1. WALDORF HOTEL
Olivia and Gregory walk into her hotel room after just having lunch together. It’s been very freeing for Olivia to once again walk the streets of New York. She had forgotten how much she missed it until she came back. They both take a seat on the couch.
Olivia: I am stuffed. I so shouldn’t have had that dessert.
Gregory: Sometimes you just have to live a little.
Olivia: I suppose. I could definitely go for a nice nap now.
Gregory: Wish I could do the same. I am on babysitting duty this evening.
Olivia: Babysit duty? For who?
Gregory: My brother. It’s his anniversary and I agreed to take in their son for the evening so he could have the night off with his wife.
Olivia: Aw, that’s sweet. How long have they been married now? Two years?
Gregory: Three. I better run. I have to pick him up from school. Call me if you need anything.
Olivia: Will do.
Olivia walks Gregory to the front door to let him out.
Olivia: Have fun.
She places the do not disturb sign on the front door before closing and locking the door. Olivia sighs from fatigue as she makes her way back to the living room. Wanting to get some quick shuteye, she closes the curtains to the living room windows to darken the room. As she finishes with the final window she hears footsteps coming from behind and panics. She turns around speedily to see who is in the room with her.
Olivia: You.
Olivia and Gregory walk into her hotel room after just having lunch together. It’s been very freeing for Olivia to once again walk the streets of New York. She had forgotten how much she missed it until she came back. They both take a seat on the couch.
Olivia: I am stuffed. I so shouldn’t have had that dessert.
Gregory: Sometimes you just have to live a little.
Olivia: I suppose. I could definitely go for a nice nap now.
Gregory: Wish I could do the same. I am on babysitting duty this evening.
Olivia: Babysit duty? For who?
Gregory: My brother. It’s his anniversary and I agreed to take in their son for the evening so he could have the night off with his wife.
Olivia: Aw, that’s sweet. How long have they been married now? Two years?
Gregory: Three. I better run. I have to pick him up from school. Call me if you need anything.
Olivia: Will do.
Olivia walks Gregory to the front door to let him out.
Olivia: Have fun.
She places the do not disturb sign on the front door before closing and locking the door. Olivia sighs from fatigue as she makes her way back to the living room. Wanting to get some quick shuteye, she closes the curtains to the living room windows to darken the room. As she finishes with the final window she hears footsteps coming from behind and panics. She turns around speedily to see who is in the room with her.
Olivia: You.
2. WALTER MALONE’S OFFICE
Walter is seated at his desk getting some work done on his computer when his secretary knocks at the door.
Secretary: Mr. Malone you have a visitor here to see you.
Walter: Send them in.
The secretary steps back outside. Walter begins closing out the windows on his computer as his guest arrives. He looks up from his computer and sees Paloma standing in the doorway. He instantly recognizes her from the newspapers. He motions for her to come in and she takes a seat.
Walter: You’re Paloma Herrera right?
Paloma: Yes. I’m very sorry to have bothered you but I didn’t know where else to go.
Walter: Is something wrong?
Paloma: You can say that. My family is running out of options here and you’re the only person I could think of to help us.
Walter: Options?
Paloma: I’m not who Daniel Evans makes me out to me be. I come from a great home with a loving and caring family. I’m an excellent student who is at the top of my class. I’ve been working very hard to secure my future and plans for college. That night was a night of unfortunate mistakes. I understand that I should have never been there that night. I was dragged along by my friend who knew one of the employees that let us in. Mr. Evans had started talking to us or rather should I say flirting with us. That’s when he offered and ordered the drinks for us. That’s when the camera took the photo I’m assuming that night. He even kissed my hand. The photo showed that. My brother was arrested last night and I’m sure it had something to do with Daniel Evans. My mother got the call this morning. She doesn’t know I’m here. She thinks I’m in school.
Walter: I see. I felt that Daniel was lying. He’s a very crafty man.
Paloma: But it’s all lies. I want my side of the story to be told but no one wants to listen to me. They’re all caught up in the lies he’s presenting. I need your help. Please. You’re my only hope. I have no one else to turn to.
