1. DANIEL EVANS OFFICE HEADQUARTERS
Lauren and Carter are heading to Daniel’s office to deliver the final script for this evening’s press conference to be held in the conference room. Every news channel, reporter, and journalist is already seated in the conference room waiting for his appearance. Lauren and Carter have spent the past two hours working with their team revising the script. They reach Daniel’s office and Carter stops.
Lauren: Everything alright?
Carter: Yeah. I just need to make a quick call. I’ll be right in.
Lauren continues into the office and closes the door behind her. Carter takes a look around and walks to the corner of the hall. He takes out his cell and calls Joe. While the phone rings, Carter takes another look around his shoulder. No one around.
Joe: Hey. What’s going on? Was waiting to hear from you.
Carter: I’m sorry. We’ve been held up in a meeting for the past two hours. Daniel is doing a press conference in about 15 minutes. We’ve been working on his script.
Joe: Script? Nice. What’s he to say this time?
Carter: Oh you know, the usual. A bunch of lies. They’re going to try to spin this story around.
Joe: Meaning letting this girl take the fall for it all.
Carter: There’s no other way. I don’t like it either but there’s nothing I can do about it. If I start questioning things and going against the majority then everyone is going to start questioning me. I can’t out myself.
Joe: Ha, isn’t that the truth.
Carter: Funny.
Joe: Do you think that it’ll work?
Carter: For my sake, I hope not. Daniel has a way of turning things around. This could go either way. I better head in there. I’ll give you a call after.
Joe: Alright. Be safe. I love you.
Carter: I love you too.
Meanwhile Lauren is inside the office prepping Daniel for the press conference. This is when Lauren is at her best. Working under time constraints and immense pressure has always been her specialty. She’s been able to keep Daniel under control and sane at times like this. Carter enters the office and sees Daniel pacing around the office reading the script as Lauren sits on the desk. Her eye stays on the clock as she counts down how much time they have.
Daniel: And the teleprompter is all set to go with this exact script?
Lauren: Yes sir. Everything has been taken care of. You can keep this hard copy with you at the podium as a back-up and you’ll have the teleprompter in front of you.
Daniel: I don’t need this. I don’t want to be looking up and down at a paper the whole time. It’ll look weird. Well it’s good. Hits every key point. Good work. Who’s out there?
Lauren: Everyone. Everyone is looking forward to hearing your side of the story. I think this will go over well.
Daniel: Well it damn well better. We have everything riding on this. If I can make it out of this alive then we can make it through anything. Walter Malone might as well throw in the towel.
Daniel sets the script on his desk.
Carter: Well, shall we?
Lauren: Yes.
Daniel: Perfect.
2. CHANNING MANSION
William: What you two did is despicable. And to think of the amount of damage this is going to cause to this family.
Rebecca: Damage? What are you talking about?
William: You must be kidding? Have you not thought about how this is going to affect the family once Kyle finds out about this?
Rebecca: What are you saying? You’re going to tell Kyle?
William: Of course I’m going to tell Kyle. He has every right to know the truth.
Rebecca: You can’t do that William. You’ll destroy him.
William: Destroy him? You’ve already done that Rebecca. You’ve let this boy live his entire life as a lie. He deserves to know the truth. We must right this wrong.
Rebecca: You are one to talk about righting wrongs. Are you kidding me? You are the most vicious and cruelest person of them all. I may have done some heinous things in my life, but I am not going to sit here and let you pretend like you are a saint.
William: I’m sorry, I won’t have it. Kyle is not a Channing and he needs to know.
Kyle: What did you say?
William and Rebecca both turn to see Kyle standing in the doorway. Kyle’s face is completely blank and confused.
Rebecca: Kyle.
Kyle: What did you just say?
William looks at Kyle. How can he tell him? He knows that it’s the right thing to tell him the truth but knows that it will only hurt him. Knowing that Kyle’s life will forever change pains him. Rebecca starts to walk to Kyle but he moves away from her and closer to William.
Kyle: What did you just say?
William: Kyle-
Kyle: Don’t try to back pedal. What do you mean I’m not a Channing?
Rebecca: This isn’t something we should be discussing right now. Kyle, why don’t you and I go downstairs for some tea?
Kyle: I don’t want any tea! I want to hear from Dad what he means! What do you mean I’m not a Channing?
William: I’m sorry Kyle. There really isn’t a right way to say this to you. I wish I didn’t have to do this.
Kyle: Do what? What is going on here?!
Rebecca: Kyle-
William: You’re not a Channing. You’re not our son.
3. MIDTOWN MANHATTAN
Mason is walking down the street after leaving Kendall’s apartment. He’s needed some time to think everything over. He still can’t process how any of this ever happened. Nothing seems to be going right in any part of his life. He feels completely disconnected from his family. Kendall was the one thing that he thought he had going for him and now that that’s gone he has nothing. Just as he starts to the cross the street, a cab makes a sharp turn right in front of him.
Mason: Come on! Asshole!
Mason flips the cab driver off as it passes him.
Sarah: Someone needs some anger management.
Mason turns around after noticing the familiar voice. He sees that it’s Sarah and is immediately embarrassed by his actions.
Mason: I’m sorry. That’s not usually how I am.
Sarah: No need to apologize. The bastard had it coming. These cab drivers think they run New York and can do whatever they want. So, we meet again. Must be some sign.
Mason: I suppose. How was your audition?
Sarah: It went well. I think.
Mason: You think?
Sarah: I don’t know. It was weird. I think it went really well but they were very hard to read. There’s nothing more I could have done in that room. But it all depends on what they’re looking for. The director was extremely nice but you never know.
Mason: I don’t know how you do it.
Sarah: What do you mean?
Mason: The idea of constantly auditioning and looking for the next thing. I don’t think I could do it.
Sarah: I don’t know. I guess we’re all willing to do whatever for what we love.
Mason takes careful note of what Sarah just said. It reminds him immediately of Kendall and her betrayal.
Sarah: This just happens to be what I love and that makes me happy. I’d rather live my life doing what I love than living a life of regrets. We only get one shot at this.
Mason: True. So many spend their lives miserable and stuck in jobs they hate.
Sarah: But I respect those people as well. Some people are just trying to make ends meet. Just trying to make it to the next day. For some people that means sacrificing their goals for the sake of others. That’s just as honorable.
Sarah’s phone starts ringing. She takes the phone out of her purse.
Sarah: Excuse me for one moment.
She answers the phone.
Sarah: Hello…….. yes this is she…….. Uh huh.
Mason waits around as Sarah takes her phone call.
Sarah: Oh my god.
Mason becomes a little concerned. He’s unsure as to what’s happening or who Sarah is on the phone with. Sarah looks at Mason and starts crying. Is it a happy cry or sad cry? He’s not quite sure and unable to figure out what to do to help.
Sarah: Thank you so much. Thank you.
Sarah hangs up the phone and just looks at Mason in complete shock.
Sarah: I got it. I got it!
Mason: You got it?
Sarah: I got it! It happened! I got it!
Sarah begins hysterically crying and laughing at the same time.
Mason: Congratulations.
Mason gets completely caught up in her excitement and hugs her.
Mason: That is incredible.
Sarah: I can’t believe this happened. This is really happening to me right now. After all this time.
Mason: Dreams do come true.
Sarah: I have to celebrate. I have to call my friends. I have to call my mom. I need a drink. You’re coming with me.
Mason: Me? I don’t know about that. I’m not really in the celebrating mood.
Sarah: Oh come on! You have to come. You’re the first person I told. You have to be there. I’m not taking no for an answer.
Mason: Hmm. Maybe for one drink.
Sarah: One? Honey, this calls for a celebration. One drink ain’t gonna cut it.
Mason: Where are we going?
Sarah: Um, where else? Where every actor goes. Blockheads! Come on!
Sarah grabs Mason by the hand and drags him running down the street.
4. CHANNING MANSION
Kyle: What do you mean I’m not a Channing? That I’m not your son?
Rebecca: William, must we do this now? Kyle let’s go.
Kyle: No! I want to know what’s going on here! Tell me that he’s lying. Tell him to tell the truth.
William: I wish I were lying Kyle. This is the last thing that I would want to say to you. But it’s the truth. I’m not your father and Rebecca is not your mother.
Kyle is in complete shock. He feels like his entire world has just crumbled.
William: It’s too much to explain right now. I’m even still trying to grasp it all. Many years ago there was another woman in my life. We were married and set to have a child. The night of our child’s birth you were switched with ours.
Kyle: What?!
William: A lot of trickery was going on, more than I think you can handle right now.
Kyle: You’re lying!
William: I’m not. I’m so sorry.
Kyle: And Mason?
William: Mason is a Channing.
