Talamasca: The Secret Order
Created by: John Lee Hancock
Based on: The Vampire Chronicles and Lives of the Mayfair Witches by Anne Rice
Season 1 – Episode 1
Episode title: We Watch. And We Are Always There.
Stars: Nicholas Denton, Celine Buckens, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, William Fichtner, Elizabeth McGovern
Original release date: October 26, 2025
Plot: A recruit joins a supernatural spy organization, forcing him to choose between his past and his new covert life, while Helen faces challenges at the New York headquarters.
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Talamasca: The Secret Order – S01E01 – We Watch. And We Are Always There. | Transcript
[Ominous music plays]
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[Keypad beeping]
[Doorbell buzzing]
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[Door beeps, buzzes]
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[Door buzzes]
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[Indistinct chatter]
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[Indistinct chatter]
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[Dog barking in distance]
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[Eerie chittering]
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[Chittering continues]
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[Eerie chittering in distance]
[Metal door clanging]
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[Train horn blaring in distance]
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[Metal fence clatters]
[Breathing heavily]
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[Train horn blaring loudly]
[Train system chimes]
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[Eerie snarling]
[Breathing heavily]
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[Clicker clicking]
[Creatures snarling]
Father, forgive me.
[Train horn blares]
[Ominous music plays]
[Sighs]
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[Theme music plays]
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[Gentle music plays]
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Helen: Hey, Paul.
Paul: Good morning.
There’s something you gotta see.
From London.
♪
[Tinny music plays] Jasper. Who else?
Do you think it’s real or just a grotesque attempt to play clever?
Both.
Soledad signal led a drop, but never made it.
Freckle in the right eye.
[Solemn music plays]
♪
We’ll need to replace her. Now.
She’s dead.
A woman we put in harm’s way.
We have to drop this.
This was a warning.
A warning means we’re close.
We need to be closer.
[Indistinct conversations]
[Voices whispering] Mr. Anatole?
They’re ready for you.
Suttle: Well, that was all very enlightening.
You’re, uh, near the top of your class.
Law review, Moot Court, and Mock Trial champion.
Very impressive, Guy.
It’s pretty easy to see why you’ve made it this far with us.
Your parents must be very proud.
Yeah.
Osterhaus: I do have one question.
You never applied for an internship at this firm or others during your summer breaks.
I kind of wanted to take a break when we had our break.
You know, summers.
[Chuckles lightly]
I didn’t see you in South Hampton.
No, I’ve never been there.
South Hampton. Any Hampton.
[Chuckles dryly]
So, I mean, what did you do on your breaks?
I worked at the library.
The Law library. NYU.
Didn’t you spend enough time there when school was in session?
Uh… working at this school was a part of my scholarship requirement.
How much schooling did your scholarship pay for?
All. All of it.
Our internship pays pretty well.
I’m sure arrangements could have been made.
It’s quiet.
[Sighs]
At the Library.
I probably should have interned.
Huh.
It’s always been a dream of mine to work here at Cavitt.
Your reputation is… is amazing.
But you already know that.
[Voices whispering]
Well, we appreciate your time, Guy.
You’re a quality candidate.
Any firm would be lucky to have you.
[Sighs] Well…
[Distorted hearing]
Can I ask you something else?
Yes.
[Intriguing music plays]
What are you looking for?
Not at social events, uh… not at the Hamptons, but here in this office.
The work you do.
What are you looking for?
The finest legal minds money can buy.
Then don’t let this opportunity pass without knowing who I am.
Who I really am.
You asked me if my parents are proud of me.
My dad skipped town before I was born, and my mom was a junkie who overdosed on heroin when I was 9.
Worst day of my life.
And look, I’ve never been to the Hamptons.
But then again, my grandfather didn’t own a mansion there.
I won’t be joining your social clubs, your committees, because, well, let’s face it, I wouldn’t be admitted to any of those anyway.
So weekends, nights, we won’t be hanging out.
