Eddie Poss Rocks

Characters: Eddie Poss: The reigning King of Rock (OEDIPUS). Mr. Church: Roadie/Promoter for Eddies gigs (The PRIEST). Representative Leeds: A City Hall community rep and avid rock fan (The LEADER). Larry Thebes: City Hall member, jailed for a store robbery (LAIUS). Janice Thebes: Socialite turned groupie/prostitute, Larrys widow (JOCASTA). One-Eye Timmy: Ex-City Hall member, homeless. Happened to witness the robbery (TIRESIAS). Charles Cron II: Prep boy, and Eddies bassist. The Mayors son (CREON). Mr. Sheppard: The only known witness to the robbery and the stores owner (the SHEPHERD). Matt Singer: Eddies childhood friend and friend of Mr. Sheppard. Knows Paul Poss (the MESSENGER). Paul Poss: Deceased musician, stage-named Pauli Boss. Eddies adopted father and mentor (POLYBUS).

Eddie, King of Rock in greater Los Angeles, was abandoned by his dad, Larry Thebes (who happened to be elected to City Council later) so he grew up on the streets. With nothing else to make a livelihood from, Eddie lived a life of crime as a child, shoplifting and robbing stores. When Eddie was a teen, he held up a store with a knife he lifted from the same store. His crime was caught on camera, and his now-successful father (who had abandoned him very long ago) happened to be in the area at the time, and had no alibi for the crime. The only witness was Mr. Sheppard, the owner of the store, who claimed that he was held up with a gun, not a knife, to protect his tough-guy image. Matt Singer, a neighborhood boy and Eddies best friend, recommends Eddie to a famous musician named Pauli Boss in the suburb of Corinth. Pauli teaches Eddie his ways, and turns him into a ROCK GOD. Eddie travels back to Los Angeles as a rock star in his mid-20s, and becomes the head of the underground music movement there. Eddie has a few one-night stands with Larry Thebes widow (Larry died in jail from an industrial accident, days before he was declared innocent). After her first husbands death, she degenerated into a sort of groupie for every band that comes around. She finds something familiar in Eddies face, but cant quite place it.

SCENE 1: Narrated: It has been several days since the police started shutting down concerts and all public gatherings for no apparent reason. There have been many protests, and there seems to be no change in police response. Eddie Poss, the most infamous rocker in East L.A., has always been a cure for their musical troubles and a leader in the underground music community.

[Cut from tableaux. Eddie stands and poses for the crowd.] Eddie [cheerfully addressing the crowd, hes a good showman]: Greetings, dudes! I wonder why youre here. To worship the King of Rock? Oh yeah you are! Cmon, guys, lemme hear it! E-DDIE! EDDIE! [A lot of cacophonous noise ensues. Enter Mr. Church from the audience.] Eddie: Oh, hey there, my man. [brofists Mr. Church] Whats up, bro? Hey, is anything wrong? If it is, Ill fix it, just watch me. Everythings gonna be all right, or my name isnt Eddie, Rock God. Mr. Church: Oh Eddie, man, you gotta help us... a lot of bad stuffs been going on... they just banned rock from the entire freakin city, man! Its getting really bad... weve been protesting and rioting for days now, but they just dont care! Youre the only one with enough influence in this city to stop them. Please, man, youve gotta do something! Eddie: Wait... are you kidding? Please tell me youre kidding. [Mr. Church shakes head no] This... this is terrible, guys. How are we supposed to rock out if its all illegal now? You must be sick of everything that City Halls putting you through... but trust me, I know exactly how all of you feel. [suddenly serious] I cant stand it any more... and you know, Ive been thinking about it. I sent Charles, the Mayors son, to go talk to the City representatives and the press. Maybe theyll be able to do something about it... or at least tell us whats going on, so we can get our rock back! [Eddie gestures at the crowd, as the crowd cheers.] Mr. Church [a little frustrated]: Gosh, why didnt you say so? Charles is coming in right now! He said he wanted to see you, but I had no idea... Eddie: Awesome! Ill greet him myself, then! I honestly hope hes got good news... if he doesnt, it might mean we cant rock anymore. Can you imagine how much that would suck? Mr. Church: I have no idea... ah, here he comes now. Wearing that silly hat of his, as usual. Eddie: Thats for sure... [Enter Charles, very cockily. He walks in a sort of strut, almost bird-like. Eddie clearly does not trust Charles, and knows that Charles despises him, as well.] Eddie: Yo, Charles, my man! [they shake uncomfortably] Any news from City Hall? Is it good news at all? Tell me that the Reps are on our side. Charles: Id call it good news if it ends good, man. Ill only tell you what they said, and nothing else. You can trust me on that one. Eddie: Thats great!... well? [Charles shuffles uncomfortably, awkward silence] ...uh, so what did they say? Dont leave me hangin. Charles: Well... I... I think that maybe we should go inside. They [gestures at audience] might not want to hear... [Audience boos]

