt continent--
you know it. Peasants are still
struggling against feudalism. Have
you visited Macchu Picchu?
RICARDO
Not yet. Peru is far from Bogotá.
BOGLE
Yes. There's a considerable
distance between all South
American countries... Anyway;
Hernán and Sara wanted to go with
us to the Incan city. We are
peers. Players don't always get
along with their coach. There are
factions. One needs to rely on
someone else...
GABRIELLE
As in war.
BOGLE
You understand my point.
(beat)
I pray for Hernán... His head was
smashed against a window.
Bogle grasps his head with his hands.
BOGLE
(continuing)
God!
RICARDO
His brain, nonetheless, is intact.
The police believe he was confused
by the sight of his girlfriend
hanging from a tree.
BOGLE
Lies!
RICARDO
I see we both agree on one point,
Mr. Bogle.
BOGLE
Beware the Baltimore family,
Mister. They own half of this city.
(beat)
You should meet my wife.
CUT TO:
EXT. ROAD BEFORE SIR WEYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT
Ricardo, standing on the road, looks at Sir Weyden's house.
He notices Tracy, who comes out of the house and stops
beneath the tree where Sara died.
Tracy peruses the ground. She sobs and kneels.
Sound of airplane. She turns around. Ricardo walks away,
along the opposite side of the road, towards a parked taxi.
He notices a field to his right. He stops and looks around.
He discovers a landing strip. A small airplane lands. Sir
Weyden gets off the airplane. Frank, driving a Rolls,
approaches to pick up Sir Weyden.
CUT TO:
INT. TAXI. DAY
Ricardo and Gabrielle talk while the taxi moves along the
city.
RICARDO
Have you realized how kindly all
the suspects look at us?
GABRIELLE
A cultural trait, Tico. British
politeness.
RICARDO
Do you suspect Tracy?
GABRIELLE
Five years can make a murderer out
of a thief.
RICARDO
I disagree.
(pause)
Did Sara tell you something
important? I mean, before she
stopped answering to your messages.
GABRIELLE
She was pregnant.
(Ricardo looks
surprised at her)
Obviously she had a miscarriage.
RICARDO
(emphatic)
We'll
move between pro-life and
pro-choice
activists.
CUT TO:
EXT. TENNIS CLUB. DAY
Tracy and Albert play tennis in an open grass court. The sun
is scorching.
Ricardo and Gabrielle sit down at a garden table.
Albert hits the ball with style.
CUT TO:
EXT. TENNIS CLUB. DAY
Tracy approaches the table while wiping her face with a
towel. Albert sits down.
ALBERT
Gabrielle! What a lovely surprise!
(to Ricardo)
You have chosen the best time to
visit us, Señor Saint-André.
RICARDO
Forgive me for being a nuisance.
(to Tracy)
I did not see you at your sister's
funeral, Tracy.
TRACY
We came back to late from the Bahamas.
What a
honey-moon. We’ll have in three
months.
RICARDO
Can we
talk?
TRACY
I'm
available for you
at any
time, Tico.
GABRIELLE
(cold)
We heard Sara was planning to
marry her fiancé--Hernán
Sousa.
ALBERT
(correcting)
Oh! The
American player?
GABRIELLE
North American, Central American,
South American... They are all
Americans after all.
ALBERT
In this country we learn to
distinguish those
continents: America and South
America.
GABRIELLE
Then you should change. This country
should
think in terms
of progress--of political
correctness.
ALBERT
To what purpose, Mademoiselle?
Tradition preserves the law.
GABRIELLE
Let's not argue about law. I
hold a
degree in American and
European
History.
ALBERT
Do you give lessons?
GABRIELLE
Once in a while.
ALBERT
What about this coming Friday?
Gabrielle and Ricardo interchange smiles.
GABRIELLE
(to
Ricardo)
Do we
have any plans for this Friday?
RICARDO
I will
read Schopenhauer.
ALBERT
I’m
sorry. Would you allow her, Sir?
RICARDO
I rely
on my wife, Sir.
(to Tracy)
Do you think your family would
have been ashamed of Sara marrying
an outsider? A third-world country
foreigner?
TRACY
Nonsense.
RICARDO
(skeptical)
Nonsense?
TRACY
I do not accept the idea she
committed suicide, either.
RICARDO
Do you suspect anyone?
TRACY
I didn't say that.
RICARDO
You implied it.
TRACY
(almost sobbing)
I just cannot accept the fact
that she is dead. Poor Sara! Do
you understand?
RICARDO
I do. Please, don't be upset.
TRACY
(loud)
I'm not upset! Although we never
got along, we loved each other, in
our own way.
RICARDO
Of course.
TRACY
(nervously laughing)
You know what happened with the
diamond. It was not my fault. I
didn't mean to blame her. We lost
it. You found it. We really thank
you--you proved Sara's innocence.
RICARDO
To your family. Now it's time to
prove it to the world.
GABRIELLE
(conciliatory)
Did Sara tell you about her future
plans to travel to the United
States of America?
TRACY
(surprised)
That's absurd!
GABRIELLE
She had been accepted by
Pennsylvania University to study
business administration.
TRACY
That cannot be. That man,
Sousa, was her first priority.
GABRIELLE
Perhaps Sara was not his.
CUT TO:
EXT. TENNIS CLUB PARKING LOT. DAY
Ricardo and Gabrielle walk towards a parked taxi.
GABRIELLE
Have we come to the same
conclusion?
RICARDO
It is too soon to entertain a
theory. We should find out more
about Sara's relationship with
Mister Sousa.
A Rolls Royce approaches--Sir Weyden is behind the wheel.
RICARDO
(continuing; to
Weyden)
Sir Weyden! Your wife just told us
you had to postpone your honeymoon
for three months. Are you still
planning to go to the Bahamas?
SIR WEYDEN
Are you checking up on me,
Mister?
