Affair in England (screenplay)

This is the beginning of my screenplay Affair in England. The story is about two former lovers who are accidentally reunited years after their affair. It's a love affair that's been doomed by prejudice and social class. I hope you'll like it. Mary Faderan

Title: AFFAIR IN ENGLAND
BY Mary Faderan with Colin Firth



OPENING SCENE: CHARLES LAYTON, BUSINESS MOGUL, IN HIS 50'S,
DARK HAIRED WITH BROWN EYES WITH A BENEVOLENT FACE. HE IS
DRIVING HIS EXPENSIVE CAR THROUGH THE STREETS OF OXFORD,
ENGLAND. SCENES OF THE CAR DRIVING THROUGH THE CAMPUS AND
THE BYLANES.

INT. CHARLES LAYTON SITTING BEHIND THE WHEEL-NIGHT.

CHARLES LAYTON is good looking. He is talking on the phone
while driving.

CHARLES LAYTON
Hell, Knight, I'm on my way to Lady
Lytton's dinner party... Can't this
wait? I know the President wants
to talk but it can wait, surely?
I'll call him later. How about
this - I'll call him at 9 a.m.
Eastern...that's fine. Goodbye.

He presses the button on his steering wheel to end the call.
The car slows and turns into a long driveway. This is LORD
LYTTON'S estate.

CUT TO:



EXT. DOORSTEP AT LORD LYTTON'S MANSION-LATER

Charles steps out of his car. He walks to the door which
opens to him. Light from within spills out to the outside.
A figure of a woman in her late 50's appears. It is LADY
LYTTON. She gives him her hand. They seem to know each
other well enough.

LADY EVEREST
I heard from Forrester that you
were in town and I simply had to
ask you to come! Tell me, was your
flight from New York a pleasant
one?

CHARLES LAYTON
Yes, if you like red-eyes.
(Smiles urbanely.)

LADY EVEREST
Oh, that is just too bad. It makes
your occupation that much more
painful. You know that we would be
glad to see you more often in
Oxford if you had more of an open
schedule. Is your new job more
interesting?
Tell me, does it mean you'll
finally get to work with
Forrester's group now?

CHARLES LAYTON
Not sure, Lady Lytton. I'm being
vetted as the new Secretary of the
State. I doubt it will free up any
of my remaining time, if they ask
me and I accept.

LADY EVEREST
Let me tell you dear Charles, that
you would be fantastic as Secretary
of State, but that job is going to
kill you.

CHARLES LAYTON
I know. That's why I won't go for
it. (Smiles with a regretful
expression in his face.)

LADY EVEREST
(Relief on her face.)
That sounds like a good idea.
Let's get us inside, shall we?

They walk inside and head towards the dining room.

CUT TO:



INT. DINING ROOM-LYTTON MANSION-LATER

The dinner guests sit expectantly as Charles and Lady LYTTON
walk in. In the room are MARY KRAUSE, LORD FORRESTER, LORD
LYTTON and ALISTAIR FOWLES. Mary Krause is a Ph.D. From a
California university, Lord Everest is the chairman of
Rochester Group, a private entity that oversees the Ronan
Chemical Company (a drug company) and Alistair Fowles is Mary
Krause's current escort. All present form the Rochester
Group.

LORD FORRESTER
Layton, so good of you to make it!

He extends a hand to Charles. They shake hands and nod at
each other. Charles surveys the group. His eyes take in
Mary Krause, seated on the far end of the table. He pauses.
Mary Krause is a woman in her late 40's. She is blonde but
has a tanned face, her eyes are brown and has full lips.
Charles' eyes alight upon them. He smiles at her.
Mary sits mute but her face is frozen as she stares back at
him in surprise. He says nothing at this time and upon Lady
Everett's invitation, decides to sit in his chair.

LORD FORRESTER (CONT'D)
God it's good to see you again!
How interesting that you would be
the next Secretary of State!
Weren't it for your work with us,
I'd be all for it.

LADY LYTTON
Here's Charles, everyone. I think
you know everyone - but perhaps -
Doctor Mary Krause?

MARY KRAUSE
Nice to meet you, Mr. Layton.

