06-10-2026, 01:38 PM
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
Two weeks had passed, and the Police were no closer to finding Drew, or indeed linking anyone to Kai, who apparently Shaun was the only person who had even seen him in the flesh, the guy apparently a ghost. The whole situation was frustrating, but more than that it was embarrassing. As each day passed, Shaun’s belief that this was nothing more than a scam invented by Drew to get himself out of debt was ringing with more truth. Shaun already resigned himself to having been played by his ‘friend’. His lawyer had been very little help, as far as he was concerned, the contract was watertight. But what good was a contract, without the person who had signed it. It was a mess, and a mess that without finding Drew wasn’t going to get resolved, and that left a sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach. The worst part of it all, however, was the fact that it wasn’t just his money… and that his nephew Owen stood to lose as well. Owen as it happened was visiting LA on ‘Next Level’ business and so had taken the opportunity to call in on his uncle and see how things were going. Shaun was usually happy to see Owen, but when he opens the door to his rented accommodation the truth was Owen was the last person he wanted to see… but had no choice but to let him in. The accommodation was a far cry from the house he had allowed Angyalka to keep, but it was nice enough. After all, right now it wasn’t like he could afford anything else. Owen steps in and immediately takes a look around as Shaun leads him through and into the garden where he had been muddling in his own thoughts, a glass of whiskey with almost melted ice left on the table which he picks up.
Shaun: Can I get you a drink?
Owen: Bit early for me
Shaun: I do have water, juice…
Owen: Nah, I’ll pass.
Shaun: So, to what do I owe the pleasure?
(The two of them take a chair and sit.)
Owen: Was just in the area. I’d not seen the new place yet so…
Shaun: It’s alright… bit smaller than I am used to though
Owen: Ah, not for long… how is Angyalka and Dorothea by the way? I’ve heard you’ve been building those bridges.
Shaun: Yeah, Angy’s been great, and Dorothea, well it’s like nothing happened. Thanks for bringing me to my senses on that. Can’t believe I was such a dick.
Owen: Me neither
(The two of them laugh, Owen more than Shaun.)
Owen: No but seriously, I’m glad you could sort it all out
Shaun: Yeah, I’m glad I can still be friends with Angy… I don’t know where I’d be without them to be honest. Can’t always land my problems on your shoulders, can I?
Owen: Who’d have thought it huh, the ‘kiddo’ getting his life more in order than his dad and uncle. Wish I could see his face right now.
Shaun: Yeah, he’d have been so proud of you not making the same mistakes we made. I mean, law of averages says we can’t all be fuck ups, right?
Owen: Neither of you were fuck ups. Look at it this way, if it hadn’t had been for the two of you, I wouldn’t have known the pitfalls of the industry and gotten out when I did. And now, I’m making sure that all our students at Next level know to never let this business take them over, because all it will do in the end is spit you out. If Adam and I can teach them that, then we are doing ok. And anyway, you’ll be giving back just as much as I am when you and Drew get EMERGE off the ground. The guys I’ve chosen to step up are really looking forward to getting in front of a crowd. How’s that all going by the way? Heck, whilst I’m here, I’d love a tour of the building.
(And there it was, the inevitable topic of conversation that Shaun would have loved to avoid. The proof conclusive that Shaun was indeed a fuck up. He gets to his feet.)
Shaun: I’ll just get another drink… I’ll be right back.
(Shaun knew he was delaying the inevitable, but he needed that delay, almost as much as he needed the drink. Owen was particularly concerned, Shaun had always liked Jack Daniels at any time in the day, but he’d never careered into the realms of alcoholism unlike his father. Shaun returns, glass replenished and retakes his seat.)
Owen: So, where are you at? Do you have an opening night booked yet; I’d love to come along and support you and Drew.
(Shaun doesn’t reply, and instead rubs his eyes, Owen only now starting to get an inkling that something was wrong.)
Owen: Is there something wrong?
(No getting away from it now, no place to hide, Shaun had to come clean.)
Shaun: Where do I start? Yeah, I know, how’s about we start at the part where your uncle, SCW Fucking Hall of Famer, the Impact Player… fucked up yet again.
(He surprisingly laughs, though there was obviously nothing to laugh about.)
Owen: I don’t understand.