RICARDO
You are a fortunate man, Sir. Your
wife looks very cheerful--in spite
of all the gloomy events of the
past month.
SIR WEYDEN
I see you have interrogated
her. I hope she will change Mister
Baltimore's mind about your
presence in Cheshire. He was
awfully disturbed by your talk
this morning.
RICARDO
Was he?
(checking the car)
We always meet you in a new car,
Sir. I sincerely hope you will cherish
your new wife for the rest of your
life.
SIR WEYDEN
I see you are very concern about
my wife.
CUT TO:
INT. RACHEL'S OFFICE. DAY
Rachel, seated at her desk, talks on the phone. A man and a
woman sit down in front of the desk: Ricardo and Gabrielle--
Rachel does not acknowledge them until the end of her
conversation.
RACHEL
When did he leave the country...
Are you sure?... Well, Monsieur
Philippe must be a busy man...
Working day and night... If I were
you, I would forget about that
bloody frog...
Rachel looks at Ricardo and Gabrielle.
RACHEL
(continuing)
Now, excuse me, Mrs. Lawn... I
should attend to Mister and
Mrs. Saint-André...
RICARDO
Oh, please, go on, don't worry
about us.
RACHEL
I'll call you later.
Rachel hangs up the phone.
RACHEL
(continuing)
What a surprise. How may I help
you, Sir?
GABRIELLE
Have you been in Egypt?
RACHEL
(defensive)
I'm afraid I won't be able to
answer to your questions.
GABRIELLE
You are misinterpreting our
intentions, Mrs. Newton. We would
like to rent a house... Nearby.
RACHEL
All our properties are about nine
hundred pounds per month.
GABRIELLE
That sounds reasonable to us.
RACHEL
(smiling, to Ricardo)
This is not the best way to gain
my trust, Sir.
Ricardo and Gabrielle stand up.
RICARDO
We apologize for the
inconvenience, . Good bye.
They step away. Rachel follows them.
RACHEL
Mister Saint-André...
Ricardo turns around.
RACHEL
(continuing)
How many rooms are you looking for?
CUT TO:
EXT. SAINT-ANDRÉ'S APARTMENT. DAY
Rachel, Ricardo, and Gabrielle stand on a terrace. The
terrace overlooks a wide open garden.
RACHEL
Two bathrooms and a full kitchen.
GABRIELLE
(to Rachel)
We'll sign the lease tomorrow
morning.
RACHEL
When do you plan to move?
GABRIELLE
By the end of this week.
RACHEL
(remorseful)
I owe you an apology for my
behavior this morning.
RICARDO
Never mind.
GABRIELLE
We understand. I wonder whether
you are willing to answer to
our
questions, Mrs. Newton.
RACHEL
Well… Of course…
Rachel looks up to a window, just above the terrace.
RACHEL
(continuing)
Would you like to go for a walk?
There is a beautiful garden, not
far from here.
Behind the window on the second floor, we see the silhouette
of FRED, a 75-year-old bony man. He watches Ricardo,
Gabrielle, and Rachel as they walk away.
CUT TO:
EXT. CHESHIRE'S GARDEN. DAY
Gabrielle, Rachel, and Ricardo walk over to an immense garden.
RACHEL
(smiling)
I got divorced when Mr. Baltimore
decided to send us to Egypt. That
was in 1978. I remember the exact
date. The World Cup was taking
place in Argentina at the same
time.
GABRIELLE
Did you tour the Nile River?
RACHEL
With Tracy, Sara, and the former
Mrs. Baltimore. It was, on the
whole, a stupendous experience.
GABRIELLE
Particularly for the children I
bet. Do you remember anything out
of the ordinary that happened at
that time?
RACHEL
No... That was twenty-two years
ago.
An airplane approaches, flying in the sky. Rachel waves her
hand.
RACHEL
(continuing)
That's Sir Weyden on his way back
home.
GABRIELLE
From where?
RACHEL
From... I don't know. There are
many landing strips in England.
(beat)
He was, and I think he still is,
a reserve pilot of your Majesty's
air force.
RICARDO
Not mine, please. How often
does he
fly?
RACHEL
(upset)
Two or three times per week.
A mobile phone rings. Gabrielle takes it out of her jacket.
RICARDO
Very impressive.
RACHEL
Nowadays almost everyone owns an
airplane, Sir.
GABRIELLE
Hello?...
(smiling)
Albert?
Gabrielle steps aside.
RACHEL
(beat; whispering)
To be sincere, Sir Weyden had
predisposed me, somehow, against
you both.
Ricardo raises his eyebrows.
RACHEL
(continuing)
He called me this morning.
RICARDO
Why are you being so discrete?
RACHEL
(suddenly blunt)
You both are detectives, Sir.
You deal with criminals. Now, if
you excuse me, the police
report was correct. Poor Sara
committed suicide. All your
inquiries, therefore, are not only
meaningless, but disturbing--even
offensive. We fear you will be a
cause of distress for the
Baltimore family, in particular
for Tracy.
RICARDO
Tracy? Oh, yes. We talked to her
yesterday morning. I clearly see
you and Sir Weyden are mistaken
about our intentions, Mrs. Newton.
RACHEL
You should get busy with a
more proper endeavour.
Ricardo raises his eyebrows.
RICARDO
How is Monsieur Philippe?
RACHEL
Pardon me?
RICARDO
Monsieur Philippe. You were saying
something about him when we step
into your office. 'Bloody frog'
was your expression.
RACHEL
Yes... Well... He has disappeared--
it seems. That's what Mrs. Lawn
told me.
RICARDO
Oh, yes. You both are friends.
RACHEL
I wouldn't
say that. But in this
country we maintain a courteous
relationship with everyone,
Sir—even with our enemies.
Ricardo looks at Gabrielle, who is still talking on the phone.
RICARDO
Did you know Monsieur Philippe? I
mean, before he came to England.
