Original subtitles

If you don't want to get on this train now, that's your decision. But just

don't tell me down the road that you didn't get a chance to jump on.

So, what's it going to be?

Pardon?

Oh, sorry.

Now you're talking like a man with vision.

Welcome to the future.

Tessa will reach out by EOD.

Bob, work on your short game.

A little, will ya? It's getting embarrassing.

I deserve that.

All right, chat.

Sorry about that.

These investment firms think they can call you whenever just because they hold

the purse strings.

And the worst part is, they're right.

Charles Larson. Oh, uh, Clayton.

Clayton. Nice to meet you. How's your morning so far?

Oh, it's fantastical. You?

Not quite.

Fantastical, Ed, but ask me after my espresso kicks in. Definitely. Will do.

You want one?

We've got a machine in-house here, commercial grade. It's amazing. Oh, no,

I'm fine. You know what's not a problem? I'll have my secretary, Tessa, whip one

up for you. It's very generous. Really, I'm okay. Tessa, come on in here a sec.

That's not necessary.

Not a problem.

You rang?

Would you make my friend Clayton here an espresso?

Ah, another caffeine junkie, huh?

I'd say I'm trying to cut back.

But that would make you a liar, wouldn't it?

Guilty.

How do you take it?

Distrato, Longo, cappuccino, macchiato?

It's very generous, miss, but really, I'm okay.

Are you sure?

Our machine's commercial grade.

Didn't I tell you? Oh, you'll love the Cortado. I'll be right back.

Oh, uh, miss, miss, please, please don't!

I'm so sorry. I'm really sorry. I just, um, I have got a lot of nervous energy

in me right now, and if I get any more energy in my system, it might need to

find a release.

Say no more.

But I really appreciate it. Thank you. You're very welcome.

Maybe on the way out, then.

Sounds grand.

Um, hang on one second.

Clayton, is there anything else we might be able to get you? No, no. I'm right as

rain. You sure? Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Closed, I presume?

Thank you.

Okay.

Clayton.

What can I do for you?

Oh, God.

Oh, no. Am I in the right place? I'm here for the interview?

The interview.

Clayton.

Yes. Now I remember. Okay. Thank goodness. Excuse me. Okay. Have a seat.

Have a seat. Thank goodness.

Sorry to ask, did you happen to hear a noise coming from inside this office

when you were just outside?

Uh, no. Why do you ask?

No, I just had to take a phone call, you know, and I didn't want to disturb

anyone. Well, we do have a very strict no personal call policy here, so you'll

have to keep that phone shut off during work hours. The whole day?

Is that a problem?

No. No, no, no. I can do that. Yeah.

I'm kidding, Clayton. This is an office, not a prison.

Oh. Oh, of course.

Yeah, I walked into that one.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

No, no, no, no. I love kidding around, I swear. Just busting chops.

It's a bad habit.

I can dish it, but I can also take it. So feel free to fire back whenever you

need to. All right, well, I'll keep that in mind if the mood strikes.

Here,

take a load off.

I rarely conduct these interviews. Usually it's HR's job.

So I'm as nervous as you are right now.

I doubt that very much. Oh, hand to God.

How about this?

Why don't you and I just get to know each other?

Deal?

Deal.

Okay. It wouldn't matter anyway, right?

How's that?

If I took a phone call in here?

Those are Seam-Ray triple glazed windows.

superior in energy efficiency and noise reduction.

You have them in the entire building.

Primo choice.

Huh.

I learned something new today.

Good eye.

Attention to detail. Just part of the Clayton package.

Okay. Well, let's see what's in the rest, shall we?

He's jumping right in, huh?

Well, you can call me the Black Eyed Peas.

Because I'm...

I'm ready to get it started.

Let's get it started.

Okay.

Master's in engineering from the University of British Columbia. Nice.

God, this view is amazing.

Bet it never gets old, huh?

Oh, I like your accent wall, too. Is that teal?

Yeah.

Certs. Hmm?

Uh, no. Thanks. Be certain with certs.

Remember that? It was all over the place in the 90s. It's two mints in one.

Yeah, yes. I think I remember that. Right? Yeah. It had the theme song. It

had that classic R&B synth beat. It's two, two, two bits in one. Hey, wait.

I really do have a lot on the docket today, so maybe we could just

concentrate on the interview.

Oh, sure.

Sure, of course, of course. No, I was just trying to break the ice.

My fiance always says I'm terrible at reading the room, so... Ready when you

are.

Okay.

Why do you want to work for Herbert Matthews?

You're an institution, a behemoth, the unstoppable juggernaut of construction

firms.

So you want to work for a reputable company.

That's right.

You have an MS, but you've only worked as an assistant, never an engineer.

What can you tell me about that?

Can't pull one past you, huh?

Only if you're comfortable talking about it.

No, no, no, no, no. I can answer.

Well,

if I'm being honest, I never felt motivated until recently.

Interesting.

And what changed?

Purpose.

I want to make an impact, you know?

I do.

I bet you do.

What's your greatest strength?

I do my research.

Excellent.

Greatest weakness?

Feels like I'm about to self-incriminate.

Can't plead the fifth, can I?

You can answer any way you like.

No, no, I'm kidding.

I would say my greatest weakness is... I care too much about doing a great job.

That's your answer?

Let it be written.

Okay.

How would you rate yourself from 1 to 10?

In the infinite permutations that comprise what a human is, that's a

pretty reductive question.

Don't overthink it.

Gut reaction. First number that comes to mind.

Ten.

Ten.

Why did I see that coming?

I like the confidence.

Mm-hmm.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In another world.

Excuse me?

