Work Text:
FADE IN:
EXT. GOOD ENERGIES ATTIC - ESTABLISHING SCENE
It is a packed living space, not larger than a bedroom. Papers and books lie in dubiously organized heaps with their owner lying on the floor. He is a short and slender man, his frame swallowed by the large brown coat he donned. His beige pants are in order, the ends cuffed and showing the slightest of black sock garters. The torso area is less orderly with a suspender strap loose by his elbow and a button-up that cuts down to the end of the ribcage. His hair is a pale blond and comes in wisps of varying lengths, going down to just past his shoulders. A stark-white lightning scar runs from his left ankle through his right arm, ending below his right eye. We see him stand to open the only window present- a large circle that splits down the middle- before lighting a cigarette and watching the smoke trail out.
INSERT: A STOREFRONT WITH AN ORNATE DOOR AND BRASS KNOB
EXT. FRONT DOOR - CLOSE SHOT - JANE
She unlocks the front door, moves to the ladder in the corner, and opens the hatch leading up to Mike’s quarters with short knocks. The morning light spills through the window that makes up most of a roof-side wall and illuminates Jane. She is a tall woman, with long and choppy black hair tied into a messy bun. She is wearing a cream blouse tucked into denim of the same color.
JANE
(closing the hatch behind her and snatching the cigarette from Mike’s hand)
Thought you promised me you wouldn’t smoke in here.
MIKE
(after a second)
I leaned out the window. Technically didn’t.
JANE
(taking a drag before handing it back to Mike, exhale)
Your whole body’s guilty Mike, and I don’t believe you’ve learned to fly recently. Too late now though.
MIKE
Shit. Sorry, it won't happen again. I’m just… stuck on a case. (taking a drag, exhale) Worst part? I don’t even think I’m in that deep yet, but that’s no excuse.
JANE
(after a second)
You’re fine. I trust your word. What’s the case so far? Not going to die on me, are you?
MIKE
Woman came to me about a husband she thinks is cheating. I found out the guy frequented this very legitimate late-night book club held by a friend of his. I found the locations of the meeting and guess what? Found the bloke. Only he wasn’t breathing like he used to. Now the woman’s nowhere to be found. (a deep sigh) Fun stuff.
JANE
(first a look of surprise, then a slightly nervous smile)
Wow. Hearing about murder doesn’t ever get old for me I think. You’re going to be very upset the day I reveal I’ve been an undercover spy sent to steal your secrets.
MIKE
(with exaggerated shock)
Not your inevitable betrayal! Am I still getting my paycheck ‘end of this week?!
JANE
(with a laugh)
Yeah, but you still have to find someone to cover your shift. Speaking of, I came up cause I got a new hire starting today. Can you show him the ropes? I’m busy for pretty much the whole day.
MIKE
Sure. I need to sit down anyway. See where I need to go next. What’s your impression of him so far? (a drag before handing it to Jane, exhale)
JANE
(a drag, exhale)
Name’s Oliver. He seems nice, has trouble with eye contact, and uses his manners. Said he’s new in town and that he plans on working here for the foreseeable future. Around your age? Impressive résumé.
MIKE
Neat. And what are you up to?
JANE
Setting a government building on fire.
(expression firming, an edge of authority in her voice)
Tim’s covering the night shift so you and Oliver are off at 4. See you tomorrow.
(a pause)
Don’t do stupid shit yeah? I know we’re not exactly confidants but your schedule is taken straight from an autopsys’ cause of death section.
MIKE
(a playful salute)
Yes Ma’am.
JANE
Good.
She takes one last drag, exhales, and hands the now nearly spent cigarette to Mike and exits. Mike frowns at the remainder he’s been given before finishing it and stubbing the ashes outside, below the windowsill. He begins to collect what remains of his case- now sheets and paperclips since he watched Evan Raine’s body get diced and dumped in a furnace. He readjusts his clothing, moves a notebook and binder into his bag, and makes for the hatch.
INT. GOOD ENERGIES FIRST FLOOR
It’s a modestly sized store, lined with old oak floorboards and so much tapestry it’s hard to see the pale green walls underneath. Aisles and stands line half of the store, and the cashier’s desk and chair is on the other with small displays filling up the rest of the space. Mike places his work on the desk and gets ready to sit down when three knocks hit the front door. Mike mutters something and changes course to the sound. The door clicks open to reveal Oliver.
Oliver is a tall man as described, with long dreads bunched up and tied back into a bun. He’s dark-skinned with dark eyes, and he’s wearing a nervous smile and too many layers for the weather.
MIKE
(an appreciative whistle)
Jane didn’t mention you were easy on the eyes too.
OLIVER
I’m… sorry?
MIKE
Jane? The store owner. Interviewed you?
OLIVER
No um. Not… don’t worry about it actually. I’m here for a shift.
MIKE
(Moving aside)
Studious aren’t you? Janey told me to make sure you know what to do but it’s cashiering. You know how to do that?
OLIVER
(Nods in thanks, then moves inside)
Yes.
MIKE
Congratulations! That’s most of the work. The rest is memorizing stuff, better picked up just by listening in. We’ve got books on this stuff if you’d like to read up though.
OLIVER
(a smile)
Thank you. I’m Oliver. Oliver Banks. You are…?
MIKE
Mike. Crew. I run a private detective firm when I’m not serving my valiant cause of sitting in that chair and moving money between people and that metal box.
OLIVER
(Glances at Mike’s bag on the desk, the contents are already sliding out from how packed it all is)
That might be where I’ve heard that name before. Is it steady work?
MIKE
(something seems to have caught his attention as his body stiffens)
It’s alright. Chased too many cats down trees for my liking but it pays for a roof and extra luxuries.
OLIVER
Ever anything like the books? Chasing a mysterious figure down an alleyway in the rain?
MIKE
Mmh… 'a couple of times. My favorite is when I have to break into someone’s secret dungeon and narrowly avoid death by a boulder.
OLIVER
(a snort)
I suppose it’s an honor to meet you.
MIKE
(a playful grin)
No need, I’ve retired now to a simple life as a civilian. My glory days are behind me. Jane told me you moved here recently?
OLIVER
Oh yes. Just a couple of towns over. Moving away from my hometown and all.
MIKE
Oh, I understand completely. I wanted to ask, if you’ve just moved, how you've heard of me already?
OLIVER
(surprised)
Ah… I was… (defeated sigh) doing research for a personal… goal of mine. I thought about buying services and your name made its way to me.
MIKE
(mock offense)
And yet I’ve no invoice from you. Did word of mouth not impress you?
OLIVER
(avoiding eye contact and fidgeting with a pen)
I just… wanted to make sure the content of… I wanted to make sure I knew who I was paying for.
MIKE
(a pause)
Is that related to you getting a job where I sleep?
OLIVER
(a smile and a wince)
Maybe?
MIKE
(a considering look, he guides Oliver to the chair with a hand on Oliver’s back before gesturing to sit. retrieves his journal and pen, flips to an empty page, and looks up.)
Not the spookiest solicitor I’ve had. Now, tell me what you’re really here for.