Kyle: I can’t believe this is happening.
His head starts spinning as he feels the walls caving in on him. Rebecca goes in to touch him but he pushes her away. Kyle instantly starts to try to mask his inner feelings.
Rebecca: Kyle-
Kyle escapes Rebecca’s attempt to embrace him and flees the office. Seeing Kyle hurt like this kills William but he knows that the truth is better than continuing this lie.
Rebecca: Well I hope you’re happy now.
William: Happy? No I’m not happy Rebecca. How could I possibly be happy? Do you think I enjoyed that right there? I didn’t. But I can’t sit here and let your charade continue. This is not my fault and I will not accept any of the blame for this. This is all on your hands and yours only.
5. DANIEL EVANS OFFICE HEADQUARTERS
Lauren and Daniel are in the holding room for the conference room. They can hear the loud chatter through the door.
Daniel: How much longer?
Lauren: Just a few minutes and we’ll be off.
Daniel: The sooner we get this over the better.
Lauren: I agree.
Daniel: You think this will work?
Lauren: As long as you stay likeable during it, yes.
Daniel: I can do likeable. I’m not as mean as people paint me out to be. People confuse my determination and guts for evil. They paint me out to be the villain and I’m not. I’m just a man that’s willing to whatever it takes to get the job done. If that means getting blood on my hands or taking the heat for something for the sake of New York then I’ll do it. They can’t say that about Walter Malone.
Lauren: Then that’s exactly what you need to tell them. That’s what they need to hear.
Daniel looks at Lauren as if she’s just opened up a whole new outlook on his campaign. He had never really thought of himself that way until he said it. Daniel had been so driven that he seemed to lose sight of what he was fighting for. For so long it was just about beating Walter but it wasn’t why he first decided to run. It truly was because he thought he could be of use and of some good to the state of New York.
The door opens and the holding room fills with the chatter from the conference room. Carter enters the holding room and shuts the door behind him.
Daniel: Where have you been?
Carter: Rallying up the troops out there.
A security guard opens the door.
Guard: We’re ready for him.
Lauren: You ready?
Daniel: Let’s do this.
The guard opens the door for Daniel to walk through. Lauren and Carter each follow behind him. They pass through the door and are instantly blinded by the flashing cameras. Several reporters shout out questions to Daniel as he passes by. Daniel simply smiles and waves to the room as he makes his way to the podium.
Lauren and Carter are heading to Daniel’s office to deliver the final script for this evening’s press conference to be held in the conference room. Every news channel, reporter, and journalist is already seated in the conference room waiting for his appearance. Lauren and Carter have spent the past two hours working with their team revising the script. They reach Daniel’s office and Carter stops.
Lauren: Everything alright?
Carter: Yeah. I just need to make a quick call. I’ll be right in.
Lauren continues into the office and closes the door behind her. Carter takes a look around and walks to the corner of the hall. He takes out his cell and calls Joe. While the phone rings, Carter takes another look around his shoulder. No one around.
Joe: Hey. What’s going on? Was waiting to hear from you.
Carter: I’m sorry. We’ve been held up in a meeting for the past two hours. Daniel is doing a press conference in about 15 minutes. We’ve been working on his script.
Joe: Script? Nice. What’s he to say this time?
Carter: Oh you know, the usual. A bunch of lies. They’re going to try to spin this story around.
Joe: Meaning letting this girl take the fall for it all.
Carter: There’s no other way. I don’t like it either but there’s nothing I can do about it. If I start questioning things and going against the majority then everyone is going to start questioning me. I can’t out myself.
Joe: Ha, isn’t that the truth.
Carter: Funny.
Joe: Do you think that it’ll work?
Carter: For my sake, I hope not. Daniel has a way of turning things around. This could go either way. I better head in there. I’ll give you a call after.
Joe: Alright. Be safe. I love you.
Carter: I love you too.
Meanwhile Lauren is inside the office prepping Daniel for the press conference. This is when Lauren is at her best. Working under time constraints and immense pressure has always been her specialty. She’s been able to keep Daniel under control and sane at times like this. Carter enters the office and sees Daniel pacing around the office reading the script as Lauren sits on the desk. Her eye stays on the clock as she counts down how much time they have.
Daniel: And the teleprompter is all set to go with this exact script?
Lauren: Yes sir. Everything has been taken care of. You can keep this hard copy with you at the podium as a back-up and you’ll have the teleprompter in front of you.
