Episode Transcript
Quorum: The Gambler’s Tale
“All That Glitters,” Part 9
ANNOUNCERLAND
MUSIC: THEME MUSIC BEGINS
ANNOUNCER
There has always been a gray area between the just and the unjust. The lawful and the lawless. A nebulous region where the trappings of authority share little crossover with the course of justice. And where those who attempt to shine light into the dark recesses of power are often the least expected.
(BEAT)
July 2012. Poker player Jimmy Harmon and his ex-girlfriend Robin Freeman have uncovered a plot by an anonymous group of real estate investors — in collusion with the Los Angeles County Assessor — to fraudulently exploit an upcoming civil engineering project. A plot that has already had lethal consequences.
(THE FOLLOWING EXCERPTS ARE REPLAYS OF THE SCENES FROM PREVIOUS EPISODES)
ROBIN
So… they buy property that’d benefit once the new bridge is built.
JIMMY
Except that’s not what they’re doing… They’re buying land that’ll be worthless once the bridge is built… Because it’s all land the city’ll have to seize to actually build the damn thing... They get back fair market value. Which, thanks to faked property assessments, is now — officially, in the city’s own figures — ten times what they paid.
ROBIN
They’ll make millions…
JIMMY
Millions they’re clearly willing to kill to protect.
ANNOUNCER
But their investigation is derailed when they are captured by a corrupt police detective named Malone, a deadly predicament averted by the timely intervention of enigmatic performance driver Eleanor Wallis.
SOUND: BONE BREAKING
JIMMY
(SCREAMING)
Aaagh!
ROBIN
(SHOUTING)
No!
MALONE
Three more fingers on that left hand, and I haven’t started on his right.
SOUND: MASSIVE CRASH
SOUND: MUSCLE CAR REVVING
SOUND: BODY CRUNCHING AGAINST METAL
SOUND: CAR BRAKING
SOUND: CAR DOOR OPENING
ELEANOR
Jesus, Jimmy. Come on, we’ve got to move, fast.
JIMMY
El… Eleanor?
ANNOUNCER
Eager to assemble the last piece of the puzzle, Harmon plans to join an exclusive private poker game attended by the likes of film star Parker Wells and venture capitalist Anton Kreitzer, for whom both Harmon and Wallis have been working.
ROBIN
You’re going back to that poker game? What if Parker Wells is involved in this? Or Kreitzer? Anyone there?
JIMMY
That’s why I’m going… Finding information’s why I joined in the first place. This is our best shot.
ANNOUNCER
But the night before the game, Harmon meets once more with Wallis, certain she knows more than she’s let on, but also eager to connect on a more personal level.
ELEANOR
Jimmy, I told you before…
JIMMY
I know there are things you’re not ready to talk about… But for now, let’s just enjoy the rose garden ’til they kick us out. Then maybe we go somewhere cooler, finally get that long-delayed drink we keep dancing around.
ANNOUNCER
Jabberwocky Audio Theater presents: Quorum: The Gambler’s Tale. Tonight’s presentation: “All That Glitters,” episode nine.
MUSIC: THEME MUSIC ENDS
ELEANOR’S HOTEL ROOM
(DISTANT CITY NOISES IN BACKGROUND)
SOUND: SHEETS RUSTLING
JIMMY
(YAWNING)
Mmmm… Good morning… Eleanor?
SOUND: RISING FROM BED
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS
SOUND: PAPER RUSTLING
JIMMY
What’s this… “Stay as long as you like. Got business to attend to...” What’s that supposed to mean?
SOUND: CLOTHING RUSTLING
JIMMY (V.O.)
Don’t know what I expected, but waking up to Eleanor having left her own hotel room was pretty far down on the list. Right next to waking up in Eleanor’s hotel room in the first place. I’d hoped after our mutual… respite, she’d be amenable to sharing, but guess she wasn’t there yet.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS
JIMMY (V.O.)
Part of me thought I should poke around while she was out, figure anything out, but one, she’s too sharp to leave clues lying around. And two, it’d be way too creepy, especially after… well, last night. That was… unplanned, to say the least. Maybe not entirely unplanned, but unexpected. But maybe not a bad thing.
SOUND: CELL PHONE RINGING
JIMMY (V.O.)
Suddenly, that fantasy came crashing against reality. A reality I was none to eager to embrace.
SOUND: CELL PHONE PICKUP
ROBIN
(FILTERED, ON PHONE)
I didn’t wake you, did I?
JIMMY
Robin, no, I just… Yeah, I’m awake. What time is it?
