Nadia That’s cool. Are you a rapist?

Nick No.

Nadia That’s cool. Paedophile?

Nick Fuck. No. Do I look like a paedophile?

Nadia I’ve never met a paedophile. Well, only my father. But I don’t count him. So not a rapist, not a paedophile …

Nick No. I…

Nadia No. I’ll get it… murderer? Attempted murder?

Nick Well…

Nadia Yeah. I’m right aren’t I?

Nick Sort of.

Nadia A sort of attempted murder.

Nick I never wanted …

Nadia But you’ve moved on. You’re a changed person and … that’s cool.

Nadia moves to kiss Nick.

Nick You must want to find out.

Nadia No. I don’t want to know anything.

Nick But you’ve got to want to know. You must want to find out…

Nadia I don’t want to find out anything. The past is gone, okay?

Nick But what if I’m a psychotic / killer who wants to …

Nadia I trust myself. You’re a good person.

Nick No. Let me tell you. I want / to tell you.

Nadia It’s safe. We’re safe. Everything’s fine. Sssshh.

They kiss, The phone rings. Nadia stops Nick from picking up the phone as…

Ansaphone (male voice), ’ Who is he? Who the fuck is he? I know you’re both there. I know you’re both listening to this. So what is he you fucking slut? Where did you find him?’

Nadia Let’s go to bed.

Ansaphone, ‘I hope he’s a fucking serial killer you cunt. I hope he fucking slices you right open. Yeah. And boils you away.’

Scene Four

Terrace of the House of Commons.

Helen is sitting looking at the Thames. Enter Jonathan, dressed very smartly.

Jonathan Marvellous isn’t it?

Helen Mmmm.

Jonathan Thames always stirs something doesn’t it?

Helen Yes.

Jonathan Are you stirred?

Helen Oh yes, definitely stirred.

Jonathan Are you a regular? Do you regularly take a breather from the business of Government? Take a moment to just stand here and say ‘I may be a very powerful person, I may be holding the nation’s destiny in my hands …’

Helen No, no, no.

Jonathan Oh yes, I know Government can do so very little nowadays. You all say that now don’t you?

Helen No, I’m …

Jonathan There’s the multinationals, the World Bank, NATO, Europe and there’s the grass roots, there’s road shows where you listen, listen, listen, but still when all’s said and done …

Helen No.

Jonathan The nation’s destiny in your hands. But you look at the Thames and you feel humbled, yes?

Helen The Thames, yes. But actually, strictly day pass I’m afraid.

Jonathan I see, so you’re … ?

Helen Visiting.

Jonathan I see. Forgive me. I really did think …

Helen Just wanted to say I’d been on the terrace really.

Jonathan I could have sworn I’ve seen you …

Helen No sorry.

Jonathan Weighed down by the burden of the office and snapped at by some media studies graduate on late-night television.

Helen No.