Nightmare on Maddie's Street

A howling gust of wind comes up and blows dead leaves up into a small cyclone around the doorway. The afternoon sky darkens as storm clouds cover the sun. We hear footsteps trudging up to the house, and heavy, labored breathing as well. A shaky hand reaches up to the doorbell and presses it once. From inside we hear footsteps quickly approaching the door.

Maddie opens the door and an out of breath mail carrier stands against the doorjamb, panting. His hooded jacket covers him completely, so she cannot discern his face or his age.

Mail Carrier: That's quite a steep driveway you have there. With this heavy bag I wasn't sure I was going to make it. I have a package you'll need to sign for ma'am.

Maddie tries to get a better look at the mail carrier. She can tell he's not her regular guy, and she can tell he's sweating but other than that, nothing. And it would appear he's hiding his face from her. You've been a detective too long, Maddie. You don't trust anyone anymore, she thinks.

Just then, Miss Me comes up to the door and starts barking at the mail carrier, sticking her little black nose between Maddie's legs, trying to get out of the house.

Maddie: Speaking of vicious! What's gotten into you, girl? Sorry, she's usually not like this. I guess it's because she doesn't know you. Anyway, thanks for the package.

She starts to close the door as the man skulks away. Suddenly another gust of wind comes up, blows the door inward and the dog escapes.

She drops the package onto the tile floor of the foyer and runs out the door as a clap of thunder sounds overhead. She chases the dog across the expansive lawn, over a short hedge and into the yard next door and sees her blonde stub of a tail disappear under a fence into the backyard.

Maddie's neighborhood is dotted with stone mansions set so far from their mailboxes that, according to David, they could be in another zip code. So it's not unusual that Maddie has never met these neighbors. She walks up to the front door and rings the doorbell.

An attractive woman in a black silk robe answers the door. She is quite a bit younger than Maddie. She has long, straight jet-black hair, a slender figure and huge dark eyes. She looks wealthy and snobbish, with full lips and cheekbones that could cut raw meat. Lightning strikes and another thunder clap booms overhead. Maddie ducks involuntarily, but the woman at the door doesn't move; she seems to be fascinated with Maddie. Putting on what she thinks is her most friendly, neighborly smile, Maddie tries not to become unnerved by the stare she is receiving from this young woman.

Maddie: Hello, I'm sorry to bother you, but I'm your next door neighbor and I'm afraid my dog got out and she went under your fence. I was wondering if I could go back there and retrieve her.

Woman: Oh, of course. Now I remember you. I used to see those commercials when I was little. My mom used to buy Blue Moon Shampoo. You were always my favorite model. When I used to see you in commercials or in magazines, I was always struck by how sensual you looked. I saw intelligence in your eyes. You never struck me as an empty-headed ditz like Cheryl Tiegs.

The woman continues to stare at Maddie intensely, unsettling her somewhat. As she looks into her eyes, Maddie feels like she's looking down a long black tunnel, afraid of what she might see but compelled not to turn away.

Blaire shows Maddie into a house that is a study in black and white, glass and tile. The lighting throughout is subtle and recessed. As Maddie follows her, Blaire slinks through the house like a model on a runway. Maddie is almost as intrigued with this young woman as Blaire is with her. She's unusually beautiful and graceful. And her eyes are actually black, as black as midnight. Maddie wonders if this attractive girl has ever been a model. She certainly looks like she could be one.

As Blaire opens the back door Miss Me zips past them with a big black ball of fur in hot pursuit. Maddie quickly turns around to follow them and trips over a chair, falling face first onto the kitchen floor.

Maddie: Look-I don't move in the same circles with those people. Now I really need to get my dog and get out of here. (rubbing her knee) If I don't kill myself first.

Maddie reaches under a chair and snatches her trembling, frightened cocker spaniel. She searches through her fur for wounds from the ferocious looking black cat that is perched on top of the chair staring at her, purring, washing its face.

Maddie: Well I do have a…(she ponders what to call David. Her lover, her beau, her steady… boyfriend is certainly out of the question) umm, a…guy.

Blaire: I am sorry. I just assumed you were married … a beautiful mature woman like yourself. And I thought I saw a great looking guy coming and going from over there an awful lot. So what about cocktails tomorrow? It seems the least I can do since my cat almost killed your dog. Bad Diablo.

Blaire picks up her cat and nuzzles it. The cat must weigh twenty pounds, and his whiskers look a foot long. He's making a sound like a hum deep in his throat. Miss Me begins to growl. Blaire smiles and gives Maddie the same piercing stare with her black diamond eyes. Only this time the cat is also in on the act.

Usually Maddie is very adept at turning down these types of invitations, but she's caught off guard and though she'd hate to admit it, is a little flustered by this woman. She also feels an attraction to her for some reason she can't quite understand. She stands there for a moment but can't seem to come up with an excuse to say no.

As Maddie walks back to her house with the dog, she thinks about Blaire. On the one hand, she's very lovely and charming and seems like the type of woman Maddie would like to get to know. But Maddie also feels old, clumsy around Blaire. Couldn't be all that tripping around could it, Maddie, she lectures herself.

On the other hand, what is with love for celebrity? She's a little star struck. But she's also quite young. She reminds Maddie of herself at that age, when she was starting to make serious money, was being recognized wherever she went and she didn't know how to handle all the attention yet. When she had first moved to Los Angeles she had been quite enamored with Hollywood and celebrity worship herself.

Maddie is in deep thought as she enters her foyer and spies David's brief case lying just inside the front door. She walks into the house and notices David's suit jacket lying across the back of the sofa. She goes into the living room where she sees David lying on the sectional, his tie loosened, his feet up, his face buried in her high school yearbook.

