Balance of Power
SCENE STARTS in a modest municipal council private office where councilwoman, Janice Monroe (Angela White), is deep in work. She exudes confidence, impeccably dressed in a stylish yet professional business suit. We observe her in action for a few moments from a masculine perspective POV, until her focus is disrupted by a phone call on her desk phone.
She answers, and though we can't hear the voice on the other end, Janice pulls the phone away from her ear in discomfort from what seems to be yelling on the other end of the line. She urges the man on the line, Bill, to relax and lay out his problem. She tries to regain her composure as she listens, taking deep breaths and nervously adjusting her suit and hair.
From her one-sided conversation, it becomes clear that Bill is a business proprietor complaining about losing a municipal contract bid. Bill had invested weeks in negotiation and another firm snagged the bid at the last moment. Janice puts on a brave front and tries to reassure him that everything was transparent, and that the winning bid was simply more competitive than what Bill's company proposed, but Bill insists that it's not plausible, given his connections with all the local suppliers and the unlikelihood of anyone else in town matching his bid.
Janice reprimands Bill, advising him that if he wants to discuss the issue formally, he's welcome to make an appointment, but he'd better reconsider his tone with her or he risks jeopardizing future negotiations. Bill warns Janice that he's not the only one who has doubts, and reminds her that it's the taxpayers who cover her wages each week. Through clenched teeth, Janice thanks Bill for his civic concern, and forcefully hangs up the phone.
As soon as the call ends, Janice's facade of confidence fades, and she slumps into her chair, burying her face in her hands in frustration. CUT TO TITLE PLATE We return to Janice's office an indefinite time later. She's stopped crying and is back at her desk, but the confidence and determination she displayed earlier are gone.
She is clearly struggling to concentrate, rubbing her eyes with exhaustion and muttering frustrated expletives under her breath. Soon, the door to her office swings open and in struts Garrett (Zac Wild), a smug, slick businessman who approaches her and -- instead of sitting on the chair facing her - perches himself on the corner of her desk. Looking uncomfortable, Janice quietly shifts her papers and other items away from his obtrusive form.
She informs Garrett that she's extremely busy, and asks what he needs. He assures her that he's certain she can spare some time for a little chat, as she always makes time for him. Looking distressed and anxious, Janice rises from her seat and discreetly shuts the office door.
When she turns back, Garrett is now occupying her seat. She asks him to vacate her seat. Garrett responds with a sleazy smile and pats his lap, telling her there's plenty of space if she wants to join him.
She turns away, repulsed. Without looking back at Garrett, she asks what he wants. Garrett explains in a condescending tone that he's not content with their current agreement.
He desires another favor. Janice looks aghast -- she's already bribed him twice, and she just conspired to secure his company a second city contract at a considerably higher rate than market value. Garrett admits that's true, but that benefits his business, and now he's feeling restless and he's considering a career in politics himself.
He wants her endorsement to run for a seat on the city council. Janice flatly refuses -- she can't endorse a candidate with zero political experience and questionable links to illicit activities. It'll draw unnecessary attention and could be career suicide for her.
Garrett dismisses her concerns, feeling confident he'd make a great candidate. He's even devised the perfect campaign slogan, 'Make America Garrett Again' he jests. Janice implores him to be reasonable.
She's given him everything he's demanded, to the point where people are starting to become suspicious. Garrett says that's not his issue, and asks her where her concern about getting caught was a few months back when she was misappropriating public funds for her personal use. He tells her that if she'd been more cautious then, she wouldn't be in this predicament now.
Janice becomes more desperate -- to maintain his leverage, he needs to be smart. If she's indicted, she won't be able to help him. Maybe they could revisit his proposal in a few months, once things have simmered down.
Garrett concedes that she makes valid points, but he's not a patient man. What can she give him to keep him satisfied in the meantime? Janice looks utterly defeated -- she has nothing left to give him.
She answers, and though we can't hear the voice on the other end, Janice pulls the phone away from her ear in discomfort from what seems to be yelling on the other end of the line. She urges the man on the line, Bill, to relax and lay out his problem. She tries to regain her composure as she listens, taking deep breaths and nervously adjusting her suit and hair.
From her one-sided conversation, it becomes clear that Bill is a business proprietor complaining about losing a municipal contract bid. Bill had invested weeks in negotiation and another firm snagged the bid at the last moment. Janice puts on a brave front and tries to reassure him that everything was transparent, and that the winning bid was simply more competitive than what Bill's company proposed, but Bill insists that it's not plausible, given his connections with all the local suppliers and the unlikelihood of anyone else in town matching his bid.
Janice reprimands Bill, advising him that if he wants to discuss the issue formally, he's welcome to make an appointment, but he'd better reconsider his tone with her or he risks jeopardizing future negotiations. Bill warns Janice that he's not the only one who has doubts, and reminds her that it's the taxpayers who cover her wages each week. Through clenched teeth, Janice thanks Bill for his civic concern, and forcefully hangs up the phone.
As soon as the call ends, Janice's facade of confidence fades, and she slumps into her chair, burying her face in her hands in frustration. CUT TO TITLE PLATE We return to Janice's office an indefinite time later. She's stopped crying and is back at her desk, but the confidence and determination she displayed earlier are gone.
She is clearly struggling to concentrate, rubbing her eyes with exhaustion and muttering frustrated expletives under her breath. Soon, the door to her office swings open and in struts Garrett (Zac Wild), a smug, slick businessman who approaches her and -- instead of sitting on the chair facing her - perches himself on the corner of her desk. Looking uncomfortable, Janice quietly shifts her papers and other items away from his obtrusive form.
She informs Garrett that she's extremely busy, and asks what he needs. He assures her that he's certain she can spare some time for a little chat, as she always makes time for him. Looking distressed and anxious, Janice rises from her seat and discreetly shuts the office door.
When she turns back, Garrett is now occupying her seat. She asks him to vacate her seat. Garrett responds with a sleazy smile and pats his lap, telling her there's plenty of space if she wants to join him.
She turns away, repulsed. Without looking back at Garrett, she asks what he wants. Garrett explains in a condescending tone that he's not content with their current agreement.
He desires another favor. Janice looks aghast -- she's already bribed him twice, and she just conspired to secure his company a second city contract at a considerably higher rate than market value. Garrett admits that's true, but that benefits his business, and now he's feeling restless and he's considering a career in politics himself.
He wants her endorsement to run for a seat on the city council. Janice flatly refuses -- she can't endorse a candidate with zero political experience and questionable links to illicit activities. It'll draw unnecessary attention and could be career suicide for her.
Garrett dismisses her concerns, feeling confident he'd make a great candidate. He's even devised the perfect campaign slogan, 'Make America Garrett Again' he jests. Janice implores him to be reasonable.
She's given him everything he's demanded, to the point where people are starting to become suspicious. Garrett says that's not his issue, and asks her where her concern about getting caught was a few months back when she was misappropriating public funds for her personal use. He tells her that if she'd been more cautious then, she wouldn't be in this predicament now.
Janice becomes more desperate -- to maintain his leverage, he needs to be smart. If she's indicted, she won't be able to help him. Maybe they could revisit his proposal in a few months, once things have simmered down.
Garrett concedes that she makes valid points, but he's not a patient man. What can she give him to keep him satisfied in the meantime? Janice looks utterly defeated -- she has nothing left to give him.
Actors:
