07-30-2026, 10:13 AM
INNER THOUGHTS – POST BREAKDOWN
I honestly can’t be bothered with this anymore. Every week I’m told that an individual is ‘done’ with me, and then they just drag me back into the same predicaments. When I came back, I knew I would be dealing with my fair share of bullshit, but this, this was something else and it was starting to derail everything I wanted from my return. I’d wanted to pay my dues and work my way to the top, but I’d spent most of my time dealing with that ignorant runt Polly Playtime. With her on the back burner, my past had come back to haunt me in the shape of an Allocco. All the time wondering if the SCW booking staff had a clue. Right now, I was ruffling feathers, but if this continued, I was going to do something about it, and no one needed to deal with the version of Shaun Cruze that this company seemed to need. The rinse and repeat of people wanting to take over SCW had to stop, and if the board didn’t have the balls to do anything, I would. I wasn’t quite there yet, but after Rise to Greatness, I wanted to see change. Or else, I would bring it about the only way I knew how. Not just climbing a ladder but ripping it from underneath those that thought they knew best.
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
(As was always the case, the euphoria of a turning point in his life didn’t last long, his promise to himself to live life regardless, overpowered by the need to understand why Drew would do this to him of all people. Shaun knew this feeling, this spiral into depression but was refusing to allow himself to fold, this meant each day could either be one of the most beautiful, or a journey into the darkest parts of his soul. He wanted to fight; to find Drew for himself, he wanted his money back…but Kai had made it clear he should leave it. That was his life, and unfortunately a hundred Grace’s wasn’t going to permanently change that. The one person who could was Dorothea, the time spent with her always golden, each time Shaun wishing that his time could be longer. He felt like that now, dropping her back at Angyalka’s, at the house they used to own together. Angyalka invites him in for coffee, and like always they end up chatting. Funny how she was so easy to talk to now, now that the marriage had failed. After a while, and with Dorothea upstairs getting ready for bed, the subject turns to EMERGE, and once again Shaun must admit his failings. Angyalka listens to every word, not conveying the guilt she felt for persuading him to go for it. When Shaun is finished, she can only sympathize… and then apologize.)
Angyalka: I’m so sorry Shaun
Shaun: You’ve got nothing to be sorry about.
Angyalka: I told you to go for it
Shaun: No, you advised that I should. I made the decision. You don’t have to feel bad, or sorry for me. In fact, I’d hate it if you did that.
Angyalka: But what are you going to do now?
(Shaun shrugs his shoulders, though it was a question he had asked himself more than once.)
Shaun: I don’t know. I guess I’m just waiting to see how this all plays out and then I’ll decide. I just want you to know that I won’t let you and Dorothea suffer, I’ll still pay my way some way or another. Perhaps it’s time for me to go and get a proper job or something, billions of people do it so why shouldn’t I? I’m just glad we settled before all of this because otherwise you would have got nothing. I just can’t help but think that this is the universe punishing me in some way for what I did to you. It’s like it’s all snowballed from that mistake, and I’ve gone from having everything to pretty much nothing. It’s a good job; I have that little girl or else…
Angyalka: Don’t say it, I don’t want to hear it. We may not be married but I am always here for you, you know that right?
Shaun: Yeah, and thanks. I know I can talk to you, Owen and Grace.
Angyalka: Grace?
(Shaun immediately captures the suspicion… or could it have been jealousy.)
Shaun: Oh, it’s nothing like that. Just someone who was a fan back in the day that’s good to talk to. Need to get my head straight before I even think about anything like a relationship… but I can always use a friend.
Angyalka: What you do is up to you now Shaun, you don’t have to explain yourself to me. But make sure whatever you do, it’s with Dorothea in mind. I don’t want her to suffer again.
Shaun: I’m not interested in romance… I’m not very good at it, so I think I’m going to stay clear.
Angyalka: I don’t know Shaun, we had a lot of good years. People change though, don’t they?
