FADE IN:

INT. OFFICES - THE HYACINTH SOCIETY -DAY

A messy DESK is situated in front of a SIGN reading "THE HYACINTH SOCIETY"

A PHONE rings. The phone can not be seen because it is buried under a pile of PAPERS that have obviously been dropped on the desk carelessly.

SHANNON JAMES (Mid 20s) sits behind the desk looking only slightly frazzled as she searches for the phone.

She is dressed like a stereotypical secretary; conservative clothing, hair in a bun, etc. She is generally plain looking, of medium height, and average weight. There is nothing utterly memorable about her appearance--positive or negative.

Shannon mumbles under her breath as she continues to search, and the phone continues to ring.

Shannon finds the phone and answers it.

SHANNON

(into the RECEIVER)

Hello, you've reached the Hyacinth Society. Shannon James speaking, how may I help you?

Shannon pauses to listen to the person at the other end of the phone.

SHANNON

Yes, ma'am, I understand. We're doing the best that we can, but our records are being reorganized at the moment.

Shannon looks down at the papers on her desk and begins to stack them neatly as the conversation continues.

SHANNON

I understand. I do, but you must know that we are doing all that is in our power to find your records. Our records keeper has been notified to look for your file, and you will receive it as soon as it has been located.

Shannon continues to stack papers, becoming increasingly tense.

SHANNON

(Through gritted teeth)

Yes, ma'am, but thirty minutes really isn't adequate time to locate a file when we're in the middle of a reorganization.

Shannon continues to talk on the phone, but the sound is MUTED as the NARRATION begins over the scene.

SHANNON (V.O.)

I am going to kill Louis Trace. I mean, who thinks awards season is a good time to reorganize every file in the building? Now, while he's in the records room, partying it up with his label maker, I'm stuck on the phone with Mrs. Impatience. I never should have taken this job. What made me think that moving out to the middle of nowhere for a job I knew next to nothing about was a good idea? Oh, right. Isadora. Isadora Kendrik-Willows. It's all her...

The narration cuts off as the scene shifts focus back to SHANNON'S PHONE CONVERSATION.

SHANNON

You know what? Why don't I transfer you to the records room? They'll probably be more helpful than I can be at this time. Is that alright with you?

There is a brief pause as Shannon waits for a response. She SMIRKS.

SHANNON

(a little too happily)

Excellent. Be sure to ask for Louis Trace. He's the head of the records department, and I'm sure he'll be more than happy to help you.

Another short PAUSE.

SHANNON

You're welcome. Please hold on while I transfer your call.

Shannon lowers the phone and moves to transfer the call. Once again, the sound is MUTED for NARRATION.

SHANNON (V.O.)

Take that, Louis.