(We open at Louie's. It's decorated with orange and black crepe paper. Sach, dressed as a clown in big shoes and a red squeaky nose, hangs paper bats and black cats. Butch, dressed in a fancy suit with sequins pasted on it, and Sally, who wears a velvet gown and a spray-painted gold cardboard crown with paste jewels, hang a banner that says "Happy Halloween!" in orange, black, and white, over the back booths.)

*Chuck, dressed as a biker in a leather jacket, white t-shirt, jeans, and boots, puts out a couple bowls of snacks. Whitey, dressed in his fortune teller/seance gear, puts out containers of cider. Slip supervises everything. He wears a long black cape with a high collar. His hair is completely slicked back, and his face is painted to look pale. He also wears a sleek black suit with a red cummerbund and red bow tie.*

Louie: (He wears his apron over his old Army uniform and walks out with a tray filled with pumpkin cookies and candies) Here's the last of the cookies, candy, and popcorn balls. I'm just glad the trick or treaters didn't eat them all! Weren't they so cute this year?

Sally: (Nods with a grin) I liked the little Minnie Mouse carrying her stuffed Minnie around.

Slip: I'm just glad Sach didn't eat the rest.

Sach: Sally said I couldn't have any of her pumpkin pie if I ate it all!

Slip: Cuz she's a smart lady.

Sally: That goes for all of you.

Chuck: *Puts his hands up* Wouldn't dream of it, Sally.

Butch: Chuck, how did you get Bobby Jordan to loan you his leather flight jacket? He loves that thing! If I touched it, he'd start threatening my fingers!

Chuck: *Grins* Bob has his own costume and wasn't using it. Let’s just say I'll be owing him for a while, but it's worth it. Plus, Slip threw in his two cents.

*Slip grins, showing off his fake fangs.*

Sally: (Kisses Slip) You're the best lookin' vampire I ever saw. Much better lookin' than Bela Lugosi in the old "Dracula" movie.

Slip: An' you have a gorgeous neck.

*Slip "attacks" Sally's neck, making slurpy noises.*

Sally: (Giggles) You tickle!

Louie: Now, now. The guests will be arriving soon.

Slip: Why do ya think I'm doin' this now?

Butch: Like they'll think that's anything out of the ordinary for those two.

Louie: (He opens the door to reveal several young men and women, including three familiar faces) Our first party-goers!

Buddy: (He wears a sheet) I am going to scare youuuu, Louie!

Junior: *Wears a baseball uniform* Hiya, Louie! *jerks a thumb at Buddy* Scary, ain't he?

Louie: (Shakes his head) I know his voice too well to be scared by him, Junior.

Buddy: (Pulls his sheet up) Awww! (He puts it down and goes over to Whitey. He taps him on the shoulder, then jumps at him.) Boo!

Whitey: *Grins* Glad to see ya made it, Buddy! Great ghost costume!

Buddy: How'd ya know it was me?

Whitey: I saw Junior and Scruno come in. *shrugs*

Scruno: *Has bolts in his neck* Can't you see he's a prophet?

*Whitey bows.*

*Cut to later. The party's in full swing. Some couples dance. Others sit at tables, chatting and eating.*

Sach: (He stands with Slip and Chuck. He's eating a bowl of ice cream) Sure looks like everyone's havin' fun, don't it?

Chuck: It sure does. This party was a great idea.

*Slip is staring at Sally.*

Sach: (Shoves his bowl under Slip's nose) Hey Chiefy, wanna try some of Louie's pumpkin ice cream? It's really good. Tastes like real pumpkin pie!

Chuck: *Shakes his head* Slip's gone.

*Slip doesn't hear Sach. He's still staring at Sally.*

Sach: (Shakes his head) He's so crazy about Sally. When do you think they're gonna get married?

Chuck: *Shrugs* I don't know. They're perfect for each other, but I'm not so sure that he actually wants to get married.

Sach: Maybe he'll be ready later. (Shrugs) I'd like to get married, when I found the right girl, but I ain't found her yet.