Daniel: I don’t need this. I don’t want to be looking up and down at a paper the whole time. It’ll look weird. Well it’s good. Hits every key point. Good work. Who’s out there?
Lauren: Everyone. Everyone is looking forward to hearing your side of the story. I think this will go over well.
Daniel: Well it damn well better. We have everything riding on this. If I can make it out of this alive then we can make it through anything. Walter Malone might as well throw in the towel.
Daniel sets the script on his desk.
Carter: Well, shall we?
Lauren: Yes.
Daniel: Perfect.
2. CHANNING MANSION
William: What you two did is despicable. And to think of the amount of damage this is going to cause to this family.
Rebecca: Damage? What are you talking about?
William: You must be kidding? Have you not thought about how this is going to affect the family once Kyle finds out about this?
Rebecca: What are you saying? You’re going to tell Kyle?
William: Of course I’m going to tell Kyle. He has every right to know the truth.
Rebecca: You can’t do that William. You’ll destroy him.
William: Destroy him? You’ve already done that Rebecca. You’ve let this boy live his entire life as a lie. He deserves to know the truth. We must right this wrong.
Rebecca: You are one to talk about righting wrongs. Are you kidding me? You are the most vicious and cruelest person of them all. I may have done some heinous things in my life, but I am not going to sit here and let you pretend like you are a saint.
William: I’m sorry, I won’t have it. Kyle is not a Channing and he needs to know.
Kyle: What did you say?
William and Rebecca both turn to see Kyle standing in the doorway. Kyle’s face is completely blank and confused.
Rebecca: Kyle.
Kyle: What did you just say?
William looks at Kyle. How can he tell him? He knows that it’s the right thing to tell him the truth but knows that it will only hurt him. Knowing that Kyle’s life will forever change pains him. Rebecca starts to walk to Kyle but he moves away from her and closer to William.
Kyle: What did you just say?
William: Kyle-
Kyle: Don’t try to back pedal. What do you mean I’m not a Channing?
Rebecca: This isn’t something we should be discussing right now. Kyle, why don’t you and I go downstairs for some tea?
Kyle: I don’t want any tea! I want to hear from Dad what he means! What do you mean I’m not a Channing?
William: I’m sorry Kyle. There really isn’t a right way to say this to you. I wish I didn’t have to do this.
Kyle: Do what? What is going on here?!
Rebecca: Kyle-
William: You’re not a Channing. You’re not our son.
3. MIDTOWN MANHATTAN
Mason is walking down the street after leaving Kendall’s apartment. He’s needed some time to think everything over. He still can’t process how any of this ever happened. Nothing seems to be going right in any part of his life. He feels completely disconnected from his family. Kendall was the one thing that he thought he had going for him and now that that’s gone he has nothing. Just as he starts to the cross the street, a cab makes a sharp turn right in front of him.
Mason: Come on! Asshole!
Mason flips the cab driver off as it passes him.
Sarah: Someone needs some anger management.
Mason turns around after noticing the familiar voice. He sees that it’s Sarah and is immediately embarrassed by his actions.
Mason: I’m sorry. That’s not usually how I am.
Sarah: No need to apologize. The bastard had it coming. These cab drivers think they run New York and can do whatever they want. So, we meet again. Must be some sign.
Mason: I suppose. How was your audition?
Sarah: It went well. I think.
Mason: You think?
Sarah: I don’t know. It was weird. I think it went really well but they were very hard to read. There’s nothing more I could have done in that room. But it all depends on what they’re looking for. The director was extremely nice but you never know.
Mason: I don’t know how you do it.
Sarah: What do you mean?
Mason: The idea of constantly auditioning and looking for the next thing. I don’t think I could do it.
Sarah: I don’t know. I guess we’re all willing to do whatever for what we love.
Mason takes careful note of what Sarah just said. It reminds him immediately of Kendall and her betrayal.
Sarah: This just happens to be what I love and that makes me happy. I’d rather live my life doing what I love than living a life of regrets. We only get one shot at this.
Mason: True. So many spend their lives miserable and stuck in jobs they hate.
Sarah: But I respect those people as well. Some people are just trying to make ends meet. Just trying to make it to the next day. For some people that means sacrificing their goals for the sake of others. That’s just as honorable.
Sarah’s phone starts ringing. She takes the phone out of her purse.
Sarah: Excuse me for one moment.
She answers the phone.
