A PERFECTLY FRAMED PICTURE

A MUSICAL BY NATALIE CHRISTOPHER

2014-2015

SCENE 1: Briar City at Night

Arabella and Joanna are walking through the mostly empty streets of
Briar City at night.

The Walking Smile-JO

Verse 1:
(d) she's got brown hair down
(em) past her shoulders a
(g) smile that seems to
(a) say hello
(d) I've often wondered if
(em) she's discovered that
(g)a bad day don't exist with
(a) her in tow

(g) only the lucky folks have

(d) someone like her, and
(c) I'm singing to let her kn(a)-ow

Chorus:
(g) she is a
(d) walking smile
(em) her laugh gets contagious
(g) after a while
(d) she is that
(c)classic song oh
(g) you're gonna sing
(em) along oh
(g) you're gonna sing
(d) along

Verse 2:
(d) Sense of humor

(em) always grinning

(g) another joke up
(a) her sleeve
(d) she'll be there
(em) always chilling
(g)planning the next time
(a)you meet

(g) only the lucky folks have

(d) someone like her, and
(c) I'm singing to let her kn(a)-ow
Chorus:
(g) she is a
(d) walking smile
(em) her laugh gets contagious
(g) after a while
(d) she is that
(c)classic song oh
(g) you're gonna sing
(em) along, oh
(g) you're gonna sing
(d) along

(g) nothing ever goes wrong

(em) a new day
(g)starts when you sing
(d) along

ARA
That was sweet Joe!

JO
This is nice, huh?

ARA
Yeah! The city is so beautiful at night!

JO
mmmmhm

ARA
You know I used to be afraid of the dark out here? I'm not scared
anymore though.

JO
And why is that?

ARA
Because I have you of course!

JO
I'm glad I have you. *Pulls out box*

ARA
*Gasps*

JO
I'd love to always have you by my side, for the rest of myAN ARMED MAN APPEARS BEHIND JO

ARA
Jo lookout!

ARMED MAN
Just give me your wallet and no one gets hurt. I have a gun!

JO
Ara, Run!

ARA
No! I cant leave you! This guy's a psycho!
*Ara pushes the armed man*
Go the hell away!

*The man grunts and fires his gun at Ara and shoots. He runs.
Ara collapses. Jo runs to her.*

JO
Ara! Ara wake up! Ara I swear to god! Ara I don't like crying,
you know that! You better wake up before I start! ARA!
*Jo breaks into sobbing and starts to sing muffled*
only the lucky folks... have someone like...her.
Stage goes black, siren sounds in background.

Misery-MAX
Intro:
(c#m)
(d)
(e)
(c#m)
(e)
(a)

Verse 1
(c#m) your eyes are searching, but it's
(d) dark in(e) -side
(c#m) there's something lurking, hiding
(e) in your
(g) pri(a) -ide
(c#m) you're not a monster, you know

(d) that for a

(c#m) fact
(c#m) but now you are the nightmares that you
(d) used to
(b) lack

SCENE 2:Aras Funeral

The lights come on slowly and are dimmed.

25-Funeral Goers
(Ara's parents)
(EM) Ara Danielson was
(C)twenty five when a
(D) thief stole her
(C) life
(Jo is added)
(EM) Ara Danielson was
(C) twenty five when a
(D) thief stole her
(C) life
(All funeral goers are added)
(EM) Ara Danielson was
(C) twenty five when a
(D) thief stole her
(C) life
(Parents)
(Em) our daughter was
(C) 25 (jo) twenty
(D) five when she

(C) closed her

(Em) eyes (funeral goers) closed her eyes
(EM) Ara Danielson was
(C) twenty five when a
(D) thief stole her
(Em) life
People exit holding candles. The lights turn on fully. Jo is in a room
with his friend Hope, there is a picture of Ara in the center.

HOPE
I remember this one time, at the Selfish Shellfish, the waiter
asked Ara if her meal was ok, and when she turned her head, her
fork got stuck in her hair!

JO
*chuckles* yeah...

HOPE
That was pretty funny, ha?

JO
mmm *is about to cry again*

HOPE
Um... Another memory was- uh. OH! Remember when we were canoeing
and we tipped the canoe and she got stuck under? Hilarious! She
was all like-

BOTH:
*imitating Ara* "thanks you guys ,now I have to change!"
*giggle*

HOPE
Yeah! Yeah and it's like, we're canoeing! Did you expect to stay
dry?! *Exaggerated laugh*

JO
ha

HOPE
*checks time* Ok, Jo, Im going to go before it gets too late.
Will you be ok ?

JO
*nods*
sure, I'll just stay here for a bit

HOPE
Ok, just make sure you go home Jo, get some rest, really, it's
the best for you.

JO
You are a great friend.

HOPE
I know! I mean...Thanks Jo! See you soon!
*They hug and Hope kisses Jo on the cheek*
Bye Jo.

JO
*sadly* bye.

Scene 3: At a Cafe
Hope walks down the street to her apartment and goes into the cafe.
Max is there.Hope goes up to the counter and orders then sits back
down. She sighs and reads her book.

MAX
Hey, are you ok?

HOPE
I really just want to sit down and read my book right now.
Thanks.

MAX
What's up? Boyfriend dump you?

HOPE
I asked politely, man. Go away!

MAX
Don't be like that. *Puts arm around her shoulder*

CAFE EMPLOYEE

Order for Hope!

HOPE
*pushes Max off* That's my coffee. Excuse you.
*goes to get coffee*
*Hope walks back*

HOPE
Are you still here?

MAX
I'm sorry, I was being rude, and awful and I think I should..

HOPE
It's ok

MAX
It's not, I'll pay for you coffee, Hope. How much was it?

HOPE
Just a dollar, don't worry.

MAX
No, I will. Here you go. I'm sorry. I promise you won't see me
again, I'm just being weird. I'll go.

