Joseph
Rita, may I come it? (She doesn't answer) Rita? (He
tentatively opens the door and sees her at the table.) Why are you still
here?
Rita
Hmm?
Joseph
Rita I had a few questions for- are you alright? (Rita realizes who she's talking to and has a moment of fear)
Rita
Oh, hello Joseph. I was just taking a break after- (he notices the folder)
Joseph
What's this? (picking up the folder and crossing SR)
Rita
What's what?
Joseph
How did these files get in here?Rita
Are they important?
Joseph
Important!? Rita the only people who had access to these was Officer Mclien and myself.
Rita
Then what are they doing here?
Joseph
(In an accusing tone) That's what I would like to know.
Rita
You're not accusing me of-
Joseph
Well that's what it looks like, doesn't it?
Rita
Joseph, you know how much work I've put into this case. You can't honestly say I took them.
Joseph
Do you know how important these papers are!? (shaking them in her face)
Rita
Of course I do. (beat) We've worked together for as long as I can remember. You know me better than that Joseph.
Joseph
I thought I did.
Rita
What's that supposed to mean?
Joseph
I'm sorry Rita. But I've had my suspicions for some time.
Rita
What gave you any reason to suspect me?
Joseph
You were on site before the fire. Way before. Which tipped me
off at first. But I didn't want to believe it. Then as you were unexpectedly detained during the testimony afterward I learned that the stature of the figure described fits you perfectly.
Rita
You can't just assume that-
Joseph
You have, many times, been seen conversing with a man of
whom we have yet to identify. Furthermore, you seem to have more input
than anyone on specific details of the crimes that have been reported
lately.
Rita
Are you sure you're not jealous that I've been more successf-
Joseph
And now I see this folder in your office. Do you want me to
go on? (she doesn't reply) You make a very convincing bluff my dear. But
you have failed on many marks.
Rita
(moving toward her purse on the chair) You can't rightfully accuse me without solid evidence.
Joseph
You are right. Then other actions must be taken.
Rita
But I am innocent until proven guilty.
Joseph
Haha! If you would like to think of it as such. Now if
you'll come with me- (She reaches for her purse) Don't you try anything!
(he says as he pulls out a gun and points it at her) Let's make this
nice and easy.
Rita
If you want it to be nice and easy Joseph, you'd put that
gun away. (he falters a little) Think about it for a moment. You've
worked with me along enough to know I can't lie. (beat) I am telling you
you've got it all wrong. I would never do those things you're accusing
me of.
Joseph
Don't try and get out of this Rita.
Rita
(slowly walking toward him) Let's not be hasty. You know you can trust me Joseph.
Joseph
Stop right there Rita. Put your hands up or I'll shoot!
Rita
You don't want to do that Joseph.
Joseph
Don't underestimate me. Just step away from the chair and come with me.
Rita
Be rational Joseph.
Joseph
Stop Rita! (she stops)
Rita
Joseph you're making a mistake.
Joseph
No Rita! I made a mistake a long time ago. I should have realized who you really were.
Rita
Joseph, really, what trouble could I cause. (she's stepping closer to him)
Joseph
This doesn't have to be difficult Ri- (she hits the gun
out of his hand and chops down at the pressure point at the base of his
neck, and maybe something else cool. He collapses. She picks up the gun
and the folder)Rita
I'm sorry Joseph. For once, you were right. (end scene. She could exit or just stay there for a beat)
No comments:
Post a Comment