Episode Transcript
Quorum: The Gambler’s Tale
“Outstanding Debts,” Part 2
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)
April 2011. Las Vegas may have traded vultures of the mobster variety for those of the boardroom, but the criminal element still holds sway in certain circles. Into this world falls Jimmy Harmon, a down-on-his-luck poker player desperate to get himself out from under an unexpected debt. But his quest to regain his financial footing has hit a snag — as Jimmy’s friend Will Archer, a casino floorman, warns him that one of his less-than-reputable creditors, Wiktoria Sałkiewicz, is actively seeking him out.
(THE FOLLOWING EXCERPTS ARE REPLAYS OF THE SCENES FROM THE PREVIOUS EPISODE.)
WILL
Christ, Jimmy, you know how many sorry chumps ended up with a matched set of busted kneecaps underestimating Wiktoria? You have no idea what she’s capable of.
JIMMY
Don’t worry, Will. On my way. Consider me gone.
ANNOUNCER
But Jimmy’s efforts to leave town stall when he finds Wiktoria herself awaiting him in his hotel room.
JIMMY
(AWKWARDLY)
Wiktoria… Hey, I was just looking for you.
WIKTORIA
Then I have made things easier for us both. I was so hoping you and me and my friends here could have a little chat.
ANNOUNCER
Jabberwocky Audio Theater presents: Quorum: The Gambler’s Tale. Tonight’s presentation: “Outstanding Debts,” episode two.
MUSIC: THEME MUSIC ENDS
LIMELIGHT HOTEL – JIMMY’S ROOM
SOUND: FABRIC RUSTLING, STRUGGLING
JIMMY
(NERVOUSLY)
My, Wiktoria, what big guns you have.
WIKTORIA
(HEAVILY ACCENTED)
Ah, you refer to my friends here, Misters Crick and Watson. The big guns, yes. Better to be sure you have my money with, James.
JIMMY
What, you think I’ve been avoiding you?
WIKTORIA
Oh, no. I am a trusting soul. Mr. Crick here, though, he is suspicious by nature. Yes, Crick?
CRICK
Suspicious.
WIKTORIA
So you see, I try to keep him happy. Happy help is productive help. But just so I can be comfortable… You do have my money, no?
JIMMY
You know I have the money, Wiktoria. It’s just things are tied up with the online sites, and I can’t —
SOUND: GUT PUNCH
JIMMY
(GENUINELY SURPRISED)
Whoof! Hey, what the hell?
WIKTORIA
Mr. Crick is understandably confused. And when he is confused, he expresses himself. Physically.
JIMMY
From the look of him I’d bet he’s confused a lot.
WIKTORIA
Perhaps we shall see. But since I do research myself, I understand you are not entirely… what is the word… forthright with me.
JIMMY
Look, I know my situation’s not quite the same as most online players, but it’s still just —
WIKTORIA
Mr. Watson, does it sound that James is stalling?
WATSON
Stalling.
WIKTORIA
It sounds so to me as well. This does not please me.
SOUND: GUT PUNCH
JIMMY
Ugh! Jesus.
WIKTORIA
If I did not know better, I would suspect James does not have the money.
JIMMY
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Wiktoria, come on. You made a backing investment. One that stood to net one hell of a profit. And with a little patience, it still can.
SOUND: SITTING IN CHAIR
WIKTORIA
Please, we are being too formal here. This is no way for friends to discuss business. Sit. Drink.
SOUND: ICE CUBES RATTLING
WIKTORIA
I am afraid it is just the cheap Scotch. For such a nice hotel, you would think they would have a better mini-bar. When I was in charge, I made a point always to insist on top quality and service. Today…
JIMMY
I’ll be sure to talk to someone about that.
WIKTORIA
Times change. Today I am just glad to have someone to share a drink. These two? They do not touch a drop.
JIMMY
I… I can see how that would be inconvenient.
