Criminal Technology

Criminal Technology

Criminal technology is a play written by Celina Martins in 2008. The play, as far as the genre is concerned, is a play where love, betrayal and crime are joined together, giving the reader a complete sensation of the tragic environment which is about to put an end to all the romance, though naïve, felt throughout the play.
Caroline, the wife of a rich man, owner of a chain of Hotels, finds herself in a loving triangle which turns out to be dangerous and consequently deadly. Full of feeling, passion and revenge, the play invites at any level, in a tremendous drama.



Characters:
Caroline Thompson, wife
Otto Thompson, husband
Jack Wallace, the car park attendant
Cassandra, Caroline’s friend
Nancy Perez, a maid


I Scene (One of Mr. Thompson’s Hotel rooms in Los Angeles. Mr. Thompson, an old, reddish and powerful man of about 55, is the owner of a large chain of Hotels, where he remains the majority of the time. The room is large and cosy. Between two windows there is a fireplace made of marble and right in front of it a potent bed is positioned. Otto Thompson is about to finish tidying up his red streaky tie which matches his black costume and white shirt, while he glimpses his wife. Caroline, a beautiful young woman nearly 23 whose distant eye’s expression seem to speak of the emptiness of her heart is dragged to reality by a sudden hope when she hears the constant comments of her husband)

Otto (nervously looks at the time): I’m already late! Damn these maids! Why can’t they just call someone when they are supposed to? Is that so hard to do? For God sake! The plane is not going to wait for me! (Suddenly stops and looks at Caroline) Are you awake? I’m sorry if I interrupted you! (Cynically)
Caroline: Oh, I was already awake (coldly) That’s fine. By the way, what is that you were saying? You’re leaving? (A fill of hope invades her heart)
Otto: Supposedly I am! The flight is within an hour and I’m still here! Caroline, did you hear me? Oh, I need to call reception. Hope my car is already ready to depart. (He calls reception. While he answers back to one of his employees on the phone, Caroline is full of joy. She tries to hide the smile that suddenly emerges on her face). Well, my dear wife, fortunately everything is set! You know how business works. I’m about to close a very important contract! It’s our big chance to invest in Brazil. I feel so guilty by leaving you here alone… (He leans and kisses her on her face)
Caroline: Oh, do not bother about me! I’ll be fine! Look, I’ll stay here and I promise you I can handle all this here. You see, I’ll be checking up all the details of the Hotel, ok? Oh, you see? I can even pass by the administration department just to see how they’re getting on. I’m so used to seeing you doing this that I got the hang of all this constant process. (He seems suspicious and does not move) Don’t you trust me?
Otto: Honey, it is not that! You see…this requires a lot of efficiency, care and...(tries to find the exact word) KNOWLEDGE! You have none of these things!
Caroline: (Offended) Well, I might never have studied, but one thing I know for sure! Are you ready to leave the management of these Hotels to your stingy, fibbing rude friend? He’s not reliable! Remember the last time he tried to cheat on you in order to get rid of you? Do you call him a friend? (she emphasizes this last word ) Besides, he seems not to understand a piece of the functions here! Better your wife than him, don’t you think? (he looks petrified) Come on! I’ll call you as soon as I detect anything wrong, alright? Let me take the responsibilities! (he does not react) Oh Otto! Don’t you have a flight to catch? (She gets impatient)
Otto (comes down to Earth): Of course! Do I have any choice? Whatever! Please, please, please, call me if anything comes up! I might have gone nuts by leaving you responsible of these matters! (He leaves rapidly. 5 minutes later, Caroline sees him getting into the car and departing. A sudden feeling of joyfulness fills into her heart)
Caroline: Oh! This is our opportunity my love! You and I…finally together! Oh, I can hardly wait! (She rushes to her cell-phone. She dials Jack’s number. Her heart beats frenetically. A very firm, agreeable voice picks up the phone. It’s him.) This is it! He’s gone! We’re safe! Trust me! (silence) What? Are you sure? Oh, this is great news! When and where can we meet? Oh, I miss you so much!


