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EXT. 8:15PM. DETECTIVE KEVIN RICHARDS STANDS ON THE DOORSTEP OF JESSICA NORTHAM'S TOWNHOUSE. HE RINGS THE BELL, AND A MOMENT LATER JESSICA ANSWERS. SHE IS WEARING A HIGH NECKED VICTORIAN NIGHTGOWN COVERED BY A HEAVY WOOLEN ROBE.
Jessica
Can I help you?
Kevin
Hi, I'm Detective Richards, we met this morning.
Jessica
Yes. I'm sorry I didn't recognise you. There have been so many people today.
Kevin
Have the press been out here?
Jessica
Yes. Natalie finally gave them a statement and they left a few hours ago. I should call her if you want to question me.
Kevin
That would be fine, but I'm here more about the Tradition than today's events.
Jessica
I don't understand.
Kevin
I'm kind of a history nut. The Tradition is a fantastic story. I'm just interested in getting your perspective on it.
Jessica
Are you writing a book?
Kevin
No. I have enough trouble just getting police reports written. I'll sign something to say I've no interest in using what you tell me to profit. How does that sound?
Jessica
You should come in.
He enters the living room, which is a throwback to Victorian times. Heavy mahogany furniture dominates. Two armchairs and a high back couch, all in wood and red velvet. There are wooden plant stands supporting well cared for plants. There are antimacassars on the arms of all the chairs. A large Victorian sideboard dominates one wall. On this are a variety of pictures, including Jessica's mother in a colour print, her grandmother in a black and white print, and her great grandmother in a sepia tone print. The only thing out of place is a 32 inch TV.
Jessica
I was making some tea, would you like some?
Kevin
That would be nice. Where did you buy all the antiques?
Jessica
They were handed down from my mother and grandmother. They have been in the family a long time. I inherited them because Nat was not that interested in "old stuff". Let me get that tea.
She leaves the room. Kevin looks around but does not touch anything. Jessica calls from the kitchen.
Jessica
Would you like a sandwich? I have some ham and French bread from the Bakery.
Kevin
If it's no trouble...
Jessica
Feel free to watch television if you want. Hitler's Henchmen comes on in ten minutes.
Kevin finds a remote and points it at the TV. He switches it on and flips through channels.
Kevin
You have all the premium channels.
Jessica
Yes, I'd be lost without the television.
She enters the room with a tray. On it are a plate of sandwiches, a teapot covered with a tea cosy, and two fine china cups.
Kevin
Wow! I was expecting a to go cup.
Jessica
I thought you had some questions. I can get one if you want.
She heads for the door.
Kevin
I was joking. I'm sorry. This looks great. I can't remember the last time I drank from a china cup.
Jessica
I only do it for guests.
Kevin
What's that on top of the teapot?
Jessica
A teacosy, it keeps the tea warm until you pour it. Do you want anything in your tea?
Kevin
Black is fine, thanks. When did you start being the Tradition?
Jessica
About ten years ago, but I'd been with my mother before that. She got sick, so I took over.
Kevin
Does your sister ever do it?
Jessica
No. Natalie doesn't... well, she doesn't like the Tradition. She thinks it glorifies the dead.
Kevin
And you?
Jessica
I do it because my mother said I should. I believe you should obey your elders.
Kevin
Even when it causes problems for you?
Jessica
It has been an inconvenience, but there was never a problem before now.
Kevin
Did the press know who you were before you were exposed?
Jessica
It wouldn't have been hard to find out. I think they just saw it as a cute local custom, and decided to leave it alone. Have your sandwich.
On the TV a blurb comes on for the History Channel, followed by the intro to Hitler's Henchmen.
Kevin
I forgot this was on tonight.
Jessica
I love history. I like the sense of already knowing what's happened.
Kevin
So you don't like surprises then?
Jessica
No.
Kevin
How is all that's happening affecting you?
Jessica
I'm afraid. Who ever did this to those people might blame me, and seek revenge.
Kevin
If you're really worried I could arrange...
Jessica
I'm afraid most of the time about one thing and another. This will be all right. I guess if they wanted me they could have got me first.
She stares at the TV. Kevin turns the volume up with the remote.
Jessica
You don't have to do that, I can watch it another night.
Kevin
I guess there's not much I can think of to ask you. I should be going and let you watch your program.
Jessica
Did you want to watch it?
Kevin
I shouldn't impose.
Jessica
The television will be on anyway. Why don't you take your coat off and sit down?
CUT TO:
INT. 1:20AM JESSICA'S HOUSE. KEVIN IS ASLEEP ON THE SOFA. JESSICA SITS AT HIS FEET WATCHING A MUTED TV. KEVIN WAKES WITH A START.
Kevin
God! I fell asleep. I can't believe you let me sleep!
Jessica
It's alright.
Kevin
No it's not! You don't understand, I'm a cop. This wasn't a social call.
Kevin turns his neck awkwardly and winces. Jessica stands up and goes behind him. She massages his neck as though it's the most natural thing on earth.
Kevin
Whoa! You shouldn't be doing that.
Jessica
My mother used to fall asleep on that sofa all the time while watching TV. This used to help her. I didn't mean to upset you.
Kevin
It's not upsetting. It's just kind of weird.
Jessica
It feels weird?
Kevin
Oh no. It feels great. So great in fact you have to stop now.
Jessica stops. Kevin tries rotating his neck.
Kevin
That feels great, thank you. Why were you sitting on the floor with the volume off on the TV?
Jessica
I didn't want to disturb you. Can I get you something? Tea or coffee?
Kevin
No I have to go. Listen I'm sorry I got angry. I just feel so stupid.
Jessica
There's no need. I taped the program, do you want it?
Kevin
What? Oh sure.
Jessica
I have a spare bed if you don't feel like driving.
Kevin
I have to go.
Jessica
Will you come back?
Kevin
I'm sorry?
Jessica
Will you come and visit again?
Kevin
I don't have any more questions.
Jessica
I understand. The next part of the program is on at 9 tomorrow night. I hope you get to watch it.
Sitting back on the floor she takes a tape out of the VCR and hands it to Kevin. He takes it and picks up his coat.
Kevin
Will you be alright? Not too afraid?
Jessica
No. Being afraid doesn't scare me.
They laugh. Kevin holds out his hand to help her up. They stand face to face.
Jessica
If this had been a date I could say I had a lovely time.
Kevin
If this was a date I was asleep for most of it. Did I miss much?
Jessica
Nothing you can't catch up on.
Kevin gently touches her face.
Kevin
As much as I want to I can't do this.
Jessica
I'll follow your lead and do what ever you say you want me to do.
Kevin
I think you should get some sleep. You have to be up early. Those cookies won't bake themselves.
Jessica
Drive carefully.
She leans into him and kisses him gently on the lips. He strokes her arm gently, but barely reacts to the kiss.
Kevin
Now I know I have to go.
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