Scene 13

Pilot scene 13

Mark walks up the stairs and approaches David’s office. Sophie is in their working.

Mark:
Is he in there?

Sophie:
He is in with Beth and Hugo.

Mark:
Can I go in?

Sophie:
Sure.

Mark walk forward and knocks on the door before slowly opening it. David, Hugo and Beth are all sat talking. They stop and turn as Mark walks in.

Mark:
 Sorry.

David:
Its fine, we were just discussing who we should look at for the role of Rebecca.

Mark:
I thought Nikki Summers was going to do it?

Hugo:
Pulled out this morning.

Mark looks irate.

Mark:
What? why wasn’t I told about this?

Beth:
Because I handle the casting choices Mark.

Mark:
But I should be told when one of our actors drops out.

David:
She was never one of our actors she was a maybe.

Mark:
Why weren’t she tied down?

Beth:
She got offered another role. One that might actually film.

Mark:
Dammit. Does this stuff really never end?

David:
Mark.

Mark:
Sorry.

Hugo:
We are thinking of going for Lisa Nichols.

Mark:
We can’t afford Lisa Nichols.

Beth:
What do you think we should do then?

Mark:
We are a small firm, with young writers. We can’t buy a star we are going to have to build one. I will sit in with you during the casting. See if we can find someone special in the bunch.

David:
All right then guys. Beth look over the candidates for next weeks auditions, see if there is anyone worth signalling out.

Beth:
Got it.

Beth and Hugo stand up, they go to leave and Mark grabs Beth.

Mark:
Sorry for snapping. Weird day.

Beth nods and walks off. Mark closes the door.

David:
You know you really need to learn to hold your tongue, we delegate it out for a reason so that you don’t have to worry about everything.

Mark:
But I do worry about everything.

David:
Well what’s worrying you now?

Mark:
They’ve made the connection.

David:
To the show?

Mark:
No just to me. Apparently the suspect has tweeted about my work.

David:
You said it wasn’t going to be an issue.

Mark:
I know but if I get out on top of it. Go on Tv, do a couple of shows. Get my side out.

David:
No. We need to keep low on this. You appear on Tv and start acting knowledgeable about the Incels then one of them will post about your books and the whole thing will circle back to us.

There is a knock on the door. Anni steps in.

Anni:
Sorry. Mark I am getting calls left right and centre. Every news outlet wants you to appear as a guest speaker on their show.

Mark:
They must have something.

Anni:
They haven’t mentioned the show yet. They just want you.

David:
Of course they do. Mark you are the most knowledgeable person on their movement. No one knows it better than you.

Mark:
But I shouldn’t do the show?

David:
Absolutely not if we want to keep this product in the clear.

Mark:
We need to release a statement at least.

David:
Sure.

Mark turns towards Anni.

Mark:
Release this. I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the events occurring today but I wish not to speak or to speculate on the motives of the suspect in case I hinder the police operation or cause further damage in the event.

Anni:
Is that all?

Mark:
Yeah

David:
Thank you Anni.

Anni leaves.

David:
Smart choice.

Mark:
I always thought that you could just write what you want and people would see it as literature.

David:
You threw your hat into this ring. Everything you do will be scrutinised and sometimes it happens for the strangest reasons.

Mark:
I should have stuck to politics. Never should have even written those stupid books.

David:
But you did.

Mark:
I never thought they would get anywhere. Now look what damage its doing.

David:
You are a very talented man Mark and that shouldn’t be wasted. You do brilliant work outside. Young men are reading more than ever and you are still young, you still have many years left to do even more good but life has a way of throwing curveballs at you. Trust me, I know.

Mark:
Yeah of course.

Mark pauses and rubs at his stubble.


Mark:
Hey I’m going out for a drink with Andrew later if you want.

David:
I can’t I’ve got to take over from the nurses.

Mark:
Yeah I should have guessed. Anyway I better go see how Daniel is getting on.

David:
Keep your head up Mark.

Mark nods and leaves the room.

End scene