I mean, it was to say, right, I could, um...

I could jump off the roof of this building, or I could, you know, be

unplugged from the simulation we're all currently hooked into.

And what does it matter, right? What matters is you, Charles, and me,

Clayton, right here in this room, right now, in this moment.

Clayton, you had to go through a few other interviews to get to this one,

yeah? Yes, three.

And did you give them the same answers that you're giving me here today?

No. No, please.

You, Charles, are on another level.

Come on.

Way better than those other, you know, jokers.

With you, it feels like we've been pals forever.

First time I felt like I wasn't going to soil my pants, actually.

Well, that's a good thing, at least.

Yeah.

Your answer to the five-year question.

That's what you want me to write down?

Honesty is a vastly underrated quality.

All right.

I think I've got everything I need.

That's it?

Yep. Unless you've got any questions for me.

Uh... I mean, yeah.

Just one.

How'd I do?

That's a new one.

We'll let you know, okay?

Good, huh?

I wasn't saying anything. Look, I...

I was just trying to make light of this whole awkward, you know, interview

thing. These questions that you're asking, they don't mean anything.

I mean, you, Mr. Larsen, of all people, you know, you've got to know that. Come

on.

We'll keep you in mind down the road, okay?

Okay, okay, okay. I'll play along.

In five years, I see myself slowly working out... I've got all the

information I need. I haven't gotten to know you.

What about a reverse interview? That's a thing, right? I've got a heap of work I

need to get to today, so... I'm worth it. I promise.

I really don't. 11% cost margin.

That's the way you can save. I know how.

11%. It's impossible.

No, no.

I've been buried in plans for the last seven years. That's all assistants do is

look at other engineers' work. But they all overlook detail in the ordinance

mandates. They could save minimum 10%, but maybe, maybe up to 20%.

See?

Everyone says you have to build within these certain parameters, but they're

not willing to take a risk once in a while.

You know?

What risks?

Can we start over?

Please.

I'm sure I could learn something from your decades of experience.

It would be my honor, truly.

We'll do your interview and then my juicy secrets.

They're all yours.

Don't make me regret this.

I will be weird.

I promise.

Calms the nerves.

So, Charles Larson, correct?

That's me.

Clayton Hill, pleased to meet you. Here, take a seat.

Okay.

So... Tell me a little bit about yourself.

God, I can't remember the last time I was interviewed. I'm afraid I'm going to

be a little out of practice.

Don't you sweat it. And hey, I'm just as nervous as you are. Hand to God.

So, who is Charles Larson?

Well, I grew up in Minneapolis, MBA from Northwestern.

I've always had a passion for building and creating projects that would leave a

significant impact.

which led me here to Herbert Matthews, where I have been the VP of Development

for, oh, God knows how many years.

Wow.

A big player over here, huh?

And did you ever live anywhere else other than here?

I jumped around a good while, so lots of places.

But nowhere of note.

Not worth mentioning?

Mental notes.

And what's your greatest weakness?

Don't you want to start with greatest strength?

Nope.

My greatest weakness would be time management.

Really? Yeah.

I get so absorbed in work sometimes that I will look up and I'm

the last person here.

But I just ordered a wall clock, so there's hope for me yet.

Hey, I hope it comes with an alarm. Am I right?

And, um, where do you see yourself in five years?

Actually, I'm looking forward to incorporating all the knowledge I've

gained in my tenure here and spearheading new initiatives to catapult

Herbert Matthews into untapped sectors of the marketplace.

Are you sure you haven't interviewed lately?

Is that enough to break the ice?

Let's hear about that 11% cost margin.

Oh, almost, almost.

Just one more.

Hey, Mom, give me a second.

This is Charles.

Uh-huh.

It should be fine. Why?

It has to happen now?

No, no, no. I'll be there. Make sure you tell him.

Okay.

I'm sorry. I gotta get going. What?

No. No, no. We were just getting to know each other. Maybe another day. Check

with Tessa at the front.

Just five more minutes. It'll be worth it. I promise. Not possible. Sorry.

Then how about just one more question for me? Clayton. One more question.

Fine.

One more question. Go. Okay.

What is your biggest mistake?

I don't know. Oh.

Don't overthink it. Gun to your head. Biggest mistake. Go. I don't know.

I'm sorry. See yourself out, okay?

Charles, Charles.

Stay. I'm going.

Goodbye.

Charles.

Stay.

Okay, okay.

Okay.

Hang on.

Take a seat, bud.

What are you doing with that?

Charles. Sit.

No, at your desk, dummy.

Easy. Hey, hey, hey, hey.

Clayton, obviously there's been some kind of mistake here, but it's nothing

that we can't iron out, okay? Just can you put that away?

No, I like it where it is.

Then what are you doing?

We are going to finish your interview.

My interview.

Why?

Your answers to the questions a second ago.

Chef's kiss.

They were written as if they were HR scripture.

The immaculate conception of meaningless corporate jargon.

What I want is just a little honesty from you.

Something from the heart.

And that's all?

That's it.

Then off you go to your...

super secret meeting or whatever.

So, let's try a real question this time.

Gun to your head.

When's the last time you had sex?

What?

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Easy, okay, okay, okay.

I guess... two weeks ago.

And who's the lucky so-and-so?

Be honest.

Uh, he was an escort.

Like a bodyguard?

Prostitute.

See, Charles?

Honesty.

Congratulations. You are now an official human being.

Mazel tov.

Heavy gun, right?

Jesus!

Oh, you didn't even think for a second it could be fake, did you?

You're going to jail.

