#*ep 9

[lena looks both ways before forcing the door open]

[The flat is largely empty, save for one room. Inside is a corkboard with a map, scraps of documents and a phone number for a MR S. A FIGURE APPEARS BEHIND LENA, A GUN COCKS.]

[LENA SLOWLY TURNS AROUND, TO FACE DIMITRI]

(DIMITRY): You shouldn’t be here.

(LENA): Dimitry…don’t do something you’ll regret.

(DIMITRY): The fuck are y-

[LENA’S ON HIM LIKE A FLASH, SHE QUICKLY DISARMS HIM AND TURNS THE TABLES.]

(ROY): This isn’t the time for remorse, kid. I told you when this started that you’d have to do some difficult shit. Instead of sulking, focus on your goal. The end will justify the means.

[ROY’S PHONE RINGS]

(ROY): I need to take this. Afterwards I’ll drop you home.

(AISH): …Okay.

*

(ROY): [Hushed tones] D…How’d it go?

(LENA): I don’t know S…You tell me. 

*

[ATLA playing on TV, doorbell rings, muffled voices]

(SIMONE): [gently opening the door] Max, are you awake?

(MAX): … What’s up?

(SIMONE): There’s a copper downstairs, she’d like to have a chat with you.

(MAX): Am I in trouble?

(SIMONE): No darling! I couldn’t get much out of her but it seems like she just wants to ask some questions. 

(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.

[Draws opening, clothes rustling, muffled sounds of a phone call]

(DANIELLE): …The doctors kept them in overnight due to some smoke inhalation but they’ve had a bunch of tests done and from what mum says things seem okay. 

…I know, they’ve not even got their phone with them, ‘cause the firefighters aren’t sure if the flat’s safe to go in yet.

…I’ve had to run home to find some stuff for them to wear.…Oh mate don’t even get me started on that. You know they never replied to my voicemail?

[***]

(MAX): Can I leave now?

(DOCTOR): We’re just waiting on those discharge papers to be drawn up, then you’ll be free to go.

[Max sighs, Simone emerges]

(SIMONE): I’ve spoken to the fire brigade, they’re gonna try and send someone to collect your phone from the flat later today. They’ve also managed to get a hold of your boss and she’s flying back asap so, don’t worry your pretty little head alright? It’ll all be fine.

(MAX): Did they find out how it happened yet?

(SIMONE): I’m not sure darling. It’s privileged info so I couldn’t get anything just yet.

(DOCTOR): I’ll just go and check on those forms.

[Danielle enters]

(DANIELLE): There you two are. This place is a nightmare to get around, man.

(SIMONE): It’s been like that since you were born, love.

(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-