A Play in Two Acts
by
Albert J. Repicci
CAST OF CHARACTERS
JACK CONTI – A retired physician
KAY CONTI – Jack’s wife
IRWIN BERGER – Jack’s friend and accountant
PETER BROOKS – A newspaper editor
LISA MILLER – A young journalism intern on temporary assignment
YOUNG PETER – Peter Brooks in his early twenties
YOUNG JACK – Jack Conti in his early twenties.
VARIOUS TELEPHONE VOICES
All the action takes place in Spring 1992 in Glenville, Connecticut, a bedroom community of New York City.
ACT ONE
Scene One
TIME: 1992. Late spring. Day.
PLACE: A NEWSPAPER OFFICE. Two desks with computer/word processors. A file cabinet.
Editor PETER BROOKS is seated at one of the desks, speaking on the phone. He places files and worksheets in his briefcase while he talks.
LISA MILLER enters. Peter looks up with surprise.
PETER
(on the phone)
Yea Dave, I’m leaving any minute now. I’ll be there later this afternoon as long as you’re sure the McArdle farm up the road is still up for sale…Okay, see ya.
(hangs up)
Lisa, what are you doing back here? I thought you and the fellas had softball practice this afternoon?
LISA
Yes we do. I’m surprised to see you here as well.
PETER
I just had a couple of odds and ends I wanted to clear up before I took off. I had hoped to get an early start.
Peter stands, looks at his watch.
PETER
I’ve quite a drive ahead to get up to my brother’s farm. By the way, how are you coming with your work-up on the Memorial Day activities?
LISA
Pretty well. I think it’s taking shape.
PETER
Good. I’d like to see your rough draft.
Lisa walks toward Peter’s desk hesitantly.
LISA
Well, there’s not much to it yet but I’ll take any suggestions you may have to expand this. Uh, Peter, what do you say I take a crack at the interview you have planned with Congressman Benson and the contract awarded to his brother-in-law?
PETER
Why such an interest in Benson?
LISA
I think the guy’s a crook. And if I could just get some time with him and do some background I think I can get a good story out of this.
PETER
Lisa…you’ve only been here two months, which is not a long time to get a handle on a man’s career.
LISA
I just feel it. I think I can do a real number on this guy.
PETER
Well, if a number’s to be done, the assignment has already been given to Myrna Phelps.
LISA
Oh…Myrna. Peter? Listen…I understand there’s been a misallocation of funds at the hospital. It’s rumored the director diverted it to his mistress.
PETER
The Board of Directors at the hospital have initiated an inquiry into the matter, and Tony Piro
has been given that story.
LISA
Tony. But he’s kinda getting up there in years and…well…I don’t know, he can be a bit of a softy. You know what I mean?
PETER
If what you mean is that Tony is considerate, yes, he is. And he is likewise thorough and exacting.
LISA
Well, I just meant—
PETER
I know what you’re getting at. You want to do some hard-core investigative reporting. The assignments so far have been too soft for you, haven’t they? You’d like to go national. Maybe
follow the presidential primary fight between Jerry Brown and Bill Clinton. Or maybe a follow up on the Cold War.
LISA
Hmmph…the cold war ended last December. I guess we’ll have a generation of peace now and never return to those days again.
PETER
You think not?
LISA
After the Fascists, Nazi’s and Commies…there are no more boogie men out there.
PETER
Its funny how thy have a strange way of popping though when you least expect it.
LISA
At least we’ve got this head to head thing with the Russians behind us…unless by some crazy fluke history repeats itself.
PETER
I’m not so sure that its history that repeats itself as much as it is that men keep making the same mistakes. But let’s get back to your assignment.
LISA
I mean this Memorial Day thing. It’s not exactly Pulitzer Prize-winning material. What’s the big deal? There’s a parade, there’s a picnic, and they’ll plant some flowers. Ugh Peter, this will be my last assignment up here before I go back to Columbia. I’d like to sink my teeth into something.
PETER
Into something…or someone? Listen, kid. Be patient. Don’t be too fast on the draw. There’s creative writing to be done in this department. Maybe not too many power plays, but there’s still good writing to be done.
LISA
Well, I hope a bomb goes off to wake everyone up during the mayor’s speech.
PETER
A bomb? Be careful what you wish for. You think people fall asleep during those speeches?
LISA
Are you kidding? “My fellow citizens. Today we have joined together to remember those lost on the beaches of Iwo Jima along the Mekong Delta… blah.. blah.. blah.. Same thing. every
town, every politician. It’s old history. I mean… I appreciate it and all, I’m not ungrateful but the event is not a good story.
PETER
How old are you, Lisa?
LISA
Twenty-two.
PETER
No wonder you have little recollection of the war in Vietnam which was almost 18 years ago.
LISA
But of course I’ve read about it as a history class.
PETER
Don’t be deceived. Just around the corner, where you least expect it, another conflict can flare up and draw us in as easily as we got drawn into Vietnam with thousands of lives lost. You should take a good close look at Memorial Day. Perhaps you’ll see something you’ve never observed before. Find a way to make it meaningful, for yourself that is. You know, like, find out from someone what it was like to lose a loved one in a war.
LISA
Well, putting it that way, maybe. Say, did you lose someone in a war?
PETER
Me? Well…as a matter fact, yes.
LISA
Jeez, I’m sorry. Someone killed, huh?
PETER
Killed? No, not killed, just a…casualty. A casualty of the times. Listen…
Peter crosses to the file cabinet. He tries a drawer and finds it locked. He returns to his desk and takes a key from the drawer.
PETER
Let me show you something.
Peter crosses to the cabinet and unlocks it. He removes a framed picture from the drawer. He looks at the picture briefly, then places it on top of the cabinet and pulls several old newspaper clippings from the same drawer. He returns the framed picture to the drawer, taking one more moment to look at it before doing so. He carries the clippings back to his desk. He pulls a chair up and beckons Lisa to sit by his desk.
PETER
Come! Sit…sit…sit!
Lisa takes a seat. He shows her the newspaper clippings.
PETER
Do you see this? To you these may be history lessons, but to people who have lived through
them, these events made and shattered their lives. Here. Read. My Lai Massacre in South Vietnam…4 Students killed and 9 wounded at Kent State…7000 U.S. troops killed in Tet offensive…Those guys fought their hearts out and won every battle, the administration lost the war. This was real.
Peter gathers all the materials back together. He
returns the clippings to the file cabinet, closes and locks it, and returns the key to the desk drawer.
LISA
(not convinced)
Well I guess I can create something out of this.
PETER
I’ve got to get going here. Work on the piece. I’ll see you Monday.
Peter exits. Lisa watches him go. When she’s sure he’s gone, she crosses to his chair. She sits and puts her feet up on his desk. She picks up the phone and dials while casually opening and closing the desk drawers, snooping purposefully. She presses the speaker option and hangs up the phone.
We hear the phone ring at the other end. Then someone answers.
DIANE’S VOICE
Hello?
LISA
Hello, Diane. Lisa Miller here.
DIANE’S VOICE
Your voice sounds sort of funny.
LISA
I’m on my boss’s phone. He’s got this external speaker option. It’s really cool!
DIANE’S VOICE
So how is the internship going in Connecticut?
LISA
Not very exciting. They’ve got me doing pretty generic stuff. I’ve got this lame Memorial Day report I have to do, which will be a stepping stone to nowhere.
DIANE’S VOICE
I’m pretty much in the same boat. Have you got any ideas?
LISA
That’s why I’m calling you. While waiting for a real job just for kicks I fired off an application to “The Weekly Scoop.” They said to submit a sensational report with some shock value. So, for better or for worse until I get a better position, I think I’ll send something in. I’m just looking for the right target.
Lisa pulls a liquor bottle out of Peter’s desk drawer. She shakes it, sniffs it, pulls her head away shaking off the smell and she grins, amused.
DIANE’S VOICE
Well, it’s a touch on the dark side. But I guess you have to eat until you win the Pulitzer. Can’t you do anything legit with the Memorial Day report?
LISA
My editor is trying to force feed me some old stories on Vietnam as backdrop. He pulled out some newspapers from the ’60s and ’70s like they were the Dead Sea Scrolls.
She pulls Peter’s key ring from the drawer and starts spinning it around her finger.
LISA
You’d think it was this morning’s news the way he got serious about it. I mean, like, didn’t we
read a lot about it in contemporary history class last year? Anyway, I’ll work an angle in here.
But I’ll tell you, I’ll make somebody take notice. Catch you later.
Lisa hangs up the phone and continues to fiddle with the keys.
BLACKOUT.
Scene Two
A PARK adjacent to a baseball field, about an hour later that same day.
JACK CONTI and his friend IRWIN BERGER have been meeting here for lunch every week for the past twenty years. This week, however, is their first lunch in three weeks, since Jack has been away.
AT RISE: Irwin is sitting alone on a bench with a lunch bag by his side and a cane resting against his legs. He is listening to a Yankee game on his transistor radio while browsing through a book. Jack enters wearing a Yankees cap. He stops, hesitates, checking his watch nervously, pausing long enough to take two pills from his pocket and swallow them. Irwin doesn’t notice him.
Finally…
JACK
Hey, if it isn’t the Renaissance man toiling over more ancient history!
Irwin struggles to his feet, excited to see Jack. They
embrace with pats on the back.
IRWIN
Hey Jack. Welcome home.
Jack takes Irwin’s book from him and checks the
title.
JACK
Still studying those ancient Greeks?
IRWIN
I love those Greeks. So how did you manage to sneak through customs and got back into the country?
JACK
You didn’t think a little thing like armed guards and attack dogs were going to make me miss your turn to bring the sandwiches, did you?
Irwin pulls out a pocket watch and checks the time.
IRWIN
That you got through the dogs and the guards…no. That you arrived early for the first time in twenty years…I’m beside myself.
(chuckles)
C’mon, I’ve got a nice heart-healthy turkey sandwich for you. You should live a hundred years.
He hands Jack a sandwich. Jack takes it, sighs, then forces a smile.
JACK
Yes Irwin, a hundred years.
Jack begins to pace.
JACK
Listen Irwin, I need some help. Do you think you could…?
Church bells in the distance begin tolling twelve o’clock.
IRWIN
Hear that? That’s what the noontime chimes sound like. By the way, where is Kay? I thought she was coming with you.
JACK
Ah, she’s right behind me. I think she stopped to get an Italian ice from the vendor. I guess it reminds her of the trip.
IRWIN
Speaking of Italian, I hate to be the one to tell you, but Phil Rizutto has not yet been inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
JACK
What’s taking them so long? He was the American League MVP in 1950. He was the cornerstone of the Yankees, with seven world championships and he’s still not in? What other good news at the Bronx Zoo?
IRWIN
The Yankees just drafted this Derek Jeter kid…a shortstop… out of high school and they expect big things out of him.
JACK
I hope so, but you know you don’t pick up a Donnie Baseball every day.
IRWIN
Don’t get too excited yet. You know how many of these young high school prospects flop when they get to the big leagues. He’ll be one of the lucky ones if he is still around 5 years from now! Exclamation point!
Jack glances over at the ball field.
JACK
Hey, look over there at the ball field. That must be one of the town Guys and Dolls teams practicing over there. Boy, some of those girls can really crank the ball. Say, have you seen Vinnie, Al, any of the guys from the old team?
IRWIN
As a matter of fact I was just up at Vinnie’s office. He said they were starting practice this weekend and need two middle infielders. HELLO! Jackie boy. I said two… middle infielders!
JACK
Two middle infielders huh?
Jack walks behind Irwin and tosses his uneaten
sandwich in the trash. He turns back to Irwin.
IRWIN
(concerned)
Is there something wrong, Jack? Has something happened?
JACK
That’s exactly it. Nothing. Just nothing continues to happen.
IRWIN
Unwind a little. You just came back from an exhausting trip.
JACK
Unwind? Ha. I take the trip to unwind, and when I come home I have to unwind from the trip. Maybe I should just spend the rest of my life on the airplanes, halfway between no place.
Irwin searches through his lunch bag.
IRWIN
C’mon, it’s a passing phase. What’ll it be, raspberry or blueberry yogurt?
JACK
Yogurt? Sure, why not?
Irwin hands him a yogurt and a plastic spoon.
IRWIN
Of course you can’t spend your life on an airplane. Sooner or later you’ve got to land.
Irwin gesture for Jack to sit beside him.
JACK
I know. And after a few days I’m standing in quicksand again. Listen, I can’t sleep. I saw
something on the trip that made my head spin.
Jack begins to pace furiously.
JACK
It wasn’t on our itinerary. Between Bangkok and Hong Kong…Who the hell knew? For God’s sake, all of a sudden my heart rate is up to 130 and my mouth goes dry.
IRWIN
Hmmm…A panic-induced vision. Bangkok and Hong Kong? Where could it have been? Cambodia? I know it ain’t Korea.
Irwin taps his limp leg with his cane.
IRWIN
Been there, done that.
JACK
Hey, you did your time, pal. No, not Cambodia. It was further east.
IRWIN
Cambodia? Laos? Vietnam?