WIKTORIA
James, I am not a loan shark. I am not a gambler. I am an investor. Not so much over-the-table as some, but still an investor. I did not get to where I am being careless. Do you know how many women were in casino management back in the old days?
JIMMY
Not… not a lot, I gather.
WIKTORIA
This is true. But I made it through the rough times, when the arogancki men were going away. I always check my numbers. This is not an unlucky investment. Losses — virtual or otherwise — I can understand.
JIMMY
Ah, so we’re —
WIKTORIA
Your assets are not locked up in bureaucratic bzdury. They are held for your, how do we say… misbehavior. Me, I do not care, but others frown.
(BEAT)
Your silence says I am not off mark.
JIMMY
Look, Wiktoria. Yes, I bent some rules. Bent, not broke, to be totally clear.
WIKTORIA
One might say that is not strictly true.
JIMMY
Technically, maybe. But not the spirit of it, okay? My funds are still there — I just need to get them out. Once I get it all cleared up, I can get you the money. Nothing to it.
WIKTORIA
I am sure. Or we would not be having such a friendly conversation. But I am not so patient as to wait for the judgment of the online administracja.
JIMMY
What… what are you suggesting?
WIKTORIA
I have proposition for you. One that will ensure we are good. Czy rozumiesz?
JIMMY
Um… I don’t…
WIKTORIA
Do you understand?
JIMMY
We’re good. I get it. What do you have in mind?
WIKTORIA
I require your assistance. There are discussions. Discussions to which I am not invited. Discussions involving a transaction that will be… problematyczny. Troublesome.
JIMMY
Hang on a second. You’ve lost me here.
CRICK
Someone wants to buy the Limelight, numbnuts.
JIMMY
Why didn’t you just say so? Why be all cryptic?
(BEAT)
Okay, fine. So where do I fit into this?
WIKTORIA
You have many friends. And your skills can inquire in a way that does not reveal my curiosity.
JIMMY
What, these geniuses can’t handle it?
WATSON
Careful, wiseass.
WIKTORIA
Their demeanor does not suit them to this. I require someone subtle. More trustworthy. Proficient.
JIMMY
I’m glad to hear you trust me.
WIKTORIA
Trust is perhaps an exaggeration.
JIMMY
Normally, Wiktoria, I’m your man. Whatever you need. But to be perfectly honest, I’d prefer not to get into anything particularly… shady.
WIKTORIA
This may be a problem. Secret transactions are not always clean. But you are not being asked to do anything too… unsavory.
JIMMY
Um… look, what exactly is it you need me to do?
WIKTORIA
(SIGHS)
Explore, listen. I will tell you as I learn more how to direct your effort, but time is critical. I am not known for patience. And I do not tolerate indolence. I will expect results. Soon. Now, I require a show of good faith. How much money do you have?
JIMMY
What, on me? Just a few chips from playing tonight. I haven’t cashed them out yet. But I don’t —
WIKTORIA
Crick?
SOUND: RUSTLING FABRIC
JIMMY
Hey, take it easy.
CRICK
Looks like about twenty-six… twenty-seven large.
WIKTORIA
This is not much of a down payment, James.
JIMMY
But I need that to seed a bankroll for —
SOUND: GUT PUNCH
JIMMY
Ow. I’m getting pretty damned tired of this.
WIKTORIA
Bah. I tell you what. I take twenty now. This is a nice round number, easy to account for. I understand there are people in this town who owe you money.
JIMMY
Um… yeah, but that’s not —
WIKTORIA
You will collect. Tonight. My friends will give you a personal escort to ensure this happens.
JIMMY
What? No, that’s not how —
WIKTORIA
I insist. They will be your personal drivers for the remainder of your visit. It is the least we can do. I would not want my investment to be compromised.
SOUND: RUSTLING FABRIC
JIMMY
You’re a peach, Wiktoria.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
LIMELIGHT HOTEL – HALLWAY
(QUIET HALLWAY AMBIENT)
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS WALKING DOWN HALLWAY
JIMMY (V.O.)
