SETTLING THE BOOKS
A cautious investigator is none the less drawn in, along with four other heirs, by the reading of a billionaire rare book dealer’s will, they’re sealed in an airtight panic room, and with only four hours air, must solve the centuries-old mystery contained in the book ‘The Castilian Cypher’ in order to escape.
Jade reads on: “Jade Camden having fulfilled her duties, is to receive --” Jade pages to the next computer screen. “-- receive a rest.” “I will take over now” booms the voice of the unseen Dalton over the intercom. The computer goes black. “This is not some hokey tape after death. I’m very much alive.” Several stand to flee. “Sit down!!” They comply. “You came here greedily after my books. Well, you will not be disappointed. I have ‘thee’ book. I’ve found The Castillian Cypher!”
Bam! The pillar slides into the ceiling, revealing a book display stand on a thin floor pedestal holding an ancient book. “The only copy, and it goes… to the last one living.” Some gasp. Several rush for the door. Bam! A steel sleeve slams down, seals the door. Their eyes dart around like the trapped rats that they are.
“People, pay attention. You’ve a limited amount of oxygen and time to figure a way out of the room. I will only tell you once.” Dalton wheezes, then speaks rapidly. “The book is the key. Both from day one and today, it contains the answer. You need only decipher the Cypher. Don’t let the fact that never has it been done in a thousand years discourage you. After all, you are motivated.” Dalton laughs, bringing on another coughing fit. Dalton’s mike goes quiet.
The heirs scramble to find a weak spot in the wall. Try their cell phones. No service. Try the computer. No electricity. Try slamming shoulders into the sealed door. No use. Dalton laughs, reveals what perceived great wrong each one has done him. Then silence from Dalton. The heirs work together. Can any survive long enough to solve the Cypher, and gain their release before they run out of light, air, and time?
If that wasn’t enough of a ticking clock, the bookseller’s voice returns at intervals to extract a confession from an heir before causing that heir’s death.
The twist: Shank was hired years before to track down MEGAN, a woman the billionaire Dalton wanted. Shank has hid her for years in plain sight. So much in plain sight that Megan is impersonating an heir, and so Shank must also keep her identity secret as he attempts to free everyone from the room.
Panic Room
Buried
The holiday comedy short that I wrote, ALL CHOKED UP, premiered in Minneapolis, MN.
My comedic cautionary tale short script, JUST A TIC, was both nominated for Best Lead Actor in a short film, and won a Script To Screen Award at the Barebones Film Festival. Won 4th place Micro Comedy at The Indie Gathering. Runner Up for Best Comedy Scene at The Action On Film Film Festival.
Stage 32 Microbudget Horror (Semifinalist) [2020]
Your Script Produced! (Quarterfinalist) [2021]
Show More
ScriptLinks
Post Your Script Here!Xanadu Shore II: "All That Glitters"
Four friends form the "The Xanadu Team" offering security and transportation, land, sea and air when they become deceptively involved with a nefarious jeweler and his charming assistant during an island gem heist, eventually escalating to international espionage in Xanadu Shores III - "Rescuing Atlas".
Xanadu Shores I: "The Pilot"
Four friends unknowingly become entrapped after their employer's gold heist escalates to kidnapping.
Xanadu Shores III Rescuing Atlas
The Xanadu Team restores their credibility, rescuing Natalia and the painting, recruited to recover the plans and save the world from Romolo Somione, a rogue aerospace engineer.
Sarah
Mother/Grandmother Sarah’s battle with Alzheimer’s takes a chilling turn when her decline blurs the line between family tragedy and a Twilight Zone–like nightmare that threatens to consume them all.
THE MONGREL, pilot for THE COMING MORROW series
A virus is decimating the male population making most impotent.
Xanadu Shores Introducing SEAN LANDERS "Suicide Prevention - Please Hold."
A recently discharged Navy pilot returns home anticipating matrimony, soon learning his fiance has cleaned out their wedding account and moved to Las Vegas.
Osali
Osali is about a ghost of a witch who was murdered during the Salem witch trials.
Quick Shot
Quick Shot is about an ex-marine with the special ability to slow down time and shoot at impossible targets.
Sting
Sting is about a solar flare that hits Earth in the distant future and sends the world into an apocalypse.
New Jack Hustlers
Two seasoned D.E.A. agents go undercover with a rookie female officer to infiltrate a ruthless gang of New Jack Hustlers, moving large quantities of a potent new narcotic.
