“Marie de Este y Borgia” by Brishon

PART 1

FADE IN:

~PART 1: “THE SEDUCTION OF ANGELIQUE”~

ARIAL SHOT ABOVE PARIS. ZOOM-IN TOWARDS A TAXI. IN VOICE-OVER WE HEAR A MAN AND WOMAN ARGUING. ZOOM INTO THE BACK SEAT WHERE THE BEAUTIFUL MARIGOLD SOBS AS SHE SAYS: “But we’ve been together for over 23 years.” OBVIOUSLY CRANKY AND INSATIABLE, HER HUSBAND JACK RETORTS: “The only reason I’m with you is because you help me complete the work. If that were to change then there’s no reason to be with you.”

CUT TO: MARIGOLD AND JACK CHECKING INTO THE GEORGE V HOTEL IN PARIS. SHE DOES ALL THE TALKING: “Yes only one night we leave tomorrow for the States.” CLERK: “And how was your holiday in Europe?” “It was…fine…” CLERK: “I hope your stay with us proves memorable.” SHE SMILES WEAKLY AS SHE’S STILL REELING FROM WHAT HER HUSBAND SAID IN THE TAXI. THE CLERK GIVES HER THE KEY AND SHE AND JACK HEAD TO THE ELEVATOR. HE’S OBVIOUSLY LOST IN SOME IMPORTANT THOUGHT. THE ATTENDANT BRINGS THEIR LUGGAGE.

CUT TO: NEAR DUSK THAT SAME DAY, ALONE NOW, MARIGOLD WALKS INTO THE LOBBY AND SHE’S CLEARLY RECOVERED AND SHE HAS A SMALL BAG OF ECLAIRS. AS SHE WALKS THROUGH THE LOBBY DOOR, HELD BY THE ATTENDANT, SHE TAKES A BITE OUT OF AN ECLAIR AND IS CLEARLY IN ECSTASY. SHE GETS INTO THE ELEVATOR TO GO TO HER ROOM ON THE 2ND FLOOR BUT THE ELEVATOR IGNORES THAT SHE PUSHED THE 2ND FLOOR BUTTON AND INSTEAD GOES TO THE 23RD FLOOR WHICH IS THE PENTHOUSE. THE ELEVATOR DOOR OPENS AND A MAN’S DEEP AND DISTINCTIVE VOICE COMES OVER THE SPEAKERS IN THE ELEVATOR: “Please step out of the elevator Marigold.” AS SHE DOES SHE DROPS HER BAG OF ECLAIRS AS SHE SLOWLY STEPS INTO THE PENTHOUSE. THE MAN CALMLY AND GENTLY TELLS HER: “I’m sorry to have to tell you that you’re being kidnapped and held in this penthouse.” THE ELEVATOR DOOR CLOSES BEHIND HER. SHE’S SHOCKED YET STILL MANAGES TO NOTICE THAT THE MAN’S VOICE SOUNDS KIND AND CHARMING. HE EXPLAINS THAT: “Nothing harmful will happen to your husband as long as you do what I tell you. Please call me Julian.” PAUSE. “I will very much appreciate it if you stay calm. Please go to the window at the far end of the suite to your left.” MARIGOLD WALKS TO THE WINDOW AND LOOKS OUT. IT’S NOW SUNSET. SHE SEES A HELICOPTER NEAR THE WINDOW. A MAN WHO APPEARS TO BE JACK IS IN THE HELICOPTER HELD AT GUNPOINT BY DISGUISED GUNMEN. THE HELICOPTER FLIES OFF. MARIGOLD RUSHES CLOSER TO THE WINDOW STARING AT THE HELICOPTER AS IT MOVES AWAY FROM HER. WHEN IT’S GONE SHE GOES TO A CORNER OF THE ROOM, PUSHES A CHAIR OUT OF THE WAY AND SITS ON THE FLOOR LOOKING OUT THE WINDOW AT THE LIGHTS OF PARIS. SHE’S SORTING OUT HER VALUE HIERARCHY AND DETERMINES THAT ONLY ONE THING MATTERS NOW (MARIGOLD IN VOICE-OVER): “What would Jack tell me to do? He’d tell me not to be rash, to wait and see what develops, to wait and see if circumstances allow me to be happy in the future. But what if they don’t allow it? What if no happiness is possible to me again? Then somehow I’ll kill myself.” WE DON’T SEE JULIAN, BUT WE SEE HIM WATCHING HER VIA THE MANY CAMERAS THROUGHOUT THE SUITE. HE DOES NOT DISTURB HER. AFTER A WHILE SHE FALLS ASLEEP CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR.

CUT TO: THE NEXT MORNING MARIGOLD AWAKENS IN A DIFFERENT ROOM IN A LUXURIOUS BED AND WONDERS (IN VOICE OVER INSIDE HER HEAD): “How’d I get here? I don’t remember anyone carrying me here.” SHE GET’S UP AND WALKS INTO THE DINING ROOM. SHE DOES NOT SEE OR HEAR ANYONE IN THE SUITE, YET A HOT BREAKFAST IS SET UP ON THE DINING TABLE AND CALM INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYS IN THE BACKGROUND. SHE SITS DOWN AND STARTS EATING AND ASKS IN A PLEASANT VOICE: “If you don’t mind my asking, what do you want with me?” JULIAN: “Good morning my dear. I’m happy you asked. There is a very secretive man who is the leader of a group who wants to stop me in my ambitions. This man will be attracted to your great beauty.” SHE QUICKLY THINKS ABOUT HIS PROPOSAL AND NONCHALANTLY SAYS (while chewing): “If I were to find such a man, a man opposed to your ambitions, I’d join him and help him thwart your desires, happy to die for such a worthy cause.” THE CALM MUSIC ABRUPTLY STOPS. JULIAN STOPS TALKING TO HER AND LEAVES HER ALONE FOR THE REST OF THE DAY. AFTER SHE FINISHES EATING SHE GOES TO THE LIBRARY AREA OF THE PENTHOUSE AND SELECTS A BOOK WHICH SHE SPENDS THE REST OF THE DAY READING. IT’S TITLED “Angelique and the Ghost.” LATER THAT DAY, SHE MAKES HERSELF DINNER THEN GOES BACK TO THE SAME CORNER IN THE ROOM AS THE NIGHT BEFORE, AGAIN SPENDING THE NIGHT SITTING LOOKING OUT THE WINDOW AT THE LIGHTS OF PARIS AND THINKING. AGAIN SHE FALLS ASLEEP ON THE FLOOR.

CUT TO: THE NEXT MORNING AS SHE AWAKENS IN THE SAME LUXURIOUS BED AND WONDERS IN VOICE OVER INSIDE HER HEAD “Twice now, I wonder how they get me in here?” AGAIN HER BREAKFAST IS WAITING ON THE DINING TABLE AND CALM MUSIC PLAYS. SHE ASKS: “Are you there Julian?” “Yes, Marigold, I’ll always be here my dear. Did you sleep well?” “Fine. Would you like to tell me now what it is you want from me?” “Yes, my dear, there are several rich and powerful men who are aware of your great beauty.” “Yes, you mentioned my beauty yesterday.” “They’re interested in participating in a kind of time-sharing arrangement for your sexual favors.” WITHOUT HESITATION SHE RESPONDS “I see. If you sell me into sexual slavery I’ll attack these men sexually at my first opportunity and motivate them to kill me.” AGAIN THE MUSIC STOPS ABRUPTLY AND JULIAN LEAVES HER ALONE AND SHE AGAIN SPENDS THE DAY READING HER BOOK, EATING, LOOKING OUT THE WINDOW, AND FALLING ASLEEP ON THE FLOOR.

CUT TO: THE NEXT MORNING SHE AWAKENS IN THE LUXURIOUS BED BUT THIS TIME SHE SHRUGS AND SAYS: “I wonder how… oh I don’t care how I got here.” SHE GOES INTO THE DINNING ROOM WHERE BREAKFAST IS WAITING AND CALM MUSIC IS PLAYS. JULIAN JOYFULLY SAYS: “Good Morning, Marigold” WHEN SHE SITS DOWN TO EAT SHE SAYS “Good Morning Julian.” AGAIN SHE ASKS: “Are you ready to tell me what you want from me?” THIS TIME HE TELLS HER: “Yes. You come from a very special bloodline my dear. Another member of your bloodline wants you to give birth to a child of this bloodline.” SHE QUICKLY RETORTS: “This wouldn’t have anything to do with a virgin birth because my name’s not Mary? Seriously, I don’t want to have children – never did – and if you force me to then I’ll do all I can to abort the child.” THE MUSIC STOPS ABRUPTLY AND JULIAN LEAVES HER ALONE FOR THE REST OF THE DAY. SHE READS, EATS, GOES TO HER CORNER, THINKS AND FALLS ASLEEP ON THE FLOOR.

CUT TO: THE NEXT MORNING SHE AWAKENS IN THE LUXURIOUS BED AND GOES TO THE DINNING ROOM WHERE BREAKFAST IS WAITING AND CALM MUSIC PLAYS. JULIAN SAYS “Good Morning, my dear” “Good Morning Julian, so what lie are you going to tell me today?” HE GENTLY CHUCKLES THEN TELLS HER: “Several of my close friends in the French and U.S. Government believe there’s a gigantic meteor heading towards Earth and when it reaches us it will destroy all of humanity.” SHE ASKS NONCHALANTLY: “How long do we have Julian?” “Ten years or so.” “Oh, let me guess the rest.” SPEAKING SARCASTICALLY WHILE EATING HER BREAKFAST: “You’re an international Playboy and you’ve grown bored with your bevy of bimbos, so now that time’s running short, you’ve decided you want to experience a quality woman and you’ve chosen me to spend your last, glorious years with.” AFTER A BRIEF PAUSE JULIAN SAYS EARNESTLY WITH A STRANGE NEW QUALITY IN HIS VOICE: “Yes Marigold, that’s right.” MARIGOLD ROLLS HER EYES AND SAYS DISDAINFULLY: “I think I should let you get to work Julian your lies are getting worse each day. I’m gonna read now.” THE MUSIC DOES NOT STOP THIS TIME, SHE STANDS UP AND GOES TO READ HER BOOK. AT NIGHT WHEN SHE’S THROUGH READING SHE GOES INTO THE BEDROOM WITH THE LUXURIOUS BED AND CLIMBS IN. SHE SAYS “Good Night Julian.” “Good Night Marigold.”

CUT TO: THE NEXT AFTERNOON MARIGOLD IS SITTING IN A COZY CHAIR BY A WINDOW READING HER BOOK. SHE PUTS THE BOOK DOWN AND YAWNS LOUDLY. JULIAN TAKES THE OPPORTUNITY TO START TALKING TO HER: “How is your book my dear?” “Amazingly good and I now wish I’d read it as my friend Catherine suggested I do almost 30 years ago. Are you familiar with Angelique?” “Yes, very familiar as I funded a new remake of the first book in the series.” “Is that right…?” “So, why are you provoking a conversation Julian, have you got your lie Du Jour ready to plant on me”? “I know you don’t believe me…” “That’s right I don’t.” “Here me out, you see, I’m involved in a kind of consortium and all of the other key members of our group insisted that you should be killed but I”… “Oh, please let me finish it, I’ve gotten the hang of all this now. Let’s see, you were the optimist amidst a sea of doubters and you insisted with your wit and charm you could subdue me and get me to obey you all and thus, I am in your debt because if not for you the other members of your group would have voted “Thumbs Down” for me and I’d be dead by now.” “Yes, that’s right.” “You know, I used to have a friend who sold used cars and she told me about a trick that salesmen use to get people to buy their cars. She told me it works like this: Give the customer, who you want to sell something to, a free cola and then they feel obligated and friendly and many times they buy something. She was amazed by how many cars she sold just by making the person feel obligated. I’m onto that trick Julian. I’m starting to have fun busting your silly stories.”

CUT TO: THE NEXT MORNING SHE AWAKENS AND THINKS ABOUT HAVING PANCAKES, SYRUP AND BACON. JULIAN SAYS “Good Morning.” “Good Morning Julian.” HE SPEAKS TO HER VERY POLITELY AND KINDLY AND CALM MUSIC PLAYS IN THE BACKGROUND. MARIGOLD ASKS “Let me ask you Julian, how is it that you got me into this bed without me remembering anyone picking me up and moving me here?” “I’m able to do many things for which you’ll have no explanation, but please don’t be disturbed by this.” SHE SHRUGS AND TELLS HIM AS SHE’S WALKING TO THE DINNING TABLE: “I’m very hungry this morning and I’d love pancakes with maple syrup and bacon.” WHEN SHE ARRIVES AT THE DINNING TABLE SHE FINDS HOT PANCAKES, MAPLE SYRUP AND BACON. SEEING THE FOOD SHE ASKS: “Is this the kind of thing you were just referring to?” “Yes.” SHE NOTICES THAT THERE’S A BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE AND A GLASS OF IT POURED, SHE PICKS IT UP AND TASTES IT THEN SAYS: “It’s delicious.” THEN SHE SETS IT DOWN AND PUSHES IT OUT OF THE WAY “But I don’t drink.” AFTER EATING SHE GETS UP FROM THE TABLE AND WALKS BY A MIRROR AND NOTICES HER APPEARANCE HAS BECOME SLOVENLY. AT THIS POINT JULIAN ASKS “Is there anything that you need or want?” “Yes, I’d like some clean clothes and toiletries.” “In the bedroom closet you’ll find clothes. Toiletries are in the bathroom.” SHE GOES INTO THE BATHROOM TURNS ON THE TUB WATER AND SHUTS THE BATHROOM DOOR.

CUT TO: MARIGOLD BATHING, RELAXING AND REFLECTING AND SHE REALIZES SHE NOW ENJOYS TALKING TO JULIAN BECAUSE HE’S SO CALM AND KIND. WHILE SOAKING IN THE TUB HE ASKS HER: “Marigold, there’s something I want you to do for me.” “What is it Julian?” “There are clothes on the bed I’d like you to wear?” “Sure.” SHE PAUSES AND WE HEAR CALM MUSIC IN THE BACKGROUND. SHE ASKS: “What’s your favorite kind of music?” “Classical. And yours?” “I like disco for dancing; smooth jazz for driving; some pop songs and pop singers; and a lot of Motown like Sam Cooke and Al Green.”

CUT TO: MARIGOLD LEAVING THE BATHROOM WEARING A THIRSTY ROBE AND WALKING TO THE BED. UPON SEEING THE CLOTHES LAID OUT SHE SAYS “Nice clothes.” “I’m glad you like them.” SHE OPENS THE CURTAINS ALL THE WAY THEN HOPS INTO BED AND STARTS READING. JULIAN ASKS: “Why did you choose that book Marigold?” “A friend once gave it to me years ago and said that I reminded them of Angelique, but I never found the time to read it. Now I’m enjoying it… it’s comforting and calming.” “I’m pleased that you’re adjusting to this difficult situation, my dear.” AFTER A WHILE SHE FALLS ASLEEP.

