“UNDER THE CHERRY TREE”



“UNDER THE CHERRY TREE”

By Aldonnius Carter

CONTACT:

Aldonnius Carter

1757 Monday Court

Tallahassee, Florida 32301

(786) 759-2115

(850) 566-9749

aldonniuscarter@

WGA Registered: 1256397

EXT. WOODS – EVENING

Windy Fall evening, as CASTER (18) and JIMMIE (20) search for their lost hound dogs.

CASTER

Jimmie we don been calling fer them dogs

all day now…and we ain’t heard a bark. I’m

telling you Jimmie somin wrong!!

JIMMIE

You right, somin is wrong. My prize hounds

is lost and I’ma gonna find dem. I ain’t leavin

dem out here!

CASTER

Out her, where we at any how? We left the

old road a ways back. We lost too Jimmie.

JIMMIE

Caster McDowall, I would never in a million

years imagine you turning back from a hunt.

CASTER

Let’s be real, the dogs don run off and

something is wrong. The sun is about to

set and my feet are killing me. Maybe

the dogs don run back to the truck.

JIMMIE

Tell you what, you go back to the truck and if the dogs are there, you give off 3 shots. I’ma

keep looking a lil bit longer. Then I will meet ya

back at the truck.

CASTER

Easier said than done; and how am I gon

find the truck?

2

JIMMIE

Just follow the branches I been breaking off.

You should find ya way.

CASTER

Are you shoo bout this?

JIMMIE

Just as shoo, as the country blood

that flows in ma veins. Now get going fer

night catch you.

CASTER

Ok, I’ll see ya back at the truck.

Caster makes his way through the thicket of bushes back to the truck.

EXT. TRUCK - MOMENT’S LATER

CASTER

I should’na left him……

EXT. WOODS - CONTINUOUS

Jimmie continues the search for his lost hound dogs.

JIMMIE

Leave ma dogs. I could neva leave ma

precious darlings out here. I’ma stays out

here til I find’um.

EXT. WOODS - CONTINUOUS

Jimmie finds bloody dog collar at base of tree. Jimmie picks up collar. Blood droplets bounce off the top of Jimmie’s hat. Jimmie looks up and blood drops in Jimmie’s mouth; and body of dead mutilated dogs fall on top of Jimmie. Jimmie’s screams are muffled by shock. Jimmie so terrified can’t even stand. Jimmie crawls away in shock. Jimmie is suddenly beheaded from behind.

3

INT. OFFICE - DAY

Caption on Screen reads 80 years later. Sunny day in Miami, as KAT BROOKS (40) multi-millionaire developer irons out last second details of big business venture.

KAT

I know, I know we think this is

the best investment we here at

Brooks has ever inked.

-Yes, so have I been told.

-I am going to fly up there tomorrow

morning for the cutting of the ribbon.

-Yes sir, I know I am going to love “Cherry Hills”

I even purchased a home in “Cherry Hills” for me

and my family. Yes the cherry tree sits directly

in front of our new home.

EXT. AIRPORT – DAY

Kat’s private airplane leaves Miami’s airport headed to Citrus County in central Florida.

EXT. ROAD - DAY

Kat, his wife ANNE (40), his secretary SUSAN (20’s), his son ADAM (17), his daughter CHRISTY (8), and HENRY ORTIZ (60) CEO of Ortiz Construction drives to “Cherry Hills”.

EXT. CHERRY HILLS ESTATES – MOMENT’S LATER

The first 10 families stand at the front gate of the “Cherry Hills” estates for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

EXT. CHERRY HILLS ENTERANCE – MOMENT’S LATER

Henry Ortiz gives short speech prior to the cutting of the ribbon.

4

HENRY

I am so honored to be here today with all

you wonderful people, in the cutting of the

ribbon. Cherry Hills Estates is and will be

the new Beverly Hills of the south. Every family

here today and families of tomorrow, will witness

the growth of Cherry Hills; and the economic

success each family will bring here to Cherry

hills. Well I am not going to talk any longer

because I am quite sure the families here today

are eager to move into your new homes. I

shall now cut the ribbon.

Henry he cuts ribbon; and the crowd gives off a round of applauses.

EXT.CHERRY HILLS ENTERANCE GATE.CONTINUOUS

KAT

I know Cherry Hills will be a big success.

ANNE

I simply can not wait to get settled into

our new home.

KAT (hugs Anne)

The kids will love it here.

SUSAN

I think I’m going to cry.

KAT

Sue it isn’t that dramatic is it?

SUSAN

No, but to see all the happy faces of these

new home owners just brings tears to my eyes.

ANNE

Stop, you are about to make me cry as well.

5

KAT

Well just hold back those crocodile tears ladies,

we have a lot of moving and unpacking to do.

HENRY

Well while you are holding back your tears,

I am going to try some of these delicious

looking Cherry’s.

KAT

Take enough for the wife.

HENRY

Carmen is on another one of her diets. She

probably won’t even eat anything. I will take

only enough for myself.

EXT. CHERRY HILLS – MOMENT’S LATER

All the families unpack vehicles; and start moving their belongings into their new homes.

EXT. KAT’S DRIVEWAY – MOMENT’S LATER

Mover’s drive into Kat’s driveway, as Kat greets them.

TOMMY MOVER # 1 (20) and MOVER # 2 (20’s)

MOVER #1

Hi, are you Mr. Brooks?

KAT

Mr. Brooks at your service and you must be

the movers?

MOVER #2

Yes sir we are and all we need is the good

ahead to get things rolling.

6

KAT

I am giving you the ok, but you have to check

with my wife to where and how she wants

things to be arranged inside.

MOVER #2

Ok……

EXT. DRIVEWAY – MOMENT’S LATER

Anne directs movers on what to move first.

INT. LIVING ROOM – MOMENT’S LATER

Anne shows the movers where to put their furniture and belongings.

ANNE

This is going to be pretty fun. You can start

with unloading all the things in the van first,

then you can unload the trucks after.

MOVER # 1

Yes maam….

KAT

Well honey is seems like you have everything

here under control. So by saying that, I think

I will venture out among our new neighbors

and to see the outside of Cherry Hills.

ANNE

Ok honey, just don’t be to long and be careful.

EXT. CHERRY HILLS - CONTINUOUS

Kat walks through Cherry Hills Estates greeting all the new homeowners.

Kat ventures outside the gates of Cherry Hills.

7

INT. KAT’S HOME – CONTINUOUS

Movers unpack the furniture in Kat’s new home.

EXT. FOREST – MOMENT’S LATER

Kat ventures into nearby forest surrounding Cherry Hills. Kat stumbles on an old trail; and Kat follows trail which run into an old shack.

EXT. SHACK (DOOR) – EARLY EVENING

Kat knocks on the front door. No answer. Kat turns doorknob and door opens.

KAT

Hello, anyone home.

INT. SHACK - CONTINUOUS

Kat opens door and calls out to see if anyone is home. Kat slowly creeps into shack. Kat walks in front door and falls through trap in floor.

INT. KITCKEN (KAT’S HOME) – MOMENT’S LATER

Anne and Susan put away dishes.

SUSAN

Mrs. Brooks, I really do admire you.

ANNE

Thank you Susan, and where did that

come from?

SUSAN

Just look. You have a wonderful husband,

two of the loveliest kids, the dream home

in one of Florida’s new upscale

communities. What else could any

woman ask for?

8

ANNE

It wasn’t just this easy. Kat has worked

hard to get us here where we are today.

If it wasn’t for Kat, we wouldn’t be here

now.

SUSAN

Yeah right and I wouldn’t be here with

a job talking to you.

(They both laugh)

ANNE

I remember the day when Kat told me

he was going to make it as a developer.

That day has come Susan; and one day

The same will happen with you.

SUSAN

And I am waiting.

(They both laugh)

SUSAN

By the way, what’s for dinner?

ANNE

Good question. I know Kat and the

kids will be starved.

SUSAN

Starved I to Mateie. (Acts like a pirate)

(Laugh)

ANNE

I wonder if Mr. Ortiz made it to the

airport safely?

9

EXT. ROAD – EVENING

Henry Ortiz drives to the Airport. Henry stops along side the road to relieve himself.

EXT. SHOULDER OF ROAD - CONTINUOUS

HENRY

Ah, ah, ah this feels like I’m worth

50 million bucks, oh I am worth 50

million bucks.

(Laughs)

Eerie winds blows, Henry looks over his shoulder. Henry turns back his eyes widen. Henry is suddenly snatched into bushes by his penis.

INT. KITCHEN - EVENING

Christy runs into kitchen where Anne and Susan sit talking.

CHRISTY

Mom, can I please go outside?

ANNE

Have you finished helping your

brother unpack things?

CHRISTY

He told me to get out, cause I

was only in his way.

ANNE

Ok, then yes you can go outside.

Just don’t wonder off anywhere;

and you better be back before your

father comes home.

CHRISTY

Ok mommie…….

10

Christy runs off.

ANNE

Kids.

SUSAN

You just have to love them.

INT. BASEMENT – MOMENT’S LATER

Adam and mover # 1 smoke pot in the basement.

ADAM

Had to get my sister outta the house.

She’s nosey. She would have busted

us for sure.