Yes,

you said I could bust your chops, so it was out of the box, but it got results,

right? And besides... You want the entire office to know you just got duped

by some jabroni with a toy gun, hmm?

You're leaving.

Okay, hey, hey, hey. Here, here, here, here, here, here. Have a certs. It'll

make you feel better. You've got less than 10 seconds to be out that door and

out of my life for good, or I'm calling security. Okay, okay, hey, hey.

You're embarrassed.

I get it. How about this? I won't tell you when the gun was fake. It was, um,

it was real the whole time, hmm? That's it.

How about this?

Charles, I'll do you one even better.

Now, you don't have to lie.

This isn't funny. I should say not.

A live gun is quite serious.

Bullshit.

That's not real.

Cross my heart. Hope to die.

Oh, don't do that.

You just take a seat, bud.

Don't shoot me.

I'll do whatever you want, please.

What I want is for you to take a few deep breaths. Can you do that?

Yes. Good.

Now, what I want is for you to get up and take a seat.

You'll kill me if I do.

If you take a seat, I promise I will not kill you. You have my word. You've been

lying.

No way. Well, I hate to break this to you there, Chuck, but I could kill you

right now.

Come on.

You got this.

Nice and easy.

Please.

Look, I don't know what... Why are you doing this?

To finish the interview.

You want the job?

It's yours.

I'll make the call right now.

No phones.

In fact, it'll be better if you just stay put, okay?

So, first off, I'm sorry you had to put down your computer.

I don't have anything against technology.

I'm no Luddite, if that's where your mind's going, but I think we can both

agree you got the point across, am I right?

Charles, you with me?

I am, yes.

Yeah, I understand what you're saying. What's going on, man?

This is important stuff, so I'm gonna need you to focus up.

Okay.

Well, can you please point that thing not right at me?

I don't know.

You gonna be cool?

Yes.

First time being held at gunpoint, huh?

Me too.

Well, not the receiving end part, but, uh,

as the holder... upper, I guess?

Oh, before I forget, cell phone, please.

Don't want you live streaming.

Thank you.

So, where were we?

Ah, yes!

The interview!

Let's try again.

Yeah.

We already did it.

Hardly. I want to get to know the real Charles Larson.

Leave no stone unturned.

Look, I'm willing to do anything it is that you want, but that's not going to

happen. Why not?

Because you just shot a gun inside of a building full of people. Someone heard

that.

Silence or no?

So the police are on their way.

You're right.

The term silencer is hardly reflective of its function.

Somebody definitely heard it.

If it weren't for those steam ray triple glazed windows.

Oh.

You really did me a solid, huh, bud?

Okay. So we do the interview.

And then what?

The moment you open that door, it's over.

There's no way out of this for you.

I'm not looking for a way out.

What?

Charles, we're going to do your interview.

And at the end, I'm going to place this barrel to my temple, and I'm going to

paint your wall red.

No.

Yes.

But today isn't about me.

It's about you.

Will you be left standing?

Or will your corpse lie next to mine?

Hence, the interview.

Dun, dun, dun.

I know. Heavy stuff, right?

Be certain with certs.

Offer still open.

No phones, remember?

Unless you want to cut the interview short.

I'm currently indisposed, but leave a message and my office will contact you

in a timely manner. Have a wonderful day.

What?

Indisposed.

Right to our boys of Charles.

Oh, man.

Sorry.

Let's try again, yeah?

So, Charles.

Oh, what about Charlie?

Oh, I like Charlie.

So, Charlie, tell me a little bit about yourself.

Am I supposed to give you the same answers I gave you before? What exactly

do you want?

You're right.

I already did that one.

But still, anything to add?

I would like to not die today.

Yes. Yes!

A little truth to kick things off. Very good, Charles.

Very good. Oh, I know.

You didn't answer this one before.

What is your biggest mistake?

And don't say you don't know.

I'm sure he can muster something up.

I have made so many mistakes.

Too many to count.

Is that what you want to hear?

Nope.

The question was your biggest mistake.

Any day, buddy. Okay, okay, okay.

My biggest mistake was I preemptively

gave... quarterly result information to shareholders before the official

earnings date.

Right.

Right, and that's bad because... It's insider trading.

Insider trading.

Oh, man.

So, let me get this right. So you let your little Wall Street buddies know how

the company was doing so they could trade the stock before everyone else?

Yes. Oh, man.

That's the same kind of insatiable 1%er greed that led to the Great Recession.

People lost their homes. That's... that's real, real bad.

It was a mistake.

How is that a mistake?

Because it was a... a lapse in judgment.

Wasn't worth getting caught over.

Charles!

Oh, my God, you are on fire.

It's only a mistake if you can get caught.

Brilliant.

I got an idea.

What if we were to call the IRS right now?

What would happen?

I don't know. You don't? No. You sure about that?

Okay, okay.

Okay. Okay.

I'd go to federal prison for the next 20 years.

You happy?

Oh.

I guess he did know, huh?

Why do you care about the company stock?

Just tell me what you want, and we'll work it out.

Honesty. That's all I want.

And that's what I'm giving you.

And that's great.

So, this insider trading, that's your biggest mistake?

Yes.

Charles.

Charles, Charles.

You know, I'm not going to feed you the answers because that'll defeat the

purpose of this whole thing that we're doing here.

But, um, you know what?

Since we've got a ways to go, let me give you a little insight as to how it's

going so far.

Not so great.

But that's the truth.

I'm not proud of what I did, but it happened. Yeah, I believe you.

So, biggest mistake?

Come on, Charles.

Yes.

Yeah. I've made a lot of mistakes in my life, and I really think that that is

the biggest one. I don't know what you want me to say.

You don't know me.