CUT TO: LATER THAT DAY, AS THE SUN SETS, MARIGOLD EMERGES FROM THE BEDROOM BEAUTIFULLY ADORNED WEARING AN ATTRACTIVE, MIDNIGHT BLUE SILK GOWN WITH A BELT MADE OF POLISHED COPPER. HER HAIR IS LONG AND FLOWING AND HER HIGH HEELS MATCH THE BELT.

CUT TO: THE NEXT DAY WE SEE HER AT SUNSET IN A DIFFERENT ELEGANT OUTFIT APPLYING MAKEUP AND COIFFING HER HAIR.

CUT TO: THE NEXT DAY WE SEE HER IN A NEW ELEGANT OUTFIT, PUTTING ON LIPSTICK, FLUFFING HER HAIR AND PUTTING ON HIGH-HEELS. SHE’S OBVIOUSLY ENJOYING GETTING MADE UP EACH DAY IN THE EXQUISITE ATIRE.

CUT TO: DUSK THE NEXT DAY IN THE BEDROOM, SHE PARADES AROUND IN BRIGHTLY COLORED CLOTHING AND SHE SAYS “Julian, I particularly like this outfit.” “You look stunning. On the dinning table you’ll find something I’d like you to wear with it.” EXCITED, SHE HURRIES TO THE TABLE AND FINDS A JEWELRY BOX WHICH SHE OPENS. IT’S A VERY LARGE, DARK, HEART-SHAPED, SAPPHIRE PENDANT ON A ROSE GOLD CHAIN. SHE PUTS IT ON AND SAYS: “It’s amazing!” JULIAN PLAYS TCHAIKOVSKY’S “Nutcracker” AND SHE GENTLY GLIDES AROUND THE ROOM HOLDING HER ARMS UP AS IF SHE’S DANCING WITH A PARTNER. THEN SUDDENLY WHEN THE MUSIC STOPS SHE RUNS TO THE BEDROOM AND THROWS HERSELF ON THE BED SOBBING UNCONTROLLABLY. JULIAN PLAYS CALMING MUSIC BUT IT HAS LITTLE EFFECT. WHEN SHE CALMS DOWN HE ASKS: “Why are you so upset, my dear?” LONG PAUSE: “I’m lonely… [SOBS] So utterly lonely… Even though Jack wasn’t what anyone would call romantic… kind… or attentive… my husband was at least a flesh and blood human being. You’re a ghost, a ghost who, for some strange reason, is courting me better than any other man has ever courted me. Why, for god’s sake?!?! What did I ever do to you to deserve this from you?” NOW SHE RUNS TO THE THE CORNER OF THE ROOM AND SITS ON THE FLOOR AND SHE LOOKS OUT THE WINDOW AT THE LIGHTS OF PARIS AS SHE THINKS. LATER WE SEE HER – STILL ALL DRESSED UP — ASLEEP ON THE FLOOR.

CUT TO: HER WAKING UP IN THE LUXURIOUS BED WEARING A NIGHTGOWN. “Good Morning Julian.” “Good Morning, are you feeling better?” “Yes, much better, thank you.” SHE GOES TO THE DINNING ROOM AND EATS AS ESPECIALLY CALMING MUSIC PLAYS IN THE BACKGROUND. SHE READS HER NEW BOOK TITLED: “Angelique and the King.” AT SUNSET SHE DRESSES FORMALLY FOR DINNER. WE CAN HEAR IN JULIAN’S VOICE THAT HE’S THRILLED THAT MARIGOLD FEELS BETTER. DELIGHTED HE ASKS HER “My dear, if you could leave this penthouse and move around the hotel what would you like to do?” SHE ANSWERS EXCITEDLY: “Oh… I’d have a massage in the spa; a swim; I’d get my hair done at the salon; I’d get lots of French fashion magazines in the lobby; and I’d eat at Chez Brishon in the lobby.” SHE CONTINUES EATING NONCHALANTLY.

CUT TO: THE NEXT DAY JULIAN TELLS HER AS SHE’S EATING BREAKFAST: “Today I want you to move about the hotel and do the things you said you’d like to do.” THRILLED “Really!? “However, let me warn you that there will be dire consequences if you try to escape…or” INTERRUPTING “I won’t…” “And if you touch another man I’ll kill him.” MARIGOLD LOOKS CONFUSED BUT SAYS “Ahmm… yeah… right… ahmm…” SHE FROWNS AND LOOKS DOWN NOTICING HOW STRANGE HIS LAST STATEMENT WAS BUT THEN SHE SHRUGS IT OFF.

CUT TO: MARIGOLD AS SHE EMERGES FROM THE BEDROOM IN NON-FORMAL CLOTHES THEN SHE HEADS TO THE ELEVATOR. A SERIES OF SHOTS: FIRST SHE GOES TO THE SPA; THEN THE POOL; THEN THE SALON; THEN THE BOOK-STAND. SHE NOTICES CAMERAS IN EACH OF THESE LOCATIONS. MARIGOLD RETURNS AFTER HOURS OF PAMPERING TO THE 23RD FLOOR PENTHOUSE AND IS GREETED BY JULIAN: “Welcome back, how do you feel?” (Delightedly): “Like a Queen.”

CUT TO: THE NEXT DAY SHE’S TAKING THE OUTFIT FROM THE BED THAT WAS LAID OUT: “What’s your favorite color Julian?” “Midnight Blue.” “And your favorite piece of music?” “Ave Maria.” “Do you have a pet dog or cat?” “No.” “Do you have brothers or sisters?” “Brothers.” “Do you know if I have brothers or sisters?” “Yes, my dear, you are an only child.” LONG PAUSE. “Julian, there’s something I’d like to have.” “Anything.” “Well, I thought about asking for the The Hope Diamond but there’s another I prefer, I just read about it in my book.” “Which one my dear?” “It’s called the “Love At First Sight” diamond.” “Yes, of course, I’ll get it for you.”

CUT TO: THE NEXT DAY IN THE LIVING ROOM AT DUSK MARIGOLD OPENS A JEWELRY BOX CONTAINING A 56 KARAT HEART SHAPED DIAMOND WHICH IS NOT SET. SHE PICKS IT UP AND CARRIES IT TO THE WINDOW TO WATCH THE LIGHTS OF THE CITY DANCE ON IT’S FACE. SHE’S DELIGHTED AND SAYS: “It’s just amazing the quality they get these days from Cubic Zirconia.” “It’s real my dear.” “Yes Julian, that lie reminds me that it’s been a while since you told me a new lie about what you want from me. Are you ready yet to tell me another?” “Soon.” “You know, I hope this is some kind of strange fun for you, I mean, I hope you’re enjoying this.” “I am.”

CUT TO: THE NEXT DAY MARIGOLD RIPS OUT PICTURES FROM THE MAGAZINES SHE GOT AND PILES THE PICTURES ON THE DINNING TABLE AND SAYS: “Julian” “Yes, darling.” SHE SEEMS SURPRISED BY HIS NEW TERM OF ENDEARMENT BUT STAGGERS ON: “I… I’ve put pictures of clothes, shoes and jewelry that I particularly like here on the table.” “I see that.” “Would you get them for me please.” “Certainly my love.” MARIGOLD IS STUNNED FURTHER BY THIS TERM OF ENDEARMENT BUT MANAGES TO SOLDIER ON.

CUT TO: THE NEXT DAY SHE’S WEARING SOME OF THE CLOTHES WE SAW PICTURES OF AND SHE LOOKS MUCH MORE DRAMATIC. SHE OPENS ANOTHER JEWELRY BOX WITH ANOTHER STUNNING PENDANT WHICH SHE PUTS AROUND HER NECK. “Julian, I’d like to go to “Chez Brishon” tonight and eat with another human being. Would that be possible? Could you send me a companion to talk to… I… I mean just about trivial things like the weather, or the food, or my clothes, things like that, I’m just so lonely…I…” “Of course mi amor.” SHE IGNORES THE PROTESTATION OF LOVE “Thank you Julian.”

CUT TO: LATER THAT NIGHT MARIGOLD EATING IN THE HOTEL RESTAURANT WITH AN ELDERLY ENGLISH WOMAN WHO IS VERY FORMAL BUT FRIENDLY.

CUT TO: THE NEXT MORNING MARIGOLD’S DRESSED IN MORE OF THE CLOTHES SHE ASKED FOR, EATING BREAKFAST. “I enjoyed talking to Mrs. Seymour last night. Thank you for setting that up.” “You’re welcomed.” “Tell me, beloved, if you could go out of the hotel, out to social events, where would you like to go.” MARIGOLD THINKS FOR A MINUTE. “I’d like to see the Louvre and Notre Dame, I’d like to dance at a grand ball; go to plays and concerts and attend intimate dinner parties with fascinating people.” SHE GOES BACK TO READING HER NEW BOOK: “Angelique, the Road to Versailles.”

CUT TO: THE NEXT DAY SHE’S IN A NEW OUTFIT READING IN THE MAIN ROOM AND JULIAN SAYS: “Good morning, sweetheart. There’s something I’d like you to do.” “Yes Julian what is it.” THE CURTAINS AUTOMATICALLY CLOSE; A LARGE MOVIE SCREEN COMES DOWN FROM THE CEILING; THE FURNITURE AUTOMATICALLY MOVES INTO POSITION AND THE LIGHTS DIM. “Watch this.” MARIGOLD WATCHES THE FILM WHICH IS ABOUT A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN, WHO LOOKS A BIT LIKE HER, DANCING AT AN ELEGANT BALL AND TALKING TO INTERESTING PEOPLE. WHEN IT’S OVER JULIAN ASKS: “Is this appealing to you?” “Oh, Yes!!!”

CUT TO: THE NEXT NIGHT THE CURTAINS CLOSE; THE FURNITURE MOVES, THE SCREEN COMES DOWN; THE LIGHTS DIM AND A NEW FILM PLAYS. THIS TIME IT’S A VERY EXTENSIVE DOCUMENTARY ABOUT NOTRE DAME. MARIGOLD WATCHES INTENTLY.

CUT TO: THE NEXT NIGHT MARIGOLD WATCHES A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT THE LOUVRE.

CUT TO: THE NEXT NIGHT A CONCERT PLAYS ON THE SCREEN AND THE LAST SONG IS AN ARDENT LOVE SONG THAT’S SUNG IN A PASSIONATE MANNER. THE LIGHTS GO UP AND THE CURTAINS OPEN TO SHOW THE CITY LIGHTS AT NIGHT. MARIGOLD WALKS OVER TO THE WINDOW AND LOOKING OUT AT THE CITY SHE SAYS: “Julian, I want to tell you that I’m really enjoying these programs you’re presenting me. I feel so happy and yet… It’s so strange to like someone who has kidnapped me and taken my husband hostage… Are you trying to make me fall in love with you… is that your sinister plan?” NO ANSWER. “Is this some kind of revenge, or some strange kind of research… Julian, are you there?” “I’m here. Can we talk about this later. I… I’m unable to answer you now and I’m sorry that this is so diffi… There are so many things I should explain to you but… Soon mi amore… soon.”

CUT TO: THE NEXT NIGHT WE SEE MARIGOLD WITH A GROUP OF CLASSICAL MUSICIANS AND SHE’S DANCING AROUND THE ROOM BY HERSELF, REALLY ENJOYING THE MUSIC. THE MUSICIANS LEAVE AND MARIGOLD SAYS: “That was heavenly. I’ve never heard that piece before.” “I had it created especially for you, beloved, it’s called “The Pearl of Greatest Cost.” SHE’S SURPRISED AND PLEASED. JULIAN ASKS: “In the refrigerator you’ll find a glass. I’d like you to try it. I had created for you.” “Okay.” SHE QUICKLY GETS IT OUT OF THE FRIG AND DRINKS IT AND STARTS BEHAVING LIKE SHE’S DRUNK – VERY TALKATIVE, BUBBLY, FUNNY, WHILE STILL DANCING AROUND THE ROOM EVEN THOUGH THERE’S NO MUSIC, SHE HUMS A TUNE TO DANCE TO. SHE SAYS: “Julian, that drink was delicious but I feel a bit strange, kind of carefree, light-hearted, delighted.” “I’m glad darling.” SHE GLIDES INTO HER BEDROOM. THEN WE SEE HER CLIMB INTO BED AND READ HER NEW BOOK: “Angelique in Love.”

CUT TO: THE NEXT NIGHT AN OPERA SINGER GENTLY SERENADES HER IN PERSON IN THE ROOM.

CUT TO: THE NEXT DAY A WORLD FAMOUS CHEF COOKS FOR HER.

CUT TO: THE NEXT DAY AS SHE’S EATING BREAKFAST JULIAN TELLS HER “Darling, I have a present for you – a new song I’ve commissioned for you.” SHE FINISHES THE LAST BITE OF FOOD AND GOES TO SIT IN A LARGE COMFY CHAIR TO LISTEN. WHEN SHE’S SNUGGLED IN SHE SAYS: “OK, I’m ready.” THE SONG PLAYS OUT. NEAR THE END WE REACH THE PART OF THE SONG WHERE THE SINGER SAYS: “Who do you think you are? You really think you’re in control? Well, I think you’re crazy…” WHEN SHE HEARS THESE LINES AND THE WAY THEY’RE SUNG, SHE FEELS THAT THE LYRICS ARE SINISTER AND OVERBEARING, SUGGESTING A GLOATING DOMINATION THAT SHE’S NEVER ENCOUNTERED IN JULIAN BEFORE, CAUSING HER TO HAVE A STRANGE REACTION. WHEN THE SONG IS OVER SHE MUSTERS HER COMPOSURE AND LIES AND SAYS “It’s very nice.” THEN SHE GOES TO THE LIBRARY AND PICKS OUT ANOTHER NOVEL TITLED: “Angelique in Revolt.”

~PART 2: ANGELIQUE’S ESCAPE~

CUT TO: THE NEXT MORNING UPON WAKING MARIGOLD ASKS: “Good morning Julian, would it be alright if I went to the salon today to have my nails done?” “Of course, baby.” MARIGOLD PUTS ON HER FAVORITE OUTFIT AND JULIAN SAYS: “Isn’t that your favorite?” “Yes, or rather it was my favorite but now the yellow silk one that’s your favorite is also my favorite.” SHE PUTS ON A LOT OF JEWELS, VIRTUALLY EVERY PIECE JULIAN HAS GIVEN HER. WHEN SHE’S FINISHED GETTING DRESSED JULIAN SAYS: “Why so much jewelry my love?” “Oh…you see…I want to be close to you Julian and since you gave me all of these, wearing them somehow keeps you close to me.” “I see darling.” MARIGOLD WALKS TO THE WINDOW WHERE SHE LAST SAW HER HUSBAND AND LOOKS OUT AT PARIS IN THE MORNING. SHE GOES TO THE ELEVATOR AND GETS IN. IN THE LOBBY SHE’S SUPPOSED TO TURN RIGHT WHEN SHE EXITS THE ELEVATOR BUT SHE WALKS STRAIGHT AHEAD TO THE FRONT DOOR OF THE HOTEL WHERE A VALET IS HOLDING OPEN THE HOTEL DOOR FOR OTHER GUESTS BUT MARIGOLD CHARGES BY. OUTSIDE ANOTHER VALET HOLDS OPEN THE DOOR OF A PORSCHE SUV FOR A PATRON, HOWEVER, MARIGOLD GETS IN THE CAR FIRST AND STEALS IT. SHE TAKES OFF AT HIGH-SPEED.