Chuck: *Claps Sach's shoulder* You will some day.

Louie: (He goes to the boys) I can't believe how much these people eat! We're almost out of pumpkin cookies and popcorn balls. Chuck, would you and Slip go in the back room and see if you can find the rest of the ones I made for the party?

Chuck: Sure, Louie. Maybe it'll bring Slip back to the land of the living.

Chuck: *Grabs Slip's arm* C'mon, love-struck. Let’s get Louie's food.

Slip: Huh?

Chuck: Louie needs snacks.

Slip: I'll help ya. *heads out first*

Chuck: Just like nothin' happened. *follows Slip out to the back room*

Sach: (Calls after them) Bring extras for me! (He runs into a tall young woman with long, dark, straight hair and a pale face in a tight black gown and witch's hat trimmed with netting and roses) Sorry, ma'am. (Gulps and hurries past her. She rolls her eyes and goes into the back room, following the two young men.)

Chuck: How ya likin' the party, Slip? *stacks a couple boxes of snacks*

Slip: It's great. *pauses* An' Sally's gorgeous...

Chuck: *Chuckles* That is exactly why I asked! You have been so gone the entire evening! Have you even noticed ANYTHING at the party?

Slip: *His blush is visible under the pale make-up* No, I haven't.

Chuck: Sorry, bro. I couldn't help myself. I had to point it out. It's really nice to see, y'know.

Slip: Yeah, yeah.

(The woman in the witch costume who passed Sach comes into the room. She smirks upon seeing Chuck and goes right over to him.)

Witch: Hello, handsome. Having fun?

Chuck: Um, hi, uh, yes, I am.

*Slip raises an eyebrow, glancing at them.*

Witch: You look so good in that jacket. I love men who look good in tight clothes. It makes them look so...young.

Chuck: *Blushes a little* Thank you, miss.

Witch: Esmerelda, dear boy. (Curtsies in an old-fashioned way.) Esmerelda Bram.

Chuck: Esmerelda. That's a really nice name. You have a great costume, too.

Witch: This old thing? I've had it for years.

Chuck: Would never have guessed. So, are you enjoying the party?

Witch: (Sighs) The food is good, and that old fellow is sweet...but there isn't much going on besides dancing.

Chuck: *Frowns a little* I'm sorry. Did you have anything specific in mind?

*Slip turns, his eyes narrowing.*

Witch: How'd you like to go home with me?

Chuck: *Eyes widen; his voice goes up a notch* Go home with you?

Witch: Sure! You have gone on a date at a woman's house, right?

Chuck: S...sure I have!

*Slip clears his throat loudly.*

Witch: (Turns to Slip) You can come and chaperone, if you'd like.

Slip: *Raises an eyebrow again* That's unexpected.

Chuck: *Turns to Slip* Please?

Slip: *Rolls his eyes, but he's grinning* Alright. Besides, I won't get to even get near Sally until after the party since she's still kinetically workin'.

Witch: Wonderful! Tell the older man that you'll be going with me and you'll be gone for a while.

(What the boys don't see when they go out of the room is the evil smirk on her lips and the glint in her eyes.)

(Cut to a large, eerie-looking old brownstone across from the park. The camera travels inside as a car stops in front of it. Esmerelda leads the Mahoney brothers into the dark-paneled main hallway.)

Esmerelda: Welcome to my home, gentlemen.

Chuck: Wow, what a beautiful home!

*Slip glances around, curious.*

Esmerelda: Thank you. I've owned this home since my family first came here in the 1700s. Shall we go upstairs, gentlemen? There's so many more treasures up there.

Chuck: Sure! *Follows her*

*Slip makes a face, thinking something odd is going on.*

(Cut to a room upstairs that's a bit larger and better-lit. There's a chemistry set that's far more elaborate than Sach's and a big fireplace with a huge cauldron. Two ornate couches face each other on either side of the room, with a huge bookcase in between them. A large old radio sits on the other side of the room.)

