Magnus Hitch

(Hold Fast)
A full-length play
by Joshua Peacock

Joshua Peacock
104 W. Magnolia Ave. Apt. D
Savannah, Ga. 31419
912.713.8066
joshua.rpeacock@gmail.com

Cast of Characters
ROYAL BOOKER CUNNINGHAM:

Black male in his 60s

LANGSTON JEFFERY DAVIS:

White male in his late 20s

JOSEPH FRANKLIN BLAIR:

Black male in his early 50s

QUAMIN CEDRIC JOHNSON:

Black male in his late 40s

JOHNNY MICHAEL MCCULLOUGH:

White male in his mid 40s

MAN ONE:

Black male in his late teens

MAN TWO:

Black male in his late teens

SPIRITUS VEHEMENTIS:

A 75ft. steel trawler

Place
The Observable Universe,
Vigro Supercluster,
Local Group,
Milky Way,
Orion Arm,
Solar System,
Planet Earth,
Coastal Georgia, U.S.A.

Time
September, 2010

Music
Johann Sebastian Bachs Cello Suite (various excerpts)
Ludwig Van Beethovens Symphony No. 3 (2 minute excerpt from second movement)

Notes from the playwright

The race of each character is important. Any changes to the characters race would
undermine the point of this work.
The italicized excerpts are from the poems Still I Rise by Maya Angelou,
and Dreams By Langston Hughes.
SPACE is used at particular times in this play. This is a rhythmic measurement that is longer
than BEAT and PAUSE. (A PAUSE is longer than a BEAT) SPACE is a moment of time
when the stage and/or the characters are left in empty space before the audience. These
moments should be uncomfortable.

MOVEMENT I
Scene 1
Transition:

Johann Sebastian Bach | Cello Suite #1 in G, BWV 1007 - 1. Prelude. (2:46)

Setting:

We arrive on a fishing dock on a river that leads to the Atlantic Ocean in the early
morning hours, just as the sun is beginning to rise. There are a series of dock polls
along the upstage drop with rusty street lights hanging from them. Tie-off ropes
hang from these polls over the back of the elevated platform. The dock is made of
rough 4x6s that are bowed and weathered by time and the elements. Wood crates,
mostly crab pots, dot the dock in various places. A pile of mesh nets, used in
shrimp fishing, sit up stage left on the dock. All of the boats are moored off stage
left. We are in a portion of the dock close to the bait house, which is off stage
right. The back of the bait house is visible on stage. In front of the back wall of
the bait house, facing stage left, is a larger portion of the dock that extends
upstage. There is a free-standing, four foot box made of rough 2x4s and plywood.
It faces down the dock toward stage left. To the upstage side of the freestanding
table is a double sink used for cleaning fish.

On Rise:

The cutting board on the freestanding table is covered in blood. ROYAL

BOOKER CUNNINGHAM is cutting up raw chicken. Friends call him ROY. The
ambient noises of an early morning fishing dock come to life. The river is lapping
against the boats, pushing the floats between the boats and the dock into the dock
as the tide begins to come in. Overhead, seagulls are talking to each other. A rusty
bell on a sail boat that has been parked at the dock for years is banging with the
rivers push and pull. ROY finishes cutting a few more strips and then swipes the
extras, blood and all, over the edge of the cutting board into a well placed bucket.
SPACE. After enough time of blood and guts, LANGSTON JEFFERY DAVIS
enters and makes his way to where ROY is working. Friends call him JEFF. He
begins his morning ritual of preparing the fishing gear still on the dock. Their boat
is the SPIRITUS VEHEMENTIS.

JEFF
Morning old man.
ROY
Tides coming in, better get going.
JEFF
You think we'll get any more trips in this week?

ROY
Cant say.
JEFF
Beatrice made landfall in the Bahamas last night. Shell be up soon.
(BEAT)
Why do they always have the worst names for hurricanes?
ROY
My mother's name was Beatrice.
JEFF
Oh. Sorry Roy.
ROY
Son, you really think my mom's name was Beatrice?
JEFF
Oh! You got jokes this morning?
ROY
You as gullible as those mother fuckers that read the tabloids and believe in aliens.
JEFF
Theres billions of galaxies, and billions of stars out there. Thats a good enough reason not to
think were alone.
ROY
Like I said, gullible.
JEFF
This from the guy that goes to church every Sunday.
ROY
Don't start that shit again.
JEFF
You gonna throw me off the boat again?
ROY
You were blaspheming. You deserved a baptism.

JEFF
I almost got eaten by a shark.
ROY
How's a baby stingray gonna eat you? He going to gnaw you to death?
JEFF
I told you, Roy, that was no ray. It was a black tip.
ROY
Son, if that was a black tip, then Jesus was a white nordic man. Complete with blond hair and
blue eyes.
JEFF
So Jesus was black?
ROY
You damn right Jesus was black! Or, at least brown.
JEFF
Next, you're going to tell me Santa Clause is an Indian.
ROY
Santa Clause is some dumb shit white people lie to their kids about.
JEFF
You don't tell your kids about Santa Clause? I bet they all believe in Jesus.
ROY
Drop it boy, or I am gonna leave your ass on the dock.
JEFF
Alright, alright. Settle down old man. I am just messing.
(PAUSE. ROY finishes cutting the chicken and swipes the last of the
bloody cuttings into the bucket downstage. He then retrieves a bucket
upstage of the cutting board that has the sliced chicken in it and begins
making his way over to JEFF and the boat. JEFF has loaded the last of the
gear onto the boat, and sits down for a smoke with his coffee.)
ROY
Jeff, don't light that.

JEFF
Are you afraid you'll get cancer from the second hand? I think you got more to worry about at
your age.
ROY
I ain't afraid of no second hand. Just don't light it.
JEFF
Damn. We're all going die eventually. I am just trying to enjoy my life.
ROY
You light that and I'll leave your ass.
JEFF
Again with the threats. Do you think I have abandonment issues or something?
ROY
You got bill issues. You got rent issues. You got loan issues.
JEFF
Fair enough.
(BEAT)
Did you fill the boat up?
ROY
Ahh shit. Knew I forgot something.
JEFF
I'll take care of it.
ROY
Tell them to put it on my tab.
JEFF
Ok.
ROY
Hurry about it. We need to get fishing.
(JEFF exits off stage left towards the SPIRITUS VEHEMENTIS, ROY
finds a seat on a crate and pulls out a package of chewing tobacco and
places a large amount into his lip. The safety lights on the dock go out as
the sun rises. SPACE. We hear the roar of engines moving away.

ROY looks off stage left. JOSEPH FRANKLIN BLAIR enters from stage
right. Friends call him JOE.)
JOE
Shit Roy, you boys ain't left yet?
ROY
Waiting on this boy to fill the boat up.
JOE
You're always the last to leave.
ROY
I ain't stressing it.
JOE
How many trips you trying to get in, before this storm comes?
ROY
As many as we can.
JOE
I hear ya. Hey, I wanted to ask you something you know about what we was talking about
the other day.
ROY
I already told you what you need to do.
JOE
Roy, listen, I can't raise the slip fees any more then I already have. I am going to lose customers.
They all just move up river.
ROY
Nah. Theyll keep their boats here. If not for anything, for convenience. If you tack on 100
bucks, ain't no one going to argue with you in this market. Everybody knows it's tough times.
JOE
I just don't feel right doing it to the boys that have been here for so long.
ROY
Joe, your business is going under. You lost half the working boats a year ago. If you don't raise
the cost, you won't have a dock to run.

JOE
Alright. Alright. Thanks for the advice.
ROY
Ill keep my boat here as along as I am fishing.
JOE
Youre alright Roy. Looks like your help is coming back.
(Sounds of the rumbling old fishing boat come into ear shot. JEFF
emerges from off stage. ROY, tosses his tobacco begins and loading crab
traps with the cut up bait he was working on earlier.)
JEFF
We're ready to go.
ROY
Took you long enough.
JEFF
Hey Joe!
JOE
Hey Jeff! Still working with this old man?
JEFF
As long as he lets me.
JOE
He was barely getting along before you showed up.
ROY
I was getting along just fine.
JOE
Don't let 'em lie to you.
ROY
Don't listen to that old nigga. He don't know nothing.
(JOE and JEFF laugh. ROY finishes up the crab traps and joins the group.)
Come on Joe, join us in prayer before we leave.