II Scene (Caroline walks impatiently around the Hotel room. An hour has passed since Otto left. Outside, what seemed to become a splendid sunny day turns out to be a cloudy and rainy day. Caroline experiences some shivers. She runs towards the windows to close them. Immediately she shudders by feeling someone grabbing her without noticing. Her heart bursts)
Jack (joking): Do not fear young lady! Your prince charming has just arrived to save you from the hands of the terrible lord who keeps you away from the light of day, in others words: from me! (Caroline smiles and kisses him over and over again).
Caroline: Oh, you silly one! You scared me to death! I thought he had come back, you know? Thought he hadn’t made it! Well, it doesn’t matter! You’re here! Did anyone see you? Is anyone replacing you?
Jack: Yeah, everything’s alright. I told Joe I was feeling a bit dizzy. He suspected nothing. Anyway, there’s not a lot of movement today. Parking can surely wait. I wanted to be with you!
Caroline: I don’t even want to imagine what Otto would do if he found both of us out! You don’t even know what I’ve been going through in my dreams…I mean…nightmares. He’s always there spying on us. His eyes full of anger follow us everywhere. Even in my mind he’s present. Even my only place of liberty and love lets me down! (The tone of her voice grows distressed)
Jack (stunned) Hush, hush, Caroline! What are you saying? Calm down. I cannot bear seeing you like this. I’m here next to you, aren’t I? Nothing can harm you. Mind you, we’re being really careful on this. We’ve been seeing each other for 2 months. No one has ever discovered us…(she interrupts him)
Caroline: …yet! Oh, I fear so badly! Otto is capable of many things. I know him. He might seem a bit dumb, but that is just a trick of his! Seriously! Once he gets the chance…he smashes everyone who gets in his way! (She starts weeping) I don’t want to lose you Jack!
Jack: Caroline, stop it! (He embraces her) I can promise you right here (he looks deeply into her eyes) that once I feel the right time coming we’ll get away from here! We’ll start a new life. My old uncle has a beautiful house in Europe. I’m sure he doesn’t mind receiving us there! Oh, I’ve told him so much about you, Caroline. He is dying to meet you! (His eyes sparkle. Caroline sketches a smile)
Caroline: That would be a dream coming true! I want to be free, Jack. Far away from the world of business, away from the world of corruption. When can we go to Europe Jack? When? (Caroline is overcome by childish behaviour)
Jack: I’m not sure yet. All I can tell you is that I’m giving my best. You see, this is not easy as counting 1, 2, 3 Caroline. We need to plan it really well. We can’t do it alone though. I’m afraid to admit we need an accomplice, but Caroline, people are so hard to be trustworthy!
Caroline: But we have one! My old friend Cassandra!
Jack: I don’t know, Caroline.
Caroline: What? You don’t even know her! She’s so kind! She’s always helped me in everything. She’s never disappointed me. She knows our friendship is everything to me. Jack, to see us happy…she’ll do the whole thing to see us together. I can’t bear all this hidden life. We need to risk it. (She caresses Jack’s face)
Jack (he hastily stands back): What if doesn’t work out?
Caroline (optimistically): Let me talk to Cassandra, alright?
Jack: Okay…meanwhile I’m going to talk with my uncle. The day is near Caroline. You have no idea, my love. (She hastens to his neck and they embrace each other)

Scene III (Caroline walks rapidly towards Cassandra’s office. Cassandra, a tall, slim woman of about 30, blonde and green eyes is sat at her desk talking to herself. She’s so stressed out, looking at the computer, that she doesn’t even notice Caroline knocking. Caroline enters carefully).