CHARLES LAYTON
(Taking the same tone.
He is wary.)
Nice to meet you Dr. Krause.

MARY KRAUSE
Call me Mary.

Charles nods and leans back in his chair, looking happy.

Everyone settles down and take part in the first course.
They talk amiably.

LORD FORRESTER
What is uppermost in my mind,
Charles, is whether you do want to
take this post. Secretary of State
is nothing to sneeze at. Are you -
um - up to it?

CHARLES LAYTON
I think I might be.
(Ignores Mary who looks
at him with interest.)
I'd really love to work with the
new President. He's caught a lot
of people by storm. Getting the
foreign policy - well, it's a meaty
role.

LADY EVEREST
I think that it would be dreadful.
All that traveling. I suppose
you're up to it, with your
business.

ALISTAIR FOWLES
I think you'd be a shoe in, Layton.
It might be fun being in your
shoes.

CHARLES LAYTON
(Looking wryly at
Fowles.)
Yes, well. I will need to think
about it - I have some time. The
President hasn't made his short
list so far. I'm probably down
towards the bottom of it.

MARY KRAUSE
Surely your wife might have some
say in this new post.

Charles levels a stare at her across the table.

CHARLES LAYTON
She would. But she won't.

Mary's eyes lock with his. She returns her attention to her
soup.

LADY LYTTON
I didn't know you were married,
Charles. When did this happen.

CHARLES LAYTON
I'm not married.

ALISTAIR FOWLES
Never mind that. Wives must always
go with their husbands wherever
they happen to be sent, isn't that
right, Layton?

LORD FORRESTER
I say, this is a rather good soup.
I commend you, my dear Seraphina.

LADY LYTTON
Thank you, Lord Forrester. I'll
speak to my cook and tell her you
approve.

Turns to Charles.

LADY EVEREST
If you ever want my advice on how
to handle this new post, talk to
Alistair about it. He's good. Has
a lot of connections at Whitehall.

ALISTAIR FOWLES
(Coughs slightly.)
Um yes, I do. I happen to be in
the Foreign Service. You know
anyone else there, Layton?

CHARLES LAYTON
I know the Prime Minister - and
some of the Shadow Government. My
work in my company has allowed me
ample opportunity - it's what I do.
The board - they tell me to go
someplace and I'm off to go there.
Just another thing in my agenda.

MARY KRAUSE
What business do you have, Mr.
Layton?

CHARLES LAYTON
Call me Charles. I work in a drug
company. I got a degree in
Chemistry, and graduated with a
degree in Pharmacology.

Mary reddens and yet, she looks at him directly. The others
seem not to notice, except for Lady Lytton, who glances at
them alternately.

LADY LYTTON
Yes, he's rather a good source of
information for Ronan Group.
That's why we've tried to invite
Charles to be part of it in a
larger way. Your insight, Charles,
will be a great help.

LORD FORRESTER
Mary, we wish you would be an
impartial observer to the Group.

MARY KRAUSE
That's something I'm curious about.
I have a degree in English. What
could I possibly do for the Ronan
Group?

CHARLES LAYTON
Oh, I didn't realize you had a
degree in English.

MARY KRAUSE
I do.

LORD FORRESTER
In many places, there is an
impartial observer to what is being
planned for any major or, minor,
project that a scientific company
or group - like Ronan- where that
person has to give their opinion on
whether the project holds water.

MARY KRAUSE
I see. Someone who's got some
experience in the world - knows
what's out there and if that person
can say that the project makes
sense - to them and to the
supposedly, unmet need. I can do
that.

LADY LYTTON
I'm pleased. You think you'll have
the time to do it?

ALISTAIR FOWLES
How good that you, Mary, see the
big picture.

MARY KRAUSE
I have an interest in the drug
companies where I live.
California, you know, has a few
regulations that these companies
have to go by to toe the line.

LORD FORRESTER
Charles has his branches there,
don't you, Charles?

As if awakened from a reverie, Charles looks up and blinks.

CHARLES LAYTON
Yes. My company has a
manufacturing plant in Mountain
View.

MARY KRAUSE
I remember seeing that somewhere in
the news.

Charles looks at her again and then looks away.