You probably won’t be seeing me because I’ll be here.
I’ll be working.
I’ll be making money for you and you and you, and you’ll say, “That is every young associate, “son,” but it’s not.
I’m different. Me.
And maybe, yeah, just maybe, right now, I am the finest legal mind money can buy.
♪
[Exhales deeply]
[Water running]
[Sighs]
Woman: [Whispering] We have the strength.
…to go beyond the boundaries of what I’m comfortable with.
[Voices whispering]
Woman: [Sobbing]
[Eerie music plays]
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[Whispering continues]
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Woman: It’s a gift.
Not a curse, sweetie.
♪
[Door opens]
[Blows raspberry]
Are you alright there? Yeah.
Hey, look. I’m sorry.
Back there, I was out of line.
Out of line? You…
You fucking killed it!
You threw it right back in our faces.
That’s good?
Yeah. Good. Very good.
We don’t… We don’t hire people who take shit.
Look, I got you. Alright?
You… You’re… You’re in.
Welcome to Cavitt.
Really? Yeah.
That’s great.
That’s great. Oh, God.
Sorry. Oh, the look on Bennett’s face.
And what you said before you left the room.
I was screaming in my head for you to stand up for yourself.
And then at that exact moment, you did.
It’s almost like you heard me or something.
Strange.
Well, great minds…
Great minds.
[Midtempo music plays]
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[Indistinct chatter]
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[Bike bell dings]
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[Siren wailing in distance]
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Something I can help you with?
A moment of your time.
You can learn a lot by following somebody.
How they walk, how their eyes dance in the street, how they interact with the world.
[Siren wailing continues]
What’s this? Our organization.
We want to hire you.
Oh, I already have a job, so…
At Cavitt and Associates.
How do you know that I have a job at Cavitt?
We watch.
And you’re always there.
Okay, but, uh, I’m pretty happy with my career path, so…
Don’t you want to know what we do?
It pretty much says it right here on the card.
Guy.
We’ve done our due diligence, and we believe your life’s true purpose lies with us.
And how much does “true purpose” go for these days?
Do you have any idea what Cavitt’s starting salary is? No. A lot?
We can match it, if money’s so very important to you.
I’ll compensate you to hear me out.
Say 5,000?
Oh, okay.
What is this? An offer.
To hear you out?
Five grand?
Mmhmm.
No strings? No.
Well, I’m all ears. There’s an address on the card.
Meet me there at quarter past 4:00.
It’s time, Guy.
Woman 2: What about the kids?
Woman 3: You do. You’re a grandma.
[Women continue arguing indistinctly]
[Keys clatter]
[Knocking on door]
Who is it?
Larry.
Larry: Open the damn door.
Guy: Hey, look, Larry.
I’m sorry.
Three months, Guy.
If it was one, it’d be different.
Two, maybe. But three?
My rent is covered because I collect everyone else’s, man.
I know, look…
[Siren wailing in distance]
I got a job. I got a great job.
Excellent news. Pay me.
It hasn’t quite started yet.
[Sniffs]
You got until Friday.
[Exhales deeply]
[Solemn music plays]
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[Conversing indistinctly]
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[Doorbell ringing]
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[Door buzzes]
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Yes?
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Through that door.
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[Intriguing music plays]
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[Bell tolling]
How much does it cost you to clear this place out?
No need. It’s private.
Oh. It’s private?
What, so nobody gets to come up here?
Not often.
And you work here? Live here.
You live… here?
There are a few apartments on the top floor.
Small, but functional.
Well, I’m still trying to wrap my brain around this.
Our organisations have a shared interest.
We like books.
Oh, “we”? Mm.
And, uh, “we” have the money you promised?
You don’t trust me?
Should I?
Perhaps not.
Okay, look.
I just came here because I’m currently deadass broke, and I am absolutely, 100%, not taking whatever job you’re offering here.
So all this… is not fair to you.
So you believe in fairness?
Of course. And that people should treat one another fairly?
Sure. Even if they’re different?
