What Really Frightens You (2009) - full transcript
A mysterious writer working for a monster fanzine asks three New Yorkers what really scares them. After the article is published the primal fears of each interviewee come true. Will they be frightened to death?
- Okay everyone, back up.
Come on, let's go.
Who called this in?
Found him like this?
Hey guys.
- Hey, Bob.
- Hey man.
- You guys wasted a trip,
doesn't look like a homicide.
- What the hell happened to him?
- Looks like a heart attack,
but let the coroner make
that call.
- Excuse me, so that's my working stiff?
- Something sure scared the
shit out of the poor bastard.
- Must've been the prices at the pumps.
- What really frightens you?
What makes your flesh crawl?
What gives you nightmares?
It's under your skin.
What makes you dread tomorrow?
Go on.
- What brings back childhood traumas,
makes you think you
won't survive the night?
What drives you insane?
- I don't get it.
- That's it.
- What's it?
- That's it, my idea, or
hot concept if you like.
- It's been done before.
Fear of spiders, Arachnophobia,
fear of sharks, Jaws.
- I'm not talking about general phobias,
I mean specific ones, subjective,
unique to that person.
Here's what I have in mind;
I'll get a camcorder and
interview a cross section
of people on the street,
I'll record their
answers and analyze them.
Based on their ethnic
background, gender, and class
it should prove interesting.
Subliminal terror,
which is appropriate for
Ghastly Horror Magazine.
- I see how it could work.
What's your time frame?
- You tell me.
- I need a first draft within
two weeks so that it can
be edited and proofs ready
by the end of the month.
Our illustrator will need
a copy before that for the
page headings.
We have the right to reject
the piece if it doesn't
suit our format so you'll
be doing this on spec.
- Understood.
- Here's our basic agreement,
which indemnifies us
against third part lawsuits
and contains a confidentiality
clause.
Like I said, there's no
guarantee we'll use it,
but I've been in this
business long enough to know
you have to be on the
lookout for fresh blood.
- Fresh blood, interesting
choice of words.
- How can you be sure you
can find the right people
for this article?
- I guarantee you the
people I interview will be
interesting to your readers.
- Here.
Remember that our market
is teenage boys 12 to 16,
the kind that have the
hots for Vampirella,
you know what I mean?
- Promise not to interview anyone over 30.
- Good, you know you can't trust them.
- You frightened me.
- You're easily frightened.
- And your not?
- Oh, macho men like me,
we never get frightened.
- I don't like macho men.
- Well I can be sensitive, too, you know.
Whatever you want.
- Something in between.
- A new age man, eh?
Well I guess I'll keep that
in mind when I come of age.
See you around six tonight?
- You know it's against
company policy for us to date.
- Rules are made to be broken.
Besides, I thought we'd
just run into each other at
the steak house.
- I don't think so.
- No, it's my treat.
- Because I'll be at the sushi bar.
- Oh okay, six o'clock then?
- We'll see.
- Debbie, I need you to look
at this contract and compare
it to the previous version
and make sure there are no
omissions.
- I'll get right on that.
- Thanks.
- Hey.
- You're late.
- Shh.
Hey, how'd you do on that
digital design project?
- Not too good, I got bogged
down on art history research.
Boring.
- I thought it was kind of interesting.
- What's that?
Ghastly Horror, ick.
- Believe it or not I used
to steal those from my
brother and read them when I was a kid.
- You like that gory stuff?
- Sometimes, when I'm in the right mood.
- Are you in the right mood tonight?
- I don't know, why do you ask?
- There's this new horror
movie opening and I want
to see it, but I am not going alone.
- What about Brian?
- He said he's cramming for
an exam but he's probably
at a strip club with
his friends, as usual.
- Don't you think it's
kind of insulting when guys
go to those places?
Like we're not good enough.
- You're taking it too
personally, as long as he looks
and doesn't touch, I don't care.
- I don't know, those
places give me the creeps.
- Hey, I know, why don't
we go to a male strip club?
See what's its really
like, the full Monty.
- I would rather go to the
movie and see how easily
you scare, asshole.
- Hello, Mr. Evens.
- Hi, uh,
could you give me Fred Johnson's invoice?
- Yes, Mr. Evans.
- Hey, Bob.
- What's up, buddy?
How'd it go?
- Got the charges dismissed.
- Nice.
- But our client was guilty as hell.
Slum lord, I feel sorry for the tenants.
- Don't wear your heart
on your sleeve, partner.
God damn it, man.
- What's up?
- The Lakeland Real Estate
contract, I can't find it
anywhere.
- I gave it to you like an hour ago.
- I know, but I can't find
her and she filed it somewhere
and I don't know where.
- You're talking about the new temp?
- Yeah.
- What's her name?
Rita, no, Benita?
- No, they both left.
Michelle.
- That's it, Michelle.
I couldn't remember her name.
Hard to keep up with the
turnover rate around here.
- Well our new girl Friday
seems to have her own filing
system that needs a freaking
cryptographer to decipher.
- Call up the agency, get somebody else.
- What's the point? She's
not gonna last, anyway.
At least she's eye candy.
- You hit on her yet?
- Dude, I'm about to after that.
Got to be fast around
here, lots of competition.
In fact, I saw you looking
at her just a second ago.
Nice body, right?
- Yeah, but she's a
lousy secretary though.
- You know what they
say about dumb blondes,
the reason their so stupid.
Everyone fucks their brains out.
- Whoa, whoa, you better
watch it you're gonna end up
with a sexual harassment suit.
Yo, I'm not gonna represent you.
- Mhmm.
- You need to learn to separate
business from pleasure.
- Yeah, my pleasure is my
business buddy, alright?
Wish me luck.
- You're gonna need it.
Where you taking her?
- You know what, man, with this one,
I think I'm gonna do a tour
of my old neighborhood,
you know?
Show her where I grew up,
what a family man I am.
Do you ever try that crap?
- If I took her to my old
hood, she'd get mugged.
- Well anyway, I'm going in
so watch my technique buddy.
- You're gonna need it.
Oh, should I take notes?
- I'll tell you what,
if she turns me down,
she's all yours.
- Thank you for your leftovers, sir.
- Michelle, hey got to tell
you, you look amazing in
that dress.
Listen, I'm kinda hungry,
I figured you gotta eat,
it's about lunchtime, what
do you say go get something
to eat and have some sex?
What do you think?
- No thanks, Bob.
- Not hungry?
- Here's that invoice, Mr. Evans.
- Thanks Michelle.
Wait a minute, this line is wrong.
- Did I make a mistake?
- Yeah, it should say
clients fee not clients free.
- Oh, sorry about that, I'll fix it.
Guess there are no free
clients around here.
I saw what you charge people.
- You know, even ambulance
chasers got to make a living.
- Well at least I'm free this evening.
- Huh?
- I'm free, I'm not
doing anything tonight.
- All alone? No date or anything?
That just doesn't seem fair, now does it?
- I know.
- Hey, found that contract
you were looking for.
It was filed under your name.
I'm not free tonight either,
but I won't charge too much.
I do know a great Chinese
place in Times Square
if you're in the mood though.
- Sure.
- Hi I'm doing an article
for Ghastly Horror magazine,
would you like to be interviewed?
Sure.
- What really frightens you?
Nothing frightens me.
- Hi, I'm doing an article
for a major magazine.
If you participate, I'll
just need you to sign this
release form, fill in
your age and occupation.
- What's in it for me?
- $100.
- Alright.
So now what?
I just need you to answer this question,
what really frightens you?
- What type of shit is this?
Get the hell out of here, no
one rents space in my head.
- What can I say, it didn't frighten me?
- Excuse me, ladies, I'm
doing an interview for
Ghastly Horror Magazine.
- Oh my God, we carry that.
- What?
- At our store, we both
work at a bookstore.
- Would you like to be interviewed?
- $100 if you answer our survey question.
- Well what's the question?
- What really frightens you?
- For 100 bucks I'll tell
you what frightens me.
- Great, just fill out the
form, you age and occupation.
- Okay you ready?
- So Ms. Brookes what
really frightens you?
- Well it's more like
a recurring nightmare,
I dream that I'm in public
in my underwear and everyone
is staring at me and then
somehow I end up in a strip
club where all the men grab and attack me.
- Sounds kinky, Chloe.
- It's actually pretty horrible.
