martian lizard

FADE IN:

EXT. LONDON – NIGHT - 1858

Smoky cobbled empty streets. 

In an alleyway stand twins, a boy and girl of about twelve. They are thin, dressed in rags and both have long fine white albino hair.

The girl TAM is rubbing her hands together fretfully over her kneeling brother, TIM.

Tim is hunched over a cardboard box writing carefully. 

CADUCEUS (O.S.)

Quickly children, they are coming. You must hurry.

A huge shadow of a wolf is cast upon the wall.

Tim finishes writing on the box and stands up.

TIM

There. I think that’s right, though it makes little sense.

TAM

Hurry The Tox. Oh God, they’re nearly here. I can hear them.

An ODD CLOCKWORK NOISE, a POLICE WHISTLE then SHOUTING from a distance.

The huge wolf shadow of Caduceus paces back and forth GROWLING.

The twins join hands and begin WHISPERING.

A light glows from their fingers and a small ball of white light appears. With their hands raised they keep it suspended and continue to WHISPER.

Paper and rags stream from all corners and slowly begin piling up. In seconds a fully formed shape of a man stands there. 

CADUCEUS (O.S.)

(laughing) 

By the Great Gods that trixum never fails to astound.

The MAN OF RAGS bends down and picks up the box.

The Man of Rags lurches out from the alley heading towards the light of the Post Master’s office.

The twins still hiding watch it go. 

INT. POST OFFICE – NIGHT

A quill pen scribbles in a ledger. A bell JINGLES above the door.

POST MASTER

I’m sorry, Sir, we’re closed. You will have to return in the morning.

The Man of Rags shuffles forward and places the box on the counter with a THUMP.

The Post Master looks up about to protest then changes his mind.

POST MASTER (CONT’D)

(swallowing) 

What was it you wanted?

When the Man of Rags speaks it is with the twins’ voices, the action cutting back and forth to them.

MAN OF RAGS/TIM/TAM

You shall take this box and hide it away safe. 

POST MASTER

Of course Sir. 

He takes the box, he now looks slightly hypnotised. 

MAN OF RAGS/TIM/TAM

It has glamour that will keep it hidden. It will stay hidden until the time it is ready for it to be finally delivered. 

He processes the box. 

RAGS/TIM/TAM (CONT’D)

You will forget but the box will be protected. 

The Man of Rags turns and leaves the post office. 

The Post Master follows him, SLAMS the door and quickly locks it. He stares out and then pulls the blinds down.

EXT. STREET – NIGHT 

Two policemen spot The Man of Rags and chase after it.

POLICE MAN #1

You, halt!

The Man of Rags begins to fall apart as the magic fails.

Baffled the police scrabble in the loose paper and rags. 

CLICK - HISS - SPRING 

TIM

Saint Mick. He’s here!

CADUCEUS

We have done all we can. We must away. You have The Always Key?

Tam grips the thing around her neck and nods she has.

ANGRY VOICE (O.S.)

Tix! (Louder) Tix!

TIM

What of the Inventor?

CADUCEUS (O.S.)

It is too late for him but not for us, if we move now. Quickly climb aboard!

The shadows of the twins climb on the back of huge wolf-shape.

It bounds off deeper into the ally and is swallowed by fog.

INT. POST OFFICE, BACK ROOM - NIGHT

The Post Master carries the box into the dark. A room of shelves filled with boxes of many sizes. 

He places it deep at the back and walks away.

We focus on the box, hiding in the shadows as the years pass

INT. MODERN POST OFFICE WAREHOUSE – PRESENT DAY 

The box now ancient just visible behind piles of other newer boxes.

The SOUND of people at work.

OLD POSTAL WORKER (O.S.)

Hey careful with that trolley!

A CRASH and then the SOUND of boxes tumbling. Light streams onto the hidden box.

OLD POSTAL WORKER (O.S.)

Hey look out.

The boxes stop tumbling.

Old Postal worker approaches Young. Young red faced is already loading the fallen boxes back on to his trolley. 

OLD POSTAL WORKER

You okay?

YOUNG POSTAL WORKER

Sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was going.

OLD POSTAL WORKER

Nothing fragile in that lot was there?

YOUNG POSTAL WORKER

No. No I don’t think so.

OLD POSTAL WORKER

Okay then. Bit more mindful in future. That’s the public’s property you’re toting there.

