HECKLE by Larry Chartrand

Page 1

INT. CEO INTRODUCES THE NEW ASSISTANT TO DIRECTOR OF
ADVERTISING – MORNING
ANN JIDE (38), long bleach blonde hair, face powdered and
heavy makeup sits at her office desk. She is wearing a
frilly pink blouse and black skirt that reaches just below
her knees. On the wall to the left of her desk is a full
length mirror. On the other side of the desk stands a stout
man and a woman.
ANN
Ohh good morning Charlie. You never
mentioned that you would be out so
early this morning. Especially
after you were out so late last
night.
Ann smiles and primps her hair, quickly glancing at the
side mirror. She rearranges her top.
CHARLES (51), a stout man with broad shoulders is dressed
semi casual. He has blue jeans, a red buttoned up long
sleeved shirt. The top button is undone and the lower
buttons threaten to pop off because of his beer belly. A
black tie hangs loosely around his neck. His graying hair
is slicked back and combed slightly to one side.
CHARLES
I was in bed early. I’m here to
introduce Clara. She will be your
new assistant. I hope she pans out
better than the last three that
went through here.
ANN
Well she can’t be any worse!
CLARA (45), is a tall redhead. Her shoulder length hair
flips out slightly. She is neatly dressed in a yellow top
and black knee length skirt. She has a red bandana pulling
back her auburn hair.
CLARA
I’m very excited about this new
position. I will do my best at
everything.
CHARLES
Well, I’ll leave you two alone.
Welcome aboard Clara. See you later Ann

Page 2

Charles looks at Ann’s reflection in the mirror as she
swings her head and flips her hair back. She stares at him
in the mirror and smiles back. He turns and leaves the
office.
FADE

INT. ANN LAYS OUT THE RULES OF CONDUCT. – LATER
Ann is at her desk. She picks up the phone.
ANN
Clara come to my office. I want to
tell you what’s expected of you.
She looks in the mirror and rearranges her clothes and
applies some gloss over her lipstick. Clara walks in.
ANN (CONT’D)
Shut the door. Staff is so nosey
here.
Clara shuts the door and sits down across the desk from
Ann.
ANN (CONT’D)
Everything that we talk about is to
be completely confidential. Don’t
talk to anyone about anything. It’s
none of their business. The girl
before you started talking to
others and it turned into a total
disaster. I refuse to go through
that again. Follow the rules and
you’ll keep your job! That’s all.
You can leave now. I have work to
do.
Clara gets up and leaves the office with a mystified look
on her face.
CUT
INT. DIRECTOR’S OFFICE – ONE WEEK LATER
Ann is sitting at her desk. She is facing the mirror
admiring herself. Clara walks to the door.

Page 3

CLARA
Excuse me Ann. Could I have a
moment with you.
ANN
You can see that I am busy, but
you’re here now, so go ahead.
CLARA
I’ve gone through all the accounts
and I feel ready to take a few of
them on.
ANN
I don’t want things screwed up by a
rookie. Ask Joan if she has
anything that she needs help with.
Like maybe answering her phone.
She grimaces, looks down at her desk and shakes her head in
bewilderment. Clara walks out.
CUT
INT. DINING TABLE IS SET WITH FOOD. CLARA AND HER HUSBAND
ARE EATING – EVENING
A man and Clara are sitting at a wooden dining table.
Dinner is on the table. Dinner plates, napkins, and
silverware are set in front of each of them. They are
sitting facing each other.
CLARA
My new boss is very unpredictable.
She says I’m doing fine, then in
the next comment makes me feel
totally inadequate. She is very
belittling to every one, except
with Charles, the company
president.
GEORGE (55), gray wavy hair, is clean shaven except for a
full mustache. Looks attentively at Clara. His face shows
concern and compassion.
GEORGE
Maybe it’s a temporary thing. You
know we all have good days.. and
bad.