HOPE
Aren't you even going to tell me your name.

MAX
Max

HOPE
Max... Well, if you're ever bored, you can call me. *Writes out
number*

MAX
*jokingly* Are you out of your mind? You don't even know me! I
could be a criminal!

HOPE
I'm bored.

MAX
No no no, I don't think it's a good idea to hang out with me...
I should go...

HOPE
Bye Max!

MAX
*speedily leaves*

Know You-HOPE
Verse 1:
(C) don't wanna be alone
(am) I just want to know you
(G) more than your name
(em) and more than your smile
(am)thats more than I've known for
(G) quite a
(C) while, yes it's
(D) true,
(Dm)
(G)I just want to know you

Chorus:
(C) be the one for
(Em) me(E)-e, I can't stand this
(Dm) loneliness

(C)I think you're the piece I'm missing,

(am) oh
(G) make me
(C) complete

Verse 2:
(C) don't wanna be alone
(am) I just want to know you
(G) more than your name
(em) and more than your smile
(am) that's more than I've known for
(G) quite a
(C) while, yes it's
(D) true,
(Dm)
(G)I just want to know you
[spoken] I just want to know you.

SCENE 4: At Jos Apartment

The scene opens up with Jo watching videos of her and Ara laughing and
dancing. The phone rings.

JO
Hello?

POLICE OFFICER
Hello ma'am, can I speak to Joanna Collins?

JO
This is she.

POLICE OFFICER
Are you sitting down?

JOE
Yes.. Why do I need to sit... You found him? The thief?

POLICE OFFICER
No, ma'am

I'm afraid it's bad news.

JOE
Wha..?

POLICE OFFICER
We've had a talk down at the station about your case. We've been
thinking a lot about it and the department decided...
*The police officer sighs*

JO
Decided?

POLICE OFFICER
Listen, I'm sorry miss but we have a lot going on right now in
this city. I mean we've had a LOT of crime and when it comes down
to this situation we have to prioritise...

JO
Prioritise? What are you saying?
*There is a silence as the police officer thinks of what to say*

POLICE OFFICER
I'm sorry ma'am. We have to let this one go.

JO
You don't mean...? You can't! What? What about justice? What
about me? What about her? She died!

POLICE OFFICER
I know, I'm sorry.
Line disconnects.

What She Was Worth- JOANNA

Chorus:
(C) how dare they just
(Am) drop the case

(C) can't they see how

(Dm) much it hurts
(C) how can I
(Am) continue on
(C) knowing they don't know
(Dm) what she was worth.

(Dm) Oh what she was

(C) worth
(Am)
(F) what she
(Fm) was wo(C) -orth
(Am)

(F) o-

.(Fm) -oh

Verse 1:
[angrier]
(C) how dare the
(Am) universe, oh,
(F) tell me I can't be
(Fm) happy? And
(C) I'm crying,
(Am) "someone tell me,
(C) where's she gone?
(Dm) she was so young!"

PRECHORUS:
(C) my greatest love
(Am) the only one for
(F) me and now she's
(fm) gone.

Chorus:
(C) how dare they just
(Am) drop the case
(C) can't they see how
(Dm) much it hurts
(C) how can I
(Am) continue on
(C) knowing they don't know
(Dm) what she was worth.

(Dm) Oh what she was

(C) worth
(Am)
(F) what she was
(FM) wo(C) -orth
(Am)
(F) o(Fm) -oh

Prechorus:
(C) my greatest love

(Am) the only one for

(F) me and now she's
(fm) gone.

Chorus:
(C) how dare they just
(Am) drop the case
(C) can't they see how
(Dm) much it hurts
(C) how can I
(Am) continue on
(C) knowing they don't know
(Dm) what she was worth.
(Dm) Oh what she was
(C)
(Am)
(F)
(FM)
(C)
(Am)
(F)
(Fm)
(C) worth.

SCENE 5: In the Bloodhound Lair

Max enters the bloodhound's lair sneakily

KEIRAN
Max? Is that you? Where the hell have you been?

MAX
I- Why? What does it matter where I go?

KEIRAN
Why does it matter? Em is absolutely furious; you've been gone
for the past week! We'd thought the cops had gotten at youwouldn't be a surprise considering what a bad job you did
covering your tracks! Seriously, what the actual hell were you
thinking, killing a woman in the middle of a park? Have you any
idea how much evidence you left?
*Keiran grabs Max's arm*

MAX
*Max shakes him off* Get off! I made a mistake, ok? It's over;
the police dropped the case!

KEIRAN
*shouting* You can't just expect to get away with all your
mistakes, the police isn't always going to ignore everything you
screw up!
*Em enters slowly*

EM
He's right you know... You can't keep making these... errors.
It's really disappointing, Max.

MAX
Em, Hi. How are-

EM
Enough small talk Max, you have explaining to do. I hope you
enjoyed your little 'vacation'

MAX
Em, I swear I wasn't abandoning the hounds, I just needed to
think. I'm ok with stealing and cheating but I still can't seem
to get comfortable with... all the.

KEIRAN
Killing?

MAX
... Collateral damage.

EM
if you can't handle this life, you should just leave.

MAX
I can handle it! I'll show you! I'll show you I can do all
that's required!

EM
Let's see then...
(Em thinks for a second)
I need you to do something Max. In the next two weeks, I need you
to commit a crime

MAX
What crime?

EM
Stop interrupting. I need you to do anything in your power to
steal 500,000 dollars. But if you get caught, you are out of the
gang.

MAX
You want me to cover my tracks?

EM
I want you to frame someone. Anybody. I will share this with the
rest of the gang in (Checks watch) 1 minute at the meeting.
*Em leaves*

MAX
Okay Em, I'm up for that!