I was sure I’d have more time before Wiktoria found out I was in town. Yeah, I’ve got a talent for denial. So now I was expected to do favors for a quasi-reformed Vegas hood.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES OUT
SOUND: PRESSING ELEVATOR BUTTON
JIMMY (V.O.)
But no way was I was getting in a car with these two mouth-breathers. Or leading them to Big Mike Dalton.
SOUND: ELEVATOR BELL, ELEVATOR DOORS OPEN
MUSIC: SOFT MUZAK-STYLE JAZZ
(VOICES OF A DRUNK COUPLE — THE DRUNK COWBOY AND COWGIRL FROM LAST EPISODE — FADE IN AS THE ELEVATOR DOORS OPEN)
DRUNK COWBOY
Baby, don’t you worry your pretty little head ’bout it. You’ll see — I’m gonna buy you the biggest… That’s the Aussie sumbitch who hustled us downstairs!
COWGIRL
Yeah, it is him. Snap him in half! Just like Reno!
JIMMY
(IN HIS AUSTRALIAN ACCENT)
Hey, love the hat, cowboy.
WATSON
If you’ll excuse us, sir, we —
DRUNK COWBOY
Gonna take my money out of your ass, you little —
JIMMY
I’m being rude. Let me introduce my friends, mate.
SOUND: SCUFFLING
MUSIC: ACTION CUE
CRICK
What the hell? Who you think you’re shoving, Harmon?
DRUNK COWBOY
Get outta my way, you damn dirty monkeys! I’m gonna teach that furriner punk some manners!
WATSON
Would you kindly move out of the way, sir?
CRICK
Watson, I don’t have him!
JIMMY
G’day, boys!
SOUND: STAIRWELL DOOR OPENING
WATSON
He’s taking the stairs! Crick, go. Get after him! And you — back off. Now!
SOUND: SCUFFLING SOUNDS
SOUND: HARD PUNCH
DRUNK COWBOY
Jesus H. Christ!
COWGIRL
You okay, sweetums?
SOUND: STAIRWELL DOOR CLOSING
LIMELIGHT HOTEL – STAIRWELL
(AMBIENT ECHO DURING PURSUIT)
SOUND: STAIRWELL DOOR OPENING
SOUND: RACING FOOTSTEPS
WATSON
Fast little bugger.
CRICK
Just get him!
WATSON
Hell, I’ll stop him.
SOUND: GUNSHOT
CRICK
What the hell, Watson? You out of your mind? We’re supposed to babysit him, not shoot him.
WATSON
Shut it, Crick. Your fault he slipped us in the first place. Besides, I’m thinking guy don’t need kneecaps to do whatever the hell Wiktoria needs him for.
CRICK
No, dammit, you can’t… Aw, jeez…
SOUND: MORE GUNSHOTS
LIMELIGHT HOTEL – LOBBY
(BUSY BUT SUBDUED HOTEL AMBIANCE, CASINO ATMOSPHERE AUDIBLE IN BACKGROUND)
MUSIC: HOTEL LOBBY SMOOTH JAZZ
SOUND: STAIRWELL DOOR SLAMMING OPEN
SOUND: SECURITY ALARM RINGING
WOMAN
Hey! Watch it!
JIMMY
Excuse me. Pardon me, ma’am. Oh, hey, nice shoes.
AMBER
Ah!
JIMMY
(OUT OF BREATH)
Oh, Will! And… Amber was it? Nice to see you again!
WILL
Jimmy? What the hell are you doing back here? I thought you were gone! Were those gunshots?
JIMMY
Slight change of plan! Love to catch you up, but in kind of a rush. Remember the goons from the casino?
WILL
Son of a bitch. Wiktoria’s muscle?
JIMMY
(RUNNING OFF)
Thanks! You’re an angel! A really, really big angel.
WILL
Amber, stay back!
(RUNNING)
Aaah…
SOUND: STAIRWELL DOOR OPENING
SOUND: DOOR BEING SLAMMED BACK
WATSON
Agh! My nose! What the hell?
