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turning to page one
turning to page one
There are two police cars, an ambulance, a tow-truck and a fire engine in front of the house. Raleigh and two paramedics roll the priest on a gurney. Raleigh holds the priest’s hand.
PARAMEDIC
I think he may’ve broken his ankle.
RALEIGH
That’s not terribly serious, is it?
(to the priest)
Do you have an alternative?
The priest shakes his head.
Eli is being questioned by a police officer. His warpaint is smeared, and there are several bandages on his head and arms. He looks very upset.
ELI
At which point I apparently lost control
of the vehicle, smashed it into the
house, and killed that poor dog.
The police officer studies Eli’s driver’s license.
POLICE OFFICER
You’re Eli Cash.
ELI
(pause)
I am, indeed.
POLICE OFFICER
I love your work.
ELI
(touched)
How sweet of you to say so.
Royal stands among a group of firemen with a dalmation.
ROYAL
I think he’s part mutt. What kind of
papers you got for him?
One of the firemen shrugs. Royal points at the dalmation.
ROYAL (CONT’D)
Sparkplug. Sit.
The dalmation sits. Royal looks impressed.
Dusty stands with Richie on the sidewalk and examines his eye. It is scratched badly and looks terrible.
DUSTY
Can you see out of it?
Richie covers his good eye to test his bad eye.
RICHIE
Not really.
CONTINUED: (2)
DUSTY
Uh-huh. Minor corneal damage. Page me
This scene
Raleigh and Dudley stand next to each other wearing firemen’s helmets. Dudley laughs crazily.
RALEIGH
What’s so funny, Dudley?
DUDLEY
You look great!
Henry and Walter survey the scene from the smashed-out living room window. Walter points to the rubble.
WALTER
But these aren’t structure-bearing
elements, Dad.
HENRY
It doesn’t matter. It’s still best to
file under force majeure and recoup the
deductible.
Ari and Uzi try to look at Buckley under Eli’s car as several firemen and tow-truck drivers attach straps and chains to the wheels and axle. Etheline goes over to them.
ETHELINE
You boys come over here with me.
ARI
But Buckley’s still under there.
ETHELINE
I know, but there’s nothing we can do
for him, at the moment.
Royal takes the dalmation over to Chas.
ROYAL
I got you a new dog for the boys.
Chas looks at the dalmation. He looks back to Royal.
CHAS
What’s this?
ROYAL
I just bought him.
CHAS
You did?
Royal nods. Silence.
CONTINUED: (3)
ROYAL
I’m sorry I let you down, Chas. All of
you. I’ve been trying to make it up to
you.
Royal holds out the leash. Chas hesitates. He takes it.
CHAS
What’s his name?
ROYAL
(quietly)
Sparkplug.
CHAS
Thank you.
ROYAL
You’re welcome.
Chas suddenly starts crying. He stares at the ground.
CHAS
We’ve had a rough year, Dad.
ROYAL
I know you have, Chassie.
Royal puts his hand on Chas’ head. Chas looks to Royal and takes a deep breath. He nods. Royal watches as Chas takes the dalmation over to Ari and Uzi and talks to them quietly for a minute.
Uzi pets the dalmation. Ari takes the leash. Etheline looks to Royal. Royal looks back at her. Etheline smiles sadly.