David: It was lying on the floor when I walked in the house. It appears you forgot to lock up. McGruff the crime dog would be very upset with you.

David (grinning): Nope. The box was already broken open. It looked like it had been thrown to the ground. I had to check to make sure there wasn't a bomb in it or naked pictures of you when you were young and broke and couldn't pay the rent.

David: Yep. That's about it. Little did I know what I was going to find was almost- and let me emphasize almost- better than naked pictures. So Maddie, why didn't you ever tell me you were Homecoming Queen?

David: I've always wondered what you were like in high school. I'm so glad your mom found these yearbooks and was thoughtful enough to send them to you.

Maddie (squirming in his grasp): David, if I wanted you to see these yearbooks I would have shown them to you at some point. But you invaded my privacy. You opened my mail in my house, on my couch. You're not my warden or my keeper or my husband. You don't even live here. You have no right!

No I don't, he thinks. And it hurts that she is so adamant about what's hers and what's not his. His smile fades and he drops his arms from around her. She tumbles onto the floor.

David: You're right. But I didn't mean anything by it. I came home. I mean I came over to your house. You weren't here. The front door was wide open. This box was lying open on the floor. I didn't know what was going on or where you were-

Maddie: Okay, I admit that must have looked pretty strange. But…you opened the box, saw my yearbooks inside, decided you had the right to look through them, and couldn't miss a perfect opportunity to mock me-

Maddie: I was chasing Miss Me. She ran next door after a cat. I met one of my neighbors. She invited you and me for drinks tomorrow night.

Maddie: I just mean at first she looks so, I don't know, polished? And I felt an instant attraction to her. But as soon as she opened her mouth…she reminded me of a teeny bopper. She's very young and immature.

She grabs the yearbook from him and throws it unceremoniously back into the shipping box. Then she notices another large box on the floor beside the sofa.

David: Nuh, uh uh. You promised. Although now that I see these yearbook pictures, I'm getting a whole new set of ideas about what we should be for Halloween.

David: I have a feeling that you were probably the most popular girl in school. Model student, no pun intended. Got all A's. All your teachers loved you. Probably had all the boys after you with their tongues hanging out. Homecoming queen we already know. I bet your boyfriend was the captain of the football team, probably the quarterback, maybe even a future spaceman. I bet you never gave the poor slobs in the math club a passing glance.

Maddie: Of course not. I just meant that they've made something of their lives that's all. Unlike most of those jocks the girls used to ogle.

Maddie: Boy, you sound cynical. Why? You sure weren't one of the math club guys. Not unless you cheated to get in. Now it's my turn. I don't have the advantage of having your yearbook in front of me but I bet I know what kind of guy you were in high school…

Maddie sees a picture in her mind of the Van Halen video for Hot for Teacher. But instead of David Lee Roth standing on the desk, directing the debauchery, there is David Addison in his place.

Maddie: I'd say you probably owned a leather jacket or two. Probably played harmonica in a band. Probably-no strike that-undoubtedly, you were the class clown. Probably had the homecoming queen and her court mooning over you and chasing you all over because you were the cute but dangerous guy in school. Probably had a motorcycle that you drove too fast. How am I doing?

David: Terrible. I went to a Catholic all boys school, remember? The only girls after me were nuns. And they weren't mooning, they were praying for my eternal soul and chasing me around with rulers. I didn't drive a motorcycle and I didn't have a leather jacket. I couldn't afford those things working part time for my old man in the fish business. However, I did play harmonica and I was unbelievably cool, of course.

Maddie: I've heard that one before. Anyway, I'm tired of thinking about it. How about I get the dog her dinner then see what I can find in the kitchen for us. Interested?

Maddie approaches him with a seductive smile on her face. God, is she ever going to get to the point where this adolescent/man doesn't drive her crazy every time he uses one of his stupid lines on her? She wraps her arm around his waist and begins to walk him into the kitchen.

After a dinner of pasta primavera, salad and a little merlot to wash it down, Maddie and David retire to the living room in front of the fireplace to finish the wine. The thunder rumbling in the distance and the fire in the fireplace make it a very cozy, romantic spot to be waiting for the storm to let loose.

He gently swirls the wine in its crystal glass, watching it glide smoothly over the sides. They kiss languidly as the stereo plays softly in the background…

He begins to lie her down in front of the fireplace, but she resists. She is suddenly very tired and not at all interested in taking this interlude to its foregone conclusion.

The box full of Maddie's yearbooks is still sitting on the glass coffee table in front of them. David looks bored, but he can't help himself but open one up and leaf through it looking for a certain blonde.

David: Why? I think this is fun. Don't you like seeing how you've evolved from that little princess into the sophisticated, gorgeous woman you are now?

David: It's true! The first day I met you, you sat in my office primping, looking at yourself in a mirror. I think you were still pretty close to that girl, but over the years you've really turned into a person with depth and character.

Maddie: I think my character is sitting here next to me. Honestly David, are you trying to tell me that I had no depth until I met you? Is that what you are implying?

Maddie: You have no idea what I was like back then. I wasn't some shallow, vapid little girl without a care in the world. I marched against the war you know.

David : I'm getting quite an image in my mind. Young, sweet, sexy but innocent Maddie with her long blonde hair tied back in a pony tail, walking down the hospital corridor in her red and white uniform with those white stockings on her long beautiful legs.

Maddie (stifling a yawn): How about I dream about it instead. Besides, I know what it would have been like. You wouldn't have looked twice at me. You would have thought of me as just an empty-headed teenager with no "depth or character".

David: Babe, I didn't care much about depth and character in high school. It doesn't matter much to me right now either. Believe me I would have looked at you twice. Maybe even three times. But I would have known that I didn't have a chance with a girl like you.