(Again, the softness in her voice caught him off guard, maybe tinged with a hint of regret. Shaun had wondered that often, whether he regretted the decisions he had made in the past, and how he and Angyalka could have maybe gotten over it if he’d spoken to her before betraying her trust. He’d tried to kid himself that he’d made the decision for them, but he now knew that his reasoning had only been selfish. Was Angyalka showing him a potential way back. They were close on the sofa and he leans in closer, praying that she reciprocates… and not surprised in the slightest when she doesn’t and in fact pulls further away.)
Angyalka: What are you doing?
Shaun: I’m sorry… I…
Angyalka: Just because we’re talking again, doesn’t mean that I have forgotten what you did to me, or that I will forget.
Shaun: I know. Fuck. Sorry.
(Angyalka sighs, no longer angry but instead feeling sorry for him.)
Angyalka: It’s OK… but don’t ever do that again alright? I can be friends with you, but I could never trust you now. You burnt that bridge. I’m happy for us to be a co-parent, but that’s all. You understand that right?
(The firmness was in her voice again, and Shaun more than understood way. Once again, Shaun had fucked up and he knew it.)
Shaun: I do… I’m going to get going. Sorry
(Shaun gets to his feet and heads towards the front door, just as Dorothea is coming down the stairs.)
Dorothea: Are you going Daddy… I thought we could watch a film together.
Shaun: Maybe next time yeah sweetheart, Daddy’s tired after running after you all day.
Dorothea: OK. See you soon.
(She gives him a massive hug and heads into the living room, switching on the TV. Shaun opens the door, Angyalka puts a hand on his shoulder.)
Angyalka: Shaun?
Shaun: Yeah
Angyalka: You’re going to be ok, aren’t you?
(It was the million-dollar question, but Shaun does as he always did. And lied.)
Shaun: Of course, you know me. I always bounce back
(Angyalka nods)
Angyalka: Well, take care… and let me know if there are any developments.
Shaun: I will. Have a good evening.
(Shaun leaves and shuts the door, heading down the driveway a little until he turns, watching through the window as Angyalka settles down with their daughter for the night. That was a scene he was once part of, and yet like an idiot he threw it all away. And all THIS was the consequences of that action. Consequences he had to live with… as well as everything else.)
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
(Shaun had been asked to come into the precinct, a place he believed he was spending way too much time. On the way there, he had been distracted, wondering if true to his word, Kai, or at least one of his minions, was watching his every move. Numerous times he had suspected a car following him, and as he pulls into the car park, he finds himself wondering if even now, he was being watched. Every move he made, one that could be critical and once again place his family in danger. Those thoughts rumbled around his mind as he sat in the reception area, waiting for the Police Chief to fetch him. Thankfully it is no more than five minutes until he is called, the wait making him increasingly anxious as the time passed.)
Chief Wilson: Follow me please Shaun so we can talk somewhere a little more private
(Shaun does as he is told, getting to his feet without a word and following the Chief into an interrogation room which doesn’t help the anxiety. Chief Wilson offers him a seat, Shaun sitting the opposite side of a table.)
Chief Wilson: Thank you for coming in Shaun, I didn’t think this was something that should be done over the telephone.
Shaun: No problem
Chief Wilson: We have received the results of the DNA taken from the body found at the bottom of the ravine.
(Shaun knew what was coming but does his best to reign ignorance.)
Shaun: And?
Chief Wilson: It isn’t Drew Bryant. In fact, it was the body of a homeless individual we had on our database. Various misdemeanors but nothing of real note.
Shaun: So, is Drew still missing?
Chief Wilson: Yes, I’m afraid so. In fact, we don’t believe that this had anything to do with your case at all and just some poor unfortunate in the wrong place at the wrong time.
(The Chief was doing his best to try and show the precinct were interested, but it was obvious that this wouldn’t be investigated any further, and that suited Shaun considering his interaction with Kai not too long ago.)
Shaun: Fair enough… I guess that’s it then
Chief Wilson: The case is still open, but considering this is no longer a murder investigation…
Shaun: It’s not going to be given priority?
Chief Wilson: I’m afraid not. Like I say, the case will remain open indefinitely and should we get any further leads…
Shaun: Is there really any point?
(This comment surprises the chief to the point he wonders if he had heard correctly.)
