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ChupacabraStory by Jim Caswell

Audioplay by Jim Caswell and Doug Zeitlin

Episode SummaryGeist is sent to Mexico to help an old friend of Heinrich’s whose farm is plagued by monsteractivities; but things aren’t always as they appear and romance gets in the way of gettinganswers.

StarringDerrick Geist Ryan GilbertLindsey Capparelli April SadowskiAjit Singh Doug Zeitlin

and FeaturingHeinrich Geist Steve CainJose Ramirez Rick SteeleLuis Ramirez Jr. Eli MartiGabby Ramirez Louise FrancisSeñor Diaz James C. TaylorSeñora Salvador Joan HallaronSeñor Alacran Justin BillsGuard Pete Nottit

2

PROLOGUE

SCENE 1 – ENTER INT.: Windsor Prestige Suite – Hotel Ritz – ParisSOUND: Hotel room background noise.

GEIST‘Wrath on Man?’

LINDSEYWhat’s that supposed to mean?

AJIT (British accent)There could be any number of meanings. It could represent aspecific person, an attitude toward humanity, the attitude ofhumanity…. who knows?

LINDSEYCome on. I’m all in favor of grabbing at whatever lead you can get,but a clue that’s too vague to figure out isn’t much of a clue at all.

GEISTIt’s a clue we didn’t have five minutes ago. Dad must havebelieved someone could figure it out, or he wouldn’t have left it.

LINDSEYOK, if it means something, then what does it mean?

GEISTI don’t know. Maybe he wanted us to go to Egypt.

LINDSEYEgypt? Because it’s in Sanskrit?

GEISTLindsey. Would you please use your camera to take a fewpictures of the image? We shouldn’t take what’s left of the tablewith us, but it would be good to have the picture to refer back to ifneeded.

SOUND: Camera gets passed.

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LINDSEYBut it may not even have anything to do with their disappearance.Your dad may have colored that thing during one of his other visitshere.

AJITMister Derrick is correct. I don’t believe Mister Reginald wouldhave used a piece of furniture valued at one hundred thousanddollars as a pad of scratch paper. This message, as it were, is ofimportance. Just because it doesn’t make sense to us nowdoesn’t mean it won’t make sense in the future.

LINDSEY (surrendering)Fine. I guess I can throw a few frames of digital memory at it.

SOUND: Camera snaps a picture.

AJITI don’t know if going to Egypt is our best course of action at thistime, sir.

SOUND: Camera snaps two more shots.

GEISTWell, I don’t know what else he could mean by it. I mean, Sanskritisn’t exactly a global form of communication.

SOUND: Camera snaps two more shots.

AJITTrue, but it is just as likely that he used it because of its limitedusage as using it as a locator.

LINDSEYUsed the usage for the what­now?

GEISTWe’re not going to know that for sure until we investigate it, and Isay we go to Egypt and see what we can find.

AJIT (Hindu accent)As you command, Mister Derrick.

4

GEIST (irritated)Don’t do…

SOUND: Specialized cell phone ring tone.

GEIST (irritated)Now what?

SOUND: Flip phone opens.

GEIST (irritated)Hello.

HEINRICHDerrick? That you?

GEIST (apologetic)Yeah, Grandpa, it’s me.

HEINRICHEverything OK, my boy?

GEISTYeah, Gramps. Sorry. Things are just a little…

HEINRICHI understand. It’s frustrating when there’s nothing to find.

GEISTThat’s not…. I’ll explain it to you later. What’s up?

HEINRICHI just got a phone call from a friend of mine. He has somethingthat I need you to look into.

GEISTWhy didn’t he use the network?

HEINRICHIt’s not that type of call, or, it is, but he’s… it’s a more personalsituation than a typical network call. I owe him a lot.

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GEISTWhat’s the situation?

HEINRICHHe thinks his ranch is being plagued by a chupacabra infestationagain.

GEIST (questioningly)Chupacabra? Again?

LINDSEY (repeating questioningly to Geist’s question)Chupacabra?

HEINRICH AJITIt’s a supernatural creature It’s a supernatural creaturewhose portal usually opens whose portal usually opensin the borders of Mexico. in the borders of Mexico.It’s like a lizard­based It’s like a lizard­basedBigfoot. Bigfoot.

LINDSEYYou’ve got to be kidding.

GEISTI don’t know…

HEINRICHJose is an old friend, and if they’re really back, he’s going to needyour help.

GEISTI understand, Grandpa, but we had a deal. We agreed that thewhole demon­hunter thing wouldn’t interfere with me searching formy parents.

HEINRICHI thought we agreed that this ‘demon­hunter thing’ was bigger thanjust us.

