EXT. SPIRAL STAIRCASE - DAYPetra waits on the steps in the shadows of a building, a single light illuminating the iron stairs. Benji approaches.

BENJIOut of all the people on this campus, you pick her?

PETRASomeone had to be poisoned next.

BENJIYou could have chosen anyone.

PETRAOdd. You told me you didn’t care for her anymore.

Benji stops, realization dawning on him.

BENJII didn’t take you as a jealous one, Petra.

PETRACareful, Benji.

He reaches into her jacket and pulls out her KNIFE.

BENJIYou’re the one who has to be careful, Petra.

Petra dissolves into LAUGHTER.

PETRAI just find it funny. You’re trying to play the hero, but you are not one and you never will be.

She gets close to him, inches away from his face.

PETRA (CONT’D)Did you tell Anita about how I dragged you from the ashes of the houses you used to set ablaze? The way your fingers itched for the click of a lighter and the smell of smoke? You got off on watching the flames more than having me in bed. You couldn’t stay away from either. You’re here because you can do what’s necessary, not what’s right.

FLASH: fire. Benji in the therapist’s office, opening and closing the LIGHTER.

PETRA (CONT’D)Go ahead. Kill me. But it will be just one more reason to hate everything you’ve become.

He backs away from her, lowering the knife. She’s right. A smirk curls across her lips.

PETRA (CONT’D)After Anita gets the antidote, you keep her in play. We still need her.

Petra walks away. After a moment, Benji reaches in with a shaking hand and pulls out the one thing he always carries with him:

The lighter.END FLASHBACK.

2.