EXT. ALLEYWAY -- EVENING
Lirielle hurries from her hiding spot. The older gentleman blocks her way.
She draws a knife from her sleeve.
LIRIELLE
Out of my way.
The man laughs. Stands his ground.
Lirielle steps toward him, threatening him with her blade.
LIRIELLE
I’m deuced late. Good as dead.
OLDER GENTLEMAN
Now see, the fact that you aren’t actually dead surprises me.
He gestures. The papers glow brightly. Lirielle gasps and drops them. They float towards the man, who snatches them from the air with a flourish.
OLDER GENTLEMAN
These stopped you long enough for me to find you. Alive, that is. Normally I just find the corpse.
Lirielle’s voice trembles when she speaks.
LIRIELLE
Fascinating, I’m sure.
(gestures with knife)
I’ll just take them back now, if you please.
OLDER GENTLEMAN
Nonsense.
She inches closer. The man examines the papers for damage and ignores her approach.
LIRIELLE
My life depends on it.
OLDER GENTLEMAN
How unfortunate for you.
Her knife pricks his gut.
LIRIELLE
Let me put it this way: your life depends on it.
OLDER GENTLEMAN
Hmph. You shouldn’t bluff. You’re not very good at it. Stick to picking pockets and leave killing to the professionals.
LIRIELLE
There’s a first time for everything.
(pushes the knife more firmly against him)
Papers. Please.
He stares at her, considering for a long moment.
OLDER GENTLEMAN
You know. I’ve the oddest feeling that they’re meant to go with you. I fear our paths will cross again.
He hands the papers back to Lirielle. She stuffs them into her coat. The man winces at her rough treatment of the papers.
LIRIELLE
I’ll be going now.
OLDER GENTLEMAN
Be seeing you, then.
He steps out of her way. Lirielle scurries into the dark.