The Vail (Episode Six: The Dead Scientist)

Hello, all. I realize this probably isn't a blog that gets regular readers too often but for anyone who has come here every week looking for a story, I apologize for the past two week hiatus. But I graduated and had a busy ass Christmas. But I'm doing my best to make up for it by giving you guys twice as much Vail glory this week. I only ask that anyone visiting this site try their best to post what they thnk and anything they might like to see. Also, look for things to change a bit in "The Vail", hopefully for the better. Now for those of you checking us out for the first time...
THE JOURNEY SO FAR: Andy Vail recently learned of his brother Mike's murder and the arrest of hsi siter-in-law, Nancy. In an attempt to clear Nancy's name, Andy visited the crime scene and bumped into an odd character named Henry. Believing with all his heart that Henry is the true murderer, Andy took Henry to the local police station to clear Nancy's name. But Andy only became further perplexed by Henry and his strange powers as Henry somehow conviced the police to let Nancy go and drop the investigation entirely. Finally, after questioning Nancy, Henry learned that Mike was a scientist working diligently on a mysterious project. He also learned that Mike had a partner on this project, Dr. Mynot. Henry decided to pay Dr. Mynot a visit but not before Andy, for reasons still unknown, deicded he would tag along with him. We now join Andy and the mysterious Henry as they enter the lab of the poor Dr. Mynot.

The Vail

by Joey Pettine

Episode Six: The Dead Scientist

(A small laboratory, personal but well suited. At center stage sits a counter top covered in vials and beakers, Bunsen burners and microscopes, as well as a sink. Off to the left, sits a small centrifuge and back in the left corner is a tiny fridge with a lock on it. At stage right, sits a desk with a sole computer and scattered papers, behind the desk is a large white board with chemical compositions and fun doodles scribbled upon it. The walls of the lab are covered with book shelves stuffed with large volumes and locked cabinets. Everywhere there are odd stools scattered for sitting and behind the desk is one large swivel chair. Finally, center stage, at the foot of the counter, lies a charred body, black and twisted, still smoking. From offstage we suddenly hear a strange number of electronic beepings and then an audible click. HENRY and ANDY VAIL enter.

ANDY

How did you do that? Hey, do you smell bacon?

HENRY

Not bacon and I am quite adept at manipulating technology.

ANDY

But you didn't even touch the thing.

HENRY

Of course I did. I simply entered a series of numbers into the correct logarithm until I found the password that would open the door.

ANDY

No you didn't. You just waved your hand in front of the keys like you had an EZ Pass.

HENRY

I have no such device. Let us investigate the laboratory now.

ANDY

I hate when you do that.

HENRY

Do what?

ANDY

Blow me off and change the subject. I've known you less than twenty four hours and I've seen you do it like twelve times. Actually, now that I think about it, it's as if you don't understand how people, like, actually talk. Right in the middle of a conversation you'll go from one topic to the next with, like, no transition whatsoever.

HENRY

Am I conversing incorrectly?

ANDY

Well, most people will give a clue to what topic they're going to talk about next. They'll say something like, “How about those footballs?” Or, like, “Speaking of murderers.” But you just shoot from topic to topic like we're all on the same page.

HENRY

I do not remember us reading any literature.

(He stands up all too straight and does cliché robotic movements while imitating Henry.)

ANDY

“I like pie. How about that murder of your loved one. I know who killed him. Did I mention I always go out of my way to use the longest words and create sentences that sound offensive to the auditory, like, functions.”

HENRY

I do not believe I move my limbs in that capacity and feel this conversation has become more of an opportunity to mock me in a humorous fashion. Time is of the essence and we should continue investigating.

ANDY

See that was so much better. Like with the transitions.

HENRY

I am noticing a recent inclination of yours to the word “like”. As well as an exaggeration of your facial features and an escalation in the volume of your voice.

ANDY

Yeah, well, I'm tired.

HENRY

There is more to it than that. Your heart rate has increased resulting in elevated blood pressure, all of which stems from heightened levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline. You are angry.

ANDY

You think.

HENRY

Yes.