CUT TO: MARIGOLD DRIVING CRAZILY AS SHE’S DECIDED TO KILL HERSELF USING THE SUV. SHE RAMPAGES THROUGH PARIS SEEKING A WAY TO KILL HERSELF THAT’S NOT TOO PAINFUL AND THAT WON’T HARM OR KILL OTHERS. SHE TURNS ON THE RADIO AND JULIAN’S VOICE COMES OVER THE SPEAKERS ASKING HER (STILL SOMEWHAT CALMLY) “Marigold, my love, what are you doing?” “I’m testing your theory, you think I’m crazy for believing I’m in control of myself… Let’s test your theory.” SHE SPEEDS UP TO A MACK TRUCK AND SAYS “How about this, I could just drive right up under the back of the truck.” “That’s very unlikely to kill you and if it did it would be a profoundly painful and drawn out death.” PAUSE “Yes, I think you’re right.” SHE SPEEDS UP TO AN OVERPASS THAT’S ABOUT ONE STORY TALL AND ASKS: “How about this, if I could somehow get the car to crash through the barriers that’s a decent height to fall.” “It’s not enough to be sure you won’t just be injured or paralyzed.” “Perhaps your right.” SHE SPEEDS DOWN THE HIGHWAY FREAKING OUT THE OTHER DRIVERS AS SHE BLOWS BY THEM AT HIGH SPEED. JULIAN SAYS: “Please, darling tell me what’s wrong — what set you off?” “That song last night, it was sinister and mocking, laughing at my lack of control… so let’s just see if I still have enough control to end all this…” SHE TURNS THE SUV SO QUICKLY IT ALMOST OVERTURNS, THEN SPEEDS TOWARDS A BRIDGE. SHE SEES A PLACE WHERE SHE COULD LIKELY CRASH THROUGH THE RAILING AND ASKS: “How about this, that barrier’s thin I could just crash into it and then go off the bridge.” JULIAN FORCING HIMSELF TO BE CALM: “The fall’s not high enough to ensure death, you’d likely end up with only massive injuries and you might hit the construction workers below.” MARIGOLD LOOKS AT THE DISTANCE TO THE GROUND AND CONCURS “Yes, you’re right I need to find some height, some sheer cliffs…Ah, yes… now I know where to go.”

CUT TO: MARIGOLD DRIVING ON A NARROW LEDGE ABOVE A VERY STEEP CLIFF SHE SAYS: “These cliffs are very steep… but I need to find a spot where I could be sideways on the road and rev the engine so I can sail out away from the cliff. There, up ahead…oh, that’s perfect.” SHE HEADS TO A WIDE PART OF THE ROAD WHERE SHE COULD GET TRACTION BEFORE GOING OFF THE CLIFF. JULIAN SAYS NOTHING. SHE’S ALREADY STATED THE REASONS SHE’S CONVINCED IT’S PERFECT, SHE’S FINALLY FOUND AN ACCEPTABLE WAY TO KILL HERSELF YET SHE DRIVES ON AND DOES NOT DO IT. SHE TAKES A WHILE BEFORE SAYING: “Thank you for not pretending there was some flaw with that one – you probably would have sent me over the edge by lying to me again.” “Baby I…” “Look Julian, if I can’t be happy I don’t want to live, and I can’t be happy if I have no control.” JULIAN’S VOICE REVEALS HE’S CLEARLY SHAKEN UP. “I’d ask you again why you’ve taken me and my husband as your prisoners but you’ve lied so many times I can’t believe anything you say now. Of course, I don’t want you to hurt Jack but I’ve got to try my best to go back to controlling my life and trying to be happy. No matter how wonderful you’ve been to me, I can’t trust you so I’ve got to get away from you.” SHE PARKS THE SUV AND GRABS A BACKPACK SHE FINDS ON THE BACK SEAT AND PUTS ALL THE JEWELS, EXCEPT THE EARINGS SHE’S WEARING, INTO THE BACKPACK, THEN SHE GETS OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, WEARING THE BACKPACK AND STARTS WALKING DOWN THE ROAD. WE HEAR JULIAN’S VOICE CALLING AFTER HER – DESPERATELY: “Marigold… Don’t go… Darling please… Your killing me… please wait… Come back baby!!!…” WE SEE THAT MARIGOLD HEARD HIM SAY THIS AND IT MOTIVATES HER TO RUN. NOW FOR THE FIRST TIME WE SEE JULIAN WHO IS A VERY ATTRACTIVE MIDDLE AGED MAN AND HE’S FRANTIC, DISTRAUGHT, DESPERATE.

CUT TO: MARIGOLD WALKING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND A CAB DRIVER SEES HER AND PULLS OVER. HE ASKS “Do you need a ride?” “I have no money.” “That’s OK, I’m driving to town anyway, get in.” SHE GET’S IN AND HE ASKS: “What are you doing out here?” “Trying to kill myself.” “But you’re too beautiful to die.” SHE SMILES AT HIM IN THE MIRROR. “What’s your name?” “Marigold. And yours?” “Michael.” What do you do?” “I… I… I’m looking for a Billionaire.” “Why” “I need a lot of money to pay the man who took my husband prisoner.” “How much does he want?” “He won’t tell me but he’s very powerful and rich, so he must want a lot.” THE SUN SETS AS THEY HEAD TOWARD A SMALL TOWN IN FRANCE.

CUT TO: MARIGOLD AND MICHAEL AS THEY WALK OUT OF A PAWN SHOP WITH MARIGOLD NO LONGER WEARING THE PAIR OF 3 KARAT CANARY DIAMOND EARRINGS. MARIGOLD GIVES MICHAEL MONEY AND SHE SAYS TO HERSELF IN V.O.: “I didn’t believe Julian when he said these were real.” SHE PUTS A WAD OF CASH IN THE SIDE POCKET AND CLOSES THE ZIPPER OF HER BACKPACK AND PUTS IT ON HER BACK. THEY WALK TO THE TOWN SQUARE AND SIT TOGETHER LOOKING AT A FOUNTAIN WITH A SCULPTURE OF A BEAUTIFUL MERMAID IN IT. MICHAEL SAYS: “If you’re serious about finding a billionaire, my brother runs a casino in Monte Carlo where lots of very rich men go to loose money to the casinos and to find beautiful women — like you. I can take you there and get you a job at the private club at the casino.” SHE VERY SINCERELY SAYS: “Thank you — let’s do it.”

CUT TO: WIDE ANGLE SHOT OF THE NIGHTCLUB IN A MONTE CARLO CASINO CALLED “Troy.” ZOOM INTO THE FRONT DOORS OPENED BY VALETS AND THE FIRST THING WE SEE IS THE STUNNING MARIGOLD DRESSED MAGNIFICENTLY WELCOMING THE PATRONS TO THE CLUB: “Good evening, welcome to Troy.” CAMERA PANS AROUND THE CLUB TO SEE THE GLITTERATI DRINKING, DANCING, AND PARTYING. MARIGOLD’S BEAUTY IS THE TALK OF THE CLUB AND PEOPLE CALL HER “Helen of Troy.”

CUT TO: A SERIES OF SHOTS OF MARIGOLD SERIALLY DATING HALF A DOZEN VERY RICH MEN: ON YACHTS; ATTENDING AUCTIONS; PURCHASING STALLIONS; SHOPPING FOR CARS; JEWELRY, FURS, ETC. ONE MAN KEEPS APPEARING IN A SERIES OF SHOTS WHERE HE AND MARIGOLD KISS AND HOLD HANDS LOOKING LIKE THEY’RE ABOUT TO HAVE A SEXUAL ENCOUNTER.

CUT TO: NEWSPAPER HEADLINES AND PHOTOS INDICATING THIS MAN HAS LOST HIS MASSIVE FORTUNE AND HAD TO LEAVE MONTE CARLO.

CUT TO: ANOTHER SERIES OF SHOTS OF MARIGOLD DATING ANOTHER BATCH OF RICH MEN IN VARIOUS LOCALS. AGAIN, ONE MAN KEEPS APPEARING IN A NEW SERIES OF SHOTS WITH MARIGOLD, KISSING HER AND DANCING INTIMATELY.

CUT TO: A BAR AND A TV SHOWING VIDEO OF MARIGOLD AND THIS MAN EMBRACING AND HEARING IN VOICE-OVER THAT THE MAN HAS LOST HIS FORTUNE AND HAS LEFT MONTE CARLO.

CUT TO: EUGENIO (THE CASINO MANAGER) TALKING TO HIS BROTHER MICHAEL (wearing card dealer clothes) AS THEY BOTH WATCH MARIGOLD INTERACT WITH A NEW MAN – NICO STRATUS ADOLPHUS (HE IS JULIAN). EUGENIO SAYS TO MICHAEL TALKING ABOUT NICO/JULIAN “He lost 7 million last night at the tables. He’s the richest man in the world.” “Even though her other suitors went bankrupt right when they got serious with her, look at him, he’s just walking right into it.” WE SEE JULIAN WALK CLOSER TO MARIGOLD. EUGENIO: “Hordes of cultured, beautiful women throw themselves at him to no avail.” “Maybe he’s gay?” THEY BOTH LOOK AT JULIAN AND MARIGOLD WHO ARE CLEARLY FLIRTING WITH EACH OTHER AND MICHAEL SAYS “No. Definitely not. Her beauty… her mind… her character… she’s so endearing… it seems no man can resister her – no matter the cost.” “You know what they’re calling her now that all her suiters have gone up bankrupt?” “What?” “The Jinx of Troy.”

CUT TO: MARIGOLD LEAVING THE CLUB WITH NICO (JULIAN) AND GETTING INTO HIS NEW MASERATI ALFIERI. WHEN SHE WAS HIS CAPTIVE, MARIGOLD NEVER SAW JULIAN, SHE ONLY HEARD HIS VOICE BUT IT WAS MASKED SO SHE DOES NOT REALIZE THAT NICO ADOLPHUS IS JULIAN.

CUT TO: MARIGOLD GETTING READY FOR BED AND READING THE BOOK “Angelique and the Conspiracy of Shadows.”

CUT TO: A MONTAGE OF SHOTS OF MARIGOLD AND NICO (JULIAN) HAVING A GENUINELY GREAT TIME TOGETHER. HE’S KIND AND GRACIOUS AND BEHAVES LIKE SOME KIND OF ROYALTY, COURTING HER VERY FORMALLY.

CUT TO: MARIGOLD AND NICO ON A MASSIVE BLACK YACHT. MARIGOLD IS READING “Angelique and the Demon.”

CUT TO: MARIGOLD, DRESSED AS AN ANGEL, AND NICO DRESSED AS A VAMPIRE. HE PLACES A GIANT BLOOD RED, PEAR-SHAPED RUBY PENDANT AROUND HER NECK AS THEY STEP INTO A MANSION FOR A HALLOWEEN PARTY.

CUT TO: THEIR ARRIVAL IN HIS MASERATI AFLIERI, AT AN ELEGANT COSTUME BALL AT A MASSIVE FRENCH CHATEAU. APPROACHING THE BALLROOM, THEY MAKE A DRAMATIC ENTRANCE AND ARE THE TALK OF THE BALL. NICO IS BEAMING WITH DELIGHT SHOWING OFF MARIGOLD TO THE GLITTERATI. HE SAYS IN A NONPLUSSED MANNER UNAWARE OF WHAT HE’S CONFESSING: “This, my dear, is what you told me you wanted in Paris.” MARIGOLD’S FACE SHOWS HER PERPLEXITY, BUT NICO (JULIAN) DOES NOT NOTICE IT AS SHE GESTURES “YES” AND THEY WALK TOGETHER ARM AND ARM THROUGH THE ADORING CROWD.

CUT TO: MARIGOLD IN THE LADIES ROOM SITTING ON A FANCY CHAIR LOST IN HER THOUGHTS, WHICH WE HEAR IN V.O.: “Nico and I have never been to Paris together… What was he talking about… I told Julian I wanted to attend a fancy dress ball… Could he be?… He’s very graceful and gentle like Julian… Very gallant… We’ve been dating for two months and his fortune is still intact… Oh my god!…” COMING TO THE CONVICTION THAT NICO ADOLPHUS IS JULIAN, MARIGOLD STANDS UP AND SAYS OUT-LOUD: “I’ve got to get out of here.” SHE RUSHES OUT OF THE LADIES ROOM.

CUT TO: MARIGOLD MAKING HER WAY TO THE GARAGE OF THE CHATEAU. SHE FLIPS ON A LIGHT IN THE GARAGE AND WE SEE A DOZEN EXOTIC CONCEPT CARS. SHE GLANCES OVER THEM AND ONE STANDS OUT, A FIERY, COPPER COLORED CAR LIKE NO OTHER: “The Vulcano” (http://www.topspeed.com/cars/icona/2013-icona-vulcano-concept-ar150771.html ). SHE LOOKS AT THE HOOD AND SEES THE LOGO OF AN ERUPTING VOLCANO THEN WALKS TO AN AREA WHERE SHE EXPECTS THE KEYS TO BE. SHE TAKES THE KEYS WITH AN EMBLEM OF AN ERUPTING VOLCANO AND THEN OPENS THE GARAGE DOOR. WE HEAR THE CAR START UP AND THE ROAR OF IT’S POWERFUL ENGINE.

CUT TO: WIDE SHOT OF JULIAN GAMBLING EXPERTLY, WINNING HUGE AMOUNTS.

CUT TO: WIDE SHOT OF MARIGOLD DRIVING EXPERTLY AROUND A SERIES OF HAIRPIN CURVES AT HIGH SPEED NEAR A FOREST. SHE SEES A LARGE TREE-HOUSE AND PULLS OVER.

CUT TO: A SERIES OF SHOTS OF JULIAN TALKING TO MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE WHO CLEARLY ENJOY HIS CHARM AND GRACIOUS WIT.

CUT TO: MARIGOLD SITING IN THE MIDDLE OF A VERY LARGE TREE-HOUSE – WITH HER BALL GOWN ENCASING HER IN A PLETHORA OF CONCENTRIC RINGS ALMOST DROWNING HER IN CRINOLINE. NOW SHE’S THINKING THE WAY SHE DID SO MANY TIMES WHEN SHE WAS SITTING IN THE CORNER OF THE PARIS PENTHOUSE STARRING OUT THE WINDOW.