JACK
Vietnam! Irwin, Vietnam!
IRWIN
C’mon, what are you saying?
JACK
I can’t go into it now. Kay will be here in a minute. Irwin, you’ve got to do me a favor. I want you to arrange for a meeting with Rosemary Quinlan again down in the city.
IRWIN
Well, I guess I can.
Irwin is now noticeably agitated.
IRWIN
But what the hell does Quinlan have to do with this Vietnam thing and your anxiety attack? Jeez, Jack, why do you want to take these risks? We’ve talked about this before. I mean, think of Kay. And this AIDS thing…It’s a killer and nobody understands it.
JACK
Irwin, this is tough enough to begin with. I’ve got to move on. I need a purpose. I’ve got to break some new ground. Look, you and I could meet for dinner in the Village in a few days and meet up with her there.
Jack looks off.
JACK
Anyway, here comes Kay. You call me later about this.
KAY CONTI, Jack’s wife, enters, holding an Italian ice.
KAY
Irwin. Guten tag, Herr Berger. How are you?
IRWIN
Wunderbar, sveetie puss, wunderbar.
Irwin graciously kisses her hand. Kay stares at Irwin in amazement.
KAY
Hold it right there. Is it true? Do my eyes deceive me? Jack, tell me. Has Irwin gotten…well… narrower?
JACK
I’ll be damned. Irwin, you are, well…narrower. What is it?
IRWIN
Naw, I’ve just lost a few pounds on the….ah… near-foolproof diet I invented.
KAY
One you invented, you say.
IRWIN
Well, it was very simple. I began to order only food I disliked. You know, food I hated, figuring I’d only eat small portions. So within three weeks I lost 22 pounds.
JACK
That’s great. But you said…near-foolproof diet?
IRWIN
Ah, you were paying attention. Well. After the third week, I started to love the food I used to hate and gained back 12 pounds in 8 days.
A softball bounces on from offstage. Jack goes to retrieve it.
JACK
I’ve got it. I’ve got it.
Lisa Miller enters. She is wearing a jersey and a NY Mets baseball cap.
LISA
Excuse me, folks. I’m really sorry.
JACK
Boy, did that guy use a grenade launcher?
LISA
Wasn’t that some shot? This co-ed team is more than I bargained for. They’re going to kill me yet this spring.
JACK
How long have you been playing with these guys?
LISA
Actually, this is my first spring up here from the city. I figured playing softball would be a good way to meet the guys at work.
Lisa exits in the direction she entered. As she leaves, a notepad falls from her pocket.
Jack shouts after her.
JACK
I hope you survive the season, miss!
LISA (o.s.)
I share your concern!
IRWIN
(to Kay)
I was just telling Jack that his old team in the senior league might need a couple of…MIDDLE INFIELDERS. HELLO, Jack!
KAY
You mean in the “League of Legends?” That would be wonderful Irwin. Then I could get him out of my hair once in a while.
JACK
You know I’ve retired from softball. A man can take just so many injuries.
Jack sees the fallen notepad. He crosses to it and picks it up. He fingers through it, curiously.
KAY
Oh, you’ve retired every year for the past twenty years. As soon as you smell that leather glove again each spring you’re out on the lawn banging the ball off the side of the house.
The softball bounces back on from offstage. Jack picks the ball up.
Lisa re-enters.
LISA
God, I’m sorry to be such a nuisance.
She notices Jack with her notepad. She stops and checks her pocket.
LISA
Excuse me, where did you get that?
JACK
Well it was just lying here on the ground.
LISA
There’s some confidential material in there.
JACK
I’m sorry. I was trying to identify the owner.
LISA
No, that’s okay. It’s just that I keep notes, you see. You know…I’m a reporter?
She takes the pad from Jack.
LISA
Our team is from the Tribune. I had hoped some of the other reporters would be playing as well. But the team is made up of guys mainly from the delivery trucks. The way they hit the ball, you’d think all of them were on steroids.
JACK
Ah, hitting the long ball isn’t the only thing to this game. Like my father used to say, there’s plenty of room for the little guy who can handle a glove, pick and poke with the bat, moving
JACK (Cont’d.)
guys around. To tell you the truth, when I was playing I never even cared if I got up to bat. Just let me field ground balls at shortstop all day.
LISA
Yeah. But most guys just like to get up to bat and hit the ball.
JACK
I know. But there is something unique about the notion of fielding a grounder and throwing to first with the ball beating the runner to the base, rendering him…Out. The notion of “Out” is so complete, absolute…so final.
KAY
I love the way he gets so dramatic about that game. So tell me, how long have you been
with the Tribune?
LISA
Actually I just started earlier this spring and will be here only for a few more days.
JACK
Thank God we have a decent spring around here. When I was a kid up north, there were days during spring baseball practice when the snow flurries were so thick you couldn’t see home plate from short¬stop.
KAY
(to Lisa)
And why are you in such a hurry to leave the Tribune?
LISA
I’m up here from Columbia as part of a journalism internship. I’ve done a column or two, but my assignment up here ends soon and I’ll be returning to the city.
KAY
That sounds exciting, having your own column. I’ll keep my eye out for it. What will the byline read?
LISA
Lisa Miller. Very cub reporter.
JACK
Welcome to town, “very cub reporter Lisa Miller.” I’m Jack Conti. This is my wife Kay and my friend and Yankee historian Irwin Berger.
LISA
(to Irwin)
Seriously?
IRWIN
Nah, I’m Jack’s accountant. But I love to torture him with sordid details about the Bronx Zoo.
LISA
Good for you. Then you must be a Met fan.
KAY
Lisa…shhh. Do you want Irwin to lose a client?
IRWIN
I cheer for everybody.
LISA
I’d better get back before they rip the covers off all the balls.
JACK
Go on, Lisa. I’ll toss it to you.
Lisa exits. Jack throws ball to her offstage.
LISA (o.s.)
Nice arm sir.
KAY
She seems like a nice young gal.
JACK
Do you believe that?
KAY
Yes, dear, you still have a pretty good arm.
JACK
Not that. Did she have to call me sir?
Jack stares off at the ball field. Then he turns to the others.
IRWIN
Did you want she should call you madam?
JACK
Folks, would you excuse me for a few minutes? I’d like to take a quick run over to the field to watch a few minutes of infield practice. Anyone want to go?
KAY
I can see that you’re fidgeting already. You run along if you wish. I’ll just sit here and chat with Irwin.
Jack exits.
IRWIN
So it must have been exciting these past few weeks, traveling to all those exotic places.
KAY
It really was wonderful. And Jack took such tender and thoughtful care of me. But I must confess I’m glad to be home in my own bed and with my own bathroom.
IRWIN
Did Jack have an enjoyable trip?
KAY
I think he did. At least I hope so.
IRWIN
Anything happen on the trip that might have caused some anxiety?
Kay looks at him, puzzled.
IRWIN
I mean…like, lose your traveler’s checks? Miss a plane? An…uh…unexpected change in itinerary in the Far East?
KAY
No, it all went quite smoothly. Nothing except for Jack’s restlessness.
IRWIN
Well, he always was a pretty active guy. Look at him over their at the ball field.
KAY
It’s different now. Halfway through the trip it started, and now too at home. Even before the accident forced his early retirement he would have his anxious days where he had nothing planned to do. He really misses his work. And the guys he used to play ball with. I cut back on teaching music to spend time with him, but he’s wearing me out.
IRWIN
You know as well as I do, he can be an intense person.
KAY
Actually it’s been up and down over the years. But, as you know, he couldn’t let a cause go by
without getting involved. As a matter of fact, he began looking for them the way people read the
KAY (Cont’d.)
help wanted ads. (thinks) That sounds kind of funny, doesn’t it? Offering help to the “help wanted” ads.
IRWIN
Maybe it’ll just take time for him to find his stride.
KAY
Thankfully he’s got you on the one day a week you’re in town. But you know what I really think he needs? More than anything, he needs a buddy who lives here in town. A guy who would stop by unannounced to have a beer, to sit and watch the ballgame, toss a ball in the side yard. Unconsciously, he mentions his old friend Peter Brooks from time to time. God, why does everyone live by invitation only these days?
LIGHTS DIM on Kay and Irwin as their conversation continues inaudibly.
LIGHTS UP on a different part of the stage, picking up Jack and Lisa.
JACK
You’re going to make out just fine at second base. I guess there’ll be a girl at 3rd and two gals in the outfield, right?
LISA
Yeah, but I felt more comfortable in the outfield myself. You know, all that room to yourself and time to watch the ball come to you.
JACK
Maybe. But baseball’s a great team sport. And the second baseman and shortstop are a special team within a team. Middle infielders. Nothing like it. The cut off, the relay, feeding that double-play ball right to the chest. Who’s covering, who’s backing up!
LISA
Here, I’ll flip you the toss. Show that footwork crossing the bag again.
Lisa under-hands the ball to Jack, chest high. Jack catches it with his left hand and drags his right foot across an imaginary base, then pantomimes a throw. They both laugh. Jack pats Lisa on the shoulder.
LIGHTS RISE on Irwin and Kay as Jack and Lisa approach them.
Irwin sees them coming.
IRWIN
(to Kay)
Well prepare yourself. Here comes Mr. Compulsion wearing the rookie’s glove and deep in conversation.
BLACKOUT
Scene Three
PLACE: THE CONTI HOME later that evening—KITCHEN, counter, cabinets, appliances, and LIVING ROOM, with sofa, coffee table, and a piano.
LIGHTS UP. Jack and Kay are in the kitchen.
Lisa and Irwin are off stage in the den looking through a book of photographs. Lisa’s Mets cap can be seen hanging up in the room, right next to Jack’s Yankees cap.
JACK
That was a terrific honey. It was nice of you to invite Lisa and Irwin over for dinner with us. I’m sure she especially appreciated it.
KAY
It’s always reassuring when you see guests take extra helpings.
JACK
Well, just point me in the right direction and I’ll help you do whatever you want.
Kay gives jack a towel to dry the dishes.
KAY
Remember before we were married, how you used to have those fancy dinner parties and do all the work yourself? Paella, shrimp scampi, desserts. How is it that you’ve become so helpless in the kitchen?
JACK
I always defer to a superior talent. Besides, as my primary guest, you were very forgiving.
KAY
What’s there to forgive about being a thoughtful host?
JACK
Don’t you remember the Kentucky fried chicken and frozen shrimp I stuffed into that bag of rice for the paella?
KAY
Well tell me what single guy would go through that kind of effort for his friends?
JACK
The single guy who needs a friend.
Kay eyes him, cautiously.
KAY
You and Peter used to be such good friends.
Jack, caught off guard, clanks down the plate he is drying.
JACK
Brooks! Peter Brooks. I thought we agreed that’s all part of the past.
KAY
Oh well, as a matter of fact, your cooking efforts do seem to come back to me now. I can even see those little stacks of Ritz crackers with canned spray cheese swirled on top. We’re in pretty good shape here. Why don’t you go back in with the guests while I tidy up?
Lisa walks through the living room into the kitchen.
JACK
Oh, Lisa. Can I get you anything?
LISA
I just wanted to tell you again how much I enjoyed this surprise invitation to join you this evening.
KAY
Believe me, it is as much a pleasure for us. I hope you didn’t mind talking baseball most of the night.
LISA
It was different. But a great change of pace. Is there anything I can do to help?
KAY
That’s sweet of you. Yes, actually, you could help me with the coffee and dessert. Jack will appreciate that.
JACK
Relief! A pinch hitter. Don’t consider this abandonment, but somebody has to entertain Irwin.
Jack exits the kitchen and joins Irwin off stage in the den. Together they silently discuss the photos in the album.
LISA
I browsed through that photo album in the den. You guys have been to some magnificent places.
Kay pours two glasses of wine, offers one to Lisa.
KAY
Yes, we certainly have, and it has surely given us a better perspective of our own lives.
LISA
So are there any other countries or places you would still like to visit?
KAY
I’d really like to see Niagara Falls. And maybe go back to Washington D.C.
LISA
D.C. can wait, but I can’t believe you haven’t been to the Falls.
KAY
Well, Jack grew up near there. He keeps claiming that it’s a tourist trap and not worth the bother. And as for Washington, it’s the drugs and high crime rate that troubles him. So we just have never gone to either.
Abrupt laughter is heard from Jake and Irwin
offstage.
Jack, still chuckling, enters to freshen up Irwin’s drink.
JACK
Don’t let me interrupt you ladies. I just need to freshen up the drinks. You know, somebody has to entertain old Irwin!
Jack refills the drinks and exits.
LISA
(smirking)
Guys are all alike, aren’t they?
KAY
How do you mean?
LISA
You know. How they always seem to be leaving their wives behind to clean up after them while they go socialize.
KAY
Marriage is a big balancing act. Are you in a relationship?
LISA
Hardly. And not likely to be very soon. And that’s by my own choice, mind you.
KAY
Well, you are much too young to make a commitment anyway.
LISA
I kind of doubt that it ever makes sense. Oh, I am sorry. I just meant for me. You know. I want to have a career and not be bogged down to a marriage where I end up being a second class citizen.