RACHEL
Not at all. He works for Mr.
Baltimore.
RICARDO
Yes, of course. Do you know who is his
direct superior?
RACHEL
Mr. Perry, I believe.
RICARDO
Your ex-husband?
RACHEL
(surprised)
My ex-husband.
(beat)
Have you talked to him?
RICARDO
Not yet.
He looks at the sky, which is filled with dark clouds.
RICARDO
(continuing)
I think it's about time for us to
return to our hotel.
CUT TO:
INT. TAXI. NIGHT
Ricardo and Gabrielle travel through the outskirts of
Manchester.
Ricardo opens an envelope.
RICARDO
What do you think of Sir Weyden?
GABRIELLE
The more we dig into his past
the more despicable he appears.
RICARDO
He flaunts his wealth. People may
resent
of him.
Pause, he takes a letter from the envelope and reads it.
RICARDO
(continuing)
The Baltimores are inviting us to
dine with them tomorrow evening...
At nine.
GABRIELLE
I'm afraid I won't be able to go.
RICARDO
Oh, Dear. Do you have a dentist's
appointment?
GABRIELLE
He entertains funny ideas about us.
Ricardo laughs.
RICARDO
(continuing)
I hope he will enjoy your
company.
(pause)
Why did you ask Mrs. Newton about
Egypt?
GABRIELLE
Oh! To test her. Sara told
me once that something
extraordinary happened on that
trip.
CUT TO:
EXT. NILE RIVER. DAY
A ship sails over the Nile river. Monumental statues can be
seen on the horizon.
4-year-old Sara stands on the deck, looking at the
landscape. 5-year-old Tracy grabs her hand.
Close to them, healthy-face YOUNG PERRY talks to YOUNG DOCTOR
KNOX.
GABRIELLE (V.O.)
It happened close to the Karnak
Temple, on the Nile. Sara was with
her sister on the ship's deck,
surrounded by water and strangers.
Perry looks around. He sees 30-year-old FORMER MRS. BALTIMORE
and 43-year-old Rachel, who talk animatedly and smile,
pointing out to the horizon.
GABRIELLE (V.O.)
(continuing)
Mrs. Baltimore and Rachel forsook
the children for an instant--
surely enchanted by the beauty of
the landscape, and then, all of a
sudden, Sara fell into the water.
A scream is heard. Perry looks at the children. He only sees
Tracy, who, standing up on the deck, peeps out into the water.
Former Mrs. Baltimore and Rachel continue talking. The
remaining passengers are undisturbed.
Perry runs forward.
GABRIELLE (V.O.)
(continuing)
She screamed. She was engulfed by
the water.
Perry sees Sara struggling in the Nile's waters. He jumps out
of the boat. Young Doctor Knox screams and throws a buoy in
the water.
GABRIELLE (V.O.)
(continuing)
Mr. Perry rescued her.
Unfortunately the stem post of the
boat hit his head.
Sara is lifted in a buoy. She pants. Over the waters Perry
floats in a pool of blood. Young Doctor Knox jumps into
the water.
GABRIELLE (V.O.)
(continuing)
Doctor Knox rescued him.
RICARDO (V.O.)
The serial killer?
Young Doctor Knox rescues Perry.
GABRIELLE (V.O.)
At that time he was one of former
Mrs. Baltimore's closest friends.
Mr. Perry's skull got infected.
One week later his doctors removed
half the skin of his face.
RICARDO (V.O.)
That's something extraordinary,
indeed.
(pause, horrified)
Do you think...
GABRIELLE (V.O.)
Mr. Perry became an outcast. He
lost his wife and developed a
bitter feeling against men and
women. He became one of the
founders of a conspicuous British
pro-choice society; «Eleutheria.»
Tracy looks at the river. Former Mrs. Baltimore approaches.
She looks at the water. She gazes at Tracy's empty face.
GABRIELLE (V.O.)
(continuing)
On the other hand, the former Mrs.
Baltimore died suspecting that
Tracy pushed Sara into the water.
BACK TO SCENE:
INT. TAXI. NIGHT
RICARDO
We should keep an eye on her.
GABRIELLE
I'm convinced, though, that Mrs.
Newton's reluctance to speak about
this incident is mainly due to her
nationalistic attitude. She ranks
any British citizen -right or
wrong-, above the rest of the
world.
CUT TO:
EXT. ALTRINCHAM'S STREET. DAY
Ricardo walks along the street, checking house addresses. He
stops in front of a small building. There is a golden plaque
on the wall.
INSERT:
GOLDEN PLATE
«Wagnall's Consultant Company»
BACK TO SCENE:
Ricardo enters the house.
CUT TO:
INT. PERRY'S OFFICE. DAY
Perry types a document on his computer. Ricardo enters. Perry
looks up at him and continues typing.
PERRY
Mister Saint-André. Please, take
a seat.
Ricardo sits down. He looks around the office: it is crowded
with portraits, statues, and photographs of cats. A white cat
lies on the floor. Ricardo looks at a bookshelf nearby.
RICARDO
Do you like dogs?
PERRY
(laughing)
I find them a little bit dumb. I
pity cats, in spite of their self-
sufficiency. They are my family,
as you can see.
RICARDO
How so?
Ricardo notices a shelf stocked with copies of the same book:
«New Arabian Nights,» by Robert Louis Stevenson.
PERRY
Human beings are cruel, Mister.
When I was thirty-three my wife
left me. From that moment on I
started taking in strays.
He raises the white cat to his desk. The cat purrs. Ricardo
thumbs the book.
PERRY
(continuing)
I'm glad to be the savior of
twenty-one creatures. Once I
became the manager of this
company, I was allowed to bring
Jigs to work.
(tender, to the cat)
You, little one!
RICARDO
Who allowed it?
PERRY
Excuse me?
RICARDO
Who allowed you to bring Jigs to
your office?
