[Casey pulls her hoodie up, puts on sunglasses, lights her cigarette and smokes. She is seated outside a coffee shop reading a newspaper:

THE DAILY NEWS

11 APRIL 2017

MAN STABBED TO DEATH AND THROWN TO THE RIVER!

[She quickly closes the newspaper after turning to the next page to read the whole story. She throws the newspaper in the dustbin and leaves the coffee shop without making any eye contact. When she arrives at home, Layla runs to hug her.]

Layla: Hey, my big sister is here. I missed you so much.

Casey: (frowns) I’m not your sister. Now go, go to your room. (Pushes her and switches on the television)

Reporter: It is suspected that the suspect has fled the country. The young man was brutally stabbed to death at his apartment and later was deliberately thrown to the most dangerous river the ‘Horizon’. Friends and colleagues are being questioned by detective Smith. Anyone with information can…

Casey: (Clicks her tongue and switches off the television.)

Mr Rogers: I’m still watching.

Casey: (panics) Dad you are here, I didn’t notice.

Mr Rogers: This world has become a hell. Do you know the Horizon River? There are crocodiles. Whoever killed Alex is cruel.

Casey: You can say that again, but maybe he deserved it.

[Casey walks to her room and lies with her back on the bed holding her teddy bear tightly. There’s a knock on the door]

Casey: (shouts) What?

Mr Rogers: Is that how you talk with your father? Open the door.

Casey: What do you want?

Mr Rogers: I’m leaving now. Can you please keep an eye on your little sister? I will be back shortly.

Casey: (mumbles) Where are you going?

Mr Rogers: (sighs) To fetch Sarah, she will be having a dinner with us.

Casey: You mean to sleep over?

Mr Rogers: I won’t let you disrespect me in my own house. Sarah is my girlfriend, it’s time you get used to that. I’m leaving, now make sure you lock the door. This world is no longer a safe place. Take care of Layla.

Casey: Whatever!

[At 19:41 Casey is burning photos and some clothes behind the yard]

Layla: Sister what are you burning? Dad and Sarah have arrived.

Casey: (looks at her and looks down again) Oh, everything is a mess.

Layla: Are you crying? Are you OK?

Casey: (sniffs) I’m not crying, big girls don’t cry. Don’t you know that?

Layla: It is OK to break down, I do sometimes when I miss mom. Do you miss her too?

Casey: What? What mom? You mean Maya? She is not my…

[Mr Rogers clears his throat]

Mr Rogers: Ladies come inside, dinner is ready.

[They all sit at the table, Sarah prays and they all eat silently]

Layla: Dad, can I ask, are you going to marry Sarah?

[Mr Rogers and Sarah chat and laugh]

Casey: (gives Sarah a bad look) that will never happen, not when I’m still alive.

Mr Rogers: I will do as I please, if I want Sarah to be my wife, I will marry her and no one will stop me. I think it’s time you return to your apartment.

Casey: Dad, you are throwing me out? Do you think my mom would have allowed you kicking me out? This is my mother’s house and I’m not going anywhere.

Mr Rogers: This is my house too. Your mother is never coming back, accept that; let her rest in peace.

Casey: You always want to see yourself with a skirt, aren’t you supposed to be mourning? Layla’s mother died 6 months ago but you have guts to bring a new girlfriend. What are you teaching Layla?

Mr Rogers: (looks down) I cannot mourn forever. Life goes on.

Casey: So 6 months to you is forever?

Sarah: I think I should leave.

Casey: Yeah you do that.

[Doorbell]

Mr Rogers: You are not going anywhere. Let me get that.

[Opens the door]

Mr Smith: Good evening, is this Mr Rogers’ house?

Mr Rogers: Of course, what can I do for you at this time?

Mr Smith: I’m Detective Smith, I’m looking for Casey Rogers.

[Mr Rogers looks at Casey and their eyes meet. He quickly looks at Mr Smith]

Mr Rogers: Can you come tomorrow maybe? We are in the middle of something.

Mr Smith: This cannot wait, I have few questions for her regarding the death of Alex Robinson.

***

Tell us: Do you think Casey had something to do with the murder?