KAY
Do you really think that being a wife makes you a second class citizen?
LISA
Oh no! Not you, of course. But most wives plod along behind their husband’s careers. I want people to look up and respect me.
KAY
I’m sure they will, but if it’s relevance you seek, goodness can achieve that as well as greatness. Come, let’s put the coffee on.
The two ladies continue an inaudible conversation and drift into an offstage section of the kitchen.
Jack and Irwin enter the living room from the den discussing the photos in the album.
IRWIN
Jack, those pictures are fantastic!
JACK
Yeah, there are some nice ones in there. But you know, it’s a shame how one-dimensional photographs are. Especially these from Southeast Asia. The pictures miss the smells, the sultry heat, and the sounds that go along with the weathered faces. That will to survive.
IRWIN
Jeez, you seem preoccupied with Southeast Asia today. What did you mean this afternoon when you said you made a stop in Vietnam?
Jack glances nervously toward the kitchen, making certain that Kay is out of earshot. Then back to Irwin.
JACK
I was there. I mean, not really there but, like, four miles away there.
IRWIN
Four miles away? Are you crazy or fantasizing?
JACK
Four miles, I tell you. 20,000 feet in the air, our flight diverted around Cambodia and flew down the Mekong River. I had my nose pressed to the airplane window following the flight map over every mile. I was a wreck by the time we crossed into the South China Sea.
IRWIN
And where was Kay during all this?
JACK
Thank God she was dozing in her seat.
IRWIN
Didn’t any of your excitement spill over on her?
JACK
To some degree, I’m sure. But she was unaware of the Vietnam crossing.
IRWIN
Maybe she’s just trying to slow you down, huh? You don’t think you pushed her or yourself too hard on the trip, do you? Listen, have you given some thought to the possibility that Kay…
Irwin stops himself abruptly as Kay and Lisa enter the living room.
KAY
(to Jack)
Well, having Lisa in the kitchen proved to be a stroke of good luck for you, dear.
JACK
It’s always good luck when I’m not in the kitchen.
KAY
Actually, Lisa fixed the hook on the vegetable bin that I’ve been asking you to do for weeks.
JACK
Maybe it’s my age. I’ve just lost the knack for those kind of things.
KAY
(to the others)
I think it’s all part of the mid-life crises he isn’t supposed to be having.
JACK
You know, “mid-life crisis” is one of those mystery afflictions that you never quite know how you get. Like, while you’re sitting at the breakfast table, looking at the reflection of your unshaven face in the poached eggs. Does it just jump out of the yolk and say, “Gotcha?”
IRWIN
God, I hope not. Otherwise I had a mid-life crises and a side of bacon for breakfast this morning.
He waves his hand.
IRWIN
It’s okay, I’m not Orthodox.
KAY
Bacon, eggs, crises. Fellas, please. How about coffee, tea, dessert instead?
JACK
Yes, let me give you a hand.
Jack and Kay exit offstage through the kitchen while Irwin and Lisa continue to talk in the living room.
LISA
So Irwin. Tell me. You’ve been friends with Jack for over twenty years?
IRWIN
Yes, a long time now. I’ve been both his accountant and consigliore. I remember when he first moved to town and started his practice. He was so broke he had to get off the turnpike before the twenty-five cent toll and drive the back roads to his office.
LISA
(glancing around the room)
He seems to be pretty well off now, though. I mean, for him to have retired so young, he must have made a lot of money and kept it all.
IRWIN
He’s done quite well over the years. But if he had kept it all, as you say, he could have retired
IRWIN (Cont’d.)
many years earlier. If you want to get a good look inside a man’s soul…don’t ask his rabbi. Ask his accountant.
LISA
And if I were to ask the accountant, what would he have to say?
IRWIN
Is this an interview?
LISA
Hardly.
IRWIN
He has always had his heart in the right place. And you my dear. What passions lie beneath your skin, like a seething cauldron just waiting to erupt with a fury upon humanity?
LISA
I’m not so sure about “seething.” But if I had my way, a Pulitzer Prize in journalism would just about do it. And a spot on “60 Minutes.”
IRWIN
Power for power’s sake? Or do you have a mission, a message, a passion for something?
LISA
Give me the power and I’ll find the passion. Anyway, right now I’d just like to complete my last assignment and finish at the top of my graduating class, ahead of all the guys.
IRWIN
Ah! Ambition and power, rising to the top. Very well defined goals. Not very noble, perhaps. Nonetheless, very honest. But is this the power of a reporter you seek or the power of a woman?
LISA
Probably both. But I would like to become respected as an intellectual force and not be just another pretty face.
IRWIN
There are many ingenious women who distinguished themselves, even dating back to ancient literature.
LISA
Ancient literature? Like who? Helen of Troy who started a war based on her sex appeal.
IRWIN
How about the story of Lysistrata?
LISA
I am afraid I never read that one.
IRWIN
Well if you move beyond the writings of Homer to the comedic plays of Aristophanes you would have encountered Lysistrata. She stopped the interminable Peloponnesian Wars by convincing the women in Greece to agree to withhold sexual favors from their men folk until they finally abandoned these endless battles. Their battle cry essentially was, “When you put down your arms, we’ll pull back the sheets.” Boom! End of war!
LISA
I’ll have to read that one. But it’s still women and the power of sex.
IRWIN
Ah. Life is sex…sex is life.
LISA
So tell me then. What passions remain for you as an accountant? You must get all choked up when they come out with those designer number two lead pencils.
IRWIN
Amusing trivialization! A bit condescending perhaps, but not altogether inaccurate since it is the simple things that intrigue me. My passion, however, if you can call it that, is for maybe…a hot pastrami sandwich. Lean. Not too much fat. With a Dr. Brown’s cream soda. Then a stop at an old movie house. Just black and white movies. Why, you might ask? I’ll tell you why. Because, in those old films, the good and bad were as well defined as the color of the film.
Kay and Jack reenter from the off stage section of the kitchen carrying desert and coffee.
LISA
Unlike the print media, which only gives the illusion of being black and white, but is oh so nuanced.
KAY
And how have you found the “oh so nuanced” writing experience to be so far, Lisa?
LISA
My assignments have been pretty generic. I guess the editorial staff is a little afraid to give me anything of much substance.
IRWIN
Nothing with Pulitzer Prize potential?
LISA
Oh, that’s just a matter of time. My final assignment here before I return to the university has
LISA (Cont’d.)
to do with the town’s Memorial Day celebration, The staff reporters seem to get the juicy stuff while the cubs get Memorial Day Services. Not much new going on there. Pretty drab stuff.
JACK
Memorial Day?
All LIGHTS DIM except for a single SPOTLIGHT on Jack who stares out front mesmerized by a voice only he can hear.
SPEAKER’S VOICE
And today, we open our hearts to pause in memory of those young men from Oakville who gave their lives, dying with honor in battle in Vietnam. Anthony Tiberio…Kevin McCarthy…Paul Krupiak…
(fading)
Dennis Malony…Donald Polera…
The Voice FADES OUT while LIGHTS come back UP FULL.
KAY
That doesn’t sound so generic. I think there may be a lot for you to cover, and probably several interesting stories to be developed by veterans who could give you an oral history. Don’t you agree, Jack?
(no response)
Jack?
Jack snaps out of it. He looks at her blankly.
Irwin walks over to Jack’s side looking concerned.
LISA
That’s nice and all and we need that someplace in the paper. But it’s term paper stuff. It’s one thing to record history and another to make history by uncovering corruption. Everybody has an agenda. They say reporters are supposed to neutral, but if you’re always neutral in your head then you’re a dead body wasting an opportunity to advance a cause. Uncover the dirty politics, expose the medical quacks. That’s my kind of reporting.
JACK
Well, there’s no doubt you can make history with that kind of energy. But if you have such
strong feelings about an issue before you write it, might you not compromise the truth by giving
your own particular slant to the story?
LISA
That’s where you make the history. As journalists, just by the way we construct a story we can help direct the course of events.
IRWIN
(muttering)
Or misdirect them.
LISA
Pardon me?
IRWIN
Ah! A mystery, then. To be unfolded.
LISA
Yes, a mystery. Give me the clues and I’ll unfold them.
KAY
Well I wouldn’t diminish the significance of reporting less than earth-shattering news. A sense of style, wit, humor, painting a word picture for the reader. These can be a real test of your literary range.
JACK
By the way Lisa, did you happen to bring the articles we asked about?
LISA
As a matter of fact, yes. I almost forgot about it.
Lisa crosses to her bag, which she left on the entrance table to retrieve the article.
KAY
Was it an interesting assignment?
LISA
(Rummaging through her bag)
Oh, I just had to cover a lecture that was given at the Sophists’ Club and do a follow-up on the subject.
KAY
And what was the lecture about?
LISA
“The Swinging Pendulum of Morality.”
She finds the newspaper article and removes it from the bag.
IRWIN
(an aside)
Oy vey.
JACK
Here. I’d love to see it. Do you mind if I read on the patio?
Lisa hands Jack the article.
JACK
(to Kay)
Honey, why don’t you entertain our guests with Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata?
(to the others)
You all will love this.
Jack exits into the patio
Kay sighs, gives a look of resignation, and drifts over to the piano. She sits and begins to play.
The MUSIC continues throughout the scene.
On the patio, Jack reads the article, pacing back and forth, noticeably troubled and agitated.
In the living room, Kay finishes the piece. The others applaud.
IRWIN
As beautiful as ever. It was even better than the recording.
LISA
My gosh, Kay! That was absolutely beautiful. I had no idea you had such a talent.
KAY
Thank you, both of you. That was always one of Jack’s favorite pieces. As a matter of fact, while on a concert tour in the United States, I was performing that very piece the night we met.
LISA
You had a professional career?
IRWIN
Have you never heard of the concert pianist Kayela Moeller?
LISA
Kay…Kayela Moeller? Miller! Oh my goodness! I had no idea.
Kay chuckles.
KAY
Oh there’s no reason you should have known. But I am flattered that you remember the name. I haven’t performed professionally in several years.
LISA
I remember seeing you on television playing a Christmas concert at the White House when I was a kid. My mother drew my attention to your German name, Moeller, being a translation of our name, Miller. In her fantasy world every celebrity named Miller was a likely relative. Steve Miller. Arthur Miller. Kayela Moeller. Wow! This is crazy! So how did you and Jack meet?
KAY
When I said I met Jack the night I performed Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, I meant I had an unintended audience with him at the Carnegie Hall. I collapsed in my dressing room right after my performance. They called for a doctor in the house. And Jack, who was a surgical resident at St Vincent’s at the time, was that doctor.
LISA
Jack is a doctor? How did I miss that? I thought he was a baseball coach or something.
KAY
He would have liked to have been a coach too. But Jack and I both left our formal careers behind us. So now we don’t talk much about our professions although we do find ways to remain involved.
LISA
Just when you think you have someone figured out, BAM! Another side jumps out at you.
Jack re-enters.
IRWIN
Ah, here emerges the good doctor in deep contemplation to bid us good night. You look perplexed, my friend.
LISA
Well, what do you think?
JACK
Well…it was nice.
LISA
Just nice? What are you trying to say?
JACK
I am sure you worked hard on this but I’m struggling a little here. I’m somewhere between being polite and telling the truth.
LISA
I have no fear of the truth.
JACK
You don’t mind if I am candid?
KAY
Jack, c’mon now. Try being polite.
LISA
That’s all right. Criticism is what makes you grow.
JACK
The subject matter is what it is, “the pendulum of morality.” Not your fault of course. The subject has been so distorted. In the media, one more permissive than the other. Living through this pendulum swing has been bad enough.
LISA
Well, an assignment is an assignment.
KAY
You can’t blame her for the assignment.
JACK
This is not blame, but an observation. I am sure the article aptly reflects the discussion, which unfortunately, is filled with euphemisms. And I have a very tough time with euphemisms
LISA
I don’t see what’s so euphemistic. I merely restated the content of the discussion and the statistics that supported the findings.
JACK
It’s not the data but your use of the jargon that sanitizes the worst in us. This is more than
recording the facts but giving immorality, if that word is still in usage, a bland image rather than the dark realism it deserves.
LISA
I don’t believe I gave a “bland translation of reality,”
KAY
Please, Jack, excuse me. I’m going to pack up some leftovers.
Kay looks at Irwin, silently imploring him to moderate and intercede, if necessary. Then she exits into the kitchen where she begins to pack up the leftovers to give to her guests.
IRWIN
Would someone like some more coffee? Tea? Boxing gloves?
They ignore him.
LISA
Pardon me, but I drew my references straight from the studies and the researchers’ quotes. They’re all your health professional colleagues.
JACK
And you did a beautiful job, capturing the spirit of this pendulum swing whether you meant to or not. The age of self-deception and denial, all laced with a veil of legitimacy. Don’t give anything we do a label that might ripple the conscience. Here…
Jack points to a section in the article.
JACK
You make reference to a study where there’s been a marked increase in the sexual activity of adolescent girls. That sounds so trendy. But what does it really mean? It means that more little girls are having sex with more little boys than ever before.