Eddie: Thats bull, man. Everyone in this place wants to hear what City Halls screwin us over for. Cmon! Just let it out! Charles: All right. Fine. City Hall said... [he pulls out a piece of paper and begins to read] A prominent member of the underground music community has offended and disgraced the name of the City Hall. The late Larry Thebes was convicted wrongfully, and it is certain that the true suspect is within your grasp. In light of this information, public music concerts will be banned under the terms of our Noise Violation rules until said member confesses to his/her offense, and harsh action will be taken swiftly if the offender is not produced to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Office within an appropriate time. Eddie: well, thats odd. [Eddie thinks for a moment] There has to be some way to... get rid of this. Do we have any leads? Charles: Well, we know what theyre talking about. Eddie: Oh, is that so? Charles: Yeah. Some guy from the Hall was kicked out and jailed a long time ago, and they recently found him innocent or something. Apparently it was over some crime he never committed, or at least they found evidence that proved him guilty... I dont even know, man. But Im pretty sure that City Hall wants to mess with whoever was responsible. Eddie: Right. That makes sense. Where do we find this guy? Charles: Apparently, City Halls got leads on him, but only enough to know that hes somewhere in the county, probably the city area. Im not sure if they even know his name. Eddie: Thats... well, hmm. [Eddie thinks for another moment, thumbing through possibilities] Right. Is there any evidence associated with the crime? Charles: Well, they have video footage, but they refused to show it to me. Eddie [visibly frustrated]: are you freakin kidding me? Charles [attempting damage control]: Well... uh... they said they didnt want to disrespect his memory, or something. He died in jail and they just revisited the case, and found evidence that he was actually innocent... Eddie: You know what... never mind, its no use negotiating with those bureaucratic meatheads. The only way we can find him is if we all get together and find him ourselves. [he turns to the crowd] Listen up, everyone! Our rock might go down with all of this. I cant let that happen. If theres anyone here that knows anything about it, speak up now! Come see me, call me, anything! If youre the one who did it, I promise you, Ill do my best to protect you, well do everything we can... but our life is at stake here. Weve got to do EVERYTHING we can to catch this guy before L.A. rock goes dead forever! [Crowd roars approval, and disperses to search for the mystery robber.] [Scene]