CUT TO: A GROUP OF BEAUTIFUL WOMEN SURROUNDING JULIAN EACH TRYING TO SEDUCE HIM – TO NO AVAIL.

CUT TO: THE VULCANO PARKED OUTSIDE OF A FRUMPY PARISIAN COMEDY CLUB WITH GAWKERS SURROUNDING IT. A MAN TOUCHES IT AND THE CAR SHOCKS HIM. HE TOUCHES IT AGAIN AND IT SHOCKS HIM MORE. THE CROWD BACKS AWAY.

CUT TO: JULIAN TALKING TO OTHER MEN ABOUT SERIOUS BUSINESS ISSUES IN AN ELEGANT DARK LIBRARY IN THE CHATEAU.

CUT TO: INSIDE THE CLUB MARIGOLD – WHO DOES NOT NORMALLY DRINK – IS DRINKING “Perrier-Jouet” CHAMPAGNE VERY QUICKLY. A NEW COMEDIAN – MARC JOSEF – WALKS ONTO THE STAGE IN THE BACKGROUND. HE’S A DEMETRI MARTIN TYPE OF COMEDIAN WITH A GUITAR AND LONG STORIES HE TELLS MOST OF WHICH NO ONE LAUGHS AT, HOWEVER MARIGOLD LAUGHS LOUDLY THROUGHOUT HIS PERFORMANCE. MARC SAYS: “Thanks for coming to the show tonight… We get all kinds of people here… some locals who just live in the area… how many locals?” [MOST PEOPLE RAISE THEIR HANDS] “And some come from far away and some…” HE LOOKS DIRECTLY AT MARIGOLD – “some stop in just just for a tax deduction… I guess… Oh it’s August, a little early for tax deductions…” AGAIN SHE LAUGHS LOUDLY. WHEN MARC IS THROUGH HE STEPS DOWN AND WALKS DIRECTLY TO MARIGOLD’S TABLE AND ASKS: “May I join you?” SHE DELIGHTEDLY SAYS: “Yes please.” “I couldn’t help notice that you liked my act.” “Oh my god, you’re saving my life tonight.” MARC GESTURES ASKING IF HE CAN HAVE A DRINK OF CHAMPAGNE SHE NODS APPROVAL. HE THROWS BACK A GLASS AND ASKS “Who are you?” “Marigold.” “I’m Marc – Marc Josef.” “Marc, I have a favor to ask you: I need someone to drive me, I’m too inebriated so would you drive me home?” “Of course.”

CUT TO: THEM EXITING THE CLUB. THE CROWD PARTS REALIZING THAT THE VULCANO BELONGS TO MARIGOLD. THE CROWD WATCHES AS SHE AND MARC WRESTLE HER BALLGOWN INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. MARC GETS IN TO DRIVE. HE MAKES THE CAR STALL OUT SEVERAL TIMES. WE SEE HER GESTURE INSTRUCTIONS TO GUIDE HIM TO WORK THE CLUTCH PROPERLY. HE STAYS CALM AND LEARNS.

CUT TO: THE VULCANO WINDING TOWARDS THE SAME FOREST WHERE MARIGOLD WAS EARLIER.

CUT TO: INSIDE THE TREE-HOUSE MARIGOLD DISROBES INTO HER JUST THE SLIP OF HER BALL GOWN. THEY FIND BLANKETS AND SIT ON THE FLOOR. MARIGOLD TELLS MARC EVERYTHING, I.E., ALL ABOUT WHAT’S HAPPENED TO HER, AND SHE’S RELIEVED AS IT FEELS SO GOOD TO TELL ANOTHER PERSON. MARC BELIEVES HER AND SAYS “We need to disable the built in tracker on the Vulcano so it won’t lead Nico or Julian right to us.” SHE NODS AGREEMENT. MARC CLIMBS DOWN AND DISABLES IT. THEN CLIMBS BACK UP AND THEY FALL ASLEEP.

CUT TO: THE CHATEAU IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS, JULIAN’S WRITING A CHECK FOR 10 MILLION DOLLARS TO PAY FOR THE VULCANO AND FOR ITS OWNER’S SILENCE. JULIAN: “I invested in this company and happen to know you paid 4 million for this car. I trust this amount (WE SEE CLOSE-UP OF THE CHECK 10,000,000.) will satisfy you. THE OWNER NODS HIS AGREEMENT. Please grant my beloved your forgiveness – she can be so impulsive.” THE CAR OWNER NODS HIS APPROVAL AGAIN.

CUT TO: JULIAN DRIVING THE MASERATI ALFIERI EXPERTLY WHILE PUSHING BUTTONS AND TURNING DIALS AS IT NOW HAS HIGH-TECH EQUIPMENT DISPLAYED THROUGHOUT IT.

CUT TO: THE NEXT MORNING AS MARC GIVES MARIGOLD HIS POCKET KNIFE AND HELPS HER CUT HER DRESS DOWN TO SIZE. SHE USES THE BOTTOM OF A METAL PAN AS A MIRROR TO FIX HER MAKE-UP WHILE MARC SCROUNGES UP SOME FOOD: A BIG BAG OF CHEETOS.

CUT TO: OUTSIDE OF THE NIGHTCLUB WHERE MARIGOLD MET MARC, JULIAN STEPS BACK INTO HIS MASERATI AND STARTS PULLING LEVERS AND PUSHING BUTTONS.

CUT TO: MARIGOLD AND MARC – COVERED IN CHEETOS DUST – SPEEDING AWAY FROM THE TREE-HOUSE, MARC THROWS THE EMPTY BAG OF CHEETOS OUT THE WINDOW AND STARTS READING THE CAR’S OWNERS MANUAL.

CUT TO: JULIAN DRIVING AROUND THE FOREST DISCOVERING THE TREE-HOUSE.

CUT TO: INSIDE THE TREE-HOUSE JULIAN FINDS THE DISCARDED PARTS OF MARIGOLD’S DRESS. HE PICKS UP A PIECE OF THE FABRIC AND SMELLS IT, THEN HOLDS IT CLOSE TO HIS HEART FEELING COMFORTED. HE TAKES IT WITH HIM.

CUT TO: MARIGOLD AND MARC EXITING A PAWN SHOP AND SHE NO LONGER WEARS THE HUGE RUBY PENDANT.

CUT TO: ROAD SIGNS THAT INDICATE THAT MARIGOLD AND MARC HAVE DRIVEN INTO SPAIN. SHE SAYS “I’m hungry.” “Me too.” THEY PULL OVER AND ENTER A TINY CAFE. AFTER EATING THE SERVER TAKES AWAY THE PLATES. MARC ASKS: “So, what do you want to do?” “I want to be happy.” “How do you propose to do that in this bizarre situation?” “I’m working on figuring that out. It seems all I have that’s desirable is my beauty and my… Borzoi… friskiness… delight… it’s hard to explain. I could go find another club like Troy to find more rich men but Julian will no doubt destroy their fortunes too.” “No doubt.” “Still, if I go through them faster that he can destroy them then I may be able to eek out a few more months or years of romantic enjoyment before he finds me again and it seems my only alternative is to kill myself.” MARC LOOKS DISTRAUGHT AS HE CONSIDERS THE FACTS. “Well, we bought some time by selling your pendant. We’ll figure something out.” THEY STAND AND WALK TOWARDS THE BACK OF THE RESTAURANT. “I have a friend on the Spanish island of Menorca, Dr. Constanton, he was my composition teacher – before I became a comedian. Let’s go see him. No one will look for us there.” SHE NODS IN AGREEMENT. THEY PAY THE OWNER OF THE RESTAURANT FOR THE FOOD.

CUT TO: MARC DRIVING THE VULCANO INTO THE RESTAURANT OWNER’S GARAGE AND PAYING HIM FOR GARAGE SPACE FOR THE VULCANO.

CUT TO: MARC PAYING A FISHERMAN THEN MARC AND MARIGOLD GET ON A SMALL BOAT AND GO TO THE SPANISH ISLAND OF MENORCA.

CUT TO: JULIAN DRIVING IN HIS MASERATI AND A ROAD SIGN INDICATES HE’S COME INTO SPAIN.

CUT TO: MARC AND MARIGOLD ARRIVING AT THE HOME ATOP THE ISLAND OF MENORCA. IT HAS A PLAQUE OUTSIDE THAT READS “Monte Toro.” THEY’RE WELCOMED BY DR. CONSTANTON WHO HUGS MARC AND SHAKES THE HAND OF MARIGOLD. “It’s been so long Marc!” “My friend Marigold and I need a place to rest and relax and I couldn’t think of anywhere better than here with you.”

CUT TO: DR. CONSTANTON’S MAID SERVING THEM DINNER ON THE BALCONY OVERLOOKING THE SEA NEAR SUNSET. MARC SAYS: “Marigold, tell me more about your husband Jack, what does he do?” “He’s a brilliant philosopher working on a project we have struggled to create that I call “The Science of Happiness.” CONSTANTON: “Are you working on a SECULAR ethical system?” “Yes, one that leads to happiness in a context where it’s possible.” “That hasn’t been attempted since Aristotle.” “Actually, there have been others but they’re not well known, and while making great progress, the woman I have in mind — I like to call her “Fluffy” — did not actually achieve such an ethical code.”

CUT TO: LATER THAT NIGHT, MARIGOLD AND DR. CONSTANTON CHAT CAUSALLY WHILE MARC’S LOST IN THOUGHT. MARC SUDDENLY COMES BACK TO THE MOMENT AND HE TELLS MARIGOLD: “You said that you saw Jack held on a helicopter outside the window of the hotel in Paris.” “Right.” “Have you ever looked for him since you ran away from Julian?” “No, I’ve assumed Julian’s holding him hostage. Why?” MARC TO DR. CONSTANTON: “Can I use your computer?” “Of course.” MARC LEAVES AND GOES INTO THE HOUSE AND THE SUN GOES DOWN WITH MARIGOLD AND DR. CONSTANTON ENJOYING THE SUNSET.

CUT TO: LATER THAT NIGHT MARIGOLD GOES INTO A BEDROOM AND CLIMBS INTO A VERY TALL FOUR POSTER BED AND READS THE BOOK: “Angelique in the New World,” THEN FALLS ASLEEP. MARC RESEARCHES SOMETHING ON THE COMPUTER UNTIL THE EARLY HOURS OF THE MORNING. DR. CONSTANTON FALLS ASLEEP ON THE SOFA.

CUT TO: MORNING: MARIGOLD AND CONSTANTON ARE EATING BREAKFAST. MARC IS SLEEPING THEN WAKES UP AND GOES OUT ON THE TERRACE AND TELLS MARIGOLD: “Good Morning.” “Good Morning. What were you researching all night?” “Your husband. Marigold, he was never taken hostage, he’s living in San Francisco. Julian must have had a look-alike on the helicopter just to make you think he’d taken Jack.” “Why would he do that?” DR. CONSTANTON: “Perhaps to control you by getting you to think that if you didn’t obey him he’d hurt the person you love most in the world.” MARIGOLD: “But why… why did he do all of this? I can’t understand it.” MARC: “Your husband’s a very interesting man. Since Julian kidnapped you, Jack’s ideas have really taken off and are getting popular and he’s now a highly sought after speaker and consultant to major organizations and institutions. His ideas are being taken very seriously.” “I’m happy to hear that, he was deeply frustrated that he wasn’t effecting the culture.” MARC: “It occurred to me that Julian was not after you Marigold, but rather was after controlling Jack, and you were the best means that he saw for controlling him, after all, a woman in love will do things that she would not otherwise do. If Julian got you to fall in love with him then he could indirectly control Jack with your help.” MARIGOLD STANDS UP AND PACES: “I never considered that, but yes, you’re right.” “It’s just a theory but… What did you think Julian’s motive was?” “After all the lies he told me, I resigned myself to the fact that Julian was too clever to be understood. But because I never trusted him, no matter how well he treated me, I never fell in love with him. My guiding beacon is to never have regrets, to never sacrifice my happiness – especially to never sacrifice my values MYSELF! So no matter how strange and bizarre my environment got I always try my best to make the most of my situation, to get as much happiness as possible. It’s hard to believe but in Paris if Julian had been consistently kind, I could have fallen in love with him… but suddenly one day I thought of him as controlling and unkind and that’s the day I escaped and nearly killed myself just to get away from him.”

CUT TO: JULIAN PAYING MONEY TO THE RESTAURANT OWNER AS THEY LOOK AT THE VULCANO IN HIS GARAGE. JULIAN REACHES UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VULCANO AND TAKES OFF A MAGNETIC MOUNTED TRACKING DEVICE. HE PUSHES BUTTONS ON IT AND THEN PUTS IT BACK ON THE VULCANO.

CUT TO: THE NEXT DAY: MARC AND MARIGOLD SWIM IN THE OCEAN AND FROLIC ON THE BEACH WITH DR. CONSTANTON’S TWO SPANISH WATER DOGS. ACCIDENTALLY, MARC AND MARIGOLD FALL INTO AN EMBRACE AND MARC QUICKLY PULLS AWAY FROM HER. SHE’S FINE WITH IT BUT ASKS: “You’re the first man I’ve ever encountered who doesn’t seem to want me?” “I fear for my life Marigold, Julian’s a very powerful man and he treats you like you’re his property, like he’s a King and you’re his Queen. I know enough history to know the punishment for bedding the Queen.” (Dejected) “I never thought of it like that but you’re right. That’s a perfect analogy. I’ve brought you into harms way… I’m sorry… I’m a pariah… a…” (Interrupting) “Marigold, I’m having the time of my life and if the King finds us we’ll simply say – and it’s true – that I believed it too dangerous to let you wonder around the world alone, so I came to protect you.” “Yes, of course Marc.”

INSERT READS: “4 Months Later.”

CUT TO: THE LIVING ROOM THAT NIGHT: DR. CONSTANTON PLAYS CLASSICAL MUSIC ON THE PIANO (music like the music of Ludivico Einavdi). MARIGOLD AND MARC RELAX AND ENJOY IT. WHEN FINISHED DR. CONSTANTON TELLS MARC: “Tomorrow night I’m going to Zaragoza to perform at a private party given in honor of the birthday of the Countessa Maria Romano and I’d like you to come with me. There’ll be many European aristocrats and royalty so I think it best if Marigold stays here.” MARIGOLD TO MARC: “He’s right, you go and have fun! I’ll wait for you here with Paco and Jose” SHE PETS DR. CONSTANTON’S SPANISH WATER DOGS AS SHE SAYS THEIR NAMES.