Chief Wilson: Excuse me?
Shaun: Is there any point, it’s only wasting police time when they could be catching murderers.
Chief Wilson: I’d say there is about $20 million dollars’ worth of points, wouldn’t you?
Shaun: Money doesn’t make you happy Chief; I’m a prime example of that. I just want to move on with my life, and I’m not going to do that if I’m chasing apparent ghosts. I’d rather just leave it be.
Chief Wilson: But you were so determined…
(He pauses, as a thought jumps into his head.)
Chief Wilson: Hold on, Shaun, I’m going to ask you a question and I want you to tell me the truth.
Shaun: OK
Chief Wilson: Is someone putting pressure on you to drop this?
(Shaun sighs, knowing that there was no getting away from this predicament.)
Shaun: Even if there was, they don’t exist, do they? And I’d pay all the money in the world to make sure my family was safe. The money’s gone, but I still have my daughter. I want it to stay that way.
Chief Wilson: We can protect your family?
Shaun: From the invisible man…No Chief you can’t. I just want it over.
(He pauses.)
Shaun: Do what you must, but I want nothing more to do with it.
(As far as Shaun was concerned the conversation was over, and although Chief Wilson didn’t like Shaun’s decision, he certainly understood it. It was a lot of money to lose, but Shaun was willing to do that if his family was safe, and Wilson respected that. Shaun holds out his hand, the general feeling of acceptance obvious. The Chief takes it and the two shake.)
Shaun: Thank you for your help…
Chief Wilson: I’m sorry we couldn’t get you your money back.
(Shaun nods, leaving the office, Wilson watching him go. No sooner than Shaun is out the precinct door, than Chief Wilson picks up the phone and dials a number. He waits for a few moments and places the phone on handsfree as someone answers.)
??? : Chief, long time no speak, what can I do for you?
Chief Wilson: Chris… I need to ask you a favor. Well, I need you to do something ‘off the books for me.
Chris: Yeah, what’s up?
Chief Wilson: You’ve done a lot of work for the Cruze boys right?
Chris: For sure… in fact when I started in the Investigative game, they kept the company afloat.
Chief Wilson: Well, one of them is in trouble… lost a lot of money to someone he trusted but has now given up. He’s too prideful to ask for help though.
Chris: That must be Shaun then?
Chief Wilson: Yeah.
Chris: Figures
Chief Wilson: Do you know Drew Bryant?
Chris: Barely… met him a few times at some of Shaun’s parties.
Chief Wilson: Well, I need you to find him… but no one can know you are looking.
Chris: Ok…
Chief Wilson: Let’s just say that there’s been more information leaving the precinct of late than I’d like, and someone must be feeding that. Find Drew, let me know where he is and then I’ll take it from there. But you only talk to me… got it?
Chris: Sure, I’ll get on it right now
Chief Wilson: Good man and remember, no one can know you are looking, so don’t leave a trail
Chris: Incognito… got it. I’ll find him, don’t worry.
Chief Wilson: I know you will.
(The line goes dead, Wilson biting his bottom lip, staring out at the precinct and his officers milling around. The door was shut, he knew no one would have heard the conversation, but right now he couldn’t trust anyone. He knew that if this Kai did exist, and the more he spoke with Shaun, he was certain he did, to stay invisible like he did, with nothing sticking to him he had to have help within the precinct. If it got out that he had done this and enlisted Chris Clay, then that put Shaun’s family in danger, and that man had already lost so much.)
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
TWO WEEKS LATER
(The sun beats down from the cloudless skies, sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. A beach bar is seen, a pathway winding down towards the ocean where two sunbeds are set up, a parasol shading the two individuals laid there. The woman reaches over and picks up her drink, sipping on the straw as the man throws his legs around and buries his feet in the sand. The woman raises his sunglasses and looks at him, a smile on her face.)
Drew: Didn’t I tell you I would give you the world Beth?
Beth: You did… I don’t know where you got the money for this, but I don’t care. This is beautiful
Drew: The Maldives is amazing this time of year.
Beth: And a sea view as well from the apartment, you thought of everything.
Drew: Play your cards right and I might buy us a place here.
