To Kill Again: Episode One (7 page)

A wave of remorse washes over his pained features.

DYSON
: After... after you’ve killed Mary.

INT. EISENHOWER SUITE, DORCHESTER HOTEL - NIGHT

The President sits on the edge of the sofa, oxygen mask held in place. He watches the clock on the wall with impatient eyes, turning the cell phone over and over in his hand until he can’t take it any longer.

The President livens up the cell phone and dials.

INT. CONTROL ROOM, WAREHOUSE - CONTINUOUS

Under Ratski’s watchful gaze, Technicians perform a variety of equipment checks.

Ratski’s cell phone begins to ring, playing the instantly recognizable chorus from Petula Clark’s ‘Downtown’. It’s a strange choice of ringtone for such a ball breaker.

Ratski looks at the display. Almost rolls his eyes.

RATSKI
: (into phone) Mr. President. (beat) No, nothing yet. He’s been gone less
than 30
minutes. (beat) Sir... sir, you need to try and remain calm.

He glances over the quizzical faces of the Technicians. Exits down the steps of the Control Room into the --

WAREHOUSE

Alone, Ratski returns to the call.

RATSKI
: (into phone) Do I think Dyson can pull it off?

His jaw tightens as he elicits a slight gulp. It’s a look that tells us there’s far more at stake here than just a simple test of their time machine.

RATSKI
: (into phone) Let’s hope so, Mr. President.

He pulls the medication bottle from his pocket. Shakes out a pill. Examines it with a shiver of dread before swallowing it down.

RATSKI
: Let’s hope so.

FADE OUT.