KEIRAN

She can't hear you dude. (Shakes head) "I'm not comfortable with
all the... collateral damage" you are one weak kid.
*Keiran leaves*
Opens in main part of lair. There is a stage and a crowd around
it.Max runs in.

TY
-really need more money if we want to have food to eat and
running showers. I need people to sign up for more small jobs
around town so we can-

AMBER
So we can become weak? I thought we were robbers, trained
criminals! That's what we should be doing, not working shifts at
a gas station or diner! Where's the thrill in that!

BLOODHOUNDS
*cheering in agreement*

TY
Guys please! Excuse me! EXCUSE ME!

EM
*Jumps in front of group* Quiet!
*Bloodhounds go silent*

EM
Due to recent events, we can't risk robbing and thieving for a
bit... We don't want our cover to be blown. Do you want to end up
in jail?

AMBER
It's Max's fault! It's all his fault!

EM
That is why, Amber, I have a test for Max to complete to prove
his loyalty and skills. In the next two weeks he has to steal
500,000 dollars and successful get away with it. If he is caught

or doesn't work up the courage to do it... He's out of the

Bloodhounds. He would be no longer one of us, we owe him nothing.
We will not stand with him, but against him.
*Murmurs. Em hops of stage and goes to Ty. Crowd leaves loudly.*

TY
Are you sure this is a good idea Em? Why should we give Max a
chance?

EM
He has potential... You'll see-

AMBER
You've made a mistake Em. Should'a let us finish him off! He
almost got us all in trouble. He's young, he's clumsy.

EM
Trust me Amber. I have plans for Max.

Plan For The Boy-EM,KEIRAN,TY,AMBER

(Em)
(Am)
(Em)
(B)
(Em)
(Am)
(Em)
(Bm)
(Em)

(EMILY)

(Em) I have

(Am) plans for the

(Em) boy
(B)
(Em) I've a
(G) scheme to
(Em) enjoy
(B)
(Em) and no one
(Am) can tell me it'll be
(G) an unsuccessful
(Am) ploy, because
(Em) I have
(Am) plans for the
(Em) boy
(Bm)
(Em)
(Bm)
(Em)

(TY)

(Bm) I'm wondering if he has a

(G) person to
(Em) frame
(Bm) so we ain't caught up in a
(G) cops and robbers game
(E) game

(AMBER)

(Bm) little runt thinks he can run

(G) with the
(E) hounds
(Bm) hah! You'll watch him
(G) end up in the
(Am) pound!

(KEIRAN)

"Can't you see that.."

(Em) She has
(Am) plans for the
(Em) boy
(B)
(Em) Weve a
(G) scheme to
(Em) enjoy
(B)
(Em) and no one
(Am) can tell me it'll be
(G) an unsuccessful
(Am) ploy, because
(Em) She has
(Am) plans for the
(Em) boy
(Bm)
(Em)

(Bm)
(Em)

(AMBER)

(Em) I'm up for a

(Bm) scheme but I can't
(Em) believe that
(G) he could be
(Am) it seems so profound
(Em) he will let us
(Bm) down

(EMILY)

"I told you!"

(Em) I have
(Am) plans for the
(Em) boy
(B)
(Em) I've a
(G) scheme to
(Em) enjoy
(B)
(Em) dont
(Am) you tell me it'll be
(G) an unsuccessful

(Am) ploy, because

(Em) I have
(Am) plans for the
(Em) boy (OTHERS)she has plans for the)
(Bm)boy(EM)I have plans for the
(Em)boy
(Bm)
(Em)

SCENE 6: In the Bloodhound Lair

Max is alone sitting on cardboard boxes in a corner of the lair.

MAX
How do I steal that much money? How do I frame someone? Who do I
know who I could possibly even frame? How...?
Keiran walks in and sits down next to Max

KEIRAN
Thinking of your 'grand scheme'? Hah! good luck! Nothing's good
enough for Em

MAX
I'm never going to find a way to get $500,000! I'm the rookie!
I'm already a mistake. I need to run away. You're right! I should
go!

KEIRAN
What? Hey, no Max I never said that, sit down. Are you a man or
a mouse? Grow up.

MAX

I'm scared what she'll do to me if I fail.

KEIRAN
She'll kick you out. You'll be our enemy.

MAX
wha..? No!

KEIRAN
Weren't you paying attention?

MAX
No, I was kinda.. Preoccupied with I don't know, planning a
scheme!

Keiran
No worries, you'll think of it. Just have hope. Don't let us
down.
*Keiran leaves*

Max
Have.. Hope? Hope!
*Max realizes who he can use to frame*

SCENE 7: Hope and Max

Hope's at the Cafe where she met Max writing, her phone rings and she
picks it up. It is Max.

HOPE
I thought you'd call.

MAX
I'm surprised you remember me.

HOPE
I told you I'm bored. I don't have a lot going on, so I remember
the interesting folks I meet.

MAX
I'm interesting, huh?

HOPE

Yeah. Yeah I think so. You're so.. Unexpected!

MAX
Haha, that's what people usually think when they see me. Speaking
about unexpected... Look outside.
*max is outside the cafe*

HOPE
Oh my gosh Max you, you stalker! Hah! What!

MAX
*walks inside* I've been thinking a lot about you!

HOPE
Oh really?

MAX
Wanna be my partner in crime? Want to go on an adventure?

HOPE
Is that your way of asking me out? I'm flattered.

MAX
Ok, you want a proper asking out? Want to go get lunch with me?
As a date.

HOPE
*jokingly* oh that was proper, yeah?

MAX
I'm trying here!!! And you haven't even responded!

HOPE
What do you think? Of course I will?

MAX
Come on then!! *grabs hand*

HOPE
What? Now?

MAX
Yeah! Now! Take a leap of faith! Have Hope!

HOPE
Oh hahaaaha.. Have Hope!

MAX
Hey, I told you I was trying!

HOPE
I know! Let's go!