TOMMY

Well you know where you can get

the good bud from.

ADAM

That I do know. What I do want to know is,

where are the chicks?

TOMMY

They don’t call me Tommy the tiger for

nothing you know. Matter of fact I got

a cute cousin you will just like.

ADAM (Smile on face)

I think I am going to like it here after

all.

INT. SHACK - NIGHT

Kat yells out from the trap in the floor. Old man CASTER points double barrel shotgun down at Kat.

11

CASTER

Who are you; and what ya doin

here?

KAT

My name is KAT Brooks and I am the

developer for Cherry Hills Estates, on the

other side of here.

CASTER (Eyes widen)

So what’cha wants round here? Ain’t

no land fer sale here!

KAT

I am not here to purchase land. I was

just exploring the surroundings; and

I happened upon your home. I did not

intend on coming in, but when I knocked

on the door it just opened.

CASTER

So does that mean just walk into a man’s

home?

KAT

No sir it didn’t, but I did call out for

someone prior to me entering your home.

CASTER

Yeah I heard’ya, but that didn’t mean fer

you to come in. You will never know what

you may walk in on or into. All you

city folk alike; you just invade where

you see fit.

KAT

It isn’t like that at all sir. I was just

exploring that is all. I saw your home,

I knocked, the door opened, I came in

and here we are. I just want a little

12

KAT (cont’d)

history on this area; and what better

way to get it from someone who has

been here all their life, I suppose.

CASTER

Ain’t nothing to tell but horror.

KAT

What?

CASTER

No mind, let me help you outta that hole.

EXT. CHERRY TREE - NIGHT

Christy is about to pluck cherry from tree, when Anne calls out to Christy. Christy jumps down from platform and runs home.

EXT. CASTER’S PORCH – MOMENT’S LATER

The stars are plentiful as Caster and Kat sit on Caster’s front porch.

KAT

98 years old. You sure have lived a long

time.

CASTER

Not long enough to find peace on this

God forsaken planet. I ain’t ever

left the county.

KAT

If you don’t mind me saying, you are pretty

fit for a man at your age.

CASTER

Eattin right, livin right, which most

city folk like yourself can’t do.

13

KAT

Wife or kids?

CASTER (with sad frown)

Are you askin me a question?

KAT

Yes sir, I am asking you a question.

CASTER

I was married once and I had two little

ones. Sarah Jane and Henry Elisha.

KAT

Can I ask where they are?

CASTER (Getting up from chair)

No you may not and I think it is time

for you to go city boy.

KAT

I am truly sorry if I offended you in any

way.

CASTER

The only way you need to go, is that’a

way, before the night catches you.

Caster walks into the shack.

KAT

Nice neighbor.

EXT. FOREST – CONTINUOUS

Kat makes his way through the darkness of the forest back to Cherry Hills.

INT. DINING ROOM – MOMENT’S LATER

14

Kat, Anne, Susan, Adam, and Christy sit at dinner table getting ready to eat dinner.

KAT

Dear Father, I pray to thee to bless

this nourishing meal that you have

placed before us; and to our new

found community “Cherry Hills”.

Amen……

Everybody say Amen

ANNE

So where did you go today?

KAT

I just took a little trek through the brush.

ADAM

Through the brush?

KAT

Yes I ventured out into the forest.

ANNE

Find anything interesting?

KAT

I Ran across this old guy who lives nearby.

ANNE

An old man?

KAT

Old man Mr. Caster. He has been living

in this area for almost 100 years.

CHRISTY

How old is he dad?

15

KAT

Mr. Caster told me he is 98.

ADAM

Now that’s old.

ANNE

Why didn’t you invite him to dinner?

KAT

Mr. Caster had other engagements.

ANNE

Susan you haven’t uttered a word.

SUSAN

Oh, this food is deliciouso………….

INT. BED ROOM - NIGHT

Kat tucks Christy in for bed.

KAT

Good night peaches.

CHRISTY

Daddy what is that tree outside

good for?

KAT

Nothing, it’s just there for decorations.

CHRISTY

Decorations?

KAT

Just for decorations, to give the

community a delicious feel. Doesn’t

it look good out there?

16

CHRISTY

Is sure does dad. Can I eat some of the

cherries?

KAT

Why sure peaches, you can eat some of the

cherries; but I do not want to catch you

climbing up there to get any of the cherries!

Get me, your mother, Susan, or your brother

to get the cherries for you, understand?

CHRISTY

Yes daddy, I understand. I love you daddy!

KAT

I love you too peaches…..

Kat kisses Christy on her forehead.

Kat turns out light and exit’s bedroom.

INT. ADAM’S ROOM (DOORWAY) - CONTINUOUS

Kat walks into Adams room. Kat gestures with his finger for Adam to come to him.

ADAM

What’s up dad?

KAT

Follow me.

EXT. COURTYARD – MOMENT’S LATER

Adam and Kat sit in courtyard near Cherry tree.

KAT

Son all my life I have worked so diligently to

develop a community. My dream has come true

17

KAT (cont’d)

with Cherry Hills. This is the first community

of many that will be developed by me over time.

This son is your future, our future. That cherry

tree will be our symbol of longevity.

ADAM

What’s so significant about that old tree?

KAT

Exactly, It is old. That tree is rumored to be

over 500 years old; and you see how pretty

and fruitful it is today. That is how I want

Cherry Hills to grow and over time, Cherry

Hills will age with beauty…just like this

tree here.

ADAM

If it’s so old, why isn’t it stretching high

into the sky.

KAT

That I do not have the answer for, but when

you go to school Monday, you can ask your

science teacher.

ADAM

Aw dad.

KAT

No aw dad, school Monday.

ADAM

Just one more week out dad!

KAT

School Monday; and one other thing!

18

ADAM

What?

KAT

No more smoking ever in my house!

ADAM

How’d you know?

KAT

I have had the feeling for a while now

that you were smoking pot. So I paid the

mover to smoke with you; and now my feelings

are proven true.

ADAM

Damn!

KAT

Now you curse in front of me.

ADAM

I am sorry dad. Am I in trouble?

KAT

You would have be, had I never smoked

pot before.

ADAM

Dad you smoked pot?

KAT

I was a kid who rebelled once upon a

time; but I never did let my pot

smoking habit control my life in

any negative way. I did it to relax

my mind.

19

ADAM

Same here dad.

KAT

No not the same. Not when you are

doing it in my home. I never smoked

in grandpa and granny’s house. I would

go out back. Adam I am not condoning

you smoking pot, but if you ever smoke

in my house, let it affect school and either

you mental and or social life, I will kill you!

Understood?

ADAM

Understood and I hear you very loud

and clear.

KAT

I do hope so.

INT. CASTER’S SHACK - NIGHT

As sweat pours from Caster’s body, he cowers nude in corner with loaded shotgun.

CASTER

It ain’t my fault, I didn’t ask these people

to come here. Why you torment me?

You got ma Bess and ma kids. Leave

me be, leave me be.

Caster fires into the ceiling.

EXT. VAN - NIGHT

Four teens PATRICK (19), MORGAN female (19), JOHN (19), and EMMA female (19) ride in van headed to vandalize Cherry Hills.

20

INT. VAN - CONTINUOUS

PATRICK

Man we are going to paint this place up.

MORGAN

City folk ain’t gonna take a liken to us

country bumpkins.

JOHN

Who gives a damn, they shouldn’t

have moved here.

EMMA

Come on let’s paint this place up.

Cherry Hills my ass.

JOHN

Then after this baby, we gone play

mommy and daddy.

EXT. WOODS - CONTINUOUS

They park Van in nearby wood. John and Emma show their affection for each other with a series of hugs and kisses.

EXT.GATE.CONTINUOUS

The four gather their spray cans.

PATRICK

Ok, we all have our cans. So let’s split

up and paint the town.

MORGAN

I am so ready to paint up the new Cherry Hills.

21

JOHN

Let’s do it!

Morgan goes off in one direction to paint.

EXT. COURTYARD – MOMENT’S LATER

Morgan paints gate in courtyard.

MORGAN

Paint, paint, paint. I love destruction

so very much. Destruction is the best

damn art form it is. (Laugh)

EXT. GATE - CONTINUOUS

Patrick spray paints front gate and front gate entrance walls.

EXT. SIDE OF HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

John and Emma have sex before they paint.

EMMA (looking at watch)

Oh baby hurry up….

JOHN

I’m cumin, I’m cumin, babeeeee….

I came! Ahh….

EMMA

Shhh be quite; you wanna get us caught?

JOHN

Come on, I’m ready to paint now.

EXT. CHERRYTREE – MOMENT’S LATER

John, Patrick, Emma, and Morgan meet up at the cherry tree in the center of Cherry Hills.

22

JOHN

Well, well, well.

PATRICK

What do we have here?

EMMA

Luscious cherries…..

MORGAN

A Christmas tree have we?

EMMA

It’s a cherry tree dummy.

MORGAN

I know It is a cherry tree, but let’s

paint the motherfucker like we gone

decorate a Christmas tree.

JOHN

Painters mount up and start painting.

They all start painting the cherry tree.

EXT. SIDE OF HOUSE – MOMENT’S LATER

Morgan paints outside of house.

