A Locomotive For Murder

Cindy Boards

EXT. LAST CAR - DAY

Cindy, outside of the moving train, struggles to open the door.  After some difficulty she opens it and enters the train.

INT. LAST CAR

Cindy takes a seat near the back.  The car is sparsely populated with passengers.

CINDY’S POV

Looking down the length of the car, Cindy sees a uniformed TICKET CHECKER stooped over a family sitting near the front.

TICKET CHECKER

Tickets, please.

The FATHER hands the tickets to the Ticket Checker, who inspects them.  The checker nods and continues his way back.

BACK TO SCENE

Cindy shrinks in her seat.  Before long, the looming presence of the Ticket Checker appears with an outstretched hand.

TICKET CHECKER

Ticket, please.

CINDY

What do you mean?

TICKET CHECKER

I mean that if you want to stay on the train you’ve got to have a ticket.

CINDY

(friendly)

But I showed you my ticket.  I was sitting up in the very front car.  Surely you remember.

TICKET CHECKER

No, ma’am.  I’m afraid I don’t.

CINDY

I just took a little walk.  To stretch my legs.  I just sat down here for a little rest.

TICKET CHECKER

Well, surely you must have the ticket stub.

CINDY

It’s up in the front.  With my baggage.

TICKET CHECKER

(suspiciously)

Is that so?

CINDY

Oh, yes.  I’ve got a lot of baggage!

TICKET CHECKER

Well, we’re just going to have to take a little walk and you can show me.

CINDY

Do we have to?

TICKET CHECKER

I’m afraid so, ma’am.

He helps her out of her seat.  They walk to the front of the car.  The ticket checker opens the door.

EXT. BETWEEN CARS

The countryside rolls along in the b.g.  Cindy waits for the Ticket Checker to open the door to the next car.  She points off into the distance.

CINDY

Oooh, look!  What kind of cow do you suppose that is?

The Ticket Checker turns to look, leaning over the railing.

TICKET CHECKER

I don’t see any cow.

Cindy puts her hand on his back.

CINDY

You’re not looking hard enough!  Let me help you.

She gives him a mighty shove.  He falls over the railing.

TICKET CHECKER

(falling)

Jesus Christ!

He is gone.  Cindy watches for a moment.

CINDY

(chuckles to herself)

Tickets, please.

EXT. TRAIN TRACKS

The broken body of the Ticket Checker lies next to the tracks as the train rattles away.