ROBIN
About nine-thirty. Listen, are you able to meet up? A couple more things I think we need to go over.
JIMMY
Um… yeah. Let me just take a quick shower, come meet you. Coffee place near where you are, Pennyworth, serves a decent breakfast burrito.
ROBIN
What, no Roscoe’s? Thought that was your go-to breakfast place. What was it you used to say? “Waffles are just pancakes with little squares on ’em…”
JIMMY
Um… probably best I come up to you. I’m at the Hollywood Roosevelt. Think I can be there by say, ten?
ROBIN
The Roosevelt? Fancy. Thought you were sticking to cheap motels, laying low.
JIMMY
I am, or… was, but… it’s not my… um…
ROBIN
(AWKWARDLY)
Oh. Oh, I see. So I guess you… you were able to meet up with quote-unquote someone last night. I… can’t wait to hear all the details.
JIMMY
Robin, I don’t —
ROBIN
Jesus, Jimmy. I knew you were going to talk to her, but I didn’t think you’d… whatever. See you soon.
SOUND: CELL PHONE DISCONNECTING
JIMMY
Way to go, Jimmy. Subtlety really not your thing…
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
PENNYWORTH COFFEE
(COFFEE SHOP AMBIENT)
JIMMY (V.O.)
Even at this hour, the city was already sweltering. Really hoped this freak storm they were predicting came in. Rain in LA in July. World turning upside down…
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES OUT
JIMMY (V.O.)
Once again I was reminded how tough it is to get around the city without my own wheels. Caught a ride at the hotel cab stand, made it to the coffee shop just a few minutes after I’d planned. And then stood in the heat a good five minutes before heading in. No idea what I could possibly say to justify myself.
SOUND: DOOR OPENING, BELL
JIMMY
Robin, I…
ROBIN
Just… don’t. I honestly don’t know why I’m surprised. Hell, I flat-out predicted it. Tell me you at least got her to give you something more about what’s going on.
JIMMY
Um… not exactly. Thought we were doing pretty well…
ROBIN
(QUIETLY)
Clearly.
JIMMY
Um… but she was gone this morning. Left a note saying she had business to deal with, but I don’t know what.
ROBIN
Forget it. Guess I’m the only one actually working to keep us from getting killed here.
JIMMY
Robin, that’s not fair.
ROBIN
Isn’t it, though? Just… whatever.
(BEAT, DOWN TO BUSINESS)
I found someone in the DA’s office I think we can work with. Guy named Allen Hill. Deputy-in-Charge at the Real Estate Fraud section. Think I met him at a presentation they did for us last year.
JIMMY
Okay. Gotcha… And you think he’s our guy?
ROBIN
Only been in the office a few years, but something like this’d be a big career booster. Like you said, ambition’s a better motivator than trust. So… I guess the poker game tonight’s still a go?
JIMMY
I’ll call the moment I learn anything. Then you can see this Hill guy soon as they open in the morning. Just… don’t give up too many details. In case they’re watching. Want to make sure to get this guy hooked right away. Which means names, not just for the Boyle Heights-White Bluff scam but the murders.
ROBIN
I’ll call them today, set up an appointment. And I’ll be discreet. Unlike some people I could mention.
(BEAT)
All right, second thing. I actually did find something else in the White Bluff Restoration Trust papers.
SOUND: PAPERS RUSTLING
ROBIN
An addendum to the shareholder list. Looks like they changed it just last week. Here… on the original filing, trustees are listed as Howard Becks and Charlie Crane. And shareholders are Peter Norman with one thousand shares, Becks with fifty, Crane with one hundred, then a bunch with single-digit shares. But after the change, a bunch of Peter Norman’s shares were transferred to Becks and Crane. Four hundred shares each, leaving Norman with just two hundred left.
JIMMY
So Norman sold the bulk of his shares to them?
ROBIN
But there’s no note of a financial transaction. Like he just gifted them. There’s a note about “for equitable compensation,” but that could be just about anything.
JIMMY
So that means… No, I’m sorry. I have no idea what that means. Help me out here.
ROBIN
(SIGHING)
Okay… Becks, Crane, and Norman set up the White Bluff Restoration Trust. Norman puts up the most cash, but isn’t a trustee. Becks and Crane are calling the shots, at least officially. Bunch of other shareholders, but they don’t make much difference. Maybe favors, or just names to fill the roster, make things look legit.
JIMMY
Meaning Norman’s just kind of a… shadow investor?
ROBIN
A shadow investor these other two have screwed over… if he doesn’t know about this transaction. They make millions off of these faked assessments…
JIMMY
And come out way ahead, while he ends up with squat.