CUT TO: THE NEXT NIGHT AT A FANCY PARTY IN ZARAGOZA. DR. CONSTANTON PLAYS ORIGINAL CLASSICAL MUSIC HE HAS COMPOSED FOR THE OCCASION. THE ATTENTIVE CROWD OF WEALTHY ARISTOCRATS CLEARLY ENJOYS THE MUSIC. IN THE SHADOWS WE SEE JULIAN.

CUT TO: LATER THAT NIGHT: THE CROWD IS DANCING IN A GRAND BALLROOM AND A BEAUTIFUL SPANISH WOMAN (MARIA) IS DANCING WITH MARC. SHE ASKS HIM: “How long have you been in the area?” “Not long, we…I just arrived.” “And where are you staying?” “With my friend…[HE STARTS TO GESTURE TOWARDS DR. CONSTANTON BUT STOPS MIDWAY]. With my friend in… town here.” “What’s your name?” “Maria.” “And yours?” “Marc.” “What do you do?” “I’m a comedian.” “Oh how wonderful! Let me take you to comedy club in town.” “Ah well sure… um yeah… that’s fine…I a… give me your number.” SHE PULLS OUT A CARD AND PUTS IT INTO THE POCKET OF HIS SHIRT THEN SMILES SEXILY, AND SAYS “Call me soon chakita.” HE SMILES, SHE WALKS AWAY WHILE LOOKING AT HIM ENTICINGLY.

CUT TO: DR. CONSTANTON AND MARC LEAVING THE GALA AND WE SEE MARIA TALKING TO JULIAN.

CUT TO: THE NEXT DAY MARC CALLS MARIA AND HE’S LAUGHING ON THE PHONE TALKING TO HER: “Yeah, tomorrow night, okay, around 8. What? Yeah sure, I’ll ask him if he’s busy. Ok, bye.” MARC WALKS INTO THE LIVING ROOM AND SAYS TO DR. CONSTANTON: “That was Maria the girl I was dancing with at the party. I’m meeting her at a comedy club tomorrow night and she suggested I ask you if you’d like to join us?” SURPRISED “Are you sure? Three’s a crowd.” “Yeah I’m sure.” “Alright that sounds fun.”

CUT TO: DUSK THE NEXT DAY, MARC AND DR. CONSTANTON ARE BEING TAKEN BY BOAT TO THE MAINLAND. AROUND THE CORNER OF THE ISLAND, SLOWLY AND SINISTERLY, WE SEE JULIAN’S GIANT BLACK YACHT ANCHORING.

CUT TO: JULIAN ARRIVES AT THE OUTER GATE OF DR. CONSTANTON’S HOUSE AND THE DOGS RUN UP TO HIM BARKING.

CUT TO: MARIGOLD THINKING ABOUT LOOKING OUTSIDE TO SEE WHY THE DOGS ARE BARKING BUT IN A MOMENT THEY’RE QUIET. WE SEE JULIAN PUTTING A HIGH-TECH GADGET INTO HIS COAT POCKET AND THE DOGS ARE FAST ASLEEP ON THE GROUND.

CUT TO: JULIAN KNOCKS GENTLY THEN ENTERING THE HOUSE. MARIGOLD’S NEAR THE DOOR AND IS SURPRISED TO SEE HIM. HE WALKS TO HER AND TAKES HER HAND AND LAVISHES KISSES ON IT THEN SAYS: “Mi Amore, thank god you’re safe.” SHE CAN’T SPEAK. HE GENTLY TAKES HER TO THE SOFA AND SITS HER DOWN. RECOMPOSING HERSELF SHE SAYS NONCHALANTLY: “Did you kill the dogs?” “Of course not mi amore.” SHRUGGING OFF THE ACCUSATION IMPLIED BY HER TONE AND HER QUESTION. “I have a gift for you darling.” HE PULLS A STUNNING MIDNIGHT BLUE SAPPHIRE CHOKER OUT OF HIS COAT POCKET, IT’S MADE OF HEART-SHAPED SAPPHIRES WITH THE CENTER STONE BEING A VERY LARGE MIDNIGHT BLUE SAPPHIRE. JULIAN STEPS BEHIND HER AND PLACES THE CHOKER ON HER NECK AND CLOSES IT’S CLASP. HE THEN USES THE SAME DEVICE HE USED ON THE DOGS TO INSTANTLY SOLDER IT TOGETHER SO IT CANNOT BE REMOVED, THEN HE QUICKLY PUTS THE DEVICE BACK IN HIS POCKET. HE STEPS BACK IN FRONT OF HER SMILING LOVINGLY. MARIGOLD PICKS UP A LETTER OPENER FROM THE NEARBY TABLE AND TAPS ON THE CHOKER AS SHE ASKS: “I suppose this has some sort of tracking device in it?” “Yes, mi amore.” SHE GETS UP AND WALKS TO A MIRROR ON THE WALL AND ADMIRES IT. “Well, it’s beautiful.” “Yes, it’s perfect, you must wear my collar my love.” TURNING TO LOOK AT JULIAN SHE SAYS “You didn’t take Jack hostage.” “No mi amore… Do you want me to explain?” “No Julian there’s no point I wouldn’t believe anything you said, I don’t trust you because I don’t know your motive.” “Soon beloved… Soon you’ll understand and we’ll begin our happy life together.” HE GRABS HER HAND AND SMOTHERS IT IN KISSES. SHE’S NONPLUSSED. “And did you hurt Marc or Dr. Constanton?” “No mi amore they’ll be back soon.” “Are you taking me hostage again?” “No, darling you can stay here with your friends until your your birthday.” “Do you want me to tell them that you’re tracking us and, I imagine, monitoring our conversations with this?” SHE POINTS TO THE NECKLACE “No my love, it’s our secret.” HE STARTS MOVING TO THE FRONT DOOR, “I have to go now mi amore but if you need me I’ll always be here for you.” NONPLUSSED “Right… yeah… okey- dokey.” “Farewell and in no time you will… HE TURNS AND RUSHES BACK TO HER SIDE AND SMOTHERS HER HAND IN KISSES AND SAYS “COME BACK BABY!” “Ah…Yeah, Toodles.”A FEW MOMENTS AFTER HE LEAVES WE SEE THE DOGS ENTER THE HOUSE. THEN WE SEE JULIAN’S YACHT SLOWLY MOVE AWAY FROM THE ISLAND.

CUT TO: LATER THAT NIGHT WE SEE MARIGOLD SITING IN BED READING. ZOOM IN TO READ: “Angelique in the New World.” MARIGOLD USES A HIGHLIGHTER TO HIGHLIGHT A SECTION OF THE BOOK THEN WE ZOOM IN TO SEE THE HIGHLIGHTED WORDS AS MARIGOLD WHISPERS IN V.O.: “Never let the Devil beguile you – neither with his threats or promises. The price for your soul is eternal vigilance” THEN SHE DRIFTS OFF TO SLEEP.

~PART 3: ANGELIQUE’S ENCHANTMENT~

CUT TO: THE NEXT MORNING MARIGOLD GOES INTO THE LIVING ROOM WHERE MARC AND DR. CONSTANTON ARE TALKING AND SHE INTERRUPTS AND TELLS THEM “Julian was here last night while you were out.” “Why didn’t he take you?” “I don’t know, but he collared me with this.” SHE POINTS TO THE SAPPHIRE COLLAR ON HER NECK. “He came here to give you more jewels?” “Yes… No… I think it’s a tracking device and it may allow him to hear what I say.” MARC FLOPS DOWN AND DR. CONSTANTON STANDS UP AND STARTS PACING. “He told me not to tell you but I’ve decided I no longer do what he says.” MARIGOLD SITS NEXT TO MARC ON THE SOFA. MARC ASKS: “Did he say why he’s leaving you here or when he’s coming for you?” “He said he’d be back on my birthday.” DR. CONSTANTON: “Do you know of anything special that’s happening on that date?” “No.” MARC ASKS: “Why do you think he’s doing this?” “I don’t know, but if I had to guess I’d say he’s doing some kind of research.” “Research on what?” “On how to destroy a happy person like me.” “Why would he want to do that?” “If he can get to someone like me, someone who’s happy and independent, get them to do what he wants then he can control anyone.” DR. CONSTANTON: “Maybe it has something to do with the work you and your husband have done.” “Yes, that’s occurred to me.” TO MARC: “I’ve been thinking about what I want to do and now that I know Jack’s not Julian’s hostage, I want to go talk to Jack.”

CUT TO: NEXT DAY MARIGOLD’S TAKING CASH FROM A SHADEY CAR DEALER FOR THE VULCANO.

CUT TO: JULIAN BUYING THE VULCANO FROM THE SHADY CAR DEALER.

CUT TO: MARC AND MARIGOLD ON A PLANE.

CUT TO: A WIDE-ANGEL VIEW OF THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SKYLINE FROM THE PLANE FOCUSING ON THE TRANS-AMERICA PYRAMID BUILDING.

CUT TO: MARC AND MARIGOLD ARRIVING AT THE TOP OF THE TRANS-AMERICA BUILDING WHICH IS JACK’S NEW OFFICE. WHEN MARIGOLD WALKS INTO THE OFFICE JACK IS SHOCKED AND RUSHES TO HUG HER AND SAYS: “I thought you were dead.” “I thought you’d been kidnapped…that’s why I didn’t get in touch sooner.” JACK TAKES HER HAND AND LEADS HER UP SOME STAIRS AND SAYS “Let’s go to my sanctuary.” MARC TAKES A SEAT IN THE OFFICE AND WAITS.

CUT TO: JACK AND MARIGOLD COMING BACK DOWN THE STAIRCASE AND JACK GOES TO MARC AND SHAKES HIS HAND AND SAYS: “Thank you for helping Marigold! You’re a heroic man to involve yourself in this.” “Marigold’s a very special woman and…” MARIGOLD INTERRUPTS: “Jack, this office is amazing, how you’ve capitalized on our work on the Science of Happiness is amazing!” “It has.” “Tell Marc about our work.” [EXPLANATION OF THE HISTORY OF SECULAR ETHICAL CODES AND META-ETHICS. JACK SAYS IN THIS SPEECH THAT IF ONE CANNOT CONTROL ONE’S SELF THEY CANNOT BE HAPPY AND IF ONE DOES NOT CONTROL ONE’S SELF THEN OTHERS WILL CONTROL THEM (SELF MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND REPRODUCTION (of the ego) AS THE META-ETHICAL STANDARD). JACK TELLS MARIGOLD THAT HE’S TRYING TO DUPLICATE HER SELF AND TO WRITE A MANUAL FOR OTHERS TO USE TO BECOME LIKE HER. JACK SAYS THAT MARIGOLD HAS THE BEST SELF HE’S EVER ENCOUNTERED AND THAT HE’S TRYING TO CREATE AN ETHICAL SYSTEM HELPING OTHERS TO BE LIKE HER (“A GREAT SOULED MAN” AS ARISTOTLE CALLS IT).

A WOMAN ENTERS THE ROOM AND SAYS AS THE DOOR IS OPENING “Darling, here’s that journal article you wanted… oh, I’m sorry.” JACK SAYS: “Daniella, this is my wife Marigold and her friend Marc.” “Oh!” “Marigold was kidnapped and her kidnappers made her believe that they’d kidnapped me so when she escaped she didn’t try to find me.” JACK TURNS TO MARIGOLD “This is my girlfriend Kate Dubois.” MARIGOLD TO JACK: “You thought I was dead, I understand, you should not have waited for me.”

CUT TO: MARC AND MARIGOLD ON A PLANE LANDING IN ROME. MARIGOLD SAYS TO MARC: “I really think Dr. Armine can help me. I met him at a lecture at Stanford and read several of his books. He’s an expert on the history of the Catholic Church, he is still a Catholic priest even though now he’s an atheist.” “Why doesn’t he stop being a Catholic priest if he’s an atheist?” “Because in Canon Law there’s no procedure to stop being a Catholic priest, all one can do is stop performing the rites. I emailed him from Jack’s office and asked if we could meet.”

CUT TO: LATER THAT NIGHT AT AN EXCLUSIVE ITALIAN RESTAURANT MARIGOLD AND MARC HAVE JUST ORDERED AND MARC SAYS: “I’ll be back I’m going to get a newspaper at that stand across the street. HE GETS UP AND LEAVES. WHEN MARC IS GONE, A TALL, MUSCULAR, HANDSOME ITALIAN MAN WEARING AN ARMANI SUIT, COMES TO THE TABLE AND ASKS MARIGOLD: “May I?” MARIGOLD GESTURES HER APPROVAL FOR HIM TO SIT. HE SAYS “Why are you wearing all that red?” HE POINTS TO HER RED DRESS. “Why are you wearing all that red?” SHE POINTS TO HIS RED TIE. THEY SMILE AT EACH OTHER. “I like red as it’s the color of LOVE.” MARIGOLD: “It’s also the color of war and death.” “Is that why you favor it?” “Hardly. My favorite colors are black, white and copper. I like black and white because they match my philosophy…” “Oh please tell me about your philosophy.” “I was just telling someone the other day that in the history of philosophy no one has EVER taken the following position: “This world is great and when you die you’re going to a heaven-like place where you’re going to get another great life;” they always claim that this world is rotten and that you’ll only be happy in the next life.” “Ah… that’s interesting but sticking to the subject of love, I’m reminded of the philosopher Ortega Y Gasset who says: “…falling in love is a state of mental misery which has a…paralyzing effect upon the development of our consciousness…let us recognize that “falling in love”…is…a form of transitory imbecility. Without a paralysis of consciousness… we could never fall in love. Let us tear down the romantic trappings that have adorned passion….(and) cease believing that the measure of a man’s love lies in how stupid he… is willing to be.” MARIGOLD: (sarcastically) “Wow, he’s quite the romantic… And how are you able quote philosophers from memory — what are you a JESUIT?” “What is it written on my forehead — yes, I’m a Jesuit.” LONG PAUSE AS THEY EXAMINE EACH OTHER INTENSELY. “What’s your name?” “William Roach, you can call me Bill.” SHE SAYS NOTHING. “I understand you’re looking for a man.” “Yes.” “And who is this man you seek?” “Why don’t you tell me.” “He’s about 5 foot 10, fit, long silver hair and well dressed.” “That describes a lot of men.” HE POINTS TO A LARGE SCREEN IN THE STORE WINDOW ACROSS THE STREET WHERE DR. ARMINE’S PHOTO IS ON THE SCREEN. MARIGOLD TURNS AND SEES THAT IT *IS* THE MAN SHE CAME TO SEE. “What is it you seek from this man?” RECOMPOSING HERSELF: “He’s an expert in a field I’m interested in. I’ve read several of his books and want him to advise me.” “Advise you about what?” “About how to proceed. Why do you want to know and how did you know his photo would be on that screen?” STANDING UP TO GO: “I’m able to do many things for which you’ll have no explanation, but please don’t be disturbed by this.” “I’ve heard that line before.” “You think that this meeting is by chance but it’s not, it was arranged by… (he points to the sky) “By God,” “You mean by your Jesuit General.” AT THE EXACT SAME TIME THEY BOTH SAY: “Same thing.” HE REACHES INTO HIS POCKET AND PULLS OUT A CARD AND HANDS IT TO HER: “It’s been a pleasure talking to you Marigold. If you need any assistance while you’re in Roma please call me, I’m at your disposal.” HE VERY RESPECTFULLY GESTURES GOODBYE AND WALKS AWAY. MARIGOLD WATCHES AS HE FRANTICALLY TEXTS SOMEONE AS IF HIS LIFE DEPENDS ON IT. MARC RETURNS AND WHEN HE’S SEATED MARIGOLD SAYS: “Did you see that man sitting here? “Yes, what did he want?” “I think he wanted to do what Jesuits are notorious for doing: “Exciting the imagination to weaken the will.”” MARC LOOKS CONFUSED AND MARIGOLD’S DEEP IN THOUGHT.

