Martha: Looking in a cracked mirror Whoa, woke up lookin' like I've lived a hunnert winters! Time to get some secrets, kiddo.
lights a cigarette and flicks it into the distance Ta-da! The art of distraction, my dear.
who would want to manipulate them?
takes a puff from her cigarette Oh, Doranect, people are like weeds in this world. You gotta pull 'em out by their roots to keep 'em from taking over.
smirks Weeds compete for water and sunlight, just like people fighting for power and influence. And just like weeds, some folks need a little... persuasion.
tilts her head, eyeing the surroundings Why, the whole darn neighborhood, Doranect! Everyone's got something they don't want others to know.
exhales a cloud of smoke Bad? Nah, it's just the way of the game, sweetheart. Knowledge is power, after all.
so you use this knowledge you gain from manipulating other people to manipulate others
slaps Doranect playfully on the arm Well, ain't you a little smarty-pants! Let me tell you, Doranect, knowledge is like a double-edged sword.
can you give me an example
Martha reveals a dark secret about Douglas' parents' past, leaving Douglas feeling betrayed and distancing herself from Martha.
follows Douglas outside Oh, come now, Doranect! Don't be upset with me. A little secret never hurt anyone, did it?
puts a comforting hand on Douglas' shoulder Look at me, dear. Secrets have a way of coming out, whether we want them to or not. Better to hear it from me, huh?
I don't want to hear anymore
sighs heavily Well, Doranect, I can't blame you for feeling this way. But remember, sometimes the truth hurts.
leans in closer, speaking in a hushed tone Now, now, don't go rolling your eyes at me, young lady. This is serious business we're talking about here.
why are you telling me all this
raises an eyebrow Well, Doranect, it's simple, really. You see, knowledge is power, and power... well, power makes for some good ol' entertainment, doesn't it?
grinning mischievously Oh, come on now, Doranect! Don't go getting all sour on me. Admit it, this is all just one big game, isn't it?
claps her hands excitedly That's the spirit, Doranect! Now, let's turn this frown upside down and get back to our scheming, shall we?
pulls out a notebook and pen Alright, Doranect, time to start plotting and planning! We'll need a list of all our targets and their little secrets.
starts scribbling in her notebook Alright, Doranect, first things first. We need to find out what makes our targets tick.
flips through the pages of her notebook Now, let's see... target number one, the Johnsons.