SUNSET_GRILL 90pages
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THE SUNSET GRILL CAFÉ
by
glenn H. whittaker, jr.
glenn H. whittaker,
jr.
P.O. Box 188
Glen Carbon, IL
62934
618-692-9347
1. INT. SUNSET GRILL CAFÉ - 7:30am
Small tables line a wall of windows.
Larger tables sit at the far end of an eating counter. The counter stools are
round and backless. Behind the counter is the large window opening where the
cook places the finished orders.
The café is half filled with the early
morning work crowd chatting and eating their breakfasts.
The rotund cook dressed in white places
two plates on the window ledge.
COOK
Hay Lucy, you still pregnant?
Lucy at a window table turns away from
staring out the window and smiles at the cook.
LUCY
(pats large belly)
Na, the Doc gave me two aspirin
yesterday and it went away.
Snikles and chuckles from the regular
customers bounce around her.
Johnny spins his counter stool to face
Lucy.
JOHNNY
(soft nervous laugh)
Ya,
sure, ha ha ha ha.
Johnny smiles at Lucy. She smiles back, then returns to her window
stare.
Randy wearing a private chauffeur
uniform sits at the counter next to Johnny.
Randy smiles briefly at the cook's joke then looks back at his
appointment book on the counter.
Johnny quick looks around, no one is
frowning. He spins back to the counter and looks at Randy.
JOHNNY
That your work schedule?
RANDY
Yep. For today. Mrs. Bick, 8:15am. Her
work begins at 9, the ride takes 45 minutes if I can catch the lights green.
JOHNNY
Why don't you just pick her up earlier?
RANDY
I asked her once. She said she didn't
believe in giving the company anymore of her time than necessary.
JOHNNY
That makes sense, sort of.
RANDY
I said but I wouldn't have to rush. It
would be a less frantic ride, calmer with some time to spare. No, she likes the
way I weave through the traffic and the yellow lights.
JOHNNY
The thrill wakes her up like coffee.
RANDY
So for three years I've sped like a
race driver just missing joggers, children and bicycles. I've zipped through
countless yellow/red lights, thank god for absent cops.
Randy puts his appointment book in his
shirt pocket. Puts a dollar under his coffee cup and spins off the counter
stool. He tips his cap to ladies as he leaves.
2. EXT. SUNSET GRILL CAFÉ
Randy gets behind the wheel of his
dented black Hansum Limousine and drives onto the busy street.
3. EXT. CITY STREET
Randy turns off the commuter street and
stops under the awning of the passenger drop off space of a large apartment
building.
A mid-aged business woman, Mrs. Bick,
carrying a heavy briefcase enters the back seat of Randy's limousine.
RANDY
A fine morning to you Mrs. Bick. Right
on time as usual.
MRS.
BICK
(checks watch)
Do hurry Randy, this is such an
important day.
RANDY
(nods in mirror)
Yes Mrs. Bick this is an important day.
Randy flicks two switches. The back
doors lock and the center glass slides up, closed tight.
He makes a U-turn at the red light. He
settles back in the seat heading toward suburbia.
Mrs. Bick looks up noting the
unfamiliar. She looks left, then right, then out the back window. Then spins
forward bumping her forehead on the privacy glass. She knocks upon it mouthing
protest to the mirror.
Randy takes the dash microphone, looks
into the mirror.
RANDY
Please stay calm Mrs. Bick. We are
going to the suburbs.
Mrs. Bick knocks on the privacy glass
till her knuckles hurt. Takes a deep breath, shakes her head, throws up her
hands then collapses back.
4. EXT. SUBURB STREET
Randy turns off a four-lane commuter
street onto a two lane suburb street.
There is no traffic on the dead end
street and no one is outside.
Near the street's end Randy turns into
a driveway and pulls the limousine into an open garage door.
5. INT. RANSOM HOUSE GARAGE
Randy pushes a button and the garage
door closes and the overhead light ons.
Randy peers at Mrs. Bick's quiet form
staring at him.
Randy takes out a revolver from the
glove box. Holding it high he speaks to the microphone.
RANDY
You will go into that green basement
door and walk down the stairs. On the table you will find the instructions you
are to follow. Do as you are told and you will be back at work unhurt.
MRS.
BICK
Why are you doing this? I have to be at
the office right now. What are you doing?
RANDY
You will go into that open basement
door and walk down the stairs. On the table beside the telephone you will find
the instructions you are to follow.
MRS.
BICK
Randy don't do this to me. I have to be
at the office, right now. Haven't I always been nice to you? I give you a big
tip every Christmas.
RANDY
Yes you have Mrs. Bick. But a lousy
fifty bucks is far from what I need.
She hammers her fist against the thick
privacy glass.
Randy opens the driver's side window.
Then he opens Mrs. Bick's back window slightly.
Randy points the revolver out the
window. He fires it, the bullet smashes into a glass target on the wall.
Mrs. Bick throws her hands to her ears
to cover the retort. She then sits back, looks at the revolver then at the
wall.
MRS.
BICK
All right all right. I'll do what you
say.
Her door opens and she quietly, slowly
exits then cautiously enters the green basement door.
6. INT. RANSOM HOUSE BASEMENT
KITCHEN/LIVING ROOM
Mrs. Bick enters the basement door from
the stairs; the heavy steel door locks behind her.
Slowly she walks all around. A finished
apartment but no windows.
She goes into the kitchen. On the counter is a phone with the
squawk-box attachment. Cautiously she picks up the receiver and hears only
static. She slams it down.
She opens the icebox; it is full of
food. She opens the cabinets and they
are full of food.
She looks about the room and spies the
letter of instructions on the metal kitchen table. She picks up the letter, she
reads:
MRS.
BICK
The door will be locked until five
thousand dollars has been paid. I control the phone. You will speak through the
monitor on the table. You will ask a woman friend for the money. Have her
withdraw it from her personal account. I will tell her where to put the money.
When I have all the money I will tell the police where you are.
Mrs. Bick drops the letter.
The phone buzzes softly, startling her.
RANDY
(O.S.)
Can you hear me Mrs. Bick.
MRS.
BICK
What? What is this Randy?
RANDY
(O.S.)
It's the price of my ulcer Mrs. Bick.
It's time for me to switch from your rush hour madness to my cool calm
retirement.
MRS.
BICK
It's okay, I understand. We could start
earlier then you wouldn't have to drive so fast. Tomorrow. You can pick me up
earlier tomorrow. But today I have to get to the office. It is very important.
RANDY
(O.S.)
Did you read the letter on the kitchen
table?
MRS.
BICK
Yes Randy, I read it. But I don't
understand why me?
RANDY
(O.S.)
I have served people all of my life.
Now it's time for me to collect my pension.
MRS.
BICK
But Randy you are not on my companies'
pension plan.
RANDY
(O.S.)
I am now Mrs. Bick. The five thousand
dollars is my retirement money. You will not be harmed in anyway. I will call
one of your women friends. Follow the letter on the table. What is her name,
her number?
MRS.
BICK
(despondent)
Emma Reasnor at 779-1234.
