Carved (Excerpt)

INT. DINING ROOM – NIGHT

Katie sits across from Jewel, sipping tea. James stands by the doorway, silent and tense.

KATIE

I know it’s been hard for you both. I just wanted to… check in.

Jewel offers a polite smile, glancing at the clock.

KATIE

Look, I’d also like to apologize for the other night.

James quietly leaves the room. Jewel glances away. Katie senses the shift in mood.

KATIE

(standing)

Oh, I should get going.

JEWEL

It’s been very hard… So thank you, Katie.

KATIE

Of course. Oh, this must put such a strain in your marriage.

Jewel huffs lightly, as she looks up, knowing where Katie is heading.

KATIE

And I know he must be taking it very hard.

JEWEL

Would you like to see James’ antiques?

Katie gives Jewel a surprised but positive look.

INT. BASEMENT – NIGHT

Jewel leads Katie down the creaking stairs. She holds a lantern, its light casting eerie shadows. Katie chuckles nervously.

KATIE

You weren’t kidding about the lightbulbs.

JEWEL

It’s a bit of a mess. Watch your step.

As Katie steps closer to the dark corner, Jewel suddenly swings a 2×4, striking her head. Katie crumples to the ground. James rushes down the stairs, his face pale.

JAMES

What did you do?

JEWEL

What you couldn’t. Help me.

Reluctantly, James helps lift Katie onto a table. Jewel grabs a cleaver, her hands trembling.

JAMES

Is she… dead?

JEWEL

She looks dead.

Jewel grabs Katie’s hand. Her fingers tremble, but she hardens. She raises the cleaver and swings it down, severing Katie’s hand.

Katie’s eyes snap open. Her agonized scream rips through the room. Her scream becomes a guttural wail.

JEWEL

(panicked)

Shit!

JAMES

Jesus Christ!

JEWEL

Hold her down.

KATIE

YOU FUCKING BITCH!

Jewel and James struggle to keep her pinned.

JEWEL

Hold still!

Katie thrashes, her screams piercing the air.

JEWEL

(furious)

Hold still, you fucking cunt!

In a sudden burst of violence, Jewel slashes Katie’s throat with the cleaver. Katie’s body convulses, choking on her own blood before falling silent.

Jewel and James collapse, breathing heavily.

JEWEL

Grab a bucket.


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