Page 4

CLARA
But this has been ongoing for over
a month. It’s not just with me. She
attacks everyone else too in the
same manner.
Clara looks down at her plate. She plays with her food
using her spoon and then takes a bite.
FADE
INT. HECKLE DEMONSTRATES MORE JECKLE AND HYDE SPLIT
PERSONALITY TRAITS – AFTERNOON
Receptionist desk is in the foreground. At some distance in
the background are two offices. Each has opaque glass along
the front revealing only obscured silhouettes of the
interior furniture. The doors are closed.
JOAN (25) short brown curly hair. She wears square lens
glasses slightly down on her nose. She is sitting at the
desk. To the right is an attendance board with employees’
names on magnets. The telephone rings and she picks it up,
pulling a note pad toward her.
JOAN
Good afternoon, advertising
department, how may I direct your
call?
The door to one office in the background opens and Ann
walks out. She walks noisily toward the reception desk. Her
high heels cracking on the tile floor.
ANN
This is no place for casual
personal calls. You know that the
Manager and C.E.O. watch you all
the time. You’re going to get us
all in trouble. Do your job like
you’re supposed to.
JOAN
Thank you sir. I will relay the
message as soon as he returns from
lunch.
She writes the message on her pad and hangs up the phone.

Page 5

ANN
I’m not blind and I’m not stupid.
Not for one minute can you pull the
wool over my eyes. Stop wasting
company time.
(she pauses for a minute
then shouts)
Now!
LYNETTE (30) Blonde hair in a ponytail, walks up to the
reception desk. She is removing her flowery pink and yellow
jacket, revealing a blue turtleneck sweater.
ANN (CONT’D)
Ohh… My…. God !
She eyes Lynette up and down, and grimaces.
ANN (CONT’D)
Is it raining out? You look like a
rainbow. How can you even come to
work dressed like that?
She turns and stomps back to her office.
CUT
EXT. SCENE TO SHOW TIME LAPSE – WEEKS LATER
Clara is at her desk reading through some papers that are
on her desk. Ann walks in and stands there with her hands
on her hips.
ANN
You’re doing a great job Clara.
You are so organized and you
remember the smallest details. You
save me so much time.
Ann smiles, then quickly becomes serious again.
CLARA
Well thanks Ann. I really like my
job.
ANN
There’s going to be an election by
the board and employees to vote
another 3 years for president. You
had better vote for Charles. Our
(MORE)

ANN (Cont’d)
job security could be affected if
he doesn’t return elected
president.
Clara twitches her shoulder and neck to the right. She rubs
her neck as Ann walks away.
FADE
INT. CLARA IS SITTING ALONE IN THE COFFEE ROOM. – SEVERAL
WEEKS LATER
Clara is sitting alone in the coffee room. She has a coffee
in front of her. Steam rises from the cup. She picks up the
cup and blows the steam away. She takes a sip. Orange peels
lay on a paper towel to the left of her on the table.
Segments of oranges are to the right. Ann walks in. She has
several sheets of paper in her left hand.
ANN
This whole agreement is wrong.
Totally wrong.
Ann slaps the papers with the back of her right hand,
making a loud smack. Clara twitches her shoulder and neck
to the right.
CLARA
You showed me what you wanted. I
did it precisely the way you wanted
and then you looked at them and
signed them. You watched me put
them in the mail bag.
ANN
No ! No! I did not approve what you
mailed off.
Ann slaps the papers again.
CLARA
You did approve what I put in the
bag.
ANN
What on earth is the matter with
your memory? I constantly must
check everything that you do. There
are far too many mistakes. You
(MORE)
7.
ANN (Cont’d)
haven’t done a single thing right
since you started here. I’d be
better off doing the whole job
myself. These screw ups will reach
board level, I assure you.
Joan walks into the coffee room. Clara remains seated as
Ann stomps out.
FADE
INT. RECEPTIONIST SITS IN MANAGER’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Joan is sitting in the manager’s office. Across the desk
from her is Luther.
LUTHER (50) is wearing a business suit. He has a full head
of dark brown hair. He is wearing a flowery neck tie. His
actions display a debonair character.
LUTHER
I can’t divulge much here, but you
know some of this already. In the
past four years we have had two
department assistants quit because
of similar problems that are
affecting you now. All were created
by the same person. The pattern
follows. They went on stress leave,
then tried their best to cope with
the situation.
JOAN
Well I’m ready to get back to work.
But I don’t want any contact from
Ann in my workplace.
LUTHER
The others that I’m talking about
tried their best to cope with her
but finally went to work elsewhere.
Our hands are tied. She operates
within the human rights guidelines.
She is in good with the president.
She survives and keeps her job.
They fell by the wayside.
8.
JOAN
Just assure me that you will keep
her away from me.