ANDY

My brother gets murdered, Nancy says she did it, I get thrown in jail for two days of really bad sleep, then I run into you. Do you even want me to start with you?

HENRY

You already have.

ANDY

You make my head hurt, Henry. If that is your real name.

HENRY

Of course it is. Now we have work to do. Something happened here recently.

(As if he knew exactly where to go, Henry walks straight to the charred corpse. Andy follows and when he spots the body there is a moment where he puts it all together. Then he breathes in deep and exhales vomit into the sink.)

HENRY

I may have found Dr. Mynot.

ANDY

What the hell happened? His body's burned all...

(It hits him again and he vomits once more.)

ANDY

How can you even tell it's him?

HENRY

I cannot. That is why I said I may have found him. Also, there was no fire here, the doctor died from an extremely high voltage electric shock. I believe we may have just missed our killer. The body is still warm.

ANDY

Oh.

HENRY

And I can sense the residual electrical energy.

ANDY

What the fuck, man.

HENRY

You are angry again.

ANDY

What the fuck are you? You talk like you're a robot, you can “sense” electricity, whatever the fuck that means, and you seem to hypnotize everyone you talk to.

HENRY

Except you.

ANDY

Yeah, that's right, I ain't buying your Jedi bullshit and I think that pisses you off.

HENRY

It intrigues me as well as this Jedi you keep referencing.

ANDY

The Jedi mind trick. It's from a movie.

HENRY

A film?

ANDY

Yeah, it's when people believe you no matter what. When they do whatever you say.

HENRY

That is a simple matter of gaining complete trust.

ANDY

It's more than that. It's something you do. I can feel it sometimes. Like, it's like your hand at the back of my skull, pushing inside me. Is that what it feels like for everyone else?

HENRY

Possibly. I would not know.

ANDY

How come it doesn't work on me?

HENRY

Because something happened to you.

ANDY

What?

HENRY

I do not know exactly but you've seen something and it changed you enough.

ANDY

Enough? What does that mean?

HENRY

Andrew, I understand that you are tired, confused, and angry, that your life has been altered in an irreparable manner, but the longer I entertain your questions and doubts, the less chance we have of ascertaining the whereabouts of Dr. Mynot's killer. We must continue our investigation with haste.

ANDY

You think he's still here?

HENRY

Perhaps.

ANDY

Hey... a door.

HENRY

Yes.

ANDY

Well let's investigate, Sherlock.

HENRY

That is not my name.

(Andy and Henry cross the room and exit. After a moment, a man in nice clothing, holding a bouquet of flowers, BARRY FESH, enters.)

BARRY

Christopher, are you in here?

(The man looks around and finds the dead body. He almost loses his balance, covers his mouth with his hand, and takes a seat on a stool. The flowers drop from his hand. Then there is a crash from offstage and Barry is alerted. He quickly looks around and grabs a large syringe off of the counter which he then hides behind the counter. Andy and Henry reenter.)

ANDY

Well that was a dead end.

HENRY

That was a closet.

ANDY

Just a turn of phrase. You've really never seen Star Wars?

HENRY

I've never seen any films.

ANDY

Wow. You must be from another planet.

HENRY

That is absurd.

(That is when Barry springs from behind the counter and plunges the syringe into the base of Andy's neck. His eyes go wide with the purest, simplest fear and his scream is a shrill cacophony of surprise and pain. Then anger takes over. Andy turns and hits Barry with his forearm, lifting him off his feet and sending him sprawling across and over the counter top. Henry's face, for the first time ever, is one of ultimate surprise. Andy pulls the syringe from his neck.)

ANDY

YOU FART FUCKING FAGGOT FUCKER! WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT!?

(Andy, with unbelievable speed, dashes over to Barry and lifts him by his neck.)

ANDY

YOU COCKSUCKER! WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU STICK IN ME?!

(Like shrugging off a fly, Andy flings Barry across the small lab. Barry hits atop the desk, knocking the computer to the ground. Andy dashes for him again but Henry steps in front of him.)

HENRY

Andrew, control yourself.

