An Open Enemy Is Better Than A False Friend

Coffee Shop

Manager (anxious) "Freya, we are running short on funds, look at your credit card bill, 600k on a boat, and also bought a mansion in the same month? What did I tell you about taxes, we have to fix this, Freya you listening to me!!?... FREYAA (bangs his hand on the table)."

(Freya browsing clothing items to buy online on his phone)

Freya (calm)"Chill..., I know I messed up, but think about the bright side, my popularity is growing after my previous movie, many producers are ready to hire me, so no worries (shrugs his shoulders)."

Manager (disappointed)" Oh really, well then.... that bright side of yours will soon become dark when people hear about the court case."

(Freya pauses for a minute)

Freya (confused)"wait... what court case?"

Manager "Well, while you were enjoying the boats and mansion, feds were going through your accounts and filed for investigation."

"NO NO NO.... wh.. when did this happen and why was I not informed about this situation?" Freya asked the manager.

"We tried to reach you, but you were busy *coughs* at the time (smiles) and we couldn't risk it to get caught while contacting you, they might tape our phones," replied the manager.

Freya (stares at manager)" HEY, why are you smiling, huh? If I was busy then what's so funny about it?"

"Ya ya, you were busy, that you couldn't even pick up your phone from your manager who brings you contracts from producers. (pauses) who am I kidding, Freya you were so wasted at a party that the reception called and reported that you were trying to cut a tree with your f****ing hands in front of the hotel (laughs).... shout (laughs) shouting about, how we can reduce pollution if we use our own hands to cut the trees...... what were you thinking really?," replied the manager.

(FREYA IS SPEECHLESS, TRIES TO AVOID EYE CONTACT)

Manager "Look Freya, I have taken care of it for now but can't keep them buried for too long..... we have to make you look clean, for that you have to work, it's been over 6 months since you did a movie or promotions. "

"How does my working make it better?" asked Freya.

"Get a gig so we can divert the attention of the public if the matter comes up, we just need something better to replace the worst, and as time goes, no one will remember... of you cutting trees with (smiles) hands and spending 600 grand on a stupid boat, if anyone finds about this, it will be intriguing " replied Manager.

Freya (nervous)"hm, so just get into work that's it right? And you will take care of the rest?"

Manager "yeah, we have to get you some, "good guy" roles, which will make your reputation more respectful at least and rebuild your personality and show how much caring, and humble you are in real life, now go home freshen up, we have things to do."

(waitress brings the bill)

(Freya doesn't tip)

Manager (looks at Freya in confusion) " At least tip?, didn't you hear me now, FREYA THE GOOD GUY (raises his hands in the air and swifts his hand from right to left), I really can't understand why you are stingy when things like this come up."

Freya" Well, she gets paid and I rarely tip, and what will she do with some extra 10 bucks, anyway?"

(Manager and waitress look at each other)

The manager tells the waitress, "Here you go, don't mind this guy. Have a good day. "

The waitress "Thank you, sir, have a good day (rolls her eyes at Freya and leaves)"

(Freya comes out of the Coffee shop and looks up his phone, and notice's a mail from Wink)

At Shallow corps

*phones ringing*

*lots of people talking on phones*

(A guy is running towards the CEO's office)

Guy (Shouting) "where is he? Where is he?"

An intern" who?"

Guy "AUDIE HANOVER!!"

" He is in the Cafeteria," Intern answered.

(pushes the intern and runs to the cafeteria)

Intern "what's his problem?"

Employee "Your new, right? The guy who just pushed you and ran like a maniac is Shallow Corps Secretary Chris, he is the one who brings the news of what's going on in other companies."

At the Cafeteria

(Audie sitting on a chair, enjoying his coffee and Ben his assistant reading him the schedule of meetings he has to attend.)

*Noise behind*

Chris (exhausted)"SIR!!!, Fritz.... Fritz, he is hiring Freya Evans"

(Audie stops drinking his Coffee)

Audie (surprised) " what?"

Chris replies, " YES SIR,... Fritz is hiring him, Wink's stock shares went up this morning, and it's on news."