(JOE and ROY bow their heads and closes his eyes. During the prayer,
JEFF doesn't bow his head, but watches them.
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for sending your son Jesus to die on that old rugged cross
for our sins. We thank you for the bounty of the sea. Dear Lord, please guide our boat today with
your holy ghost. Let us find grace through hard work in these tribulation times. Grant us this we
pray in the almighty name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
JOE
Amen.
JEFF
Alright Joe, have a good one.
(JEFF exits off stage to the boat.)
JOE
Alright brother, good luck out there.
ROY
Thanks Joe. We'll see later.
JOE
Yep.

BLACKOUT

MOVEMENT I
Scene 2
Transition:

Johann Sebastian Bach | Cello Suite #1 in G, BWV 1007-6. Gigue (1:36)

Setting:

The same dock, but late afternoon. The sun is blazing.

On Rise:

QUAMIN CEDRIC JOHNSON and JOHNNY MICHAEL MCCULLOUGH

have gathered on the dock, each with a cooler of crabs. Friends call them
CEDRIC and JOHNNY.
CEDRIC

Shit man, what happened to the rest?

JOHNNY
Fucking lost them. Freighters must have carried em off.
CEDRIC
Told you Johnny, you need to set them closer to the shore.
JOHNNY
Trying to hit the breeding grounds.
CEDRIC
You ain't ever going to catch them like that. Look at this.
(CEDRIC opens up the cooler and shows several fully grown blue crab,
still alive.)
Ain't they pretty?
JOHNNY
Where you laying your traps?
CEDRIC
Can't tell you that.
JOHNNY
Come on now man, were friends. I ain't going tell nobody.
CEDRIC
You will know. Thats enough.

JOHNNY
I see how it is. How'd you do with the shrimp?
CEDRIC
Close to 400 pounds. Damn good catch.
JOHNNY
Yeah, I almost hit 450. They're looking good this year. Might be alright, if those gas prices stay
down.
(The SPIRITUS VEHEMENTIS pulls up to the dock off stage. Both look
off stage left.)
CEDRIC
Well shit, looks like Roy made it back.
JOHNNY
God damn miracle. Wonder how much he got today.
CEDRIC
Probably got him a couple of sharks!
JOHNNY
Baby black tips!
(As their laughing, ROY and JEFF enter from off stage)
CEDRIC
How'd you do Roy?
ROY
Just shy of 500 pounds. Would of been close to 600, had my help tightened down the bolts on the
reel line.
JOHNNY
Still learning the ropes, Jeff?
JEFF
I tightened it just fine.
ROY
Didn't sound like you did when it snapped.

10

CEDRIC
How's the Mighty Wind running?
ROY
Just fine. Just fine.
CEDRIC
I never thought I'd see that old boat still running.
ROY
Nah, she's a good one. In the prime of her life.
JOHNNY
How about them crab?
ROY
Got some good ones. Jeff, grab that cooler. Blue crab looking good this year.
CEDRIC
I got some good looking ones too.
(CEDRIC shows ROY the prize in the cooler.)
ROY
Yeah, that's nice.
(JEFF brings over a cooler with the crab, hands it to ROY, returns to boat.)
Looka here boys.
JOHNNY
Damn. Those look better than yours Cedric.
CEDRIC
Yeah, they alright.
ROY
These prime time. Going boil them up tomorrow. Ya'll welcome to join me.
CEDRIC
Nah. I am good. Got my own cooking to do.
JOHNNY
You might as well join Roy. Those scrawny blue's you got ain't going to taste that good.

11

CEDRIC
I got some big ones.
JOHNNY
I seen better crab at Publix.
CEDRIC
Ya'll keep laughing. These boys going to cook just fine. Hows Jeff working out for you?
ROY
Fine. Hows your new guy?
CEDRIC
Oh, hell be alright.
ROY
Jeffs a good kid. Works hard.
CEDRIC
Better than the last what was it, three or four?
ROY
Yeah. He manages better than them for sure. Hes a little more ambitious than I care for. He can
be a little obnoxious. I suppose, I am always on the verge of firing my help.
JOHNNY
We were afraid you were going to kill yourself working alone that month.
ROY
Nah. I am tougher than I look.
CEDRIC
Glad you got some good help finally.
ROY
I aint complainn I suppose.
JOHNNY
Whyd that boy leave last year?
ROY
I kicked his lazy ass to the curb.

12

JOHNNY
You a grumpy son of a bitch.
ROY
Most of this young generation dont know shit about hard work.
(JEFF returns with a broken u-bolt and a dangling piece of broken pulley)
JEFF
Look Roy. This is whats left of that pulley. I told you we needed to replace them. When have
you ever seen a pulley break like this?
ROY
That pulley was just fine. When you didn't screw that u-bolt all the way together, the tension
snapped it. It don't matter now. All that matters is we lost a good catch.
JEFF
I am telling you, those rusty pulleys are the problem. I wish it wasnt at the bottom of the
Atlantic, Id prove it. We need to replace half that fucking boat.
ROY
What? You some kind of pulley expert now? You dont think I know what the fuck I am doing.
JEFF
Alright. Alright. You win.
CEDRIC
Easy boys. Shit happens. Youll catch em again tomorrow.
ROY
I lost over 100 pounds of good shrimp
JEFF
We lost 100 pounds
ROY
Whats this we talk?
JEFF
I've been here for almost a year Roy. I am in this shit as much as you are now.
JOHNNY
Gotta point old man.

13

ROY
Finish unloading the boat.
JEFF
Alright.
(JEFF exits).
ROY
God damn kid.
CEDRIC
Hes just trying to help.
ROY
Pain in my ass somedays.
JOHNNY
Whered you catch those crab?
ROY
No where youre going.
CEDRIC
Damn! I can't believe you got such good looking blues.
ROY
Wish I had gotten the rest of them shrimp. Probably have to go back out the next two days.
JOHNNY
I wouldn't stress it. That storm's supposed to be here day after tomorrow.
CEDRIC
Were tying the boats down tomorrow night. Ain't going to take no chances.
ROY
I need to make up my numbers while I can. No telling what the numbers will be after Beatrice
moves through.
JOHNNY
Id call it after tomorrow, man. Best shot of getting everything ready.

14

ROY
When's the last time we got hit with a hurricane?
JOHNNY
Shit. Probably been over 20 years now.
CEDRIC
What they'd call that one?
JOHNNY
Hugo?
CEDRIC
Something like that.
ROY
Yeah. I remember Hugo. I was still up north. Got a lot of rain that week.
CEDRIC
Johnny lost his boat in that one.
ROY
Damn.
JOHNNY
Yeah. We was working out of Charleston at the time. Blew ol Mary Lou clear to North Carolina.
CEDRIC
Took him a week to find it!
JOHNNY
Got a call from damn near the Outer Banks, Is this Johnny McCullough? We got your boat up
here.
ROY
How'd you get it back?
CEDRIC
I drove his dumb ass up there.
JOHNNY
She was done man. Had to go back to construction for a while.

15

ROY
You scrapped her didn't you?
(JOE enters)
JOHNNY
Yeah. Left her up there. Had a salvage team pick it up.
CEDRIC
Hey Joe!
JOE
Hey fellas.
JOHNNY
I am not taking any chances this time. Where's she at Joe?
JOE
On her way here. They saying she going to hit day after tomorrow. In the afternoon. Probably
aint much to worry about. Shell split up north fore she hits us. Its been over a hundred years
since a big one came through here. You guys tying down tomorrow?
JOHNNY
Tomorrow night.
CEDRIC
Yep.
ROY
Maybe. Gotta make up for what we lost today.
CEDRIC
I wouldnt push it man.
JOHNNY
Yeah, better play it safe.
ROY
I aint stressn it. Shit. Had a good haul today! Man! Lines were coming in just fine. And snap!
That left otter opens wide, sending the entire god damn catch back to the bottom. Glad we saved
most of the gear though. I'd take it straight out of that boy's check if Id lost any.
JOE
At least ya'll are safe.

