The Latina chilly pepper struts all of her 5’4” tall self into the room like she owns the place… and it’s because she does. Decked out in expensive clothing she makes her business suit look sexy as it grips her in all the right places. She is Xochitl. Emma stands abruptly and Kassandra follows suit with a ‘whatever’ attitude.
XOCHITL
Dio mio! Who is this handsome lady?
EMMA
I’m Emma Levitz. Like the furniture.
XOCHITL
How sweet. I’m Xochitl. Pleasure to meet you. (turns to Kassandra) You won’t believe what happened to me when I walked into Tiffany’s. A new sales girl tried to sell me –
Xochitl stops. Kassandra’s expression says it all.
KASSANDRA
Xochitl, Ms. Levitz is here to give us some work.
XOCHITL
Wonderful!
Xochitl puts her bags downs and pushes Kassandra away from her chair. Kassandra gets the hint and scrambles off to her office. Emma watches their interaction with curiosity. Xochitl takes a note pad from her draw and a pen from her desk then motions for Emma to follow. Xochitl moves to walk in behind Emma.
EMMA
After you.
XOCHITL
Such manners. Thank you.
INT. KASSANDRA’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
XOCHITL
(to Kassandra)
You should take lessons from this one.
Xochitl sits on the corner of Kassandra’s desk and motions for Emma to take the sit closest to her. The Kassandra’s office consists of a large antique desk with two guest chairs that face Kassandra and a view Greenwich Village.
Xochitl totally takes over the conversation, but it is obvious that Kassandra has no problems with it as she takes the note pad that Xochitl lays on her desk and starts to write.
XOCHITL
So, Ms. Levitz. What can we do for you?
EMMA
As I was telling Ms. Kinkade, I have a couple of cases that my law firm could use your help with.
XOCHITL
Please. It’s Xochitl and Kassandra. I remember your picture in an article about a law firm catering to women in the LGBT community. That was you, right?
EMMA
Yes.
XOCHITL
So, what are the cases?
EMMA
One is a theft case. And the other is an employee claiming mistreatment due to sexual harassment.
Kassandra, taking notes, looks up from her writing.
XOCHITL
Have you already had any other PI’s working on these?
EMMA
No. There was an agency that we’ve been using, but we didn’t like their politics so we went shopping and came up with you.
XOCHITL
(nods)
That’s usually where we get calls from. So, what exactly do you need from us.
Emma grabs her attache case and pulls out two folders and hands one to Xochitl. Xochitl doesn’t look at it but hands it off to Kassandra.
EMMA
The first one is a lesbian drama break-up. One takes off with the other’s car. Our client says that her ex stole the car since she didn’t give permission. The Ex is claiming that she doesn’t have it, but has been seen driving around in it. If you could ask around and get some pictures that would be great.
XOCHITL
Why doesn’t she just file a police report?
EMMA
Because she doesn’t want to have her arrested. She just wants either the money or the car. We’re just helping her file the small claims suit. That is, if there is a claim.
XOCHITL
So she’s still in love with her ex. Because if it was me, I would’ve had her arrested.
Emma smiles and nods. Kassandra finishes looking through the paperwork, makes some more notes and then hands it to Xochitl. Xochitl takes it.
XOCHITL
So, tell us about the harassment case.
EMMA
That one’s a bit more complicated. No one’s talking. We need to convince some of her colleagues to talk to us and at least give statements. We may even need to wire our client, but right now that’s only a last resort. Here’s the file.
Emma hands it directly to Kassandra this time. Kassandra opens it and looks up at Emma.
KASSANDRA
You’re kidding right?
EMMA
No.
Xochitl leans over towards Kassandra to look at the file.
XOCHITL
(as she leans over)
What? Oh…
EMMA
Exactly. This is a really sensitive case. I’ll understand if you don’t want to–
XOCHITL
Hold the phone. That’s not what we’re saying. This is exactly why we to what we do.
EMMA
That’s exactly our sentiment which is why we took the case.
Kassandra says nothing keeps examining the file as Xochitl and Emma continue.
XOCHITL
How much of a case do you think you have?
EMMA
It would be solid if we could get people to talk to us. It could very well bring trouble to you guys.
XOCHITL
Troubles our middle name.
Kassandra shakes her head at Xochitl’s comment. Xochitl smiling looks at Kassandra the seriousness with which Kassandra is reading the file and taking notes.
EMMA
(looking from Kassandra to Xochitl)
What do think?
XOCHITL
From the looks of it…(glances to Kassandra engulfed in case files)…we’re partners. Why don’t we leave Kat alone and go to my desk where I can draw up the paperwork.
Emma stands and picks up her attache as Xochitl leaves Kassandra’s office.
EMMA
(to Kassandra)
Thanks for taking this on.
Kassandra doesn’t look up from her reading. Kassandra goes back to the file. Emma hesitates then exits out to the receptionist area.
INT. K2 OFFICE’S RECEPTION AREA & DESK – CONTINUOUS
Emma sits in one of the guest seats with her attache in her lap.
EMMA
Is she always that talkative?
XOCHITL
Sorry about her. She gets a little over zealous and forgets anyone else is the room.
EMMA
It’s fine. It’s good to know that she’ll be on top of things.
Xochitl starts typing away at the keyboard. Emma glances around the office.
