Text: Soundtrack Artists. The House On Sunset (exterior).

(The house, ghostly in the moonlight. To begin with, the stage is empty, then JOE appears, moving across the patio. As a certain point, HE's startled, as MAX glides out through the French doors to intercept him.)

MAX
Where have you been?

JOE
Out. I assume I can go out when I feel like it.

MAX
Madame is quite agitated. Earlier this evening, she wanted you for something and you could not be found.

JOE
Well, that's tough.

MAX
I don't think you understand, Mr. Gillis. Madame is extremely fragile. She has moments of melancholy. There have been suicide attempts.

JOE
Why? Because of her career? She's done well enough. Look at all the fan mail she gets every day.

MAX
I wouldn't look too closely at the postmarks if I were you.

JOE

You mean you write them?

MAX
Will you be requiring some supper this evening, sir?

JOE
No. And Max?

MAX
Yes, sir?

JOE
Who the hell do you think you are, Bringing my stuff up from my apartment without consulting me? I have a life of my own - now you're telling me I'm supposed to be a prisoner here.

(MAX considers him for a moment, his eye cold.)

MAX
I think, perhaps, sir, you will have to make up your mind to abide by the rules of this house. That is, if you want the job.

(HE turns; the house swallows him up and HE disappears as abruptly as HE materialized. JOE stands for a moment, perplexed; then he proceeds on his way up the wooden staircase towards his room above the garage.)