Table Read - Landlord - Act 2 / Part 2

Episode Date: November 21, 2023

ACT 2 / PART 2: After surviving a gruesome attack by a monstrous leech creature, Ava goes into shock as Brandon remains missing. David's failed gamble on BroCoin turns both his life and Mika's upside down. Things go further downhill when Mrs. White reveals the revolting truth about Johannes and his origins. With two babies on the way, will Mika and David manage to avoid becoming Johannes' next victims? Listener beware: LANDLORD will suck you in! Featuring the voices of Cynthia Rodriguez, Alan Rosenberg, Karen Austin, Darin Toonder, Nikhil Prakash, David Air, Sydney Schafer, Wendy Shapero. Narrated by Jack Daniel. Legendary master of horror, Tom Holland (Child’s Play, Fright Night, Thinner), guest stars and directs. Additional score by horror icon Harry Manfredini (Friday the 13th, Wishmaster). Screenplay written by Dominque Mouton. * 👻 Calling all horror aficionados! 🎬 Join us in Tom Holland's Terror Time – the ultimate virtual haunt for everything spine-chilling! 🌌 Dive into a world curated by the genius behind "Child's Play," "Fright Night," "Thinner," and more! 💀 Explore a marketplace teeming with horror treasures that'll send shivers down your spine! Visit now and get ready for a pulse-pounding journey into the macabre! 🌟 https://terrortime.shop/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Landlord, Act 2, Part 2. The car stops. The driver rolls down the window. It's Mrs. White. Dr. Daniels sits in the passenger seat. Mrs. White steps out of the car, concern on her face. Goodness! Please! I need your help! Mrs. White turns to Dr. Daniels. He nods. Get in, dear! Gently, Mrs. White takes Ava by the arm, guides her into the back seat, slams the door shut. Interior, hospital lobby, day.

Mika fidgets in her seat. She's a nervous wreck. A young mother across from her nurses a newborn baby. It's a sweet, tender moment. Instinctively, Mika smiles. Flashback to the horrifying image of the leeches sucking from Max. Back to scene. Mika averts her eyes, suddenly disgusted.

The lobby door opens as David enters from outside. What did the cops say? They don't know what happened. No sign of Brandon. Just his car. David sits next to her, visibly anxious and stressed. This is so fucked. And we thought we were escaping. What does that mean? I'm saying messed up shit happens no matter where you go. We don't know what happened. Whatever happened, it's not good. And it's my fault. I never said that. You didn't have to, Mika. I'm the one who screwed up, lost everything and

moved us here, right? Mika looks into David's bulging, bloodshot eyes. His chest heaves up and down. He's like a stranger. My fault that you need a surrogate. I'm sorry about Brandon. I really am. But there's something else going on with you. David's phone dings. On his phone, a stock update. BroCoin trends severely downward. Can you stop with the phone for two seconds? I rate. David stands up and kicks his chair across the room. David!

Other hospital visitors, including the mother and newborn, quickly move away from the scene. Security walks over. All my fault! David storms out of the hospital before the security guards make him. Mika is left shaken. The nursing mother approaches her. My ex was like that.

It only gets worse. We're going through a lot. He's not normally like this. They've all got a monster side to them. And if you have kids, run. The mom finds another seat elsewhere. From behind, a female nurse touches Mika's shoulder.

You can see her now. Interior, hospital room, day. Lying in a hospital bed, Ava stares at the ceiling. She's in shock. Mika stands by her side, touches her arm. Her family has been informed. Doctor says

she's stable, but we'll understand more once the shock wears off. She wasn't hurt? No, just severely dehydrated. She was fine last night. You'd be surprised how the body responds to stress. The nurse leaves the room as Mika looks into Ava's distant, blank, brown eyes. Something is wrong.

As she comes closer, Mika notices Ava's eyelashes wr blank, brown eyes. Something is wrong. As she comes closer, Mika notices Ava's eyelashes wriggling like insect tentacles. The hairs on both the bottom and top water lines move toward each other in a mesmerizing formation. Entranced, Mika holds her breath. She's unable to take her eyes off the grotesque scene. Ava blinks.

Her eyelids make a small squelching sound. Mika looks again. Ava's eyes have returned to normal. Exterior, the bungalow, garden, day. A sweltering fall day. Mika selects flowers from a blooming bush. She holds up the bouquet to admire. Super. Day 325. Mika picks up the water hose to admire. Super. Day 325. Mika picks up the water hose to spray the garden. Nothing comes out. It's broken. Annoyed, she tosses it to the side. Mrs. White and Dr. Daniels go by on their daily walk.