(Here we go)
Shaun: Drew fucked me over Owen. There was never an EMERGE, no business deal… there was never even a fucking building. He needed money, fast, and it turns out I was his cash cow. Sorry, WE were his cash cow.
(Owen hadn’t even considered the two million until Shaun said that, but still, he tries not to focus on that and instead get to the crux of the matter.)
Owen: But you got a lawyer, looked over the contracts… how can that happen?
Shaun: Easy, he’s a shitty fucking lawyer, and what good is a contract if the person who signed it seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth and can’t be found.
(Owen digests all the information best he can, but still there were obvious gaps in what he was saying.)
Owen: So, I’m assuming you had a business account, right?
(Shaun shrugs his shoulders.)
Shaun: I thought so… he gave me the account numbers, but guess what? That account can’t be traced either, but the money sure as hell left my account and went somewhere. Doesn’t seem like anyone can figure out where. It went through many accounts apparently and then ‘poof’… vanished.
Owen: What about the guy you bought the building from?
Shaun: Owen, that’s the best part… this ‘Kai’ fella didn’t even own the building to sell it in the first place, and according to the cops doesn’t even exist. The building has been city property ever since he was relinquished by the previous owners.
Owen: I reckon I will take that drink.
(Shaun breathes deeply, and heads back into the kitchen, returning for a whiskey which Owen takes from him, and then a sip. In Shaun’s absence, he had given some more thought to the situation but didn’t want to antagonize his uncle who was already beating himself up.)
Shaun: I’m sorry Owen… I know you’ve lost out too.
Owen: Look, forget about me for a minute. I wouldn’t have given you the money if I couldn’t afford it, we can think about that later. What I still don’t get is why Drew needed that money so badly, and why he couldn’t just get a loan or something.
Shaun: I had a visit from an ex-girlfriend… I say girlfriend but they were serious enough that they were going to get married. Ever since EMERGE closed, he’s been trying to get back on his feet, and took quite a few risks to get there and apparently borrowed money from the wrong people. This was his shot at getting them off his back. I don’t want to give him an excuse, but I’m reckoning that when he first approached me, he didn’t know I wasn’t worth as much as I used to be, but then he’d gone past the point of no return.
Owen: Don’t you be believing the best in people again Shaun, this is fucked up. What are you going to do if you never get the money back?
Shaun: Honestly, I’m not prepared to think about that. Not yet.
(Deep down, Shaun hoped Drew would see the error of his ways and give the money back, but even deeper down, he had so many doubts that that would ever happen. And if he thought about it any further, he literally had nothing. No wife, no cash… nothing. And that was the scariest thought of all.)
Owen: So, what are the cops doing?
Shaun: You know the deal, lack of resources, no real leads to go on. I get the impression they don’t even believe Kai exists… I nearly got arrested for visiting what I thought was my arena.
Owen: What a mess
Shaun: I know… but the more I look at it, the more it’s my fault. I should have gone with my gut and stayed away.
Owen: Hey, if we are going down that road, I persuaded you to go for it. It could happen to anyone.
Shaun: Perhaps, but it happened to me. Looks like the Cruze curse has struck again huh?
(Owen wasn’t willing to engage in that conversation, because it was one he had, had multiple times with Shaun. This was a shitty situation, but it wasn’t a curse, Owen was living proof that it simply didn’t exist.)
Owen: Look Shaun, we can’t just leave it to the cops. We need to get Chris involved.
Shaun: I tried… but I’ve got nothing left to pay the guy and I refuse to be a charity case.
Owen: Then let me sort it… we’ve got to get that money back.
Shaun: I can’t let you do that Owen; you’ve lost enough already. This is my mess, and I’m going to fix it, but for once, let’s just let the cops do their job. Anyway, this is embarrassing enough with you knowing what’s going on, I’m not going to ridicule myself any further. Don’t contact Chris, ok?
Owen: OK, but I think you’re wrong
Shaun: Fair enough, but you must promise. I don’t want anyone else involved.
Owen: I promise… for now.
