[Script] Blowback

[Elven Doritos]

Oaxaca. A desolate cantina, nearly empty. At a table sits the LIAISON, cradling a mug of suero. He has a full, rugged beard and wears sunglasses, even indoors; his very posture suggests an outsider vainly attempting to conceal his identity.  

Enter ALEJANDRO. A beautiful young man with a thick head of hair, Alejandro is an artist, and has an artist's demeanor. When he spots the LIAISON, he hesitantly joins him at the table.

Liaison:    You're late.

Alejandro: I didn't think you'd show up.

Liaison: I wasn't the one who left Juarez.

Alejandro: You know why I left.

Liaison: Did anyone see you come in here?

Alejandro: You don't trust me?

Liaison: I don't know you.

Alejandro: I see. No, nobody followed me.

Liaison: You're sure? You took precautions?

Alejandro: Of course. (bitterly) Only for you, of course.

Liaison: Well, good. I hope you're right.

Alejandro: And if I'm not?

Liaison: I can't afford another embarrassment.

Alejandro: Like Juarez.

Liaison: Yes, like Juarez.

Alejandro: I remember when you first approached me.

Liaison: I wasn't aware you were prone to sentimentality.

Alejandro: You never bothered to learn much about me. You just-

Liaison: I just what?

Alejandro: You used me. And now that you don't need me, you're running away.

Liaison: I have responsibilities.

Alejandro: Oh, of course.

Liaison: People depend on me.

Alejandro: Do they?

Liaison: You know they do.

Alejandro: Why would they?

(pause) Liaison: That isn't fair.

Alejandro: You never protected me. You said you would.

Liaison: I tried. You can't expect me to be there every time you screw up.

Alejandro: I think I know what I like least about you.

Liaison: Pardon?

Alejandro: I said, I know what I like least about you.

Liaison: Oh, I'm sure. This is fantastic. What is it?

Alejandro: Do you take pleasure in this?

Liaison: What? In what?

Alejandro: Never mind. I dislike you because you lie.

Liaison: I lie. Well, yes. Occupational hazard.

Alejandro:  The name you used.

Liaison: Oh, that was a lie. Yes.

Alejandro: I don't know you. I thought I did, but-

Liaison: It isn't your fault.

Alejandro: I never said it was.

Liaison: That you trusted me. Don't blame-

Alejandro: I blame you.

Liaison: Okay. Good. That's probably for the best.

Alejandro: And now you're concerned about what's best for me?

Liaison: I always was.

Alejandro: Your lies used to be prettier.

Liaison: If you say so.

Alejandro: Do you know why I became an artist?

Liaison: What? Well, alright. Why?

Alejandro: To expose people like you.

Liaison: People like me don't appreciate being exposed.

Alejandro: That much is clear. Maybe that's why I enjoy it.

Liaison: I don't really care how you please yourself.

Alejandro: No, you only ever cared about how I could please you.

Liaison: I wasn't... It wasn't about me.

Alejandro: Then who was it about?

Liaison: My business is very important.

Alejandro: Your time, you always said. That was your excuse.

Liaison: My business and my time are the same.

Alejandro: Of course. So I've been your business, then?

Liaison: If you want to think of it like that, fine.

Alejandro: I'm rather unsatisfied with our transactions, then.

Liaison: You want money? Will that shut you up?

(pause) Alejandro: No. You don't get to talk to me like that. Not after all I've done for you.

Liaison: Alright. No money. That's not why you're here, then?

Alejandro: I'm here because you asked me to come. I thought-

Liaison: Do you have the photographs?

Alejandro: Yes.

Liaison: You brought them?

Alejandro: Yes. I said yes.

Liaison: May I see them?

Alejandro: Why? What do you need with them?

Liaison: Those images are of a sensitive nature.

Alejandro: Sensitive? I wasn't aware you had a sensitive side.

Liaison: You know what I mean.

Alejandro: I do. I know.

Liaison: I can't let you leave with them.

Alejandro: Oh, I wouldn't imagine.

Liaison: And the negatives?

Alejandro: Yes, just like you asked. As always.

Liaison: That's good. It would be very embarrassing if those were to leak to the press.

Alejandro: Embarrassing. Personally or professionally?

Liaison: There is no 'personally' in my life.

Alejandro: Yes, I see.

Liaison: May I have them?

Alejandro: On a condition.

Liaison: And it's not money?

Alejandro: It's not money.

Liaison: Then what?

Alejandro: I want you to leave.

Liaison: Leave?

Alejandro: Not the city. I don't care about that. I don't want you recruiting anyone else.

Liaison: That's not for you to say.

Alejandro: It is. I have the photographs.

Liaison: I could take them.

Alejandro: But then you won't know if I have printed doubles.

Liaison: Are you trying to blackmail me?

Alejandro: I'm... How would you say it? I'm protecting my assets.

Liaison: Fine. What's the condition, again?

Alejandro: You've infiltrated my community. You've destroyed lives. Mine in particular. I won't let you do that to another unsuspecting boy.

Liaison: Or?

Alejandro: Or I tell people who you are. And I don't care if you come after me, I don't.

Liaison: Oh, no. Do I appear threatening? No, this was always voluntary. I'm happy you're here.

Alejandro: You take these photos and you leave. And if you don't, people will find out who you really are.

Liaison: And do you know who I really am?

Alejandro: Yes. I don't need to know your name to know who you really are.

Liaison: Of course.

Alejandro: I know you better than your 'business partners.'

Liaison: You think you do, sure.

Alejandro: Are you married?

Liaison: Maybe. If I am?

Alejandro: I can usually tell the married ones.

Liaison: I don't really see the relevance.

Alejandro: Of course not. (pause) You have somewhere to be, I'm sure?

Liaison: Yes. I'm already late.

Alejandro: Then we should both be on our way. (Hands LIAISON a dossier filled with photographs)

Liaison: Thank you. You won't see me again.
ALEJANDRO  stands, gives the LIAISON a pensive look. He bows his head and leaves. (Exit ALEJANDRO stage left) The LIAISON waits for him to leave, then opens the folder. Sorting through the pictures, he stops at one and holds it. A thin smile curls across his lips.

Liaison: Goodbye, Alejandro.

LIAISON takes a lighter to the dossier. As he EXITS stage right, he pauses for a long moment, before shaking his head and walking off-stage.

[Mason]

Your knack for dialogue is great. I can see this as a TV show pilot. Wonder what's in the folder?