GEISTI know it’s big, but I can’t just …

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HEINRICHIt needs to be handled. If need be, I’ll have Jeremy charter a jetand have him fly me down there; I’ll take care of it myself. It’s justthat it’s been decades since I had to fight a herd ofdemon­spawn…

GEIST (relenting)That won’t be necessary, Grandpa. We’ll go and check it out.Where is this guy located?

LINDSEY (surprised)We’re going?

HEINRICHAlong the Mexican seaboard. I’ve sent the coordinates to yourGPS system.

AJIT (Hindu accent)Master Heinrich can be very persuasive when he wants to be.

GEISTSend me what you have on these chalupa’s too while you’re at it.

HENRICH AJITChupacabras. Chupacabras.

GEISTYeah. Those. I probably won’t get a chance to read it until weland, but it would be nice to get some idea of what to expect beforewe’re face to face with it. Or whatever it has that passes for aface.

HEINRICHI will, my boy. Take care of yourself down there. Those buggersare meaner than they look, and they don’t look too friendly.

GEISTWe will, Grandpa. Goodbye.

SOUND: Cell phone closes. Cue intro music.

7

ACT I

SCENE 1 – ENTER EXT.: Ranch House Entrance – Sinaloa, MexicoSOUND: Sports car drives up dirt driveway and stops. Engine stops. Doors open.

LINDSEYWow.

AJIT (Hindu accent)Different than what you became used to at the Ritz then?

SOUND: Front door opens.

LINDSEYNo, I meant wow in a good way. This place is nice; a lot betterthan I was expecting when I was told we were coming to a Mexicanranch.

SOUND: Footfalls coming down steps.

JOSEIt’s not truly a ranch, señorita; we’re landowners who farm.Ranchers focus mainly on cattle. Only ten percent of our land isdedicated to raising animals.

LINDSEYI stand corrected.

SOUND: First set of footfalls stop. Two more sets begin.

JOSEAnd my manners are terrible today. My apologies. Welcome tomy home. I’m Jose Ramirez.

GEISTAnd we’re…

SOUND: Pair of footfalls reach bottom.

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JOSEDerrick Geist and his friends. Your grandfather, my old friend,called and informed me you were coming. These are mygreat­grandchildren, Luis Jr. and Gabriela. They are down for thesummer.

LUISPoppa says we can learn much from Patrón.

JOSELuis is going off to college in the fall, and Gabby just finished asemester in Spain through an international exchange program.

AJITIt is good to see Mister Heinrich’s friend and his family doing sowell.

JOSEAjit! So good to see you, mi amigo. Heinrich didn’t mention thatyou were now helping his grandson.

AJITThe master believed I would be of more use in the field thanserving him tea at Hastings Hill.

JOSEI can believe that.

GABBYThis is the fabled Ajit, Patrón?

GEISTFabled?

AJITThe truth, like beauty, rests in the eye of the beholder.

LUISAnd who is the lovely señorita, Señor Geist?

GEISTThis is Lindsey Capparelli. She’s my….

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LINDSEYTraveling companion. Just traveling companion.

JOSEWell then, Derrick. Would you and your companions like to comein? We’ve taken the liberty of inviting the area farmers over tonight,so we can throw you a welcome fiesta.

GEISTThat’s very nice of you, Señor Ramirez, but I’d much rather….

JOSEWe can begin looking for the chupacabras tomorrow, Señor, onceyou have recuperated from your long flight and have experiencedsome true Mexican hospitality.

LINDSEYAbout that. I was doing some research on the way here and I’m abit confused as to what this is all about.

JOSEHow so?

LINDSEYWell, what I found on the internet said that the chupacabra is amythical creature like a Bigfoot or Yeti.

JOSESi.

LINDSEYBut you claim they’re real.

JOSEVery much so.

LINDSEYYou’ve encountered them before?

JOSESi. The last time was over three decades ago, when they attackedseveral local ranches.

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LINDSEYAgain, that goes against what I read. According to the internet, thefirst supposed sightings weren’t until the 1990’s, unless you wantto count the reported attacks in Moca in 1975.

JOSEWhile I’ve heard of portals opening in Puerto Rico as well, ElVampiro de Moca was not a chupacabra.

GEISTThere’s a difference?

JOSESi. The fables surrounding these creatures are based on rumorsand legends of when the chupacabra’s were actually here, but arenot true chupacabra sightings themselves.

LINDSEYThat’s what I’m talking about. The next thing you’re going to tell meis that Bigfoot’s real too.

JOSETo my knowledge, its not. But with all the variations on thesasquatch myth that are floating around out there, it wouldn’tsurprise me if some portal somewhere opens on a dimension filledwith large ape­like creatures.

LINDSEYSo you’re saying that every mythical creature is based onextra­dimensional creatures? I don’t know if I can believe that.

AJITNot all myths are real, but neither are all creatures figments of theimagination.

LINDSEYSo how do you know which ones are real and which ones arefictional?

