by Alan Filewod
Chambers: You can’t know how short even the longest life is, until you face death and you’re avoiding it.
Newhouse: You bore me with your fears.
Chambers: If this is courage you can have it.
(Newhouse joins Amy in the bedroom.)
Amy: Patrick?
Newhouse: I’m not Patrick.
Amy: What are you doing here? – tonight of all nights –
Newhouse: Isn’t this the best time?
Amy: For what?! I’ll have to scream if you come any closer.
Newhouse: Have to, or want to?
Amy: If Patrick finds out –
Newhouse: Hear me out, and then I’ll go – if that’s your desire.
Amy: My husband is coming –
Newhouse: There is no husband.
Amy: Since when?
Newhouse: Now … and forever.
Amy: And who arranged this?
Newhouse: Our eyes.
Amy: By what authority?
Newhouse: Our passion.
Amy: Patrick and I were legally married in church this morning.
Newhouse: Annulled. He has abandoned you already.
Amy: He has?
Newhouse: He accepts that I am dying for you –
Amy: He does? You are?
Newhouse: You know I am.
Amy: You’re lying.
Newhouse: Do you believe is losing control? I want you and I won’t let you throw your life away on love. Now tell me to go – or do I stay –
Amy: I don’t know. I still married Patrick – it’s a legal marriage.
Newhouse: Only if it’s consummated.
Amy: With Patrick … it was simple.
Newhouse: May I kiss you?
Amy: You promise me all that you said is true?
Newhouse: It’s true.
Amy: Do you believe in God?
Newhouse: I believe in you.
Amy: Well … if you’re going to be my friend … you’ll have to get to know me better.
Newhouse: I’m trembling.
SCENE TWENTY-FOUR
(Ministry of External Affairs.)
Isabel: That’s word for word the story that Ambassador Peters recited –
MEA: – we don’t know who he is –
Isabel: – I’m certain that you’re hiding this man’s identity from me –
MEA: – you must trust us –
Isabel: I know that he had something to do with your Embassy –
MEA: You’re letting your imagination run wild – your feelings of guilt, remorse about Robert are overwhelming you. The whole affair is over – let it pass.
Isabel: I want to see Robert. He can help me.
MEA: If you love Robert Baker – leave him alone.
Isabel: I must speak to Robert and this man you’re concealing, or I’ll go to the papers –
MEA: – that’ll do more damage –
Isabel: – this is a matter of life and death –
MEA: – the slightest suggestion of sexual misbehaviour jeopardizes Robert’s future.
Isabel: Robert is not at fault.
MEA: We’re all protecting Robert – even the President. But the electorate is particularly sensitive. They vote for character, image, health. Do you want to take these advantages away from Robert?
Isabel: Can I talk with him?
MEA: Robert Baker refuses to see you – you’ll have to accept his wishes in this matter.
Isabel: I see. And the other man?
MEA: I can’t say. Security.
Isabel: But he’s in danger.
MEA: National Security.
Isabel: Thank you.
MEA: Are you here for long?
Isabel: I’m not going to the papers, if that’s what you mean.
MEA: No. Is there anything I can do?
Isabel: You’re a real bastard.
MEA: I wish I could have been more help.
Isabel: It’s enough that you were so obvious.
MEA: I am so pleased to meet you.
(Isabel exits into the corridor. Anna, upset, with Secretary, in the corridor.)
Anna: You’re really saying he won’t see me. I am Commander Gordon’s wife –
Secretary: If you tell me the nature of the –
Anna: It’s confidential.
Secretary: I’ll make an appointment at the earliest –
Anna: It’s urgent. It’s about his son. It’s personal. Now do you understand?
Secretary: I’m afraid you will have to wait until the Minister returns from campaigning –
Anna: – where is he? –
Secretary: – he calls regularly for messages –
Anna: Tell the Minister that unless he sees me, I’ll do some thing that he’ll regret. Have I made myself clear?
Secretary: The Minister doesn’t respond well to blackmail, Mrs Gordon. You’re hysterical, understandably, but if you don’t leave now, I shall have to call the police.
Anna: His son is killing people. Tell the Minister that.
Secretary: And how would you know that, Mrs Gordon?
(Anna exits, upset. Isabel walks past her, but turns back.)
Isabel: Excuse me –
Anna: What do you want?
Isabel: The Minister is here.
Anna: Why are you telling me this –
Isabel: I came here to find a lover.
Anna: The Minister’s son?
Isabel: Is that who he is?
(pause)
Anna: You don’t know?
Isabel: – it was like a game – we weren’t thinking –
Anna: – he was thinking – he’s a carrier –
Isabel: – I know that –
Anna: – the game was his disguise. He knows he’s a carrier, and I think he’s known for a long time.
Isabel: – you’re wrong – he couldn’t be like that –
Anna: – everybody is protecting him – even me – I’ve been protecting him by keeping silent.