LUTHER
I can’t guarantee that one hundred percent, but I will try my best. Just bear with us until we can sort this out. I admit, it doesn’t look look good for the company as a whole.
Joan fumbles with some papers. She stands up and stretches her hand across the desk. She drops an envelope in front of Luther.
JOAN
I fully understand. Please try to understand it from my point of view too.
She turns and walks out the door.
CUT

INT. RECEPTIONIST QUITS IN TEARS – CONTINUOUS
Joan has tears welling up in her eyes. She pours herself a coffee and sits down across from Clara. Clara looks at her.
CLARA
What on earth is the matter with you? Your day must be even worse than mine.
Joan wipes a tear from her eyes.
JOAN
I just handed Luther my resignation. I can’t cope with Ann any longer. They can’t contain her, so I am forced to leave to keep my own sanity.
FADE

INT. CLARA IS IN HER OFFICE. THE CLOCK READS 9 A.M – MORNING
Clara is sitting at her desk reviewing some papers. Ann barges in unannounced.
ANN
I want you to take your coffee breaks at precisely the time that I tell you. There is too much gossip going on in that coffee room. Now we are being watched by upper management. I don’t know what you said to whom, but it has to stop. When the others are done their break then I will send you in for yours. No more breaks while the rest of the office is taking theirs.
Clara twitches her left shoulder and her neck.
ANN (CONT’D)
And you booked off sick on Monday. Management and the C.E.O. were talking about you. They watch for things like that. Booking off sick on Fridays or Mondays, just to get a three day weekend. How do you think that makes our department look?
Ann turns on her heels and walks out, without waiting for an answer.
CUT

INT. SMALL BRIGHTLY LIT DOCTOR’S OFFCE – DAY
Clara is sitting on a chair in a small brightly lit room. Medical apparatus is hanging on the walls. Clara’s elbow rests on an examination bed that has a white paper covering. There is a knock on the door, followed by a tall dark skinned man walking into the tiny cubicle.
DOCTOR (45), Has thick dark glasses, resting on the mid portion of his nose. His black curly hair accents the white smock that he is wearing. A stethoscope dangles from his neck.
DOCTOR
Hello Clara. I’ve got good news.
(The doctor stretches out his hand to greet Clara)
The Mentastic exam that I requested done to test your memory came back confirming no abnormalities in your brain function.
The doctor sits down on a stool, and looks at Clara. Clara shows signs of relief at the good news.
DOCTOR (CONT’D)
Any problems that may be occurring could be caused by job stress.
(The doctor peers at Clara)
You seriously need to consider your continued employment under this individual. Anything else That you have going on?
Clara reaches her right hand up to her left collarbone area. She pulls her yellow t-shirt down slightly.
CLARA
I have this bump on my collarbone, and I’m wanting to know why.
DOCTOR
Hmmm. Let me see that please.
(The doctor feels Clara’s collarbone.)
The constant flexing of your neck and shoulder for stress relief could cause this type of protrusion. In time it may recede slightly, but it is a permanent disfigurement. I’m putting you on sick leave for a month.
The doctor pulls out a pad and begins to write. Clara displays grave concern. Her brow furrows, as she gazes at the floor.
CLARA
Ohhh. My gosh ! My sick leave and vacation time runs out in 3 weeks.
DOCTOR
Well give yourself a break.
Clara takes the note. She stands up and smiles at the doctor. The doctor opens the door for her to exit.
CLARA
Yes I will. Thank you.
Clara walks out of the doctor’s office.
CUT