CRICK
What’s blocking the damn door?
WILL
I’m terribly sorry. Are you all right, sir? Please, allow me to help you up. The stairs are intended for emergency exit only. The elevators are much more —
WATSON
(PAINED, AS IF HOLDING HIS NOSE)
Back off. Dammit!
CRICK
Where the hell did he go?
WILL
Let me get hotel security. Need them to shut off the alarm anyway, and I’m sure they’ll be glad to give you a hand with whatever your problem is.
CRICK
No! I mean…
WATSON
Call whoever you want. We’re paid up. Think I’m worried about… ah, crap. Son of a bitch is gone.
CRICK
Where’d that little guy go? With the goofy haircut.
WILL
Afraid I don’t know who you mean.
CRICK
Don’t be a wiseass. Think we won’t go through you to get him? You know who we are?
WILL
(SERIOUSLY)
Welcome to try it, Crick. Yeah, I know you, and who you work for. May not remember me, but I used to play offensive tackle when you were at UNLV. Couldn’t get through me then, sure as hell won’t now.
CRICK
Yeah, whatever.
SOUND: POLICE SIRENS APPROACHING
WILL
Couple ways this plays. Go about your day, tell your boss about your predicament. Or wait for the boys, spend the night downtown, cost your boss a decent chunk to post for you, then explain. Choice is yours.
WATSON
This ain’t over. Archer, right? Don’t for a second think I don’t know you did this on purpose. I don’t forget so easy. You know who we work for? She sure as hell ain’t gonna be happy. Damn sure about that.
WILL
End of the day, I got no beef, with you or your boss. Just don’t want no trouble in my place.
WATSON
(SNEERINGLY)
Your place? Keep on thinking that, big guy.
CRICK
We’ve got to move. Wiktoria’s not going to be happy.
WATSON
Whatever. I got a plan for that little ferret anyway.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS RUNNING OFF
WILL
Amber, you okay?
AMBER
I… I think so.
WILL
Come on, let’s get you somewhere safe.
LAS VEGAS STRIP
(CACOPHONY OF VEGAS AT NIGHT — CARS, PEOPLE, MUSIC)
SOUND: RUNNING FOOTSTEPS, SLOWING TO A JOG
JIMMY
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Whew! Hey, I’m just gonna take this first cab here. In kind of a rush. You don’t mind, do you? Thanks!
TOURIST
What? Um… no, I guess… it’s okay…
SOUND: CAR DOOR OPENING
JIMMY
Take me to the Remington.
SOUND: CAR DOOR CLOSING
LAS VEGAS TAXI DRIVER 1
Sure thing.
JIMMY (V.O.)
I talked before about big-money backing. But there are other ways money changes hands here. One is a culture where players stake each other. Nothing bank-breaking, but enough to show solidarity. The other is what’s called a “prop bet.” Poker players will bet on anything — from which cards will come up next to whether someone can live in a hotel bathroom at the Belle Époque for a month. Prop bet money can get bigger than anything on the table. The debts I was trying to collect fell into both categories. I’ll spare you the specifics.
(AMBIENT NOISES FADE OUT)
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
REMINGTON HOTEL – CASINO BAR
(A MORE SUBDUED ATMOSPHERE THAN THE LIMELIGHT, BUT STILL ACTIVE)
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES OUT
MUSIC: COUNTRY-TINGED BACKGROUND MUSIC
(BIG MIKE DALTON SPEAKS WITH A LACONIC, WESTERN DRAWL; IF EVER A VOICE COULD BE DESCRIBED AS LEATHERY, IT WOULD BE HIS.)
BIG MIKE
(WEARILY)
Have to say, Vera, not one of my better evenings.
VERA
Sorry to hear it, Big Mike. Another MacCutcheon?
BIG MIKE
Please… Say, any movement on that place you were thinking ’bout opening up?