ALISTAIR FOWLES
How do you plan on working outside
your company, Layton - if you do
get the nod for this plum job for
the new President?

CHARLES LAYTON
I'll have to resign from it. It
will have to be something I have to
work on with the board of
directors. I'll be ok with that.
No real issues there.

LADY LYTTON
You are so very good, Charles. I
am sad that you might be unable to
be with Ronan Group for the time
you'll serve the President.

CHARLES LAYTON
Now, mind you, I haven't gotten
picked yet, and, I might not even
accept it. I'm too much of my own
man. I might be at loggerheads
with the President and I'm not the
type of guy who's going to say Yes
all the time.

ALISTAIR FOWLES
I'm glad to hear that, Layton. We
aren't too fond of the President.
He's a rather odd sort to be one.
Too much of a dark horse - we can't
predict him very well at Whitehall.
No, not anyone can. However -
(Warming to his subject.
Leans forward.)
We might like it if you could let
us know what his mind is at on
English or British, I mean, foreign
policy. That would be good, I say.

CHARLES LAYTON
I'll work on that but I won't
divulge just because.

MARY KRAUSE
You are going to be very much the
pursued rather than the pursuer.

CHARLES LAYTON
I am. I don't need the Secretary
ship to be the pursued. It's the
way of the world. Money talks.

LADY LYTTON
(Looking nervous.)
I think we've got the second course
here. Oddbain, what do we have for
that?

Oddbain, the butler, comes out of his still pose by the door
and steps forward.

ODDBAIN
Your Ladyship, we have trout and
potatoes. And some asparagus.

Oddbain goes to the door and opens it. The footman comes in
bearing a large silver tray. The dinner table is quiet as
the food is portioned out to the participants.

ALISTAIR FOWLES
Well that looks like a good meal
right here. I don't mind if I eat
a lot of it.

LORD FORRESTER
When will you know, Charles? Will
there be a timeline where they'll
be firm about your appointment?

CHARLES LAYTON
I think within the next few days.
Then I'll have to decide.

LADY EVEREST
Oh I see. It will be fast then.

ALISTAIR FOWLES
This President doesn't let grass
grow under his feet. He's that
fast. I think, Layton, we need to
discuss this. Our staff at
Whitehall would love to have a
visit with you.

CHARLES LAYTON
That would be fine. I'm here for
the next week. Then I fly back to
Washington to work on the pre
appointment agenda that I've
received from the President.
If all goes the way it goes, then
I'll decide by month's end.

ALISTAIR FOWLES
I'm pleased. We will be a good
team if you do become the new
Secretary. I think we like you
enough Charles. You're a decent
man.

CHARLES LAYTON
(Smiling.)
Don't be too hasty with that
compliment, Fowles. I'm decent
enough. But I have to bend somehow
- it will be a vastly different
relationship with this President.
I don't know whether he understands
me enough.

LORD FORRESTER
Oh, bosh. I'm sure he's good and
will be always listening to your
opinions.

CHARLES LAYTON
Doctor Krause, I mean Mary, are you
by any chance an alum of UCLA? You
say you had an English major.

MARY KRAUSE
Yes, I am an alumnus of UCLA. I
used to be at Ohio State. Then I
left in my sophomore year to go to
California.

CHARLES LAYTON
Why did you leave? Ohio State
seems to be so very different from
UCLA.

MARY KRAUSE
I had to leave due to family
circumstances. I lost my
scholarship. My parents had to
downsize their house - they had
some issues with their bank. It
was a mess and they wanted me to
help them. I had to work part time
to pay for school.

CHARLES LAYTON
(Hiding his pained face.)
Oh, that's too bad.
I went to Ohio State. I might have
seen you there. You were always an
English major?

LADY LYTTON
I didn't know you went to Ohio
State? How curious. You were so
very much an Ivy League family,
were you not?

CHARLES LAYTON
(Ignoring Lady Everest.)
Were you, Dr. Krause - I mean,
Mary?

MARY KRAUSE
(Looking irritated.)
I was there as a Pre-Med major.

CHARLES LAYTON
I see. You switched majors, then?

MARY KRAUSE
Yes, I did. Pre-med had lost its
appeal. Life happened.

