Blood of Life

Hey there, crime kids. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where your most violent fantasies become sins of the flesh, right here, where the hardboiled action is non-stop, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 22 of Frankenstein In Love, brought-back-from-the-dead cheerleader Shayla tells science genius nerd Frankie she's tired of hiding out in his tree house, and that she wants to go out on a date. Meanwhile, Frankie's next door neighbor Vita, still in love with him since they were kids, tries her hand at conjuring a 'love spell' ...


INT. FRANKIE’S BASEMENT LAB - DAY
The electronic equipment near
the workbench is gone.

In it’s place is a gerbil in a cage.
A child’s chemistry set. Microscope.
An X-box and a stack of video games.

FRANKIE
My god, how dull.
(sighs)
Should work.

He SNAPS a padlock shut on a big cabinet.
Shuts off the lights. Goes to the stairs.

INT. FRANKIE’S KITCHEN - DAY
Frankie opens up the fridge.
Starts searching for a snack.
Then hears a car door SLAM outside.

He hurries out the back door.
Julie walks into the kitchen.
Puts down her bag. Sighs.

INT. TREE HOUSE - DAY
Shayla lays on the futon watching TV.
Eyes glued. Entranced.

SHAYLA
Tell him you’re pregnant.

The door opens. Frankie walks in. Closes it.

SHAYLA
You’re home early.

FRANKIE
Had an emergency I had to take care of.
What are you watching?

SHAYLA
Days Of Our World.
(looks at him)
I wanna go on a date.

FRANKIE
A date?

SHAYLA
(points at the TV)
Like them.
(beat)
Go outside. Feel cooped up.

She smiles. Sucks on the charger.
JUMPS as she gets shocked.

FRANKIE
Okay. We’ll go on a date.
Where do you wanna --

Frankie’s cell phone RINGS.
He answers it.

FRANKIE
Hello?

INTERCUT WITH:

INT. HIGH SCHOOL CORRIDOR - DAY
Josh weaves through the throng of kids
on their way to class talking
on his smart-phone.

JOSH
Where are you? You weren’t in chem lab.

FRANKIE
I had a -- emergency.

JOSH
Don’t tell me. I don’t want to know.
(beat)
I can’t take it anymore, Frankie.
I’m gonna turn myself in.

FRANKIE
Please. Don’t do that.

JOSH
I can’t eat, I can’t sleep --
I can’t take it anymore, Frankie.

FRANKIE
Something’s come up.
I need to see you. It’s urgent.

JOSH
I don’t see the point in --

FRANKIE
PLEASE, Josh.
I can’t talk about it on the phone.
Meet me at Ohio Burger Kitchen
in half an hour, okay?
I need to talk to you.
It’s IMPORTANT.

JOSH
I dunno.

FRANKIE
Josh, we’ve been friends since we were SIX.
I gave you your first copy of PLAYBOY.

JOSH
Okay, okay. I’ll meet you there.

They both hang up.
PUSH IN ON Josh’s face. Exasperated.

INT. VITA’S BEDROOM - DAY
Curtains are closed. Lights are out.
The room is lit by the trio
of candles on her altar.

She places the lock of
Frankie’s hair on the pentagram.

Vita looks at a piece of paper. Memorizing.
Mumbling to herself. She puts it away.
Closes her eyes. Concentrating.

Opens them. Reaches over. Grabs a needle.
Holds it next to her finger.

VITA
Goddess of Love -- may the power
of the symbolic love of Adam and Eve
make me strong, attractive, and desirable
so that I may enjoy your acts of love and kindness,
and make your joyful powers of love everlasting.

She PUNCTURES her fingertip.

VITA
OW.
(beat)
May the blood of life
seal our bond in eternity.

Puts it in her mouth.
Sucks on it. Looks at her watch.

VITA
Time for lunch. Better get back to school,
hunt down Frankie and see if it worked --

Uncoiling a Sidewinder

Hey there, crime kids. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where your most violent fantasies become sins of the flesh, right here, where the hardboiled action is non-stop, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 21 of Frankenstein In Love, CDC agent Beck Driver and local sheriff's deputy Chet Beverage prepare to grill Frankie Stein about the dead cheerleader he brought back to life ...