(Owen was going to let it pan out, but if the police didn’t get any closer, he’d go against his uncle’s wishes. He knew how hard Shaun had worked to get where he was, and he wasn’t going to let him lose it all because of some dumb pride. Mentally, he could see that Shaun was at his weakest, and it wouldn’t take too much to send him over the edge, so Owen promised himself he was going to be there for his uncle no matter what. This had to have a happy ending, or Owen didn’t know what would happen next.)
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
(The days he looked forward to more than any other these days were the ones spent with Dorothea. She had proven herself resilient to everything else that had gone on, and although she didn’t know the whole story, and Shaun hoped that she never would, their relationship didn’t seem to have suffered at all. After going to the Cinema to watch the latest Pixar Movie, Shaun had then taken her to her favorite fast-food place, the toy she had received with her meal never leaving her right hand. Now, arriving back at Angyalka’s, the car coming to a stop near to the front door, Dorothea was already wondering what their next adventure would be.)
Dorothea: So, what can we do next Daddy?
Shaun: What do you mean?
Dorothea: Well, Mummy said we could go on holiday. Do you think we could all go together?
Shaun: I don’t know… it’s a little more complicated than that.
Dorothea: Mummy said it would be ok… you’re still friends, aren’t you?
Shaun: Yeah but… well I’m not sure I’ll have the money to go on holiday this year.
Dorothea: Why?
(Explaining things like this to Dorothea wasn’t easy, right up there with why he hadn’t been around for a while. The truth was certainly not something he wanted to burden her with at her age.)
Shaun: Daddy gave someone some money, and they lost it. Now Daddy is trying to find it. And if I do, I’ll ask Mummy if it’s ok for me to come with you. How’s about that?
Dorothea: Well, I hope you find it, your friend was very careless.
(Shaun smirks, smiles were very far and few between these days. And it felt good. Shaun notices a car pulling up on the opposite side of the road, but pays it little heed. Instead focusing on his daughter.)
Shaun: You know I love you Thea don’t you? If it’s possible, you know I’d do anything for you right?
Dorothea: And Mummy?
Shaun: Yes of course. I might not live with you, but we’ll always been a family and always look out for each other. Never worry about that, ok?
Dorothea: OK
Shaun: Good… OK, let’s get you inside, it’s almost bedtime.
(Dorothea gets out the car, Shaun doing the same, as once again the car gets his attention. The headlights are off, but Shaun can still hear the engine running, and from his position it looks like the window is down, and someone is looking up the driveway. Shaun walks around the car and grabs Dorothea’s hand, still refusing to take his eyes off the car. Angyalka opens the door, capturing Shaun’s attention.)
Angyalka: Hey, did you have a good time with Daddy?
(Dorothea enthusiastically nods.)
Dorothea: Yes. And when Daddy finds his money, he’s promised to come on holiday.
Shaun: I never promised… and only if that’s ok?
(Angyalka nods.)
Angyalka: No problem here… go and get ready for bed, I’ll be up in a minute. Give Daddy a kiss.
(Shaun bends down, and receives a kiss on the cheek.)
Shaun: Night Thea… I love you
Dorothea: Love you too Daddy.
(She disappears out of sight, Shaun once again turning towards the car.)
Angyalka: Everything OK?
Shaun: I think so. Do you recognize that car?
Angyalka: I don’t think so
(Shaun starts walking past his car, and down the driveway. Before he gets a few steps past the car, the headlights come on and the car drives off, Angyalka joining him.)
Angyalka: Who was that?
Shaun: I don’t know…
Angyalka: Should I be worried?
Shaun: Nah, it’s probably nothing. Same time Thursday?
Angyalka: Sure. See you then.
(Angyalka goes back in the house, Shaun continuing to stare down the driveway. Was he being followed, or was it just coincidence? He chooses the latter, and gets in his car, one final look up at the house before driving away.)
TEN MINUTES LATER
(Shaun pulls up at his rented accommodation and walks up to the house, putting his key in the lock and entering, the events of a few moments ago still running around his mind. He shuts the door behind him, purposefully locking it before heading in. He first walks into the kitchen and turns on the light, throwing his keys onto the work top. Next, he picks up a calendar that Dorothea had made at school, the top of each month a picture of her, Angyalka and Shaun, all taken during happier times before Shaun had screwed everything up. He feels that familiar tinge of regret, cursing himself for his foolishness before putting the calendar down, and then putting his jacket over the back of a chair. He then walks through the house, switching on the light to the living room, startled by a figure waiting for him on the chair. No sooner as he noticed that person, than two much bigger individuals’ step behind him. The man sat on the chair turns, Shaun instantly recognizing him.)
