The Tunnel - Episode 1
by Violetta Rand
Allison. I need you to listen to everything I say.
Who is this?
I don’t recognize your number.
It’s Jake.
I don’t know a Jake.
It doesn’t matter.
You’re in danger.
Don’t get on the platform.
What platform?
The one where you wait for the train every morning.
I’m going to ignore your texts. And if you contact me again…
Please!
This isn’t a prank.
You ride the DeKalb Street train.
So do I.
So you’re stalking me???
No.
I’m protecting you.
Please. Follow my instructions.
And what if I don’t?
Then you could get hurt.
I don’t want that to happen, Allison.
WTF?
I’m not going to hurt you, Allison.
But someone else might.
There’s a bomb on the platform.
What???
Allison hears a car door slam and nervously looks around the busy street.
How do you know?
Did you plant it?
Please, I don't have time to explain.
I promise I will when there's time and you're safe.
Why should I trust you?
Because I care enough to help you.
Do you know how many psychos are in the city?
Exactly.
Excuse me?
All the more reason for you to listen to me.
Allison starts down the subway stairs.
Allison. Don’t go down there.
Leave me alone.
I can’t do that.
Pick another woman to stalk.
Stop. Turn around.
Allison? Are you there?
Allison?
What?
Please trust me.
Allison takes the last stair and edges out of the way of the high-pedestrian traffic.
I’m here.
Where?
Standing at the bottom of the stairs.
Please. Go back up.
But my train will be coming soon.
No. That train is never going to come.
You’re scaring me.
Good.
That’s messed up.
Not if it makes you think.
Not if it keeps you safe.
Jake. Is that your real name?
Yes.
Jake. Stop texting me.
I’m going to pretend this never happened.
You can’t do that.
Why not?
Because in the back of your mind, you know you believe me.
No. You’re screwing with me.
And if that’s what you wanted—
Congrats. It worked.
Allison heads for the platform.
Her cellphone vibrates again and again.
Damn it, Allison.
Stop!
This isn’t a prank.
I can see you now.
Jake is hidden in a tactical location where he can see the stairs but can’t reveal himself.
What???
You’re wearing a black wool coat.
Black heels.
Your hair is down today.
Blonde hair.
Blue eyes.
Beautiful smile.
I haven’t been smiling.
You did yesterday.
WTF?
You were here yesterday?
Every day.
Now do you believe me?
That’s sick.
Is it?
We ride the same train.
But I’m not a stalker.
OK. Then you’re an asshole.
I understand how freaked out you are.
Show yourself.
If you’re really here.
I can’t.
Why not?
We’re wasting precious time.
How did you get my number?
Your bag.
It says where you work.
I told your secretary I wanted to buy a house and she gave me your cell number.
Allison looks at her work bag.
Crowe and Farrington Realty.
Shit!
Will you listen now?
Please. Stop.
Fuck!
What?
Allison.
Get out of the way!
Why?
What’s happening?
Jake???
Are you there?
I’m here.
In about thirty seconds, there’s going to be a stampede.
I want you to turn left.
Now!
Should I take the stairs? Go back to ground level?
No. Turn left into the tunnel.
Allison hears screams coming from the direction of the platform.
She follows Jake’s instructions.
She enters a dark tunnel that she never knew existed.
OK, I did what you said.
Walk faster.
Go!
Don’t look back.
No one should be in the tunnel.
How do you know so much about this place?
I work for the city.
In what capacity?
We can talk about it later.
I need answers.
Not now.
Stop at the first door.
I see it.
There’s a light underneath it.
Oh my god.
What?
I can hear people screaming on the platform.
Running.
This is real?
Do you believe me now?
Yes.
Good.
Open the door.
It’s locked.
Bang on the door.
No one is there!
Alright. Give me a second.
OK.
Jake!!!
Now I hear gunshots coming from the tunnel entrance.
Where are you?
I just heard another shot.
And I can’t get the door open.
Jake? What should I do?
Jake???
I’m here.
Don’t be afraid.
I’m with you.
The shots are coming from outside the tunnel.
The sound echoes below ground.
I can’t breathe.
Yes, you can.
Take a deep breath.
Everything is going to be okay.
Why can’t you be here?
I’ll find you soon.
For now, listen.
Please.
No! More shots!
Follow the tracks, Allison.
What?
I want you to jump onto the tracks.
I can’t.
You could die now.
Just do it.
There’s a ladder near the door.
Allison looks around in the dim light.
There are disused tracks below.
Alongside the tracks is a walkway that disappears deeper inside the dark tunnel.
Look for it.
Where?
A few yards from the door you tried to open.
That’s a maintenance office.
Focus, Allison.
The ladder.
Do you see it?
Yes. I think so.
Put the phone in your pocket.
Put it on silent mode.
Then climb down.
Check your cell afterward.
But I’m afraid of heights!
Focus.
I’ll try.
Good. Go.
Allison stashes her phone in her pocket.
She’s ready to go.
But she hesitates at the ladder.
Allison?
It’s taking too long!
What happened?
Where are you?
Allison???
Allison takes her phone from her pocket.
Jake?
I’m here. Did you climb down?
No.
Why not?
I can’t do it. I’m sorry.
I don’t understand.
I told you: I’m afraid of heights.
OK.
We can do this together.
Clear your mind.
That’s impossible right now.
Take a deep breath.
My heart is racing.
Remember, concentrate.
OK.
Imagine that the ladder is a staircase.
But it’s not.
It is.
The ladder is a staircase.
Good.
Now take the first step.
Slow and easy.
Allison awkwardly descends, keeping the phone in her left hand.
As her foot hits the third rung, she slips and falls.
Allison?
Where are you?
Jake.
I slipped.
Are you hurt?
I don’t know.
Can you move?
I think so.
Let me get up.
It hurts.
What hurts?
My left ankle.
Can you walk?
I’ll walk. I’ll crawl.
Whatever I need to do to get out of here.
App