SCENE 2: Narrated: It has been over six months since the ban. After a couple of incidents of police violence, the peaceful protests have escalated into extremely violent riots across L.A. The situation in East L.A. has grown to include all of the residents, after violence spread into the residential districts. Many innocent civilians have died in police beatdowns, and the situation only grows worse by the day. [Eddie sits in the corner, hunched over a table, studying newspaper articles furiously. Hes transformed from a laid-back rocker into a movement leader and detective. Enter Leeds.] Eddie: Ah, Representative Leeds! [shoves a mountain of papers from the table, gestures for Leeds to take a seat] Any news? Leeds: Eddie! its good to see you... listen, I can promise you right now, neither I or anyone I know is responsible for this mess. But Im confused... if theres video evidence of the robbery, shouldnt there be... you know, a file on the suspect? Something? Eddie: Yeah, there probably is. But it isnt like were about to get City Hall to do anything for us... especially in the condition were all in... Leeds: Well... Ive got another idea... Eddie: Dont stop with just one. Give us all the help you can! Anythings better than nothing... and I need all the help I can get in this situation. I cant handle it all by myself, you know? Leeds: Well... there was one thing. [Eddie leans in] I was thinking... do you know Timmy? Eddie: Oh, old One-Eye Timmy! Of course I do. Everyone knows that guy. He basically lives in the Sleeping Cow Tavern... doesnt he? Leeds: Yeah, thats the one. Well... he... he says he was there. Eddie: There? You mean... no... you cant. He witnessed the robbery? I thought the only one who saw that was that store guy. Leeds [grimaces]: The one who was robbed, yes. Well, looks like weve got a new witness, one that City Hall hasnt interrogated yet. I asked Charlie to fetch him, he should be here any moment now. Maybe hell be able tell us what we need we need to solve this... otherwise, all weve got are useless rumors. Eddie: Rumors? Useless? I told you, a lead is a lead. Well use all the information we have to catch this guy and bring freedom back to our city. Leeds: Well... rumor is that the guy looked a lot like Larry, which is why Larry was convicted, I guess. He also disappeared from the city soon after... Eddie: Well, thats great, but how does that help us find him? Leeds: To be honest, Eddie, Im pretty sure hell turn himself in soon. I mean, if he just turned himself in... but the community will force the truth out of him. [Leeds sighs and rests in his chair] Thats how it always works, I guess...

[Eddie is about to say something, but One-Eye Timmy enters (loudly)] Timmy: HEY, GUYS! GLAD TO BE HERE! [He shuffles over to Leeds and sits next to him, on the floor, rather awkwardly. Leeds coughs politely, and Eddie rolls his eyes. Timmy gestures at Leeds.] Hey, man! Thanks for the beer! And you said youd pay me, too? Wow! Eddie: You said youd PAY him? Why didnt you just buy him more beer? Leeds: Well, he passed out. That isnt important. Timothy, you said you had something to say to Ed? [Timmy becomes silent and stares at Eddie with fear] Leeds: ...hey... Timmy? Timmy: No. Leeds: uh... what? Eddie: Timmy, what the hell are you talking about. This isnt what hes paying you for. Timmy [looking very shifty, as if trying to find an escape]: You dont have to pay me. I just want to go. Please. You dont have to pay me. Eddie [stands up slowly, leaning on the table]: Timmy, what are you trying to get at? We know that you have information. You know what went down. Timmy: I might know, but its no use. you wont believe me. Youll never believe me. I wont tell you. I WONT TELL YOU! Eddie [pacing, turns to Timmy every so often]: You... youre hurting us! We cant do anything without your information! Theres riots in the streets, now! Protesters have been arrested, civilians have died, lives have been ruined, and more will be, because you wont come out with the truth! Timmy [almost cowering]: What do you want out of me? Eddie: I want the truth! Timmy [his last straw snaps, he stands up violently]: YOU CANT HANDLE THE TRUTH! Son, you wouldnt even believe me... youd just hate on me and have me kicked out and never hear me out, not one bit... thats all. [sits back down, slowly] Its not even worth it. Now can I go? Please? Eddie: No... no. I think I see whats going on. [with sudden venom, he corners Timmy] It... it was YOU! Come to think of it, you were at the scene of the crime, right? YOU must have been an accomplice! If you had both your eyes, Id say that it was you who pointed the gun! Timmy [suddenly extremely proud and angry]: FOOL! You really want to hear it? You want to know who did it? IT WAS YOU. YOU ROBBED THAT STORE. I saw it with my eyes... well... eye! Now turn yourself in, if you value all those lives! Youre the reason why theyre gone, after all. Eddie [stunned by the accusations and very angry]: How... how dare you? How can you say that?!? Me, the one whos been leading the effort to catch the robber... me, the one who tried all this time

