"*" "Well, what do you think?" "*" "Well, it couldn't be any worse than the last one." "Come on, let's give it a shot." "Hello." "Hi, we're here about the apartment" "Advertised in The Voice." "Slaughter Realty." "How nice, I didn't think anyone would be responding" "To our ad so soon, my name is Ruby." "I'm Lori and this is Alex." "Well, now, which one of you will be moving in?" "I will, assuming that I decide to take the place." "Oh, I'm sure you will, it's a lovely apartment," "Just lovely, but don't take my word for it," "Go on up to the third floor and see for yourself." "Thanks, we will." "Who is it, Ruby?" "This young man has come to see the apartment, Lizzy." "Is that so?" "Tell him to go on up." "Yes, dear." "Hey, not bad." "At least this one's clean." "Yeah, but..." "I don't like how sure they were that I'd take this place." "No roaches in the fridge this time." "Hey, one of the windows even opens." "The price is right." "And I'd be a little closer to you." "I'd say it was made to order." "We'll see." "Alex, man, I can't believe you're abandoning me like this." "I mean, what's a dump like this got to offer" "That a dump like our dorm doesn't?" "Peace, quiet, privacy." "Oh, so that's it, huh?" "I cramp your style?" "You got it." "Oh, so now you can study in peace and get into Lori's pants" "Whenever you want." "You got it." "You slime, I should have known you were only doing this" "To bag as many babes as possible." "And what babes am I supposed to bag?" "The two old birds who run this place?" "They're already swooning each other." "No, I'm sure there's somebody around here" "To move in the, uh, right spot." "Nope." "This place is strictly retirement city." "*" "You must be the new tenant." "Yes!" "No." "I'm Alex Carmichael, your new neighbor." "This is just my friend." "Oh, gee, thanks for the swell intro, Al." "I'm Nicole." "This place could use another young face." "Yeah, so I noticed." "Do you ever go to any clubs?" "Sometimes... a few." "Maybe I'll see ya around?" "Yeah, maybe." "Just knock if you ever need anything," "My door's always open." "Thanks, I will." "Hey, uh, Alex?" "Yeah?" "You want a roommate?" "No way." "Oh, come on, Al." "I'll pay ya 50 bucks to let me move in with ya," "We'll split everything right down the middle." "Forget it, Jer." "(Grunts)" "My parents wanna meet you." "Well, tell them I wanna meet them too..." "And then stall them for as long as possible." "I've already told them all about you." "What exactly did you tell them?" "That you're sweet, and kind, and squeezably soft!" "Oh, you didn't." "I did." "Oh, Alex, I love what I see." "So do I." "We don't have time for that." "We never do." "That's not true." "I've got something for you." "Keys to my kingdom." "Consider it an open invitation." "I'll think about it." "You said that once I got my own place...?" "I know what I said, but I need more time." "Let me handle this in my own way." "Please?" "All right." "Whoops!" "Excuse me." "No problem." "You must be Alex, uh, Nikki told me about you." "I'm Roman." "This is my girlfriend, Lori." "How's it hanging, Lori?" "Fine, I guess." "So, what's your angle, Alex?" "I paint." "Oh, no kidding." "I'm into poetry." "Have you had anything published?" "No, are you kidding?" "Nobody takes an artist's work seriously anymore," "Until he's been planted six feet under," "If you know what I mean." "So, I'm composing a piece that won't be finished" "Until I am." "I add a new line every year." "Wow, that's really fascinating." "Well, I don't wanna be rude, but, uh, we're in a hurry." "Hey, no problem, man." "I'll catch you later." "Yeah." "Take it easy, Lori." "*" "Hi, Alex." "Hi!" "Is that your girlfriend I saw you with earlier?" "Probably." "She looks like a nice girl." "She is." "Too bad." "(Moaning)" "*" "(Moaning continues)" "*" "(Screaming)" "Roman?" "Oh, hi, Alex." "What are you doing?" "Just looking for some things for my apartment." "In the garbage?" "Sure, you never know what you find until you look." "I guess not." "Hey, Alex." "How about coming over for some nourishment?" "I know they haven't turned on your gas yet." "Uh, sure, I guess." "Great, how about tonight?" "Well, uh, I have to work." "No problem, I'll fix something that won't spoil." "Catch ya later." "So anyways, she starts..." "She starts making this big deal" "About how I blow my