AJITThe ones that you see with your own eyes are real.

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JOSEWhich we’ll attempt to do…. after you get some rest. Trust me;you don’t want to encounter these things at less than one hundredpercent.

GEISTIf you insist.

JOSELuis, please help them with their bags.

SOUND: Truck pops open.

LUISSi, Patrón. I’m more than happy to aide the señorita.

SOUND: LUIS grunts while picking up luggage.

GABBYFollow me, Ajit. I’ll show you where your room is.

JOSEIf only I could get them to take such exuberance in all their chores.

SOUND: Transition music.SCENE 2 – CUT TO EXT.: Ranch House YardSOUND: Mariachi music intermingles with crowd noise. Insects heard faintly in background.

JOSESeñor Geist, over here. There are some people I’d like you tomeet.

SOUND: Walking through grass.

GEISTSeñor Ramirez. I appreciate all this, but don’t you think this is a bitextravagant? You didn’t have to go through all this for us.

JOSEI’ll explain everything in a few moments, Señor. But first, allow meto introduce my neighbors. This is Señor Diaz, who owns the landto the south of us.

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DIAZ GEISTBuenos tardes. Good evening.

JOSESeñora Salvador to our east.

SALVADOR GEISTHola. My pleasure.

JOSEAnd my neighbor to the north, Señor Alacran.

ALACRANPlease, call me Juan.

GEISTUsually that’s my line.

ALACRAN (confused)You usually tell people to call you Juan?

GEIST (humored)No. Usually I’m the one insisting to be called by my first name.You can all call me Derrick.

ALACRANVery good, Derrick. We’re glad you could come. Any help you cangive us is taking care of this pest problem will be greatlyappreciated.

GEISTPests? I take it you don’t believe in the chupacabra?

JOSE (interrupting)Now if you’ll excuse us, gentlemen and lady, I have a few otherpeople for our guest of honor to meet.

SALVADORThank you for coming, Señor Geist.

DIAZWe will see you around, si?

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GEISTSi.

ALACRANGracias, Derrick.

GEISTDe ñada.

SOUND: Footfalls move away. Patio chairs are pulled out and sat in.

GEISTThey don’t believe in the chupacabra?

JOSESome believe, some don’t. We’re trying to dissuade them from itthough.

GEISTWhy?

AJIT (Hindu accent)Sometimes it is better to live in ignorance than to suffer withknowledge.

GEISTAjit! You really need to learn not to sneak up on people.

AJITOne person’s walking is another man’s sneaking. We mustsomeday train you to pay closer attention to everything thathappens around you.

JOSEAround here, the adventures your grandfather and I had against thechupacabras are things of legend. Few believe them, which isbetter for all of us. If people knew that such creatures actuallyexisted and have returned, the panic would be uncontrollable.

GEISTWhat have you told them, then?

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JOSEThat feral dogs are in the area, terrorizing the animals.

GEISTAnd who am I, then?

JOSEYou are well known, Señor Geist, even down here.

GEISTSo what is a millionaire playboy doing to help, then?

JOSEBailing out an old family friend by throwing lots of pesos at theproblem.

GEISTGotcha.

AJITYour property has come along nicely, Señor.

JOSEThank you, old friend. Things have been steadily improving sincethe government turned over land rights to the farmers. Oncepeople were able to claim ownership of the land they worked, thequality of life improved.

GEISTI’m impressed that all of you are able to cooperate so well witheach other. Some people would have made land grabs when theproperty became available.

JOSEOh, I wish I could say everyone was as cooperative as we appear.When the land first became available, the landowners who werebetter off than their neighbors approached those that couldn’tafford to buy their own land. Some, like myself, and those you’vemet tonight, offered fair prices for the land. Others were not asgiving.

GEISTSo your property wasn’t this large before?

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JOSEI only bought property from one of my neighbors. Anything morewould have been more than I could handle.

GEISTThose that bought more, are they being fair to the others, or arethey behaving more like land barons?

SOUND: Footsteps approach.

JOSEThere are outspoken people on both sides of the morality line.

LINDSEYDerrick. What are you doing?

GEISTSitting and talking with our host.

LINDSEYWell, that’s obvious. What I meant was why aren’t you out heredancing and enjoying the food?

SOUND: Footsteps approach.

GEISTIf you really knew me, and not just what the press makes of me,you’d know that there’s a lot more to me than just partying.

LINDSEYAnd all those grand openings and parties we found you at, theywere just part of your cover?

LUISSenorita, come dance with me.

LINDSEYWell, Geist?

GEISTGo have fun, you two. I’m fine right where I am.

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LINDSEYNever would have imagined you to be the fuddy­duddy. Ajit yes,but not you.

AJITAjit is more than capable of the shaking of the tail feathers, thankyou very much.