Beth: And what do I have to do for that?
(She winks at him with a wry smile, knowing exactly what he would want.)
Drew: I’m sure you can think of something.
Beth: I can think of lots of things
(Drew picks up his drink and sighs, this place as far removed as it could be from those, he was used to. His feeling is broken by something, or as it turns out, someone, blocking out some of his sun. As he turns, he faces Kai, dressed appropriately in just cut off jeans and a tee-shirt.)
Drew: Kai, I wasn’t expecting to see you here.
Kai: I’m sure you weren’t.
(Drew turns back to Beth.)
Drew: Can you give us a moment… perhaps go and get us another of those pina coladas?
(Beth knew not to ask questions if she wasn’t going to like the answers. She knew that he could only have managed this doing something dodgy, so she gets to her feet and does as she is told, Kai taking her place on the sunbed.)
Kai: Enjoying the benefits of your spoils huh?
Drew: Hey, I worked hard for this, I deserve it.
Kai: We worked hard for this Drew… never forget that.
Drew: OK, we worked hard. So, what are you doing here anyway?
Kai: Just an update really
Drew: There is such a thing as a telephone you know? You didn’t have to come all the way out here.
Kai: Why not… and anyway, I’d like to know where my share of the money is, because it’s not in my bank account.
Drew: Don’t worry, you’ll get it.
Kai: Good, because I’d hate to think that Shaun would find out that I was far from the mastermind in all of this, and the reality is you didn’t owe me a dime until now
Drew: No, we wouldn’t want him to know that. You’ll get your money Kai; I’ll make sure it gets sorted today
Kai: Good, because I’m not going home until I see it in there.
(As far as Shaun was concerned, Drew had only done this because he was desperate to pay Kai back, but that wasn’t the truth. The reality was that Drew had employed Kai, and not the other way around, and fleecing Shaun of his money was ALL Drew’s idea. Shaun didn’t know how far Drew had gone to make this happen, and how much further he had been willing to go if he’d not go what he wanted.)
Drew: So, you said something about an update?
Kai: Cruze spoke with Chief Wilson and told him to drop the case, and as far as my boys in the precinct are concerned, that seems to be what is happening. They aren’t looking for me anymore, and they sure as hell aren’t looking for you.
Drew: And how did you manage that?
Kai: I made it clear that if Cruze didn’t drop it, his family would be in danger.
(To start with Drew looks shocked, but it becomes clear that he is only mocking the situation.)
Drew: Good… fucking Angyalka’s voice always grated on me, and that whiney little kid of his… Dorothea. Spoilt little shit. Just keep your eye on it for me… it’s not like Shaun to give up so easily. But then again, it’s obvious he still loves his ex-wife… perhaps the threat will be enough.
Kai: You didn’t see him, Drew. Cruze is broken, and he’s given up. He doesn’t care about the money, if they are safe.
Drew: And they will be… if he doesn’t get ideas about his station.
Kai: One more thing…
Drew: OK, but be quick, Beth will be back soon.
Kai: How did you pull a broad like that?
Drew: Amazing what twenty mill in the bank can do…
(Kai laughs)
Kai: True. I just want to know what you want me to do if Cruze isn’t true to his word
(Drew sees Beth coming back with the drinks and as such gets to his feet, imploring Kai to do the same.)
Drew: You don’t do anything ok… until you’ve consulted with me. The last thing we need is for you to make another mistake like what got you sent down last time. And you can be damn sure that I’m not going to let you drag me down with you. If you get wind of anything… ANYTHING. I want to know before you attempt anything, am I clear?
Kai: Absolutely
Drew: Good… and for that, I’ll make sure you get a little extra when the money is sent over.
Kai: Cheers, appreciate it.
(Kai walks away as Beth returns, Beth and Drew engaging in conversation. The picture pans, however, to the ocean and a boat bobbing on the water. On that boat is a man, binoculars obscuring his face. He pulls down the binoculars, and we see him for the first time. The man is smiling, as he nods his head.)
Chris Clay: Gotcha
(Scene fades.)