nose, she's saying... she's saying," ""You blow it too hard, Jerry!"" "You blow too hard, you blow that hard," ""You're gonna pop your eardrums and everything like that."" "I said, "No way, I'm not gonna blow... blow my eardrums."" "I gotta blow my nose hard before anything can come out, right?"" "Right." "So, I told her that and she says... she says," ""No, no, you're gonna hurt yourself," "You're gonna hurt yourself."" "Then she gets right down to the real heart of the matter." "I knew there was something else." "She says, "It's too loud, Jerry, it's too loud."" "I said, "Oh, that's it, huh?"" "Well, I'm gonna blow my nose any way I damn well please" ""And if you don't like it, you can just..."" "Hey, are you listening to me or what?" "What?" "What am I, talking to a zombie, here?" "Only if Nicole practices voodoo as well as she does fellatio." "Has the floor whore been keeping you awake at night" "With shuttering cries of exaltation?" "Bloodcurdling screams is more like it." "Ooh, she does not sound like" "Any of the girls next door I ever knew." "And her cleaning habits are as strange" "As her mating habits, you know what time she chose" "To take out the garbage last night?" "Relax, Alex, relax." "Lori's gonna come around sooner or later" "And your own bed's gonna go bump in the night." "Don't expect me to dream when I can't even sleep." "Sorry I'm late." "Never mind, "sorry," I thought you lived a couple blocks away" "So you were never gonna be late?" "Well, I meant I'd never be late getting home." "Okay, do me a favor, don't forget to lock up, all right?" "Don't worry, don't worry." "Why should I worry?" "'Cause you'd rather watch dirty movies" "Than take care of the customers?" "Let your mother worry." "Hi, Horace." "(Inaudible grumbling)" "What's wrong with him?" "Oh, he doesn't like leaving his livelihood" "In the hands of a gentile." "I was just passing by and thought I'd say... hi." "Well, how about passing by my place a little later on tonight?" "I can't, I have to study for that exam in Theory tomorrow." "So do you." "So, we'll study together." "A lot we'd accomplish." "At least we'd enjoy failing." "Sorry, babe." "Try to drop me a postcard when you got some time, okay?" "Stop." "I gotta go, I'll see ya in class, okay?" "Yeah." "*" "I guess I should have warned you that I don't eat meat." "No, really, that's okay." "My mind is open to new experiences." "Glad to hear it." "We could use some fresh blood around here." "What is this stuff, anyway?" "Himalayan yogurt, courtesy of Lizzy." "Funny, she doesn't strike me as the Himalayan yogurt type." "Hey, not bad, not bad!" "Why's yours blue?" "Because blue's my color." "*" "Liquor, brewed before Lizzy was born." "Well, at least it's well-aged." "What's in it?" "Nobody knows." "Lizzy's old man was into alchemy." "*" "(Coughing)" "Certainly is potent." "I gave up acid after Lizzy gave me" "My first bottle of this stuff." "To Lizzy's father, wherever he is." "I hear that." "*" "Looking for these?" "You left them in your door." "Thanks." "Come on in." "I shouldn't be here." "I turn you on, don't I?" "God, yes." "*" "Oh, Alex." "*" "Oh, Alex..." "*" "Zach..." "Zachary..." "Zachary!" "*" "Spare some change?" "No!" "Hey, you didn't let me finish!" "I don't care." "I gotta eat too, you know?" "Get away from me!" "Hey, come on, buddy, what's a quarter to you?" "I don't believe this!" "Hey, don't be so stingy, fella." "If things was reversed, I'd give you a quarter." "Hell, I might even give you two!" "Huh?" "(Phone ringing)" "*" "God, oh God, what is happening to me?" "Hey!" "Go somewhere else if you're going to do that." "Show a little respect, huh?" "This is my home." "Hey, mister, you don't look so good." "Uh, may... maybe you should see a doctor or something?" "Hey, please, mister!" "You want your quarters back?" "*" "(Screaming)" "*" "(Screaming)" "Stop!" "(Screaming)" "*" "*" "(Knocking at door)" "Who is it?" "Roman." "I thought I heard you come in." "Your flat is right underneath mine, you know?" "Here, I brought you some leftovers from last night." "Look, I appreciate the thought, but I haven't been able" "To keep any food down all day." "Hung-over, eh?" "I told you that stuff would mess you up." "Listen, has that wine ever made you hallucinate" "Or do anything strange?" "Sure, all the time." "That's what's so great about it." "And