The Canyon Chapter Two

As the canyon continues to widen in 1918 Griwerrtown, we learn more about plans and schemes from both heroes and villains.

CO-HOST: Tyler Lucas

Produced by Patrick Emile and Marlo Mysliwiec
Written, Directed, Scored, and Edited by Patrick Emile

CAST: Jovane Caamaño as Dominic Warner, Cameron Casey as Flavian Auger, Cody Dry as Markie Pon de Lancie, Courtney Dyamond as Ester Trunk, Patrick Emile as Mercy Gorsey, Brendan Kallaugher as Percy Gorsey, Kris Kelly as Adelaide Trunk (1959), Mindy Neuendorff as Ramona Trunk, Bradford Reilly as Able Canoe, Amber Rossi Strasser as Adelaide Trunk (1918), and Evan Michael Woods as Atticus Pope

Transcript

Writer Wrong Episode 9

The Canyon Chapter Two

12.10.2020


Note: Writer Wrong is designed and produced for your listening enjoyment. If you are able, we recommend listening to the audio for your initial experience. All transcripts are generated by human transcribers and may contain errors. Please refer to the corresponding audio episode before quoting in print.

Writer Wrong and “The Canyon Chapter Two” are copyrighted works under Title 17, USC. No part of these works may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission from the copyright owner.



INTRO      00:00

     [MUSIC: WRITER WRONG THEME]

Marlo Mysliwiec: Welcome to Writer Wrong where you, the listeners, become the writers. Today’s episode is Chapter Two of three. Now over to your host Patrick Emile.

     [MUSIC: WRITER WRONG THEME OUT]



WRITERS ROOM      00:14

Patrick Emile (PE): Welcome back to the show, brave listeners, this is the Writer Wrong Podcast where you decide what happens next. I am your host, Patrick Emile, and we are super thrilled for you to be back with us. This will be a presentation of "The Canyon Chapter Two" so as always if you haven't heard chapter one please go back and listen before partaking in this week's episode.

But, before we go into any of that, here is a quick note from our new friends at American Timelines by History for Jerks.



AMERICAN TIMELINES BY HISTORY FOR JERKS AD      00:47

Amy: I like true crimes so I decided to make a true-crime podcast where I cover true-crime stories year by year.

Joe: And I hate true crime, so I decided to beef up my wife's true-crime podcast by telling people what was on TV during each one of those murders, or who was winning that wrestling match during that awful rape.

Amy: The result is American Timelines where we cover strange fascinating happenings.

Joe: And sometimes silly stories and even birthdays. Didn't you always wonder when Don Cheadle was born?

Amy: No.

Joe: Didn't you at least wonder what the number one song was when Don Cheadle was born?

Amy: No.

Joe: Well, what did you want to know?

Amy: Just about murder. Sweet, sweet grisly murder.

Joe: Well, sometimes you talk about UFOs or ghost stories, too.

Amy: Yes, those are cool, too.

Joe: And who hasn't wondered what episode of 227 was on during a haunting?

Amy: Everyone.

Joe: Download and subscribe to American Timelines by History for Jerks. You can hear it on Apple Podcast, Stitcher, where ever you get your podcast.

Amy: It's better than it sounds.

Joe: It really is.

VO: American Timelines by History for Jerks, the greatest podcast ever.



WRITERS ROOM with Tyler Lucas      01:51

PE: Friends, I want to say a big thank you to the backers that have contributed to our recently launched Kickstarter campaign. As you know the end of our first season is quickly approaching. It has been more successful than Marlo and I could have imagined and we owe that success to our incredibly talented team of actors and co-hosts and to you, our brave listeners. We can't wait to keep this momentum going into 2021 with our second season, but for this, we need your help. Self-producing audio plays as ambitious as these is not easy and so we're asking for any support you can offer us. Please check out our campaign at Kickstarter or on our website at WriterWrongPodcast.com. And if you can't donate, no problem, share the Kickstarter, share our website. Tell your friends, tell your friends to tell their friends. We really believe in this project and we want to grow our listenership and get these stories out into the world. And together we can do it. So thank you so much for your help, ya'll.

Alright folks, so we are here in the Writer Wrong studio in Dallas, Texas again with our newest co-host, Mr. Tyler Lucas.

Tyler Lucas (TL): Hey!

PE: How's it going T-Ty?

TL: It's going.

PE: Yeah?

TL: Yeah!

PE: Doing alright?

TL: Doing pretty good. Just started this December challenge of 100 pushups a day.

PE: No kidding.

TL: Yeah.

PE: How's that going?

TL: It's tiring.

PE: Are you up to 100?

TL: Yeah.

PE: Yeah?

TL: I did 100 earlier.

PE:  Do you do it in shifts?

TL: Yeah I do like—I try to do 25 each time.

PE: That's still pretty good.

TL: It is. Half of it's from my knees cause my arms get tired.

PE: I mean 25!

TL: Yeah, it's hard. It's rough.

PE: I don't think I could do it. I don't think I could do it.

TL: It is more push-ups I've done in the past probably two years.

PE: (laughs) Well you looked ripped.

TL: Through this sweatshirt?

PE: Yeah, you looked jacked.

TL: (laughs)

PE: I like that hoodie by the way.

TL: Thanks.

PE: Folks, it's a real deep kind of maroon color.

