#*amara scott

(Armstrong): He’s inside. Take a seat in the first row of pews. Left hand side…Eyes front.

(Amara): I remember.

Armstrong steps aside. Amara enters and finds her seat. Soon after, a figure sits down in the pew behind her, face obscured.

(Unknown): Distorted. …Speak.

(Amara): Thank you for seeing me…I trust you’ve been well?

(Unknown): …

(Amara): I apologise for not coming sooner. Please know, it was not meant as disrespect.

(Unknown): …

(Amara): …You know my family’s hardships. The men in my family have been…misguided. They’ve acted against our best interests. I wish to change that.

(Unknown):…

(Amara): With my eldest daughter by my side, I can renew the operation in full. Copperdale has sustained what little we left San Myshuno with, but to be frank, it’s an exile. I want to own my home again. I want my family name to mean something other than failure. I know much has changed, but believe me when I say that we are more than ready. However, I know that this is all futile if you do not approve.

(Unknown): …

(Amara):  In the past, you extended us grace at a time when many thought it was undeserved. You understood the heart of what we’re trying to do. I hope that you can find that understanding again.

More silence. Footsteps follow as the figure turns to leave. After a short while, Armstrong re-appears.

NEWS BROADCAST

(Sarah): …My opponent speaks of community outreach, but that’s a fantastical notion at best. We need to punish these deviants that are making life hell for innocent, hard-working civilians in our city.

(Broadcaster): Mrs. Quinn, that's a strong approach but I have to ask- What is your response to those critiquing the long-rumoured corruption in San Myshuno’s police force? 

(Sarah): Obviously, there’s no place for corruption in any matter, especially in the SMPS. So far, these rumours appear to have been baseless accusations, but if there is a shred of evidence found then we will handle it accordingly. For now, I would rather focus on–

The intercom buzzes. Amara mutes the TV before answering.

(Amara): Yes Chantal?

(Chantal): Mrs Scott…a Ms. Petrova is here to see you? I’ve advised she’ll need to make a formal appointment, but she’s convinced you’ll see her regardless. 

(Amara): Sighing. …Send her in.

***

(Magda): Thank you for seeing me Amara. It’s been too long.

(Amara): Magda…I’m told you wouldn’t take no for an answer. 

(Magda): Well in my position, neither would you.

(Amara): Cut to the chase, woman. 

(Magda): Let me buy you out.

(Amara): No.

(Magda): At least run the numbers first? 

(Amara): There is no figure high enough!

(Magda): Sighing. Amara in its current state, Scott Inc. will be shuttered by the end of next year, and from what I hear, the board has all but lost faith in you. If you sell to Petrov Holdings then you can go out with your head held high. It’s time to be realistic. Aren’t you tired of playing the martyr?

(Amara): You should leave.

[Early evening, sequence - Amara fretting on the phone / Lena driving]

(Amara): Hushed, urgent. …I need some more time…You know what I’m dealing with.

(Lena): ¿Mamí? ¿Dónde estás? [Mum? Where are you?]

(Amara): …Well that’s hardly fa-...Fine. Set up a meeting. 

(Lena): [Knocking] 

(Amara): Hushed, urgent. Shit. I have to go…I’ll call you. SHE HANGS UP. Come in!

(Lena): Entering, immediately suspicious. Who was that?

(Amara): ¿Cómo dices? [Excuse me?] 

(Lena): I didn’t mean it like that. You just look…stressed. 

(Amara): Estoy bien. [I’m fine.] And I know you didn’t drive all this way just to worry about me. What did you find out?

(Lena): …Less than I hoped. Our presence in the city is too subtle. We need to come out of the dark.

(Amara): Sighing. It’s too soon for that Lena. Our foundation isn’t solid yet.

(Lena): How can it be?! We finally have a chance to rebuild, yet we’re stuck doing busy work! We need to expand our operation! Bold moves are being made, Mamí, and if we don’t strike soon, we’ll get left behind!

(Amara): ¡Cálmate [Calm down]  Lena! I know it feels like things are stalling but this work requires patience. We cannot jump into the fray just because our lessers are rushing forward. 

