Hah! Knew he’d have something.
(Pulls out the WATCH)
Nice work. Bet it keeps good time. Only fair I have it, really,
seeing how I saved him a
nd all—
He flips the lid open with a CLICK. The same tune JACK’S MOTHER sang begins to play, WARPED AND DISTORTED by its time under the water.
SECOND BOY
(Surprised)
I’n’t that pretty.
Jarred by the sound, JACK stirs.
JACK
(Hoarse)
Am I . . . alive?
SECOND BOY
(Terrified)
Sure you are, mister. Lucky to be so, too. That river’s a killer.
JACK
(To himself)
Alive.
He SCREAMS—a long, inarticulate howl of triumph, rage and despair. The watch’s lid SNAPS shut; the MUSIC CUTS OFF.
FADE UP: THE RIVER, over JACK’S scream, until it drowns him out.
TABLEAU FIVE: GENTLE MEDICINES
FADE INTO the NOISE OF A GURNEY, being wheeled quickly through the ECHOING HALLS of DR. PURL’S ASYLUM.
BOWKER
(Breathless)
Got his head?
LEAN
(Equally blown)
Just. Christ, this fucker’s strong!
(JACK BITES him)