MORGAN

I wish I could paint the whole wide, wide

world. I wish I could paint all things that

are white to pitch ass darkness. Yes that

would be just peachy.

Morgan hears noise from the rear of the house. Morgan goes to investigate noise.

MORGAN

Who’s back there? Emma, John, Pat?

I know I heard something. I know someone

23

MORGAN (cont’d)

is playing tricks.

Morgan sees empty spray cans propped up in a pyramid form.

MORGAN

Ok who is the wise ass, who wants to play

little games? I know it’s you Pat. I see how

you want to play. Prop up these cans and then

you give me the silent treatment; or maybe just

maybe you want to take me right here in the bushes.

Yes that would be nice. Pat baby I am going to get

Naked and lay right here for you.

Morgan disrobes; and then lay on the ground.

MORGAN

Ok, Pat where are you? You better hurry up

before I change my mind. I am going to

close my eyes now and when I open them,

I want to feel you inside me. Okkkkk…….

Morgan closes her eyes

MORGAN

Ok, my eyes are closed tight.

In a quick flash, mangled looking hand covers Morgan’s mouth. Morgan eyes widen in horror. Morgan’s head is snatched from here upper torso.

EXT. BACK OF HOUSE – MOMENT’S LATER

John and Emma have sex on lawn chair behind one of the homes.

EMMA

Who’s your mama?

JOHN

You baby.

24

EMMA

Say it again.

JOHN

You the mama, you the mama. I’m about

to cummmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

EMMA

So am Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii……..

Emma and John climax together.

Emma sees grisly figure standing over her and John. John’s head is whacked off before Emma could scream. Blood splatters into Emma’s mouth causing her to gag. Killer then pulls John’s body off of Emma and throws it aside. Killer grabs Emma by her throat and snatches out here entire skeleton through her neck.

EXT. BACK YARD – MOMENT’S LATER

Patrick creeps around corner of house looking for Morgan.

PATRICK

Morgan, Morgan. Come on Morgan I know you

are round here somewhere. Why do you always

play hard to get? Why can’t you be as easy as

Emma?

Patrick sees Morgan’s nude body on the ground. Patrick starts to disrobe.

PATRICK

Yes, this is more like it. No chase this time,

just straight to the point.

Patrick lay on top of Morgan and tries to have sex with her Morgan.

PATRICK

Pretty tight tonight aren’t we?

25

Patrick pulls for Morgan body and her head rolls off. Patrick goes into a panic, but he’s unable to scream. Patrick runs away stumbling without his cloths.

EXT. VAN - CONTINUOUS

Patrick manages to makes it to the van parked nearby. Patrick jumps into van and speeds off.

INT. VAN - CONTINUOUS

Patrick hears thump sound on van. Patrick looks all around with fright. Killer smashes entire arm through roof of van crashing into the top of Patrick’s skull. Killer snatches Patrick through the roof of van.

EXT. OAK TREE - CONTINUOUS

Van crashes into oak tree and burst into flames.

EXT. OAK TREE - MORNING

DEPUTY COLLINS (20’), SHERIFF OTIS (50’s), along with EMS examines the scene of the accident.

DEPUTY COLLINS

Look here Sheriff. Someone or something

tore right through the roof of this son-of-a-gun.

SHERIFF OTIS

I can see that deputy, but where’s the body?

INT. CHERRY HILLS - MORNING

Graffiti is spread throughout Cherry Hills.

INT. KAT’S HOME OFFICE – MOMENT’S LATER

SHERIFF OTIS

So as far as you know, on one around here

heard any strange noises or seen anything

suspicious?

26

KAT

As I stated before Sheriff, my son and I were

outside at around 11 O’clock; and we didn’t

hear and or see anything suspicious. When we

went in every thing was fine. When we awoke

this is what we opened our eyes to.

SHERIFF OTIS

Well we found a burned out van that a kid

from Cottonwood named Patrick drives.

He and a few of his friends are known

spray painters.

KAT

So go arrest them or interrogate them to

see who did all this.

SHERIFF OTIS

The reason why I am here! We found

his van, but no one was inside.

KAT

So what are you saying Sheriff?

SHERIFF OTIS

I’m saying we have some missing teens

and until they are found, Cherry Hills are

filled with suspects. Catch ma drift?

That means no one is to leave with all

confirming it through me! By the way,

you say the cherry tree wasn’t touched?

KAT

Only the cherry tree was spared.

SHERIFF OTIS

Ok, my business here is done. Have a

good day sir and you too ma’am.

27

EXT. CHERRY TREE – MOMENT’S LATER

Sheriff Otis observes cherry tree. Sheriff Otis plucks cherry from tree.

SHERIFF OTIS

Umm, umm, good.

EXT. ROAD – MOMENT’S LATER

Sheriff Otis drives back to Sheriff Station.

INT. SHERIFF CAR - CONTINUOUS

Sheriff Otis starts sweating. Sheriff Otis starts hallucinating and seeing demonic images in rearview and side mirrors.

EXT. ROAD - CONTINUOUS

Sheriff Otis dives out running car and rolls on the pavement. Car crashes in ditch. Sheriff Otis pulls out his gun and start shooting randomly into the air and into his patrol car. Sheriff Otis runs out of bullets, he then starts beating his head on the hood of his patrol car.

INT. HOSPITAL - DAY

Sheriff Otis lays in hospital bed, with his head all bandaged up. Sheriff Otis awakens with a jolt and a muffled scream. Sheriff Otis is confined to the hospital bed.

INT. HOSPITAL WAITINGROOM – EVENING

Deputy Collins and DEPUTY ARNOLD (30’s) interview the trucker HENRY (50’s) who witnessed Sheriff Otis beating his head on his patrol car.

HENRY

That’s how he was when I rounded the corner.

The Sheriff was just hitting and hitting

his head on the hood of his car. I jumped out

to help him, but when I approached him

he pulled out his gun squeezing the trigger.

Luckily he was outta bullets or I would be

28

HENRY (cont’d)

in the morgue.

Both deputies look at each other.

DEPUTY COLLINS

This ain’t like the Sheriff Otis.

DEPUTY ARNOLD

All I do know, all this happened

after he left Cherry Hills.

DEPUTY COLLINS

I think we need to pay Cherry Hills a visit.

Sheriff Otis lay in hospital bed with his eyes closed. Sheriff Otis’ eyes widen, then a pause. Blood starts coming out of Sheriff Otis’s mouth. Sheriff Otis’s is pulled through the bed.

INT. KAT’S HOME OFFICE - EVENING

Kat paces back and forth.

KAT

I simply can not fathom why someone

would want to paint up Cherry Hills!

ANNE

Just calm down honey, you do know what

Dr. Jacobs said about you blood pressure.

KAT

I know I know. I just wish I could

I could get my hands on the ones who

did this.

ANNE

That is what the Sheriff is for. Let them

handle this.

29

SUSAN

Would you like something to drink

sir?

KAT

No thanks; I may just throw the cup at

the wall. I just feel like hitting something!

ANNE

There’s no need for all this. The Sheriff said

they had an idea to who did all this and

I am sure they will catch them. So just calm

down honey. No need for this. Besides the

cleaners will be here to clean everything.

KAT

The idiots who did this should be the ones

cleaning up around here.

ANNE

Well at least they spared the cherry tree.

KAT

That is a relief to all this.

Doorbell rings

SUSAN

I’ll get it.

INT. FRONT DOOR WAY - CONTINUOUS

Susan as she answers door.

SUSAN

Who is it?

EXT. FRONT DOOR – CONTINUOUS

30

Deputy Collins stands at the other side of the door.

DEPUTY COLLINS

Deputy Collins Ma’am.

Susan opens front door. Susan and Deputy Collins make eye contact.

INT.FRONT DOOR WAY.CONTINUOUS

SUSAN

And how can I help you deputy?

DEPUTY COLLINS

Is Mr. Brooks in?

SUSAN

He is in.

DEPUTY COLLINS

Well I would like to talk to him

if that is possible.

SUSAN

That can be arranged. Come in.

INT. KAT’S HOME OFFICE – MOMENT’S LATER

Deputy Collins questions Kat talking in his office.

KAT

I have no clue to what’s going on!

DEPUTY COLLINS

The sheriff is in pretty bad condition.

KAT

I am truly sorry to hear what has

happened to the sheriff!

31

DEPUTY COLLINS

That is why I am paying you a visit. All

these strange occurrences started happening

after the Sheriff left here. I just want

some answers.

KAT

Answers to what, I have no clue as to what the

hell is going on! We here in Cherry Hills

awoke this morning to find the entire place

spray painted; and now you tell me the

Sheriff is in the hospital. I’m beat, I don’t

have any clues or ideas to any of this.

DEPUTY COLLINS

I think you may know more than what

you are telling me!

KAT

Are you insinuating that I may have had

something to do with the Sheriff’s bizarre

behavior.

DEPUTY COLLINS

No sir, I am not insinuating that you

had anything to do with all this; but

what I do know is that all these strange

occurrences started after the Sheriff

left here. Sir we have four missing teens,

and a missing sheriff. Something

strange is going on. Everything seems

to point back here to Cherry Hills. So

you tell me?

