Farrington-Gores: Bribery

'Right, Pete just arrived for his shift so I'm done. Just gonna go fetch my bag.'

'Alright. Thanks, Topaz.'

'Just doing my job.'

'Well, I appreciate it. Nothing's more important to me than protecting the girls.'

'...You'd do a better job of that living somewhere else, to be honest.'

'Excuse me?'

'Look, I know it's not my place to say it-'

'Damn right it isn't. You're supposed to be on our side, not passing judgement!'

'It's not judgement, it's genuine concern. I've stayed quiet long enough about this. Brianne, you're making a huge mistake by staying here. I really don't think you're safe.'

'Then that's your fault, isn't it? It's your job to guard the door.'

'I don't mean from anything outside. Yeah, I'll make sure I keep out intruders, but what can I do when the biggest danger is inside the house?'

'First Saraya, now you... did she put you up to this?'

'No. Everyone else who's known Tate in the past says the exact same thing. Your sister. Your niece and nephews. Tate's other kids. His brother. Do you really think there's some big conspiracy here? That everyone else is the problem, and they're all trying to smear him?'

'I'm sure there's a certain level of jealousy-'

'It's nothing to do with jealousy! Listen to me. I know what I saw and heard that day when Roxxi left Tate. She was scared. Carmella was terrified. She had to come get me to break up the fight because she was afraid of Tate hurting Roxxi. Tristan had to put himself in between them because even he didn't trust Tate not to do anything horrible.'

'Wait, why haven't I heard any of this before?'

'Because you weren't prepared to listen! Because Roxxi had just heard that you'd been having an affair with Tate and he was the twins' father, and that was all she could think about! And when she rang you about it, all you could do was rub it in her face and refuse to listen to her!'

'She was claiming he killed his first wife. You think I should believe that?'

'I've heard the same story from other people too. His other kids. Would anyone make something like that up? Again, when it's literally Tate versus everyone else?'

'…'

'I don't approve of what you did to Roxxi. She's my friend, and I think you did an awful thing. But I still don't want to see you suffer what she did. And the way you're going...'

'What's that supposed to mean?'

'It's pretty obvious Tate isn't happy about you having... well, other men. He seemed pretty pissed over the whole Abraxas thing.'

'We resolved that.'

'I wouldn't put it past him to still be thinking about it. And I know he's not the only one. I... heard about Zen.'

'Wait, how?'

'He's my brother.'

'...Oh... Sorry. I didn't realise.'

'...It's fine. He's a grown adult. He can do what – and who – he wants. The fact is, Tate is a dangerous man, and I don't believe he's as cool about the open relationship as he's saying. I'm worried about you.'

'Topaz... you don't get it. I can't just get up and go, even if I wanted to.'

'Yes you can. Roxxi did it. Other women have done it. You're no different. People would be willing to help.'

'I'm not a domestic abuse victim.'

'Not yet, but one day you could be. And more importantly, so could those twins.'

'Stop bringing them up! I wouldn't put them at risk! He... he wouldn't hurt them...'

'Sorry, Brianne, but there's no reason why they're any different to the other kids. Six other children have all come out of his home telling the same story of emotional abuse. I understand, you need more time. It's hard to face up to, and I can't make you before you're ready. But like Saraya, my conscience won't allow me to stay quiet. You needed to know the full truth. I didn't go into this situation as a biased party. I'm only reporting what I saw on that day. I don't stand to gain anything by pissing you and Tate off. Seriously... I'm risking my job over this. That's how important it is.'

'Alright, alright. Enough. You can go home now. You've made your point.'

'And for God's sake, don't confront him about this. It won't end well, for anyone. He'd just feed you a load more lies.'

'Fine, I won't...'

Elsewhere...

'Good afternoon. Take a seat. What can I do for you today?'

'Afternoon, Mr Mayor. I'm here 'cos I'm looking for someone's address, and I heard you'd be able to do it, for the right price.'

'Keep your voice down.'

'Shit, sorry. How much do I need?'

'What's your name?'

'Austin Donovan, sir.'

'Well then, Mr Donovan, that depends on you. Because you heard right. Of course, I don't do something for nothing.'

'No no, wouldn't expect that at all.'

'That's good.'

'I was just wondering if there was a minimum price or anything.'

'Try me.'

'Alright.'

'That's what I've got on me. There's a fair bit there, though I know you're a rich man. I can get more if you want. Or maybe I could help you in other ways.'

'Other ways?'

'Yeah, like if you need any jobs doing. I can be muscle, that kinda thing.'

'I shall bear that in mind, thank you. Anyway, I believe this will suffice.'

'Great!'

'What's the name?'

'Nyla Bane.'

'Oh, really? Interesting. How do you know her?'

'She's my ex. Left me ages ago, back when we still lived in Bridgeport. I moved over here last year and it turns out she's in the area too. I've seen her around. We've got... unfinished business.'

'I see. I do hope she treats you better than me. You see, she was friends with my ex-wife, so I met her a few times. I found her attitude rather disappointing.'

'Yeah, well, that's her all over. Disappointing. That bitch did nothing but let me down. She cheated on me, y'know.'

'Did she? Wow. How horrible for you.'

'Oh yeah. She tries to play it all innocent, but she's a slut, deep down. Thinks she can just do what she wants, acting like a tease then denying it when she gets called out.'

'Yes, that's the way she behaved with me. In that case, I'm glad you called round. I think she could do with bringing down a peg or two.'

'Believe me, we'll have a lot to talk about.'