16

CEDRIC
Jeff might not be safe, the way Roys talking! He might throw him overboard again!
JOHNNY
Damn Roy. We knew you was hard to work for. But, throwing your help over board?!
ROY
You would have done the same thing. He needed a baptism.
JOHNNY
You shouldn't be baptizing anyone! Especially after the Legion the other night.
JOE
What'd you do now?
ROY
It wasn't that bad. I had a few drinks
CEDRIC
He was chasing a couple of young thangs.
JOE
You about to old for that Roy
ROY
I wasnt chasing no one. I had a wonderful talk with a nice young woman.
JOHNNY
A very nice young woman!
ROY
Go on now. You rotten old man.
(ROY goes to exit)
JOHNNY
Did you get her number?
ROY
Yall stupid. And ya aint got no room to talk. I saw you eying that bartender Johnny.

17

JOHNNY
Damn right I was! She was a looker.
CEDRIC
You should see how I treated my lady when I got home.
JOHNNY
Youre full of it.
(JEFF reenters)
ROY
All three seconds.
JOHNNY
More like half a second!
CEDRIC
You boys dont know shit. My lady and I got it going on. And its been like that for almost 20
years.
ROY
I aint believing you hit it like that.
CEDRIC
Eat some of them oysters. Youll find out real quick what I am talking about.
ROY
Youre a wild man.
JEFF
I heard oysters are a natural aphrodisiac.
JOHNNY
What the fuck is an aphra-dee-shee-act?
ROY
Gets your little Johnny all excited.
JOHNNY
Hey now, there aint nothing little
CEDRIC
I dont know about all that. Them oysters work though.

18

JOE
Yall crazy. Roy, you sure you going to go out tomorrow?
ROY
Yeah, I think well hit it early in the morning.
CEDRIC (To Johnny)
That means around 8 oclock.
JEFF (To Roy)
Dont you think we should tie down like everyone else?
ROY
We would, if you hadnt lost half that last catch today. I need to make that shit up tomorrow,
before were out of commission for a couple of days.
JEFF
Alright boss. Ill be here at 5:30.
ROY
Alright then. See yall later.
(ROY exits to goodbyes)
JOE
What happened out there?
JEFF
Damn pulley. It was rusted all to hell. I cant convince him otherwise.
JOE
You need to talk him into coming back early tomorrow. It will take all afternoon just to batten
down that beast of his.
JEFF
I know. I know. He wont listen to me. You guys need to talk to him.
CEDRIC
Shit man. He wont listen to us.
JEFF
I am with him no matter what. Ill just try and get him to come back early. If we even leave on
time.

19

JOHNNY
Be careful man. Storms aint nothing to fuck with.
JEFF
Appreciate it man.
CEDRIC
Dont get baptized again!
JEFF
You heard about that?
JOHNNY
Shit. Roy was bragging he got your heathen ass saved.
JEFF
He about got my heathen ass killed.
CEDRIC
He said it was just stingray.
JEFF
Thats some bullshit. That man cant see past the wheelhouse.
JOHNNY
Howd you get back on the boat?
JEFF
He stopped. I climbed back on before that god damn shark bit me.
CEDRIC
Was it a big one?
JEFF
Four footer or so. He looked like he wanted a piece of my white ass.
CEDRIC
Nah. He was chasing them nets. See them do that a bunch.
JEFF
I dont know man. I look back and see that black tip coming right at me. I was moving like
Michael fucking Phelps.

20

JOHNNY
Bet you were praying then!
JEFF
Not really.
CEDRIC
Come on now. I dont believe that.
JOE
Yeah. He was praying.
JEFF
Wasnt any time to call for that. I was just trying to save my ass.
CEDRIC
Maybe you do need to be baptized. You talk like that, Id probably toss you over too!
JEFF
Ahh. Come on now, man. I thought we were friends?
CEDRIC
Yeah, we friends alright.
JOHNNY
Didnt you grow up in church?
JEFF
Doesnt everybody?
CEDRIC (To Johnny)
Hes backslidden.
JOE
What did Roy say when you got back onboard?
JEFF
Not much. Just to watch my mouth.
JOE
Damn. Its like that?

21

JEFF
Yeah. Its alright. I let it go.
CEDRIC
Come to church on Sunday man.
JEFF
Thanks for the invite man. I think I am good, though.
CEDRIC
Aint none of us good man. Thats why we need church.
JEFF
Appreciate you man. But, I havent been to a church in a long time. Got a streak I need to
uphold, or my Satanist friends will be disappointed.
JOHNNY
Satanist?
JEFF
Its a joke Johnny.
CEDRIC
You playing with fire, son.
JEFF
Alright guys. I got to go.
JOE
Yeah. I better get on too.
CEDRIC
Yeah. Yeah. Come to church Jeff. It will be good for you.
JEFF
Ill think it about it man.
JOHNNY
Alright. See yall later.

BLACKOUT

22

MOVEMENT I
Scene 3
Transition:

Johann Sebastian Bach | Cello Suite #5 in C Minor, BWV 1011- 2. Allemande (6:54)

Setting:

The next morning in the SPIRITUS VEHEMENTIS wheelhouse. In reality, this

is a completely covered housing for the controls and navigation equipment of the
boat. For dramatic purposes, this can be open with only a dashboard, a wheel,
engine controls and such. A high-chair is stationed behind the wheel and another
to the stage right of the wheel. A marine radio crackles on occasion with random
chatter. Birds are following the nets. They are in open ocean.

On Rise:

ROY is standing at the wheel. JEFF enters from behind, tosses a cigarette out and
sits in the empty chair, propping his feet up on the dashboard. ROY is coursing a
serpentine route through the grounds.

ROY
Hows it looking?
JEFF
Running steady and strong boss.
ROY
Good. Need to make up for yesterday.
JEFF
Think we might hit a good patch today.
ROY
I used to fish this area. Before you came along.
JEFF
We havent been here together.
ROY
Yep.
JEFF
Why did you quit these grounds?
ROY
Dried up I suppose.

23

JEFF
I think it might be back.
ROY
Looka here? I bet thats one of Johnnys traps.
JEFF
Probably. Hell never get any crab there. Itd be funny if we picked it up and set it closer to
shore.
ROY (Steering to avoid the trap)
Nah. Aint going to mess with another mans traps. Just let em go. More crab for me.
(BEAT)
I was just sittin here thinking about a word the preacher gave yesterday on the beatitudes.
JEFF
Matthew chapter 4?
ROY
Chapter 5. You know scripture?
JEFF
Grew up in church man. Like everyone else.
ROY
You sure dont act like it.
JEFF
Not everyone keeps their parents religion.
ROY
What do you believe?
JEFF
Oh man. You really want to go down this road? Didnt end so well for me last time.

ROY
As long as you dont blaspheme.
JEFF
Its hard to accept that there might be another truth to this life. I know.

24

ROY
People are just stupid.
JEFF
You cant expect everyone to believe like you do.
ROY
I dont get why an intelligent man like yourself wouldnt understand the difference between right
and wrong.
JEFF
You think that because I am not a christian, I am immoral?
ROY
How else are you going to know whats right and wrong, son?
JEFF
Morality was hijacked by religion. You certainly dont need religion to know right from wrong.
ROY
That has got to be the dumbest thing Ive ever heard.
JEFF
Where do you think the Bible got its rules?
ROY
It was inspired by the almighty hand of God on simple men, who translated it to the rest of us.
Its the eternal word of truth.
JEFF
Then why do the same rules of morality exist outside of Christianity? What about the morality of
native Americans?
ROY
God sent messengers to the heathens. He says in Mark Go ye, unto all the world and preach the
gospel.
JEFF
They had morality. They knew right from wrong long before a white man told them they were
uncivilized heathens. You know the Bible was used to justify slavery?