KAT

Well deputy, I wish I could be of

assistance to you but just as clueless

to all of this, I am as well. I know

nothing and to my knowledge, know one

here in Cherry Hills know or have

32

KAT (cont’d)

any clue to who did this, why is was done

and who went missing. We know

nothing here and that’s the truth

deputy.

Deputy Collins is radioed Sheriff Dispatcher TAMMY (40).

INTRA/CUT PHONE:

DISPATCER

Emmett?

DEPUTY COLLINS

Go head Tammy, what is it?

DISPATCER

You need to get to the hospital ASAP.

DEPUTY COLLINS

What is it?

DISPATCER

It’s the Sheriff. He’s gone.

DEPUTY COLLINS

Gone!

EXT. YARD – EVENING

Christy and EMILY (8) neighbors kid, plays tag in front yard. Christy chases Emily through their yard.

EXT. CHERRY TREE - CONTINUOUS

Emily hides behind the cherry tree. Christy finds Emily behind the cherry tree.

CHRISTY

My father said no one is suppose to be

playing around the cherry tree.

33

EMILY

I say your father don’t know everything.

CHRISTY

Why do you say that?

EMILY

Cause I did. Besides he’s not here now

and if I just ate one little cherry, it

wouldn’t hurt anything. Yum. (Eating cherry)

Emily pulls cherry from branch and eats it.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – MOMENT’S LATER

Deputy Collins, Kat, two other deputies, doctor and nurse stands by blood soaked bed in the Sheriff’s hospital room.

DEPUTY COLLINS

So no one saw a thing!

DEPUTY MICHEALS (20’s), Sheriff on duty at the hospital.

DEPUTY MICHEALS

I was at the front entrance since

yesterday; and trust me no one

left this hospital except for the staff.

DOCTOR BURKE (50’s), lead doctor at the hospital.

DOCTOR BURKE

The nurse and I were at the nurses’

station; and no one entered or left

this room.

34

KAT

The windows are sealed shut. No

one went out this way for sure.

Deputy Collins checks the window.

DEPUTY COLLINS

This is getting weirder by the second.

A blood soaked bed, a missing sheriff,

missing teens and no one has seen or

heard nothing! What’s wrong with this

picture?

Kat cell phone rings.

KAY

Hello. (Pause) Excuse me it is my wife.

INT. HALLY WAY - CONTINUOUS

Kat exits hospital room.

KAT

Yes dear?

INTRA/CUT PHONE

ANNE

I just wanted to let you know that

Christy will be staying the night

at the Kramer’s.

KAT

Who are the Kramer’s?

ANNE

They are our neighbors who moved

in across the street from us.

35

KAT

That should be fine. Give her a kiss

for me. Honey I want you, Susan

and Adam to be careful because

there has been some very strange

things happening around here.

INT. HALLYWAY - CONTINUOUS

Deputy Collins exits hospital room.

DEPUTY COLLINS

We have a situation here!

ANNE (VO)

What’s going on?

KAT

I’ll call you later, bye.

INT. SHERIFF’S STATION – MOMENT’S LATER

Kat and Deputy Collins sit at desk at Sheriff’s station.

DEPUTY COLLINS

Mr. Brooks I have been living around

here all my life and I have never

witnessed this many missing people or

any missing people ever. It’s like they

all just up and vanished. Just vanished!

nothing!

KAT

Deputy I have the faintest of clues

as to what is going on here. I am as

mystified as you are.

36

DEPUTY COLLINS

Everything was fine until the day we

received word you folk were planning

on building over there.

KAT

I take it none of the town people here

was happy about us building Cherry

Hills?

DEPUTY COLLINS

No one here did!

KAT

Why is that? Cherry Hills has brought

more revenue to your town and jobs.

Why wouldn’t someone want that kind

of change? Cherry Hills is the future.

DEPUTY COLLINS

The future, the future, if you ask me I think

you have stirred up something now, that

the future can’t explain. Cause I sure as

hell can’t. Can you Mr. Brooks? Don’t

answer that, cause you can’t. If you could

we would know where all the missing are.

I ask myself is the old saying true about

what they say about that place. “Never go

to the place you don’t know cause if

you eat, death will be at your feet”.

INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT

Kat and Anne lay in bed.

ANNE

I am sure everything is going to

be fine.

37

KAT

I sure do hope so! Where’s Adam?

INT. TRUCK – NIGHT

Adam ride around drinking and smoking pot with new found friends Tommy, TIM (19), AMY (19), PAMELA (19), and KATIE (19).

TOMMY

Adam don’t be mad dude. Your dad paid

me man. Everybody here knows I’m no

rat, but for a $1000, I couldn’t turn that

down. (Laugh)

ADAM

It’s cool. My dad didn’t flip out on me.

Actually he already knew I was smoking

pot.

KATIE

I wish my dad were cool like that. If

he knew I smoked pot, he would kill

me.

TIM

Who wouldn’t your dad kill? He is El loco.

KATIE

Fuck you Tim!

TIM

Do I sense a lil hostility?

AMY

Tim leave Katie alone.

TIM

I was just kidding. Sorry.

38

KATIE

Still fuck you Tim!

PAMELA

Slow down. We’re here.

ADAM

What is this place?

INT. VAN – CONTINUOUS

Adam, Katie, Pamela, Tim, Tommy, and Amy exit the van.

TOMMY

Woo it’s scary out here tonight!

PAMELA

Nobody’s as scary as you are Tommy.

The five of them unpack there goods and head off down trail in the woods.

INT. BED ROOM – NIGHT

JAMES BIVS (50) and his wife BEV (50) argue over their finances.

JAMES

Well Bev if you don’t like how I

spend our money, to bad!

BEV

James I was just saying we did not

have to purchase this house and you

just filed for bankruptcy.

JAMES

I never complained when you went on

all those expensive shopping sprees; or

the weekend trips to the islands!

39

JAMES (cont’d)

Now it is a problem I brought this

house!

BEV

I just feel we should have waited

until we heard back from the lawyers.

JAMES

It is my money and it has always been

my money; so I can spend it the way I

see fit! Buying the house did not place

me in bankruptcy court, you did!

BEV

How could you say that?

JAMES

I am not going to argue with you any

longer. I need to get some fresh air

and a drink.

James storms out of the bed room and down the stairs to the kitchen. James retrieves bottle of vodka from pantry.

INT. KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS

James cuddles his bottle of vodka.

JAMES

You have never let me down.

James exits his home.

INT. BAR – NIGHT

As the bar hoppers dance away, Deputy Collins and Deputy Arnold have a few drinks.

40

DEPUTY COLLINS

Tell you the truth Arnie, I needed

this drink. With all this weird shit

going on, a man would think he’s

crazy to have missing people to

simply drop off the face of the earth

right in front of your eyes.

DEPUTY ARNOLD

I’m gonna get as drunk as ole Charley

over there; and just maybe this nightmare

will be over.

DEPUTY COLLINS

I wish all this was just a nightmare.

INT. MS. JANICE’S KITCHEN – NIGHT

MS. JANICE (60) feeds her cat Paws cherry pie.

MS. JANICE

Here you go Paws. Mommy made

you some sweet delicious cherry pie.

You are going to love cherry pie. It’s

better than apple pie. Here eat up, I

made it just for you.

Ms. Janice then places some pie in small bowl for Paws. Ms. Janice turns off the lights and head upstairs to her room.

INT. BED ROOM – CONTINUOUS

Ms. Janice sings Oldie Goldie, as she sits in front of mirror to take off her make-up.

INT. KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS

41

Paws licks bowl clean of all the cherry pie. Pantry door opens and Paws goes to explore. Killer stumps Paws head in flat, as Paws peeks into the pantry.

INT. BED ROOM – CONTINUOUS

Paws’ moan of terror alarms Ms. Janice.

MS. JANICE

Paws was that you honey?

Ms. Janice exits her room and walks down the stairs.

INT. STAIRS – CONTINUOUS

MS. JANICE

Mommy is on her way. I know you

want some more of that delicious

cherry pie.

Killer pulls Ms. Janice through the stairs. A piece of wood from the stairs lungs into Ms. Janice’s throat. Blood splatters everywhere.

EXT. CHERRY TREE – MOMENT’S LATER

In drunken stupor, James pours vodka all over the cherry tree.

JAMES

You nothing but a tree! Trees don’t

have no feelings! All you trees do it

sit still day in and day out! Try being

married; no try running a business! Yeah

I would love to see a tree running a big

corporation. Everyone in the world

would just laugh at you. Then again

you may not go bankrupt.

James trips to the ground.

42

JAMES

God dammit. I can’t even stand

on my feet as a man!

Killer grabs James by one of his legs. James looks on in terror. Killer swings James by one of his legs into concrete beam near the cherry tree. James’ head explodes.

EXT. OLD MANSION – NIGHT

Adam, Tommy, Tim, Katie, Pamela, and Amy finally arrive at old Mansion tucked deep off in the dark forest.

TOMMY AND TIM

This is safe haven.

ADAM

Safe haven…What is this place?

TOMMY

This is where we come to get fucked

up without any hassles from the Sheriff.

PAMELA

And we can get freaky here for all you

freaky folks. Opps, someone here is a vir

excuse me gin.