I've had that nightmare ever
since I moved to New York.
- Thanks, if I use you
you'll be in our next issue.
- Hey, what about me?
- Sorry, I have to expand my demographics.
- Lucky you, better get me
home before your nightmare
comes true.
- I know, right, not a
good idea flashing C notes
in Times Square.
- How come they didn't have any raw fish?
What's it called?
- Sushi.
- Yeah, I was really
in the mood for Sushi,
but it wasn't on the menu.
- Sushi is Japanese, that
was a Chinese restaurant.
- Oh.
- Excuse me, I'm doing an
on camera survey and wonder
if you'd like to participate.
It's for Ghastly Horror
Magazine and we'll pay you
$100 if you answer our survey question.
- What's the question?
- What really frightens you?
- Just a minute, Michelle,
just let me look this over.
I guess it's okay.
- Mr. Evens, what really frightens you?
- Well if you want me to
be serious, spend 10 years
working my way out of a
really bad neighborhood.
Drug dealers, pimps, hookers, high crime.
Anyway, I worked my butt
off and earned a scholarship
to a law school.
That made the homies kinda
jealous 'cause I got mugged
a few times, harassed
just about every day.
I guess what really frightens
me is running into those
gangs again.
Either that or having to
defend one of them as a client.
Does that answer your question?
- Yes, thank you very much.
- Let's go shopping.
- Hi, would you like to
participate in our survey for
Ghastly Horror Magazine?
- Ghastly Horror, what's that?
- It's a fan-zine.
- You read that trash?
- I did when I was a
teenager, what's the survey?
- Well we'd like to know
what really frightens you.
If you participate I'll give you $100.
Just fill out this form and sign.
- I'm game.
You want to know what really frightens me.
I'll tell you what really frightens me,
this goes way back to my childhood,
I used to think there was a
monster underneath my bed.
I still check every now and
then before going to sleep.
How's that?
- Very interesting.
Thank you.
- Thanks.
This covers dinner and a big tip.
- You barely made the
deadline, but the release forms
seem in order.
Is this the final draft?
- Yes, and it has the changes you request.
- Good, let's see how it sounds.
- What really frightens you?
You ever wander alone at night?
What makes your flesh crawl?
What gives you recurring nightmares?
Take a moment and think
about it before turning
to the next page.
We asked three New Yorkers
what really frightened them.
I think you'll find their
answers quite terrifying.
29 year old Drew Evans
is a trail lawyer for a
New York firm.
One would think a trial
lawyer has seen everything and
nothing frightens them,
but something scares our
counselor.
He was raised in a dangerous
neighborhood where local
gangs attacked those who
wore three-piece suits
instead of a hood.
Drew still dreads encountering
gangsters who settled
disputes the old fashioned
way, with baseball bats
and knives.
- Hey some intellectual
stimulation for your lunch break?
- You got it.
- Here's that lease.
- Thanks.
- So, how was it?
- This guys finances are a mess.
- Come on, not that.
I mean how was she?
- Who?
- Michelle.
- Man, will you give me a break?
- Come on, bro, I gave her to you.
- What are you talking about?
- What am I talking about?
If she turns me down I
said you could have her,
remember?
- That's not the way it played out.
- Whatever, anyway how was she?
Wild, right?
- Man.
She was,.
She was none of your business.
- Are you-- Unbeli--
Some guys get all the breaks.
You know, you get drop dead
babe, you know what I'm saying?
And I get the merely
attractive ones, we'll say.
- You're better off with
the merely attractive ones.
- Yeah, why's that?
- Most drop dead gorgeous
women, they know their hot
so they hold back just a
little bit until something
better comes along.
But attractive women will
give themselves to you
completely without reservation.
- And you know this from
experience, I assume?
- You could say that.
- Well, I guess I never
thought about it that way.
- I'm sure you haven't.
- You know what, buddy?
In case she dumps you, I'm
gonna take my chances anyway.
- Will you please get out of here?
20 year old Chole
Brookes is a college student
who works part time at
a bookstore that carries
our magazine.
As a loyal reader, she
doesn't frighten easily.
Except for her recurring
nightmare about being exposed
in her underwear in public.
Our Miss Brookes would be
a lamb for the slaughter to
the predators who prowl
the city streets at night.
- That was a long lunch break.
- Sorry, I met Dale.
- What did you have an afternoon quickie?
You were gone for 45 minutes.
- That's not enough time for a quickie.
- I wish I could say the
same thing about Brian.
Sometimes I feel like
he's got a stopwatch going
when we do it.
What about Dale?
- Don't ask, don't tell.
- That bad, huh?
- No, I just like to
keep my sex life private.
- Well.
So are you two going with
us to the club tonight?
- I don't think so, I really
have to finish my portfolio.
If I don't ace it, I'm
gonna lose my scholarship.
- I already told the
guys that you're coming.
And they're on their way.
- Thanks now I'm stuck and
I have to go get changed.
- Knowing them, they probably
stopped at a strip club
along the way.
Don't start that again.
- I'm sorry, I forgot
that you have a hang up
about that.
- Not a hang up, I just
think they're kind of gross,
like internet porn.
- Don't tell me you've
never seen an X-rated movie.
- Worse than that, I kinda made one.
- You made a porn?
- Sort of.
A couple years ago when I
was dating Bobby he video
taped me stripping in his dorm.
When we broke up I asked
for it back but he said he
already erased it.
- Do you think he did?
- I hope so, every time
I log on I'm afraid I'll
find myself downloaded on some website.
- That would really freak me out.
- Yeah.
- Chloe, you're not gonna
believe this, you're famous.
- What?
- Remember that guy who
interviewed you in Times Square
last month?
- What really frightens me?
- Uh-huh, awesome.
- Can't believe they picked it.
- Congratulations.
Thanks.
That's weird.
- What?
- I was looking for his
name, but it only says
ghost writer.
Brett Andrews
is a computer programmer in
Manhattan.
However, he is haunted by
memories from his childhood.
Brett was afraid of
monsters under his bed.
Every night he had his
father check before going
to sleep.
Old habits die hard and
even today Brett looks under
the mattress before
turning out the lights.
- Hey, so what's your answer?
You gonna stay over tonight?
- I can't, I have to spend
the night at my parents
in Westchester.
- Oh, how about this weekend?
- I know the real reason
you want me to stay over.
- It's not just that, I
really want to be with you.
- I wasn't talking about sex.
- Huh?
- The real reason you want
me to spend the night is
so that I can check for
monsters under your bed.
- Yeah, right, what brought that up?
They used my bit, pretty funny, eh?
- Everyone else around
here seems to think so.
- Good news travels fast.
And yes, I want you to stay
over tonight so you can
check for monsters under my bed.
What do you say?
- We'll see.
We hope our
survey gave you a fright.
Maybe you'll check
underneath your bed tonight
before turning out the lights.
One can never be too sure.
- Hey Debbie, just checked
under my bed and no monster
so you're free to stay
whenever you'd like.
Okay I'll keep the bed warm for you.
Good night.
- Hey Drew, I see you
got the case dismissed.
And you didn't even have
to play the race card.
But what's with these
new violations and who's
supposed to pay for them?
- Yes, yes Mr. Johnson.
Everything on that list.
- The guy died last
month of a heart attack,
before he paid his rent,
could you believe that?
The place is empty.
It's empty!
I'll fix it when I get a new tenant.
- Sir, I strongly suggest
you correct everything on
there before our next court date, please.
- Come on the building's
in Hell's Kitchen,
not Park Avenue, what
do these tenants expect,
a jacuzzi in their bathrooms?
- Okay, yes sir.
- I'm not operating a charity club.
Yeah.
- Yes, alright you take care too.
- I'll see you in court.
- What can I get you guys?
- A vodka soda.
- Rum and coke.
- Bottle of beer.
- Ditto.
- Got it.
- So guys did you hear about
Chloe? She's a celebrity.
- What'd she do?
- She's in a magazine this month.
- Which one?
- Ghastly Horror.
- What the hell is Ghastly Horror?
- Monster magazine.
- I never heard of it.
- About a month ago this
guy was walking around
Times Square asking people
what really frightens them,
Chloe got picked.
- No shit, Chloe, what
really frightens you?
- You're gonna have to pay
me 100 bucks to find out.
100 bucks?
- Yup, that's what they paid me.
- She's not a cheap date, is she?
- No kidding.