You don't know my life.

I don't.

No.

Oh.

Charles! Larson, 5'9", born in 1970, unmarried, raised an

only child in the affluent suburbs of Minneapolis.

Your father owned a sawmill.

Your mother a stay-at-home mom. They divorced when you were six.

Your first car was a BMW, and your favorite song is, I'm sorry to say,

Toto's Africa.

So you found me on social media.

That's a two-dimensional drawing of a person. That's nothing that matters.

You're absolutely right. It takes a long time to get to know somebody.

Bones to balls.

Like how you're a member of a wine club, but you don't drink.

That neck scar, it's from a cycling accident, but you tell everyone it's

from car crashes, and that makes a difference.

Your best friend in first grade used to call you chum.

How do you know that?

That fish smell was hard to wash off, huh?

Who are you?

I told you.

I do my research.

Now, if I were you, I would dig down deep

and try my darndest to answer honestly.

Because I'll know.

Now, I know your biggest mistake is a matter of opinion, so you know what?

Let's just try some simpler questions, okay?

What is your favorite color?

Uh, blue. Good.

Favorite food?

Sushi, correct.

Well, that's what you tell everyone anyway.

Playing sports?

I play golf. Yes.

Honesty.

It's not that hard, right?

Mm-hmm. So, do you like it, golf?

No, not really, no.

Okay, so why do you play it?

Because my friends play it. You do what your friends do, that's telling.

But are they your friends, really?

No.

Who are your friends?

Well, how do you define friend?

Come on.

Someone you hang out with, enjoy their company, maybe tell a secret or two,

hmm? Got anyone like that?

I guess not.

Winnie, winnie, chickadee, now you're getting it.

Are you trying to humiliate me?

Is that what this is about because you already know the answers?

Yes, I do.

But do you?

Sorry. Sorry.

That was way too cryptic.

You religious, Chuck?

I was raised Catholic.

Not the question. I'll rephrase.

Do you believe in God?

No. Why not?

Because it's pointless.

Pointless? Yes.

Whatever is going to happen is going to happen regardless of what we believe.

That's the truth of things, and anyone who thinks different is wasting their

time.

You ever been in love?

Oh, God.

Discussed him or her.

So how about it? Anyone special in your life that you didn't pay for, you dog?

I... No, no, I don't think so, no. Well, did you ever have a girlfriend

or boyfriend? No judgment.

Girlfriend, yes.

Right after college. Okay.

So, didn't you love her?

I thought that maybe, yes, at the time. Oh, that's sweet. So what happened?

I took a job out of town, and we broke up.

It wasn't meant to be.

Is that what she would say?

No.

She would say that I never considered her a priority.

And would you agree?

She knew who I was.

So if she didn't like it, she never should have gotten involved with me in

the first place. And I'm sure she found someone more suitable for her.

What was the last thing you ever said to her?

Charles, the last thing you told Susan, what was it?

That she was a waste of time.

That she was the biggest mistake of my life.

She was the biggest mistake of your life.

Hey, but not anymore, right?

Not since the insider trading.

Or not. Hey, you tell me.

So, you're related to Susan somehow.

Is that why you're here?

Girl, girlfriend?

No. Well, then why are you doing this? Hey, hey, hey!

I didn't say these things.

You did.

I'm just a truth pig sniffing through all your...

Charlesy bullshit.

Okay.

We'll move on.

Captain's sensitive over here.

So you said you moved around a lot.

Where'd you go?

Do you want me to list all of these places?

Well, where'd you spend the most time, then?

I guess Calgary.

Alberta? Yes.

Get out. Same here.

When?

2012 to 2015.

Me too.

Bet we crossed paths and didn't even know it.

Did I do something to you?

Back then? Is that what this is?

No. No.

I... No.

We'd never met before.

Today's our first encounter. I swear to God.

Truly.

Nice people there, huh? But, ugh, so rainy and wet. I was bored out of my

gourd.

I don't know. It was okay.

Yeah. But not like Vancouver or Chicago, huh?

I barely remember my time in Calgary.

Although, oh, man, did you remember that, the building that collapsed, the

condominium?

I think so, yeah.

That happened really close to me.

How does something like that happen?

I mean, I know you're no, you know, engineer, but you know construction.

I mean, how does a collapse on that scale happen?

I don't know.

Poor planning, I suppose.

Anyway, what company did you work for in Calgary?

Sousa.

What company built those condominiums?

Sousa.

How many people were in that building when it fell?

I don't know.

Yes, you do.

That wasn't our fault. How many people, Charles?

92. 92 lives taken. And who went to prison for killing 92 innocent people?

That's not how it works. Then enlighten me. How does it work?

The company assumed fault.

And there were consequences.

Everybody lost their jobs, their livelihoods. Oh, so the company took the

fall. Oh, the poor, poor company.

But not a single person.

was held responsible, not won.

Everyone was held responsible. That's what a company is. You landed on your

feet, though.

How long did it take you to get another job?

I don't remember the exact timeline.

Six weeks.

No.

No, it was longer than that. I remember that.

I stand corrected. Six and a half.

You started after a holiday weekend.

Well, it felt like longer.

It was a very difficult time.

Yeah, I can imagine it was.

You know anyone involved in that building?

I did. How's that?

You already know the answer.

Why make me say it? Because I want to hear it out loud from you. I was the

supervisor on the project along with a team of over 50 other people who triple

-checked every blueprint, every decision that went into building it. Yeah, but

you were the main man.

The head honcho to make sure it all went smoothly. And under budget, of course.

All right.

Okay. All right. I get it.

I get it.

You engineers just hate all of us suits.

