Chapter Text
CASE Nº 3: NURSULA █████ VS MORAL TV
THE FOLLOWING VIDEO IS AN EXTRACTION FROM VOLPE NEWS CHANNEL, DURING A MEDIA SCRUM AFTER A COURT SESSION IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LAWSUIT MADE BY ACTRESS NURSULA █████ AGAINST MORAL TV.
[NURSULA B. DENOUNCES THAT MORAL TV DIDN'T PAY HER THE CORRESPONDING SALARY OF █████ USD AFTER THE FILMING OF "MORAL OREL", CLAIMING THAT THEY OWN HER THE PAYMENT FOR THE REALIZATION OF A TV COMMERCIAL FOR THE SERIES. SAID COMMERCIAL WASN'T OFFICIALLY RELEASED BY THE NETWORK.]
VOLPE NEWS REPORTER: Can you tell us exactly what's your lawsuit about?
NURSULA B.: Okay so, I'm suing them because they owe me money.
VOLPE NEWS REPORTER: Can you please elaborate?
[Nursula B. makes a confused expression.]
NURSULA B.: Huh?
VOLPE NEWS REPORTER: Can you please explain more?
NURSULA B.: I'm suing them because Art made me film a commercial for them, but since they never aired it, they forgot to pay me for it!
[Nursula B. rolls her eyes.]
NURSULA B.: Can you believe it?
VOLPE NEWS REPORTER: Why didn't you sue Moral TV before, since the commercial was filmed in 1969?
[The actress puts an annoyed expression.]
NURSULA B.: Ugh, because I got tired of waiting for the money! After we finished up, Art came to me and said that they'll pay me later with the rest of my salary, so I said "oh, okay" and then, when I got my paycheck and saw that it wasn't included, I called Art and he said "oh yeah, we'll give you the money the next week" and I said "oh, okay". And then I called him again and he said "we'll pay you next week". That's what happened until now, when I was talking to Joe about it and he said "Seriously? Why don't you complain about it?" and I was like "You know what? You're right!"
[Nursula B. smiles.]
NURSULA B.: So I decided to talk to my lawyer and we sued them.
VOLPE NEWS REPORTER: When you mention "Art", are you referring to acclaimed director Art ████████?
NURSULA B.: Yeah, that guy! I'm honestly angry at him now, I can't believe he would do this to me!
[She pouts.]
VOLPE NEWS REPORTER: Are you aware this isn't the first scandal involving him?
[Nursula B. makes another confused expression.]
NURSULA B.: Huh?
VOLPE NEWS REPORTER: Other actresses have made lawsuits against him specifically.
[The actress laughs a bit.]
NURSULA B.: Don't be silly, this isn't a lawsuit against him, it's against Moralton TV!
VOLPE NEWS REPORTER: ...Uh, right.
[The reporter shakes his head.]
VOLPE NEWS REPORTER: So, your lawsuit isn't the first one against Moral TV, either. Are you aware that ex-actor Joe ████████████████ recently sued them too?
NURSULA B.: Duh, of course!
[The woman smiles.]
NURSULA B.: He’s my friend. He told me all about him and the sad story about Orel and Doughy .
[She makes a sad expression.]
NURSULA B.: I honestly cried with him when he spoke out.
VOLPE NEWS REPORTER: That's terrible to hear. Yet your lawsuit is vastly different from his, as yours is about fair payment and his was about child exploitation-
[Nursula B. interrupts, making an offended expression.]
NURSULA B.: Geez, of course I know that! They're totally different. And that's okay.
VOLPE NEWS REPORTER: Well, yes, you're right. But considering what they made you do on the commercial, don't you think it might have been more adequate to make a more similar lawsuit to Joe's? Even when you were 18 at the time, it seemed too shady for a TV commercial.
NURSULA B.: Look, I did my best 'bout it! I think I acted pretty well and Art praised me at the time-
[The actress stops speaking and makes a surprised face.]
NURSULA B.: Hey, wait a minute! How do you know what the commercial was about?! They never showed it!
[The reporter raises his eyebrows and speaks slowly.]
VOLPE NEWS REPORTER: Don't you know? It got leaked three days ago.
[Nursula B. turns visibly pale.]
NURSULA B.: Huh?!
NURSULA B.'S LAWYER: Alright, that's enough questions for today. Thank you very much.
[The lawyer leans in to Nursula B. and speaks in a low volume, but the microphone still picks it up.]