to make things right?! How can you make these accusations and live with yourself? Timmy: Im not making accusations. You asked me a question and I answered you NOW CAN I PLEASE GO? Eddie: You werent a witness. You were never a witness at all. Youre just completely crazy. Thats all this is. Leeds! Leeds [who has been sort of hiding in the corner the entire time]: Uh, yes, Eddie? Eddie: Leeds, who told you to ask him? Leeds: Well... if I remember right, Charles did. Eddie: Of course! Of course Charles would do this to me. [turns to Timmy, who is angry now] This... this conspiracy, whose idea was it? A geezer like you wouldnt be able to think up a lie like this, Ill bet five bucks that Charles set you up for this. Timmy: I dont even know who youre talking about. Who is this Charles guy? He has nothing to do with this. Eddie: SURE he doesnt. You really think youll get away with this? Im the leader of this movement! Im the only one protecting our people! I make sure that we stay as safe as we can! I protected us, all of us, even you... and you tell me that Im the cause of this problem? What did Charles promise you, half the reward money? All the proceeds from our last tour? Maybe hell buy you all the beer you want, you blind old hobo, so you dont have to get up and buy it yourself! Leeds [appealing to Eddies common sense]: M-maybe he just got angry? Please s-stop yelling, guys... its scaring me... guys? [Leeds, as usual, is completely ignored.] Timmy: Youre an important big guy, huh? Think youll get away with all of this? Think that just because Im blind, Im stupid? You screw your own family over, destroy everything that should have been sacred to you, and watch as your people take all the punishment for what YOU did! Youll learn all your own secrets, Eddie Poss, youll learn them in the worst way and nobody will be there to catch you when you fall! Eddie: You accuse me of crimes I never committed, then insult my family? Get the hell out of here and take your lies with you, you useless old freak! Timmy: I wouldnt have come if you didnt need me. Eddie: And I didnt need you, now get out! If I had known that you were so freakin crazy, I wouldnt have let you open the door. Timmy: Crazy, hmm? Your father wouldnt have said the same thing. Eddie: Father... wait... what? You dont know him! What the hell are you TALKING about? Timmy: Youll find out soon enough, you miserable little twerp.

Eddie: Youre so full of alcohol, you cant even TALK in a straight line. you wanna tell me what you mean, or will I have to beat it out of you? Timmy: If youre so smart, maybe you can figure this one out by yourself. Eddie: Im smart enough to help L.A. Thats all I care about. Timmy: You know what... screw this. This is useless. Im going to go, and if you follow me, Ill call the cops on your sorry ass. Eddie: Its not worth it. I dont want to go anywhere near you. You make me sick. [Timmy gets up wordlessly and begins to exit, sighing. He reaches the door and turns slightly, without looking at Eddie.] Timmy: Youll understand... youll understand soon. Very soon. and by that time... it will be far too late. Dont bother paying me, Leeds, Ive lost my appetite. [Timmy exits proudly, closing the door loudly behind him. Eddie relaxes visibly, though he is extremely apprehensive and frustrated. Leeds is making himself as small as he can, backing into the corner in his chair and staying completely silent. With a bit of effort, Leeds stands and addresses Eddie.] Leeds: I.... I dont know what he was talking about, Poss. I dont know why he accused you or what he was drinking before he came here, but it must have been some really nasty stuff. I sincerely apologize for the problems he might have caused you... and... I promise you, I dont trust him. Id never accuse you or believe accusations against you, not now and not ever. youll always be our leader, and you know that. [Eddie is about to say something, but is again interrupted by an extravagant entrance. Enter Charles, a bit flustered. Eddies face is turned, but he doesnt look at Charles, instead nursing the newspapers on his desk. Leeds quickly gets up and brings Charles to a corner. He speaks in hushed tones, but Charles is almost shouting.] Charles: So... I heard that hes been saying things, Leeds. Mean things. Things that arent exactly true. Timmys share of the reward money? I dont understand whats going on. Whats gotten into his head? [He looks pointedly at Eddie, who continues to ignore him pointedly. A check.] Thats the worst thing that could happen to this community right now. Were so close to ending this... a split from the inside would just break us completely. We cant afford this. Leeds [hushed]: I understand, Charles, and... listen, this is all just bad news. A mix-up. Timmys crazy. Thats all. I dont know what going on and I dont want to know, and for the sake of everyone in East Side, I suggest you do the same. Charles [indignant]: The fact remains that he doesnt trust me! And Timmy... I saw him walking down the street, yelling stuff at people who were just... standing there, staring at him like a ghost. Now EVERYONE knows. Leeds: Listen, if I could do something about it, I could, but... you know Eddie. Half the things he