- Let's dance.
- Chloe, where are you going?
- Oh baby.
- Do that thing I like, you
know the thing, the spin,
do the spin!
Gentlemen, two for one! Two for one!
That's right, get some.
Yeah, come on, take it off.
- Whoa baby, come to daddy.
- Michelle?
You're already there?
No, I guess I must've lost track of time.
Of course I didn't forget about you.
I'll be there in five minutes, okay?
Alright, bye.
- Hey, brother what you
doing back in the old
neighborhood, huh?
- Yeah, you must've missed us.
- That's right, Mr. Oreo cookie missed us.
- We thought you forgot
about us all these years.
- Listen man, I'm not
looking for any trouble.
- You're not looking for any trouble?
Then what the fuck are
you doing here, huh?
I mean, this is trouble neighborhood.
- I told you this chump forgot about us.
- Give me this motherfucking jacket.
Do I look like executive material to you?
- Why, yes, meet me at the
country club tomorrow morning,
we tee off at 10.
- check this shit out.
Our homeboy here's an
attorney defending slum lords
in a court of law.
- Slum lords?
Motherfucker, you trying
to kick us out of our home?
Trying to make us homeless, man?
- Look, look, here's my
wallet, I've got a couple
hundred in cash.
- Give me that, you trying to
bribe us or something, man?
- Just tell me what you want.
I want a lawyer.
- Okay pro bono, whatever you need.
- Good, 'cause you're gonna
need one after I kill you.
- Yeah hey.
- What happened to you?
I waited at the bar for half an hour.
- I'm sorry, I must've fallen asleep.
- Great guys tried to pick me up.
At least you could've called.
- I did call.
- No you didn't.
- I didn't?
- No.
- Am I forgiven?
- Yes, but you owe me a
movie along with dinner.
- Whatever you want.
- Okay.
- Chloe, slow down.
I haven't even had mine yet.
So what happened?
Why'd you run out like that?
- I don't want to talk about it.
- Did something happen on the way home?
Were you mugged?
- No, nothing like that.
- Is it your school project?
, I haven't even started it.
- I thought it was due tomorrow.
It is.
I'll have to get an extension.
- Listen, you're really stressed out.
Why don't you relax?
Your parents are gone,
I'll give you a full body
massage the way you like.
Just take off your clothes and--
- I'm not taking off my clothes.
- Are you going to sleep with them on?
- Maybe.
Hey.
- You're late.
- I know, I need the day off.
I need to clear it with
Sherry, where is she?
- I don't know, what's up?
- Nothing, it's personal.
- What's the matter?
- Nothing, I said it's personal.
- There's no need to get bitchy.
- I'm sorry, I didn't mean to I just,
I don't want to go into it right now.
- Okay, look I talked
to Dale this morning,
he told me you were
really upset last night.
Are you guys splitting up or something?
- No, nothing like that.
I just have to go meet someone.
- Sounds mysterious.
- Cover for me today, okay?
- Okay.
- Thank you.
- Look, if you want to
talk about it later--
- So you want to get some
lunch or just the coffee?
- Just coffee, where's that damn waiter?
So how'd you find out about our firm?
- Well I was surfing the
net and I noticed that you
guys do pro bono work.
- Pro bono, yeah, that's not
me, that's my partner Drew,
actually.
- Oh, should I talk to him?
- Not yet, I usually
like to check out the new
clients first.
- Excuse me?
- To see which attorney
is right for their case.
Relax, take it easy.
So anyway what are we talking?
- Well I want to use a
magazine, I was interviewed for
their latest issue.
- So what? They misquoted you?
- No, nothing like that.
It's hard to explain.
I guess I want to sue
them for punitive damages.
- Punitive? It's not
easy, but what magazine?
- Ghastly Horror.
- You're kidding me, right?
- It's a fan-zine.
- Chloe, come on, did
Drew put you up to this?
Is this supposed to be some
kind of joke or something?
- Look, if you can't help
me I guess I'll have to
go to someone else.
- No, you know what, I
think we should just go
talk to Drew.
- Brett, can I talk to you for a minute?
- Sure.
- I always feel awkward
in these situations.
- What's going on?
- As you know I've always
given you good reviews and
I think you're past due
for a promotion, but--
- What's up, am I being canned?
- No, but we have a policy
here and it's not like
I agree with the policy,
but it is our policy.
- What are you talking about?
- You're relationship with Miss Collins.
You know we don't allow
inter-office dating--
- We're not dating,
we're just good friends.
- You were seen having dinner
together the other night.
- Oh yeah? By who?
- That's not important.
The important thing is I
need your assurance that
your relationship with
Miss Collins is strictly
professional.
- Absolutely.
- Good.
Well then, um, that's all.
Thank you.
Oh hi, you startled me.
- I thought macho men didn't get scared.
- Not scared, just startled.
Is there anymore coffee?
- If you want to call it that.
You look tired, too much
partying last night?
- Too many nightmares.
- Well maybe you'll sleep better tonight.
- I hope so.
- I hope so too because
I'll be sleeping over.
- Chloe, just give me one second, okay?
Michelle, Michelle, Michelle.
- Hi Bob.
- How are you?
- Fine, how are you?
- I am doing well, thank you.
Can you check my messages for me?
- No messages for you.
- No, you sure?
Alright, I'll check back later.
Chloe.
- Yeah, come in.
- Hey Drew I got a new client for you.
- Not now, Bob, I'm booked
solid for the rest of the day.
- I promise it'll be worth your while.
- Alright, show 'em in.
But I only have 15 minutes
'til my next appointment.
- This is Chloe Brookes,
she's looking to receive
punitive damages from
Ghastly Horror magazine.
- Punitive?
- Well I was interviewed for
an article and ever since
then I've been having hallucinations.
- Now, she signed a release
form, but doesn't have
a copy so I figure the
publisher's got it on file.
- What kind of hallucinations?
- I, uh, I imagined I was
being attacked and I was
positive it was a nightmare,
but then I woke up with
these marks on my leg.
- I thought you'd be interested.
- Bob, do you mind if I
speak with Miss Brookes alone
in my office for a minute?
Thanks, buddy.
- You won't get in trouble
for kicking him out
like that, will you?
- Excuse me?
- Well I noticed that you were the--
- I'm the only minority in the firm.
I'm not here filling a
quota if that's what you're
thinking.
- Sorry, I didn't mean
it the way it sounded.
- I get it all the time.
Identity politics.
I don't fit into any easy
category which confuses
a lot of people.
I'm no one boys or another one's brother.
I guess it makes it hard
for them to relate to me.
Like the white collar
criminals that I represent.
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to run
off like that, skip it.
Let's talk about your problem.
Now, I recognized you when you walked in.
- Me too, have we met before?
- We didn't meet but I saw
you in Times Square when
you were being interviewed,
I'm the third guy
from the article.
Yeah, and I had one of
those hallucinations the
other night, too.
- Really? What should we do?
- Visit the publisher,
find out who the author is.
- On the article it
just says ghost writer.
- Yeah, but the publisher
will have the guys real name.
- What if he won't give it to you?
- I'll threaten legal action.
- How are you gonna do that?
- You don't really need a
case to threaten litigation,
most people just give you
what you want to avoid
legal fees.
- So much for the policy of
not dating fellow employees.
- I want you now.
- So did you like your sushi?
- I loved it, thank you.
- You're welcome.
Make yourself comfortable.
- Okay.
Now you can make it up to me.
- Huh?
- Standing me up at the bar.
- Oh yeah, I'm sorry about that.
Just let me check my messages.
- I don't like to wait.
- It'll only take a minute.
Hey Drew, it's Bob.
Sorry to call you at home,
but I can't find that
contract.
I know I gave it to you,
but I don't remember if you
gave it back to me after reviewing it.
I checked my files, but I don't
know where the hell it is,
do you have it?
Give me a ring tonight.
I can pick it up at your
place, I just need to show it
to Bradshaw in the morning.
Hey Drew where the hell are you, man?
Bradshaw's been calling me
all night for that contract.
I can't find it, give me a ring, man.
Hey Drew, it's
Rich Hanes, you there?
Come on, pick up.
I know you're screening your
calls, what are you doing?
Anyway, found a publisher for the book,
need you to redo the contract.
Give me a buzz, thanks.
What really frightens you?
End of final message.
- Drew?