25

ROY
They got it twisted. And, who are you to judge?
JEFF
I am not judging anyone on their beliefs. Its your right to believe what you will. I am just trying
to explain my understanding of it all.
ROY
Alright. Alright. Then explain. If there is no god, then why are we here?
JEFF
No idea.
ROY
Really? Thats the best you got? Nothing!?
JEFF
Yep. Nothing. I have some theories. But, thats all they are.
ROY
Ive heard it all now.
JEFF
I know, its kind of a dismal outlook.
ROY
Downright ridiculous is what it is.
JEFF
I like it. Works for me.
(Finds a bag of chips)
ROY
How can you just not believe in something?
JEFF
I believe in love, man.
ROY
This shit is getting stupid now. Go on with yourself.

26

JEFF
I think its kind of nice for life to have no meaning.
ROY
You sound crazy.
JEFF
Its nice. Because, you get to fill it with meaning.
ROY
I dont know about that. Having children and loving god. Thats what life is about.
JEFF
Maybe it is. I dont know. Thats the thing, I dont need finite answers. I just want the truth.
ROY
God is truth, my friend.
JEFF
Maybe.
ROY
Alright. Better check them nets.
JEFF
Yep.
(JEFF exits the wheelhouse. ROY puts in a dip of tobacco and finds a spit
cup. JEFF reenters and takes a seat.)
Hey. I wanted to ask you something.
ROY
Hows it look back there?
JEFF
Just fine. Got about 15 minutes till the pull.
ROY
Ok. Let me know.
JEFF
Yep. I wanted to ask you something.

27

ROY
Ok.
JEFF
Since, weve been doing so well. I thought maybe uh we could talk about a little raise.
ROY
Shit man. I wish I could. Youve earned it for sure.
JEFF
I understand. Thought we did well the last few weeks?
ROY
Boats doing alright.
JEFF
Youre not?
ROY
Not as well as Id like.
JEFF
Damn man.
ROY
Listen. Id help you out if I could. Just dont have it right now.
JEFF
I understand.
(BEAT)
I should let you know though. I . . . uh . . . got a job offer.
ROY
Where at?
JEFF
This medical company in town. Its some data entry gig. Not exactly thrilling. But, it pays well.
ROY
Sittin at a computer all day?

28

JEFF
Yep.
ROY
Got to do what you got to do.
JEFF
Id much rather stick around with you, man. Instead of withering away in front of a computer
screen.
ROY
I get that. Well shit man. I hate to lose you. Let me double check and see if I can make something
happen.
JEFF
Really? Man, I appreciate that.
ROY
Tough times. Everybody everywhere is struggling.
JEFF
No doubt. I need to get a new car. Damn. Got me a girlfriend now too.
ROY
Oh yeah? She pretty?
JEFF
Yeah. Shes alright. Pretty. Smart.
ROY
Ill need some kind of proof of that.
(JEFF pulls out his phone and shows ROY)
ROY
God damn son!
JEFF
Told you.
ROY
Hang on to that one. Or, I might scoop her up.

29

JEFF
She wouldnt mess with an old man like you.
ROY
What does she do?
JEFF
Shes a nurse.
ROY
Ahh. Smart girl.
JEFF
Yeah. Were you ever married?
ROY
Oh yeah. 25 years.
JEFF
No kidding?
ROY
Yeah. I fell in love in college. Selena. Best thing that ever happened to me.
JEFF
Thats amazing.
ROY
I was indeed.
(BEAT)
She passed about five years ago. I miss her more everyday.
JEFF
Sorry to hear that Roy.
ROY
Thats life. We had a helluva time together. Best days of my life.
JEFF
I hope I am that lucky.
ROY
Yeah. Youll be fine. Just find ya a woman that fits.

30

JEFF
What do you mean?
ROY
Love is a puzzle. You just have to find the right piece.
JEFF
Youre like a sage or something.
ROY
I dont know about that. The more I learn, the less I know.
JEFF
I need to start writing these sayings of yours down.
ROY
Probably wont do you any good.
JEFF
Better than my old man.
ROY
About time to pull those nets?
JEFF
Probably. Ill go check.
(JEFF begins to exit.)
ROY
Alright. Dont bring up no empty nets now.
JEFF
Ok. Ill pray to the shrimp gods real quick.
ROY
Better pray to the real God first.
JEFF
Money?

31

ROY
Moneys just a tool man. Use and lose it.
JEFF
You aint never lie.
(JEFF exits. ROY is alone.)
BLACKOUT

32

MOVEMENT I
Scene 4
Transition:

Johann Sebastian Bach | Cello Suite #2 in D Minor - 6. Gigue. (3:38)

Setting:

The next morning on the dock.

On Rise:

JEFF and ROY are quickly loading the gear onto SPIRITUS VEHEMENTIS.

ROY
Come on now boy. We need to get going.
JEFF (out of breath)
I know old man!
ROY
Watch that tone!
JEFF
Easy big fella. I am not the one that forgot to get gas again. When you going to pay that bill?
ROY
Ill pay it when I can.
JEFF
They keep asking.
ROY
Thats why were going out today. You fucking lost that load. Now we got to make up for it.
JEFF
I didnt lose shit man. I told you it was the pulley.
ROY
Ive been fishing a lot longer than you have boy. I know how the equipment works.
JEFF
I am not an idiot Roy.
ROY

33

You keep saying that. I aint so sure. Any mother fucker on the street knows how to fasten a ubolt. It aint rocket science.
JEFF
I fastened it fine. God damn.
ROY
Dont curse at me boy. I aint got time for your disrespect. We need to get a good load today and
get this boat tied down.
JEFF
I am working as fast I can. Fuck.
ROY
I said dont curse at me boy. Thats your second warning.
JEFF
What is this, fucking baseball?
ROY
Dont think I wont fire your ass.
JEFF
You cant afford to fire me, Roy.
ROY
I can afford to do whatever the fuck I want! Dont forget that this is my boat.
JEFF
The Mighty Wind is on its last leg. The only way that god damn piece of shit stays afloat is
because I nigger-rig all the gear
ROY
What the fuck did you say?
JEFF
Um
ROY
Who the fuck do you think you are?
JEFF
It was a slip Roy. I didnt mean it like that. I was just a saying

34

ROY
Thats your third strike.
JEFF
Please, please, wait, I cant afford
ROY
Yeah, boy. You shouldve thought about that before you opened your god damn mouth again!
JEFF
I am so, so, sorry. It just slipped out. It was something my dad used
ROY
I dont give a shit what your mayo-white-bread-father says.
JEFF
No. Its not an excuse. I know that.
ROY
Get the fuck outta here.
JEFF
Come on man. You know I
ROY
Get outta here! Fore I kick you ever-living cracker ass.
JEFF
Roy. Please man. I am sorry.
ROY
I aint got nothin more to say to you.
JEFF
Grumpy old son of a bitch. I am busting my ass out here
ROY
You better go on son!
JEFF
I aint afraid of you old man. I said something I shouldnt have. Ok. I am sorry. But, god damn
you dont have to go and fire me.

35

ROY
I can do whatever I want, motherfucker.
JEFF
This is bullshit.
ROY
You dont know shit about shit. Cracker. Think youre so smart
JEFF
Oh! Hows it any better you callin me a cracker?
ROY
I can call you whatever the hell I want.
JEFF
Youre just another hypocrite. All old men are the same. I dont have time for this bullshit.
ROY
Good! Aint no one want your heathen ass here anyway.
JEFF
Whatever old man.
(JEFF exits. ROY exits to the boat. Beatrice enters.)

BLACKOUT

36

MOVEMENT II
Scene 5
Transition:

Silence.