She giggles, then stops suddenly when she spies something through the french doors. Two glowing yellow eyes are staring at them. At that moment the storm that has been brewing begins to unleash sheets of rain onto the patio. Miss Me comes running from the kitchen barking. Maddie runs to the door and turns on the outside light just in time to see a black blur running away from the glass.

Maddie: It was that damn cat from next door. I think he's stalking my dog. It's pretty alarming looking up and seeing those eyes glaring at us.

Maddie: I am tired. I just thought it would be nice if you stayed. I'm getting used to sleeping with you. We don't have to make love every time you spend the night, do we?

They walk up the spiral stairs together, arm in arm. Once they get to the master bedroom they separate, each one performing all the usual nighttime rituals, getting undressed, brushing teeth, Maddie brushing her hair. She sits on the bed putting on lotion while she watches David in his underwear in the bathroom smoothing what's left of his hair in the mirror. She realizes they are becoming more comfortable with each other the more practice they get at this domestic thing. She smiles to herself as she thinks that they have reached a level of true intimacy she never thought they would. As long as he doesn't leave the bathroom door open all the time…

She kisses him softly, lies down, pulls the covers up to her neck and turns off the light. He now sits in the dark, looking down at her.

Maddie and David arrive next door, Maddie carrying a bottle of chardonnay, David carrying a six pack of Blue Moon beer. She yawns as David pushes the doorbell.

They are welcomed into the house by a very tall man at least fifteen years older than Blaire. As he shows them in Maddie once again trips over the threshold. She rights herself, both men reaching out to help her up.

Norman shows Maddie and David into the living room and moves to the bar which is set up with an array of spirits, glasses, delicate cups and small serving plates. On the bar itself is a tray of tiny sandwiches cut into equilateral triangles, baby vegetables and dip, and a freshly opened box of Godiva chocolates. David starts probing the box of chocolates, until Maddie lightly slaps his hand. Norman gives David a beer and Maddie a glass of wine. Their backs are turned as Blaire walks into the room and turns on the stereo. Norman looks up and Maddie and David turn around to greet their hostess.

She is dressed in a very short, very clingy, black mini dress. The color of the dress, the almost blue-black color of her hair, and her luminous ivory skin make for a very striking portrait. She is holding the cat, scratching under his chin. They can hear him purring from across the room, even with the music playing. Maddie notices David noticing Blaire. Her dark eyes fix on David for about five long seconds, making him feel rather flattered and Maddie rather uncomfortable. She sways to the music as she glides into the room.

Norman: Hi Honey. So glad you could make it. (To Maddie and David) She always loves to make an entrance. Come over here and meet the neighbors.

Blaire is still staring at him as David decides to pull out all the stops and kiss her proffered hand. Maddie is not half as impressed as Blaire is.

In fact, Maddie is somewhat shocked. Did this woman take a crash course in Sophistication 101 over night? Her voice is lower, and her demeanor is much more grown-up tonight. Where's the star struck teenybopper? And why is Maddie instantly feeling so jealous and old?

David: It's great to meet you. You have a beautiful home and I hear you have quite a watch cat. Must come in handy to scare away all those pesky trick or treaters.

David and Blaire look over at her like they just noticed her presence in the room. She starts to regret accepting this invitation. Norman clears his throat to bring their attention back to his side of the room.

Norman (chomping on a carrot while he talks): Do you get to follow beautiful women and take pictures of them having sex with married men?

Norman chokes on the gulp he just took from his drink. Blaire glares at him, sighs and rolls her eyes in David's direction. David slaps him on the back until he stops coughing.

Maddie (chattering nervously): We are. But before we…got together, we worked together too. I mean we still work together. But now we work together and…and…(and what, Maddie? Sleep together? Is that really what was coming out of your mouth, she thinks to herself, horrified.)

She looks pointedly at Norman, who looks down and pretends to be very interested in the ice cubes floating in his drink. Maddie could swear she saw a look of dread on his face before he lowered his eyes.

Norman : Well…you're right. Born and raised. I haven't lived there since junior high, but I guess you never lose the accent. I went to high school and college in…the Midwest. Then when I met Blaire we decided to move. We should have gone somewhere with a cheaper cost of living but Blaire wouldn't hear of it. She said if she was going to move it was going to be to sunny southern California. And I must say I agree with her. It may be a little more expensive to live here but the perks are sure worth it. We're just blown away by how beautiful everything is. Even the people are beautiful. Take Maddie, know what I mean?

He toasts her with his drink, and Maddie smiles over at him, grateful to finally be a focal point of conversation. Very irritated over the way this guy is leering at Maddie, David says sarcastically:

Blaire firmly takes Maddie by the arm and leads her away. Maddie looks back at David as she's being led, and trips again as she walks out of the room.

Norman (laughing, after the women are out of earshot): Boy, and here I thought all you Californians were into kinky stuff like wife swapping. I was hoping, know what I mean?

Norman: Don't get me wrong. Blaire is a beautiful woman, but there's just so much tempting merchandise here, much more than back home, know what I mean?

Norman: I'm a researcher. Pretty boring stuff, actually. Not half as exotic or should I say erotic as your work must be. Say, maybe I should hire you. We've been having some burglaries at my lab and the cops haven't been much help. They can't watch the place twenty-four/seven, know what I mean?

Norman: Like with Blaire if I don't tell her I love her and how beautiful she is at least once a day, I'm in the dog house, know what I mean?

Norman: Yeah, but I bet you have to pay for a lot of facials, manicures, hairdos, clothes, lunches out with the girls, stuff like that.

David: That is my-(What? Girlfriend? Yeah, right. Lover? Mistress? What do you call a mature woman you're in love with but not married to?) …partner you're talking about Norman. I'd appreciate it if you could keep your comments to yourself.