Right?

Well, I'll tell you something.

Somebody has to do it.

If projects don't make a profit, the company goes under. Period.

Capitalism's become the new C-word, but it is the reality we all live in. So if

you want to change the system, talk to the government, not me.

Take it up with the politicians, right?

Precisely.

Sit down.

Politicians.

It is now time for today's technical daily

devil.

If Charles can answer this question correctly, he will win the chance

to live another day.

What is...

The difference between... Sorry,

no time for commercial break.

What is the difference between galvanized rebar,

stainless steel rebar?

You tell me.

Rebar? The...

Long steel rods inside concrete? They're used in every building ever? I'm

familiar with rebar, but I don't... So?

Galvanized or stainless steel? What's the diff? I really don't know. The fuck

you don't!

Galvanized rebar is 40 times more resistant to corrosion.

Stainless steel is 1,500 times more resistant.

It does, however, come with a slightly higher price tag.

Now, which rebar is used doesn't typically affect the structural

integrity of a building, except when specific climate conditions like excess

precipitation might affect corrosion.

Precipitation like that found in Calgary.

Now, there are no laws as to which rebar to use when, so each company uses the

rebar suggested by its engineers.

Which rebar did your engineer suggest for the condominiums?

Stainless steel. And what was actually... Used.

Galvanized steel. And whose decision was it to use shitty galvanized rebar? Whose

signature was on the final work order? There were multiple factors as to why

that building collapsed, not just the rebar. If you're looking to blame

somebody... Who signed the order?

Say it!

Me.

92 people dead.

92 dead! Also, you can look good to your bosses, huh?

Did you know someone in that building? Is that why you're here? You think this

is personal, you narcissist dick?

This is what you deserve.

I didn't break any laws. No.

It's much worse than that.

You did it because you could.

Clayton. You worked the system, but not today. Please don't do this. Why not?

Because. Because I didn't know. Don't you say you didn't know. Don't you

fucking say that. Okay, I did. I knew.

I knew.

I wanted to climb the ladder.

I did things that everyone else wouldn't do.

But I am so, so sorry. I never intended for those people to die. Oh, what a

consolation to their families, their children. I'm not a murderer.

Hands on the floor.

Head to do it now.

Maiden, please.

Last question.

Before you meet the maker you don't believe in.

With so much blood on your hands, how do you live with yourself?

The big picture.

Hospitals.

Libraries I built. Those things too. I've done... I've helped so many people.

So that excuses it, huh? Well, I never wanted those 92 people to die. But

there's 8 billion in the world. And you want to know the truth?

That's not a very bad margin.

I made a terrible mistake.

The one and only time out of countless decisions that I've had to make. And it

hasn't happened since.

And killing me now, it won't bring back anyone.

It'll just bring the count to 93.

I don't care.

Oh, please, please, please.

Clayton, please don't do this. Please.

I'll do better. I swear.

I swear.

Clayton, I'll do better. I swear. Please don't kill me. Please.

Please don't kill me.

Sit! Sit.

Sit,

sit, sit.

It'll make you feel better.

Can I... Can I... Go ahead.

Be certain with certs.

Are we... What are you going to do now?

Did you know that certs got its name from good housekeeping?

The magazine certified them in... In 1956.

Clayton, let's... Let's just enjoy this, yeah?

I can silence that. It's okay.

Don't push it.

I'm currently indisposed, but leave a message and my office will contact you

in a timely manner. Have a wonderful day.

Charles, I'm still downstairs.

Look, I don't know where you are, but we have to talk before the board meeting.

You don't answer your cell, your desk phone. Where are you?

He's an anxious guy. You shouldn't be subjected to this. I want to say this on

voicemail, but I'm looking at the plans for the Figaro project right now. It

says to use type 1 cement for the foundation, not type 3.

I asked everyone else on the team.

all say they don't know when that changed.

I'm not saying you changed it, but all figures are going to point to you. My

hands are tied. Unless you tell me to change it back, I'm going into that

meeting with the plans as is.

And then... Shit.

Look, I don't want to throw you under the bus. Just call me.

Now.

That... This is...

What? Different.

You had me.

You had me. You silver-toned son of a bitch. No, he doesn't know what he's

talking about.

Nobody cared what kind of cement we used. They don't. And I was going to

change the type of cement anyway.

Here, I'll show you. I'll call right now. I'll pick up the phone.

Oh, pick up the phone. I dare you. I dare you. I just want to change the

cement. That's what's best for everyone, right?

You would do anything to save your career, wouldn't you?

You tell me what you want me to do.

The meeting's, what, starting on the hour, right?

Mm-hmm.

Well, then we'll wait.

Yeah.

Yeah. That way, the plans get presented as is. No changes.

I... I don't understand why.

Because the world finally needs to know who you really are.

Time to pay the piper.

You want to do this interview, right?

That's why you're here?

Let's do that.

Let's finish it.

Finish it.

Interview's over, Charles.

Yeah. Jury's gone home, verdict's turned in, and now we wait patiently for

sentencing.

It's going to take a sec, but I have a feeling it's going to come just after

the meeting starts.

Do you mind?

I've been dying to play with this since I got here.

That's cool.

That's cool.

So,

you're

going to expose me, hm?

No. You're gonna expose yourself.

Pun unintended.

I'd, uh, I'd offer you one, but you're cut off.

So what do we do

until the meeting starts?

I don't know.

Enjoy the silence. Spend our last remaining moments in quiet reflection.

That means you don't want to be bothered, but I'm going to put in a

lunch order soon, and I know if I don't remind you to eat, you don't eat.