Hey Drew, it's
Rich Hanes, you there?
Come on, pick up, I know
you're screening your calls,
what are you doing?
Anyway, found a publisher for the book,
need you to redo the contract,
give me a buzz, thanks.
End of final message.
- Thanks for staying over.
- My pleasure.
- Mine too.
- You forgot to check for
monsters under your bed.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
Never can be too careful.
So what about you?
You never told me what
really frightens you.
- You really want to know?
- Of course, I want to
know everything about you.
- Not everything, a woman's
got to keep some mystery
to her.
- Come on, I told you about my phobias.
- Alright.
Here's what frightens me, getting old.
I just can't see myself
as a senior citizen.
Even when I dream I'm always
younger than I am now.
I had this great grandmother
who lived to be 98.
I can't imagine what I'd look
like if I lived that long.
I would be a different person, not me.
All shriveled up with dark
circles under my eyes.
- Like a zombie.
- Yeah, something like that.
I just can't picture myself that way.
- Yeah, I guess I wouldn't
be too much of a stud
at 98 either.
- Like you are now, you are so modest.
- One of the things you love about me.
- Not true.
I'm tired, I think I'll turn in.
- Turn into what?
- A zombie, what else?
- I think I'm gonna read for a while,
mind if we keep the light on?
- No, I can sleep through anything.
- Brett, where are you?
- Coming.
- It's lonely out here.
- Be right out.
Ow!
- I want you now!
- Hi, I have an appointment with Drew.
Chloe Brookes.
- Mr. Evans, there is a Miss Chloe Brookes
here to see you.
Go right in.
- Okay.
- Hey, Michelle, did
you get that number for
Brett Andrews?
Bob has it?
Alright thanks.
Huh?
She's a client, that's who.
Yeah, Bob.
Michelle just said you had
that number for Brett Andrews.
Are you serious?
Bring it right over.
- What's the matter?
- Sit down, you're not gonna believe this.
- What?
- Sorry to hear about this, Drew.
- What's going on?
- Brett Andrews, the
other guy from the article
committed suicide last night.
Jumped out of his own window.
- What?
Oh my God.
Do you thi--
- I don't know.
I have to look into it.
In the meantime we have
to get our act together,
we're meeting with
Marshal McFarland at 10.
- Who?
- Publisher of the magazine.
- Here they are.
- What's this?
- The release forms of
the people interviewed for
the article.
As you can see most of
them weren't even used.
- Uh huh well I guess my first question is
who wrote the article.
- He prefers to remain anonymous.
He uses a nom de plume ghost writer.
- Isn't that a little unusual?
Our magazine is unusual and.
- Well since we're the
subjects of the article,
I'd like the name of the guy.
I mean, I could subpoena
you, but I like to avoid
litigation when possible.
- I don't think you have a
case against our publication.
- You've got one suicide
and my client is suffering--
- We'll take our chances, Mr. Evans.
If you want to talk to our
attorney, here's his card.
- Thank you.
You'll be hearing from us.
- Good day, Mr. Evans.
- Thanks.
- Would you get our attorney on the line?
We've got a couple of whack jobs.
- Taxi!
- Wait, what do we do now?
- Pay our little ghost writer a visit.
- Yeah, but we don't know where he lives.
- Well we do now.
I lifted this envelope from the folder,
has his address on it.
- You stole it? That's illegal.
- So sue me.
You want to find the guy or not?
What's it say?
- No return name just it's on west 49th.
- I know the area.
Let's pay a little
visit to Hell's Kitchen.
Taxi!
- This is it.
- Wait a minute.
- What's the matter?
- I know this place.
- You've been here before?
- Not exactly.
This building belongs to a
slum lord I'm representing.
I thought the address sounded familiar.
- What are you talking about?
- This case I'm on, it's--
Nevermind, let's check it out.
This is it.
- What are you doing?
- Little trick I learned in the hood.
- Hello?
- I think it's alright.
Have a look around.
- Oh.
Lovely.
- Looks like our ghost
writer's been evicted.
- Looks like he's been gone for a while.
- I'm gonna check out his hard drive.
- Smells like he's been gone for a while.
- What's the matter?
- I don't know, I thought I saw something.
- Chloe, look.
- He knew we were coming.
- He's messing with our
heads, let's get out of here.
- What now?
- I have a friend who's a private detc.
If anybody can find this guy, he can.
- What should I do?
- Go home and just sit
tight 'til you hear from me.
- Okay good luck.
- Did you have a nice
lunch with your new client,
Mr. Evans?
- Come on, Michelle, not now.
She's just a client.
Alright, it's not what you think.
I need you to make some calls, alright?
I need to find out who wrote
that article and contact
some of the people at the magazine,
somebody has to know him.
Then I need you to call
Randy Tucker, he's a private
investigator.
You can find his number
in my address book.
If anybody can find this guy, he can.
- Okay I'll get right on it.
Are we still on for tonight?
- Of course.
I'll be in my office.
- Um, aren't you supposed
to be in court right now.
- Yeah.
I completely lost track of time.
I better grab a taxi, I'll see you later.
- Yeah.
- Oh my God.
- Drew! I mean, Mr. Evans.
Mr. Bradshaw wants to see you.
- Thanks.
- Is everything okay? You
didn't call me last night.
- No, everything is not okay.
- What's the matter?
- I'll tell you later.
- Drew, Drew what is the hell
with this case that you're
working on?
- It's kind of hard to explain.
- Well try, we lost the
client before she paid.
Now you know it is our policy
to accept a retainer first.
- Huh?
- Our Ms. Brookes--
- What are you talking about?
- Didn't you hear? She was
hit by a truck last night.
- What?
- This is serious!
- No shit.
I gotta get that.
Hello? Randy?
- I did some poking around
on your ghost writer friend.
- He's not my friend, what'd you find out?
- It's kind of peculiar,
come check it out yourself.
I also got the dope on those
guys that attacked you.
- I'm on my way.
- Drew will you step into my office--
- Later!
- What's going on?
- I can't talk about it
right now, I'll call you.
- Told me to follow her so I did.
That's what you paid me for.
What do you want from me?
Come in!
Look, I'll call you back later.
Guy tells me to follow his
bitch, now he's pissed at me
when he finds out she's a whore.
- What do you got for me, Randy?
- Wait a minute.
Here's what I found out about
those punks that attacked you.
Leader's name is Lamont Jamal.
- I remember him from high
school, used to push coke.
Surprised he's not locked up by now.
- Not likely 'cause he's dead.
- Dead?
- Got whacked last year.
Same as the rest of them.
Drugs, hits, that kind of shit.
- I don't believe it, I
mean these are the guys but
now you're telling me they're all dead?
- Kinda weird, huh?
This other guys goes under
the name of ghost writer,
he never cashed the check they gave him.
That's his rap sheet, he bit the dust too.
Cops found him lying in the
alley a couple months ago.
They think it was a heart attack.
- Heart attack?
- Yeah, but they said he
had this crazy look on his
face like he was, uh--
- Frightened to death?
- Yeah, exactly, how'd you know?
- Son of a bitch, that's it!
He was frightened to death,
but if you're not scared
then he can't kill you.
- What the fuck are you talking about?
- If I told you, you wouldn't believe me.
- Thanks.
You sure you're feeling okay?
- Yeah, I'm fine.
- Look, if someone's after you I can help.
- You already did.
- I can tell this is gonna
be one of those fucking days.
- You got the balls to come
back around here again,
motherfucker.
- Man, just them shits off.
- Yeah, cut the motherfucker's balls off.
- What the fuck are you smiling at, huh?
- Smiling at you, asshole.
- Tough guy, huh?
How'd you like to sing soprano?
- What really frightens you?
- Not you, shit head.
- Care to find out?
- I'll be right down.
- Come out come out wherever you are.
- I want you now.
- Who's frightened now, motherfucker?
- You weren't afraid, I'm impressed.
I'll spare your life for now.
- Who the fuck are you?
- You figure it out.
- I'll never be frightened
again of you or anyone else.
The fuck you laughing at?
- Bus should be here any minute.
- Excuse me, can't get rid of them.
- Have you tried holding your breath.
- Does that work?
- Sometimes.
- Here, it's unopened, try
drinking it while holding
your nose.
- Okay, thanks.
You know what? I think it works.
- There's something else we could try.
- What's that?
- Sometimes when something
frightens you the shock
scares them away.