SOUND: POURING DRINK
VERA
(LAUGHING)
Still haven’t able to pull enough scratch to start anything decent. ’Least not where the action is. I prefer to be around where there’s real drama. Not the sad sacks drowning sorrows and losing pension funds.
BIG MIKE
I know the feeling.
VERA
And this place is fine by me. Old school. Even with the new owners, Tommy does right by me.
SOUND: BARSTOOL PULLING UP
(HUTCH SOUNDS OVERWEIGHT AND PERPETUALLY EXHAUSTED, SPEAKING AS IF EACH SENTENCE REQUIRED HERCULEAN EFFORT.)
HUTCH
Mike. Waste of a perfectly good evening. Do better on the floor ’stead of posing for the cameras.
BIG MIKE
Least you only have to do one taping. I’m back for the next round in… let me see… twenty-two minutes. Take it the action didn’t turn around any?
HUTCH
Guess I came in ’bout even at session’s end. Munson’s in sad shape. Once I saw he was on tilt, I took it as my cue to play things safe ’til they wrapped.
BIG MIKE
Hutch, my friend, bend an elbow. What’ll you have?
HUTCH
Maker’s. Neat. Make it a double if you’re buying.
BIG MIKE
I’m not exactly rolling in dough. But for you…
VERA
Coming right up.
SOUND: BOTTLES RATTLING
HUTCH
At least your face is smiling all over the All-In Poker site. Can’t get away from it.
SOUND: POURING DRINK
BIG MIKE
Just means I’m contractually obligated to do all these “watch the experts play” TV shows.
HUTCH
I hear you. Truth is, floor play’s not much better. What happened to all the wannabes trying to follow in Moneymaker’s shoes? Used to line up to play at our table. All’s I’m seeing now’s these online lagtards.
BIG MIKE
Fame is a fickle mistress. To better times.
SOUND: GLASSES CLINKING
HUTCH
Least you had fame. Goin’ on four decades and they don’t know me from a hole in the wall.
BIG MIKE
Count yourself lucky. Low fame, low expectations.
JIMMY
Um… Big Mike?
BIG MIKE
(ABSENTLY)
Son, I appreciate the attention, but my friend and I are just enjoying a quiet drink. Now if you don’t —
JIMMY
Mike. It’s me. Jimmy Harmon.
BIG MIKE
(BEAT)
Oh, right… Jimmy. Been a while. You know Hutch?
JIMMY
Only by reputation. Bob Hutchinson. Big admirer of your play. To this day, the bad beat you took in the eighty-four Series was one of the sickest I’ve seen.
HUTCH
Well, I’ll be. Boy’s either rightly respectful or a half-decent bluffer.
BIG MIKE
Bit of both, as I recall.
HUTCH
Pleasure to meet a fan, son. I take it you play?
JIMMY
Um… yeah. I’ve actually done pretty well. Online. Go by the handle Epimetheus Twenty-Three?
HUTCH
Sorry to say that mouthful doesn’t ring a bell. No offense — all you online boys tend to run together.
JIMMY
Doesn’t matter. Just happy to meet you.
BIG MIKE
Jimmy, it’s not like I mean to be rude, but me and —
JIMMY
Uh… well, I’m not really here just to chat. I need to talk. It’s… well, it’s kind of important.
HUTCH
Ah, give the kid a minute, Mike. He’s adorable. Always said you could use a puppy. I gotta go see a man about a horse anyway. Here you go, have my seat.
SOUND: STOOL PULLING OUT
JIMMY
Thanks, Hutch. I appreciate it. Nice to meet you.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS LEAVING
BIG MIKE
So, Jimmy. What’s got you so fired up you aim to interrupt a couple old friends during our down time?
JIMMY
Well, honestly I thought you’d be happy to see me.
BIG MIKE
Happy? Son, you have really got to work on your people-reading skills you wanna play the live game.
JIMMY
Come on. You know why I’m really here, right?
BIG MIKE
Figured it weren’t just to edge your way into the old pros club. Not entirely, anyway.
(BEAT)
Jimmy, I don’t know what to say. I’m tapped out.