So let me know if you already have plans for lunch or if I should get you

something. I'm going to put in an order in, like, the next half hour, so if you

get this soon, let me know.

Answer it.

You said no phones.

You know what? Don't sweat it. I'll just stop by in a bit.

Tessa, I'm here.

Oh, hi.

So did you have lunch plans today or have any order?

Yes. So you do have plans?

Yes. No, I'm busy during lunch today, so just don't worry about me.

Okey-doke.

That was tense, right?

Man, what a conundrum, huh?

Do you spill the beans and you risk your life, or do you keep mum?

Buy yourself some time. If my nails were longer, I'd start a-biting.

Better.

So what's your biggest mistake?

I'm good?

You.

Clayton.

What's your biggest mistake?

Not coming here sooner.

What's your favorite color?

Really? What? This is really how you want to spend your last remaining

moments? I know what you're doing. I'm not good with awkward silences.

Fine.

Crazy weather we're having, right?

Think it'll rain soon? Yeah. Hey, we need it. Hey, did you catch the game

last night?

You play any sports, Clayton? No.

Why such a sudden interest in me you didn't before?

Things have changed, clearly.

I'm genuinely curious.

Sorry, Charlie.

You missed the boat. I would like to know the person who's going to kill me.

The real person.

Honesty is a vastly underrated quality.

Right?

You were listening.

Fine.

Interview me.

Okay. For honesty's sake. Thank you.

Which favorite color?

Green. The color of trees and money. Next.

Well, you don't play sports.

Why?

What can I say? I'm an indoor kid. Next.

How about your favorite song?

That's a good one.

I'm not going to say it.

Why? Because I don't want to say it. Next question. Oh, I bet.

It can't be worse than Toto's Africa.

Right?

That's true.

Fine. My favorite song is Karma Police by

Radiohead.

Good choice.

Right?

Where'd you grow up? In a house.

Okay.

What's your biggest fear? Water.

What? It's a real thing.

Thalassophobia, fear of deep bodies of water.

Oceans and lakes? Mm-mm.

Nuh-uh.

You have any siblings?

Mm.

Pass. No family questions.

Why not? I said pass, Chuck.

I mean it. All right.

Mm.

When's the last time you had sex?

Clever boy.

Well, if you're just dying to know... Two years

ago.

Wow.

With who?

A lady.

It was a one-time thing.

You never saw her again?

Let's leave it at that.

Understood.

What kind of car do you drive?

Schwinn. Ten speed, great gas mileage.

I bet.

Are you religious?

I believe in God, if that's what you're asking.

Which one?

One you're not familiar with.

You care to elaborate on that?

Really.

I'd really like to know.

You really want to know?

I really do.

My relationship with God... is singular.

We understand each other in a way others don't.

You, Charles, certainly wouldn't understand.

But... He brings you a certain amount of peace, would you say?

Sometimes, yeah.

That's nice.

You like animals?

Dogs.

We found a stray pug and adopted it.

Hank.

Hank.

That's a good name.

So you and your fiancée adopted him?

What's your fiancée's name?

Nanya. Huh?

Nanya business?

Where is she?

No family questions, Memba.

Yeah, but that's a pretty easy one.

Where is your fiancée?

Did you know... that in 2015, the FDA banned

partially hydrogenated oils? Did you know that?

Clayton. Which is likely why SIRTS was discontinued in 2018.

I'm not asking about SIRTS. There are rumors that SIRTS...

might return to store shelves soon. What happened to your fiancée? It doesn't

contain mint oil.

It contains... You talked about her when we first met in here. Where is she now?

Did you kill your fiancée? I'll kill your fiancée, asshole!

Let me know if I should act.

Mr. Larson?

Hey, hi.

I knocked a few times. I don't know if you heard me.

Uh, yeah, sorry.

Um, I must have zoned out there.

Is everything okay?

Uh, absolutely.

Okay. Uh, yeah, I'm just, uh...

Hosting a friend from out of town, so it's just a little draining.

I know how that goes. Yeah.

So, uh, you need my lunch order, right?

No, you told me you had plans. Is that not right? Oh, no, no, no.

That's right.

Yeah, sorry.

I forgot. Yes, plans.

Uh, so what's up? Oh, right.

Ashton Pedrod called, says he's been trying to reach you. I told him you were

busy, but he sounded, well... Uh, frazzled?

That's one way of putting it. Yeah.

Ah, Ashwin fends the flames, Charles Larson puts them out.

I should have been a firefighter. Oh.

So I will take care of all that.

Sounds good. Okay.

He's still here?

What?

That guy.

Your 10 o'clock interview? I thought he left.

Oh, yeah. No, he's gone.

Oh, his bag is still here.

Wow.

Is that his?

Yeah. He had his arms wrapped around it like a baby when he was waiting. Looked

like he was going to suffocate it.

Um, you know what?

It's fine to leave it here until he comes back for it.

Oh, well, just call him now.

Nope, that's fine. He probably hasn't even left the building yet.

Oh, no, he's still here.

Oh, then great. I'll just rush it down to him. Well, no, stop!

Sorry.

No, I'm sorry.

Just, uh...

Is he here, or did he leave?

Um... Um... Because, you know, I can just go grab him, just say the word.

Uh, he's...

He's...

No.

No.

I'll handle it.

You sure?

Yep. Yeah, yeah. I'll call him.

I have some follow-up questions for him anyway.

Okay. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Okay. Okay.

Thank you. Okay.

And,

uh, yeah, if Ashwin calls back, tell him I'll reach out as soon as I can.

You have some vacation days coming up, right?

I remembered.

No.

No, no, no.

Step away from that.

