#*part 2

Sounds of traffic & light rainfall. Lena’s phone rings through the car. She sighs heavily before answering.

(Lena): You should not be calling me.

(???):  Off screen. Sorry…can we meet? It’s important.

(Lena): Mouthing. Shit. 

(???): Off screen. Lena?

(Lena): …Do you know the big car park on Whitfield st?

***

(Lena): I can’t do it Jade.

(Jade): Shaky. Lena, they shot my brother and his girl. Then they left them to bleed out in the street like animals. 

(Lena): Look, I’m sorry for your loss…but I don’t know who did it, and even if I did, going after them would only make things worse.

(Jade): I don’t care! I can’t take the not knowing…i-if it’s a money thing then I–

(Lena): –It is not a fucking money thing! Sighing. Jarell was grown…he made his choices.

(Jade): Choices?! He made the best of the hand he was fucking dealt. If it wasn’t for your brother, Jarell wouldn’t have got into half the shit he did. Why does Luis get to slink off into the sunset when they won’t even release Jarell’s body from the fucking morgue.

(Lena): Well it’s a criminal case–

(Jade): –Oh fuck you. Do you even know why he went to work in Willow Creek? ‘Cause Luis does. 

Tense silence falls between them. Realisation washes over Lena. Once again, she must pay a debt that her family owes.

(Lena): Quiet. It won’t bring him back Jade.

(Lena): …About she’s fucking worried about you. She barely even knows you.

(Max): Weary. It’s not that deep, Le. It’s just an offer.

(Lena): Exhaling. Nothing’s just an offer with Jacqui. 

(Max): Shifting to face her. Meaning?

(Lena): Look, she’s family and she looked out for me with Luis…but she’s also how my dad ended up with that fuck-off scar on his face. You’re only important to her if you’ve got something she can use. 

(Max): …She has a point though.

(Lena): What?

(Max): About me. I…I’m fucking bored Lena! I only went back to work ‘cause the sale still hasn’t gone through for OSB and I’m paying rent at Simone’s.I’m still stuck at simone’s 'cause every flat I’ve viewed flat I’ve viewed has been dogshit…and I haven’t seen my friends in ages ‘cause it feels too fucking weird and I need something to–

(Lena): –I get that but you need to be smarter than this Max! You’ve been through a lot. It’s not even been a year since [Off Max’s glare] …just give yourself time. You don’t need to keep jumping into shit…think about what you really want.

(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.

Quiet suburban street, tv blares in the background.

(Mark): But their number though? What happened to insta?

(Cleo): Max barely uses it these days! Brooke’s alright, and the break up was years ago. I doubt she has any ill intent towards Max after all they’ve been through lately.

(Mark): Okay. He shrugs. I still think you should’ve waited for Max’s response first but what’s done is done. Have you tried calling again?

(Cleo): No, they never answer anymore. Sighing. I don’t know what to do babe. I want to help them so badly but they won’t let me! Even to look at flats together I had to near beg them and we’ve still not discussed the Rose of it all. Neither of them will say what actually happened and I just feel so icky about it, I–

(Mark): Bae, breathe. You’re an amazing friend with a huge heart, which I love but that also means that sometimes you…over-invest. All you can do is keep letting Max know you’re there for them and give them time...Grief shows up differently for everyone. Maybe what Max needs right now is to be left alone…

***

The Dollhouse. Max sits opposite Jacqui.

(Max): I’ll take the job. 

(Lena): Text me when you get home yeah?

[Your Uber has arrived.] 

(Max): Course. 

[2 Missed Calls, 1 New Voicemail] 

(Brooke): Recorded. Hi Max…it’s Brooke…I got your number from Cleo. I know it’s been ages, but it didn’t feel right to text. I’m so sorry to hear about your mum and Aish. I know how much they meant to you. I was wondering if you wanted to ca–

(Automated Voice): –Message deleted.

(Max): To themself. Absolutely not.

****

(Simone): On the phone. Well, I think it’s worth discussing. We need to get a handle on this…we’ll sit them down so we can get everything out–

Max unlocks the front door.