Shaun: Kai…
(The man stands and walks over with a smug grin on his face, Shaun immediately on the defensive but recognizing he is outnumbered.)
Kai: I hear you’ve been looking for me, Mr. Cruze.
Shaun: You’re a hard man to find.
Kai: I prefer it that way… thought you and I should have a chat. Please sit.
Shaun: I’d rather stand
Kai: As you wish.
(Kai walks over to the drinks cabinet and pours himself whiskey. Once he has had a sip, he turns back to Shaun.)
Shaun: So, what are you doing here? And do you have my money?
Kai: One question at a time Shaun. First, it is no longer your money. You put that money in an account yourself. But yes, I am in receipt of it. Drew owed me, he was the one who decided to screw you over for it, now his debt has been settled.
Shaun: He only did it because he was desperate.
Kai: Perhaps, but it doesn’t change the situation. I have no quarrel with you Shaun, and nor do I want to have. However, if you continue to pursue this with the authorities then you and I will have a problem.
Shaun: You don’t scare me
(Kai laughs and takes another sip of his drink.)
Kai: You know Shaun, I believe you. I believe that even now you are wondering if you could take us three on and hand us all to the police, but I assure you that would be foolish. There is a very good reason that the police couldn’t locate me on your description, and that is because as far as the world is concerned, I simply don’t exist. And that is exactly the way I like it. So no, you may not be scared easily, but part of my job is knowing people’s weaknesses, just like I knew Bryant’s. Thus, I need you to consider this a warning. If you don’t call off the dogs, I promise you that it will be the people you love that suffer. I mean, I know all about Owen’s place in Miami right next to the ocean, and I now know where Angyalka and your cute little kid live.
Shaun: That was you?
Kai: Of course. I even know where your private investigator friend resides, should you decide to get him involved. Tell me, how much are the lives of your friends and family worth? Knowing you now as the standup guy you are, I’d say it is much more than you have currently lost.
Shaun: So, what do you want?
Kai: I want nothing from you Shaun, other than your discretion and for this to all go away. I know you are friends with the Chief of Police here in LA, so I want you to tell him to call off the investigation. You do that, and your family and friends will be safe, and you will never hear from me again. You don’t, and there will be serious repercussions.
Shaun: How do I know you’ll hold up your end?
Kai: Because believe it or not Shaun, just like you, my word is my bond. But, you don’t want to cross me Shaun, not ever.
Shaun: So, you’re delivering a warning?
Kai: No Shaun, just some friendly advice.
(Kai nods, and the other guys turn and walk away, heading out the door.)
Kai: That daughter of yours is so cute, isn’t she? Dorothea, isn’t it?
(Shaun uses all his strength to not take this upon himself like he had in the past, determined to do this the right way. He looks through the curtain, watching Kai as gets in what looks like the same car, he saw earlier outside Angyalka, trying to get the registration. The car drives away, and immediately Shaun picks up his phone, dialing a number and waiting for an answer.)
???: Shaun… what can I do for you?
Shaun: Chief… it was Kai he was just here.
Police Chief Wilson: What?
Shaun: He was here, making all kinds of threats. He pretty much admitted he has the money, and that he used Drew to get it.
Police Chief Wilson: Seriously
Shaun: Yes. And it will be captured on the CCTV outside. You’ll get an image and might be able to pull a registration
Police Chief Wilson: That’s great news… I’ll send someone right over.
Shaun: Thanks… I’ll tell them the rest when they get there
Police Chief Wilson: We’ll get to the bottom of this Shaun, I promise you. Speak soon.
(The line goes dead, Shaun looking outside again at the CCTV that was set up across the road, pointing almost directly at where the car had been parked.)
Shaun: Got you now, you bastard.
(With a grin he dials Angyalka’s number, making a mental note to call Owen immediately after. When Angyalka answers, Shaun sighs, happy to hear her voice.)