I honestly can’t be bothered with this anymore. Every week I’m told that an individual is ‘done’ with me, and then they just drag me back into the same predicaments. When I came back, I knew I would be dealing with my fair share of bullshit, but this, this was something else and it was starting to derail everything I wanted from my return. I’d wanted to pay my dues and work my way to the top, but I’d spent most of my time dealing with that ignorant runt Polly Playtime. With her on the back burner, my past had come back to haunt me in the shape of an Allocco. All the time wondering if the SCW booking staff had a clue. Right now, I was ruffling feathers, but if this continued, I was going to do something about it, and no one needed to deal with the version of Shaun Cruze that this company seemed to need. The rinse and repeat of people wanting to take over SCW had to stop, and if the board didn’t have the balls to do anything, I would. I wasn’t quite there yet, but after Rise to Greatness, I wanted to see change. Or else, I would bring it about the only way I knew how. Not just climbing a ladder but ripping it from underneath those that thought they knew best.
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
(As was always the case, the euphoria of a turning point in his life didn’t last long, his promise to himself to live life regardless, overpowered by the need to understand why Drew would do this to him of all people. Shaun knew this feeling, this spiral into depression but was refusing to allow himself to fold, this meant each day could either be one of the most beautiful, or a journey into the darkest parts of his soul. He wanted to fight; to find Drew for himself, he wanted his money back…but Kai had made it clear he should leave it. That was his life, and unfortunately a hundred Grace’s wasn’t going to permanently change that. The one person who could was Dorothea, the time spent with her always golden, each time Shaun wishing that his time could be longer. He felt like that now, dropping her back at Angyalka’s, at the house they used to own together. Angyalka invites him in for coffee, and like always they end up chatting. Funny how she was so easy to talk to now, now that the marriage had failed. After a while, and with Dorothea upstairs getting ready for bed, the subject turns to EMERGE, and once again Shaun must admit his failings. Angyalka listens to every word, not conveying the guilt she felt for persuading him to go for it. When Shaun is finished, she can only sympathize… and then apologize.)
Angyalka: I’m so sorry Shaun
Shaun: You’ve got nothing to be sorry about.
Angyalka: I told you to go for it
Shaun: No, you advised that I should. I made the decision. You don’t have to feel bad, or sorry for me. In fact, I’d hate it if you did that.
Angyalka: But what are you going to do now?
(Shaun shrugs his shoulders, though it was a question he had asked himself more than once.)
Shaun: I don’t know. I guess I’m just waiting to see how this all plays out and then I’ll decide. I just want you to know that I won’t let you and Dorothea suffer, I’ll still pay my way some way or another. Perhaps it’s time for me to go and get a proper job or something, billions of people do it so why shouldn’t I? I’m just glad we settled before all of this because otherwise you would have got nothing. I just can’t help but think that this is the universe punishing me in some way for what I did to you. It’s like it’s all snowballed from that mistake, and I’ve gone from having everything to pretty much nothing. It’s a good job; I have that little girl or else…
Angyalka: Don’t say it, I don’t want to hear it. We may not be married but I am always here for you, you know that right?
Shaun: Yeah, and thanks. I know I can talk to you, Owen and Grace.
Angyalka: Grace?
(Shaun immediately captures the suspicion… or could it have been jealousy.)
Shaun: Oh, it’s nothing like that. Just someone who was a fan back in the day that’s good to talk to. Need to get my head straight before I even think about anything like a relationship… but I can always use a friend.
Angyalka: What you do is up to you now Shaun, you don’t have to explain yourself to me. But make sure whatever you do, it’s with Dorothea in mind. I don’t want her to suffer again.
Shaun: I’m not interested in romance… I’m not very good at it, so I think I’m going to stay clear.
Angyalka: I don’t know Shaun, we had a lot of good years. People change though, don’t they?
(Again, the softness in her voice caught him off guard, maybe tinged with a hint of regret. Shaun had wondered that often, whether he regretted the decisions he had made in the past, and how he and Angyalka could have maybe gotten over it if he’d spoken to her before betraying her trust. He’d tried to kid himself that he’d made the decision for them, but he now knew that his reasoning had only been selfish. Was Angyalka showing him a potential way back. They were close on the sofa and he leans in closer, praying that she reciprocates… and not surprised in the slightest when she doesn’t and in fact pulls further away.)