Walter: Paloma, I’m sorry. I just don’t know what you want me to do. I wasn’t there so I can’t present any more information than you or Daniel. I’m afraid it’s turned into a he said she said situation and unfortunately Daniel has all the power in this.
Paloma: But it’s not right! Doesn’t anyone care about what’s morally right?!
Walter: I do but there’s nothing I can do.
Paloma rises from her chair after realizing that she’s going to get nowhere with Walter. Walter is very saddened for her situation and wishes he could help. Just as Paloma reaches the door on her way out she turns around to face him.
Paloma: You know before I came here I looked you up online. You paint yourself as this respectable man who wants to help the people of New York? Well today I’m here to tell you that you failed.
Paloma’s last words cut Walter like a knife. He tries to say something as she leaves but the words just don’t come out. He leans over his desk feeling quite useless. It’s always been in his nature to help people when he can. How can he possibly help her? It’s her word against Daniel’s word. What if she’s just playing him? He’ll end up looking like a fool and that he’s trying to pull some last minute stunt to win the election. Immediately he erased that thought from his mind. Walter could tell that she was being truthful. He picked up his phone and dialed for his secretary.
Walter: Get me Gregory Lincoln on the phone and then my wife.
Walter is seated at his desk getting some work done on his computer when his secretary knocks at the door.
Secretary: Mr. Malone you have a visitor here to see you.
Walter: Send them in.
The secretary steps back outside. Walter begins closing out the windows on his computer as his guest arrives. He looks up from his computer and sees Paloma standing in the doorway. He instantly recognizes her from the newspapers. He motions for her to come in and she takes a seat.
Walter: You’re Paloma Herrera right?
Paloma: Yes. I’m very sorry to have bothered you but I didn’t know where else to go.
Walter: Is something wrong?
Paloma: You can say that. My family is running out of options here and you’re the only person I could think of to help us.
Walter: Options?
Paloma: I’m not who Daniel Evans makes me out to me be. I come from a great home with a loving and caring family. I’m an excellent student who is at the top of my class. I’ve been working very hard to secure my future and plans for college. That night was a night of unfortunate mistakes. I understand that I should have never been there that night. I was dragged along by my friend who knew one of the employees that let us in. Mr. Evans had started talking to us or rather should I say flirting with us. That’s when he offered and ordered the drinks for us. That’s when the camera took the photo I’m assuming that night. He even kissed my hand. The photo showed that. My brother was arrested last night and I’m sure it had something to do with Daniel Evans. My mother got the call this morning. She doesn’t know I’m here. She thinks I’m in school.
Walter: I see. I felt that Daniel was lying. He’s a very crafty man.
Paloma: But it’s all lies. I want my side of the story to be told but no one wants to listen to me. They’re all caught up in the lies he’s presenting. I need your help. Please. You’re my only hope. I have no one else to turn to.
Walter: Paloma, I’m sorry. I just don’t know what you want me to do. I wasn’t there so I can’t present any more information than you or Daniel. I’m afraid it’s turned into a he said she said situation and unfortunately Daniel has all the power in this.
Paloma: But it’s not right! Doesn’t anyone care about what’s morally right?!
Walter: I do but there’s nothing I can do.
Paloma rises from her chair after realizing that she’s going to get nowhere with Walter. Walter is very saddened for her situation and wishes he could help. Just as Paloma reaches the door on her way out she turns around to face him.
Paloma: You know before I came here I looked you up online. You paint yourself as this respectable man who wants to help the people of New York? Well today I’m here to tell you that you failed.
Paloma’s last words cut Walter like a knife. He tries to say something as she leaves but the words just don’t come out. He leans over his desk feeling quite useless. It’s always been in his nature to help people when he can. How can he possibly help her? It’s her word against Daniel’s word. What if she’s just playing him? He’ll end up looking like a fool and that he’s trying to pull some last minute stunt to win the election. Immediately he erased that thought from his mind. Walter could tell that she was being truthful. He picked up his phone and dialed for his secretary.