Even if their traits and lifestyle’s unlike yours? Yeah.
Unless we’re talking about cannibals or Manson or something.
The definition of fairness is the quality of making judgments that are free from discrimination.
And I’m going to guess that is the literal definition of fairness.
Look it up. [Chuckles] Deal is a deal.
Okay.
Shoot your shot.
We’re a private organization that has been around a long time.
A very long time.
We don’t operate for profit, but we’re extremely well funded.
We have offices, which we call Mother Houses, in New York, London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, and New Orleans.
And what do you do in all these “Mother Houses”?
Primarily endeavours of academia and discovery.
You’re a think tank. In a way, yes. In another, no.
We chronicle historical notes and keep tabs on certain groups.
You’re a spy?
No. Well, not exactly.
But you’re a nonprofit and you’re offering more than Cavitt?
We’ll never run short of funds.
Anyone working with us has everything in their life taken care of.
CIA? MI6? No, no, no, no.
Blackwater?
We attempt to do good by protecting the equilibrium of society.
Uh, Soros? Uh, Koch Brothers?
Talamasca.
Which in Latin means…
Animal mask.
Oh. Who’s in charge of branding?
[Chuckles]
Okay. Endeavours of academia.
So, what, you write textbooks?
We’re interested in the world of the supernatural.
[Scoffs]
Tell me, Guy.
Why’d you go to law school?
Because I want to be a lawyer. Why?
Because I want to make lots and lots of money.
A very cynical goal.
Well, you got me. I’m a cynic.
Let’s just say I’ve seen a lot.
And heard a lot?
Why me?
Why do you want me?
[Distorted whooshing]
I know what you’re doing.
You’re trying to listen in.
It won’t work on me.
I’m trained from childhood.
If I want you to know something, you will.
You’re not a cynic, Mr. Anatole, nor a defeatist, nor a misanthrope.
You believe that the world is, or ought to be, innately good.
You went to law school to hide.
[Sighs] Hide from what?
Yourself.
You have a rare talent, Guy.
A talent that you conceal.
You’re the one hiding stuff.
I don’t know any more than when I walked in here.
Not really.
There’s only so much I can share until we’re farther down the road.
[Clicks tongue]
[Suspenseful music plays]
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[Indistinct muffled chatter]
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[Keys jangling]
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[Keys clatter]
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[Siren wailing in distance]
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[P.A. system chimes]
Pilot: Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking.
We’re about to make our descent into Sarasota Airport.
The local time is 11:35 A.M.
Temperature is 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position.
And make sure your seat belt is securely…
[Wind blowing]
Hi, Mom.
Ruth: You look really good, Guy.
[Chuckles] So do you.
So what year are you in college?
Law school.
I just, uh, graduated.
That’s wonderful. Oh.
We’re very proud of you.
Yeah. Thank you.
[Chuckles softly]
So you like Florida?
Yeah. Condo is paid for.
That was nice.
Who paid for it?
Oh. We did.
That was confusing the way I said that before.
Someone gave me this.
Stranger.
I’m not sure how they got it.
[Eerie music plays]
♪
Um. Oh, no.
Santa, maybe? [Laughs] I always wondered something.
How’d you come to foster me?
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[Distorted whooshing]
Hey, hey, hey. You’re afraid.
Why?
Why are you afraid?
Look, honey, I’m not supposed to…
♪
We signed something, a Non…
Disclosure Agreement.
♪
Just how’d you wind up with me?
Tell me that much.
I think I deserve to know.
Um…
This nice woman reached out to us.
We fostered a child for a few years before…
This woman…
This nice woman…
What do you remember about her?
[Sighs]
Sh… She was… She was fancy.
She… She had an accent.
Talamasca.
♪
[Sighs defeatedly]
♪
Let them help you, Guy.
This is hard to say, but…
♪
…you weren’t an easy kid.
You didn’t fit in.
You were in your own world.
And the other kids called you a freak.
But they fixed that.