JIMMY
Don’t even joke, Mike. I’ve let this slide for way too long already. What about the All-In Poker site? Your name’s all over that!
BIG MIKE
And everything I’ve got is tied up in it. Ain’t just an endorsement deal. I’m a principal.
JIMMY
(A BIT PANICKED)
Wait, so you’ve got nothing?
BIG MIKE
Things been drying up lately, especially for those of us who mostly do live play. Can’t get a decent ring game going to save my life. All’s left are small-time donkeys. And that’s if I can find the time.
JIMMY
You’ve got to be getting something out of this whole thing. Or in the outside world. You’ve always been on top of what’s going on. Legitimate, underground…
BIG MIKE
’Fraid the legend’s a bit more than the reality.
JIMMY
Mike, I’m not some turnip-truck-traveler here. I need the cash. Desperately. I need the winnings I staked you for. Or at the very least, I need to get in on something profitable.
BIG MIKE
Look, you’re talented and all. Don’t get me wrong. But as I gather, your online play’s off the table…
JIMMY
What have you heard?
BIG MIKE
May not run with that crowd, but I follow current events. Your situation in turn makes your endorsement prospects a mite thin. And live play ain’t exactly your… your niche.
JIMMY
The game’s the game. And I’m damned good at it!
BIG MIKE
I’m not talkin’ easy-money donkeys. You work big money — ’less you’re in for the long grind, which I don’t read you for — you’re up against people like…
JIMMY
Like you, you mean.
BIG MIKE
Not to put too fine a point on it.
JIMMY
So I’m not good enough to play with the big boys?
BIG MIKE
Jimmy, I appreciate you wantin’ to be part of the club. Really, I do. It’s flattering. Ain’t denying you online shavers got money coming and going. But there’s a long ways ’twixt pushin’ buttons and the years of blood and sweat that go into…
(SIGHS)
Look, forget I said anything. I got nothing going, so no sense arguing the point. Nobody’s backing anyone on the big-money side. Not legit, anyways.
JIMMY
(BITTERLY)
Heh. Funny you should mention that.
BIG MIKE
Now that there sounds like trouble.
JIMMY
Wiktoria Sałkiewicz.
BIG MIKE
(WHISTLES)
Sure fits the bill. Not someone you want on your bad side. What the hell got you mixed up with that shark?
JIMMY
It’s complicated. But a backer’s a backer, right?
BIG MIKE
Your brain must be sun-fried. You have any idea how risky it is to get mixed up with someone like her?
JIMMY
Not like I can change it now. She wants me to help her with some stuff. And without a decent bankroll to build on, I don’t have a lot of leverage to say no.
BIG MIKE
(SIGHS)
Jimmy, I want you to listen. Give me one last chance to pass on a share of wisdom. Putting on my wise-old-man face now. You’ve gotten damned lucky so far.
JIMMY
Hey, it’s a skill game. You of all people should —
BIG MIKE
Ain’t talking about the game. It’s what’s around it. Part of it’s you being young. I get it. You catch some lucky breaks — and they were lucky — and you think nothing can touch you. ’Til the day it does.
JIMMY
I’ll admit I’m in a little deeper than usual.
BIG MIKE
See, someone might think you’re putting on a brave face here. But me? I can read you too well. Even now, you’re thinking no matter how bad things look, you just skate along, everything’ll find a way to go back to square. There ain’t no quick fix here, son. And this is some serious danger, here.
JIMMY
That makes me feel so much better.
(BEAT)
Hey, total non sequitur, but you don’t know anything about someone buying out the Limelight, do you?
BIG MIKE
What the hell makes you ask that?
JIMMY
That’s what Wiktoria has me looking into. Apparently, she thinks I’m better connected than I am. But my “contacts” are mostly just players, not… well, not the people who’d be involved at those levels.
BIG MIKE
And Wiktoria asked you?
JIMMY
Must be pretty desperate. I think she’s afraid a Limelight sale might expose her under-the-table operations.