(Henry reaches out to touch Andy but Andy grabs the arm and twists, flipping Henry over his shoulder.)

ANDY

FUCKIN' PUSSY! FUCKING MURDERING PUSSY! I'M GETTING ANSWERS!

(Andy finishes crossing to Barry and, with one hand, lifts him into the air.)

ANDY

YOU CUNNING LITTLE CUNT LICKER! YOU FUCKING POISONED ME!

BARRY

I--

ANDY

I'M GONNA POUR ACID INTO YOUR EYE SOCKETS AND DRINK THE TEARS AS THEY RUN DOWN YOUR CHEEKS, YOU FUCKING FAIRY!

HENRY

Release him, Andrew.

(Henry hurries over to save Barry and Andy, using his other hand, lifts him off his feet as well.)

ANDY

SAVE THAT MINDFUCK BULLSHIT FOR THE RETARDED DETECTIVES AND WHINING PRISON SLUTS! I SEE WHAT YOU REALLY ARE YOU--

(Henry places his hands on Andy's temples, something pops and there is a bright flash like from an old camera. Andy loses consciousness instantly, collapsing to the floor and dropping Henry and Barry. Barry hugs his knees, shaking with shock.)

HENRY

Are you alright?

BARRY

I-I-I-I-I-

HENRY

My companion has had a trying number of days, he is in a delicate frame of being, I believe when you attacked him with the syringe you may have pushed his adrenaline levels to a breaking point and forced him physically into a state of fight or flight. He chose to fight.

BARRY

I-I-I-

HENRY

You also seem to be in a delicate frame of being. You need to calm down.

BARRY

I-I-

HENRY

I can help you but you need to calm down. Do you understand?

(Barry stops shaking for a bit and nods, his eyes are still wide. Then Henry holds his chin and stares deeply into his eyes.)

HENRY

Share my calm.

(Barry starts to breathe better.)

HENRY

Who are you?

BARRY

Barry Fesh, Chris's boyfriend.

HENRY

Chris?

BARRY

Dr. Mynot.

HENRY

I am sorry for your loss. Why did you attack my companion?

BARRY

Chris and I had a date tonight. When I saw he was dead and you guys were going through his stuff I got angry.

HENRY

You deduced that we must be the murderers, a reasonable albeit an incorrect assumption. If you did think us the killers, though, how come you didn't go for the police?

BARRY

I love Chris.

HENRY

When did you last see Dr. Mynot alive?

BARRY

I was on the phone with Chris only ten minutes ago.

HENRY

Which means he was murdered moments before we arrived. Do you know anything about a Dr. Michael Vail?

BARRY

I met him a couple times. He was Chris's partner.

HENRY

In an occupational capacity or were they also in a homosexual relationship?

BARRY

They just worked together.

HENRY

We believe the doctors were killed for their research. What were they working on?

BARRY

Chris never told me exactly but he said it was going to change the world.

HENRY

Those are grand aspirations. Who would know what this project was?

BARRY

One of the others.

HENRY

Who are these others?

BARRY

Four other scientists working with Chris and Michael.

HENRY

Names?

BARRY

I only ever met the other one. Dr. Tim Waitts, he lives with his granddaughter Alina. We went out to dinner a couple times.

HENRY

Thank you. Now return home and forget me in your grief.

(Andy groans on the floor. Barry closes his eyes, breaking their stare, and stands up with Henry's help. Then he sees the body on the floor and begins to cry. As he exits he picks up the dropped flowers and places them on the body. Then he leaves. Andy groans again.)

HENRY

Sleep, Andrew, you need your rest.

(Black out.)

The Vail (Episode Five: Getting Off)

Hello, my friends. I realize, for those of you who actually check weekly, that there was no new episode of "The Vail" last week. Shit happens. However, to make up for it, we have an extra long episode this week, and it's a good one. Now if this is your first time ever here then...
THE JOURNEY SO FAR: Andy Vail was working late one evening when his sister-in-law, Nancy Vail, strolled into his office covered in blood. It turned out Andy's brother, Mike, had been murdered. A short trip to the morgue withDetective Williams filled Andy in on the gruesome details, not only had his brother been murdered but his skull had been carved open with a power saw and his brain removed, yet to be found. After helping the police bring Nancy into custody, Andy paid a visit to the scene of the crime, looking for some answers. He found Henry, a strange man who threatened his life with a shotgun then asked for help looking for the real killer. Andy, believing with all his heart that Henry was the real killer, brought Henry down to the police. Thus our journey continues.