Esmerelda: This is my favorite room in the house. The room where I do all my experiments. (Nods at the couches.) Why don't you boys have a seat?

Chuck: This is cozy! *sits down*

Slip: *Stops at the end of the couch next to Chuck* I'm fine standin', thank you.

Esmerelda: (She goes to the refrigerator next to the chemistry set and removes a bubbly brown liquid) Would you like to try something I'm working on?

Slip: What is it?

Esmerelda: It's a soda of my own concoction. I'm hoping to sell it to a major soda manufacturer. (She hands one cup to Slip and one to Chuck. She rubs Slip's arm.) You're so strong, so energetic. I can feel that energy.

Slip: Yeah, thanks. I got a girlfriend.

Chuck: Slip!

Esmerelda: I don't want you in that way. (Turns to Chuck) And you...you're so young, so virile, so pretty....

Chuck: *Grins* I don't know what to say.

Slip: I do. All this mush is makin' me sick.

Esmerelda: You're quite a tough cookie, aren't you?

Slip: Yeah, so?

Chuck: Come on, Slip. Be nice.

*Slip grunts and drinks his soda.*

Chuck: Please excuse him, Esmerelda. *Turns to Slip* I don't know why you always have to do this. *Drinks his soda, turning away from Slip*

Esmerelda: Good. Two brothers, bound by blood and loyalty...and both mine. Go to the couches, my slaves.

*Slip goes to the opposite couch.*

Esmerelda: (Turns to Chuck) First of all, I wish for you to bind your brother. You're quite obedient, but he's obstinent. I haven't seen a man like him since I stole the virility from that Hessian soldier in 1775. Make sure it's good and tight. I don't want him getting away.

*Chuck nods and retrieves some scarves from Esmerelda. He goes over to Slip and first binds his wrists, then his ankles. Both are tight enough to just slightly cut into Slip's skin.*

Esmerelda: Good. Return to your couch, slave. (She strokes Slip's plump cheeks as Chuck does as he's told) So young, so plump. What energy you have! (Rubs his arms again) So much energy! When I drain you, I'll have enough energy to last me for hundreds of years! (She turns to Chuck) And you! So handsome and virile. (Runs her fingers over his thigh.) You will replentish my youth for decades. (Smirks) I was born in 1623 in the villiage of Coventry in England. We came over here looking to escape being burned at the stake in England. (Smirks) We flourished here. My ancestors have flourished, and I flourish. I will continue to flourish.

Chuck: *repeats* Flourish.

Esmerelda: Yes, my pretty. (She sighs) I think I'll keep both of you. You'll make fine experiements. I can work on you for years and not have you crumble away. (To Chuck) I don't mind you talking. You obey. But that brother of yours... (She hands Chuck a blue potion from the refrigerator) This will curb that stubborn tongue of his.

Slip: Don't...

Chuck: Okay.

*Chuck takes the potion over to Slip and tilts his head. He pinches Slip's nose and pours the potion down his throat.*

Esmerelda: (Strokes Slip's neck) What do you have to say now, tough cookie?

*Slip opens his mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. He frowns.*

Esmerelda: Good, good. You are silent, slave. Just as you should be.

Chuck: How did you find us?

Esmerelda: I didn't. I went to that party, hoping there would be good catches...and I saw you two and thought you were perfect. Young, handsome, full of energy...and slightly stupid.

Chuck: But Slip's only young...and barely that.

Esmerelda: He's still younger than the old goat who ran that party and better-looking than most of those hooligans you were eating ice cream with.

Chuck: Oh. *pauses* You didn't really like me?

Esmerelda: Well, perhaps I did find you very sweet and very attractive. Why do you think I want to keep you as my head slave?

Chuck: I'm your head slave?

Esmerelda: Quite.

*Chuck smiles. Slip moves against his bonds, the tightness of them cutting off his circulation.*

Esmerelda: (She strokes the back of Chuck's neck) How would you like to help me with my experiements?

Chuck: I'd like that.