Sarah: Hello…….. yes this is she…….. Uh huh.
Mason waits around as Sarah takes her phone call.
Sarah: Oh my god.
Mason becomes a little concerned. He’s unsure as to what’s happening or who Sarah is on the phone with. Sarah looks at Mason and starts crying. Is it a happy cry or sad cry? He’s not quite sure and unable to figure out what to do to help.
Sarah: Thank you so much. Thank you.
Sarah hangs up the phone and just looks at Mason in complete shock.
Sarah: I got it. I got it!
Mason: You got it?
Sarah: I got it! It happened! I got it!
Sarah begins hysterically crying and laughing at the same time.
Mason: Congratulations.
Mason gets completely caught up in her excitement and hugs her.
Mason: That is incredible.
Sarah: I can’t believe this happened. This is really happening to me right now. After all this time.
Mason: Dreams do come true.
Sarah: I have to celebrate. I have to call my friends. I have to call my mom. I need a drink. You’re coming with me.
Mason: Me? I don’t know about that. I’m not really in the celebrating mood.
Sarah: Oh come on! You have to come. You’re the first person I told. You have to be there. I’m not taking no for an answer.
Mason: Hmm. Maybe for one drink.
Sarah: One? Honey, this calls for a celebration. One drink ain’t gonna cut it.
Mason: Where are we going?
Sarah: Um, where else? Where every actor goes. Blockheads! Come on!
Sarah grabs Mason by the hand and drags him running down the street.
4. CHANNING MANSION
Kyle: What do you mean I’m not a Channing? That I’m not your son?
Rebecca: William, must we do this now? Kyle let’s go.
Kyle: No! I want to know what’s going on here! Tell me that he’s lying. Tell him to tell the truth.
William: I wish I were lying Kyle. This is the last thing that I would want to say to you. But it’s the truth. I’m not your father and Rebecca is not your mother.
Kyle is in complete shock. He feels like his entire world has just crumbled.
William: It’s too much to explain right now. I’m even still trying to grasp it all. Many years ago there was another woman in my life. We were married and set to have a child. The night of our child’s birth you were switched with ours.
Kyle: What?!
William: A lot of trickery was going on, more than I think you can handle right now.
Kyle: You’re lying!
William: I’m not. I’m so sorry.
Kyle: And Mason?
William: Mason is a Channing.
Kyle: I can’t believe this is happening.
His head starts spinning as he feels the walls caving in on him. Rebecca goes in to touch him but he pushes her away. Kyle instantly starts to try to mask his inner feelings.
Rebecca: Kyle-
Kyle escapes Rebecca’s attempt to embrace him and flees the office. Seeing Kyle hurt like this kills William but he knows that the truth is better than continuing this lie.
Rebecca: Well I hope you’re happy now.
William: Happy? No I’m not happy Rebecca. How could I possibly be happy? Do you think I enjoyed that right there? I didn’t. But I can’t sit here and let your charade continue. This is not my fault and I will not accept any of the blame for this. This is all on your hands and yours only.
5. DANIEL EVANS OFFICE HEADQUARTERS
Lauren and Daniel are in the holding room for the conference room. They can hear the loud chatter through the door.
Daniel: How much longer?
Lauren: Just a few minutes and we’ll be off.
Daniel: The sooner we get this over the better.
Lauren: I agree.
Daniel: You think this will work?
Lauren: As long as you stay likeable during it, yes.
Daniel: I can do likeable. I’m not as mean as people paint me out to be. People confuse my determination and guts for evil. They paint me out to be the villain and I’m not. I’m just a man that’s willing to whatever it takes to get the job done. If that means getting blood on my hands or taking the heat for something for the sake of New York then I’ll do it. They can’t say that about Walter Malone.
Lauren: Then that’s exactly what you need to tell them. That’s what they need to hear.
Daniel looks at Lauren as if she’s just opened up a whole new outlook on his campaign. He had never really thought of himself that way until he said it. Daniel had been so driven that he seemed to lose sight of what he was fighting for. For so long it was just about beating Walter but it wasn’t why he first decided to run. It truly was because he thought he could be of use and of some good to the state of New York.
The door opens and the holding room fills with the chatter from the conference room. Carter enters the holding room and shuts the door behind him.
Daniel: Where have you been?
Carter: Rallying up the troops out there.
A security guard opens the door.
Guard: We’re ready for him.
Lauren: You ready?
Daniel: Let’s do this.