YOUNG POSTAL WORKER

Aye, I know. Sorry.

He continues to load up boxes back onto the trolley.

He grabs the old box and picks that up too. It is heavy and he strains to lift on.

SERIES OF SHOTS: 

A) The box now loaded is wheeled through the warehouse.

B) The box is lifted onto a rolling conveyor belt. It joins more boxes and parcels and disappears through some slats.

C) The box is loaded into the back of a van. The doors close and the van drives away.

D) The van pulls up outside a house in a nice residential street.

E) The postman slides the side door open, puts the box on a trolley and wheels the box up to the door. He RINGS the bell.

INT. HASKIN HOUSEHOLD, HALLWAY – DAY

YVONNE HASKIN (35), black and beautiful, opens the front door to the postman.

He passes in parcel and then a clipboard for her to sign.

POSTMAN

If you would just sign here?

She signs.

YVONNE

Thank you.

She checks the label and closes the door.

YVONNE (CONT’D)

More rubbish off e-bay. Jack! Jack!

A teenage girl, SHANICE (13), walks past and opens the front door. She is dressed a little too much for school

YVONNE (CONT’D)

Where are you going?

SHANICE

School.

YVONNE

Not dressed like that you’re not. Change! Jack!

Shanice closes the door. 

YVONNE (CONT’D)

Here give that to your brother.

She passes her the box. Shanice sulkily complies and thumps back up the stairs to change.

YVONNE (CONT’D)

Kids.

She marches into –

INT. KITCHEN – DAY

Jack’s dad, MARCUS (38), sits at the breakfast table slurping tea and crunching toast.

YVONNE

Grrrr, kids.

MARCUS

Relax my queen. I seem to recall you being in favour of having them at the time. 

YVONNE

You not going to work

MARCUS

I am leaving. Look I’m getting up and walking out the door.

He slurps his tea and with a piece of toast still in his mouth, closes the kitchen door behind him.

MARCUS (O.S.)

I’m gone.

Yvonne grins, and he opens the door back up.

MARCUS (CONT’D)

I’m back.

He grabs his wife and kisses her.

YVONNE

Get out, you old rogue

INT. JACK’S BEDROOM - DAY

JACK, (13), lies on his bed reading, he wears headphones and the tinny beat of rap music can be heard from them. The book’s title reads “Basketball Theory”

His room is like any black teenager of his age apart from the shelves of dozens of pristine trainers.

Shanice enters and dumps the box on the floor. Her brother completely misses her. She leaves.

INT. HALLWAY – DAY

A contended MARCUS leaves through the front door.

A couple of seconds later and Shanice creeps back down the stairs unchanged and slips out the front door.

EXT. JACK’S HOUSE – DAY 

MARCUS climbs into the front seat of a Hackney Cab and drives off. 

Shanice heads off on foot in the other direction, mobile out already making a call.

INT. STAIRS – DAY

Yvonne back at the bottom of the stairs.

YVONNE

Jack, you’re going to be late for school. Jack, important day remember.

No answer, she bangs up the stairs.

INT. JACK’S BEDROOM - DAY

Jack still sits in bed, engrossed in his study.

Yvonne enters, she repeats her last line of dialogue but all we hear is the RAP music from Jack’s POV.

He glances up.

Yvonne pulls out a wad of white card and begins to communicate via pre-written messages.

SERIES OF CARDS:

A) JACK!

B) TIME FOR SCHOOL

C) YOU HAVE EXAMS TODAY…

D) …AND DON’T FORGET YOU HAVE YOUR BIG TRYOUTS TOO

Jack grins and pulls out his headphones.

JACK

No, I haven’t forgotten.

He lifts his book up to prove it.

YVONNE

Well you don’t want to be late.

JACK

I’m up. I won’t.

She kisses him on the forehead and leaves him to get up.

YVONNE (O.S.)

There is breakfast downstairs, make sure you eat something. 

JACK

I will, thanks.

She leaves him to it and he grabs his school things, dumps them in a bag and leaves.

He completely misses the box at his feet.

His mobile BEEPS. He checks it. 

SHANICE (TEXT)

“Loser!”

He ignores it. 

EXT. STREET - DAY

Jack jogs to school.

Ahead of him a large group of mixed teens in the same uniform hang about by a wall. This is the cool set. They are what parents would call the “wrong crowd”. Shanice is with them. 

