The Canyon Chapter Three

The sweeping saga comes to an end with The Canyon's climactic conclusion.

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, Morgan Hillan as Gerald Trunk, 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 10

The Canyon Chapter Three

12.24.2020


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 Three” 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 One of three. Now over to your host Patrick Emile.

     [MUSIC: WRITER WRONG THEME OUT]



WRITERS ROOM with Tyler Lucas      00:14

Patrick Emile (PE):

Tyler Lucas (TL):

PE:

TL:

PE:

TL:

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



THE CANYON - Chapter Three      05:58

     [MUSIC: THE CANYON THEME]
     [SOUND: DRAWERS/PAPERS]

FLAVIAN:
M. Warner, I don't suppose you are having any more success than I am? These records, they have a certain...opacité, no?

DOMINIC:
I'm afraid I'm having similar luck, M. Auger. I did find the Gazette from the day after the mine collapse. There are a few quotes from Atticus Pope, but regrettably nothing too illuminating. Come look...

     [SOUND: NEWSPAPER]

DOMINIC:
"We will, however, not let these tragic events stall the progress of the mines or indeed the progress of Griwerrtown itself. While it will take years to regain the inroads that we have now lost, the community can rest assured knowing that the Henrikksen-Pope Mining Company will continue to secure the resources that Providence has gifted our great town. Griwerrtown is wounded, but its heart beats on. And that heart is silver."

FLAVIAN:
Répugnant! The man is truly evil! "The heart is silver"—and what of the hearts of the men lost in his mines?

DOMINIC:
M. Auger, I fear that sort of humanity is lost on the man. (Beat) And yet it would seem some of those hearts have started to beat again.

FLAVIAN:
It is unbelievable, no?

DOMINIC:
And yet we've seen it ourselves.

FLAVIAN:
Perhaps if we continue searching, we'll find the missing piece.

DOMINIC:
I hope you are right. We'll keep looking. I just wish we knew exactly what happened that day in the mines...

     [MUSIC: TRANSITION]
     [SOUND: MINING OPERATION/ECHOES]
     [SOUND: GRUNTS/STRUGGLE]

GERALD:
Damn you, Pope! You can't do this, you bastard!

ATTICUS:
Gerald Trunk, that is quite a mouth on you, my friend! And it would seem, given that you are tied up in that chair, and I am, well, not—that you are in a particularly precarious position to be taking that torrid tone with me, isn't that right boys?

PERCY:
Quite a mouth, boss.

MERCY:
What would his wife think?

BROTHERS:
Maybe we should tell her.

GERALD:
How dare you!

ATTICUS:
Mr. Trunk, I dare because I can, that's how. And don't you worry—I would never unleash the Brothers Gorsey here upon your unsuspecting spouse. That would be barbaric, what with her impending widowhood and all. Who would take care of that precious little girl you'll be leaving behind?

     [SOUND: STRUGGLING]

GERALD:
You son of a—

ATTICUS:
Now Trunk, it is just one little girl, correct? I seem to remember you burying another one a few years back. Right about—well, I'll be, just right about here right, boys?

MERCY:
You're right, boss.

PERCY:
Right above our heads, boss.

ATTICUS:
Exactly! And that, dear Mr. Trunk, is the problem. You see, you are a deed holder to lands that do not in fact belong to you. You might be inclined to disagree, and you might have a point in a court of law. But the laws that govern what we've discovered here in this miraculous arm of the mines are preordained and must take precedence over whatever paltry rules we as a society have propped up above ground.

GERALD:
Atticus, please. I'll do anything...

ATTICUS:
And we can't suffer that type of obstacle, can we? Tell me, what color are the veins in these here newly excavated walls. Are they silver, Percy?

PERCY:
No, they are not, boss.

ATTICUS:
And what are they, Mercy?

MERCY:
They're...all colors, boss?

ATTICUS:
Mercy, what you lack in poetry you make up for in directness. But yes, they are all colors. But is it opal? No. Is it moonstone? Indeed it is not. This...this...is life itself. Toss me a knife, one of you.

PERCY:
Here ya go, boss.

ATTICUS:
Ah, thank you.

     [SOUND: SWITCHBLADE]

ATTICUS:
Now, I am nothing if not a leader by example. Look away now, Mr. Trunk, if you're squeamish. (Beat) Ayyyyow! Now that does smart!

GERALD:
You're insane.

ATTICUS:
Insane? Eager to share this gift, I'll give you that. But if insanity is knowing a miracle when I see one, then lock me up and call the preacher. Behold this blood soaked and sliced hand of mine as I press it upon these glittering walls.

     [SOUND: OTHERWORLDLY PULSE]

ATTICUS:
Wooh! This is an exhilaration like no other! Would you look at that, boys!

MERCY:
All healed up, boss.

PERCY:
Good as new.

ATTICUS:
Brothers, like I never cut myself at all! And how do you explain that, Gerald Trunk?

GERALD:
I...I can't. Atticus, please. I won't tell anyone. I'llmleave. I'll pack up my family, and you'll never hear from us again. Just let me go. You are a reasonable man, at heart. I know it.

ATTICUS:
Unfortunately, I am a reasonable man. I am in fact filled with the spirit of reason. And logic. And therefore, I know your word can never be trusted. These otherworldly deposits into the earth that your home so innocently sits upon can not be the property of one man. And therefore, we must bid you a kind farewell, Mr. Trunk. Percy, would you do the honors?

PERCY:
My pleasure, boss.

     [SOUND: REVOLVER COCKING]

GERALD:
No!

     [SOUND: CHAIR FALLING/GRUNTING/RUNNING]

MERCY:
He slipped the ropes, boss!

ATTICUS:
I can see that, Mercy! Snatch him back up, now! (Calling after) Mr. Trunk you are simply delaying your imminent demise—wait, Percy no!

     [SOUND: GUNSHOT/RICOCHET]

ATTICUS:
Get on after him, Mercy. And Brother Percy, observe these these struts buttress. Is this an environment conducive to ricocheting ammunition? No, it is not. You're lucky you didn't—

     [SOUND: RUMBLING/ROCKS FALLING]

ATTICUS:
Run, Percy!

PERCY:
But, boss!

ATTICUS:
It's too late for them! Come on, now!

PERCY:
Mercy!

ATTICUS:
It's coming down! Run!

     [SOUND: ECHOING]
     [MUSIC: THE CANYON THEME]
     [MUSIC: HOLIDAY MUSIC]
     [SOUND: COUGHING]

OLD ABLE:
Whatsamatter? First time? (Laughs)

     [SOUND: LIGHTER/TYPING ON PHONE]

MARKIE:
(With breath held in) Ok, loves being old and being a smart ass...

OLD ABLE:
No, don't put that! It's an application, not a roast. What is this, downstairs at the Stag Society in '62? I tell ya, those were the—

MARKIE:
(Breathing out) First of all, it's a profile.

OLD ABLE:
But you said it's an application.

MARKIE:
It is. Well, the thing—the service—is an app. But this is your profile for the app.

OLD ABLE:
And it will get me some of that...(looks around) great divide?

MARKIE:
You're disgusting, and yes that's exactly the idea. Ok, let's just skip interests for now.

OLD ABLE:
I'm disgusting? I'd show you a mirror if I had one to spare. Because it would break, you see.

MARKIE:
Ha ha, yeah I get it.

OLD ABLE:
Because you're hideous.

MARKIE:
What about a profile picture?

OLD ABLE:
Let's see. What about the one you took earlier? Of the miming? In my day, women responded to displays of skill. (Grunting)

MARKIE:
I will absolutely be using that one for a different app, but I think we should go with something a little more natural for Gerimatchric. You don't want to scare anyone off. Why don't you keep going with the story, and I'll take some snaps. That way you'll be in your element.

OLD ABLE:
Ah, good thinking! Alright, where were we—

MARKIE:
Wait, first hit this toner. You're looking a little dusty.

     [SOUND: BOTTLE]

MARKIE:
On your face! Not in your mouth! What's the matter with you?

OLD ABLE:
Oh, shut it! How am I supposed to know? Use your words, boy. You're like a cross between a moody teenager and a hamster. Only without the charm.

     [SOUND: VOICES FADING]

MARKIE:
The story!

     [SOUND: CAMERA SHUTTER]

OLD ABLE:
Ok, ok. I take it back. You're a good kid. Now where'd we leave off?

MARKIE:
Something about the town hall?

OLD ABLE:
Right! The anniversary was almost upon them...

     [SOUND: OUTSIDE AMBIENCE]

YOUNG ABLE:
Marv! Marv, come over here will you? (Beat) Miss Adelaide, would you be so as kind as to pose for a picture with me. I'd like to thank you for your story so far and send you a photograph free of charge. It won't take but a moment.

OLD ADELAIDE:
Oh, how thoughtful. It would be my pleasure, Mr. Canoe.

     [SOUND: FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]

YOUNG ABLE:
Hey thanks, Marv. What do you think, just the two of us on this bench here? Is that fine by you, Miss Adelaide?

OLD ADELAIDE:
Oh yes, whatever you think, Mr. Canoe.

YOUNG ABLE:
Say Marv, try to get some of the canyon in the shot. Behind us here.

     [SOUND: CAMERA SHUTTER]

YOUNG ABLE:
That should do it. Thanks again, Marv. I'll be over to help you pack up in a while.

     [SOUND: FOOTSTEPS FADING]

YOUNG ABLE:
Now Miss Adelaide, do be sure to supply me with your address before we take our leave of each other.

OLD ADELAIDE:
I will, sir. I'm close by, actually. I'm not terribly adventurous and didn't stray too far from my childhood home, I'm afraid.

YOUNG ABLE:
I'd have to disagree with you there, based on this account. It's a tale for books, up to this point. So, did they have any success at the old Town Hall? Dominic and Flavian, I mean.