CHARLES LAYTON
Simple as that.

MARY KRAUSE
Simple as that.

Lady Lytton studies her fish and frowns. The others are
unable to decide what happened to the conversation.

LORD FORRESTER
Seraphina, how about asking Oddbain
for more wine? I seem to have
drained my glass.

CHARLES LAYTON
Yes, I'm a bit dry myself. Sorry
but the wine IS good.

ALISTAIR FOWLES
Yes, wine is good. More please.

Oddbain reappears with another footman.

ODDBAIN
My lady, here's more wine.

LADY LYTTON
Oddbain, how did you know we wanted
more wine?

ODDBAIN
My lady, I had no idea you did.

CUT TO:



INT. SITTING ROOM IN LADY EVEREST'S MANOR-LATER.

Mary Krause is sitting in the room alone. She hears voices
in the hall. Lady Lytton's and Charles Layton's conversation
drift towards her ears.

Both Lady Everest and Charles Layton pass by and Lady Everest
glances in to see Mary Krause.

LADY EVEREST
Mary, my dear. What ever are you
doing alone in this room?

Both enter and Mary straightens to face them both. She looks
pensively at Charles.

MARY KRAUSE
Oh, I was just finishing a call -
my publisher wanted to meet with
me. I need to go home.

LADY EVEREST
You came with Alistair, did you
not? I'm afraid he's in a deep
discussion with Lord Forrester.
Let me call him.

She turns to leave.

CHARLES LAYTON
No, don't need to worry about
rousting Forrester. I'll take Mary
home.

MARY KRAUSE
I'm not sure about that -

She utters under her breath.

MARY KRAUSE (CONT'D)
Please don't bother -

Charles looks at her twice and seems to understand her
reticence.

CHARLES LAYTON
No need to worry. I'm sure I have
the time.

LADY LYTTON
Charles, we would have wanted you
to stay.

CHARLES LAYTON
I have some unfinished business -

MARY KRAUSE
No -

CHARLES LAYTON
No, I meant, with my solicitor,
Knight. He and I need to talk
about the business -


MARY KRAUSE
No, I can - well, I can find a
taxi.

LADY EVEREST
In this neighborhood? Not very
likely. It's miles and miles away
from the city. Your hotel - it's
in Oxford proper, isn't it?

MARY KRAUSE
(Feeling confused.)
It's not far from here -

CHARLES LAYTON
It's all settled. I'll take you
home on my way to my house.

MARY KRAUSE
You have a house here?

CHARLES LAYTON
Yes. I do.

She looks away. Oddbain enters and is carrying her wrap.

ODDBAIN
Doctor Krause, your wrap.

She takes it from him, mystified.

MARY KRAUSE
I hadn't asked for it.

ODDBAIN
No, but I happened to overhear. My
apologies. Do you wish me to go
out with it and then you'll ask me
for it?

LADY LYTTON
Oddbain, you are impertinent.

She turns to Charles.

LADY LYTTON (CONT'D) (CONT'D)
Charles, let's have another dinner
party with you and Lord Forrester
before you go back?

CHARLES LAYTON
Yes, I'll be around. Call me. You
have my cell number, I'm sure.

LADY EVEREST
Good. Mary, I hope you have a
wonderful time with the publisher.

MARY KRAUSE
(Letting Charles help her
with her wrap.)
Yes, I will. Thank you.

CHARLES LAYTON
Let me lead you to my car.

Mary says nothing but throws him a glance of annoyance.

CUT TO:



INT. SITTING ROOM AT THE LYTTON MANSION-NIGHT.

Lady Lytton is looking out the window as Charles and Mary
walk to his car. A sound comes from the door shutting.
Alistair Fowles walks in.

ALISTAIR FOWLES
I say, Lady Lytton, I heard
something about Mary leaving. Is
that true? I'm dashed unhappy she's
gone off.

LADY LYTTON
Mary's left with Charles. He said
he's free to do so -

ALISTAIR FOWLES
What? Charles? Layton?

LADY LYTTON
Yes... They seem to have an
acquiantance -

ALISTAIR FOWLES
What acquaintance? Is that
something that's escaped my
attention?