Ricardo finds in the book a cut of a newspaper sheet. On it
there is a photograph of a young girl. The title: «Teenager
drowns her baby in a bathtub.» Ricardo shelves the book back.
PERRY
Oh! The board of directors. Mr.
Baltimore, the president, to be
specific. He is a noble man.
RICARDO
Of course. A noble man.
PERRY
I've known his family for many
years. I work sometimes as their
accountant and financial
consultant.
(beat)
Poor Sara! What a tragedy she has
caused to her family.
He hands a picture to Ricardo.
INSERT:
A picture of the Baltimore Family: Rachel and Perry holding
hands, former Mrs. Baltimore, Mr. Baltimore, 4-year-old Sara
and 5-year-old Tracy.
RICARDO (V.O.)
You have a good collection of
Robert Louis Stevenson's books.
PERRY (V.O.)
From my childhood... yes.
BACK TO SCENE:
RICARDO
I really like «The Suicide Club»,
one of his best short stories.
Have you read it?
Perry looks stern at him. Ricardo returns the book to its
shelf.
PERRY
I prefer «Treasure Island.»
RICARDO
A well-known tale. Do you remember
Doctor Knox?
PERRY
(smiling)
Knox? My best friend and my worst
enemy.
RICARDO
How so?
PERRY
(with uncanny good
humor)
He saved my life once--in a river.
But then he seduced my wife.
RICARDO
Do you hate Rachel?
PERRY
Rachel? Not at all. Knox left her
three months later.
(smiling)
My only
hate is for Doctor Knox.
RICARDO
I see you enjoy his fall. Do you
really
think he's guilty?
PERRY
Of course he is. Knox was a
seducer. He used to date his
youngest students.
(laugh)
And also the richest. He had though he
could play the saint and the
villain all his life.
RICARDO
What do you know about Monsieur
Philippe?
PERRY
Oh! He's back in France, I
believe. A very efficient man. I
asked him to continue working with
us, at least until December. But
he just disappeared.
(pause. Ricardo's
sigh is void)
Is he the subject of your
investigation, Sir?
RICARDO
Do you have his contact number in
France?
Perry searches among the documents on his desk.
PERRY
No, I'm afraid. He was alone. I
received a resignation letter from
him, though. It should be over
here.
Perry reads the letter.
PERRY
(continuing; reading)
«I was offered a new post in a
hospital.
I'll contact you later
to instruct you about my last
payment. Best wishes, Philippe».
Ricardo takes another letter from Perry's desk.
PERRY
(continuing)
Oh, that's something else.
RICARDO
It is signed by Mrs. Lawn.
PERRY
A most charming lady.
RICARDO
Would you be so kind as to make a
copy of this document for me?
PERRY
(hesitating)
Sure. Why not?
As Perry photocopies it, Ricardo looks at the cat.
RICARDO
Do you know, Sir, what did
Julius Caesar say about men who
love cats?
PERRY
You tell us.
Perry hands the photocopy to Ricardo.
RICARDO
He said that such tender
affections should be granted to
children rather than to animals.
Perry blushes.
CUT TO:
EXT. MANCHESTER STREET. DAY
Gabrielle walks down the street. She stops in front of a
store and reads a newspaper: «Baltimores Petrol Co. signs
drilling agreement with the Bolivian government.» Beneath the
headline is a picture of Mr. Baltimore shaking hands with a
Bolivian POLITICIAN.
TRACY (O.S.)
My father has secured his fortune
for another 50 years.
Gabrielle turns around and meets Tracy, still dressed in
mourning.
GABRIELLE
Tracy! What a coincidence!
TRACY
I need to speak to you.
CUT TO:
INT. MANCHESTER'S PUB. DAY
In an empty pub, Tracy and Gabrielle drink orange juice.
Tracy wears a necklace. A huge diamond hangs from it.
TRACY
You have reason to suspect me. I
was, after all, the person who
stole my mother's diamond.
GABRIELLE
That was a family quarrel.
TRACY
My sister was unfairly blamed. You
may think I hated her. But you are
wrong. I loved her. Have you asked
yourself why I did it?
GABRIELLE
It's not important.
TRACY
It is! I buried it, to avenge my
mother. My stepmother didn't
deserve to wear her jewelry.
GABRIELLE
Petra?
TRACY
That scandalmonger, hideous,
treacherous woman!
Tracy sobs. Gabrielle offer her a tissue.
TRACY
(continuing)
Thank you... When my mother died,
Sara was with you in Oporto.
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM. NIGHT
Seated next to a hospital bed, Tracy cries over the dead body
of former Mrs. Baltimore. A NURSE and a DOCTOR look at her.
Their faces are blank.
TRACY (V.O.)
I had to take care of my mother
during her final days. Alone. My
father, instead of being with us,
was in Florida, frolicking with
that bitch. I called him everyday.
«Nevermind! The Doctors will take
care of your Mother!»--that was his
reply.
Tracy, tears in her eyes, dials a number in the phone.
TRACY
Dad?... Mom passed away...
(she sobs)
Aren't you coming, Dad?... Dad!
She drops the phone and falls sobbing on the ground.
BACK TO SCENE:
INT. MANCHESTER'S PUB. DAY
TRACY
I know Sara never told you. She
felt guilty too, somehow.
Gabrielle looks at the diamond.
GABRIELLE
I see you got the diamond, after
all.
TRACY
Oh! My husband's wedding gift...
Tracy hands several documents to Gabrielle.
TRACY
(continuing)
In these documents you will find
proof of our innocence.
GABRIELLE
Your alibi?
TRACY
Max and I spent the entire night
in a hotel in Wales. You can check
the phone number and the address.
GABRIELLE
Do you suspect your sister was
murdered, Tracy?... Or, should I
say, Lady Weyden?
TRACY
Yes, but...
GABRIELLE
Yes?
TRACY
I hope you will understand, we
must not see each other again.