Isabel: How can you be so sure he knows?
Anna: He told me – he threatened me with the Health Authority – he didn’t tell you his name because he didn’t want to be traced – to be held responsible –
Isabel: Shut up!
(pause)
Isabel: I’m a carrier – have you been tested?
Anna: The man is a murderer –
Isabel: – and they?
Anna: They want us to fade away.
SCENE TWENTY-FIVE
(Talk show.)
Com #2:
Seven days before election
“To know is to vote!”
Shout religious rallies.
Evangelists demand candidates
Publicize test results.
PM: My opponents contend that because I decriminalized consensual sexuality, I’ve created a “murderer’s licence.” Their campaign to discredit me, and members of my party, has been ruthless – we are one step away from Kristallnacht.
Crane: I am pleased to announce my test results are negative. The people need to know what kind of leader seeks their trust.
PM: When you vote – think! Think of the children they want to quarantine. Think of the threat to your own children, your neighbour’s children – segregated healthy from sick. Imagine your child branded – and then decide who is evil, and who is good. There is no simple equation for morality.
Com #1:
Rumours taint your campaign
Your reputation.
Deny them.
Release your results and remove
All doubt.
PM: Endless rumours, but without truth. I have nothing to hide.
Com #2:
A diseased woman who is
Dying
Comes forward and claims
She was your lover.
PM: Oh, another mysterious woman from my past?
Another fraud.
Com #1:
Official medical files confirm –
PM: Those medical f
iles are confidential –
Com #1:
– or seem to confirm.
Your name
Appears in a list of her partners.
Confront her allegations.
PM: Once this circus stunt has been performed, can we discuss more vital issues?
(A woman’s face appears.)
Com #2:
Do you know her?
PM: Is this the woman?
Com #1:
She has been bedridden
For some time.
You may not
Recognize her –
PM: No, I don’t recognize her. (pause) Have we ever met?
(pause) Did you hear me?
Susan: Yes.
PM: Have we ever met?
Susan: No. (pause) Not that I remember.
PM: In your files you claim that I was your lover. Now you deny it. It’s unlikely you would forget a lover, (pause) You must tell the truth. Do you know me?
Susan: Yes, we met – long ago –
PM: Her story changes. And was I your lover?
Susan: No more questions – leave me alone –
PM: Was I your lover? They must know your answer.
Susan: Shut up! – you will destroy yourself –
PM: You can’t protect me by lying. Even unanswered questions hurt me. What is your name?
Susan: – get out of here – turn off the camera –
PM: Talk! Make her talk!
Susan: Do you want everyone to know –
PM: Know what?!
Susan: – I pity you –
PM: Was I your lover? Who are you?! What’s your name?!
Susan: Susan –
PM: Ask the camera to move closer. I want to be absolutely certain – Susan Redstone?! Is this the truth?
Susan: Leave me alone to die.
PM: When did you get the disease? When! –
Susan: I don’t know.
PM: – from who – Lawrence – was it him? –
Susan: Please – no more questions –
PM: – I deserve to know! –
Susan: I think from Lawrence.
PM: – and were you lovers – before we were together? –
Susan: – I don’t want to talk –
PM: – you must tell me! (pause) I am afraid, but you must say – were you lovers with Lawrence before –
Susan: Yes. He and I were lovers when you and I were lovers. On again, off again – before us, and after us …
PM: Are you sure you got it from him?
Susan: When he tested positive, I took the test again and again – always negative. But I stopped – making love – I was too afraid. There was no one after him –
PM: So – except for him – I was the last lover you had?
Susan: Yes.
PM: Why didn’t you tell me?
Susan: You were going to be Prime Minister – you seemed special – immune from such fate, (pause) You don’t know yet if –
PM: – nothing certain –
Susan: I regret this – what can I say? I’m sorry.
Com #2:
In this time of election
Share with us
The people
Your medical tests.
Confirm or deny.
PM: I don’t know my test results yet. I cannot provide the – confirmation you all desire – but – (Exits followed by cameras.)
Com #1:
This proud man
Pride of nation
Trips, falls
Steps into the abyss.
Com #2:
He was a good leader
We would say.
He was a great statesman
History would have told.
But now
His story rewritten
Once in pain, again in pity,
Finally in our judgement.
SCENE TWENTY-SIX
(Night. The Palace Motel. Room.)
Newhouse: What took so long?
Chambers: I had to cross town to find her – ladies like her are a little rare these days.
Newhouse: Nonsense, just more discreet. Well, where is she?
Chambers: I asked her not to come in with me and not to get too close. She’ll be here in a moment.
Newhouse: So you’re afraid of her for absolutely no reason.
Chambers: I’m cautious about my health.
Newhouse: You’re ridiculous – provincial –
Chambers: They’ve cordoned off Wellington for Commander Gordon’s funeral. I saw your father – he looked very drained.
Newhouse: He’s worried he won’t be elected after the PM’s spectacular exposé.