NURSULA B.’S LAWYER: We need to go.
[END OF VIDEO]
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MORAL TV OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE MATTER OF THE LEAKED VIDEO REGARDING THE NURSULA B. LAWSUIT.
This is an upsetting event for everyone involved for everyone here at Moral TV and the actress involved. I apologize for not being able to prevent this sort of material being filmed on studio grounds, and having hired an employee that would make such content. We would like to resolve the situation by offering compensation to the actress involved with a privately disclosed sum of money for emotional damages over the negligence of our staff.
█████ ██████████, CEO, Moral TV
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INTERVIEW TO NURSULA █████ (1993)
A CASSETTE WITH THE HANDWRITTEN TAG "NURSULA █████. 12/13/93." IT HAS A DURATION OF 27 MINUTES AND 15 SECONDS. TWO VOICES CAN BE HEARD WITH HIGH QUALITY AUDIO. ONE OF THE VOICES CORRESPONDS TO THE INVESTIGATOR ██████ P. AND THE OTHER ONE CORRESPONDS TO MS. █████ HERSELF.
INTERVIEWER: Please introduce yourself for the record.
NURSULA B.: Okie-dokie! I'm Nursula █████ and I consent to being interviewed and recorded for this investigation. I testify with full honesty and I'll keep this conversation and the topics discussed confidential.
INTERVIEWER: Good. Thanks for consenting to this interview, Ms. █████.
NURSULA B.: It's okay. Oh, by the way, you can just call me Nursula. Mrs. █████ is my mother.
INTERVIEWER: ... Sure. Nursula then. You've been informed that the purpose of this interview is the recent leak of one of the commercials for the sitcom "Moral Orel", where your character was a recurrent one, although you were the protagonist on that specific commercial, yes?
NURSULA B.: Uh-huh. Ugh, I'm so embarrassed! Can't believe they didn't pay me for that, and then show it!
INTERVIEWER: Well, they didn't show it, it was leaked by one of the interns, according to the investigation. This intern said it was because he "was a big fan of yours" and that "justice had to be made".
NURSULA B.: Well, that's dumb! He should've given me the money instead. Men these days don't respect girls...
INTERVIEWER: True. In the end, the intern was fired and had to pay a fine. But thanks to the leak, your lawyer was able to dismiss Moralton TV's main defense- That being about the video not existing, since it was never showed. So, you won.
NURSULA B.: Tsk, yeah, at least I got my money. Hmm, actually, maybe I should thank my fan!
[Nursula B. speaks in a sweeter tone.]
NURSULA B.: Thank you, dearest fan, you saved my life~!
INTERVIEWER: Uh, it's good to hear that you haven't been affected much by the leak. As many saw, the commercial was quite inappropriate, to say the least.
NURSULA B.: Huh? How?
INTERVIEWER: You were nude on camera.
NURSULA B.: So? I was 18, I was legal!
INTERVIEWER: That...
[The interviewer clears his throat.]
INTERVIEWER: While it's clear that they took advantage of your age and your appearance-
[The interviewer is interrupted by Nursula B.]
NURSULA B.: What are you talking about? I'm not a victim! I did the commercial out of my own will.
INTERVIEWER: Did you? I see. Why did you decide to film a commercial where you had to be naked? Considering that it was supposed to be shown on live TV.
NURSULA B.: That? Pff, it's nothing! I think everyone's overreacting. It's no big deal! Uh, at least that's what Art said to me when I asked about it.
INTERVIEWER: Art, as in Art ████████, one of the directors of the series? Was he the one that convinced you to film it?
NURSULA B.: Uh-huh, yeah. I'm not sure if he was the one with the idea of it- I can't remember, but I know that I was supposed to ask him about my doubts in general. He was always there with us girls, offering his help for most things. He was the one that picked me up personally for this role, y'know? I think he liked me!
INTERVIEWER: Can you talk more about your relationship with him?
NURSULA B.: Sure thing. Me and him were friends, I even thought we were gonna get married at one point!
[She sighs happily.]
NURSULA B.: Can you imagine, him and me together? I used to! He always called me before and after recording. He even sometimes picked me up after work, just to drive me home during the night, since he was worried about me going alone so late. He was always so, so gentle and kind towards me. Even when he just met me, when he decided that I was going to be the "perfect blonde nurse" as he said and let me act my first role ever. He told me I was a natural at acting and- that made me feel so dear for him.