CUT TO: MARC AND MARIGOLD ARE IN A CAB ARRIVING AT DR. ARMINE’S APARTMENT. THEY DON’T REALIZE THEY’VE BEEN FOLLOWED BY A BLACK BENTLEY SUV. MARIGOLD AND MARC GO INTO DR. ARMINE’S LIVING ROOM AND ARE SEEN FROM THE STREET BY THE PERSON IN THE BENTLEY.

CUT TO: INSIDE DR. ARMINE’S APARTMENT, HE GIVES MARC A GLASS OF WINE AND SAYS TO MARIGOLD: “Everyone in Europe knows about Julian, he’s the wealthiest man in the world and a notorious playboy. Why are you interested in him Marigold?” “He’s chosen to involve himself in my life and I’m trying to figure out why.” “Many woman would love for him to involve himself in their life, yet you seem to think it a burden – why?” “You’re right, so far it’s been a burden, but I can’t go into that right now. Can you tell me more about him?” “What do you want to know?” “What business is he in?” “Every business, if you can think of it he’s in it.” “Has he ever been married?” “No.” “Is he in the mafia?” “He IS the mafia.” “Does he have any family?” “He’s the heir apparent of one of the biggest and oldest families in Europe.” “Is he gay?” “I don’t know, but I imagine, like most of the family scions before him, he’s bi-sexual.” “Does he have a pet?” “If you mean a dog on a leash then no, he prefers humans on leashes.” “Does he wear boxers or briefs” DR. ARMINE LAUGHS GENTLY. MARIGOLD INTERRUPTS AND SAYS: “It’s just that you seem to know so much about him – as if you work for him…” DR. ARMINE SOBERS UP AND SAYS: “No my dear, I don’t work for him but I’m a historian and researcher and given that I cannot help having come across him and his family as they’re influential and notorious.” “Alright, I have only one more question, does he have an arch-enemy?” “Why yes, his greatest enemy is…” AT THAT MOMENT THE DOORBELL RINGS. “Excuse me.” DR. ARMINE WALKS TO THE FRONT DOOR AND IS GIVEN A WRITTEN MESSAGE BY A MAN IN BLACK CLOTHING. HE READS IT AND WALKS BACK INTO HIS LIVING ROOM AND SAYS: “I’m afraid I must go. It’s been delightful seeing you again and nice meeting you Marc. Please don’t hesitate to contact me again if you have more questions.” MARC AND MARIGOLD GET UP AND HEAD TO THE FRONT DOOR. “Good night Dr. Armine, we’re staying at the St. Rex if you want to get in touch. I appreciate your time.” THEY LEAVE. DR. ARMINE RUSHES TO HIS PHONE AS IF HIS LIFE HAS BEEN THREATENED. HE PICKS UP THE RECEIVER, DIALS, THEN IN A MOMENT SAYS “I’m sorry…I didn’t know…anything you want… she told me she’s staying at the St. Rex… Yes tomorrow… Thank you… Count on me.” HE HANGS UP THE PHONE.

CUT TO: MARC AND MARIGOLD WALKING DOWN THE STREET OUTSIDE OF DR. ARMINE’S APARTMENT WITH MARIGOLD DEEP IN THOUGHT. MARC ASKS: “Something bothering you?” “You know I spent most of my life working with Jack to come up with a logically consistent, secular, happiness-promoting ethical code and our life together was very combative as we had different views on how to create this code. We forged a path to it by constant debate and battle and now I’m exhausted, and while hedonism’s no way to happiness, I’m now tempted to switch tracks and become rather hedonistic.” “Why?” “I think that both battling Jack — and now Julian — has worn me out.” “What would you consider a rest?” “I want to have fun now because it may be the last time I’m able to.” “Then why are we here chasing down Julian’s identity if what you want is to have fun?” “That’s a good question. I’m torn, I’m curious, part of me needs to know what Julian’s game is – but researching Julian could be dangerous. If I continue I think you should leave and get back to your life and career. You know I love you being here and want you to stay but I doubt it’s the wisest course for you.” STOPPING AND LOOKING IN HER EYES: “I wouldn’t think of leaving you! MARIGOLD PUTS HER ARM AROUND HIS SHOULDER AND THEY WALK DOWN THE STREET.

CUT TO: THE LOBBY OF THE ST. REX HOTEL THE NEXT MORNING. MARC IS SITTING IN THE LOBBY READING A NEWSPAPER WITH A PHOTO OF JULIAN AND JULIAN’S NAME IN THE HEADLINE. DR. ARMINE WALKS INTO THE LOBBY, GOES UP TO HIM AND ASKS: “Ah, I see you’ve seen the headline.” “He’s just bought the biggest media company in Europe.” “Where’s Marigold?” “She’s still dressing – why?” “I’m inviting you both to tour Rome with me. I’m an expert in Roman history and art and would love to show you both the sights.” MARIGOLD WALKS UP TO THEM AND DR. ARMINE SAYS “I was just telling Marc I want to take you both on a tour.” “We don’t have plans and would love that… very kind of you.” SHE LOOKS AT MARC AND HE GESTURES AGREEMENT. “Shall we go?” MARC AND MARIGOLD GESTURE AGREEMENT AND THEY EXIT TO THE STREET.

CUT TO: THE THREE OF THEM AT THE VATICAN IN THE BORGIA APARTMENTS. WE CAN HEAR DR. ARMINE SPEAKING BUT CANNOT MAKE OUT WHAT HE SAYS. THEY COME TO THE FRESCO WITH LUCREZIA BORGIA AND DR. ARMINE SAYS: “Marigold, it’s amazing how much you look like Lucrezia! HE TOUCHES THE SIDE OF HER FACE AND SAYS: “Especially here on the side of your face, your nose and chin – remarkable!” MARIGOLD LOOKS AT MARC WHO GESTURES AGREEMENT. ARMINE SAYS: “Estes was your grandmother’s maiden name, and Lucrezia Borgia was married — by her father Pope Rodrigo Borgia — into the house of the Estes. She married Alfonso D’Este around the year 1500.” “You’re right that the similarity in our appearance is striking!” “I’ve heard a lot of bizarre things about Lucrezia…” “She was the most intelligent and beautiful woman of her day and many men were hopelessly in love with her – including her notorious brother Cesare who was obsessed with possessing her; perhaps more than he was obsessed with unifying and possessing the Papal states.”

CUT TO: DR. ARMINE TALKING TO A CARDINAL WHILE MARIGOLD AND MARC WAIT FOR HIM IN THE DISTANCE. “Marc, I never told Dr. Armine that Estes was my grandmother’s maiden name.” “Then how does he know?” SHE SHRUGS.

CUT TO: THE THREE OF THEM WAKING THROUGH OTHER PARTS OF THE VATICAN AND WE CAN VAGUELY HEAR DR. ARMINE EXPLAINING THE ARTWORK’S HISTORY AND CONTEXT.

CUT TO: A PRIVATE ROOM IN A HIGH-CLASS RESTAURANT AT NIGHT. MARC, MARIGOLD AND DR. ARMINE ARE EATING AND TALKING. DR. ARMINE EXPLAINS: “Yes, I know much about the Jesuits, I trained to be one.” MARIGOLD ASKS: “You’re a Jesuit?” “No. I chose not to enter the Order. I’m Lebanese and was a member of the Maronite Church which allows married priests and I’d fallen in love and wanted to marry.” “Is this group affiliated with the Roman Church?” “Yes.” “And it allows married priests?” “Yes.” “I’ve never heard of married priests in the Catholic Church.” “It wasn’t until 1085 when the Pope decreed that no priest could any longer be married, but before this date many Catholic priests were married. I have a Ph.D in Canon and Civil law and wrote my dissertation arguing that the church needs to again allow married priests.” MARC: “Why did they ban marriage for priests?” “I think it was a practical matter of not wanting any Church property to be bequeathed, nor any dependents to care for, however, the prevalent Gnostic pessimism about the entire material world, and especially about all forms of pleasure, and particularly sexual pleasure, played a contributing role. Back then sexual pleasure was thought of as a manifestation of demons.” MARC IS ENGAGED BUT MARIGOLD’S DISTRACTED BY HER OWN THOUGHTS.

CUT TO: LATER THAT NIGHT MARIGOLD AND MARC SIT IN A NIGHT CLUB. A COMEDIAN’S TAKING THE STAGE. WE SEE WILLIAM ROACH SITTING AT THE BACK OF THE CLUB AND HE GESTURES A GREETING TO MARIGOLD. MARC SEES HIM AND ASKS: “Isn’t that the guy you talked to last night?” “Yes. He’s a Jesuit and I think he works for Julian.” AN ANNOUNCER STEPS ON STAGE AND INTRODUCES THE COMEDIAN WHO’S DRESSED LIKE JESUS (HE MAKES FUN OF THOSE EXPECTING AN APOCALYPSE). A WAITER ARRIVES WITH A BOTTLE OF EXPENSIVE CHAMPAGNE AND TELLS MARIGOLD “It’sa froma de gooolookin mana in Armani ina de corner.” “Thank him for me.” THE WAITER OPENS IT AND GIVES THEM EACH A GLASS. MARIGOLD RAISES HER GLASS AND SALUTES WILLIAM ROACH WHO IS CAREFULLY WATCHING HER. HE NODS. MARC FINDS THE COMEDIAN FUNNY BUT MARIGOLD’S UNINTERESTED AND IN HER BOREDOM SHE LOOKS OVER AT WILLIAM AGAIN AND NOTICES HIM MOTION FOR HER TO COME OVER TO HIM. MARIGOLD STANDS UP AND TELLS MARC: “I’ll be back in a minute.” MARC ACKNOWLEDGES HER AND QUICKLY GOES BACK TO WATCHING THE SHOW. MARIGOLD MAKES HER WAY THROUGH THE CLUB TO WHERE SHE LAST SAW WILLIAM, BUT WHEN SHE GETS TO WHERE HE WAS SEATED HE’S GONE. SHE LOOKS AROUND AND SEES HIM BY AN OFFICE DOOR, AGAIN MOTIONING FOR HER TO JOIN HIM, AND SHE FOLLOWS. SHE SEES HIM GO INTO AN OFFICE AND WHEN SHE GETS TO THE OFFICE DOOR SHE KNOCKS AND HE GENTLY COMMANDS: “Come in Marigold.” SHE DOES. THE OFFICE IS MASCULINE WITH TOUCHES OF OSTENTATIOUS DISPLAY AND MARIGOLD WALKS OVER TO A COPPER SCULPTURE OF A NUDE ATLAS IN THE CORNER OF THE OFFICE AND GENTLY TOUCHES IT. WILLIAM FOLLOWS HER AND SAYS: “This piece is modeled on my own body.” “It’s gorgeous really… I’ve never seen such… a…” HE GENTLY TURNS HER FACE TO HIS AND KISSES HER MOUTH. SHE DOESN’T RESPOND. HE KEEPS TRYING TO GET HER TO ENGAGE BUT SHE’S FROZEN. FINALLY HE SAYS TO HER IN A MUCH DEEPER VOICE, NOT LIKE HIS NORMAL VOICE: “Come back baby.” THIS BREAKS HER PARALYSIS AND SHE STEPS BACK FROM HIM. HE MOVES TOWARD HER AND AGAIN SAYS IN THE STRANGE DEEP VOICE “Come back baby.” SHE PULLS AWAY AND MOVES TOWARD HIS DESK AND HE FOLLOWS HER. SHE’S BLOCKED BY THE DESK AND HAS NOWHERE ELSE TO GO SO SHE TURNS TO HIM AND HE GRABS HER BY THE THROAT WITH HIS ENORMOUS HANDS BUT HE DOES NOT SQUEEZE TO CHOKE HER. SHE CALMLY ASKES “What are we doing?” HE AGAIN SAYS “Come back baby!” NOW SHE RECALLS HAVING HEARD THIS PHRASE BEFORE.

FLASHBACK TO; MARIGOLD RUNNING FROM THE SUV WITH THE BACKPACK FULL OF JEWELS AND JULIAN SAYING: “Come back baby!”

FLASHBACK TO: JULIAN AT DR. CONSTANTIN’S HOME AS HE’S SMOTHERING HER HAND WITH KISSES AS HE SAYS: “Come back baby!”

BACK TO PRESENT: WILLIAM’S HANDS ARE STILL AROUND HER NECK: “I’ve heard that phrase before.” “Where and when darling?” “In Paris and at Dr. Constantin’s home in Menorca.” “And who said it Mi Amore?” “Julian said it as I was running away, and again after he attached this collar to me.” WILLIAM TOUCHES THE SAPPHIRE COLLAR ON HER NECK. “It’s lovely darling. And how does it feel wearing my collar?” “Your collar!?” NOW THE VOICE OF JULIAN IS CLEARLY HEARD COMING THROUGH THE COLLAR “Yes Mi Amore MY collar.” MARIGOLD IS STUNNED. SHE LOOKS AT WILLIAM AND HE APPEARS ZOMBIE-LIKE. NOW AFRAID FOR HER SAFETY, SHE INSTINCTIVELY BREAKS THE GRIP THAT HE HOLDS ON HER NECK BY SLAMMING HER ARMS INTO THE CROOK OF HIS ELBOWS. IN HIS ZOMBIE-LIKE STATE WILLIAM EASILY LETS GO OF HER NECK AND SHE RUNS OUT OF THE OFFICE AND BACK TO MARC. THE SHOW HAS JUST ENDED AND SHE SAYS: “We need to go!” MARC RISES AND TAKES HER HAND AND THEY LEAVE THE CLUB.

CUT TO: ROME AIRPORT THE NEXT MORNING AS MARIGOLD AND MARC SIT WAITING FOR A PLANE AND MARC ASKS: “Have you ever been to Pebble Beach before?” “Yes have you?” “No.” “I lived in Carmel for a summer and would drive to the Pebble Beach Lodge and sit on their private beach where I was always alone – sometimes I’d go to the equestrian center and ride horses.” “Why are you giving up on figuring out Julian’s game?” “I’ve decided it doesn’t matter and I need to get busy enjoying whatever time I have left. IN V.O. WE HEAR THE CALL FOR THEIR FLIGHT NUMBER AND THEY GET UP AND HEAD TO THE GATE.