Walter: Get me Gregory Lincoln on the phone and then my wife.
3. BLUE FIN RESTAURANT
Joe and Carter have met for lunch at Blue Fin after Joe had finished an early morning shoot. They are seated at a table just finishing up their lunch.
Carter: It just amazes me how Daniel can continue to dig himself out of these situations. It’s like he has nine lives and won’t die.
Joe: The man is quite smart.
Carter: Smart? Really?
Joe: I may not respect the man but there’s no denying how cunning he is. You can’t deny that when the shit hits the fan that Daniel always rises to the occasion and handles it.
Carter: I guess. But that doesn’t make me feel better. I’m just back at square one again. It’s as if it were all for nothing.
Joe: Have you ever given any thought to maybe giving up?
Carter: Giving up?
Joe: Hear me out. You have been stressing yourself out with this agenda of trying to bring down Daniel for so long now. Has it ever entered your mind to maybe let the people handle this? Let their votes make the decision. You do know that there is a chance that he may not win.
Carter: But I don’t want to leave it to chance. I want to ensure that he doesn’t win. This is a man who has in the past donated money to anti-gay organizations.
Joe: Which he has admitted and stated that he wasn’t aware that the group was an anti-gay organization and has since given money to gay organizations.
Carter: Lies! I’ve seen his reports and not one penny has been given.
Joe: All I’m saying is that for every blow you throw at Daniel he’s always going to find a way to escape it. Maybe it’s time you rest. It’d be kind of nice to get my boyfriend back.
Carter: I’m sorry. I know I’m probably driving you crazy with this talk all the time.
Joe: It’s alright. You’re very passionate about it. I get it. But I think you deserve some time to yourself.
Carter smiles at Joe and lays his hand on top of his.
Carter: Thank you. You’re always there in my corner. I appreciate it. You’re right. I need to let this go for a while. It’s starting to drive me crazy.
Joe: Tell you what. I’m going to take the rest of the day off. There’s nothing I need to do today that can’t be done tomorrow.
Carter: You sure?
Joe: Of course. You and I are going to have a night out.
Carter: Alright, sounds good to me.
Joe leans in for a kiss from Carter. Standing outside on the street is Lauren looking in on the restaurant witnessing the kiss between Joe and Carter. She quickly whips out her phone and takes a photo of them kissing. Lauren looks at her phone screen to make sure she got the shot and heads off before she can be seen.
4. THE EVANS APARTMENT
Daniel is seated in the living room with several files spread before him on the coffee table. He hears the front door open but doesn’t pay it any mind. Victoria enters having just left Brock’s apartment. She sees Daniel working at the table. In the last 24 hours many things have changed for Victoria. With Ivy blackmailing her she can either do as Ivy says and be free or she can let Daniel in on everything to get rid of Ivy. The first option seemed more practical to her. If Daniel ever found out about her affair and that someone found out he would cut her off. He would simply cast her off and paint her as a common whore to the press. She couldn’t allow that to happen.
Daniel: Well are you just going to stand there?
Victoria: I’m sorry. I didn’t want to disturb you.
Daniel: What’s stopped you before?
Victoria: What’s that you’re working on?
Daniel: Since when are you interested in anything I’m doing?
Victoria: I’ve always been interested.
Daniel: Is that so?
Daniel looks up at Victoria totally calling her bullshit. Victoria hasn’t been interested in anything to do with Daniel in years. She realizes that perhaps she’s coming on a little too strong and needs to change her tactic. Being too nice would give her away.
Victoria: Well I figured at this point I’m unfortunately just as involved in this as you are. Due to your latest mess with this Paloma girl, I now have every reporter hounding me for a response. I suppose I’m to play the role of the ever supporting and loving wife?
Daniel: I trust you can handle that. You were always so good at playing roles.
Victoria: Well I’ve certainly maintained the public opinion that this marriage still works haven’t I?
