Scene 2: Ilwaco, WA, – Same day, very late at night
John pulls the car up a gravel driveway. It is very dark outside. Outside the sea can be heard. A couple of dogs come out to greet them. John pulls the car into a camouflaged barn. The barn is only lit by a hurricane lamp. John turns off the engine and they get out of the car.
John
(a little tense to Party Balls)
You make sure to burn everything? No one followed you? The car is taken car of?
While John dishes it out with Party Balls, Jane empties out her purse into a large steel can. She unloads, John’s beer glass from Cleofus’ and a pile of dirty napkins, filled with cigarette butts.
Party Balls
Easy dude, have I ever let you down?
John
(raising his voice)
Yeah, you have.
Jane
(interrupting)
Baby, leave it.
John
Sorry man, I’m just beat.
Party Balls
(agitated)
And I’m not! I’m fuckin’ hiding you here outta the kindness…
John
(interrupting)
…of your fuckin guilt.
Party Balls
Jesus Christ, it was that one time, that one fucking time…
John
One time could’ve been the last!
Party Balls
But it wasn’t! God forbid you ever make a mistake St. John!
Jane
(stepping between them)
Christ you two meatballs, enough!
Party Balls and John stare each other down
Jane
Are you kidding me with this? Stop it! (pause) Jesus, why don’t you just show us to our room and we’ll deal in the morning.
They continue to stare at each other.
Jane
(raising her voice)
Now!
Startling both men, Party Balls leads them to a loft in the barn. They ascend the makeshift stairs. The loft is rustic and cozy. A queen bed lies in the corner of the space. A Japanese screen separates the bed from the rest of the space. A large window covered with red gingham fabric covers the window. In front of the window is a writing desk with a laptop and some miscellaneous papers and items. A clothing rack with a few items of clothing sits across the room adjacent to the bed.
Party Balls
It ain’t much…
John
(forgiving him)
Thanks man.
Party Balls and John hug one another.
Jane
Ah, now kiss and make up.
Party Balls
Shut the hell up!
He playfully grabs Jane into a headlock. Jane screams laughing.
Party Balls
(letting Jane go)
All right ya criminals, I’ll see ya in the morning.
Party Balls exits. John puts the couple’s bags down.
John
We’re gonna be safe here baby.
He kisses Jane and pulls her close to him.
John
Why don’t you get yourself into bed, sweetheart.
Jane nods and crosses to the bed. He picks up the bag of money and situates himself at the desk. Next to the desk is a safe. John opens the safe revealing a lot of money. There he begins to count the cash and stack it. Jane takes off her shoes and stretches out on the bed. A small end table sits next to the bed. A top of it is a picture of John and her at their favorite bar. Jane grabs the photo and laughs.
John
(still counting)
What’s up doll?
Jane
That seems so long ago.
John
Huh?
dear diary... 