INT. LARGE PLATE GLASS WINDOWS REVEAL LARGE TREES IN
OUTDOOR ATRIUM – AFTERNOON
The open door to a bright sunny office reads. C.E.O.
Bonnie. The glare of the sun washes out the last name.
Lynette is sitting with her back to the door facing an
office desk.
BONNIE (52), is wearing a Burgundy turtle neck sweater. Her
brown shoulder length hair is accented with blue and
Burgundy hair extensions. She is leaning back in her swivel
chair. She slowly taps her chin with the end of a silver
pen. The company logo is clearly visible. “We Aim To
Please”
LYNETTE
I know that you did what you could
when you arranged intervention to
work out my relationship struggles
with Ann. For a period of time it
actually improved. I was
optimistic, but then it all slid
back to the same old harassment.
BONNIE
I agree. It is harassment, but
isn’t recognized by human rights
advocates.
LYNETTE
It is with regret that I give you
my resignation. I can no longer
work under this ongoing stress. You
did what you could. I appreciate
it, but it’s just not enough.
FADE
12.
INT. CLARA IS IN HER OFFICE. THE CLOCK READS 2 PM –
AFTERNOON
Clara is sitting at her desk. Her office door is closed.
She puts her head down on her open palms and begins to sob.
She raises her head and wipes the tears away with the back
of her right hand, then with the palm of her left hand. She
picks up the telephone and dials a number.
CUT
INT. HUSBAND IS AT HOME ON COMPUTER TYPING – CONTINUOUS
Home office is set up with several monitors. George is
sitting typing at the keyboard. A coffee cup sits at the
right of his desk. The telephone rings. He reaches to his
left and picks up the receiver,
GEORGE
Hello
(He hesitates briefly)
You don’t sound so good. What’s
going on?
(He hesitates again)
Well Ann heckles everyone.
George listens intently. He rolls his eyes.
GEORGE (CONT’D)
Book off sick right now. The doctor
already told you to anyways. We
will work out the finances. Don’t
worry about that. Tell whoever, and
come home right now. Please do it.
George hangs up the phone.
CUT
INT. LUTHER POPS IN ON CLARA – CONTINUOUS
Clara is sitting at her desk. She hangs up the phone. She
begins to sob again. There is a knock on her door. She
quickly wipes away the tears.

CLARA
Come in.
Luther frames the doorway as he opens the door. He shows
concern.
LUTHER
Having another bad day Clara?
CLARA
Yes Luther. A very bad day!
Clara takes a piece of paper and presents it to Luther. He
walks up to her desk and takes it.
CLARA (CONT’D)
Luther, I’m going home for the
remainder of the day. I’m too
distraught from terrible treatment
by Ann.
LUTHER
Okay Clara, I understand. I’ll see
you tomorrow then. Take care.
Luther walks to his office with a note in his hand. Clara
gets up and walks toward Ann’s office.
CUT
INT. CLARA WALKS UP TO ANN’S DESK. – CONTINUOUS
Clara gives a note to Ann. Ann takes the note and without
reading it, puts it aside. Ann continues to review
documents that are stacked on her desk.
CLARA
I’m taking the remainder of the day
as sick time because of your
behavior toward me this morning.
I’m too distraught to work.
Ann turns toward the mirror and fluffs her hair.
ANN
These files here will need to be
updated. Get them done and return
them to me before the end of the
day.
14.
CLARA
Ann. I said I’m going home. I don’t
understand why you think that you
can treat me this way.
Ann again turns toward the mirror. She turns her face to
reflect , first one side of her face and then the other.
Clara turns and walks out of Ann’s office.
FADE
INT. CLARA IS IN HER OFFICE. THE CLOCK READS 10 AM – THE
NEXT DAY
Clara is sitting at her office desk, reviewing papers. Ann
walks in without knocking.
ANN
Luther said that you went home sick
yesterday. Why didn’t you inform
me?
Clara kinks her neck and shuffles her shoulders.
CLARA
I gave you the note personally and
also told you when I went to your
office.
Ann shakes her head vigorously, in disagreement.
ANN
You just think that you gave me a
note. I heard nothing of the sort.
Well just get caught up with the
things that I need done.
Ann turns on her heel and leaves Clara’s office.
FADE
INT. CLARA IS AT HER OFFICE DESK TALKING ON THE PHONE –
AFTERNOON
Clara is sitting at her desk talking on the telephone.
15.
The clock behind her reads twenty five minutes past three.
Ann walks in and stands within hearing distance.
CLARA
I can drop by your office first
thing tomorrow morning, if that
works for you.
Ann waves her arms vigorously.
ANN
No ! Tell them I want to be there
also. Ask them what other time is
suitable.
CLARA
Ann informs me that….
(Ann waves her hands
frantically.)
Ohhh hold on one moment please.
ANN
I’ll go see the client by myself.
You will just screw things up like
always.
ANN (CONT’D)
Just tell whoever that is, that I
want to speak to them right now.
Put the call through to my office.
Ann shakes her head and runs to her office. She shuts her
door.
CUT
INT. ANN INSTRUCTS CLARA TO ATTEND APPOINTMENT – MORNING
Ann is holding the telephone receiver in her right hand.
With her left hand she adjusts her blouse. She looks in the
mirror and smiles at herself.
ANN
Clara, I can’t make that meeting
appointment with the client that
you talked to yesterday. It’s in
ten minutes. We’re going to be late
for it. I want you to go instead.
So hurry up and get going. You can