Esmerelda: You could finally hold sway over that overgrown ape of a brother of yours.

Chuck: *Grins* Can I?

Esmerelda: Yes. You can have all the control over him you want.

Chuck: Thank you.

Esmerelda: You're welcome, my boy. Now... (She goes to the chemistry set) Is there any place you'd like to start? You know him best.

Chuck: Bravado. He claims to not be afraid of anything. He needs fear.

Esmerelda: Very good. Let's show this little fat tiger (strokes Slip's neck again) what it's like to show real fear. He makes others cower before him, including that ridiculous scrawny man with the hooked nose and the little white-haired one...but what if he cowered before you?

Chuck: *Nods* Yes.

Esmerelda: I've been working on something that may do the trick. (She hands Chuck a bubbling green potion from in the cauldron in a pewter chalice) I just finished it this morning.

Chuck: Pretty color.

Esmerelda: Thank you, my boy. You may give it to him.

*Chuck nods and goes to Slip again. This time, Slip tries to dodge the liquid. Chuck makes a fist and clips the side of his brother’s head, dazing him. He pinches Slip's nose and pours the green potion down his throat.*

Esmerelda: (She leans against Slip and strokes his neck again) Now how do you feel, my fat tiger?

*Slip's eyes widen. He tries to pull away from her.*

Esmerelda: (Smirks and whispers into his ear) You're afraid of me, aren't you?

*Slip nods, gulping. He’s still trying to pull away from her.*

Esmerelda: What are you afraid of, my fat tiger? That your little brother might be stronger and better than you are? That I'll make a real man out of you?

*Slip nods, still trying to get away.*

Chuck: It worked.

Esmerelda: Yes. (Turns to him) Anything else you'd like to control with him? We could make him REALLY afraid.

Chuck: *Nods* Let’s do that.

Esmerelda: (Leans over and whispers to Slip) Why don't you let someone else lead for a while? Afraid that someone else might be stronger?

*Slip nods, again trying to move away from her. He wiggles his fingers to relieve the tingling.*

Esmerelda: (She takes a red gel-like liquid from her chemistry set) Here, slave. This will relieve your brother of all that vaunted strength. He won't be able to hit his way out of a pillowcase.

Chuck: *nods* Very well. *Takes the liquid to Slip. Slip holds out his hands, but Chuck slaps them aside. He pinches Slip's nose and pours the liquid down Slip's throat. When he lets go of Slip’s nose, it looks like he’s coughing.*

Esmerelda: (Knees before Slip and whispers to him again) Well, fat tiger? How strong are you now?

*Slip slumps into the couch and gives her a pleading, fearful look.*

Esmerelda: You don't feel the control over your limbs like you did before, do you? (Turns to Chuck, an evil smirk on her face) How'd you like to control his movements? You're the strong one now.

Chuck: *Grins* I would like that. *He grabs Slip's wrists and raises his arms over his head. Slip winces, the tingling in his hands becoming worse.*

Esmerelda: You have complete control over him now. He can barely move, cannot speak, and is afraid of everything. Make him move, bow before you. Give you the respect you deserve.

Chuck: *Holds Slip's wrists with one hand and uses the other to slap his face* You like beating us with your precious hat. *He brings Slip's arms back down and pulls him right off the couch. Slip lands on his hands and knees on the floor in front of Chuck. Chuck grabs a handful of Slip's hair and pulls his head to look up at him.* I am YOUR leader now.

*Slip winces. His eyes are noticeably watery now.*

Esmerelda: Good, good. (She sees a glint of gold around Slip's neck and pulls out his necklace and pendant) What's this? It's a pretty trinket for such a lesser slave.

*Slip shakes his head. No!*

Chuck: He loves that.

Esmerelda: A family member or a girlfriend gave it to him? It must have been someone important for him to be so attached. It's yours now, head slave.

Chuck: Yes, thank you. *grins*

*Slip now has tears rolling down his cheeks.*

*Chuck removes the necklace and pendant from Slip's neck and puts it around his own. Slip is outright bawling now.*

Esmerelda: Good. Good, slave. (She smirks) Take your slave back to the couch. We'll get to working on removing all of that fine and fearful energy.