TL: Yeah.

PE: I wouldn't quite say Aggie. [Texas A&M color]

TL: It's pretty much Aggie colors. It's pretty much Aggie colors.

PE: It's pretty much Aggie, I didn't want to say it, but you know.

TL: Yeah, H&M. 15 bucks.

PE: Nice. Nice. And a quick shout out to Elliot Page, if you are a fan of Writer Wrong well, Tyler and I are a big fan of yours. And in the previous episode, we referenced your work in Inception in the past tense and that was recorded and aired prior to your announcement. So we just want to say congratulations and we're looking very much forward to all of your future projects.

Alright, T-Ty, so what's been going on? You been reading anything cool or watching anything, listening to anything?

TL: Yeah, so I recently watched this documentary on Amazon Prime called Meru.

PE: Meru.

TL: Meru. M-E-R-U.

PE: Ok.

TL: It is about mountain climbers.

PE: Ok.

TL: And them trying to climb Mount Meru.

PE: Is that a big one?

TL: I assume so. They're all big, aren't they?

PE: (laughing) I mean, you know.

TL: I mean.

PE: I guess it's inherent to the term mountain. (laughs)

TL: Yeah, exactly. (laughs) So basically they try the first time, they fail because they get stuck—it takes them like 10-14 days to climb the mountain.

PE: Woah!

TL: They have to sleep hanging off the side.

PE: Oh wow, so it's massive.

TL: Yeah, it's massive. The first time they climb they got stranded for four days on the side of the mountain while there was a massive snowstorm. So they were just stuck in a tent on the side of a mountain for four days.

PE: So it's life-threatening.

TL: Oh absolutely!

PE: Ok.

TL: And then after they do it again and they succeed. Spoilers.

PE: Well.

TL: It was very fascinating and it induced a lot of anxiety throughout it.

PE: I imagine. Yeah, I imagine so.

TL: It is crazy what they do.

PE: Yeah.

TL: Yeah. And then I also recently rewatched Batman Returns.

PE: You love that Batman Returns.

TL: I do!

PE: You do. I mean I do, too. Who doesn't?

TL: Michelle Pfeiffer.

PE: Yeah. Yeah.

TL: Michy Pfeifs!

PE: Michy Pfeifs—

TL: Michy Pfeifs.

PE: —in the sewed up...pleather catsuit.

TL: Yeah. I mean, Christmas movie.

PE: Yeah. Absolutely. Great Christmas movie.

TL: Speaking of Christmas, I have also been listening to Christmas music.

PE: Oh yeah, you rocking that 102.1?

TL: Oh yeah!

PE: Yep.

TL: It's that time of the year.

PE: That's what Marlo listens to.

TL: A little Pauly M?

PE: (laughs) Oh yeah.

TL: "Simply Having A Wonderful Christmas Time."

PE: Yeah. Yeah.

TL: The best song.

PE: Oh is that your fav?

TL: Oh no, absolutely not. That was sarcasm.

PE: Oh! (laughs)

TL: (laughs)

PE: I mean, that's—it's their worst song ever.

TL: There are...yeah...yeah it is.

PE: I like John Lennon's.

TL: Yeah...yeah that one's more about war though, isn't it?

PE: Is it? I just listen to the kids singing, and I'm like, "Oh."

TL: It's good. It's not as repetitive as Paul McCartney. 

PE: Oh mercy, that is a terrible tune.

TL: Yeah, it's not great. Not great.

PE: Also speaking of Christmas, Marlo and I recently watched in several installments because we're super busy, Die Hard.

TL: Die Hard.

PE: Which I don't think I've seen in like 20-something years.

TL: Really?

PE: Yeah, cause there were so many small moments that I didn't remember. I remembered all the big stuff, obviously.

TL: Right.

PE: But all of—it really is an excellent action movie.

TL: Oh absolutely, yeah.

PE: It's so well constructed, as far as pace and all that.

TL: Did he cause more damage than otherwise if he had just been like—

PE: (sigh) Yeah. You know, that's a good question. That's a good question. We'll see. We'll see, cause we're probably just going to burn through the rest of them.

TL: (laughs) Yeah.

PE: Also similar to you I've watched a really cool documentary recently on the HBO, on the Home Box Office Max called Crazy Not Insane which is directed by Alex Gibney of Going Clear fame.

TL: Going Clear. Scientology.

PE: And it's about this psychiatrist, Dorothy Lewis, who worked with a bunch of high-profile serial killers and murders so if you have that kind of true-crime itch it definitely scratches that. Although, the angle isn't about what they did and more about her process and trying to understand why they did it. And it's really quite interesting. She is portrayed and carries herself in the documentary as a real kind of real bad, bad lady and I mean bad in a good way.

TL: Ok.

PE: I mean, she just seems really cool. And in moments throughout her career as been attacked for her methods and her conclusions that she has drawn. It's interesting to see her journey. So yeah, highly recommend that Crazy Not Insane, it's on HBO.

Alright, brave listeners, that is about it for this little intro section. Tyler, are you ready to check out "The Canyon Chapter Two?"

TL: I am.

PE: Awesome. So folks, as always Tyler has read the script in advance but he has not listened to it so he'll be experiencing that for the first time right now so we can get his fresh takes on what he hears. And we are excited to bring it to you. So strap in, buckle up, here comes "The Canyon Chapter Two."