The Vail

by Joey Pettine

Episode Five: Getting Off

(A dark stage. Lights come up on half of the stage revealing a cold, metal table with a cold, metal chair at each end. The other half of the stage is left in the dark. A fairly young man, DETECTIVE HARDY, escorts NANCY VAIL into the room. She takes a seat in the chair and Hardy exits. Nancy's been cleaned since we saw her last, hair pulled firmly back from her spotless face. She wears a baggy t-shirt and gray sweatpants, her hands cuffed in front of her, her face a story of sorrow. In walks DETECTIVE WILLIAMS carrying a file, a recorder, and a tiny paper cup. He places these on the table and takes his seat opposite Mrs. Vail. He looks at her for a moment, sip from the cup, then turns on the recorder.)

NANCY

I can't do this again.

(Williams goes through the file, pulls out some papers, places them in front of Mrs. Vail.)

WILLIAMS

I've got a confession with your signature at the bottom that says, by your own admission, you could and did do it. What I need to know is how. Things in here don't work for me. So we're gonna go over it again.

NANCY

Please, Detective Williams, I've told you everything that I remember.

WILLIAMS

Remember. All that you remember. Which means there's more.

NANCY

No.

WILLIAMS

Trust me, Mrs. Vail, I'm good at jogging memories. Or I could send you back to the room.

NANCY

No.

WILLIAMS

I don't blame you, Nancy. I'm not a fan of the dark either. Nobody is. People like the sun, the heat. Dark is cold. Lonely. Reminds us of nights when sleep is elusive and the only company to keep is ourselves. No one wants to keep company with themselves. Not the part that crawls out in the dark. You know what they call the darkest part of the ocean? The abyss. Doesn't that sound horrible? Abyss. Deep, dark, swimming with monsters. Like Hell, a yawning abyss where the pitch black hangs over your head. Yeesh. I talk to much. But, Nancy, I'm gonna need you to talk to me now. Or else I might just have to give you some Hell.

(Nancy's face quivers and she cries a little.)

NANCY

Please.

WILLIAMS

I just want to know what happened that night. From the beginning.

(A pause.)

NANCY

Mike--

WILLIAMS

The victim.

NANCY

Mike was downstairs working on one of his projects. It was his place. I wasn't even allowed to go down there.

WILLIAMS

But you did.

NANCY

Yes.

WILLIAMS

Why?

NANCY

I guess I wanted to see him.

WILLIAMS

Why? Isn't it true your husband beat you, Mrs. Vail?

NANCY

It wasn't like that.

WILLIAMS

No?

NANCY

Mike never beat me. Just little things.

WILLIAMS

A slap here or there. A playful jab. Nothing much, little things.

NANCY

Yes.

WILLIAMS

Little things add up, my wife says, little things make the big things. Wives always notice the little things.

NANCY

But... It was more like a dream, what I was doing, a daydream, just thoughts.

WILLIAMS

Did you often daydream about killing your husband?

NANCY

They're just thoughts, daydreams.

WILLIAMS

Fantasies, what you get off on, I get it.

NANCY

They're just thoughts.

WILLIAMS

Not anymore. Continue.

NANCY

I went down and he was working at his bench and his back was turned to me.

WILLIAMS

Then what?

NANCY

I came up behind him and.. and.. I grabbed his hair. I pushed. I-I-I ju-just slammed forward as hard as I could.

WILLIAMS

Two hands or one?

NANCY

Just the one.

WILLIAMS

But why not use both?

NANCY

Because... because I needed the other hand free.

WILLIAMS

You needed your other hand free for the saw.

NANCY

Yes.

WILLIAMS

So you held your husband, a 285 lb man, against his will, with one hand, while you got the saw, a two handed tool, and used it to cut into his brain.