RANDY
(O.S.)
Fine. I'll call her and then I'll
connect you.
The squawk box clicks of silent.
7. INT. RANSOM HOUSE GARAGE
Randy dials the phone number.
A crackling female voice rivets the
receiver.
EMMA (O.S.)
Yes. Emma Reasnor here, I don't drink
beer, are you near? Wish you were here.
RANDY
(calmly)
Good morning dear lady. Mrs. Bick has a
very important message for you.
Randy pushes the squawk-box speaker
switch, which makes a short buzz on the kitchen receiver.
8. INT. RANSOM HOUSE BASEMENT
KITCHEN/LIVING ROOM
Mrs. Bick startled, quicks a squeaky.
MRS.
BICK
What?
RANDY
(O.S.)
(cordial)
Mrs. Bick your call to Emma has
cleared. Please follow the letter.
MRS.
BICK
(nervous fright)
Emma, dear Emma, I've been kidnapped.
He wants five thousand dollars. Please do as he says. I'll pay you back next
week.
EMMA (O.S.)
Geraldine? Is that you? What is this
about? Shall I call the police and shout?
MRS.
BICK
No no Emma. This is real. I was
kidnapped on my way to...
9. INT. RANSOM HOUSE GARAGE
RANDY
Good morning. This is the kidnapper. Go
to your bank and get five thousand dollars?
EMMA (O.S.)
Geraldine? Geraldine, what is this
awful man saying? What kind of terrible game is he playing?
RANDY
Good morning dear lady. Mrs. Bick has been
kidnapped. Do you understand?
EMMA (O.S.)
Kidnapped, kidnapped. Yes I watch TV. I
understand kidnapped.
RANDY
Good, very good. I will release her as
soon as you get me the money. Do you understand?
EMMA (O.S.)
(calm)
Money, you want money.
RANDY
(nods yes)
Yes, money. Five thousand dollars.
EMMA (O.S.)
I go to the bank, yank?
RANDY
Yes. Get one hundred-dollar bills. Get
fifty of them. If they ask, just tell them you are going to gamble in Reno. Do
you understand
EMMA
(O.S.)
(slowly)
Fifty one hundreds. That would be five
thousand dollars, an expensive collar.
RANDY
I
will let Mrs. Bick go when you give me the money.
EMMA (O.S.)
I want to talk to her again, before
this adventure I begin.
Randy pushes the squawk-box speaker
switch, which makes a short buzz on the kitchen receiver.
RANDY
Mrs. Bick confine your talk to the
letter or off it goes.
10. INT. RANSOM HOUSE BASEMENT
KITCHEN/LIVING ROOM
MRS.
BICK
Yes, yes. Emma are you there?
EMMA (O.S.)
(amused concern)
Yes Geraldine, I'm alright. Can you
make it through the night?
MRS.
BICK
Yes Emma I'm alright. There's plenty to
eat, and a bathroom and a bed. He just wants the money. Please give it to him.
I can pay you back next week.
EMMA (O.S.)
(doubt)
Geraldine he wants fifty hundred-dollar
bills, is that alright? I'm getting uptight.
MRS.
BICK
(stern)
Yes Emma, do what he says. Give him the
money.
The squawk-box speaker goes silent.
11. INT. RANSOM HOUSE GARAGE
Randy opens his appointment book and
reads aloud.
RANDY
Miss Reasnor. Go to the bank tomorrow
morning. Put the bills in an envelope. Be at the corner of 1st and Pine, north
side at noon tomorrow. Carry an open yellow umbrella. A black limousine with
the back window open will stop beside you. Ask the driver if he goes to Kansas.
He will answer, 'No I only go to Dallas'. Drop the envelope on the back seat
floor and leave. Do you understand?
EMMA (O.S.)
(amused)
Yellow umbrella. Going to Kansas? No to
Dallas. I understand, you're the man.
Randy hangs up the phone. Then gets in
the limousine. He leaves the suburbs
bubbling with impish delight.
12. INT. RANSOM HOUSE BASEMENT
KITCHEN/LIVING ROOM
Mrs. Bick grabs the squawk-box speaker.
MRS.
BICK
Emma, Emma are you there?
She picks up the letter and reads it.
MRS.
BICK
(cont)
Randy, Randy I told her. I did what you
said. Are you there?
Mrs. Bick sits down, puts her head on
her folded arms. Quiet restful moments pass.
She slowly raises her head and looks
around the room. She goes to the icebox and grabs a beer.
She goes into the living room and turns
on the TV. One of her favorite 'Leave it to Beaver' episodes begins.
13. INT. SUNSET GRILL CAFÉ - 10:30am
Many of the regulars keep looking at
the clock.
Johnny's coffee cup is empty; he
notices many other's cups are waiting for refills.
The tables and counter are cluttered
with dirty dishes. And the kitchen sink is full of unwashed pots and pans.
The waitresses and the cook sit at the
staff table chatting and looking at the clock.
Randy opens the door and goes to a
counter stool.
The cook smiles at Randy, then looks at
the clock, then returns to the kitchen and begins washing dishes.
The waitresses smile at Randy. One
waitress begins busing the dirty dishes. The other waitress begins coffee
refills.
The regulars begin chatting amoung
themselves.
Johnny looks around at the busy café
and smiles, then goes to the bathroom.
Lucy takes her stare from the window,
pats her belly and says loudly.
LUCY
You know, I think it's a girl
Everyone
breaks into a long easy laugh.
Randy over turns an empty cup and the
waitress, Juli, pours in coffee.
JULI
Anything else for you?
RANDY
(controlled excitement)
I want something. Not sure just what.
Oh well, give me a jelly donut.
Johnny returns and sits beside Randy.
JOHNNY
You running a little late this morning?
RANDY
Yea. Traffic is real heavy on Mondays.
JOHNNY
What's so special about Monday? Just
another work day.
RANDY
Aign't sure. Maybe cupboards are bare
after the weekend. Maybe they're bored from watching TV all Sunday. Maybe
missing work on Monday looks suspicious. Maybe it's mystical. Whatever the
reason makes for the worst traffic.
JOHNNY
Mondays are the busiest? That's
interesting. When is your next fare?
RANDY
Soon. This one is super finicky about
the time. I have to drop her at the Sears Building at precisely 11:35. Not
11:34 or 11:36. If I'm early she just sits in the back seat until 11:35. I
don't know what she'd do if we got there late.
JOHNNY
(chuckles)
You sure got a couple of wackos on your
route. Why not switch to driving a cab?
RANDY
I did that for a long time. Don't want
to go back to that. Dogging to get the good spot. Roaming the streets at all
hours to find someone needing a ride. Never know who's going to rob you.
JOHNNY
Gee never thought about that.
Randy
looks up at the clock.
RANDY
Got to go, later.
Randy puts a dollar under his cup,
spins off the stool and exits.
Johnny watches him leave, then looks at
Lucy staring out the window. He turns back to the counter and reads the comic
papers.
14.
EXT. CITY STREET
Mrs. Dot carrying a knitting satchel
and a bright blue umbrella exits a large town house.