SCENE 8:Em's plan

Em and Ty are talking in The Bloodhounds lair

TY
You called me?

EM
I did. Sit down. Im concerned about the running of our group
here. I have a feeling we arent in the best financial
conditions. Tell me Im wrong, Tyler, because last meeting I
swear you told me that this small job situation would work.

TY
Em,its very difficult for everyone to get good, well paying jobs
in Briar City. The employers-they all want the young, new girls
and boys, the tech savvy ones, the superhuman intelligence ones.
Sure, we got the strategy but we havent the book smarts of these
folks.

EM
Ty, look at me and tell me I'm wrong goddammit!
*em slams her first on the table*

TY
Em, look

EM
Dont tell me to look kid! Tell me the truth! What do we have?
What is our situation?!

TY
One hundred

EM
*Em stands up, Enraged* ONE HUNDRED! One hundred dollars! FOR
ALL OF US? Do you know why I put you in the role of finances, Ty?
Its because we are sophisticated, organized and not a gang that
only has one hundred dollars!

TY
Yes, I know, Im working on it.

EM
*Em sighs and sits back down defeated* Go. Get Keiran.

KEIRAN
*Keiran enters a minute later, energetic* Emily! Whats up pal? A
little birdy told me that you wanted to hang out?

EM
Now is not the time for jokes Keiran. Ty told me about our money
situation. Are the jobs not working?

KEIRAN
May I remind you that the reason we have these jobs are because
of your big plan for Max? Remember him? Maybe we should just go
back to our criminal ways if you dont think this Max plan will
work out?

EM
I do remember him, thats why I asked for you. Have you heard
from the boy? Hows his scheme?

KEIRAN
You havent heard anything? I was going to ask you.

EM
What in Gods name is he doing? Keiran, you need to find him and
report back. How can I plan my scheme without knowledge of his
process? His plan?

KEIRAN
Yes, yes you are right, Ill find him, Ill figure it out Emmie!

EM
You understand that our financial situation rides on the back of
this one scheme?

KEIRAN
Yes, I understand I really do. More than that, I trust him.

EM
Good, then find him.

SCENE 9:Jos Conscience or Aras Ghost?

Jo is sitting alone in her apartment, the curtains are closed and Jo
sifts through photographs of her and Hope, moping.

JO
Another day. Another day here. Another day alone.
Aras voice starts singing

Closure-ARA
(B) pull back the curtains my
(A)love.
(E) You've cried enough for
(B) me

(JO) Ara?
(B) I'm here in spirit my
(A) love. You've
(E) shown me you heart and
(B) I'm thankful

(A) my darling you are

(G) incredible
(B) but you're wasting your days oh your
(A) wasting away

(A) let me tell you what

(G) you should do for
(B) closure so the
(A) pain is
(E) over

(B) pull back the curtains my

(A)love.
(E) You've cried enough for

(B) me

(B) I'm here in spirit my

(A) love. You've
(E) shown me you heart and
(B) I'm thankful
(A) and I'm thankful
(E) but now you've got to focus on
(B) you. I'm thankful
(A) and I'm thankful
(E) but you've got to do what you
(B) can. Are you ready?
(A) are you ready?
(E) to get revenge on that man?

(A) my darling you are

(G) incredible
(B) but you're wasting your days oh your
(A) wasting away

(A) let me tell you what

(G) you should do for
(B) closure so the
(A) pain is
(E) over

(B) are you ready?

(A) are you ready?

(E) to do what you can, get re(B) revenge on that man.

(B) pull back the curtains my

(A)love.
(E) You've cried enough for
(B) me

JO
Get revenge on that man? If the police wont whats stopping me.

SCENE 10:First Date in Briar City Park

Hope and Max go on a date. Max meets Jo, For the second time.

HOPE
Ive been thinking

MAX
Oh really?

HOPE
Oh haha shut up! No actually! Ive been thinking about us and I
realised I know nothing about you!

MAX
Why didnt you say so sooner? What do you want to know?

HOPE
Your hobbies, your childhood, your friends, your job and how
about your last name? I dont even know your last name.

MAX
My childhood was boring, my friends are distant. My hobby and my
job are the same because if you havent figured already, Im
boring. As for my last name doesnt Power sound cool? Max Power!
Lets just say its that.

*the scene freezes except for Max, he contemplates if he should

tell Hope the truth*

Secrets In Tow-MAX
Verse 1:
(am) how do I tell you what you need to know
(c) forgot the truth, I was putting on a show
(dm)
(c) with some secrets in tow
(e) ohoh
(am) you never get me, you won't understand
(c) I'm slowly letting go of your hand
(dm)
(c) You can finally stand
(em) alone

Prechorus:
(f) I promise that I
(em) love
(g) you
(f) but everything I
(em) ever
(g) do is

Chorus:
(c) make
(g) mistakes
(f) I took your heart and I

(g) made it break

(c) create
(g) hate
(f) if you still like me then you'll
(g) have to
(am) wait

Verse 2:
(am) how can I let you know I'm a lie
(c) I have no me, I wear a disguise
(dm)
(c) like the spies
(e) ohoh
(am) why are you still here?
(c)youve

got a bad little heart to steer but

(dm) oh, you know

(c) I go
(em) alone

Prechorus:
(f) I promise that I
(em) love
(g) you
(f) but everything I
(em) ever
(g) do is

Chorus:
(c) make

(g) mistakes
(f) I took your heart and I
(g) made it break
(c) create
(g) hate
(f) if you still like me then you'll
(g) have to
(am) wait

Bridge:
(f) I promise that I
(em) love
(g) you
(am) why are you still here?
(f) I promise that I
(em) love
(g) you
(e) I love to

Chorus:
(c) make
(g) mistakes
(f) I took your heart and I
(g) made it break
(c) create
(g) hate
(f) if you still like me then you'll
(g) have to

(am) wait
(g)
(f) oh, you'll
(g) have to wait

HOPE
You are awfully dismissive of my questions, Mr. Power.