Shaun: Angy… there’s something you need to know…
Two weeks had passed, and the Police were no closer to finding Drew, or indeed linking anyone to Kai, who apparently Shaun was the only person who had even seen him in the flesh, the guy apparently a ghost. The whole situation was frustrating, but more than that it was embarrassing. As each day passed, Shaun’s belief that this was nothing more than a scam invented by Drew to get himself out of debt was ringing with more truth. Shaun already resigned himself to having been played by his ‘friend’. His lawyer had been very little help, as far as he was concerned, the contract was watertight. But what good was a contract, without the person who had signed it. It was a mess, and a mess that without finding Drew wasn’t going to get resolved, and that left a sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach. The worst part of it all, however, was the fact that it wasn’t just his money… and that his nephew Owen stood to lose as well. Owen as it happened was visiting LA on ‘Next Level’ business and so had taken the opportunity to call in on his uncle and see how things were going. Shaun was usually happy to see Owen, but when he opens the door to his rented accommodation the truth was Owen was the last person he wanted to see… but had no choice but to let him in. The accommodation was a far cry from the house he had allowed Angyalka to keep, but it was nice enough. After all, right now it wasn’t like he could afford anything else. Owen steps in and immediately takes a look around as Shaun leads him through and into the garden where he had been muddling in his own thoughts, a glass of whiskey with almost melted ice left on the table which he picks up.
Shaun: Can I get you a drink?
Owen: Bit early for me
Shaun: I do have water, juice…
Owen: Nah, I’ll pass.
Shaun: So, to what do I owe the pleasure?
(The two of them take a chair and sit.)
Owen: Was just in the area. I’d not seen the new place yet so…
Shaun: It’s alright… bit smaller than I am used to though
Owen: Ah, not for long… how is Angyalka and Dorothea by the way? I’ve heard you’ve been building those bridges.
Shaun: Yeah, Angy’s been great, and Dorothea, well it’s like nothing happened. Thanks for bringing me to my senses on that. Can’t believe I was such a dick.
Owen: Me neither
(The two of them laugh, Owen more than Shaun.)
Owen: No but seriously, I’m glad you could sort it all out
Shaun: Yeah, I’m glad I can still be friends with Angy… I don’t know where I’d be without them to be honest. Can’t always land my problems on your shoulders, can I?
Owen: Who’d have thought it huh, the ‘kiddo’ getting his life more in order than his dad and uncle. Wish I could see his face right now.
Shaun: Yeah, he’d have been so proud of you not making the same mistakes we made. I mean, law of averages says we can’t all be fuck ups, right?
Owen: Neither of you were fuck ups. Look at it this way, if it hadn’t had been for the two of you, I wouldn’t have known the pitfalls of the industry and gotten out when I did. And now, I’m making sure that all our students at Next level know to never let this business take them over, because all it will do in the end is spit you out. If Adam and I can teach them that, then we are doing ok. And anyway, you’ll be giving back just as much as I am when you and Drew get EMERGE off the ground. The guys I’ve chosen to step up are really looking forward to getting in front of a crowd. How’s that all going by the way? Heck, whilst I’m here, I’d love a tour of the building.
(And there it was, the inevitable topic of conversation that Shaun would have loved to avoid. The proof conclusive that Shaun was indeed a fuck up. He gets to his feet.)
Shaun: I’ll just get another drink… I’ll be right back.
(Shaun knew he was delaying the inevitable, but he needed that delay, almost as much as he needed the drink. Owen was particularly concerned, Shaun had always liked Jack Daniels at any time in the day, but he’d never careered into the realms of alcoholism unlike his father. Shaun returns, glass replenished and retakes his seat.)
Owen: So, where are you at? Do you have an opening night booked yet; I’d love to come along and support you and Drew.
(Shaun doesn’t reply, and instead rubs his eyes, Owen only now starting to get an inkling that something was wrong.)
Owen: Is there something wrong?
(No getting away from it now, no place to hide, Shaun had to come clean.)
Shaun: Where do I start? Yeah, I know, how’s about we start at the part where your uncle, SCW Fucking Hall of Famer, the Impact Player… fucked up yet again.
(He surprisingly laughs, though there was obviously nothing to laugh about.)
Owen: I don’t understand.