were you serious when you said" "Lizzy's father was an alchemist?" "You bet, he was into that whole occult scene." "And what happened to him?" "Suicide." "He killed himself in the cellar and took his followers with him." "You know an awful lot about the history of this building." "Listening to Lizzy's crazy stories" "Is the price you have to pay..." "If you want your share of the old man's wine." "(Phone ringing)" "Ah, excuse me." "It's no problem, man." "All right... take care." "Let me know if you need anything." "I will." "Hello?" "Alex, where have you been?" "I've been trying to reach you all day." "I'm sick, I turned the ringer off." "What's wrong?" "I'm just not myself today." "You missed the exam today." "I know, I'll have to make it up." "Will you be yourself tomorrow?" "I hope so." "Will you come to dinner?" "My parents are really getting on my case about meeting you." "I don't know, Lori." "Please?" "For me?" "All right, but I better get a good meal out of this." "You will, I promise." "We eat at seven, so don't be late, okay?" "I won't." "I love you!" "*" "Nicole?" "*" "How do you think I'd look in this?" "Outstanding." "Oh, I don't think so." "You know, you really shouldn't be so afraid" "To try something new once in a while." "Jerry loves it when I experiment." "I don't need gimmicks to attract Alex." "Maybe not, but I'll bet he takes a lot of cold showers." "I don't want to discuss it, okay?" "Fine, don't say I didn't warn you when Alex jumps" "Into the bed of a woman who knows how to defrost." "Better get going." "I've got a lot to do if I want tonight to be a rousing success." "Okay, see ya tomorrow!" "Hey, Lori!" "Good luck!" "*" "Oh, excuse me!" "You're in trouble." "Terrible trouble." "Let go of my arm!" "I can tell." "No, wait, not you, somebody else." "Somebody very close to you, perhaps?" "Your lover?" "What are you talking about?" "I'll tell you... for a dollar." "I don't think so." "Come to my parlor and we'll talk." "A dollar's a small price to pay... for a soul." "Watch your step, dear." "Your eyes probably aren't as good in the dark as mine are." "This is it, the legacy of Zachary Devin." "*" "Is this all there is?" "It's all that's left." "There used to be more, but the other tenants drank it." "I suppose you'll be wanting some too?" "*" "Yes." "I thought so." "Nobody can resist Zachary's recipe." "*" "Ruby, what did Zachary look like?" "Wait a minute, I'll show you." "Now let me see..." "Here it is." "*" "This is Zachary's book." "You can still get it in some occult bookstores." "*" "He poured his soul into this book" "And into these bottles." "*" "Lori tells me you've done absolutely wonderful things" "With your new apartment, Alex." "It's habitable, I suppose." "Don't believe him, it's charming." "Have you been scouting any agencies yet?" "I don't wanna work for an agency." "As soon as your commercialized art becomes a product" "Instead of a statement." "Yeah, well there's nothing wrong with being commercial." "I mean especially when so many young artists" "In this city are starving." "Before this goes any further, I have an announcement to make." "I've decided to move in with Alex." "We're gonna live together." "Well..." "I don't know what to say." "Yeah, well I do, forget it!" "Daddy, I'm 22 years old!" "And you can't stop me from doing this," "So you might as well just accept it and be happy for me" "Instead of causing a lot of unnecessary grief." "This is rather sudden, dear." "I know it must seem like that, but we've been seeing each other" "Almost a year now and we think we're ready for this." "Actually, Lori, maybe you should stay here a little longer." "What?" "Now, things are happening kind of fast right now." "The timing is bad." "Let me get this straight, you've been begging me" "To move in with you ever since you got this apartment" "And now that I'm finally ready, you change your mind?" "I just need some time to myself right now." "I don't believe this!" "*" "Excuse me." "I don't understand any of this." "We made plans." "Alex seems to have made other plans." "Hey, nice pad." "Listen, uh..." "I don't mind undressing you," "If that's what you're into." "But if I do, I'm gonna start with that silly bandage." "I like to see who I'm taking care of." "I'm sure I've seen worse." "*" "Okay, it's your money." "*" "Okay, remember now, nothing