ROBIN
Not squat, but not what he should. Actually, given how much the assessments were jacked up, he’ll come out ahead, at least a bit, with the shares he’s got left.
JIMMY
So then… if they manage to keep it all secret, Norman still makes money, but doesn’t make a stink because he has no idea how much more he would have made.
ROBIN
Right. I don’t know how exactly they’d do that…
JIMMY
I didn’t study financial fraud at William and Mary, but… if they cash out, do some kind of share buyback… Yeah, I guess it’s at least possible.
ROBIN
So… yesterday you were trying to figure out if Anton Kreitzer was involved in all of this. What if he’s the shadow investor? This Peter Norman guy?
JIMMY
Then… maybe he’s not aware of what’s going on.
ROBIN
Right. Now… all of this is really just guesswork. A possible explanation. Seems to make sense, but we need to tie real, actual people to it. So back to the poker game. Dammit, I can’t believe I’m doing this… Here.
SOUND: PAPER BAG RUSTLING
JIMMY
What’s in the bag?
(WHISPERING)
Your gun?
ROBIN
Just… take it. I’ve got a feeling. And yeah, I know better than to think I’ve got some psychic ability to predict the future, but… if something does happen…
SOUND: PAPER BAG RUSTLING
JIMMY
It won’t.
ROBIN
If something happens, I just… I don’t want it to be because I could have done something and didn’t. This week has been… pretty damned awful. But then I’m finally feeling good about something I’ve done and first thing you do is rub my face in… her.
JIMMY
I’m sorry, Robin. Really, I am. I didn’t mean to hurt you. It wasn’t about that. Yeah, I was upset, but… I knew you were right, that we weren’t going to work out together, and I… I wasn’t thinking about…
ROBIN
You know? I don’t want to talk about it. Thought I did, but I really don’t. We’ve got enough to worry about.
(BEAT)
I know I wouldn’t have gotten through all of this without your help. In a lot of ways, I think we make a good team, even if it isn’t… you know.
JIMMY
Robin… we do make a good team. I don’t want to lose that, not all of it. We’re… gonna have plenty of time later. After. We can try being… friends. You said the other night you were getting into local theater. Maybe we could see a show. You can even bring that Loren guy.
ROBIN
I kind of meant I was… doing some theater.
JIMMY
Oh… even better. I’ll have to see a show sometime.
ROBIN
Mostly improv.
JIMMY
Or not.
ROBIN
Hey, I thought you were being nice.
JIMMY
It’s a sliding scale.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
LOS ANGELES STREETS
(CITY BACKGROUND SOUNDS, STORM BUILDING)
JIMMY (V.O.)
Robin went to gather everything and set up time with the DA, and I hit the bank, an out-of-the-way branch, to collect my bankroll for the game. Debated hitting my apartment to restock my bolt bag, but not worth the risk just yet. So I washed a few of my things at a coin-op laundromat. Not dressed to impress, but at least I’d be presentable.
SOUND: THUNDERCLAP, POURING RAIN
JIMMY (V.O.)
Showed up just a few minutes before the game was scheduled to start — didn’t want to give anyone too much time to call any audibles before we began. And just as the storm finally hit. And hit it did. Like the wrath of God coming to wash the cesspool of LA clean.
BEVERLY PALM HOTEL – SUITE
(QUIET ATMOSPHERE, BAR BOTTLES CLINKING)
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES OUT
SOUND: SOFT FOOTSTEPS ON CARPETING
SOUND: DOOR KNOCKING, OPENING
MUSIC: QUIET JAZZ
MARGARET
Mr. Harmon… Planning to move into the hotel?
JIMMY
Oh, the bag. I’m… between residences at the moment. Do need somewhere to stay, but it won’t be the Beverly Palm. Out of my range…
MARGARET
Here, allow me to help you with… Oh, my. What happened to your hand?
JIMMY
It’s a long story. I’d say it looks worse than it feels, but that’d be a lie. But I can still play, so long as I keep the fancy chip tricks to a minimum. Oh… I’m the first one here?
MARGARET
Yes… I’m a bit concerned. At first it seemed convenient, as one of my staff people didn’t show, took us a bit longer to set up. Do you remember Ms. Boyd?
JIMMY
Boyd… oh, the one Ford was giving such a hard time. One thing she won’t have to worry about anymore.