     [MUSIC: WRITER WRONG THEME UP AND OUT]
     [BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP]



THE CANYON - Chapter Two      08:41

     [MUSIC: SHORT CANYON INTRO]
     [SOUND: DISTANT MINING]
     [SOUND: SIPPING]

ATTICUS:
Mm mm mm. Now, this is some fine coffee, boys. However, in light of recent events, I would be remiss in not taking this opportunity to amplify its welcomed succor with a bit of "celebration."

     [SOUND: UNCORKING]

ATTICUS:
Care for a nip, boys? Now, Mercy, you do still drink, don't you?

MERCY:
That I do, boss.

ATTICUS:
Attaboy!

     [SOUND: POURING WHISKEY]

PERCY:
What are we celebratin', boss?

MERCY:
Yeah, boss—what are we celebratin'?

ATTICUS:
Well life itself, boys!

     [SOUND: GLASSES CLINK]

BROTHERS:
To life, boss.

ATTICUS:
But to be more specific, according to this morning's Griwerrtown Gazette it would seem that fate has intervened on our behalf in a mighty, mighty way with regard to our enterprising proposition over yonder at Trunk House.

     [SOUND: PAPER TOSSED ONTO TABLE]

ATTICUS:
Read it to me, boys!

MERCY:
Another earthquake shakes the town...

PERCY:
Growing crack in the earth...

BROTHERS:
Baffles local authorities.

ATTICUS:
And what do you see in that picture, boys? A yawning chasm threatening to swallow whole a charming, if not entirely vexing old home...

BROTHERS:
Looks like Trunk House, boss.

ATTICUS:
Indeed it is! Indeed it is. I would venture to say that right there is Providence itself glorifying our position. Fortifying our stance that expansion must continue. That nothing and no one shall stand in our way of rightfully securing properties that will allow us to mine and refine resources meant for our acquisition and harvest. The Elysian Fields are beneath us, and we are the scythe that shall reap it so. Isn't that right, boys?

BROTHERS:
Say again, boss?

ATTICUS:
Brothers Gorsey, I mean to say that this is good news! See, our legal gambit the other day with Trunk house isn't entirely, shall we say, ironclad in a court of law. But, take here this cup of celebratory coffee.

     [SOUND: CUP AND SAUCER RATTLE]
     [SOUND: SLIDING CUP]

ATTICUS:
If I were to slide it like so to the very edge of this table it would become somewhat of a risky venture, would it not?

BROTHERS:
It would, boss.

ATTICUS:
Now suppose it would be in our best interest that this cup exist no more. That its destruction would result in a serendipitous benefit to our company and its recent subterranean discoveries. Is there anything we could do that might hasten said destruction?

PERCY:
We could push it, boss.

MERCY:
Yeah, boss. Give it a nudge.

ATTICUS:
Oh, a capital concept, boys! It is no surprise that destiny has reunited twins of such palpable combined intellect!

BROTHERS:
Thanks, boss.

ATTICUS:
"Give it a nudge," yes, indeed! Capital. Dare I say, a dynamite idea...

     [SOUND: CUP SLIDING OFF EDGE AND SHATTERING]
     [MUSIC: THE CANYON THEME]

OLD ADELAIDE:
The Canyon
Written by Patrick Emile

     [MUSIC: HOLIDAY MUSIC UND.]

MARKIE:
Yeah, I really don't think you get what I'm saying...

OLD ABLE:
What do you mean? Sure I do. A mime. Look. (Grunting)

MARKIE:
No. That's not what I'm talking about.

OLD ABLE:
Get it? I'm in a box. An invisible box. It's about the illusion. There is no box, son.

MARKIE:
No, no. A meme. Not a mime. Ugh, you old bag. Here, check this one out.

OLD ABLE:
"Am-ih-ree-tay..." What's this amihreetay? Some sort of latin?

MARKIE:
No, "amirite." Like, ..." am I right?" And he's holding a shotgun in his mouth. Mondays, amirite? Like he's gonna kill himself because it's Monday...

OLD ABLE:
What are you, some kind of rube? That's too literal. He should imply the shotgun. Look, I hold my hands around the air—like it's around an invisible cylinder. And then I open my mouth real wide, see? And then I bring my hands up like I'm putting a big thing in my mouth. (With mouth open) Understand? It's an illusion.

MARKIE:
Ohmygod, yes I totally get it. Let me just...Hold it.

     [SOUND: CAMERA SHUTTER]

MARKIE:
You're beautiful. Now roll your eyes back.

OLD ABLE:
(Mouth still open) Like this?

MARKIE:
Perfect.

     [SOUND: CAMERA SHUTTER]

MARKIE:
Let me just...(to himself) posting.

     [SOUND: PHONE UPLOADING SENT]

MARKIE:
Yep, this is the greatest day of my life. (To Able) Also, I think that's enough scotch for you.

OLD ABLE:
Oh, shut it. I'd drink you under the table in my younger years, boy.

MARKIE:
Can we get back to the story now? Or do you need a nap or something...?

OLD ABLE:
Why? So I can wake up disheveled like you? Tell me, do you use a comb in that thing, or is homeless what gets one a date these days?

MARKIE:
I wish you were my dad.