CUT TO: MARIGOLD AND MARC INSIDE A CABANA AT THE LODGE AT PEBBLE BEACH READING ON THE BEACH.

CUT TO: MARC AND MARIGOLD WALKING DOWN OCEAN AVE. IN CARMEL. WE SEE LOTS OF PEOPLE WALKING STANDARD SIZED POODLES. MARC ASKS: “Wow, they really like poodles in Carmel?” MARIGOLD SMILES AND SAYS: “There’s a dog show tomorrow.” THEY WALK ON AND MARIGOLD SEES THE ACTOR ANDY GARCIA IN FRONT OF HER AND SHE WALKS UP CLOSE TO HIS EAR AND SAYS “Loved you in The Godfather.” “Oh, thank you sweetheart!”

CUT TO: THE NEXT DAY MARC AND MARIGOLD ORDERING AT A RESTAURANT AND A HANDSOME SPANISH WAITER, WITH LONG JET-BLACK HAIR STARTS FLIRTING WITH MARIGOLD. “And I’ll have the abalone.” “Excellent choice, very popular.” THE 30 YEAR OLD WAITER GIVES HER A BIG SMILE AND STARES INTO HER EYES FOR A LONG TIME ACTING AS IF MARC ISN’T THERE. “Oh, umm…. I’ll put your order in…” HE WALKS AWAY AND MARC SAYS: “It seems you have a fan.” “He’s a child.” “He doesn’t seem to think so.” “He’s just being a good waiter.” “No, I think it’s more.” “Don’t be silly. Anyway, I’d like you to do some research online to try to find out who Julian’s arch-enemy is. Dr. Armine said that he has one so it shouldn’t be too hard to find out who he is.” THE WAITER RETURNS WITH SOME BREAD AND ASKS AFTER SETTING IT DOWN “Can I get you some wine we have an excellent merlot I recommend.” MARIGOLD SAYS: “Yes, please we’ll have two glasses.” THE WAITER LEAVES AND MARC SAYS “I’ll be back in a minute, I’m going to the magazine stand across the street.” MARC LEAVES. THE WAITER COMES BACK AND SETS THE GLASSES OF WINE DOWN AND THEN SITS IN MARC’S CHAIR AND TAKES MARIGOLD’S HAND AND ASKS “How long will you be in town?” “Ahh… The whole summer at least… aren’t you going to get in trouble sitting down…” “No, I own this place but don’t usually work here, someone called in sick. What’s your name?” “Marigold – and yours?” “Nathan. Are you going to the car show tomorrow?” “I wasn’t planning to.” “Why don’t you come with me – be here tomorrow at noon and we’ll go together.” “Okay.” MARC IS IN THE DISTANCE WALKING BACK TO THE TABLE AND SEES NATHAN GET UP AND GO TO THE KITCHEN. MARC SITS DOWN AND SAYS: “I told you so.” MARIGOLD SMILES.

CUT TO: NOON THE NEXT DAY MARIGOLD AND NATHAN IN A MONTAGE OF SHOTS OF THEM AT THE PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D’ ELEGANCE HAVING A GREAT TIME TOGETHER.

CUT TO: AN AUCTION WHERE A VINTAGE MASERATI IS UP FOR SALE AND NATHAN’S DETERMINED TO BE THE WINNING BIDDER. HE TELLS HER “I’ve been waiting for this car to come on the market for five years.” NO OTHER BIDDERS ARE NOW VYING FOR THE CAR AS THE PRICE HAS HIT ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS. NATHAN FEELS THRILLED WHEN IT SEEMS THAT HE’S WON BUT THE AUCTIONEER SAYS “I’m told we’ve just received a phone bid for one million dollars.” NATHAN’S CRUSHED AND WHEN THE AUCTIONEER GESTURES TO HIM TO SEE IF HE WANTS TO KEEP BIDDING HE SHAKES HIS HEAD ‘NO.’

CUT TO: A SHOT OF JULIAN ON THE PHONE BUYING THE MASERATI.

CUT TO: A MONTAGE OF SCENES OF MARIGOLD AND NATHAN HAVING FUN AT VARIOUS VENUES HOLDING HANDS AND CARESSING EACH OTHER.

CUT TO: NATHAN PAYING A REAL ESTATE AGENT CASH AND GETTING THE KEYS TO AN A-FRAME GLASS HOME ON A CLIFF IN BIG SUR. “If you need it more than a night…” “No, this should be enough, it’s her birthday tomorrow. WALKING TOWARDS THE HOUSE “Thanks.” NATHAN UNLOCKS THE FRONT DOOR, WALKS IN AND WE SEE A GLORIOUS VIEW OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN. NATHAN SMILES.

CUT TO: THE NEXT DAY AT SUNSET, NATHAN AND MARIGOLD SIT TOGETHER AT THE DINNING TABLE IN THE MAIN ROOM OF THE BIG SUR HOME EATING AND WATCHING THE SUN GO DOWN. NATHAN GETS UP AND TURNS ON SOME MUSIC AND THEN TAKES HER HAND AND LEADS HER TO DANCE IN FRONT OF THE LARGE GLASS WINDOW AT SUNSET. NATHAN STOPS BEFORE THE SONG ENDS AND PULLS HER HEAD BACK GENTLY AND KISSES THE NAPE OF HER NECK.

CUT TO: A CHAUFFEUR DRIVEN MIDNIGHT BLUE ROLLS ROYCE LIMO DRIVING ALONG HIGHWAY 1 TOWARDS BIG SUR.

CUT TO: NATHAN KISSING MARIGOLD’S FACE.

CUT TO: THE LIMO PULLING UP OUTSIDE THE BIG SUR HOME.

CUT TO: INSIDE THE GLASS HOUSE NATHAN SAYS “It’s time to blow out your candles.” EXCITEDLY MARIGOLD RUSHES TO THE DINNIG TABLE WHERE THERE’S A BIRTHDAY CAKE. NATHAN LIGHTS THE CANDLES AND MARIGOLD BLOWS THEM OUT. “What’d you wish for?” “I wished Julian would never come for me.” “Who’s Julian?” AT THAT MOMENT WE HEAR THE FRONT DOOR OPEN AND JULIAN SAY: “Mi Amore, I’m here… It’s time to go.” MARIGOLD SUDDENLY BECOMES FRIGHTENED AND CROUCHES DOWN AND ATTACHES HERSELF TO NATHAN’S RIGHT LEG. JULIAN AND HIS SUPER MUSCULAR HENCHMAN WALK INTO THE MAIN ROOM TO FIND MARIGOLD ATTACHED TO NATHAN’S LEG AND JULIAN SAYS: “I see you’re very attached to your friend baby.” “Mmm hmmm…” JULIAN EXTENDS ONE FINGER AND GESTURES IN A CIRCULAR MOTION TO THE STRONGMAN TO PULL MARIGOLD OFF OF NATHAN’S LEG. HE TRIES BUT CANNOT SEPARATE THEM. HE LOOKS BACK TO JULIAN FOR DIRECTION. JULIAN HOLDS OUT TWO FINGERS WAVES HIS HAND IN A CIRCULAR MOTION AND HIS MINION LIFTS BOTH MARIGOLD AND NATHAN AND CARRIES THEM TO THE LIMO WITH JULIAN LEADING THE WAY.

CUT TO: INSIDE THE LIMO NATHAN HAS BEEN SPRAYED WITH A CHEMICAL AND IS UNCONSCIOUS AND MARIGOLD SAYS TO JULIAN: “What’d you do to Nathan?” JULIAN TAKES MARIGOLD’S HAND, KISSES IT AND SAYS “He’s fine baby.” HE CONTINUES KISSING HER HAND (IN A MANNER THAT SHOWS HE ENJOYS IT NO MATTER HOW SHE FEELS ABOUT IT) AND HE SAYS “I told you I’d come for you on your birthday baby…now…” HE LOOKS INTO HER EYES AND SAYS: “Come back baby!” ZOOM INTO MARIGOLD’S FACE AS SHE FAINTS.

CUT TO: WIDE ANGLE SHOT OF THE LIMO SNAKING ALONG THE COAST LINE AT NIGHT.

CUT TO: THE LIMO WAITING FOR A GATE TO OPEN. MARIGOLD NOW RECOVERING.

CUT TO: A CLOSE-UP OF THE GATE WHERE WE READ THESE WORDS EMBEDDED IN IT: “Top of the World.”

CUT TO: JULIAN AND MARIGOLD STANDING ON THE TOP OF A MOUNTAIN OVERLOOKING THE PACIFIC OCEAN IN FRONT OF A GORGEOUS MAUSOLEUM WITH THE STATUE OF A FEMALE ANGEL. THE LIMO’S BEHIND THEM. THE ANGEL STATUE HAS A SCULPTED COLLAR THAT LOOKS LIKE MARIGOLD’S COLLAR. JULIAN TAKES MARIGOLD’S HAND AND DRAWS HER NEARER TO THE ANGEL AND SAYS: “Darling, I want you to meet my mother.” MARIGOLD LOOKS AT THE FACE OF THE STATUE AND THEN BACK TO JULIAN WHO IS BEAMING WITH JOY. MARIGOLD SAYS: “She’s beautiful. But why does she look so much like me and why is she wearing a collar just like mine?” “Actually, you’re wearing a collar just like hers.” SUDDENLY THE TOMBSTONE OPENS TO REVEAL A STAIRCASE GOING DOWN INTO THE GROUND. A WOMEN, WHO LOOKS JUST LIKE THE ANGEL (AND MARIGOLD) BUT ABOUT 20 YEARS OLDER, WEARING A MIDNIGHT BLUE SILK GOWN AND THE EXACT SAME COLLAR AS MARIGOLD’S, CLIMBS UP THE STAIRS. WHEN SHE GETS TO GROUND LEVEL SHE STEPS OUT AND FACES MARIGOLD AND SAYS: “I’m so pleased to meet you my dear, Julian’s told me so much about you.” “I..a… I’m pleased to…a… meet… aah…” THE WOMAN GIVES JULIAN A HAND SIGNAL AND JULIAN TAKES MARIGOLD AND LEADS HER AWAY WHILE SAYING: “Darling, you’ve been through a lot tonight, please wait in the car. I’ll join you soon.” MARIGOLD’S DAZED AND ACQUIESCES. SHE GETS BACK INTO THE LIMO AND JULIAN GESTURES FOR THE DRIVER AND THE HULK TO COME WITH HIM. WHEN THEY GET TO THE MAUSOLEUM THERE ARE NOW NINE OTHER MEN (IN BLACK ROBES) KNEELING DOWN IN FRONT OF THE WOMAN. JULIAN, THE HULK AND THE DRIVER ALSO KNEEL DOWN WITH THE OTHER MEN AS IF THEY’RE WORSHIPPING THE WOMAN. MARIGOLD TURNS NATHAN’S HEAD AROUND TO LOOK AT THIS SCENE AND HE SAYS “What the…” NATHAN AND MARIGOLD STARE AT THE SCENE AND BOTH ARE GETTING FREAKED OUT. NATHAN ASKS: “What were you doing with that woman?” “Julian introduced me to his “mother” who looks just like me and she’s wearing a collar just like this one.” SHE TOUCHES THE COLLAR ON HER NECK. THEY LOOK AT EACH OTHER LIKE IT’S ALL TOTALLY BIZARRE THEN NATHAN ASKS “Are you related to Julian?” “Not that I know of.”  NOW IN V.O. THE MEN START CHANTING.

CUT TO: AN ALTER THAT HAS ASCENDED FROM THE GROUND AND THE WOMAN IS NOW LYING ON IT BARELY CLOTHED IN MIDNIGHT BLUE SILK AND THE MEN START TO WALK IN A CIRCLE AROUND HER TOUCHING HER BODY WHILE CHANTING. UPON SEEING THIS MARIGOLD SAYS “This is insane I’m getting out of her!” MARIGOLD TRIES TO OPEN THE CAR DOOR BUT IT’S LOCKED, SO SHE GETS INTO THE DRIVERS SEAT AND IS ABLE TO ROLL DOWN THE BACK WINDOW. THEN SHE CLIMBS BACK INTO THE BACK AND THEN CLIMBS OUT THE WINDOW. NATHAN FOLLOWS HER. THEY SNEAK OFF DOWN THE DRIVEWAY. THEY MAKE IT BACK TO THE GATE THAT READS “Top of the World” AND MARIGOLD FINDS A TREE TO CLIMB TO GET ON TOP OF THE GATE AND THEN THEY GO OVER THE WALL. ONCE OVER THEY RUN DOWN THE MOUNTAIN TO HIGHWAY 1.

CUT TO: THE WOMAN BEING WORSHIPPED ON THE ALTER. AS JULIAN WALKS BY HER HAND SHE GRABS JULIAN’S HAND, SITS UP AND SAYS “Marigold’s escaped and is heading to the freeway.” JULIAN BREAKS FREE OF HER AND STARTS RUNNING TO THE LIMO BUT SHE YELLS AFTER HIM “Come back. She needs her autonomy if she’s to go through our initiation successfully. Be patient and she’ll be yours. Trust me! Come back to me now and continue.” JULIAN’S TORN AS HE WANTS TO GO AFTER MARIGOLD BUT REALIZES THAT THE WOMAN’S RIGHT AND SO HE RETURNS TO THE RITUAL AFTER HE PUSHES A BUTTON ON THE DEVICE WE’VE SEEN BEFORE. HE THEN WALKS STRAIGHT UP TO THE WOMAN AND TAKES HER HAND AND STROKES IT AND KISSES IT, THEN HE LEANS DOWN AND KISSES HER ON THE MOUTH IN A SENSUAL MANNER WHILE TOUCHING HER BREAST. WE SEE THE OTHER MEN BACK AWAY A BIT AND FORM A CIRCLE AROUND THE WOMAN AND JULIAN. WE SEE THE SHADOWY FIGURE OF JULIAN, ON TOP OF THE WOMAN, THEN THE CAMERA PANS DOWN THE MOUNTAIN TO BELOW THIS SCENE AND TO THE FREEWAY WHERE MARIGOLD AND NATHAN ARE HITCH-HIKING ON HIGHWAY 1 (ZOOM OUT AND HOLD BOTH SCENES IN FRAME).

CUT TO: NEXT DAY MARIGOLD BEING DROPPED OFF BACK AT HER BUNGALOW BY LUIS MARTIN IN HIS BRIGHT YELLOW FERRARI DATONA SPIDER.