SOUND: BALCONY DOOR BANGING OPEN
SOUND: THUNDERCLAP, WIND, RAIN FALLING
MARGARET
Whoa! Getting bad out there. Here, let me close the balcony door back up.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS RUSHING ACROSS ROOM
SOUND: BALCONY DOOR CLOSING
(STORM SOUNDS MUFFLED)
MARGARET
I’m sorry, you were saying about Mr. Ford?
JIMMY
Oh, you didn’t…? Yeah, Ford shuffled off the mortal coil. I actually found the body. Well, not according to the official record, since I had to —
MARGARET
You know what? Probably best I don’t know. This… wouldn’t be connected to that odd request you made yesterday, about aliases for some of the players? Specifically Parker Wells?
JIMMY
No… well, maybe. At this point I’m wondering just how separate all the conspiracies are. How much Parker’s involved is anyone’s guess. Enough clues pointing in his direction. His, Anton’s, this guy Chambers…
MARGARET
You don’t mean Glen Chambers, do you?
JIMMY
You… you know Glen Chambers?
MARGARET
In passing, through Parker.
JIMMY
Wait, so Parker knows Chambers?
MARGARET
Chambers put together the financing on an indie picture Parker shot last year. I think that’s also where Ford and Parker met — Ford was an extra or something. Chambers ended up with an Associate Producer credit.
JIMMY
So that’s the connection. Kreitzer mentioned Chambers was interested in film financing, back at his place the other night. But I didn’t make the link to Wells. They were both there, but I didn’t see them together.
MARGARET
Of course, the credit wasn’t in his real —
SOUND: CELL PHONE RINGING
MARGARET
Ah, that’s Parker now. Maybe he’ll tell me where all of my players are. If you could excuse me a moment. Beth and Kelly will get you anything from the bar…
SOUND: CELL PHONE CONNECTING
MARGARET
Hello…? I was wondering where everyone… Actually, he’s the only one who’s arrived, we’re all… okay…
(TO JIMMY)
He wants me to put it on speaker.
SOUND: CELL PHONE CLICK
MARGARET
You’re on.
WELLS
(FILTERED, ON PHONE)
Jimmy, buddy. Think we’re going to have to call it. Been a hoot, but you’ve served your purpose. Know what they say, don’t do the same trick twice. You’ve just turned out more headache than we need right now.
JIMMY
If… if you didn’t want me in the game, then why did Ms. Florian invite me back tonight?
WELLS
I didn’t bother to tell her. That’s another thing. Margaret… The game’s gonna be out at my place here on out. Keep things simple. You’ve done well for yourself, but… we’re not gonna need your services anymore.
MARGARET
What? Why the hell… Why are you telling me this now? I’ve already paid for the suite, the staff…
WELLS
Things happened fast. Few of us were gonna have to bow out tonight anyway, something came up. Got me thinking. I did you a huge favor with this in the first place.
MARGARET
How do you figure that?
WELLS
Please. You’re a barmaid. Here I give you this great opportunity to be something more, and —
MARGARET
I have a degree, graduated summa…
WELLS
And you’re a barmaid. Ever since, you go nibbling away. Taking home these huge tips, tips should be mine, seeing it’s my game. But hey, water under the bridge.
MARGARET
You arrogant son of a bitch…
WELLS
Knew you wouldn’t appreciate all I’ve done. So… I guess we’re done. Got to head off to this meeting, apparently. Gonna take in the stars at eleven or some such nonsense… tearing me apart! Anyway, good to know you’re there, Jimmy. Some people been asking about you.
SOUND: CELL PHONE DISCONNECTING
MARGARET
(FURIOUSLY)
What the hell did you do? You obviously pissed him off with… whatever the hell you’re on about! He goes and blows up my whole livelihood because of your —
JIMMY
Listen, this is serious. Murder serious. I didn’t have anything to tie Wells to that part of it all, but… oh my god. We… we have to get out of here. Right now!
MARGARET
What are you talking about? I’ve got a whole —
JIMMY
You don’t understand. His comment about my being here, people asking about me. They’re coming here, now!
MARGARET
Who?
JIMMY
The killers. I’ve been laying low the past few days, only came because I thought I’d get something out of that egomaniac Wells, can’t help bragging about how he’s outsmarted everyone. And he just did it again.
MARGARET
I fail to see how that’s my problem.
JIMMY
Because Parker said it openly. Hell, had you put it on speaker, so everyone heard. He means to kill all of us.
MARGARET
What? That’s ludicrous. Why bother with all that talk if he was just going to kill us?
JIMMY
One, stalling. Two, again, ego. Can’t help it. Sees himself as a movie character, and the best ones are the villains. At least the ones with the best monologues.
MARGARET
Jesus Christ… All right.