(ANN (Cont’d)
handle it best anyway. It’s your
expertise area. Hurry. Go!
Ann hangs up the telephone. She looks in the mirror and
primps her hair. She smiles at herself again.

CUT
INT. CLARA ENTERS HER OFFICE. A STACK OF NEATLY FOLDED
CLOTHES SIT ON HER DESK – MORNING
Clara walks into her office. She turns the light on as she
removes her coat. A stack of neatly folded clothes are on
her desk. She picks up a note that sits on top. It reads:
Here are some clothes that I don’t wear anymore. We are
similar sizes and I’m sure that you can use them. I was
going to give them to ‘Goodwill’ anyway. The note is
signed, “Ann”. Clara smiles. She picks up a folder from her
file cabinet and walks over to Ann’s office.
CUT
INT. ANN IS SITTING AT HER DESK – MOMENTS LATER
Clara walks in to Ann’s office. She has a folder in hand.
Ann looks in her mirror and shifts around to look at Clara.
Clara is wearing a form fitting business jacket over a pale
blue ruffled blouse. Her dress pants are neatly pleated.
CLARA
Thanks for the beautiful clothes
Ann. I really appreciate it.
ANN
Ohh, it’s nothing much. I figured
that you could use them. You are
doing a great job lately too by the
way. You have brilliant ideas for
our department.
Ann eyes Clara up and down, examining her outfit. Clara
opens the folder and places it in front of Ann.
CLARA
I came up with a great idea for
this presentation that I’m working
on. I want to see what you think of
it.
17.
Clara smiles proudly at her achievement. Ann examines it.
She turns to the second page and then quickly flips it back
to the first page. She slams her ball point pen on the
desk.
ANN
This is not how I showed you to do
it. The indent line is moved over.
(Ann sighs)
Why do you always challenge how I
do things? Why? Why? Why?
(Ann’s voice rises in
tone and becomes louder
with each “Why”.)
She closes the folder, and pushes it back to Clara.
ANN
Just trash the whole thing. It’s
obvious that if I want something
done right, I have to do it myself.
Everything that you work on is
dumb.
Clara twitches her left shoulder and kinks her neck to one
side and then the other. She takes her folder and walks out
of Ann’s office.
CUT
INT. INSIDE HOME OFFICE TALKING IN THE TELEPHONE – THE NEXT
DAY
George is sitting in his office chair. He rests his elbow
on the arm of his black leather chair, as he holds the
phone to his ear.
GEORGE
As I was explaining to you. My wife
is severely harassed by her boss. I
need to know what legal action can
be taken.
George reaches forward and presses a button on the
telephone module. He places the receiver down and reclines
in his chair. He swivels slightly side to side as he rocks
gently back and forth. A female voice comes over the
speaker phone.
LAWYER
From what you have told me, there
is very little recourse under human
rights legislation. It’s a very
(MORE)
18.
LAWYER (Cont’d)
gray area. It does not fall under
the specific categories of race,
religion, political beliefs, or
color of skin. I will forward a
letter to the employer, requesting
a satisfactory solution.
George stiffens in his chair. He grabs a a pen and paper
and begins to write.
GEORGE
What options are you suggesting for
closure on this total nightmare?
LAWYER
I am going to request transfer of
your wife to a different department
where she will not be under this
person’s jurisdiction. Or…
There is a brief silence on the telephone.. George is
writing notes.
LAWYER
That direct communication between
this individual and your wife stop.
Meaning that all direction will go
through a third party.
George hunches over his desk slightly as he continues to
write.
GEORGE
You can order the employer to do
this right?
LAWYER
No. It is entirely at the
discretion of the employer. There
is nothing binding.
GEORGE
All voluntary action on their
behalf?
George frowns, then rolls his eyes in disbelief.
LAWYER
Yes. That is correct.
(MORE)
19.
LAWYER (Cont’d)
(brief silence)
My third recommendation would be a
severance package that terminates
your wife’s employment. I will
request six months of salary.
But….
(another brief moment of
silence)
I would advise her to accept three
months full salary if that is what
is counter offered.
GEORGE
It hardly seems fair. She’s the
victim and the perpetrator keeps
her job.
LAWYER
I will send the requisition letter
today.
GEORGE
Ok, thanks.
George disconnects the telephone call.
FADE