KATIE

Fuck you Pamela and double fuck you

Timothy if you have anything to say.

TIM

I am outta that.

ADAM

I think it is ok to be a virgin.

43

TOMMY

Are you buddy?

ADAM

I think I will plea the fifth on that.

TIM

Enough of all the small chit chat, let’s

party.

Tim starts dancing with Pamela.

TOMMY

It’s every man and women for

yaselves.

EXT. FRONT DOOR MANSION – CONTINUOUS

They all enter the mansion.

AMY

Find a room and let the party began.

INT. OLD MANSION – CONTINUOUS

The inside of the old mansion is decked out with some of the finest furnishings.

ADAM

Man I never expected it to look

like this in here. You guys have

everything in here.

AMY

Thanks to Tommy’s sticky fingers.

We have everything.

44

TOMMY

And not to mention with your help

baby. Anyway here I want everybody

to try some of this.

TIM

What’s this?

PAMELA

Yeah, what is it?

TIM

Just some homemade alcohol I made

from some of the cherries. Man I tell

you this the best shit I ever drank.

AMY

Let me taste.

PAMELA

How is it?

AMY

Umm, it’s pretty good. Give me some

more.

TIM

Let a real man taste this. (PAUSE) Damn

man it is good.

TOMMY

I told you. Do you want any Amy?

AMY

I do. Do you Adam?

45

ADAM

No I’m fine, just pot for me tonight.

Tommy, Tim, Pamela, Amy, and Katie drink all the cherry concoction. Tommy turns on music. As they drink the concoction they all dance and sing. Adam finds a spot in the room and lights up a joint.

ADAM

So how it is?

KATIE

It’s just great. Can I have some

more?

ADAM

Don’t you think you have had

enough already?

KATIE

Maybe you’re right. I do feel a bit

light headed.

ADAM

Why don’t we get out of here and

take a walk. Maybe that will help

clear up your head.

KATIE

The only way I will go with you,

is if you promise to protect me.

ADAM

Madame I promise to protect you

from any of the monsters of the night.

Adam and Katie walks to the front door.

46

TOMMY

Where are you two going?

ADAM

Just to get some fresh air.

TIM

Get all the air that you need, the

party is in here.

KATIE

Come on.

Adam and Katie exit the old mansion.

EXT. FRONT YARD OLD MANSION – CONTINUOUS

ADAM

Which way do you want to go?

KATIE

Come on let’s go this way.

Katie pulls Adam by his hand and they head off into the darkness of the woods/forest.

INT. POLICE CAR – MOMENT’S LATER

Deputy Arnold swerves across the highway drunk. Deer leaps in front of Deputy Arnold’s patrol car. Deputy Arnold strikes the dear, thus wrecking his car into a ditch.

EXT. DITCH – CONTINUOUS

Deputy Arnold jumps out of his wrecked patrol car cussing.

DEPUTY ARNOLD

Got damn you deer! Out of all

the nights you want to jump your

47

DEPUTY ARNOLD (cont’d)

ass right on ma hood.

Deputy Arnold pulls deer carcass out of his windshield.

DEPUTY ARNOLD

You just done fucked up ma

entire night. I got to get

some one out here to give me

a ride back to the station.

INT. PATROL CAR - CONTINUOUS

Deputy Arnold enters his patrol car to call for help. Deputy Arnold dispatches Tammy at the Sheriff’s station.

DEPUTY ARNOLD

Tammy are you there? Got damn,

where are you Tammy?

INT. SHERIFF STATION – CONTINUOUS

Tammy exits the bathroom with cherry pie in hand to answer the Sheriff’s radio.

TAMMY

I’m here Arnie, just cool your

horses. What’s the matter?

INT. PATROL CAR – CONTINUOUS

DEPUTY ARNOLD

I done hit a damn deer and I need

for someone to come out here on

State Rd. 666 and pick me up.

48

INT. SHERIFF STATION – CONTINUOUS

TAMMY

There’s not a sole here. Everyone’s

out looking for those missing kids.

INT. PATROL CAR - CONTINUOUS

DEPUTY ARNOLD

Well I need someone out here fast!

INT. SHERIFF STSTION - CONTINUOUS

TAMMY

I will get someone to you as

soon as a deputy is available.

INT. PATROL CAR - CONTINUOUS

DEPUTY ARNOLD

What were you doing anyhow?

INT. SHERIFF STATION - CONTINUOUS

TAMMY

Eating some of this delicious

cherry pie, Ms. Janice brought

up here to me.

INT. PATROL CAR - CONTINUOUS

DEPUTY ARNOLD

You always stuffing your mouth

with something.

Deputy Arnold turns off his radio and hits the steering wheel of his wrecked patrol car. Deputy Arnold exits the car.

49

EXT. PATROL CAR – CONTINUOUS

Deputy Arnold kicks patrol car tire.

DEPUTY ARNOLD

Damn you deer. I might as well

walk to the station.

INT. SHERIFF STATION – MOMENT’S LATER

Tammy sits at the dispatcher’s desk eating some of the cherry pie and painting her finger nails. Broom falls from hallway closet. Tammy creeps down the dimly lit hallway to investigate the noise.

TAMMY

Is there anyone in here? Deputy

Collins, Roger. I know I heard

a noise. Who’s trying to scare me?

Come out, come out wherever

you are. Ms. Tammy will find you.

Tammy notices broom on the floor and closet door ajar.

TAMMY

Ole broom. You were the cause

of all this commotion? Let me

put you back in here where you

belong.

Tammy bends down and picks up the broom. Tammy then places the broom in the closet and closes the closet door. When Tammy turns around, killer grabs her by her throat and rams her head through the ceiling. Tammy’s body hangs from the ceiling, as blood drips to the floor. Tammy’s body jolts.

50

EXT. WOODS – MOMENT’S LATER

KATIE

So why did you want to walk?

ADAM

Well I am a man of values and I respect

women who have values for themselves; and

with you being a virgin and me being a virgin

I just thought it would be manlier like

or should I say gentlemen like to want to get to

know more about you, than just trying to score

with you.

KATIE

The world needs more men like you Adam. I

really do admire the fact that you aren’t just

out to sex me. (Saying it drunkenly)

ADAM

Sounds like Tommy’s homemade alcohol is

taking affect on you.

KATIE

I am so, so woozy.

EXT. SHERIFF STATION – MOMENT’S LATER

Deputy Arnold is dropped off in front of the Sheriff’s Station, after getting a ride from SKIP (30).

DEPUTY ARNOLD

Thank you Skip, I don’t know

what I would have done had you

not come along when you did.

SKIP

No problemo Arnie. Anytime.

51

Deputy Arnold closes the truck door; and walks to the front doors of the Sheriff Station.

INT. SHERIFF STATION – CONTINUOUS

Deputy enters Sheriff Station. Deputy Arnold calls out to Tammy.

DEPUTY ARNOLD

Tammy where are you? Anyone in

here? I know that girl better be around

here somewhere.

Deputy Arnold nears dispatcher’s desk. Deputy Arnold notices slice of cherry pie on the desk.

DEPUTY ARNOLD

I see she left me some pie.

Deputy Arnold eats some of the pie.

DEPUTY ARNOLD

Umm, umm good. This is some

delicious pie. But where is that girl?

She has to be around here somewhere.

She’s never to far away from her food.

Tammy you in here?

Deputy Arnold walks down dimly lit hallway. Deputy Arnold slips on pool of blood on the floor.

DEPUTY ARNOLD

What the fuck?

Deputy Arnold realizes he has fallen into some blood. Deputy Arnold slips through blob and manages to get to his feet. Deputy Arnold pulls out his gun.

DEPUTY ARNOLD

Ok, whoever the fuck is in here you

need to show yourself! I will shoot!

52

Deputy Arnold creeps throughout Sheriff Station seeking Tammy and the source of the blood. Deputy Arnold checks entire building but no sign of Tammy.

INT. DESK SHERIFF STATION - CONTINUOUS

Deputy Arnold sits down at desk. Deputy Arnold lays his gun in the desk and rubs his head.

DEPUTY ARNOLD

This is some weird shit going on

here. Tammy has never been away

from the radio. I need to let Deputy

Collins know about this.

Deputy Arnold reaches for the Sheriff radio. At that very moment, killer picks up Deputy Arnold’s gun and rams through Deputy Arnold’s mouth exiting the back of his neck.

EXT. KAT’S FRONT PORCH – MOMENT’S LATER

Deputy Collins sits on front porch of the Brooks. Susan brings Deputy Collins some coffee.

SUSAN

Here you go. I know you would

love some coffee!

DEPUTY COLLINS

Thank you ma’am.

SUSAN

Thank you ma’am, is pretty

much all I have heard you say.

Are you always this polite to

women or is it just a country

way?

53

DEPUTY COLLINS

Tell you the truth; it’s a bit of both.

Sure you know my good ole southern

upbringing is part; and my mama

always and still do tell me to treat

women with kindness. Something I

see myself doing for a good long

time.

SUSAN

Well I find it to be most charming; makes

me see there’s still chivalry in men.

DEPUTY COLLINS

So what brings you here? I see women like

you in those big city magazines.

SUSAN

Mr. Brooks is my boss; he pays me good

money, and despite me being a city girl, I

just love the country. That is what brought

me here.