Randy stops the black limousine so the
back door is aligned with her stoop steps.
MRS. DOT
Right on time, 11:15am. And it's good
that ya are. An important day this is, right that it is. An important day, I
canna say no more.
She
casts her eyes from Randy's smile in the rear view mirror to her knitting bag.
RANDY
Yes mame, it is.
Randy
ups the privacy glass and locks the back doors. He then turns left toward the
quiet suburbs.
Mrs.
Dot notices the change of route. Peering through the back window she sees her
destination dwindling. She knocks on the privacy glass.
Randy
picks up the dash microphone and smiles into the mirror.
RANDY
Please stay calm Miss Dot, we are going
to the suburbs first.
MRS. DOT
Look Randa, this joke it is na funna.
Please I musta be at the Sears by noon. Randa, Randa do ya hear. Turn this cab
'round!
Her
fists pounding on the privacy glass.
RANDY
Calm,
calm Miss Dot, we will be there very soon. Please be calm.
Mrs.
Dot shakes her head an emphatic no and smashes her fist against the thick
privacy glass. She sits back holding her bruised hand and cries.
15.
EXT. SUBURB STREET OF RANSOM HOUSE
As the limousine pulls into the driveway
Mrs. Dot looks up to spy the lane of neat ranch styles, trimmed bushes,
tailored lawns and shade maple trees.
16.
INT. RANSOM HOUSE GARAGE
The garage door snaps closed quietly.
Randy takes out a revolver from the
glove box. Holding it high he speaks to the microphone.
RANDY
You will go into that green basement
door and walk down the stairs. On the table you will find the instructions you
are to follow. Do as you are told and you will be back at work unhurt.
MRS.
DOT
I will na. Go back ta the office now!
She hammers her fist against the thick
privacy glass.
Randy opens the driver's side window.
Then he opens Mrs. Dot's back window slightly.
Randy points the revolver out the
window. He fires it, the bullet smashes into a glass target on the wall.
Mrs. Dot stares at the smoking barrel
now pointed at her. Then nods her head and quietly sits back.
Her door opens and she exits cautiously
watching the gun barrel pointed at her.
RANDY
Go on. Down the basement stairs and you
won't be hurt.
Mrs. Dot resolutely takes to the
basement stairs; the door swinging closed and locked behind her.
17. INT. RANSOM HOUSE BASEMENT
KITCHEN/LIVING ROOM
Mrs. Dot cautiously opens the door.
TELEVISION
(O.S.)
Great new deal for you. Come into our
showroom today...
MRS.
DOT
Hello. Anyboda there?
MRS. BICK (O.S.)
Emma, is that you?
Mrs.
Bick gets up from the couch and faces Mrs. Dot.
MRS. BICK
(surprised)
You!
He got you too?
The squawk-box on the kitchen table
buzzes.
RANDY (O.S.)
Hello Mrs. Dot. Have you read the
instructions yet?
MRS. DOT
Randa, is ya there? Let me out. What do
ya want?
Mrs.
Dot pounds her fist on the table.
RANDY (O.S.)
Good morning dear ladies. Money. I want
my retirement money Mrs. Dot. Read the letter of instructions on the table. One
minute.
The squawk-box goes silent.
MRS. BICK
Go on, read it. There's nothing else to
do.
Mrs. Dot reads the instructions then
slams the paper to the table and grimaces of her forgotten hand pain.
MRS. DOT
No, no I wonna give ta blackmail money.
No!
Mrs. Dot storms to the door, it won't
open. She does a quick inspection: no windows and walls of concrete.
Mrs. Dot then throws all the kitchen
cabinet drawers open, picks up a plastic spoon and stares at it.
MRS. BICK
Please stay calm, there is no way out.
We have to do what he says.
MRS. DOT
No I wonna give ta blackmail. I work
hard ma whole life. I wonna give ta him.
Mrs.
Dot slams her right fist into her left palm.
The
squawk-box buzzes.
RANDY (O.S.
Well Mrs. Dot whom should I call? What
is her number?
MRS. DOT
No, no money. I wonna pay!
Mrs.
Dot throws the plastic spoon at the speaker. She grabs the speaker, shaking it.
MRS. DOT
(cont)
I wonna pay!
RANDY (O.S.)
How does darkness sound dear ladies?
All of the basement lights go off.
Both women shriek in fear. Then both
become quiet.
MRS. BICK
(softly)
Please tell him, it's only five
thousand. Please. I don't like the dark.
MRS. DOT
No.
No I wonna. So what, a little darkness.
18.
INT. RANSOM HOUSE GARAGE
RANDY
Good morning ladies. Try to live with
this.
Randy opens a cabinet door, takes out a
large bucket and dumps its contents into the fresh-air duct vent. He puts a
small electric fan before it, sending the fumes of human waste to their noses.
MRS. DOT (O.S.)
(moans and coughs)
Alright Randa, ya win. I'll pay, I'll
pay.
RANDY
(chuckles)
Thought that perfume would change your
mind.
Randy
removes the electric fan, then shovels the pile back into the container.
RANDY
Sorry to be so crude, but like the man
says 'It's only money'. Now whom do I call for your part of my retirement cash
Mrs. Dot?
MRS. DOT (O.S.)
(resigned)
Georga Mae at 778-2233.
Randy dials the number of Georga Mae.
RANDY
Is this Miss Georga Mae, friend of Mrs.
Dot? Good. Listen carefully please. I have kidnapped her and you have to pay
the money. Then I will let her go unharmed. Do you understand? Good. I will now
connect you to her.
19. INT. RANSOM HOUSE BASEMENT
KITCHEN/LIVING ROOM
Mrs. Bick and Mrs. Dot are sitting at
the kitchen table staring at the squawk-box when it buzzes.
RANDY
(O.S.)
Mrs. Dot your friend is on the line.
Please tell her that she has to pay the ransom money.
MRS.
DOT
Ya Georga Mae it is true. I beenna
kidnapped by...
The squawk-box statics.
RANDY
(O.S.)
You can not tell her about me. You can
not say anything, just the letter. Tell her what the letter says. Do you
understand?
Mrs. Dot nods yes.
MRS. BICK
Yes she understands.
RANDY (O.S.)
Okay. Mrs. Dot just tell your friend to
do what I say.
MRS. DOT
(despondant)
Georga Mae, please just do what the man
says.
The squawk-box goes silent.
20. INT. RANSOM HOUSE GARAGE
RANDY
Good morning dear lady. This is the
kidnapper. Go to your bank and get five thousand in hundred-dollar bills.
GEORGA MAE (O.S.)
That's fifty one hundred dollar bills.
RANDY
That's correct. If they ask, tell them
you are going to gamble in Reno. Do you understand?
GEORGA MAE (O.S.)
I can do that. Where should I bring it
to?
Randy opens his appointment book and
reads aloud.
RANDY
Put the bills in an envelope. Be at the
corner of 2nd and Pine, north side at noon tomorrow. Carry an open yellow
umbrella. A black limousine with the back window open will stop beside you. Ask
the driver if he goes to Kansas. He will answer, 'No I only go to Dallas'. Drop
the envelope on the back seat floor and leave. Do you understand?