*Chuck pulls a sobbing Slip back onto the couch, where he slumps over. Chuck moves him around so he's laying on the couch.*

Chuck: What do I do now?

Esmerelda: You can help me work on the potion that will remove his energy and your youth. (Smirks at Slip) Your slave won't be going anywhere now.

Chuck: No, he certainly won't.

*Slip is still sobbing.*

(Fade out on the sobbing Slip. Fade in on the Halloween party. Louie is seeing out the last of the party goers. Sach is eating a popcorn ball. The other two sit back, sipping soda. Sally looks out the window.)

Louie: You've looked out the window every couple of minutes for the past two hours, Sally! You won't make them come back that way.

Sally: Oh Uncle, I'm so worried. They weren't supposed to be gone this long!

Butch: (Frowns) Do you think something might have happened to them?

Whitey: I wonder if we should go after them?

Louie: Oh, those boys! They're scarier than anything on Halloween. Why can't they just stay put for once?

Sally: I say we should go after them. It's late. Who knows what that woman might have...what might have happened to them?

Whitey: *Nods* I think we should!

Louie: That woman. Do you think she might have hurt them?

Butch: If she's hurt them... (he makes a fist) we hurt HER.

Sally: Uncle Louie, if we're not back in an hour, call the police.

Louie: I might call the police anyway!

Whitey: Maybe you should.

Sach: (Finally looks up from his popcorn ball) Are we going somewhere?

Whitey: We're goin' to find Slip and Chuck.

Sach: (Looks around) Oh. They're still out with that lady?

Butch: Yeah.

Sach: I think I heard her say she lived in a brownstone in Central Park West.

Sally: Whitey, do you think we could flag your friend Billy down at this hour? The one who owns his own cab?

Whitey: I'll call him. *goes over to the phone booth*

(Cut to outside of the brownstone again. We see a young man with a long face, large brown eyes, and heavy dark hair behind the wheel as the Boys and Sally climb out.)

Sach: Boy, am I glad to be outta there! We were packed in like sardines!

Billy: (He leans out of the cab) Do you want me to wait?

Whitey: If you can. We'll need the ride back. Maybe even some back-up.

Billy: Got it. (Grins) It'll be just like old times. I love my cab, but I miss you guys sometimes.

Whitey: And we miss you, too.

Billy: Go slug 'em. I'll be here if you need me.

Whitey: Thanks, Billy!

Sach: (He holds the door open for everyone) Ok, everyone in!

Sally: (Curtsies awkwardly for him) Thank you, Jester. (She goes in)

Sach: Jester. I might almost get to likin' bein' called that.

Butch: (Looks around) Dig this crazy place!

Sach: Looks like this lady's loaded.

Whitey: Wow! This is somethin' else!

Sach: Let's look upstairs. Maybe everything is even nicer up there.

Whitey: Yeah, besides they don't seem to be down here.

Butch: (He gulps) I hope nuthin' really did happen to them. Chuck's been my best friend for a long time. Well...it wouldn't be the same without him.

Sach: (Nods) The Chief is like the brother I never had, no matter how much he smacks me.

Whitey: *Nods* They're good guys. I'd miss them like crazy if something happened to them.

Sally: (Gulps) And Slip and I... (She blinks tears away) Well, come on! Let's go rescue them!

(Cut to Esmerelda's room. She pulls out a beaker of reddish-brown fluid and hands it to Chuck.(

Esmerelda: This will prepare him to have his energy drained. (Smirks) I'll do the rest. (Indicates a gray vial) And that will prepare you to be drained of your youth.

Chuck: *Nods* Very good.

*Chuck sits Slip up on the couch. Slip's face is tear-stained.*

Esmerelda: He must drink it...and then I'll give him a nice little kiss for being such a good slave.

