They drift to a stop at the pick-up point, as Hans slides on a pair of aviator's, and with one hand shielding himself from the glare of the sun, looks around at the various different cars and drivers assembled beside them.
With a flash of recognition, he spots what it is he's looking for, and with a nudge of Vanessa's shoulder, he begins pushing the cart forwards once more.
The camera moves closer, allowing their speech to become audible.
(Hans) So you've got the hotel reservations?
Vanessa pats the thin strapped handbag dangling from her left shoulder lightly as she responds.
(Vanessa): Yeah, I got them.
Hans pauses a second, hesitant to ask what he has in mind, but forces it out, almost wincing at having to do it.
(Hans) And you're fine with being driven by him to the hotel...?
Vanessa hooks her left arm around Hans' outstretched right arm, and glances up at him as they continue walking.
(Vanessa): Do you really have to ask?
Hans nods, causing a smile to flourish on her face. The camera at this point zooms out, and pans around behind them, as they draw to a stop, as into view comes Butch Parker. Decked out in a simple get-up of Firetrap cobalt-blue jeans, DC sneakers and a Scotland international football jersey, Butch casually but cautiously approaches Hans and Vanessa, allowing a small smile to tug at the corners of his mouth.
(Butch): How was your flight?
(Hans) As good as can be.
He glances sideways at Vanessa momentarily, looking for any signs caused by Butch's appearance, before continuing.
(Hans) Have you been waiting long?
(Butch): Not long, five minutes or so...So, can I take any of your luggage? Fancy tossing that World Championship of yours onto my passenger seat?
Hans peers around Butch, the camera moving with him, bringing his silver Porsche, and it's two seats, into view. He eyes Butch, clearing his throat as he does so.
(Hans) You did hear me when I said Vanessa would be with me, right?
An anxious expression replaces the nervous smile.
(Butch): I guess I missed that part of the message...
Vanessa and Hans look at one another, Vanessa's sculpted eyebrows arching upwards as Hans grits his teeth in mild irritation.
(Hans) Right...
He glances around him, catching sight of several taxis further down the row.
(Hans) Well we'll grab a taxi, and if you want to follow, then when we've reached the hotel, I'll jump in with you.
Butch nods affirmatively.
(Butch): Sounds about right to me. Sorry about that; I would have booked a taxi for the two of you if I knew Vanessa was coming.
(Hans) Well, we'll see you soon then. It's the Four Seasons Resort, but I'll get the driver to not go too fast so as to lose you.
He nods at Butch, and begins to push the cart forward once more, towards the taxis, as Vanessa throws him a look that clearly says 'I told you so'...
(Butch): Don't worry; I know these roads pretty well.
The scene fades out momentarily as Hans ushers Vanessa into the back of a waiting taxi. The scene re-opens some time later outside Wisdom's beautiful Santa Barbara home. Butch parks his Porsche 911 Turbo in one of the empty spaces in front of the conservatory and the engine's lion-like roar dies out. Butch cranes his neck and glances at Hans sat in the passenger’s seat, raising his eyebrows and widening his eyes slightly in acknowledgement.
(Butch): Home, sweet home.
Hans' eyes flicker over what parts of Wisdom's home are visible from his seat in the Porsche, a low whistle escaping his lips.
(Hans) Very nice. Is that you moving in permanently then, or...?
A guttural sigh gushes from Butch's nose as he opens the driver's door, stepping out onto stonewashed path.
(Butch): I guess so. Neither of us has said anything official and Dunfermline's not exactly crying out for me to go back to Crossford either. Mind you, practically half my stuff is here so...in short yeah, I guess I am.
Hans throws a glance up towards the sun, a small smile forming.
(Hans) At least you'll be able to get a tan here...
Butch snorts lightly as he holds the door open for his friend.
(Butch): That's exactly what Wisdom said.... so what do you want to do first? You had something to eat yet?
Hans ducks inside the door sideways on, so as not to bash his two bags against the frame.
(Hans) I've eaten enough recently to last me a good few months, so I'm ready to get sparring if I'm honest.
To be continued...
Message Thread
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