Head down Jack jogs around them. 

One of them takes a swing at Jack he ducks and carries on running. They taunt him but he simply ignores them. 

INT. SCHOOL – DAY

Jack arrives at school. It is a modern comprehensive, packed with teeming diversity. 

MONTAGE: 

A) JACK excelling throughout the day at his exams.

B) He finishes his exams quickly and with confidence.

C) The bullies from the street, still doing their exams eye him with hostility. 

D) One tries to trip him up, he dodges it. 

E) The teachers all like him. He hands his exam in and get a thumbs up and a grin off the examiner.

EXT. SCHOOL YARD– DAY

He passes his sister, who is hanging with the cool popular crowd. 

The head bully JELLY, (14), stares at Jack as he passes. He draws his finger across his throat. Jack ignores him. 

Shanice sees this and punches Jelly on the arm. Jelly reacts with over the top aggression. Shanice a little taken aback tries to placate him.

INT. BASKETBALL COURT, SCHOOL – DAY

Jack arrives for the school basketball team try-outs. He sits on a bench and gets ready. His mobile BEEPS. 

SHANICE (TEXT)

“What was in the box?” 

Jack types a reply.

Shanice’s mobile BEEPS.

JACK (TEXT)

“What you on about?”

He pockets his phone and looks at who is here.

The dangerous cool set are represented in the try-out team, Jelly among them. They mock him. He ignores them.

Shanice is there too, she waves at Jelly.

A WHISTLE blows and the try-outs begin.

SERIES OF SHOTS:

A) Jack doing his best to keep up.

B) It is obvious it is an aggressive and competitive game. Jack is out of his depth.

C) Jack grabs the ball, and makes a valiant charge for the hoop.

D) Shanice is secretly delighted. 

E) Jelly makes an aggressive tackle and wins the ball. Jack skids to the floor. 

F) Jelly makes the hoop. A WHISTLE blows, game over.

G) Shanice looks upset for Jack.

H) Jack gets up brushing himself down, clearly upset.

Coach Tito stands with clip-board, the team hopefuls all line up and walk forward, Jack is last.

COACH TITO

Sorry Jack, not this time.

JACK

Why? 

COACH TITO

Well, you have no competitive edge or instinct. Sorry Jack, you’re a good kid, I hear great things from the other teachers but maybe sport isn’t for you.

JACK

Please, give me just one more try. I can improve.

COACH TITO

Okay. One more. Come back on Thursday and I will give you one more shot. But that’s the last one. But to be honest it doesn’t look good.

INT. JACK’S HOME, KITCHEN– EARLY EVENING

Jack goes to fridge, drinks several mouthfuls of orange juice and then SLAMS the door.

YVONNE

I’m sorry love.

He says nothing and stomps upstairs. 

INT. BEDROOM – EARLY EVENING

He throws his bag at wall, then slumps on his bed.

He picks up his basketball and begins throwing it at the hoop on the wall.

He scores a hoop and the ball falls to the floor. It bashes the box, and it begins CLICKING. 

For the first time Jack notices the box. 

He slides off the bed onto his knees and approaches it.

It continues to CLICK. He begins to open it. He carefully lifts up the flap and looks inside.

(beat)

A gold blur shoots upwards from the box barely missing his face.

INT. KITCHEN – DAY

Yvonne and Marcus canoodle at kitchen table. There is a LOUD SMASH. The little moment they were sharing lost.

An angry Yvonne, charges out the kitchen leaving a sighing Marcus. 

INT. BEDROOM - DAY

Yvonne quickly spots the square hole in the ceiling. Jack guiltily toys with his basket ball.

JACK

Sorry mum.

YVONNE

You’re paying for that.

JACK

I will sorry. Sorry.

Yvonne leaves and Jack pulls back the quilt he has used as camouflage. He goes back to investigating the box. 

He lifts out the second gold shoe, more careful and more respectful this time.

He turns it around in his hand. He has never seen anything like it. It is gold and polished to a high shine. It has intricate workings inside, all cogs and dials. It has large springs on either side of the heel. 

This one is primed to pop, so he places it carefully down and picks up the sprung one. He turns that around and sees the markings on the heel – the letters - I K B.

He investigates the box further and finds old style goggles and flying hat and an old jacket. He places them down and pulls out a book. He turns it round.