They fixed that.
Look at all they’ve done for you.
All they’ve done for me?
What have they done for me?
[Thinking] Oh, I’m in trouble.
Look, honey, I really have to go.
Ruth: I, uh, um…
Well, it was really good to see you, Guy.
Mom.
Ruth: [Sobs] Mom!
Mom!
Ruth!
You tell me exactly what they’ve done for me.
[Ominous music plays]
Everything.
♪
[Car door closes, engine starts]
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[Keyboard keys clacking]
[Indistinct chatter]
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Man: Uh. Excuse me. Uh, ma’am?
Uh, this popped up in a flight manifest cross search.
Uh, it’s a travel itinerary.
Archie’s on the move again.
Last five months, from Istanbul to Bratislava to Bern to Madrid and now London.
Rest assured, some poor soul won’t be happy to see him.
Thank you, Jay.
Jasper sent for him.
This certainly accelerates things.
Why does his news seem to make you happy?
It confirms our suspicions.
Your suspicions?
Very well mine.
Bella: Doesn’t exist, but if we engage any further, we’re going to lose our jobs.
752 is real. And it’s in London.
[Suspenseful music plays]
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[Clicker clicking]
[Creatures shrieking]
[Creatures growling and snarling]
[Clicker clicks]
[Snarling, growling stops]
[Suspenseful music continues]
[Clicker clicking]
[Growling, snarling resumes]
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[Siren wailing in distance]
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[Indistinct chatter]
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[Car horns honking]
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Something I can help you with?
Turnabout’s fair play.
You placed me with the Anatoles.
We selected them. Yes.
Selected? How long?
How long have you been involved with my life?
Since you were orphaned.
You checked several boxes…
Disjointed home life, isolated, smart, secretive, an intense desire to belong.
What about my family?
The Anatoles?
No. My real family.
I know little more than you.
You first came on our radar through a school counsellor who recognised your struggles and your gifts.
Sit with me.
Please.
You hear things others cannot.
We suspect you could converse with someone who shares that talent.
You’re very, very special, Guy.
I was bused to the best public high school in Detroit.
Full scholarship to Penn.
Law degree at NYU.
All paid for.
You’re quite welcome.
And it was all bullshit.
I didn’t earn any of it.
You earned all of it.
Perhaps we guided your choices a bit, but without us, your academic path and success would have been just as triumphant.
This is wrong. This is so wrong.
You curated my life so that I could do what?
To sit in a library and read antiquated books?
We gently supported your life to allow you to make use of your talents.
We have a specific need in London at present.
Doing what exactly?
You’d be read in at the appropriate time.
For this to work, it must work for both of us.
But before you decide, I’d like you to meet someone.
[Sniffs]
Who? Someone able to answer questions that I cannot.
Walk with me.
You knew I was following you.
I knew you’d want answers.
Guy: Hey, what’s in London?
I don’t even have a passport.
Helen: Oh, don’t worry, we’ve already taken care of that.
Where are you taking me?
You’ll see.
Hey, wait!
This is The Dakota.
Yes, it is.
We’re going up to the penthouse.
You’re kidding me.
Thank you, Frank.
My pleasure, ma’am.
Okay, so what the hell do you really do?
And you can spare me the “saving the world” bullshit.
The Talamasca tracks, observes, and occasionally intervenes in obfuscates in shadow worlds.
Tracking, observing, and interfering with whom?
Immortals.
Vampires, Witches, Ghosts, Demons.
What, no zombies? No such thing.
You watch too much telly.
Oh, wait.
You’re serious?
I’m being completely forthcoming.
[Doorbell rings]
Because we trust you.
Well, this is insane.
You’re insane.
You’re telling me that this… that everything was about…
Oh, well, you guys have wasted a lot of time and money, because there’s a problem.
There’s a really big problem.
Which is?
I don’t believe in Witches, Vampires, Ghosts, or Demons.
Oh, nobody does.
Until they meet one.