He thinks: "Kept man"? I've got to get out of here before I pop this guy. I don't care if he is a foot taller than I am. Where the hell is Maddie…

Blaire: Maddie, I have to say you are a lucky woman. David is so handsome. Just the type of man I, oops, I mean any woman would be proud to be seen with at any occasion. I'll bet you have a very active social life. Lots of business dinners, galas, Hollywood parties. Ooh, have you two ever attended the Oscars?

Maddie: David Addison at the Oscars? I don't think so. He'd be challenging Steven Spielberg to a drinking contest. I went once, a long time ago. Before I knew David.

Maddie's mind drifts back to the few times she's seen David in a tuxedo. Buenos Aires…his father's wedding…Walter and Terry's wedding.

Blaire: Some are. Some are just things I've picked up at estate sales. I love jewelry. Some of the pieces I have are very rare and exceptional.

Blaire: I was hoping you'd notice that one. It's a very rare two carat purple sapphire, bezel set in platinum. My maternal grandmother gave it to me.

Blaire: It's my favorite too. I knew I felt a connection to you. You know this ring is supposed to have mystical properties. It is supposed to make you very powerful spiritually.

Blaire: Yes, you could. It will look beautiful on you. Wear it until the end of the week, and if you don't like it bring it back to me.

Blaire (smiling like the cat who ate the canary): You're a private detective, right? If it got lost or stolen, you could find it. Besides, it fits perfectly. It won't fall off. I think you'll be surprised at what a ring like this could do for you, Maddie. It is very powerful. It can bring you whatever your heart desires. It might even be able to bring back your fame.

Maddie is confused by her own openness toward Blaire. It's as if she's hooked up to a lie detector when Blaire fixes her with her hypnotic stare. Her mind goes blank, then the only thing that comes out of her mouth is - unfortunately - the truth!

Maddie: Well, when I was a model I had my house, a large staff to take care of it, lots of jewelry, clothes, cars, men. I traveled a great deal which was fun, but I wasn't really happy. I thought I was, but my life didn't really begin until I lost it all.

Maddie: Well, almost all of it. My accountant embezzled just about every penny I had, and at the time I was devastated, but I'd never be where I am now if it hadn't happened. (She looks toward the living room.) And I can't imagine not being where I am now.

Blaire: I can't imagine losing all my money like that. You can't possibly be happier now, after losing everything. Although I have to admit, maybe a man like David could make up for a lot. He's pretty easy on the eyes.

Maddie: Yes he is, isn't he? And yes, I am happier now. I never would have met David if I hadn't lost my money. Besides, I'm doing all right. I have enough money to live the way I want to.

Blaire: It must have been fate. Well, I think I'd kill myself if I lost everything. My things are so important to me. Sometimes I think about what I would save if there was a fire. You know how most people would save family photos, legal papers, stuff like that. I know the first thing I'd go for-my jewelry. Then probably my mink coat, I don't know.

Maddie: That's not what I meant-oh never mind. Okay, if you insist, I'll take the ring, but I'm bringing it back at the end of the week.

All of a sudden, Maddie isn't quite so enthralled with her hostess. She just wants to get away from her as soon as possible. If she could only get this ring off her finger.

Maddie: That seems pretty silly. Okay, since I can't seem to get it off anyway, I won't take it off until I bring it back on Halloween.

Maddie looks down at her hand. This certainly is a beautiful ring. The stone has a soothing quality. The color is so fascinating; the emerald cut makes it look like there are steps leading down to the depths of it. Wearing it makes her feel…what? Beautiful? Young? …What is she thinking?

Norman: Unfortunately, you haven't been close enough to me to give me anything, Maddie. I guess we'll just have to make it another time.

After they say their goodnights and Maddie carefully steps over the threshold, they stand outside the neighbors' front door, look at each other and shake their heads.

They begin the walk home, hand in hand. Maddie looks up at the clear night sky, noticing there's no moon lighting their path. Then she stumbles down the porch steps.

Maddie: Shut up. It turned into a beautiful evening. I thought I heard it was supposed to be stormy all week. Oh well, can't always believe the weatherman.

David (thinking seriously): I was thinking more like Angelina Jolie. What's with you? Except for that Virginia Wolfe scene at the end she seemed all right. But what do you make of her thing with her cat?

Maddie: She insisted I take it and wear it all week until Halloween. It's supposed to bring me luck or some such nonsense. It is really beautiful, isn't it?

David: Yes, it is. It's pretty weird though, to give something like that to someone you don't even know. It was really generous of her.

Maddie: Generous? I think she feels sorry for me. She thinks I have to be miserable because I lost all my money, and this is supposed to bring all that back I guess. And here I was thinking I could like her, that we might have something in common. How could I be such a bad judge of character?

David: Twit? I didn't get that impression at all. In fact, she's not at all like you described her. I didn't see no star struck teeny bopper in that living room tonight.

Maddie: You're being ridiculous. I just didn't like the way she stared at you all night with those cobra eyes. Like you were the rat she was going to have for dinner.

This conversation is taking a definite downturn he thinks. She sounds a little too much like the old Maddie. A little too cold, a little too contemptuous. David thinks he must be getting soft if he can't take one of her barbs anymore. Oh, forget it. She didn't mean anything by it.

David: Now, about that husband of hers…All he's missing is the tape around his glasses and the pocket protector. He's Lurch in a lab coat.

David: Me? Nah, I just think he's a moron. And I want you to promise me that if he ever comes over when I'm not around, you won't answer the door.

She's touched by his concern, but a little irritated at his possessiveness. He stops walking, turns her around, wraps his arms around her and kisses her intensely.

David: I'm a lucky guy, Maddie and I don't need a stupid ring to prove it. (grinning) ) I'm young, healthy, unbelievably good looking, I have a pretty interesting job. (touching her cheek) I have you, finally. I'm pretty satisfied with my life.