Angyalka: What are you doing?
Shaun: I’m sorry… I…
Angyalka: Just because we’re talking again, doesn’t mean that I have forgotten what you did to me, or that I will forget.
Shaun: I know. Fuck. Sorry.
(Angyalka sighs, no longer angry but instead feeling sorry for him.)
Angyalka: It’s OK… but don’t ever do that again alright? I can be friends with you, but I could never trust you now. You burnt that bridge. I’m happy for us to be a co-parent, but that’s all. You understand that right?
(The firmness was in her voice again, and Shaun more than understood way. Once again, Shaun had fucked up and he knew it.)
Shaun: I do… I’m going to get going. Sorry
(Shaun gets to his feet and heads towards the front door, just as Dorothea is coming down the stairs.)
Dorothea: Are you going Daddy… I thought we could watch a film together.
Shaun: Maybe next time yeah sweetheart, Daddy’s tired after running after you all day.
Dorothea: OK. See you soon.
(She gives him a massive hug and heads into the living room, switching on the TV. Shaun opens the door, Angyalka puts a hand on his shoulder.)
Angyalka: Shaun?
Shaun: Yeah
Angyalka: You’re going to be ok, aren’t you?
(It was the million-dollar question, but Shaun does as he always did. And lied.)
Shaun: Of course, you know me. I always bounce back
(Angyalka nods)
Angyalka: Well, take care… and let me know if there are any developments.
Shaun: I will. Have a good evening.
(Shaun leaves and shuts the door, heading down the driveway a little until he turns, watching through the window as Angyalka settles down with their daughter for the night. That was a scene he was once part of, and yet like an idiot he threw it all away. And all THIS was the consequences of that action. Consequences he had to live with… as well as everything else.)
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
(Shaun had been asked to come into the precinct, a place he believed he was spending way too much time. On the way there, he had been distracted, wondering if true to his word, Kai, or at least one of his minions, was watching his every move. Numerous times he had suspected a car following him, and as he pulls into the car park, he finds himself wondering if even now, he was being watched. Every move he made, one that could be critical and once again place his family in danger. Those thoughts rumbled around his mind as he sat in the reception area, waiting for the Police Chief to fetch him. Thankfully it is no more than five minutes until he is called, the wait making him increasingly anxious as the time passed.)
Chief Wilson: Follow me please Shaun so we can talk somewhere a little more private
(Shaun does as he is told, getting to his feet without a word and following the Chief into an interrogation room which doesn’t help the anxiety. Chief Wilson offers him a seat, Shaun sitting the opposite side of a table.)
Chief Wilson: Thank you for coming in Shaun, I didn’t think this was something that should be done over the telephone.
Shaun: No problem
Chief Wilson: We have received the results of the DNA taken from the body found at the bottom of the ravine.
(Shaun knew what was coming but does his best to reign ignorance.)
Shaun: And?
Chief Wilson: It isn’t Drew Bryant. In fact, it was the body of a homeless individual we had on our database. Various misdemeanors but nothing of real note.
Shaun: So, is Drew still missing?
Chief Wilson: Yes, I’m afraid so. In fact, we don’t believe that this had anything to do with your case at all and just some poor unfortunate in the wrong place at the wrong time.
(The Chief was doing his best to try and show the precinct were interested, but it was obvious that this wouldn’t be investigated any further, and that suited Shaun considering his interaction with Kai not too long ago.)
Shaun: Fair enough… I guess that’s it then
Chief Wilson: The case is still open, but considering this is no longer a murder investigation…
Shaun: It’s not going to be given priority?
Chief Wilson: I’m afraid not. Like I say, the case will remain open indefinitely and should we get any further leads…
Shaun: Is there really any point?
(This comment surprises the chief to the point he wonders if he had heard correctly.)
Chief Wilson: Excuse me?
Shaun: Is there any point, it’s only wasting police time when they could be catching murderers.
Chief Wilson: I’d say there is about $20 million dollars’ worth of points, wouldn’t you?