[Lock disengages]
[Gasps] I was hoping it was you.
Nice to see you, Pretty.
Is this a good time?
For you it’s always a good time.
Meet Guy.
Oh. Welcome, Guy.
Come, come. Come in.
Burton is expecting you.
[Midtempo music plays in background]
Burton?
And, uh, Burton’s a…
[Whispers] Vampire. Yes.
Be nice. We’re guests.
[Scoffs]
Pretty: Tea? Yes, please.
And for you, handsome boy?
I’m fine.
♪ I can’t sleep,
you just won’t let me be ♪
How does a vampire get approved for a Dakota penthouse?
I vouched for him at court.
Yoko chimed in, which didn’t hurt.
Helen: Burton, darling.
[Scoffs] My dear, I’ve missed you.
Of course you have.
It’s been too long.
[Gasps]
No. [Gasps]
[Sobs happily]
I haven’t worn this in over a hundred years.
I don’t know how you found it, but thank you.
And who’s this beautiful boy?
Is he a gift, as well?
This is Guy. A friend of ours.
No.
Oh.
Mm.
So… [Clears throat] How may I be of assistance?
Guy’s intrigued by our dysfunctional family.
I was hoping you two might converse over the subject.
He’s here because, frankly, he doesn’t believe in you or me.
Thank you, Pretty. Mm.
Very well.
It’s real. All of it. Happy?
I should think my gift is sufficient for a more thorough interview.
I’ve… I’ve come to hate that word because of you.
Why in the world would you publish this?
You know very well I had nothing to do with that.
Take it up with Amsterdam.
I don’t give an Amsterdam.
And you? Have you read this?
No.
Makes one of you.
[Book clatters]
[Thinking] Oof!
We need to go shopping.
Just a friend whispering in your ear.
Guy: [Thinking] If… If you can hear me, nod your head.
I’m not a poodle begging for a treat.
Of course I hear you.
[Thinking] And you hear me speaking to you.
Our lady friend seems to think that you are quite special.
But I’m not so sure.
Painful to listen, isn’t it, dear?
Yes. Burt: You know why?
You view it as a crime.
You’re a petty thief, and right now you’re stuffing candy in your pockets and racing away before you get caught.
The adrenaline hurts.
You need to understand that the candy is yours.
It belongs to you.
Now, but if it’s more than candy that you want, well, then you have to learn to be more stealthy.
More specific.
It takes skill to be a master thief.
You’ll get better at it.
Go slowly.
Learn to accept the pain.
I’ve had a several centuries’ head start.
How old are you?
39 or 384, depending on how you gauge time.
And you’re a, um, a Vampire?
Card carrying.
Though, I’m not happy with what that word has come to represent.
It’s clearly cultural appropriation.
Halloween, Death metal, Goth…
I mean, don’t even get me started.
And when we’re not being foolishly imitated, we’re being unfairly excoriated, as if somehow I’m what’s wrong with the world.
Hey, fella. Guy: Ah!
I’m sorry. What just happened?
Sit down, Guy.
He’s just showing off.
[Chuckling]
Next question.
[Distorted whooshing]
I’ve locked you out, so you can quit trying.
[Distorted voices]
[Snaps fingers]
The snap’s just for theatrics.
Magicians call it the Prestige.
Ah.
So this is a performance?
Why do you need the Talamasca?
Why do you need her? Oh, God. Please.
I’m the prisoner guilty of his sins.
The inmate who loves his jailer.
The rebellious teenager who looks up to his parents because I need purpose in life.
Which is a terrible burden when your life is forever.
[Thinking] You are a fool.
A useful idiot with a parlour trick you can’t even control.
And you…
[Thinking]
You’re tired of all this.
It’s not fun anymore.
How are you doing that?
You turned against your own kind.
You betrayed them.
And you hate yourself for that.
Pretty: The sun is finally do…
[Suspenseful music plays]
It’s very dangerous to have a gift, yet not understand its power.
Your mind is a two-way street.