WRITTEN ON THE COVER

“Very Important! Please Read Carefully.”

Jack flips it open at random and begins to read –

TAM (V.O.)

November the twenty-sixth, the Year of Our Lord, Eighteen-hundred and fifty-six.

The sound of FLAMES CRACKLING and children SCREAMING.

TAM (V.O.)

We are being hunted. The orphanage burned tonight. We were trapped. 

He slams it shut.

Shanice stands at the door, a sarcastic grin on her face.

SHANICE

A diary? You’re such a girl.

JACK

What do you want?

SHANICE

If Mum asks, I’ve gone to Trina’s.

JACK

I’m not lying for you. Tell her yourself. We are meant to be going to see Gramps.

SHANICE

You go. Telling him I will see him next time.

She spots the box, she says nothing but their eyes lock for moment. Some secret knowledge passes between them.

(beat)

She leaves.

Jack opens the diary back up and a small photo slips out. 

He hold it up, it is an old black and white sepia image of the twins and a portly smiling man in his fifties.

He turns it over, written on the back - “Watcombe 1857”.

He turns the photo back round. Behind the trio is a black shape. The longer he stares at it the more the shadow resembles a massive black dog.

He slips the photo back in the book and hides it under his pillow. 

He puts the boots carefully back in the box and hides that in a cupboard. 

As he pushes the box back he notices the old stamp on the flap. His thumb grazes over the penny black. He sees the delivery stamp date is 1858. 

He ponders this as he closes the cupboard door.

INT. KITCHEN – EARLY EVENING

Marcus sits at the table working out his takings in a small notebook. He has his notes and coins all piled up.

Jack enters, grabs a drink from the fridge and joins him.

JACK

Good day?

MARCUS

No not really. This credit crunch. Might have to go out again tonight for a few hours.

He writes his total up in his ledger and closes the book.

MARCUS (CONT’D)

Your mother told me you never made the team. I’m sorry son. I was never that sporty myself. I was a lover and a poet. Is it a girl? It’s a girl isn’t it?

JACK

Shut up. It’s not a girl. 

MARCUS

You will find as you get older the ladies, the smart ones at least will want brains over brawn every time. 

JACK

Thanks  for the advice dad but Coach T is giving me another chance. So it’s not over yet.

MARCUS

Good stuff. What are you up to?

JACK

Going to see Gramps.

MARCUS

Good man. Tell him I will see him tomorrow. Where’s your sister?

JACK

I will. Er… I think she has gone to Trina’s.

MARCUS

That girl. Don’t tell your mother that.

JACK

I won’t. 

(pause)

Dad how long does it takes for stuff to be delivered? You know say you posted it. How long roughly should it take? I mean it wouldn’t take years, would it? 

MARCUS

I don’t think so. I remember reading that during the war sometimes mail bags got displaced so when they were finally discovered decades had passed. Extreme cases like that. Very rare. Why what’s this for? 

JACK

Oh nothing. Just wondered. Right I’m off. Might see you later.

MARCUS

See you son.

INT. OLD PEOPLE’S HOME - NIGHT

Jack walks through the reception of the home. The woman on the desk recognises him and waves him through.

Jack enters a large room with large bay windows. A mixed group of elderly sit in chairs facing the window watching the sun set.

Jack comes up behind an elderly black gentleman. This is THOMAS Jack’s granddad. He has a satisfied smile on his face. 

Jack lays his hand on the old man’s shoulder and Thomas looks up. His smile widens.

THOMAS

Jack.

Jack sits in an empty chair opposite. Thomas cranes round to see who else is here. His smile only falters when he realises Jack is alone.

JACK

Hey Gramps.

THOMAS

Just you, no Shanny?

JACK

No, she promised she would make it next time.

They both know that this is a lie. 

Thomas’s smile beams back and he takes Jack’s hands.

THOMAS

Well that will have to do. It’s fantastic to see you my boy.

(to the room)

This is my grandson, the athlete. So what’s new? You make the team? Course you did. You’re a Haskins.

JACK

I didn’t get in. But I have another try on Thursday.

THOMAS

Well you will make it in then. I have no doubt. 

(pause)

Everyone doing okay?

JACK

Yeah, we are all fine. I think dad is finding it hard at the moment.

THOMAS

Everybody is tightening their belts. It is only temporary son. You will see. Things will get better. You don’t get to my age and not realise that. Things have a habit of coming full circle.