MAX
Do you remember what you said back in the coffee shop to me?

HOPE
I said a lot in the coffee shop Max.

MAX
You told me that you remember the interesting folks you meet. If
I tell you about my life and you realise how boring and dull I
am, then ill no longer be an interesting person, you see.

HOPE
Im sure thats wrong.

MAX
I like fresh starts, Hope. I like being a mystery. Sometimes I
wish I knew myself like you do, so I could see myself as one of
the interesting folks, So I can make more of myself.

HOPE
Geez, Max, thats awfully deep!Stop it before you make me question
the universe and everything!

MAX
Nothings wrong with a little bit of questioning. Speaking of
questioning I know next to nothing about you!

HOPE
Oh, come on, you know that im called Hope, Im bored, I youre
right!

JO
Hope?

HOPE
JO! Max, Max, This is Jo, my best friend since middle school and
very successful rich doctor! Aw, look, shes blushing, shes so
humble! Im sure shell let you know bunches about me too, though
I assure you Ill deny all the embarrassing bits. Oh, Im sorry

Jo, how are you?

JO
Im, you know, still settling. Hi, Max Im Joanna.

MAX
Yeah, I heard.

JO
Have we met?

MAX
You know I think we might have?

HOPE
Seriously? You guys have met?! Excellent.

MAX
I might be wrong, I dont recall.

JO
Did you know Ara by any chance? My fian- girlfriend? Did you work
together?

MAX
No,we never worked together. That cant be it.

JO
She had long brown hair, brown eyes, gorgeous?

MAX
She had?

JO
Yes, she...

HOPE
Max, Ara passed away.

JO
Around a week ago she was shot. I can still remember the eyes of
the man who did it, blue. One day Ill get revenge on the
bastard. Im sorry.

MAX
No, Im sorry, Im sorry for your loss Jo.

JO
So... you didnt know Ara?

MAX
No, and no that I think about it, I dont believe that weve ever
met before, Jo.

JO

My gosh! Is that the time? I've got to go take Rusty to the vet!
See you for tea Hope!

SCENE 11:Keiran and Maxs plan

Keiran finds Max and the two work on their final plan. Keiran treks
through Briar City following a signal on her phone. She is tracking
Maxs Phone.

KEIRAN
Come on Max! Stay still and Ill be there in 2 minutes. Just
around the corner. Im coming!

MAX
*Max is flirting and hugging and chatting with Hope* Keiran?

HOPE
Im sorry?

MAX
Excuse me for a minute Hope, I think I just spotted an old
friend.

HOPE
You know, I should probably go too Tea with Jo. See you later.

MAX
Bye.

KEIRAN
Max! Why so silent? I had to track you down!

MAX
How did you track me down?

KEIRAN
Find My Phone, you should probably delete that app by the way.
But thats beside the point.

MAX
The point is?

KEIRAN
Em wants updates about the plan to get 500,000, just in case
youve forgotten. You do have a plan dont you?

MAX
Im freaking out, Keiran! I saw her.

KEIRAN

Her?

MAX
The girlfriend.

KEIRAN
*Keiran Mumbles Girlfriend?*

MAX
Jo. The girlfriend of Ara, the woman I I killed her Keiran and
she- Jo- she recognized me!

KEIRAN
oh crap.

MAX
Tell me what to do!

KEIRAN
We Bloodhounds are great at taking advantages of opportunities,
think, what can you take advantage of?

MAX
Hope.

KEIRAN
Hope? I thought it was always your plan to frame her.

MAX
It was, but look, shes friends with Jo! She could get us into
her apartment

KEIRAN
Why would you go in her apartment?

MAX
Jo saw me kill Ara that night, thats why she recognizes me,
Keiran. We have to get her out of the way incase she remembers
where she recognizes me from.

KEIRAN
Yes, but how will killing her get you 500,000 dollars?

MAX
*Max thinks for a second then laughs* Ha! Hope said something
about her job. What was it, what was it? ah! A doctor!

KEIRAN
A doctor? Any old doctor?

MAX
Not just any doctor, but a RICH and SUCCESSFUL one too!

KEIRAN

So we rob her then kill her? or vice versa? Great, but how do we
go around getting near her?

MAX
Hope. I have a plan for Hope.

PLAN FOR THE GIRL-Keiran and Max

Em
Am
Em
B
Em
Am
Em
Bm
Em

MAX

(Em) I have
(Am) plans for the
(Em) girl
(B)
(Em) Ive a
(G) scheme to
(Em) unfurl
(B)
(Em) and no one
(Am) can tell me I lack
(G) the skills to rule this

(Am) world, because

(Em) I have
(Am) plans for the
(Em) girl!
(Bm)
(Em)
(bm)
(em)

KEIRAN
ambitious
(Bm) I'm wondering if you com
(G) pletely
(Em) know
(Bm) what you'll do to get
(G) the money from
(E) Jo

MAX

Bm I have Hope and that's all

G I really
E need
Bm hah! You'll see me
G plan an epic
Am scheme!

KEIRAN
that's my boy!

(Em) He has
(Am) plans for the
(Em) girl
(B)
(Em) He has a
(G) scheme to
(Em) unfurl
(B)
(Em) and no one
(Am) can tell me he lacks
(G) the skills to rule this
(Am) world, because
(Em) He has
(Am) plans for the
(Em) girl!
(Bm)
(Em)
(bm)
(em)

BOTH
(Em) we have
(Am) plans for the
(Em) girl
(B)
(Em) We've a
(G) scheme to
(Em) unfurl

(B)
(Em) and no one
(Am) can tell us we lack
(G) the skills to rule this
(Am) world, because
(Em) We have
(Am) plans for the
(Em) girl!
(Em) We have
(Am) plans for the
(Em) girl!