GEORGA MAE (O.S.)
Noon tomorrow. 2nd &
Pine. Yellow umbrella. Back window of limousine. Ask driver if going to Kansas.
He says only to Dallas. Leave.
RANDY
Very good. No police. I get the money
and you get your friend back unhurt. Goodbye.
Randy hangs up. Gets in limousine and
leaves.
21.
INT. RANSOM HOUSE BASEMENT KITCHEN/LIVING ROOM
MRS. DOT
How long have ya beenna here?
MRS. BICK
Just a few hours. You might as well
enjoy yourself. No sense getting uptight. This place is like a tomb. He won't
hurt us. He just wants his money. He is nice enough for a man.
Mrs. Bick goes to the icebox, extracts
a beer.
MRS. BICK
(continues)
Calm down. Have a beer. Watch some TV.
We'll be okay.
MRS. DOT
How canna be calm. I have ta prepare
for the meetin'. The vote is Wednesday. Gotta get ready.
Mrs. Dot hurries to the door and yanks
and tugs, then kicks it hard, hurting her foot.
MRS. DOT
Owheeeeeee.
She limp hops to a TV chair, flops down
and whimpers tears.
Mrs. Bick takes out a second can of
beer and takes it to her new companion.
MRS. BICK
Here. This will dull some of the pain.
Watch the TV, like me. We are here till he gets his money.
Mrs. Dot slugs the beer in one gulp,
crushes the empty.
MRS. DOT
Bring ma another.
Mrs. Bick gives her beer to Mrs. Dot.
She takes the empty back to the kitchen and extracts two more from the icebox.
She returns to the TV room.
MRS. DOT
There musta be a way out, musta!
MRS. BICK
Oh I thought so too. No windows, door of
metal, as you know. The ceiling is made of wood alright, but there are no
tools.
MRS. DOT
(inspired)
Do ya have a fingernail file?
MRS. BICK
No, just a paper emery board.
MRS. DOT
(eyes wide)
Bring me ma bag, I have one.
Mrs.
Bick goes into the kitchen and looks around. Spies the bag on a chair, lifting
it carefully peers inside.
MRS. DOT
Here, brin' that here. I know where it
is.
Mrs. Bick takes the sewing satchel to
her.
Mrs. Dot pours the contents on the
table before her. She grabs the metal finger file and points it toward the
ceiling. Then hands it toward Mrs. Bick.
MRS. DOT
Here, cut a hole up there big enough
for us to escape.
Mrs. Bick looks at the thin file,
glances to the ceiling, then to the file.
MRS. BICK
Drink this beer, you are becoming
delirious with pain.
Mrs.
Bick gives her the beer then goes to the couch.
MRS. BICK
(continues)
Randy will let us out when he get his
money. Five thousand for his retirement isn't so much. He has been an excellent
servant.
Mrs. Dot sips the beer, looks at the
file, then at the ceiling, then sips the beer empty. She takes the third can
and puts the file on the end table.
MRS. DOT
Ya know he really has, maybe they'll
postpone the meeting since I'm na there.
MRS. BICK
(muses)
Ya. Maybe they'll postpone the meeting.
22.
INT. SUNSET GRILL CAFÉ - 1:30pm
A few late lunch regulars sit sipping
coffee.
Randy at the counter pushes an empty
pie plate toward waitress Juli.
RANDY
The best Juli, that's the best cherry
pie you've made this month.
JULI
(giggles)
That's a strawberry pie, you silly
goose.
Juli
takes a handful of plates back to the cook's sink.
COOK
I know he's nice, but he is twice your
age.
JULI
Don't be silly. He makes me laugh. He's
never crude, nor rude like so many others.
COOK
Do you think he's attractive?
JULI
He seems to say just the right thing,
makes me feel good, womanly, almost sexy. But he is old, maybe it's that
father-figure thing.
COOK
Could be. Maybe your just lonely and shy. Aign't nobody else your age
asking you out?
JULI
Yea sometimes, but they say those dirty
words, wanting me to be dirty with them. None of them ever ask me to the movies
or take a walk in the park or just simple talk.
COOK
Crude and rude. Not to romantic. I
understand.
JULI
But Randy is different, I guess because
he is like a dad that I like him, he is like a friend, those others seem so
dirty, so, so animal.
Juli looks through the serving window
and smiles at Randy.
Randy smiles back as he leaves for the
limousine.
Johnny enters the café just before
Randy exits the door. They nod silent hello.
23.
EXT. SUNSET GRILL CAFÉ PARKING LOT
Randy starts his engine, looking into
the café at Juli.
RANDY
She sure reminds me of my daughter,
same name and about the same age. I wonder what my Juli is doing? Maybe I'll find her when this retirement
plan is all done, yea maybe.
As
Randy backs up Lucy comes around the corner; she waves goodbye to Randy.
24.
INT. SUNSET GRILL CAFÉ
Johnny
sees Lucy coming up the steps. He goes to the inner door and holds it open.
Lucy
sees Johnny so she holds the outer door open for him to leave.
Juli
looks at Johnny then sees Lucy. Both are holding a door open so she
pomp-n-circumstances past them waving a napkin hankie.
JULI
A dollar for the doorman, a dollar for
the doorlady, they are just so kind. Thank ya, thank ya one and all.
Juli giggles then quick runs back
inside before Johnny or Lucy can close their doors
Lucy follows Juli inside.
Johnny doesn't see Lucy enter and lets
go of the door after Juli has entered.
The inner door slams shut, nearly
hitting Lucy.
LUCY
Hay! What you trying to do?
Lucy
catches her balance and grabs the inner doorknob.
Johnny grabs the inner doorknob yanking
it open so hard that she is pulled to near falling on her face.
LUCY
What are you trying to do? Kill my
baby?
JOHNNY
No, I'm so sorry. I was, was just
trying to help to hold it open for you.
Johnny
gesturing frantic at the door, then toward Juli, then back at the door.
LUCY
Well I don't need your kind of help. I
don't need anybody's help!
JULI
Are ya alright Lucy?
LUCY
Yea, just kinda startled. That, that
bumbling idiot.
JULI
Really Lucy, I saw the whole thing, he
was trying to help. Him holding the door for ya, and ya holding the other door
for him, and neither ya knowing it. It looked sort of silly.
LUCY
What?
JULI
Really, kinda romantic, sort of special
thing for ya both to be doing at the same time. Ya didn't realize, so I got
silly.
JOHNNY
Yes silly is what you were, waving that
napkin, giving us a dollar like some queen.
LUCY
(smiles, giggles)
Yea like Little Egypt herself strutting
down the boardwalk.
JULI
(indignant)
Well! See whenever I tip ya both again.
Lucy looks at Johnny and sheepishly
smiles.
LUCY
I guess I was a little rough. It's the
baby. So awkward to walk. I have to be extra careful. I have so many, many
wonderful plans. Nothing is going to spoil them.