JACK

Hey Gramps have ever heard of a place called Watcombe?

Thomas’s face clouds over, remembering something.

THOMAS

Watcombe? Down Devon way I think. Nice beeches. So I have heard. Why do you ask?

JACK

Oh no reason. What?

THOMAS

You, you have that face on.

JACK

What face?

THOMAS

The face I used to wear when I was thinking of getting up to no good. Are you?

JACK

What? No, of course not. Can I get you a cup of tea?

THOMAS

That would be lovely. Of course not. You’re a good boy.

Jack goes off to prepare the brew.

LATER

JACK

It’s getting late. I better get off. I will see then next week.

He kisses the older man on the cheek. Waves and walks off.

THOMAS

Great to see my boy. Let me know how you get on, on Thursday.

JACK

I will.

INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT

Jack is lying on his bed trying to read. He throws down his book, opens the cupboard and lifts the box down.

He empties the box into his holdall and leaves. 

EXT. ISOLATED SPOT – NIGHT

Jack satisfied he is far from prying eyes, unpacks the contents of his bag. He places the boots carefully down. He puts on the jacket, goggles and hat and throws the bag back over his shoulder. He puts the boots on. 

Carefully he stands. He gingerly begins putting more weight on each foot becoming more confident with each passing second.

Nothing happens.

TICK - TICK - CLICK – HISS. 

The boots begin to depress at the soles. Then SPRING. 

The spot he had been standing in is empty.

JACK (O.S.)

(getting fainter)

Aaaaaagghhhh!

SERIES OF SHOTS:

A) Jack leaping over a tall building. 

B) Jack lands in garden. The security light comes on and he is trapped in its glare.

C) A woman in the garden’s house gets up and moves to the patio windows. 

D) CLICK – HISS - SPRING and Jack is gone. Just imprints in the soft grass and the gentle sway of garden swings.

E) Jack arms wind milling as he flies high above the streets.

F) Jack lands in a park. He spots Shanice with Jelly. Jelly is trying to kiss his sister. She is trying to pull away. Jack does a double take. 

G) One of the group is filming a group of friends with his phone. Jack is in the background, in shot.

H) The boy notices Jack and begins filming him. CLICK – HISS – SPRING and Jack leaps off. The boy follows the movement up with his mobile

MOBILE BOY

Whoa! Did you see that? Did you see that?

I) Jack lands in a residential street. Marcus’s cab is just dropping a fare off. He catches movement out of the corner of his eye. 

J) SPRING and he is gone.

K) Jack lands in the grounds of the old people’s home. The residents all wide eyed see it and grin excitedly.

L) Thomas though looks troubled. SPRING and he is gone again. Alerted to the fuss none of the nurses see its cause.

M) Arial shot, five hundred feet in the air looking down. JACK grows bigger as he flies upwards in a long high arc. He SCREAMS all the way then falls back down. 

N) In the distance we can see the Thames approaching. SPRING. 

O) Then SPLASH Jack lands in the Thames. 

P) Jack flounders nearly drowning. 

Q) Jack pulls himself up onto the bank. Coughing and spluttering. He rolls onto his back and pants.

EXT. STREET – NIGHT 

JACK walks home soaking wet, carrying the boots wrapped up in his jacket. 

INT. JACK’S HOUSE – NIGHT

Jack sneaks into the house via the kitchen. 

He creeps past the living room where his mum and dad watch telly. 

Shanice creeps in through the front door. 

Both catch sight of each other at the same time. 

Shanice looks dishevelled and has a bruised eye. Both communicate without speaking, both agreeing to keep the others secret. 

They creep into their separate rooms and close the doors.

INT. KICHEN – DAY

Marcus, Jack and Shanice eat their breakfast in silence while Yvonne potters about. Shanice cannot make eye contact. She is wearing her hair over her bruise.

YVONNE

How was your Grandfather?

Jack and Marcus look at each other.

JACK

Great, fine.

YVONNE

Seem alright to you did he Shanice?

SHANICE

What? Yeah. Fine. I’ve got to go to school.

YVONNE

Shanice, don’t walk away while I am talking to you.

She does not stop but walks out of the kitchen. 

YVONNE (CONT’D)

Shanice!?

(pause)

What on earth was that all about?

JACK

It’s okay mum, I will have a word with her.

He stands and chases after his sister.