KEIRAN:
Lets get this plan underway then!

SCENE 12: Tea at Jo's

Hope and Joe meet for tea at Joes apartment.

JO
More tea?

HOPE
Yes please, just a bit. Thanks.

JO
Can I be honest with you?

HOPE
Of course.

JO
Have you ever thought I was responsible? For Ara.

HOPE
No no no! Joe, thats not true, no one thinks that.

JO
Sometimes I do. I took her out there, into the park.

HOPE
Oh Joe. Im sorry. You cant let this destroy you, you cant
blame yourself, you aren't responsible.

JO

I know, I know. Wow, your phone just wont stop buzzing ha? You
must be popular.

HOPE
Im sorry, its rude to keep it it out.
*Hope shuffles her phone around and tries to find a place for it
in her bag*

JO
I know you want to check it, go ahead.

HOPE
You sure?

JO
yes.

HOPE
*Hope checks her texts* Hey Joe, Its my boyfriend Max, he was
wondering if you and I wanted to meet up with him?

JO
Yes, why not?

HOPE
Hes outside right now! Hah, how spontaneous is he? Lets invite
him in, Jo!

JO
Ok.

HOPE
*Hope lets Max in, they hug* Hi!

MAX
Hi! Sorry if I interrupted anything.

JO
Its ok.

MAX
Just pick up where you left off. What were you guys discussing?

HOPE
*Hope hesitates* Music.

JO
Guilt.

MAX
Guilt?

JO

Yes, feeling responsible.

MAX
I understand that. I get how guilt can just ensnare you.

HOPE
Especially when you aren't actually guilty.

JO
Especially when you are.
Regardless, you are just trapped.

MAX
Trapped with the feeling of utter responsibility.

HOPE
Utter misery.

Misery REPRISE
Intro:
(c#m)
(d)
(e)
(c#m)
(e)
(a)

Verse 1: MAX
(c#m) your eyes are searching, but it's
(d) dark in(e) -side
(c#m) there's something lurking, hiding
(e) in your
(g) pri(a) -ide

(c#m) you're not a monster, you know

(d) that for a
(c#m) fact
(c#m) but now you are the nightmares that you
(d) used to
(b)lack

Chorus: JOE
It's
(a) cold inside but it's
(am) warm out here
(am) (am) (am)
(g)
(f) why is the sky always blue in the
(em) places I never
(g) see
(f) why do I cry one tear and then
(em) drown in my
(dm) misery
(dm) (dm) (dm) (dm)

Verse 2: HOPE
(am) the storm is coming, you hear the
(d) winds that
(e) howl
(c#m) don't ask me how I know
(d) now

(c#m) no ones running they're

(d) stuck in
(e) place
(c#m) everyone's frozen who saw
(d) your face

Chorus: MAX
It's
(a) cold inside but it's
(am) warm out here
(am) (am) (am)
(g)
(f) why is the sky always blue in the
(em) places I never
(g) see
(f) why do I cry one tear and then
(em) drown in my
(dm) misery
(dm) (dm)
(dm)misery
(c)
(em)
(g)
(f)

SCENE 13:The plan progresses

Keiran calls and updates Em on Maxs Plan.

KEIRAN
Emmie, its me Keiran! You wanted updates? Its your lucky day.

EM
Whats the plan? And please dont speak so quickly, Keiran.

KEIRAN
Max found a doctor to rob, Joanna Collins. Shes rich, and as a
bonus, the only witness to Maxs murder of that Girl. A complete
win! Genius! And get this! Little Max got a girlfriend, and she
is going to be the one he frames! The best part?

EM
Keiran do you ever let others speak?

KEIRAN
Wait,wait, wait, this is the best part! Maxs disposable
girlfriend... is the best friend of Jo. Bam! Instant connection!

EM
The plans good in theory, Keiran. Make sure its good in action
too. Since youve gotten so involved, if the plan fails, you are
going down with Max too. You hear me girly? *Em hangs up*

MAX
Keiran. Today is the day. Its now or never.

KEIRAN
You mean for the *whispers* murder? He he

MAX
Yes, we have got to move. SHe said she recognized me and I was in
her apartment yesterday. Ive seen what she has: paintings, first
editions of Gone with the wind and The wizard of oz, crystal
bowls proudly on display, this will be like taking candy from a
baby.

KEIRAN
So tonight, we break in, we kill,we steal.

MAX
You missed a step, we frame.

KEIRAN
Yes, we frame Hope.

MAX
Thats why we are starting not tonight, but now.

KEIRAN
Now?

MAX

Im dating Hope, I know she has a spare key, I saw it in her bag
yesterday, and luckily I 'left my jacket' at Jo's house.

KEIRAN
So you just need to ask her to get in,so you can get your jacket.
Brilliant! Like taking candy from a baby. So what now?

MAX
Jos at work for at least two hours more, szhell be home at
eight. So we take this time to work on steps one and two. We get
in, we frame.
I'm going to call Hope now, be quiet for a bit, I know it's a lot
to ask of you. Hi Hope can I ask you for a favor?

HOPE
Max, I'm having a very important nap right now, I'm too tired.

MAX
It won't be much work, I promise!

HOPE
You promise?

MAX
I do

HOPE
What is it then?

MAX
I left my jacket at Jo's, do you think you could lend me a key?

HOPE
Come to my apartment and you can just pick it up, it's in my
black purse, just take it, the door is open.

MAX
I can take the whole purse?

HOPE
Just come in and get it Max, I'm exhausted, I'll see you when I'm
not HALF ASLEEP

MAX
See you then.

HOPE
*Sleepily*
All that for a jacket! Hah! What a crazy boy! All that for a
jacket... Why was he so pleased to get my whole purse? I hope
he's not one of those possessive boyfriends, checking my
cellphone and everything. That'd be creepy. Just my imagination

getting away with me again. But a part me feels like Max is lying
to me. A very small part of me, a part I can certainly suppress.
I have a feeling he isn't who he says he is. I'll sleep and it
will go away, I'm sure of that.

