WINNER OF THE PLAYWRIGHTS FIRST AWARD IN THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW
By
Jeffrey Harper
But if I was born in sin and guilt was with me already when my mother conceived me, where, I ask
you, Lord, where or when was I, your servant, ever innocent?
- Saint Augustine, Confessions, Book 1
ACT I
(Lights come up sharp and bright on the Chorus – like a knife.)
CHORUS
"If the scourge slay suddenly, He will mock at the trial of the innocent. The earth is given into the hands of the wicked. He covereth the faces of the judges thereof. If it not be he, then who is it?"
(A beat. Then firmly)
Job 9: 21 to 24.
(Lights quickly up on TOM in his office. He greets, with mild surprise, ALISON POWELL, black, attractive, forthright.)
TOM
Dr. Powell, Tom Harrison, please come in and sit down. No trouble getting here?
ALLISON
None at all.
TOM
Good. Have a seat.
ALLISON
Thank you.
TOM
You come highly recommended by my brother. Did you work with Pete at the hospital or at the jail?
ALLISON
The hospital.
TOM
See Pete often?
ALLISON
Not lately. I've been busy teaching.
TOM
Where? N.Y.U.? Columbia?
ALLISON
City College.
TOM
Ah. Well…Where'd you get your Ph.D.?
ALLISON
Yale.
TOM
Much better.
ALLISON
Want to know my S.A.T. scores?
TOM
No. Not yet. So…Have you ever testified in court before?
ALLISON
No. But next month, I do, in Family Court. Custody case.
TOM
Aw, Christ, that sucks. Peter says you're a very good psychologist.
ALLISON
I am.
TOM
Excellent. By the way, you may find that I'm rather blunt. It's not to everyone's liking.
ALLISON
No, it isn't.
TOM
So, we begin on the morning of June third, 1991, in the Glenmore Projects in East New York, Brooklyn. The victim was Wilma Davis, black, in her sixties. A neighbor, with keys to the apartment found her.
(Lights up on crime scene. HOUSING POLICE DETECTIVE JEROME BURTON stands up. He is dressed in civilian clothes with his SHIELD hung around his neck and wears a gold cross on a chain. CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHS FLASH.)
TOM (CONT'D)
Wilma Davis was D.O.A.: “dead on arrival.” There was blood in the living room, on the sofa, on the carpet. There was blood in the kitchen, on the floor, on the cabinets, in the sink. There was blood in the hallway leading to Wilma Davis's bedroom, spatters of blood sprayed against the wall. Did I mention – it was very –
ALLISON
Bloody?
TOM
Why, yes! The victim was naked. They found her with her hands over her head beside the bed and the blood-stained sheets. Her mouth was encrusted with… Jewels! No, sorry, it was blood. Oh, well! A foot-long knife with a carved handle stuck out of her abdomen. A black dress lay across her bed. Near her body was a print of Leonardo's “Last Supper,” stained with – more blood! Detective Jerome Burton of the New York City Housing Police Major Case Squad arrived at the apartment at 10:30 that morning.
(Lights out on TOM and ALLISON. End CHORUS. Lights up on the office of ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY TIMOTHY CRANE. JEROME enters.)
JEROME
Hi. Jerry Burton. You’re Assistant District Attorney Crane?
TIMOTHY
Guilty as charged. Call me Tim. Let’s go over your notes. Beautiful work.
JEROME
Glad you liked it.
TIMOTHY
Where the victim lived—not a bad building, right?
JEROME
First murder ever in that building. An old lady, for Chrissakes.
TIMOTHY
Wilma Davis, sixty-seven-year-old black female, widow, retired, lived alone. Quiet, well liked, member tenants’ association. Love this: she was expected back from visiting her son in Albany a day later, but got a ride back a day early with a friend. And then got whacked. Luck of the Irish.
JEROME
Yeah, black Irish. First we thought she surprised somebody who didn't expect her to be home, who--
TIMOTHY
Knew her, knew her schedule.
JEROME
Right. I’m telling you, it smelled like shit in there – the feces –
TIMOTHY
Whose?