Cassandra: (high-pitched voice): Caroline, dear! Thank God you’re here! Oh, please call Otto for me! I just received some important phone calls. Two clients are unsatisfied with out services! Caroline! Our services are considered to be the best! What am I supposed to do?
Caroline (a bit lost): Otto’s not here. He went on a trip.
Cassandra (astonished): Travelling? Well that is a surprise. Why didn’t he warn me? What a lack of respect! (Gets angry) Am I to do all the hard work alone? (Silence. Caroline doesn’t know what to say) For God sake! Where did he go?
Caroline: Oh, now that you ask, I don’t even have a clue. He was already late. He hasn’t even told me how long he’d be away! (Caroline seems worried by this sudden reality. Cassandra gets cranky). But hey, he let me the organization of the Hotel. I’m so used to living from Hotel to Hotel that I can handle it.
Cassandra: Luckily you’ve always been a very good observer…(She doesn’t seem very convinced)
Caroline: Cassandra, I need to ask you a favour…
Cassandra: If I could help…
Caroline: I hope so. You see…I mean…remember the car park attendant?
Cassandra: Hmmm…which one? There are plenty of them in this Hotel, you know?
Caroline: A boy…a very handsome one, actually…
Cassandra: My lucky rascal! Come on, tell me!
Caroline: Jack Wallace! (she immediately blushes)
Cassandra: Hmmm…I guess I see the whole thing.
Caroline: Er…you do?
Cassandra: Yeah. Why would you be blushing anyway? (She starts a never-ending speech). Dear, you should have talked to me! Oh, does Otto know?
Caroline: well…
Cassandra (interrupting her): How long have we been friends? Six years or so? Come on little Caroline! Tell me, what’s up? Oh, the boy took your heart with him? Then you completely fell in love with him, right? (pause) Oh my God Caroline! How long have you been seeing each other? How come I’ve never found out before? Oh, this is more delicate than I thought! You, poor things need my entire help! I know the boy is poor and all that stuff, but love always conquers all, doesn’t it? I’m sure you’re totally ready to leave all this boring life behind in order to be happy for the rest of your life! Am I wrong my dear Caroline? Please, tell me I’m not!
Caroline (takes a deep breathe after this bombarding): Wow…Cassandra, you’re really good at this! I don’t even know what to say!
Cassandra: Don’t say anything sweetheart! Everything is under control!
Caroline: Otto ought to be unaware of this! Did you hear me? Ignorance is bliss! We’re safe as long as he doesn’t know!
Cassandra: Oh no, no, huney! Gosh! Of course! That would be the end of the world! Just relax!
Caroline: Cassandra, the most difficult part is about to come.
Cassandra: What is it dear?
Caroline: He told me he was about to offer us a new life, far away from here…in Europe to be more precisely.
Cassandra: Oh! That is tremendous! Europe! I’ve always wanted to live there! I don’t know if I ever told you, but I’ve been in Paris and Rome and just fell in love with it! Where would you stay then?
Caroline: At his uncle’s house, but he didn’t specify where.
Cassandra: That’s fine Caroline. You have my word, I’ll help you out here (Cassandra gives Caroline both her hands)

IV Scene (Six days have passed since the big revelation made by Caroline. We’re in the Hotel room. Caroline is about to make the list of the most essential things she needs to take with her for the big day. She feels it’s time. Up there night is not afraid to show the millions of beautiful shiny stars. Someone knocks at the door calmly. Caroline answers with a very sticky voice)

Caroline: Who is it?
Nancy Perez: It’s me madam, Nancy. (Caroline quickly hides her list)
Caroline: Oh, come in Nancy.
Nancy: I’m sorry to interrupt you madam, but Mrs Cassandra asked me to deliver you this note.
Caroline: What is it Nancy?
Nancy: I don’t know madam. It’s not of my business (she blushes)
Caroline: That’s fine Nancy. Thank you very much. You may go (Caroline starts reading the note, but she’s interrupted)
Nancy: Er…madam?
Caroline: Yes?
Nancy: I know I shouldn’t say it, but the rest of the personnel and I reckon that we haven’t been well paid lately. I know the madam has always been good to me, but I felt like I had to express my thoughts about this matter…Some queer times are going on here. I’m sorry to ask you…is that the reason why your husband left?
Caroline: That’s enough Nancy! You’re being a bit bold, aren’t you? We’ve always done the best we could to treat you well. Do you have anything to claim?
Nancy: No, madam…but we all think that…
Caroline: Stop it Nancy! We’ll take care of it, alright? In time you’ll have the rest of the cash. You have my word. Ok?
Nancy: I trust you madam. Thank you. I apologise for the inconvenience…(Nancy leaves. Cassandra makes sure she’s alone to read the note: “My little Caroline, I talked to him. He seemed a bit on the defence, but I assured him I was here to make the good role for you. He’ll be with you tonight about 11h00 pm. Make sure you’re alone. I guess he has something to tell you. If you need anything, you know where I am! Love, Cassandra”. Caroline lays on the bed day-dreaming. An hour later, she hears steps on the corridor. It’s him! She rushes to the door)
Jack: Caroline! I need to be quick! (He kisses her) Cassandra told me she has a car waiting for us tomorrow night. Plus, I talked to my uncle 4 days ago. He has already booked the flight tickets! Our time has come sweetheart!
Caroline: Oh, I can’t believe it! I’m so glad! I’ve already started to make the list of things.
Jack: Pragmatic as always (they laugh. They’re so distracted they don’t even notice Nancy behind the door taping all their conversation through video. She leaves slyly with a triumphal look)