Chuck: Yes. *Tilts Slip's head, pinches his nose, and pours the fluid down his throat.*

Esmerelda: Wonderful, my slave. (She leans over Slip and purrs) And now, lesser slave, your energy is mine. (She leans over to kiss him.)

(Just as their lips touch, the door opens. We hear an angry female roar. A purple blur pushes past Chuck, grabs Esmerelda, and decks her in the chin hard.)

Sally: No one kisses my man but ME!

Sach: (Grins) You get 'er, Sal!

Whitey: Wow!

Butch: (He goes to Chuck) Chuck! Chuck! Speak to me! You look so pale! Did you an' Slip switch costumes?

Chuck: Hi, Butch.

Butch: Chuck, what's going on? Who's she? (His eyes widen as Sally goes to Slip's side) What happened to your brother? He looks terrible.

Sach: (He joins Sally on Slip's other side) Chief? Chiefy? What happened?

Sally: Slip? Honey, are you all right?

*Slip just tries to move away from Sally.*

Chuck: *Grins* He's under MY thumb now.

Butch: What do you mean?

Chuck: He's my slave.

Butch: Are you crazy? He's not your slave! He's your own older brother!

Chuck: So?

Butch: He's always been there for you! He loves you, man!

Chuck: No, he doesn't.

Whitey: *Gasps* They've been hexed!

Butch: Chuck, what has she done to you? Sure, Slip can be bossy. He can be rude. But we still love him!

Sach: (Nods) They've been really hexed! (He takes Slip's hand) Chief, don't you remember your old buddy Sach? Wanna belt me over the head? It always makes you feel better.

*Slip pulls farther into the couch.*

Esmerelda: (She laughs as she comes to) My experiment has worked. The pretty little brother is getting his first taste of true power, away from his controlling brother...and the elder is discovering what it's like to feel true fear.

Whitey: Oh no!

Sach: (Narrows his eyes) You let them go! Un-hex them, or whatever you do!

Butch: (He slaps Chuck) I hate to do this to you, but this isn't like you at all. You don't hate Slip. You don't hate anyone.

*Chuck holds his cheek.*

Whitey: Chuck, what're ya doin' wearin' the Chief's pendant?!

Chuck: I took it!

Butch: And you still have both your hands and your head?

Chuck: He couldn't defend himself.

Sach: Give it back, Chuckie! You know how he feels about that.

Chuck: Yeah, I know. That's why I have it!

Sally: (Turns to Esmerelda, whose smirk just grows wider; she's nearly in tears) Let them go! Let them both go! (She pulls Slip into her arms) I love him. I love him the way he is!

*Slip is trying to pull away from Sally.*

Esmerelda: No. I intend to strip them of their youth and incredible energy. (Turns to Chuck) You deal with the little fat blond while I handle your slave's little princess. Don't hurt the others too badly. They might make for interesting experiments.

Butch: (Makes a face) Fat blond?

Sach: Strip them! (Puts his hands over his eyes) In that case, Whitey n' I shouldn't be seein' this. We're the innocents, ya know.

Butch: She means she's gonna make them old n' slow.

Whitey: Sach! *points at Butch* That's what she meant!

Sach: (Takes his hands off his eyes) Oh. Well, she won't get much off the Chief. He's already half-way there.

Butch: (He reaches for the pendant) You give that back to your brother. It isn't yours.

Chuck: Not a chance! *Wraps his hand around it.*

Sach: (He turns to Whitey) We've gotta do somethin! (Goes to the chemistry set) Do ya think we could work somethin' out here? Maybe you could rig somethin' to distract her, like that big ol' radio she has, an' I could work on somethin' that'll help the Chief and Chuck?

Whitey: *Nods* We hafta do somethin'!

Butch: Chuck, come on! Ok, so your brother's bossy. He can also be a really nice guy...and you know he loves that pendant.

Chuck: No! I'm the leader!

Sally: No, Chuck. (She looks up from Slip) We all help each other.

Butch: (Nods) That's right.

Chuck: No! I'm always under his thumb! We're ALL under his thumb! He barks, and we do what he says!

