#*the fengs

[Late night - The Royal Willow Hospital]

(Hannah): [On the phone] I won’t be much longer. Feng’s saying goodnight to his wife then I’m bringing him to you to sign the contract.

[In a hospital bed lies the comatose Lily Feng, her husband Victor sits beside her, sullen]

(Victor): I’m sorry my love. I feel I have failed you in our darkest hours. But I promise, when all is said and done - we will both see the sun again.

(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]

[They stand awkwardly, sipping their drinks, watching couples dance, the music slows and they begin to waltz]

(MAX): …At the risk of making ourselves more uncomfortable, but in the interest of appearing as normal as possible: Would you like to dance?

(LENA): Oh-

(MAX): Oh?

(LENA): Relax. I was just gonna ask if you actually… knew how to waltz?

(MAX): Well no. But it doesn’t seem hard and I felt like you would know, so…

(LENA): …Finish your drink first.

[They make their way to the dancefloor, Lena places her and Max’s hands in the proper hold]

(LENA): Keep your eyes on me and follow my lead.

*

(VICTOR): How do I look?

(LILY): Hold on…there, perfect. You have your note cards, yes?

(VICTOR): Oh! I think I-

(LILY): [Panicked] What?

(VICTOR): I’m pulling your leg, dear. They’re in my breast pocket.

(LILY): You’re not funny Victor.

(VICTOR): Oh I don’t know, I’ve been known to get a laugh or two. What do you think, Rose?

[Rose is distracted, noticing two figures in the distance that look impossibly familiar]

(TERESA): Ah, Mx. Kyle I presume? I’ve been informed that you prefer gender neutral terms of address. I’m DI Teresa Small from San Myshuno Police. I’d just like to go over a few details with you about events leading up to the fire if possible.

(MAX): Right…we can talk in the uh…garden? If it’s alright with my stepmum…

(SIMONE): Course! The back door’s unlocked. Shout me if you need anything, yeah?

[***]

(TERESA): Before we begin, I just want to clarify that this is an informal chat and it is purely for purposes of establishing a timeline of events that preceded the fire. Do you consent to me recording our conversation? For evidence purposes?

(MAX): Uh…okay, yeah.

(TERESA): Thank you. Now it’s been determined that the flames were ignited from outside of the property, leading us to believe that this may have been intentional.

(MAX): Oh fuck. Was it a hate crime?

(TERESA): That’s what we’d like to find out. I have to ask, have you ever received any threats at the establishment? Discriminatory in nature?

(MAX): …Not that I can think of.

(TERESA): Okay and do you have any enemies? Any disgruntled former or current employees? Any recent run-ins with angry customers? Is there anyone at all that you know could have motive to do this?

[gala flashback of THE FENGS]

[The music slows, there’s some mic feedback as Victor and Lily Feng take the stage]

(VICTOR): Apologies for interrupting your lovely dancing but my wife and I just wanted to say a few words. It has been such a wonderful honour to put on the Diamond Gala this year. The causes represented are close to our heart and it has been truly wonderful to see such esteemed guests come together to help those less fortunate than ourselves…

[Max’s heart begins to race]

(VICTOR): San Myshuno is undergoing a much needed transformation and it is truly amazing to see how many of us are committed to the cause of a better tomorrow. 

[Max begins to fidget nervously, their breathing increases]

(LENA): [Quiet, concerned] Hey, are you good?

(MAX): [Quiet, shaky] Um…

(VICTOR): I am so excited to see this city fully realised as a place for work, leisure and where you can raise a family. This summer I have had the honour of hosting my niece [He gestures for Rose to come forward] as she teaches ballet to disadvantaged youths. It’s this kind of…

[Max and Rose lock eyes]