CUT TO: MARIGOLD UNLOCKING THE DOOR TO THE BUNGALOW. MARC’S IN THE LIVING ROOM AND SAYS “How’d your birthday go with Nathan?” MARIGOLD WALKS TO THE SOFA AND COLLAPSES AND SAYS “Where to begin? Did you come up with anything on Julian’s enemy?” “No. I’m still looking.” “Good. I’m going to Luis Martin’s house tonight. He picked me and Nathan up last night when we were hitchhiking on Highway 1. He lives just past Yankee Point in an amazing home with an amazing library. He’s coming back to get me for dinner, then he’s going to teach me about the Occult.” “Why were you and Nathan hitch-hiking?” “Julian kidnapped us then we escaped. Luis is the man who picked us up. He’s brilliant, calm, debonaire (NOW WALKING AROUND THE ROOM), I quite like him. Are you alright here by yourself – not getting too bored or lonely?” “I’m fine. I have a new friend I’ve been playing pool with in Monterey and tonight I think I’ll finally beat him.”

CUT TO: FRANCESCO ROVERY AND MARC PLAYING POOL AND MARC IS WINNING.

CUT TO: AN ELEGANT BUNKER UNDERGROUND WHERE THE RITUAL TOOK PLACE AND JULIAN AND MAURICE ARGUE AS THEY CLIMB OUT OF THE BUNKER AND UP TO “The Crow’s Nest” WHICH IS A TOWER OVERLOOKING THE OCEAN: “What were you thinking?” “I was thinking I needed to get her before she slept with that kid Nathan.” “But you freaked her out and she ran away!” “I’m not perfect!” “Clearly not.” “I thought the blinder was up on the limo so she couldn’t see us.” “You and Norbit.” NOW LUIS MARTIN COMES INTO THE SCENE AND SAYS INTERRUPTING: “Gentlemen please, no real harm’s been done. She’s back at the bungalow and I’ll see her tonight. What she needs is a crash course in our customs…rituals… our history if she’s to be able to understand what we want from her.” “True, but it’s all too much we can’t spring it all on her or she’ll try to run away again.” “It’ll be too much for her. She’s too pure and innocent to understand.” (MARTIN:) “I should tutor her.” “But how? Under what pretext?” “This morning I found her in my library looking at the Occult section and offered to teach her about it.”

FLASHBACK TO A CAR PICKING UP MARIGOLD AND NATHAN AND THEN TO EARLIER THE NEXT MORNING, MARIGOLD AWOKE AT MARTIN’S HOME. SHE GOT UP AND WENT INTO MARTIN’S LIBRARY AND STARTED READING THROUGH A SECTION ON THE OCCULT. MARTIN WALKS INTO THE LIBRARY AND SAYS: “Do you know much about the occult?” “No, but I’ve always wanted to know more. How about you Luis?” “Yes, I’m quite studied on the subject. I’d be happy to give you some coaching on it if you’re interested.” “That’s a generous offer and I’d appreciate it. I need to get back to the Lodge at Pebble Beach. Can you drop off Nathan at his restaurant and then take me to my bungalow?”

CUT TO: MARC AND FRANCESCO ROVERY AT A COMEDY CLUB LAUGHING AT THE PERFORMER.

CUT TO: MAURICE AND JULIAN BOTH PLEASED AS LUIS SAYS: “So it’s agreed, I’ll coach her.” JULIAN SAYS: “Pygmalion?” MARTIN: “Exactly.”

CUT TO: A VIDEO CONFERENCE ROOM WITH A LARGE SCREEN DISPLAYING MARTIN’S LIBRARY WHERE HE’S TEACHING MARIGOLD. IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ARE ELEVEN MEN WATCHING AS MARTIN GIVES MARIGOLD A POWER-POINT PRESENTATION ON THE OCCULT.

CUT TO: MARC AND ROVERY EATING AT AN ELEGANT RESTAURANT TOGETHER. MARC’S WEARING NEW, FINE CLOTHING.

CUT TO: A SERIES OF SHOTS OF THESE MEN WATCHING MARIGOLD AND MARTIN FOR A NUMBER OF DAYS AS HE’S TEACHING HER ABOUT THE OCCULT WITH DIAGRAMS, CHARTS, MAPS, PHOTOS, ICONS AND SYMBOLS.

CUT TO: MARIGOLD WEARING AN OCCULT OUTFIT AND CROWN GIVING A LECTURE TO MARTIN ON THE OCCULT. SHE DOESN’T REALIZE THAT THE MEN IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ARE WATCHING AND HEARING HER LECTURE. SHE DOES A GOOD JOB OF SUMMARIZING HER LESSONS WHICH WE HEAR FAINTLY. THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC WE HEAR DURING HER LECTURE IS “The Rain In Spain.” WHEN MARIGOLD FINISHES WITH HER LECTURE MARTIN JUMPS UP AND HUGS HER AND THEY DANCE AROUND THE ROOM TOGETHER. PULL BACK TO SEE THE MEN IN THE ROOM ELATED AND DANCING WITH EACH OTHER IN THE SAME MANNER THAT MARTIN AND MARIGOLD ARE DANCING.

CUT TO: A SERIES OF SHOTS OF MARC AND ROVERY AT THE CONCOURSE D’ ELEGANCE. JAY LENO IS THE MC AT THE CONCOURSE AND IS MAKING MARC AND ROVERY LAUGH.

CUT TO: AN AUCTION WHERE ROVERY BIDS 5 MILLION FOR AN ANTIQUE LAMBOGHINI AND THEN STANDS UP TO LEAVE THE AUCTION WITH MARC AND SAYS: “So, how long has this Julian been bothering your friend Marigold?” “I think he kidnapped her in Paris almost 5 months ago.” “What does Marigold think is his motive?” “She thinks he’s doing some research to try to discover how to make a happy person, like her, unhappy.” “Why would Julian want to know that?” “So he can control and manipulate anyone who’s happy.” “I see.”

CUT TO: ROVERY IN THE BATHROOM OF MARIGOLD AND MARC’S BUNGALOW WITH A DIVICE IN HIS HAND THAT’S SIMILAR TO THE ONE JULIAN USED. HE PUSHES A BUTTON AS SOON AS HE HEARS MARIGOLD COME INTO THE BUNGALOW.

CUT TO: A CLOSE-UP OF A LIGHT ON MARIGOLD’S COLLAR TURNING FROM GREEN TO RED. PAN TO ROVERY WALKING INTO THE LIVING ROOM. MARC SAYS: “Marigold, this is my new friend Francesco Rovery. Francesco this is Marigold.” THEY GESTURE GREETINGS AND MARC EXPLAINS “We met about a week ago when I was at the lodge and we started talking about the Concourse.” “In fact, we’re just about to visit my friend Binky at the Crocker Castle to see the Bugatti he’s entering in the show. Would you like to join us Ms. Este?” “Yes, I’d like that.” “Splendid.”

CUT TO: MARC, MARIGOLD, ROVERY, AND BINKY AT THE CROCKER CASTLE AT PEBBLE BEACH LOOKING AT AN ANTIQUE BUGATTI. THEY ALL WALK INTO A ROOM THAT OVERLOOKS THE OCEAN. THEY ARE SERVED DRINKS. MARIGOLD DRINKS AND SITS ON A SOFA, THEN ROVERY COMES AND SITS NEXT TO HER AND TAKES HER HAND AND STROKES IT IN A FLIRTATIOUS MANNER. SHE STARTS TO OBJECT BUT THE DRUG IN THE DRINK KICKS IN AND SHE SLIPS INTO A STATE OF EUPHORIA AND SAYS “That feels delightful Francesco.” MARC HAS ALREADY FINISHED HIS DRINK AND PASSED OUT. BINKY COMES AND SITS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF MARIGOLD AND STARTS STROKING HER OTHER HAND AND SHE PURS LIKE A KITTEN. ROVERY PULLS OUT OF HIS POCKET THE SAME DEVICE HE USED IN THE BATHROOM AT THE BUNGALOW. HE STANDS UP AND WALKS BEHIND MARIGOLD AND USES HIS DEVICE TO TAKE THE COLLAR OFF OF HER. THEN HE MASSAGES HER NECK AND SAYS “Isn’t that better?” “Oh, you have no idea how restricting that thing is.” BINKY STARTS RUBBING THE FRONT OF MARIGOLD’S NECK GENTLY. ROVERY SAYS IN A CALM BUT SINISTER VOICE: “Julian always was heavy-handed in his use of force.” (MARIGOLD:)“You know Julian?” “Yes, we go way back. I understand you’ve been looking for me.” SLURRING HER WORDS SLIGHTLY MARIGOLD SAYS: “I was looking for Julian’s enemy.” “And now you’ve found me.” “I wanted you to help me to get rid of Julian.” “And that’s exactly what I’m going to do!”

CUT TO: JULIAN’S MINIONS IN A CONTROL ROOM TRYING TO DETERMINE WHY MARIGOLD’S COLAR IS NO LONGER SENDING A SIGNAL.

CUT TO: THE CROCKER CASTLE. MARIGOLD GESTURES THAT SHE’S SUSPICIOUS OF ROVERY WHEN SHE NOTICES THAT MARC’S UNCONSCIOUS AND ASKS: “What’s wrong with Marc?” “Nothing, don’t be concerned he’s just napping.” MARIGOLD STANDS UP AND TRIES TO WALK BUT SHE’S VERY TIPSY. SHE MAKES IT OVER TO MARC AND CHECKS HIS PULSE AND SEES HE’S ALIVE. ROVERY THEN DEMANDS: “Tell me what happened in the last few days while you were visiting Luis Martin.”

FLASHBACK TO A SERIES OF SCENES OF MARIGOLD’S DESCRIPTION OF WHAT HAPPENED WITH HER DESCRIBING IT IN V.O.

“I… I was with my friend Nathan who’d taken me to a gorgeous house in Big Sur to celebrate my birthday.” “Just the two of you?” “Yes.” BINKY: “The young, good-looking Nathan Menendez?” “Right.” “And how did you and Nathan celebrate?” “Well, we danced and then…” (Demanding) “And then!” “And then I blew out the candles on my birthday cake.” (Irritated and demanding) “And then!?!” And then Nathan was about to take me to the bedroom but something happened.” (Almost angry) “What happened!” “Julian and his henchmen came into the house.” “Go on!” “So I attached myself to Nathan’s leg and Julian had his henchman carry both of us to a limo and we drove to the top of a hill and to an estate called “The Top of The World.” SEVERAL THUGS COME INTO THE ROOM AND GESTURE THEY ARE THERE TO DO WHAT ROVERY WANTS. ROVERY TELLS THEM: “Take that boat,” POINTS TO A SPEED BOAT OUTSIDE IN THE WATER “and take this collar” HE HANDS ONE OF THEM MARIGOLD’S COLLAR. “And go north to San Francisco. When you’re near the Golden Gate Bridge use this device” (HANDS IT TO THEM) “to turn it on again and then drop this collar into the ocean under the bridge. Now go!” HE TURNS TO MARIGOLD: “Now, how did you get away from Julian?” “After he introduced me to his mother he put me back in the limo with Nathan and then he and the hulk, and the driver went and started worshipping Julian’s mother who was on an alter.” “How did you see all this?” “Just out the front windshield of the limo.” “Continue.” “I got freaked out by it so I lowered the window in the back of the limo and Nathan and I climbed out and over the gate and ran to the highway and hitchhiked and Luis Martin picked us up.”

CUT TO: CROCKER CASTLE AND ROVERY ASKS: “Did you go back to Nathan’s home?” “No, Luis took me to his home.” “Did you spend the night?” “I fell asleep on his sofa. He took Nathan to his restaurant and then took me back to the bungalow the next morning.” “Luis is one of Julian’s colleagues. Marigold, you are a very lucky woman, Julian and his friends are all Occultists, which explains the strange ritual you saw. I’ve saved you from a horrible fate as they were getting ready to sacrifice you on their alter in a sexual ritual.” MARIGOLD SHUDDERS. “I’m probably the only man on this planet who can save you from Julian and his master.” “Who is his master?” “Later…” By having my men throw Julian’s collar into the water under the Bridge, Julian will likely think you’ve killed yourself. But just in case he’s not fooled, we need to leave now.” “Where are we going?” “To my hideout, of course, where you’ll be safe from Julian.” MARIGOLD LEAVES WITH ROVERY AND MARC IS CARRIED BY A HENCHMAN.

CUT TO: ROVERY, MARIGOLD AND MARC ABOARD A HELICOPTER HEADING SOUTH ALONG THE PACIFIC OCEAN.

CUT TO: THE DRIVEWAY NEAR THE GATE THAT READS “Top of the World” AND PAN TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE “Crow’s Nest” LOOKING INSIDE WHERE JULIAN, MAURICE, MARTIN AND 8 OTHER MEN ARE GATHERED.

CUT TO INSIDE: MAURICE IS AT THE WINDOW AND SEES THEIR HELICOPTER AS IT FLIES BY. HE GET’S A WEIRD FEELING THEN SHRUGS IT OFF. HENCHMEN COME INTO THE ROOM AND REPORT TO JULIAN: “Marigold’s collar’s signaling that she’s in San Francisco near the Golden Gate Bridge.” “What!!! How’d she get there?” “Her collar stopped sending signals for a while and we were trying to fix it. JULIAN: “Get the hovercraft ready!”

CUT TO: A HIGH-TECH HOVERCRAFT THAT GOES 300 MPH ON WATER, IT’S BLACK AND JULIAN AND HIS MINIONS RACE TO THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE. WHEN THEY ARRIVE, JULIAN GIVES HIS MINION THE SPECIAL DEVICE HE’S BEEN USING. THE MINION HOLDS IT OVER WHERE THE NECKLACE’S SIGNAL IS COMING FROM. THEY’RE EXPECTING MARIGOLD’S BODY BUT ONLY THE COLLAR COMES UP TO THE DEVICE. THE MINION WRAPS IT IN A SPECIAL PACKAGE AND HANDS IT TO JULIAN.

CUT TO: JULIAN’S MINION’S CONTROL ROOM AS THE DATA’S BEEN GATHERED FROM MARIGOLD’S COLLAR AND A MINION SAYS: “It has two sets of prints: Marigold’s and I’ll find out whose prints the others are.” “Don’t bother, there’s only one man who would dare to steal what’s mine. JULIAN LOOKS OVER TO MAURICE AND LUIS MARTIN AND AT THE SAME TIME THEY ALL SAY: “Rovery.”

CUT TO: ROVERY AND MARIGOLD INSIDE OF A FORTRESS JUST AFTER THEY’VE LANDED AND ARE STANDING OUTSIDE THE HELICOPTER. WE SEE A FAKE FACADE OF A VOLCANO’S TOP SLIDE ACROSS THE RIDGE OF THE VOLCANO HIDING THEM AND THE HELICOPTER.

~*~*~*~

THIS IS THE END OF THE FIRST PART OF THIS TRILOGY.

Copyrighted (2015-2024)

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