NANCY

I put him in the vise first. I sl-slammed down and his throat hit in the vise.

WILLIAMS

Did he struggle?

NANCY

Yes.

WILLIAMS

But you held him and you turned those screws and you crushed his larynx.

NANCY

Yes.

WILLIAMS

No! Bullshit! I call bullshit! Three, two people, yes, definitely could do it. But there is no way a housewife half the size of her abusive husband could. Who are you covering for, Nancy?

NANCY

No one.

WILLIAMS

Who killed your husband?

NANCY

Me.

WILLIAMS

No! The truth, you cunt, I want the fucking truth or I swear to my God I will show you Hell! Cold, dark, painful Hell!

(Detective Hardy enters the room and Williams looks at him, irritated.)

WILLIAMS

I told you to leave us alone. What?

(Hardy approaches him and whispers. Williams looks astonished.)

WILLIAMS

I'll be there in a second.

(Hardy exits. Williams looks harshly at Nancy.)

WILLIAMS

Welcome to Hell.

(He leaves, a moment later the lights shut off. Nancy begins to sob painfully in the dark. Lights come up on the other half of the stage, another interrogation room, mirror image of its counterpart. Hardy enters this room, pushing ANDY VAIL in front of him. Andy's hands are cuffed tightly behind his back. Hardy leads Andy to the chair and pushes him into it. Andy gets a pained look and jumps up.)

ANDY

Ow.

HARDY

Sit down.

ANDY

It's hard with my hands behind me. Couldn't you undo them?

WILLIAMS

No.

(Williams enters, violently pushing Andy down. Andy looks pained then moves his arms over the back of the seat. Williams sits down opposite him. Hardy leaves.)

WILLIAMS

I knew you tasted like shit in my mouth. Turds like you always turn up. Bobbing around in my nice clean toilet.

ANDY

Why did you cuff me? I just brought you the killer. That guy out there was in my brother's basement, he attacked me with the shotgun.

WILLIAMS

And you wrestled it away?

ANDY

He put it down.

WILLIAMS

He attacked you then put down the weapon he was attacking you with?

ANDY

First he had me speak.

WILLIAMS

Speak?

ANDY

Yeah. Like he needed to hear my voice. Then he put the weapon down. As if I didn't matter anymore. Whoever he is, he's nuts and he's the real killer, without a doubt.

WILLIAMS

And I should listen to your gut instinct.

ANDY

I know he killed my brother.

WILLIAMS

Nancy Vail killed your brother.

ANDY

But it doesn't add up.

WILLIAMS

It does now I got her accomplices.

ANDY

You already checked me out and didn't find anything. Check him out.

WILLIAMS

Shut up.

(In walks Henry, his cuffed hands held outward.)

HENRY

Detective Hardy said you would be able to release me from my restraints.

WILLIAMS

Who let you in here, piece of shit?

HENRY

I simply asked to be released from my imprisonment. And I beg your pardon, but I am a living being, not excrement.

WILLIAMS

No, my friend, you are fucked.

HENRY

Yet again, I beg your pardon, but I do not believe I am “fucked” and the sarcasm within your tone leads me to believe that we are indeed not friends.

WILLIAMS

Is this guy for real? Are you for real?

HENRY

I consist of atoms, if that is your query. Now release me and Andrew.

(Williams seems confused but he walks over and takes the cuffs off them.)

HENRY

I wish to speak with you now. Andrew, I desire time alone with the detective. The guards are instructed to guide you to Mrs. Vail.

ANDY

What the fuck is going on?

HENRY

It is not imperative that you leave and I cannot make you but if you do wish to stay, please do not disrupt my work with more accusations of murder. Detective Williams, return to your seat.

(He does so. This makes Andy a bit nervous. With a bit of hesitation, he leaves. Henry takes his seat opposite Williams.)

WILLIAMS

What were you doing at the crime scene?

HENRY

Investigating. I am looking for the true killer of Michael Vail and I was hoping for your assistance..

WILLIAMS

We've got the killer, stupid.

HENRY

You have?