INT. A LARGE ROOM WITH A LONG OVAL DARK MAHOGANY TABLE.
LEATHER CHAIRS BORDER THE OUTER PERIMETER. – EVENING
Thirteen members sit around the table. They are well
dressed. Six are women of various age. The other seven are
men. Charles is seated at the head of the table.
CHARLES
Members of the board. We have a
light agenda tonight, although the
topics to be discussed and agreed
upon are heavy on my mind.
(He looks down at his
agenda)
We have a legal letter from an
employee’s lawyer. I will pass it
around so that every one can read
it. It will be brought up for final
discussion early next week.
20.
Charles looks at the letter. He closes his eyes and shakes
his head and purses his lips, displaying his opposition to
the contents. He slides the letter to a lady on his
immediate left.
CHARLES (CONT’D)
Next we are here to be informed of
the newly elected board that will
transition next week also. I expect
to be back in this chair. Ann has
spoken kindly to all of you
regarding that.
Charles adjusts the collar of his business suit, then
straightens his tie and smiles at each member of the board.
CHARLES (CONT’D)
No else can work so cooperatively
with Ann as I do. What can I say?
Charles hesitates for a moment. He scans the room and then
maintains his eyes on the person that is currently reading
the legal letter.
CHARLES
Let’s move on with tonight’s
business.
FADE
INT. CLARA IS SITTING AT HER DESK IN HER OFFICE. BRIGHT SUN
SHINING IN HER FACE – MORNING
Clara is at her desk. Bright morning sun is shining on her
face. complimenting her complexion with a warm glow. Her
red hair glistens in the sunlight. There is a knock at her
opened office door. Two men are standing in the doorway.
LUTHER
Good morning Clara. I want to
introduce you to our newly elected
President. He will take over from
Charles.
WESLEY (63) has bushy grey hair. He is a tall slim man with
deep set blue eyes. His face displays dimples through the
lines of his smile. He is wearing a dark blue pin striped
suit, a pale blue shirt and a decorative tie.
21.
WESLEY
Hello Clara. Bonnie and Luther tell
me that you are doing a fantastic
job. Nice to meet you.
LUTHER
Wesley has been with us for thirty
years, working behind the scene in
charge of finances and logistics.
(He pauses for a brief
moment)
We will let you get back to your
work. Have a good day.
They smile at Clara and turn from the doorway and disappear
around the corner.
FADE
INT. CLARA IS SITTING AT THE KITCHEN TABLE. BONNIE AND
WESLEY FLANK EACH SIDE – EVENING
Clara is sitting at the kitchen table. Bonnie and Wesley,
the new president are seated to each side of her. They have
coffee mugs in front of them. At center table is a sugar
bowl, creamer and some home made cookies.
BONNIE
We received a letter from your
lawyer. I’ve talked to Wesley about
this at great length. Quite frankly
we want you to stay. That’s why we
came to see you at home.
Clara listens attentively. Wesley takes a sip of his coffee
and then puts his cup down.
WESLEY
Under our company Policy, Procedure
and Safety Manual, in the code of
ethics it says that all employees
have a duty to create a wholesome
atmosphere by working in harmony
with their fellow employees in
spite of differences of opinion
which might arise from time to
time.
BONNIE
Now…. we can’t promise to keep
(MORE)