V Scene (Cassandra phones Otto from her office. The tone of her voice is extremely cynical): Otto, baby? Oh, I don’t even know how to tell you this…

Otto: What is it princess? You seem a bit worried…
Cassandra: I am baby! It seems that besides some details here at the Hotel concerning clients, you’ll come across another issue, bigger than these I just mentioned
…Oh, I feel so sorry for you!
Otto: Just get straight to the point, will you?
Cassandra: Oh, We’ll finally be together!
Otto: What is that you’re talking about?
Cassandra: You’re “beloved” wife has just been cheating on you right in front of your nose. You’re going to tell me you’ve never noticed?
Otto: Are you sure? Who is the bloody idiot sweetie? Who is it?
Cassandra: Jack Wallace, the car park attendant!
Otto: Arhg! I should have guessed! He spent about a week pestering around my wife and by the time I didn’t even pay attention! I thought he was begging for more money. They’re poor and thankless! After everything we do for all of them! Cassy, are you really sure about this information?
Cassandra: Calm down dear! Of course I am! It’s a reliable source. You wanna see? (Cassandra sends by email the video confirming the two lovers)
Otto (after watching the video. Coldly): I see…My love, this is what you’re going to do. You distract Caroline tomorrow. I’m going to solve this in my own way. I’m taking the next flight back there. You just keep your mouth shut.

VI Scene: (The next day, the big moment is about to come. Caroline and Jack are about to finish packing. They’re nervous and anxious)

Jack: We’re going in my car. You know it, right?
Caroline: Of course honey. I don’t care! We could even go on foot, as long as I’m with you! (She smiles)
Jack: is everything set?
Caroline: yeah! Let me just…(someone knocks at the door. Jack opens it)
Cassandra: Oh, I see you’re almost ready! Caroline, dear, I need to talk to you. Is that ok?
Caroline: Sure Cassandra! Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for us! For your sympathy and care! But you need to be quick! Time is lacking!
Cassandra: Sure, sure! Just come with me quickly! I need to give you something. (Looking to Jack) I don’t know if I’ll see you again so…good luck dear!
Jack: Thanks Cassandra…for everything!

VII Scene (Cassandra leads Caroline to her office. Caroline freezes from head to toe when seeing Nancy Perez sat at Cassandra’s working desk listening over and over again to the video about Caroline and Jack. Caroline looks immediately at Cassandra)

Caroline: What is going on here Cassandra? (she does not answer. Caroline seeks Nancy’s eyes) Nancy? Will you please explain it to me? What is this game about?
Nancy: Oh, I’m sorry “madam” (she accents the word). But you see, that is so rude of you. Leaving all your life behind and breaking your promises? Money does not fall from trees! (Caroline is petrified)
Caroline: How dare you?
Nancy: The same way as you dared cheating on your husband and the running way. What an excellent plan madam!
Caroline: Cassandra, do something! (Cassandra limits herself to watching the whole scene) Cassandra! I thought we were friends! (An unexpected voice enters the office)
Otto: Hello pumpkin! I guess you’re beloved Jack is about to leave you…
Caroline: You! What have you done to him?
Otto: Oh, nothing! Why do you always take me so wrong dear? Tonight you’re staying here with me! (He grabs her hurting her arms) Let him wait!
Caroline: Leave me alone! (She hits him. He lets her go. She runs downstairs. She reaches the car park. Otto and Cassandra follow her. She gets into Jack’s car)
Caroline (screaming): Go Jack! Give the ignition! They’re coming after us! Finally we’ll be free! I love you so much! (Those were her last words, for at the first corner, the car suffers a head-on collision with a truck. After the terrible news, Cassandra appears at Otto’s room)
Cassandra: Heard the news?
Otto (without reaction): Yeah
Cassandra: Have nothing to say?
Otto: I killed them both. Revenge is a terrible feeling my love. I just wanted to punish her…not killing her…(he seems to talk without feeling it)
Cassandra: That’s all my fault…
Otto: Why?
Cassandra: I betrayed my best friend just to be with you. I was responsible for her death.
Otto: You’re fired.
Cassandra: Fair enough. (She can’t hold a tear) What about the little maid?
Otto: Just leave immediately out of my way! (He shouts at her. She glimpses him for the last time and finally leaves forever. 20 minutes later an ambulance arrives at the Hotel. A bunch of people circles a dead body belonging to a beautiful blonde woman right at the back of the Hotel)
Otto: (when hearing the news): WOMEN! You all may burn in HELL!