too kinky." "*" "I wouldn't want to bear scars for the rest of my life," "You know what I mean?" "*" "I'm only doing this till I graduate." "Hey, now that wasn't so bad, was it?" "Now, let's just shine a little light on the subject." "*" "You crazy bastard." "*" "(Door opening)" "How many people have you killed?" "I stopped counting long ago." "Who are you?" "You know who I am." "Well, what's your name?" "Nicole." "No." "Who are you really?" "I don't know what you're talking about." "Well, then who's this?" "Gimme that." "Not until you tell me what I wanna know." "All right, my name's Lisa Holt." "Satisfied?" "No." "Who was she?" "Previous possessor of this body." "What happened to her?" "She went away." "Why?" "Because there's only room enough for one of us" "And my time had come." "You're one of the people who committed suicide" "In the cellar, aren't you?" "Yes." "Why did you kill yourself?" "Because Zachary demanded it." "And when will Zachary's time come?" "When you've gone away." "God almighty." "It's not so bad, Alex." "You could come back sometime." "Sure, when Zachary's done using my body" "To turn the local bums and prostitutes into raw meat!" "The slime must be appeased and their lives are worthless." "You knew about this the whole time, didn't you?" "You seduced me, so that it would happen!" "Your mind had to be opened up to corruption" "In order for the elixir to work." "You whore!" "You wanted me, Alex." "Just like you wanted the elixir you stole from my refrigerator." "I use my gifts for Zachary." "Use them on somebody else from now on." "Alex, wait!" "Why, so that a Satanist who's been dead for 30 years" "Can take over my body while I fuck you?" "No thanks." "*" "The dollar that I charge is not for the service I offer," "But to show that you have faith in my abilities." "Now, show me your faith." "Oh, yes, of course." "Thank you." "Now, don't be afraid." "I want you to open your mind up to me," "To give me those thoughts which I cannot take on my own." "I must determine the nature of your astral interior" "Before I can define the terrible aura that surrounds you." "How are you going to do that?" "Give me your hand." "That's it." "Now, try to relax." "You're still a virgin." "This has caused considerable anxiety between you" "And your suitor, uh, what is his name?" "Alex." "I see... a structure blocking the light." "Does Alex live in an old building?" "*" "Yes." "*" "This is not good." "What is it?" "*" "I see serpents, young and old, who are not what they seem." "*" "They would draw Alex into their vile nest." "Who are they?" "The watch dogs of evil." "Stop." "I see naked bodies engaged in unspeakable acts." "Stop it, that's enough." "I see in Alex the resurrection of a terrible man." "You're frightening me!" "Your fear is well founded." "Alex is beyond salvation." "His corruption is absolute, like a malignancy." "What kind of corruption?" "Alex is involved with the dead." "Shades are a nice touch, Alex." "Your eyes bothering you?" "Leave me alone." "What's with you?" "You're walkin' around with a chip on your shoulder" "That would cripple most people." "None of your business." "What's your hurry, Alex?" "Out to meet your dealer?" "Or are you handling them and the business, too, these days?" "You don't know what you're talking about." "Oh, no?" "I know that people don't change over night" "Unless they're doing some serious shit." "I'm not on drugs." "I don't believe you." "I don't care what you believe, get lost." "No, I won't..." "Don't touch me!" "It's those neighbors of yours, isn't it?" "Alex?" "*" "*" "Oh, Alex." "You startled me." "What are you doing?" "I was worried about you." "So, you snuck into my apartment," "Went through my things." "Well, yes, but..." "Bitch!" "Alex." "You've got no business spying on me." "That isn't fair." "I was concerned about..." "Just like Jerry was concerned." "I bet the two of you are in on this together." "Jerry has nothing to do with this." "Don't lie to me!" "Let go of me!" "It was a mistake to give you my keys." "I want them back." "Guess you better take this back, too." "Lori, wait." "(Door slamming)" "(Creaking)" "What are you doing down here?" "Well, what brings you crawling out of that hole" "You call an apartment, Lizzy?" "I sometimes come down here for instruction." "I suppose you hear voices in your head." "Something