That green thumb of yours is giving me a run for my money. Mika smiles gratefully. You both still coming by tomorrow to help with the root cellar? We'll be there. I'm making my famous lemon bars a fair bribe, I promise you. Mrs. White spins Dr. Daniels around, heading home. And keep those marigolds moist. Interior, living room, day. A very pregnant Denise, 30s, wholesome and motherly, sips a diet soda. From the sofa, she's in a staring match with Max the cat, whose eye twitches. Drool seeps from his open mouth.

Uncomfortable, Denise looks away. Mika enters from the kitchen with a bouquet in a vase. Sorry about him. He hasn't been the same since he fell into the creek. She brings the flowers to Denise, who takes them happily. Mika, these are beautiful. I thought you might like the smell of them. Maybe the babies will too. I'd love to see the nursery. David's working in there right now.

Don't know what he'll do when the twins move in. Is he excited? Hard to tell. He hasn't been the same since Brandon disappeared. Sometimes he seems really excited, and then... My husband was the same way with our first. But once that baby was here, it just clicked. I swear, he turned into Superdad overnight. He could hardly wait for the next one.

Denise touches her stomach. Oh, they always kick when I'm here. You think they can sense? I do. Wanna feel? Nika considers for a moment. Not right now. Interior, office, day.

David, sweaty and disheveled, hunches over at his desk. The blinds are closed. A half-built IKEA crib sits in the corner. On his computer screen, several windows are open. Crypto prices and stock market charts, half-written emails. An article with Brandon's photo reads, Brocoin flounders, all hype without its hype man. David doesn't even look up as Mika walks in. Denise just left. Who? Denise, the surrogate. You didn't tell me she was coming. It's so stale in here. She opens a window.

David winces as sunlight pours in. Did you make the surrogacy payment? What do you mean? The agency called. They said the installment is late. I'll pay it tomorrow. It's 45 days late. I said I'll pay it.

Mika stares at him. He stares back, barely recognizable. Anything else? The hose is broken. Again. What do you want me to do about it? Fix it or call Johannes. You've got his number.

The computer screen catches Mika's eye as she notices the picture of Brandon. David quickly turns off the monitor. I need to work, Mika. Nag me later. Frustrated, Mika storms out. Interior. Bedroom. Night. It's late. Mika gets out of bed as David sleeps. Interior, office, night. At David's computer, Mika looks through the various tech articles and news.

Nothing she doesn't already know. She's about to give up when an email pops up with the subject, urgent. Interior, bedroom, moments later. Mika storms in, turns on the light, and yanks the blanket off David. He's groggy and confused. Mika holds up a piece of paper in front of him. What's that?

Brocoin's value is shit. Dogecoin isn't this worthless. Your lies and recklessness have put my investment at risk. I'm not going to tolerate any more of your dilatory tactics. The time for excuses is over. David hops out of bed, lunges at the printed email in Mika's hand. She dodges him, continues reading out loud.

Make this right or I swear to God I will tear your life apart. Enough! David slumps onto the floor. Why is this guy saying this? What did you do? It wasn't me. It was Brandon. You're going to blame the guy who's been missing for months?

He made promises to investors that he couldn't keep. I had no idea. It was smoke and mirrors. All of it. So what does that mean? It means I'm broke. What about our savings? David opens his bank app on his phone. Shows Mika the balance. That's it? What about our savings?

That's it? It's enough for two months, maybe. David, we're about to have two kids, babies, relying on us. Why do you think I've been so fucking stressed? You convinced me to do the surrogacy. Then you gamble everything and don't tell me? I was scared. I told you not to trust him again. I know. I know.

You're... She stops herself before she can say anything she'll regret. Useless. Pathetic. I know. You're a coward. Interior. Bart Station. Night. Flashback. Late night. Underground Interior. BART station. Night. Flashback. Late night. Underground at the BART train station.

It's mostly empty. Super. Two years ago. Mika and David stumble down an escalator, tipsy and laughing. They head to the ticket machine where David struggles to buy passes. He presses all the wrong buttons. How do I... We're gonna miss the last train.

I told you we should have taken an Uber. Here, let me do it. Mika playfully pushes him away and takes his credit card. Interior, BART train, night, flashback. The train doors are about to close. Mika and David push through just in time. There's no one else inside. Nice.

