Episode 1.13 "Eye of the Storm" Written by Michael Mraz

Mraz Inc.
"Eye of the Storm"
Written by
Michael Mraz

TEASER

FADE IN:

EXT MRAZ INC - DAY
Weezer’s “Island in the Sun” plays. It’s a sunny day. The Mraz Inc building can be seen with light glinting off of it. The camera shot zooms into the building from afar-as if flying closer and closer to the building.

CUT TO:

INT MRAZ INC – SAME TIME
The song plays lightly under the dialogue. MRAZ stands, near a TV screen with a map on it, addressing the room.

MRAZ
--longest period of inactivity in the past year. It’s been a month since we’ve heard anything out of Andrea’s organization.

As Mraz continues talking, the camera pans over the rest of the room. Everyone seems bored, tired, and completely uninterested.

DUCKY can be seen fidgeting with some gadget. TAYLOR sits next to him- he leans forward on the table with his head propped on his hand. ERIC holds a knife. He has his palm spread flat on the table and is busy stabbing the table in the spaces between his fingers. EDDIE is passed out and leaning on MOUMIN’s shoulder. MOUMIN seems to be the only one paying attention. KEATING even leans against the wall, obviously zoned out. MARK and KRYSTAL are not among those in the room.

MRAZ (CONT.)
We can’t be sure whether this calm is a good thing or a bad thing. She may be trying to lie low after the siege on this building the night of our raid. But one thing is for sure: no information is flowing out of her camp. And that is not a good thing. We need to change that. Suggestions? Mark?

Keating stirs.

KEATING
Actually Mark hasn’t arrived yet.

MRAZ
Wonderful. Eddie?

Eddie is still asleep. Moumin makes no effort to wake him.

MRAZ (CONT.)
Eddie?!

Eddie wakes up, startled, but tries to cover it up.

EDDIE
Of course! I agree.

MRAZ
Agree with what?

EDDIE
That… course of action?

Mraz sighs. Moumin snickers to himself.

MRAZ
Keating, can you go see what’s so important that Mark can’t get to a meeting ontime.

KEATING
Right away--

She starts toward the door.

MRAZ
Look, people. I know it’s slow, but we have to stay on our toes, in case--

Just as Keating gets to the door, it opens and Mark tries to discreetly enter. He nearly slams into Keating.

MRAZ (CONT.)
Mark—

Just as the door is nearly closed, it opens again and Krystal slides in.

MRAZ (CONT.)
--and Krystal. Nice of you… both… to join us.

MARK
Sorry, I was reviewing my files on… Andrea’s recent movements…

MRAZ
Good. We were just discussing how to extract more info out of her camp. Perhaps you’d like to enlighten us?

Mark pauses for a moment.

MARK
Um… sure.

CUT TO:

INT MRAZ INC – LATER

The group files out of the conference room. Ducky yawns as he exits. Mark heads out and Mraz follows.

MRAZ
That was a hell of a suggestion in there. “Surveillance”. Specific and outside the box.

MARK
I just… I’m at a loss-

MRAZ
It’s ok. I have no clue either.

MARK
She’s just never been this quiet.

MRAZ
Hey, maybe she’s ramping up for another shot at killing you.

MARK
We can always hope.

MRAZ
I’m about to go grab lunch with Corey, its her last 2 days in town. I thought we’d go to Houstons. Want to come?

MARK
I… should probably stay in and work on this Andrea thing. I’ve been slacking on it, you’re right.

MRAZ
I didn’t say you were slacking.

MARK
No, no. We need to figure this out. Maybe I can pull Krystal on with me to brainstorm. We might be able to make use her intimate knowledge.

MRAZ
Sure… Are you sure you don’t want to come to lunch? Its on the company. Free drinks…

MARK
No. Go ahead. Give Corey a kiss for me.

MRAZ
Ok. Catch you later.

Mraz turns and walks toward the elevator. Keating brushes past. Sarcastically:

KEATING
Really nice work in there, Souza.

She doesn’t stop long enough for him to retort. He shoots her a quizzical look. He looks as the elevator door closes on Mraz. He takes a deep breath.

MARK
Krystal. I need to see you in my office.

CUT TO:

INT MARK’S OFFICE – MOMENTS LATER

Mark walks in quickly and Krystal follows. He shuts the doors, then pins her hard against the door and kisses her.

Mark breaks the kiss with Krystal. They both breath heavily.

KRYSTAL
I thought “no PDA in the office” was your rule.

MARK
Sorry. I needed that. To calm down.

There is a knock at the door, startling them both.

MARK (CONT.)
Who is it?

VOICE (O.S.)
Um… mail.

Mark opens the door. A mousey CLERK stands outside with mail in his outstretched hand. Mark grabs it and closes the door without a word. He begins to shuffle through the envelopes. Krystal grabs them and drops them on the ground.

KRYSTAL
Later. We have work to do first.

She pulls him in to a passionate kiss.

SMASH CUT TO:

MAIN TITLES.

END OF TEASER


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ACT ONE

INT MRAZ INC. - MORNING

ANGLE ON: An Invitation. It reads, in script:
Mr. Mraz,
You and a guest are cordially
invited to the Governor’s Ball,
celebrating the Inaguaration of
Governor Richard Reed. The Ball
will begin at 8 PM on Thursday,
the 16th of April, at the
Hammerstein Ballroom.

The camera pulls out and reveals Mraz sitting at his desk, considering the invitation with thought. He pauses then looks up.

ANGLE ON: Keating, looking at him expectantly.

KEATING
You’re going, right?

Mraz stares at the invitation for a moment more, as if it may come alive and kill him on the spot. He looks up, apprehensively.

MRAZ
It’s tonight. You think they could have sent it any later. It’s as if they don’t really want me there at all. Just hoping I get the invitation too late.

Keating stares daggers into him.

KEATING
Are you kidding me? That’s going to be your excuse? Why are you so grumpy lately?

Mraz’s expression is mock-wounded. He clacks on the keyboard of his computer, trying to look busy.

MRAZ
Hey! Who’s grumpy? I just have a lot of work to do. I can’t just push it aside like its nothing.

Without warning, Keating grabs his laptop and spins it… revealing a game of Minesweeper on the screen.

KEATING
You look very busy! Mike, it’s dead. Andrea is doing nothing. There’s been no activity reported from any of our other targets. You’re going to this party, if I have to dress you and drive you there myself--

MRAZ
Sounds pretty fun now actually--

KEATING
Shut up! Don’t tease.

MRAZ
I really don’t want to go…

KEATING
Stop whining. It’ll be good for you to make a public appearance. We haven’t exactly had the best press as of late.

MRAZ
Fine.

Mraz sulks and pouts like a child.

KEATING
Good. Now.
(expectantly)
Who will you be taking as a guest?

He looks up, his eye catching something.

MRAZ
Krystal…

KEATING
What?

MRAZ
Krystal!

ANGLE ON: Krystal walking past Mraz’s open door. She stops at the sound of her name and steps in. No, Keating sulks- doing a bad job of hiding it.

KRYSTAL
Hey! What’s up? Something happen?

MRAZ
No, just wondering if you and Mark are still stuck working on maximizing Andrea surveillance.

KRYSTAL
No. We’re going to work on that again tomorrow. He just finished… briefing me.

MRAZ
Great! I just got an invitation to the Governor’s Ball tonight. Just wondering if you were free and wanted to be my “guest”. Have my “lawyer” meet the new governor.

Mraz waits sheepishly, trying to appear nonchalant- but badly failing.

KRYSTAL
Oh!…Uh…Well, I’d love to but…um…I’m already going…

MRAZ
You got an invitation too?

Suddenly, before she can answer, Mark pops his head into the room and walks in as if he owns the place.

MARK
Hey, Mraz! Did you get this invitation thing to the Governor’s ball?

Mark sits down across from Mraz. Barely noticing Keating sulking and Krystal awkwardly searching for an answer to Mraz.

MRAZ
Of course.

MARK
A little late, don’t you think? Almost like they don’t want us to go?

KEATING
(under her breath, but loud enough to be heard)
Probably because they know a path of destruction follows you two everywhere you go.

Everyone is silent. Mark turns and gives her a slightly confused stare.

MARK
(patronizing)
Look who’s grumpy today.

Keating glares and lets out a small growl. Mark mock surrenders.

MARK
OK. Got it. I won’t ask. Anyway, I like this new Richards guy.
(sarcastically)
Think we would have gotten an invite from Sherman?

MRAZ
Well, he seems to be trying to foster a good relationship with us, too. Krystal got an invitation as well.

There is a new moment of silence. Mark and Krystal trade a glance. Keating goes from angry to slightly confused. Mraz just looks at them both.

KRYSTAL
Well, actually… uh..

MARK
Krystal...is going as my guest.

MRAZ
She is?

Mraz tries to cover his discomfort and disappointment, once again, badly.

MARK
Oh, she was in my office when the mail came, going over strategy. Figured it’d be a good idea to bring her along and give her a taste of one of these society events. Besides, I didn’t know if you got an invitation and I thought it’d be weird if you were my date.

Everyone laughs for a moment. It seems as if the tension is at least slightly broken.

MRAZ
Well… Corey’s in town. I guess I could see if she wanted to come along. She’d love this kind of thing. Besides, she’s a smart girl. Probably be a good idea to support our cover a bit for her benefit. Don’t want her to start suspecting anything.

MARK
Great. Should be a fun night then!

MRAZ
Keating, could you call Corey and see if she’s available?

Keating glares and walks out of the room.

MRAZ (CONT)
Don’t know why her mood dive-bombed all of a sudden.

MARK
Mraz, sometimes you are extremely dense. Has anyone ever told you that?

MRAZ
What’s that supposed to mean?--

They are cut off by Eddie barging in the room- much in the manner that Mark did previously. Moumin follows quietly through the door. Mraz is clearly frustrated.

MRAZ
Doesn’t anyone knock anymore?

EDDIE
Did you guys get this invite thing to a Governor’s Ball?

The room goes silent. Mraz, Mark, and Krystal slowly turn and stare at Eddie. Moumin, who is standing right beside Eddie, slowly moves away.

EDDIE (CONT.)
What?

MARK
Let me see that.

Mark stands and yanks the paper out of Eddie’s hand. He slowly reads it. He gives it back to Eddie and sits back down.

MARK (CONT)
(calmly, matter-of-fact)
Mraz, I would like you to consider for a moment that this must be a trap. No person in their right mind would invite Eddie to a Society Event. I have serious doubts about its legitimacy.

EDDIE
Oh, screw you.

MRAZ
It’s fine, Eddie. We can use the invitation. We can see if Ducky and Rachel want to go. They always like these events.

EDDIE
Hey, what makes you think I don’t want to go? It’s my invitation.

Mraz, Krystal, and Mark stare at him again, in stunned silence. After a moment, Mark starts to snicker. Mraz and Krystal join in. Even Moumin begins to laugh. Eddie fumes. He punches Moumin in the shoulder.

EDDIE
That’s it! I’m going!

Keating walks into the room. Unenthusiastically:

KEATING
I called Corey. She said she’d love to go.

Keating observes the scene that she walked in on for a moment.

KEATING (CONT)
What’s going on here?

EDDIE
These two are just jealous that I actually got my own invitation to the Governor’s Ball thing tonight.

Keating is exasperated.

KEATING
Even Eddie is going? Eddie, of all people?!

Frustrated:

EDDIE
Sometimes, I wonder why I still work here.

MRAZ
Eddie, why don’t you take Keating as a guest? It’d be good for her to be there anyway.

Eddie seems to find this idea fun. Keating is visibly not so excited.

EDDIE
Sure!

Moumin looks wounded.

MOUMIN
But I thought I was going with you?

EDDIE
We’re all gonna pretend you didn’t just say that, Mo.

Moumin, a bit deflated, leaves the office. Keating starts to follow him out, slumping as well.

EDDIE
Hey, Lauren!

Keating turns back slowly. Eddie snaps his fingers, points at her and, winks.

EDDIE (CONT)
Pick ya up at 7!

Keating rolls her eyes and mumbles as she exits.

MARK
Your technique is flawless, Eddie. Remind me to take lessons from you someday.

EDDIE
You should all be so lucky… Well boys, I’m excited! A night on the town! I’m going to head home and get ready!!

He pats Mark and Krystal on the shoulders and heads toward the door.

MRAZ
Eddie, it’s 1 o’clock.

Eddie doesn’t turn back.

EDDIE
I know! Only 6 hours. I better hurry. Catch ya later, kids.

They all stare after him.

MRAZ
This is going to be an interesting night.

MARK
Maybe you should have Taylor on call just in case.

Mraz, Mark, and Krystal sit. There’s a silence a bit too long for comfort.

KRYSTAL
Ok! Well, I need to go… talk with Ducky… about… something.

She stands and walks out. Both Mraz and Mark stare as she exits, not realizing the other one is doing it.

MARK
Well, this’ll be fun! Haven’t done an event like this in awhile!

MRAZ
We did one a month ago. For Sherman.

MARK
Yeah but that barely counts. Lindsay tried to kill you after that. We didn’t actually have a night to enjoy ourselves.

MRAZ
What are you so happy about?

MARK
Nothing. Are you ok, Mraz?

Mraz breaks the tension and tries to cover.

MRAZ
Sure. Yeah. Definitely!

MARK
Cool! Well, then I’m gonna head home and get ready!

Mark starts out the door.

MRAZ
You’re taking a half day too?

MARK
Mike, it’s fine. There’s nothing going on. Terrorism is giving us a night off. Let’s enjoy it.

Mark exits. Mraz stares off after him, troubled.

MRAZ
Yes. Let’s.

FADE TO BLACK.

END OF ACT ONE



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


ACT TWO

EXT MANHATTAN CENTER - NIGHT

Will Smith’s “Getting’ Jiggy Wit It” starts as the camera shot swoops in on the Red Carpet, heading into the Manhattan Center, housing the Hammerstein Ballroom. The camera pans through crowd. There are men in tuxedos and women in gowns littering the area. People pause to shake hands or pose for photo ops.

The camera comes to rest by the curb where a taxi pulls up and stops. The back door opens and a pair of feet step out in patent leather black shoes. The camera pans up to reveal Mark, in a black suit, straightening his jacket.

Krystal steps out next. She’s dressed in a white gown and high heels. She seems to have a bit of trouble getting out of the cab but Mark pays no attention- taking in the scene. Krystal finally struggles out of the back seat.

KRYSTAL
Thanks for the hand, “Date”.

Mark turns to her, oblivious to his mistake.

MARK
What?

COREY (O.S)
God, this is beautiful. Do you guys get invited to this kind of thing a lot?

ANGLE ON: COREY. She’s wearing a cream colored dress; she’s absolutely enamored by the scene. Mraz comes into view beside her, also wearing a suit.

MRAZ
All in a day’s work.

The four begin to head toward the carpet.

KRYSTAL
Don’t you think we should wait for Eddie?

MARK
Nah. We’ll be lucky if he actually ends up showing.

Just then a limo can be seen pulling up to the curb behind them. The four turn around. The door opens.

ANGLE ON: A pair of patent leather shoes stepping out, similar to the earlier shot. The camera pans up revealing Eddie in a full tux. His facial hair is trimmed, and his hair is combed back. He turns and offers his hand. A woman’s hand slips into his. Keating, looking stunning in a dark blue dress steps out of the car. He offers his arm to Keating and she loops her arm through his elbow. They walk toward the carpet.

ANGLE ON: Mark, Mraz, Krystal, and Corey; staring in disbelief.

COREY
Is that Eddie?

MRAZ
Can’t be.

COREY
I don’t think I’ve ever seen him even wear a button-down shirt.

MARK
He hasn’t. Ever.

Eddie and Keating reach them and stop.

EDDIE
Evening, Gentlemen. And ladies.

Eddie bows down and kisses Corey’s hand. He does the same to Krystal.

EDDIE
We’ll meet you by the hors d’oeuvres. But first we want to get our picture with Bloomberg. Lauren?

KEATING
Eddie.

Eddie leads them past the four. Eddie stops momentarily and grabs Mraz’s shoulder.

EDDIE
By the way, I put the limo on my company card.

Eddie pats him on the shoulder then continues walking. The four turn and stare.

CUT TO:

INT BALLROOM - LATER

Mraz, Corey, Krystal, and Mark hover near a table, taking in the crowd.

MRAZ
I’m going to go grab a drink at the bar. Anyone want anything?

KRYSTAL
I’ll have a rum and diet.

MARK
Guinness!

MRAZ
I don’t think they have Guinness here, Mark. They don’t usually serve…beer…at these things.

MARK
Whiskey sour then.

MRAZ
Okay…

COREY
I’ll come with you. Introduce me to some powerful people?

MARK
Eh, Mraz is the most powerful one in the room. What more do we need?

MRAZ
Right. Such a kidder, Mark.

Mraz and Corey leave and head off toward the bar. Mark turns to Krystal.

MARK
You look beautiful tonight.

Krystal blows off the compliment, icing him.

KRYSTAL
I was beginning to wonder if you noticed at all.

MARK
Hey. Hey. I’m sorry. Just trying not to be obvious. Sometimes I cut off too much when I’m trying to hide it.

Mark looks off in the direction where are Mraz and Corey walking.

Corey and Mraz can be seen talking to an older man at the bar. Mraz and Corey are reacting and laughing over-enthusiastically. They are paying no attention to Mark and Krystal.

Mark puts his hands on Krystal’s arms and caresses them. Then he turns her towards him. She tries to pout and avoid his eyes. He puts his finger under her chin and gently tips her head up to look into her eyes.

MARK
You’re the most beautiful girl in this room tonight. It’s taking every ounce of self-control I have not to kiss you right now.

KRYSTAL
(still not quite giving in)
Yeah?

MARK
I don’t know if I’ll be able to hold myself back all night.

KRYSTAL
(flirtatiously)
Maybe, we’ll have to find someplace to … meet… later?

MARK
Hmm. Where did I find you, Krystal Kelly? I think I’m really starting to fa--

EDDIE (O.S.)
Are we interrupting?

ANGLE ON: Keating and Eddie. They’ve snuck up while Mark and Krystal are talking. They try to cover.

MARK
Hey! Uh--

KRYSTAL
Get your picture with the Mayor?

KEATING
We sure did.

EDDIE
He even flirted with Keating. Said he could use a new assistant.

Keating blushes a bit.

MARK
Keating. Always going for those powerful executive types.

KEATING
Keep it up, Souza. I’ll hang your balls from the ceiling.

MARK
That’s disturbing.

EDDIE
I think she could do it.

MARK
I think I’ll take that as a cue to go check on our drinks.

EDDIE
Get me a Guinness!

MARK
I don’t think they-- never mind.

Mark exits.

KRYSTAL
Well I hope you don’t leave us for the Mayor. We couldn’t live without you.

KEATING
Heh. I could certainly live without Mraz Inc. Sometimes I think this place takes years off my life.

CUT TO:

INT BALLROOM BAR AREA - LATER

Mark walks up and spots Mraz and Corey still in conversation with the older man, obviously bored and in need of rescue.

MAN
--and Guiliani says to me, “Bobby, without you--

MARK
(in an Irish brogue)
Mr. Mraz.

Mraz looks to him, not missing a beat, despite a look of confusion.

MRAZ
Ah, Mr. Mccafferty. Good to see you.

MARK
Yes, I was wondering if I could have a word with you about that whiskey contract we was going to meet on on Monday. I know this is a night o’ celebration but if you could just spare a moment.

MRAZ
Sure. Sure. No problem. Corey, want to see how the futures of Fortune 500 companies are made or broken?

COREY
Sure!

Mraz returns his attention to the old man.

MRAZ
Sorry, uh, Bill?

MAN
Bob.

MRAZ
Bob! Business calls.

MAN
No problem, Mr. Mraz. Ms. Haydu. Swing by later.

MRAZ
Oh, we wouldn’t miss it.

The three walk toward another end of bar.

MRAZ
Thanks for the save.

MARK
No problem.

COREY
I lied. I don’t want to meet people anymore.

MRAZ
Accent was a nice touch. Didn’t know you had it in you anymore.

MARK
Can’t lose my Irish.

FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)
Mr. Mraz! Mr. Souza!

They turn.

ANGLE ON: ANDREA. Walking toward them in a sparkling silver gown; drink in hand. Mark jumps back.

MARK
Jesus!!

ANDREA
So nice to see you too Mr. Souza.

She holds her hand out to Corey.

ANDREA (CONT.)
And you… you are far too gorgeous to be here with Mraz.

COREY
The three of us are old friends. I just happened to be in town, so I came along.

ANDREA
That makes much more sense.

COREY
And you are…?

ANDREA
Andrea Davis.

MARK
She specializes in hostile takeovers.

ANDREA
Now, Mr. Souza, that’s just rude.

MARK
Sorry, I’m not drunk yet. My tact hasn’t kicked in.

ANDREA
Charming.

MRAZ
We were just discussing you today. Things have been quiet on your front lately.

ANDREA
Oh, you know the ebb and flow of business. Sometimes its dead. And sometimes things just … hit you… out of nowhere. Anywho. I have more important things to do than chat with you all night. Miss Haydu, lovely to meet you.

COREY
The pleasure, I’m sure, was all mine.

Andrea turns and walks off. When she’s far enough away:

COREY (CONT.)
Jeez. What was that? You could barely breath there was so much subtext flying around. Ex?

MARK
Hoo. Something like that.

MRAZ
Business rival.

CUT TO:

INT BALLROOM - LATER

Mark, Mraz, and Corey rejoin the others. Mraz passes around drinks. Mark hands Eddie a mixed drink. Eddie looks at it with disgust.

MARK
We ran into Andrea.

EDDIE
Jesus!!

KEATING
Are you guys alright?

COREY
What is it with this woman?!

EDDIE
Oh, hey Corey!

MRAZ
I should go say hi to the new Governor. Anyone care to join?

No one answers.

MRAZ
So. No then. Right. I’ll be back.

Mraz exits.

KRYSTAL
Enjoying yourself so far, Corey?

COREY
Yeah, its great. I mean LA can be very chic too. But I don’t really know anybody who runs in these kind of circles there.

KEATING
You also came at a good time. The office tends to be more of a madhouse usually. We don’t get many chances have an elegant night out.

EDDIE
My tux is starting to itch.

They all turn to Eddie. Mark shakes his head.

CUT TO:

INT OTHER SIDE OF BALLROOM - SAME TIME

Mraz weaves his way through the crowd smiling and greeting people as he goes. He looks ahead.

ANGLE ON: A tall thin man in a tux, GOVERNOR RICHARD REED, he’s mingling.

CUT TO:

INT BALLROOM - LATER

Eddie sits and scratches uncomfortably, as everyone else stands and talks.

MARK
Keating is right. It’s been rather busy lately. It’s good to have a few nights where nothing happens. It’s been so dead.

CUT TO:

INT OTHER SIDE OF BALLROOM - SAME TIME

Mraz finally reaches Governor Reed. Reed turns his attention to Mraz with recognition. Mraz puts out his hand.

MRAZ
Governor Reed, con--

Suddenly, a gunshot rings out. Mraz and Reed’s faces freeze in surprise. Reed drops to the ground. Security agents swarm the area.

CUT TO:

INT BALLROOM - LATER

The gunshot sounds. Conversation stops abruptly between Corey, Krystal, Keating, and Mark. Mark’s head snaps in the direction of the shot. Eddie pops up into frame. There is a pause.

EDDIE
You were saying something about a quiet evening?

FADE TO BLACK.

END OF ACT TWO


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ACT THREE

INT ROOM - NIGHT

Mraz sits at a table in a dimly lit room across from two SECURITY AGENTS. He looks calm; his hands are clasped in front of him.

MRAZ
You’re wasting time. You know that, right?

Agent 1 gives him and incredulous, patronizing half-smile.

AGENT 1
So you learned how to effectively run criminal investigations in business school, did you?

MRAZ
I never went to business school. You’ve obviously done your homework. I’m just smart enough to know that asking someone the same question 15 times is rather useless when you get the same response each time.

AGENT 2
Look, Mr. Mraz. We want to help you. And we can do that if you tell us what you saw?

MRAZ
I’m actually in no trouble whatsoever. We all know you have no legal grounds to hold me. It seems like you’re the ones who need the help…

Agent 1 stands and angrily slams his fists on the table.

AGENT 1
I’m finished with your attitude! There’s no way you were 2 feet away and saw nothing!! We’ve been over the tapes 50 times in the last hour! You’re the only one in position. We’ll wait here all night for you to start talking.

CUT TO:

INT BALLROOM – SAME TIME

Corey sits at a table; looking mentally exhausted. Keating stands with her arms folded. Mark and Krystal stand near each other. Eddie sits; scratching, still itchy in his tux.

KEATING
How long have they been holding him?

MARK
Just about an hour.

COREY
How can they hold onto him for so long? He obviously didn’t do anything. We all had to pass through metal detectors to get in here.

MARK
It was probably too crowded to catch anything on the tapes. He’s probably one of their best leads.

COREY
I guess the only thing we can do is wait.

Mark pauses, realization clicks in him- as if he’s just remembered something.

MARK
I need a coke…

KRYSTAL
A coke?

MARK
Yeah…ah…I‘m parched… Wanna come?

Some unspoken communication passes between them.

KRYSTAL
…Sure?

They walk off.

COREY
What was that all about?

KEATING
You know Mark. Never been good at just waiting!

EDDIE
(oblivious)
I thought they shut the bar down, with the building locked down.

Keating shoots Eddie a look and attempts to play it off.

KEATING
Oh, I’m sure he’ll scheme up something…

CUT TO:

INT ELSEWHERE IN THE BALLROOM – SAME TIME

Mark walks briskly with Krystal in tow.

KRYSTAL
Alright, what do you have up your sleeve?

MARK
I just want to have a look of my own at the security tapes.

KRYSTAL
Mark, this place is crawling with special agents. How do you think you’re getting a look at the security tapes?

MARK
I have an idea…

KRYSTAL
You know we’re supposed to be here in an unofficial capacity…

MARK
(smiling)
It’s fine, my dear, I can be discreet.

KRYSTAL
Right. Can I have an example?

CUT TO:

INT ROOM – SAME TIME

Mraz sits in the same position. He looks no worse for the wear but the Agents are obviously getting flustered.

AGENT 2
Mr. Mraz, for all intents and purposes you seem to be a normal CEO for a normal Fortune 500 company. However, you seem to have had some run-ins with the police quite often as of late…

MRAZ
In business, you sometimes make enemies…

AGENT 2
You’ve been called into a hostage situation and had two large disturbances, including an armed break-in at your main office in the past 6 months. That seems far from normal.

MRAZ
So… are you accusing me of something…?

The Agents are silent. Thwarted again.

AGENT 1
You have some connections to the Former Governor, don’t you? He hasn’t exactly been supportive of Governor Reed. Maybe he asked you to do a favor for him.

MRAZ
Oh, so you are accusing me of something. Murder actually. I just want that in the open.

AGENT 2
Mr. Mraz, we’re just trying to figure out what happened.

MRAZ
In a rather threatening way, don’t you think? I think I’d better call my lawyer. We could have a serious act of defamation on our hands here.

Agent 2 stands up and exits the room. Agent 1 scowls at Mraz. Mraz returns a half grin.

CUT TO:

INT SMALL SECURITY ROOM – SAME TIME

TWO GUARDS sit watching the tape of the shooting on loop in slow motion.

GUARD 1
The angle’s just impossible. It’s like someone picked the exact spot the camera couldn’t quite catch anything.

An alarm sounds. The Guards snap out of staring.

GUARD 2
Aw damn! There’s some kind of fire in the men’s bathroom. We better get this taken care of quickly. Already enough ruckus tonight.

They run out of the room.

CUT TO:

INT HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS

The Guards exit the room, running past a couple passionately kissing, against the wall. They pass without a second glance.

Mark and Krystal break from their embrace and Mark grabs the door before it shuts.

MARK
Been waiting all night for that.

Krystal elbows him in the ribs as she passes.

KRYSTAL
A fire?! Very discreet plan, Mr. Souza.

MARK
Hey, it worked.

Mark quickly pulls out his phone and looks as if he’s disassembling it. He retrieves an ear-piece and puts it in= taps it- then continues reassembling his phone.

MARK (CONT.)
Scramble 617- Daffy.

It rings. The phone picks up.

DUCKY (O.S.)
Ducky, here.

MARK
You have a minute?

DUCKY (O.S.)
Well, Rachel and I were about to go grab a bite.

MARK
Can it wait? I really need you to analyze some film for me.

Mark plugs his phone into the console. Video play-back begins at high-speed.

CUT TO:

INT DUCKY’S HOUSE – SAME TIME

DUCKY stands with his phone in hand, dressed in a suit. RACHEL stands near the doorway behind him, dressed beautifully for a night out, holding car keys and looking impatient. Ducky slumps.

DUCKY
Sure, Mark. It can wait.

Rachel sighs, exasperated and tosses the keys to the ground and stalks off starting to undress.

CUT TO:

INT BALLROOM – SAME TIME

Corey, Eddie, and Keating are all sitting now. Eddie looks as if he’s about to jump out of his skin. He abruptly stands.

KEATING
Eddie, what’re you doing?

EDDIE
I’m sick of just sitting around here. I’m gonna go have a chat with Andrea…

KEATING
Eddie, I don’t know if that’s the best move. Maybe wait until Mark gets back.

EDDIE
Relax. I’m just going to talk. What could happen?

KEATING
So many terrible things come to mind at once, that it’s difficult for me to decide which one to say first.

EDDIE
Now is that any way to talk to your date?

Eddie smiles. Keating starts to answer but decides its not worth it to argue. Eddie walks off leaving them.

COREY
Good to see Eddie hasn’t changed.

KEATING
If he’d change, I wouldn’t have to attend so many happy hours after work.

COREY
Why is he going to talk to this Andrea woman? What good is that going to do?

KEATING
Oh, our company has a bit of a contentious relationship with her.

COREY
So I’ve gathered. That still doesn’t explain what she has to do with this.

KEATING
Probably nothing. Eddie just seems to be drawn to any action that is the direct opposite of discreet. What better to do than start casting wild accusations at our biggest rival in a very public setting?

COREY
She must be a piece of work. You all act like she’s some kind of movie villain.

KEATING
Heh. Don’t be silly, Corey. Mike just takes… business… very seriously. Andrea is harmless.

CUT TO:

INT BALLROOM, ELSEWHERE – SAME TIME

Eddie walks up to Andrea, who sits at the table, calmly, drinking a glass of wine. She looks up at him, unsurprised.

ANDREA
Well, this is a rare treat. It’s not often I get a visit from the true brains behind Mraz Inc. I usually only get those dolts, Mraz and Souza.

Eddie cracks a half smile.

ANDREA (CONT’D)
And you look rather handsome. Not often I see you in an outfit that I would pay more than $20 for.

Eddie pulls up a chair and sits across from her.

EDDIE
I’m not one for the witty verbal-sparring. I leave that to Mraz. So why don’t you shut up and tell me what’s going on?!

ANDREA
Well, it appears that some one took a shot at the new Governor. And I’m sitting here enjoying a drink, and the chaos, while the government tries to sort this all out. Hold on to your hat, we could be here for years.

EDDIE
I'm not wearing a hat. I know this is your work. I’m not stupid.

ANDREA
You’re not? Could have fooled me.

Eddie leans in menacingly.

EDDIE
You better watch it. I don’t have as much self-control in public as Mraz does.

ANDREA
Instead of threatening me, why don’t you use that atrophied organ in your head. I have nothing to gain from this. And it would be utterly idiotic for me to make such a public move. Richard Reed is no threat to me.

They glare at each other silently for a moment; a showdown.

EDDIE
Have a good evening, Andrea. I hope you make it home safely. Seems to be a lot of dangerous people here tonight.

He stands and walks away.

CUT TO:

INT SMALL SECURITY ROOM – SAME TIME

Mark looks at the screen, images flash across as Ducky manipulates the security feeds. Krystal keeps an eye on the door.

MARK
It has to be Andrea, right?

DUCKY (O.S.)
While I agree, it seems like her M.O., I’ve just run a cross check on her location in the feeds. She’s nowhere near Reed. I’ve also run a visual match on her known associates in the crowd. Nothing.

MARK
Damn it.

Krystal looks back.

KRYSTAL
We probably don’t have much time. We need to get going.

MARK
You’re right. Ducky we have to get out of here. Thanks--

DUCKY (O.S.)
Wait!

MARK
What? What is it?

DUCKY (O.S.)
This guy. He look familiar to you?

ANGLE ON: A video screen. It is frozen on a moment just before the shooting. Mraz can be seen in frame, with Governor Reed a few feet away. The screen recalibrates and the image sharpens. It’s the man Mraz and Corey were talking to earlier.

MARK
Yeah. It’s some old guy Mraz was talking to earlier. Probably some aide or advisor.

DUCKY (O.S.)
Mark, you haven’t been keeping up on your current events. That’s Robert Patsen. He worked for Sherman’s administration.

MARK
Ok. So he’s at the party for the new governor.

DUCKY (O.S.)
But he shouldn’t be there.

MARK
Ducky, we don’t have a ton of time. Can you get to the point please?

DUCKY (O.S.)
He was removed from his position. He was connected to a money laundering scheme.

MARK
And?

DUCKY (O.S.)
The person who fingered him for it? State Senator Richard Reed.

Mark's eyes widen. Suddenly commotion can be heard outside the door.

KRYSTAL
Mark?

CUT TO:

INT OUTER DOOR,SECURITY ROOM – SAME TIME

One of the Guards who went to check on the fire fumbles with the doorknob. The other one looks on.

GUARD 2
Why the hell is this locked?

GUARD 1
You must have left the automatic lock on.

Guard 2 pulls out his key and unlocks the door. He turns the knob and opens it. Both guards stop in their tracks and go alert.

GUARD 2
The hell?!?

ANGLE ON: the security room. Mark and Krystal are passionately kissing on top of the security console. Mark’s jacket is sprawled on the floor. They both stop and look up, surprised.

MARK
Oh, uh… hi! Yeah… We’ll…leave now.

FADE TO BLACK.

END OF ACT THREE

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


ACT FOUR

INT BALLROOM- NIGHT

Keating and Corey sit alone. It’s obvious that they ran out of things to talk about long before this. Corey is playing with her I-Phone.

VOICE (O.S.)
Ladies?

They both look up. Keating stands.

ANGLE ON: Mraz.

KEATING
Mike! Is everything ok?

MRAZ
Eh, the questioning was a little tiresome, but nothing I couldn’t handle. You ok, Corey?

COREY
For such an “exciting event” this has gotten pretty boring.

MRAZ
(winking)
They make shootings of public figures more exciting in LA?

COREY
Of course. It’s Hollywood. What do you expect?

MRAZ
Where’s Mark and Krystal…?

MARK (O.S.)
Right here.

ANGLE ON: Mark and Krystal approaching.

COREY
You guys were gone for awhile.

Mraz shoots Mark an odd look. Mark brushes it off.