(Here we go)
Shaun: Drew fucked me over Owen. There was never an EMERGE, no business deal… there was never even a fucking building. He needed money, fast, and it turns out I was his cash cow. Sorry, WE were his cash cow.
(Owen hadn’t even considered the two million until Shaun said that, but still, he tries not to focus on that and instead get to the crux of the matter.)
Owen: But you got a lawyer, looked over the contracts… how can that happen?
Shaun: Easy, he’s a shitty fucking lawyer, and what good is a contract if the person who signed it seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth and can’t be found.
(Owen digests all the information best he can, but still there were obvious gaps in what he was saying.)
Owen: So, I’m assuming you had a business account, right?
(Shaun shrugs his shoulders.)
Shaun: I thought so… he gave me the account numbers, but guess what? That account can’t be traced either, but the money sure as hell left my account and went somewhere. Doesn’t seem like anyone can figure out where. It went through many accounts apparently and then ‘poof’… vanished.
Owen: What about the guy you bought the building from?
Shaun: Owen, that’s the best part… this ‘Kai’ fella didn’t even own the building to sell it in the first place, and according to the cops doesn’t even exist. The building has been city property ever since he was relinquished by the previous owners.
Owen: I reckon I will take that drink.
(Shaun breathes deeply, and heads back into the kitchen, returning for a whiskey which Owen takes from him, and then a sip. In Shaun’s absence, he had given some more thought to the situation but didn’t want to antagonize his uncle who was already beating himself up.)
Shaun: I’m sorry Owen… I know you’ve lost out too.
Owen: Look, forget about me for a minute. I wouldn’t have given you the money if I couldn’t afford it, we can think about that later. What I still don’t get is why Drew needed that money so badly, and why he couldn’t just get a loan or something.
Shaun: I had a visit from an ex-girlfriend… I say girlfriend but they were serious enough that they were going to get married. Ever since EMERGE closed, he’s been trying to get back on his feet, and took quite a few risks to get there and apparently borrowed money from the wrong people. This was his shot at getting them off his back. I don’t want to give him an excuse, but I’m reckoning that when he first approached me, he didn’t know I wasn’t worth as much as I used to be, but then he’d gone past the point of no return.
Owen: Don’t you be believing the best in people again Shaun, this is fucked up. What are you going to do if you never get the money back?
Shaun: Honestly, I’m not prepared to think about that. Not yet.
(Deep down, Shaun hoped Drew would see the error of his ways and give the money back, but even deeper down, he had so many doubts that that would ever happen. And if he thought about it any further, he literally had nothing. No wife, no cash… nothing. And that was the scariest thought of all.)
Owen: So, what are the cops doing?
Shaun: You know the deal, lack of resources, no real leads to go on. I get the impression they don’t even believe Kai exists… I nearly got arrested for visiting what I thought was my arena.
Owen: What a mess
Shaun: I know… but the more I look at it, the more it’s my fault. I should have gone with my gut and stayed away.
Owen: Hey, if we are going down that road, I persuaded you to go for it. It could happen to anyone.
Shaun: Perhaps, but it happened to me. Looks like the Cruze curse has struck again huh?
(Owen wasn’t willing to engage in that conversation, because it was one he had, had multiple times with Shaun. This was a shitty situation, but it wasn’t a curse, Owen was living proof that it simply didn’t exist.)
Owen: Look Shaun, we can’t just leave it to the cops. We need to get Chris involved.
Shaun: I tried… but I’ve got nothing left to pay the guy and I refuse to be a charity case.
Owen: Then let me sort it… we’ve got to get that money back.
Shaun: I can’t let you do that Owen; you’ve lost enough already. This is my mess, and I’m going to fix it, but for once, let’s just let the cops do their job. Anyway, this is embarrassing enough with you knowing what’s going on, I’m not going to ridicule myself any further. Don’t contact Chris, ok?
Owen: OK, but I think you’re wrong
Shaun: Fair enough, but you must promise. I don’t want anyone else involved.
Owen: I promise… for now.
(Owen was going to let it pan out, but if the police didn’t get any closer, he’d go against his uncle’s wishes. He knew how hard Shaun had worked to get where he was, and he wasn’t going to let him lose it all because of some dumb pride. Mentally, he could see that Shaun was at his weakest, and it wouldn’t take too much to send him over the edge, so Owen promised himself he was going to be there for his uncle no matter what. This had to have a happy ending, or Owen didn’t know what would happen next.)