An empty car. Thank God. I think I make puke. They sit in a center row. David puts his arm around her. The car door opens as a teen couple enter from an adjoining car. The teen girl wears sunglasses as the teen boy yanks her by the arm. The tension between them is palpable.

David doesn't pay them attention, but Mika watches closely. Hey, I think I know that kid. Really? Yeah, he was one of my students a few years back, got expelled. For what? He brought a gun to school.

Crazy. Without warning, the boy reaches a hand back and slaps his girlfriend. Her glasses fly off her face and land on the aisle floor. Hey! Mika immediately stands up. David pulls her back down. We've got to do something.

Wait till the next stop. You're really going to sit there and watch this? There's nothing we can do. Let go of me. Mika walks up to the couple directly. The girl looks away. Not sure if you remember me. I was your teacher at Hardin.

The teen looks her up and down with disdain. I don't know you. Fuck off. Are you okay? The girl won't look at her. I can help you. The boy gets up. He's inches from Mika's face.

Did you hear me? I said go sit the fuck inches from Mika's face. Mika turns to a bewildered David, who's still seated. David looks like a deer in headlights. Can't even respond. Mika heads to the intercom located at the end of the train car. She pushes the button to speak to the train operator. Before she can get through, her head is forcibly jerked back as the teen yanks her ponytail, sending her backwards. David stands up but remains at a distance. Mika! Mika lunges at the intercom again. This time the

teen grabs her by the neck. Mika fights back, kicks him in the groin. He tackles her to the ground and they scuffle. Stop it! Stop! The boy takes out a switchblade. Miki doesn't even see it as he stabs her. She gasps, looks down at the wound in her lower abdomen. She falls to her knees, shocked by the profuse bleeding. The teen stabs her again.

David runs over to her finally. The train comes to a stop. Come on! The teen grabs his girlfriend. As the train doors open, the couple run out of the train. Three car Fremont train now boarding platform two. David cradles Mika as her vision goes black and the train fills with the screams of horrified riders. Interior, bedroom, night, back to present. Mika is exhausted from reliving the trauma. I knew what you were before we left San Francisco. Having kids with you was a mistake.

David looks like he wants to cry. He meets the eyes of Max, who sits in a corner. Max breathes loudly, his mouth agape. Interior, cellar, same. Below the floorboards of the bungalow, in the darkness, we hear excited, irregular breathing. Then it stops. Interior, bedroom, same. Mika looks down at David. Interior, bedroom, same. Mika looks down at David. So what now?

We go to bed. She takes a pillow off the bed, throws it to him. Interior, Mrs. White's cellar, day. It's dark and dank. Old antiques and decaying furniture. David, soiled with dust and sweat, picks up a box to bring up to the house. He trips, sends the box flying. Super. Day 326. Dr. Daniels peeks in, shines a flashlight below. You need some help? I'm fine. As he picks up the items from the fallen box, he notices a pair of raggedy, stained Gucci slippers.

Interior. Mrs. White's sitting room. Day. The Halloween spirit is alive and well in Mrs. White's house. Carved pumpkins, cobwebs, fake skeletons adorn the room. Mika sorts through old photographs on the floor. Mrs. White carries in a tray of mulled wine in cups. David isn't very handy, is he?

I told you. Mrs. White pours Mika a cup of the warm wine. I bet trick-or-treaters love your house. Oh, my dear, we haven't had a trick-or-treater since 1988. Dr. Daniels wheels in, holds up the grimy slippers like a victory prize. David behind him. I used to wear these every day. I'm sure you can get them cleaned.

He can't. They're cursed. It's true. The last time I wore them, I murdered a man. That's his blood right there. Oh, it wasn't murder. He was an intruder. You did what had to be done. You're a hero, as far as I'm concerned.

Wait, you're serious? About ten years ago, I was making a casserole for the neighborhood potluck, like I always do. Had it cooking in a cast iron skillet. Tastes better that way. I go to take it out of the oven and oh, it was perfection. That's when I saw a deranged young man climbing through the kitchen window. He meant to rob us, of course. These criminals think elderly folks are low-hanging fruit. That was his mistake.

Before he could finish worming his way through, I took that hot skeleton and brought it down on his head, crushed it again and again. I don't know how many times. His teeth smashed all over the kitchen counter. They sounded like hard little candies, tap dancing. And by the end of it, I couldn't tell what was casserole and what was his brain. That was fucking awesome.

The room is painfully silent after this gruesome revelation. Wow. That is very, very horrible. I'll say it again. He did what had to be done. The police agreed. But I can never bring myself to wear these again.