- How am I gonna find something
that frightens me here?
- I'll think of something, Sara.
- How'd you know my name?
Come on, let's go.
Who called this in?
Found him like this?
Hey guys.
- Hey, Bob.
- Hey man.
- You guys wasted a trip,
doesn't look like a homicide.
- What the hell happened to him?
- Looks like a heart attack,
but let the coroner make
that call.
- Excuse me, so that's my working stiff?
- Something sure scared the
shit out of the poor bastard.
- Must've been the prices at the pumps.
- What really frightens you?
What makes your flesh crawl?
What gives you nightmares?
It's under your skin.
What makes you dread tomorrow?
Go on.
- What brings back childhood traumas,
makes you think you
won't survive the night?
What drives you insane?
- I don't get it.
- That's it.
- What's it?
- That's it, my idea, or
hot concept if you like.
- It's been done before.
Fear of spiders, Arachnophobia,
fear of sharks, Jaws.
- I'm not talking about general phobias,
I mean specific ones, subjective,
unique to that person.
Here's what I have in mind;
I'll get a camcorder and
interview a cross section
of people on the street,
I'll record their
answers and analyze them.
Based on their ethnic
background, gender, and class
it should prove interesting.
Subliminal terror,
which is appropriate for
Ghastly Horror Magazine.
- I see how it could work.
What's your time frame?
- You tell me.
- I need a first draft within
two weeks so that it can
be edited and proofs ready
by the end of the month.
Our illustrator will need
a copy before that for the
page headings.
We have the right to reject
the piece if it doesn't
suit our format so you'll
be doing this on spec.
- Understood.
- Here's our basic agreement,
which indemnifies us
against third part lawsuits
and contains a confidentiality
clause.
Like I said, there's no
guarantee we'll use it,
but I've been in this
business long enough to know
you have to be on the
lookout for fresh blood.
- Fresh blood, interesting
choice of words.
- How can you be sure you
can find the right people
for this article?
- I guarantee you the
people I interview will be
interesting to your readers.
- Here.
Remember that our market
is teenage boys 12 to 16,
the kind that have the
hots for Vampirella,
you know what I mean?
- Promise not to interview anyone over 30.
- Good, you know you can't trust them.
- You frightened me.
- You're easily frightened.
- And your not?
- Oh, macho men like me,
we never get frightened.
- I don't like macho men.
- Well I can be sensitive, too, you know.
Whatever you want.
- Something in between.
- A new age man, eh?
Well I guess I'll keep that
in mind when I come of age.
See you around six tonight?
- You know it's against
company policy for us to date.
- Rules are made to be broken.
Besides, I thought we'd
just run into each other at
the steak house.
- I don't think so.
- No, it's my treat.
- Because I'll be at the sushi bar.
- Oh okay, six o'clock then?
- We'll see.
- Debbie, I need you to look
at this contract and compare
it to the previous version
and make sure there are no
omissions.
- I'll get right on that.
- Thanks.
- Hey.
- You're late.
- Shh.
Hey, how'd you do on that
digital design project?
- Not too good, I got bogged
down on art history research.
Boring.
- I thought it was kind of interesting.
- What's that?
Ghastly Horror, ick.
- Believe it or not I used
to steal those from my
brother and read them when I was a kid.
- You like that gory stuff?
- Sometimes, when I'm in the right mood.
- Are you in the right mood tonight?
- I don't know, why do you ask?
- There's this new horror
movie opening and I want
to see it, but I am not going alone.
- What about Brian?
- He said he's cramming for
an exam but he's probably
at a strip club with
his friends, as usual.
- Don't you think it's
kind of insulting when guys
go to those places?
Like we're not good enough.
- You're taking it too
personally, as long as he looks
and doesn't touch, I don't care.
- I don't know, those
places give me the creeps.
- Hey, I know, why don't
we go to a male strip club?
See what's its really
like, the full Monty.
- I would rather go to the
movie and see how easily
you scare, asshole.
- Hello, Mr. Evens.
- Hi, uh,
could you give me Fred Johnson's invoice?
- Yes, Mr. Evans.
- Hey, Bob.
- What's up, buddy?
How'd it go?
- Got the charges dismissed.
- Nice.
- But our client was guilty as hell.
Slum lord, I feel sorry for the tenants.
- Don't wear your heart
on your sleeve, partner.
God damn it, man.
- What's up?
- The Lakeland Real Estate
contract, I can't find it
anywhere.
- I gave it to you like an hour ago.
- I know, but I can't find
her and she filed it somewhere
and I don't know where.
- You're talking about the new temp?
- Yeah.
- What's her name?
Rita, no, Benita?
- No, they both left.
Michelle.
- That's it, Michelle.
I couldn't remember her name.
Hard to keep up with the
turnover rate around here.
- Well our new girl Friday
seems to have her own filing
system that needs a freaking
cryptographer to decipher.
- Call up the agency, get somebody else.
- What's the point? She's
not gonna last, anyway.
At least she's eye candy.
- You hit on her yet?
- Dude, I'm about to after that.
Got to be fast around
here, lots of competition.
In fact, I saw you looking
at her just a second ago.
Nice body, right?
- Yeah, but she's a
lousy secretary though.
- You know what they
say about dumb blondes,
the reason their so stupid.
Everyone fucks their brains out.
- Whoa, whoa, you better
watch it you're gonna end up
with a sexual harassment suit.
Yo, I'm not gonna represent you.
- Mhmm.
- You need to learn to separate
business from pleasure.
- Yeah, my pleasure is my
business buddy, alright?
Wish me luck.
- You're gonna need it.
Where you taking her?
- You know what, man, with this one,
I think I'm gonna do a tour
of my old neighborhood,
you know?
Show her where I grew up,
what a family man I am.
Do you ever try that crap?
- If I took her to my old
hood, she'd get mugged.
- Well anyway, I'm going in
so watch my technique buddy.
- You're gonna need it.
Oh, should I take notes?
- I'll tell you what,
if she turns me down,
she's all yours.
- Thank you for your leftovers, sir.
- Michelle, hey got to tell
you, you look amazing in
that dress.
Listen, I'm kinda hungry,
I figured you gotta eat,
it's about lunchtime, what
do you say go get something
to eat and have some sex?
What do you think?
- No thanks, Bob.
- Not hungry?
- Here's that invoice, Mr. Evans.
- Thanks Michelle.
Wait a minute, this line is wrong.
- Did I make a mistake?
- Yeah, it should say
clients fee not clients free.
- Oh, sorry about that, I'll fix it.
Guess there are no free
clients around here.
I saw what you charge people.
- You know, even ambulance
chasers got to make a living.
- Well at least I'm free this evening.
- Huh?
- I'm free, I'm not
doing anything tonight.
- All alone? No date or anything?
That just doesn't seem fair, now does it?
- I know.
- Hey, found that contract
you were looking for.
It was filed under your name.
I'm not free tonight either,
but I won't charge too much.
I do know a great Chinese
place in Times Square
if you're in the mood though.
- Sure.
- Hi I'm doing an article
for Ghastly Horror magazine,
would you like to be interviewed?
Sure.
- What really frightens you?
Nothing frightens me.
- Hi, I'm doing an article
for a major magazine.
If you participate, I'll
just need you to sign this
release form, fill in
your age and occupation.
- What's in it for me?
- $100.
- Alright.
So now what?
I just need you to answer this question,
what really frightens you?
- What type of shit is this?
Get the hell out of here, no
one rents space in my head.
- What can I say, it didn't frighten me?
- Excuse me, ladies, I'm
doing an interview for
Ghastly Horror Magazine.
- Oh my God, we carry that.
- What?
- At our store, we both
work at a bookstore.
- Would you like to be interviewed?
- $100 if you answer our survey question.
- Well what's the question?
- What really frightens you?
- For 100 bucks I'll tell
you what frightens me.
- Great, just fill out the
form, you age and occupation.
- Okay you ready?
- So Ms. Brookes what
really frightens you?
- Well it's more like
a recurring nightmare,
I dream that I'm in public
in my underwear and everyone
is staring at me and then
somehow I end up in a strip
club where all the men grab and attack me.
- Sounds kinky, Chloe.
- It's actually pretty horrible.
I've had that nightmare ever
since I moved to New York.
- Thanks, if I use you
you'll be in our next issue.
- Hey, what about me?
