Jaywalking
INT. WALDOPOLIS CHRONICLE – DAY
The bustling newsroom is filled with the usual chaos. Reporters run back and forth, papers fly, and gossip about Widdlington’s elite bounces off the walls. Harris Travers sits at his desk, feet up, chomping on a cigar and scribbling down his latest scandal piece. Master Devlin stands nearby, reviewing a particularly dull report with a sigh.
Suddenly, there's a knock at the door, and without waiting for a response, Ermintrude enters, followed by two men in suits, wearing stern expressions. The room goes still.
ERMINTRUDE
“Excuse me, Mr. Travers, these men are detectives with the Widdlington PD.”
Travers' cigar falls out of his mouth.
Master Devlin
(with a smirk) “Oh dear... What have you done now, Travers?” To Devlin's surprise, the detectives approach his own desk.DETECTIVE #1
“Master Devlin?”Master Devlin
(confused) “Yes?”DETECTIVE #2
“I'm Detective Inspector Doyle, this is DC Skelton. We’re here to speak to you about an incident that occurred in Waldminster on the 28th of August, 2024.”Master Devlin
(offended) “Incident? What incident??”DC Skelton
“Jaywalking...”Master Devlin
(stunned) “Jaywalking? In Waldminster? That's ridiculous! There’s virtually no traffic in Widdlington! You must be joking?” The detectives remain deadpan.DI Doyle
“I can assure you it's no joke, sir. And it doesn’t matter. Law’s the law.” Devlin’s eyes narrow in disbelief. Travers’ eyes light up, and he hops out of his chair, puffing his chest up with importance.Travers
“Don’t say another word, Master Devlin. I’ll handle this... As Master Devlin's attorney, anything you wish to say to him will go through me.”Master Devlin
(shaking his head) “He’s not my lawyer...”Travers
(ignoring him) “Officers, my client is a pillar of the community. Surely we can look the other way on this minor infraction?”DI Doyle
“Sir, jaywalking may be a minor offense, but it’s still an offense. The new Justice Party government has cracked down on letting things slide. We can't be seen giving your client special treatment.”Master Devlin
(exasperated) “Again, not my lawyer! I have a team of lawyers...” Devlin, now fed up, pulls out his Masters Council badge from his coat.Master Devlin
“Look, detectives... Let’s be reasonable. I'm on official business at all times in this town. Can’t you show a little professional courtesy?”DI Doyle
“Sorry, sir, but we're under strict orders not to make special exemptions—especially for the Council. I believe we have the Reform Party to thank for that.”Travers
“Officers, my client is no mere Master... He is THE Master! This dragon-man transcends mere sidewalks. I should know—I trained him myself. As his legal representative, I must insist you reconsider! Think of the precedent! If this goes to court, the entire city will—”Master Devlin
(frustrated) “Shut up, Travers... I'll just pay the damn fine...”Travers
“Don’t be absurd! Disregard that last remark, officers. My client is speaking out of turn... Clearly, this is a witch hunt! They’re targeting Master Devlin to weaken the Council—and this newspaper! Pure political maneuvering!”Master Devlin
(grumbling) “More likely it's Ed... It’s always Ed, tormenting me again…”DI Doyle
“Sir, your religious beliefs are protected under Waldonian law, but they cannot be used as a defense. Again, we don’t do two-tier policing here—this isn’t the UK. Well, not anymore, at least…”Master Devlin
(snorting) “Religious…”Travers
“I’ve heard enough of this! I demand that you either charge my client or let him go immediately!” The detectives exchange confused glances.DC Skelton
“Sir, your client is not under arrest at this time...”Master Devlin
(losing patience) “I'M NOT HIS CLIENT! HE'S NOT MY LAWYER, GOD DAMN IT!”DI Doyle
“Sir, calm down, or we’ll have to arrest you for disturbing the peace.”Master Devlin
(turning bright red) “This is a private offic—Never mind... How much will it be? £50??” He angrily pulls his wallet out and begins to put notes on the table.Travers
“Whoa, whoa... Officers, my client didn’t mean that... He's bribing out of turn...”DC Skelton
(surprised) “Bribe? Are you attempting to bribe us, sir?”Master Devlin
(alarmed) “WHAT?? NO... IT'S NOT A BRIBE... I’m trying to pay the f—”Travers
(interrupting) “Please, officers, it was a momentary lapse in judgment from an already troubled mind... Can’t we just move past this little incident?”DI Doyle
“I’m afraid not, Mr. Travers. Bribery is an extremely serious offense—especially with all the scrutiny on us at the moment. I’m afraid we’ll now have to arrest your client...”DC Skelton
“Master Devlin, I’m arresting you for attempted bribery, jaywalking, disturbing the peace…”Master Devlin
(boiling over with rage) “FFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUU—”DI Doyle
“Better add shouting and swearing at police officers to the list of charges.”Travers
“Don’t worry, Master Devlin. I’ll have you out in no time...” Devlin, now in a silent, simmering rage, is handcuffed and led away, with Travers trailing behind, offering unwanted legal advice.