David: I guess spending time with those people tonight made me realize how good we have it. They seem so unsatisfied with their lives and each other-

Maddie: I swear, testosterone should be a controlled substance. If you don't want me to have anything to do with him why don't you tell him you don't want his case? Tell him we're too busy.

Maddie: But David. Don't you think he'll be offended if the agency takes his case and then you and I don't even work on it for him?"

David: Use your imagination, your highness. How about you tell me a bedtime story. How about "The Candy Striper and the Bad, Bad Patient"?

Maddie awakens feeling refreshed, like she's had the best night's sleep in months, even though she didn't sleep much last night. She looks over at David, still snoozing, his mouth wide open, his body arranged in what cannot possibly be a comfortable position. But that's David. And he's hers, whether she wants him or not. Now, what made her think that?

She gingerly gets out of bed and goes into the bathroom to take a shower. When she's getting dressed for work, he walks into her dressing area, a towel wrapped dangerously low around his waist, dripping water everywhere. He kisses her good morning.

David: Oops, sorry your highness. Just couldn't wait for that good morning kiss. I hardly got any last night. In fact, you didn't seem very interested in what we were doing last night. That's not like you.

Maddie (irritated): Are you finished with the editorial comments, David? I just have a lot on my mind. Okay, you got your kiss, now go away.

Maddie: It's fortuitous that's all. How about I treat you to dinner tonight at a restaurant of your choice? Pick somewhere romantic and we'll meet around eight.

There's been a flurry of activity all day, and new cases are suddenly appearing out of nowhere. David has been out of the office most of the day, schmoozing with various clients or potential clients. She looks at the pile of new cases that sits on her desk.

Maddie frowns. She can't recall a Mr. Monte Cristo. She hears a muffled discussion from the intercom. Maybe it would be easier if she came out of her office and handled this in person.

She walks into the outer office, and sees Ms. Dipesto being scolded by a man who looks up and smiles when he sees Maddie. He looks vaguely familiar. He holds out his hand for Maddie to shake.

Maddie smiles with recollection as she hears his name said correctly. He had been a handsome young executive when they had known each other. And he is still quite handsome. Tall, blonde, a dazzling smile, chiseled features; he started out as a model himself. Which is why he and Maddie had gotten along so well, why she had even considered him dating material at one time.

She shows him into a chair in front of her desk. She sits down and folds her hands in front of her as she takes in his aristocratic features. Why is it that some people age so much better than others she wonders. He says nothing for a moment; just sits and stares at her, making her feel slightly uncomfortable. All these people staring at her lately, she's not used to it anymore.

Chad (still staring): Maddie, if I may be so bold, I just have to say that you are even more beautiful than I remember. The years have been good to you indeed.

Chad: Well, I'm happy to hear that. I can see why Blue Moon Shampoo was a best selling product when you were endorsing it. And actually, I'm here because I have a proposition for you.

Chad: As you may recall, I work for Blue Moon Shampoo's parent company. We've been doing some market research and you'll never believe what we've found.

Chad: That's where my proposition comes in, Maddie. We're starting a new ad campaign. We'd like you to be the focus. We'd like to bring you back.

Chad: Further research showed that there is a large share of mature women out there who don't relate to twenty year old models and who would go back to buying our product if you were endorsing it again.

Maddie: Chad, I'm flattered, but I haven't modeled in… well, in years. And I have a new life now. A business to run, people who depend on me…

Chad: No I'm very serious. And we want to get going on this ASAP. Of course, if you turn us down, we'll try Cheryl Tiegs or possibly Cheryl Ladd.

Chad: You're our first choice Maddie. I'd like to discuss this further with you over dinner tonight. And then maybe we can discuss things that have nothing to do with business… if you're free.

Maddie is sitting at her dressing table, putting the finishing touches on her make up. A songs drifts from the speakers of her stereo in the bedroom.

David: You look pretty good for a cadaver. You're a little overdressed for the place I picked for dinner though. Here, let me help you out of that dress into something more comfortable.

Maddie: What? Oh God, I forgot. Someone came in to the office today with a business proposition. I accepted a dinner invitation with him tonight. I'm sorry David. It's too late to cancel on him now.

David (looking hurt and disappointed): Oh. Well, since it's business, didn't I leave a suit over here last week? I'll just change and then when dinner is over-

Maddie: I'm really quite excited about it, and I do want to tell you about it. But I think I'd like to wait until I know more details about the offer. And I'd like to handle this alone.

David: Ah, your highness, you're back. I almost didn't recognize you without your crown. I thought money didn't matter that much to you anymore, Maddie.

Maddie: I have to be practical. Face it David. Where else am I going to get financial security? From this up and down business? From you? We're talking about a lot of money here. National exposure.

Maddie: Blue Moon Shampoo is asking me to come back and do some ads for them. I don't know if they want print or television or what. That's what this dinner is about. To iron out the details.

David: Sounds like you've made up your mind to do this. So what happens to the business while you're off traipsing around getting your picture taken?

Maddie: God, you are so infuriating! Why is it when something good happens to me, you are always threatened by it? I swear, sometimes I think you don't want me to succeed. You're so selfish!

David: Me? Selfish? Sounds to me like you've got some private demons you never exorcised in your youth, Maddie. Otherwise, why would you want to take a step backwards?

The doorbell rings before she can respond. Maddie walks downstairs in a huff and opens the door. David stands on the landing and sees her angry expression suddenly change into a beaming smile as she greets an arrogant looking man in a tuxedo, holding a bouquet of flowers. This guy looks like Maddie's type, he seethes.