WILLIAMS

You're the killer. You and that pussy accountant and his bitch girlfriend.

HENRY

No, we are not. And I would appreciate if you used phrases that were less negatively exclamatory.

WILLIAMS

Fuck you!

HENRY

Stop that.

(Williams looks angry, opens his mouth to say something but, instead, his lips only quiver. After a moment he shuts his mouth, looking perplexed.)

HENRY

Thank you. Now I have investigated the scene of the crime but found it contaminated by what I believe was your law enforcement. Have you, in your limited capacity, found any helpful evidence.

WILLIAMS

We found hairs on the work bench.

HENRY

I need to see those hairs.

(Williams and Henry exit. The lights go off then return on Nancy's side. Andy enters.)

NANCY

What are you doing here?

ANDY

I found the killer, Nan.

NANCY

What?

ANDY

I found the killer.

NANCY

But I'm the killer.

ANDY

You're confused.

NANCY

I remember doing it, Andrew. I felt him struggle, I know the sound his throat made when it cracked, the way the saw vibrated against his bone. His screams will nev--

ANDY

See, that's what I mean, Nan! He couldn't have screamed. His larynx was crushed. He couldn't've gugled. You're just in shock.

NANCY

I didn't imagine what happened.

ANDY

Did you imagine electricity?

NANCY

What?

ANDY

The saw was never plugged in. The extension cord was still hanging on the wall when I got there. It wasn't you. You're a good person, Nan. You didn't do it.

(Henry, carrying a baggie, and Williams enter.)

HENRY

I've procured DNA, the only useful evidence they have. Everything else led to Mrs. Vail killing her husband but that is illogical, she is innocent.

(Williams looks very confused, like everything he knows is wrong.)

WILLIAMS

No!

HENRY

You're conviction is strong but you are wrong. I'm taking over the case, Detective Williams.

WILLIAMS

What will I do?

HENRY

You and your men have other concerns. I need to speak with you, Mrs. Vail.

ANDY

What did you do to him?

HENRY

Nothing. I have retrieved the hair of our murderer.

NANCY

What are you doing with my hair?

ANDY

This isn't your hair, Nan. This doesn't even look like hair. It looks like strands of black nylon.

HENRY

We now have our assailants DNA, that which he is consisted of, and that may be invaluable. However, it does not aid us in our search for the assailant. Mrs. Vail, I believe your husband's murderer is still at large, I need your help to locate him.

NANCY

But I killed my husband.

HENRY

No, you only believe you have. Your husband was dead long before you carved into his skull.

ANDY

She didn't do it.

HENRY

No. I am detecting residual electrical energy within Mrs. Vail. I believe she was subjected to mind transference.

NANCY

What are you talking about?

HENRY

The brain is nothing more than a series of electrical impulses carrying information. With the proper knowledge, a being could remove one consciousness and replace it with another. A simple matter.

NANCY

Did he just say I was possessed? I'm possessed?

HENRY

It would work in such a fashion, yes. I understand your husband was a biomechanical engineer. What was he working on, his latest project?

NANCY

I don't know.

HENRY

Who would?

ANDY

What does this have to do with anything?

HENRY

Michael Vail was targeted for a reason. I conclude it was his work

NANCY

Dr. Mynot, he was a good friend of Mike's. He'd often drop by. Do you think he's supposed to be possessed?

HENRY

It is possible he is in danger of a similar fate. I should not waste time in seeing him.

ANDY

Are you going to see this guy now? I'm coming. Nan, I'm gonna get you out of here.

HENRY

I can assist with that. Detective Williams, it is obvious what occurred with Mr. Vail was a horrible accident. Don't you think Mrs. Vail has suffered enough?

(Williams has been standing there looking lost. He nods slowly, seems to have trouble thinking, then takes the cuffs off Mrs. Vail.)

WILLIAMS

I'm sorry for your loss, Mrs. Vail. You've suffered enough.

NANCY

No. No! I killed my husband!

HENRY

Let us make haste, Andrew.

(Henry and Williams leave. Andy seems unsure but then hurries after Henry. Nancy is shocked. Fade to black.)