No-Tell Motel

Welcome back, my fiends, to show that never ends. I'm so glad you could attend, come inside, come inside.

I realized this AM that I've been doing this blog ass-backwards. I've been posting in the late afternoon, after my writing session, when I'm tired and kinda drained. When I originally started this blog, I was posting a new scene that I had written that day -- but now that I'm serializing a pre-existing story, that's not necessary. So, from now on, you'll get a fresh, new, piping-hot story chunk before lunch time (that is, for those of you here in the States). Sound good? Or not? Fuck it. It works for me ...

Screened PITCH BLACK last night, and was pleasantly surprised. After my dog died last month, I loaded up my Netflix queue with tons of popcorn movies that I never saw as a way to distract myself. And boy, has it been an education. I like all kinds of films, but have never been that much into Vin Diesel. Now I get it. Put him in a stupid, exciting ALIEN-like sci-fi flick like this one, where he plays a dumb, lunkhead convict (typecasting), and he works. Just barely.

But not to worry. I'll be returning to noir, Hitchcock, the Coen brothers and all the other classic faves soon. I'm no film snob, but my processed cheeze intake has to go down a few notches.

Onto today's joint from DAZED, BEAUTIFUL & BRUISED. It's a two-parter, as both scenes are short.

First up, we meet up with underage serial killer Sparkle Plenty, alive on arrival in Los Angeles.

Then, homicide dick Carrie Love leaves for her undercover job at the porn shoot. But first, she has a few choice words for her ex-partner/soon-to-be ex-husband, Bernie Keko ...

***

EXT. THE FARMER’S DAUGHTER MOTEL - NIGHT

Beyond crappy. Behind a plexiglass box,

the FAT ASIAN CLERK (30) regards a filthy Sparkle warily.

SPARKLE

Hey there, hot stuff. How much is it?

FAT ASIAN CLERK

For the night or for the hour?

SPARKLE

Don’t make me laugh, ton o’ wonton.

I bet the Chamber of Commerce

would love to hear how you greet

a tired visitor to this wondrous city.

Spooked, he slides over the registration.

She fills it out.

FAT ASIAN CLERK

It’s thirty-nine dollars a night, in advance.

No cooking, no guests, no pets.

You can use the pool, but after eight

we’re not responsible. Read the sign.

She hands him the card and some cash.

FAT ASIAN CLERK (CONT’D)

Check out time is eleven.

No exceptions.

SPARKLE

All I need is soap and water and fresh towels.

(takes key, turns to leave)

Thanks -- grasshopper.

FAT ASIAN CLERK

(reads the card)

Your name is -- Sparkle Plenty?

SPARKLE

You don’t want to know what they named my brother.

(beat, weird smile)

G’night, flat-top.

EXT. POLICE PRECINCT - NIGHT

Carrie strides out the front door,

Bernie right behind her.

CARRIE

Good night, flat-foot.

KEKO

I’m coming with you.

CARRIE

No you’re not.

(reaches her car, opens the door)

If I’m gonna get in there, I gotta be alone.

(jumps in, slams it shut)

And I certainly don’t wanna be seen on the set with my ex.

Hampers the getting laid quotient.

Bernie races around

to the passenger side, tries the door.

Locked.

KEKO

Open the door, you --

Carrie cracks the window.

CARRIE

You had your shot, Bernie, and it fucking kills you

that I defected to the other side.

And now it’s interfering with your judgement at work.

Go do something -- check the crime scene,

get a burger, jerk off, I don’t care.

(GUNS the engine)

Now, if you’ll excuse me,

I’ve got to go pick up my HIV test --

(beat)

Don't leave home without it.

***