JEROME
Uh – the perp’s.
TIMOTHY
Typical calling card. The lady who found the body opened both locks—top and bottom.
JEROME
The place is ransacked, the guy’s in a hurry to get out.
TIMOTHY
So, would you stand in the hallway, covered in blood, look for the keys and lock both locks?
JEROME
Unless you didn't leave by the door. Then I learned this kid was seen delivering groceries to the old lady the previous afternoon.
TIMOTHY
Right. Our perp—what's his name again?
JEROME
Daniel Judgeson.
(Lights out on JEROME and TIMOTHY. Lights up on TOM and ALLISON.)
ALLISON
Who are your clients?
TOM
They vary. I do some civil work, some personal injury stuff and I also represent a certain number of drug dealers and violent criminals who pay very high fees to pay for my very fine hand-sewn suits like this one. Gorgeous, isn’t it? A blend of silk and –
ALLISON
Grandiosity and pretension.
TOM
Exactly – perfect for my clientele. See, even if I lose a case, it always looks like my clients had the best lawyer money could buy. And usually, frankly, they do.
ALLISON
And did you buy those diplomas from Princeton and Colombia Law?
TOM
Yes, but I had to go to Princeton for four years and Columbia for three years before I could take them home.
ALLISON
Your brother said you worked in Family Court. Why did you stop?
TOM
Because I don't like children. They make lousy defendants, lousy witnesses, they contradict themselves, they're unreliable, they're easily confused, they don't know what they want, and, being children, they can't be responsible for what they do or say. Which is the only way they differ from my criminal clients now. They may not like it, but they accept it. If it's not too inconvenient, I'd like you to interview Daniel this week.
ALLISON
But I haven't agreed to work on the case.
TOM
Are you disagreeing to work on the case?
ALLISON
Not exactly--
TOM
Look, this kid needs your help, and my brother says you're a good psychologist, and the fact that you're black helps—I think. I think Daniel would trust you more than a white shrink. Black patients generally prefer black psychologists, right?
ALLISON
Well--
TOM
Isn't that so?
ALLISON
In some cases, but I--
TOM
I think it's insane, but we're definitely going to trial—the kid insists he's innocent but--but—I think I can probably get us a predominantly black jury.
ALLISON
You're saying he's guilty.
TOM
Ninety-nine percent of my clients are.
ALLISON
You're sending me down as a formality.
TOM
Listen, the kid’s already done a year, waiting for his trial to come up. He needs your help.
ALLISON
Why mine? Because of the color of my skin?
TOM
It couldn't hurt. It's an opportunity in your life when being black is an advantage. By the way, what do you prefer to be called: black or African-American?
ALLISON
My patients call me Doctor Powell.
TOM
I’m sure they’re afraid not to.
ALLISON
Correct me if I'm wrong, Mr. Harrison--
TOM
My clients call me Tom. My white enemies call me Uncle Tom. Because I do such nice things for black people.
ALLISON
Yes, well, correct me if I'm wrong, but are you suggesting that I should feel responsible for this boy Daniel because we're members of the same race?
TOM
I certainly wouldn't object if you do. I'm sure I'm not telling you anything new--
ALLISON
But you're going to tell me anyway.
TOM
Yes. Listen: I'm the kid’s third lawyer. He was turned down by one, because Daniel wanted to plead innocent and the lawyer didn't want it to go to trial. The second lawyer didn't like the case. We’re not dealing with some honors student framed by corrupt cops, all right? This kid doesn’t just come from the bottom of the barrel. He is the bottom. He’s got nothing. Except me and, I hope, you. By the way, you're a Yale psychologist, tell me, when did the word "nigger" become a litmus test for racists?
ALLISON
Your brother's told me about you, but, I just don't think this is going to work out--
TOM
Why? Because I'm not nice? You want nice? Go to fucking Sesame Street! My clients needed nice when they were born! Now they need me!
ALLISON
Guess what—I'm not your client.
TOM
Too bad, I could teach you some things. Because when you go to Family Court, they'll feast on you for lunch and dinner. 'Cause it ain't Yale down there—it’s New Haven. So, will you see Mr. Judgeson?