(Audie gets up furiously and starts walking to his office, Ben and Chris follow him)

"That Bastard thinks he can take whatever he likes, we offered Freya a deal which he couldn't refuse, We know about his court case, What happened to that?" Audie asks Chris.

(Audie sits on his chair in his office)

Chris "Well, Fritz promised them he would take care of it."

Audie says to Chris, "We also promised that we will take care of it... why didn't he choose us then?"

"Well... aa.... its be... because.... (stammers)... of.... your dad's past," replies Chris.

(Audie gets angry, stands up *suddenly* and hits the table)

Audie "Bullshit, I brought this company to where it is today after all that, and people still criticize me because of my Dad... what the hell! (looks at the view behind him) He won't get away this time, let's play our cards properly ... Bring up the student case and make it public."

Chris "Ok sir, but are you sure? You want to do that since even we are not sure if that case is real, we only have the student's side of the story."

(Audie looks at Chris with death glare)

Audie "Are you kidding me now, we have to stop Wink's popularity from growing, do it or get lost!"

"I... will do it, don't worry sir," replies Chris.

(Chris walks out of the office)

(Ben's phone rings)

(Ben Answers)

Ben "Sir is busy , is it urgent? (noises)... ok, let me ask."

(palms his hand over the phone)

Ben "Sir, Margaret is here to meet you. Should I let her come in?"

(Audie looks at his watch and its 12:15 pm)

"hm, yes, let her come," replies Audie.

*Ben replies on his phone and tells it's ok *

(Ben goes out of the office)

(Audie is waiting for Margaret)

Outside of shallow corps

chauffeur "Madam, it's fine to go in now ".

(Margaret got out of the car, walks towards the entrance. She is wearing a dark blue dress with her face covered with a scarf and a black hat; the guard realizes its Margaret and opens the door for her; she gets in the elevator and presses on the 15th-floor)

*elevator doors closing*

Intern (rushes)"Hold it!!"

(blocks the elevator door with his leg and enters the elevator)

Intern (breathing heavily)"Sorry for that, I have to deliver this to my seniors as the.... (interrupted)"

Margaret (hiding her face with her scarf)"Sure... I understand."

(The intern smiles and looks at the small digital screen which displayed numbers of the floor)

Elevator's voice"15th floor."

(Margaret gets out of the elevator and the door closes)

(Margaret walks into Audie's office)

Margaret "I see you're tensed about Fritz."

"How did you know?" asks Audie.

Margaret replies, "Well, it was all over the news today, and I only know one person who will be in worry because of Fritz's popularity."

Audie replies, "Worried? me? Nah, I am ready for it this time and I am going to win."

Margaret asks, "why don't you leave Fritz alone and focus on your goals instead of trying to bring him down."

"WHAT? ... we talked about this already, let's not get into this again " replies Audie.

Margaret replies in an abrasive tone, "I just came here to make things calm, why don't you understand, Fritz can improve your situation, just join hands with him and we all can move along. "

Audie (angry)"No, I already told you it's never going to happen. I am sure that he was involved and don't you dare think I can't take down Fritz, and I will not beg, can't you trust me on this."

Margaret replies, "Audie, I trust you, but this is going too far, you're so into this and not living in peace. I want to be with you without all this mess, why can't you understand that."

Audie "I promised that I will come and get you after I cleared all this mess.... (interrupted)"

Margaret "But you are not clearing it, instead just making it messier, you are so obsessed with bringing down Fritz, you are forgetting about me, ........ when was the last time we spend some time together, huh?"

Audie (scratching his forehead)"Look, I don't want to be seen by paparazzi while I am with you, it's going to make things difficult for me and the company. "

Margaret (anxious)"So you like the company more than me, huh? I know it's tough for us to be together, but I am soon going to get the divorce. So, it doesn't matter if we will be seen together, anyway"

Audie (regretting)"Ok that's enough, I don't have time for this, I know how this conversation will end if I speak a word more, let's just drop it."

(Margaret is angry because of Audie dodging her question's)

Margaret (Angry)" FINE I AM GOING, GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR COMPANY, LOSER "

Audie *Sighs*

*Phone rings*

(Audie answers the phone)

Audie "Hello?"