Did you touch anything? No.

No, nothing.

What's the problem?

They're not in here.

Who's they?

Just shut up and stand over there.

Okay.

Fuck.

Fuckity fuck. Hey, I can help. If you just, if you tell me what it is you're

looking for. I meant, it's my, it's my certs. I need my certs.

You were about to say medicine.

Are you on medication, Clayton? No, it's my certs. Help me find my certs.

I found them.

Where?

Give me.

I'm serious.

Give it to me.

Or what?

Or I shoot you. Then shoot me.

They drop.

Either way.

Ah, ah, ah, ah.

Stay there.

You drop those.

And then we'll put a hole in your head.

Why do you want them so badly? Because I do.

Now give them back.

They're just mints.

I can get more.

Exactly.

And go buy some more. Oh, yeah. Har har.

Nice try. I'm not leaving. What medication are you taking, Clayton? Fuck

you. Tell me right now or I'll drop them. None.

None! None! I'm not on any. No, give them back. Liar. I'm not a liar. You're

the liar.

What happened to your fiancé? Where is she? I swear to God.

I swear to fucking God. Tell me where she is or I will drop them in right now.

When did you see her last? I can't.

When?

I can't. I can't. I can't. Don't.

Don't. Tell me! Go home!

Parkside Condominium.

Seven years ago.

She was inside the building.

Don't move

I...

I'm sorry

All they have left is the pain.

If that's gone, then she'll be forgotten.

And I won't let that happen.

So I stopped taking them.

Taking what?

Medication?

Apparently all you gotta do is say, I wanna off myself.

Doctors hand out antipsychotics like candy.

So then if those aren't medication, I don't understand, why do you need

certs?

I used to sing her the jingle when things got tense.

It always made her laugh.

Now they're my personal happy pills.

How long has it been?

Since you have been off the meds?

I don't know.

Months?

Years? Hard to keep track.

I remember when I tried to quit smoking.

I went cold turkey.

But it didn't work.

It was too hard.

The only way to keep from going crazy was to ease out of it.

Well, like you, Chuck.

No, fortunately not.

I am sorry.

Truly.

Yeah.

It doesn't change anything.

We're both still learning this together.

I understand.

Can I ask you something? I don't want to talk about her. We won't.

We won't.

I'm just curious what it was like for you when you went off those meds.

I don't know. Weird.

When it's tired and on edge at the same time, it sucked.

Mm-hmm.

I've heard that antipsychotics can make your brain

feel fuzzy, hard to keep your thoughts straight.

Yeah.

Kind of something you might need, right?

So what did you do after the building collapsed? I don't want to talk about

her. After.

Before. After.

I'm not sure.

Why? Why? What does it matter?

It's not important to know what you did after your fiancée passed?

I was devastated.

Unrepairably broken, any other way you want me to describe it. I'm saying, what

did you do physically?

Where did you go?

That's what I'm asking.

No, I know.

It's just... easy.

Right.

And there's a reason for that.

It's there.

I can see it.

What is happening?

It's not your fault. It's the medication.

I knew it. I did.

Of course you did.

Did the doctors warn you?

that this could happen. I mean, not really. Jesus. See?

These hacks dole out these pills that twist your head up, but they don't tell

you about the possible side effects.

It's disgusting.

I wouldn't be too quick to judge the moral fortitude of your fellow man,

Charles. I did something wrong, absolutely, but that doesn't make what

they did right.

You want revenge for what happened. No, I want justice.

Exactly, justice.

Well, shouldn't justice... be carried out by the right evidence.

Meaning? Meaning if your memory is faulty, how can you know if what you're

doing is for the right reason?

You didn't kill my fiancée. That's what you're suggesting.

Anything to wiggle your way out, huh?

Am I wrong? Yes. Dead wrong.

Okay, tell me. Why? Why am I wrong? Because I know what I know. You're

not...

You're not getting in my head. I'm not trying to. I'm just... I'm asking.

In the condominium, when you saw her, are you sure that's the last time you

spoke? Yes.

Practically, yes.

Practically? That was the last time I spoke to her, yes. Well, which is it,

Clayton? I know.

I know what you're doing.

No, you have to get your story straight. Fine, fine. She called me, okay?

After we last spoke, but I was busy at work, so... You know, I let it go to

voicemail.

Did she leave a message?

I don't know.

You see?

It's not that.

You can't even remember if she called you before she died.

I know she called. I know she did. But you don't know. And how could you? The

medication. It's not the fucking meds. Well, then how can you be sure? Where's

the proof?

Fine.

She called.

End of story.

June 12th.

The day of the collapse.

The same.

So put this crazy talk to bed.

New voicemail.

That's what it said.

And?

How could it be new if she left it years ago? I don't know.

That's Verizon.

You never listened to it.

What did it say? We're not talking about her. Okay, we won't.

But did you listen to it?

Clayton, please tell me you listened to the voicemail. I'm telling you exactly.

Fuck off. It's okay if you didn't.

But listen to it now, finally, before it's too late. What she said, what she

said, is none of your business. You're damn right it isn't. It's between you

and her.

That's it.

But listen to the voicemail, Clayton.

No.

Do it for her. Oh, piss off.

Clayton, I am trying to help you here. The hell you are. Please.

You're a smart guy. Think about this.

You weren't with her before the building fell.

You don't know what you did after it fell. She left you a voicemail, and you

don't know what it says.

Did you two... Did you... Did you fight?

I didn't kill my fiancée. I'm not saying that you did.

But... were things okay between you?

Before that day?

No.

We had a fight.

It was bad.

All right.

The last thing, and this is extremely sensitive, so you do not have to answer

this if you don't want to.