like that." "You're the only one in this building who really is" "Who you're supposed to be, aren't you?" "Yup." "And Nicole and Roman and Ruby," "And everyone else who lives here" "Was somebody else when they first moved in." "That's right." "First you fed them this..." "This muck." "It is called ectoplasm." "And then you gave them some of your father's elixir." "And they took on the personalities" "Of his followers." "You got it, kid." "Yeah, now you want me to give up my life so he can" "Have his back?" "I knew I'd made the right choice getting you" "For the apartment." "It's been vacant for years," "Just waiting for the right occupant." "Tell me, what were the others like before they joined" "Your father's coven?" "They were the scum of the Earth." "Roman was a bum." "Ruby was a bag lady." "Nicole was a hooker." "My father took them in." "He fed them and gave them clothes." "He taught them to control their flesh." "He gave them a reason to live." "(Laughing)" "And a reason to die." "And the people whose bodies they possessed?" "Roman's host fancied himself a poet." "Poor Roman." "He's so confused." "He sometimes forgets who he is." "Nicole's host was an actress." "She was the easiest of all." "Why did your father and his followers kill themselves?" "It was an experiment." "They conquered all that life had to offer," "So they sought to conquer death." "I wanted to kill myself, too." "But someone had to stay behind and administer the elixir." "My mother did it till she died." "And then I took over." "Our work is nearly finished now." "That's what you think, you old witch." "You can't resist the elixir." "Well, watch me!" "Go ahead, run!" "Your time is almost up." "(Laughing)" "*" "Alex, my man!" "*" "Alex Carmichael?" "Who wants to know?" "Detective O'Bannon, NYPD." "I'm gonna take up a few minutes of your time" "With some questions." "About what?" "I'm checking the disappearance of a prostitute" "Named Heather Langley." "Never seen her before." "Take another look." "I'm sorry, I can't help you." "I think you can." "How so?" "I think you were about the last person to see Ms. Langley alive." "I just told you, I've never seen her before." "You know, we got a problem." "One of her associates..." "Associates, saw her enter this building" "With a man that fits your description." "His face was bandaged." "If his face was bandaged, how do I fit the description?" "He was the same height." "Same jacket." "Same ugly building." "Every college student in the neighborhood" "Has a jacket like this." "And every building on this block looks the same." "You know, kid, if every building on this block looks like that," "We're livin' in the Dark Ages." "What's the big deal about one missing whore?" "Probably just skipped out on a pimp." "I think not." "See, Ms. Langley and I were friends." "If she was leaving town, she would've mentioned it." "You know how close you get" "When you live in the same building." "Yeah, sure you do." "So finding this particular missing whore," "To me, it's more than just a professional interest." "Sure." "Well, you can reach me at this number." "Yeah, I'll call ya if I find out anything." "You do that." "Hey, kid, drink some water." "A kid like you shouldn't sweat so much." "(Knocking)" "Alex?" "(Knocking)" "Alex, I know you're in there." "*" "(Door bell ringing)" "Hi, Alex." "Hi, Tracy." "I have the tapes your mother ordered." "Super." "Is she home?" "No." "But I think she left you a tip." "Come on in." "Want a drink?" "No, thanks." "You're no fun." "Wait right here." "*" "Alex?" "*" "Check that out." "What's your hurry, homeboy?" "Sorry." "Ain't no thing." "Come on." "Let's go." "*" "All right, Mr. Invisible Man." "Up the dollars, or else." "I don't have any money." "I said, up the dollars, man." "Look, I'm sick, so why don't you just leave me alone?" "Don't make me break you up, homeboy." "Get out of my head!" "Yo, Seaman, homeboy's sick." "No, he's just tryin' to be slick." "Come on, freak." "I need some money." "So, get a job." "White ass little faggot." "I'm gonna fuck your ass up!" "Shit!" "Mother fucker, let go of my arm." "Word." "(Biting)" "(Screaming)" "Yo, let's get the fuck out of here." "(Screaming)" "Come back!" "Come back!" "Come back!" "*" "Yuck." "And I thought my zits were bad." "What the hell are you doing here?" "Believe it or not, I was