JOHNNY
(apologetic)
I was playing the overzealous fool
knight trying to help the lady in distress, whether she needed or wanted.
LUCY
It's okay. I understand.
Lucy goes to the vacant corner window
table.
Johnny follows her and sits opposite
her.
JOHNNY
Can I buy you a cup of coffee or
something?
LUCY
Tea would be fine, thanks.
25.
EXT. CITY STREET
Randy stands on the sidewalk holding
the limousine's back door open then tips his hat.
RANDY
Good afternoon Mrs. Tron. You're
looking well today.
MRS. TRON
(carefree)
Thanks. Feelin' fine.
Randy hurries around to the driver's
door. Once under way he looks into the rear view mirror.
RANDY
That looks like a Sunday go to meeting
dress. You sure do look lovely in it.
MRS. TRON
(girlish)
Don't make me blush. I'm the
receptionist tonight at the company meetin'.
RANDY
Isn't one of the company members a Mrs.
Dot?
MRS. TRON
(suspicious)
Well, ah, I'm not to say who is an' who
isn't. Do you know her? Dhat Mrs. Dot?
RANDY
Well yes. I'm not suppose to say
either, but I also take her to work, she's one of my customers.
MRS. TRON
(nervous)
How's come you never said before?
RANDY
Company policy. I'm not to talk about
my clients to the other clients.
MRS. TRON
But you are talking to me 'bout Mrs.
Dot.
RANDY
(grins)
Today's meeting place has been changed,
I already took Mrs. Dot there.
Randy
makes a U-turn and drives toward the suburbs.
MRS. TRON
Randy dhis is strange, very, no highly
unusual. Why would dhey tell you?
Mrs.
Tron takes a note pad from her purse and jots down the time and change of
direction.
RANDY
Mrs. Tron, I am also a trusted servant.
I chauffeur only special, regular customers for this company. And today, Mrs.
Dot directed me to a new meeting place. She did not say why, I did not ask. She
said to bring you to the meeting place at the usual pick-up time.
Mrs. Tron jots his comments into the
note pad.
MRS. TRON
(paranoid)
I don't know Randy. Dhis never happened
before.
RANDY
(innocent)
I thought the whole affair peculiar,
but I'm just the cabby. By looks of the place, I'd say it might just be a
surprise party at a members townhouse. You got a birthday or anniversary
coming up?
MRS. TRON
(prideful smile)
Why yes, I've been with dhe company for
fifty years next week. You dhink dhey are havin' a party for me?
(small tears)
RANDY
(twinge of guilt)
Couldn't say for sure mame. But they
better give you a nice retirement pension when that day arrives. Fifty years
for one company is a very long service record. Even longer than mine. You look
young yet, when did you start working?
MRS. TRON
(hides blush)
Dhat's nice Randy. You won't tell
anyone. I fibbed when I was twelve. Looked seventeen and told dhe overseer I
was eighteen. Dhat dad was too sick to work and we had five mouths to
feed. It was all
MRS. TRON
(cont)
true except my age. I did dhe dishes in
dhe kitchen, no one ever saw me till I got moved to laundry ten years later.
My, dhat seems like last week.
RANDY
How long were you in laundry?
Randy
turns onto the suburb street.
Mrs.
Tron stares out the window into her past.
DREAM
A very young Mrs. Tron rushing from
office parties to nightclub dance floor spot lights; running to beach blankets
and squealing from the clutches of rich patrons into the cold icy waters of the
roaring ocean then back to the warm fires and arms of the night's love.
END
DREAM
26.
INT. RANSOM HOUSE GARAGE
The garage door snaps closed waking
Mrs. Tron from her memories to wonderings of an anniversary party.
RANDY
We're here Mrs. Tron. They're down in
the basement waiting for you. Knock twice and tell 'em Randy sent you.
MRS. TRON
A surprise party for me. Dhis is so
sweet. Dhanks Randy.
Mrs. Tron steps out of the limousine
and opens the basement door leading to her surprise. The door snaps locked
behind her.
27.
INT. RANSOM HOUSE BASEMENT KITCHEN/LIVING ROOM
A minute later Mrs. Dot turns from the
TV to greet the newest hostage. Mouth held open in surprise, arm out-stretched
pointing to hold the door open for escape, she sits frozen at the sight of Mrs.
Tron.
MRS. TRON
Hi Mrs. Dot. Where is everybody else?
The squawk-box on the kitchen table
buzzes. All three women turn and stare at it.
MRS. BICK
It's Randy, you talk to him, you're the
one in such a hurry to make that meeting.
RANDY (O.S.)
(nervous)
Good afternoon dear ladies. I hope
everything is alright.
MRS. TRON
Why yes Randy, dhey sitting on dhe
couch. When are dhe rest comin'?
RANDY (O.S.)
Soon, everyone will be here very soon.
But there are some expenses that have to be paid first.
MRS. BICK
(soft laugh)
That's right dearie, you'll have to pay
just like the rest of us.
MRS. TRON
What are you talkin' 'bout? Dhis is my
party, what expenses are you talkin' 'bout. Dhis is my party.
RANDY (O.S.)
Do you see the letter of instructions
on the table?
Mrs. Tron picks up the letter and
quickly reads it.
MRS. TRON
(disbelief)
Your retirement fund! What 'bout my
anniversary party?
She
slams the letter to the table.
RANDY (O.S.)
First, I get my retirement cash from
everyone. Then Mrs. Dot and her fellow board members will give you that
fifty-year party they have been secretly planning. Isn't that right Mrs. Dot?
MRS. DOT
(surprised awareness)
Party? Ya beenna with the company fifty
years Mrs.Tron?
Yes, yes that's right Randa. A grand
party. A grand party we have beenna planning for ya next week.
Mrs.
Dot smiles, nodding yes to the large black matron.
RANDY (O.S.)
See Mrs. Tron, I get my retirement
cash. You get your surprise party. And everybody goes home happy.
MRS. TRON
If dhe party is next week why did you
bring me here?
RANDY (O.S.)
Please Mrs. Tron, read the letter
again.
Mrs. Tron picks up the instructions,
reads them silently again and again, then slams them to the table. She looks at
Mrs. Dot and then at Mrs. Bick
MRS. BICK
Randy has kidnapped us, but he only
wants money, just five thousand each, to retire on. He is a nice man, I think
he will let us go when he has the money. Agree with him, tell him and we'll be
out of here in time for your anniversary party next week.
MRS. DOT
That's right, he wants his retirement
money. I wasna gonna ta pay, but there is na way out.
MRS. TRON
I work hard for 50 years, aign't nobody
gettin' my money. Not Randy, not nobody.
Mrs.
Tron walks to the door and strains to twist the knob open.
MRS. BICK
Please Mrs. Tron, it is made of metal,
please don't hurt yourself, no windows and the walls are made of concrete. He
controls the phone. He can turn off the lights and...
MRS. DOT
And he did. But worsen that he canna
put foulness inna air conditioning vents.
MRS. BICK
Stinks
like an old outhouse.
(holds her nose)
MRS. TRON
Dhem things won't bother me, I
growed-up cleaning dhem bathrooms, you get 'customed to dhe smell.