LISA
So what’s the big deal over one understated reference?
JACK
It’s all over the place. Does one drink too much or is he an alcoholic? Is a guy who brushes up against women in the bus getting aroused or is he a molester? How about a casual affair? Or is that adultery? Doesn’t that all ring a little clearer? Doesn’t that make a person look deeper into the mirror rather than brushing it off as simply a social flaw?
LISA
Catch a breath here before you fall off your pendulum.
JACK
You know, I’m not even shocked by these kinds of references anymore. You bet the pendulum has swung, and one day we’ll wake up and ask ourselves, “What did we create for our kids by glossing over reality?”
LISA
If the shock is gone, then you’ve probably grown to accept that there’s room in society for an alternative set of values.
JACK
Listen, when you cease to be shocked by anything it means that your senses have become so numbed that you can’t judge good from bad, decent from indecent. Or you just stop caring.
LISA
What do you propose? Another “Just Say No” program?
JACK
How can people who are feeding every other urge, people who never said no to anything, all of a sudden say “no?” Baloney! The question is how far can that pendulum swing before it becomes unhinged? Is there no end to the arc?
LISA
So now it’s unhinging?
JACK
Movies drop “f” bombs all over the place and kids do the same thing on the playground. And that’s only language! The freewheeling pendulum riders look back and ask, “How is it that so many other people became so far out of touch?” The fact is those folks they’re looking back at are only hanging on to the values they grew up with. They didn’t go backwards. They haven’t moved.
LISA
Face reality. That Puritan world was filled with its own flaws. And just maybe the pendulum had been stuck too far at the other end for too long. We all gravitate to the values that give our lives some meaning. Maybe your generation just has too many hang-ups.
JACK
You think I’m hung up, and maybe I am. But I don’t like getting soft-peddled into thinking everything is okay because we mask the language.
LISA
Yeah, I think you’re hung up. But aside from that, who’s to blame? You think there’s some kind of conspiracy out there?
Irwin has heard enough. He shrugs and exits off to join Kay in the kitchen.
JACK
Are you kidding? We’ve all conspired against ourselves! Who can pull off the biggest hoax?
LISA
Come on! The networks are filled with investigative reporters whose job it is to create a perspective.
JACK
Oh yes, I love those pompous media jokers who like to present themselves as erudite, concerned, prosecutors asking probing and pensive questions, all presumably to enlighten the viewer about some hoax. And the reporter himself is the hoax! Reporters will tear a person apart just to get a byline. There are times when TV can be a body without a soul. “It’s an eye without a brain.”
LISA
Well then, Mr. Reformer, what would you propose?
JACK
You know how the medical profession has the Hippocratic oath, and how one line in it says, “Do no harm?” Maybe there should be a Homeric oath whereby reporters must subscribe to a similar ethic.
Irwin enters carrying a package of leftovers.
LISA
You really are having that mid-life crisis. Who persecuted you? You sit, nice and tidy, in your
office all those years and now you pass judgment.
She notices Irwin.
LISA
You’re just in time, Irwin. When he looks into his eggs tomorrow morning, the mid-life crisis ghost is going to say “Gotcha!”
IRWIN
Oh boy, we’re not back to the midlife crisis again!
He hands the bag of leftovers to Lisa.
IRWIN
Here take some of these leftovers and we best call it a night.
LISA
(to Jack)
Maybe you’re the one coming unhinged and if you stepped out of your mold into the real world, you’d…
IRWIN
(Interrupts her)
Now, now! Let’s let our gracious hosts retire for the evening, Lisa.
Irwin takes the package back and guides Lisa to the front door.
IRWIN
Kay and Jack must be exhausted after preparing such a fine dinner.
JACK
Now don’t feel like you have to run off.
IRWIN
It’s time. For Kay’s sake, Jack. For Kay’s sake.
Kay re-enters.
KAY
And what’s for Kay’s sake?
IRWIN
That we say goodnight and I escort Lisa out to the car NOW!
JACK
Yes. Yes of course, Irwin.
IRWIN
Look after him, Kay.
KAY
We enjoyed having you.
LISA
Yes…uh…thanks, Kay. You’re so thoughtful. Good night.
Lisa and Irwin exit through the front door closing
it behind them.
IRWIN
(walking off alone, muttering)
Such a nice night. Then the hollering. Why the hollering? Oy vey!
There is a pause. Jack stares after them.
Then…
JACK
I did it again, didn’t I?
KAY
Come dear, we need some rest.
Jack sits on the sofa. He takes a pill pouch from his shirt pocket and swallows one pill without water.
JACK
Play me something peaceful.
Kay sits at the piano and begins playing the Moonlight Sonata. Jack closes his eyes and listens.
LIGHTS FADE on the Living Room as she plays.
LIGHTS RISE on Lisa, standing OUTSIDE on the sidewalk, muttering to herself. She pulls out her notepad and begins furiously scribbling notes to herself.
LISA
I’d like to get that senile bastard.
BLACKOUT
Scene Four
TIME: Monday morning.
PLACE: The NEWSPAPER OFFICE.
Peter Brooks is sitting at his desk. Lisa enters.
LISA
Good morning, Peter.
PETER
Oh. Hi, Lisa. How was your weekend?
LISA
Fine. Yes, fine. I worked out with the Softball Team. How was your little trip?
PETER
Well, I’m kind of spent, to tell you the truth. I drove out to Western New York to see some of the family. I looked at a little farm I’d like to retire to someday. Much as I hate the drive, I get a real nostalgic ripple when I look out across those fields of corn and wheat. And old red barns. I love red barns. Hay lofts, a couple of silos. Silver domed so you can see the sun bouncing off it a mile down the road and you know you’re almost home. Hey, you know one crazy thing I miss?
LISA
I got it. Home town pizza. Everybody always says—
PETER
Manure! Good old fashioned cow manure. Maybe it’s the contrast to the human manure we get fed every day out here. There’s something very honest and unpretentious about cow manure. Especially at the fair. Of course, there you get all kinds. Horse manure, sheep, rabbits. Crazy huh?
LISA
Yup. Crazy. With attractions like that, I can’t imagine why you tore yourself away in the first place to come down here.
PETER
Oh well it’s a little tough to keep your affairs private in a small town. Maybe a lack of opportunity. Long winters.
LISA
Sounds like a hardship tour.
PETER
Believe it or not, it wasn’t the severity of the winters that bothered me. It was the fact that winter ran so long into spring. Hell, I can remember it snowing so hard during spring baseball practice that you couldn’t see home plate from second base.
LISA
You couldn’t see what?
PETER
Home plate.
LISA
From where?
PETER
From second base. Because of the snow. And boy would your hands sting when…
LISA
Excuse me, Peter, but I just heard someone else say something like that. Except he couldn’t see home plate from shortstop. Jack, Dr. Conti, he said that just the other day. When we met by the ball field.
There is a PAUSE.
PETER
So you met Jack?
LISA
As a matter of fact, he and his wife Kay—Kayela, the concert pianist—figured I was alone in town. They had me over for dinner last night. Do you know him?
PETER
Yes I know who he is. How did the evening go?
LISA
Well, it was okay at first. And Kay played a beautiful piece on the piano. But after a while, Jack got all worked up about some social issues. In one of my articles. And we ended up calling it a night. Boy, did he have an axe to grind with reporters.
PETER
Well I’m not surprised. Like many of us, he’s been burnt by reporters before.
LISA
Did he have it coming?
PETER
No. None of the guys involved in this particular article deserved the sour image this one reporter created. A freelancer, one of the first black belts in feminism, was doing an article on how to insure your quality of care from doctors. She obviously had her own agenda spelled out before she even did the article there was almost nothing devoted to the subject of care and so much to petty anecdotal observations of the men she interviewed.
LISA
How badly did he get hurt?
PETER
It wasn’t that it was career threatening. But he really felt betrayed.
LISA
Well, what was it?
PETER
When the reporter had asked him if he had interests other than his private practice, Jack made reference to his satisfaction in the production of scientific teaching films. Well, the only mention of Jack in the article referred to him as a doctor who preferred making movies to treating patients.
LISA
You’re kidding.
PETER
He got off light compared to some of the other guys she worked over. She shot all her arrows off in one article and trivialized the careers of a half dozen guys.
(deliberately points at Lisa)
You know kid, it’s a great temptation to use your pen to get your licks in.
LISA
You must know Jack pretty well. So tell me, what’s this about not seeing home plate from second base because of the snow?
PETER
I’ve known him since we were in grammar school. But we’ve followed our own different paths for well over twenty years now. As kids, we played…played the middle of the infield. Some combination. That is, when snow flurries didn’t obstruct our vision.
LISA
So he was from up your way too?
PETER
Oakfield, New York. A small town a stone’s throw from the Canadian border. Yeah. And boy, what a shortstop he was. He was a real nut about the game. The rest of us would be trying to learn how to catch pop-ups, but he would work on chasing them down at the end of his reach. Poor old Coach Rankowski, stuck on the field with the sun setting behind him, listening to Jack plead, “Just hit a few more, coach.”
LISA
Was he a temperamental kid?
PETER
No, he was pretty even tempered.
(laughs, remembering)
Oh, but one time he kinda lost it. When we were little kids, I’m talking nine or ten years old, we
played softball and there weren’t enough gloves to go around. So a lot of us played without mitts in those days. When Jack’s father bought him his first glove…Would you believe this? He buys him this big, puffy, overstuffed catcher’s mitt.
LISA
A catcher’s mitt?
Peter takes his key from the desk. He crosses to the file cabinet and opens a drawer. He takes out the framed picture, dusts it off with his hand, and stares at it.
PETER
Yes. A mitt. Anyway, one of the fellas picked up Jack’s puffy glove and began to throw it around as a joke. When Jack saw his glove rolling in the dirt, he knocked the kid to the ground
and told him, “My father gave me that glove. Throw it in the dirt again and I’ll break your arms.” We all figured his old man was a little nuts to give him that goofy looking glove. Especially for a kid who wanted to play infield. But you know what? Jack learned to catch everything with two hands because he had to concentrate like crazy to center the ball in the pocket to pick up a grounder. Just as he was becoming a whiz at using that bag of mashed potatoes to flag down any ball that came near him, his father gave him a new four finger Rawlings glove and told him, “I knew you couldn’t pick up any bad habits with that catcher’s mitt, son. Now go out and play some baseball.”
LISA
So that’s why he started him with that mitt.
PETER
Yep. And hell, he already was better than the rest of us. But with that new glove, he was like flypaper.
Peter shows Lisa the picture.
PETER
That’s him, the skinny kid. Hmm, And there I am, next to him.
Lisa reaches for the picture but Peter draws it
back and muses over the photograph.
PETER
What a double-play combination we became. I can only think of one time when I wasn’t there at second base with him.
LISA
One of you got injured?
PETER
Oh no. It was the weekend of the class picnic and they planned to take all of us to this amusement park across the border near Niagara Falls in Canada. I went, but Jack passed up the trip because we had a ball game that Saturday.
LISA
Canada? You know, Kay said something about how Jack did not want to go to Niagara Falls. He told her it was an overrated tourist trap. Heck, who wouldn’t want to see the Falls? I couldn’t quite figure him out.
Peter abruptly gives her a quick glance of concern.
PETER
I hope you didn’t expect to figure him out in one night.
LISA
He strikes me as a frustrated hothead. What do you think?
Peter returns the picture to the file cabinet. He closes the drawer and locks it, then flips the key into his desk drawer.
PETER
Look kid, I never said I wrote his biography. As a matter of fact, I’ve seen very little of him in recent years.
LISA
You grew up with him. You tell me, is there something to this Niagara Falls business?
PETER
Who said there was any Niagara Falls “business?” Look, I’ve got to meet with the mayor in 15 minutes. Why don’t you start preparing your background material for the Memorial Day story and I’ll see you after lunch.
Peter exits. Lisa watches him leave.
When she’s sure he’s gone, Lisa begins to rummage through the papers on Peter’s desk. She picks up his phone, presses “0,” then the speaker button, and hangs up, still rummaging through Peter’s notes.
OPERATOR’S VOICE
(on speaker)
What listing, please?
LISA
Operator, in Oakfield, New York. Could you give me the phone number of the local newspaper?
OPERATOR’S VOICE
That would be the Gazette. I’ll be glad to connect you.
LISA
Yes, thank you.
She waits.
GAZETTE OPERATOR’S VOICE
Oakfield Gazette. Which department, please?
LISA
Hello, could you connect me with the Sports Editor’s desk?
GAZETTE OPERATOR’S VOICE
Connecting.
Lisa waits.
BRIAN DUFFY’S VOICE
Hello, sports desk. Brian Duffy here.
LISA
Hello, this is Lisa Miller from the Glenville Tribune. I’ve been assigned to do a sports story about two old time athletes we’ll be honoring in town. I understand they made a name for themselves playing ball as youngsters in Oakfield and I was hoping you could help me with some background information. One is named Jack Conti. He played ball back in the 60s. Shortstop, I think. He and a fellow named Peter Brooks.
