CASTING SIDES – MAYOR CHRIS ROYAL
INT. HOUSTON – MARLEY’S PENTHOUSE – NIGHT
Marley sits at his glass table. The mayor enters. No entourage, no cameras — just the man and the weight of the city between them.
MAYOR
I told you I was gonna let you be the ambassador for the city. That seat’s still yours… but you gotta tell me, Marley — how close are we?
Marley doesn’t answer right away. The ambassador title means political cover for his empire, but also staying clean enough to keep the mayor safe.
MARLEY
(measured)
Close. Real close. But you know I move when it’s solid, not when it’s shaky.
The mayor nods, but his eyes make it clear — patience has limits.
INT. THE CIRCLE – BACK OFFICE – SAME NIGHT
Micky sits across from the mayor. The room is quieter, sharper.
MAYOR
You promised me you’d stay clean, Micky. No bodies, no heat. I need to know you kept that promise… because if you didn’t, the deal we’ve been building burns up overnight.
Micky locks eyes with him, unreadable.
MICKY
I haven’t broken a promise to you yet. Don’t start doubting me now.
But inside, her chest tightens — because she knows “clean” hasn’t been her reality for weeks.