Chad doesn't notice David at first. He takes Maddie's hand and kisses it, then presents the flowers to her, all the while never taking his eyes off her face.

He wants to tell her to stay so they can talk about that train wreck that just happened upstairs. Instead, his old defensiveness takes over; he decides to put on a show for Maddie's date.

David (in his southern twang): Just look at you two. All dolled up like Barbie and Ken, ready for a night on the town. You make a pretty cute couple. You two kids could be bookends.

David: Just make sure you have her home by midnight, or this here homecoming queen may turn back into a regular old filly. And that thing out there might turn into a pumpkin.

David walks over to Maddie, takes her hand, brings it to his lips, then kisses the ring on her finger instead. He looks deeply into her eyes.

Maddie: Still mad at me? Well, I'm not too thrilled with the Billy Bob impression you did last night, David. You may think it's hugely funny to embarrass me in front of other people, but I have to tell you, I don't appreciate it one bit. However, I guess I did treat you somewhat shabbily as well, so if you have anything to say, lay into me.

David: Just because you blow me off to go out on the town with Prince Charmless and his limo so you can hear about how beautiful and wonderful you are and how much money you can make hawking shampoo. Nah. By the way, how is Thad this morning?

David: Maddie, you look perfectly perfect to me. You're acting a little weird though. Come on. You don't need to do this Hollywood shuffle to know you still have it. Whatever "it" is.

Maddie: Yeah, I thought so. If the shoe were on the other foot, you'd bolt out the door so fast you wouldn't give me a second thought.

Maddie: Believe it or not, you're all I've been thinking about. I don't want to hurt you, David. But I can't understand why you feel so intimidated. Do you feel this gives me more leverage in the relationship?

David: "More leverage in the relationship"? God, why does this sound so familiar? Maddie, my concern has nothing to do with who's got the leverage in the relationship. Whatever the hell that means. I just don't want to see you get hurt. I'm just thinking that at your age-

Maddie: Are you telling me I'm too old? That I'm over the hill? Well, I think you're scared I might be more fulfilled if I do this. Maybe it will lead to other opportunities that have nothing to do with you.

Maddie: You're threatened by my success, especially if it has nothing to do with you. You want to sabotage me. You acted the same way when I went to Buenos Aires!

David: Threatened? If I'm so threatened by your money why didn't I sabotage this joint? God, Maddie, your mood swings lately are going to drive you to Prozac. Or drive me the hell out of here.

Maddie: I'm sorry. What was I thinking? But, this offer is so tempting! Part of me thinks this would be a big mistake; people might laugh at me. I might wind up as a running joke on Jay Leno. But another part of me… maybe the vain homecoming queen part, feels like this is my last chance to do something with my life.

David: Maddie, what ever you decide to do, I'm behind you. I'll even let them call me Mr. Hayes. I'll even take care of the mutt while you're away. Speaking of which, while you were on your way in to work, Blaire called. Apparently, the dog got out again. She said she'll keep her there until you get home tonight.

David: Okay, well, how about I go get her, then pick us up a couple of steaks for dinner tonight. You finish up the monthly billing with Bert.

Maddie: Sounds great. Dinner sounds great too. After spending all day with my nose to the grindstone with Bert, I probably won't feel much like cooking.

She kisses him on the cheek and walks out of the office. He sits on the couch looking after her, his expression changing instantly as she shuts the door. In place of his trademark grin he is wearing a worried frown. What's with her lately?

Things have been going so smoothly for us lately. Why am I suddenly feeling so unsatisfied with my life? Why do I feel like I'm not in control of what's happening?

She goes into the bathroom, soaps up her finger and removes the ring Blaire gave her. She sticks it in her pocket and gets down to work. The camera pans to her office window, where storm clouds are gathering.

Maddie is pulling up to her house with her windshield wipers on high, as bullets of rain hit the hood of her car. She sees police cars, gawking neighbors and yellow crime scene tape wrapped around Norman's front yard. Media vans are pulling up to the curb as she runs into her own house and sees David sitting in the living room on the sectional, surrounded by police officers.

David: Hi, Honey. Sorry about dinner. We've had a slight change of plans. A little homicide next door kind of put a damper on things. This is Officer Welsh.

Maddie: No, he didn't. We went over there the other night for cocktails. With the both of them and their cat. He said she was his wife-Wait a minute. His name was Norman Bates?

Maddie: But she lives there. I know she does. When I went there earlier that day, she answered the door. He wasn't even home. Wasn't she there today? Didn't you talk to her?

David: Actually, that's the weird part, now that you mention it. When I went over there to get the dog, the door was hanging open, Blaire was in hysterics, and then it gets a little fuzzy. I know she showed me a rather large pool of blood in the living room.

David: And then I turned around and she wasn't there, Maddie. I looked for her all over the house and I couldn't find her. That's when I called these guys.

Welsh: Look, ma'am. I don't know what you two are trying to pull here, but no Blaire lives there. All his employees said he lived alone, no wife. And we've been dusting the whole place for prints. So far all we've come up with are Mr. Beights', the cleaning woman and Mr. Addison's. No one else. And no women's clothes in the closet, toiletries in the bathroom. And no cat hair. No evidence whatsoever that a woman or a cat ever inhabited that place. And unfortunately, no body. Just blood.

Welsh: Even if we do find that to be the case, that's still not evidence that a woman was cohabiting there. Frankly, since we found Mr. Addison's fingerprints and business card in the middle of the pool of blood, he's looking like a pretty good suspect.

Welsh: Jealousy maybe? The neighbors have seen Mr. Beights hanging around in front of your house at night. Maybe Mr. Addison found out that he was part of a love triangle and didn't like it.

Officer Welsh confers with his partner who has been thumbing through Maddie's old yearbook. He points at something; Welsh looks down, frowns and looks back up at Maddie.