OLD ADELAIDE:
Unfortunately, no. Nothing that would help us determine a concrete strategy for keeping the house, anyway. Or answers to the bigger questions. But, over the days leading up to the anniversary ceremony for the collapse, I did make some surprising discoveries of my own. With the help of Ramona.

     [MUSIC: TRANSITION]
     [SOUND: OUTSIDE AMBIENCE/RUNNING IN GRAVEL]

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Ramona, slow down! You forget I'm older than you!

RAMONA:
Sorry, sister! I'm just so excited that you've agreed to come with me.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
(Catching up, out of breath) It's like you've stored up all that energy from—well, never mind. What is it exactly you want to show me? And be careful there so close to that edge.

RAMONA:
Oh, but Adelaide this is what I want you to see!

OLD ADELAIDE:
The crack in front of Trunk House had widened from its beginning as the crater that had mysteriously appeared a few weeks prior. It had become clear that the quakes and fissure were connected in some way, and by this point they began to take shape together as the single canyon before us now. Perhaps not as deep, yet you can imagine my terror at seeing my little sister taking a hop right off the edge.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
No! Ramona!

RAMONA:
Down here Adelaide!

OLD ADELAIDE:
I looked down to see her smiling face. She was standing on a narrow outcropping of rock, safe and sound.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
You little monster, I thought that was the end of you!

RAMONA:
(Laughing) You won't be rid of me so easily, sister. Come down. It's quite safe. There's a sort of pathway all the way to the bottom. Follow me, you'll see!

     [SOUND: CLIMBING ROCK]

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Alright, but let's be quick about this. It's getting dark, and you know how Mother can be.

OLD ADELAIDE:
And so we made our way down, scrambling from ledge to ledge. Although, she was right—it was quite manageable.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Ramona? I've lost you again. Where'd you disappear to?

OLD ADELAIDE:
She emerged from a large, triangular opening in the wall of the canyon.

RAMONA:
Over here! Come look!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
However did you find this place?

RAMONA:
I'm not sure, exactly. I was drawing outside last week, and I could feel something down here. Or maybe I heard it. Eventually, I found my way down. And then I saw this entrance. Just wait, it gets even better.

OLD ADELAIDE:
I followed Ramona deeper into the earth. Partly out of protectiveness for her, and partly my own inquisitiveness. It was a narrow passage, and got darker by the second as the sunlight from the entrance lost its reach.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Ramona, I think this is part of the mines. I wonder if the earthquake somehow split the rock into—

OLD ADELAIDE:
But I couldn't finish the thought. For suddenly there was light everywhere.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Well...I'll...be...damned.

RAMONA:
(Laughing) You cursed!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Oh, hush.

RAMONA:
Isn't it wonderful?

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
It...certainly is.

OLD ADELAIDE:
All around us were veins and tendrils of glittering and glowing pinks and blues. It was breathtaking.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Well, this isn't silver at all.

RAMONA:
Can you feel it? Like it's breathing. The rock, or whatever it is. It feels alive.

OLD ADELAIDE:
I touched the walls.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
It's like it's humming.

RAMONA:
Adelaide?

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
What now? A pet dragon?

RAMONA:
It was Papa.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
What was?

RAMONA:
I heard him. I know it was him. That's how I found this place!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Ramona...

RAMONA:
It was, I just know it! But you mustn't tell Mother. She'll never let me come back down here. Promise me. Promise me, Adelaide.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Alright, alright. I promise.

RAMONA:
(Beat) Adelaide, you said (hushed) damn.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
(Laughing) I did, didn't I? I have others, you know. Want to hear?

RAMONA:
Oh, yes!

ESTHER:
(From afar, echoing) Girls! Ramona! Adelaide! It's getting dark!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Is that Mother? Come on, little creature. Time to go. She'll have my head if I don't get us back this very minute.

RAMONA:
(Laughing) And then you'll be damned!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
That's not how you do it. Come along, I'll teach you another one on our walk up.

YOUNG ABLE:
But whatever was it down there? If not silver, then some other deposit?

OLD ADELAIDE:
Mr. Canoe, I'm not sure I'll ever know that answer. At the time, I was equally amazed at the discovery as I was concerned about Ramona's explanation for having found it. And while I did promise not to tell our poor mother, I couldn't wait to share the news with Dominic.

FLAVIAN:
M. Warner! I believe I may have found something. Venez ici!

     [SOUND: FOOTSTEPS/PAPER]

FLAVIAN:
Notes from a metallurgist. Alas it is incomplete, but it is dated 1911 just before the collapse. (Clears throat) "Indeed these small deposits are metal ores or minerals of no known designation or origin. We have thus far been unable to identify a chemical makeup or crystalline structure. It does clearly emit some sort of phosphorescent glow, warmth, and low level vibration. Anecdotally, miners with prolonged exposure have reported feelings of mild euphoria, elevated energy, and even sudden recoveries from ailments or prior injuries. These accounts, however, have not been properly reviewed."

DOMINIC:
M. Auger this is illuminating, to be sure. Is there nothing more?