EXT. FRANKIE’S HOUSE - FRONT DOOR - DAY
Chet and Beck stand on the front stoop.
Chet RINGS the bell.

BECK
Nobody’s home.
Let’s come back later.

CHET
Hold on a sec.
Maybe she’s moving her bowels.

BECK
That’s disgusting.

CHET
Haven’t you ever been uncoiling
a sidewinder and the doorbell rang?

BECK
First of all, I’m a petite flower.
I don’t ‘uncoil side-winders.’

CHET
Well, excuse me, big-city gal.
I guess your shit doesn’t stink.

BECK
You got THAT right.

He RINGS the bell again.
Looks at her. Pained.

CHET
I’m sorry.
I’ve got a splitting headache.
(off her look)
This is my first murder --
(goes off someplace, then)
She was a cheerleader.

BECK
Can you keep a secret?
(off his nod)
It’s mine, too.
(off his look)
I’m a scientist, not a cop.

CHET
Oh. I thought you were some
kind of government agent.

BECK
I like people to think that.
Easier to get what I want.
Nobody ever said, ‘run,
the scientists are coming.’
(beat)
I’ve got some Advil.
You want a couple?

CHET
Yeah, thanks.

Beck digs around in her purse.
Pulls out a blister pack of two pills.
Hands it to him.

BECK
Whattaya say we get some coffee
and come back later. My treat.

CHET
That would -- be nice.

They start walking to the car.
Chet opens the pack.

CHET
(swallows them)
You’re not such a tough nut after all.

BECK
Tell anyone, and I’ll fucking kill you.

A Room With A Womb

Happy Friday, crime slicksters. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where the girls are hot, the drinks are cold, and the hardboiled-pulp-noir action is non-stop, right here, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 20 of Frankenstein In Love, after Vita sees Frankie secretly bringing Shayla, the dead cheerleader he brought back to life, up into his tree house to hide her, she comes up with a plan to win back his heart. Meanwhile, local deputy Chet Beverage and CDC agent Beck Driver interview Vita's mother about the dead rat Frankie brought back to life ...


INT. TREE HOUSE - NIGHT
A surprisingly large room. Carpeted.
A futon in one corner.

Table and two chairs in another.
A small boombox.

Small love seat in front of a portable TV.
Half-size refrigerator.

The door OPENS.
In walks Frankie and Shayla.
She pulls down her hoodie.
Looks around. SQUEALS with joy.

SHAYLA
So CUTE.

FRANKIE
I thought you might like it.
(phone VIBRATES in pocket)
Hold on a sec.
(pulls it out, answers)
What’s up?
(listens)
Brilliant. Thanks. See you tomorrow. Bye.

He CLICKS it shut. Gestures to the couch.

FRANKIE
Have a seat. Take a load off.

Shayla smiles. Goes to the couch. Sits demurely.
Pats the cushion next to her invitingly.
He sits down. She takes his hands in hers. Leans in.

SHAYLA
Love nest.

And they kiss.

IN THE WINDOW
We see Vita’s face. HORRIFIED.

OUTSIDE
Vita pulls away from the window.

VITA
(whispers)
What the fuck?

EXT. VITA’S HOUSE - DAY
A bright, sunny day. Birds are chirping.
The wind whistles through the trees.
All that’s missing is ‘The Beaver.’

Chet and Beck stand at the
front door, side by side.

He takes off his shades.
Slips them in his shirt pocket.
RINGS the doorbell.

CHET
Remember, let me do the talking.

BECK
(bristling)
Of course.

PEGGY (O.C.)
(faint)
Just a minute.

The door OPENS. Peggy’s smile fades. Disappointed.

PEGGY
Officer Beverage. Nice to see you again.

CHET
(tips his hat)
Mrs. Heck.

PEGGY
Please. Peggy.
(beat)
Are you here about the rat again?

CHET
Yes, Ma’am.
(gestures to Beck)
This is Beck Driver, from
the Center For Disease Control.

PEGGY
Oh, dear.

CHET
Nothing to be alarmed about.
We’re just trying to --

BECK
This is going to sound strange,
but do you know of anyone doing any
medical experiments in the neighborhood?