Maddie and David both look at the photo at which Officer Welsh is pointing. They scrutinize it for a moment. Then they exchange bewildered looks.

After hours of questioning by the police and reporters at the door, the house is finally quiet. Maddie and David sit in the living room, staring off into space.

David: Well, I can't believe you didn't know you went to high school with a guy named Norman Bates. Also, I can't say I'm feeling too thrilled about being a murder suspect.

David: Hey easy with those terms. We call it searching for the truth. It's sort of my specialty. Go put on your blackest outfit, Goldilocks. We're going in.

David: Don't you think it's a little strange that they can't find a trace of her there? And no cat hair. I can't believe Catzilla didn't cough up a few fur balls. It's all pretty weird.

Maddie points toward the french doors where the glowing golden eyes are staring at them again. They jump up and run out the doors, following the cat into the shadows of the storm that's starting up a new head of steam. They run across the lawn as a sheet of rain starts pouring down on them. David trips over a lawn chair and Maddie topples over him.

They climb over the six-foot concrete fence separating Maddie's yard from her neighbors, Maddie going first. She gets stuck at the top; David has to push her by the behind to get her over. She lands with a thud and a few seconds later he lands on top of her.

As they stand up there's a flash of lightning, and they see a black form in the shadows next to the house. The glowing eyes shine at them for a moment, then are gone. Maddie and David split up and slow to a creep hoping to corner the animal.

They hear a meow from the bushes. Maddie gives David a superior look, stoops down and puts her hand out toward the frightened cat. He immediately hisses and scratches her.

The cat cowers away from her, hissing. David is lying on the ground on his stomach, his chin propped on his hand, an amused look on his face.

Lightning and thunder strike again. The cat claws at Maddie's outstretched hand, drawing blood, then runs along the foundation of the house until he finds an open basement window and ducks through it.

David: He showed us a way into the house. Put on your gloves so you don't bleed everywhere. There's enough blood in there all ready. Come on.

He grabs her free hand and they eventually make it through the narrow window into the pitch black basement. David turns on a penlight and shines it around the large room. It is full of boxes, furniture, and a large freezer in the corner. Except for their breathing and the water dripping off them the house is silent as a tomb.

Maddie rolls her eyes and follows him. Staying close together, the penlight illuminating their path, they make their way up the basement stairs and through the kitchen. Maddie's stomach does a slow turn as she sees the pool of blood in the living room where just three nights ago they shared drinks with the couple they believed lived together in this house.

They walk into the study and David shines the light around the room until he sees a painting on the wall behind which is a small wall safe. Maddie places something on a shelf.

David: Didn't you mention collecting these in your yearbook? Somewhere in there between marching for world peace and meeting the Beatles?

David: Maddie I think this guy was obsessed with you. Maybe he didn't have an "in" with the Beatles so he figured these were the next best thing.

Maddie: That's absurd. I've given that yearbook picture of his a lot of thought and I'm sure I never even met him. It's just a weird coincidence. Now are you coming up with anything?

David: Yeah, the willies. This place is way too clean. Either this chick was incredibly anal or a phantom house fairy got here before anyone else.

Maddie: A psychiatrist's card no doubt. David, I think we're grasping at straws here and I'm afraid that cops guarding the house are going to notice us in here. We'll look guiltier than ever if they find us rummaging around in this house.

There's a movement behind Maddie. The cat seemingly darts from nowhere and jumps up on one of the bookshelves, knocking over a shelf full of figurines in the process. Startled and without thinking, Maddie screams. David slaps his hand over her mouth and glares at her. The sound of a slamming car door and feet running up the walk can be heard.

David: Didn't I teach you any better than this Blondie? Never scream when the cops are waiting outside unless you want them inside. Amscray!

They rush through the house, and into the basement just as the front door opens and two police officers come rushing in, guns drawn.

David's foot slips through the basement window just as an officer turns on the light and starts making his way slowly down the stairs. Maddie and David run across the lawn and jump over the fence, landing in another heap in her backyard.

Another snide remark from her. He gives her one of her own stern looks. He edges closer to her on the wet grass and rubs her foot but she doesn't want to feel his touch. She moves away from him.

David: Well, it does, doesn't it? Remember? Except we're not getting shot at…and we're not in our underwear. But we could remedy that situation in a hurry.

Maddie: I shouldn't be breaking into my neighbor's house, even if he is dead. We almost got caught. But to you it's all a game. You'll never grow up, will you?

David: At least we're having fun. To bad we didn't get to search the joint since someone had to bring in the cops. So I guess we'll just have to go back in tomorrow.

David: You guess. Well, I guess I'll get going. You must have a lot of packing to do. And I need to get a good night's sleep since I'm flying solo starting tomorrow.

He picks himself up off the lawn then holds his hand out for her to take. She stands up and they face each other somberly. She moves in to kiss him, but he lowers his head.

Maddie: You're nuts if you think I'm going back over there. That steroidal cat of yours tried to kill me tonight, there are cops all over the place- How come there were no signs of you or that cat in the house?

Blaire: The cops didn't notice it either. But they will. Then they'll know David wasn't lying about a woman living in the house. They'll have the evidence they need to exonerate him.

Blaire: Oh get over yourself. You're such a foolish woman you know that? Norman wanted me to help him get to you. That's true. God knows why but he had a crush on you back in high school. He was a loser, and who pays attention to the losers, right? He said you never noticed him, even though he went out of his way to impress you. He said hello to you every day and you never even looked at him. You'd just walk by with your girlfriends and laugh. He spent thousands on that Hummel collection just because you loved the silly things so much.

Blaire: Do you know what the losers are doing while no one is paying attention, Maddie? They're imagining getting back at all the women who didn't want them and would never love them. GO GET THE RING!