Shaun: Money doesn’t make you happy Chief; I’m a prime example of that. I just want to move on with my life, and I’m not going to do that if I’m chasing apparent ghosts. I’d rather just leave it be.
Chief Wilson: But you were so determined…
(He pauses, as a thought jumps into his head.)
Chief Wilson: Hold on, Shaun, I’m going to ask you a question and I want you to tell me the truth.
Shaun: OK
Chief Wilson: Is someone putting pressure on you to drop this?
(Shaun sighs, knowing that there was no getting away from this predicament.)
Shaun: Even if there was, they don’t exist, do they? And I’d pay all the money in the world to make sure my family was safe. The money’s gone, but I still have my daughter. I want it to stay that way.
Chief Wilson: We can protect your family?
Shaun: From the invisible man…No Chief you can’t. I just want it over.
(He pauses.)
Shaun: Do what you must, but I want nothing more to do with it.
(As far as Shaun was concerned the conversation was over, and although Chief Wilson didn’t like Shaun’s decision, he certainly understood it. It was a lot of money to lose, but Shaun was willing to do that if his family was safe, and Wilson respected that. Shaun holds out his hand, the general feeling of acceptance obvious. The Chief takes it and the two shake.)
Shaun: Thank you for your help…
Chief Wilson: I’m sorry we couldn’t get you your money back.
(Shaun nods, leaving the office, Wilson watching him go. No sooner than Shaun is out the precinct door, than Chief Wilson picks up the phone and dials a number. He waits for a few moments and places the phone on handsfree as someone answers.)
??? : Chief, long time no speak, what can I do for you?
Chief Wilson: Chris… I need to ask you a favor. Well, I need you to do something ‘off the books for me.
Chris: Yeah, what’s up?
Chief Wilson: You’ve done a lot of work for the Cruze boys right?
Chris: For sure… in fact when I started in the Investigative game, they kept the company afloat.
Chief Wilson: Well, one of them is in trouble… lost a lot of money to someone he trusted but has now given up. He’s too prideful to ask for help though.
Chris: That must be Shaun then?
Chief Wilson: Yeah.
Chris: Figures
Chief Wilson: Do you know Drew Bryant?
Chris: Barely… met him a few times at some of Shaun’s parties.
Chief Wilson: Well, I need you to find him… but no one can know you are looking.
Chris: Ok…
Chief Wilson: Let’s just say that there’s been more information leaving the precinct of late than I’d like, and someone must be feeding that. Find Drew, let me know where he is and then I’ll take it from there. But you only talk to me… got it?
Chris: Sure, I’ll get on it right now
Chief Wilson: Good man and remember, no one can know you are looking, so don’t leave a trail
Chris: Incognito… got it. I’ll find him, don’t worry.
Chief Wilson: I know you will.
(The line goes dead, Wilson biting his bottom lip, staring out at the precinct and his officers milling around. The door was shut, he knew no one would have heard the conversation, but right now he couldn’t trust anyone. He knew that if this Kai did exist, and the more he spoke with Shaun, he was certain he did, to stay invisible like he did, with nothing sticking to him he had to have help within the precinct. If it got out that he had done this and enlisted Chris Clay, then that put Shaun’s family in danger, and that man had already lost so much.)
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
TWO WEEKS LATER
(The sun beats down from the cloudless skies, sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. A beach bar is seen, a pathway winding down towards the ocean where two sunbeds are set up, a parasol shading the two individuals laid there. The woman reaches over and picks up her drink, sipping on the straw as the man throws his legs around and buries his feet in the sand. The woman raises his sunglasses and looks at him, a smile on her face.)
Drew: Didn’t I tell you I would give you the world Beth?
Beth: You did… I don’t know where you got the money for this, but I don’t care. This is beautiful
Drew: The Maldives is amazing this time of year.
Beth: And a sea view as well from the apartment, you thought of everything.
Drew: Play your cards right and I might buy us a place here.
Beth: And what do I have to do for that?
(She winks at him with a wry smile, knowing exactly what he would want.)
Drew: I’m sure you can think of something.