PEGGY
Medical experiments?

BECK
Yeah. Believe it or not, the rat
was brought back from the dead --
and we’re looking for the person who did it.
(conspiratorial)
It’s a major medical breakthrough.

CHET
You’d be doing your duty for
your country, Mrs. -- Peggy.

Peggy blinks. Looks at them.

PEGGY
Well, there’s young Frankie Stein next door.
They say he’s a genius. Has a laboratory
in his basement and everything.

BECK
A -- basement lab?

PEGGY
Oh, yes.
His mother Julie isn’t allowed inside,
but she’s told me he does all kinds of
top secret things down there.
(brightly)
Is that helpful?

BECK
That’s VERY helpful. Thank you.

INSIDE THE HOUSE
Standing in the doorway
to the kitchen is Vita.
Listening. She grabs her backpack
and heads toward the door.

INT. HIGH SCHOOL CORRIDOR - DAY
The joint is clogged with kids.
Frankie stands at his locker
working the combination.
Vita comes up behind him.

VITA
Frankie, we need to talk.

FRANKIE
(turns, looks)
Hey, Vita. Sorry, can’t talk now,
don’t wanna be late for class.

He turns to leave.

VITA
I saw you with Shayla last night.

FRANKIE
(stops, stares)
That’s crazy. She’s dead. Missing.

VITA
No, she’s not. She’s in your tree house.

FRANKIE
I, I can explain.

VITA
You fucking BETTER.
(grabs his hand)
Come with me.

She drags him into --

INT. GIRLS’ ROOM - DAY
Empty except for a YOUNG GIRL WITH BRACES
drying her hands with a paper towel.
She sees Frankie and BOLTS for the door.

VITA
What the FUCK, Frankie.
Did you bring her back to life?

FRANKIE
Yeah, but wait, I can explain.

VITA
A cop and woman from the CDC were at my
house this morning asking my mother about
the DEAD RAT that was running around
like crazy in my basement.
Did you do that, too?

FRANKIE
(sighs)
I was doing a dead-cell poly-zygote
electro-rejuvination experiment --
and it worked -- and then when
Shayla got hit by a car, I just --

He trails off. Gestures helplessly.

VITA
I can’t fucking BELIEVE it.
Do you realize how much trouble you’re in?
My mother told them about your basement lab.

FRANKIE
Oh, SHIT.
(realizes, freaks out)
Did you tell them you saw --

VITA
No, no, no. I’d never do that.
I want to help you.

FRANKIE
You w-want to help me? Why?

VITA
Don’t you remember the ceremony?

FRANKIE
We were TEN, Vita. That was kid’s stuff.

VITA
It doesn’t have to be.

Frankie stares. Be careful here.
You need her help.
He takes her hands in his.

FRANKIE
Can we -- talk about that later?
I’m kinda -- freaked out right now.

VITA
Of course, of course.
(thinks)
Here’s what you do.
Go to the nurse, say you’re sick,
then go home and hide anything
in your lab that can be used as evidence.
(realizes)
Oh, shit. Wait. The cop and the CDC lady
are probably there right now.

FRANKIE
No, it’s okay. My mom’s still at work.
She doesn’t get home until ten.
She did a double shift last night.

VITA
Perfect.

FRANKIE
Yeah. Okay.

VITA
Don’t worry. We’ll figure this out.

They hug. She secretly pulls out
a tiny pair of scissors.

Then, as they pull apart,
she deftly CLIPS a lock of his hair.
Shoves it in her pocket.

VITA
Now go, scoot -- go see the nurse. Hurry.

He nods. Then hurries out.

VITA
(watches him go)
You’re mine now, Frankie Stein. All mine.

The Jig's Up

Hey there, crime kids. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where your most violent fantasies become sins of the flesh, right here, where the hardboiled action is non-stop, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 19 of Frankenstein In Love, Frankie and Josh move dead cheerleader brought back to life Shayla up into Frankie's tree house so she can 'have a view,' they get busted by Frankie's next door neighbor Vita, who still has the hots for him ...


