A short scene I co-wrote with fellow actor Benedict Kennedy. If you would like to watch the scene, you can find it here.
EXT. day. A bench by a lake. HARVEY sat wearing disheveled, somewhat formal attire. JAMES enters in formal attire. HARVEY stands and they shake hands. Both sit down.
JAMES
First of all I’d like to express my condolences.
HARVEY
As would I. How are you feeling about it all?
JAMES
It’s tough, I won’t lie. Particularly for my mother. I’m just glad my father isn’t here to… You?
HARVEY
Yeah. It’s been a rough few weeks.
JAMES
I’m sure you miss her very much.
HARVEY
Yeah.
JAMES
I don’t blame you. Emma was a wonderful person. Shame about her taste in men. Has there been any news on the bastard who did this?
HARVEY
Actually, that’s why I’m here.
JAMES
I had wondered.
HARVEY
The case has been dropped.
JAMES
What?
HARVEY
You heard me. They’re not investigating.
JAMES
Why not?
HARVEY
There was DNA all over the body, but DNA is only useful if there are suspects. And no one seems to be willing to talk. After a certain amount of time, other cases take priority.
JAMES
What other cases?
HARVEY
I’m surprised you haven’t heard. You clearly haven’t been into London recently. We can’t cope.
JAMES
I’m sorry about that. Emma deserved better.
HARVEY
I know. But what can we do eh?
JAMES
Stand up.
HARVEY
Excuse me?
JAMES
Stand up.
JAMES begins patting down HARVEY. He finds a USB stick.
HARVEY
You really do due diligence, don’t you?
JAMES
One has to unfortunately. So many bright young minds on the force these days.
The pat down is concluded.
JAMES (cont’d)
I assume everything I need is on here.
HARVEY
There isn’t very much on it. I’m hoping you could help with that too. I’d pay.
JAMES
I refuse.
HARVEY
I insist.
JAMES
I refuse. Just leave it with me.
HARVEY
When will the funeral be, do you think?
JAMES
Probably Friday. You’ll be told in due course.
HARVEY
I understand if you’d rather it were just family.
JAMES.
You are family.
HARVEY
I want you to know that, when this is over, I will still have a job to do.
JAMES
And I will be a big part of that job.
HARVEY.
Precisely.
JAMES
You know, you lot have put a great deal of blood, sweat and tears into putting men like me away. But at least we have a code, honour. We don’t smuggle drugs in the bellies of pregnant women. We don’t put boys on the streets with knives to do our dirty work.
HARVEY
If I ever miss you, I’ll be sure to send you a postcard.
JAMES
Make it a pretty one. You know my sister… She wasn’t involved in the family business. I want you to know that.
HARVEY
I know. She was a good person.
Christopher Wareham 