OLD ABLE:
What's that now?

MARKIE:
I said hit me again, daddy. With the hooch.

OLD ABLE:
Now, that's more like it!

     [SOUND: POURING]
     [SOUND: VOICES FADING]

OLD ABLE:
Alright, where were we? Oh yes, the sister...

     [SOUND: OUTSIDE AMB.]

YOUNG ABLE:
Miss Adelaide, as a historian I must say this tale stretches the imagination. However, as a collector of stories, it is quite the gem, so far. I mean no offense, of course.

     [MUSIC: REMINISCENT UND.]

OLD ADELAIDE:
Oh, none taken, sir. You can imagine our own bewilderment at seeing our dear Ramona alive once more. She looked exactly how I imagined she would, had she never taken the sickness as a child. Tall. Taller than me. A beautiful young woman.

YOUNG ABLE:
So what happened next?

OLD ADELAIDE:
Well, the first few days Ramona slept. Almost constantly. As if she had been awake all those long years. Although, there were nights when she would wake in terrible fits of fear...

     [SOUND: BED SHEETS RUSTLING]

RAMONA:
No, please...please come with me...Papa...(awake) Papa!

ESTHER:
Ramona! Don't be afraid, child. Mama's here. You're safe. (Soothing sounds)

     [SOUND: DOOR CREAK]

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Mother! Did she wake again? Is she alright?

RAMONA:
Adelaide? Where's Papa?

ESTHER:
See? Your sister's here, too. Adelaide, give us some light, dear.

     [SOUND: MATCH/LANTERN]

RAMONA:
Where is Papa, please?

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
He's gone, Ramona. He's—

ESTHER:
Adelaide, enough now!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
She must know, Mother. It would be cruel to keep it from her.

RAMONA:
Gone where? I just saw him! He was just here. Mama. Mama, you have to believe me.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Ramona—

ESTHER:
Of course, we believe you, sweet girl. I talk to him every night, myself. He'll always be with us.

RAMONA:
No, you don't understand. Adelaide, make her understand, please!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
You were having a dream. That's all. But you're alright now. You simply need your rest. And so do you, Mother. Off to your own bed. Now! I will stay with Ramona.

ESTHER:
Oh. Well, I suppose you're right.

     [SOUND: BED SHEETS RUSTLING]

ESTHER:
Ramona, my sweet, I'll be just down the hall. The second door, you remember?

RAMONA:
I remember.

     [MUSIC: LOVING UND.]

ESTHER:
(Emotional) Of course you do. My little Ramona. Good night, child. Adelaide, get her to sleep, will you?

     [SOUND: DOOR CREAK]
     [SOUND: FOOTSTEPS]

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
I will.

     [SOUND: OUTSIDE AMB.]

OLD ADELAIDE:
It's funny how easily we slipped back into our old ways. A doctor concluded that Ramona was in fine health, and Mother wisely didn't attempt to paint the complete picture for him. I believe she was just content to have her youngest back with us. As was I, don't misunderstand me. Maybe I was perhaps just far enough removed to see the cracks.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Now, you little creature, what shall we read tonight? I must have read hundreds of stories since...well, the last few years. And I can't wait to read them all to you.

     [SOUND: LOOKING THROUGH BOOKS]

RAMONA:
Adelaide?

     [MUSIC: THE CANYON THEME SOFT REPRISE]

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Hm?

RAMONA:
Am I a ghost?

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
A what? Well, I should think not!

RAMONA:
How do you know? I saw you, Adelaide. And Mother. Like looking through a bedsheet drying on the line in the sunlight. Only you never saw me. Or Papa.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Those are just dreams, Ramona. You were...gone. And you're back with us now. Just a dream.

RAMONA:
Do not say that! If those are dreams, then that means I am as well. Or a ghost!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Well, tell me what you saw, then. Help me understand.

RAMONA:
I saw William Trent. And you...

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
I don't what you're going on about—

RAMONA:
...back behind the woodshed! With your—

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Ramona, stop! How could you know that...

RAMONA:
I told you! I could see you. Were you looking for something he had lost, or—

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
I'll tell you when you're older.

RAMONA:
But, sister, I am older. And...and I saw you with Dominic Warner. And how you look at him. He's terribly handsome, isn't he?

     [MUSIC: THE CANYON THEME UPBEAT REPRISE]

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
That's enough out of you, little monster!

     [SOUND: PILLOW HIT]

RAMONA:
Ow!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Oh? And how could a ghost feel such pain? Perhaps the ghost is ticklish, too?

RAMONA:
No! Stop! (Laughing)

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
(laughing) Yes, definitely a ghost. No reaction, at all!

ESTHER:
(distantly) Girls! Adelaide, that does not sound like sleeping!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
(stifling laughter) Sorry, Mother!

RAMONA:
(laughs)

     [SOUND: OUTSIDE AMB.]

OLD ADELAIDE:
Have you lost anyone, Mr. Canoe?

YOUNG ABLE:
I have, yes. My parents, to the flu. Just two years ago, but it feels so long now. And then other times it feels like it was yesterday. Funny how that is, isn't it?

OLD ADELAIDE:
Indeed. You understand, then, how happy I was to have my little sister back with me. Gossiping, telling stories, and catching her up on all that I thought she had missed. In some ways, she was still a little girl. Although, strangely, she really had grown up—wherever she had gone. There were times afterwards when she truly...scared me.