Did they find her in the rubble?

Oh, Clayton, please listen to me.

This doesn't have to be your last day. You still have something to live for.

Your fiance might still be alive.

Explain yourself.

You have to make me a promise. I'm not negotiating terms with you, Chuck.

All right. All right. Never mind then.

Promise to what?

Promise not to overreact.

At least at first.

I promise.

To let you finish how I react will depend on the content you deliver.

You don't remember what happened after the incident, which means you probably

can't accurately remember anything that happened before.

I know what I did before.

It's possible. That's all I'm saying.

You had a big fight.

It was bad.

Those were your words.

so bad that maybe she left and went to see a

friend or family, what have you.

What if that building collapsed and she wasn't inside?

Then why wouldn't she call and let me know if she was okay? She was so scared

that she fled.

You.

So you're saying... I'm such a monster... so...

so mentally cuckoo... that she fled

after our home collapsed, and what's more is that she didn't even let me know

that she was okay because she was afraid I was gonna what?

Hunt her down and physically abuse her? Yes.

You really think I'm that violent?

You're the one with the gun, Clayton.

I have no idea what you're capable of, but I don't think you do either.

I never laid a finger on her.

You can't know that for sure.

Fine, I broke a chair once, but I never hurt her.

Never. I believe you believe that.

No, I don't accept that. I can't. Well, you don't have to. Enough, enough,

enough.

Enough.

I'm going through with this no matter what you say.

Listen to the message. No.

This can all be avoided.

If her message says that she left you, then two more lives can be spared.

That's worth it, isn't it? No, this is the only way Kenneth has to. I'll let

you leave right out that door like none of this ever happened.

No police.

Nothing. I swear it.

You're scared.

I understand.

I can't. I can't. I can't.

I can't.

Okay.

I'll do it for you.

Give me the phone.

I'll play it. You're not strong enough to do it. Fuck you.

No, no, no, no.

No. I didn't mean it that way.

I'm sorry.

Everyone needs help sometimes.

It's okay.

You're human.

Let me help you.

Stop. Stop.

I'll give it right back, okay?

Just hand me the phone.

You're only trying to save your own skin.

You are not going to kill yourself and me moments from now, all

because you were afraid of the truth.

You won't do that.

Enough! Enough!

92 people died!

That's the truth!

And whatever's on this fucking phone won't change the fact that you, you,

Charles Larson, are a goddamn mass murderer!

You played that message, and you're a dead man. Meeting or no meeting, now

give me the fucking phone.

I'm done waiting, Charles. I tried everything, but you ghosted me.

I'm not covering for you. I'm not. I'm going in. Whatever they find, it's on

you. Hope it was worth it, man.

Call 911. It looks like the middle of our building is sinking.

The top floor pool just cracked open.

Elevators and stairs are blocked, so we're trapped up here.

We're all really scared.

I don't know what's going to happen here.

It is you.

And it's me.

I didn't think that you, that we were ready to bring a life into this world.

Especially before we're even married. I'm stubborn and you're reactive.

I know that things have been tough with us.

We haven't talked much, but it gave me more time to think.

The same picture goes through my head.

It's your face, smiling, and you're looking at our

baby, and I can't think of anything more beautiful.

Whatever shortcomings we have or may have as parents, I know it will be loved

like no other.

You would make a really wonderful father.

I know this is the worst timing in the world, and I hope to God I get to say

this to you in person, but...

But I'm going to keep it.

I want to be a mommy.

And I want you to be a daddy.

I wish you were here.

I hate that I have to say this like this. I'm so sorry, honey. I love you. I

love you so, so much. Never forget that. Never forget.

Last unheard message.

Hey, it's, yes, it's Charles. I need Ashwin.

I know, that's why I'm calling. Did he leave yet?

Shit.

Okay, I need you to go get him for me.

Yes, walk down to the boardroom and pull him out of there now. Go.

I don't care what he told you.

Tell him it's an emergency and pull him out of there if you have to.

No.

No.

Damn it. God damn it!

Do you want to end me?

Do you want to bring down my entire career, my life?

Because that's what you're doing. You are nailing me to a goddamn cross if you

don't stop that meeting right now. So please be useful for once in your

goddamn life and do what I say now.

Hello?

No, no, no, no. Hello?

Fuck!

It's over.

I just wanted to make a mark.

A legacy.

It wouldn't slip up.

That's all it took.

You gotta stay a step ahead, Charles.

Or they take it all away.

You knew that.

You let it happen anyway.

You don't deserve any of this.

You're pathetic.

This accent wall is teal.

I never noticed that.

I hate it.

And this.

This is nice.

Clayton.

Get it over with.

You want me to kill you?

Yes.

Get up.

Do it now.

Want to say goodbye to anyone?

No.

It wouldn't make a difference anyway.

You are a thief, Charles Larson.

You took something from me that I can never get back.

Ever.

You took my love.

And so now I'm gonna take yours.

But I had a life to take.

I had love.

And all you have is this.

A corner office with a teal wall you hate.

I don't want to take your life.

God, I want to take it so bad.

There's nothing to take.

I forgive you Charles.

Maybe I'll find love again.

Maybe we both will.

Vice President of Development.

I'm currently indisposed, but leave a message and my office will contact you

in a timely manner.

Have a wonderful day.

Charles, you there?

Joshua, I got your message. Pick up.

We're still waiting for some board members to call in. We haven't gotten to

the project yet. If you...

This is what you get

This is what you

get

This is where you'll be This

is where you'll be

This is where you'll

be When the night is over

This is what you get

This is what you

get When you're amazed with the