Setting:

Later that night. The dock has been removed. We move inside a house. A large
oak dining table with eight chairs is center stage. The back wall, which could have
been there all along hiding behind a drop for the dock, is adorned with nice crown
molding, and in the center is a large bay window. Trees can be seen through the
window with Spanish Moss hanging from the them and the outline of a private
garden. The Spanish Moss is waving in the wind. To the left and right of the
window are expensive pieces of artwork. A nice chandler hangs above the table.
To upstage right of the dinning table is a servers entrance to the kitchen with a
swinging door. Downstage right of the servers entrance is a doorless entry way
that leads to the foray where the front door is. Let this single room inform the
magnitude and decadence of the house if the space allows. To the extreme
downstage right is the front door. The front door is a lavish oak door painted red
with signs of Victorian age architecture and adorned on each side with elaborate
propane gas lamps. Stage left of our centerpiece is a straight wall, or the illusion
of one, with another window to the outside. A porch might be seen through the
window.

On Rise:

ROY enters from the kitchen door with a plate of blue crabs and a beer. He
sets that down at the head of the table. Awaiting him at the table are the usual
utensils for eating crab. He begins to enjoy his dinner. The house is really quiet.
SPACE.
JEFF approaches the front door from wherever is feasible in your space. The
utmost stage right aisle would be good. He knocks on the door. The wind is
blowing, as hurricanes/storms are apt to do. The storm is building throughout the
scene. Reluctantly, ROY leaves his table and looks out an imaginary window on
the fourth wall to see JEFF. He immediately curses, but goes to the front door and
opens.

ROY
What the fuck do you want? I am trying to eat my dinner.
JEFF
I need to talk to you Roy. I came

37

ROY
I dont want to hear anything you have to say.
(ROY starts to shut the door)
JEFF
Wait! Please. Can I come in? Its terrible out here.
ROY
Go home. It will blow over.
JEFF
Please! Please! Just a few minutes. Roy, Ive busted my ass for you. Just give me a few minutes
of your time. Thats all I am asking. I will leave here tonight and well never see each other
again, if thats what youd like. If only youll let me explain myself.
(PAUSE. ROY lets him in.)
Thank you.
(JEFF follows ROY back into the dinning area. He looks around at the
beautiful room, somewhat taken back. ROY sits back down.)
Wow. This is a nice place.
ROY
Dispense with the pleasantries. I am attempting a go at these crabs and Id prefer to do it in
silence.
JEFF
I just wanted to tell you a story. Then Ill be gone. . . . Damn, those crab look good!
ROY
WHAT DO YOU WANT?
JEFF
Can I sit down?
ROY
No. Stand the fuck over there!
JEFF
Ok. Sorry. I wanted to tell you a story.

38

ROY
You said that repeat pete. Get on with it.
JEFF
In 1963
ROY
God damn! Am I about to get some history lesson?
(The lights shake and then go out. Darkness.)
JEFF
Oh shit. What the
ROY
Ahh, shut up boy. You afraid of the dark?
JEFF
Roy, I just . . . I wanted to say . . .
(SPACE. The chandler flickers on; no other lights. JEFF has taken a seat at
the other end of the table. ROY has quit eating. They stare each other
down. Stoic.)
JEFF
Out of the huts of history's shame
ROY
You dont know shit.
JEFF
I rise, I rise
ROY
What do you know?
JEFF
Up from a past thats rooted in pain
ROY
What the fuck do you know?

39

JEFF
I rise
ROY
You cant possible understand.
JEFF
Im a black ocean, leaping and wide.
ROY
You dont know shit.
JEFF
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide
ROY
Man, fuck off with that shit.
JEFF
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
ROY
Hold fast to dreams,
For if dreams die,
Life is a broken-winged bird,
That cannot fly.
JEFF
Into a daybreak thats wondrously clear
ROY
Hold fast to dreams,
For when dreams go,
JEFF
Life is a barren field,
Frozen with snow.
ROY
I rise
JEFF
I rise

40

ROY (Speaks with no words)

JEFF (Speaks with no words)

ROY (Speaks with no words)

JEFF (Speaks with no words)

ROY (Speaks with no words)

(The light goes out. Darkness. BEAT.)
JEFF
Roy, I just wanted to say . . . I am sorry.
ROY
You said that already.
JEFF
I meant it. I mean it. I dont know how else . . .
(BEAT. Lights flicker on, then off. JEFF is standing stage right.)
My father was a mechanic
ROY
These god damn lights.
JEFF
He was a rough man.
ROY
What makes you think I give two shits about your family Jeff?
JEFF
I want you to understand where I am coming from.
ROY
Tell your story then. But dont think for a second that youll find forgiveness here.

41

JEFF
I am not looking to get my job back. I just want to explain myself.
ROY
Damn Georgia Power, cant get anything right. Lord help us all.
JEFF
Theres a storm Roy. The power is bound to go out.
(The lights flicker back on; all of them this time.)
ROY
See. Sometimes you just need to pray.
JEFF
Its just a coincidence.
ROY
God answered my prayer.That is not a coincidence.
JEFF
Or Georgia Power is better at their job than you give them credit.
ROY
Shit.
JEFF
My mother was from Vermont. Her parents were college professors. Progressives, you know?
They moved to Atlanta in 1960 to teach at Atlanta University . . .
ROY
Boy, you dont shit about that time.
JEFF
Well
ROY
You dont know anything. Man, when I was your age this whole god damn country was different.
Ive been fighting my entire life against little shits like you. Fucking entitled little pricks think
they know something about injustice. You dont know shit Jeff. Youre just another spoiled white
boy.

42

JEFF
I didnt choose my life.
ROY
Dont mean you got to be a dick about what you got.
JEFF
I am just trying to explain how
ROY
I dont need you to explain anything.
JEFF
Ok! I am sorry. I was mortified by my actions. All I want is for you to understand that I am not a
bigot. But, it seems youre just as hard headed has everyone told me you were.
(JEFF heads for the door)
ROY
That was easy. Coward.
JEFF
Youre a son of a bitch. You know that?
ROY
Ahh. If I had a dollar
JEFF
For what? For every time someone cursed you? Youd be a rich. Well shit man, you must have
gotten those dollars. How does a crabby old shrimper, working in a dying industry, live in a
house like this? Did you win some insurance scam?
ROY
I earned every single mother fucking dollar Ive ever made by the sweat of my brow and the
breaking of my back! I bought this house and that boat with my own money. I didnt need to
scam nobody.
JEFF
Roy I know what the boat makes in a year.
ROY
You dont know shit.

43

JEFF
I talked to Joe. I know exactly what you made last year. It doesnt take an educated person to do
the math, but I happen to be quite educated.
ROY
Look at you. Privileged white boy. Your racist daddy pay for that education?
JEFF
When I do something Roy, I am in it with all of my heart. I dont believe in doing anything halfassed. When I learn something new, I learn everything there is to know. You taught me to shrimp,
but Ive learned commercial fishing on my own.
ROY
Oh please, enlighten me with your wealth of knowledge.
JEFF
Last year you pulled in 150,000 dollars in profit. After paying me, and the overhead, you
profited, by my guess, around 23,000. So you tell me, how does an old fucker like you own a
house like this on below-poverty wages?
ROY
I thought you were some kind of painter? When do you learn basic arithmetic?
JEFF
I am not an idiot Roy.
ROY
Apparently not.
(JEFF resumes his exit. PAUSE)
It was 23,760 to be exact.
(JEFF discontinues his exit.)
JEFF
Youre going to have to explain somethings to me. When that winch broke a few months ago, the
next day you had a brand new one. Yet, you wont replace the pulleys?
ROY
Those pulleys are fine. You just suck at screwing in a u-bolt.

44

JEFF
Bullshit. I am guessing that winch cost about 1,200 bucks. Whats a pulley cost? Five, six bucks?
ROY
Sounds about right.
JEFF
Do you just not eat? Do you borrow the money?
ROY
I am still not sure how any of my personal finances are your business.
JEFF
My living is determined by that boat. You said it, I have bill issues. Its my business because I
am invested.
ROY
God damn. Youre just not going to let it go. And, its not your business anymore, remember?
JEFF
Whatever you may think of me, which is probably incorrect, I still give a shit about this job.
ROY
That I will not argue with.
(PAUSE)
And the Spiritus Vehementis, Lord help me, has been better off with you on board. Without your,
as you so eloquently put it nigger-rigging, I probably would have dumped a lot more money
into that piece of shit.
JEFF
I am sorry I said that.
ROY
Yeah, so youve said.
(PAUSE)
I have a trust set up.
JEFF
A trust fund?
ROY
Yeah. I can pull from it whenever I like.