Beth: I can think of lots of things
(Drew picks up his drink and sighs, this place as far removed as it could be from those, he was used to. His feeling is broken by something, or as it turns out, someone, blocking out some of his sun. As he turns, he faces Kai, dressed appropriately in just cut off jeans and a tee-shirt.)
Drew: Kai, I wasn’t expecting to see you here.
Kai: I’m sure you weren’t.
(Drew turns back to Beth.)
Drew: Can you give us a moment… perhaps go and get us another of those pina coladas?
(Beth knew not to ask questions if she wasn’t going to like the answers. She knew that he could only have managed this doing something dodgy, so she gets to her feet and does as she is told, Kai taking her place on the sunbed.)
Kai: Enjoying the benefits of your spoils huh?
Drew: Hey, I worked hard for this, I deserve it.
Kai: We worked hard for this Drew… never forget that.
Drew: OK, we worked hard. So, what are you doing here anyway?
Kai: Just an update really
Drew: There is such a thing as a telephone you know? You didn’t have to come all the way out here.
Kai: Why not… and anyway, I’d like to know where my share of the money is, because it’s not in my bank account.
Drew: Don’t worry, you’ll get it.
Kai: Good, because I’d hate to think that Shaun would find out that I was far from the mastermind in all of this, and the reality is you didn’t owe me a dime until now
Drew: No, we wouldn’t want him to know that. You’ll get your money Kai; I’ll make sure it gets sorted today
Kai: Good, because I’m not going home until I see it in there.
(As far as Shaun was concerned, Drew had only done this because he was desperate to pay Kai back, but that wasn’t the truth. The reality was that Drew had employed Kai, and not the other way around, and fleecing Shaun of his money was ALL Drew’s idea. Shaun didn’t know how far Drew had gone to make this happen, and how much further he had been willing to go if he’d not go what he wanted.)
Drew: So, you said something about an update?
Kai: Cruze spoke with Chief Wilson and told him to drop the case, and as far as my boys in the precinct are concerned, that seems to be what is happening. They aren’t looking for me anymore, and they sure as hell aren’t looking for you.
Drew: And how did you manage that?
Kai: I made it clear that if Cruze didn’t drop it, his family would be in danger.
(To start with Drew looks shocked, but it becomes clear that he is only mocking the situation.)
Drew: Good… fucking Angyalka’s voice always grated on me, and that whiney little kid of his… Dorothea. Spoilt little shit. Just keep your eye on it for me… it’s not like Shaun to give up so easily. But then again, it’s obvious he still loves his ex-wife… perhaps the threat will be enough.
Kai: You didn’t see him, Drew. Cruze is broken, and he’s given up. He doesn’t care about the money, if they are safe.
Drew: And they will be… if he doesn’t get ideas about his station.
Kai: One more thing…
Drew: OK, but be quick, Beth will be back soon.
Kai: How did you pull a broad like that?
Drew: Amazing what twenty mill in the bank can do…
(Kai laughs)
Kai: True. I just want to know what you want me to do if Cruze isn’t true to his word
(Drew sees Beth coming back with the drinks and as such gets to his feet, imploring Kai to do the same.)
Drew: You don’t do anything ok… until you’ve consulted with me. The last thing we need is for you to make another mistake like what got you sent down last time. And you can be damn sure that I’m not going to let you drag me down with you. If you get wind of anything… ANYTHING. I want to know before you attempt anything, am I clear?
Kai: Absolutely
Drew: Good… and for that, I’ll make sure you get a little extra when the money is sent over.
Kai: Cheers, appreciate it.
(Kai walks away as Beth returns, Beth and Drew engaging in conversation. The picture pans, however, to the ocean and a boat bobbing on the water. On that boat is a man, binoculars obscuring his face. He pulls down the binoculars, and we see him for the first time. The man is smiling, as he nods his head.)
Chris Clay: Gotcha
(Scene fades.)
![[Image: BCO-d859afd8-a571-4714-93bf-e68bfeb36b78.png]](https://i.ibb.co/qM80nB1W/BCO-d859afd8-a571-4714-93bf-e68bfeb36b78.png)