SETTLING THE BOOKS
A cautious investigator is none the less drawn in, along with four other heirs, by the reading of a billionaire rare book dealer’s will, they’re sealed in an airtight panic room, and with only four hours air, must solve the centuries-old mystery contained in the book ‘The Castilian Cypher’ in order to escape.
Jade reads on: “Jade Camden having fulfilled her duties, is to receive --” Jade pages to the next computer screen. “-- receive a rest.” “I will take over now” booms the voice of the unseen Dalton over the intercom. The computer goes black. “This is not some hokey tape after death. I’m very much alive.” Several stand to flee. “Sit down!!” They comply. “You came here greedily after my books. Well, you will not be disappointed. I have ‘thee’ book. I’ve found The Castillian Cypher!”
Bam! The pillar slides into the ceiling, revealing a book display stand on a thin floor pedestal holding an ancient book. “The only copy, and it goes… to the last one living.” Some gasp. Several rush for the door. Bam! A steel sleeve slams down, seals the door. Their eyes dart around like the trapped rats that they are.
“People, pay attention. You’ve a limited amount of oxygen and time to figure a way out of the room. I will only tell you once.” Dalton wheezes, then speaks rapidly. “The book is the key. Both from day one and today, it contains the answer. You need only decipher the Cypher. Don’t let the fact that never has it been done in a thousand years discourage you. After all, you are motivated.” Dalton laughs, bringing on another coughing fit. Dalton’s mike goes quiet.
The heirs scramble to find a weak spot in the wall. Try their cell phones. No service. Try the computer. No electricity. Try slamming shoulders into the sealed door. No use. Dalton laughs, reveals what perceived great wrong each one has done him. Then silence from Dalton. The heirs work together. Can any survive long enough to solve the Cypher, and gain their release before they run out of light, air, and time?
If that wasn’t enough of a ticking clock, the bookseller’s voice returns at intervals to extract a confession from an heir before causing that heir’s death.
The twist: Shank was hired years before to track down MEGAN, a woman the billionaire Dalton wanted. Shank has hid her for years in plain sight. So much in plain sight that Megan is impersonating an heir, and so Shank must also keep her identity secret as he attempts to free everyone from the room.
Panic Room
Buried
The holiday comedy short that I wrote, ALL CHOKED UP, premiered in Minneapolis, MN.
My comedic cautionary tale short script, JUST A TIC, was both nominated for Best Lead Actor in a short film, and won a Script To Screen Award at the Barebones Film Festival. Won 4th place Micro Comedy at The Indie Gathering. Runner Up for Best Comedy Scene at The Action On Film Film Festival.
Stage 32 Microbudget Horror (Semifinalist) [2020]
Your Script Produced! (Quarterfinalist) [2021]
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ScriptLinks
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Cold Pepper
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AT THE MERCY OF FAITH
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Xanadu Shores III Rescuing Atlas
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Xanadu Shores (20pgs) - "The Pilot" - 9.16.25
Logline: Four friends unknowingly become entrapped after their employer's gold heist escalates to kidnapping.
Xanadu Shores: 10 Minute PoC for The TV Pilot
Four friends unknowingly become entrapped after their employer's gold heist escalates to kidnapping.
Alien Olympics
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She Curses Like a Sailor
A thought-provoking view of women and cursing is entertained at this art opening in New York.
Lady Diogenes of the Shadow
Three retired ladies candidly discuss their baffling neighbor over morning coffee.