LADY LYTTON
Well, I heard some undercurrent
between their conversation.

ALISTAIR FOWLES
You're sharp you are, Lady Lytton.
I'm going to have to call that girl
- she's my date tonight, you know!
Why did you not tell me right away?

LADY LYTTON
Oh, Alistair, I am so very sorry!

Lady Lytton clutches her hands together in a mute apology.

ALISTAIR FOWLES
Well, it's done. I'll have to head
home now.

He heads for the door whereupon Oddbain walks in.

ALISTAIR FOWLES (CONT'D)
Sorry Oddbain, didn't see you
there.

ALISTAIR FOWLES (CONT'D)
Mr Fowles, I have your hat and
coat.

He hands them to Fowles.

ALISTAIR FOWLES (CONT'D)
Good man. Thanks awfully. I'm very
disappointed, Lady Lytton.

She tries to go after him but he disappears into the hallway.
Lady Lytton bites her lip and then walks past Oddbain who
watches their exit with hardly a fleeting expression.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:



EXT. OUTSIDE THE MANOR-NIGHT

Charles and Mary walk out of the manor. Charles goes to the
Bentley and opens the door for Mary who gets in with ease.
He goes round to the driver's car and gets in. Within a
minute the car flares into life and pulls out into the drive
and heads out to the road.

CUT TO:



INT. CHARLES' BENTLEY-NIGHT

Charles looks briefly at Mary's face. She is looking out
the window, resolute in not speaking.

CHARLES LAYTON
I wasn't sure if I would have the
chance to talk to you. Why did you
disappear?

MARY KRAUSE
You don't remember that time when
your parents forbade you to ever
see me again?

CHARLES LAYTON
I didn't give a damn what they said
or thought.

MARY KRAUSE
I did. I didn't want to put your
career in jeopardy.

CHARLES LAYTON
We had something.

MARY KRAUSE
We were young, we -

CHARLES LAYTON
Are you married now?

MARY KRAUSE
No!

CHARLES LAYTON
I'm not either. I never married.
(Pause.)
You look beautiful still.

MARY KRAUSE
Please don't say that. We -

CHARLES LAYTON
I want us to have it out. Please.

MARY KRAUSE
If you think we need to talk, I
suppose we can talk. But you won't
make any difference in what will
happen.

CHARLES LAYTON
What will happen, Mary?

MARY KRAUSE
I'm seeing Lord Fowles.

CHARLES LAYTON
Bully for you.

MARY KRAUSE
Well, I am.

CHARLES LAYTON
Oh, hell, Mary, I don't think he's
your type at all.

MARY KRAUSE
Just get me to my damn hotel.

CHARLES LAYTON
(Laughs.)
I'm going to be here for a few
days. I'd like to see you again.

MARY KRAUSE
I'll be quite busy. I have only
until Friday and then I return to
California.

CHARLES LAYTON
You could have dinner with me
tomorrow night. I really want to
talk to you. Please.

MARY KRAUSE
Charles, I don't want to see you.
Just get me back to my hotel.

CHARLES LAYTON
Why not?

MARY KRAUSE
Because that is old history.
There's no going back.

CHARLES LAYTON
No? I want to move forward, Mary.
You and I have some unfinished
business.

MARY KRAUSE
Tomorrow night will be spent with
Alistair.

CHARLES LAYTON
No, I don't buy that. I'll pick
you up at 6. You and I must talk.
I need to talk about what really
happened back then. You and I had
something wonderful.

MARY KRAUSE
(After a long pause.)
Alright. You may come at six pm to
take me out.

CHARLES LAYTON
Perfect.

They drove on in silence. Charles, with a hint of a smile.
Mary looking mulish.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:



INT. CHARLES LAYTON'S RESIDENCE, LIBRARY-NIGHT.

Charles has changed into his dressing gown and is talking on
the speaker phone with his lawyer, RICK KNIGHT. The
conversation is subdued, relaxed.

CHARLES LAYTON
The dinner was good. I met an old
friend, Mary Krause. She was a
schoolmate at OSU.

KNIGHT (O.S.)
Mary Krause, eh? I don't think you
ever mentioned anyone with that
name.

CHARLES LAYTON
She was someone I fell in love
with. I thought we were going to
get married. I gave her a ring.
(In a lower voice.)
I wonder if she kept it.

KNIGHT
Oh, a romantic love in your life.
Charles you are becoming more
interesting to me now. How did this
happen? She and you never made it
to the altar?

CHARLES LAYTON
No. I had parents that apparently
got to her and she ran away.

KNIGHT
Oh. That's not good. Did you give
up? Or did you try to find her?

CHARLES LAYTON
(Looking pained.)
I tried to find her. But my
parents stopped all funds coming
into my account and I had no other
way to get a private investigator
to find her. I tried to call and
her number was no longer working.
I decided that there was no moving
forward with her.

KNIGHT
Then you gave up?

CHARLES LAYTON
You sound incredulous, Knight. I
guess I gave up. Too soon. I
could have chased after her. I
could have done a hell of a lot
more. But my parents and all my
relatives and everyone that I had
in my background at the time - they
all ganged up on me, forcing me
return to Connecticut and go there
to get re-indoctrinated on how I
was to become a big deal in this
stupid country.
(He puts his hand to his
face and wipes his eyes.)
God I hate that time. I wish---

KNIGHT
(Soothingly.)
Ok, ok. Let's talk about something
else. This is making you feel sad.
Why can't - you met her again
tonight so is that going to get
resolved somehow?

CHARLES LAYTON
Yes, damn it, it will.

He gets up and paces the floor.

KNIGHT
Good. Do it then.

CHARLES LAYTON
Yes, I will. Those bastards in my
family don't have anything to say
about it now. I'll have Mary again
someday.
(Clenches fist.)
I will.

KNIGHT
Ok, good. I'll check on you
sometime unless you want to talk
about something else? We had that
thing about the President's agenda
did we not?

CHARLES LAYTON
Oh yes. Well send me what you have
prepared in an email. And then you
and I are going to have to tell
that President I'm not interested
in working for him.

KNIGHT
Really, Charles are you able to
discuss this now - you're not
feeling happy about Mary - she -

CHARLES LAYTON
Oh, Knight, I'm more interested in
Mary more than anything else now.

KNIGHT
That might be somewhat of a problem
for me.

CHARLES LAYTON
Oh really?

KNIGHT
Well, my job is to talk you into a
job with the President, is that not
true?

CHARLES LAYTON
No. Your job is to be my lawyer
and that is all.

KNIGHT
Fine. I'll relax and let you lead
your life the way you wish. Forget
about this Secretary post then.

CHARLES LAYTON
Yes.

KNIGHT
And that's final?

CHARLES LAYTON
(Firmly.)
Yes. That's final. Mary will be
mine.

Focus on Charles' face which is looking quite serious.

Cut TO:



INT. MARY KRAUSE'S HOTEL ROOM-NIGHT.

Mary Krause is clad in her dinner clothes still. She gets a
call from Alistair who is in a fit.

ALISTAIR FOWLES
Mary I can't believe you left me
with that Layton fellow. What
possessed you to go home with him?

MARY KRAUSE
I did not go 'home' with him,
Alistair. I - er - I -

ALISTAIR FOWLES
I'm not a happy man thinking he's
swanned off with you, Mary. Is
that guy somehow interesting to
you? What's his appeal. He looks
like a politician, if you know what
I mean,

MARY KRAUSE
(Shocked.)
A politicoan? Oh, no. He isn't -

ALISTAIR FOWLES
He is going to work for the stupid
US President of yours.

MARY KRAUSE
He is no politician. At least, I
don't think -

ALISTAIR FOWLES
He got to take you home, did he
not?

MARY KRAUSE
Well so he did. I'm sorry
Alistair. I have a confession to
make. This man was someone in my
past life.

ALISTAIR FOWLES
Oh, is that it? A former lover or
what?

MARY KRAUSE
Yyyyess-

ALISTAIR FOWLES
Oh my God.

MARY KRAUSE
I can't help when this thing
happens. I mean - well, so he and
I have to resolve what we -

ALISTAIR FOWLES
Oh my God.