BIG MIKE
Self-preservation is one of her strong suits.
JIMMY
Anyway, she wants me to keep it under wraps, but hell, I don’t know where to start. Thought you might at least be able to point me in the right direction.
BIG MIKE
I don’t exactly run in those circles either.
JIMMY
But like you said, you follow current events. Thought you might know of any… I don’t know, buzz going on.
BIG MIKE
Can’t say as I’ve seen anything in the funny papers. But Jimmy, if Wiktoria wants to keep this subtle-like, you might want to play things a bit quieter.
JIMMY
Yeah, will do. First day doing this kind of thing.
(BEAT)
Hey, I don’t suppose you’ve seen Peeps around, have you? Maybe she’s got something for me.
BIG MIKE
You’re not listening to a word I say, are you?
(SIGHS)
Look, here’s what I’ve got on me. Something, anyway.
SOUND: RATTLING POKER CHIPS
JIMMY
Feeling a bit guilty about stiffing me?
BIG MIKE
Might say that. Mostly hate to see what Wiktoria does, you come back empty-handed. Only ’bout a quarter what I owe, but it’s something. Cash these out, then get the hell out of town. Find something safe to occupy yourself.
JIMMY
Never was much of a grinder.
BIG MIKE
Suppose I never was neither. Old man can hope, eh?
JIMMY
Take care, Mike. Gonna see if I can get my stuff out of the Limelight without running into Wiktoria’s meatheads. And my car, which is still in the garage. Kind of need that if I plan on getting very far.
BIG MIKE
Good boy.
(CALLING OUT)
Vera, can you pour me another?
VERA
Sure, thing, Mike.
JIMMY
You see Peeps, give me a shout. You get a break — I’ve got a soft spot for old has-beens…
BIG MIKE
Watch it.
JIMMY
But her, not a chance.
SOUND: CHAIR PULLING OUT
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS WALKING OFF
VERA
Here you go, Mike. This one’s on me. Really looks like you need it more than usual.
BIG MIKE
Thanks, Vera. Always appreciated. Some days…
VERA
Mind if I give you a bit of… well, not advice, so much as observation? Just… remember why you’re doing it. All of it. Don’t get me wrong — we all have to pay the bills — but remember what gets you out of bed, what keeps you in this particular line.
BIG MIKE
Sometimes I wonder, Vera. I really do.
(SOFTLY)
Damn, kid. You really have no clue just how much trouble you’re in.
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 — “Outstanding Debts,” episode two 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, Lydia Kraniotis as Wiktoria Sałkiewicz, Joel Snyder as Big Mike Dalton, James E. Lewis as Will Archer, Aimee Thibert as Amber, Kevin Murray as Bob “Hutch” Hutchinson, Arnetia Walker as Vera, Alex Stinson as Watson, Christopher Walker as Wilmer Crick, Nick DePinto as the Drunk Cowboy, and Schuyler Atkins as the Cowgirl — with additional voices by Anna Coughlan, William R. Coughlan, and Kim Davenport.
(BEAT)
Recorded at Arlington Independent Media, with supplemental recording at Tohubohu Productions in Burke, Virginia.
(BEAT)
Music by Brooks Tegler, with special thanks to Don Lerman for providing supplemental music for this episode. 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.
(BEAT)
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 next episode of Quorum: The Gambler’s Tale!
MUSIC: CLOSING MUSIC ENDS
ANONYMOUS POKER ROOM
(SECLUDED POKER ROOM AMBIENCE)
SOUND: CARD BURN, THREE CARDS DEALT
SECRET DEALER
The flop is… nine of diamonds, three of hearts, and nine of hearts.
SOUND: CARD BURN, ONE CARD DEALT
SECRET DEALER
Now the turn… five of diamonds.
SOUND: CARD BURN, ONE CARD DEALT
SECRET DEALER
And the river… ace of clubs.
Text © William R. Coughlan, under license to Jabberwocky Audio Theater. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.