PREVIOUSLY – OFF CAMERA
(The days he looked forward to more than any other these days were the ones spent with Dorothea. She had proven herself resilient to everything else that had gone on, and although she didn’t know the whole story, and Shaun hoped that she never would, their relationship didn’t seem to have suffered at all. After going to the Cinema to watch the latest Pixar Movie, Shaun had then taken her to her favorite fast-food place, the toy she had received with her meal never leaving her right hand. Now, arriving back at Angyalka’s, the car coming to a stop near to the front door, Dorothea was already wondering what their next adventure would be.)
Dorothea: So, what can we do next Daddy?
Shaun: What do you mean?
Dorothea: Well, Mummy said we could go on holiday. Do you think we could all go together?
Shaun: I don’t know… it’s a little more complicated than that.
Dorothea: Mummy said it would be ok… you’re still friends, aren’t you?
Shaun: Yeah but… well I’m not sure I’ll have the money to go on holiday this year.
Dorothea: Why?
(Explaining things like this to Dorothea wasn’t easy, right up there with why he hadn’t been around for a while. The truth was certainly not something he wanted to burden her with at her age.)
Shaun: Daddy gave someone some money, and they lost it. Now Daddy is trying to find it. And if I do, I’ll ask Mummy if it’s ok for me to come with you. How’s about that?
Dorothea: Well, I hope you find it, your friend was very careless.
(Shaun smirks, smiles were very far and few between these days. And it felt good. Shaun notices a car pulling up on the opposite side of the road, but pays it little heed. Instead focusing on his daughter.)
Shaun: You know I love you Thea don’t you? If it’s possible, you know I’d do anything for you right?
Dorothea: And Mummy?
Shaun: Yes of course. I might not live with you, but we’ll always been a family and always look out for each other. Never worry about that, ok?
Dorothea: OK
Shaun: Good… OK, let’s get you inside, it’s almost bedtime.
(Dorothea gets out the car, Shaun doing the same, as once again the car gets his attention. The headlights are off, but Shaun can still hear the engine running, and from his position it looks like the window is down, and someone is looking up the driveway. Shaun walks around the car and grabs Dorothea’s hand, still refusing to take his eyes off the car. Angyalka opens the door, capturing Shaun’s attention.)
Angyalka: Hey, did you have a good time with Daddy?
(Dorothea enthusiastically nods.)
Dorothea: Yes. And when Daddy finds his money, he’s promised to come on holiday.
Shaun: I never promised… and only if that’s ok?
(Angyalka nods.)
Angyalka: No problem here… go and get ready for bed, I’ll be up in a minute. Give Daddy a kiss.
(Shaun bends down, and receives a kiss on the cheek.)
Shaun: Night Thea… I love you
Dorothea: Love you too Daddy.
(She disappears out of sight, Shaun once again turning towards the car.)
Angyalka: Everything OK?
Shaun: I think so. Do you recognize that car?
Angyalka: I don’t think so
(Shaun starts walking past his car, and down the driveway. Before he gets a few steps past the car, the headlights come on and the car drives off, Angyalka joining him.)
Angyalka: Who was that?
Shaun: I don’t know…
Angyalka: Should I be worried?
Shaun: Nah, it’s probably nothing. Same time Thursday?
Angyalka: Sure. See you then.
(Angyalka goes back in the house, Shaun continuing to stare down the driveway. Was he being followed, or was it just coincidence? He chooses the latter, and gets in his car, one final look up at the house before driving away.)
TEN MINUTES LATER
(Shaun pulls up at his rented accommodation and walks up to the house, putting his key in the lock and entering, the events of a few moments ago still running around his mind. He shuts the door behind him, purposefully locking it before heading in. He first walks into the kitchen and turns on the light, throwing his keys onto the work top. Next, he picks up a calendar that Dorothea had made at school, the top of each month a picture of her, Angyalka and Shaun, all taken during happier times before Shaun had screwed everything up. He feels that familiar tinge of regret, cursing himself for his foolishness before putting the calendar down, and then putting his jacket over the back of a chair. He then walks through the house, switching on the light to the living room, startled by a figure waiting for him on the chair. No sooner as he noticed that person, than two much bigger individuals’ step behind him. The man sat on the chair turns, Shaun instantly recognizing him.)