Sane Insanity -Hope

Verse 1:
(d)How do you change a lie
(em)It's already made its mind up
(g)No thank you, no more truth for
(a)me
(d)How do you say goodbye
(em)I just can't stand to pack up
(g)Open up the door and
(f)leave

Prechorus:
(c)What if the story was
(em)only a reality
(d)Drifting northeast
(em)Close to sane insanity
(c)What if the glory
(em)Was only an distortion of that
(g)lie? Is that al(dm)-right?

Chorus:
(g)Please don't waste your

(a) time on wasting effort

(g)Please don't try and
(em)tell me It's all fine
(bm)Please don't be the
(a)light I thought I needed
I like the
(g) night. When
(c)I'm asleep I'm shielded from
(dm) the lies

Verse 2:
(d)Can't you just be the one
(em)I'm fed up of chasing
(g)Searching isn't all that fun
(d)No longer gets my heart racing

(Bb)Can't see what the future holds

(d)So stuck in the present
(c)But I'm so uncertain about the
(a)past

Prechorus:
(c)What if the tiger
(em)Is only scary when we can see it
(dm)Otherwise it's pretty
(c) small
(c) (b+d+f)
(am)What if the timer

(c)Stopped working yesterday

(g)Would we even care at
(dm) all?

Chorus:
(g)Please don't waste your
(am) time on wasting effort
(g)Please don't try and tell me
(e)It's all fine
(bm)Please don't be the
(a)light I thought I needed
I like the night
(g)When
(c)I'm asleep I'm shielded from
(dm) the lies

Bridge:
(c)All these questions
(B)Swimming in my head
(em)Wish I had some certainty instead
(c)All these answers
(d)No one really knows
(em)I guess that's how it goes

Ending/prechorus:
(c)What if the story was
(em)only a reality
(d)Drifting northeast

(em)Close to sane insanity

(c)What if the glory
(em)Was only a distortion of that
(g)lie? Is that al(dm)-right?

SCENE 14: The Framing

Keiran waits outside Jo's apartment for Max to come with Hope's purse.
They are both wearing gloves and hats.

KEIRAN
Youre here.

MAX
Yes, Im here, Ive got the purse.

KEIRAN
Right, give me the key, lets get in. *Max throws key and
Keiran unlocks the door* Were in! Wow, you were right about this
apartment, huh? I shoulda gone to Med school! What now?

MAX
*Max waves purse* This is our treasure. We have everything, the
purse, loose pieces of hair, jewelry lots to get dna from. Also
bingo! Credit card, phone.

KEIRAN
Evidence!

MAX
Right!

KEIRAN
How are we, time-wise?

MAX
Jo gets home in thirty minutes.

KEIRAN
Half an hour to set up the room.

MAX
Yes. Keiran, help me plant some of this stuff, wont you?
*Keiran Grabs* phone and throws it to the floor*

MAX
Whats that for?

KEIRAN

When we call the police, well call them from Hope's phone. A
cracked phone on the floor will look like she called the police
then bolted.

MAX
Nice. good plan. So what are we setting up? What happens in our
set up?

KEIRAN
She came in to visit, hung her bag on the door, they sat down and
talked for a bit, Jo said something or did something wrong that
caused Hope to fumble around in her purse for a gun, this gun.
*Max waves gun* BANG. Then she calls the police. We run, and we
win. Now to call Hope, one final time.

SCENE 15:The Final Step

Hope Wakes up to a call from Max.

HOPE
Hi.

MAX
Hi Hope, Its Max, I have your purse. Im at Jos and I thought
that if we met there and I gave you the purse, we could stay
there until she gets home and surprise her!

HOPE
Sounds fun! Ill meet you there!

MAX
Hurry, she might be home any minute! *hangs up* Hopes coming.
*footstep sounds are heard as Jo approaches the door*
Quick, get as many items as possible.
*keiran stuffs books, jewels, small paintings etc into her bag*
*the door clicks*
Hi Joanna.

JO
Hi Max, who is this?

KEIRAN
Im Keiran. Im Maxs Friend. Just popped in to say hi!!

JO

This is a nice surprise.

MAX
Is it really Joanna? Are you sure its a nice one?

JO
Why wouldnt it be?

MAX
*Max pulls out gun* Because we didnt exactly come over for a cup
of tea.

JO
What are you doing? Max?!

MAX
You said you recognized me a few days ago.

JO
Yes, you said we hadnt met.

MAX
You were right, we had met.

JO
I was? You said

MAX
Do you recognize me, Joanna. Do you recognize me? I recognize
you, and I recognized Ara too. Did she have brown hair down past
her shoulders? A smile that seemed to say hello? *Max laughs
maniacally*

JO
It was you? You put a gun to her head? It was you! You left her
lying there! *pauses* Why are you telling me this?

MAX
To finish the job. *Max brings gun to Jos head and fires it*

KEIRAN
*Keiran rings the police using Hopes already cracked phone and
imitates Hope* Hello? I need to report a murder. Apartment number
233, floor 3 Sky Blue Apartments, Briar City. *She throws the
phone back on the floor and they run*

SCENE 16:It was you!

Hope arrives at Jos apartment a minute after the murder occurs. The
door is open. She spots Keiran running out with the bag of riches from
Joes apartment. When Keiran shows up with Max later, Hope buts two
and two together.

HOPE
I hope Im not too late! lets plan this surprise.
*Hope sees Jo lying dead on the floor* Jo? Jo! No no no no! Jo?
do you hear me? *Hope picks up the gun!* Who did this to you?
*Keiran runs out of the room with her bag and Hope sees her and
tearfully shouts after her* Hey! HEY! Did you do this? Why did
you do this? WHY!? *Hope runs downstairs as she hear sirens
blazing* You have to help me! My friends dead, and I saw the
woman who did it, shes blonde and was wearing black. She ran out
a minute ago!

