The CTR Anthology

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.