GABRIELLE
Why not?
TRACY
My husband. He is extremely upset
by your investigation.
GABRIELLE
I don't understand, then, why do
you risk upsetting him even more.
You were expecting me...
TRACY
I’m
trying to help
you.
GABRIELLE
By denouncing your stepmother?
TRACY
How dare you? You are not polite
at all.
You share my sister's
indisposition against me.
Tracy stands up and gets ready to leave.
GABRIELLE
Sara almost died twenty-two years
ago, in
the Nilo River, didn't she?
Tracy looks at Gabrielle visibly shocked. Gabrielle smiles
with irony.
TRACY
I should have talked to
Tico. But I
Didn’t
want to upset you.
GABRIELLE
I’m
aware of everything that
happened
between you and Tico, Tracy.
TRACY
Does he still have a scarf on his leg?
GABRIELLE
(continuing)
You have a wicked tongue,
Lady Weyden.
Tracy turns around with fear.
CUT TO:
EXT. BOWDON STREET. DAY
Ricardo walks on the street. He holds a tourist brochure in
his hand.
He checks the names of the houses, until he finds a house
called «Fox Lawn».
He looks at the brochure.
INSERT:
A photograph of Fox Lawn printed on a page of the magazine.
RICARDO (O.S.)
(reading)
«Fox Lawn specializes in hosting
foreign visitors»
BACK TO SCENE:
Ricardo walks towards the house.
CUT TO:
EXT. FRONT DOOR OF MRS. LAWN'S GUEST HOUSE. DAY
Ricardo knocks on the door. Mrs. Lawn opens the door.
MRS. LAWN
(flattering)
Hello! I was waiting for you,
Monsieur.
CUT TO:
INT. MRS. LAWN'S GUEST HOUSE--DINING ROOM. DAY
Ricardo and Mrs. Lawn drink tea and eat cookies.
MRS. LAWN
Unfortunately, Monsieur Philippe
left this house without notice. At
this point he should be back in
Paris, enjoying the splendid
weather of the continent.
RICARDO
How long did he live with you?
MRS. LAWN
One year.
RICARDO
Do you know his new address?
MRS. LAWN
I’m not his mother. If for any
reason you run into him, Monsieur,
please remind him to contact me.
He forgot to pay his last phone
bill.
RICARDO
What was he doing in the United
Kingdom?
MRS. LAWN
Business. He worked for a hideous
consulting company in Altrincham:
Wagnall's.
RICARDO
(playing the fool)
Worked? Doesn't he work anymore?
MRS. LAWN
(smiling, impatient)
Perhaps they can help you better,
Monsieur. I will write down their
address for you.
Mrs. Lawn stands up and approaches a table.
WHITNEY, a 45-year-old woman enters the room. She holds a
white envelope in her hand.
WHITNEY
Oh! I wasn't aware you were with
someone else.
She steps back. Mrs. Lawn's voice stops her.
MRS. LAWN
That's fine. Inspector Ricardo,
Mrs. Whitney Rush, my dearest
tenant.
Ricardo and Whitney exchange smiles. Whitney hands over her
envelope to Mrs. Lawn.
Ricardo looks suspiciously at the envelope.
WHITNEY
I should go.
She leaves. Mrs. Lawn writes an address on a piece of paper.
RICARDO
Your house is beautiful, Mrs. Lawn,
and
well-preserved.
MRS. LAWN
Thank you. The mortgage rate has
increased outrageously during the
last two years. We try to do our
best.
RICARDO
We? I thought you live alone,
Madame.
MRS. LAWN
I’m soul and body, Monsieur.
RICARDO
Of course… I have here a note you
wrote to Wagnall's consultant
company, three weeks ago.
Mrs. Lawn stops writing. She looks upset at Ricardo.
MRS. LAWN
You have already been to
Wagnall's. You don't need their
address then.
RICARDO
(playing the fool)
Did you say Wagnall's? Excuse me.
My mind gets very confused.
Anyway, on this note, you
acknowledge that Fox Lawn has
never been, and will never be, a
BUSINESS hotel, but a family house.
MRS. LAWN
(upset)
That was just an expression. But
congratulations. You have caught
me in my mistake. How else can I
help you, Monsieur?
RICARDO
I understand you are a pro-life
activist, Mrs. Lawn.
MRS. LAWN
And I will continue to, till I
die.
RICARDO
Were you aware that Sara Baltimore
and her stepmother were pro-choice
activists?
MRS. LAWN
Pro-murder, Monsieur, pro-murder.
What are you trying to prove? Do
you suspect I poisoned her and
hang her carcass from a tree? Do
you deem me capable of killing
someone? My main interest are the living.
Ricardo stands up.
RICARDO
Of course! Nobody murders for the
interests of death. Thanks for the
cookies.
MRS. LAWN
I baked them myself.
RICARDO
They were excellent.
MRS. LAWN
I could
have poisoned you.
RICARDO
I always
take my own precautions. Now,
excuse
me, I must go to the
hospital.
CUT TO:
EXT. NORTH WALES HOTEL. DAY
A taxi arrives in front of the hotel. Gabrielle gets out of
the car and walks toward the hotel. She stops and looks
up.
On the top of a hill, she sees a bungalow.
CUT TO:
INT. NORTH WALES HOTEL RECEPTION. DAY
Gabrielle approaches the RECEPTIONIST.
RECEPTIONIST
Good afternoon. How may I help you?
GABRIELLE
I talked to you on the phone this
morning, I believe.
RECEPTIONIST
Mrs. Saint-André?
Gabrielle smiles.
RECEPTIONIST
(continuing)
Let's see.
She reads a document.
RECEPTIONIST
(continuing; smiling)
I will show you Sir and Lady
Weyden's wedding room. Follow me,
please.