Daniel smirks at her forwardness. It’s actually been this unusual banter that’s kept Daniel slightly still interested through these years. He’s seen it kind of a turn on. Through the various affairs he’s had he still somewhat feels something for Victoria simply because she won’t have him anymore.
Victoria: So, you want to fill me in here?
Daniel: This is just business.
Victoria: Shouldn’t I be somewhat in the loop? What if someone asks me questions about your campaign and platform? You want me to just sit there with a blank face and say nothing?
Daniel for a second questions what Victoria is up to but after thinking it over sees her point.
Daniel: Alright.
Joe and Carter have met for lunch at Blue Fin after Joe had finished an early morning shoot. They are seated at a table just finishing up their lunch.
Carter: It just amazes me how Daniel can continue to dig himself out of these situations. It’s like he has nine lives and won’t die.
Joe: The man is quite smart.
Carter: Smart? Really?
Joe: I may not respect the man but there’s no denying how cunning he is. You can’t deny that when the shit hits the fan that Daniel always rises to the occasion and handles it.
Carter: I guess. But that doesn’t make me feel better. I’m just back at square one again. It’s as if it were all for nothing.
Joe: Have you ever given any thought to maybe giving up?
Carter: Giving up?
Joe: Hear me out. You have been stressing yourself out with this agenda of trying to bring down Daniel for so long now. Has it ever entered your mind to maybe let the people handle this? Let their votes make the decision. You do know that there is a chance that he may not win.
Carter: But I don’t want to leave it to chance. I want to ensure that he doesn’t win. This is a man who has in the past donated money to anti-gay organizations.
Joe: Which he has admitted and stated that he wasn’t aware that the group was an anti-gay organization and has since given money to gay organizations.
Carter: Lies! I’ve seen his reports and not one penny has been given.
Joe: All I’m saying is that for every blow you throw at Daniel he’s always going to find a way to escape it. Maybe it’s time you rest. It’d be kind of nice to get my boyfriend back.
Carter: I’m sorry. I know I’m probably driving you crazy with this talk all the time.
Joe: It’s alright. You’re very passionate about it. I get it. But I think you deserve some time to yourself.
Carter smiles at Joe and lays his hand on top of his.
Carter: Thank you. You’re always there in my corner. I appreciate it. You’re right. I need to let this go for a while. It’s starting to drive me crazy.
Joe: Tell you what. I’m going to take the rest of the day off. There’s nothing I need to do today that can’t be done tomorrow.
Carter: You sure?
Joe: Of course. You and I are going to have a night out.
Carter: Alright, sounds good to me.
Joe leans in for a kiss from Carter. Standing outside on the street is Lauren looking in on the restaurant witnessing the kiss between Joe and Carter. She quickly whips out her phone and takes a photo of them kissing. Lauren looks at her phone screen to make sure she got the shot and heads off before she can be seen.
4. THE EVANS APARTMENT
Daniel is seated in the living room with several files spread before him on the coffee table. He hears the front door open but doesn’t pay it any mind. Victoria enters having just left Brock’s apartment. She sees Daniel working at the table. In the last 24 hours many things have changed for Victoria. With Ivy blackmailing her she can either do as Ivy says and be free or she can let Daniel in on everything to get rid of Ivy. The first option seemed more practical to her. If Daniel ever found out about her affair and that someone found out he would cut her off. He would simply cast her off and paint her as a common whore to the press. She couldn’t allow that to happen.
Daniel: Well are you just going to stand there?
Victoria: I’m sorry. I didn’t want to disturb you.
Daniel: What’s stopped you before?
Victoria: What’s that you’re working on?
Daniel: Since when are you interested in anything I’m doing?
Victoria: I’ve always been interested.
Daniel: Is that so?
Daniel looks up at Victoria totally calling her bullshit. Victoria hasn’t been interested in anything to do with Daniel in years. She realizes that perhaps she’s coming on a little too strong and needs to change her tactic. Being too nice would give her away.