Chris "It's done, it will be on the news tomorrow. "

*TV noises *

*MEDIA*

"Good Afternoon, I am your host Alex Sanders, and welcome to The Daily News"

*Breaking news*

Host "A student who topped the entrance of TSAT has filed a complaint against the company Wink for advertising with his picture that claims he has studied in a particular institution, which he didn't. We have our reporter at the institution to get the comments of the management regarding the case. "

Reporter (loud)"Hello Alex, we are here at the institution which made false advertisement with pictures of the student, we tried to talk to the management but they deny that they have any knowledge regarding it and doesn't want to speak to us until the court passes a judgment. A meeting is going on now among the Board members since the news broke out, they are not allowing us to enter the campus and I think they have Instructed the students, to not talk about the situation since they are ignoring us."

*Phone rings*

*T. V noises*

(A guy watching the daily news)

*Phone rings*

Guy "Hello"

Wink's Secretary "Fritz, did u see the news?"

Fritz "Yes... (pauses) my best friend did this to me and (smiles) I am so happy to see it, I can't stand this, this made my day. "

Wink's Secretary "What are we going to do? We are getting calls from our shareholders, and Freya backed out, So that made the situation more intense."

Fritz "Well, I won't do anything."

Wink's Secretary "WHAT!!!?"

Fritz (in an airy tone) "You know that we F***d up at that advertisement, it had to come out one day or another."

Wink's Secretary (nervous)"You may have some connections that we could use?"

Fritz "No... no.... we won't do anything about it now, since I am busy with my new penthouse and I am throwing a party tomorrow. So yeah, I will be busy."

Wink's Secretary (shouts) "HEY HEY HEY, our company is going to collapse and you're saying that you are going to throw a party tomorrow? "

Fritz "Yeah."

(Wink's Secretary thinks Fritz lost his mind after hearing the news)

Wink Secretary (concerned)"Fritz, I am your friend, if you are confused and scared, you can talk to me, I am here for you ok?"

Fritz (laughs)"Chill... I am ok, I know how to solve this, just treat this situation as an Alzheimer's disease, the media, and the public will forget this in a week. And when they forget, we plant a fresh memory of how this was all fake."

Wink's Secretary, "What about the student who filed the complaint?"

Fritz "About the student who filed the complaint? (pause) I will take care of it, don't worry. Just leave everything else and come to the party, and send everyone the invitation, I am sending you the list."

Wink's Secretary, "I hope you know what you are doing."

Fritz" Yep, don't worry Jamie"

*phone cut's*

At Night

*Car Noises*

(Four men sitting in the car holding baseball bat, outside of student's house who is trying to sue)

Masked man_1 "Be ready!!"

Masked_man_2 (Looks at his watch)"He will be alone at home now after his tuition, according to Boss."

Man_3 (casually)"uhh.... what should we do to him can you explain again? Should we threaten, steal, or kill him?"

"Threaten him, that is what the boss told me to do, and this one is an easy buck. This guy's house is much far from other houses, so we don't have to worry about getting noticed," replies Masked_man_1.

Man_3 "what about the noise?"

"Oh... that will be taken care by our man (looking at Masked_man_4) And Boss also told me to.... you know... gets out of hand.... you know what to do, right? That's why you are here," replies Masked_man_1.

Man_3 (nods and gives a thumbs up)"Ok, got it."

Masked_man_2 (Looking at his watch) "GO GO GO"

*Car doors open*

(All rush towards the house, masked_man_4 runs towards the back of the house)

*rings bell*

* waiting outside the front door, looking at each other*

(The student who's doing his work on the computer, hears the doorbell, looks at the clock)

Student (thinking)"Who is it?"

(Walks towards the front door and looks from the peephole of the door)

Student "Huh? there is no one out?"

Student (thinking)"Should I go outside and check? My lawyer told me to be careful, I think I will just go to bed."

(starts walking away from the door)

*Bell rings*

(Student stops and turns back and checks again)

Student (low pitch) "there is no one outside!!"

*Bell rings again*

Student (shouts) " who is ringing my doorbell!!".