Butch: Because we like him and value his leadership!

Sally: And I love him, Chuck. I love him more than anything. (Softer) I'm gonna marry him someday.

(Sally hugs Slip, pulling him close to her.)

*Slip is sobbing again, but doesn't try to pull away this time.*

(Sally just holds him, letting him cry into her shoulder.)

Butch: Look at what you've done to him! He can't do anything! I'm about ready to cry myself. I can't stand seeing him like this. I can't stand seeing YOU like this.

Chuck: Doesn't he push you around, too? You're the youngest! He's got you even more under his thumb than anyone else but Sach! How many times has he brushed you off either because you're younger or too easy-going?

Butch: I know he does. I can't help that I'm a kid compared to the rest of you. (Shrugs) I still like him. You're easy-goin', too. (Frowns) Or you normally are. Why do you think we're best friends? We're different than the rest of them. (Waves at Sach and Whitey, both of whom are busy working on radios and chemicals.)

Esmerelda: (She goes to Whitey first) What are you doing to my radio?

Whitey: It was making a hissing noise, so I'm fixin' it. Here, take a listen! *Turns the radio on and blares it*

Esmerelda: Aarrrgh! (She throws her hands over her ears. Sally pulls Slip behind the couch. Butch sees Chuck is distracted and hits him in the chin as hard as he possibly can.)

Butch: Maybe I'm younger than you are. (Smirks) But I'm also a better shot than you.

*Chuck slumps, groaning.*

Sach: Here we go...whoops! (He trips over Chuck going down. The clear, bubbling brew he mixed lands right on Esmerelda. She screams as steam hisses around her.)

Sach: (Eyes widen) Oh god, she's melting, like the Wicked Witch of the West!

(But she's not melting. Her hands become thin and bony. Her skin slowly becomes covered with age spots and wrinkles. Her black hair turns white, and her dress now hangs off of her. Her screams become thinner and higher.)

Sach: She didn't melt? (Makes a face) Aw, I'm disappointed.

Whitey: Me too.

Esmerelda: No, I didn't melt, you little moron. (She looks up...and reveals a thin face filled with so many wrinkles, she looks like a walking skeleton with a thin white wig topped with her black hat.) Look at what you did to me!

Sach: Oh gosh, miss, I'm sorry. That potion was for Chuck and the Chief! I wanted to turn them back into normal!

Whitey: *Rests a hand on her shoulder* Yeah, he didn't mean to spill it on you!

Esmerelda: (Screams and pulls away) Don't touch me! Don't come anywhere near me! You! (She shoves a bony finger in Whitey's face.) And you! (Points at Sach) You possess the one thing I cannot abide! Your souls are nothing but innocence...and that can kill me like this!

Butch: (He's now by Chuck's side; looks up at Esmerelda as Sally pulls the shaking Slip from behind the couch) What do you mean?

Esmerelda: I've lived for more than five hundred years on the essences of strong young men like you, men with tons of energy but very little brains. My powers are based on the dark arts, and innocence...pure, white innocence...kills darkness.

Sach: I don't mean to kill you, ma'am! I just wanna save my friends! They're the brothers I never had!

Whitey: Yeah, the same goes for me!

Esmerelda: Take those black potions. Touch them.

Sach: (Takes two vials of thick black liquid) These? (The moment he touches them, they turn white as snow.) Hey...I'm a witch, too!

Esmerelda: (Raises one wrinkled eyebrow) No, boy, just very good with chemicals...and possessing of one of the most innocent souls I've ever seen. Give them to your friends. It'll restore them.

Sach: (Hands Whitey one) Here. You can give it to Chuck. I'll do Slip.

Whitey: *nods* Okay.

*Whitey goes to Chuck and helps him drink it.*

Butch: I hope this works.

Sach: (He does the same for Slip) Here you go, Chief. This will make you good as new.

Sally: (She nods) I'll add a little power of my own. (She gives Slip a very big kiss. Butch grins...and hugs his best friend.)