Victoria: Well I figured at this point I’m unfortunately just as involved in this as you are. Due to your latest mess with this Paloma girl, I now have every reporter hounding me for a response. I suppose I’m to play the role of the ever supporting and loving wife?
Daniel: I trust you can handle that. You were always so good at playing roles.
Victoria: Well I’ve certainly maintained the public opinion that this marriage still works haven’t I?
Daniel smirks at her forwardness. It’s actually been this unusual banter that’s kept Daniel slightly still interested through these years. He’s seen it kind of a turn on. Through the various affairs he’s had he still somewhat feels something for Victoria simply because she won’t have him anymore.
Victoria: So, you want to fill me in here?
Daniel: This is just business.
Victoria: Shouldn’t I be somewhat in the loop? What if someone asks me questions about your campaign and platform? You want me to just sit there with a blank face and say nothing?
Daniel for a second questions what Victoria is up to but after thinking it over sees her point.
Daniel: Alright.
5. WALDORF HOTEL
Olivia: You. What are you doing here? You should leave.
Rebecca: Well that’s not a very warm welcome.
Olivia: Leave Rebecca! You have no business being here.
Rebecca: I think I have every business being here. You think I’m just going to let you waltz back in our lives and destroy everything that I’ve worked so hard for.
Olivia: I’d say you did it all to yourself. You’re the reason this all happened.
Rebecca: That may be. But I’m not the one that destroyed several lives today. Blame me but you didn’t have to destroy a family.
Olivia: A family that was built on lies. I will not feel sorry for simply telling the truth. Everyone deserved to know. It’s so typical Rebecca for you to only care about yourself. You’re only concerned about how this affects you. Think about Kyle! Think about William! Think about Mason! Think about the parents that are still out there and believe they’ve lost a child. I know how that feels!
Rebecca: You were unfit to be a mother. I did you a favor.
Olivia slaps Rebecca hard against the left cheek of her face.
Rebecca: Oh, I see I’ve hit a nerve.
That she did. Olivia has spent every day for years thinking about what it would have been like to be mother. It was all she ever wanted and now she’ll never have that chance. The hatred and anger she feels for Rebecca will never go away.
Olivia: Leave. Now!
Rebecca: I’m not going anywhere.
Olivia: Then I’ll just have to call security.
Olivia crosses the room to head to the phone.
Rebecca: I wouldn’t do that if I were you.
Olivia: Oh please, what are you going to-
As Olivia makes her way over to the phone she turns mid-way to face Rebecca and stops mid-sentence. She’s startled as she sees Rebecca holding a gun straight at her.
6. THE EVANS APARTMENT
Victoria has been sitting with Daniel listening to him talk about his upcoming plans and so far nothing has been out of the ordinary. She had been hoping to catch some information that maybe she could pass along to Ivy to get her off her case. So far Daniel actually had some good ideas and plans. Nothing was crazy or even illegal. The front door opens and Lauren comes rushing into the living room.
Daniel: Lauren? You’re back?
Lauren: We have to talk.
Daniel: What’s going on? What’s wrong?
Lauren refrains from answering. She simply looks at Victoria and back at Daniel. Daniel and Victoria both get the hint that this is not a conversation for Victoria’s ears.
Victoria: Fine, I get it. I have a phone call to make anyway. I’ll be in the bedroom if I’m needed.
Victoria grabs her purse and starts to get up. Lauren waits until Victoria reaches the bedroom and closes the door behind her. Meanwhile in the bedroom Victoria is pacing around rather frustrated with how useless Daniel ended up being.
Victoria: Damn you Daniel. The one time I actually need you to be up to something and you give me nothing. What am I going to do?
Victoria’s phone starts to ring. She digs through her purse and answers it.
Victoria: Victoria Evans.
Ivy: Victoria, it’s me.
Victoria: Ivy. What’s going on?
Ivy: I need your help.
Victoria: What do you need?
Ivy: I need you to get Daniel to his office tonight at 7pm.
Victoria: What? Why?
Ivy: Don’t worry about it. Just do it and make it happen.
Victoria: How am I suppose to do that?
