THE NEW SWINGTON ESTATE
0215HRS
CAIN MISON
Fuck this shit. Fuck this shit. Fuck-this-shit.
[Grabs blanket to cover himself. There is a buzzing mosquito which
generates another groan]
Fuck me.
* * *
SARAH DJIMON
I just want to sleep. Can’t they just let me sleep? What are they even
saying? Is that Russian?
* * *
MARS ANON
[Snoring]
* * *
JAMES HORACE
[Coughing uncontrollably]
What is that noise? You awake too, love?
MARION HORACE
Can’t sleep my dear. The coughs are a beast. What do you think that is?
[coughing]
JAMES HORACE
A tumult of sorts?
MARION HORACE
[Snipes back with glee]
A melee!
JAMES HORACE
An upheaval!
MARION HORACE
A commotion!
JAMES HORACE
A scuffle!
MARION HORACE
A skirmish!
JAMES HORACE
Well, my dear, say no more. I wish I could tell you more. It sounds like
HOOPTE GOBBLEDYGOOK
demonic possession from here.
MARION HORACE
Demons…[coughs]…sorry[coughs][pauses]. Sorry, do demons possess
multiple hosts?
JAMES HORACE
I don’t know. Maybe this is the new and weaponized variety. Maybe
Reverend Swington is performing exorcisms from beyond the grave.
[Shakes with laughter, setting off a new bout of coughs]
MARION HORACE
[Pours water from the pitcher by the nightstand into a glass and hands
it to her husband] Here you go.
JAMES HORACE
Thanks love. This flu will be the end of us.
MARION HORACE
At least we are in it together. Say what James…
JAMES HORACE
Yes, love
MARION HORACE
We should try to find out what they are saying.
JAMES HORACE
I already know the answer. It is poppycock. That is what it is.
MARION HORACE
Come on Jamie boy, it will be fun I promise.
JAMES HORACE
You always call me Jamie boy when you are upto something nefarious.
MARION HORACE
Nefarious like that time in the barn in that glamping retreat?
JAMES HORACE
Yes. Like that time in the barn.
MARION HORACE
Come on Jamie boy, you enjoyed it, didn’t ya? As I recall.
JAMES HORACE
That I did. Don’t think this comes even close. But I get it. We can’t sleep
anyway. To the balcony it is.
[wakes up and walks to open the door to the balcony]
Whoa! Bring some coats. It is extremely cold out here.
MARION HORACE
Fantastic, I feel better already. Be with you in a minute.
* * *