An instant later Maddie finds herself in her nightgown standing in the living room of the house next door. The room is lit by tall candles flickering in the darkness.

Maddie looks around, a chill washing over her. She tiptoes into the study, finds the ring where she left it and puts it back on her finger.

Blaire: Believe it or not, Norman's moving next door to you was a coincidence. Or as I like to call it, fate. But he didn't want to have you, he wanted to ruin you. You made him miserable, so he wanted to make you miserable too. That's why he had me revive your career.

Blaire (smiling): He already has. Loyalty only goes so far. He's noticed the contempt in your voice when you speak to him. How quick you are to get angry at him. Didn't you wonder why you were tired all the time, or why you lost interest in sex? David is sure that you've given up on the two of you. Of course, I planted a little seed in his mind this afternoon when he came over just to be sure. Now that the ring is on your finger the course has been set.

Blaire: What is it you Californians say? Duh. Now you'll keep falling in love with the idea of getting back what you had a long time ago. And David will fall in love with me.

Blaire: That little show was just for your benefit. I needed to plant a few seeds with you as well. To make you start thinking about those things again. To make you want them again. And now you'll have them.

I have to admit, Maddie, you've been a challenge. Usually a few strands of hair do the trick. (Maddie's hand goes to the back of her head.) But you're a tough woman. You needed a little extra push. That's why I gave you the ring. It possesses very powerful magic. It was starting to work, but not fast enough to suit me, so I had Diablo procure your blood tonight. Now, this is the strongest spell I've ever conjured, and still you resist me. Your feelings for David must be very strong.

Blaire: Just because you don't believe in something doesn't mean it isn't true. Come on Maddie. Admit it. Don't you love being sought after? Wouldn't you love to attend the Oscars again, be a social butterfly? Wouldn't you love your old career back? Wouldn't you love to be young and rich again? These last few days have been really fun for you. Limo rides, nice dinners, handsome men groveling at your feet. You won't get those things with David. You don't need him.

Maddie: You don't get it. Life's not about money or fame or prestige or youth. It's about saving your heart and soul in a world that doesn't put much value on either anymore. For that I need him. Now you don't have any power over me or over David. So get the hell out of my dream!

She licks her finger and finally twists the ring off it and throws it at the image of Blaire. As soon as the ring hits her, the burning candles fall to the floor. Maddie falls back and puts her arm up to her face to shield herself from the fire. She hears a cat hissing behind her. She screams and sits up and finds herself in her own bed. The curtains are billowing in a soft breeze, and dawn's light is coming through the window.

She thinks: My heart's pounding louder than a runaway train. My adrenaline level was so high there for a while, I bet I could have flown right out of this window.

David sits in his office, alone in the dark. His chair facing the window, he can hear the office party getting pretty raucous outside his door, but he has no desire to be there orchestrating the fun. He's got the stereo blaring, attempting to drown it out. Rob Thomas's voice fills the room.

Agnes comes in dressed as Zena, Warrior Princess. She goes over to the stereo and turns down the volume. David doesn't turn around.

Agnes: You have to save us. It's no fun without you and Bert has had too much to drink and he's taken over the party. He keeps trying to drown MacGilicuddy in the apple bobbing bucket.

David (turning around in his chair, looking Agnes up and down, smiling): Well, why don't you take control of those two. You look qualified.

Agnes: You men are so insecure. Of course she's coming back. She wouldn't leave us for good. She wouldn't leave you. Not after everything you've been through together. Not after that big dip in the ratings we took in season three.

She hands him a set of devil horns. God only knows how they wound up in the back of the filing cabinet. He thinks about last Halloween when he wore these. Maddie's dad had had a heart attack. She'd been frightened and devastated…and she'd needed him. Maybe that's what it all comes down to after all. He wants her to need him.

David turns back around in his chair, gazing out the window, twirling the devil horns. As Agnes goes out the door someone silently enters the office and approaches his chair. The person is dressed in a long flowing black dress with pointy shoes and a pointy hat. The hair is a wild rat's nest. The person grabs the back of David's chair and quickly turns it around. He's staring into the face of an old hag.

David: Just the opposite. I thought it would be interesting to see the beauty queen as a crone. You're the most beautiful woman I've ever known, Maddie, even if I don't find you the least bit attractive right now for some reason. I do like the nose wart though.

David: What? I can't talk about my big salary in prime time? What are you doing here? I thought you were supposed to be in Hawaii right now.

Maddie: I decided that going back to Blue Moon Shampoo was just that. Going backwards. I don't go backwards, David. I only go forward. You reminded me of that the other day. I just had to figure it out for myself.

Maddie: No. Not to high school and not to modeling. Maybe I did make some mistakes and hurt some people along the way, but I can't fix those things now. I have to move on. They have to move on. When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. Life is too short.

David: Oh, sorry. I thought we were trading clichés. And I can't quite take you seriously when you're dressed like the Wicked Witch of the West. Maybe if I close my eyes…

By the way, I think the police are going to leave you alone now. They discovered evidence in the basement that led them to believe there was a woman living with Norman.

Maddie: Oh stop it. There was a fire next door last night too. They discovered the cat in the house. They figure he's the one who started the fire somehow. Still no sign of Norman or her.

Maddie: The only thing I'm not telling you is what I can't understand myself. I'm going to have to think about this one for awhile. Now the employees are out there waiting for us. Shall we make an entrance?

David (singing): Got a black magic woman, I got a black magic woman, Yes, I got a black magic woman, Got me so blind I can't see, but she's a black magic woman, and she's trying to make a devil out of me-

Thanks for your valuable insights and ideas. Thanks to all the writers for your inspiration. And thanks for giving me the opportunity to participate in Season Seven!