LINDSEYThat phrase went out before my dad’s generation.

SOUND: A stirring of cattle can be heard in the distance.

LUIS (laughing)It makes me wonder which of them is more the old man.

LINDSEYAt the moment, I think your grandfather is younger.

SOUND: Cattle get louder.

GEISTWhat’s that noise?

JOSEIt sounds like something’s spooking the cattle.

LUISProbably a coyote or something.

SOUND: A wood fence breaks in the distance. Cattle grow louder and begin stampeding.

JOSEThey’ve broken through the fence! Everyone, after them! Wemust stop them before they reach the fields! Va mañosa!

SOUND: Many people running. Mariachi music stops.

AJIT (running)A coyote wouldn’t have caused this.

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GEIST (running)Not to this degree, no.

LINDSEY (running)What do you think it is, then?

GEIST (running)Look, over there. Near the pen. Do you see what I see?

LINDSEY (running)I can’t make it out. It looks like…

AJIT (running)A man­sized lizard.

GEIST (running)We’ll worry about that later. Right now, we need to stop the cattlefrom destroying the crops. Let’s go!

SOUND: Transition music.

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ACT II

SCENE 1 – ENTER EXT.: Ramirez Cattle Pen – Sinaloa, MexicoSOUND: Cattle moving around. Three footfalls approach.

LINDSEYI still don’t understand why we didn’t come out here last night.

GEIST‘Cause the cattle were spooked enough without having the three ofus stomping around with flashlights. I wanted to give them achance to settle down again.

LINDSEYMeanwhile, they tromp whatever physical evidence may have beenhere.

GEISTWhatever physical evidence may have been inside the pen.There’s still whatever is outside. That…. whatever it was had tohave walked out here, unless you think it teleported or flew into thepen.

AJIT (British accent)Not flew, but teleportation is not an impossibility. Or, morespecifically, a portal opening.

GEISTDo you really think they have that much control over where theportals open?

LINDSEYI still have trouble with the fact that we readily accept the conceptof portals opening from parallel dimensions.

AJITNo, I don’t believe they have control over the portals, but neither amI willing to dismiss the possibility.

GEISTAfter seeing the troll, you can still question?

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LINDSEYI’ve seen a troll. One troll does not a multiverse make.

GEISTSo, you’re saying you don’t believe?

LINDSEYI’m just saying that not everything we encounter is supernatural.

GEIST (questioning)And the giant lizard we saw last night…

LINDSEYWas a green outline in darkness from where I stood.

AJITI speak from experience when I say that there is more out therethan one troll. I have…

GABBY (far away in the distance)There you all are!

SOUND: Cattle make a bit more noise from being startled. Two sets of footsteps approach.

LUIS (from a distance)The three of you got an early start this morning. Gabby and I didn’tsee you for breakfast.

GEISTWe wanted to get out here to see if we could find any sign of thecreature.

GABBY (closer)Well, you can’t hunt for chupacabras on an empty stomach.

LUIS (closer)That’s why Gabby and I brought breakfast to you. We thought wecould make a picnic out of it.

LINDSEYThat’s very nice of you, but…

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SOUND: Footfalls stop.

GABBYNo buts. We insist. <beat> Ajit, I made yours myself. I hope youlike huevos rancheros.

AJIT (Hindu accent)I am very sure that whatever you have prepared will be delicious.

GEISTWe really shouldn’t. We’ve already lost so much time.

LUISBut Señor Derrick. The creature is not going anywhere. The leastyou can do is give us the chance to get to know our new friends alittle better.

GEISTBetter? If you get to know her any better, you’ll be…

LINDSEYGeist!

GEIST (irritated)Fine. You know what, go ahead and enjoy your picnic. I’m going togo see what I can find out so we can get back on task. Thereseems to be a trail over here that even I can follow. I’m going tosee where it leads.

SOUND: Footfalls move away through thick grass.

AJITMister Derrick. You shouldn’t…

GABBYOh, he’s just pouting, Ajit. Let him go and stay here with me.

AJITMy duty is to him.

GABBYYour duty is also to yourself, Ajit, and what’s in your best interestas well.

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LUISCome on, Lindsey. There’s a lovely clearing over here. We canleave Gabby and Ajit to talk in private.

LINDSEYI don’t know…

LUISYou can’t let all this food go to waste. Gabby and I worked so hardon making it just right.

LINDSEYAjit?

AJITEat and settle matters. We will catch up with Mister Geist in a littlebit.

LINDSEYAre you sure?

AJITSettle things. I will find the mister when the time is right.

SOUND: Two sets of footfalls move away.

GABBYDo me a favor would you Ajit? Spread this blanket out so we havesomeplace nice to sit.

AJITWe need to talk, Gabriella.

GABBYI agree. But there’s no point in talking on an empty stomach, andthere’s no point in sitting on dew­filled grass.