Mrs. White is right. You protected your home and your family. Mika shoots David a pointed look. Mrs. White is right. You protected your home and your family. Mika shoots David a pointed look. Mrs. White catches this. Family is the most important thing. You two will understand that soon enough.

You'll do anything to protect those precious babies. Mika holds up an old photo. It's an image of two Victorian-era families standing next to each other. Is this your family? Mrs. White takes the sepia-toned picture, nods. We don't like to think about those days, do we, brother?

Dr. Daniels says nothing, still in reverie over his slippers. Mrs. White points to a wiry, sneering teen boy. Recognize this little pissant? Wow, it's Johannes. David looks over at the photo. a wiry, sneering teen boy. Recognize this little pissant? Wow, it's Johannes. David looks over at the photo. What was he like? Hmm, lazy, spoiled.

Only 16 and already corrupted by greed and malice. The typical Lathamall family traits. He broke my legs for fun. But why? Dr. Daniels made friends with a little Chumash boy in the village. A nice boy. The Lathamals didn't like that. Johannes a bigot? What a shock. One day, Johannes saw them playing together, pushed my baby brother into the creek.

He's been in that chair ever since. And even worse, the late small blamed the whole thing on that Chumash boy. What year was this? Can't find anything online about his family. Get off the phone and listen to what I tell you. One second, we missed a narrative. I'm so sorry. I was just dying to bitch slap you. One second. We missed a narrative. I'm so sorry. I was just dying to bitch slap him.

Kittens. What year was this? Can't find anything online about his family. David looks at his phone. Mrs. White rolls her eyes. Get off the phone and listen to what I tell you. Anyway, that lie gave the Lathe Malts the perfect reason to run the Chumash off the land for good. Over 160 men were killed, including people in my family.

But after it was all said and done, the Lathemalts were finally able to purchase the land. Mika and David look at each other, overwhelmed. Mrs. White gets up from her seat. More mulled wine? Exterior, Mrs. White's house, night. Mrs. White walks David and Mika out. Thank you, again. It's the least we could do. You're the reason why my garden is thriving.

Can't say I'm eagerly awaiting the next cellar adventure. You know, most of these old bungalows were built with cellars. Not ours. Oh, I wouldn't be so sure. Mrs. White smiles, closes the door. Yeah, they're nuts. Interior, hallway, day. Mika stares down the hall.

Her eyes search for something. She peeks in the hallway closet. It's just hanging coats. Super. Day 352. David, excited, runs out from the office. Do you hear that? Hear what? Never mind.

Come here. I want to show you something. Interior. Office. Day. The two IKEA cribs are fully built, though wobbly. David looks to Mika for a reaction. What do you think? She's not impressed. I know there's a lot more we have to do, but I figure it's a start. At least when the babies arrive to a shitty house with a freaky landlord and unemployed parents,

they'll have somewhere to sleep. Mika walks away before David can say anything. I'm trying, Mika! Interior, kitchen, day. A cloudy, rainy day. At the counter, Mika browses teaching jobs on her laptop. Super, day 356. The doorbell rings.

Mika looks out the window where a distraught woman with a child stands at the door. This is Gina Evans, 30s, and Maddie Evans, 3. Gina pounds on the door. David emerges. Who is that? I have no idea. Interior, front door, moments later. Mika stands behind David as he opens the door.

Gina looks confused to see their faces. Where the hell is my husband? Interior, living room, day. Gina is on the sofa as little Maddie chases the cats around. Mika sits nearby with David. I've called, emailed, texted. Nothing. Never said he moved. Just vanished. The police know nothing. Were you guys broken up?

I mean, it's complicated. Maddie and I have been with my mom in Vermont. Maybe he had a drug problem. David! It explained the erratic behavior. As soon as we moved in, the drinking started. I didn't stop to think anything of it until he stopped going to work. Turns out, he got fired and never told me. I know how that goes.

Tim and I had our problems, but we both wanted to make it work. I moved out because of Johannes. What do you mean? Come on. You must have noticed the guy's a freak. Well, yeah. Well, when Tim lost his job, that fucker wouldn't leave us alone. He started showing up unannounced, calling constantly, always larking. It was terrifying. Tim didn't want to say anything or cause any problems. Maddie runs past his mom, pretending to be an airplane. The cellar was the last straw. Wait, you haven't seen it? Interior, hallway, day.