45

JEFF
Isnt there, like a penalty, or something?
ROY
Nah.
JEFF
How much are you worth Roy?
ROY
That is none of your damn business. Lets just say, I am ok.
JEFF
Why do you fish then?
ROY
Why do you fish?
JEFF
I lost my job when the housing market went belly up.
ROY
Youre educated. You could have done plenty of different things. Why the hell are being a pain in
my ass?
JEFF
I like being on the water. I like working with my hands.
ROY
Yeah. I get that.
JEFF
Where did the trust come from?

ROY
The sweat of my brow. I told you that.
JEFF
I just dont get it man. The economy is shit. Were all out here fighting to survive . . . What did
you do so right? Were you the CEO at Goldman-Sachs?

46

ROY
Damn boy. I wish I was. Id own a fleet of ships!
(BEAT)
JEFF
It doesnt matter.
(BEAT)
Listen. I am sorry I said what I did. I dont know how many more times I have to apologize
before it means something. I hope you see that I came here tonight not to get my job back, but
just to clear the air. I dont want to face the rest of my life knowing that I left this on bad terms. I
think youre a good person Roy. Ive enjoyed working for you. I wish you the best of luck man.
(JEFF continues his exit. BEAT)
Oh, I bought new pulleys. I installed them all tonight before I came over. Dont worry about
paying me back. I just want to make sure you dont lose anymore shrimp or worse. Goodbye
Roy.
(JEFF exits.)
BLACKOUT

47

MOVEMENT II
Scene 6
Transition:

Johann Sebastian Bach | Cello Suite #3 in C, BWV 1009-1. Prelude (3:59)

Setting:

Several days later on the dock. Late afternoon.

On Rise:

CEDRIC, JOHNNY, and JOE have gathered.

CEDRIC

Howd ya do?
JOHNNY
Not bad. Not good either.
CEDRIC
I hear ya. Got about 400 pounds. Could be worse.
JOE
That aint nothing to worry about.
JOHNNY
Yeah, I am down today too. I need to get that left outrigger fixed. Moaning like its going to
break every time I bring it up.
CEDRIC
Is it the winch?
JOHNNY
Nah. Just replaced it last year. I think the damn arm is going bad.
CEDRIC
Oh yeah? I think my boom might be in its final season.
JOHNNY
How long you been fishing that boat now?
CEDRIC
Damn, 15 years? Something like that.
JOHNNY
Ah, shes been a good one though.

48

CEDRIC
Yep. Got my kids through college. Hey, did I tell you Jerome got into law school!
JOHNNY
No kidding! Thats great. How you going to pay for that?
CEDRIC
Shit, hes on his own for that. I told them Id help get them a college degree, not two! Which I
did.
JOHNNY
Hows Jazmine doing?
CEDRIC
Shes doin' good. Got a job up in Boston.
JOHNNY
Good for her.
JOE
Hows your kids Johnny?
JOHNNY
Theyre doin good. That youngest is an idiot though. Not sure what I am going to do about him.
Cant stop getting in trouble.
JOE
Have him come work the docks like David did.
JOHNNY
I am not sure thats going to help this kid. But, I might bring him back on the boat with me.
CEDRIC
He almost killed you last time.
JOHNNY
He wanted to! Got to stop trying to talk to that kid. Sometimes, talking aint enough. Sometimes,
you just got to do something.
CEDRIC
This is true. Hey, how were them crab?

49

JOHNNY
Real good. Thanks for sharing. Wife loved em.
CEDRIC
Yeah, I had too many. Wish Roy would have shared some of his!
JOHNNY
Hes always bringing in good crab.
CEDRIC
We should ask Jeff where hes laying em up at. Roy aint going to tell us shit.
JOHNNY
Oh no. I dont want to mess with that.
JOE
What are you talking about?
CEDRIC
Some shit.
JOE
What?
JOHNNY
Eh, Roy fired him.
CEDRIC
Yep. Came in the bar all pissed off at him.
JOE
What happened?
JOHNNY
No idea. He wouldnt talk about it.
CEDRIC
It was nasty business.
JOE
Is Roy fishing alone again?

50

CEDRIC
Not sure. I swear I saw them leave together this morning. Bright and early. Or, at least I thought I
saw Jeff. It was a white guy, thats all I could tell.
JOHNNY
I think it was him. Cant believe they got out before we did!
JOE
Lord help us.
CEDRIC
He was pissed. Drank himself into a stupor. Had to take him home. Never seen him that bad.
JOHNNY
Your house flood?
CEDRIC
The yard did a bit. Nothing to bad.
JOHNNY
Since I put in that new drainage ditch, I aint had no troubles.
JOE
The bait house flooded a bit. Wasnt that bad though. Glad we missed the worst of it.
CEDRIC
Another Floyd.
JOHNNY
Yep. Damn meteorologist make it sound like the apocalypse.
CEDRIC
The end is near! Its going to rain!
JOHNNY
Hide ya wife!
JOE
Hide ya kids!
(Rumblings of The Might Wind off stage left.)

51

JOHNNY
Look a here. Roy made it through another day.
CEDRIC
That is Jeff.
JOHNNY
Well Ill be damned. Whats wrong with his arm?
CEDRIC
Hope Roy didnt hurt him.
ROY
They dont look mad.
(JEFF enters first. His wrist is in a bandage, and dirty from work. ROY is
fast behind him.)
JEFF
I told you those new grounds would be good.
ROY
You called it. God damn we did good.
JEFF
Hey guys! Whats going on?
CEDRIC
Same shit. What happened to your hand?
JEFF
Ahh. Nothing. Its all good. What are you boys up to?
JOHNNY
Bitchn as usual. Howd y'all do?
ROY
This boy put us on some new grounds. We pulled almost 700 pounds!
JOHNNY
No shit! Whered you go?

52

JEFF
No, no. We aint telling you a god damn thing Johnny!
CEDRIC (To Johnny)
There you go again trying to get a mans best secrets out of him!
JOHNNY
Hey now! Aint no harm in asking!
ROY
Howd you boys do?
CEDRIC
Not as good as you.
ROY
You need some of this Irish luck I got!
JOHNNY
I got all the Irish luck a man can have. What you talking about?
ROY
You aint got the same luck Jeffs got.
JEFF
Luck as nothing to do with it.
JOE
Howd you find em?
JEFF
Science.
CEDRIC
Shit.
JOHNNY
There aint no science to fishing. Its just luck and hard work. Aint you learned nothing?
JEFF
How long you been fishing now Johnny?

53

JOHNNY
Over 20 years now.
JEFF
In that time, have you ever pulled these kind of numbers after a storm blew through?
JOHNNY
Yeah, once or twice.
JEFF
In 20 years?! Thats luck.
JOHNNY
Thats what I am saying. Luck of the Irish!
JEFF
I bet you a 100, I could do it every time.
JOHNNY
Damn, look at you. Cocky little mother fucker.
ROY
Id back his bet after what I saw today.
CEDRIC
You have to tell us man.
JEFF
No way! Its so simple even you guys could figure it out!
JOE
Hey now, dont put me in the same boat as these old bastards.
JOHNNY
Who you calling old?
JOE
Roy, I heard you fired this kid?
ROY
Yall a bunch of gossip queens.