BRIAN DUFFY’S VOICE
Sorry, I’ve only been with the paper for five years. The only Brooks I know is David Brooks. Who is my son’s baseball coach, I’ll be seeing him at practice tomorrow afternoon. But I can check around and see if any of the older guys here at the Gazette have any info for you.
LISA
It was twenty, thirty years ago and that’s before my time too. Well, it was just a shot in the dark. Thank you. And please call me at the Tribune if you stumble upon any information.
Lisa disconnects the call. She goes to her own desk, sits down. Stands up. Paces the room, anxiously.
LISA
(thinking out loud)
Where else could they leave a trail? Hmmm…the early 1970s. Hey, that photo of their youth league team…
She goes to Peter’s desk and retrieves the keys. She opens up the file cabinet drawer and pulls out the framed photo. She turns the picture over and reads the writing on the back.
LISA
Oakfield Lion’s Youth Team?
She ponders this for a moment. Then she crosses to Peter’s desk again. She picks up the phone and dials, presses speaker, hangs up. She stares at the photo in her hand.
OPERATOR’S VOICE
(on speaker)
Operator. What listing?
LISA
Would you please connect me with the Parks and Recreation office in Oakfield, New York?
There is a pause, then a ringing. Then…
RECEPTIONIST’S VOICE
Oakfield Parks and Recreation.
LISA
Hello. This is Lisa Miller calling. By any chance would a Mr. Rankowski still be coaching in Oakfield.
RECEPTIONIST’S VOICE
Mr. Rankowski did coach up until about a year ago. But sadly he has since passed away. Who did you say was calling?
LISA
This is Lisa Miller. I am a reporter from the Tribune in Connecticut. I am so sorry to hear of coach’s passing. I am doing a story on two boys who played under him for the Lion’s team years ago. I have a photo of the team and Coach Rankowski’s picture and name are posted on it as well. I thought he could give me some background.
RECEPTIONIST’S VOICE
I may be able to help you out. Who were these boys?
LISA
One of the men is Peter Brooks, who happens to be my boss here at the newspaper. The other man is a dear friend I met at the ballpark while I was playing softball. His name is Jack Conti.
RECEPTIONIST’S VOICE
I have a scrapbook of all the kids who played different sports for the Lion’s club and I do have a faint recollection of these boys. Great infielders I recall.
LISA
Peter tells me the only game he missed was when their school sponsored a trip to Niagara Falls. Peter went but Jack stayed home so as not to miss the game. Strangely, Jack still seems to resist going to Canada. I’m guessing they lost that day without Peter there and Jack still has a sour
LISA (Cont’d.)
feeling about Canada. That would be a nice human interest anecdote if there is a subplot in there somewhere.
There is SILENCE at the other end.
LISA
Hello? Did I lose the connection?
RECEPTIONIST’S VOICE
Ahh…I’m here.
There is a PAUSE.
RECEPTIONIST’S VOICE
Your inquiry about Canada is irrelevant. I am going to have to excuse myself now.
LISA
Please! Can you at least share anything about their young adult life? Things outside of baseball? Were they good members of the community?
RECEPTIONIST’S VOICE
I have nothing further to add. And I’m afraid I have other people on hold. Goodbye.
The Receptionist hangs up.
LISA
Hello? Hello? Thanks for nothing.
Lisa crosses to her desk with the picture which she places on the desk. She sits, turns on her computer. And waits for it to come alive. She tries some entries, then shakes her head. She stares at the screen for several seconds.
LISA
Their high school. I guess that’s all that’s left.
She stands and goes to Peter’s desk again. She picks up his phone, dials, puts it on speaker.
OPERATOR’S VOICE
(on speaker phone)
Operator. What listing, please?
LISA
Operator, could you connect me with Oakfield High School in Oakfield, New York?
The phone rings on the other end. Then…
SCHOOL RECEPTIONIST’S VOICE
Hello. Oakfield Central High. Can I help you?
LISA
Hello, this is Lisa Miller from the Glenville, Tribune in Connecticut. We are planning a profile story on two men who grew up in Oakfield and likely attended your high school. Would you
have any records or be familiar with a Jack Conti and a Peter Brooks?
SCHOOL RECEPTIONIST’S VOICE
Without going any further, I can tell you that the school systems are very strict about releasing any information on a student. So—
Lisa hangs up phone defeated and slowly
crosses over back to her own desk.
LISA
I guess that’s the end of that game. Back to the Memorial Day piece.
After a moment, the phone rings on Peter’s desk. Lisa answers it on speaker, too down—or too lazy—to hold the receiver to her ear.
LISA
Hello, Tribune.
BRIAN DUFFY’S VOICE
This is Brian Duffy from the Oakfield Gazette. I spoke with you a little while ago. Listen, I passed your question around the office to some of the older guys. One fella remembers Jack Conti’s name from an incident some twenty-five years ago. But I’m afraid it may be more than what you bargained for.
LISA
Anything and everything would be of interest. What do you have?
BRIAN DUFFY’S VOICE
Well, I was browsing through our archives and came up with the name Jack Conti. He was referenced as a former baseball great in Oakfield, but the article said he’d been arrested re-entering the United States from Canada as a deserter. He apparently did not respond to his draft notice and two months later came sneaking back into the country from Niagara Falls where he had been working on “The Maid of the Mist.” Graphic picture of him in handcuffs too. He was
BRIAN DUFFY’S VOICE (Cont’d.)
convicted and sentenced to three years but was released after just a few months on a technicality. There is no mention of the Peter Brooks, anywhere in our archives relating to that incident.
LISA
You’re right, Brian. I was not expecting this. So maybe we’ll just forget the whole article thing we had planned. But if you can wire me what you have.
BRIAN DUFFY’S VOICE
Sorry, if I ruined your day. But either way, I’ll forward you the copy.
LISA
Thanks Brian. At least I will be properly informed.
Lisa breaks the connection. She sits there staring at the phone, hardly believing, at first, what she has. Then she comes alive.
LISA
Whew! And the Weekly Scoop Magazine might like this one. “Memorial Day Remembers Its Heroes and Deserters.” “Wealthy Surgeon Hides in Canada.” Wow!
BLACKOUT
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
Scene One
TIME: The following morning around 11 a.m.
AT RISE: Jack is seated in their living room. Kay enters the front door, ignoring Jack, and carrying
a small shopping bag. She crosses past Jack quietly and begins pulling items out of a small bag: a can of fish food, a miniature frog and a small mermaid. An aquarium sits on the counter near her.
Jack is seated reading the morning paper.
JACK
So honey, what would you like to do today? Want to take a drive up to Bear Mountain, do a little hiking and have a picnic this afternoon?
KAY
(unpacking)
No, not today.
JACK
How about taking the canoe out on the pond?
KAY
(a bit testy)
I don’t think so. We just did that yesterday morning.
JACK
(reading)
There’s a concert under the stars tonight.
KAY
(really annoyed)
For God’s sake, Jack! Do you have to program every minute of the day?
Jack looks up, surprised, from his reading. Kay catches herself and warms up. She smiles at him.
KAY
Look, Jack.
She holds up the frog and the mermaid.
KAY
Isn’t this little frog and this mermaid cute? To keep Neptune company.
JACK
Yes, dear, very cute.
He goes back to his newspaper.
JACK
Damn it all. Can you believe this, Kay? Listen to what they just passed in New York. Free condoms to every high school kid who wants them. Do parents have any say in this? Would I want my thirteen-year-old kid to be given a condom?
KAY
I know what you’re saying, But you’ve got to stop personalizing every issue you disagree with. You’re killing yourself. And you’re killing me along with you.
JACK
(visibly frustrated)
Kay, I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s getting into me. It’s like every time I read the paper these days I end up suffering from culture shock.
KAY
Well you’ve got to get a grip on yourself. You don’t have to get so worked up all the time. Face it, Jack. These are our times.
JACK
Our times! I’ve got so damn much time to see what’s going on around me. And so much of it is sick. I tried watching TV this morning. All those stupid talk shows. They’re freak shows. Who can outdo whom with sick perversions! “Today we’ll talk with a woman whose husband had sex with their daughter’s boyfriend.” Or…or…a show where a nature lover had an affair with a wildebeest. What the hell is going on here?
KAY
Everybody knows those shows are stupid. Don’t take it so seriously.
JACK
When I think of this world changing around me and the thought of survival, I can’t help but reflect on a sick little science project we did in school that scares the hell out of me.
KAY
What project was that?
Jack stands and crosses to the counter. He picks up the ceramic frog and a glass jar that’s sitting nearby.
JACK
There was an ugly little experiment we ran in science class years ago called “boiling the frog.” First we placed a frog in a beaker of cold water.
Jack demonstrates, dropping the frog into the jar.
JACK
Then we put the beaker on a Bunsen burner with flame turned low and started raising the temperature at imperceptible increments. There was an erosion of his environment so gradual the animal wasn’t even aware of it. A few hours later, the frog was dead.
Jack puts the jar and the frog down.
JACK
I’ve been taking a good look around me and I feel like that damn frog. Surrounded by a deteriorating world masked with euphemisms.
KAY
Well, while you agonize over the erosion taking place around you, I feel like part of the erosion.
JACK
Honey, you’re one of the few things that make sense to me. How you see me is all that is really important to me.
The phone RINGS.
KAY
I’ll get it, dear.
Kay crosses to the living room phone near the
front door and answers it.
KAY
Hello
LIGHTS UP on Irwin
IRWIN
Gutten tag, Frau Conti. What a terrific dinner last night. Exclamation point! Say Kay is that old shortstop home? I’d like to chat with him.
KAY
He is right here.
(to Jack)
Jack, it’s for you. Irwin calling.
JACK
I’ll get it in the kitchen.
Jack crosses to the kitchen wall phone above the counter.
In the living room, Kay pulls the cordless phone from her ear while stepping toward the front door.
KAY
(calling out)
Jack, I’m going out to get the mail!
She listens to confirm that Jack has picked up. But she lingers with the phone to her ear.
JACK
Hello Irwin, what’s up?
IRWIN
Can you talk?
JACK
Yes, I can talk. Kay went outside to get the mail. Is it still on for the city tonight? I need some fresh outlets, new stimulation.
Suddenly Kay is very curious.
IRWIN
Does Kay have any idea what you are up to?
JACK
No, Irwin, Kay has no idea. I hate sneaking around behind her like this but I can’t tell her. Listen, you’re sure Rosemary will meet me tonight?
IRWIN
Yes, damn it. At six o’clock.
Kay, shocked, almost drops the phone.
JACK
I’ll meet you later in the village. Six is fine. See you then.
IRWIN
This is a mistake Jack. You should tell her. Talk to your wife.
LIGHTS OUT on Irwin.
In the kitchen, Jack hangs up the phone and stares
down at the counter.
Kay reenters the house nervously fumbling with the mail and concealing the cordless phone. She slips the phone back onto the cradle.
KAY
What did Irwin want?
JACK
Oh, he was just reminding me that this was our night in the city. We’re going to meet around six.
KAY
(distracted)
I’m glad. Sometimes I worry about him being alone all the time.
JACK
Well, I wouldn’t worry about old Irwin very much. What was in the mail?
KAY
(nervously rummaging)
Uh…Some bills, magazines, advertisements. Oh, and a package for you.
JACK
Package for me? From whom?
Kay reads the return address, trying to hide her shock.
KAY
Who is Rosemary Quinlan?
Jack takes the package from her.
JACK
(caught off guard)
Rosemary Quin…? What could she be sending here?
Jack rips open the package.
JACK
Ah ha! My glasses!
KAY
This is postmarked New York City. How did this Rosemary Quinlan get your glasses?
JACK
(stumbling for a response)
Oh, she’s a friend of Irwin’s. She joined us for dinner in the city before we left for our trip. I must have left them at the table.
KAY
I thought this was a men’s only night out.
JACK
(ill at ease)
That’s exactly what I told Irwin. Listen, Kay, I’m going to the barber’s to get a trim before all the school kids fill the shop. I’ll see you a little later.
Jack exits. Kay watches him go, a bit stunned.
Once he’s gone, Kay crosses into the living room. She notices Lisa’s Mets cap still hanging next to Jack’s Yankee cap. She picks the Mets cap up. She crosses to the phone, picks up the receiver, and dials.
SPOTLIGHT on the other side of the stage reveals Lisa at her desk on the phone.
LISA
Hello, Tribune.
KAY
(voice shaking)
Hello. Peter Brooks, please.
LISA
Mr. Brooks isn’t in. This is Lisa Miller, his assistant.
KAY
Lisa. My goodness, this is Kay.
LISA
Oh, Kay. Thank you again for dinner the other night.
KAY
You’re welcome. By the way, I was just tidying up the living room and I came across your Mets baseball cap.
LISA
You mean Jack didn’t throw it out?
KAY
No, don’t be silly.
LISA
Is Jack there now?
KAY
No, but he will be coming home before he meets with Irwin in the city at six.
(her voice breaks slightly)
If you like, you can pick up your cap before then. Uh, Lisa, do you know where Peter Brooks went?