says dont make sense, and the other half barely manages... Charles: Was he DRUNK or something? Did he look sane? I mean... I know hes got PManS, but this isnt the Eddie I jam with... Leeds: How the hell am I supposed to know? Hes bigger and better than me. I dont judge, and I especially dont judge him... [Eddie is stirring, and hes been listening to the conversation the entire time. He seems out for blood.] Leeds: Oh... shit... here he comes... Eddie: So. I guess you had the nerve to show up, punk. [He shoves Charles against the door he entered from (you can just have him grab Charles collar) and talks in the equivalent of a feral growl.] I see everything now, Charles. Maybe youre trying to take my place. Maybe youre jealous... but I dont care! You can tell all the lies you need to, you stupid little brat. But I'll beat you down every... freakin... time... [Eddie is about to beat the daylights out of Charles. Leeds is about to cry.] Charles [struggling]: Dont you go blaming me for shit I havent done! [He wrestles Eddies hand off of his collar, pushes him away, and regains his breath and some of his composure.] You arent exactly the voice of freakin reason here, Caveman. How about you sit yourself down and we talk about it nicely, like big boys. [More or less calm again.] Ive listened to you, havent I? you listen to me. Well sort shit shit out. Eddie [still seething]: Oh, you have your way with words, dont you? You.... you threaten my life and my dedication to all these people, and then tell me t hat its okay?!? Who do you think I am, dumbass? Just who the hell do you think I AM? Im Eddie! Im Eddie Poss, and Im not going to listen to this SHIT! Charles: Let me say just one thing... really... Eddie: Right. Youre about to tell me that one thing is that you didnt do it. Boo freaking hoo. Charles [extremely frustrated]: ... you complete asshole. If you think you can just judge without knowing anything, then youve lost everything that made you Eddie. I dont even know why Im sitting here and talking to you. Eddie [falters for a moment, but comes up strong]: If you think you can get away with hurting my reputation... me, the only thing thats helped this operation stay over the water, then youve lost it completely. Charles: I get it, Im crazy, whatever. Screw you. But tell me, what exactly do you think I did? Eddie: You talked to Timmy! You set this entire damn thing up! Charles: Thats horseshit and you know it. Most I did was go and get that old fleabag. Eddie: Think youre smart, huh? Tell me, how longs it been since... that dude...