AJITDew bothers you, but the smell of the cow pasture does not?

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GABBYWe can move if you’d like. There’s a beautiful stream just overthat hill. We could sit next to it, if you’d rather.

AJITNo. What I have to say can be said here as well as anywhere.

GABBYGood. Now spread out that blanket so I can set out breakfast.

AJITAs you command.

SOUND: A blanket snaps open.

GABBYI pre­wrapped the huevos in tortillas. I hope you don’t mind.

AJITCome and sit down, Gabby.

GABBYI’ll be right there. Don’t be so impatient, though I appreciate yourdesire for my cooking.

AJITCome and sit.

GABBYI’m almost done.

AJITCome. Sit.

SOUND: Silence – two beats.

GABBYYou’re lucky you’re so cute, Ajit. I don’t normally let people talk tome in such ways.

AJITI am not cute. I am…. distinguished.

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GABBYWhatever you want to call it, I think you’re adorable.

AJITThis must stop, Gabby. You don’t know what is at stake here. Youdon’t know who I am.

GABBYI know all about you, Ajit. Patrón has spoken about you a lot. Iknow everything.

AJITEven your great­grandfather does not know everything.

GABBYBut don’t you see? It doesn’t matter. Despite everything that Iknow, you still captivate me.

AJITProbably because of, not in spite of.

GABBYWhatever. The point is you don’t have to hide anything from me.

AJITI hide everything, but that isn’t the point. You’re too young.

GABBY (laughing)Too young? You’re saying I’m too young for you?

AJITNo. I’m saying that you are too young for what you are asking.

GABBYI don’t understand.

AJITSomeday I will be looking for a new mate to bear me new children.And when that day comes, I will keep you in mind. But today is notthat day, and you have much living to do until then.

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GABBY (irritated)Keep me in mind? You want me to be satisfied with ‘keep me inmind?’

AJITA promise for a potential future is better than an outright rejection.As you grow older, you will realize this.

GABBY (dejected)So you won’t even take the time now to have some fun and get toknow each other?

AJITYou claim to know all there is about Ajit, and when a monster is onthe loose, I don’t have time for fun. Another thing you will learn, asyou get older.

GABBYSo, that’s it then?

AJITI am afraid so. Thank you for the attention, though. It isappreciated.

SOUND: Footfalls leave.

GABBYCould have fooled me. You may be older, but that doesn’t makeyou wise. We’re not done with this conversation. Not by a longshot.

SOUND: Transition music.SCENE 2 – CUT TO EXT.: A grove of trees near the pen.SOUND: Wind gently rustling leaves in the trees. Two sets of footfalls stop.

LUISDidn’t I tell you this place was beautiful?

LINDSEYYes, yes you did.

LUISBut not nearly as beautiful as you.

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LINDSEY (under her breath)Give me a break.

LUISI brought us an assortment of fruit, along with fresh mango juice.

LINDSEYI’ll pass on the juice.

LUIS (slightly dejected)But it’s fresh. I just made it this morning.

LINDSEYSorry. I’m allergic.

LUIS (more dejected)Oh. I’m sorry. I didn’t know. If you’d like, I can…

LINDSEYDon’t worry about it. There’s no way you could have known.

LUISWe still have the fruit though. Would you like a fresh strawberry?

LINDSEYKeep your stem on. We need to talk.

LUIS (worried)Oh?

LINDSEYListen, Luis. You’re a great kid, but…

LUIS (slightly defensive)I’m not a kid.

LINDSEYYou’re not a child, but you need to understand that this isn’t goingto work out. You’re really sweet and a great dancer, but I’m notlooking to start a romance here.

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LUIS (dejected and a little hurt)It is because of him, isn’t it.

LINDSEYHim? Him who? <beat> Geist? No way. There’s nothing goingon there.

LUISThen what is it?

LINDSEYHonestly? It’s the age difference between us.

LUISDon’t be silly. You’re what, twenty­five, twenty­six?

LINDSEY (coolly)Twenty­three.

LUIS (backpedaling)Oh. Ummm. Even so, that means that there’s only a five yeardifference between us. What is five years?

LINDSEYFive years can make all the difference in the world, or none at all,depending on the people involved. But between the two of us, it’stoo much. You’re just getting ready to enter college, figuring outwhere your life will lead. I’m bouncing all over the globe.

LUIS (angry)I’m not a child. I can decide whom to fall in love with.

LINDSEYBut you’re not able to see beyond the here and now. That’ssomething you still need to learn. I’m here, now, but I won’t be in acouple of days. Like I said, you’re sweet, and I’ve had a really greattime, but…

LUIS (heartbroken)But it’s only a couple of laughs and nothing more. I get it.

SOUND: Footfalls approach.