54

CEDRIC
Hey, its better than cable.
ROY
Yall need to get a life.
JOHNNY
What are you talking about? I got a life. Keep me a wife too!
CEDRIC
Speaking of which. I need to head out. Mines got a lowcountry boil on. Eatin good tonight!
JOHNNY
Ill probably get chicken if I am lucky.
JEFF
I thought you had the luck of the Irish?
JOHNNY
It dont work everyday.
ROY
Or any day in your case.
JOHNNY
More than you old man!
CEDRIC (exiting)
All right boys. I am out.
JOHNNY
Enjoy your boil.
JEFF
Have a good one Cedric.
ROY
See ye old man.
JOE
Night.

55

CEDRIC
See yall tomorrow.
(CEDRIC exits.)
JOE
Yeah, I am headed out too. Congrats on the catch Roy.
ROY
Thanks Joe. Ill get this months slip payment to you by Friday.
JOE
Sounds good. Night.
(JOE exits to goodbyes.)
JOHNNY
You boys good?
ROY
Yeah. We aright. Going to make it.
JOHNNY
Dont look like Jeff is.
JEFF
I am good man. Just a sprain.
JOHNNY
Got to stop beatin off so much.
ROY
Thats what I told him.
JEFF
Yall stupid.
ROY
You the one that broke his hand jerkin to the dirty mags.
JEFF
I dont need magazines man. I do fine.
JOHNNY
Oh yeah? What you say to them girls?

56

JEFF
Man, why you always trying to steal my ideas and shit?
JOHNNY
I dont need steal anything! I been around, son.
JEFF (To ROY)
All talk.
ROY
Thats what I say.
JOHNNY
You boys aint got no idea.
ROY (To JEFF)
All talk.
JOHNNY
Ok. Be that way. I am headed home. Yall be blessed now.
ROY
You too old man. Well see you tomorrow.
JOHNNY
Better not get used to that.
ROY
Whatcha mean?
JOHNNY
I am done. Retiring after the season.
ROY
God damn, youre too young to retire. Get outta here with that talk.
JEFF
Why are you retiring?
JOHNNY
It aint really worth it anymore. I am taking the old lady and moving to Florida. We got us a nice
stash. Going to park up on a beach in the Keys.

57

ROY
Damn. Thats nice.
JOHNNY
Its real nice man.
ROY
Whatcha going do with all that time on your hands?
JOHNNY
I am going to open a little bait shop. Enjoy the sun and the ladies.
ROY
Youre wild.
JEFF
What are you doing with your boat?
JOHNNY
Junk it probably. Try and get a dollar or two.
JEFF
Roy should buy it.
ROY
I aint got money for that. And who says I want it that piece of shit?
JOHNNY
Hey now. Its a good boat. Alright boys.
ROY
Alright Johnny. Have a good one.
JEFF
See ya.
(JOHNNY exits. BEAT. ROY and JEFF continue unloading the boat and
doing busy work.)
Thats crazy man. I cant believe Johnny is done.

58

ROY
Yep.
JEFF
Thought hed stick out a few more seasons.
ROY
Cant say I am surprised. Cedric is done too, ya know?
JEFF
Damn. Really? Its just going to be you and me before long.
ROY
Thats a scary thought.
JEFF
Right?! You get the rest of those floats?
ROY
Nah. You can just leave em. Well get em tomorrow. I aint stressing it.
JEFF
Alright. Anything else tonight?
ROY
I think were good. We need to paint that haul on Saturday though.
JEFF
I was thinking that today. Probably reline that arm too, eh?
ROY
Yeah. Might not be a bad idea.
JEFF
Alright. Sounds good.
ROY
Good work today, man.
JEFF
Thanks Roy. We got a little lucky.

59

ROY
No luck. Man, you put us on them. Did real good.
JEFF
I try.
ROY
Thanks for coming back.
JEFF
Shit. Thank you for taking me back. I wasnt expecting that.
ROY
Eh. It is what it is. The good book says to turn the other cheek. I figured that was the right thing
to do.
JEFF
Man. I spent all night looking for jobs on the Internet.
ROY
Find anything?
JEFF
Nothing worth my time.
ROY
Kids all think you can do anything on the Internet. Bout can, I suppose.
JEFF
Yeah. Its crazy world.
ROY
This is true. Your hand going to be Ok?
JEFF
Yeah. It will be fine. Ill have this off in a couple of days. Sorry if I lagged a little today.
ROY
Nah. You aright. I was a little surprised at how hard you were working!
JEFF
I was just happy to have my job back!

60

ROY
Well, tomorrow, Ill try and help a little more.
JEFF
I appreciate that. I should be back to 100 percent in a few days.
ROY
Dont stress it.
JEFF
Thanks boss.
(BEAT. Goes to leave. Stops.)
Man, I gotta know.
ROY
Know what?
JEFF
Whyd you really take me back?
ROY
I felt sorry for your dumb ass. Like I said, the good book tells us to forgive.
JEFF
I cant thank you enough Roy.
ROY
Dont worry about it. Lets just finish this season.
JEFF
You understand I am not racist?
ROY
Shit, were all a little racist man.
JEFF
I dont know about that.
(BEAT)
I think youre a good man though.

61

ROY
Dont come to no conclusions now. I might fire your ass tomorrow.
JEFF
I hope not. Dont really have nothing to fall back on.
ROY
You got all the potential in the world.
JEFF
Maybe. Not much opportunity though.
ROY
I hear ya.
JEFF
Man, I had a good thing going to.
ROY
You were drawing or something, right?
JEFF
Yep. Had a little studio. Commissioned paintings and stuff. It was just getting off the ground.
ROY
How long were you open?
JEFF
About nine months. Stayed open for about two months after the crash. Then it all dried up.
ROY
I know that. I had some tough years in the 80s. Thought I was through.
JEFF
I dont think that was as bad.
ROY
No. Youre right about that. Still hurt my business.
JEFF
Fishing?

62

ROY
Oh no. Ive only been doing this for a few years. I ran my own furniture business in North
Carolina. Started it from scratch.
JEFF
Furniture?
ROY
Yeah man. Had a rough start though. Too many mouths to feed. Not enough money. About
crashed in the first year.
JEFF
You never talk about your kids.
ROY
Aint much to say.
JEFF
How many do you have?
ROY
All ungrateful little shits.
JEFF
Sorry about that.
ROY
Eh. I was probably a bad father.
JEFF
Nah. I dont believe that.
ROY
I was a different man then Jeff.
JEFF
Your business did well, though?
ROY
Oh yeah. Cunningham Furniture. Sold it for millions.
JEFF
To be an old fisherman?

63

ROY
I suppose.
(BEAT)
Losing is part of winning Jeff. If you never lose, how the fuck can you know what winning is?
JEFF
Sounds about right. Alright. I am headed home.
ROY
Take care now. Well see you tomorrow.
JEFF
Thanks again Roy. Night.
ROY
Goodnight.

BLACKOUT

64

MOVEMENT II
Scene 7
Transition:

Johann Sebastian Bach | Cello Suite #6 in D, BWV 1012 - 1. Prelude. (5:24)

Setting:

Night. ROYs house. On the table is a pile of bills, a ledger, check book, and his
cell phone.

On Rise:

ROY is fishing around in a room off stage. You can hear banging and mumbled
cursing. The stage is empty for an awkward amount of time. SPACE. ROY enters
and takes a seat at the table and with the pen he finally found starts to go over his
finances. His cell phone rings.
ROY (answering)

Hey son.
(BEAT)
God damn. What happened to the money I sent you for the month?
(BEAT)
Come on now. You need to be more responsible.
(BEAT)
I know. I know.
(BEAT)
Just do a better job.
(BEAT)
Yeah. Ill send you some tomorrow.
(BEAT)
How are classes?
(BEAT)
Good.
(BEAT)
Got to study son.
(BEAT)
(MAN ONE and MAN TWO approach the front door of the house. They
are dressed in black.)
Doesnt matter what kind of teacher he is. Just do the work.
(BEAT)
(MAN ONE and MAN TWO pull ski masks over their heads. Each pulls a
gun out of the back of their pants.)
Stop fucking complaining so much.
(BEAT)

65

Just do the work son. When I was

(The men violently knock on the door.)
Hold on a second.
(ROY puts the phone down on the table. Its still on. He walks to the
window on the fourth wall, but the men have pushed up against the door
so close, he cannot see them. He goes to the front door.)
Who the fuck
(He opens the door and the men rush in. Pushing him to the ground.)
MAN ONE
SIT THE FUCK DOWN OLD MAN!
ROY
What do you want?
MAN ONE
Where is the safe?
ROY
What the fuck are you talking about?
MAN ONE
Dont lie to me nigga. Show me the safe!
ROY
Who tha fuck you calling nigga, boy?
MAN ONE
You aint goin do nothing fucker! I aint goin to ask no more bitch.
ROY
There aint no safe dumb ass.
MAN TWO
Come on man. Just show it to us and well leave.
ROY
Fuck you.

