INT Bunker
JENNIE sits at a desk, working at a computer with two monitors. SAM sits at the end of the desk, watching a third monitor that displays a picture of a TV newsreader. He wears a pair of headphones that are plugged into the monitor. A coat is draped over the back of each chair.
NEWSREADER
(on TV, voice tinny as if heard through the headphones)
The Defence Secretary is expected to make a statement to the Commons this evening.
Concerns are growing for the welfare of the missing scientist Samuel Grainger, after his car was found abandoned in Luton earlier today.
As the newsreader says “after his car,” a portrait of Sam appears on the monitor behind the newsreader. Sam is startled to see himself there.
SAM
(Overlapping from “after his car”)
Jennie.
Jennie turns to him, and he pulls the headphone plug out, so that both of them can hear the newsreader. Jennie stands up and walks to stand behind Sam.
NEWSREADER
Doctor Grainger is best known as the chief engineer on Dragonfly, which attempted to build the first manned commercial orbital spacecraft. More recently, he took part in the investigation of the unexplained disappearance and reappearance of Richmond in London last week. His colleague Doctor William Norris spoke to us earlier.
BILL
(on TV, speaking to someone off camera)
Sam disappeared in the middle of the investigation.
Jennie looks surprised to see Bill. She puts a hand on Sam’s shoulder. Sam puts his hand on top of hers, caressing it.
BILL
It’s been a week since anyone heard from him, so obviously, the news that his car’s been found abandoned is quite worrying. I think he was still grieving over the death of his wife Jennie last year, but it’s not like him to just vanish without telling anyone.
SAM
(mutters)
How wrong can you be?
BILL
(turns to speak to the camera)
Sam, if you’re watching, please get in touch. We’re worried about you. We understand if you need some time to yourself. We just want to know you’re OK.
NEWSREADER
(on TV)
Anybody with information about Doctor Grainger’s whereabouts, or his movements since Sunday, is asked to contact Surrey Police. The number is on screen now.
And now here’s Mike with the sports news.
As the newsreader says “here’s Mike,” Sam switches off the TV. He looks over at her monitors.
SAM
Can I email from here?
JENNIE
I said you had to leave your past life behind when you came with me, and I meant it.
SAM
You think the dummies will find us if I send Bill an email to say I’m OK?
JENNIE
It’s not us I’m worried about. It’s Bill. When they find out you’ve been in contact with him – and they will –
SAM
(interrupting)
Don’t you think he’s entitled to know the truth?
JENNIE
That everything he thinks he knows is wrong? Or just that you’re touring the world with your formerly deceased wife?
SAM
(standing)
Since you mention it, yes, perhaps he’d like to know the world is a gigantic lie.
JENNIE
If you contact him, no matter what you tell him, the dummies will go after him, and –
(she breathes in sharply, not wanting to think about the consequences)
Your friends need closure, Sam.
SAM
I don’t like the sound of that.
JENNIE
Where is Dragonfly these days, anyway?
SAM
Still mothballed in that hangar in New Mexico, as far as I know. Why?
JENNIE
(smiling)
Then I think we have a plan.
Jennie puts her coat on. So does Sam. She beckons him, and they embrace. Sam looks apprehensive. Jennie closes her eyes, and a look of calm concentration appears on her face.
JENNIE
(whispers)
No matter what happens, Sam, remember I love you.
SAM
(whispers)
I love you too, Jennie.
They vanish in a flash of white light. Props move and rattle in the rush of displaced air.