YOUNG ABLE:
But, Miss Adelaide, may I ask what became of your home? And the earthquakes? The records indicate that there were more than one...

     [MUSIC: DRAMATIC TRANSITION]

OLD ADELAIDE:
That part is true. While the opening before Trunk House was the largest, the tremors had started a few weeks before Ramona's appearance. It was the talk of the town. And cracks and fissures had begun to develop in a sort of row along the mines, our property—even inching ever closer to the old town square. A fitting backdrop for everything, I daresay. What with Ramona's reappearance, and that wicked man's machinations.

YOUNG ABLE:
Atticus Pope.

OLD ADELAIDE:
Atticus Pope.

YOUNG ABLE:
Not a family to be trifled with, the Popes. Especially in those times.

OLD ADELAIDE:
Certainly not, Mr. Canoe. But, in such harrowing times we were lucky to have friends to lean upon. Both Monsieur Auger and Dominic became suppertime fixtures following that fateful night. Whatever their own theories as to my sister's unnatural resurrection, their kindness prevented them from openly discussing it. And, as you mentioned, the Pope's weren't to be trifled with, and that was the more pressing matter. For the moment, anyway...

     [SOUND: DINNER SOUNDS]

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Dominic, there must be something to be done. I know there is no reasoning with that wretched man—not a single Pope came to Father's funeral—but, is there no hope? With your being on the council, I mean.

DOMINIC:
Yes, well—

ESTHER:
Adelaide, I'm quite sure Mr. Warner is doing everything he can. And that is quite enough bread. I haven't the time to be letting out your dresses with everything else troubling us.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Mother!

RAMONA:
I think you're beautiful, Adelaide. And so does Papa.

     [SOUND: GASP]
     [SOUND: OUTSIDE AMB.]

OLD ADELAIDE:
Eventually, we understood Ramona. But there were many moments such as these that we simply stared at her.

     [SOUND: DINNER SOUNDS]

ESTHER:
Ramona...you mustn't...

FLAVIAN:
Ah, that reminds me! Mademoiselle Ramona, your mother she tells me you are having difficulties sleeping, no? I have brought you something that should help immensely!

     [SOUND: CLAP CLAP]
     [MUSIC: BOLD UND.]

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Apologies, Monsieur Auger, but you are sorely mistaken if you think that I'll respond to your charming claps in my own home.

ESTHER:
Adelaide!

FLAVIAN:
It is quite alright, Esther. Adelaide, my apologies—it is simply habit, yes? I'll fetch it now. But first, perhaps, would you like more bread?

     [SOUND: CHAIR SLIDING BACK]
     [SOUND: FOOTSTEPS]

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Perhaps I would like more bread! Dominic? Would you like more bread? (With a mouth full) Let's all eat all the bread, shall we?

     [SOUND: CHEWING]

DOMINIC:
Um, sure...it...it's quite delicious bread, Mrs. Trunk!

ESTHER:
Thank you, Mr. Warner. And please excuse Adelaide's behavior. It's quite a trying time on all of us.

     [SOUND: FOOTSTEPS/SITTING]

DOMINIC:
Oh, but there's nothing to excuse. I—

FLAVIAN:
Here we are! For you Ramona. A chamber fragrance, with notes of huile de lavande, jasmin, and other trade secrets. Designed by myself, of course. And one for you, Esther, for your own bedroom! With concentrations of, how do you say, more mature varieties?

     [MUSIC: FRENCH TRANSITION]

ESTHER:
Oh, Flavian, how kind!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
(Pointedly) Yes. How Kind.

ESTHER:
What do you say, Ramona?

RAMONA:
Thank you, Mr. O-Gee.

ESTHER:
Monsieur Auger.

RAMONA:
Monsieur Auger.

FLAVIAN:
It is nothing! My pleasure!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Yes, thank you Mr. O-Gee, but can we discuss the other matter at hand, please? Dominic?

DOMINIC:
Alright, as you know, I was appointed council member after my late father vacated the seat upon his...death. I'm so sorry, Mrs. Trunk, is this something I should be discussing here at the table, or...?

OLD ADELAIDE:
Dominic was so careful about others' feelings. It was part of his gentle magnetism.

ESTHER:
Well, I suppose—

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Do continue, Dominic.

DOMINIC:
Okay, well, despite this appointment, I do not have an equal foothold with say, other parties representing Henrikksen-Pope interests, for example. In fact, my own commission at this moment is chairing a festivities sub-council. ...for the anniversary, that is.

RAMONA:
What anniversary?

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Of the mine collapse.

ESTHER:
Adelaide, enough. Ramona, dear. Why don't you say goodnight and prepare for bed. You must get your rest, my sweet.

RAMONA:
Yes. You are right, Mother. I am feeling...strange all of a sudden...

FLAVIAN:
Mademoiselle Ramona, are you quite alright?

RAMONA:
...like I'm being pulled...

     [SOUND: PLATES CLATTERING]

OLD ADELAIDE:
Our dishes began to rattle in their place. Another quake, perhaps, but I felt it was something...more.

DOMINIC:
Another tremor? This is the third this week.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Ramona…

OLD ADELAIDE:
It was short, though. We had begun to get used to them.