CUT TO:
EXT. NORTH WALES HOTEL BUNGALOW. DAY
The receptionist drives a golf car. Gabrielle, seated besides
her, observes the open grass field surrounding them. Far away
she sees some bushes and trees.
They approach the bungalow, on the edge of the field.
RECEPTIONIST
I saw them at the reception about
eight
pm. A member of
our staff brought them up here.
The car stops. Gabrielle gets out.
GABRIELLE
An open, quiet space, with no
neighbors around. It may well be
a golf course.
RECEPTIONIST
It used to be.
She goes to the terrace of the bungalow, from where she can
see the hotel reception area.
GABRIELLE
Would it be possible for them to
leave the hotel without you
noticing it?
RECEPTIONIST
Impossible. We monitor all our
Entrances
with video cameras.
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM. NIGHT
Hernán lies in bed. His head is bandaged.
Ricardo enters, guided by Inspector Zayed. They meet the
Nurse.
NURSE
Only a few minutes, inspector.
The Nurse leaves and closes the door. Ricardo looks at
Hernán: his blood-shot eyes stare back at him.
RICARDO
Do you like children?
HERNAN
No, I don't. Why are you asking?
RICARDO
I have reasons to believe Sara
wanted to have a child.
RICARDO
(continuing)
She wanted many things I couldn't
give her.
Hernán sobs.
RICARDO
(continuing)
We are glad to know you will be
well by the end of this week, just
in time to get ready for the
National Championship.
HERNAN
I should have died, instead.
Ricardo looks at Zayed.
ZAYED
(to Hernán)
What do you remember?
HERNAN
I asked Sara not to join the
wedding party. It was not
comfortable for me at all. Mr. and
Mrs. Baltimore dislike me.
RICARDO
We haven't been able to understand
how Sara died. You were with her,
weren't you?
HERNAN
We went to a pub. We had an
argument about our future plans.
Harvard University offered her a
scholarship...
EXT. ROAD IN FRONT OF SIR WEYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT
A Mercedes parks in front of the house. Hernán, visibly
upset, gets out of the car and opens Sara's door.
Sara gets out.
HERNAN
We still can settle our differences. Why
don't we go to my apartment?
SARA
I promised my father and Petra not
to leave them alone tonight.
HERNAN
Fine.
Sara walks towards the house. She disappears into the
shadows. Hernán gets into the car. He starts and drives away.
HERNAN (O.S.)
We loved each other. But she
longed for independence.
BACK TO SCENE:
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM. NIGHT
RICARDO
Why didn't you support her?
Harvard is a prestigious
university.
HERNAN
I couldn't have lived alone.
Pause. Hernán sobs.
RICARDO
At what time did you drop Sara off
at home?
HERNAN
(in control)
At about eight-forty.
ZAYED
And you crashed into the wall
about ten to nine.
CUT TO:
INT. HERNAN'S CAR. NIGHT
Hernán drives swiftly on the road.
HERNAN (O.S.)
I drank a beer on my way back
home; then I thought once more,
well, we must sort out our
differences. So, I returned to Sir
Weyden's house...
CUT TO:
EXT. SIR WEYDEN'S HOUSE. NIGHT
Hernán drives his car impetuously up to the house. He slows
down in front of the main door.
HERNAN (O.S.)
I wasn't sure whether the party
was still going on or not. I saw
the Baltimores arguing inside of
the house.
He looks at the window. He sees Petra slapping Mr. Baltimore
in the face.
HERNAN (O.S.)
(continuing)
I was anxious.
Hernán turns on the lights inside the car. He picks up a box
of cigarettes.
INSERT:
Hernán's foot rests between the brake and the accelerator.
BACK TO SCENE:
HERNAN (O.S.)
Then I saw her...
Hernán looks left. He sees Sara, hanging from the
tree, grasping her hands around her neck, kicking in the air.
Hernán screams.
Hernán's foot steps on the accelerator. The car crashes into
the wall.
HERNAN (O.S.)
(continuing)
I wanted to step on the brake. But
I couldn't. I couldn't!
BACK TO SCENE:
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM. NIGHT
ZAYED
(to Ricardo)
That explains everything.
RICARDO
Are you sure she was grabbing her
neck? With both hands?
HERNAN
I will never forget it! I never...
Hernán breathes with difficulty. Ricardo opens the door. The
Nurse enters.
NURSE
(to Zayed)
I will take good care of him.
The
entire city needs him.
RICARDO
Specially
Mr. Baltimore.
CUT TO:
EXT. MANCHESTER CAFE. DAY
Ricardo and Zayed drink a cup of coffee. Pedestrians come and
go.
ZAYED
The forensic report has ruled out
murder.
RICARDO
Except by the note.
ZAYED
(sarcastic)
The note? She wrote it—I told you
already.
RICARDO
How could she die with a note in
her hand? Hernán told us she was
struggling to survive--her hands
on her neck.
ZAYED
Come on, Ricardo. I'm capable to
grab several items in my hands at
the same time.
RICARDO
Even when you are dying?
ZAYED
Of course. Think of a soldier--he
dies clutching his weapon.
RICARDO
I wouldn't compare a nervous
woman with a soldier, Zayed. The
note could have been written days
before as well, and for another
purpose.
ZAYED
You have an uncanny imagination,
Ricardo. To what purpose, may I
ask you?
RICARDO
To excuse someone else. A
recommendation letter, for
instance.
Zayed gasps. He looks at Gabrielle, who approaches.
RICARDO
I wonder whether Eleutheria has
been involved in any scandal
in the last two years.
ZAYED
The pro-choice society? No
that I know. They seem quite
harmless.
RICARDO
They own several buildings,
amongst them a 53-bedroom mansion
in Hale. The perfect scenario
for a hospital.
ZAYED
An abortion clinic?
Gabrielle kisses Ricardo and Zayed and sits down. A WAITRESS approaches.
GABRIELLE
How was your day, mon chéri?
