The Case of the Soapy Steps

SCENE 1

Soapy Set-Up

Apartment building lobby, morning, sunny through glass doors — A man in his early 30s, Max Turner, tips a huge bucket of sudsy soap onto the staircase, his eyes gleaming with mischief as foam bubbles cascade down.

SCENE 2

A Slippery Entrance

Apartment building lobby, moments later, bright morning — A woman in her late 20s, Riley Johnson, rushes in, hits the sudsy steps, feet fly in the air, and she lands with an exaggerated, comic thud, tools scattering around.

SCENE 3

Janitor to the Rescue

Apartment building lobby, immediately after, streaks of sunlight — A woman in her 60s, Dolores Vega, appears with a mop and a knowing grin, gesturing for Riley to rise as she brandishes a big yellow sponge.

SCENE 4

The Clean-Up Challenge

Apartment building staircase, a few minutes later, light reflecting on soap bubbles — Riley Johnson and Dolores Vega scrub the stairs with sponges; bubbles pop in the air, while Max Turner peeks from behind a potted plant, clutching a hidden tripwire.

SCENE 5

Inspector’s Surprise

Apartment lobby, moments later, sunlight streaming through windows — A man in his 50s, Mr. Chen, steps onto the freshly cleaned stairs, but a new slick patch sends him sliding cartoonishly, briefcase flying, as Riley and Dolores gasp.

SCENE 6

Regroup and Resolve

Apartment stair landing, just after, sunlight on faces — Riley Johnson, hair askew and covered in suds, exchanges a determined nod with Dolores Vega as Max Turner stifles a laugh.

SCENE 7

Silent Stand-off

Apartment hallway, late morning, bright with streaks of sunlight — Max Turner rigs a final elaborate contraption involving marbles, a bucket and string, watching intently as Riley Johnson peers warily from around the corner, tension in their faces.