Demands and Pressures
INT. OFFICE - MORNING
John sits in his home office. A clock ticks. A fly buzzes. Steam rises from his mug on the desk. His phone rings. He answers.
THERAPIST
John, it's Dr. Simmons. I'm sorry to do this on such short notice, but I'm in the middle of dealing with the fallout from my husband's latest manic episode. Can we reschedule our appointment for later this week?
JOHN
My god. I'm so sorry. Yeah, uh yeah! No problem. I hope everything is OK.
He looks a little shaken as he hangs up. Before he has time to fully process, he gets a notification for an all hands meeting at work that is happening immediately.
The screen shows a video of the CEO of the company. He has his background replaced with a sterile office that doesn't quite fit the with the lighting of angle of the video. The CEO looks very happy and healthy with maybe just a bit too much sun.
CEO
I know this feels familiar due to the round of layoffs just last quarter, but we have found ourselves in the position of needing to do this again. It is fully the fault of the senior leadership team and we accept that blame. If you were invited to this meeting, you are part of the layoffs this time. Severance info will be in your inbox out and you will have access to your company email account until the end of the day. Namaste.
The background glitches as the CEO leaves the meeting and reveals a tropical poolside environment.
JOHN
Jesus Christ! FUCK!
John's phone rings. It's an unknown number. He debates answering it. After a long pause, he accepts the call.
VOICE
John Walters?
JOHN
Speaking.
VOICE
This is Detective Davis with the Birmingham Police Department. Your mother's body was recovered from the Cahaba River this morning. We need you to come down to the station and answer a few questions.
JOHN
What? ...I
VOICE
(interrupting)
Please. Come immediately. We'll be expecting you.
The conversation ends.
John's laptop lights with an email notification stating "Severance Info"
John opens his contacts list and calls his mother. The call goes to voice mail.
Still holding the phone and staring at it, it abruptly rings again.
LAYWER
John Walters?
JOHN
Yes?
LAWYER
I'm your state appointed defender, Matthew Clark. Have you spoken with the police yet?
JOHN
Is this about mom?
LAYWER
Yes. It's very important you do not provide any information without consulting me first.
JOHN
I don't understand. What's going on?
LAWYER
It's best if you come to the station. I'll meet you there. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT say anything to the police until I'm there with you.
(to someone else)
Why do I always get these fucking creeps?
The conversation ends. John stares in shock and disbelief at the phone. Some one bangs on his front door.
John's laptop lights up again with another incoming call from his manager. Then there's a knock at the door.
POLICE
BPD! We have a warrant for your arrest. Open the door and come peacefully
John freezes as the police continue to beat on the door.
John's phone rings again. The caller ID: MOM. John answers the phone.
JOHN
Mom?!
MOM
I saw where I missed your call. You never call. What's wrong? Have you been eating well? When are you coming to visit? Come to church with us on Sunday.
POLICE
(muffled through door)
OK, he's not opening. Break that fucking door down.
The door cracks loudly as the police hit the door with a battering ram.
John is still holding the phone to his ear. He looks dumbfounded.
MOM
Are you still dating Jessica? I don't think she's good for you.
END