Ivy: That’s for you to figure out. Let’s not forget that if you don’t come through with this that I will expose your little affair with a certain James Channing. I’m sure Daniel would love to hear all about it.
Victoria: Alright! He’ll be there.
Ivy: Good.
Before Victoria can say anything else Ivy hangs up the phone. Meanwhile back out in the living room, Lauren has told Daniel about her finding Carter kissing another man. It’s not until she showed the photo to Daniel that he even believed it.
Daniel: This doesn’t make any sense.
Lauren: That’s what I thought. Carter has never since day one given the impression that he was gay. I’m not saying that there’s anything wrong with it but it certainly makes me pause. Why would he keep this to himself? Why lie? For months he’s lied to me about dates with women. I’ve never seen them but I never had reason to question him. It makes me wonder what else he’s hiding.
Daniel: Agreed. I want to know who that man in the photo is. I want to know everything there is to know about him. Then I want to know everything about Carter. He’s hiding something. I can feel it.
7. 756 W. 181ST, WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, THE HERRERA APARTMENT
The entire Herrera family is home now. Carla has explained to Paloma what happened with Victor the previous night with Daniel. Paloma is even more upset now with the pain this has caused her family. Victor doesn’t blame his sister for any of this. He blames Daniel for taking advantage of his sister and family for his own political gain. Meanwhile Paloma has explained her absence from school today to visit Walter Malone. Carla at first is upset that Paloma went to see Walter because she feels it can only cause more trouble. Paloma tells of how her visit was rather pointless in the end.
Paloma: Well it can’t get any worse, right?
Victor: Let’s not jinx it. This family doesn’t have very much luck.
Carla: As long as we stop seeking out trouble we should be just fine. Let’s stop taking matters into our own hands. It seems as of late it only seems to backfire.
There’s a knock heard at the front door. Victor starts to get up but Carla quickly gestures for him to take his seat. So far she’s the only one not to get in any trouble so she shall be the one to answer the door. She opens the door and there stands Walter with Gregory.
Walter: Is this the Herrera residence?
Carla: Yes.
Walter: Hi, I’m Walter Malone.
Carla: Yes, I know.
Paloma from inside hears Walter’s voice and panics inside. She wonders what trouble she has caused now.
Carla: Is this about my daughter?
Walter: Yes.
Carla: I’m sorry Mr. Malone. She should have never come to see you. I greatly apologize.
Walter: No need. May I come in? This will be a lot easier to explain.
Carla opens the door to lets the gentlemen in. She closes the door behind them and follows them into the living room.
Carla: This is my son Victor and my daughter Paloma. May I ask what brings you here?
Walter: Certainly. Hello Paloma.
Paloma: Hello.
Walter: Your daughter came to see me today for some help and I turned her away. She had a great deal to say to me in return that I took to heart. Paloma you are right. I do want to help people and I do want to help you. I have prided myself on running a smooth and morally right campaign. But I have realized that sometimes to fight evil you have to play a little dirty. But this isn’t about my campaign. This is about just doing what’s right.
Carla: I’m not sure I follow.
Walter: I believe Paloma is telling the truth. She just needs someone to believe in her and the right means to tell her side of the story. I want to help her do that. This is my good friend Gregory Lincoln and he’s going to be assisting us with this today.
Paloma: Do what exactly?
Gregory who has been holding a briefcase lays it on a table. He opens it up revealing several electronics and wires.
Paloma: What’s all that?
Gregory: A wire. We’re going to place it on you and set you up to see Mr. Evans alone. With you alone with him he’ll feel absolutely no threat. You get him to spill the truth to you and we’ll make sure it’s leaked to every paper and reporter in town.
Walter: You can thank my wife for convincing me that this was the right thing to do. She has secured Daniel to be at his office at approximately 7pm after business hours. That’s when you’ll arrive.
Paloma: I don’t know.
Carla: Neither do I. Is this even safe?