ALLISON
I'll see him once. Then I'll decide. If I see him and don't want to continue, then you find another psychologist. And if you subpoena me and my report, I can assure you that you won't appreciate my testimony.
(Exploding in a controlled rage)
But do not screw with me again! I'm not intimidated by some preppy punk in a hand-sewn suit! You understand?
TOM
That's more than fair, Doctor. My secretary will arrange your visit to see Daniel at Riker's Island and send over his school records. Thank you for your time, Doctor Powell. I think you're--
ALLISON
Please don't tell me I'm a credit to my race.
TOM
I wouldn't. I haven't seen your work. Or your S.A.T.'s. I think you're going to be interesting to work with.
ALLISON
You think you beat me, don't you?
TOM
No—I think we're partners—in crime.
(ALLISON exits. TOM goes to the confessional. The confessional screen open.)
PRIEST
Yes, my son?
TOM
Father, forgive me, for I have sinned. It's been twenty-five years since my last confession.
PRIEST
Well, I hope you brought camping equipment; you could be here for a while.
TOM
Father?
PRIEST
Yes, my son?
TOM
Blow me.
(Pause. TOM takes out a cigarette, puts it in his mouth.)
PRIEST
For Gods sakes, you can't smoke in here--
TOM
They'll think it's incense. Virginia incense.
(Pauses.)
How are Mom and Dad?
PETER
Why don’t you come and visit? No word from you in months. Last time I saw you was here—for what? Thirty seconds?
TOM
This is where I like to see priests—behind bars.
PETER
Look, there are other people I've got to see. Wait until I'm done, and we'll go to Aqueduct and bet the quinella.
TOM
No time.
PETER
So, what do you want? Not confession--
TOM
Pete, I'm not one of your lost sheep. Or sacrificial lambs.
PETER
Okay, so let’s just watch the ponies run, get some dinner—you can still hate me later--
TOM
Not you, Pete—what you're a part of. You take any good people find in themselves and make them give it up and then be grateful to God for it. The only thing you leave them with is their stinking sin and evil, and then you get to pardon them for it.
PETER
Another atheist who's an expert on the Church. You know, seeking love and reconciliation never seemed like such a terrible idea to me.
TOM
I’m sorry, is there an air sick bag in here so I can vomit?
PETER
Get out of my church. Your time's up.
TOM
You haven't absolved me.
PETER
You haven't confessed. You do stink—you stink of hate. Now get out. There are people waiting to worship.
TOM
I know what you guys worship.
(Shoves a twenty-dollar bill through the confessional screen.)
I can't buy an entire mass, but maybe it'll pay for a minute of your God's love.
PETER
Right—we should do what you do—charge by the hour.
TOM
Thanks for sending me Allison. Black psychologist. Nice touch. And nice ass. Try not to screw the altar boys – dickhead.
(TOM crosses to his office, picks up the phone. Lights up on ADA TIMOTHY CRANE—played by the same actor who portrays PETER – who answers phone.)
TIMOTHY
ADA Crane.
TOM
It's your old buddy and colleague Tom Harrison.
TIMOTHY
Thanks for calling me back. Why are you going to trial on this piece of shit?
TOM
Because you're prosecuting.
TIMOTHY
I'm shaking. Don't you make more money defending drug dealers?
TOM
I'm glad you're head's still stuck up your ass so you have a good view of the shit that's about to come down on your head.
TIMOTHY
Tom, I know the kid canned his first two lawyers, but tell him he's made a mistake. It's murder-two. Go to trial on this and I got very little room to negotiate sentence. He'll do hard time in the state system--
TOM
Listen, Tim: I'm not only coming downtown, I'm going downtown on you.
TIMOTHY
Tom, cut the crap. He can plead down to ten to fifteen, maybe, I'll work it out, but do not betray this kid's interests to put a show on in court. Like you said, he's poor and black: he can’t afford a great lawyer—he’s got you. Don't fuck with his life, Tom, because we will. That's our job, not yours. Bye.