INTERVIEWER: It seems that you had a great attachment to him. Do you still feel that way?
NURSULA B.: ... Well, as much as I did enjoy our time together, I don't think I could be with him right now. He's happily married with that Christina girl, isn't he?
INTERVIEWER: That's true. He's married and has two children.
NURSULA B.: Exactly! I don't have the heart to just break a family. As much as I used to enjoy his attention, it wouldn't be right. Besides, I'm a bit angry towards him now. I know I said he was kind to me and yeah, I'm not lying but- When I think about things these days, especially with Joe, I'm starting to think he was kinda jerky. I mean, yeah, he was the only guy that seemed to think of me as an adult, which I'm so thankful obviously, but at the same time, I don't wanna be the second option for a man. Or anyone. I deserve better than that and if he never intended to be with me seriously, why even bother with flirting? It just got my hopes up.
INTERVIEWER: What do you mean with "treating you as an adult"?
NURSULA B.: I'm talking about how people used to treat me back then. You know with this being my first role, me just being 18 and how my character didn't match my own age, and just being born the youngest in my family- I know no one tried to make me feel bad, but when everyone treats you like a child, it's frustrating for me. I'm not a kid, people don't have to protect or pamper me, they just have to treat me with respect. That's why I liked Art, even when he was jerky- He always said I was a woman, not a girl, and that he would treat me as such. When my character had to be sexy, I liked that, because when you're sexy, you're showing that you're mature enough to be with guys and for me that's what being treating fairly is about. Not when people are constantly trying to compare you with a kid or something. I felt like a person when I had to be sexy for the camera. Not like a little girl.
INTERVIEWER: I think I can understand your point of view. Being treated as lesser is always an unpleasant feeling, even when people don't mean to be rude with you. But, and I mean no offense, is it really being sexy the only way for you to feel respected?
NURSULA B.: I mean, not anymore, of course. I'm 45, I know people are gonna see my value in more ways than just being hot- But when I was younger? Yeah. It felt like the only way available. I had no experience as an actress and I was the youngest adult on the cast and had basically nothing going on for me. Except that. But... Hmm, when I'm talking to you now, I'm starting to realize that Art acted kinda weird about me. Like, I guess it's fine he decided to fall for Christina- I don't know her, but she always seemed like a nice girl, but I'd feel a bit awkward to date someone who was just a kid when I had my life together, you know? It'd be like dating Joe for me and that's a big no-no! He's like a little bro. But Art had no issues waiting for Chris to grow up? Uh, sure. I'm not judging though.
INTERVIEWER: You've been mentioning Joe for a couple of times now. When you mention him, are you referring to Joe ████████████████?
NURSULA B.: Oh, yeah, yeah, him. I think Joe is a great person, and it was so brave of him to finally speak out about everything. I'm his biggest supporter and we're best friends, ever since we met on set during "Moral Orel". He also treated me with respect but now I see he actually committed to it. I'm glad to be his friend even now, he's like a little brother to me, as I've said before. And I'm happy to be on that position for once in my life.
INTERVIEWER: What do you refer to with being treated like a child, when you were younger?
NURSULA B.: It's just as I've said before- I had no experience and my age didn't help. But it was something that happened to me even back then with my own family- I was the youngest child, so everyone was used to treat me like I was dumb and fragile.
[Nursula B. speaks in a mocking tone.]
NURSULA B.: "Oh you know, Nursula isn't the brightest", I was used to hearing that from everyone around me, even when I managed to pass an audition by myself and show that I was as capable as my older brother- Danielle, was, since we managed to be on the same series.
INTERVIEWER: Speaking of Danielle, as you've just said, he was also in "Moral Orel" as part of the secondary cast. His character was the uncle to the character of your son, right?
NURSULA B.: Totally. Danielle got the role first; I remember that the whole family made a big dinner that night when he announced it and I was happy for him too! He was my biggest inspiration all my life. He still is and that's why I tell him first about the roles I get, and then he shares his thoughts on that as he congratulates me too.
INTERVIEWER: It seems that you and him are close, then.
NURSULA B.: Yeah, I think so. I'm honestly pretty glad we are, because, when I was younger, I used to get afraid about him not liking me that much or something.
[She laughs.]
NURSULA B.: Oh, I was so dumb back then!
INTERVIEWER: Why were you afraid of him not liking you enough?
NURSULA B.: Okay, I know this is going to sound dumb, but hey, I was young, can you blame me?
[She laughs again.]