Charles [in slight disbelief]: What dude? You mean the one who was jailed for no reason? Larry? Larry Thebes? Eddie [waves it away]: Yeah, the Larry dude. Since when has he disappeared? When was he arrested? Charles: To be honest, I dont even know. Its sort of funny, City Hall put it in the back corner of the news or something, they were trying to cover it upEddie: Yeah yeah shut up. Was Timmy around back then? And you know he actually saw this happen. Charles: His one eye was as good as it is now. Not that thats saying much. Eddie: Shut up, punk. Did Timmy know who I was? Did he say anything about it at the time? Charles: Never, not while I was with him. But he didnt say anything about it at the time, the information only recently came to light. Eddie: Oh, oh oh... wait a second. I remember now... I heard from some friends that you knew Larry well, and didnt really approve of him. Right? Charles [grimaces]: Yes... listen, I only knew him through my dad, and the disagreement was purely political. Still, it was rather suspicious that such a guy would rob a store. Eddie: So youre saying that a member of your GOVERNMENT was convicted of this, and he had no record at all... and you didnt try to find out what happened? A two-shoes like him robbing a freakin convenience store, and you didnt think it was a set-up? Charles: My friends and I did our best to find out what happened... Eddie: So if what Timmy says is true... that I landed Larry in jail... how come he didnt accuse me then? He had me all this time. Couldnt he do something about it? [Eddie considers this a laughable subject, hes just toying with Charles now, attempting to make him miserable.] Charles: I have no idea... and when I dont know shit about something, I try not to open my mouth about it. Eddie: I know you know all about this, twerp. It was your idea in the first place. [Hes done toying, and rounds angrily on Charles.] And if you had any sense, asshole, youd tell me before I ripped you a new one. Charles [actually scared]: Im telling you! If I knew, Id tell you... dont do anything reckless. please... Eddie: I just know this. If you hadnt plotted behind my back with that one-eyed asswipe, nobody woulda heard any stupid rumors about me getting Larry into jail. Charles: If thats what he says, you probably know best. All right, nows my time to question you like youve questioned me. Eddie: Ask me whatever you want, but if I hear half a word outta you about me being guilty in any way, Im gonna pulverize you.

Charles: Uh...k. Alright. Well... youve got power, right? Eddie: Its not power, dickhead. I can help the people. Thats all I care about. Charles: Er... well, yes. You can help the people. And you probably have enoguh... reputation, that if something went wrong, you wouldnt lose much face with East Side... right? Eddie: What are you trying to get at? Charles [sighing]: All Im trying to say, is, dont go looking for trouble. I really didnt do anything, and if you thought about it for a while... even if I did, nothing that Charles Cron II can do is even capable of bringing you down. I might be important, but youve still got the people on your side. I mean... I get being suspicious. But why would you turn against your best friend? I mean... what did I do? Just be reasonable, Eddie. Think about it. [Leeds, who has been busy being invisible this entire time, decides to speak up.] Leeds: Eddie, youve got to listen to him This is unreasonable. Think of how we could spend this time a little more efficiently. Eddie: If someones gonna mess with me, theyll be crushed, because we cant afford that. Especially not now. We cant afford anyone breaking down the structure... and I AM THAT STRUCTURE. You get it, Cron? Either I lose, or you lose... and I sure as hell aint gonna lose to you. Charles: Well, what the hell do you want? Want me to leave this city? Ill leave. Really. [At this point, Eddie takes on a strange look. The power of being a leader has finally gone to his head, and the madness is in his eyes. He reaches in his drawer...] Eddie: ...no. I dont want you out. [He pulls out a knife. Charles jumps back a few steps, while Leeds actually squeaks and falls over backwards.] I want you DEAD. Charles: H-holy shit, man. What the hell is wrong with you... put that thing away... I dont know whats gotten into you, Eddie, but youre freakin me the hell out. Eddie: Oh, am I now? Charles: Yes, Eddie, you are. Youre completely f*cking insane. Eddie: Im as sane as I always am. Charles: ...could... you you just calm down and please, PLEASE trust me for a moment? Eddie: You? The one who was plotting to throw me in jail? Charles: Eddie, what if youre completely wrong? What if this is just empty suspicion? Eddie: It doesnt matter. I dont think you get it... IM in charge here. I call the shots. Creon: Not if all the shots you call end up harming your own people! Eddie [to Leeds, laughing almost maniacally]: You hear this guy? Hear him, City Council! Are you gonna believe him? [again at Charles] This is MY movement! I made this all possible!