Gregory: We’ll be right there every step of the way. I’ll also have two other armed guards posted within the building at secret locations. For Walter to go through this trouble you must realize how much he cares and wants to help. He truly believes you. So much to drag me out of babysitting my own nephew and having his wife take over for me so I could be here to help you.
Walter: So, what do you say Paloma?
Paloma starts weighing the pros and cons of the situation. She feels that she has already caused such harm and shame to her family. All she wants to do is right the wrong. In her heart she knows that this could be her only shot.
Paloma: Okay, I’ll do it.
Olivia: You. What are you doing here? You should leave.
Rebecca: Well that’s not a very warm welcome.
Olivia: Leave Rebecca! You have no business being here.
Rebecca: I think I have every business being here. You think I’m just going to let you waltz back in our lives and destroy everything that I’ve worked so hard for.
Olivia: I’d say you did it all to yourself. You’re the reason this all happened.
Rebecca: That may be. But I’m not the one that destroyed several lives today. Blame me but you didn’t have to destroy a family.
Olivia: A family that was built on lies. I will not feel sorry for simply telling the truth. Everyone deserved to know. It’s so typical Rebecca for you to only care about yourself. You’re only concerned about how this affects you. Think about Kyle! Think about William! Think about Mason! Think about the parents that are still out there and believe they’ve lost a child. I know how that feels!
Rebecca: You were unfit to be a mother. I did you a favor.
Olivia slaps Rebecca hard against the left cheek of her face.
Rebecca: Oh, I see I’ve hit a nerve.
That she did. Olivia has spent every day for years thinking about what it would have been like to be mother. It was all she ever wanted and now she’ll never have that chance. The hatred and anger she feels for Rebecca will never go away.
Olivia: Leave. Now!
Rebecca: I’m not going anywhere.
Olivia: Then I’ll just have to call security.
Olivia crosses the room to head to the phone.
Rebecca: I wouldn’t do that if I were you.
Olivia: Oh please, what are you going to-
As Olivia makes her way over to the phone she turns mid-way to face Rebecca and stops mid-sentence. She’s startled as she sees Rebecca holding a gun straight at her.
6. THE EVANS APARTMENT
Victoria has been sitting with Daniel listening to him talk about his upcoming plans and so far nothing has been out of the ordinary. She had been hoping to catch some information that maybe she could pass along to Ivy to get her off her case. So far Daniel actually had some good ideas and plans. Nothing was crazy or even illegal. The front door opens and Lauren comes rushing into the living room.
Daniel: Lauren? You’re back?
Lauren: We have to talk.
Daniel: What’s going on? What’s wrong?
Lauren refrains from answering. She simply looks at Victoria and back at Daniel. Daniel and Victoria both get the hint that this is not a conversation for Victoria’s ears.
Victoria: Fine, I get it. I have a phone call to make anyway. I’ll be in the bedroom if I’m needed.
Victoria grabs her purse and starts to get up. Lauren waits until Victoria reaches the bedroom and closes the door behind her. Meanwhile in the bedroom Victoria is pacing around rather frustrated with how useless Daniel ended up being.
Victoria: Damn you Daniel. The one time I actually need you to be up to something and you give me nothing. What am I going to do?
Victoria’s phone starts to ring. She digs through her purse and answers it.
Victoria: Victoria Evans.
Ivy: Victoria, it’s me.
Victoria: Ivy. What’s going on?
Ivy: I need your help.
Victoria: What do you need?
Ivy: I need you to get Daniel to his office tonight at 7pm.
Victoria: What? Why?
Ivy: Don’t worry about it. Just do it and make it happen.
Victoria: How am I suppose to do that?
Ivy: That’s for you to figure out. Let’s not forget that if you don’t come through with this that I will expose your little affair with a certain James Channing. I’m sure Daniel would love to hear all about it.
Victoria: Alright! He’ll be there.
Ivy: Good.
Before Victoria can say anything else Ivy hangs up the phone. Meanwhile back out in the living room, Lauren has told Daniel about her finding Carter kissing another man. It’s not until she showed the photo to Daniel that he even believed it.
