Killer Loop

Part Two

Scene One

Scene opens with a shot of Temptation before cutting to the inside of a bar. It's fairly packed, male customers are chatting with prostitutes, and music plays from a jukebox. JUZO is drinking in a booth by himself. SAWANO enters the bar, and after scanning it briefly, makes a beeline for the bartender. Soon after he approaches JUZO, newly purchased bottle in hand.

SAWANO: (From behind) Kinda crowded for a Sunday night, huh? (JUZO does not respond. SAWANO sits down) I hope you don't mind if I sit here.

JUZO: Free country. (Takes a drink as SAWANO prepares his own) You must be a regular 

SAWANO: I stop by whenever I'm in town. I'm surprised no one recognizes you. Not too many people stick around after making it out of the Killer Loop.

JUZO: (Looks at him through the corner of his eye) You a cop?

SAWANO: Private investigator. I've been hired to find some...missing persons that were last seen in Temptation. 

JUZO: I'm not interested in helping you look, if that's what you're hoping.

SAWANO: What a shame. Well, since we're here we might as well still drink, right?

JUZO:  I only drink whiskey.

SAWANO turns his bottle so the label faces JUZO

SAWANO: Top shelf.

The corner of JUZO's mouth turns in a half-smile as he pours himself a cup. SAWANO follows suit.

JUZO: You sure you didn't win a Loop, old man?

SAWANO: (Chuckles) Always be able to afford your habits. Look, let's not waste time. The parties I'm working for are putting a fire under my ass. They need answers. I'm not asking you to come walking the streets with me, but I know you know something.

JUZO: What makes you think that?

SAWANO: You and those missing both share one thing in common: participation in the Killer Loop

JUZO: And you said they disappeared after? Maybe they skipped town.

SAWANO:  And left behind families and jobs?

JUZO: It's possible. The first four to win a match walk away with life-changing money

SAWANO: This city is a money sink. Even still, four million credits can stretch pretty far anywhere else in the world. Have you seen any of the other contestants since you woke up?

JUZO: If I did I wouldn't know. We can't see each other's faces, something to do with keeping the game confidential. 

JUZO's phone vibrates on the table. He checks it as SAWANO digests what he said.

SAWANO: They conceal the players' faces? (JUZO pays for his drink and stands up. SAWANO grabs his arm) Wait. I need more information. 

JUZO: Then let me go and do your job. I'm getting a phone call

SAWANO: Please, just--(He reaches in his coat jacket, retrieving a collection of photos) Fifteen people have gone missing this month. Young men and women, fresh graduates, couples. Have you seen any of them anywhere in Temptation?

He cycles through the photographs one-by-one; JUZO scans the photos with disinterest, a photograph of a young woman catches his eye briefly. He regains his composure 

JUZO: No. Can't say I've seen them around.

SAWANO: (Slams his fist on the counter) Damn it! get your head out of your ass and open your eyes! You've been inside the Loop. What did you see?