(Simone): Max? Is that you love?

(Max): Yeah, it is!

(Simone): Okay hon, I’m in the kitchen! Hushed, on the phone. I'll speak to you later, Dan. The call ends.

(Max): You alright? thought you’d still be at work. 

(Simone): I’m on half day, got the dentists in a bit.

(Max): Oof. Good luck.

(Simone): Amused. Thank you. Will you be in for dinner? 

(Max): Um I think so, but I’m covering a shift later, so I’m gonna go and unpack…They turn to leave.

(Simone): Wait Max, can I run something by you?

(Max): …What’s up?

(Simone): I just got off the phone with Danielle,and she mentioned the other night…

(Max): Sighing. Of course she did.

(Simone): Gentle. It sounds like you’re both carrying a lot. I think it’s time the three of us sat down and had a proper catch up.

(Max): Simone…

(Simone): I’m sorry love, but things can’t keep on as they are. I’ve been giving you space but as you’re living here for the foreseeable future, we’ve got to address the elephant in the room.

Max sighs, too tired to argue.

(Max): Fine…but I need to check my shifts for next week, and whatever we do has to be indoors…I’m not doing this in public.

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.

[Night - The Dollhouse] 

(Girl #1): Slurring. Yay we made it! I’m tryna stare at some big beautiful titties or whatever Rihanna said!

(Girl #2): Relax, man…if you’re too drunk they won’t let us in!

(Girl #1): Booo! I wanna do shots! Girl #2 kisses her teeth.

(Girl #3): Still cannot believe you talked me into this.

(Girl #4): Girl it did not take much to convince you!

[***]

(Girl #3): Guys, we should get drinks, the next girl starts in 10.

(Girl #1): I can’t lie, I'm not tryna get up right now…I want a lap dance.

(Girl #2): Ignore her, the rest of us can go up.

(Girl #4): Nah, I need a wee. Can you get me a rum & coke though?

[***]

(Danielle): Max?

(Max): Danielle…What are you doing here?

(Danielle): I’m out with my friends…are you here with yours?

(Max): …I’m on break…I bartend here.

(Danielle): Oh.

(Max): Oh?

(Danielle): I didn’t mean it in a rude way! This just isn’t where I pictured you working. 

(Max): Right well I’ve only got half hour left of my break so-

(Danielle): Wait, don't go! I haven’t seen you in ages. …How are you?

(Max): ...We don’t have to do this, you know. 

(Danielle): Do what?

(Max): The small talk. It’s jarring. 

(Danielle): You’re jarring.

(Max): And you’re defo drunk so unless you need help finding your friends–

(Danielle): -Can I just ask you something? What exactly is your issue with me?

(Max): Oh we are not doing this. They turn to leave, Danielle grabs their arm.

(Max): Are you for real?

(Danielle): Answer my question Max.

Max sighs, choosing to stay. Danielle lets go.

(Max): Okay one: keep your fucking hands to yourself and two: …I don't have an issue with you. We’re just not…close.

(Danielle): Bullshit. I’ve done fuck all to you. In fact, I’ve only ever tried to support you, but for some reason you still treat me like a prick, so why is that? 

(Max): Fed up. Jesus– D’ya know what?! It’s because you fucking pity me Danielle. 

(Danielle): Excuse me?

(Max): Ever since I first set foot in your mum’s house the two of you have looked at me like I was a sick dog. 

(Danielle): The fuck are you talking about, bruv? All we’ve ever done is try our best to love you! How is that wrong?

(Max): I don’t know! Until I was 11 there was this life I knew and it wasn’t perfect but it was mine. And then my mum met yours and all I could feel was how much everything was changing. Do you know what it’s like to find out almost everything you’re used to is wrong?

(Danielle): I don’t! But I do know that you’ve held onto this shit for years! If you’d just talked to us then– 

(Max): …If everyone else was trying their best, then why would I fuck that up?

(Danielle): Max– 

(Max): –Look, we’re done here. I’m hungry and my break’s almost over.

(Danielle): But–