Gina opens the closet. She moves the hanging coats out of the way. There's a door latch on the floor in the back. Mika and David watch, shocked. This whole time? Narnia's real. Gina pulls the creaky door open. She motions to the steps leading down into the dark cellar. Maddie watches, scared. He clings to Gina. I'm not going back down there. Interior, cellar. Moments later, Mika climbs down the rickety stairs followed by David. They use flashlights to look around. Freaks. On the cellar floor, a makeshift pallet of blankets. Someone has been sleeping here recently. David, look. What's this?

Oh my God, no! David throws it across the room, disgusted. What the hell is going on? Exterior, bungalow, night. Gina holds Maddie by the hand as Mika walks them to their car. Gina takes out her cell phone. Here's a picture of him. Will you let me know if you see anything? Gina shows her a photo of Tim carrying baby Maddie on his back. Tattoos cover his arms. Quick flashback. Johannes's party. A brittle man gives Mika a Lego piece. His haunted eyes plead with Mika. It's tin. Back to present. di gusto si conosco il posto giusto siamo d'accordo su su via

tutti alla piadineria è tornata la solare con crudo e stracciatella aggiungi salsa mango aglio nero o peperone amerai ogni boccone la piadineria la più buona che ci sia Mika è distrutta dalla sua realizzazione

ovviamente in profondo sai che devi lasciare Mika is inwardly disturbed by her sudden realization. Of course. Deep down, you know you should leave. She lifts Maddie into his car seat. I'll be glad you don't have kids. When I went down into that cellar, I found baby blankets and toys. God knows what Johannes wanted with them. Again, Mika represses internal panic. Interior, bedroom, night. Mika paces the room.

David sits in a chair. How do you know it was him? I just do, David. He had the same tattoos, same face, everything. Just 60 pounds lighter. Jesus. Mrs. White was right. Mrs. White, she knew about the cellar. She knows more. She's nice, but she's a. Jesus. Mrs. White was right. Mrs. White, she knew about the cellar.

She knows more. She's nice, but she's a kook. So what should we do? Go to the cops? We can't prove anything. Then we should leave. Move out. What about the lease?

It's almost up. We can't afford to move. So you don't want to ask Mrs. White. You don't want to go to the police. And you don't want to leave. What the hell should we't want to go to the police, and you don't want to leave. What the hell should we do then? The first thing we should do is confront Johannes. Work it out directly.

That's your plan? We can't be afraid of him. You don't have to do that. Do what? There's confronting shit, and then there's being dumb. And cornering that psycho is dumb. David is offended. Mika doesn't care.

She turns out the lights and gets in bed. I'm talking to Mrs. White tomorrow. Interior, living room, night. David lies on the sofa, made up as a bed. He stares into the darkness, thoughts racing. Exterior, bungalow, night. Johannes's truck sits outside in the dark. The engine idles.

Exterior, Mrs. White's garden, day. A lovely, vibrant garden of flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Mika and Mrs. White sit at a table under the patio awning. Super, day 357. So, you found the cellar. We think Johannes has been sleeping down there. Mrs. White sips her tea before answering. Of course he has.

What? Pick up your jaw from the floor, dear. I came here for answers, please. And I don't know if you're ready to hear them. I can't bring children into that home if it's dangerous. Too late. He won't let you go. The blood drains from Mika's face.

Where's David? Exterior. Johannes' home. Same. David walks up to Johannes' front door. Nervous, he takes a deep breath. Knocks. Exterior. Mrs. White's backyard. Same. Nervous, he takes a deep breath. Knocks.

Exterior, Mrs. White's backyard. Same. Mika is confused by Mrs. White's question. David is running errands. What do you mean Johannes won't let us leave? He's got to eat. Enough with the allegories and the metaphors. Exterior, Johannes' home.

Same. David peeks through the window. All the lights are off. He goes back to the door and slowly reaches for the knob. Exterior, Mrs. White's backyard, same. Mika waits for Mrs. White to respond. Johannes was always a greedy son of a bitch. But after the Chumash were run off, he personified the very worst of his character.

Wasn't long before we all realized he had become something else. What? Like a killer? A leech. This isn't the time for jokes. Do I look like I'm clowning around? Mrs. White's face is hard and serious.

Johannes is a le serious. Johannes is a leech. A big, fat, thirsty leech. And I'm not talking in metaphors here. Drink your tea. Interior. Johannes' home. Same. David

is inside the house. It's empty. Stale. Quiet. This makes David even more nervous. Johannes? It's me, David. He walks slowly, surveys the house. It's worse in daytime. Dark, oily stains on the carpets. A groan comes from a room upstairs. Startled, David takes out a small switchblade from his pocket. He clings to the knife as he makes his way up the stairs. Johannes, we need to talk. Hallway. The groaning returns, louder. David looks down the hall where he notices a door at the end. He's drawn to it.

