Eric sits in his office, covered in red decorative wallpaper and pirate-themed merchandise, paintings and photos of ships, a black flag with a skull and crossbone design. He's reclining in his swivel chair wearing a swashbuckler's hat and looking at scans of the day's paper on his computer. He looks at the time, it reads "4:16." Eric reaches for the intercom to contact Sydney, his finger stops just before it pushes the button. He stands up, walks to the door and opens it. He looks at her for a moment before speaking.

ERIC
Sydney.

Sydney turns to him.

SYDNEY
Yes, Mr. Westward?

ERIC
Any word from my 4 'o clock?

SYDNEY
No, sir. Would you like me to call him to reschedule?

ERIC
Yes, please-

Eric breathes in heavily.

ERIC (cont'd.)
Say, since I'm not doing anything and I know that means you aren't doing anything. What say we go out and grab a bite, coffee maybe?

Sydney smiles brightly.

SYDNEY
Sure! I'd love to! Just let me call Ms. Fret and we can go.

ERIC
I think Gabriel is a boy's name.

SYDNEY
Oh. Aren't I embarrassed!

ERIC
Not like he can hear you, right?

Sydney looks in Eric's book of appointments.

SYDNEY
I'm not finding a phone number or any information other than his name.

Erick walks over to Sydney and looks at the books.

ERIC
Did you put this appointment down?

SYDNEY
I didn't. I would have gotten his information.

ERIC
Must be Eli or another one of those Assholes then. Alright. Let me shut off my computer and we can-

Eric spots what seems to be a shadow in the corner of his eye, it's going into his office. It completely snatches all of his attention.

SYDNEY
Are you OK?

Eric snaps back to attention.

ERIC
Yeah, I'll be back in a few.

Eric slowly walks back to his office, he walks in and spots a slightly shorter-than-average man sitting in a chair by his desk, nude. This is GABRIEL FRET.

ERIC
Um. Are you looking for your parents?

GABRIEL
I'm twenty.

He has an English accent.

ERIC
Oh, then it's not weird that you're naked.

GABRIEL
I'm Gabriel Fret. Your four 'o clock.

ERIC
Right. I notice your accent and I'm curious. Is this the natural dress code for business meetings in...

GABRIEL
No, I just don't have clothes that can shift into a spectral state with me.

ERIC
... Me neither.

GABRIEL
Can I tell you a story? About why I'm sitting in front of you like this?

ERIC
Yeah, give me a minute, please. Just sit tight and make yourself at home. Just leave me at least one disinfectant wipe for the chair.

Eric gets up and goes to the door.

ERIC
Sydney.

Sydney excitedly turns to him.

ERIC
I'm going to take a bit longer than thought. I have something I forgot about that I have to catch up on. Just give me a bit, OK?

SYDNEY
Oh, sure. That's OK.

ERIC
Great. See you in a few!

Eric closes the door, Sydney looks down at her desk disappointed. Eric sits back down.

ERIC
Alright, question first. Who did you make your appointment with? Who set you up for this? Was it Eli?

GABRIEL
No, I scheduled the appointment myself. I've been here since last night. I thought you could help me, Volpone.

Surprised, Eric raises an eyebrow.

ERIC
What are you talking about?

GABRIEL
I followed one of your robots. I know that they're yours.

Eric is speechless.

GABRIEL
Don't worry, I don't want to tell anyone. I want you to help me.

ERIC
Blackmail?

GABRIEL
No, I want to help people and since you know how to design all of these robots and gadgets you might be able to assist me in that.

ERIC
What do you mean help people?

GABRIEL
Well, I became this way-

Gabriel VANISHES, leaving only a translucent shadow, he then changes back.

GABRIEL (cont'd.)
On a trip to Greece, I bungee jumped into a cave and the cord snapped. I wounded my head at the bottom of the cavern. I became covered in black scabs and when they chipped off I could switch between this and the spectral state.

ERIC
I see...

GABRIEL
I was using it for... certain things. When I noticed a girl being mugged, I tried to help but I was just too scared to return to normal and do anything.

ERIC
And you want what from me?

GABRIEL
A weapon and clothes that will change with me so I don't always have to strip down before.

ERIC
Right. I guess I could try. But no guarantees. So is the secret of Volpone safe with you?

GABRIEL
Sure. Sure.

ERIC
But let me ask, why weren't you on time for the meeting if you were in the building?

GABRIEL
I was watching your secretary. She's quite the looker if I do say so myself.

ERIC
(beat)
Thanks. As you know, I've got an appointment to keep.

GABRIEL
I don't know that.

ERIC
You were right there listening.

GABRIEL
I can't hear when I'm in that state. The air around me doesn't vibrate, so I can't hear or speak. But light effects me, I can still see.

ERIC
Oh. Well, I've a lunch date with my secretary so come back another time and we can work on getting you your gear, OK? I can work on the clothes but we'll see soon enough whether or not I trust you enough to give you a weapon.

GABRIEL
Great, thank you very much. You can trust me.

ERIC
We'll see.

GABRIEL
Thanks for your time.

ERIC
Thanks for yours.

Gabriel returns to a spectral state and Eric watches the shadow leave his office. He shuts off his computer and walks out to Sydney.

ERIC
Let's go.

FADE IN:

David sits in his computer chair hunched over with his right arm across his knees supporting his face and in his left hand is his telephone.

ARTAUD
(In phone)
Hey, it's David. I've been-
(beat)
David Artaud and I've been trying to reach your office all day but I guess you're closed by now. I wanted to get you in person, but I guess I can leave a message. I slept through our appointment and I'd like to reschedule. I understand that i wasted your time and am more than willing to pay for both appointments. Please return my call I'll be here. Waiting. Thank you.

David hangs up his phone and places it on the desk, he sits back and spots Dr. Keller's pen. He picks it up and examines it with a puzzled look.

CUT TO:

David pokes around the outside of the office trying to peak into the windows, the blinds cover them all. He walks to the front door, turns the knob, it's unlocked. David closes his eyes and takes a deep breath before walking inside.

ARTAUD
Dr. Keller? Dr. Keller?

David opens the door to Dr. Keller's office, it's empty. He turns and walks toward the doorway. On the back of the front door there is a sticky note. It reads "OFFICE CLOSET, DAVID." He crumbles it up and puts it in his pocket. David's eyes have begun to get red and tear up as he walks toward the closet. Before opening it he turns around and leaves.

CUT TO:

David walks in looking extremely desperate. He finds a trashcan and drops the piece of paper into it. He looks around until he spots an orderly. He nervously wipes the sweat from his forehead and tears from his eyes and approaches him.

ORDERLY
Can I help you?

ARTAUD
Yes. What do i have to do-
(beat)
I'd like to check myself in.

FADE OUT.