(The Student sees a shadow near the door at the bottom)

Student (scared) "Shit!! it must be them; they are here to threaten me. I have to call the police."

(Run's towards his phone but finds his phone and tries to dial but there was no range, so he ran towards the landline)

*Dials the number*

*ringing*

*ringing*

*Phone picked up noise*

Student (hands shaking) "HELLO HELLO!!, I NEED HELP!!!, SOMEONE'S IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE, TRYING TO SCARE THE SH**T OUT OF ME AND I AM SURE THEY ARE GOING TO HARM ME, PLEASE SEND HELP!!"

"Please remain calm, we will send help, what is your address sir?" replies the voice on the phone.

(Student tells his address)

*knock on the door*

(Student stops talking and listens to footsteps approaching)

*knocking intensifies*

(Student gets scared)

Student "PLEASE SEND HELP FAST!!!!"

"Sir, we will be right there, don't open the door until we reach there."

*cut's the phone*

(Student hides behind the sofa in a panic)

*knocking stop's after some time*

(30 minutes go by and it's quiet)

*car noises*

(sound of a car is approaching)

*knock on the door*

(Student gets scared again and sits with his back behind the sofa)

*phone rings*

(Student picks up the phone)

"Sir, we are outside your house, please unlock the door, its safe now, no one is here."

(Student slowly gets up and walks towards the door, going to unlock it)

Student (stops to unlock the door) "I should check again!!" (internal).

(Student checks from the peephole and finds an officer waiting outside the front door. After seeing the office, he relaxed and opens the door)

Officer "Hello sir, I am officer Sam, here to help you."

Student (crying)"Thank God, you're here, you saved my life!!!!"

Officer "let's go in and talk about what happened ok?"

"Sure!!! please come in," replies the student.

(Student turns back and sees two big masked men standing in front of him)

Student (Shouts)"HEL......"

(Officer a. k. a man_2 cover's student's mouth, with a firm grip)

*student tries to make sound*

*POW* (A punch to his stomach that made him fall down on his knees)

"Y... ou.... can't get away, the actual officers will reach here soon, "

(Officer looks at him with a smile)

Officer "Sorry to tell you, but the guy who was talking to you was our guy (laughs) "

(Student gets up and tries run)

*POW* (One of the Masked men punched the student)

(Three of them carried the student into the house and throws him on the sofa)

(Masked_man_4 enters the house)

Masked_man_1 tells Masked_man_4 "Nice work, kid!! "

(Masked_man_1 gets closer to the student)

Masked_man_1 (brushing his hair)"We know who told you to do it, so you're going to do what we tell now or your dead, understood?"

(Masked_man_4 sets up the camera)

Sam "So the work is over, right? Now can I remove this uniform, it's too hot in this"

Masked_man_4 "yes"

Sam asks the student, "where is the bathroom?"

(Student points to the left)

(Masked_man_4 looks at his watch)

Masked_man_4 "OK, let's start "

*Clock sound *

(Clock hits 12 AM)

At Audie's house

(Audie checking his mail's)

Audie "What the hell!!, hmm what is he thinking? ".

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

Next Day

Fritz "Good evening ladies and gentlemen, I am so glad to have you all here tonight, nevermind I was going to give a speech but what's the fun in that

LET PARTY BEGINNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!"

(CROWD CHEERS)

(LOUD MUSIC PLAYING)

Jamie (with a drink in her hand)"Nice house, Fritz "

Fritz (Dancing)" Thanks"

(Jamie looks around and suddenly stops)

Jamie" FRITZ, IS THAT EDEN SIMONS? "

Fritz (laughs) "Yes, ANDDDD HE IS GOING TO WORK WITH US"

Jamie (excited) "May I ask you to introduce me?"

Fritz "Sure, but no fangirling ok?"

Jamie (smiles)"I will try!!"

(Fritz and Jamie walk towards Eden)

Fritz (open arms) "HEY EDEN!!"

Eden "Hey fritz!!"

*Hugs*

Eden "How are you, man?"

Fritz "I am well, how's life going?"

Eden " Good, getting more opportunities to work with big names like you"

Fritz " Aww stop it, I will start crying... (interrupted). "

(Jamie coughs)

Fritz "Ahh.... Eden, this is my very loving and humble secretary Jamie, and also a fan of your works "

Eden "Really?"