LISA
He had another meeting with the mayor.
KAY
So he’s still meeting with the mayor?
LISA
Yes, they meet twice a week. Is it something urgent? I can walk over to the Town Hall to give him a message.
KAY
I’m afraid you wouldn’t find them. They’re more likely at Mayor Riley’s Sports Bar. I’ll take care of it, dear. See you later.
LISA
Bye.
Lisa and Kay both hang up. LIGHTS OUT on Kay.
Lisa opens her notepad and picks up a pen and writes.
LISA
Mayor Riley’s Sports Bar?
BLACKOUT
Scene Two
LIGHTS UP on RILEY’S BAR, the back room. Several tables and chairs. On the back wall is a full-sized photo of Yankee catcher Yogi Berra, glove extended. A hand-written sign below the glove reads, “PITCH IT HERE,” and sitting on the floor directly below that is a garbage can.
Peter Brooks is sitting at a table. On the table in front of him are two empty highball glasses and one full one. There is a jar of pickled eggs on a side counter
Kay enters and crosses to his table.
KAY
(indicating the drinks)
Did you order that second one for me or is this your dessert?
Peter looks up. He is somewhat tipsy. He smiles.
PETER
Kay. What in the world brings you down here? Volunteering with the Salvation Army?
(looks behind her)
Where’s your drum?
KAY
You forget, I play tambourine. I was looking for you.
Peter gestures toward the empty chair. Kay sits.
PETER
Boy, what lousy service here. Look, they never cleaned the glasses off the table from the people before me. It’s a good thing the pickled eggs are free or I’d bring my business elsewhere. How did you track me here?
KAY
Your office said you had a meeting with the mayor.
PETER
And you knew?
KAY
Hell, you and Jack have been using that same line since Mayor Riley owned the bar 20 years ago. You guys could never resist the free pickled eggs.
Peter rises, carrying his glass, and walks to the
counter with the pickled eggs. He pulls one from the jar.
.
PETER
What purpose would Jack have to slip off to a meeting with the mayor?
Peter pops a whole egg in his mouth.
KAY
He’s going through a very difficult time now, Peter.
Peter begins drifting around the room and pauses by the jukebox.
PETER
Is this an exclusive club, this “going through a difficult time” thing?
KAY
He’s coming apart, and I can’t hold him together anymore.
Peter raises his glass.
PETER
Well, speaking as a man who has majored in coming apart…No, excuse me, refined it to an art form…you’ve come to the right department. But I’m afraid my schedule is pretty booked as far as reassembling shattered lives goes.
KAY
Peter, Jack needs you. He’s all alone out there now, and in the past week he’s mentioned your name at least three times. Most of it baseball related.
PETER
Three times in twenty years? Whew! Good reason to go on a crusade.
KAY
I know I’m asking a lot of you to bridge that gap after all these years. But the thought of losing him is killing me.
PETER
You lose him? To whom? Or what?
KAY
I think he’s getting despondent.
Kay fumbles through her purse and pulls out a piece
of paper that she slowly reveals.
KAY
He went down to the little water fall the other day and when I was cleaning out his cooler that night I noticed this scribbling on a paper bag. It was something he wrote about at the falls. It was very disturbing.
PETER
C’mon. What does a guy write on a paper lunch bag? His shopping list? Maybe a “chores to do” list? That could be disturbing. Hey, you don’t write serious stuff on a paper bag.
Kay clears her throat and nervously unfolds the paper. She glances back at Peter, then reads.
KAY
I speak to fossils by the sea,
And verily they speak to me.
In youth if wind should cross my bow,
I’d in its face full throated plow,
Mocking those with weakened knee,
Like them, I now list to the lee.
Kay and Peter stare at each other quietly for a moment. Neither reacts.
KAY
There’s more. It goes on like this for four more verses. On a paper bag! Not only is he despondent, I think it is driving him into the arms of another woman.
Peter pauses, searching unsuccessfully for a proper reply. Then he waves both arms over his head dismissively.
PETER
Jack always had a flair for the classics. Dante, Boccaccio, Petrach. So he writes a nice verse. A waterfall can make you poetic. What’s that part…
Peter takes the paper from Kay. He reads.
PETER
In youth if wind should cross my bow,
I’d in its face full throated plow,
Mocking those with weakened knee,
Like them I now list to the lee.
PETER (Cont’d.)
Hell, “listing to the lee” is what getting older is all about. I grow old, I grow old, I wear the bottom of my trousers rolled and all that stuff…Anyway, straight arrow Jack wouldn’t even know how to fool around.
Kay stands and Peter takes a seat at the table.
KAY
I overheard him on the phone making arrangements to meet her in the city. He’s going there to see her tonight.
PETER
I don’t believe it. But even if I did, what can I do about it? We’ve gone our separate ways. Jack to a noble life of service, ending ignobly in a sleazy affair, and Peter following a very steady and downward spiral into a life of mediocrity.
Peter takes a hard sip from his drink.
KAY
It’s a shame that you’ve wasted so much talent, Peter. I was afraid it was a mistake coming to you. But you were the closest friend Jack ever had. And I think he has missed you all these years.
Kay moves toward the exit. She passes the jukebox and then steps back to look at it again. She glances over at the back of Peter then turns and drops a coin in the jukebox.
KAY
And by the looks of your companions, you could probably use a friend yourself.
The song “We’re Talking Baseball” begins to play and Kay exits. Peter watches her leave. He is holding the poem and pondering the song. He stares down at his glass, fondles it. Then, without warning, he angrily crumples the paper bag and throws it in the direction of the trash bin. He takes a deep drink of whiskey.
Lisa enters the bar, unnoticed by Peter. She stands in the shadows and watches him.
BLACKOUT.
Scene Three
The NEWSPAPER OFFICE, late afternoon.
LIGHTS RISE on Lisa at her desk making corrections to a paper.
Her phone RINGS. Lisa answers it.
LISA
Glenville Tribune…This is she…Oh, hi Diane, how are you?…Oh yeah, me too. Just a few more days to go. So how’s your internship going? Had any interesting assignments down there in New Jersey?…Oh yeah? Bruce Springsteen? That’s great…Me? Well, I’ve got some ideas for the final article, as a matter of fact. I’ve got a profile I’d love to do on a guy who really got under my skin. I just have to type it up…The subject? I’m calling it “Profile of a Hypocrite.” The Weekly Scoop might be interested in this one.
Peter enters, still a bit woozy from his liquid lunch. Lisa sees him.
LISA
Listen Diane, I’ve got to finish up here. I’ll talk to you later.
She hangs up, returns to her desk and sets her folder down, shielding it from Peter’s view.
PETER
What are you still doing here, kid? Trying to score points with the boss?
LISA
Hi! No, I’ve just been trying to wrap this thing up. But I’m just about finished here. Then I’m on my way out the door.
PETER
On your way somewhere special?
LISA
Just going to stop off at Jack and Kay’s for a minute.
PETER
You guys have gotten pretty chummy in just a few days. If you don’t think you’ll be much longer than that, you can take my car and drop it off here later. It’ll save you a walk.
LISA
Thanks, Peter. I think I’ll do that.
Lisa exits, frustrated at having her phone conversation interrupted. Peter crosses to his desk and sits. He closes his eyes and rubs his temples with his fingers.
Peter’s phone RINGS. He opens his eyes and stares at it for a moment. Then he answers it.
PETER
Hello?
Peter, suffering the effects of the drinks, winces from the too-loud voice on the phone going directly into his ear.
PETER
Oh, hi Dave. Hold on a second, I want to put you on speaker
Peter presses the button on the phone and hangs up. He leans back in his chair and massages his temples.
PETER
So? You didn’t get enough of me last weekend?
DAVE’S VOICE
It was nice to have you back home. Mom, Dad, and my kids all loved seeing you. We hope you close the deal on that farm up here. And boy, wasn’t that something you meeting up with your old high school girlfriend Sarah?
PETER
Yeah, that was really a coincidence. And I can’t believe she never married.
DAVE’S VOICE
Well maybe that’s one more reason for you to come back up this way.
PETER
Hey, let’s go slowly with this. Is that the reason you called?
DAVE’S VOICE
No. Not really. A strange thing happened this afternoon.
PETER
Did one of your cows have triplets?
DAVE’S VOICE
Not quite. I was over at the ball park coaching Little League when one of the fathers, Brian Duffy who works at the Gazette, comes over to tell me about a call he got from your newspaper yesterday. From a reporter named Lisa something. Do you know her?
PETER
Yes, she’s an intern here at the Trib. But why in the world would she be calling the Oakfield Gazette?
DAVE’S VOICE
Brian said she was planning a story for a baseball tribute that involved you and Jack Conti. It seemed innocent but Brian did pull up the draft board’s case against Jack and he shared that with her. He was a little concerned about letting that part of the article slip out and I’m passing it on to you. After all, we don’t want to go through all of that again.
Peter sits up, a bit shaken. He goes over to Lisa’s desk and open’s the folder. He flips through it in alarm.
PETER
(stammering)
Oh…It’s…It’s nothing really, Dave. The…The tribute is…ah…is for Jack. Really, and the other thing will be ignored completely. It’s not relevant. My staff is very discrete. But thanks for the heads up. And I’ll catch up with you next weekend. Bye now.
He hangs up. He drops the folder to his waist in fearful dismay.
PETER
Damn it, Lisa. What the hell are you up to?
BLACKOUT
Scene Four
THE CONTI HOUSE, that same day.
LIGHTS RISE on Jack, sitting in the living room, working on a model boat on the coffee table.
The doorbell RINGS.
JACK
(calls)
I’ll get it.
Jack gets up and crosses to the front door. He first peers out the window, takes two pills from his pocket and swallows them. He opens the door.
Lisa is standing there.
JACK
Oh, Lisa. I wasn’t expecting you.
LISA
Hello, Jack. Can I come in?
JACK
Sure. Sure. Of course.
Lisa steps past him into the living room.
LISA
I just came to pick up my hat. But I’m glad you’re here.
JACK
Yes, I’m glad as well. Boy, I’m sorry that I got a bit carried away the other night. I’ll have to redirect my energy.
LISA
Yes, I can see that. Where’s Kay?
JACK
She’s upstairs. I’ll call her.
LISA
No, wait. That’s all right. Don’t disturb her.
Jack directs Lisa’s to her Mets cap hanging on a hook.
JACK
Well, there’s your cap. I was just heading into the city. Is there something else I can do for you?
LISA
No thanks.
Jack sits back down to work on his model boat. Lisa turns to exit but stops at the front door. She turns back.
LISA
OH! By the way, Jack, I understand you were quite a ball player in your day.
JACK
And how would you know that?
LISA
(re-entering the room)
Peter tells me you were the best fielding shortstop he’s ever seen. Or played with.
JACK
Peter said that? You should’ve seen him at second base. Well, that’s all history now.
LISA
History. Interesting you should mention that. History reveals certain truths. And the way you ripped into me over truths and euphemisms last night, I wondered what value you place on the truth in your own life.
JACK
Oh ho I’m fine with the truth. What are you trying to say, Lisa?
LISA
I say you’re a bit of a fraud.
JACK
Interesting deduction. Did this revelation come to after a bitter mocha latte or a bad dream?
LISA
I don’t think it was as much a latte or a dream as it was a phone call.
JACK
What are you getting at, kid?
LISA
Does the town of Oakfield ring a bell?
JACK
A lot of places ring a bell.
LISA
Well, isn’t that where you grew up?
JACK
That’s hardly a revelation.
LISA
Perhaps not. But the little hop over to Canada for an extended stay was a revelation.
JACK
That’s a strange observation. What are you getting at?
LISA
Not as strange as your cop-out north of the border.
Jack stares at her hard. There is a LONG PAUSE.
Jack stands and begins pacing. He moves toward the window and peers out suspiciously.
JACK
What brought you to that conclusion?
LISA
It was just a little review of the Oakfield Gazette archives. You see, I was looking for some baseball background on you and Peter. One of my assignments, when I return to Columbia, is to create a profile of two personalities I interacted with while on my internship. One was to have been a person I worked with and admired, which would be Peter, and then someone whose outward appearance seemed noble but whose character was flawed. Which would be you. You see, I got the double play combination in one assignment.
JACK
I accept the diagnosis as a flawed character.
(opens the front door)
Now if you please, take your hat and go. I have to leave for New York.
LISA
Flawed is a gross understatement. In reality, I find you to be a hypocrite of the worst kind.
Jack slams the door closed.
JACK
(raising his voice)
That’s a dangerous leap to make, young lady! I think we best stop right here!
Kay enters.
KAY
What’s all this excitement about? Jack, Lisa, please!
JACK
Nothing Kay.
He glares at Lisa.
JACK
You’d better be going, Lisa.
LISA
Don’t you want to know what Brian Duffy, the reporter at the Oakfield Gazette, had to tell me?
JACK
Brian Duffy? Never heard of him. Not at all. Just leave now, please.
KAY
Why would Jack care about this Brian Duffy?
LISA
Tell her Jack.
JACK
There’s nothing to say.
LISA
Nice summer job. Where were the rest of your buddies that summer?