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LINDSEYDon’t take it too hard. It’s not like we’ve known each other foryears or anything. We just met yesterday.

LUIS (hurt)Fine. Ajit’s coming. The two of you should get moving so you canfinish what you came here for.

LINDSEYDon’t…. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…

AJITAre you ready?

LUISJust go.

LINDSEYYeah. I think I did enough damage here. Let’s go.

SOUND: Transition music.SCENE 3 – CUT TO EXT.: Boarder between the Ramirez and Alacran Ranches.SOUND: Footfalls through tall grass. A light breeze blowing.

GEISTYou don’t see that every day. Nice open grasslands interrupted bya chain­link fence. Especially with tracks leading directly to a sidegate in said fence.

SOUND: A second set of footfalls approaching from a distance.

GUARD (from a distance)Yo notacaria que yo entu lugar, Señor.

GEISTI wasn’t exactly planning on it, though now you’ve got me intrigued.

GUARD (a bit closer)Intrigued or not, I still wouldn’t touch that. You’re about trespass.

GEISTSeñor Alacran, correct?

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GUARD (closer)Who is asking?

GIESTI’m a houseguest of Señor Ramirez.

GUARDIt would be wise to stay on his land then.

GEISTDo all of the farms in the area surround themselves with ten footfences and armed guards?

GUARDI can’t speak for the other rancheros, Señor. But you reallyshouldn’t touch the fence.

GEISTYou wouldn’t shoot me just for leaning, would you?

GUARDNo, but the electric shock from it might make you wish I had. Ifigured, as a houseguest of Señor Ramirez, you deserved awarning.

GEISTAppreciated. But you’re not willing to tell me why the Señor feelsthe need to isolate himself so much from his neighbor?

GUARDThere has been an ‘infestation.’ Señor Alacran hopes to protecthis crop.

GEISTIf by “infestation” you mean the chupacabras, it seems like a lot ofwork for something that’s only started a few weeks ago. Anythingless, and it’s a good deal of overkill.

GUARDI think its time for you to get back to your host, Señor.

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GEISTMaybe you’re right. I’ve just got one more question. What’s SeñorAlacran growing? I can’t quite make out what kind of plant that is.

GUARDThat’s up to the Señor, Señor. I’m not paid to inspect his crops.

SOUND: Transition music.

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ACT III

SCENE 1 – ENTER INT.: Ramirez Ranch House Kitchen – Sinaloa, MexicoSOUND: Screen door opens and closes.

LINDSEYHere you are! We’ve been looking everywhere for you.

AJIT (Hindu accent)More precisely, we’ve followed your trail to the edge of the propertyand back.

GEISTSo you saw the fence?

AJITAffirmative.

GEISTAnd did you meet the guard?

AJITNo. We did not get close enough to draw his attention.

LINDSEYWe took the hint from the electrified fence that they didn’t wantvisitors.

GEISTDo you know what his crop is?

JOSEMaze. Why?

LINDSEYThat wasn’t corn out there.

GEISTDid you two get a closer look than I did?

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LINDSEYWe told you, we didn’t…

GEISTI also know that you usually carry a camera with a zoom lens andAjit has eyes that can practically see through everything but lead.

AJITIt wasn’t corn. It was too green and too short for this time of year.

JOSEYou’re right. That it doesn’t sound like corn, but what does it haveto do with the chupacabra?

GEISTHow many sightings have there been of the creature so far?

JOSEWe’ve seen its prints several times over the past few weeks.That’s why I contracted your grandfather.

GEISTBut last night was the first time it’s actually been seen.

JOSESi.

AJITAnd the people in the area know of your past with the creatures?

JOSEMy encounters are known by some, but to the majority, they areconsidered local myth and rumor.

LINDSEY (catching on)But if someone’s believed enough of the rumors, they mightconsider chupacabras as something others will believe as well.Maybe enough to scare off the locals?

GEISTAnd he would have gotten away with it too, if it wasn’t for thosedarn ….

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AJITFacts.

GEISTExactly.

JOSEBut why would anyone want to try to scare the farmers away?

GEISTTo force land to become available for purchase, so he can spreadout his fields.

LINDSEYNot to mention to gain more power and influence.

JOSEYou keep saying “he.” You think Alacran is responsible for all ofthis?

GEISTUnless you can think of someone else who’s hiding behind electricfences and stands to profit from the situation.

LINDSEYWe need to contact the DEA.

GEISTWe’re not in America. It’s not their jurisdiction.

LINDSEYSo? Like that stops them.

AJITI think you have seen too many movies.

GEISTOr read to many tabloids.

LINDSEYOr maybe the two of you haven’t seen and read enough.

33

JOSEEither way, if there are chupacabras involved…

LINDSEYI think what we’re leading to here is that there probably aren’t.