(Jamie and Eden shake hands)

Fritz "Yes, she is a big fan, she also has pictur.. (Jamie hits Fritz with her elbow)"

Jamie (Looks at Eden and smiles) "I am a huge fan of your works"

Eden (smiles) "Thanks, we are going to work together, I look forward to making a good movie with your team"

Jamie "Cheers to that!"

*cheers*

Fritz "where's your wife?"

Eden "Oh she will be here soon; she had a call to attend "

Fritz " Ahh, let's wait for her "

Eden " let me get her, I will be right back".

(Eden goes out)

(Jamie pulls Fritz's shirt)

Jamie "Why is he here?"

(Jamie looking at Audie Hanover)

Fritz (smiles) "Well, this party wouldn't be complete without him"

Jamie "What?"

Fritz "HEY AUDIE OVER HERE!!"

(Audie tries to ignore Fritz)

Fritz "HEY OVER HERE FRIEND!!!"

(Audie gets angry and starts walking towards Fritz)

Audie "Don't call me that!!, I am not your friend"

Fritz " Oh, come on, you came to my party, so I forgive you"

Audie (Frustrated) "Forgive me? Well, I don't think you understand the situation, Fritz. It's you who is going to ask for forgiveness, not me "

Fritz (smiling)"But you're the one who set the student up against me right? How come you could do that to a friend, so it's your fault"

Audie (laughs) "It's no use of talking to you now since your company's reputation is going down and you won't get any more contracts, so ya... I am just here having fun "

Fritz "Well, I think you already know what's going to happen, huh?"

Audie (smiles) "All the people in this party know that they are just here because of formality and I am here snatch them away from you, so... ya I think I put my chips in the right slot"

Fritz "Slots... huh... you know what's special about slots, they always keep changing, "

Eden "Hey Fritz, sorry for the wait"

Fritz "Ahhh, we were waiting for you guys, Audie look behind you that's the guy who's going to work with us"

(Eden walks towards Audie and Fritz)

Fritz "Eden, this is Audie Hanover, CEO of Shallow corporation"

Eden "Nice to meet you, I am Eden Simons and my wife.... ah there she is..."

(Audie is shocked and turns)

(Eden's wife walks in)

Eden ".... And meet my wife Margaret Simons"

(Audie and Margaret shocked to meet each other)

(Audie looks at Fritz with anger)

Fritz (Ignores Audie and smiles) "Ahh we were waiting for you, Margaret, you look so pretty"

(Margaret is not speaking)

Margaret (nervously smiles) " Thanks"

Eden "This is Audie Hanover and Fritz Penmaker"

Margaret (turns her eyes towards Audie) "Hello, Nice to meet you"

(Awkward silence)

Fritz "Hey this party is getting boring let's hit it up!!"

Audie "Excuse me,"

(Audie goes to the balcony)

Audie (internally)"How the hell did he find out, or is it just coincidence"

*phone rings*

Audie "Hello"

Chris "Sir, we have a problem, the student crossed us, there is a video of him stating that shallow corp had instructed him to make up this entire case!!, it's all over the net!"

Audie "WHAT!!!!"

Chris ".... its chaos here, we need to call a meeting tomorrow morning "

*phone cuts*

Audie (starts panicking)"SHITTTT!! (angry)... that bastard set me up"

(Audie walks outside)

(Audie sees Fritz sitting on the sofa)

Fritz (Gets up)"You leaving this soon?"

(Audie gives him the finger and rushes out)

(Fritz looks around and sees people looking at him)

Fritz (laughs) "He does this when he is too drunk, don't worry he is a dickhead sometimes "

Next Morning

At a coffee shop

(Laughing sounds)

Fritz (smiling) "ya...So that's what happened at the party and he rushed off, Anyway thanks for the tip"

(Fritz takes out an envelope filled with cash and keeps it on the table)

Ben (Drinking coffee) "No worry sir, it was a pleasure "

Fritz (looks at ben) "Well, I am scared that you will get caught (laughs)"

Ben(smiles) "Don't worry about that, I already prepared for the next"

Fritz(curious) "OHH, what did you do?"