Yvonne shakes her head and gives Marcus an icy stare.

Marcus SIGHS, grins at his wife but it is not returned.

EXT. HOUSE – DAY

Jack chases down Shanice. 

JACK

Hey sis, wait up. 

(catches up)

What happened to you last night? What’s this?

He circles his eye and points at hers.

SHANCIE

Nothing, mind your own business. Why were you all soaking wet?

JACK

I fell in The River. What happened to your eye? Was it that thug Jelly?

SHANICE

Just drop it Jack, it’s sorted. Leave me alone.

She walks faster away from him and joins a group of three girls, the walk off together.

Jack stops and watches them go.

JACK

Oh it will be sorted all right.

INT. JACK’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Jack dresses up in front of mirror in a jacket, goggles and flying hat. He has a bandana that he pulls up and covers his face.

EXT. STREET – NIGHT

Jack sees Jelly with another girl. She turns her back and JACK leaps over grabs Jelly then leaps off. The girl turns back round. Confused to now be alone.

The two fly high in the air, Jelly is terrified. 

JACK

You better start being nicer to girls! 

(Shakes him) 

You hear me?

Jelly scared dumb shakes his head.

Jack lets him go while up in the air.

EXT. GARDEN - NIGHT

Jelly drops from the sky and lands in pool like a bomb.

(beat)

Jelly drags himself out… Shell shocked but okay.

INT. BASKETBALL COURT, SCHOOL – DAY

Jack plays, there is a definite change in him. He seems more confident. It is still rough out there with Jelly being extra mean. But despite that Jack still manages to score one hoop before the whistle blows.

GAME OVER

JACK wanders over to Coach Tito after he has changed.

COACH TITO

Better. Not much. But better.

You can gather the balls and the kit. That’s no guarantee of a game mind. It’s not a sub position.

JACK

That’s okay. 

COACH TITO

Okay then. So we understand each other.

JACK walks away grinning.

INT. KITCHEN – DAY

Jack’s family are all around him.

YVONNE

Well done love.

She hugs and kisses him.

JACK

Okay mum chill out.

MARCUS

Give him air Eve. Well done son, I’m proud of you.

They high five each other.

They all turn to look at Shanice.

SHANICE

What? Whoop-de-Doo.

YVONNE

Don’t be rude Shanice. Congratulate your brother.

SHANICE

Er… Well done.

That will have to do.

INT. JACK’S BEDROOM – DAY

We see JACK unscrewing his basketball hoop. He is grinning and whistling. He leaves the room and closes the door.

(beat)

The door opens and Shanice sticks her head in. She glances about then spots the diary. She opens it up and begins reading.

TAM (V.O.)

We are being hunted. I saw the monster dog again.

She closes it. Tucks it under her arm and leaves Jack’s room.

EXT. BUILDING – NIGHT

We see JACK screwing the hoop back in to wall outside.

JACK in a car park, he pulls up his hood and takes out his basketball. He bounces it a couple of times and looks up. 

We follow his gaze to the top of a five hundred foot tall block of flats. The hoop is up by the roof.

BANG – 500 feet in a second – JACK slam-dunks the basket. He is very pleased with himself.

JACK

Woo hoo!

Freeze frame.

DISSOVLE:

INT. THE CAVE ROOM – NIGHT

There is a still of Jack on a TV screen in mid-leap. It is the clip from you tube. 

The TV is only one of a bank of TV screens. Over a dozen play simultaneously, different news channels from around the world.

Something hidden SHUDDERS in a large high backed chair. The image of Jack rewinds and then plays again. All the screens click over and play that image. They freeze all at the same time on Jack and zoom in.

More ODD BUBBLING NOISES as if something is struggling to breath and a strange CLOCKWORK NOISE. 

FIGURE IN CHAIR (HIDDEN)

Tix! Tox! (Louder) The Tix is back! Tix! Tox!  

There is a table next to the chair. Something makes clockwork noises and begins to move. 

We pan up slightly and the shadow of a hand crawling across the shadow of the table. The shadow of a wrist flops down from the chair to the table.

FIGURE IN CHAIR (HIDDEN)

(Almost screaming)Tix! Tox!

The shadow hand affixes to the shadow wrist, with CLOCKWORK CLICKS and WHIRRS. 

It flexes its fingers then BANGS down hard on to the table with a CRASH.

FADE OUT.