MARY KRAUSE
Alistair I wish to explain -

ALISTAIR FOWLES
No, I won't hear of it.

MARY KRAUSE
Well then we have to end our own
relationship here.

ALISTAIR FOWLES
What, now?

MARY KRAUSE
I'm feeling a bit confused.
Alistair -

ALISTAIR FOWLES
You just -

MARY KRAUSE
No, please listen to me.

ALISTAIR FOWLES
I don't now, Mary. I just don't
know.

MARY KRAUSE
God, I'm not sure I can tell -

ALISTAIR FOWLES
Mary I want to see you now.

MARY KRAUSE
Heavens, no, Alistair.

ALISTAIR FOWLES
I want to and I will.

MARY KRAUSE
I won't let you in!

ALISTAIR FOWLES
What ever do you mean?

MARY KRAUSE
Look it's past eleven and I need to
get up early. My publisher is
meeting me at 8 a.m.

ALISTAIR FOWLES
Ok, I'll see you tomorrow night
then.

MARY KRAUSE
No, not tomorrow night.

ALISTAIR FOWLES
Why not tomorrow night?

MARY KRAUSE
I'm seeing Charles.

ALISTAIR FOWLES
Oh God.

MARY KRAUSE
I will see you the next day,
Alistair. I can see you then, I
promise.

ALISTAIR FOWLES
I have to think about us. If you
and I break up -

MARY KRAUSE
Alistair we were never serious,
were we?

ALISTAIR FOWLES
No, but -

MARY KRAUSE
So we can be friends still?

ALISTAIR FOWLES
No, not friends. I wish to be your
lover and that is all.

MARY KRAUSE
No, I - well - I -

ALISTAIR FOWLES
Ok, let me be a friend. You can
tell me all about this man Layton
and what's happened in your past.
What about that? Can we talk?

MARY KRAUSE
I need to talk about this later. I
am so very tired and I need to get
some rest. Please we can talk
again, shall we?

ALISTAIR FOWLES
Ok fine. I'll check in with you
tomorrow then. Perhaps lunch?

MARY KRAUSE
Lunch - no not tomorrow.
Wednesday.

ALISTAIR FOWLES
Good, I will call you. I'll pick
you up at twelve o'clock, then.

MARY KRAUSE
Ok good. Good night, Alistair.

She hangs up and tosses the phone aside. She goes into the
bathroom and closes the door.

CUT TO:



INT. CHARLES LAYTON'S RESIDENCE, LIBRARY-NIGHT.

Charles has finished his call with his lawyer, Rick Knight.
The door opens and his manservant MULSON enters.

MULSON
Mr. Layton, your nightcap.

Mulson has a tray that contains a tumbler containing his
bourgon and branch water and a tin of caviar and Carr's water
crackers.

CHARLES LAYTON
Good, Mulson. I'm grateful.

MULSON
Very well, sir.

Mulson leaves.

The phone rings. Charles Layton picks it up.

CHARLES LAYTON
Hi, Baker, I'm glad you called...
Yes, I'm going to see somebody for
dinner tomorrow night... Yes, I
want to ask you if you could look
at this person's dossier... What?
Oh the name? Yes, the name is Mary
Krause... Yes, K-R-A-U-S-E.
Krause... That's right, yes. She's
around - well - she's about 40
years old... She lives in
California... No, I don't have an
address... No, I don't know what -
oh, she has a job as a writer - and
she has a job in a university in
California... Well, there are a
thousand colleges in California but
I'm paying you to do this... I'm
good for it, you know, it's
alright... I'll have my accountant
get you another retainer, ok?
Good. If you need me anytime just
call... I need this information by
tomorrow at 5 o'clock London
time...Hell, I don't care, do it
now... What time?
It's what time there? Oh, then go
all over... You can hire some
people... You know it. Sure...
Good. Good man. Fine. Bye...

He hangs up and sighs. He reaches for his drink and then
downs it with one gulp. Then he finds the caviar spoon and
puts a dollop of the rich dark grains onto the cracker and
eats it all.

FADE OUT.

FADE IN:

© Copyright 2019 graybabe (cars075 at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates have been granted non-exclusive rights to display this work.