Chapter Eleven

INT. GUESTHOUSE – DAY

Reese dances around the room to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.” She also sings. Off-key, loudly, and with the wrong words. The song ends and she plotzes down on the couch to retrieve her laptop.

REESE

(narrows eyes at computer screen)

Okay, Poppy and Detective Darling,

let’s do this.

(clears her throat and assumes each character’s voice)

You need to be sure, Poppy.

I’m almost positive, detective.

Reese types the dialogue that she’s spoken aloud. She continues to talk as her characters and type what they say.

REESE/DETECTIVE DARLING

That’s not good enough. We’re talking

about murder.

REESE/POPPY

I know that. I found the body, remember?

REESE/DETECTIVE DARLING

How could I forget?

Reese writes that the detective zeroes in on Poppy’s T-shirt. Across Poppy’s chest are the words I see dead people.

REESE/POPPY

(grins)

You’re welcome.

Reese stops typing to look at the empty chair next to the couch. She stares at the armchair longingly. A slight imprint on the bottom cushion suggests it was recently occupied.

Camera pulls back.

REESE

(talks quietly to the room)

Cam, I hope you’re kicking butt.