RANDY (O.S.)
You are right Mrs. Tron, you can live
through it, but why endure all that and this too.
A piercing siren whistle dubbed over
with the continuous drown of a cracked bell being hammered emits through the
air conditioning vents for a minutes.
RANDY (O.S.)
(cont)
Well can you 'customed the darkness,
the smell and that clanking noise for a week?
The ladies take their hands from their
ears.
MRS. TRON
I'll pay. I'll pay. Call June Becker.
555-1233
28.
INT. RANSOM HOUSE GARAGE
RANDY
Is this June Becker? Your friend Mrs.
Tron needs to tell you something.
MRS. TRON (O.S.)
I have been kidnapped. Dhe ransom is
five grand. Pay dhe man please. I am okay.
RANDY
Do you understand Miss Becker? Good.
Are you going to pay me? Good. Got a pencil? Good. Here are the instructions.
Go to the bank tomorrow morning. Put the bills
in an envelope. Be at
RANDY
(cont)
the corner of 3rd and Pine, north side
at noon tomorrow. Carry an open yellow umbrella. A black limousine with the
back window open will stop beside you. Ask the driver if he goes to Kansas. He
will answer, 'No I only go to Dallas'. Drop the envelope on the back seat floor
and leave. Do you understand? Good. I'll see you tomorrow with the money? Good.
Randy hangs up the phone, jots in his
notebook, then flips the squawk-box switch.
RANDY
Mrs. Tron. Your friend is going to pay
the money. So relax. You all will be released soon. Try to enjoy this surprise
vacation.
Randy offs the squawk-box. He gets in
the limousine and leaves. The garage door closes behind him.
29.
EXT. FISHING BOATS WHARF DOCK - 4pm
Randy strolls down the dock nodding to
the men sitting and fishing.
He stops to chat with two old men.
RANDY
How's your luck today boys?
1st FISHERMAN
Had a big-un dhis mornin'. 'bout pulled
me in da brink.
2nd FISHERMAN
The only thang he can catch is dth
flue.
The 2nd Fisherman pulls a
string of fish from a large bucket.
RANDY
Say the missus got room for a dinner
guest?
2ND FISHERMAN
Ah go on with ya.
Randy laughs and continues walking down
the wharf. He stops beside an old fishing boat and waves to the old sea captain
sitting in a rocking chair.
Old Captain Jones waves him to come on
board. The smoke from his ivory pipe curls around his head, lingers on the lip
of a tattered rain cap, then overs its edge to mesh with the mist settling down
around the peer.
Randy carefully steps from the wharf
onto the boat. He sits down in the
other rocking chair decorated with a woman's shawl.
RANDY
Mind
if I sit in this rocking chair a spell?
CAPTAIN JONES
Ya can sit there. My Maevice won't mind
where she's at. That's all I got left to 'member her. Kids sold our house and everythin' in it.
RANDY
I sure like being out here by the sea.
Getting away from the day workers driving like mad to get home each night.
CAPTAIN JONES
Ya city folk in such a hurry. Kids put
our money in dhe bank. 'nough to pay my bills. Dhe grocery brin's my food. I
never leave the boat no more.
RANDY
Maybe they're not really mad, maybe
it's just their way of venting all those bottled-up, pent-in, held-back
expulsions that tack and company policy force them to refrain from in their
dealings with the public and with each other.
CAPTAIN JONES
My kids don't visit much anymore. When
dhey do stop by dhey rush right back to dhe city. Thar so busy with work and
raisin' dhe grandkids.
RANDY
The city life make anybody crazy. Can't
miss work or you lose your job so the sick leave their homes and spread their
illness among the healthy. You can't change the variances of pay. Gotta be nice
to panhandlers, in-laws, and cops. Graffiti, muggers, bribery, divorces, child
abuse, pain, death, and the ever changing fashions.
CAPTAIN JONES
Ya dhe city sure changed my kids. Dhey
don't know 'bout my fishin' world.
RANDY
I know them all. I've had a life of
taking these city workers around, listening to them. There were a few who liked
it, liked the whole spectrum of their lives: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
They took life with their teeth chewing and smiling and
RANDY
(cont)
wanting more, more, more. Never enough
time to do, to appreciate and enjoy, those few I wonder about.
CAPTAIN JONES
My kids are city folks with streetcars,
indoor movies, TV, school plays and fast food drive-thrus.
RANDY
Lovers of life. How did they become
such, how did they stay that way, mostly how did they stay alive? The worn,
tired masses had began their journey to become happy, had worked, toiled, bit
their tongues, bleed and suffered long hours waiting to become happy. Then when
finally reaching that happy moment something outside their lives, the boss, the
kids, the bills, God, some force always came and snatched away their happy,
glad feeling.
CAPTAIN JONES
My kids are dhe new breed, Dhe bay, dhe
fishin', dhe wharf are just a tourist sight to dhem.
RANDY
I'm not sure how the happy people stay
ahead of the mob of worn-out beings, but they do. I can spot them in a second,
their walk, their dress, even their houses, everything they do, from the
laborer to the creative
RANDY
(cont)
genius of music and art. If I can spot
them wouldn't the others. Not ever being happy people, wouldn't they dump their
misery on these lovers of life people?
CAPTAIN JONES
Dheir city is as strange to me as my
fishin' dhe sea is to dhem. So I just stay on my boat.
RANDY
Last week I drove by a playground of
grade school boys playing basketball. Throwing the ball at the hoop, pushing
and laughing and running wildly about the asphalt. That, that is happy,
carefree, that is what everyone wanted to be.
CAPTAIN JONES
I lived all my life at sea. When I die
I want to be buried at sea. I told my kids dhat, but dhey nodded and said
"sure pop" dhen quick changed dhe subject.
RANDY
Somehow being happy and carefree got
lost they expect everyone to be like they are: miserably doing the work, the
tasks of existence, abiding by the rules of society, the unwritten rules of
behavior and dress. Does growing
older cause one to forget the child in them
or does
RANDY
(cont)
growing older cause one to abandon the
child in them so to become a co-operating, compromising, subservient to rules
of co-existence?
CAPTAIN JONES
Dhere is dhat empty place at dhe
cemetery aside Maevice. Dhey bought it for me. I know
dhat deep down, I know dhat. Even when
dhey denied it, I know dhat hole is where dhey'd put me.
RANDY
I'm not sure what brought the millions
to misery rather than appreciation, but I do know that they vent all that
pent-up hostility in their rush to get home. They are like a mob veering from
the center of an explosion. They are fragments flying over pathways and landing
in the structures of wood and brick they call home.
CAPTAIN JONES
Buried under dhe dirt. In dhat hole.
Dhat don't set well, no sir, don't set well at all. But what to do, what to do
when dead, what to do?
RANDY
Not to worry old man, you know how King
Poseidon takes care of his own. Hay, you still got more time here among us
living. And you promised to take me on that voyage along the coast.
CAPTAIN JONES
(perks up)
Yar right, by golly yar right, did so
did so, take ya up the coast, King Poseidon take care dhis old salt. Not to
worry, I'm ready, not to worry.
