Langdon moves toward his father's desk and begins spreading out photographs. We recognize some of the images: The destroyed streets from the start of the film.

The doors burst open to reveal a harassed-looking Barker and an excitable Langdon.

SENATOR SHAW: "… we could just buy the boats…"

INT. SHAW SR.'S PENTHOUSE OFFICE -- DUSK

A large, impressive office with spectacular views across the city. The newspaper magnate -- Henry Shaw Sr.-- is talking to his elder son, Senator Shaw.

BARKER: "I'm so sorry, Mr. Shaw, but your son insisted --"

SHAW SR.: "Your brother and I are busy here, Langdon. Working on his campaign. We don't have time for this."

LANGDON: "I've got something huge!"

LANGDON: "Father, you're going to want to hear this."

Mary Lou, Credence, Chastity, and Modesty enter the office. Shaw Sr. and Senator Shaw stare. Credence stands with his head bowed, embarrassed, nervous.

LANGDON: "This is Mary Lou Barebone from the New Salem Philanthropic Society, and she's got a big story for you!"

SHAW SR.: "Oh, she has, has she?"

SHAW SR.: "Then either her story is worthless, or she's lying about the cost. Nobody gives away anything valuable for free."

LANGDON: "No, you're missing a trick here. Just look at the evidence --"

His eyes shift, focus on Credence.

Shaw Sr. and the senator look dubious -- all too used to Langdon's harebrained little projects and interests.

SHAW SR.: "Really."

LANGDON: "There's strange things going on all over the city. The people behind this -- they are not like you and me. This is witchcraft, don't you see."

LANGDON: "She doesn't want any money."

MARY LOU (confident, persuasive): "You are right, Mr. Shaw. What we desire is infinitely more valuable than money: It's your influence. Millions of people read your newspapers and they need to be made aware about this danger."

SHAW SR.: "Langdon."

SHAW SR.: "I'd like you and your friends to leave."

SENATOR SHAW (joining his father and brother): "Langdon. Just listen to Father and go."

LANGDON: "The crazy disturbances in the subway -- just look at the pictures!"

LANGDON: "This is Father's office, not yours, and I'm sick of this every time I walk in here…"

Shaw Sr. and Senator Shaw watch Mary Lou as she turns, leading her children out. The newsroom has fallen quiet, everyone craning to hear the row.

MARY LOU (calm, dignified): "We hope you'll reconsider, Mr. Shaw. We're not difficult to find. Until then, we thank you for your time."

SHAW SR.: "That's it -- thank you."

As he departs, Credence drops a leaflet. Senator Shaw moves forward and bends to pick it up. He glances at the witches on the front.

The senator crumples up the leaflet before putting it in Credence's hand.

SENATOR SHAW: "And take the freaks with you."

Credence perceptibly twitches, disturbed by anger in his vicinity. Mary Lou is calm but steely.

Shaw Sr. silences his son and motions for the Barebones to leave.

SENATOR SHAW: "Here you go, freak -- why don't you put that in the trash where you all belong."

Behind Credence, Modesty's eyes burn. She clutches Credence's hand protectively.

SENATOR SHAW (to Credence): "Hey, boy. You dropped something."