(LOUDLY)
Kelly, Beth — out, now! Don’t pack anything, just leave it. We’ll worry about that later.
JIMMY
Okay, let’s move fast. Might need this.
SOUND: ZIPPER, FABRIC RUSTLING
SOUND: GUN CARTRIDGE SLIDING
MARGARET
You know how to use that?
JIMMY
Um… point, shoot? Watched Die Hard a lot. Honestly, I’m usually at the other end of these things.
MARGARET
Just… don’t point it at any of us, all right?
JIMMY
Yeah, will do. Okay, carefully…
SOUND: DOOR OPENING
BEVERLY PALM HOTEL – HALLWAY
JIMMY
Nobody down the hall yet. Let’s get to the stairwell, fast, in case they’re coming up the elevator.
SOUND: SOFT FOOTSTEPS ON CARPETING
SOUND: STAIRWELL DOOR OPENING
JIMMY
Or maybe they took the stairs…
BOYD
Evening, boss!
MARGARET
Boyd? Where were you before? Listen, we have to —
JIMMY
Wait… get back!
SOUND: MACHINE GUN FIRE
SOUND: WOOD SPLINTERING
MUSIC: ACTION MUSIC CUE
SOUND: SCREAMS
BEVERLY PALM HOTEL – SUITE
(CHAOS, SCRAMBLING, ITEMS FALLING)
BOYD
(DISTANT)
Harmon? You there? Oh, come on out, you third-rate wannabe celebutante! Know damn well this only ends one way. You think this all has a happy ending, you really haven’t been paying attention. Don’t make it any harder than it has to be.
JIMMY
Everyone, out the balcony!
MARGARET
We’re on the third floor!
JIMMY
No choice. Move!
SOUND: BALCONY DOORS CRASHING OPEN
BEVERLY PALM HOTEL – BALCONY
(CITY NOISES, RAIN, THUNDER)
JIMMY
Okay, okay… awning on the first floor, but that’s a big drop… see if you can climb to the floor below!
MARGARET
Go! Go! Go!
SOUND: SCRAMBLING OVER RAILING
JIMMY
Wait, Margaret! Grab me that red tablecloth!
MARGARET
What? Here, but… why?
SOUND: FABRIC TEARING
JIMMY
Gonna drape it over the rail behind you. See if it’ll attract our charging bull’s attention while I hide off to the side here. Now, go!
SOUND: SCRAMBLING OVER RAILING
SOUND: ROOM DOOR CRASHING OPEN
SOUND: MACHINE GUN FIRE
SOUND: GLASS SHATTERING
BOYD
Gotta say, this part, I’m finally enjoying. Almost makes up for having to play kiss-ass little serving girl to all you self-righteous little prigs. “Yes, sir. Right away, sir. Whatever you need, sir.” Almost. Honestly, don’t know who’s worse, those arrogant Hollywood suck-ups Wells and Ford… or you, glorying in your self-delusion about being oh so much more righteously noble. Least they’re honest about their intentions. Come out, come out, wherever you are…
SOUND: MACHINE GUN BURST
JIMMY
(SOTTO VOCE)
Come on… come on… come see where we went…
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS WALKING ON GLASS
BOYD
Jesus, think you’re so smart. Now, that Wallis, gotta give her credit — she’s one killer driver. Killer. Heh. Here I thought I was good behind the wheel, but her? Losing me not once, but twice? All due respect. Getting the drop on Malone to boot? Damn. But you? Please. Not anywhere near that league. Tell the truth, you really do make this all too easy.
SOUND: BODY SLAM
JIMMY
Hello, Boyd! Really must have missed me.
SOUND: STRUGGLING
BOYD
Believe me. I won’t miss this time. Not again, Harmon!
JIMMY
(STRAINING)
Don’t know that I… believe that. Maybe… we need to take a leap of faith?
SOUND: METALLIC CLATTERING
BOYD
What are you…? Aaaaaaaaaah!
SOUND: MACHINE GUN BURST
SOUND: FABRIC TEARING
SOUND: BONE-BREAKING CRUNCH
BEVERLY PALM HOTEL – GARDENS
(RAIN SPLATTERING ON CONCRETE)
SOUND: ROLLING ON GROUND
JIMMY
(PAINED)
Ah… son of a bitch…
MARGARET
(CALLING DOWN)
You all right?
JIMMY
Pretty sure I busted my fingers again… Managed to direct myself… close to the wall… hit the awning, broke my fall. Mostly. Boyd… missed.
MARGARET
Hang on. I’m climbing down. Is she…?