DEPUTY COLLINS

I still say you should be modeling

somewhere or in somebody’s magazine.

SUSAN

I did want to model once upon a time. I tried

it, didn’t like it. To model you have to stay

slim and I just love to eat. So, here we

are.

DEPUTY COLLINS

Husband?

54

SUSAN

You’re funny. No husband, but I was

engaged as of two months ago.

DEPUTY COLLINS

What happened, if you don’t mind

me asking?

SUSAN

I don’t mind. My fiancé was killed

in a sky diving accident.

DEPUTY COLLINS

I am very sorry to hear that ma’am!

SUSAN

It’s fine. I’m over it.

INT. EMILY’S ROOM – MOMENT’S LATER

Emily and Christy play hide-n-seek in Emily’s bedroom.

CHRISTY

Ok, you go hide this time and I

will count to ten.

INT. OLD MANSION – MOMENT’S LATER

Timothy and Amy sit in the corner of room in the old mansion doing mushrooms.

Voice over of Christy counting to ten during this scene.

55

AMY

My god either these mushrooms or

that damn cherry liquor got me

seeing doubles and triples and fours. (Slurring)

TIM

Trust meeeeeee, it’s the cherriesssss….

AMY

Hey look at that ugly man! (Slurring with a giggle)

JEREMIAH TROTTER (killer) takes axe and chops Tim in the center of his head and slices his body down to his waist. First time killers face will be shown.

Amy so terrified with horror and stoned can, not even scream. Amy tries to crawl away; Jeremiah Trotter (killer) grabs Amy by the back of her hair and pulls it from her scalp. Jeremiah Trotter (killer) holds up bloody scalp. Amy screams startles Tommy and Pamela in the other room.

INT. ROOM IN OLD MANSION

Tommy and Pamela in adjunct room in the old mansion turn down the blasting music.

TOMMY

Did you hear that?

PAMELA

Sounded like a scream!

TOMMY

Let’s go check it out!

INT. HALLWAY OLD MANSION - CONTINUOUS

Tommy and Pamela creeps out of the room to find the source of the screams.

56

TOMMY

Tim…..

PAMELA

Amy….

TOMMY

Where are you guys?

INT. LIVING ROOM OLD MANSION- CONTINUOUS

Tommy and Pamela enter the living room. They see the carnage in the living room and Jeremiah Trotter (killer) lapping up the blood from Amy’s scalp.

TOMMY

What the fuck is that?

PAMELA

My god!!!!!

Tommy picks up 2X4 and rushes Jeremiah Trotter (killer). Tommy swings 2x4 and Jeremiah Trotter (killer) catches 2x4 and snatches Tommy’s entire arm from the socket. Blood squirts out everywhere. Tommy falls back screaming. Jeremiah Trotter (killer) takes the 2x4 with arm still attached and jams it down in Tommy’s mouth, piercing wooden floor. Pamela tries to make a run for the front door; Jeremiah Trotter (killer) turns around and with one swift swing of the axe, cuts Pamela down to her ankles. Pamela falls in the doorway.

EXT. FRONT DOOR OLD MANSION - CONTINUOUS

Jeremiah Trotter (killer) pulls Pamela back inside the old mansion. Pamela claws at the wood on the front porch as she is pulled back inside, leaving claw marks in the wood.

57

EXT. WOODS – MOMENT’S LATER

Adam and Katie run back to old mansion from the woods, after hearing the screams.

EXT. FRONT DOOR OLD MANSION - CONTINUOUS

They both stop at the front door and stares at Pamela’s bloody feet still in her shoes.

ADAM

I’m not going in there! No way!

KATIE

Why not?

ADAM

You heard the screams and look there!

I’m not going in there. Let’s go get the

cops!

KATIE

But what about our friends?

ADAM

Don’t you watch scary movies?

Let’s just get out of here.

Adam grabs Katie’s hand and they start running away.

EXT. PATH - CONTINUOUS

Adam and Katie run down path. Jeremiah Trotter (killer) emerges from the darkness, chops off Katie’s hand and disappears into the woods with her body. Adam falls to the ground, not knowing Katie is no longer running with him.

ADAM

Katie?

58

Adam looks down at Katie’s bloody hand. Adam throws hand to the ground and yells out to Katie.

ADAM

Katie!!!!!!!!!!

Adam runs off.

INT. EMILY’S ROOM – MOMENT’S LATER

Christy searches for Emily who has hidden from her. Christy looks under bed, behind the curtains, and then in the closet.

INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

Christy exits room and looks in hallway closet. No Emily.

INT. BATHROOM - CONTINUOUS

Christy then enters bathroom. Christy looks behind door. No Emily. Christy looks behind shower curtains. No Emily. Christy creeps up on big cloths hamper/basket. Christy eases up the top of the hamper/basket.

CHRISTY

I found you.

Emily eyes widen. Jeremiah Trotter (killer) snatches Emily out of the hamper/basket. Christy turns to see who snatched Emily out of the hamper/basket. Christy and Jeremiah Trotter (killer) makes eye contact. Jeremiah Trotter (killer) snaps Emily’s neck.

INT. KAT’S LIVING ROOM – MOMENT’S LATER

Kat, Susan, Anne, Deputy Collins, and Emily’s parents listen to Christy as she tells of what happened to Emily. Christy is visibly shaken.

59

ANNE

All she keeps repeating is that man.

EMILY’S MOTHER (40’s) speaks.

EMILY’S MOTHER

She was in a total state of shock. She was just

sitting there on the floor just trembling.

KAT

Honey what happened over there, where

is Emily? Talk to me baby. Daddy is here

now. Everything is ok.

CHRISTY

The man took her. (Christy bursts out into tears)

DEPUTY COLLINS

It’s obvious something is going on around here.

EMILY’S DAD (40’s) speaks.

EMILY’S DAD

I was down stairs and I didn’t hear anyone

enter or leave the house.

DEPUTY COLLINS

Exactly, no one have seen or heard anything

when all these strange things have taken place!

We have to find this little girl!

INT. FRONT DOOR - CONTINUOUS

Adam runs into the house and collapses on floor from exhaustion.

60

KAY

Adam what is it?

ADAM

Dad I think something bad has

happened to Tommy and the rest

the rest of them at the old mansion

in the woods

DEPUTY COLLINS

That’s private property. No one is suppose

to be messin around up there. What were

you kids doing up there?

ADAM

We only went up there to get away from

things; and something bad has happened

up there.

DEPUTY COLLINS

Ok, that’s it I have heard enough. I know

what I’m going to do!

EXT. YARD – MOMENT’S LATER

Deputy Collins delegates duties to the other deputies.

DEPUTY COLLINS

Michaels you and Dave stay here. Dave

keep an eye at the front entrance. Don’t

let a sole leave or come in here. If they do

shot’um! Michaels I want you to stay here,

I think all these strange things has

something to do with this family.

61

KAT

Deputy I am quite sure, you do not

really feel all these strange occurrences

has anything to do with my family?

DEPUTY COLLINS

Right about now, I don’t know what

to think or believe. I do know that

something bad is going on around

here; and a lot of it has started with

this house. I also do know I am going

to get to the bottom of it all. I’m going

back to the old mansion with the kid to see

what’s going on up there. So the rest

of you just say put.

KAT

If I am not going, my son isn’t

going either!

DEPUTY COLLINS

Mr. Brooks, I know you want to be of

service, but I need you here with your

family.

KAT

My son is part of my family; and he’s not

going if I’m not going! So what is it

going to be deputy? Time is wasting.

INT. OLD MANSION – MOMENT’S LATER

Kat, Deputy Collins, and Adam search for clues inside old mansion.

62

ADAM

Dad I’m telling the truth. There

were a pair of bloody shoes with

the feet still in them, right here! I

know what I saw!!

EXT. WOOD’S – MOMENT’S LATER

Kat, Deputy Collins, and Adam searches for clues in the woods.

ADAM

We were running, I fell here and

I had Katie’s hand when I fell.

That’s all I had, but no body!

DEPUTY COLLINS

What did you do with the hand?

ADAM

I throw it over there.

Deputy Collins searches the area. Deputy Collins does not find Katie’s hand or any signs of blood.

DEPUTY COLLINS

Are you sure all this really did happen?

ADAM

Yes I am sure. I know what I saw and

I know what I heard and I ain’t crazy!

KAT

Adam have you been smoking again?

ADAM

We all were smoking, but it

happened dad, I honestly telling you

and the deputy the damn truth.

63

Kat eyes widen.

KAT

The old man!

DEPUTY COLLINS

What old man?

KAT

The old man who lives in the old

cabin near Cherry Hills.

DEPUTY COLLINS

Who, old man Caster?

EXT. KAT’S FRONT DOOR – MOMENT’S LATER

Anne gives DEPUTY DAVE (30’s) slice of cherry pie she just prepared.

EXT. ENTRANCE GATE – CONTINUOUS

Anne gives Deputy Michaels piece of cherry pie.

ANNE

Here’s a piece of cherry pie I just

made.

DEPUTY MICHAELS

No thank you ma’am.

ANNE

It is quite delicious.

DEPUTY MICHAELS

I would ma’am, but I don’t

think my dentist would like

to hear I’ve been eating sweets.