     [SOUND: CLATTERING STOPS]

RAMONA:
Yes, I'm dreadfully tired. Please excuse me, everyone. Good night.

     [SOUND: CHAIRS SLIDING BACK]

DOMINIC:
Goodnight, Ramona.

FLAVIAN:
Bonne nuit, Mademoiselle.

     [SOUND: FOOTSTEPS]
     [MUSIC: THE CANYON THEME SOFT REPRISE]

ESTHER:
I can't lose her again.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Mother...

ESTHER:
I simply can not, Adelaide!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
We won't. I promise you.

ESTHER:
You can promise no such thing!

DOMINIC:
Perhaps we should take our leave, as well.

FLAVIAN:
Oui, there is always tomorrow, no?

ESTHER:
Do we know that? How do we know? She was dead, Flavian! We buried her! Not steps from that cursed hole in the ground outside that very door!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Mother, she'll hear you…

FLAVIAN:
I admit I do not know how this can be. I do not. But perhaps this is the comfort, no? Now, anything is possible. Calme ton esprit, Madame.

DOMINIC:
Have you contacted any authorities? Doctors?

ESTHER:
No! I'm sorry, Mr. Warner. But we mustn't.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Mother fears that no good can come from shining too bright a light on the subject. I tend to agree with her. Especially given our current plight with that damnable man.

ESTHER:
Adelaide, that is no such language for a lady.

FLAVIAN:
I agree with both of you. The man is damnable, and Ramona should be protected. She is, how you say, a gift. A...

DOMINIC:
A miracle.

ESTHER:
Oh, gentlemen. How we will ever repay your generosities at this point, I cannot say.

FLAVIAN:
This is not a thing for repayment, no? Is this not true, Monsieur Warner?

DOMINIC:
It is enough to be able to assist in any way we can.

ESTHER:
Thank you. Thank you both.

     [SOUND: WATER POURING]

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Dominic, you were saying...

DOMINIC:
Yes, well, it is the seventh anniversary of the collapse, as I'm sure you're aware. And I want you to know, Mrs. Trunk, Adelaide, that I intend to honor the deceased in a respectful and deserved way. That said, it will not be unusual for me to be seen at the Town Hall in great capacity over the next few days. If you can furnish the document that Pope brought to you, I can perhaps do some investigation of my own that will go unnoticed.

ESTHER:
Oh Mr. Warner, that would be such a kindness. I have it right over here.

     [SOUND: CHAIR SLIDING BACK]
     [SOUND: FOOTSTEPS]

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Dominic. Thank you.

OLD ADELAIDE:
I do not remember when I had reached out to take his hand. But I will never forget his own resting atop mine.

DOMINIC:
Adelaide, you...you're very welcome. It is the least I can do.

OLD ADELAIDE:
I will also not forget Monsieur Auger's French cursing shattering the moment.

FLAVIAN:
Merde! That horrible man. With his...his...ignorant dogs at his bidding!

DOMINIC:
Who?

FLAVIAN:
Les frères! The Brothers...what was the name?

     [SOUND: FOOTSTEPS]

ESTHER:
Here it is, Mr. Warner.

     [SOUND: PAPER RUSTLING]

ESTHER:
And it's Gorsey, Flavian. The Brothers Gorsey.

DOMINIC:
You mean "brother." One brother.

FLAVIAN:
No, no, it was most certainly two brothers, Monsieur Warner.

DOMINIC:
Monsieur Auger, I'm afraid you must be mistaken. Mrs. Trunk?

ESTHER:
Flavian is quite right. It was Atticus Pope and two other men. They were twins. And quite frightening, at that.

DOMINIC:
Well, this can't be right. Are you sure?

FLAVIAN:
Monsieur Warner, we saw it with our own eyes. Why do you doubt us, so?

DOMINIC:
As part of the anniversary ceremony, I am having a small monument to the deceased erected in the Square. And, well...

     [MUSIC: INTENSE MUSIC BUILDING]

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Dominic?

DOMINIC:
And I submitted just yesterday the list of names for the engraving. Mr. Trunk, of course, included—

ESTHER:
Oh, Mr. Warner.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Mother, let him finish.

DOMINIC:
—as well as Mercy Gorsey. He...also died in the collapse of 1911.

     [SOUND: SPIT TAKE]
     [MUSIC: HOLIDAY MUSIC UND.]

MARKIE:
Wait, what?! What the fu—you're telling me there's another one?

OLD ABLE:
Why did you go and spit that out, boy? That's fine scotch, there! Another what, now?

MARKIE:
Another...zombie? Or whatever?

OLD ABLE:
Zombie? What zombie? What are you, touched? No one's eating any brains in this story.

MARKIE:
Yeah, but they're like, coming back from the dead or whatever.

OLD ABLE:
If you let me finish, I'll get to it. All will be explained.

     [SOUND: VOICES FADING]

MARKIE:
It better be.

OLD ABLE:
Yeah, yeah. Keep your pants on. What's left of 'em, anyway. Zing!

MARKIE:
They're distressed!

     [SOUND: OUTSIDE AMB.]
     [MUSIC: DRAMATIC CANYON UND.]

YOUNG ABLE:
Miss Adelaide, I'm not sure I understand you. Do you mean to say that...?

