Scene one
(Scenery, shack; Victor, Melissa; Victor is dressed like a psychologist; part of stage is covered in black, other part is the shack’s living room; Victor is sitting in a chair, Melissa is sitting in a weather-worn couch.)
Victor
So you say you don’t have any problems, even though you have no one to talk to.
Melissa
(Eyes narrow) Yes.
Victor
Yes, you don’t have any problems or yes, you do? I’m here to help you Melissa. Don’t fight me.
(Melissa looks away)
Victor
You asked me here for a reason. I assumed that reason was for help. Not sitting here silently with hours passing by as if they were dust particles.
(Melissa looks back, Victor “notices” a sign of distress in her eyes)
Melissa
Perhaps this was a bad idea. Just go, I’ll deal with this on my own. (looks to the right, starts to stand up)
Victor
Now, hold on.
(Victor puts his hand on Melissa’s shoulder)
Victor
Your parents.
(Melissa starts to push his hand off, then stops)
Victor
What happened to them? (inquisitively) Wouldn’t you normally talk to your mother instead of me?
Melissa
Hmph. Thought you would have deduced from my file that my parents died… (puts hand up to forehead, sits back down)
Victor
Are you feeling well? Perhaps I should get a Fizzy Shore for you at the grocery store down the street.
Melissa
No… (winces, eyes tear up)
Victor
Just some coffee or cappuccino then?
(Melissa doesn’t respond, Victor goes off-stage, returns with foamy cup of cappuccino he somehow made, is holding it with a napkin)
Victor
Now, here you go. (gives Melissa beverage) Drink it nice and slow, to help calm your nerves.
(Victor shifts towards wall, as Melissa puts cup down and starts to pass out)
Melissa
Don’t feel so good… (closes eyes)
Victor
There, there. You probably have an upset stomach from drinking too fast. Just relax… (goes back to wall)
Melissa
(closes eyes, opens them again quickly) What’s happening? I need to… (grabs small camera off of table and holds in hand)
(Victor has not noticed this, as he has his back to her, fiddling with the secret door)
Melissa
Something’s… wrong…
(Victor turns around, Melissa takes a quick picture of him turning, then drops her arm)
Victor
Heh. Your little “hobby” could have cost me my life. Instead, it cost you yours. (evil smirk)
(Victor turns back to fiddling with the door, it opens, he goes through the other half of the stage that is black. Melissa bats the camera under the couch, then passes out)
Victor
(Goes back into lighted part of stage with bag) Oh no! What about the pictures on the cameras… I’ll just take them. Less evidence of her being a photographer, the better.
(Victor puts all the cameras he can see into the bag, Turns on gas with strange rag, hurries off of stage with bag bulging)