- Sorry, I have to expand my demographics.
- Lucky you, better get me
home before your nightmare
comes true.
- I know, right, not a
good idea flashing C notes
in Times Square.
- How come they didn't have any raw fish?
What's it called?
- Sushi.
- Yeah, I was really
in the mood for Sushi,
but it wasn't on the menu.
- Sushi is Japanese, that
was a Chinese restaurant.
- Oh.
- Excuse me, I'm doing an
on camera survey and wonder
if you'd like to participate.
It's for Ghastly Horror
Magazine and we'll pay you
$100 if you answer our survey question.
- What's the question?
- What really frightens you?
- Just a minute, Michelle,
just let me look this over.
I guess it's okay.
- Mr. Evens, what really frightens you?
- Well if you want me to
be serious, spend 10 years
working my way out of a
really bad neighborhood.
Drug dealers, pimps, hookers, high crime.
Anyway, I worked my butt
off and earned a scholarship
to a law school.
That made the homies kinda
jealous 'cause I got mugged
a few times, harassed
just about every day.
I guess what really frightens
me is running into those
gangs again.
Either that or having to
defend one of them as a client.
Does that answer your question?
- Yes, thank you very much.
- Let's go shopping.
- Hi, would you like to
participate in our survey for
Ghastly Horror Magazine?
- Ghastly Horror, what's that?
- It's a fan-zine.
- You read that trash?
- I did when I was a
teenager, what's the survey?
- Well we'd like to know
what really frightens you.
If you participate I'll give you $100.
Just fill out this form and sign.
- I'm game.
You want to know what really frightens me.
I'll tell you what really frightens me,
this goes way back to my childhood,
I used to think there was a
monster underneath my bed.
I still check every now and
then before going to sleep.
How's that?
- Very interesting.
Thank you.
- Thanks.
This covers dinner and a big tip.
- You barely made the
deadline, but the release forms
seem in order.
Is this the final draft?
- Yes, and it has the changes you request.
- Good, let's see how it sounds.
- What really frightens you?
You ever wander alone at night?
What makes your flesh crawl?
What gives you recurring nightmares?
Take a moment and think
about it before turning
to the next page.
We asked three New Yorkers
what really frightened them.
I think you'll find their
answers quite terrifying.
29 year old Drew Evans
is a trail lawyer for a
New York firm.
One would think a trial
lawyer has seen everything and
nothing frightens them,
but something scares our
counselor.
He was raised in a dangerous
neighborhood where local
gangs attacked those who
wore three-piece suits
instead of a hood.
Drew still dreads encountering
gangsters who settled
disputes the old fashioned
way, with baseball bats
and knives.
- Hey some intellectual
stimulation for your lunch break?
- You got it.
- Here's that lease.
- Thanks.
- So, how was it?
- This guys finances are a mess.
- Come on, not that.
I mean how was she?
- Who?
- Michelle.
- Man, will you give me a break?
- Come on, bro, I gave her to you.
- What are you talking about?
- What am I talking about?
If she turns me down I
said you could have her,
remember?
- That's not the way it played out.
- Whatever, anyway how was she?
Wild, right?
- Man.
She was,.
She was none of your business.
- Are you-- Unbeli--
Some guys get all the breaks.
You know, you get drop dead
babe, you know what I'm saying?
And I get the merely
attractive ones, we'll say.
- You're better off with
the merely attractive ones.
- Yeah, why's that?
- Most drop dead gorgeous
women, they know their hot
so they hold back just a
little bit until something
better comes along.
But attractive women will
give themselves to you
completely without reservation.
- And you know this from
experience, I assume?
- You could say that.
- Well, I guess I never
thought about it that way.
- I'm sure you haven't.
- You know what, buddy?
In case she dumps you, I'm
gonna take my chances anyway.
- Will you please get out of here?
20 year old Chole
Brookes is a college student
who works part time at
a bookstore that carries
our magazine.
As a loyal reader, she
doesn't frighten easily.
Except for her recurring
nightmare about being exposed
in her underwear in public.
Our Miss Brookes would be
a lamb for the slaughter to
the predators who prowl
the city streets at night.
- That was a long lunch break.
- Sorry, I met Dale.
- What did you have an afternoon quickie?
You were gone for 45 minutes.
- That's not enough time for a quickie.
- I wish I could say the
same thing about Brian.
Sometimes I feel like
he's got a stopwatch going
when we do it.
What about Dale?
- Don't ask, don't tell.
- That bad, huh?
- No, I just like to
keep my sex life private.
- Well.
So are you two going with
us to the club tonight?
- I don't think so, I really
have to finish my portfolio.
If I don't ace it, I'm
gonna lose my scholarship.
- I already told the
guys that you're coming.
And they're on their way.
- Thanks now I'm stuck and
I have to go get changed.
- Knowing them, they probably
stopped at a strip club
along the way.
Don't start that again.
- I'm sorry, I forgot
that you have a hang up
about that.
- Not a hang up, I just
think they're kind of gross,
like internet porn.
- Don't tell me you've
never seen an X-rated movie.
- Worse than that, I kinda made one.
- You made a porn?
- Sort of.
A couple years ago when I
was dating Bobby he video
taped me stripping in his dorm.
When we broke up I asked
for it back but he said he
already erased it.
- Do you think he did?
- I hope so, every time
I log on I'm afraid I'll
find myself downloaded on some website.
- That would really freak me out.
- Yeah.
- Chloe, you're not gonna
believe this, you're famous.
- What?
- Remember that guy who
interviewed you in Times Square
last month?
- What really frightens me?
- Uh-huh, awesome.
- Can't believe they picked it.
- Congratulations.
Thanks.
That's weird.
- What?
- I was looking for his
name, but it only says
ghost writer.
Brett Andrews
is a computer programmer in
Manhattan.
However, he is haunted by
memories from his childhood.
Brett was afraid of
monsters under his bed.
Every night he had his
father check before going
to sleep.
Old habits die hard and
even today Brett looks under
the mattress before
turning out the lights.
- Hey, so what's your answer?
You gonna stay over tonight?
- I can't, I have to spend
the night at my parents
in Westchester.
- Oh, how about this weekend?
- I know the real reason
you want me to stay over.
- It's not just that, I
really want to be with you.
- I wasn't talking about sex.
- Huh?
- The real reason you want
me to spend the night is
so that I can check for
monsters under your bed.
- Yeah, right, what brought that up?
They used my bit, pretty funny, eh?
- Everyone else around
here seems to think so.
- Good news travels fast.
And yes, I want you to stay
over tonight so you can
check for monsters under my bed.
What do you say?
- We'll see.
We hope our
survey gave you a fright.
Maybe you'll check
underneath your bed tonight
before turning out the lights.
One can never be too sure.
- Hey Debbie, just checked
under my bed and no monster
so you're free to stay
whenever you'd like.
Okay I'll keep the bed warm for you.
Good night.
- Hey Drew, I see you
got the case dismissed.
And you didn't even have
to play the race card.
But what's with these
new violations and who's
supposed to pay for them?
- Yes, yes Mr. Johnson.
Everything on that list.
- The guy died last
month of a heart attack,
before he paid his rent,
could you believe that?
The place is empty.
It's empty!
I'll fix it when I get a new tenant.
- Sir, I strongly suggest
you correct everything on
there before our next court date, please.
- Come on the building's
in Hell's Kitchen,
not Park Avenue, what
do these tenants expect,
a jacuzzi in their bathrooms?
- Okay, yes sir.
- I'm not operating a charity club.
Yeah.
- Yes, alright you take care too.
- I'll see you in court.
- What can I get you guys?
- A vodka soda.
- Rum and coke.
- Bottle of beer.
- Ditto.
- Got it.
- So guys did you hear about
Chloe? She's a celebrity.
- What'd she do?
- She's in a magazine this month.
- Which one?
- Ghastly Horror.
- What the hell is Ghastly Horror?
- Monster magazine.
- I never heard of it.
- About a month ago this
guy was walking around
Times Square asking people
what really frightens them,
Chloe got picked.
- No shit, Chloe, what
really frightens you?
- You're gonna have to pay
me 100 bucks to find out.
100 bucks?
- Yup, that's what they paid me.
- She's not a cheap date, is she?
- No kidding.
- Let's dance.
- Chloe, where are you going?
- Oh baby.
- Do that thing I like, you
know the thing, the spin,
do the spin!