KAY
What buddies?
LISA
The ones that went to Vietnam.
JACK
That’s not an issue.
LISA
Then what is the issue?
JACK
(extremely agitated)
The issue is none of you damn business!
LISA
I’d say the issue is one of hypocrisy.
KAY
Lisa, have you gone crazy?
LISA
How about the trial?
KAY
Trial?
LISA
The big war cop-out.
KAY
Absolutely stop this game and tell me what you’re getting at.
LISA
I’m sorry, Kay. I didn’t want to lay this on you. But I didn’t relish having my reporting skills and my character so impugned the other night. All this talk about “integrity.” When I found out today what a charade this guy was putting on I had to square it with him.
JACK
And so did Peter have anything to add to your little fantasy?
LISA
Peter only talked baseball concerning you guys. He never told me a thing about Niagara Falls or
any of that crap about the Maid of the Mist.
KAY
Lisa! Please! Jack? The Maid of the Mist?
JACK
(to Lisa)
That’s enough out of you, young lady.
LISA
(to Jack)
I’ll bet you have trouble sleeping at night, don’t you?
KAY
Is there something to this Jack?
JACK
(to Lisa)
So you know it all. You’ve got it all wrapped up nice and neat, Ms. Investigative Reporter. You’re right. That’s it. The Maid of the Mist. How many times I wanted to jump off that damn boat into those whirlpools swirling around, sucking everything under. Yes, I worked up there. That’s right. Big summer job. Come to Canada.
LISA
Go on, Jack. What were you really doing at the Falls?
JACK
(pacing furiously)
They said I was running. Damn me for that. “Running.”
KAY
Running? Jack, running from what?
Jack turns to Kay.
JACK
Why do you think I could never go to Niagara Falls? You think it was because it’s a big tourist trap? It was a trap all right, but not just for tourists. And Washington? You think it was because of the crime? You think it was the drugs or the violence?
Jack buries his face in his hands.
JACK
It was the Wall. I couldn’t face the Wall. Stretching for a hundred yards with all those names. All those faces staring at me. Of the guys who died in Vietnam while I was in Canada, working on the Maid of the Mist.
He looks up.
JACK
Yes, Lisa. That’s what you wanted to hear, isn’t it?
Jack starts to shake. He grabs his keys from the end table and rushes past Lisa and Kay to the front door and exits.
Kay stares after him, shocked, open-mouthed. Then she turns and stares at Lisa, hurt and questioning.
Lisa stares back, her hat in her hands. Then she drops her head. She looks up again. Then she exits through the front door as well. Lisa pauses outside the door and flashes a satisfied smirk.
Kay is alone.
BLACKOUT
Scene Five
THE NEWSPAPER OFFICE, maybe a half-hour later.
LIGHTS RISE on Peter sitting at Lisa’s computer, reading what’s on it.
Lisa enters. Peter looks up, angrily.
PETER
Lisa, you little vulture. What the hell do you think you’re doing?
LISA
Peter? What are you talking about?
Peter stands. He picks up the folder and waves it in her face.
PETER
I’m talking about this! This swill about Jack.
LISA
What are you sticking up for him for? You said you haven’t gotten along in twenty years.
PETER
I said I’ve seen very little of him. There’s a difference.
LISA
Seen, not seen. Hey, it’s all the same anyway. I caught the guy red-handed. I had him dead to rights. I got the truth out of him.
PETER
The truth? What the hell do you know about the truth? You throw a few flimsy facts together and think you’re a big deal investigative reporter. Why do I even bother talking to you? You are not a legitimate reporter.
LISA
(smirks)
Well, Peter, this information didn’t all just jump out of a bottle.
PETER
You are really not going to want to go head to head with old “Old Barroom Brooks” here, kid. I read your “shameless hypocrite” report. Do you really want to know what is was like then. The whole country upside down. A world of lies and deceit. Everybody talking from both sides of their mouth.
LISA
But he ran out!
PETER
(not hearing her)
We’re winning the war, they said. News flash, today U.S. forces captured two hundred pounds of rice and twenty rounds of ammunition. For your information, that translates into twenty-five boxes of Uncle Ben’s and a handful of bullets. Just part of the daily numbers game. No kid, it didn’t all happen as easily as you think. An age of euphemisms.
LIGHTS DIM on Peter and Lisa as LIGHTS RISE on the far side of the stage. Two young men, wearing Yankee caps. YOUNG PETER and YOUNG JACK, stand side by side at a railing looking over. The ROAR OF NIAGARA FALLS can be heard in the background.
YOUNG PETER
Beautiful, isn’t it? Just look at all that natural power. Millions of gallons of water pounding down on those rocks.
YOUNG JACK
(anxiously)
Yes, but this is no time to be getting poetic. For God’s sake, pal, think of what you’re doing!
YOUNG PETER
I always thought the Canadian view of the Falls was much more majestic than the view from the American side.
YOUNG JACK
The view from the American side is that you’re skipping out on the war. We’ve got no business being over here.
YOUNG PETER
Ha! Did you get a dose of that fresh mist blowing across your face? It sort of cleanses you all over, doesn’t it?
YOUNG JACK
How can you take this all so casually? You’ll never be able to come home again! You’ll be an outcast! Another guy without a country.
He grabs Peter by the shoulders.
YOUNG JACK
Peter! I hate this damn war as much as you do. I’m scared to death of what might happen to any of us who go to Vietnam. But how different could it have been for our fathers when they served
YOUNG JACK (Cont’d.)
in Normandy? Or the guys in Korea. It’s our turn, Peter!
YOUNG PETER
Our turn? Our turn to what? To be sacrificial fodder in a war with no end? To give credibility to the crap and deceit about what this war is all about and what we’re doing in it? On one hand they say contain the enemy. But the real question is commitment. Are we trying to win a war or just trying to wear the other guys out and finish with a stalemate?
YOUNG JACK
We have a duty. We don’t have the luxury to pick and choose which battle we fight. I know this one stinks. But how do we live with ourselves if we turn our backs and run?
YOUNG PETER
If they gave us two minutes of truth about the whole freakin’ thing I might have hung on. But this week it’s an incursion, or a defensive attack. What the hell is an incursion? I never heard the damn word before! Or a defensive attack for that matter? It’s an invasion, that’s what the hell it is! It’s a damn invasion!
YOUNG JACK
I know, Peter. This is all nothing new to me. I’m fighting the same damn arguments in my head every day. But it just never seems as though any of these word games have given us enough reason to walk out. Communism is spreading like cancer. All of Eastern Europe is gone Mainland China, Cuba on our doorstep. Stopping them here is the same as stopping them in Korea. Next stop for them is Australia. I mean, our troops must be bringing some sense of justice and civility to Vietnam.
Peter pulls a newspaper clipping from his pocket. He unfolds it and holds it up for Jack to see.
YOUNG PETER
Does this strike you as justice and civility? An American-trained South Vietnamese officer with his gun jammed up against some Charlie’s temple, blowing every bit of flesh out of his head at point blank range? Does it, Jack?
Peter grabs Jack’s shoulder and places his finger on Jack’s temple and simulates the execution with a loud forceful holler and shouts.
YOUNG PETER
BOOM! BOOM!
Jack takes the clipping from Peter’s hand.
YOUNG JACK
Where…Where did you get this?
YOUNG PETER
The New York Times.
YOUNG JACK
Oh God. What’s it say in the article?
YOUNG PETER
The picture says it all. This is one article that doesn’t have to be read. I know what I’m going to do, pal. I’ve protested this war for two years and nothing has changed. Now I’m walking out. See that boat circling down there in the whirlpools at the base of the Falls? The Maid of the Mist. I met a guy with the tour boat who said he could get me a job as a crew member. I’m signing on. And to tell you the truth, pal, if you had any sense, you’d come down and sign on with me before your damn lottery number comes up.
YOUNG JACK
Jeez Peter, this is big time stuff. I’ll stay as long as it takes to knock some sense in you and bring you home. But I can’t walk out on all the other guys who’ve gone either.
YOUNG PETER
Then just stick around for the summer. I’ll get you the job and you can still go back when you
feel guilty enough. C’mon, I’m saving your life. Your folks would rather have a live Canadian son than an MIA son rotting in some jungle snake pit.
LIGHTS DIM on the two boys. The ROAR of the Falls gets louder, almost deafening.
The LIGHTS RISE on the two boys once again. It is one month later. They are both wearing black raincoats and standing by the railing of a ship, the Maid of the Mist, coiling up lengths of rope. When they speak they must speak loudly to be heard above the noise of the Falls.
YOUNG PETER
The Captain told me that we’ve been doing such a good job these past few weeks that they’re thinking of giving us a raise.
YOUNG JACK
Pete…listen. I’ve been thinking.
YOUNG PETER
Watch out for that other line over there! I wouldn’t want you to fall in as we get closer to the
base of the Falls!
YOUNG JACK
Peter! I don’t think I can stand this much longer!
YOUNG PETER
What’s that? You’ll have to speak up, pal! We’re coming to the whirlpools!
YOUNG JACK
It’s over! Do you hear me? It’s over! Every time another person in a black raincoat boards this ship, I look at their ghost-like faces and hear them say, “Look at that American creep, copping out on the war!” I’m a freaking Judas! It’s one thing to be a protester, but who the hell are we kidding? We’re as bad as they are! Glossing over the facts, changing the words around! “Protesters…” Damn it, Peter! This isn’t protesting! The protesters are still at home!
YOUNG PETER
Yes, but we voice our protest by being here!
YOUNG JACK
We’re draft dodgers! If we were already in uniform we would be deserters! Call it what it really is! Doesn’t the thought of being a draft dodger or a freakin’ deserter with a five-year jail sentence hanging over your head bother you? We’ve got two simple choices! We die a thousand deaths here, or go home and accept the roll of the dice! Peter, I know how strong your feelings are about all this! But I’m going home! And I want you to come with me! Listen, damn it. If I don’t go somebody else goes in my place and takes my risk. I can’t live with that.
The ROAR of the Falls DIMINISHES. Peter reaches to place a hand on Jack’s shoulder but Jack pulls away. Peter defeated, turns and stares over the railing into the water.
YOUNG PETER
Look at those whirlpools back there. How many times I’ve felt like giving in to them.
LIGHTS FADE OUT on the two boys. The sound of the Falls FADES OUT as well.
And the same time the LIGHTS RISE on adult Peter and Lisa in the Newspaper Office once again.
PETER
So…it became a question of honor.
Lisa stares at him, not knowing what to say and cups her face in her hands. Peter looks at her. He shakes his head, sadly.
PETER
We had to make our own choices. So Jack came home. Too late. Our student deferments had expired and his draft number had come up while we were away, but his folks were in Maine for
PETER (Cont’d.)
the summer and his mailbox was stuffed with unanswered mail. As soon as he crossed the border he was arrested, brought back to town and paraded through gawkers up the steps to the jailhouse in shackles it was the biggest news in that little town for years. One day the golden boy, the next a reviled coward. No doubt he would have accepted his military obligation and even gone to Vietnam. But, a couple of drunken hard hats in the jail roughed him up and tore up his knee making him 4F. He was considered guilty of running away. And for my sake, he never even tried to explain that his only reason for being in Canada was to bring me back. After two months he was released because of a technicality. The police apparently never read him his rights. So you see, I’m the only one who ever really knew the truth. I was the only one who could have testified in his defense. But I was beyond reach in Montreal, doing what I had to do. I was the MIA.
LISA
But didn’t much of the media by that point support your protests? Like that photograph of the assassination…
PETER
The photographer, Eddie Adams, won a Pulitzer for this photograph. He later finds out the executioner was meting out brutal wartime justice to the Viet Cong captive who had just killed the family of the his closest aid. Adams eventually concluded that the photograph unfairly maligned the executioner. He said he regretted the award and never hung it in his office. He understood that the photograph by itself did not tell the story of the victim’s atrocities, but only that of the executioner. Yet the image created an engraved impression of American duplicity and alignment with a barbarous ally. A photograph can be an eye without a brain. Do you see how lives are made or broken based on the packaging of the news?
LISA
But you eventually made it back to the United States. Didn’t your number ever come up?
PETER
My lottery number was so high, my mother would have been called before me. So…nope. I was never called. When the war ended, I came home with my reputation relatively intact. Ironic, Huh?
LISA
So you guys threw away a lifetime friendship?
PETER
Jack had been like a brother to me. So we tried to rebuild the relationship, making plans to go back to graduate school, then move here and start over. But the strain was too deep. He was dying a slow death every time he saw me and he was never able to forgive himself for being human. No one could have been as hard on him as he was on himself. And I felt responsible for all this. So I drifted out of his life.
Peter looks away. There is a long PAUSE.
LISA
But he must have gotten over it .He went on to have a successful practice and retired early didn’t he?
PETER
If getting hit head on by a drunk driver and ending up in a coma with recurrent seizures the rest of your life is retirement…Yeah, he retired early!
Peter looks at Lisa, then heads toward the door.
LISA
(trembling and distraught)
Where are you going?
Peter stops and turns back to her.