FLAVIAN:
No, not another paper from what I can see. I found it among the pages of that ledger there, but nothing else in the book appears to be of any consequence. If there are additional entries from this metallurgist, I believe they are missing. And perhaps not by accident, no?

DOMINIC:
Yes, perhaps not. If there is something else beyond silver in the Henrikksen-Pope mines, this is the first I have heard of it. And I can all but assure you it would be the same for any other member of the council. Save, of course, Atticus Pope.

FLAVIAN:
The devil has his secrets.

DOMINIC:
I fear you are correct, M. Auger. But if that clock is correct, we will have to pause the mystery for now. The Hall will be closing soon, and I must work on my speech for the ceremony. My procrastination has caught up with me, I'm afraid.

FLAVIAN:
Oui, I understand, M. Warner. I too have been recently neglectful of my other work. Although, I have been more interested in other pursuits. Perhaps our procrastinations are...related, yes?

DOMINIC:
(Laughing) If I take your meaning, sir, then yes I do believe they are. These feeling I have, well— well, now I embarrass myself. Apologies, M. Auger.

FLAVIAN:
Do not apologize, my dear M. Warner. You forget I am Français, yes? I think there is poetry in all of these connections. La vie est drôle. The world is full of coincidence.

DOMINIC:
Is it ever, M Auger. If you had told me a month ago about any of this, I'd have called you a doctor. (Beat) But sadly, I must away for now. I will see you at the ceremony this week, yes?

     [SOUND: FOOTSTEPS]

FLAVIAN:
But of course, M. Warner. In fact, I will be arriving with Mme. Trunk and Adelaide.

DOMINIC:
Wonderful. It will be quite the boon to see some familiar faces when I deliver my dedication. And...Ramona?

     [SOUND: DOOR OPENING/OUTSIDE AMBIENCE]

FLAVIAN:
Staying home, I presume.

DOMINIC:
Yes, probably for the best. The poor girl. Well, until then, M. Auger.

FLAVIAN:
Bonsoir, M. Warner! Until then!

YOUNG ABLE:
And did you get to tell Dominic? About the path into the mines?

OLD ADELAIDE:
In a way, but not in the fashion I had intended. That was a busy time for him, with the ceremony quickly approaching. By the time the day arrived, I felt a mixture of sadness for the tragedy that took my father and pride for Dominic. And sympathy for Ramona, who Mother still kept under a sort of house arrest.

     [SOUND: BUSTLE/FOOTSTEPS]

RAMONA:
It's simply not fair! I don't understand why I can't go.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
You're a bit old to be throwing tantrums, Ramona. Mother, I put the leather needle right here where it's supposed to be. If you lost it, it's on your own head!

ESTHER:
Well, perhaps if you hadn't touched my things in the first place—

FLAVIAN:
(Pokes by a needle) Oh! Soigneusement, s'il vous plaît! Esther, I will not be much of an escort if I am punctured like one of your cushions, no?

ESTHER:
Oh Flavian, I'm so sorry. But you must hold still. I want the waistcoat to be just right, and I need that needle!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Found it!

RAMONA:
Adelaide, you think I should attend, don't you?

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Well, I think Mother may have a point—

RAMONA:
Ugh! Not you, too!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
If someone saw you—

ESTHER:
Ramona, it's simply not the right time. There is too much uncertainty right now. With the house and those men...

RAMONA:
Mr. O-Gee, couldn't I say I was with you? Your new perfume girl, because your old one was too slow. And...old.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
You little—Ramona, I'm thinking in my head about what I taught you the other day!

RAMONA:
(Gasp!)

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Where's my coat? Has anyone seen my coat?

FLAVIAN:
The young Ramona, she has a suggestion most intrigante. My current assistant does tend to move at a pace all her own. And always relocating my ingredients and implements without my knowledge.

ESTHER:
(Laughing) That sounds all too familiar, M. Auger.

FLAVIAN:
Ow!

ESTHER:
Be still, that wasn't even the needle.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
I'm surrounded by enemies, how wonderful.

RAMONA:
Mother!

ESTHER:
Ramona, that's enough. My mind is made up, and it won't be changed. We will not be gone long and will be back for dinner before you know it.

RAMONA:
Well, you can just leave dinner outside my bedroom! Like...like the prisoner I am! I hope it rains and you all drown!

     [SOUND: STORMING OFF]

ESTHER:
Ramona!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
(Calling after her) Sister, don't be this way. (To the others) I can't say I truly blame her. It must be terribly frustrating.

ESTHER:
When things calm down, we will re-introduce her to the world. It's just not prudent. Don't you agree, Flavian?

FLAVIAN:
To this woman with a sharp object in my back, I would agree with anything!

ESTHER:
Hush, now!

     [SOUND: KNOCKING]

ESTHER:
Oh, that must be Mrs. Craddock come for her blouse. Adelaide, be a dear, would you?

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Now I'm a dear! How swift the tides of war...

     [SOUND: KNOCKING]

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Coming!