22.
BONNIE (Cont’d)
Ann away from you. You are her
assistant. Having said that, we are
doing all we can to change her
behavior toward all the employees.
Bonnie takes a sip of coffee. Clara nods her head,
acknowledging the efforts that are taking place. Wesley
takes a bite of cookie and then wipes his lips on a napkin.

WESLEY
Under Workplace Violence Policy,
the definition of violence is…
Wesley picks up a thin manual. He reaches into the pocket
of his dark blue vest and pulls out a pair of reading
glasses. He pushes the glasses high on his nose, then opens
the manual to a bookmarker.
Violence. The threatened, attempted
or actual conduct of a person that
causes or is likely to cause
physical or emotional injury.
Violent behaviors include but are
not limited to physical assault or
aggression, unsolicited and
unwelcome conduct, comment,
gesture, or contact which causes
offence or humiliation and harm to
any individual which creates fear
or mistrust, or which comprises and
deviates the individual.

BONNIE
Now… None of this kind of
behavior is sufficient grounds for
dismissal. We do assure you that we
will continue to work with Ann to
change her ways.
Bonnie and Wesley simultaneously pick up their coffee mugs
and sip their coffee. Clara again nods her head, then
shrugs her shoulders. Wesley looks around the room.
WESLEY
You have a nice humble little abode
here. Very nicely decorated. How
long have you lived here now?
The conversation fades.
FADE
23.
INT. ANN IS SITTING IN C.E.O.’S OFFICE FACING THE NEW
PRESIDENT AND C.E.O. – AFTERNOON
Ann is sitting with her back to the C.E.O.’s door. It is
shut, and the blind is pulled down across the door window.
Across the desk from her is the C.E.O. and new president.
Ann fidgets in the chair as Bonnie and Wesley talk to her.
WESLEY
In light of everything that has
transpired over the last few years,
with us losing so many employees
that have been working under you,
Bonnie has some recommendations for
you.
Ann looks down at her dress pants and brushes a piece of
lint that has floated down from the direction of Wesley.
She rolls her eyes.
BONNIE
For you to maintain your current
position, the new Board is
recommending that you enroll in an
anger management program. In
addition to that we have arranged
for counselling in workplace
bullying. I hope that you can
agree, otherwise you risk a
demotion.
Ann flings her hands into the air. Her face flares to a
deep red. She stomps her right foot on the tiled floor.
ANN
Ewww! That sneaky assistant of
mine. I knew it.
(Ann takes a deep breath
and screams loudly)
I knew it! I’m firing her.
Ann points her index finger at Bonnie.
ANN (CONT’D)
That is so unfair. I come in early
every morning. I call clients in
the evening after my day’s done.
Never a word of thanks from
anybody.
(MORE)
24.
ANN (CONT’D) (Cont’d)
(Ann takes a deep breath and
shouts)
From nobody! And now this? It’s so
unfair. And Clara wants six months
of severance pay. For what? Yeah !
For not being able to do her job.
Freeloading from day one.
Ann turns to look at Wesley. She shakes her index finger
from side to side. She extends her neck toward Wesley, at
the same time she leans forward in her chair.
ANN (CONT’D)
No. Charlie would have never let
this happen to me. You wait until I
tell him about this. Just you wait!
Ann leans back hard into her chair. She looks down at her
pale yellow blouse. She calmly picks another piece of dark
blue lint off of her blouse.
ANN (CONT’D)
And that’s not all. What about all
the times….
The conversation fades ….Closing credits roll across the
screen as the conversation carries on inaudibly.
FADE

THE END