NURSULA B.: So, I know I said this was the first role I got and that's true, but it wasn't the first one I tried. Danielle was always the acting type, even before getting on TV. He didn't tell us much about what exactly he filmed, I guess he was just embarrassed, but apparently he used to star on shorts for his friends and the likes. He was so famous; he got his own fanclub on our town! That was funny, 'cause, like, I used to imagine it was going to be a female one for obvious reasons, but when I got there one time- It was a sausage-fest! I told Danielle about that and he just raised an eyebrow, asking me why I even bothered to be there. For me, it was obvious, I was a fan too, and I wanted to be like him. So I went there a second time to ask them about more details about his work as an actor- Since we were siblings, maybe I could be on some shorts too? Some of them were cool with it and started to talk to me about it, but then Danielle found out and got angry me, saying I shouldn't even bother because I was too young and had to study. And... I guess, yeah, he was right, I was too young, but it made me feel a bit bad back then. I don't know, I never saw him as angry as that time, so I couldn't help it.
INTERVIEWER: It seemed, even when he was too harsh, he tried to protect you. It's clear that he always cared about you, from my point of view.
NURSULA B.: Yeah, probably. He's my big bro after all, he can't help it. And I want to say I support him too- I'll always will. When he talked to me about what happened between him and Clay, I couldn't help but understand his feelings. It reminded me of how I felt, so it was nice to be able to comfort someone on the same situation. Um, I don't wanna talk so much about it, since I promised Danielle I wouldn't be a gossiper. So I'm gonna change subjects, okay?
INTERVIEWER: It's fine. So, returning to topic, can you tell us more about your experience in "Moral Orel"? Did having your older brother as a coworker affected the way you decided to approach your character?
NURSULA B.: Okay so, this was the first role I've ever got in the industry and I remember being so nervous during the audition. I picked the nurse role because it seemed easy for someone like me- Uh, she was someone simple. I remember reading the lines and thinking how cool she was, like, she didn't mind being beautiful and that appealed to me. Thinking back, I don't think I acted that good- I mean, duh! Obviously. But I still tried my best. I used to just imagine myself in the situations she got, and then I'd react, that's the acting method I applied during my first years as an actress. Art used to praise me, since my character was supposed to act kinda teenagish and childish. I think the only correction he did about me was my hair color- As you can see, it's dark blonde and Art convinced me of bleaching it to a lighter tone, since my natural color was the same as Kim's was, and he wanted me to be more unique- He also said I looked even more attractive with lighter blonde, so I totally decided to bleach it. Isn't that funny? My character was also a bleached blonde. And about my brother working there too? I honestly didn't think about it, since in the script it never said anything about the nurse and the coach being family, outside of both being Joe's family members- I remember that some fans thought we were siblings too, since Danielle and me are siblings in real life, but that's not true.
INTERVIEWER: It's curious that you mention that. As you may know, Danielle █████████ is an artistic name and, even though you're his sister, you decided to use your real name. Is there a reason why?
NURSULA B.: Hmm... Not really. I think I just liked how my name sounded for people, so I saw no reasons to change it. Even when I had the option to even take the same artistic surname as him- For me, it was about making my own acting career.
INTERVIEWER: That's very professional of you. It seems that it worked in the end, now that you're a famous actress.
NURSULA B.: Gee, thanks! I worked hard to be as talented as possible, so people can know dreams can be true. Oh, and I'm also happy for you, █████████, you've been a great interviewer and investigator! I bet Bloberta is real proud of you.
[The interviewer clears his throat.]
INTERVIEWER: Nursula, please, do not speak like that to me. We're working right now and I'd like to make this interview on one take.
NURSULA B.: Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to ruin this, is this still okay? Do I have to answer everything again?
INTERVIEWER: No, it's fine, I'll handle it. Let's go back to topic. While Art has been close to you, he's not the only person you've been with. You managed to be friends with other actors and actresses, such as Joe ████████████████ and Bloberta █████████, up to this day.
NURSULA B.: Yeah, you're right. I know that things between you and her aren't the greatest these days, so I want to say that I'm there for you, okay? You can call me whenever you want, because I'll be there to listen to you. Bloberta is one of my best friends and even when I called her the other day to congratulate her on the anniversary- Her being my friend won't get on the way between us. I still think what happened was kind of magical, first it was a joke and then it turned out to be real, and I think it's beautiful. But I also know she's not perfect and if she's making you feel that way- I can't put the blame on you. So if you need someone to lean on, I'm here.