     [SOUND: DOOR OPENING]

PERCY:
Knock. Knock.

MERCY:
Ding. Dong.

     [SOUND: GUN COCKING]

BROTHERS:
Anybody home?

     [SOUND: PHONE ALERT DING DONG]
     [MUSIC: HOLIDAY TUNES]

MARKIE:
Well how do you like that?

OLD ABLE:
What's that now? Did we get a bite?

MARKIE:
We did. But wait, those creepy twins showed up? What did Adelaide do? I woulda kicked them in the—

OLD ABLE:
Let me see her! Is she foxy?

MARKIE:
Ugh, probably more like boxy. Oh, hold up she's actually kind of a snack. Here.

OLD ABLE:
No! Mildred Futz! Wipe left! Wipe left!

MARKIE:
It's swipe—but what's the problem? You know her?

OLD ABLE:
I've known her in that very chair your sitting in, sonny!

     [SOUND: CHAIR SLIDE]

MARKIE:
What?!? Oh hell, I feel sick.

OLD ABLE:
Took me days to clean that thing.

MARKIE:
Well, what happened? Did she ghost you?

OLD ABLE:
What do you mean, ghost? We're old, not dead!

MARKIE:
I mean, did she dump you? Did you make the mistake of talking? Or maybe...performance issues?

OLD ABLE:
Oh, shut it. They used to call me Able "The Vim" Canoe in my day!

MARKIE:
No, they didn't...

OLD ABLE:
No, but it sounds pretty snappy, doesn't it? Anyway, it just didn't work out. She just doesn't know what she wants. We're in different places.

MARKIE:
Huh? What is this, high school? It says here she's 78.

OLD ABLE:
The heart wants what it wants, kiddo.

     [SOUND: VOICES FADING]

MARKIE:
Okay, "The Vim." Can we get back to the story, please?

OLD ABLE:
Yeah, yeah. Just keep the volume up on that thing. So there they were, the evil Brothers Gorsey...

     [SOUND: OUTSIDE AMBIENCE]

YOUNG ABLE:
I was wondering if they'd rear their sinister heads again. And holding guns, no less. So what did you do? You must've been petrified.

OLD ADELAIDE:
I was. We all were. We didn't quite know what to do besides comply. They placed three chairs in the middle of our small living room and lashed us together in them. But, if you recall, Ramona was upstairs. Mother and I looked at each other desperately, silently praying that she make no sounds to alert the horrible brothers. My mind raced, and I realized that Dominic would be suspicious of our absence from the ceremony. At least that was the hope I clung to...

     [SOUND: OUTSIDE AMBIENCE/CROWD]

ATTICUS:
Mr. Warner! Well, I must say this is quite the classy affair you've put together here. You continue to make quite the impression. Perhaps we could find a position for you with the Company. I could use a young go-getter such as yourself.

DOMINIC:
Mr. Pope. I must politely decline, as I am quite satisfied with my position on the council. It keeps me quite busy. In lawful ways. I have nothing if not my integrity, wouldn't you agree?

ATTICUS:
I'm not sure I understand just what you're implying, son. You might want to consider your tone. I am not a man to be spoken to in such an...imprudent manner. Isn't that right, b—oh, well, wouldn't you say, Warner?

DOMINIC:
What I would say to you, sir, would be most inappropriate given the circumstances of this gathering. But you can rest assured that your nature is known to me. And will be known to all, soon enough.

ATTICUS:
Oh, well I'll be John Browned! You must know that threats do not sit well with me, boy. You are but a fly to which the lion of my industry gives no credence. You watch your back now, for you might soon find that your French friend and his pretty little assistant are no longer...up to the task. Now get up there, smile, and address our patient citizens.

EDWARDS:
...and to offer the official dedication, I present to you the architect of this remembrance, Mr. Dominic Warner!

     [SOUND: POLITE APPLAUSE]
     [SOUND: WALKING THE STAGE]

DOMINIC:
Distinguished Griwerrtonians, thank you so very much for your attendance on this weighty occasion. I would ask, though, that we not focus on the tragedy that took the lives of our fathers and brothers, but instead upon...their spirits and legacy. I...I'm sorry, I—

OLD ADELAIDE:
And my hope was well-founded. Because Dominic quickly realized that we weren't there...

EDWARDS:
Mr. Warner?

DOMINIC:
Mr. Edwards, forgive me but you must continue on without me. Here is my speech. I have to leave. I can explain later.

ATTICUS:
Warner?! Warner, where are you off to? Get back here, boy!

OLD ADELAIDE:
...and dropped everything to race to Trunk House. Thank goodness for that flashy car of his.

FLAVIAN:
Untie us, you cretins!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
You'll never get away with this! My...my friend is on the council. You'll be found out!

MERCY:
Too bad about the explosion, right Perce?

PERCY:
Too bad indeed, Merce. Such a nice family.

MERCY:
And their friend.

PERCY:
You all sit tight, now.

MERCY:
We've got a job to do.

PERCY:
For the boss.

BROTHERS:
Can't disappoint the boss.