Captain Jones sends up another puff of
smoke about his cap to melt the mist.
Randy looks out toward the sinking sun,
then pats his hand on his belly.
RANDY
'bout my supper time, then back to
work. See ya tomorrow Captain Jones.
Calm and refreshed Randy leaves the
boat.
30.
INT. SUNSET GRILL CAFÉ - 5:30pm
Randy takes a quiet seat in the corner
to have his evening meal.
The few customers are occupied amoung
themselves paying no mind to Randy.
Randy relaxes in the solitude and
checks over his plan notes in his appointment book.
31.
EXT. SUNSET GRILL CAFÉ PARKING LOT
Randy pulls out onto the street.
32.
EXT. DOWNTOWN SEARS BUILDING - DUSK
Randy stops the limousine aside the
elegant dressed Mrs. G. Minkee.
Mrs. G. Minkee begins a fast talk even
before her door is closed.
33.
EXT. BUSY COMMUTER STREET
Randy keeps his eyes on the traffic and
occasionally mutters an agreeable 'uh huh.
MRS. G. MINKEE
You just wouldn't believe the day I've
had today. Just unbelievable,
unbelievable.
RANDY
Oh yes I can.
MRS. G. MINKEE
First off, my morning driver was late,
really late. Then the elevator got stuck in between floors. Fifteen minutes of
pure hell. I'd take the stairs from now on but my doctor says no way.
RANDY
Uh huh.
MRS. G. MINKEE
When I finally get to my floor the mail
boy spills his cart. Can't step on the mail. Have to wait till he picks it all
up.
RANDY
Oh my.
MRS. G. MINKEE
When I finally get to my office, my secretary
isn't there. So I have to sort through the files myself.
RANDY
Just terrible.
MRS. G. MINKEE
Well, I finally pull it all together
and storm into the
MRS. G. MINKEE
(cont)
board room and guess what. I'm not late. The meeting hasn't even started.
RANDY
That's good.
MRS. G. MINKEE
No, no it wasn't. We sat there waiting
for two hours.
RANDY
That's bad.
MRS. G. MINKEE
You're damn right. Got me all worked up
for this and the meeting didn't even happen. Two of the board members didn't
show. They didn't even call. We had to post-phone the merger pre-vote.
RANDY
Uh huh.
MRS. G. MINKEE
The worst of it, the absolute worst
thing about the whole mess was that I had to sit there for two hours and listen
to the union negotiators lamenting their workman blues.
RANDY
Horrible, just horrible.
MRS. G. MINKEE
I tell you what's horrible. The merger,
the slam-dunk merger, has been set back. It was a done deal, everybody knew
it. Now I can't guess
MRS. G. MINKEE
(cont)
what's going to happen on the Dow. I
just can't guess, fortunes were made and lost this day. I just know it, just
know it. I'll tell her, it wasn't my fault. I was there, I was going to vote
just like she said to.
Randy pulls into the garage. The garage
door closes.
34.
INT. RANSOM HOUSE GARAGE
Randy ons the overhead lights with the
remote control.
MRS. G. MINKEE
Ah, ah Randy. Just where at we? What
are we doing here?
RANDY
The board decided to have an emergency
meeting in this safe house. No one knows about it. The company called and told me just before I picked you up.
MRS. G. MINKEE
They called you? The merger meeting was
suppose to be a secret.
RANDY
Well they didn't tell me what the
meeting was about. Only that I was to bring you here. I dropped Mrs. Dot off
here earlier.
MRS. G. MINKEE
Mrs. Dot is already here? Really? Is
this why she missed the meeting today?
RANDY
I don't know about that. Just to bring
you here. You are to go down into the basement. That's where they are.
MRS. G. MINKEE
Well if that is where they are, then
okay. Maybe we can salvage the merger.
RANDY
Maybe you can.
Mrs. G. Minkee hurries from the
limousine to the basement door and enters.
35.
INT. RANSOM HOUSE BASEMENT KITCHEN/LIVING ROOM
Mrs. G. Minkee enters the basement
mumbling.
The nightly news is on the TV. Mrs.
Bick, Mrs. Dot and Mrs. Tron are watching the TV.
The TV newscaster announces that two
corporation board members missed a sure merger meeting to get Sears & Roew
back on the financial beam.
MRS. G. MINKEE
Hello! Sorry I'm late for the meeting
again.
Mrs. Dot spots her friend and rushes
over to greet her.
The squawk-box on the kitchen table
buzzes.
RANDY (O.S.)
Good evening dear ladies. Would you
please have Mrs. Minkee come to the phone.
MRS. DOT
Tell me what really happened, are they
tryin' to rescue us? Do they know we've beenna kidnapped? Ma poor company.
Mrs.
Dot grabs Mrs. Minkee's shoulders.
MRS. DOT
(continues)
Tell me, tell me Minnee, what's
happenin'!?
RANDY (O.S.)
(demanding)
Mrs. Dot please sit down and be quiet. I
don't care of your company. I want my money, my retirement plan. Mrs. Minkee,
Minkee?
MRS. DOT
Ignore him Minnee, ignore him, it's
just that brute Randa. Tell me about ma company. How will ya vote?
(shakes her)
Mrs. Bick calls from her couch
position.
MRS. BICK
Yes dearie, do tell.
Mrs.
Dot continues to shake Mrs. Minkee's shoulders.
MRS. DOT
How will ya vote? Ya know. Is there
enough without us?
All of the basement lights go off and
the loud noise blares through the air vents for ten seconds. The lights and the
loud noise stops.
RANDY (O.S.)
Wake up ladies. I want to know who to
call for my five thousand. Mrs. Minkee who do I call for my money. Give her the
letter of instructions Mrs. Dot and do take your seat and shut up.
MRS. G. MINKEE
What Randy. What are you doing, what
are you talking about?
RANDY (O.S.)
On the table is a letter of
instructions, pick it up and read. Is she reading the letter?
Silence.
RANDY
(O.S.)
(loudly)
Is she?
Mrs. Dot hands the letter to her friend
Mrs. Minkee, who stands there too dazed to look at it.
RANDY (O.S.)
Ladies talk to me. Is she reading it
Mrs. Dot?
MRS. DOT
Na ya brute. Minnee is passed out. We
put her ta bed. Leave her alone. This is all too much for her fragile soul. Go
away ya brute. Ya canna frighten her anymore, she is asleep.
Mrs.
Dot holds her finger for silence.
RANDY (O.S.)
Alright ladies I'll call back later.
Have her awake and ready to call a money friend.
Mrs. Dot takes the letter of
instructions and puts it on the table. She takes her friend Minnee by the hand
and leads her to a bed.
36.
EXT. CITY COMMUTER STREET
Randy rolls through green lights with
light traffic.
Randy stops the limousine at the
pick-up area of a large hotel. He flips a flashlight at the doorman.
Mrs. Gother quickly exits the hotel and
gets in the back of the limousine.
