#didascalies

†  don’t fuck with the corintha women  †

† their personal playlists †

𝔇𝔦𝔡𝔞𝔰𝔠𝔞𝔩𝔦𝔢𝔰; 𝔖𝔢𝔞𝔰𝔬𝔫 1; 𝔈𝔭𝔦𝔰𝔬𝔡𝔢 1; 𝔓𝔞𝔯𝔱 4

The sun is warm, but setting. Eurydice leans at the end of an alley that opens onto the smoking area. She can hear Tiresias and Dalit bickering before they clatter into the passage but pretends not to notice. Crouching to pack her camera into her backpack, she takes a furtive look. Her brother, and his partner, are walking conspicuously close to one another - their arms entangled and heads tilting inwards. Eventhough Tiresias clearly notices her first, Dalit announces their presence.

Dalit:       Do you need some help?

Polite, well-spoken, as she was raised. She’s smiling at Eurydice, but prior experience stops Dilly from mistaking her offer as sincere. She returns the smile as she stands up.

Eurydice: Thanks, but it’s alright. 

She holds up a tube of menthol.     

                Want one?

Dalit:        Oh, I’m fine, thank you Dilly. You two are both coming?

Tiresias:   Willows?

He pulls a gold cigarette case from his trouser pocket, engraved A.O., and offers one to Dalit - who refuses by closing the case in his hand with hers and pushing it towards his chest.

Dalit:         Yes - with Louis and Nicollo too. Louis is bringing Hedy.

Dilly looks at her brother. 

Tiresias:    Sounds like we have ourselves a party.

He hands Dilly a lighter, engraved A.O. also, which she lights her cigarette with. Dalit watches, has a toke when offered one, then turns to Tiresias. She places a hand on his arm.

Dalit:         Come find me when you’re done.

She sweeps into the throng of teenage locals, without looking at Dilly. Tiresias watches her circulate before letting Dilly light him. She hands him his lighter. His hair is faultlessly unruly but his clothes fit perfectly and are made of expensive merino wool knits and brand name value. Manicured sinfulness.

Eurydice:   Dalit is-

Tiresias:     You’re late with her mail.

Eurydice:   Yeah, she put up another firewa-

Tiresias:     Jesus, I don’t care. You’re late again and your Instagram is shut down, ‘nd do your sodding top up.

He presses the heel of his hand against his temple in frustration while Dilly turns to retie her cardigan. 

Eurydice:   She…there’s a letter. 

Tiresias’ ears prick up.     

                  It’s from her art dealer.

Tiresias:     That bullshit? Why did he send her a letter?

Eurydice:   It was just about the- 

She finishes retying her cardigan but stays facing the other way.     

                  end of everything; with the paintings.

Tiresias:     Then why are you so upset?

Eurydice:   I’m fine.

Tiresias:     She causing trouble?

Eurydice:   She’s fine. I’m fine, Ty. You don’t have t-

Tiresias:     I do have to, Dilly, because if she’s causing you trouble, she’s causing me trouble so we can’t let that happen.

She swerves to face him.

Eurydice:   You don’t have to wor-

Ty grabs her arm, roughly. He looks her straight in the eyes.

Tiresias:     Show me the fucking letter.

They stare at each other for a moment before Ty releases her. He snatches the letter from her before she can stand up properly. After trying to not break the seal and failing, he tears the envelope off:

Monday 10th July, 2019

Naoise MacAllum, 14 St. Bedes Crescent, Inargenthorpe, Cambridgeshire, CB10 7BP

Antigone Osipov, The Ivy, The Shambles, Inargenthorpe, Cambridgeshire, CB10 7WI

Dear Mrs. Osipov,

This letter will confirm our arrangements for our meeting, regarding your daughters, at your residence. The negotiation will be held on the evening of Friday 14th July, 2019. As we discussed, I will need access at 4:00pm in order to begin preparations.

I have enclosed the initial deposit, of £20,000, and will deliver the 2nd instalment upon collection of my purchase. Please expect the remainder to be delivered within 5 weeks of collection to ensure the quality is satisfactory. Thank you for your co- operation and help thus far in organising this event. I look forward to continuing our work with you in the future.

Faithfully,