PETER
To Jack and Kay’s to clear up this mess you created.
LISA
Let me come with you.
PETER
(exasperated)
Why don’t you just stay here and begin cleaning out your desk? I have no idea what your plans were for that essay. But the mere fact that you wrote it shows me that you don’t understand the ethics of reporting. I think this internship is over.
LISA
But what if I…?
PETER
NO! We don’t need more vindictive reporters in the newsroom.
He rushes out the door, highly agitated, leaving Lisa all alone in the office.
Lisa buries her face in her hands. Then she moves to Peter’s desk, picks up her folder and stares at it.
LISA
Oh…What have I done?
She tears up the report, sobbing.
BLACKOUT
Scene Six
The CONTI HOUSE. Later that evening.
LIGHTS RISE on Kay alone in the living room, sobbing.
The doorbell RINGS. Kay stands, wipes her eyes, peers out the window and crosses to the door. She opens it. Peter is standing thereYankee hat in hand.
KAY
Oh, Peter. I’m so glad you’re here! Come in!
Peter enters.
PETER
Hi Kay. Listen, I thought over what you said yesterday and you were right. Maybe I should speak with Jack.
KAY
It might be too late. It all just blew up. Lisa and Jack had this terrible argument. It was cruel. Lisa was driving a stake through his heart.
PETER
I know. She just came back to the office and told me. I’m so sorry. It must have been ugly for you.
KAY
I can’t tell you. And all this business about Jack deserting or something, and you being involved.
PETER
Sit down, Kay.
KAY
I don’t think I want to sit down. I honestly don’t even care about whatever happened. Whenever. Don’t you think I know who Jack is? I just want to find him and be sure he’s safe. Haven’t we shared every laugh and tear for the last twenty years? Haven’t we carried each other through a dozen personal crises in all that time? I’ve seen him pour his heart into everybody’s need? Do you think I love him any less because of something that might have marred his reputation when he was a kid? I know who he is today.
PETER
Well, today he’s a man tortured by his past and afraid of what you must think of him. None of this would ever have happened if it weren’t for me. Well, for what it’s worth…what can I do to help now?
KAY
We’ve got to find him. My first fear was that he was so distraught, he was getting involved with another woman. But now I fear he might…he might harm himself if we don’t help him.
PETER
Do you have any idea where he might have gone?
Kay crosses to the end table where the package Jack received earlier is sitting. She picks it up and shows it to Peter.
KAY
Here. Here is the address. Of that woman. Greenwich Street in New York.
PETER
That’s down in the village. I know that area. Well, do you want me to take a drive?
KAY
Would you please, Peter?
(considers)
And I think I want to come with you.
PETER
Fine. And it will give me a chance to explain the whole story.
Peter takes the paper with the address from her and they leave together. Kay picks up Jack’s Yankee cap on the way out.
BLACKOUT
Scene Seven
A STREET IN GREENWICH VILLAGE, perhaps an hour later.
LIGHTS RISE on Peter and Kay, driving and talking as they check addresses.
KAY
What terrible times those must have been for both of you.
PETER
Some ghosts find a way of resurfacing and then there are some you just hate to keep hiding.
KAY
What do you mean?
PETER
There is no doubt about it, I did not want to go to Vietnam and get a pungi stick in my throat. But, the clincher was the fact that the military pries into every aspect of your life. And then you suffer a consequence worse than being called a draft dodger.
KAY
My god, what could have been worse?
PETER
You see Kay, when I got out of college with no future in mind except the likelihood of the draft,
life seemed purposeless. I began having panic attacks. Rapid fire assaults on my psyche. I became unsure about everything. Would I hurt someone impulsively, drive head on into another car, spontaneously jump off a balcony.
KAY
This sounds like you are about to have a nervous breakdown!
PETER
I even worried about my sexuality. I had no overt inclinations, but the thought that I had lost control led me to worry that I had some latent impulses just waiting to uncontrollably erupt. It was torture. I became afraid of myself. I kept it private from everyone. And I mean everyone. If these doubts became a reality rather than just a fear, I was not going to get myself run out of the military in a public spectacle.
KAY
Did you seek help? Seek a doctor for these anxieties?
PETER
You mean a psychiatrist? No! I decided to ride it out.
KAY
But that still leaves you stuck in Canada.
PETER
The way the attitudes of the war were going I figured sooner or later there would be an amnesty. And sure enough, in time, there was. People would forgive and forget. But if a guy’s sexuality came into question, there would be no amnesty. Either way, I was willing to take my chances.
KAY
And where did that leave you?
PETER
A year later, when I started working at a Canadian newspaper and seeing a purposeful picture of myself, the panic attacks and the disturbing questions slowly dissipated until I was finally in control again. The fear of myself lost its hold. I became free. I even started dating again
KAY
I had no idea.
PETER
Tonight was the first time I have spoken about any of this. It makes me sick I owe it to Jack to clear his name. To restore his dignity.
KAY
And what will become of your dignity?
PETER
I traded in my dignity for a bottle a long time ago. And I think it’s time I got it back.
Peter looks up at the address of the buildings and clears his throat.
PETER
Hey, we must be pretty close here.
They continue walking on to a nearby address. They stop. There is a sign on the building in front of them that reads: “GREENWICH STREET AIDS HOSPICE.”
KAY
We’re here. This has got to be it. Oh goodness, Peter. I don’t understand this at all.
Peter takes the address from Kay and double checks it.
PETER
(shocked)
Oh my God!
They hesitate, not knowing what to do next.
PETER
Do you think maybe I should go in first?
KAY
Yes, that’s probably a good idea. I’ll be right out here.
LIGHTS DIM on Kay in the street as Peter walks up to the door and enters.
LIGHTS RISE at the same time on the interior of the HOSPICE. Peter enters a sitting room which is empty except for one lone figure with a cane and his book. It is Irwin. Peter approaches him. They do not know each other; they have never met.
PETER
Excuse me sir, but I’ve never been here before. I’m trying to locate a friend who was supposed to be here tonight. Is there more to this facility than this area?
IRWIN
I’m not terribly familiar with the facility myself. I’m waiting for a friend as well. But I think there is also a hostel area in the other room there where they care for the patients.
PETER
I see. Have you been waiting here long?
IRWIN
Actually, I’ve been sitting here for almost two hours. I’m beginning to think my buddy isn’t going to make it.
PETER
Hmm…Someone who really needs help?
IRWIN
Yes, I’m afraid so. Probably more than he realizes.
PETER
Say, did you happen to see anybody else come in while you’ve been here?
IRWIN
No, I’m sorry to say.
PETER
No one at all?
IRWIN
Not a soul.
PETER
Well, thanks, pal.
Peter heads for the door. He stops and turns back.
PETER
I hope your friend makes it and gets the help he needs.
IRWIN
Thanks. Me too.
PETER
But would you know about a Rosemary Quinlan listed at this address?
IRWIN
Oh, Rosemary Quinlan? Yes. She doesn’t live here. She’s the director who runs the clinic. She is a saint of a women. Single handedly she has done more for the sick and dying than anyone in NY. A real Mother Theresa. I should have the strength to do half the good work she does. Silently, quietly, out of the public eye. It’s between her and her God.
PETER
Is she here now?
IRWIN
Yes, she’s with patients in the hospice. She came in just when I got here and she’ll be working through the night. Did you want to meet her?
PETER
Uh…no. It’s not necessary. Well. I’d better get going.
Irwin waves as Peter exits.
LIGHTS DIM on the Hospice.
LIGHTS RISE on the street as Peter rejoins Kay.
KAY
(excited)
Well? What happened? Did you see him in there?
Peter says nothing.
KAY
Was that lady with him? Tell me Peter!
PETER
No. I didn’t see him.
KAY
But was he in there?
PETER
No. I guess he never came.
KAY
And no Rosemary Quinlan?
PETER
That’s the confusing thing. There’s a Rosemary Quinlan all right. But she’s director of the clinic.
Kay is struck momentarily speechless.
KAY
This doesn’t make sense.
PETER
Maybe we should head back.
Kay and Peter start walking slowly back toward where they parked their car. Neither speak.
Then…
KAY
Did you at least meet her? I mean, what did she look like?
PETER
I don’t know. I never spoke to her.
During the following, on the other side of the stage, Irwin steps out of the clinic. He checks his watch and looks around anxiously. Kay and Peter do not notice him.
KAY
Well, then how did you find this all out about her?
Cane in hand, Irwin walks away from the clinic in the opposite direction.
PETER
A drowsy fellow with a cane and a book waiting for a friend in there, gave me the information.
Kay stops short.
KAY
Drowsy and a cane? Gray hair and a mustache?
PETER
Exactly. How did you know?
KAY
That sounds like Irwin. It’s got to be Irwin!
PETER
My, God! Do you suppose the friend he was waiting for was Jack?
They both hurry back toward the clinic. Peter, in the lead, runs in, as Kay calls out.
KAY
Irwin!
IRWIN
Is someone calling me?
KAY
Oh Irwin! That was you in there talking to Peter?
IRWIN
My goodness, Kay! What in the world are you doing down here?
KAY
I’ve become so worried about Jack. He seems to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Jack’s old friend from years ago, Peter Brooks, agreed to come down with me.
IRWIN
Nervous breakdown? Has it gone that far?
KAY
Between the blow-up he had with Lisa at the house tonight and his…well, rendezvous…
(shows Irwin the address)
with this Quinlan woman…
IRWIN
I told him he should have told you about her. But “rendezvous?” Hardly. Jack wanted to volunteer down here but didn’t want he should worry you.
PETER
I told you he wouldn’t fool around.
KAY
But…why volunteer here of all places?
IRWIN
He knew that even doctors where shying away from these cases in their private offices. Nothing like it since the plague He kept saying, with thousands dying daily, this was the war he never fought and the risk he never took.
PETER
(mutters)
Still the war.
IRWIN
He claimed he was really being selfish. That he needed these patients more than they needed him. In comforting them, he might comfort himself. But he never showed. You know, he reminds me of Ulysses in some ways.
(waving his book)
He’s been on a journey for years now just trying to find his way home.
PETER
I have an idea where we might find him.
BLACKOUT
Scene Eight
RILEY’S SPORTS BAR later that same night.
LIGHTS RISE on, Jack seated at a table holding a
drink with his back to the door. A jar of pickled eggs is centered on the table.
Kay enters slowly, holding Jack’s Yankee cap, with
Irwin right behind her. She crosses to Jack and gently touches his shoulder. He stands and turns away from her in shame, his back still facing the door.
Kay steps around him.
Peter enters with his Yankee cap on backwards.
JACK
(ashamed)
I’m so sorry Kay.
Kay puts her hands to Jack’s lips to hush him.
Peter watches warily from the doorway.
KAY
It’s okay Jack. Peter came to the house and explained how you tried to save his honor and lost your own in the process.
JACK
(still unaware that Peter is behind him)
Peter told you about that?
Peter drifts to the jukebox and inserts a coin.
KAY
Yes, and that he‘s felt guilty all these years knowing that you had to carry the burden he placed on your shoulders.
Jack and Kay embrace. The song “I’m Talking Baseball” plays. Kay nudges Jack who turns and sees Peter across the room. Jack turns back slowly to Kay. Kay smiles and physically turns him back towards Peter who steps closer to the table and the jar of pickled eggs.
Peter holds up his hand. Jack doesn’t move. Peter reaches into the jar and pulls out an egg. He smiles and steps back, flipping the egg from hand to hand.
Kay puts the Yankee cap on Jack’s head backward, so it matches Peter’s. Jack turns to face his old friend. Peter grabs the rim of his own cap and turns it around so it sits straight on his head. Jack follows suit.
The two men, inspired by the baseball music, crouch into infielders’ positions. Peter continues to flip the egg from hand to hand. Jack extends his “glove hand,” prepared to receive a throw. Both men look at the picture of Yogi on the wall.
A SPORTCASTER is heard broadcasting over cheering fans in the background.
SPORTSCASTER’S VOICE
It’s the bottom of the ninth inning with one out and the bases loaded. The Oakfield Lions are clinging to a one run lead. Standing at the plate for the Batavia Clippers with a full count is Slugger Lewis. There’s the pitch…It’s a hot ground ball up the middle…backhanded by Brooks.
Peter bends down with egg in hand as though fielding a grounder. He flips the egg underhanded to Jack.
SPORTSCASTER’S VOICE
There’s the flip to Conti on the bag…The relay to first…
Jack takes the toss, looks at Peter, and then spins and throws the egg toward the picture on the wall, right at Yogi’s outstretched glove right above the “PITCH IT HERE” sign. The egg splatters on the wall and slides into the garbage bin
In the background the fans cheer wildly.
SPORTSCASTER’S VOICE
In time! Double play! The Lions win the pennant…! The Lions win the pennant…! The Lions…
The crowd erupts in thunderous applause.
The two men smile at each other. They cross to one another and embrace. Suddenly they are young boys again and best friends.
Kay and Irwin join in with the cheering crowd as…
LIGHTS FADE OUT SLOWLY on the happy scene.
END OF PLAY