Snapshots

Commissioned Short Script - What's Your Emergency?

INT. HALLWAY

PCs Emma Braithwaite and Sara Madely are investigating a 999 call of a suspected burglary in a flat.

sara

Hello? Police!

They both look around, picking up papers etc.

Emma

There doesn't seem to be any sort of forced entry

Sara

True. Still, we can't ignore a call. It's what we are paid to do. [sarcastically] And ten years in the force has taught me that all calls are genuine and worth answering.

emma

[JOKINGLY] So what do we do now boss?

sara

[ALSO JOKINGLY] Shut up you. No boss talk. It's all about the teamwork, remember?

emma

Yes boss. Sorry boss. All about the teamwork boss.

Sara turns and makes a swipe at Emma as they both laugh.

emma

Alright alright. So what do we do? Check the flat over anyway? I remember your pep talks. Be strong, be vigilant-

Emma and sara

And take no shit.

SARA

Ahh she's learning. My little Padawan is learning.

Emma

Padawan? Careful Sara, I think my nerd gauge is going to explode

They both laugh as they continue through the hall, then hum the James Bond theme holding their fingers as guns as they approach the door to the next room. SARA goes to open the door.

INT. LIVING ROOM

Lights are off. Both officers enter slowly, Emma still humming the James Bond theme

sara

Hello? Police! Anyone home?

Emma turns the lights on. They walk around looking at stuff, avoiding too much disturbance in case they destroy evidence. Emma sniffs. There are lots of empty wine bottles dotted around.

Emma

Smells like cigarettes. Someone must have been here recently.

Sara walks over to an ashtray on the arm of the sofa, where there is a cigarette still smouldering. She kneels beside it so her eyes are level with it.

sara

Very recently.

Emma walks towards her also looking at the ashtray, then her head jerks up as she hears a figure emerge from the shadows behind her.

sara

EMMA!

She turns but too late as he hits her on the side of the head, knocking her flat on the floor. She scrambles to her feet, dazed as he makes for her again.

SAra

NO ONE hits one of my officers son.

Sara runs over and grapples with the man, pinning him to the wall, then the realisation shows on her face as she recognises the man as PAUL, her brother in law. He is clearly drunk and slurs his words, unable to make direct eye contact.

sara

Paul?

PAUL

I knew you were on tonight. Thought it might be nice for you to come over. See the shithole I've had to live in since you grassed me up to your precious sister.