SOUND: CLIMBING, DROPPING
JIMMY
Seen enough dead bodies to be pretty sure about this one. Right-angle neck’s a dead giveaway. Here, let’s get under what’s left of the awning, out of the rain.
MARGARET
Dammit. Boyd? What the hell is that all about?
JIMMY
A mole. Spy for the crew behind a slew of murders lately. But… why set someone up at your poker game? Watching me, maybe? Was Saturday Boyd’s first night?
MARGARET
No, she’d been working here a few times.
JIMMY
So… watching someone else. Kreitzer… or Wells, make sure he didn’t run his mouth off about something…
MARGARET
But why one of the staff? Why not another player? Kreitzer managed to get you in the game…
JIMMY
And everyone at the table was keeping close watch. Something I’ve figured out this past week: Nobody notices the help. And she… oh, I can’t believe it.
MARGARET
What?
JIMMY
Over there, in the parking lot. Red Subaru, banged up along the side. Hard to miss. Car that tried to machine-gun me down yesterday. Now I know who was driving.
MARGARET
This is… way beyond anything I’ve ever…
JIMMY
Nefarious plotters don’t tend to fret the ones caught in their path. That’s why I asked about aliases — these people are all using them. Charlie Crane, who now I’m damn sure is Wells. Howard Becks, Peter Norman…
MARGARET
Howard Becks? That’s… not a poker alias. It’s a Hollywood one.
JIMMY
What?
MARGARET
I started to tell you before. In this town, everyone reinvents themself. Marion Morrison becomes John Wayne. Not just actors. Steven Soderbergh, the director, uses the name Peter Andrews when he’s working as a cinematographer, and Mary Ann Bernard when he’s editing. In this case, when someone with a name in real estate wants to make a new name as a film financier, Glen Chambers becomes Howard Becks.
JIMMY
Holy…
MARGARET
Parker Wells’s new movie, the one Chambers — or Becks — helped finance, is a sequel to The Cabin Precepts. Bringing back the Charlie Crane character fifteen years later. Don’t know for sure about the name Peter Norman… But Anton Kreitzer’s middle name is Peter. And one subject he has talked about at several of our games is his late wife. Whose maiden name was Norman.
SOUND: POLICE SIRENS APPROACHING FROM DISTANCE
JIMMY
That’s… it then. That’s exactly what I needed! Listen. I’m still target number one for these guys. Boyd had a partner, killer named Malone, crooked cop, psycho who did this to my hand. May still be out there. I’ve got to run. You might be safe for the moment, but may want to consider getting out of town.
SOUND: FABRIC RUSTLING
MARGARET
I’ve… got some contacts in New York. That’s looking pretty good right about now… what are you doing?
SOUND: KEYS JINGLING
JIMMY
Bitch tried to kill me. I’m taking her goddamn car.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS RUNNING
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
LOS ANGELES STREETS – BOYD’S SUBARU
(CITY TRAFFIC, RAIN, ENGINE SOUNDS)
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES OUT
JIMMY
Howard Becks is Glen Chambers. Hell, bet there’s a note on IMDb to show it. Between that, the Crane connection, and Kreitzer’s wife’s name, we’re pretty solid. Oh, and… you were right about the game not being safe.
ROBIN
(FILTERED, ON PHONE)
What? What happened?
JIMMY
Long story. More bullets flying through the air.
ROBIN
What?
JIMMY
I’m okay. Nobody hurt, not badly. Well, other than the shooter. Malone’s partner, the one who chased us yesterday. And… my fingers are messed up again.
ROBIN
Jesus… Were you at least able to find out if Kreitzer knew about the plan? Or who arranged the killings?
JIMMY
No, those I still don’t have any idea about. I think that narcissist Wells might have given something away, Just can’t put my finger on it. One of my good fingers.
ROBIN
What did he say?
JIMMY
Something about a meeting. Taking in the stars at eleven. Eleven o’clock, probably. But taking in the stars? In this town that could be anything. Meeting at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Some awards event. Hell, one of the wax museums. Then I think he made some kind of crack. Said that line from The Room. You know, that weird little cult film.
ROBIN
You and your movies. What line?
JIMMY
Tearing me apart! Said it just like that.
ROBIN
Wait a second… stars… Jimmy, you’re an idiot.
JIMMY
Gee, thanks.
ROBIN
The line’s not from The Room, not originally. It’s from Rebel Without a Cause. Wells didn’t mean they’d be seeing movie stars. He meant literal stars.
SOUND: CELL PHONE ALERT
JIMMY
What? Crap… phone’s dying. And the charger’s in my bolt bag, back at the hotel… oh, double crap, along with all my money… Quick, Robin, what did you mean?