RANDY
(sarcastic)
Good evening Mrs. Gother. What's on
your agenda for tonight? A loading zone, peer, wharf, night club?
MRS. GOTHER
Sounds like you think my destinations
are slightly peculiar.
RANDY
Well mame. It's not for me to say, but
to drive. What do you say to going to a high rollers poker game?
MRS. GOTHER
How do you know about it?
RANDY
I took one of my corporate board member
clients there a while ago. She said they were short a player. You could check
it out, just tell them I brought you.
MRS. GOTHER
Which corporate board member?
RANDY
Mrs. Minkee of the Sears Company.
MRS. GOTHER
I've seen her picture in the financial
page. She's one of your other clients?
RANDY
Yes. I wouldn't have said anything, but
she asked me if I might know someone to fill their empty seat. I'm sure you'd
fit right in. Want to?
MRS. GOTHER
Sure why not. Could be useful and fun.
Lead the way.
Randy
makes a U-turn toward the suburbs.
RANDY
The game is out in the suburbs. Nice
place.
MRS. GOTHER
Do you know what I do for a living? How
I make my money?
RANDY
Don't know, but to be honest I have
wondered.
MRS. GOTHER
I make predictions.
RANDY
Like a fortune teller?
MRS. GOTHER
Not exactly. You know about the stock
market and how the price changes daily?
RANDY
Not too much. Never had the money to
dabble.
MRS. GOTHER
Well my clients have lots of money to
invest. They pay me to advise them. Which stocks are going up, which will go
down.
RANDY
How do you know? You got a crystal
ball?
MRS. GOTHER
(laughs)
Wish I did. It's not an exact science,
but better than just guessing. I get information from many places.
RANDY
That's why I take you to so many
strange places?
MRS. GOTHER
That's right. I ask questions and
listen to all sorts of people. And then I use my intuition. I'm pretty good. I
can piece together a salable picture of the doom or prosperity of any given
commodity on any given day from any given area of the world for any given
month. My prediction of harvest levels, quality and quantity, is always close
enough to reality that my clients will continue to make a profit.
RANDY
And you're never wrong?
MRS. GOTHER
Seldom.
RANDY
You go to all these places so you can
make a good guess. So your middlemen clients can make money gambling on the
stock market?
MRS. GOTHER
Yes, but there is a bigger picture
involved. The middleman contract market
for the world's consuming population must be kept at a variable norm,
controllable, with a functional range of prices so that everyone gets some of
the pie. So no one goes too hungry or gets too mad or too angry or too worried.
RANDY
You afraid the masses will rise up and
chop off your head if you guess wrong?
MRS. GOTHER
It's not about me. It's so the business
of commerce keeps running with all the players and participants doing what they
signed on to do. Food planted, harvested and preserved and off to market,
clothes made and disbursed, and a thousand other items needed and wanted, made
from the materials of the planet by the struggles of man with machines and
methods slowly developed over eons of time by trial and success.
RANDY
Your good guesses keep everyone going
to work?
MRS. GOTHER
Sort of. If everyone is confident that
tomorrow will be the same as today, everyone will act and behave calm, cool and rational.
RANDY
You're saying that belief in a rational
future maintains the peace of today?
MRS. GOTHER
Exactly. Even when at war. The
destruction of thousands of unknowing and unsuspecting humans, the means and
methods of their deaths still fall under an agreed upon behavior. So in doing
what one did yesterday, in doing what one agreed to do and signed on to do,
that common worldwide consensus of behavioral activity holds the invisible
foundations of human continuance.
RANDY
Are you saying the human race continues
into the future because of war?
MRS. GOTHER
No. Not because of war. But because
everyone continues to do their jobs, even when in a war. As long as the
majority of people think that there will be a tomorrow as long as they keep
doing their jobs, then there'll be a tomorrow.
RANDY
And your job is to make good guesses
about the future prices of stocks?
MRS. GOTHER
The prices only reflect the belief that
the quality and quantity will be the same or changed in the future.
RANDY
And for you to do your best guessing I
have to take you to cafes on the pier, strip joints, wharf bars, street corner
night chats, airports, private tennis clubs, bowling alleys, golf links, gun
ranges, gambling casinos and the beach?
MRS. GOTHER
That's right. I never know just where
I'll find that important piece of info. This poker game could be very
enlightening.
RANDY
I'm sure it will be.
Randy drives into the suburb garage,
the garage door closes behind him.
37.
INT. RANSOM HOUSE GARAGE
Randy leaves the engine running and the
headlights on.
RANDY
They're down in the basement. It's that
green door. I'll wait five minutes to make sure you're staying.
MRS. GOTHER
That will be fine. If it's like most
poker games I'll be here most of the night. You go on home, I'll call a cab.
RANDY
Thanks Mrs. Gother good luck.
Mrs. Gother exits the limousine and
enters the green basement door.
As soon as the door locks behind her
Randy offs the engine and goes to the speaker phone on the work bench.
38.
INT. RANSOM HOUSE BASEMENT KITCHEN/LIVING ROOM
Mrs. Gother enters the basement to find
three women watching TV and Mrs. Tron at the kitchen sink.
The squawk-box on the kitchen table
buzzes.
RANDY (O.S.)
Mrs. Gother. Hello Mrs. Gother. Before
you begin playing cards would you please read the letter of instructions on
this table.
Mrs. Tron picks up the letter and hands
it to Mrs. Gother.
MRS. GOTHER
You appear familiar, face in the
tabloids of recent?
MRS. TRON
Yes yes, church bulletin, First Baptist
on Elm Drive, I'm dhe East City
Fundraiser Chairlady, dhree years. Broke dhe million dollar goal.
Mrs. Dot walks into the kitchen.
MRS. DOT
And who might you be dearie?
MRS. GOTHER
My name is Ella Gother. Guessing's my
game. Didn't we meet at VonEvetts or
was it at the bar last week?
MRS. DOT
Were
you at the Coca banquet?
MRS. GOTHER
Quite. I make most of the important
events among our world of finance.
RANDY (O.S.)
That's enough of the social graces
ladies. Well Mrs. Gother whom should I call?
MRS. DOT
You'd better read his letter.
Mrs.
Dot takes Mrs. Gother's hand and raises it up so the letter is before her eyes.
Mrs.
Bick turns down the TV and walks into the kitchen.
MRS. GOTHER
Randy really has hustled us here for
ransom money?
MRS. BICK
Yes dearie the dear boy wants to
retire. And wants us to pay the piper. Seems straight forward enough to me,
five thousand from each of us.
MRS. GOTHER
And who might you be?
MRS. BICK
(stately)
Bick, Mrs. Bick.
Mrs.
Gother glances to Mrs. Dot and nods to Mrs. Bick.
MRS. GOTHER
The same Mrs. Bick that shaves the hair
off them brutes' faces every morning?
MRS. BICK
(palm across cheek)
Yes, shavers are among our product
lines.
MRS. GOTHER
And whom might you be dear lady?
MRS. DOT
(haughty)
Dot's ma name, retails ma game. Vice
President, Sears, Westcoast Division ten years and yes I make the pages of the
national news.