EXT. FRANKIE’S BACKYARD - NIGHT
Dark and deserted at this late hour.
Frankie stands near the back door with Shayla,
who wears a hoodie over her dress,
the hood pulled up and tied
almost completely shut.

SHAYLA
Hard to -- see.

FRANKIE
Don’t worry. It’s just for a couple minutes.

Josh appears from around the corner of the house.

JOSH
Coast is clear.

FRANKIE
Great. You stay here, keep an eye out.

SHAYLA
Who’s -- that?

FRANKIE
A friend. He’s helping me move you.
(to Josh)
Keep an eye on the windows next door,
and if you see anyone, give the signal.

JOSH
Okay. Just hurry it up, okay?
I don’t wanna get busted.

FRANKIE
(to Shayla)
C’mon, let’s go.

He takes her by the arm, and they walk
toward the back of the yard.

Shayla shuffles slowly, stiffly, zombie-like.
They approach a big, old oak tree in a far corner.

SHAYLA
(looks up)
It’s -- beautiful.

ANGLE ON --

A TREE HOUSE nestled fifty feet up
in the big, thick branches.
Quite large, and beautifully made.

It’s been there for awhile,
almost completely hidden by leaves,
with a circular staircase
wrapped around the trunk.

FRANKIE
Gestures proudly.

FRANKIE
It’s something, huh?
Me and my dad built it when
I was a little kid. I designed it.

SHAYLA
I LOVE IT.

FRANKIE
Shhh. We don’t want to wake the neighbors.

INT. VITA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Vita lies in bed studying. Cocks her head.
Goes to the window. Looks out. Eyes grow wide.

VITA
Frankie? And who’s that with him?

EXT. TREE HOUSE - NIGHT
We see a circular staircase winding around the tree trunk.
Frankie guides Shayla over to the first step.

FRANKIE
Okay, here we go.

Shayla grabs the handrail. Lifts her foot.
Tries to take a step, but she suddenly can barely move.

SHAYLA
Can’t -- do it. Need more -- power.

FRANKIE
Oh, shit. Okay.
(thinks, then realizes)
My cell phone charger --

He pulls a small, black charger
out of his back pocket.
Hands it to her. Smiles.

FRANKIE
Never leave home without it.

SHAYLA
(takes it)
Thanks.

Shoves it in her mouth. Turns it on.
Starts SUCKING on it. Gets ZAPPED again.
Hops from foot to foot. Takes it out.

FRANKIE
Feel better?

SHAYLA
Hell, ya. That’s a powerful little fucker.
I feel reborn.

FRANKIE
Hold onto it. You’ll probably need it again.

She nods. They start going up the stairs.

VITA
Watches from her window. Leans out to get a better view.

VITA
What the hell?

JOSH
Sees Vita. Starts freaking out. Puts his hands
together to make a bird call. Blows into them.

JOSH
Coo, coo, coo.

FRANKIE
Hears it. Looks around. Doesn’t see anyone.
His cell phone VIBRATES in his pocket.
He stops. Takes it out. Whispers.

FRANKIE
What’s wrong?

JOSH
Looks up at Vita’s window.

JOSH
It’s Vita. She was hanging out her
window watching you. The jig’s up.

FRANKIE
Go talk to her. Distract her.

JOSH
(sees something)
Shit. Too late.

FRANKIE
What do you mean too late?

JOSH
She just came outside.

FRANKIE
SHIT. Then go head her off.
(to Shayla)
C’mon, let’s go.

SHAYLA
What’s wrong?

FRANKIE
Somebody could see us. C’mon.

He starts pulling her up the stairs.
Her feet find a rhythm, and they start moving faster.

VITA
Stands in her back yard, watching them climb.

VITA
Who’s that WITH him?

Josh walks over to the hedge at the edge of her yard.

JOSH
Hey, Vita. What are you doing out so late?

VITA
(turns and looks)
Josh? I could ask you the same question.

JOSH
Uh, Frankie’s on a date. I was the -- designated driver.

VITA
A DATE? Who with?

JOSH
New girl. Uh -- foreign exchange student.

VITA
Oh.

JOSH
So, uh -- it’s late. I gotta go. Have a good night.

VITA
Yeah. You too.

PUSH IN ON Vita’s face. Staring at the tree house.