ROBIN
Rebel Without a Cause. James Dean. The statue at —
SOUND: CELL PHONE SHUTOFF SOUND
JIMMY
Robin? Robin? Dammit! What the hell was she talking about? Statue? What… Wait! That’s it! I am an idiot.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY
(DISTANT CITY AMBIENT, STORM SOUNDS THROUGHOUT)
JIMMY (V.O.)
Griffith Observatory’s about as Hollywood as it gets. Not just a great view of the eponymous sign, but it’s been showcased in countless movies. Hell, it’s where the Terminator first arrived.
(BEAT)
But most famous of those was Rebel Without a Cause. James Dean’s second film — died a month before it was released. Big enough a connection they put a memorial on the grounds. Common knowledge in this town — can’t believe I didn’t pick up on it sooner. Long shot, but Parker Wells’s boundless ego was just big enough that he could have thought he was being clever. Might just have given me one last bread crumb to follow.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES OUT
JIMMY (V.O.)
One thing’s for sure, nobody’s out stargazing in this mess. Odd place for a clandestine meet. Maybe Anton wasn’t the only one with a taste for the theatrical. Park closed an hour ago, even if the storm hadn’t been enough to chase everyone away. I got in before they closed the gates, keep from having to hike up in this mess. And early enough to keep an eye out for anything to make me question my life choices.
SOUND: CAR DRIVING UP
JIMMY (V.O.)
So far, nothing. Least nothing I could piece together yet. Don’t know what I expected, but thought I’d catch a glimpse of some sign of ambush, despite the hellish weather. Movies made it look so straightforward. But neither hide nor hair of any of our conspirators, until now. Eleven on the dot. Don’t know how they got past the gates, but I guess money pulls a few strings.
SOUND: CAR DOOR OPENING
JIMMY (V.O.)
Kreitzer. Looked to be alone, but couldn’t swear in the dark and rain. So, do I wait until they’re all here? Go in gun drawn? Or trust my read on Kreitzer and talk to him first, maybe head off whatever confrontation the others had planned? Time to fold or go all-in.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS SPLASHING ACROSS WALK
JIMMY
Mr. Kreitzer.
KREITZER
Jimmy… I am surprised to see you. You look positively soaked. And I… My word, what happened to your hand?
JIMMY
It’s… a long story. One I think I need to tell you. Probably could have called, or called Farah to get you a message, but my phone battery died. And… honestly, I wasn’t sure how to play things until just now anyway.
KREITZER
I’m… actually attending to some business here. Related to our activities, but a separate —
JIMMY
I know. The White Bluff Restoration Trust.
KREITZER
What… ah, your observational skills. Though I don’t recall providing the name of the group in question.
JIMMY
You didn’t. Found out through other channels. But… moment of truth, calling with a low pair here… Wells and Chambers set you up.
SOUND: CAR APPROACHING
KREITZER
What? Don’t be ridiculous. That’s them coming now. I’m sure we can straighten this all out.
JIMMY
The land they bought was off Sixth Street, not Seventh. They worked with the LA County Assessor to fake the assessments, inflating them to ten times their value.
KREITZER
That’s preposterous. Why would they do that?
JIMMY
Because the city’s tearing the Sixth Street Bridge down. They’ll use eminent domain to seize the property for its replacement. Property the Trust now owns. So the Trust pockets millions. Only Chambers and Wells have taken Peter Norman’s shares. Your shares.
SOUND: CAR STOPPING
KREITZER
That’s… impossible.
JIMMY
No official sale. A paper transfer, no inspections. Assessor keeps it under wraps. They’ve got this crooked cop, Malone, tying up loose ends. Lethally. My hand here is his handiwork… um, no pun intended. The fact you wanted to keep the original project secret, aliases and all, meant nobody’d see the records. Just had to keep everything bound up until demolition started.
KREITZER
Except I would notice it.
SOUND: CAR DOORS OPENING, CLOSING
JIMMY
They left you just enough shares they’d be able to keep the cash value of your stake stable. Only —
CHAMBERS
(APPROACHING)
Only someone had to screw it all up by poking his head around things he really should have left alone.
MALONE
(APPROACHING)
Hello again, Jimmy.
JIMMY
Detective Malone. Jesus, you really are the damned Energizer bunny. I’d offer to shake your hand, but…
WELLS
(APPROACHING)
Harmon? What the hell… how did you… how did…?
