dramashorts the mafia boss part 2

Here is Part 2 of the Mafia Boss drama short. Title: The Devils Due Previously: Elena, the waitress, discovered the man she saved from a bullet was Luca Moretti, the city's most feared crime lord. He has offered her a deal: become his personal assistant, or face the consequences of knowing his identity. Scene 1: The Office INT. MORETTI ESTATE - STUDY - NIGHT The study is a museum of old-world power. Leather-bound books, a marble fireplace, and a single, brutal painting of a wolf tearing a stag's throat. Elena stands rigid before the massive mahogany desk. Luca sits opposite, his movements deliberate as he pours two glasses of amber whiskey. The bullet graze on his temple is covered by a small, clean bandage. He looks less like a patient, more like a predator. Luca (Casually) You havent touched your drink. Afraid Ill poison you? If I wanted you dead, Id have left you in the alley. Elena I dont drink with men who use or else as a job offer. Luca (A small, cold smile) Smart. I hate sycophants. You wont be one. Thats why youre here. He slides a folder across the desk. Elena opens it. Inside is a photo of her younger brother, Mateo, smiling outside a community college. Elena (Voice dropping to a whisper) How did you? Luca I know everything about the people I let touch my blood. Mateo. 19. Works at a garage. Has a gambling problem he thinks you dont know about. Owed six grand to a loan shark named Salvi. Elenas hands tremble. Luca (CONT'D) I bought his debt this morning. For you. As a signing bonus. Elena Youre holding my brother hostage. Luca (Leaning forward, eyes like flint) Im giving you leverage. Salvi would have broken his legs. Im offering him a clean slate. All you have to do is work for me. Youll type memos, schedule meetings, and keep your mouth shut. Elena And if I refuse? Luca shrugs, taking a slow sip of his whiskey. Luca Then Salvi gets his property back. And I forget your face. Whats it going to be, Elena? A long beat. Elenas jaw tightens. She looks at the photo, then at Luca. She picks up the whiskey glass and downs it in one gulp, wincing. Elena What do you need me to do? Luca (Leaning back, satisfied) Good girl. We start tomorrow. 6 AM. Dont be late. And Elena buy a darker shade of lipstick. Its more professional. Scene 2: The Test INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - DAY A week later. The air smells of rust and cordite. Elena stands in a corner, a tablet clutched to her chest like a shield. Shes in a sleek black pantsuit, her lips a deep wine red. Luca is in the middle of the room with his right-hand man, VICTOR (50s, scarred, silent). Across from them is a sweating, fat man in a cheap suit, ROSENTHAL, a fence who deals in stolen art. Rosenthal (Pleading) Luca, I swear! The shipment was hijacked! I had nothing to do with it! It was the Russians! Luca says nothing. He simply looks at Elena. Luca Miss Rossi. My new assistant. Shes a student of human nature. Elena, is Mr. Rosenthal telling the truth? Elena freezes. Her eyes dart to Rosenthal, who is trembling. Hes blinking rapidly, his foot tapping. Back in her waitress days, shed seen a thousand liars. The ones with the real secrets couldn't look you in the eye. They looked at the exit. Rosenthal is looking at the floor. Elena (Slowly) No. Hes lying. Rosenthals head snaps up. Rosenthal You little bitch! You dont know anything! Lucas smile is thin and dangerous. Luca (To Elena) Explain. Elena (Her voice shaky but clear) Hes sweating too much for a man whos scared. Scared men hold still. Nervous liars bounce. He says it was the Russians, but his eyes went right, not left. Hes reciting a script. A dreadful silence. Victor steps forward and pulls a burner phone from Rosenthals jacket. He shows the screen to Luca. Its a text message: Deal done. Tell them the Russians. - M. Luca looks at Rosenthal, then back at Elena. For a fraction of a second, something flickers in his dark eyes. Not warmth. Respect. Luca (To Victor) Take Mr. Rosenthal to the boatyard. He has a long swim ahead of him. Rosenthal screams as Victor drags him out. The door slams shut. Luca (Turning to Elena) You have good instincts. But you looked terrified. You need to show the lie with more confidence. A wolf doesnt flinch when it bares its teeth. Elena Im not a wolf. Luca No. Youre a rabbit. But rabbits can learn to bite. He walks past her, his shoulder brushing hers. He stops. Luca (CONT'D) You saved my life. Now you saved me time. I dont forget debts, Elena. Welcome to my world. He walks out, leaving her alone in the cold, empty warehouse, the smell of fear and power lingering in the air. She looks at her trembling hands. Shes in too deep. But her brother is safe. For now. FADE OUT. END OF PART 2