Skull Fuckers

TGIF, crime slicksters. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where the girls are hot, the drinks are cold, and the hardboiled-pulp-noir action is non-stop, right here, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 18 of Frankenstein In Love, when Frankie's mom calls to let him know she's working late, she overhears recently brought back from the dead Shayla in the background. Meanwhile, Frankie's childhood crush Vita plans on winning back his heart ... with a little witchcraft ...



INT. HOSPITAL - NURSE’S STATION - NIGHT
Very quiet at this late hour.
Julie Stein wears a nurse’s uniform,
sits at her desk at the
corner of two corridors.

A PLEASANT-FACED LARGE NURSE (40’s)
walks up to her.

PLEASANT-FACED LARGE NURSE
I’m going down to the cafeteria
to get coffee. Can I get you anything?

JULIE
I’d LOVE a coffee.
These double-shifts are KILLING me. Thanks.

Pleasant-Faced nods. Walks off.
Julie picks up the phone.
Dials a number. Listens.

JULIE
Hello, Frankie.

INTERCUT WITH:

INT. FRANKIE’S BASEMENT LAB - CONTINUOUS
Frankie’s on the phone.
Shayla watches TV in the background.

FRANKIE
Hey, mom. What’s up?

JULIE
I’m so sorry, but Tammy called in sick.
I have to do a double-shift again tonight.

FRANKIE
That’s okay, mom.
I’ll just nuke a couple of Hot Pockets.

JULIE
Great. How was school today?

FRANKIE
Uh -- fine. School was -- great.

JULIE
Are you okay? Is something wrong?
You sound funny.

FRANKIE
(looks at Shayla)
No. Everything’s -- fine.
Just -- tired, that’s all.

Shayla raises her arms in the air. SHOUTS.

SHAYLA
KILL, KILL!

JULIE
What was that?

FRANKIE
Something on TV.
(gestures to Shayla to shush)
Sorry you have to work late again.

JULIE
(sighs)
Yeah, me too.
At least I get overtime.
See you in the morning, honey.

FRANKIE
Bye, mom. Good night.

JULIE
Love you.

FRANKIE
Love you. Bye.

He hangs up. Looks at Shayla.

FRANKIE
I’m sorry, my love -- but you need
to be quiet when I’m on the phone, okay?

SHAYLA
Sorry.

FRANKIE
What are you watching?

PUSH IN ON Shayla’s face. Smiling sweetly.

SHAYLA
Real Housewives.

INT. VITA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
An altar has been set up on her dresser.
A few candles, a CD cover, a wine glass
and a kitchen knife have been
carefully laid out.

Vita regards her handiwork, pleased.
Looks at a scrap of paper in her hand.

VITA
I’ve got candles --
a wine glass will be my chalice,
which represents the woman --
and a knife -- which represents the man.
I found a pentagram on my Skull Fuckers CD --
and now I need something of Frankie’s,
like a lock of hair or a scrap of clothing --
(beat)
And then I can cast a LOVE SPELL on him.

Suspect

Hey there, crime kids. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where your most violent fantasies become sins of the flesh, right here, where the hardboiled action is non-stop, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 16 of Frankenstein In Love, now that Frankie has brought dead cheerleader Shayla Petrie back to life so he can 'date' her, all is going well ... until she starts remembering her past life ...

INT. FRANKIE’S HOUSE - BASEMENT LAB - NIGHT
Frankie sits at his workbench
eating a sandwich watching the news.
He smiles. Softly SLAPS the table.

FRANKIE
Willis is a suspect? NICE.

Shayla lies on her ‘bed’ leafing
through a fashion magazine.
She looks up, quizzical.

SHAYLA
What?

FRANKIE
Nothing, nothing.
(beat)
So you ready for the big move?

SHAYLA
(yawns)
Room with -- a view.

FRANKIE
Great. You’re gonna love it.
(notices)
Are you tired?

SHAYLA
Tired. Need more -- juice.

FRANKIE
Juice?
(realizes)
Oh. The electrical shock.
(thinks)
THAT’S why you got more energy.

SHAYLA
More energy, please.