JIMMY
Deal with Boyd? Got some experience evading people trying to kill me. Ask your boy Malone. I’d say ask Boyd, but she’ll be kind of quiet here on out. How I knew you’d be here? You told me. Taking in the stars, tearing me apart? Can’t keep your mouth shut a minute.
KREITZER
Chambers! What the hell is this all about?
CHAMBERS
Anton, there’s a simple explanation for all this.
JIMMY
It starts with him having Malone kill the lead inspector at the Assessor’s office, David Turner.
MALONE
(LAUGHING)
Jesus Christ… call me dumb. I didn’t kill Turner. Still haven’t figured it out. Hit and run? Not my MO. Gee, whose might it be? Any hotshot drivers we know?
JIMMY
(OFF GUARD)
But… well it had to be… There’s no way…
SOUND: GUN COCKING
MALONE
(CHUCKLING)
Oh, this is perfect! See if you can form that thought in your brain before I splatter it on the pavement.
CHAMBERS
No, Malone! We can’t —
SOUND: MUSCLE CAR APPROACHING
MALONE
(SHOCKED)
You have got to be kidding me. Not this time, bitch!
SOUND: THREE GUNSHOTS
SOUND: TIRES SCREECHING
SOUND: BODY CRUNCHING AGAINST METAL
SOUND: MASSIVE CRASH
JIMMY
Eleanor!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS RUNNING
SOUND: CAR DOOR OPENING
JIMMY
Eleanor, I can’t believe it. You got Malone. You hit him, you… oh, Jesus… Eleanor… He… got you…
ELEANOR
(GASPING)
I’m… I’m sorry, Jimmy… I’m so, so sorry.
JIMMY
(TEARING UP)
It’s okay, Eleanor… It’s going to be fine.
SOUND: DEAFENING GUNSHOT
JIMMY
No! Eleanor!
MALONE
No cigar this time. I win. One down. Next up, Jimmy.
MUSIC: CLIFFHANGER MUSIC CUE
ANNOUNCERLAND
MUSIC: CLOSING MUSIC BEGINS
ANNOUNCER
You’ve been listening to Jabberwocky Audio Theater. Tonight’s production: Quorum: The Gambler’s Tale — “All That Glitters,” episode nine of ten. Produced by Jabberwocky Audio Theater, in association with WERA-LP: Radio Arlington, ninety-six point seven FM, Arlington, Virginia.
(BEAT)
Featured in the cast were Cameron McNary as Jimmy Harmon, Emily H. Gilson as Robin Freeman, Laura Rocklyn as Margaret Florian, Tara Garwood as Boyd, Pete Papageorge as Anton Kreitzer, Daniel Rylee Bush as Parker Wells, Kevin Murray as Glen Chambers, Ricardo Padilla as Malone, Tom Kramer as Tom, Lydia Kraniotis as the betting window clerk, Bob Hurley as the racing announcer, and Ariana Almajan as Eleanor Wallis.
(BEAT)
Recorded at Tulgey Wood Studios in Springfield, Virginia, with supplemental recording at a variety of independent studios across the region.
(BEAT)
Music by Brooks Tegler. For specific music information, see our show notes at jabber audio dot com.
(BEAT)
This week’s episode was produced by Bjorn Munson, and written and directed by William R. Coughlan.
(BEAT)
For all the latest episodes and information on Jabberwocky Audio Theater, visit jabber audio dot com.
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If you’re enjoying Quorum and the other yarns we spin at Jabberwocky Audio Theater, be sure to subscribe, rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or your podcast provider of choice. Check out our Patreon page at Patreon dot com slash Team Jabberwocky for exclusive content, and to help us continue to bring you further tales of mysterious suspense and high adventure.
(BEAT)
Until next time, this is Marsha Rehns, saying thanks for listening… and tune in next week for the season finale of Quorum: The Gambler’s Tale!
MUSIC: CLOSING MUSIC ENDS
INGLEWOOD PARK CASINO – RACETRACK
(RACETRACK AMBIENCE, BUSY CROWDS)
RACING ANNOUNCER
(FILTERED, OVER LOUDSPEAKER)
Next post is coming up. Be sure you’ve got a good view, because this is a race you will not want to miss!
BETTING WINDOW CLERK
Next… okay, what’s your wager?
SOUND: MONEY RUSTLING
TOM
Bet number one on the one to win, that’s Snuffy Brown… and bet the trifecta wheel using one, three… with five, one… with one, two.
BETTING WINDOW CLERK
All right… Got it in. Here’s your ticket.
TOM
This is my day. This is my big day.
Text © William R. Coughlan, under license to Jabberwocky Audio Theater. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.