#*ep 3

(LENA): You’re late.

(MAX): It’s 10:04.

(LENA): It’s disrespectful.

(MAX): anyways…let’s get into it. my break’s not long.

(LENA): Before this goes any further I need to know you're not chatting shit. Where's the proof?

(MAX): Here. I only have this. Luis took most of it when he left.

(LENA): Course he did…Who else knows about this?

(MAX): Just Rita. This came from her.

(LENA): Fine. What are your terms?

(MAX): Aren’t you gonna check it?

(LENA): Oh I will. And If I find out you’re trying to sheg me, I’ll fucking obliterate you. But you seem smarter than that. So terms. What are they?

(MAX): I want Aish’s debt cleared. And I want access.

(LENA): To what?

(MAX): The Fengs. 

(LENA): Jesus fucking Christ.

(MAX): My mum died recently. It’s ruled a suicide but I know better. Before Luis died he said he’d try- look, I know they’re linked to it. I just don’t know how.

(LENA): Max I’m sorry for your loss, but what you’re asking…that’s a big fucking trade off for some pieces of paper and pocket change.

(MAX): On those pieces of paper is a list of everyone your brother dealt with before he left. No one else knows about this. The feds don’t know and Dimitry doesn’t know. 

(LENA): But you do? 

(MAX): I only helped make things look peachy on the other side. Rita always kept a personal copy of business affairs, so I did too. I haven’t needed it before but now…look maybe I’m wrong and this is a dead end. But from where I am it doesn’t seem like you’ve got that much left to lose.

(LENA): I’ve got everything to lose. If it's not already clear to you, the days of my name holding any real weight are practically over. Shit like this…it could make everything worse.

(MAX): Why did you agree to meet with me?

(LENA): Curiosity. 

(MAX): Cute. I think it’s because you’re scrambling. I barely knew your brother and even I can tell that you two don’t fuck with each other like that. You’re on the hook and you hate it. I’m going to find out what happened to my mother with or without you. but you have no fucking idea what happened to your brother and no amount of empty threats is going to hide the fact that you’re not sure if even care.

(LENA): You don’t know what the fuck-

(MAX): I’m not done. You know more than anyone that San Myshuno is full of creeps, snakes and snitches. Trust is scarce. You need loyalty. You need me.

(LENA): What can you do for me?

(MAX): Be an ear to the ground. I may be outside but I have ins. 

(LENA): Alright. One month, and if this doesn’t work out we owe nothing to each other.

SFX: TRAIN WHIZZES PAST / DOOR OPENS

_____

TEXT ON PHONE:

[1 missed call from unknown]

[3 new messages]

(CLEO): Thinking of you today my darling xx Can't wait to see you when I'm back 💖

(AISH): srry phn was dead + I'm not feeling well. I'll make it up 2mrw??x

(UNKNOWN): 10pm. White merc, outside yours. Don't be late.

____

(DIMITRY): You’re late.

(ROY): Now that’s a Scott scowl if I ever saw one.

 What is this?

(ROY): Oh come now Lena…is that any way to greet an old friend? 

(LENA): Stop chatting shit Roy. Tell me why I’m here. 

(ROY): Your lot never could take a joke. I can tell you’re on one today so I’ll make this quick. Just because you’re living in your brother’s penthouse, it doesn’t mean you’re him. you know full well that there’s a proper way to do things.

(LENA): You know that’s not why-

(ROY): Regardless. It’s best not to piss off the powers that be. So I’m gonna do you a favour. You’ll continue doing jobs with Dimitry here and I’ll do my best to still any waves your continued presence could make.

(LENA): What kind of jobs?

(ROY): Collections…security nothing too crazy. Pay’s 10%.

(LENA): Do I look like a dickhead to you? Actually you know what, fuck this and fuck you.

(DIMITRY): You’re embarrassing yourself Lena.

(HANNAH): Please.

(LENA): Fuck off.

(HANNAH): It’ll only be a week! Two at most!

(LENA): You’re not slick Han. You always do this underhand shit!

(HANNAH): I’m telling the truth! 

(LENA): Sighing - Five days.

(HANNAH): Seven.

(LENA): Three.

(HANNAH): Five and I’ll cook all your fave meals while I’m here.

[TEXT]

(MAX): Hi where r u pls? Ur meant to be opening w/ Cora.

---

(AISH’S PHONE): It’s Aish, I barely check these so text me if it’s urgent innit.

(MAX): Aish, are you good? Why aren't you in work? Me and cor have been messaging and calling you! I don’t have time for this today of all days!!!! Answer your fucking phone!!!!!

[TEXT]

(JORDAN): So, how was it?

(MAX): Be normal.

(JORDAN): Not u playing coy. Are we not besties?

(MAX): We are! Actually, Cleo is. But still.

[TRAIN]: Next stop, Hollow street North.