JOSEBut if there are, we need to take care of them, not have thesethings get out to the whole world.

GEISTHere’s what we’ll do. The three of us will go over there tonight andsee what we can find. If there’s evidence that Alacran has beenfaking the chupacabra encounters, then we’ll know it’s safe to bringin the authorities. If not, we’ll track down the creature or creaturesbefore turning him in.

JOSEI want to go with you.

AJITThat would not be wise.

JOSEBecause I’m an old man?

GEISTNo, Señor. Because, if Alacran’s as dangerous as I think he is,this community would be at a tremendous loss if a stray bulletcaught you. You’re more important as a leader than as a soldier.

JOSEYou’re that sure he’s guilty of something?

GEISTIt’s about the only thing I am sure of on this case.

SOUND: Transition music.SCENE 2 – CUT TO EXT.: Boarder between the Ramirez and Alacran Ranches.SOUND: Footfalls through tall grass. A light breeze blowing. Coyote baying in the distance.

34

GEISTSo, are the two of you ready to talk about what happened thismorning yet?

LINDSEYI really don’t think that this is exactly the best time to start thatconversation.

GEISTI just figured I’d give you a chance to get things off your chestbefore we get started.

LINDSEYYou don’t need to worry about my chest. It’s doing just fine withoutyour attention.

GEISTIt was the attention that Junior was paying that made me notice.

LINDSEY (teasing)Jealous?

GEIST (joking)You wish.

AJITThey are both young. They have not learned that happiness mustsometimes be sacrificed on the altar of the future.

GEISTGeez Ajit, that’s a pretty morbid outlook. I hope you both know thatI’d never try to hold you back from finding happiness. It’s just…

LINDSEYIt wasn’t like I wanted a long­term relationship in the best ofcircumstances.

AJITI have promised to be at service to the house of Geist, but I makemy own decisions on how to accomplish that.

GEISTSo we’re good? No regrets?

35

LINDSEYOnly that we had to take the time out to talk about this. Can we getmoving?

GEISTOK. <beat> Any suggestions as to how to proceed?

AJITI see the power lever to the fence on the other side. If you give mea boost, I can clear the fence and open the gate from the otherside.

GEISTA boost? You can’t touch the fence.

AJITI do not intend to.

GEISTOK, I’ll trust ya.

AJIT (under breath)It is about time.

GEISTLindsey, I still think it would be better if you waited here.

LINDSEYLike I told you at the farm, at the car, and half way here, that’s notgonna happen.

GEISTAnd you don’t want a weapon.

LINDSEYI’m not a big fan of things that cause bodily harm. I’ll take thepictures of the crop so we have proof, but that’s all I plan to shoot.

GEISTWell, if the bullets start flying, find cover, and find it fast.

36

LINDSEYSure, that’ll be a breeze in the wide­open expanse of farmland.

GEISTJust be careful. We ready?

AJIT LINDSEYYes. Yep.

GEISTThen let’s go.

SOUND: Movement toward the fence.

GEISTOK, Ajit. I’m set.

SOUND: Running.

GEISTAli…

SOUND: Jumping.

GEIST (lifting)…Oop.

LINDSEYLook at him go. I didn’t realize he was that acrobatic.

GEISTAnd he was a lot lighter than I expected. If I didn’t know any better,I’d swear he could have cleared it without the lift.

LINDSEYIt was as if he was flying.

SOUND: Silence for one beat.

GEIST LINDSEYNah. Nah.

SOUND: Fence powers down and the gate opens.

37

AJIT (Spanish accent)Señor’s casa, su casa.

GUARD (from a distance)Prada! Stop!

GEISTLet’s go.

SOUND: Running.

GUARD (from a distance)Disparelos!

SOUND: Shots begin firing.

GEIST (running)Quick! Into the fields!

LINDSEY (running)No, head for the barn!

SOUND: Running. More shots fired. Two yelps of pain.

LINDSEY (running)Careful where you’re shooting at!

GEIST (running)I am! I’m shooting at limbs, not chests or heads.

LINDSEY (running)Really?

AJIT (panting – Hindu accent)In here. Quick.

GEIST (running)Close the doors.

SOUND: Barn doors close as running stops. Three bullets hit barn, then shots stop.

38

AJIT (recovering)That will not hold them for very long.

LINDSEY (panting)I’m beginning to think we should have put a little more thought intothis plan.

GEIST (panting)Ya think? Are you giving second thoughts to carrying a gun too?

LINDSEY (panting)A little, yeah. But only if I knew how to use it.

SOUND: Footsteps cross room.

GEIST (panting)If we get through this, I’ll give you lessons.

SOUND: Stall door opens.

LINDSEY (recovering)What do we do now?

AJITCome over here. You should see this.

SOUND: Two sets of footsteps across the room.

LINDSEYAre those what I think it they are?