Frankie goes to the frayed lamp cord.
Picks it up. Brings it over to her.
She takes the frayed part in her hands --

And GETS SHOCKED again.
ZZZZZZZ. A POOF of smoke.

SHAYLA
SWEET JESUS MOTHER OF GOD.

FRANKIE
Are you okay?

SHAYLA
Fuck, yeah. I feel like I just
mainlined a gallon of coffee.

Shayla cocks her head. Thinks.

SHAYLA
I’m starting to remember some things --

FRANKIE
(scared)
Oh? Like what?

SHAYLA
I used to be cheerleader.

FRANKIE
R-really?

SHAYLA
Something else --

FRANKIE
Wh-what’s that?

SHAYLA
My old boyfriend. Funny, huh?

PUSH IN ON Frankie’s face.
Freaking out. He swallows.

FRANKIE
Hilarious --

Scene Of The Crime

Hey there, crime kids. It's time once again to take a trip to the dark side, where your most violent fantasies become sins of the flesh, right here, where the hardboiled action is non-stop, at the coolest crime joint in cyberspace ... at That Killing Feeling.

In Chapter 15 of Frankenstein In Love, the local news reports on the sudden, horrifying death of head cheerleader and Pumpkin Queen Shayla Petrie ...


INT. HIGH SCHOOL CORRIDOR - DAY
CAMERA pans across a row of lockers.
Stops at one. Candles, flowers and
pictures of Shayla surround it.

A banner reads REST IN PEACE,
SHAYLA above a teddy bear.

A delicate, feminine hand
adds a BOUQUET OF ROSES.

INT. NEWS STUDIO - DAY
GRAPHICS FLY across the screen:
NEWS FOUR AT YOUR DOOR.

We see a PERT, FADED BLONDE ANCHORWOMAN
and a CHIPPER, DULL-LOOKING BLACK ANCHORMAN
seated at the news desk fake-chatting
with each other. Shuffling papers.

ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
News Four AT YOUR DOOR.
(beat)
With Candy Sprinkle --

Candy looks up. Gives a slight nod.

ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
And Kip Cartwheel.

Kip nods. Smiles briefly.
Cocks an eyebrow.

CAMERA ZOOMS IN on Candy.
Eyes bright with emotion.

CANDY
Welcome to News Four At Your Door.

Our top story tonight,
little Shayla Petrie,
a senior at Venison High,
who was killed in a
hit and run accident last night.

She stops. Tries to continue,
chokes back a muffled sob.

Kip sees this, nods,
looks into the camera.

KIP
Police have started a county-wide search
for the body of the missing teen,
who was captain of the cheerleading squad,
and was crowned Miss Pumpkin at
last year’s Harvest Festival.

Candy shakes her head.
Recovers her composure.

CANDY
Law enforcement officials won’t divulge
any details about their investigation,
and are still combing the
scene of the crime for clues.

KIP
We take you now to investigate
reporter Del Dunn, at the crime scene.

INTERCUT WITH:

EXT. OLD COUNTRY ROAD - CRIME SCENE - DAY
DEL DUNN (30’s), tall, thin, striking
with a brunette bob stands by the
side of the road in a short,
tight suit holding a mike.

She looks into the camera.
Eyes flashing. Nods.

KIP
So, Del. What’s the skinny?
Have you rooted out any intel for us yet?

DEL
Indeed, Kip. Although Venison’s finest
haven’t given me squat, this investigative
reporter has been sniffing out clues
like Andy Dick at a pharmacy.

KIP
That’s quite the colorful metaphor, Del.
So spill it. What did you find out?

DEL
Well, this hasn’t been confirmed yet,
but police haven’t ruled out her
boyfriend Willis Grub as a suspect.

KIP
Willis Grubb? That ne'er do well?
I thought she was dating
the football captain, Brent Brock.

DEL
Sometimes the heart wants
what the heart wants, Kip.
And even if you’re popular,
it can take you to a dark place.
(beat)
This is Del Dunn, coming to you
live at Old Country Road
on the outskirts of Venison, Ohio
in the heart of small town America.

CANDY
Thanks, Del. Quaint much?
(beat)
Next up, Delores DeVore has some
zesty recipes that’ll be sure to
spice up your next tailgate party --