INTERVIEWER: ...That's a topic for another day. I think we'll finish the interview now. Thank you for your time, Nursula, we'll be on contact if something else happens.
NURSULA: Of course. Don't worry about me. Take care, okay?
[END OF INTERVIEW.]
-
[Danielle sent me an interesting audio, at first, I didn’t think it was particularly relevant to this research, but the more I listen to it, the more I think it relates to everything involved withing it.
I think I’m going insane.]
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RECORD OF A VOICE MESSAGE FROM KARL ████████ LEFT TO DANIELLE █████████’S ANSWERING MACHINE.
-beep-
Hello, no one is available to take your call, please leave a message after the tone.
-beep-
KARL L.: You really fucked up, bitch. Really, really? I thought you were better than that, but I guessed wrong. You really think I don’t know what you did to save your sister from those guys all those years ago? but now- you couldn’t even help her now, I reaaaaally thought you were better than that.
[There are brief seconds of heated breathing.]
KARL L.: When you decided to save her and leave my baby brother get into that guy’s… that guy’s awful c-claws I thought- you did everything to protect her… and I sorta respected that, even if I knew you could’ve done something to get Doughy out of there too.
[There’s a silence for a few seconds, followed by the noise of a bottle clinking on a table]
KARL L.: I know you were jealous of me. Of us. Because we had a family that helped us, but now I hate it, I am the jealous one… and I was fine with it… until you couldn’t even protect Nursula from that tape going out.
[There’s a blunt sound, most likely a fist against a table.]
KARL L.: You were supposed to be better than me. I wanted you to be better than me, even if I hate you. Yes, I hate you.
[The sound of a chair dragging against wood.]
KARL L.: Why didn’t you protect her better? Were you helping Clay diddling my brother? It was just good enough to you that she didn’t kill herself?
[Karl’s voice sounds damp.]
KARL L.: I hope Nursula realizes how fucked up you are. I hope Joe realizes how fucked up you are, now that two of the people he loves got hurt because of you.
[Silence for about fifty seconds.]
KARL L.: Fuck you.
[END OF TAPE]
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[Why would you send me that?]
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[Apparently, Karl ████████ was charged with breaking and entering Nursula B.’s home after this message was sent, Danielle alleges that Karl invaded her home after thinking he was inside with her.]
MUGSHOT OF KARL ████████ AFTER BREAKING AND ENTERING NURSULA B.’S HOME ON ████████ ████████████████
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LETTER SENT TO INVESTIGATOR ██████ P. FROM DANIELLE S.
I hate to say that I am somewhat ashamed of my behavior, kid. But after the Clay incident, I decided not to be that guy anymore. I want to apologize to you on how I treated you about everything, but I want to say that I still won’t accept your marriage, for evident reasons.
About Clay, I believe that I entered Moral Orel because he liked my previous work, as he was friends with the casting director and he was the very first person to approach me on set, he was unusually friendly towards me than others, at the time I believed we had something funny going on afterwards. Actually… we had, but later.
You already know that the family comes from the rural part on Statesota, but I want you to know that I was the first one to get to the big city, with a pornographic acting gig under an exotic pseudonym… ‘Danielle’, I would later change my name anyways though. Your aunt wanted to follow my steps, but she was a woman, and let’s not lie, she’s pretty, so I was afraid that she was going to be more successful than me, so I cut her wings off and when I got the Moral Orel job, I got her to audition to get her away from my territory. I’m not gonna lie, I knew Art was no good the second I saw him, but I wanted your aunt to be away from porn, so I did my best to protect her from his claws, which wasn’t that good in all honesty, but she ended up better than most people involved with that guy, I think. Now, I know my motives weren’t the best, but I’m glad I did that to a degree, as her reputation is somewhat untainted now aside from the recent leak.
The first time I felt a loss, it was hard. Clay died on 74’ so I was about 35 at the time. I don’t want to admit it, but it changed me. I wanted to stop being so… cold? Distant to everyone, I wanted to care more about you guys, because I felt just unbearably lonely after that happened, and I realized how far I had isolated myself from others than Clay. And now… that feeling just gets more bitter. At first, I liked being with Clay mostly because of eye-candy and influence, but I really grew on him… I cared for him, deeply. But he didn’t care for me. I discovered that years after his death, with the Orel thing, that kid was always the first for him.
I thought it was because he was his son.
Yes, I knew he was his son, he told me one night, drunk. And… when I discovered that he… long after his death, I just…
I can’t put it into words.
I wish I could be a better person, kid. Because I could’ve known earlier. I had everything to know earlier. One night, after having sex with him, Orel entered the room. We were at his house and he was smoking a cigar and I was half-asleep so I wasn’t sure if that was a dream. I haven’t told this to anyone before, but after scolding him for being awake that late at night, he kissed him on the mouth. It was just a peck, I thought it was weird… but I thought maybe he was one of those fathers that pecks their kids on the lips, but now… I… I don’t know if I could’ve taken that.
The last time I saw Clay, he was drunk, as always. He loved talking about Orel in that state, I don’t know how he never slipped the fact that he was fucking him, but, anyways. Orel. We always talked about Orel, I didn’t even know he had the other boy at his side too, the redhead kid, I feel guilty. But… when we spoke, he… I don’t remember what he said, but I know it hurt me, because it implied that he loved him more than he loved me, and as the bad person I was, I just couldn’t take it. He died a week later.
It’s been a long time, Shapey.
-
INTERVIEW TO DANIELLE █████████ (1994)
A CASSETTE WITH THE HANDWRITTEN TAG "DANIELLE █████████. 01/06/94." IT HAS A DURATION OF 13 MINUTES AND 9 SECONDS. TWO VOICES CAN BE HEARD WITH LOW QUALITY AUDIO, ALONGSIDE BACKGROUND NOISE. ONE OF THE VOICES BELONGS TO THE INVESTIGATOR SHAPEY P. AND THE OTHER ONE TO MR. █████████ HIMSELF. HE'LL BE REFFERED AS DANIELLE S. FROM NOW ON.
DANIELLE S.: So, are you sure this is a good place to have an interview for your investigation? I think, instead of a café, we should move to your office, kid.
INTERVIEWER: My wife's there.
DANIELLE S.: ...Right, yes. Let's begin. Name's Danielle █████████ and I consent to being recorded during this interview for investigation purposes. I swear I'll answer with only the truth and keep everything said here confidential.
INTERVIEWER: Thank you for your collaboration, Mr. █████████.
DANIELLE S.: ‘Danielle’ is fine. I'm not that old.
INTERVIEWER: Alright, Danielle. Let's start with basic questions. You've sent me a letter the other day where you talked about certain topics that are of interest for the investigation, as you may have noticed. You're aware that our reunion is because of that, yes?
DANIELLE S.: Uh-huh.
INTERVIEWER: The first topic you mentioned is about Clay himself. You claim that you and he were involved, to the point that he apparently made you enter the casting for "Moral Orel" just to connect with you.
DANIELLE S.: Exactly.
INTERVIEWER: Let me tell you that your supposition is wrong, actually. It's impossible, in fact. While it's true that Clay and Art were friends, Art has never listened to someone else's opinion when it comes to his work unless it from one of his superiors, so even if Clay were to suggest someone, Art would dismiss it. And Clay himself never particularly cared about the inner workings of production, so he never even attempted to meddle. It seems that you entering the series was simply luck, credit yourself a bit, you're a good actor.
[There is silence for around 30 seconds.]
DANIELLE S.: ... Well, that's something. Uh, thanks for the "praise", Shapey. I guess I let myself get excited.
INTERVIEWER: That's lame.
[There is a brief silence.]
INTERVIEWER: Coming back to topic, aside from your false claim, I'd like to dig deeper on what you said on your letter about Clay. How was he, as a person?
DANIELLE S.: As a person? Hmm. I'd say he was a man of many vices, funnily enough, similar to his character on the series. He liked to drink the most, but he also enjoyed smoking and drugs, something that you're probably aware of considering, well... you know. I think that's the standard for a star like him, from my experience, most people in the industry are like that. But the thing about him is that he couldn't be honest most of the time. Even with me, there were things he hid and I found out after his death, like the relationship with Orel. If he was able to hide that from me, what else didn't he tell me? In my opinion, he was as charming as he was troubled.
INTERVIEWER: You mentioned you had something "funny" going on with him during his lifetime. Care to explain?
DANIELLE S.: That's slang for ‘lying around’, if you get the message. We hanged out together as friends, while also being together in bed as if we were lovers. Actually, before his death, I thought we were lovers and I'd be lying if I say I didn't feel anything for him when I was younger. I don't feel that way anymore, but it's hard to forget after so many years. As for his side of the deal, well, I already said he didn't feel the same as me, didn't I? His priority was his kid, not me.
INTERVIEWER: Were you, Doughy ████████ and Orel ██████████ the only people involved with Clay as lovers?
DANIELLE S.: No. Both he and me had other people before and after we met, but just as one-night stands. Clay and I bonded over not liking being alone.
INTERVIEWER: Do you have any idea as to why Clay decided to be in an incestuous relationship with his own son?
DANIELLE S.: Well, as I've just said, Clay and I didn't like being alone. There were many people that hurt him and affected the trust he had in the acting world, so I think that the reason why he decided to be with Orel may have something to do with that. After all, blood is thicker than water.
INTERVIEWER: Why when Orel was still a kid, though? And not the only one he manipulated and abused.
DANIELLE S.: Honestly, I don't know. I wonder the same thing every night.
INTERVIEWER: Orel wasn't his only child, as you may know. Christina was also his daughter, yet it seems he never attempted to do anything to her. Do you have any idea as to why?
DANIELLE S.: He liked dick better than pussy.
INTERVIEWER: …Did you have to say it like that?
DANIELLE S.: Like what?
INTERVIEWER: ...Nothing. Speaking of Christina, she's currently married with Art himself. In your letter, you talked about how you knew from the start how Art was no good. Can you elaborate?
DANIELLE S.: When you come from the adult entertainment industry like I, you manage to pick up signs and gestures that most people aren't aware of. Bad men are everywhere and, since I saw Art, he fitted the bill laughably perfect. I'm surprised it took this long for people to catch up, but that's how it is.
INTERVIEWER: If you knew how bad he was, why did you trust him to guide Nursula on her career?
DANIELLE S.: I'll admit that I committed a mistake. Letting my own baby sister be with a man like him is despicable, I know. But in truth I wasn't concerned about her wellbeing at the time, I just wanted to be known in the industry. So, I told myself that, as long as I was there, Nursula would be mainly okay, that's all.
INTERVIEWER: You're lucky that nothing serious happened to her, do you realize that?
DANIELLE S.: Yes, I do. But, even with my flaws, I'd say I'm good at protecting my family. I mean, look at you.
INTERVIEWER: What are you trying to get at?
DANIELLE S.: You know. Kid, I know that you left the acting world behind and I'm glad that you did. Investigating is your natural element. But don't act like you weren't there in the beginning. Don't forget that you started your first roles thanks to my influence and that you got the role of the mayor's illegitimate child for that same reason. You're a natural at being bratty.
INTERVIEWER: You- Is this about my wife again?
DANIELLE S.: Hmmph.
INTERVIEWER: See, this is why I didn't want an interview with you at my place. I knew you wouldn't be professional about it and keep Bloberta out of this. If you dislike her so much, why do you keep talking to her?
DANIELLE S.: Because I'm not dumb, Shapey. It's better to not leave her on her own, especially when it's only you and her. That's not a mistake I'm going to repeat. Trust your uncle.
INTERVIEWER: [Yelling.] What's your problem with her?! Why do you hate her so much?
DANIELLE S.: Are you dumb or are you acting like it?
INTERVIEWER: What do you mean?
DANIELLE S.: She met you when you were seven. Any warning signals inside your head? She's not any better than the people you're investigating, Shapey.
INTERVIEWER: Take that back.
DANIELLE S.: This is why I can't have a conversation with you. You're always defending her, kiddo. This is why we stopped talking to each other, remember? Don't keep making things difficult for us. You know I don't want to lose anyone again.
[Silence for a few seconds before something can be heard angrily hitting the table. The noise is louder than any other one heard before.]
DANIELLE S.: Just watch this, Shapey. We'll talk later.
INTERVIEWER: [Muttering.] Whatever.
[END OF RECORDING.]
-
[I now clearly remember the reason Danielle and I stopped talking. He just utterly hates my wife. I was young when I got married of a divorcee, and after all of his shenanigans, he suddenly didn’t approve. Clay was already dead, so he had no one to lean on, and just pushed me away.
This investigation is getting personal.]
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VIDEO SENT BY DANIELLE █████████ TO INVESTIGATOR SHAPEY P.
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[Shapey █████████ (9) and Bloberta █████████ (29) are on the camera frame, there are many women giggling and chattering with each other in the background.]
WOMAN 1: Do it again!
[The women laugh and Shapey █████████ gets visibly flustered, his ears are turning red.]
BLOBERTA P.: Come on Shapey, gimme another kiss…
[Shapey █████████ shakes his head and turns away from the camera]
BLOBERTA P.: He’s so shy…
WOMAN 2: That’s so cute…
[Shapey █████████ turns to Bloberta █████████ and gives her a quick peck on the lips. The women cheer]
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[When did that even happen?]
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I was a child actor, usually acted in commercials. I always looked younger than my actual age, so after my uncle, Danielle, and my aunt, Nursula, started doing Moral Orel, I started acting in that show due to their connections. I remember nothing of that era, not because of some deep-rooted trauma, like Christina, but rather that I was genuinely too young. Bloberta, my wife, was my first kiss at nine, I always had a crush on her from what I do remember. When I was sixteen, she was recently divorced and I had my first time with her in her car. I felt so proud, like a true man.
They had always teased me with her because ever since childhood, my crush was obvious, but in adolescence she actually started to answer to me, in ways more than just jokes. The first time she actually responded in a serious manner, I was spooked… no, scared… terrified that what I did actually had consequences. She was married, and I knew it.
But then she got divorced, the car incident happened, and I couldn’t believe I could actually get with her. It had always seemed impossible, but now it was so close to me. So, I married her at eighteen.
Our marriage has been issueless until now.
Because I remembered.
I hate you, Danielle.
-
BLOBERTA █████████'S CONFESSION (1994)
A CASSETTE WITH THE HANDWRITTEN TAG "BLOBERTA █████████. 01/10/94." IT HAS A DURATION OF 4 MINUTES. TWO VOICES CAN BE HEARD WITH LOW QUALITY AUDIO, ALONGSIDE BACKGROUND NOISE. ONE OF THE VOICES BELONGS TO THE INVESTIGATOR SHAPEY P. AND THE OTHER ONE TO BLOBERTA P.
BLOBERTA P.: Are you serious?
SHAPEY P.: Do I look like a clown to you?
[The woman sighs.]
BLOBERTA P.: Shapey, honey, what's truly the meaning of this? That happened so many years ago and you're not a child anymore, you can't throw a tantrum over this.
SHAPEY P.: I'm not even mad, Bloberta. I'm going to repeat the question: What were you thinking when this happened?
BLOBERTA P.: Why does that even matter?
SHAPEY P.: Why me?
[There is a brief silence.]
SHAPEY P.: You left your husband for a boy. Why?
BLOBERTA P.: [Angrily.] You don't know what you're talking about, you were just a kid.
SHAPEY P.: Because I was a kid, you left him? You had a good thing with him.
BLOBERTA P.: Good thing?
[She scoffs.]
SHAPEY P.: So I was just a distraction.
BLOBERTA P.: No.
SHAPEY P.: Then?
BLOBERTA P.: You don't know, but he was so... messy. He was always expecting me to do things just for him, to sacrifice my time and my career, even when he would never do the same for me. A woman has limits.
SHAPEY P.: Huh.
BLOBERTA P.: Hmmph.
SHAPEY P.: ...I'm asking again, why me?
BLOBERTA P.: ...I don't know.
SHAPEY P.: You don't?
BLOBERTA P.: No, I don't.
SHAPEY P.: Why not?
BLOBERTA P.: Because I simply don't know, Shapey. It happened twenty years ago and I don't keep track of every action I do, so I don't know. What do you want me to say?
SHAPEY P.: I want you to give me at least one answer, Bloberta. You can't leave me in the dark about this. You've changed my whole life so many times and I think I have the right to know what you were thinking. Was it just for me?
BLOBERTA P.: What's your point? Do you want to divorce me, is that it?
SHAPEY P.: [Yelling.] No!
BLOBERTA P.: Then why are you speaking to me like you want to?
SHAPEY P.: I'm not- I'm not doing that, I'm genuinely trying to have a civilized conversation with you. You're my wife and my first love, the last thing I'd like to do is to leave you behind.
[There is silence for around 20 seconds.]
SHAPEY P.: But I need to know the truth. About you and us. If you're keeping things from me, I'll have to do something about it. And I don't want to hurt you, but I don't want to be hurt either.
[There is a brief silence.]
SHAPEY P.: I love you. I don't know why I love you, if I should even love you.
[Another brief silence.]
SHAPEY P.: Help me understand. Please.
BLOBERTA P.: ...I don't know if you should.
SHAPEY P.: I'll be sleeping in the couch tonight.
(...)