Lesson 25: Exchange feedback on Mastery Cycle 5

[Karin Armbrust]

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LOGLINE: Brandy admits to betrayal only to find out Phillip knew about it already.

ESSENCE: Love isn’t all it seems

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INT. INTERVIEW ROOM IN PRISON – DAY

A table with three chairs sits in the middle of the room. A thin window too high to look out of. A camera in the corner.

PHILLIP, a 28 year old man, dark, Italian, handsome, looking a bit worse for wear, sits in one of the chairs.

The door opens and RAY, a slick lawyer, and BRANDY, a gorgeous woman with the air of Elizabeth Taylor walk in. They sit down opposite Phillip, who looks questioning at Brandy.

PHILLIP

Brandy, I didn’t think they would let me see you.

Brandy reaches across and touches his hand lightly, the lawyer motions her to stop.

BRANDY

You happy to see me, Baby?

PHILLIP

Of course I’m happy to see you. I couldn’t stand it if you got caught up in this.

Phillip looks at her ring finger which has a ring on it.

PHILLIP (CONT’D)

You got my ring, that’s good. It belonged to my grandmother. She would be so ashamed to see me here.

RAY

Okay, okay. She’s here because Brandy has been taking interviews.

PHILLIP

Interviews? What interviews?

BRANDY

You know the camera loves me.

Brandy gets up and gestures like she’s an old school star.

RAY

You need to talk to her. It’s going to be hard enough going into court.

PHILLIP

That’s my gal, you know I deserve nothing less.

Brandy bends over the table for a kiss. They lawyer stops her again.

RAY

No touching! Do you want to stay?

Brandy sits down and smiles at Phillip.

BRANDY

I’ve been thinking. A June wedding. I’m sure the New York Public Library will make accommodations for me.

PHILLIP

The Library?

BRANDY

Baby, it THE spot if you are anyone. I need to get the library.

PHILLIP

Okay, anything for you, if I get out of here.

BRANDY

Look, Ray is a great lawyer. He’s going to get you out. I’ve been playing up the media. Have you seen any of it?

PHILLIP

No, they can’t even give me a TV. It’s like I’m a drug dealer.

BRANDY

Well, it’s working. You’ll be out in a month! The thing is, Ray is not cheap. I don’t have the funds to keep paying for him.

Phillip waves his hand.

PHILLIP

We all know I’m good for it. Not a problem.

BRANDY

Sure, but Ray still needs to pay his mortgage. That condo costs a pretty penny.

Ray is horrified.

RAY

Brandy stop…

BRANDY

…and you know his what his wife is like. She is just so needy.

RAY

Brandy…

BRANDY

The guy is having problems with the IRS. Can’t we make this easier for him. Just tell me where the money is. I’ll take care of everything.

Phillip looks at Ray who looks away.

PHILLIP

Well, if things are that bad…

BRANDY

They are, Baby. We gotta help him out.

Ray coughs. Phillip contemplates,

PHILLIP

If it needs to be done, I trust you honey. Okay. It’s under the floorboard in the SW corner of the dinning room.

Brandy gives Phillip a Cheshire grin, then she reaches over and pulls Ray to you. She takes his face in her hands and gives him a sloppy kiss. Ray is clearly scared.

PHILLIP (CONT’D)

So, what is this, Brandy?

BRANDY

Oh, Baby, you know I have needs. You’re done. There’s nothing left for you to offer me. Ray here, well he has the world.

PHILLIP

I don’t believe this. I covered for you! I thought that I was the reason you had to steal that money.

BRANDY

You are the reason. And you’re the solution. It was a grand setup wasn’t it.

Phillip turns toward Ray, who is still uncomfortable.

PHILLIP

I didn’t know Maggie was your wife. Last time we had beers, you were thinking of breaking up. Now she’s your wife, I’ll have to send a card.

RAY

Well, you know.

PHILLIP

And you’re in a condo now? You love that old house your dad left you! I guess your mother was right about you. He should have left it to your sister.

RAY

Uh…

PHILLIP

How could you be so stupid? If she did this to me, what will she do to you?

Brandy smacks her hand on the table.

BRANDY

Don’t you worry about Ray! I’ve got him under control. Now that I know where the money is, I don’t need you anymore.

PHILLIP

Brandy…

BRANDY

Ray will never get you out of prison. This is your new home. How do you like it?

Brandy gets up and stretches like a cat. She rubs Ray on the shoulder. Self-satisfied.

PHILLIP

I guess the wedding is off.

BRANDY

I can’t be seen marrying you.

PHILLIP

I’ll never get married.

BRANDY

Drama is my forte, not yours.

PHILLIP

I just follow in my families footsteps. My mom never got married. Her mom never got married. No wedding, no dress(beat)no rings.

Brandy slowly loses her smile. She looks at the ring on her finger. Brandy takes the ring off and looks at it closely.

PHILLIP (CONT’D)

Yeah, it’s been recording you since the moment you put it on.

BRANDY

You’re lying.

PHILLIP

Am I? Ray, you have a choice here. The police know everything. Are you going to go down with her?

Brandy grabs Ray’s hand, he pulls away.

PHILLIP (CONT’D)

Choose soon, Ray. When they come through those doors, it’ll be over for you.

BRANDY

You asshole.

PHILLIP

I would hate to have Ray get caught up in your bullshit. It would eat me up if he made the wrong choice.

BRANDY

Ray…

A knock at the door.

PHILLIP

I’m afraid time’s up.

FADE OUT

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