AN: THIS IS LAST PART
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Harry found himself back in Los Angeles, feeling that unique kind of exhaustion that comes from leaving paradise behind and diving back into reality. The jet lag hadn't even fully kicked in when he was already in his home studio, sleeves rolled up, laptop open, and the soft hum of speakers filling the air as Hans Zimmer's complete score for The Blind Man's Gambit played around him.
He listened intently.
The piano notes were sparse yet purposeful, almost tentative, as if the music was unsure about revealing too much. Underneath, a subtle rhythmic pulse emerged— steady, like a second heartbeat. When the strings came in, they didn't swell as Harry had anticipated. Instead, they lingered in the air.
Harry leaned back, closing his eyes.
As the last note faded away, he exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
"This works," he murmured to himself.
Later that evening, he had a brief encounter with Hans Zimmer at the studio. Hans listened as Harry highlighted the moments that resonated with him—the restraint, the way the score didn't dictate emotions but rather encouraged the audience to pay attention.
"I didn't want it to lead them too much," Hans replied, his tone calm. "The story does enough of that on its own."
Harry nodded. "You got it right away."
Hans offered a faint smile. "I only skimmed the start."
Harry chuckled. "Of course."
By the end of the meeting, they shook hands once more, with a shared understanding that their partnership would extend beyond this film.
The following morning, they were back to shooting.
This segment was supposed to be lighter in tone, at least on paper: Act One, the introduction of Aaron and Sophie. But Harry was well aware that these scenes were just as crucial as the darker moments filled with murder and betrayal. If the audience couldn't connect with this softer side of Aaron's life, nothing that came after would resonate.
The first setup took place at a bustling street corner, with the mid-morning sun reflecting off parked cars and shop windows. Daniel stood ready, his opaque lenses in place and white cane in hand. Anne was a few steps away, making sure she was on her marks.
Harry observed from behind the monitor, arms crossed.
"Action."
Anne moved forward, distracted as she rummaged through her bag—and bumped right into Daniel.
"Hey—!" she started, irritation flashing across her face.
Then she spotted the cane.
"Oh. Oh—God, I'm really sorry," she said, her tone instantly softening.
Daniel tilted his head, looking confused but courteous. "It's okay. Really."
Anne paused, then reached out. "Did I hurt you?"
"I'm fine," Daniel replied. "You don't need to—"
"Let me at least grab you a coffee," Anne said quickly, her guilt pushing past his refusal. "Please."
Harry observed closely. Anne didn't lay it on thick with sympathy. It wasn't pity—it was a genuine, awkward concern that felt real and human. Daniel responded with a calm restraint, never allowing himself to show vulnerability.
The scene unfolded effortlessly.
At the café, Sophie discovered that Aaron was a pianist—blind but fiercely independent. Daniel spoke about Trinity College of Music with a quiet determination. Anne listened with a visible admiration that stemmed from deep respect.
"I want to study in London too," she mentioned in the scene. "Different field, but… same city."
Daniel smiled. "Then maybe we'll get lost there together."
The romance that blossomed was handled with care. Harry captured the moments—hands brushing, shared laughter, time slipping by. When the scene shifted to Aaron and Sophie later lying together under a single blanket, the intimacy was felt rather than shown. Their conversation was soft and comfortable.
Sophie rested her head against Aaron's chest. "I might know someone who can help you," she said. "Ronan Lane."
Daniel's brow furrowed. "The actor?"
Anne nodded. "He is my father's frequent customer. I can ask him."
Aaron's gratitude was sincere but held back. "You don't have to do that."
"I want to," Sophie replied.
Harry let the moment linger before he interrupted.
The next scene unfolded at Ronan Lane's party—where the lighting was warm, the chatter soft, and the elegance understated. Daniel took to the piano, his fingers dancing confidently over the keys. He sang softly, his voice raw yet sincere.
As the performance wrapped up, Sophie- pride in her eyes and Ronan, radiating effortless charm—was the first to applaud.
"You've got something special," Ronin said, shaking Aaron's hand. "Something new from today's musicians."
He then introduced Aaron to his wife, Simi.
Cate Blanchett stepped into view, wearing a composed smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Lovely playing," she remarked.
Daniel nodded, a hint of gratitude in his demeanor. "Thank you."
Simi, warm and observant, asked questions but kept the conversation light. When Ronin suggested that Aaron could give their daughter piano lessons, she agreed without a second thought.
"No trouble at all," she said. "We're usually home in the afternoons."
The next day's shoot took a completely different turn.
Aaron arrived early at the apartment, where Simi greeted him casually, wrapped in a robe. "Diane's running late," she mentioned. "Hope you don't mind waiting?"
Daniel shook his head. "Not at all."
Ronin asked him to play while they waited.
Harry held his breath behind the monitor as Daniel started to play.
Then the door swung open.
Mano walked in.
Harry had rehearsed this scene countless times in his mind. The balance was crucial. Daniel needed to see—but not react. He had to hear—but not acknowledge. Cate had to move with a chilling sense of normalcy.
The murder was quick. Disturbing. Lacking any grace.
Daniel's fingers quivered slightly over the keys, but he kept playing without missing a beat.
Cate methodically wiped away the blood, her demeanor unsettlingly calm. She settled next to Aaron at the piano, softly humming along with the tune.
Daniel's face shone with sweat, his jaw clenched tight.
Mano came back just moments later. "The neighbor caught a glimpse of me," he whispered.
Cate didn't even glance up. "I'll handle it."
Harry called for a cut.
An oppressive silence filled the set.
No one dared to speak until Harry finally broke the stillness with, "Reset."
The last scene of the day unfolded in the elevator.
Aaron stood inside, cane in hand, while Simi gently guided him. Behind them, Mrs. Dalton's voice rang out— critisizing Simi for having an affair.
Cate turned slowly.
As the elevator doors began to shut, she pushed forward.
Anne wasn't part of this scene, but even she flinched at the playback.
The doors closed.
"Cut! That's a wrap."