Sach: I may never get to do this again! (He hugs Slip as hard as he can.)

*Whitey joins in on Butch's hug on Chuck. Within moments, Chuck joins in on the hug.*

Butch: Chuck! (He beams and squeezes his best friend) Are you ok? How do you feel?

Chuck: *Frowns* Horrible! What've I done?!

Butch: You let a real witch tell you things you wanted to hear.

Chuck: That's what I was afraid of.

Sally: (She gulps and pulls away from Slip) Honey? How are you feeling? (Takes his hand and squeezes it.)

Slip: *Blinks* I don't know.

Sally: Are you still afraid of me?

Sach: Chief?

Slip: *Shakes his head* I ain't afraid of ya.

Sally: (She and Sach help him to his feet) Then... (She puts an arm around him) Maybe we'd better go home. You need rest.

Sach: (Turns to Esmerelda) Thank you for giving us those potions, ma'am.

Whitey: Yeah.

Esmerelda: (She pulls back from him) Think nothin' of it, boy. Don't come closer. (Turns to Whitey) You either, young-old one.

Sach: But we want to thank you! You brought our friends back!

Whitey: Yeah, we just wanna give ya a hug!

Esmerelda: (Her eyes widen) What?!

*Whitey quickly moves forward and hugs her.*

(Sach does the same. The moment they squeeze her bony body, she screams bloody murder. There's a blast of black light as the two young men pull away. Billy, Louie, and Gabe and the other cops arrive just in time to see a puff of white, tan, and black dust fall onto the floor between Sach and Whitey's arms.)

Louie: Boys! I was so worried, I didn't even wait ten minutes to call the police!

Billy: What in the HELL is goin' on?

Officer Murphy: I'd like to know the same thing.

Billy: I heard the racket coming from upstairs and thought there was real trouble!

Butch: (He helps Chuck to his feet) There was...but it isn't anything we can explain.

Whitey: We can take care of what's left.

Chuck: Like this... *Goes to Slip and unfastens the necklace* This is yours. *hands it to Slip*

Slip: *Holds it tightly in his hand* Thanks, Chuck.

Sach: Yeah. (Dusts off his hands) Whitey n' me have it all under control, Officers.

Louie: (He goes to Slip) Slip, are you ok? You don't look so good.

Slip: I've been better, Louie.

Sach: (He takes Slip's other side) Why don't we call a second cab? We're not all gonna fit into Billy's cab. We'll get both of ya home and fix ya some hot chocolate, an' we can watch some wrestlin' and get our minds off this and Halloween...'cause I don't want to think of Halloween again for a LONG time.

Whitey: Good idea, Sach.

Chuck: *Nods* Agreed.

Officer Murphy: We can go you one better. We'll take anyone who doesn't fit in Hallop's yellow jalopy in our police car.

Sach: Oh boy! I'm gonna ride in a police car...an' no one's arrestin' me! I call shotgun!

*Slip lightly slaps the back of Sach's head.*

Sach: (Rubs his head) Oop! Chiefy’s back to normal.

Butch: (Grins) Never thought I'd be so happy to see you hit someone, Chief.

Slip: *Gives a faint grin* Next?

Chuck: I should be next.

Slip: *Gives Chuck a pointed look* Later.

Louie: (Shudders at the pile of black dust on the floor) Oh, let's get outta here! This place gives me the heebie jeebies!

Sach: Chief, next year, how 'bout we give out candy to the kiddies in our apartment buildin' an' call it a night?

Slip: *Sighs* Fine wit' me.

Sally: (She kisses him on the cheek) Come on, Chief. Let's get you home. (Smiles) Happy Halloween.

(She and Sach lead Slip out; Butch and Whitey do the same for Chuck. Louie and Billy just put their arms around each other and walk out together, Gabe and the cops following. The camera ends up fading out on the pile of black dust on the floor...and the chemistry set behind him. We end up on a black-and-white "Happy Halloween" written in dark dripping-blood font before fading out all together.)