Daniel: This doesn’t make any sense.
Lauren: That’s what I thought. Carter has never since day one given the impression that he was gay. I’m not saying that there’s anything wrong with it but it certainly makes me pause. Why would he keep this to himself? Why lie? For months he’s lied to me about dates with women. I’ve never seen them but I never had reason to question him. It makes me wonder what else he’s hiding.
Daniel: Agreed. I want to know who that man in the photo is. I want to know everything there is to know about him. Then I want to know everything about Carter. He’s hiding something. I can feel it.
7. 756 W. 181ST, WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, THE HERRERA APARTMENT
The entire Herrera family is home now. Carla has explained to Paloma what happened with Victor the previous night with Daniel. Paloma is even more upset now with the pain this has caused her family. Victor doesn’t blame his sister for any of this. He blames Daniel for taking advantage of his sister and family for his own political gain. Meanwhile Paloma has explained her absence from school today to visit Walter Malone. Carla at first is upset that Paloma went to see Walter because she feels it can only cause more trouble. Paloma tells of how her visit was rather pointless in the end.
Paloma: Well it can’t get any worse, right?
Victor: Let’s not jinx it. This family doesn’t have very much luck.
Carla: As long as we stop seeking out trouble we should be just fine. Let’s stop taking matters into our own hands. It seems as of late it only seems to backfire.
There’s a knock heard at the front door. Victor starts to get up but Carla quickly gestures for him to take his seat. So far she’s the only one not to get in any trouble so she shall be the one to answer the door. She opens the door and there stands Walter with Gregory.
Walter: Is this the Herrera residence?
Carla: Yes.
Walter: Hi, I’m Walter Malone.
Carla: Yes, I know.
Paloma from inside hears Walter’s voice and panics inside. She wonders what trouble she has caused now.
Carla: Is this about my daughter?
Walter: Yes.
Carla: I’m sorry Mr. Malone. She should have never come to see you. I greatly apologize.
Walter: No need. May I come in? This will be a lot easier to explain.
Carla opens the door to lets the gentlemen in. She closes the door behind them and follows them into the living room.
Carla: This is my son Victor and my daughter Paloma. May I ask what brings you here?
Walter: Certainly. Hello Paloma.
Paloma: Hello.
Walter: Your daughter came to see me today for some help and I turned her away. She had a great deal to say to me in return that I took to heart. Paloma you are right. I do want to help people and I do want to help you. I have prided myself on running a smooth and morally right campaign. But I have realized that sometimes to fight evil you have to play a little dirty. But this isn’t about my campaign. This is about just doing what’s right.
Carla: I’m not sure I follow.
Walter: I believe Paloma is telling the truth. She just needs someone to believe in her and the right means to tell her side of the story. I want to help her do that. This is my good friend Gregory Lincoln and he’s going to be assisting us with this today.
Paloma: Do what exactly?
Gregory who has been holding a briefcase lays it on a table. He opens it up revealing several electronics and wires.
Paloma: What’s all that?
Gregory: A wire. We’re going to place it on you and set you up to see Mr. Evans alone. With you alone with him he’ll feel absolutely no threat. You get him to spill the truth to you and we’ll make sure it’s leaked to every paper and reporter in town.
Walter: You can thank my wife for convincing me that this was the right thing to do. She has secured Daniel to be at his office at approximately 7pm after business hours. That’s when you’ll arrive.
Paloma: I don’t know.
Carla: Neither do I. Is this even safe?
Gregory: We’ll be right there every step of the way. I’ll also have two other armed guards posted within the building at secret locations. For Walter to go through this trouble you must realize how much he cares and wants to help. He truly believes you. So much to drag me out of babysitting my own nephew and having his wife take over for me so I could be here to help you.
Walter: So, what do you say Paloma?
Paloma starts weighing the pros and cons of the situation. She feels that she has already caused such harm and shame to her family. All she wants to do is right the wrong. In her heart she knows that this could be her only shot.
Paloma: Okay, I’ll do it.