     [SOUND: DOOR CLOSING]

OLD ADELAIDE:
Through the windows we could see their heinous plot being realized. They were placing dynamite about the porch, the grounds outside, the edge of the crack in the earth. But what they didn't know was that we had our own miracle. Ramona, who had crept downstairs unseen.

RAMONA:
Adelaide? Is that them?

ESTHER:
Ramona, run!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Mother, be sensible. Ramona, get over here and untie us!

     [SOUND: ROPE]

RAMONA:
These knots are so tight! I don't know if—

FLAVIAN:
Your mother's scissors! Rapidment maintenant!

     [SOUND: SCISSORS/CUTTING]

ESTHER:
Oh, my wrists. Ramona, bless you child.

FLAVIAN:
But what now? Do we run?

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Yes, but where?

RAMONA:
I know a place.

ESTHER:
Where, Ramona?

RAMONA:
It's...a secret place.

ESTHER:
Spit it out, girl! There is no time!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
She's right. There's a path down from the edge of the crack just over there. It leads to the mines.

ESTHER:
To the what?

FLAVIAN:
Let us go. There can be no benefit to waiting. They could return any—

     [SOUND: DOOR OPENING]

PERCY:
Mercy! Get in here! They got out!

OLD ADELAIDE:
Without thinking I rushed at the man with M. Auger not far behind.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Ramona! Take Mother and go! We'll hold them off!

     [SOUND: STRUGGLE/RUNNING]

OLD ADELAIDE:
We kicked and scratched and were able to disarm him.

FLAVIAN:
Pour la France!

OLD ADELAIDE:
But it was a victory short-lived.

     [SOUND: SWITCHBLADE]

FLAVIAN:
Ahhh!

OLD ADELAIDE:
He produced a knife and slashed at poor M. Auger, cutting his arm terribly.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
No!

OLD ADELAIDE:
And Ramona and Mother, having almost escaped were stopped just in front of the porch. The other wicked brother's gun trained upon them.

ESTHER:
Adelaide!

MERCY:
You ok, Perce? I got my sights on 'em.

PERCY:
Hold them there, dear brother. You two—go on out there. Nice and easy—like.

OLD ADELAIDE:
We did as he said and joined my mother and sister outside. But then, in the distance...

     [SOUND: DRIVING]

OLD ADELAIDE:
It was Dominic. Speeding towards us with Atticus Pope not far behind in his own car. The still-armed Gorsey brother began firing in his direction.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Dominic!

OLD ADELAIDE:
But he would not be put off course, and the roadster roared towards us—straight into the source of gunfire.

     [SOUND: CRASH]

PERCY:
Mercy!

OLD ADELAIDE:
And that was the end of Mercy Gorsey. Again.

DOMINIC:
Adelaide! Go! Take them and run!

RAMONA:
Follow me!

OLD ADELAIDE:
They began to descend down into the canyon, but I couldn't leave my Dominic.

ESTHER:
Adelaide!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
I'll be right behind you! Go!

     [SOUND: CAR DOOR/GUN COCKING]

PERCY:
Mercy, no!

ATTICUS:
Get after them, Percy! There'll be time for revenge yet. I've got these two.

OLD ADELAIDE:
And have us, he did. The remaining brother ran after my family, and Dominic and I were powerless to stop him.

ATTICUS:
Dominic Warner, I did urge you not to cross me, son. Now get out of that car before I put a lasting blemish upon your girl's face here.

DOMINIC:
Don't you dare touch her!

     [SOUND: CAR DOOR]

ATTICUS:
Mr. Warner, you are in no position for such commands, my friend. Come on over here. There you are. Keep going, the both of you.

OLD ADELAIDE:
He had us backed up to the very edge of the canyon. His gun pointed and glinting in the sunlight.

ATTICUS:
It occurs to me that while it would give me a fair amount of pleasure to be done with this saga with a couple three squeezes of this here trigger, that it would be in my own best interest not to have your recovered bodies replete with lead. That wouldn't seem very...accidental, now would it?

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Monster!

ATTICUS:
So, I'll give you a choice. You can jump together, or I can in fact squeeze said trigger and suffer the explanations at a later date to be determined. Your expiration is upon you, regardless of the mode in which you decide. That dynamite is on a timer, and the Brothers are nothing if not thorough in their work. So, there is little time. I'll give a count of three. One…

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Dominic...

ATTICUS:
Two...

OLD ADELAIDE:
I reached for his hand...

ATTICUS:
Three. And so be it...

OLD ADELAIDE:
He raised his weapon towards me, but suddenly I heard a voice ring out.

GERALD:
Atticus Pope!

OLD ADELAIDE:
From out of the canyon rose up an arm. And another. And then, impossibly, a man raised himself over the ledge.

ATTICUS:
No!

OLD ADELAIDE:
It was my father. Returned for us. I was flooded with thoughts in my shock. All the things I ever wanted to say to him. All the moments stolen from us by that damnable mine. Seeing him alive again. But I could only manage one word.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Papa.

