TIME, PLACE AND RISE
21st century. Ithaca, New York. Near sunset. The stage is divided into four parts:
Stage right is the combined living room/dinette area of Katherine’s house. Her small dinette table is set with plates, glasses, and silverware for two.
Downstage center is open space with a hedge.
Stage left is the living room of Atticus’s house. The upstage front door leads directly into the room.
Upstage center is a bridge. At the rise a body is seen jumping off the bridge.
[STAGE RIGHT]
KATHERINE is seated at the table. Near her (not apparent) is Troy’s .44 Magnum. Also on the table is a wrapped bouquet of cut flowers. Standing, across, in her living room are ANTHONY, LANAGAN, and YURI. As they speak TROY walks inconspicuously, from upstage to downstage center, and behind the hedge.
ANTHONY
Dammit, Kay. Don’t go stewing a Greek tragedy from this. Your husband Troy is dead.
Your son is now fourteen. Your choice is limited: The time has come to wed.
LANAGAN
It makes just common sense, to choose someone tonight. Things won’t be getting better.
YURI
Because, 10 minutes hence, her ass won’t be this tight, right? Pinches won’t forget her.
[STAGE LEFT]
A knock at the door. ATTICUS wheels his chair and opens it, to DAVID.
DAVID
Hello….
ATTICUS
O David! Christ! Hello for Heaven’s sake!
Come in. Come in. I’ve been expecting you.
DAVID enters.
DAVID
Ahh, Uncle Atticus ?…
ATTICUS
I know. I know. You needn’t say another word. Here. Have a seat.
DAVID sits.
DAVID
I’m fourteen, now.
ATTICUS
I know. And Happy Birthday, Son! And I told you ….
DAVID
That when I turned fourteen you’d tell me everything, what happened to my Dad.
ATTICUS
And that’s exactly what I’ll do.
DAVID
[beat] Well, what? Will I see him again?
[STAGE RIGHT]
KATHERINE
You’ve said enough and rudely have abused my hospitality.
ANTHONY
I thought a night tonight with me might stimulate your sexuality.
KATHERINE
The answers, Anthony, are no and no. I’m married and I love my husband, Troy.
YURI
She’s married and she loves her husband, Troy, Sir.
Though sexual frustration does annoy her.
YURI makes a lewd pelvic gesture, and KATHERINE stands and throws a plate at him.
LANAGAN
No need for throwing plates, Sweetheart. We’re here for safety, yours and sonny boy’s.
KATHERINE
Gods choose their heroes. Mice like you destroy.
ANTHONY
Pick one of us. Now.
YURI
Or three. The only pick she cannot pick is none. Right?
Since we’re the one protection for her son. Right?
YURI takes a step toward her. KATHERINE grabs the .44 Magnum and aims it at him.
KATHERINE
One closer step, and it will be your last.
LANAGAN
O Katherine! Please! That Magnum we all know your husband’s hand alone can use.
Don’t make us bruise those lovely lips and pinch that pretty face until you choose.
KATHERINE
GET OUT. GET OUT OF HERE!!