Ben(confident) "They won't point finger at me because I already have redirected it, just keep paying me and you will enjoy my services "

Fritz(laughs) "YA sure...but can I ask you a question? if you don't mind?"

Ben "Yes"

Fritz " Why are you betraying Audie? "

Ben "Well, I can't serve both masters together so I had to pick one"

Fritz " Audie pays you enough but you still need the money? you still picked money?"

Ben(laughs) " hm..... let me tell you, I have a lot of dreams, my Dad worked as a bartender in a small bar. He was making enough to serve his family... One day he got back home, as usual, we had our dinner and slept off, that night some guys broke.... into our house, tied us up in a room, and took my dad outside and shot him, I somehow manage to run away but after some days, I came to know why he was dead. He lost his life because he didn't serve a drink to a customer because the customer was too drunk and also was known to be a wife-beater, That day I understood how crazy this world is, Even if you care about doing good, the crazies out there will try to shut you up, so to survive among these crazies you have to become one"

Fritz(sympathizes) "Everything happens for a reason"

"Are you the one behind the video incident?"

Ben "No, I didn't do anything about that, it's not me"

Fritz" So if it's not you or me then who?"

(Both Starts drinking their coffee)

PAST

*kids playing noises*

(Mark Hanover resting on a chair outside)

*phone rings*

Mark Hanover "Yes, you can send it over here."

A voice from the phone replies "You sure? you can handle it."

Mark Hanover "Yes, send it now."

*cuts the phone*

(Mark Hanover gets up and goes towards his garage)

*car noise*

(Guard open's the gate for the car)

*car stops in front of the garage*

A Guy gets out and looks at Mark and shouts

"Bob has been fired, he has to move his things out of the office, he is looking for a place to keep his stuff, is your place good enough?"

Mark replies "Sure, if Bob is a good guy and can find a new job soon, it won't be a trouble."

Guy "OK, sure"

(Guy runs to the back of the car, opens the trunk, and gets 4 case's out, Both mark and the guy enters the garage)

Mark (pointing towards the table)"Keep it there."

(Guy keeps the case on the table, enters the passcode, and unlocks the case)

Mark (walks towards the case and looks into it and looks at the guy with a smile)"Well, Bob can take some time finding a job."

Guy "Hey man, you can only use 1 of these, that's the deal."

Mark (picks one of them from the case and looks at it while holding it in his hand)

"Well, tell Bob that I want to use more than one, he will understand."

*noise near the garage*

Guy (SHOUTS and takes a gun out)"HEY COME OUT!!!"

(Mark looks and notices its Fritz, one of his friend's son, 10 years old)

Mark tells the Guy with a calm voice "Put the gun down"

(Guy looks at Mark and slowly puts the gun down)

Mark (placing his hands on his knees)"Hey buddy, come here, there is nothing to be afraid of, come"

(Fritz walk towards Mark, he is scared)

Mark "Why are you here buddy, instead of playing with other kids over there?"

"Audie doesn't want me in his team" replies Fritz(shaking).

Mark (surprised)"Oh really, why would he do that to his best friend?"

"He doesn't like it when I play" replies Fritz.

"Are you good at playing the game?" asks Mark.

"Yes, uncle Mark "replies Fritz.

"Well do you want to play a game with me?" asks Mark.

(Fritz looks at the guy and looks back again at mark, and nods)

"Yes" answers Fritz(nervous).

(Mark pulls Fritz closer)

"Well, this game is a bit special, it's called how long can you hold a secret. The rules are simple, you just have to keep a secret, can you do that?"

(Fritz nods)

Mark "Good boy, now what you saw here today is going to be a secret, that you are going to keep, till you win the game, understood?"

"What will I get when I win? " asks Fritz.

(Mark laughs)

"Anything you want "replies Mark.

"Ok, Can I punch Audie if I win?" asks Fritz.

(Mark laughs)

"Sure, but don't be too hard on him "replies Mark.

"Ok" replies Fritz and runs out.

----------------------------------------------Thanks for reading Chapter 1 of Fame--------------------------------