(to the waitress)
A cup of tea, please.
RICARDO
Unproductive. Though I have
persuaded Inspector Zayed to help
us to continue in this
investigation.
Zayed lays a folder on the table.
ZAYED
These are the copies of Sara's
bank records.
CUT TO:
INT. MANCHESTER RESTAURANT. NIGHT
A candle-lit restaurant. Albert and Gabrielle are attended
by a WAITER.
GABRIELLE
(holding the menu)
Canapés aux écrevisses and Harengs
grillés à la diable.
WAITER
Sir?
ALBERT
Consommé à la florentine, and
carré de mouton à la boulangère.
And, please a bottle of red wine.
Jura 1994.
WAITER
Thank you, Sir. Madame.
The waiter leaves.
GABRIELLE
(thoughtful)
Jura, 1994...
ALBERT
Is it OK with you?
GABRIELLE
What a coincidence! That was
Sara's favorite wine. Of course.
ALBERT
(vibrant)
Was it? Oh, yes. You see... I
brought her to this restaurant
once. She must have influenced my
taste. Do you really believe she
was murdered?
GABRIELLE
My husband suspects it. I trust
his judgment.
ALBERT
Trust, then, is a bastard of
suspicion.
Gabrielle smiles dryly. Albert looks deeply at her.
ALBERT
(continuing)
Are you thinking of settling down
in England?
GABRIELLE
I wouldn't like to return
to France.
ALBERT
Are you working on any other cases?
GABRIELLE
Only this one.
ALBERT
How do you make a living, then?
GABRIELLE
Ricardo is a professional
translator.
ALBERT
I don't understand how he can
allow his wife to go out with a
stranger.
GABRIELLE
Stranger? You?
ALBERT
Huh... I'm not «any stranger», you
are right.
(beat)
Do you really love him?
GABRIELLE
What do you mean?
ALBERT
I mean, what's the deal between
you both?
GABRIELLE
You are asking too many personal
questions, Monsieur.
ALBERT
(blush)
I'm terribly sorry. I'm a fool!
You just want to know...
GABRIELLE
About Sara...
ALBERT
(dazzled)
Yes... Of course...
(beat)
You may wonder why I wasn't at the
main hall at the moment of her
death.
Gabrielle looks at him.
ALBERT
(continuing;
confident)
I was in the reception hall, with
Rachel.
(beat)
I know you loved Sara.
GABRIELLE
And... did you?
Albert looks at her. He shrinks in his seat. The waiter
arrives. He serves the appetizers.
ALBERT
That's why you accepted my
invitation.
(pause)
Sara and I were only friends.
Tracy introduced me to her. We
were classmates.
GABRIELLE
(smiling)
Sisters didn't get along with
each other often.
ALBERT
I got along with them both.
(he looks around;
melancholic)
Yes. I invited Sara to this place.
Six months ago.
The waiter looks fixedly at Albert. Gabrielle looks at the
waiter.
ALBERT
(continuing)
I tried to persuade Sara to make
peace with the world. But it was
hopeless.
The waiter opens the bottle of wine.
GABRIELLE
What arguments did you use?
The waiter pour the wine into Albert's glass.
ALBERT
Family life, tradition, to visit
her parents, once in a while...
We must become conservative in order to
survive. I was glad when she got
engaged to Hernán Sousa...
The waiter pushes the glass. The wine spills onto Albert's
suit.
ALBERT
(continuing)
Damn!
WAITER
I'm awfully sorry, Sir.
ALBERT
Shut up!
(to Gabrielle)
Excuse me.
Albert leaves.
WAITER
I apologize, Madame. This has
never happened to me--not in the
last ten years. Please, don't tell
Sir Weyden about this incident.
Gabrielle looks suspiciously at him.
GABRIELLE
Sir Weyden?
The waiter looks around.
WAITER
Mr. Urwin is a close friend of Sir
Weyden... How silly. I am
agitated. Please...
GABRIELLE
(calm)
We haven't talked to each other,
Sir.
WAITER
Thank you.
GABRIELLE
(beat)
Is it true what Mr. Urwin said?
Did he dine with Miss Sara
Baltimore, here, several months
ago?
WAITER
Most certainly.
(he points to another
table, where a
couple eats)
They shared that table. It is a
pity she refused to marry him. Mr.
Urwin could have made Sara
Baltimore a happy woman.
GABRIELLE
Of course…
She looks at Albert, who returns smiling. She smiles back at
him.
CUT TO:
INT. MR. BALTIMORE'S HOUSE. NIGHT
Ricardo drinks a glass of wine. He shares a table with Petra
and Mr. Baltimore.
Whitney serves the dessert.
PETRA
Seventy-five patients murdered in
the past twenty-five years. By one
of our dentists! His name was Doctor
Knox. Our community is devastated.
Ricardo looks at Whitney. She looks at him. Ricardo smiles.
She avoids him.
RICARDO
Does he claim to be innocent?
PETRA
He does. Most wretched!
RICARDO
Why are you so sure he murdered
his patients?
PETRA
A syringe filled with poison was
found in his pocket, just minutes
after his last victim died.
RICARDO
(to Mr. Baltimore)
Did you know him?
MR. BALTIMORE
Oh, yes. I was even one of his
patients.
Mr. Baltimore stands up.
MR. BALTIMORE
(continuing)
I want to thank you, Mister
Saint-André, for your concern
about Sara's death. My secretary have
made a transfer for twenty thousand
pounds into your personal account.
Now, excuse us.
RICARDO
I appreciate your generosity, Mr.
Baltimore.
MR. BALTIMORE
You should.
Mr. Baltimore walks away.
RICARDO
Nonetheless, I cannot abort my
investigation at this moment.
Mr. Baltimore stops, turns around and looks defiant at
Ricardo.
MR. BALTIMORE
Are you still a practicing
Catholic?
RICARDO
I try to be.