worried." "So, you snuck in." "No, ixnay on the paranoia, pally." "Your landlady let me up." "You prick." "Oh, no need to apologize for that one, Alex." "I realize that you're sick." "So, what've you got?" "VD?" "Herpes?" "Leprosy?" "None of your goddamn business." "Oh, I guess we can rule out social disease." "Shut up!" "You need help, Alex." "Get out of here before I forget you're my friend." "My God, will you look at what's happening to you?" "I like what's happening to me!" "*" "(Screaming)" "*" "*" "*" "Hi, Alex." "Hi." "I'm sorry about the other day." "I shouldn't have sneaked in like that." "And I shouldn't have overreacted the way I did." "Can we see each other tonight?" "I'd like that." "At your place?" "Sure." "Have you heard about Jerry?" "No, what happened?" "He's been missing since last Friday." "Well, he probably just needed to get away for a few days." "He'll show up tomorrow with a hangover, you'll see." "I hope so." "Poor Rene's a wreck." "I don't know what I'd do if you disappeared like that." "Listen, I gotta get goin', okay?" "See ya." "Ms. Swan?" "Yes?" "Irish O'Bannon, NYPD." "I'd like to ask you some questions about Jerry Hunter." "Oh, yeah, what would you like to know?" "When was the last time you saw him?" "In class last Friday." "Aren't you involved with Alexander Carmichael?" "What's Alex got to do with this?" "He figures rather prominently in another missing persons case" "I'm working on." "What other case?" "Case of a prostitute that... disappeared" "Last Wednesday night." "Your boyfriend might've been her last customer." "Alex had dinner with my parents and I last Wednesday." "I already spoke with your parents." "They said he left your house at 8:15." "That left him plenty of time to kill." "You're wrong." "Alex would never go to a prostitute." "And I'm sure he had nothing to do" "With Jerry's disappearance." "She's so..." "Wholesome-looking." "Some guys like that." "Do you?" "Sometimes." "I still don't understand why you're going through" "With all of this." "You probably never will." "That part of your life is over now." "You have me." "She could ruin everything." "She won't." "Why take a chance?" "Because I have to." "(Knocking)" "*" "*" "Not in here." "You know, it's just like a woman to lie on her ass" "While the man does all the work." "*" "That feels so good." "Careful." "Alex, you're hurting me." "No." "I'm killing you." "Just like I killed Jerry." "That isn't funny." "You're right." "I shouldn't joke about such things." "But it was necessary." "What are you talking about?" "I had to kill him, or the slime" "Would've consumed me." "And I enjoyed it." "And if I enjoyed killing my best friend," "I should love killing you." "Alex, what's happening to you?" "I'm starting over, honey." "Alex?" "*" "Alex!" "*" "Alex!" "*" "Stop!" "*" "(Screaming)" "*" "You did this to me." "Get away from me, Alex." "It's all your fault." "I mean it!" "You turned me into what I am, you little cock tease." "Stay back, Alex." "Stop calling me Alex!" "I am Zachary." "Whoever you are, stay back please!" "*" "Little girls shouldn't play with knives." "*" "Stop it, Lori." "Stop the pain." "I can't." "Do it, for God's sake." "*" "Here's to our big apartment." "(Screaming)" "No!" "Tag, you're it!" "*" "Time to die, time to die." "*" "Kill her, kill her!" "*" "Don't just sit there." "Get up, get up and kill her!" "*" "What are you doing?" "*" "No, wait, stay back!" "Don't do it, please don't do it!" "I love you, Lori, you know that." "I painted your portrait." "I'll do anything you ask." "Please, don't." "Shut up!" "*" "Die, goddamn it!" "*" "He didn't leave a forwarding address?" "He didn't leave anything, including the rent." "I thought that kid was sort of strange." "And he seemed like such a nice young man" "When he first moved in." "Maybe his girlfriend knows where he is." "If she does, she's not talking." "The poor kid's devastated." "You know, I couldn't help but notice" "Just how nice that upstairs apartment is." "Will it be available soon?" "Are you interested, Detective O'Bannon?" "Call me Irish." "The neighborhood will be so much safer" "With a police officer living in the building." "Why don't you stop in again after we've cleaned up?" "You know how messy these young people are." "Thanks, I will." "We didn't even have to run an ad this time." "(Laughing)" "*" "*"