GEISTThey look like opium pods. That’s what he’s hiding.

LINDSEYI was thinking he was growing marijuana plants. I wasn’t expectingthis.

AJITActually, I was referring to this, inside the stall.

LINDSEYIt looks like a Godzilla costume.

39

GEISTI think we’ve found our chupacabra.

ALACRAN (from outside)You! In the barn! Surrender now or we’ll burn you out!

LINDSEYI doubt it, as you have a fortune in opium in here!

ALACRAN (from outside)It’s unfortunate that you’ve found it, Seniorita Capparelli. It seemsAmerican society is going to be short uno playboy after tonight.

SOUND: Trucks begin approaching from a distance.

LINDSEY (nervous)Yeah, well, you’ve got a couple of guys out there with permanentlimps who’ll tell you that won’t be as easy as it sounds.

SOUND: Trucks get closer.

ALACRAN (from outside)He may have taken down two of my men, but there’s still…

SOUND: Trucks screech to a stop and a door opens.

JOSE (from outside)Leave those kids alone, Alacran! Drop your weapons andsurrender!

GEISTJose?

JOSE (from outside)You’re the ones who are outnumbered now, and the policía are ontheir way. Your operation is officially out of business!

AJITIt appears as though Señor Ramirez chose to disobey yoursuggestion.

40

GEISTYeah, and I’ll have to remember to thank him for it.

SOUND: Transition music.

41

EPILOGUE

SCENE 1 – ENTER INT.: Ramirez Ranch House – Sinaloa, MexicoSOUND: Kitchen noises of food being prepared.

JOSESo he was using the legend of the chupacabra to try to scare usoff so he could buy our land and expand his opium fields.

AJITAnd if he had been successful, he could have become one of themost powerful drug lords in the country.

GEISTBut he didn’t count on Señor Ramirez having previous experiencein dealing with the creatures and being willing to put up a fight.

LINDSEYI’m just glad you didn’t listen to Mr. “take charge” here and staybehind.

GEISTSo say we all.

JOSENo, Derrick was right. The day of me charging the front lines areover, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be a leader of the communityand deal with the situation with the help of my neighbors.

AJIT (under his breath)It still looked like he was charging the front line, not that I’llcomplain.

GEISTAs much as I appreciate the save, though, we really should getgoing.

JOSENonsense. You must stay at least one more night so we cancelebrate our success.

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LINDSEYYou pretty much find any reason to throw a party, don’t you?

JOSESi, though I’m afraid my great­grandchildren have decided to passon the celebration.

LINDSEY AJITCan’t say I’m surprised. I’m not surprised.

GEISTWhich is another reason….

SOUND: Stylized phone ring. Phone is answered.

GEISTHi Grandpa. What’s up?

HEINRICHHow are things going, my boy?

GEISTWe found out what’s really going on here, and we’re talking aboutheading out in the morning.

HEINRICHSo it wasn’t a resurgence of chupacabras?

GEISTNo. Just a major drug dealer trying to do a land grab.

HEINRICHOh. That happens too. So where are you off to now?

GEISTProbably Egypt. We found a hieroglyph in Paris that we’re going tofollow up on.

HEINRICHA hieroglyph? That’s new.

GEISTIt was written in invisible ink, but we got a picture of it in ultraviolet.

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HEINRICHReally? So perhaps it was helpful having Ms. Capparelli with you?

GEISTDon’t push it, Grandpa.

HEINRICHCould you send us a copy of it? I’d like to take a look at it.

GEISTSure thing, Grandpa, but I need to get moving. Jose wants to feedus again.

HEINRICHHe does that. Give him my regards, Derrick, and I’ll talk to yousoon.

GEISTOK, Grandpa. Goodbye.

CUT: Ending music and credits.

© Copyright 2008, 2010 – TimeWell ProductionsA TimeWell Electronic Recording Production (TWERP) Online presentation.

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Ending Credits

You have been listening to the Adventures of Derrick Geist – Episode 3: Chupacabra, starring (inorder of appearance) Ryan Gilbert as Derrick Geist, April Sadowski as Lindsey Capparelli andDoug Zeitlin as Ajit Singh.

This presentation also featured Steve Cain as Heinrich Geist, Rick Steele as Jose Ramirez, EliMarti as Luis Ramirez, Louise Francis as Gabby Ramirez, James C. Taylor as Senor Diaz, JoanHallaron as Senora Salvador, Justin Bills as Senor Alacran and Pete Nottit as the Guard.

Derrick Geist is a production and property of TimeWell Electronic Recording Productions;copyright 2010. Chupacabra was written and mixed by Jim Caswell and edited by AndreaBrunner. Music was composed and produced by Jason Feder. Los Estados Unidos wascomposed and produced by Doctor Metropolis. This has been a TWERPs Online Presentation.