I got to have some oral surgery

64

DEPUTY MICHAELS (cont’d)

done bright and early tomorrow

morning.

ANNE

I am sorry to hear that cause this

is some delicious pie. Take

care of your mouth and I am going

to leave the pie here, just in case

you get the urge to try it.

EXT. WOODS - CONTINUOUS

Kat, Adam, and Deputy Collins walk through the woods heading to Old Man Caster’s place.

EXT. OLD MAN CASTER’S SHACK – MOMENT’S LATER

Deputy Collins knocks on Old Man Caster’s front door.

DEPUTY COLLINS (knocking)

Mr. Caster, Mr. Caster its Deputy Collins

Mrs. Lue’s son.

Door opens slowly. Kat, Adam, and Deputy Collins look at each other. They all enter Old Man Caster’s home slowly.

INT. CASTER’S SHACK – CONTINUOUS

Old Man Caster sits in chair facing wall.

OLD MAN CASTER

It’s happening, you should

have never built over there!

INT. CASTER’S SHACK – MOMENT’S LATER

65

Old man Caster tells Kat, Deputy Collins, and Adam the story of ELENORA CHERRY (dead owner of the old mansion in the woods) and the curse she put on Jeremiah Trotter.

OLD MAN CASTER

As the story goes; old lady Elenora

Cherry lived in that old mansion in

the woods by her lonesome. The tale

has it that she was an evil gypsy, others

say she was the daughter of the devil himself.

OLD MAN CASTER (vo)

My grandmother told me no one

would ever go near that place because

of the evil spirits said to roam there.

It was said to have started with

Jeremiah Trotter, who would sneak onto

her property stealing her cherries. Until the

day she caught him red handed.

FLASHBACK:

EXT. FOREST - DAY

Caption on screen reads circa central Florida 1840. JEREMIAH TROTTER creeps through forest and into Miss Cherry’s yard.

EXT. ELENORA CHERRY’S YARD - CONTINUOUS

Jeremiah steals cherries from Elenora Cherry’s cherry tree.

EXT. YARD - CONTINUOUS

Miss Cherry creeps up on Jeremiah stealing her cherries. Jeremiah is startled by Miss Cherry.

EXT. CHERRYTREE - CONTINUOUS

66

ELENORA CHERRY

Damn you, you ratchet beast. I curse

you, to hell with you.

Miss Cherry cast’s spell, throws dust on sword, and drives it through Jeremiah’s heart pining him to the cherry tree. Jeremiah screams old in agony.

INT. OLD MAN CASTER’S HOME - CONTINUOUS

Old man Caster gets up from his chair

OLD MAN CASTER

It is said; Jeremiah’s soul lives in that

damn cherry tree. Watching over it for

that evil witch gypsy. Killing whoever

eats the cherries from it’s branches. Now

you have built your homes around the tree!

The evil is unleashed!

KAT

I don’t believe this entire cherry tree

nonsense.

ADAM

Dad believe him, please dad. Something

fuckin strange is happening around here.

OLD MAN CASTER

You don’t have to believe me, but she

will send him back to get your little

girl.

KAT

I don’t believe this shit at all. Christy has

done nothing, she never touched any

of the cherries.

67

OLD MAN CASTER

You are right, but she saw his face. He

will come back for her. That witch will

send him.

KAT

We have to get back to my place.

INT. PATROL CAR – MOMENT’S LATER

Deputy Michaels sits in patrol car at the entrance gate to Cherry Hills eating cherry pie.

DEPUTY MICHAELS

Umm, umm good. These city folk can

cook.

Deputy drops piece of pie in his lap.

DEPUTY MICHAELS

God dammit! I just got this uniform

out of the cleaners.

Deputy picks up piece of pie from his lap with fork. As Deputy raises fork to put piece of pie in his mouth, Deputy notices in rearview mirror strange figure sitting in the back seat of the patrol car. Jeremiah smashes deputy in the back of his skull with such force; his fist exits deputy’s mouth, with fork stuck in Jeremiah’s knuckles.

INT. CHRISTY’S ROOM – MOMENT’S LATER

Christy lay in bed asleep.

INT. STUDY (KAT’S HOME) - CONTINUOUS

Deputy Dave, Susan, and Anne sit in the study drinking tea and eating cherry pie.

DEPUTY DAVE

Michaels come in Michaels. Michaels you

there?

68

ANNE

What is wrong?

DEPUTY DAVE

I don’t really know, just Michaels the

other deputy isn’t answering his

radio. I think I need to go check

on him. He is known to go to sleep

on duty.

ANNE (Laugh)

At least someone can fall asleep

around here.

INT. DOORWAY - CONTINUOUS

Deputy Dave walks to front door. Dave turns back to where Anne and Susan are standing.

DEPUTY DAVE

Do not open this door to anyone

unless it’s Deputy Collins or me.

ANNE

We got you!

Deputy Dave opens front door and standing in front of deputy, is Jeremiah Trotter. Deputy reaches for his gun. Jeremiah stabs deputy with pitch fork. Spikes exit deputy’s back. Jeremiah then raises the pitchfork with deputy’s body still on other end; and sticks it into the ceiling.

INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

Anne and Susan both are startled with shock. Susan screams. Anne takes off running for the stairs to get Christy; and Susan makes a run for the back door through the kitchen.

INT. KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS

As Susan tries to open the back door, Jeremiah pulls Susan by her hair pulling hair and skin away from her scalp. Susan screams in pain.

69

INT. CHRISTY’S ROOM – MOMENT’S LATER

Anne and Christy hide under bed in terror. Both Anne and Christy tremble with fear. Jeremiah enters the bedroom looking for Anne and Christy. Jeremiah walks around the room searching, but never under the bed. Anne and Christy lose sight of Jeremiah. Bedroom door closes. Anne thinks Jeremiah has left the room.

INT.UNDER THE BED.CONTINUOUS

ANNE

Baby, stay here and do not make a

sound.

CHRISTY

Mom don’t go!

ANNE

Trust me I will be ok.

Anne crawls from under the bed. Standing on top of the bed, Jeremiah stabs Anne in the back of her neck with pitchfork pinning Anne to the floor. Christy screams. Jeremiah pulls Christy from under the bed.

INT. KAT’S HOME – MOMENT’S LATER

Kat, Deputy Collins, Old Man Caster, and Adam enter Kat’s house. Kat calls out to Anne, Susan, and Christy. Kat, Adam, and the deputy search downstairs for Anne, Christy, and Susan.

INT. BEDROOM – MOMENT’S LATER

KAT

Oh my god. What has happened

here?

Deputy Collins calls out to Kat from downstairs.

INT. KITCHEN – MOMENT’S LATER

70

Kat runs into the kitchen and Deputy Collins points to blood on the floor; and Old Man Caster points to cherry pie which Anne baked.

KAT

Oh my God!

INT. LIVING ROOM – MOMENT’S LATER

KAT

Old man, what do I have to do? I want

my family back!

OLD MAN CASTER

Sir if your family ate any of that cherry

pie, there is no getting them back.

ADAM

Dad Christy was asleep when mom

baked the pies. Maybe she is still

alive.

KAT

You’re right son, but we have to

have hope they all are ok! Old man

what do I have to do to get my

family back?

OLD MAN CASTER

You have to cut that cherry tree out

there at it’s root.

DEPUTY COLLINS

So why don’t we just go out there

and cut it now?

ADAM

Yeah, we should have been cut the

damn thing down!

71

OLD MAN CASTER

It’s not that simple. You have to cut

the tree’s roots from within it’s

core.

KAT, ADAM, & DEPUTY COLLINS

Meaning?

OLD MAN CASTER

Meaning, you will have to go inside the

cherry tree to reach it’s roots. By cutting the

tree’s roots from the inside, you will also

kill the soul of Jeremiah Trotter; and you

will get you daughter back, if she’s alive.

DEPUTY COLLINS

This is getting weirder by the second.

KAT

And how are we suppose to do this?

INT. SHERIFF’S STATION – MOMENT’S LATER

Kat, Old Man Caster, Deputy Collins, and Adam gear up with supplies to enter cherry tree.

EXT. CHERRY TREE – MOMENT’S LATER

Old Man Caster cuts the top of the cherry tree. Blood squirts out of tree with each cut. Blood splatters in the faces of Kat, Adam, and Deputy Collins.

ADAM

Damn all this blood!

DEPUTY COLLINS

You can say that again!

KAT

Where is all this blood coming from?

72

OLD MAN CASTER

From all the souls of the ones who were

butchered by that evil witch. Here look,

I hope you believe me now.

Old Man Caster cuts out an opening in the top of the cherry tree, exposing stairwell leading down inside the cherry tree.

EXT. TOP OF CHERRY TREE - CONTINUOUS

KAT

Let’s go in.

ADAM

Dad are you sure? It looks pretty

creepy down there.

KAT

Yes I am sure; and you are staying put.

ADAM

But dad I wanna help.

KAT

You are helping, by staying here. Your

mother, Susan, and Christy are missing. I

do not want anything to happen to you,

if something happens to me down there.

ADAM

But dad……

KAT

No buts, it is final. You’re staying put.

