The Lost Expert by Hal Niedzviecki

Author:Hal Niedzviecki
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FIC019000 FICTION / Literary FIC043000 FICTION / Coming of Age FIC090000 FICTION / World Literature / Canada / General
ISBN: 9781770866355
Publisher: Cormorant Books
Published: 2021-11-20T00:00:00+00:00

Script 11

INT. MEETING ROOM IN THE PALM RESORT HOTEL AND CASINO — AFTERNOON

The room is long and thin, dominated by a cherrywood table polished to a high shine. The table is topped by leather blotters, each one flanked by a fountain pen and writing pad. Six people, FOUR MEN and TWO WOMEN, all dressed in formal business attire, are clustered around one end of the table, gazing intently at THE LOST EXPERT, who sits uncomfortably in a stiff chair, his dirty boots planted on the art deco black-and-white-patterned ceramic floor. At the far end of the table is a large topographical map of Sand City and the surrounding desert plains.

JEFF MARSHALL,

ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT

Great, we’re all here now. Let me make the introductions. Over here is Vince Callagio, president of Security and Customer Safety.

He gestures to a burly man in his fifties, dressed in a suit, vest, and bow tie. Then to a DARK-HAIRED WOMAN in her early forties in a red dress.

JEFF MARSHALL (CONT’D)

This is Evelyn Munroe, ladies’ hotel detective. This is Lester Sullivan and David Amber, who also help out around here. Of course, you’ve already met our president, Mackenzie McDonald.

MACKENZIE MCDONALD

Call me Mac!

(Appreciative chuckles from everyone at the table.)

VINCE CALLAGIO

My team has prepared a complete report on the incident. Now, on the night in question Duchess Laura was —

THE LOST EXPERT

I’ll need to see her room.

Evelyn and Vince glance at each other.

EVELYN MUNROE

That’s not a problem.

LESTER SULLIVAN

Of course, you’ll understand that the duchess sometimes engaged in certain activities that, while not necessarily condoned by the hotel, but within the privacy of her suite, you see —

MACKENZIE MCDONALD

(sharply)

I’ve been assured he understands that.

The Lost Expert stands up and walks to the map. He stares at the map while the others watch him silently. With one long finger he traces a path only he can see.

THE LOST EXPERT

After I see her room, I’ll be leaving immediately.

JEFF MARSHALL

Leaving?

THE LOST EXPERT

(stabbing a point in the map)

Here. She’s somewhere here.

VINCE CALLAGIO

(incredulous)

In the Dead Heights Basin? How can you know that?

THE LOST EXPERT

As I said, before I go, I’ll need to see her room. As well as the hotel ledgers for the last week.

MACKENZIE MCDONALD

(standing up)

Whatever he needs, people!

INT. ELEVATOR

EVELYN MUNROE, hotel detective, appraises THE LOST EXPERT thoughtfully. We can see that despite her youthful appearance and voluptuous beauty, her eyes hold a sharp wariness. She nods to the young man in the bellhop uniform working the levers of the glass elevator.

EVELYN MUNROE

The duchess was staying in our penthouse apartment on the fifteenth floor. We’ll arrange a suite for you on the same floor.

THE LOST EXPERT

That won’t be necessary. I’ll be leaving as soon as possible.

EVELYN MUNROE

Are you sure that’s wise? It’s after three. It will be getting dark in a few hours.

THE LOST EXPERT

(stepping out of the elevator)

It’s always getting dark.

INT. DUCHESS LAURA’S SUITE

THE LOST EXPERT stands in the middle of the suite, his eyes closed. EVELYN MUNROE eyes him warily, shifting on her high heels.

THE LOST EXPERT

Tell me again.

EVELYN MUNROE

(trying not

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.