Confidential

(c) Y. Ruzhytska

18.

EXT.GARDENS - EVENING

Back to the stranger talking to Neonila, who seems to be
more relaxed in his presence as he watches on with softness
in his gaze.

STRANGER

He's been running from it for
years. He's been hiding it well,
starting with taking you under his
wing.

NEONILA

Is it bad?

STRANGER

I guess not, if you speak so highly
of him. He treats you well I
believe.

NEONILA

He does. He's a gentle and noble
man, not... Whatever you're meaning
to accuse him of.

STRANGER

That's why I'm here. I'm the shadow
of his past, if you want. The very
embodiment of what's hiding behind
his exterior.

Neonila rolls her eyes and scoffs in annoyance, frustrated
at his unnecessarily cryptic speech. She looks back at the
mansion with regret.

NEONILA

Look, my patience has its limits.
I'm going to call for the guard if
you don't explain yourself clearly.
Whatever you want of me and what
exactly you're accusing my father
of? Do you have a proof?

STRANGER

Don't. Listen. We are the proofs,
Neonila. Wognian Helix was a
criminal before he served the
government in exchange for
redemption. Prior to that he's been
on no one's side but his own -
murdering and stealing for his own
gain.

NEONILA

Lies.