(Lena): …What aren’t you telling me?

(Amara): Lena, how many times must I ask you to trust me?

(Amara): [Low, sudden] Roll down your sleeves.

(Lena): Huh?

(Amara): Don’t argue. Your name is on this building and your clothes should reflect that.

(Lena): Okay, Mami I’m not trying to-

(Amara): [Hushed] Si esto no funciona, nos quedamos sin opciones, Lena. He pasado meses manteniendo a raya a estos cerdos pero no durarán mucho más. (If this doesn't work, we're out of options, Lena. I've spent months keeping these pigs at bay but they won't last much longer.)

(Lena): Entiendo eso mami, pero ¿qué quieres exactamente de mí? […I understand that mum, but what exactly do you wa-]

(Receptionist): –Ah, Mrs Scott…and Miss Scott! So good to see you both. Please follow me.

[***]

(Amara): [Upon arrival] It’s good to see you all. 

(Robert): There’s no need for pleasantries Amara, the sooner we can get things in order, the better.

(Amara): It’s not a crime to show civility Robert, but since you’re in a mood, I’ll be frank: I understand there’s been some turbulence of late. I know that the Scott group isn’t living up to its potential. If you continue to trust in me, I’d like to change that.

(Gregory): –I’m sorry Amara, but if I may? I believe I speak for all of us when I say that turbulence is putting it lightly. Shareholders have been pulling out left and right, there’s talk of delisting it from the exchange and while I know you’ve experienced some…personal tragedy, I can’t help but wonder if your continued involvement would do more harm than good.

(Amara): Excuse me?

(Robert): It’s not personal of course. You know I’ve supported you..and your family from the beginning, but the writing’s on the wall. The Scott group has done great work in the past and we believe it can again…We’re just not sure if you’re the person to lead us.

(Amara): [Icy] …I see. So when’s the vote?

[The board members all uncomfortable share looks]

(Linda): [Quiet, sheepish] It’s in 4 weeks. 

(Amara): Okay. Well in the interest of candor I’ll say this: When my husband and I started this company, it was with the hope of taking property to the next level, and providing housing in communities that needed it most. I know lines have blurred. I know that Winston made…errors in judgement, but the reason you all sit in this room is because of me. Most companies that have dealt with such difficulties would be non-existent. It’s a testament to my passion and intelligence that after everything this heart and soul of this company remains.

(Pravesh): Amara please-

[phone vibrates - continuous]

(Lena): [Breathless, strained] Baby…

(Max): …Ignore it.

(Lena): It’s just gonna keep ringing if I don’t- fuck- don’t do that.

(Max): [Knowing] Do what?

(Lena): [Firm] Max.

(Max): Ugh. Fine.

(Lena): Don’t move, I won’t be long.

(Max): [Feigning disinterest] Yeah, yeah.

[.]

(Lena): [Returning the call] Mami?

(Amara): Así que estás vivo. [So you are alive.]

(Lena): Estoy ocupada. ¿Esto es urgente? [I’m busy. Is this urgent?]

(Amara): Estoy a quince minutos. Vístete para el almuerzo. [I’m fifteen minutes away. Get dressed for brunch.]

(Lena): [Hushed, panicked] ¡Mami, tengo planes, no puedes aparecerte así! [Mum, I have plans, you can’t just show up like this!]

(Amara): Bueno, quizá si no te pasaras la vida evitando mis llamadas, no estaríamos aquí, pero tenemos que hablar. Así que cancela lo que sea... o quien sea que estés haciendo y prioriza esto. [Well maybe if you didn't spend your life avoiding my calls, we wouldn't be here, but we need to talk. So cancel whatever...or whoever you're doing and prioritise this.]

(Lena): [Sighing] Vale. [Ok.] [She hangs up]

[.]

(Max): ...All good?

(LENA): So um, bathroom and kitchen are to the left if you wanna shower or eat and then the rooms in front of us are the living room, bedroom and study so…

(MAX): Lena…[They turn to face each other]