66

(MAN ONE hits ROY with the butt of his pistol. ROY collapses on the
floor)
MAN ONE
No! Fuck you, bitch.
MAN TWO
Hey man. You said no one was going to get hurt.
MAN ONE
Man, shut the fuck up. Start looking for that shit.
MAN TWO
Where? Its a big house.
MAN ONE
I dont know mother fucker. Where do rich bitches hide their money?
MAN TWO
I dont know. I thought you said you knew where it was.
MAN ONE
I know hes got it. Thats what I know. Now find it.
ROY
You mother fucker. Come in my house
MAN ONE
I come for your money, bitch.
ROY
I aint got no money.
(MAN ONE hits him again.)
MAN TWO
Hey! Come on now. Stop hurting him.
MAN ONE
Shut the fuck up and go look for the money! You wanna get paid?
MAN TWO
Yeah. But you said

67

MAN ONE
This is the shit now. Cant go back. Now go find the fucking money so we can get the hell outta
here.
MAN TWO
Wheres the safe Roy.
(BEAT)
ROY
How you know my name?
MAN ONE
I told you not to use his name dumb ass.
ROY
Who are you?
MAN ONE
Never mind that. Wheres the safe?
ROY
There isnt one.
MAN ONE
Bullshit. I will hit you again! Where is the god damn safe?
ROY
You little pansy ass bitch. Hurtin an old man. What tha fuck is wrong with you?
(MAN ONE points gun at ROYs head.)
MAN ONE
I will end your mother fucking life. NOW TELL ME WHERE IS THE SAFE?
ROY
You think I am afraid of you? You dont know what real fear is.
MAN ONE
You think I am playn?

68

(MAN ONE pulls back the slide on the pistol, loading a shell into the
chamber.)
I will blow your head off.
MAN TWO
STOP IT! I dont want to hurt anyone.
ROY
You kill me son, you go to prison for life. Or, they send you to the chair.
MAN ONE
Shit. They have to catch me first. And I aint your son.
MAN TWO
STOP Brian.
MAN ONE
Man. Dont use my fucking name. Fucking retard.
ROY
Brian
MAN ONE
Man. Just tell me where the safe is?
ROY
There isnt one.
MAN TWO
You said he had one.
MAN ONE
He does. Hes lying. Stand up old man.
(MAN ONE pulls ROY to his feet.)
Go look for the safe, you fucking idiot. How many times do I have to tell you?
(MAN TWO exits through hallway MAN ONE steps back and puts the
gun to the back of ROYs head.)
Alright now. I am going to count to three and then I am going to shoot your black ass. Just tell
me where to look and you live.

69

(ROY turns and faces the gun and the man.)

ROY
You going to have to look me in the eyes. Fucking coward.
MAN ONE
Turn back around.
ROY
Fuck you.
MAN ONE
TURN AROUND.
ROY
Fuck you.
MAN ONE
Ok. Ok.
(MAN ONE takes off his mask.)
Now you seen my face. I have to kill you now. So we can make this easy or hard. I can start by
shooting you in the balls.
(MAN ONE steps up close and sticks the gun in ROYs crotch.)
ROY
Shit man. I aint used that in so long, youd probably be doing me a favor.
MAN ONE
Aint no man, less you got a dick.
ROY
You think thats what makes a man? You are one dumb nigga.
MAN ONE
You dont think I will do it. Do ya?
ROY
I think youre a coward. I think you got no heart. I think youre a soulless piece of shit.
(ROY whips his body to the left, grabs MAN ONEs arm with the pistol,
pointing the barrel to off stage, while tucking his body into the man. Using

70

his right elbow he punches the man in the face. Reeling from the sudden
pain, the mans gun arm looses its grip enough for ROY to take hold of the
firearm. {This is a basic self-defense training exercise used by the United
States Marine Corp.} ROY backs to the other side of the room as the man
doubles over in pain.)
Never get that close to a man, you piece of shit. All you dumb gang bangers running around with
guns. You have no idea how to use them.
(ROY emptys the chamber and releases the clip.)
Two bullets? God damn nigga, you must be poor.
MAN ONE
Man. Fuck you. You broke my nose.
ROY
I should break you. What are you doing with your life? Why are you trying to rob an old man?
Why dont you go get a god damn job like a real man?
MAN ONE
Stop trying to talk to me like you know me.
ROY
I know you better than you think.
MAN ONE
You dont know nothing. I am going to beat the shit out of you old man.
ROY
You can try.
MAN ONE
Aint no try. I am from the hood, bitch. I been fighting since
ROY
You dont know shit about fighting, kid. I been fighting my whole god damn life to prove
Piece of shit. I ought to whoop your black ass.
MAN ONE
You can try, bitch.

71

ROY
Boy, you call me bitch one more timeMAN ONE
Bitch! Lets go a round old man.
(ROY tosses the gun aside. They square up center stage.)
I am going to beat you senseless. Roy.
ROY
Lets see what you got. Brian.
(MAN TWO reenters. Surprised by the scene.)
MAN ONE
SHOOT HIM!
MAN TWO
Man, I dont want to shoot you.
ROY
Man, fuck you.
MAN ONE
Man! Fucking shoot him!
MAN TWO
I cant.
MAN ONE
Shoot him.
MAN TWO
I cant.
MAN ONE
Stop winning you pussy and shoot him.
ROY
Alright now son. Lets talk about this.

72

MAN ONE
Man, fucking shoot this old nigga.
ROY
No one has to die now son. Put that gun down. Lets talk about this.
(MAN ONE rushes to MAN TWO and towards the gun. ROY rushes
towards both of them. MAN TWO freaks and pulls the trigger. ROY is
mortally struck.)
MAN TWO
Oh no! No. No. Look what you made me do!
MAN ONE
Shit, aint me. Come on now. Lets get the fuck outta here.
(MAN ONE drags MAN TWO out of the house. ROY lays bleeding in the
center. Silence. He struggles for air. A lung is punctured. {At such a close
range when vital organs are hit, death would come in minutes from
bleeding out and suffocation.} The cellphone crackles. A voice cuts the
silence. A son asking for his father.)

BLACKOUT

73

MOVEMENT II
Scene 8
Transition:

Ludwig Van Beethoven | No. 3 in E Flat Major Op. 55 - 2nd Movement (0:00-2:04)

Setting:

ROYs house. Three days later. Dusk.

On Rise:

JEFF is standing at the stage left corner of the dinning table. Multiple voices can
be heard conversing off stage. He is dressed in a dark suit.
(SPACE)
(ROY enters)
JEFF (talks without words)
ROY (talks without words)
JEFF (talks without words)
ROY (talks without words)
(JEFF cries)
BLACKOUT

74

MOVEMENT II
Scene 9
Transition:

Johann Sebastian Bach | Cello Suite #1 in G, BWV 1007 - 1. Prelude. (2:46)

Setting:

The dock.

On Rise:

The sun rises completely. The dock moves back. The bait house begins to move.
Hiding off stage, the front of the bait house emerges from the curtains. A beautiful
mural has been painted on the open wall, covering every inch. Its a picture of the
river at sunset with intense colors of orange, purple, blue, and yellow. The grassy
marsh lining the river is deep hues of green and light green. In a bend of the river,
the SPIRITUS VEHEMENTIS is coursing up the river, booms up, and front lit by
the setting sun.

END