Gentlemen, two for one! Two for one!
That's right, get some.
Yeah, come on, take it off.
- Whoa baby, come to daddy.
- Michelle?
You're already there?
No, I guess I must've lost track of time.
Of course I didn't forget about you.
I'll be there in five minutes, okay?
Alright, bye.
- Hey, brother what you
doing back in the old
neighborhood, huh?
- Yeah, you must've missed us.
- That's right, Mr. Oreo cookie missed us.
- We thought you forgot
about us all these years.
- Listen man, I'm not
looking for any trouble.
- You're not looking for any trouble?
Then what the fuck are
you doing here, huh?
I mean, this is trouble neighborhood.
- I told you this chump forgot about us.
- Give me this motherfucking jacket.
Do I look like executive material to you?
- Why, yes, meet me at the
country club tomorrow morning,
we tee off at 10.
- check this shit out.
Our homeboy here's an
attorney defending slum lords
in a court of law.
- Slum lords?
Motherfucker, you trying
to kick us out of our home?
Trying to make us homeless, man?
- Look, look, here's my
wallet, I've got a couple
hundred in cash.
- Give me that, you trying to
bribe us or something, man?
- Just tell me what you want.
I want a lawyer.
- Okay pro bono, whatever you need.
- Good, 'cause you're gonna
need one after I kill you.
- Yeah hey.
- What happened to you?
I waited at the bar for half an hour.
- I'm sorry, I must've fallen asleep.
- Great guys tried to pick me up.
At least you could've called.
- I did call.
- No you didn't.
- I didn't?
- No.
- Am I forgiven?
- Yes, but you owe me a
movie along with dinner.
- Whatever you want.
- Okay.
- Chloe, slow down.
I haven't even had mine yet.
So what happened?
Why'd you run out like that?
- I don't want to talk about it.
- Did something happen on the way home?
Were you mugged?
- No, nothing like that.
- Is it your school project?
, I haven't even started it.
- I thought it was due tomorrow.
It is.
I'll have to get an extension.
- Listen, you're really stressed out.
Why don't you relax?
Your parents are gone,
I'll give you a full body
massage the way you like.
Just take off your clothes and--
- I'm not taking off my clothes.
- Are you going to sleep with them on?
- Maybe.
Hey.
- You're late.
- I know, I need the day off.
I need to clear it with
Sherry, where is she?
- I don't know, what's up?
- Nothing, it's personal.
- What's the matter?
- Nothing, I said it's personal.
- There's no need to get bitchy.
- I'm sorry, I didn't mean to I just,
I don't want to go into it right now.
- Okay, look I talked
to Dale this morning,
he told me you were
really upset last night.
Are you guys splitting up or something?
- No, nothing like that.
I just have to go meet someone.
- Sounds mysterious.
- Cover for me today, okay?
- Okay.
- Thank you.
- Look, if you want to
talk about it later--
- So you want to get some
lunch or just the coffee?
- Just coffee, where's that damn waiter?
So how'd you find out about our firm?
- Well I was surfing the
net and I noticed that you
guys do pro bono work.
- Pro bono, yeah, that's not
me, that's my partner Drew,
actually.
- Oh, should I talk to him?
- Not yet, I usually
like to check out the new
clients first.
- Excuse me?
- To see which attorney
is right for their case.
Relax, take it easy.
So anyway what are we talking?
- Well I want to use a
magazine, I was interviewed for
their latest issue.
- So what? They misquoted you?
- No, nothing like that.
It's hard to explain.
I guess I want to sue
them for punitive damages.
- Punitive? It's not
easy, but what magazine?
- Ghastly Horror.
- You're kidding me, right?
- It's a fan-zine.
- Chloe, come on, did
Drew put you up to this?
Is this supposed to be some
kind of joke or something?
- Look, if you can't help
me I guess I'll have to
go to someone else.
- No, you know what, I
think we should just go
talk to Drew.
- Brett, can I talk to you for a minute?
- Sure.
- I always feel awkward
in these situations.
- What's going on?
- As you know I've always
given you good reviews and
I think you're past due
for a promotion, but--
- What's up, am I being canned?
- No, but we have a policy
here and it's not like
I agree with the policy,
but it is our policy.
- What are you talking about?
- You're relationship with Miss Collins.
You know we don't allow
inter-office dating--
- We're not dating,
we're just good friends.
- You were seen having dinner
together the other night.
- Oh yeah? By who?
- That's not important.
The important thing is I
need your assurance that
your relationship with
Miss Collins is strictly
professional.
- Absolutely.
- Good.
Well then, um, that's all.
Thank you.
Oh hi, you startled me.
- I thought macho men didn't get scared.
- Not scared, just startled.
Is there anymore coffee?
- If you want to call it that.
You look tired, too much
partying last night?
- Too many nightmares.
- Well maybe you'll sleep better tonight.
- I hope so.
- I hope so too because
I'll be sleeping over.
- Chloe, just give me one second, okay?
Michelle, Michelle, Michelle.
- Hi Bob.
- How are you?
- Fine, how are you?
- I am doing well, thank you.
Can you check my messages for me?
- No messages for you.
- No, you sure?
Alright, I'll check back later.
Chloe.
- Yeah, come in.
- Hey Drew I got a new client for you.
- Not now, Bob, I'm booked
solid for the rest of the day.
- I promise it'll be worth your while.
- Alright, show 'em in.
But I only have 15 minutes
'til my next appointment.
- This is Chloe Brookes,
she's looking to receive
punitive damages from
Ghastly Horror magazine.
- Punitive?
- Well I was interviewed for
an article and ever since
then I've been having hallucinations.
- Now, she signed a release
form, but doesn't have
a copy so I figure the
publisher's got it on file.
- What kind of hallucinations?
- I, uh, I imagined I was
being attacked and I was
positive it was a nightmare,
but then I woke up with
these marks on my leg.
- I thought you'd be interested.
- Bob, do you mind if I
speak with Miss Brookes alone
in my office for a minute?
Thanks, buddy.
- You won't get in trouble
for kicking him out
like that, will you?
- Excuse me?
- Well I noticed that you were the--
- I'm the only minority in the firm.
I'm not here filling a
quota if that's what you're
thinking.
- Sorry, I didn't mean
it the way it sounded.
- I get it all the time.
Identity politics.
I don't fit into any easy
category which confuses
a lot of people.
I'm no one boys or another one's brother.
I guess it makes it hard
for them to relate to me.
Like the white collar
criminals that I represent.
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to run
off like that, skip it.
Let's talk about your problem.
Now, I recognized you when you walked in.
- Me too, have we met before?
- We didn't meet but I saw
you in Times Square when
you were being interviewed,
I'm the third guy
from the article.
Yeah, and I had one of
those hallucinations the
other night, too.
- Really? What should we do?
- Visit the publisher,
find out who the author is.
- On the article it
just says ghost writer.
- Yeah, but the publisher
will have the guys real name.
- What if he won't give it to you?
- I'll threaten legal action.
- How are you gonna do that?
- You don't really need a
case to threaten litigation,
most people just give you
what you want to avoid
legal fees.
- So much for the policy of
not dating fellow employees.
- I want you now.
- So did you like your sushi?
- I loved it, thank you.
- You're welcome.
Make yourself comfortable.
- Okay.
Now you can make it up to me.
- Huh?
- Standing me up at the bar.
- Oh yeah, I'm sorry about that.
Just let me check my messages.
- I don't like to wait.
- It'll only take a minute.
Hey Drew, it's Bob.
Sorry to call you at home,
but I can't find that
contract.
I know I gave it to you,
but I don't remember if you
gave it back to me after reviewing it.
I checked my files, but I don't
know where the hell it is,
do you have it?
Give me a ring tonight.
I can pick it up at your
place, I just need to show it
to Bradshaw in the morning.
Hey Drew where the hell are you, man?
Bradshaw's been calling me
all night for that contract.
I can't find it, give me a ring, man.
Hey Drew, it's
Rich Hanes, you there?
Come on, pick up.
I know you're screening your
calls, what are you doing?
Anyway, found a publisher for the book,
need you to redo the contract.
Give me a buzz, thanks.
What really frightens you?
End of final message.
- Drew?
Hey Drew, it's
Rich Hanes, you there?
Come on, pick up, I know
you're screening your calls,
what are you doing?