OLD ADELAIDE:
That it would seem my sister wasn't the only one to have returned, yes. It was quite the shock. If Ramona and now that horrid Gorsey twin—could there be more? Who else among us? Who else knew about it?

     [SOUND: DYNAMITE PLUNGER/MECHANICAL SOUNDS]
     [SOUND: DISTANT MINING]

ATTICUS:
Well, easy with that blasting machine, boys. We wouldn't want to lose Mercy again, now would we?

PERCY:
Definitely not, boss.

MERCY:
Glad to be back, boss.

ATTICUS:
As am I, Brother Mercy, as am I. Now, let's review once again our plan of action, shall we? Percy, what is our objective?

PERCY:
"To continue regularly scheduled excavation of legally owned Henrikksen-Pope mining zones by way of earthmoving via controlled detonation."

ATTICUS:
Indeed it is, Brother Percy. And, to that end, what would happen should the now precariously balanced Trunk House tumble into that ever-growing chasm as a result of said detonation? Mercy?

MERCY:
"We would join the community in grieving such a terrible loss due to unforeseen consequences resulting from a combination of licensed and lawful mining techniques and...and..."

ATTICUS:
"...naturally-occurring phenomena such as..."

MERCY:
"...naturally-occurring phenomena such as earthquakes that are beyond the company's control."

ATTICUS:
Well, would you look at that! Brothers Gorsey, if I were your good-for-nothing fall down drunk of a pappy I'd be beaming with pride for that show of meritorious memory. But, of course, I am not. Am I, boys?

BROTHERS:
No, you're not, boss.

ATTICUS:
And what then, am I?

BROTHERS:
You're the boss, boss.

ATTICUS:
Exactly right, and let's not forget it! For when it comes to any potential prying of police, public servants, or otherwise proactive personnel, where will I be with regard to these events?

PERCY:
"At the ceremony..."

MERCY:
"...commemorating the tragedy of the 1911 mine collapse..."

BROTHERS:
"Standing in remembrance with your..."

ALL:
"Fellow citizens of Griwerrtown on this solemn occasion."

     [MUSIC: TENSION BUILDING UND.]

ATTICUS:
Very good, boys, Very good. It will be up to you when the time comes, as we cannot risk my direct involvement. And, let's face it, it's probably a good idea that Mercy here not show up to his own memorial, isn't that right?

BROTHERS:
You're right, boss.

ATTICUS:
Nothing can stand in our way of getting to the heart of the matter down there in the mines. We have only begun to understand its properties and what it could mean for the company, for the town, and I daresay the world itself. (beat) And boys, when I say nothing, I mean nothing. I believe that the Trunk women, and perhaps their little French friend, will be too distraught to attend the ceremony that day, don't you? What with Gerald Trunk's name on that monument, it might be too sad a sight to bear.

     [MUSIC: INTENSIFIES]

MERCY:
Too sad, boss.

PERCY:
They won't have the strength to go.

BROTHERS:
Too tied up with grief.

ATTICUS:
Yes, Brothers. Too tied up, indeed.

OLD ADELAIDE:
It was difficult to determine just exactly what was going on. Like a puzzle with replicating pieces...

     [SOUND: DINNER SOUNDS]

FLAVIAN:
Surely, this is more than coincidence, no? The Gorsey man, poor Ramona, the threats to Trunk House?

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Monsieur Auger, you know how I am loath to agree with you on, well, truly anything…

ESTHER:
Adelaide Trunk, on my own grave, I—

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
...but I must admit that I do. There must be some connection.

FLAVIAN:
Oh, no no! This I was hoping she would not say. Is it truly the end times?

DOMINIC:
Monsieur Auger, you are a member of the commerce chamber, yes?

FLAVIAN:
Oui, but of course. As an immigrant shop-owner, it is in my best interest to be recognized as a dutiful citizen in any way I can.

DOMINIC:
Well then, if you were willing to make a donation perhaps you could join me at the Hall this week—under the guise of a sponsor to the memorial, that is. I feel as if there is more to be learned about the collapse and Pope's involvement in the records, and I believe we could cover more ground together.

FLAVIAN:
I am at your service, Monsieur Warner. In fact, I—

     [SOUND: THUNDER]

DOMINIC:
Oh, was rain expected?

     [SOUND: CHAIR SLIDING BACK]
     [SOUND: FOOTSTEPS]

DOMINIC:
Please excuse me, I must lift the canvas to the roadster. It is a wonderful machine, but no match for a storm in its current state.

     [SOUND: DOOR OPEN/RAIN]

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
I'll go with you!

     [SOUND: CHAIR SLIDING BACK]
     [SOUND: FOOTSTEPS]

ESTHER:
Adelaide, your coat! You'll—

     [SOUND: DOOR CLOSES]

FLAVIAN:
It is nice for them, no? Come, Esther, let me assist with les vaiselle.

     [SOUND: HEAVIER RAIN]
     [MUSIC: THRILLING UND.]

DOMINIC:
(over the rain) That's it! Align the grommets there!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Like this?

DOMINIC:
Precisely!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Shall we hop in and wait this out?

DOMINIC:
What's that?

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
(to herself) Not this again. Get in!

     [SOUND: CAR DOORS]

DOMINIC:
Well. I did not see this coming. I'm afraid I'm soaked to the bone.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
As am I. So much for keeping the interior dry!