Creon: Its not just your cause, Ive been fighting right next to you, and just as hard! [Leeds, scared of everything, backs against the opposite wall from the door, only to be throw forward by Janice. Janice enters the room in a storm, disheveled and makeup messily smudged on her face, from the opposite side that Charles entered from, pushing Leeds to the side.] Janice: Would you IDIOTS CALM THE F*CK DOWN. [The room goes more or less silent, with the exception of heavy breathing. Janice, a very commanding woman for her trade, turns to Eddie and resumes her slight Southern drawl.] Now, Eddie, dear, go back to your room. [to Charles] Charlie, you go home, and you two buddies can talk about it later. Whyre yall so angry, anyhow? Charles: Janice, this is ridiculous. Eddie has been threatening me for a while, but pulling a knife on me? Really! Eddie: Exactly! Janice, I caught this little sicko in the act. He was about to stab me in the back, with that old geezer Timmy watching! Charles: Id never mess with you and sacrifice our entire cause for some cruel coup. You know that. Janice: Eddie, I know Charlie. He wouldnt hurt a fly. You know that. He damn near pissed himself that time you got hit by a car... oh, he was so worried... [to Charles] Oh, werent you, honey? Leeds: Please... at least believe Jan. Charles is your best friend... It makes sense that he wouldnt try to turn you in for something you never did... Eddie [turning viciously on Leeds]: And what are YOU trying to get out of this, Leeds? A couple of favors? You want cash? What is it, huh? Leeds [sort of growing some balls]: No... I just want to see unity. Nothings wrong. Theres no need to accuse Charles any more. Eddie: So you think you have an idea of what you want me to do, mm? Leeds: Actually... yes. Yes, I do, and I know that East Side would agree with me. Eddie: Well, Im not stopping you. What the hell do you think I should do? [Eddie moves closer to Leeds as the dialogue progresses, and by this point, he is more or less in Leeds face. Leeds bravely continues, for the first time in his life.] Leeds: Hes your best friend, he might as well be your brother. YOUR BROTHER! [suddenly loud] How could you possibly accuse him of trying to bring you down! You migth be our leader, but he works! HE makes this all possible! Not just you, Ed. Not just you. Eddie [smiling disturbingly]: Alright, then. So I guess THIS is okay! [He turns the knife on himself, pointing it to his throat. Everyone lunges forward to stop him, yet he moves the knife a little closer. Everyone freezes.] Eddie: Dont play games with me. Either he goes or I die. Itll be one or the other. [he scans the room, shouting suddenly] WHICH ONE?!

Leeds: No... no, thats not what we want, just... please... put the knife down... Eddie [slowly lowering the knife]: Alright. Your words are more important than Charles could ever be... let him go. We dont need him, this place is better withotu him. Cant you see that hes only ruining everything? Leeds: I.... I cant reason with you any more, Eddie. I dont know what to[Charles cuts him off.] Charles: No. [he stands straighter] Ill be the bigger man. Im going to go now... I dont care what you say any more, Eddie. You used to be a good man, and now youre just as bad as those police... maybe even worse. At least we never trusted them. [Exit Charles. Eddie sits back down at his desk, wordlessly, and Leeds converses privately with Jan.] Leeds: You know Eddie best. What are you planning to do? Janice: Well, I cant reckon I can do anything until I know what exactlys goin on... Leeds: Rumor. It spreads like fire and burns like it, too. Guess Eddie got burned a little too deep. Janice: Both of em, then? Leeds: Yes maam. Janice: what rumors exactly? Leeds: Oh, God... I dont even want to talk about it... I saw it all... its been too much for one day. This job is probably going to kill me, Jan... Eddie [who has been listening the entire time]: Youre talking as if this isnt your fault. Dont try to mess with what I do, Leeds. Remember that, and youll stay safe. Forget it, and the job just might kill you. Leeds [shivers]: Y-you know I only want the best for you... the best for all of us, Mr. Poss. I trust you as well as I could trust anyone in these times, and youve never failed us. You have my t-trust. [Exit Leeds, shakily and as quickly as he can.]

Eddie = one role. Mandy Charles = one role. Rishi. Timmy also plays Mr. Church & Mr. Sheppard. Mashka Janice = one role. Danny Leeds also plays Matt Singer. Yzie