[Shouts]
[Exhales deeply]
[Traffic passing]
Fuck.
How did I get out here?
You opened the window.
You made me do it.
I merely offered you a suggestion.
A suggestion that you were open to.
[Thinking] Now take one itty bitty step forward.
Trust me or resist me.
[Inhales sharply]
You think you came here to see a Vampire?
You’re here for my approval.
Congratulations.
I see why she’s so fond of you.
For a mortal, you are remarkable.
But hear me well, friend.
My previous associates won’t appreciate you as I do.
They won’t play nice.
They will try to bend you and mould you and take you.
Are you coming?
♪
[Thinking] They’re lying to you.
The dawn of a new day.
Helen: Guy.
What’s wrong?
You do realise you’re gonna get that poor boy killed.
Helen: Guy.
Guy.
Please. What if I died up there?
What if I died? There’s nothing he could throw at you that you wouldn’t throw right back at him.
You’re that gifted.
Oh, yeah, right.
I’m so gifted that he had me dangling from a ledge.
When you spoke to him privately, what did you feel?
That he was innately good or bad?
I don’t know.
And what of me?
You?
You’re both.
[Solemn music plays]
♪
Wait.
Guy, I’m sorry for everything.
For all of it.
It’s a dangerous game. I can’t blame you for walking away.
In fact… perhaps you should.
♪
♪
Burt: Just a friend whispering in your ear.
They’re lying to you.
Trust me or resist me.
They won’t play nice.
Try to bend you… and mould you… and take you.
[Gasps deeply]
[Breathes heavily]
[Chair squeaking]
♪
♪
Daniel: [Reading] “The room concussed,” and then Louie’s voice, ‘Daniel. Daniel.’ I rose from my chair, dust and damage in all directions, shuffling to the living room to see the plane, which was merely a body crumpled below a fissured wall.
Armand avoiding the eyes of Louie, “who stood over him like a tidal wave, pondering its descent.”
[Applause]
Okay, so who wants my hand in their jacket?
[Laughter]
To Willa with an A.
Thank you.
Hi. Guy: Hi.
Page 227.
[Suspenseful music plays]
♪
♪
Thanks.
Hey, sweetheart.
Woman 4: Hi.
Can I say sweetheart in a bookstore these days?
[Laughs]
[Indistinct chatter]
♪
♪
Daniel: Step into the light.
♪
[Inhales] What do you want?
Page 227.
Anna Leamas.
What about Anna Leamas?
She was my mother.
[Thinking] Like I give a shit.
You wrote about her in your fucking book.
[Speaking] I wrote about a Vampire. Your mother was a footnote.
What did you know about her?
Only what I was told.
What do you know about her?
Only what I was told… that she was an addict who died when I was 9.
[Thinking] This is about the 752.
[Distorted whooshing]
[Speaking] Stop it!
I have a thing about people fishing around in my head without asking first.
I didn’t write page 227.
They did.
Talamasca. What?
Talamasca. Oh, wait.
Did you mean [Shouts] the Talamasca?!
You don’t think they’re watching right now?
Come on, man.
You’re a clairvoyant.
Then why would they put my mother’s name in your book?
I don’t know.
What’s 752?
Uh, 749 plus 3.
The monthly payment on a new Prius.
Something to do with your mom.
They’re using you, kid.
Pull out your phone.
I don’t like being rewritten.
I did some digging.
[Cellphone chimes]
Look closely.
Was everyone wearing Lululemon when you were 9?
She’s alive.
Tomorrow morning, you’ll wake up and convince yourself that any good son would want to save his mother.
Don’t.
And if I did want to?
Where would I start?
Ask them.
Maybe I will.
Now get out of here before I do something I’ll regret.
[Suspenseful music plays]
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[Sniffles]
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[Sniffles]
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[Knock on door]
[Door opens]
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[Rain pattering]
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[Car horn honking]
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[Thunder rumbling]
[Voices whispering]
[Theme music plays]
♪
♪