DOMINIC:
Oh Adelaide, you're quite right. What was I thinking? You must be so cold!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
(laughing) Dominic, no you misunderstand—

DOMINIC:
Forgive me, I should never have—

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Dominic.

DOMINIC:
Let us rejoin your mother inside.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Dominic!

DOMINIC:
Yes? Oh. Ha oh, I...I see.

OLD ADELAIDE:
Poor Dominic was always a tad slow to understand my intentions.

DOMINIC:
Adelaide, you must think me such a fool, the way I stammer and fumble around you.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
I see no such inelegance, and I would ask that you not speak of my dear Mr. Warner in this way. He's a bit slow and might take it to heart, you see.

DOMINIC:
(laughs) I...I must admit something to you.

     [MUSIC: SWEET UND.]

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Oh?

DOMINIC:
I am...quite frightened of what is happening. Do not take me wrong, I am so very happy for your family—but your sister? Alive? And now another? Adelaide, what does this all mean?

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
I am scared as well. And, I do not know what will happen. But...

DOMINIC:
But?

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
(laughs) And yet...

DOMINIC:
And...yet?

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
I believe that a grown man admitting fear to a woman who so clearly adores him to be one of the bravest things I've ever seen.

OLD ADELAIDE:
And then he kissed me. In his car, in the rain, as the world outside grew stranger and stranger.

     [MUSIC: TRANSITION]
     [SOUND: EMPTY BOTTLE]
     [MUSIC: HOLIDAY MUSIC UND.]

OLD ABLE:
Uh-oh, that's all she wrote for this bottle, I'm afraid.

MARKIE:
Do you have any more? You gotta have something squirreled away in that hoarder wet dream back there.

OLD ABLE:
I might, I might. Hold your horses.

MARKIE:
Orrrrr...

OLD ABLE:
Or what?

MARKIE:
I might have a little something to help us pass the time.

     [SOUND: PLASTIC BAGGIE]

MARKIE:
Don't freak out. I can guide you through it—

OLD ABLE:
What is that? Indica? Sativa? (sniffs) A Hybrid?

MARKIE:
Oh...

OLD ABLE:
Kush? Purple Haze?

MARKIE:
...my...

OLD ABLE:
Northern Lights? G13?

OLD ABLE:
Eh, put that garbage away. Here…

MARKIE:
...gods.

     [SOUND: JAR]

OLD ABLE:
Roll us up something with this, will ya? I got the arthritis, you see.

MARKIE:
Wait, are you actually my dad?

OLD ABLE:
And flip that sign and lock the door. I'll be in the back. I know I got another bottle around somewhere.

     [SOUND: VOICES FADING]

MARKIE:
I'll be here! Hey! Uncle Able! I'll be right here!

OLD ABLE:
Stop shouting! And flip that sign!

     (END OF THE CANYON CHAPTER TWO)



WRITERS ROOM with Tyler Lucas      36:09

     [MUSIC: THE CANYON THEME UP AND OUT]

PE: And we are back, brave listeners. That was "The Canyon Chapter Two" brought to you once again by our Writer Wrong Rogues. So that was Bradford Reilly as Able Canoe, Cody Dry as Markie Pon de Lancie, Kris Kelly as Adelaide Trunk (1959), Amber Rossi as Adelaide Trunk (1918), Courtney Dyamond as Esther Trunk, Mindy Neuendorff as Ramona Trunk, Cameron Casey as Falvian Auger, Jovane Caamaño as Dominic Warner, Brendan Kallaugher and Patrick Emile as the Brothers Gorsey, and Evan Michael Woods as Atticus Pope.

Alright, T-Ty so what did ya think about "The Canyon Chapter Two?"

TL: (slow clap)

PE: Oh, slow clapping it.

TL: (fast clap)

PE: Oh fast clapping it.

TL: Fast clap. It was really good, really well done.

PE: Thank you.

TL: So on the surface, I notice that not a whole lot happens. There's no interactions between Atticus and Adelaide and everyone.

PE: Right. No big encounters.

TL: No big encounters.

PE: Yeah.

TL: But, underneath that surface, there's a lot that's happening. Giving a lot of intentions and motivations from the characters. Specifically Atticus and the Gorsey Brothers, Percy, and Mercy.

PE: Yeah. Perciful and Merciful.

TL: Oh, that's their long names.

PE: Well that's what we've been joking. That it's Perciful and Merciful Gorsey.

TL: (laughs) I always imagined them as—as I was listening I imagined them as Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.

PE: Oh my goodness. 

TL: That's just how I feel like they are in real life, like dimwits.

PE: Oh yeah. (laughing)

TL: Not to get too political.

PE: Well, yeah. We can [inaudible] this indeed. 

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OUTRO      1:00:36

     [MUSIC: WRITER WRONG THEME]

Marlo Mysliwiec: Writer Wrong is created by Patrick Emile and Marlo Mysliwiec.  This episode’s story was written by Patrick Emile with music and sound design by KCKSRV. Cast your vote on our website at WriterWrongPodcast.com and be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter at Writer Wrong Podcast. If you like what you’re listening to hit the subscribe button, write us a review, and be sure to tell your friends to share the stories. Until next week, keep writing.

     [MUSIC: WRITER WRONG THEME OUT]

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