MR. BALTIMORE
I distrust of fellows who
attribute any triumph or success
to the will of God.
RICARDO
Chief inspector Mr. Zayed, has
gathered enough evidence to prove
that your daughter was murdered.
PETRA
No!
Whitney drops an empty wineglass on the floor. It breaks.
Ricardo looks at her. She trembles.
MR. BALTIMORE
Would you leave us alone, Mrs.
Rush?
WHITNEY
But... You may get hurt.
MR. BALTIMORE
You can pick it up tomorrow
morning.
WHITNEY
Yes, Sir.
Whitney leaves. Petra sobs.
MR. BALTIMORE
Who murdered Sara?
RICARDO
I don't know... yet.
MR. BALTIMORE
Do you suspect anyone?
RICARDO
Everyone, Sir.
MR. BALTIMORE
Even us?
Ricardo looks at him, his expression unchanged.
MR. BALTIMORE
(continuing)
What a pity. You will get fifty
thousand pounds once you finish
with this affair, Inspector. Now,
again, excuse me.
He exits.
PETRA
(looking at Mr.
Baltimore)
I'm most willing to help you solve
this mystery, Ricardo.
RICARDO
Thank you, Mrs. Baltimore.
Ricardo takes out a small notebook from his jacket.
PETRA
I never got along with Sara. Did
you know I taught her to play the
violin?
RICARDO
(indifferent)
Have you ever heard of Eleutheria?
Petra blushes. Ricardo stands up and peruses the hall.
PETRA
Eleutheria? A Greek word for liberty…
RICARDO
According to my
inquiry, you have been an active
member of this group since 1986.
PETRA
Yes. I have.
RICARDO
As Sara was, and as Tracy is.
PETRA
We are about one hundred fifty
women and men, Herr Saint-André.
He finds a series of DVDs on the top of the TV.
RICARDO
May I know the purpose of
Eleutheria?
PETRA
It is a private society, Sir.
RICARDO
I understand. Are you a pro-choice
activist, Mrs. Baltimore?
PETRA
(reacting)
What an offensive question. Of
course, I am. I'm one of the main
advocates for women's rights in
this country.
RICARDO
Do you like «Alien Creatures»?
PETRA
Excuse me?
Ricardo shows her the cover box of the DVD ALIEN CREATURES.
RICARDO
The film.
PETRA
Well... Many young people like it.
Yes.
RICARDO
Weren't you afraid to see how this
ugly creature gives birth to so
many monsters in such a short
period of time? Or worse, watching
how its offspring are born at the
cost of our lives.
Ricardo notices a book over the TV: an old edition of Robert
Louis Stevenson's book: «New Arabian Nights.»
PETRA (O.S.)
I understand your point, Herr Saint-André.
As a man I don't think you are
capable of judging the
disadvantages of bringing children
to this world.
RICARDO
I don't know any other world,
Mrs. Baltimore. But, please,
«don't blame anyone.»
Petra puffs surprised.
PETRA
Will that be all, Inspector?
RICARDO
Thanks for the dinner. The dessert
was excellent. Good night.
Ricardo walks away.
CUT TO:
EXT. IN FRONT OF MR. BALTIMORE'S HOUSE. NIGHT
Ricardo gets into a taxi. He looks up at the house. Mr.
Baltimore is watching him from a dark balcony. Petra, crying,
approaches Mr. Baltimore.
Ricardo looks at them. The taxi leaves the property.
CUT TO:
EXT. PICADILLY HOTEL. DAY
Albert and Gabrielle get out of a new Ferrari and walk towards
the reception area.
ALBERT
I can help you with your move
tomorrow morning.
GABRIELLE
That's very kind of you. But it
won't be necessary. We have very
little luggage.
ALBERT
Still, your husband...
GABRIELLE
Yes?
ALBERT
Well, he is a mongrel.
Gabrielle stops.
GABRIELLE
You would be surprised.
ALBERT
I'm sorry... I didn't mean...
GABRIELLE
I know you want to impress me.
Albert grasps Gabrielle with violence and kisses her. He
looks panting at her face
GABRIELLE
(continuing;
angry)
Are you done?
ALBERT
I have liked you since the moment
I first saw you.
He leans forward to kiss her again. Gabrielle hits him and
brings him down to the floor. She manages to put her right
foot over his neck.
GABRIELLE
Did you say those words to Sara
too?
Albert looks stunned at Gabrielle.
ALBERT
You are mistaken, Mademoiselle.
GABRIELLE
Madame. Get up.
Albert stands up.
GABRIELLE
(continuing)
Now, would you be so kind, as to
tell me what did happen with Sara?
ALBERT
God!
He cries.
GABRIELLE
What did you do to her?
Inspector Zayed and two policemen come out of the hotel.
Albert opens his mouth. He is interrupted by Zayed.
ZAYED
(apprehensive)
Gabrielle, where is Ricardo? He is
not in the hotel.
GABRIELLE
He should arrive at any moment. Is
there something wrong?
ZAYED
We found Monsieur Philippe.
ALBERT
(surprised)
Mrs. Lawn's guest?
Ricardo comes from the hotel. He carries a paper in his hands.
RICARDO
Inspector!
ZAYED
Ricardo! You and
Gabrielle must come with me at
once.
Ricardo opens his mouth to speak.
ZAYED
(continuing; stern)
Immediately.
CUT TO:
INT. CHEAP HOTEL BEDROOM IN SALFORD. DAY
In the middle of a messy room, Mr. Philippe's body hangs from
the ceiling. POLICEMAN 1 takes photos of the corpse.
POLICEMAN 2 looks for evidence.
Gabrielle, Ricardo, and Zayed enter into the room.
Ricardo peruses the body. His eyes rest on Philippe's hand.
RICARDO
Did you find a note?
ZAYED
Yes. I handed it over to the
graphologist.
RICARDO
I'm sure he will recognize
|