Chambers: I’m certain he’s worried about you, but if the Fundamentalists get elected he won’t be the only one with problems.
Newhouse: Yes, yes. It’s a wonder they haven’t unearthed me yet – but I have father dear to thank for that.
Chambers: Then why are we here in Ottawa where you’re known? Baker must know what you did –
Newhouse: – look – the funeral’s on TV –
Chambers: – from Isabel, and the Congressman will demand extradition –
Newhouse: – no sign of Anna in the procession –
Chambers: – Marcus’ father will get him out on bail –
Newhouse: – even in death she abandons him –
Chambers: – it doesn’t take an analytical mind to figure out that you set him up –
Newhouse: – you don’t think she’s with Marcus, do you –
Chambers: – she’s probably hunting you – you killed her husband. There’s also Amy, the jilted bridegroom, the outraged father –
Newhouse: – Dad’s on TV – he does look tired. But the Commander is doing well – peace and tranquillity – I actually envy him – if he were here he’d probably thank me.
Chambers: – probably won’t look for us here – (Prostitute enters.)
Prostitute: Some Palace.
Newhouse: Is it hot in here? Open the window.
Chambers: Certainly.
Prostitute: That’ll be three hundred in advance.
Newhouse: Steep.
Chambers: She’s the only one who would come.
Newhouse: Give her the money.
Chambers: Three hundred?
Prostitute: That’s right. He looks worn out.
Chambers: He’s overworked – tired.
Prostitute: Okay, these are the rules. No kissing or touching my lips, breasts, anus or vagina. (pulling out a condom) You wear this and pull out as you come.
Newhouse: Chambers, you’ve brought me a zealot, not a harlot.
Prostitute: Sorry – but safety first.
Newhouse: We’ll see.
Chambers: (handing her the money) My employer is a free spirit. He doesn’t believe in safety or caution or abstinence or basic fear. He only believes in two times two is four.
Prostitute: If he’s going to watch it’ll cost more.
Newhouse: Chambers – you can leave now.
Prostitute: Is he feeling okay?
Chambers: He’s fine.
(Chambers exits.)
Prostitute: There are also some questions I have to ask.
Newhouse: I’ve already paid you.
Prostitute: I don’t take any risks. Do what I say, or take your money back.
Newhouse: Your humble servant.
Prostitute: Any operations, blood transfusions in the last ten years?
Newhouse: Is this sex or surgery?
Prostitute: Roll up your sleeves. I have to check for needle marks. Any sores on your body, mouth?
Newhouse: No. But don’t take my word for it – examine me yourself?
Prostitute: When you get undressed. (Puts on latex gloves.)
Newhouse: Aren’t you supposed to pretend you want me?
Prostitute: Never seen these before? Get used to them – this is not exactly a relationship based on mutual trust. It’s business. If you’re worried about me – and I can’t bl
ame you – I could just play with myself – it’s become very popular.
Newhouse: Don’t you find me desirable? Touch me. I’ll touch you. Skin on skin.
Prostitute: Here’s your money – minus expenses. (She begins to get dressed.) Thing is – you guys always reveal yourselves.
Newhouse: That’s your own paranoia.
Prostitute: Maybe – I’ve had careless friends who got it.
Newhouse: Where’s the thrill?
Prostitute: Money.
(Newhouse quickly offers her money again.)
Newhouse: Take off the gloves – no plastics.
Prostitute: Sorry – wrong girl.
Newhouse: You’re imagining things. Do I look sick?
Prostitute: You look good.
Newhouse: And I trust you. I know you don’t have it
Prostitute: – I’ve got to go.
Newhouse: Come on – get in bed with me!
Prostitute: You’re too charming – too good-looking to be desperate.
Newhouse: Take off your clothes!
Prostitute: I’m not going to die for your orgasm.
Newhouse: Here is another hundred. Five hundred.
Prostitute: No.
Newhouse: Six hundred.
Prostitute: Another statistic – fuck and die. All the Don Juans are dead.
Newhouse: Chambers! Chambers!
(Chambers enters.)
Chambers: What! What!
Newhouse: Get her out of here!
Chambers: Sorry. His women usually spend the whole night.
(Prostitute exits.)
Chambers: That was fast.
Newhouse: I didn’t feel like having her.
Chambers: Are you all right?
Newhouse: I’m fine. I’m fine.
SCENE TWENTY-SEVEN
(24 Sussex Drive. Interview with Prime Minister’s Wife)
Com:
The wife of the Prime Minister
Offers to speak with us
In this terrible hour.
Despite her condition
The upheaval in her family
She requests to make a statement.
(Pause.)
What are you staring at
Are you too upset to speak?
Wife: I want to beg a favour – I have no right to ask, but I must ask. He is broken – what man, what woman, wouldn’t be. But if you support him, he can still serve you. I ask you not to judge him.
Com:
It is troublesome
This increasing trend.