Vance arrives early for his “campus visit” (scheduling change by Martha without notice). Vance in the hallway, charming. He shakes hands. Helen: “Dr. Vance, before we begin, can you explain why your former dean was convicted of fraud?” Vance’s smile freezes. “That’s a serious accusation.” Martha intervenes: “This is inappropriate. Dr. Vance, please follow me.” Vance, to Helen: “You’re making an enemy.” Walks away with Martha. Amir: “He just threatened a search chair in front of witnesses.” Helen: “Record it. Send to legal.”
(long pause)
Final shot. Night. Helen alone in the room. She looks at the empty chairs. Picks up a framed photo of the original committee—taken before the storm. She sets it face down. Turns to a blank whiteboard. Writes: “Integrity is not unanimous. It’s unilateral.” Fade to black. DIALOGUE EXCERPT (Scene 8, p. 38–40) JAMES (slurring slightly) You want to know why I vote for Vance? Last year, my wife needed a trial drug. Not covered. I begged the college for an advance. Denied. Vance’s people called me two weeks ago. Offered to fund the entire oncology wing. No strings. Except my vote. search committee script 75 pages
I’m sorry. But Vance is a predator. You’d be his tool. Vance arrives early for his “campus visit” (scheduling
Private room. Vance and Martha. Martha: “They have documents. Withdraw.” Vance: “No. You’ll vote for me. You know what I have on you, Martha.” (Reference to her past scandal—he implies evidence she falsified data, which she didn’t, but the rumor exists.) Martha: “You’re bluffing.” Vance: “Try me.” Martha leaves. In hallway, she vomits into a trash can. Lisa sees her. “Martha. Come back to the committee.” Martha whispers: “He’ll destroy me.” Lisa: “Only if you let him. Tell us everything.” Helen: “Dr