Anyway, found a publisher for the book,
need you to redo the contract,
give me a buzz, thanks.
End of final message.
- Thanks for staying over.
- My pleasure.
- Mine too.
- You forgot to check for
monsters under your bed.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
Never can be too careful.
So what about you?
You never told me what
really frightens you.
- You really want to know?
- Of course, I want to
know everything about you.
- Not everything, a woman's
got to keep some mystery
to her.
- Come on, I told you about my phobias.
- Alright.
Here's what frightens me, getting old.
I just can't see myself
as a senior citizen.
Even when I dream I'm always
younger than I am now.
I had this great grandmother
who lived to be 98.
I can't imagine what I'd look
like if I lived that long.
I would be a different person, not me.
All shriveled up with dark
circles under my eyes.
- Like a zombie.
- Yeah, something like that.
I just can't picture myself that way.
- Yeah, I guess I wouldn't
be too much of a stud
at 98 either.
- Like you are now, you are so modest.
- One of the things you love about me.
- Not true.
I'm tired, I think I'll turn in.
- Turn into what?
- A zombie, what else?
- I think I'm gonna read for a while,
mind if we keep the light on?
- No, I can sleep through anything.
- Brett, where are you?
- Coming.
- It's lonely out here.
- Be right out.
Ow!
- I want you now!
- Hi, I have an appointment with Drew.
Chloe Brookes.
- Mr. Evans, there is a Miss Chloe Brookes
here to see you.
Go right in.
- Okay.
- Hey, Michelle, did
you get that number for
Brett Andrews?
Bob has it?
Alright thanks.
Huh?
She's a client, that's who.
Yeah, Bob.
Michelle just said you had
that number for Brett Andrews.
Are you serious?
Bring it right over.
- What's the matter?
- Sit down, you're not gonna believe this.
- What?
- Sorry to hear about this, Drew.
- What's going on?
- Brett Andrews, the
other guy from the article
committed suicide last night.
Jumped out of his own window.
- What?
Oh my God.
Do you thi--
- I don't know.
I have to look into it.
In the meantime we have
to get our act together,
we're meeting with
Marshal McFarland at 10.
- Who?
- Publisher of the magazine.
- Here they are.
- What's this?
- The release forms of
the people interviewed for
the article.
As you can see most of
them weren't even used.
- Uh huh well I guess my first question is
who wrote the article.
- He prefers to remain anonymous.
He uses a nom de plume ghost writer.
- Isn't that a little unusual?
Our magazine is unusual and.
- Well since we're the
subjects of the article,
I'd like the name of the guy.
I mean, I could subpoena
you, but I like to avoid
litigation when possible.
- I don't think you have a
case against our publication.
- You've got one suicide
and my client is suffering--
- We'll take our chances, Mr. Evans.
If you want to talk to our
attorney, here's his card.
- Thank you.
You'll be hearing from us.
- Good day, Mr. Evans.
- Thanks.
- Would you get our attorney on the line?
We've got a couple of whack jobs.
- Taxi!
- Wait, what do we do now?
- Pay our little ghost writer a visit.
- Yeah, but we don't know where he lives.
- Well we do now.
I lifted this envelope from the folder,
has his address on it.
- You stole it? That's illegal.
- So sue me.
You want to find the guy or not?
What's it say?
- No return name just it's on west 49th.
- I know the area.
Let's pay a little
visit to Hell's Kitchen.
Taxi!
- This is it.
- Wait a minute.
- What's the matter?
- I know this place.
- You've been here before?
- Not exactly.
This building belongs to a
slum lord I'm representing.
I thought the address sounded familiar.
- What are you talking about?
- This case I'm on, it's--
Nevermind, let's check it out.
This is it.
- What are you doing?
- Little trick I learned in the hood.
- Hello?
- I think it's alright.
Have a look around.
- Oh.
Lovely.
- Looks like our ghost
writer's been evicted.
- Looks like he's been gone for a while.
- I'm gonna check out his hard drive.
- Smells like he's been gone for a while.
- What's the matter?
- I don't know, I thought I saw something.
- Chloe, look.
- He knew we were coming.
- He's messing with our
heads, let's get out of here.
- What now?
- I have a friend who's a private detc.
If anybody can find this guy, he can.
- What should I do?
- Go home and just sit
tight 'til you hear from me.
- Okay good luck.
- Did you have a nice
lunch with your new client,
Mr. Evans?
- Come on, Michelle, not now.
She's just a client.
Alright, it's not what you think.
I need you to make some calls, alright?
I need to find out who wrote
that article and contact
some of the people at the magazine,
somebody has to know him.
Then I need you to call
Randy Tucker, he's a private
investigator.
You can find his number
in my address book.
If anybody can find this guy, he can.
- Okay I'll get right on it.
Are we still on for tonight?
- Of course.
I'll be in my office.
- Um, aren't you supposed
to be in court right now.
- Yeah.
I completely lost track of time.
I better grab a taxi, I'll see you later.
- Yeah.
- Oh my God.
- Drew! I mean, Mr. Evans.
Mr. Bradshaw wants to see you.
- Thanks.
- Is everything okay? You
didn't call me last night.
- No, everything is not okay.
- What's the matter?
- I'll tell you later.
- Drew, Drew what is the hell
with this case that you're
working on?
- It's kind of hard to explain.
- Well try, we lost the
client before she paid.
Now you know it is our policy
to accept a retainer first.
- Huh?
- Our Ms. Brookes--
- What are you talking about?
- Didn't you hear? She was
hit by a truck last night.
- What?
- This is serious!
- No shit.
I gotta get that.
Hello? Randy?
- I did some poking around
on your ghost writer friend.
- He's not my friend, what'd you find out?
- It's kind of peculiar,
come check it out yourself.
I also got the dope on those
guys that attacked you.
- I'm on my way.
- Drew will you step into my office--
- Later!
- What's going on?
- I can't talk about it
right now, I'll call you.
- Told me to follow her so I did.
That's what you paid me for.
What do you want from me?
Come in!
Look, I'll call you back later.
Guy tells me to follow his
bitch, now he's pissed at me
when he finds out she's a whore.
- What do you got for me, Randy?
- Wait a minute.
Here's what I found out about
those punks that attacked you.
Leader's name is Lamont Jamal.
- I remember him from high
school, used to push coke.
Surprised he's not locked up by now.
- Not likely 'cause he's dead.
- Dead?
- Got whacked last year.
Same as the rest of them.
Drugs, hits, that kind of shit.
- I don't believe it, I
mean these are the guys but
now you're telling me they're all dead?
- Kinda weird, huh?
This other guys goes under
the name of ghost writer,
he never cashed the check they gave him.
That's his rap sheet, he bit the dust too.
Cops found him lying in the
alley a couple months ago.
They think it was a heart attack.
- Heart attack?
- Yeah, but they said he
had this crazy look on his
face like he was, uh--
- Frightened to death?
- Yeah, exactly, how'd you know?
- Son of a bitch, that's it!
He was frightened to death,
but if you're not scared
then he can't kill you.
- What the fuck are you talking about?
- If I told you, you wouldn't believe me.
- Thanks.
You sure you're feeling okay?
- Yeah, I'm fine.
- Look, if someone's after you I can help.
- You already did.
- I can tell this is gonna
be one of those fucking days.
- You got the balls to come
back around here again,
motherfucker.
- Man, just them shits off.
- Yeah, cut the motherfucker's balls off.
- What the fuck are you smiling at, huh?
- Smiling at you, asshole.
- Tough guy, huh?
How'd you like to sing soprano?
- What really frightens you?
- Not you, shit head.
- Care to find out?
- I'll be right down.
- Come out come out wherever you are.
- I want you now.
- Who's frightened now, motherfucker?
- You weren't afraid, I'm impressed.
I'll spare your life for now.
- Who the fuck are you?
- You figure it out.
- I'll never be frightened
again of you or anyone else.
The fuck you laughing at?
- Bus should be here any minute.
- Excuse me, can't get rid of them.
- Have you tried holding your breath.
- Does that work?
- Sometimes.
- Here, it's unopened, try
drinking it while holding
your nose.
- Okay, thanks.
You know what? I think it works.
- There's something else we could try.
- What's that?
- Sometimes when something
frightens you the shock
scares them away.
- How am I gonna find something
that frightens me here?
- I'll think of something, Sara.
- How'd you know my name?