GERALD:
Run, daughter!

ATTICUS:
Damn you, Trunk. I'll be sure to finish the job this time!

OLD ADELAIDE:
Father rushed towards him.

     [SOUND: GUNFIRE]

GERALD:
(Grunts in pain)

OLD ADELAIDE:
Pope fired mercilessly. Shooting him again and again.

ATTICUS:
You bastard! Come on, then!

GERALD:
Ahhhhhh!

     [SOUND: GUNFIRE]

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Papa! No!

OLD ADELAIDE:
And yet he still came. Until he was upon the villain.

     [SOUND: PUNCHING]

ATTICUS:
(Grunting from blows)

GERALD:
You...will...never...touch...my...family!

ATTICUS:
(Spits) That all you got, Trunk?

OLD ADELAIDE:
They fought and rolled in the dirt, inching closer and closer to the edge. And then Father, bloodied and filled with the hatred of Pope's gun, looked to me.

GERALD:
Adelaide. Go. Save your mother. Save your sister!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Papa! Please! Dominic, help him!

GERALD:
Go, daughter.

OLD ADELAIDE:
That was his last command. For he then wrapped his arms around Atticus Pope and leapt off the cliff and into the void.

     [SOUND: ATTICUS SCREAM]

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
No!

DOMINIC:
Adelaide, come!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
No! Papa! Papa!

OLD ADELAIDE:
Dominic grabbed me and pulled me towards the hidden path.

DOMINIC:
Adelaide, there is still time to save the others! Remember the timer. There is no telling where they placed it. Please, we must go!

OLD ADELAIDE:
The descent was a blur. Blind with grief, I somehow managed to lead Dominic down the rock and towards Ramona's hidden place. But the remaining Gorsey brother must have tracked them. We could hear his threats as we quietly slipped inside the entrance.

PERCY:
I know you're in here. I'll find you, and you're all dead when I do!

OLD ADELAIDE:
And our stealth paid off. For just as he realized we were there, bathed in the strange light of those walls...

PERCY:
Boss? That you?

OLD ADELAIDE:
...Dominic struck him in the head with a large rock.

     [SOUND: THUD]

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Mother? Ramona! Are you there?

     [SOUND: FOOTSTEPS ECHOING]

ESTHER:
Adelaide!

FLAVIAN:
Where is the man?

RAMONA:
Adelaide, is Papa with you? I could feel him.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
(Crying) Oh, Ramona. I—

     [SOUND: GUNSHOT]

DOMINIC:
(Exclamation of pain)

OLD ADELAIDE:
Dominic had not hit the Gorsey brother hard enough, because he had awoken and began to unload his weapon in a rage, wounding Dominic in his leg.

     [SOUND: RUMBLING]

OLD ADELAIDE:
The walls began to shake.

FLAVIAN:
No! Enough!

OLD ADELAIDE:
Flavian, lame in one arm, leapt upon him and wrestled away the gun.

DOMINIC:
Wait! No, Flavian, don't!

FLAVIAN:
Vous diable!

     [SOUND: GUNSHOT]

OLD ADELAIDE:
Rock began to cascade all around us. The structure was falling apart.

FLAVIAN:
We must go!

ESTHER:
Ramona! Adelaide! Run now!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Hurry! The detonation...

DOMINIC:
The timer! As fast as you can, everyone! We—

     [SOUND: FALLING DEBRIS]

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Dominic!

OLD ADELAIDE:
The earth was raining upon us. And it had fallen directly atop Dominic's legs. They were crushed. There was no moving him from underneath.

DOMINIC:
(Painfully) Adelaide. Run!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
No! I—

ESTHER:
Adelaide, we must go!

FLAVIAN:
There is no time! Come!

OLD ADELAIDE:
Flavian grabbed Mother about the waist and dragged her out with Ramona behind them.

RAMONA:
Adelaide?

ESTHER:
Adelaide!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
I'm coming..I...Dominic, we can free you. We can—

DOMINIC:
Adelaide…

     [SOUND: OUTSIDE AMBIENCE]

YOUNG ABLE:
Miss Adelaide, I...am so very sorry. I did not realize how painful this recount would be. I feel terrible for pressing you so. How brave of Dominic.

OLD ADELAIDE:
(Gathering her emotions) Do not apologize, Mr. Canoe. I wanted to tell you. Tell someone. It was just...that was the last time I would ever see...

     [SOUND: RUMBLING FADING IN]

DOMINIC:
Adelaide. Please.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
I'm staying.

DOMINIC:
No, you mustn't!

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
But I must. I simply won't go.

DOMINIC:
(Dying) Adelaide...

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Do not be afraid, Dominic. I'm here.

DOMINIC:
(Tearfully) You...are...

     [SOUND: EARTHQUAKE INTENSIFIES FADES UNDER MUSIC]

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
(Softly) I love you. (Beat) My brave, brave Mr. Warner.

DOMINIC:
I love you, Adelaide.

YOUNG ADELAIDE:
Forever.