Shaun: Kai…
(The man stands and walks over with a smug grin on his face, Shaun immediately on the defensive but recognizing he is outnumbered.)
Kai: I hear you’ve been looking for me, Mr. Cruze.
Shaun: You’re a hard man to find.
Kai: I prefer it that way… thought you and I should have a chat. Please sit.
Shaun: I’d rather stand
Kai: As you wish.
(Kai walks over to the drinks cabinet and pours himself whiskey. Once he has had a sip, he turns back to Shaun.)
Shaun: So, what are you doing here? And do you have my money?
Kai: One question at a time Shaun. First, it is no longer your money. You put that money in an account yourself. But yes, I am in receipt of it. Drew owed me, he was the one who decided to screw you over for it, now his debt has been settled.
Shaun: He only did it because he was desperate.
Kai: Perhaps, but it doesn’t change the situation. I have no quarrel with you Shaun, and nor do I want to have. However, if you continue to pursue this with the authorities then you and I will have a problem.
Shaun: You don’t scare me
(Kai laughs and takes another sip of his drink.)
Kai: You know Shaun, I believe you. I believe that even now you are wondering if you could take us three on and hand us all to the police, but I assure you that would be foolish. There is a very good reason that the police couldn’t locate me on your description, and that is because as far as the world is concerned, I simply don’t exist. And that is exactly the way I like it. So no, you may not be scared easily, but part of my job is knowing people’s weaknesses, just like I knew Bryant’s. Thus, I need you to consider this a warning. If you don’t call off the dogs, I promise you that it will be the people you love that suffer. I mean, I know all about Owen’s place in Miami right next to the ocean, and I now know where Angyalka and your cute little kid live.
Shaun: That was you?
Kai: Of course. I even know where your private investigator friend resides, should you decide to get him involved. Tell me, how much are the lives of your friends and family worth? Knowing you now as the standup guy you are, I’d say it is much more than you have currently lost.
Shaun: So, what do you want?
Kai: I want nothing from you Shaun, other than your discretion and for this to all go away. I know you are friends with the Chief of Police here in LA, so I want you to tell him to call off the investigation. You do that, and your family and friends will be safe, and you will never hear from me again. You don’t, and there will be serious repercussions.
Shaun: How do I know you’ll hold up your end?
Kai: Because believe it or not Shaun, just like you, my word is my bond. But, you don’t want to cross me Shaun, not ever.
Shaun: So, you’re delivering a warning?
Kai: No Shaun, just some friendly advice.
(Kai nods, and the other guys turn and walk away, heading out the door.)
Kai: That daughter of yours is so cute, isn’t she? Dorothea, isn’t it?
(Shaun uses all his strength to not take this upon himself like he had in the past, determined to do this the right way. He looks through the curtain, watching Kai as gets in what looks like the same car, he saw earlier outside Angyalka, trying to get the registration. The car drives away, and immediately Shaun picks up his phone, dialing a number and waiting for an answer.)
???: Shaun… what can I do for you?
Shaun: Chief… it was Kai he was just here.
Police Chief Wilson: What?
Shaun: He was here, making all kinds of threats. He pretty much admitted he has the money, and that he used Drew to get it.
Police Chief Wilson: Seriously
Shaun: Yes. And it will be captured on the CCTV outside. You’ll get an image and might be able to pull a registration
Police Chief Wilson: That’s great news… I’ll send someone right over.
Shaun: Thanks… I’ll tell them the rest when they get there
Police Chief Wilson: We’ll get to the bottom of this Shaun, I promise you. Speak soon.
(The line goes dead, Shaun looking outside again at the CCTV that was set up across the road, pointing almost directly at where the car had been parked.)
Shaun: Got you now, you bastard.
(With a grin he dials Angyalka’s number, making a mental note to call Owen immediately after. When Angyalka answers, Shaun sighs, happy to hear her voice.)
Shaun: Angy… there’s something you need to know…
![[Image: Shaun-Cruze.jpg]](https://i.ibb.co/SX5Ng4rx/Shaun-Cruze.jpg)