Mumford Page #30

MRS. COOK

(icy)

Sofie's not here.

Mumford's surprised. Mr. Cook speaks with some pleasure.

COOK:

Her friend from the city came and

took her out to dinner. First time

in a long time she's been willing.

MUMFORD:

A friend?

BEN:

We owe that to you. She's perked up

a lot since you started treating

her.

Mrs. Cook gives Ben a condescending look and keeps knitting.

MRS. COOK

What'd you want?

MUMFORD:

There's something I think we need to

talk about.

MRS. COOK

What?

MR. COOK

Elizabeth...

MRS. COOK

I think we have a right.

BEN:

We certainly do not.

MRS. COOK

Keep it zipped, Ben.

Ben gives Mumford an exasperated look, but doesn't argue.

MR. COOK

Is there something we need to know,

Dr. Mumford?

Mumford is conflicted, not sure what to share with them.

MUMFORD:

Well... yes, I guess I should tell

you. I don't think I'm going to be

able to treat Sofie anymore.

Mr. Cook and Ben exchange an alarmed glance. Mrs. Cook

actually cheers up.

MRS. COOK

Finally, some common sense...

MUMFORD:

What do you mean?

MRS. COOK

I think you know what I mean.

MUMFORD:

No, I really don't.

MRS. COOK

I think you do.

MUMFORD:

Why don't you tell me?

MRS. COOK

(very calm)

Why don't you go to hell? It's all a

bunch of nonsense and you know it.

MR. COOK

Elizabeth, I'm tellin' you, stop

this...

MRS. COOK

(dismissive)

You're telling me? That's rich...

MUMFORD:

(standing up)

I'd better go.

BEN:

Why can't you see Sofie? I know the

treatment's working.

Mumford looks from Ben to Mr. Cook, who nods his agreement.

MUMFORD:

Well... you see, the problem is --

MRS. COOK

-- the problem is you're a big fake.

You haven't got a clue what's wrong

with that girl.

Mumford looks at Mrs. Cook and can't stifle a laugh.

MUMFORD:

Wow. You're something.

MRS. COOK

Take a hike, Dr. Quack!

MR. COOK

(ignoring her now)

What is the problem, Doctor?

Mumford can't take his eyes off Mrs. Cook, even as he speaks

to Mr. Cook.

MUMFORD:

Problem? I guess there is no

problem... Uh, this friend of Sofie's,

where'd he take her?

BEN:

It's she -- Roxy. Used to work with

her. I think they went over to The

Lantern.

MUMFORD:

(delighted)

Oh, Roxy! Excellent. Roxy.

Mrs. Cook looks at him sharply. She's heard what the other

two have not.

EXT. SIDE STREET/ALLEY - DAY

Mumford carries a large Fed-Ex box down a side street and

into an alley. As he passes a secluded space created by two

adjacent buildings, something catches his eye.

MUMFORD'S MOVING POV: A young couple is embracing and talking

intimately. As they separate, we can see that it is Nessa

and Martin Brockett. Martin sees Mumford, but makes no sign.

Nessa twists to see what Martin's looking at just as the

view is interrupted by a wall.

Mumford walks on, mulling what he's seen.

EXT. BACK DOOR, FOLLETT'S PHARMACY - DAY

There is a locked security screen at the alley entrance to

the back room of the pharmacy, but the door inside is open.

When a YOUNG PHARMACIST appears in there, Mumford raps on

the metal screen.

INT. HENRY FOLLETT'S OFFICE - DAY

Follett's private space is above and at the back of his

drugstore. When you sit at his desk and in front of it, as

Follett and Mumford are doing now, you can see down into the

store through a floor-to-ceiling, one-way mirror.

The Fed-Ex box sits on the desk between the two men, unopened.

FOLLETT:

What is it?

MUMFORD:

It's a thought I had.

FOLLETT:

Should I open it now?

Mumford seems hesitant, but nods. Follett takes out an Exacto

knife and makes the first incision, but as he's about to go

on, Mumford suddenly reaches out and stops him.

MUMFORD:

Let me just say something here... I

have no idea if this is going to

help.

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes