Scene 1 — Larry’s Office
The office is unusually tense. Bethany stands across from Larry, already frustrated. Larry looks serious, trying to make it clear that the conversation is not up for debate.
LARRY: Bethany, I’m telling you again. Stay away from Sharra’s case.
Bethany stares at him in disbelief.
BETHANY: Stay away from Sharra’s case? Larry, are you serious?
Larry remains calm.
LARRY: Yes. I don’t want you involved in her legal matters anymore.
Bethany steps closer, her voice becoming louder.
BETHANY: Sharra personally asked me to handle her mom’s case. She trusted me with it. And now you’re telling me to stay away?
Larry sighs.
LARRY: I’m not discussing this again. Just stay out of it.
Bethany shakes her head angrily.
BETHANY: Fine. If that’s what you want, I’ll stay away from Sharra’s case.
Larry looks at her carefully.
LARRY: Good. That’s all I’m asking.
Bethany turns around and walks away. But the moment she leaves Larry’s office, her expression changes. The anger on her face slowly turns into a cold smile. She has another plan.
Scene 2 — Bethany Makes a Call
Bethany walks down the hallway and enters an empty office. She closes the door behind her. She immediately pulls out her phone and calls Charlotte. Charlotte answers after a few rings.
CHARLOTTE: Hello?
Bethany lowers her voice.
BETHANY: Charlotte, I need you to do something for me.
Charlotte becomes curious.
CHARLOTTE: What happened?
Bethany looks toward the office door.
BETHANY: Larry just told me to stay away from Sharra’s case.
Charlotte pauses.
CHARLOTTE: So what are you going to do?
Bethany gives a faint smile.
BETHANY: I’m going to stay away.
Charlotte sounds confused.
CHARLOTTE: Then why did you call me?
Bethany leans against the desk.
BETHANY: Because I want you to call the police when Sharra and her mother come to the building.
Charlotte becomes silent.
CHARLOTTE: You want the police here?
Bethany nods even though Charlotte cannot see her.
BETHANY: Yes. When the custody situation happens, call them from outside the building.
Charlotte understands what Bethany is planning.
BETHANY: We’ll have Sharra’s mom arrested right there.
Charlotte hesitates.
CHARLOTTE: Are you sure about this?
Bethany’s expression becomes colder.
BETHANY: She caused me enough trouble. I want her to pay for it.
Charlotte finally agrees.
CHARLOTTE: Okay. I’ll do it.
Bethany smiles.
BETHANY: Good. Just wait for my signal.
She ends the call. For a moment, Bethany simply stares at her phone. Then she smiles.
Scene 3 — Outside the Building
Later that day, Sharra arrives at the building with her mother. Both women look concerned. Sharra holds some documents in her hands. Her mother stays close beside her.
SHARRA: Mom, we just need to explain everything to Mr. Newburger.
Her mother nods nervously.
SHARRA’S MOM: I just hope he understands what really happened.
Sharra gives her mother a reassuring look.
SHARRA: He will. Don’t worry.
They walk toward the entrance. Neither of them notices Charlotte watching from a short distance away. Charlotte immediately takes out her phone. She makes the call.
CHARLOTTE: Hello, I need police assistance at this building.
She quickly gives the location.
CHARLOTTE: There is a woman here who needs to be taken into custody.
Charlotte ends the call. A few moments later, Bethany appears near the office entrance. She stands beside Charlotte. Both women watch Sharra and her mother from a distance. Bethany gives Charlotte a knowing look.
BETHANY: Just wait.
Scene 4 — The Police Arrive
Sharra and her mother are almost inside the building when police vehicles suddenly arrive. Sharra stops. Her mother looks frightened.
SHARRA’S MOM: What is happening?
Sharra looks toward the arriving officers.
SHARRA: I don’t know, Mom.
The officers approach them. One of the officers speaks to Sharra’s mother.
POLICE OFFICER: Ma’am, you need to come with us.
Sharra immediately steps forward.
SHARRA: Wait! Why?
The officer explains that her mother is being taken into custody. Sharra’s face changes instantly.
SHARRA: No! Please, there has to be some mistake!
Her mother looks at her daughter with fear.
SHARRA’S MOM: Sharra, please stay calm.
Sharra grabs her mother’s hand.
SHARRA: Mom, I’m not going to let them take you.
The officers begin escorting her mother away. Sharra follows them.
Scene 5 — Bethany and Charlotte Watch
Across the entrance, Bethany and Charlotte stand together. They watch everything unfold. Bethany folds her arms. Charlotte looks at Bethany and smiles. Bethany quietly laughs.
CHARLOTTE: Looks like your plan worked.
Bethany keeps her eyes on Sharra.
BETHANY: I told you it would.
The two women continue watching. Their laughter stands in sharp contrast to the panic unfolding only a few steps away. Sharra suddenly notices them. She looks directly at Bethany. Her expression changes from confusion to shock.
SHARRA: Bethany?
Bethany says nothing. She simply watches. Sharra realizes that Bethany may have been involved.
Scene 6 — Sharra Begs the Police
Sharra turns back toward the officers. Her mother is being escorted toward the police vehicle. Sharra rushes after them. Tears fill her eyes. She brings her hands together.
SHARRA: Please! Please don’t take my mom!
The officer remains professional.
POLICE OFFICER: Ma’am, please step back.
Sharra shakes her head.
SHARRA: My mom didn’t do anything wrong!
Her voice breaks.
SHARRA: Please believe me. She has done nothing wrong.
Her mother looks back at her daughter.
SHARRA’S MOM: Sharra, don’t cry. I’ll be okay.
Sharra wipes her tears.
SHARRA: No, Mom. I’m coming with you.
Her mother gently shakes her head.
SHARRA’S MOM: Stay here. Take care of yourself.
Sharra watches helplessly as her mother is taken toward the vehicle.
Scene 7 — The Final Look
The police vehicle prepares to leave. Sharra stands frozen outside the building. She watches her mother through the window. Then she turns around. Her eyes meet Bethany’s. Bethany is still standing with Charlotte. The two women remain together, watching silently.
Sharra’s face is filled with heartbreak.
SHARRA: Bethany… why would you do this?
Bethany gives no answer. Charlotte looks at Bethany. Bethany simply turns away. The police vehicle drives off. Sharra remains standing alone outside the building. The camera slowly moves closer to her tearful face. Her hands tremble. Her mother is gone.
But Sharra knows this is not the end. She looks toward the building with determination.
SHARRA: I’m going to find out the truth.
She wipes away her tears.
The screen slowly fades to black.
TO BE CONTINUED…