The guard opens the door for Daniel to walk through. Lauren and Carter each follow behind him. They pass through the door and are instantly blinded by the flashing cameras. Several reporters shout out questions to Daniel as he passes by. Daniel simply smiles and waves to the room as he makes his way to the podium.
6. THE WALDORF HOTEL
Ivy enters through the front of the hotel and into the crowded lobby. She looks at her watch. As she looks up from her watch she sees Scott in the corner. She walks over to him.
Ivy: I got your message. I came as quick as I could. What’s going on?
Scott: Well I have some more information that I think might interest you.
Ivy: About James and Victoria?
Scott: Yes. I wasn’t sure if you cared still after your husband found about this. It’s clear that he wants nothing to do with it. But my gut tells me that you’re still intrigued.
Ivy: Walter wants me to forget about this. He doesn’t want any of part of it.
Scott: He doesn’t have to. You can do the work for him.
Ivy: Walter would kill me.
Scott: He doesn’t necessarily have to find out.
Ivy: Like anything is a secret in this town. Everyone finds out everything eventually.
Scott: What’s so bad about a wife wanting to help her husband? Won’t it be worth in the end when he wins?
Ivy can feel Scott trying to persuade her hard and it seems to work. She does want to help her husband and wants to see him succeed.
Ivy: Fine. What do you have?
Scott: What if I told you that right now James and Victoria were together?
Ivy: Here? Right now?
Scott: Just a few floors above us.
Scott hands over an envelope to Ivy.
Ivy: What’s this?
Scott: On the envelope you’ll see written the floor number and room number of their room. Inside you’ll find a key. What you’ll find inside the room you’ll have to go see for yourself.
Ivy looks inside the envelope and finds the key. She takes one last look at Scott and heads directly to the elevator.
Ivy enters through the front of the hotel and into the crowded lobby. She looks at her watch. As she looks up from her watch she sees Scott in the corner. She walks over to him.
Ivy: I got your message. I came as quick as I could. What’s going on?
Scott: Well I have some more information that I think might interest you.
Ivy: About James and Victoria?
Scott: Yes. I wasn’t sure if you cared still after your husband found about this. It’s clear that he wants nothing to do with it. But my gut tells me that you’re still intrigued.
Ivy: Walter wants me to forget about this. He doesn’t want any of part of it.
Scott: He doesn’t have to. You can do the work for him.
Ivy: Walter would kill me.
Scott: He doesn’t necessarily have to find out.
Ivy: Like anything is a secret in this town. Everyone finds out everything eventually.
Scott: What’s so bad about a wife wanting to help her husband? Won’t it be worth in the end when he wins?
Ivy can feel Scott trying to persuade her hard and it seems to work. She does want to help her husband and wants to see him succeed.
Ivy: Fine. What do you have?
Scott: What if I told you that right now James and Victoria were together?
Ivy: Here? Right now?
Scott: Just a few floors above us.
Scott hands over an envelope to Ivy.
Ivy: What’s this?
Scott: On the envelope you’ll see written the floor number and room number of their room. Inside you’ll find a key. What you’ll find inside the room you’ll have to go see for yourself.
Ivy looks inside the envelope and finds the key. She takes one last look at Scott and heads directly to the elevator.
7. 12:31 BAR AT THE HOTEL CHANDLER
Joe is walking down the street and enters …… He takes a seat at the bar and notices that it’s pretty empty.
Joe: (to the bartender) Hey, is there any chance we can change the channel to the local news? There’s a press conference about to happen that I would like to catch.
Bartender: Sure.
Joe: Thanks. And I’ll have a whiskey and coke.
Bartender: No problem.
The bartender changes the channel. Joe looks up at the television to see that the press conference hasn’t started. Daniel is seen onscreen making his way through the sea of people. The bartender delivers Joe’s drink. Joe pulls out his card to start a tab. As he takes a sip of his drink, he notices a man sitting next to him. The guy is very quiet and to himself. At first he chooses to ignore him but his senses tell him that something is wrong.
Joe: How’s it going?
No response. The guy doesn’t move or say anything. Thinking that perhaps he should just leave it alone, Joe tries again.
Joe: You alright there?
Guy: Me?
Joe: Yeah.
Guy: Oh, I’ve seen better days. That’s for sure. Yourself?
Joe: I’m not quite sure yet. I’m about to find out.
Guy: Oh? Have something to do with this press conference?
Joe: You can say that.
Guy: Mystery man with a secret.
Joe: Who mentioned a secret?
Guy: It seems everyone has their secrets nowadays. I seem to be surrounded by them. Here’s a tip for you my friend. Secrets always come out.
Joe is kind of weirded out and confused by this guy. He looks over and sees that the guy is three drinks already.
Joe: I’m Joe.
Guy: Kyle. Kyle- just Kyle.
Kyle almost lets the name Channing slip out. The sting of this realization hits him.
Kyle: No offense, but you don’t necessarily look like a politician.
Joe: I’m not.
Kyle: So what’s your connection?
Joe: I’m a photographer.
Kyle: Oh. Interesting. A gay republican photographer?
Joe: Excuse me?
Kyle: I’m sorry. I’m out of line.
Joe: No, I just- I’m a not.
Kyle: What? Gay? Or republican?
Joe is caught off-guard by Kyle’s forwardness. First here was a man who didn’t even know that he was sitting next to him and now he’s throwing dodgeball questions.
Joe: Republican. I’m not republican.
Joe and Kyle share a look between each other. The press conference begins on the television which breaks Joe’s focus.
8. DANIEL EVANS OFFICE HEADQUARTERS
In the conference room stands Daniel at the podium. The room has gone from loud chatter to absolute silence. Carter and Lauren stand to the right of Daniel off the stage.
Daniel: Good evening. I want to thank you all for being here tonight and for all of you that are viewing from your homes. I know you all have many questions about my private life and recent events that you would like to ask and I intend to answer them all truthfully. I am a man that takes responsibility for my actions, both public and private. But I am also a man that will not accept responsibility for the wrong-doings of another. As you all know, I have been accused of fraternizing with an underage girl named Paloma Herrera. There have been various accusations and rumors going around that I would like to put to rest. I had chosen up to this point to first be silent about this matter for the sake of this poor girl’s future. That I can no longer do. Out of concern for my family and for New York I must speak the truth. Paloma Herrera and her friend presented herself to not only me but to everyone that they were of age. It was my understanding that they were each 22 years old. Each presented themselves as young college students with an interest in politics and were going to school wishing for a future in politics. I have always been intrigued by our youth and those who long to help serve this country. I have always enjoyed mentoring our nation’s future. It is my own personal failure for taking these young ladies to heart. It is my own critical lapse in judgment that I did not question their motives. It appears that these two ladies were working undercover with a sole purpose to destroy my name, my family, and my campaign. We cannot be fooled by these two ladies actions. Whether they work for the Malone campaign or not, that we do not know. But I will not be a victim of a lie. Not when there’s real work to do here New York. Do not let them fool you like they fooled me. This has already gone on long enough and hurt innocent people. I apologize to my loving wife who has stood by me in this mess and who has had to deal with this burden the most. Now it is time – time to move on. Let’s get back to why we’re really here. To help restore this great state called New York. Thank you.
The room roars with every reporter trying to top each other in volume to get their question to Daniel.
Lauren: He did it.
Carter: Yes, he certainly did.
9. WALDORF HOTEL
Ivy steps out of the elevator when she reaches her floor. She walks down the hall to her left and takes note of each door as she passes. The entire elevator ride up she contemplated whether or not she was doing the right thing. Walter would never approve of this but she knows in her gut that it would only help him in the end. She’s tired of seeing Daniel take advantage of the goodness of her husband. Ivy reaches the door. After a brief pause she takes out of the key and inserts it into the reader. The light turns green and unlocks the door. She turns the door handle slowly and opens the door. Walking through the door she faintly hears two voices. She goes through the front hallway and passes through the front room. The voices are a little louder. Ivy immediately makes out Victoria’s voice within a second. She turns the corner and makes her way to the bedroom. The door is cracked slightly. She peeks through the crack to find both James and Victoria in bed together.
Ivy: Bingo.
Joe is walking down the street and enters …… He takes a seat at the bar and notices that it’s pretty empty.
Joe: (to the bartender) Hey, is there any chance we can change the channel to the local news? There’s a press conference about to happen that I would like to catch.
Bartender: Sure.
Joe: Thanks. And I’ll have a whiskey and coke.
Bartender: No problem.
The bartender changes the channel. Joe looks up at the television to see that the press conference hasn’t started. Daniel is seen onscreen making his way through the sea of people. The bartender delivers Joe’s drink. Joe pulls out his card to start a tab. As he takes a sip of his drink, he notices a man sitting next to him. The guy is very quiet and to himself. At first he chooses to ignore him but his senses tell him that something is wrong.
Joe: How’s it going?
No response. The guy doesn’t move or say anything. Thinking that perhaps he should just leave it alone, Joe tries again.
Joe: You alright there?
Guy: Me?
Joe: Yeah.
Guy: Oh, I’ve seen better days. That’s for sure. Yourself?
Joe: I’m not quite sure yet. I’m about to find out.
Guy: Oh? Have something to do with this press conference?
Joe: You can say that.
Guy: Mystery man with a secret.
Joe: Who mentioned a secret?
Guy: It seems everyone has their secrets nowadays. I seem to be surrounded by them. Here’s a tip for you my friend. Secrets always come out.
Joe is kind of weirded out and confused by this guy. He looks over and sees that the guy is three drinks already.
Joe: I’m Joe.
Guy: Kyle. Kyle- just Kyle.
Kyle almost lets the name Channing slip out. The sting of this realization hits him.
Kyle: No offense, but you don’t necessarily look like a politician.
Joe: I’m not.
Kyle: So what’s your connection?
Joe: I’m a photographer.
Kyle: Oh. Interesting. A gay republican photographer?
Joe: Excuse me?
Kyle: I’m sorry. I’m out of line.
Joe: No, I just- I’m a not.
Kyle: What? Gay? Or republican?
Joe is caught off-guard by Kyle’s forwardness. First here was a man who didn’t even know that he was sitting next to him and now he’s throwing dodgeball questions.
Joe: Republican. I’m not republican.
Joe and Kyle share a look between each other. The press conference begins on the television which breaks Joe’s focus.
8. DANIEL EVANS OFFICE HEADQUARTERS
In the conference room stands Daniel at the podium. The room has gone from loud chatter to absolute silence. Carter and Lauren stand to the right of Daniel off the stage.
Daniel: Good evening. I want to thank you all for being here tonight and for all of you that are viewing from your homes. I know you all have many questions about my private life and recent events that you would like to ask and I intend to answer them all truthfully. I am a man that takes responsibility for my actions, both public and private. But I am also a man that will not accept responsibility for the wrong-doings of another. As you all know, I have been accused of fraternizing with an underage girl named Paloma Herrera. There have been various accusations and rumors going around that I would like to put to rest. I had chosen up to this point to first be silent about this matter for the sake of this poor girl’s future. That I can no longer do. Out of concern for my family and for New York I must speak the truth. Paloma Herrera and her friend presented herself to not only me but to everyone that they were of age. It was my understanding that they were each 22 years old. Each presented themselves as young college students with an interest in politics and were going to school wishing for a future in politics. I have always been intrigued by our youth and those who long to help serve this country. I have always enjoyed mentoring our nation’s future. It is my own personal failure for taking these young ladies to heart. It is my own critical lapse in judgment that I did not question their motives. It appears that these two ladies were working undercover with a sole purpose to destroy my name, my family, and my campaign. We cannot be fooled by these two ladies actions. Whether they work for the Malone campaign or not, that we do not know. But I will not be a victim of a lie. Not when there’s real work to do here New York. Do not let them fool you like they fooled me. This has already gone on long enough and hurt innocent people. I apologize to my loving wife who has stood by me in this mess and who has had to deal with this burden the most. Now it is time – time to move on. Let’s get back to why we’re really here. To help restore this great state called New York. Thank you.
The room roars with every reporter trying to top each other in volume to get their question to Daniel.
Lauren: He did it.
Carter: Yes, he certainly did.
9. WALDORF HOTEL
Ivy steps out of the elevator when she reaches her floor. She walks down the hall to her left and takes note of each door as she passes. The entire elevator ride up she contemplated whether or not she was doing the right thing. Walter would never approve of this but she knows in her gut that it would only help him in the end. She’s tired of seeing Daniel take advantage of the goodness of her husband. Ivy reaches the door. After a brief pause she takes out of the key and inserts it into the reader. The light turns green and unlocks the door. She turns the door handle slowly and opens the door. Walking through the door she faintly hears two voices. She goes through the front hallway and passes through the front room. The voices are a little louder. Ivy immediately makes out Victoria’s voice within a second. She turns the corner and makes her way to the bedroom. The door is cracked slightly. She peeks through the crack to find both James and Victoria in bed together.
Ivy: Bingo.