MARK
How’d you trick them into letting you go?

MRAZ
Oh, I didn’t.
(flashing a roguish smile)
Turns out the government doesn’t like dealing with an angry Taylor anymore than you do.

MARK
Umm…where’s Eddie?

KEATING
He went to…um…talk… to Andrea!

Both Mraz and Mark turn.

MRAZ AND MARK
What?!!

KEATING
He said… he was just going to talk…

Eddie walks in with 2 drinks in hand.

EDDIE
…and he was a perfect gentleman. (he offers a drink to Keating)
Drink? They reopened the bar… if you have enough money.

MARK
Since when do you have “enough money”.

EDDIE
Since I started carrying around my Mraz Inc corporate credit card everywhere I go.

Mraz glares.

MARK
Oh, Mraz, can I borrow you for a second? Eddie, you too. Ducky called while I was getting a drink. Something important about… the… pigeons… setting off the security sensors…

Mraz looks at him incredulously then follows as Mark walks off. Eddie follows suit, shaking his head, still itching in his tux.

EDDIE
(sincerely)
Damn pigeons.

Krystal, Keating, and Corey watch as they leave.

COREY
Eddie may not have changed but those two have gotten weird.

CUT TO:

INT BALLROOM, ELSEWHERE- SAME TIME

Mraz, Eddie, and Mark stand off to the side.

MRAZ
Between the two of you, it will be amazing if Corey hasn’t figured out something’s fishy here.

MARK
Whatever. Not important. Anyway, I managed to get my hands on the security feeds and hand them to Ducky--

MRAZ
How’d you “manage” that?

MARK
Also not important.

MRAZ
I doubt that.

MARK
Look. I think we know who’s behind this. And if we’re right, he's still here.

Mraz stops, intrigued.

CUT TO:

INT BALLROOM, ELSEWHERE- LATER

Robert Patsen stands near the bar, alone, sipping a drink. Mraz approaches.

MRAZ
Ben!

ROBERT
Bob.

MRAZ
I’m sorry again. Bob. Hell of a night, huh?

ROBERT
Yes.

MRAZ
I saw you over here and figured since we were stuck here, we could get back to our conversation from earlier.

ROBERT
Oh, sure, of course! Oh, what was I telling you again?

MRAZ
The story about Guiliani. I forgot to ask. You said you work in Governor Sherman’s administration?

ROBERT
I did? Uh, oh well, yes, I did. Do.

MRAZ
I had a business relationship with the former Governor. What did you say your last name was again? I can’t remember. Perhaps we met? You look familiar…

Robert begins to seem fidgety; ansty.

ROBERT
Oh, I uh, I doubt that.

He takes an involuntary step back. Without warning, he slams into someone behind him at the bar. There’s a splash and sound of breaking glass. Robert spins.

ANGLE ON: Eddie. His tux is soaked. His face fills with rage.

EDDIE
What the hell is wrong with you…

Eddie punches Robert in the face and tackles him to the ground.

MRAZ
Jesus! What the--

Eddie straddles Robert and grapples with him, their hands flying everywhere.

ROBERT
What are you DOING?!

EDDIE
I’ll show you… hey, what the--

MRAZ
Gun!! Oh god, he’s got a gun!!

Panic and screams erupt. AGENTS swarm the area. They pull Eddie off and swarm both Eddie and Robert. The sound fades and the picture dissolves.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT MRAZ‘S OFFICE– LATER

Mraz sits at his desk. Mark stands behind him looking out the picture window.

MARK
--seems like he had some “friends” in the event staff who let him in through one of the back entrances. That’s how he got in without presenting an invitation and without dealing with the metal detectors. Pretty shabby security.

MRAZ
Say the people who have had 2 break-ins at their base of operations in a month.

MARK
Well, one of those, we kinda let them in. So it doesn’t even really count, if you want to be technical about it.

MRAZ
Andrea wasn’t involved. Ducky analyzed every database he could access. No connection between her and Patsen.

MARK
So, we count ourselves lucky that she’s quiet. I mean she’s kept our hands full for 2 years, Mike. She owes us a breather.

MRAZ
I’m sure those are her exact thoughts. I can’t believe Patsen didn’t get rid of the weapon. It was too easy. Good idea by Eddie though.

MARK
Yeah. By the way, did you really have to send that memo that employees are now responsible for all charges on the corporate card? He’s… not so happy.

MRAZ
(innocently)
Well, Mark, it’s just good business. A lot of budget cuts this year.

MARK
Uh huh.

MRAZ
Corey’s heading back in the morning. I think she’s hoping for a less “exciting” visit the next time she’s here. I’m grabbing a drink with her. Want to join?

MARK
Oh no. I… have plans.

MRAZ
With who?

MARK
With…home. I need to head home tonight.

MRAZ
Ok suit yourself.

They share a nod; conversation finished. Mark starts walking out.

MRAZ
Oh, Mark, by the way… good work with the security tapes. You and Krystal worked well together…

Mark stops. Pauses. Then turns back to Mraz briefly.

MARK
Thanks.

Mark turns to leave, walks out and shuts the door. Mraz stares silently after him.

FADE TO BLACK.

TO BE CONTINUED…