POLICE OFFICER
Maam please slow down and talk to me calmly and clearly.

HOPE
I need to speak to the chief. I need to speak. My friend. My
friend, Jo. She was shot.

POLICE OFFICER
I know. The chief is upstairs investigating. Shell be down to
talk to you soon okay? I need you to stay calm. *The police
chief approaches* What happened?

POLICE CHIEF
A women called Joanna Collins was shot in her apartment. We found
fingerprints, but they dont match any we have in the system. The
same prints are on the gun and the phone used to call us. The
owner of those prints is our primary suspect. Who is this?

HOPE
Hope Danielson, Im Jos best friend.

POLICE CHIEF
And you spent a great time at her apartment Im guessing?
*Police Chief pauses then gestures to the officer.* Officer Roy?

POLICE OFFICER
Yes?

POLICE CHIEF
Come here. We also found a purse. Look at the credit card.

POLICE OFFICER
Hope Eleanor Danielson.

POLICE CHIEF
Maam is this your credit card?

HOPE

Yes It was in my purse, my friend left it there.

POLICE CHIEF
Look at the card, covered in similar prints. Hope, do you mind if
we take your prints, just to eliminate you from the
investigation, make sure they dont match up?

HOPE
Do we have to go to the station?

POLICE CHIEF
No we have a test here.

POLICE OFFICER
Oh my god.

POLICE CHIEF
Roy, handcuff her.

HOPE
I dont understand

POLICE CHIEF
The prints match up,Hope.

Time to Go- Police Chief and Police Officer, Hope,

Max, Keiran
POLICE CHIEF
(F) it was you who put a gun to her head
(A) and it was you who left her lying there dead
(Gm) you know it's true and now you've heard what we've said
(F) it's time to go

HOPE
Where? What? What is this? I dont understand!
POLICE OFFICER
(F) you left your purse and strand of your hair
(Am) you left the room, only your fingerprints there
(Gm) so come with us, before the citizens stare
(F) it's time to go
HOPE

(Dm) you did this?

MAX
(C) you've figured me out
HOPE
(Dm) is that what our love was about?
MAX
(C) love? Are you out of your mind?
(Cm) did you never guess I was using you for crime?
HOPE
(Dm) Max!?
KEIRAN
(C) it's true you know? You're just a way for max to get to Jo!
"You've done your job!"
POLICE CHIEF
(F) enough small talk, we've heard enough
(G) we've got the evidence that proves...
(F) it was you who put a gun to her head
(A) and it was you who left her lying there dead
(Gm) you know it's true and now you've heard what we've said
(F) it's time to go

KEIRAN
MURDERER! LOCK THE PSYCHO UP!
POLICE OFFICER
(F) you left your purse and strand of your hair
(Am) you left the room, only your fingerprints there
(Gm) so come with us, before the citizens stare
(F) it's time to go

HOPE
Bye... Jo

SCENE 17:a visual epilogue

Keiran and Max arrive back at the bloodhound lair with their stolen
materials.

EM
Im assuming you did what I asked of you.

MAX
Show them, Keiran.

KEIRAN
*keiran brings out the expensive items from her bag* All of this
is worth at least a million dollars.

EM
Good job. And the framing worked.

MAX
Yes, the framing worked.

EM
Welcome back.

AMBER
So, we can go back to our normal ways?

TY
What are we going to do with one million dollars?

EM
We have the materials to continue this
work this way. We can afford to win each
pictures with crime, money, blood, and
never once leave the paintings...

life. We can afford to

time. We'll paint pretty
sweat and make sure we
without a frame.

SCENE 18:A Visual Epilogue Part 2

Hope sits on the floor of a jail cell. without any dialogue or other
people around her, she dramatically starts singing to Max, although he
is too far away to hear. The "her" in this song is Keiran, because
Hope is referring to that moment she saw Max with Keiran, who she
thought was the killer, and everything made sense.

My Greatest Mistake- Hope

Verse 1:
(Bb) you are a smile when everyone
(gm) else wears a frown
(f)
(Bb) you are the helium that
(f) lifts my spirits
(a) off the ground
(Bb) everyone else wants
(gm) a taste of your love
(f)
(Bb) and if you gave it to them, I'd
(C) still have
(f) enough

Chorus:
But
(Bb) you are my
(D) greatest mistake
(gm) for now I can see,
(Eb) I've been lying to me
(Bb) you aren't all
(D) that you seem
(gm) I should have seen it
(Eb) I couldn't believe it
(Bb) but when I
(D)saw you with her
(gm) I didn't see you
(Eb) I just saw a monste-

(D) r

And
(Bb) one day she'll
(Gm) see that
(D) too
(Bb) that you like to
(Gm) hide the
(D) truth

Verse 2:
(Bb) you are a smile when everyone
(gm) else wears a frown
(f)
(Bb) but still you manage to be
(f) the one that
(a) holds me down
(Bb) everyone else wants
(gm) a taste of your love
(f)but
(Bb) it's not worth it
(f) it's not worth i(g) -t

Chorus:
Because
Bb) you were my
(D) greatest mistake
(gm) it's easy to see,

(Eb) You've been lying to me

(Bb) you aren't all
(D) that you seem
(gm) I should have seen it
(Eb) I couldn't believe it
(Bb) but when I
(D)saw you with her
(gm) I didn't see you
(Eb) I just saw a monste(D)-r

And
(Bb) one day she'll
(Gm) see that
(D) too
(Bb) that you like to
(Gm) hide the
(D) truth
(D) what's the
(Gm) truth?
(Bb)
(D)
(Gm)
[g] [a#] [d] [g up one octave]