FADE IN:
INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT
We're facing an office door. The top half is frosted glass with a bullet hole in it. The writing on it says "Taylor Investigations".
JOHN TAYLOR (v.o.)
Private eyes come in all shapes and sizes, and none of them look like television stars. Some do insurance work, some hang around cheap hotels with camcorders hoping to get evidence for divorce cases, and damn few ever get to investigate complicated murder mysteries. Some chase things that don't exist, or shouldn't. Me, I find things. Sometimes I'd rather not find them, but that comes with the territory.
INT. JOHN TAYLOR'S OFFICE - NIGHT
HEAVY RAIN can be seen through the barred window. The office is cramped with second hand furniture, a desk, filing cabinet, two chairs and a sofa. There is a blanket and pillow on the sofa and empty pizza boxes in the corner. JOHN TAYLOR sits behind his desk watching a portable TV with the sound on low. He is tall with dark hair and eyes. He has a phone to his ear. We can hear the o.s. voice yelling through the phone. John makes affirmative noises every so often.
The sound of high heels CLICKING on linoleum is heard. A female silhouette appears in the frosted glass of the door. JOANNA BARRETT opens the door and walks in. She is a tall blonde with expensive clothes. Her demeanor is very controlled.
John nods to Joanna and gestures for her to take a seat in the battered client chair. Joanna sits in the chair calmly and looks around the office.
JOHN TAYLOR
(Into Phone)
Look, if I had the money I'd pay you, but I don't have the money. So you'll just have to take a number and get in line. You are of course welcome to try sueing, in which case I can recommend a neighbour of mine who's a lawyer. He needs the work, so he won't laugh in your face when you tell him who you're trying to get money out of. However, if you'd care to be patient just a little longer, it's possible a whole lot of money just walked in ... You know, hysteria like that can't be good for your blood pressure. I recommend deep breathing and visits to the seaside. I always find the sea very soothing. I'll get back to you. Eventually.
John hangs up and turns off the TV.
JOHN TAYLOR (cont)
It's company. Much like a dog, but with the added advantage that you don't have to take it for walks.
JOANNA BARRETT
Don't you ever go home?
JOHN TAYLOR
I am currently in between homes. Big, empty, expensive things. Besides, I like it here. Everything's within reach, and nobody bothers me when the day's over. Usually.
JOANNA BARRETT
I know it's late. I didn't want to be seen coming here.
JOHN TAYLOR
I can understand that.
JOANNA BARRETT
You have a hole in your office door, Mr. Taylor.
JOHN TAYLOR
Moths.
JOANNA BARRETT
I'm Joanna Barrett.
JOHN TAYLOR
You say that like it should mean something to me.
JOANNA BARRETT
To anyone else, it would. But then, I don't suppose you read the business pages, do you?
JOHN TAYLOR
Not unless someone pays me to. Am I to take it you're rich?
JOANNA BARRETT
Extremely.
JOHN TAYLOR
The very best kind of client. What can I do for you?
Joanna clutches her white leather handbag to her protectively.
JOANNA BARRETT
I have need of a private investigator. You were ... recommended to me.
JOHN TAYLOR
Then you've already tried the police, and all the big private agencies, and none of them were able to help you. Which means your problem isn't one of the usual ones.
JOANNA BARRETT
They let me down. All of them. Took my money and gave me nothing but excuses. Bastards. So I called in every favour I was owed, pulled every string I had, and eventually someone gave me your name. I understand you find people.
JOHN TAYLOR
I can find anyone or anything, if the price is right. It's a gift. I'm dogged and determined and a whole bunch of other things that begin with d, and I never give up as long as the cheques keep coming. But, I don't do insurance work, I don't do divorces, and I don't solve crimes. Hell, I wouldn't know a clue if I fell over it. I just find things. Whether they want to be found or not.
JOANNA BARRETT
I don't like being lectured.
JOHN TAYLOR
All part of the service.
JOANNA BARRETT
And I don't care for your attitude.
JOHN TAYLOR
Not many do.
JOANNA BARRETT
My daughter is ... missing. I want you to find her for me.