Kat looks at Old Man Caster.

KAT

Let’s go.

73

INT. CHERRY TREE – CONTINUOUS

Old Man Caster, Kat, and Deputy Collins enter stairwell leading down inside the cherry tree.

EXT. CHERRY TREE - CONTINUOUS

Adam remains outside the cherry tree with an axe.

INT. CHERRY TREE - CONTINUOUS

Old Man Caster, Kat, and Deputy Collins ascend deeper into the cherry tree. The further they go, they hotter it gets. All three are sweating profusely. Finally they come to the end of the stairwell and walk into a room filled with old coffins. Deputy Collins opens some of the coffins.

DEPUTY COLLINS

This is so unreal. Where did all these

coffins come from? Who are these

people?

OLD MAN CASTER

This is that witch’s hell. The souls

of the people she has killed for

years.

They find the bodies of the missing spray painters, Adam’s friends, Susan, Anne, the Sheriff, the 2 deputies, Emily, the body of Caster friend Jimmie and Caster’s two kids. Kat screams out in anger and hurt. Old Man Caster cries at the foot of the coffins containing his two kids. The bodies are in various forms of decomposition; from skeletal to rotting corpses.

KAT

My god, this place just can’t be real.

What the is this place? Who would

do such horror?

74

OLD MAN CASTER (Sobbing)

All my life I prayed you would come back

to me, but not like this. (Looking up, screaming)

Lord, they didn’t hurt nobody, they didn’t

deserve to die like this. Whyyyyy….(sobbing)

Kat and Deputy Collins console Old Man Caster.

KAT

Come on old man. We all have lost

someone we love. We have to be

strong.

DEPUTY COLLINS

We’ve come this far, and I be damn

if we don’t get the son of a bitch who’s

behind this.

KAT

We have looked in every coffin and I

haven’t found my daughter.

DEPUTY COLLINS

Which means?

OLD MAN CASTER

Which means she is still alive.

KAT

But where; there are no more doors.

DEPUTY COLLINS

The only exit is the one we came down.

OLD MAN CASTER

We have to go back to each coffin and find

the two with stairs.

75

DEPUTY COLLINS

Not again.

Kat, Deputy Collins, and Old Man Caster look in the coffins for the two stairways. Deputy Collins finds a flight of stairs in the coffin containing Sheriff Otis’ body.

DEPUTY COLLINS

Here, I found some stairs.

Kat finds flight of stairs in the coffin containing Jimmie.

KAT

Over here, I found the other stairs.

They all stand over the first coffins with stairs.

OLD MAN CASTER

The time has come for us to either

stop this evil or perish down here

soulless. One of these stairways lead

to the heart of the cherry tree were

the roots are; and the other mister

will lead you to him and your daughter.

I’m going down here and you two

take the other stairs.

KAT

What’s so significant about you taking

these stairs?

OLD MAN CASTER

Because I can smell the roots of

the devil down there; and I am going

to cut the heart out of this damn

tree for my Sara Jane and Henry Elisha.

Trust me; your daughter is down there

and he is down there. If you want your

daughter back alive, you have to trust me!

God bless us all!!!!!

76

Old Man Caster climbs into coffin and ascends down stairs.

Kat and Deputy Collins climb into other coffin and ascend down the stairs.

INT. CHERRY TREE – MOMENT’S LATER

KAT

I hope that old man know what he’s

talking about.

DEPUTY COLLINS

If he doesn’t, I hope these bullets

do!

EXT. CHERRY TREE – MOMENT’S LATER

Adam paces back and forth outside the cherry tree.

ADAM

Fuck this!

Adam grabs axe and enters cherry tree

ADAM

Here goes everything!

INT. CHERRY TREE - CONTINUOUS

Adam ascends down into the cherry tree.

INT. COFFIN ROOM – MOMENT’S LATER

Adam stands at open coffins with stairs; choosing which coffin to enter.

ADAM

Ennie, meanie, mynie, mo, which

coffin door. Damn it, might as well

take this one.

77

Adam climbs inside the coffin which Old Man caster entered.

INT. DEEPER INTO CHERRY TREE – MOMENT’S LATER

Kat and Deputy Collins continue their decent down stairs. They come to the end of the stairway and enter into gigantic eerie looking room. They scan room. Kat sees Christy tied up to the wall across the room.

INT. DEEPER INTO THE CHERRY TREE - CONTINUOUS

Old Man Caster finds the roots of the cherry tree.

OLD MAN CASTER

Finally, the end has come for you,

you evil bastard.

INT. DEEPER INSIDE THE CHERRY TREE - CONTINUOUS

Kat and Deputy Collins run to aide Christy. Kat starts to untie Christy. Christy’s eyes widen and she screams. Kat and Deputy Collins turn; and towering behind them, stands Jeremiah Trotter.

DEPUTY COLLINS (Raising shotgun)

Damn you is ugly.

Deputy Collins pulls shotgun trigger pumping round after round into Jeremiah’s body. Jeremiah keeps coming, only stopping momentarily after each shotgun shell hits him. Jeremiah picks up old sword and stabs Deputy Collins in the chest raising him into the air. Deputy Collins dangles from the sword. Jeremiah throws the deputy clear across the room. Jeremiah then turns his attention to Kat and Christy. Kat quickly picks up shotgun and pumps slugs into Jeremiah’s body. Jeremiah suddenly stops and exits room fast.

INT. ROOT OF THE CHERRY TREE – MOMENT’S LATER

Old Man Caster cuts away at the roots of the cherry tree. Sparks of fire; and blood gushes from the root.

INT. DEEPER INSIDE THE CHERRY TREE – CONTINUOUS

78

Jeremiah hurry’s to stop Old Man Caster from cutting the main root. Each time Old Man Caster cut into main root, Jeremiah fall to the walls in pain.

INT. ROOT - CONTINUOUS

Old Man Caster continues cutting away at the root of the cherry tree.

OLD MAN CASTER

And by the hands of God, I shall release

the evils and horrors you have brought

to the souls of mankind!

INT. DEEPER INSIDE THE CHERRY TREE - CONTINUOUS

Adam rounds the corner and sees Old Man Caster cutting away at the main root of the cherry tree.

OLD MAN CASTER

Have mercy on the souls of those

who were forsaken to meet their

ends by the hands of this evil tree!

ADAM

Do you need help?

Old Man Caster eyes widen as he notices Adam.

OLD MAN CASTER

Get out of here, he’s on his way!

As soon as Old Man Caster finishes sentence, Jeremiah rounds corner. Old Man Caster, Adam, and Jeremiah make eye contact. Adam runs away.

OLD MAN CASTER

Come on you demon of that witch!

Old Man Caster continues to cut away at the main root. Jeremiah grabs Caster and throws him all around like a rag doll.

79

INT ROOT - CONTINUOUS

Adam comes back to the scene. Old Man Caster yells to Adam to finish cutting the main root. Caster manages to cut off one of Jeremiah’s arms with chainsaw. Adam grabs axe and chops away at last piece of root. Jeremiah squirms and yells with pain. As soon as Adam chops away last piece of root, Jeremiah slams Old Man Caster into the wall crushing his chest. Blood squirts out of his mouth, while his ribs stick out his back. Entire place starts to rumble and shrink. Jeremiah screams in pain. Jeremiah tries to get Adam.

ADAM

I thought if you cut the root,

this motherfucker suppose to die!

Adam drops axe and runs for the stairway out. As Adam runs pass the dying Old Man Caster he whispers.

OLD MAN CASTER

His head……

Old Man Caster dies with his eyes open and blood running out of his mouth.

INT. CHERRY TREE – MOMENT’S LATER

Kat and Christy exit coffin. Adam exits other coffin. Entire place is getting smaller by the second.

KAT

Adam what are you doing down here?

ADAM

Dad no time to talk, the root is cut

and that thing isn’t dead!

KAT

He’s not dead?

ADAM

No dad and he’s right….

80

Jeremiah bursts out of the coffin behind Adam.

ADAM

behind me!

Christy screams.

KAT

Lets go!

Kat carrying Christy and Adam run up stairway heading out of the cherry tree. Adam shots Jeremiah as he gives chase in obvious pain.

ADAM

He just won’t fuckin die!

Jeremiah falls to his knees every time Adam shoots him. Jeremiah falls to the stairs one last time and he doesn’t move. Kat, Adam, and Christy manage to put some space in between them and Jeremiah. They manage to exit the cherry tree.

EXT. CHERRY TREE - CONTINUOUS

Once outside the cherry tree they lay on the ground in exhaustion. Jeremiah bursts out the top of the cherry tree.

JEREMIAH TROTTER

I must have your souls!

Deputy Collins emerges for the tree behind Jeremiah and chops off his head with axe. Deputy Collins falls to the ground side ways, dropping axe. Jeremiah falls to the ground knees first, and then his body slumps to the grass. Jeremiah’s head catches on fire as well as the cherry tree.

EXT. CHERRY HILLS - CONTINUOUS

All the homeowners exit their homes in sight of the fire.

EXT. OLD MANSION – CONTINUOUS

81

Skeletal figure of Elenora Cherry sits in rocking chair on the porch of the old mansion, watching as the cherry tree burns

FADE TO BLACK:

THE END

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