#*benito marquez

[The Banks Household - Late afternoon]

(Benito): I know you’re going through the unimaginable right now, but if you think of anything, anything at all that you think could aid us in our investigation, then please let me or one of my colleagues know. You have my card, if you need anything in the coming weeks please feel free to reach out.

(Toni-Ann): Weary. Thank you officer.

(Jade): Sudden. Have you spoken to his friends yet? Michael, Kenan, Jake? Any of them lot?

(Benito): We’re still in the early stages of investigation. We are conducting interviews but I hope you can understand that I can’t discuss with who.

(Jade): So why are you here then?

(Toni-Ann): Jade.

(Benito): It’s fine - of course you want answers. I wish I had them but right now, the best thing I can do is conduct this investigation as thoroughly as possible. 

(Jade): And how long will that take? What about the funeral? Why the fuck is my brother rotting in the morgue when he should be laid to rest? You’re not gonna find anything! The people that did this probably pay your salary! 

(Toni-Ann): Tearful. That’s enough, Jade! Apologise to detective Marquez! Now! 

(Jade): Standing up. Nah mum! You know what Jarell was doing! The feds aren’t gonna do shit and you know it! [To Benito] So unless you can bring my brother and his girlfriend back from the dead then you’re fucking useless to us! 

(BENITO): …Thanks mate. I owe you one. Take care. [He hangs up and re-enters the car]

(LENA): Well?

(BENITO): It’s being kept under wraps but my contact at the fire brigade is saying arson. Whoever hid it wasn’t trying to hide it either so they wanted us to know. No word on who or why but there were no casualties.

[Lena visibly sags with relief]

(BENITO): [Knowingly] Ah.

(LENA): What?

(BENITO): I couldn’t figure out what this was for you, but I uh… get it now.

(LENA): Get the fuck out of my car Marquez.

(BENITO): Wait! I’m sorry but there’s more… The Fengs have been polling badly in the lower districts, something about them not being relatable to the working class. A stunt like this may be something they can use for PR. Think about it.

(ZOFIA): Have fun love, give the lads my best!

(BENITO): Will do darling!

[HE NOTICES LENA’S CAR]

(BENITO): [under his breath] …shit.

*

(BENITO): This isn’t the right way to go about things, Lena. What you’re asking is far beyond my paygrade.

(LENA): Don’t give me that Marquez. We both know who would think to pull something like this. What I’m wondering is why.

(BENITO): I have no idea! H- How do you know that it wasn't just an accident? 

(LENA): You know what, maybe you’re right! Here’s what we’ll do: You’re gonna make some calls to check that I have the right information, and in return I won’t smash your head into the dashboard of my fucking mercedes. 

(BENITO): Lena please, my wife’s insi-

(MAX): You look nice by the way. 

(LENA): …Thanks. So do you.

[Lift dings, signalling their arrival]

(LENA): [Exhaling deeply] Let’s do this.

[LIVE, BIG BAND TYPE MUSIC PLAYS, GUESTS CHATTING, DANCING, DRINKING ETC.]

(WAITER): Champagne?

(LENA): Yes, thanks. (MAX): Thank you.

(LENA): So the key to these things is to blend in. I’d say we should mingle but this is a bit of a black sheep situation given the…everything about my family so let’s just act like we’re having a decent time, not least because we are definitely being watched.

(MAX): Lovely. And when you say everything you mean-

(BENITO): [Quietly] Ahem.

[lena kisses her teeth]

(BENITO): Still got those sparkling manners, I see.

(LENA): Still a snide piece of shit, I see.

(BENITO): Enough. That’s not why I’m here. I have information.

(LENA): …Well?

(BENITO): You are not the only one who wishes to know the whereabouts of your brother. They want him too and it is not a money thing. They want plausible distance, so you’re being left to do the legwork for now but when you find him-

(LENA): When?

(BENITO): When. They will be waiting. Trust no one. This is far bigger than you know.

(LENA): What the fu-

[The doors swing open, Max appears]

(MAX): [Breathless] There you are.

(BENITO): I’ll take my leave. It was nice seeing you again Lena. Send my love to your mother.

[Benito leaves]

(MAX): Sorry. Did I interrupt?

(LENA): Nah, just an… old family friend saying hello.

(MAX): Okay… Well I’m leaving. This was a fucking disaster and I feel like ripping my skin off so. [Off Lena’s strange look] What?

(LENA): …Did you tell her anything?

(MAX): Sorry?

(LENA): And not just today either, like the whole time you knew each other. ‘Cause if you did and she’s been going back to her family with it then we’re a bit fucked so-

(MAX): [Incredulous] Of course I didn’t fucking tell her anything! Why would you ask me that?

(LENA): Because it’s all just a bit convenient Max! I have to make sure-

(MAX): So I’m a liar now?

(LENA): I’m not saying that, but I have to be realistic. We haven’t actually known each other that long-

(MAX): Funny, that didn’t seem to matter when you had your tongue down my throat the other week!

(LENA): Max-

(AMARA): How has this happened? I don’t understand.

(MARQUEZ): There’s been a shift in power within the higher ups. The election’s coming up and the brass want everyone focused on keeping heads cool. 

(AMARA): Keeping head coo-. What is the point of paying of a police officer if he can’t fucking do what I’ve asked?!

(MARQUEZ): Amara I-

(AMARA): My son did not kill himself Marquez. Someone, somewhere knows what happened to him. Knows where he is!

(MARQUEZ): *Pleading* Amara. I love this family like my own blood. But things are different now. You’re not physically in the city anymore. I’m limited in what I can do!