David's heart thumps in his chest and all the way to his ears as he gets closer to the door. He tries to calm his irregular breathing as he swings the door open. David is shocked by what he sees. He lets out a whimper. In the closet, a dozen emaciated corpses in various stages of decomposition lean against a wall chained together. It's a horrific scene. They're illuminated only by the natural light. Some of the corpses stir. They're alive. A male corpse extends a bony hand towards David.

David, it's me. David is frozen in fear. The sound of his own name confuses him. He turns on his phone's light, puts it on the man. David immediately recognizes the man as... Brandon? Exterior. Mrs. White's backyard, same. Mika rubs her face, tries to digest Mrs. White's revelation. Let's say, for the sake of argument, that Johannes is a human leech. Why is he sneaking around our house? Johannes is tied to that creek behind the bungalow, the same way an umbilical cord connects a baby to its mother. an umbilical cord connects a baby to its mother. That creek is his life source. Without it, he can't replenish. He can't reproduce. Reproduce? If you don't believe me, ask your friend. Who? The pretty girl we brought to the hospital. This startles me, Kat. Ava? What does she have to do with this? Dr. Daniels and I are the ones who found her. You saw it in her eyes, didn't you? How did you know? Ask Ava what happened that night we picked

her up on Canaan Doom. Scared to death of him. Interior. Johannes' home. Closet. Same. interior johannes's home closet same david frantically tries to loosen the ties on brandon's hands and feet he notices huge bite marks on brandon's neck arms and thighs the sight makes him more frantic that's sick monster hurry i, buddy. You'll be okay. Bro. Coyne. Yeah, it's gone to shit. We'll talk about that later, though. Finally, the ties are loose enough to get Brandon's fragile limbs out. From elsewhere, the pained groaning

sounds return. It's joined by voices of men arguing. David looks towards the noise, conflicted. The groans grow louder as he makes the decision. I'll be right back, okay? Don't. Don't. You're getting out of here. All of you.

The ones who are alive look to him, too weak to understand. David follows the groans that have evolved into screams. Then the screams abruptly stop. Sweat drips down David's face as he fumbles with his phone. He dials 911, but the call fails. No bars. At the opposite end of the hall, a door opens. The voices are coming from there. Exterior. Mrs. White's backyard. Same. Mrs. White refills Mika's cup with more tea. But what does he want from us?

If he's really a leech, that means he wants to drink... Your blood. But it's better for him if you're alive. What the hell does that mean? As his tenants, you're his debt slaves. He'll deplete you of your energy and resources until there's nothing left but your flesh. At that point, you're only good to eat.

But don't worry. As long as you work and produce, you'll avoid the dinner plate. Mika is speechless. Mrs. White blows on her hot tea. Although, none of the previous tenants seem to make the cut. Interior. Johannes' home.

Hallway. Same. David puts his ear to the door where he can hear the muffled voices of Johannes and Fred. He's not yours to take. You can't hold all the food to yourself. Watch yourself. I'm tired of your crap. You will respect me, boy.

The groans have stopped, but the sickening, monstrous sounds of flesh tearing and ripping apart replace them. Exterior, Mrs. White's backyard. Same. Mika stands to leave, zips up her coat. Where did you say your husband was? Why are you so worried about him? Interior, Johannes' home. Hallway. Same. Unable to help himself, David must look. He cracks open the door a little more to reveal just a sliver of the horror.

In the room, Johannes and Fred, enlarged, engorged, and bloody, fight over the remnants of a carcass like wild animals. David is already in his grip. He's got the same fuzzy, dazed stare they all get. Johannes will use him for a time, but when he's done, he'll toss David to the side like old chicken bones. David watches in horror, too stunned to move or even breathe. He drops his phone. Johannes and Fred immediately halt their gruesome meal, look to the cracked door. Johannes roars savagely as he throws the bloody head of the carcass. The head lands at David's feet. He looks down to see the eyes of Tim Evans

staring back at him. David screams. Ah! You good? Make him keep doing it. Interior, Mrs. White's backyard, day. In disbelief, Mika struggles to find words. This isn't why I came.

You came here for answers. And that's what you got. I don't believe you. Belief makes no difference. Mrs. White shakes her head as Mika runs to the side gate. End of Act 2. Excellent.

Hopefully there's going to be lunch.