     [SOUND: EXPLOSION]
     [MUSIC: LONG TRANSITION]

OLD ADELAIDE:
...the last time I would ever see my family. In that life, anyway. They made it. That was all that mattered. (Beat) I'll never be sure if it was the timed explosion or those glowing walls themselves, but as you are probably aware that was the end of the earthquakes. One final heave of the earth to create...all this. And the Henrikksen-Pope Mines, now destroyed forever, ceased to operate.

YOUNG ABLE:
(Stunned) Yes. Yes, I am familiar with that part of the story—Miss Trunk? I'm sorry, you've caught me at a loss. I must misunderstand you. Do you—

OLD DOMINIC:
Adelaide? My love?

OLD ADELAIDE:
Oh, and here he is. Dominic, darling, this is Mr. Able Canoe. Mr. Canoe, Dominic Warner.

OLD DOMINIC:
Hello, Mr. Canoe. It's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for keeping Adelaide company. I confess I do lose my way up here sometimes.

OLD ABLE:
I wasn't scared as much as I was riddled with questions.

YOUNG ABLE:
Um, please to meet you, Mr. Warner. But, Miss Adelaide...I don't understand. How—

OLD DOMINIC:
It's time, my love.

OLD ADELAIDE:
Mr. Canoe, you have made this old soul very happy to have shared such a fine afternoon with such a fine gentleman. But we must be off now. As for the photograph...

YOUNG ABLE:
Wait, where are you going? Please, tell me how any of this is possible!

OLD ABLE:
But they began walking. Towards the canyon edge.

DOMINIC:
Good day, Mr. Canoe.

YOUNG ABLE:
Miss Adelaide!

OLD ABLE:
She turned back to look at me.

OLD ADELAIDE:
...you can bring the picture here. And think of me from time to time. You'll do that, won't you?

YOUNG ABLE:
I...sure. Sure, I will. But, how—

OLD ABLE:
But they could no longer hear me. Or pretended not to. And just as they were about to step off the cliff, they faded away into the wind.

     [SOUND: WOOSH]
     [MUSIC: HOLIDAY TUNES]

MARKIE:
(Melodramatic tears and sniffles)

OLD ABLE:
Oh, come on now. Don't do that. If you do that, then I'll (begins to cry) I'll start myself, and—

MARKIE:
(Getting it together) I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It's just so sad.

OLD ABLE:
(Bowing nose) Is it, though?

MARKIE:
Or bittersweet, I guess. I don't know. It must be nice to have something like that. Even as ghosts or whatever. I mean, what the hell were they? What does it all mean?

OLD ABLE:
Your guess is as good as mine, sonny. For years, I took that picture to the Canyon, but I never saw her again. Although, I'm sure she's happy that I got to tell the whole story to someone else. At least as I know it.

MARKIE:
(Awkwardly) So. What now?

OLD ABLE:
What do you mean?

MARKIE:
So. Should I go? Or—

OLD ABLE:
Of course you should go! This isn't a halfway house. The snow has let up, anyway. Off with ya. I need to get home.

MARKIE:
But...but I feel like we shared something! Like we vibed, or—

OLD ABLE:
Yeah, yeah. We can talk about it tomorrow.

MARKIE:
Wait, what do you mean tomorrow?

OLD ABLE:
Well, you still need to get your friend a present, don't you? And there's no time now, I have to get home to my stories.

MARKIE:
Well, yeah...

OLD ABLE:
And you need to keep me updated on my application.

MARKIE:
True...

OLD ABLE:
And I could...well, I could use some help around here. What do you say?

MARKIE:
Like a job?

OLD ABLE:
Yeah, like a job. I won't be around forever. Who's gonna tell Adelaide's story in ten years? Probably won't be me.

MARKIE:
Are you kidding? Not if I have anything to say about it. I've got more than that toner to prop you up, you old bag.

OLD ABLE:
Oh shut it.

MARKIE:
Fine. Tomorrow it is. I just need to quit my other job first, and run everything by Madam B, and then—

OLD ABLE:
Alright, alright, I don't need your autobiography. Here, lock her up on your way out. I'm going out the back.

     [SOUND: KEYS]

MARKIE:
Holy f—that's a lot of trust! You just met me!

OLD ABLE:
(Wisely) Yeah? So what?

MARKIE:
Ha. Yeah, you're right. So what.

OLD ABLE:
Exactly.

MARKIE:
Tomorrow it is. G'night, boss!

     [SOUND: DOOR OPENS]

OLD ABLE:
Hey, kiddo.

MARKIE:
Yeah?

OLD ABLE:
Merry Christmas.

MARKIE:
You too, Uncle Able. Buh!

OLD ABLE:
Now shut that door, I'm not heating the whole town!

     [SOUND: DOOR CLOSES]
     (END OF THE CANYON CHAPTER THREE)



WRITERS ROOM with Tyler Lucas      44:54

     [MUSIC: WRITER WRONG THEME UP AND OUT]

PE:

TL:

PE:

TL:



OUTRO      1:04:39

     [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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