(Hangs up.)
TOM
Okay, now what?
***
[END OF EXCERPT]
© Jeffrey Harper. May not be reproduced or transmitted without author's permission.
By
Jeffrey Harper
But if I was born in sin and guilt was with me already when my mother conceived me, where, I ask
you, Lord, where or when was I, your servant, ever innocent?
- Saint Augustine, Confessions, Book 1
ACT I
(Lights come up sharp and bright on the Chorus – like a knife.)
CHORUS
"If the scourge slay suddenly, He will mock at the trial of the innocent. The earth is given into the hands of the wicked. He covereth the faces of the judges thereof. If it not be he, then who is it?"
(A beat. Then firmly)
Job 9: 21 to 24.
(Lights quickly up on TOM in his office. He greets, with mild surprise, ALISON POWELL, black, attractive, forthright.)
TOM
Dr. Powell, Tom Harrison, please come in and sit down. No trouble getting here?
ALLISON
None at all.
TOM
Good. Have a seat.
ALLISON
Thank you.
TOM
You come highly recommended by my brother. Did you work with Pete at the hospital or at the jail?
ALLISON
The hospital.
TOM
See Pete often?
ALLISON
Not lately. I've been busy teaching.
TOM
Where? N.Y.U.? Columbia?
ALLISON
City College.
TOM
Ah. Well…Where'd you get your Ph.D.?
ALLISON
Yale.
TOM
Much better.
ALLISON
Want to know my S.A.T. scores?
TOM
No. Not yet. So…Have you ever testified in court before?
ALLISON
No. But next month, I do, in Family Court. Custody case.
TOM
Aw, Christ, that sucks. Peter says you're a very good psychologist.
ALLISON
I am.
TOM
Excellent. By the way, you may find that I'm rather blunt. It's not to everyone's liking.
ALLISON
No, it isn't.
TOM
So, we begin on the morning of June third, 1991, in the Glenmore Projects in East New York, Brooklyn. The victim was Wilma Davis, black, in her sixties. A neighbor, with keys to the apartment found her.
(Lights up on crime scene. HOUSING POLICE DETECTIVE JEROME BURTON stands up. He is dressed in civilian clothes with his SHIELD hung around his neck and wears a gold cross on a chain. CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHS FLASH.)
TOM (CONT'D)
Wilma Davis was D.O.A.: “dead on arrival.” There was blood in the living room, on the sofa, on the carpet. There was blood in the kitchen, on the floor, on the cabinets, in the sink. There was blood in the hallway leading to Wilma Davis's bedroom, spatters of blood sprayed against the wall. Did I mention – it was very –
ALLISON
Bloody?
TOM
Why, yes! The victim was naked. They found her with her hands over her head beside the bed and the blood-stained sheets. Her mouth was encrusted with… Jewels! No, sorry, it was blood. Oh, well! A foot-long knife with a carved handle stuck out of her abdomen. A black dress lay across her bed. Near her body was a print of Leonardo's “Last Supper,” stained with – more blood! Detective Jerome Burton of the New York City Housing Police Major Case Squad arrived at the apartment at 10:30 that morning.
(Lights out on TOM and ALLISON. End CHORUS. Lights up on the office of ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY TIMOTHY CRANE. JEROME enters.)
JEROME
Hi. Jerry Burton. You’re Assistant District Attorney Crane?
TIMOTHY
Guilty as charged. Call me Tim. Let’s go over your notes. Beautiful work.
JEROME
Glad you liked it.
TIMOTHY
Where the victim lived—not a bad building, right?
JEROME
First murder ever in that building. An old lady, for Chrissakes.
TIMOTHY
Wilma Davis, sixty-seven-year-old black female, widow, retired, lived alone. Quiet, well liked, member tenants’ association. Love this: she was expected back from visiting her son in Albany a day later, but got a ride back a day early with a friend. And then got whacked. Luck of the Irish.
JEROME
Yeah, black Irish. First we thought she surprised somebody who didn't expect her to be home, who--
TIMOTHY
Knew her, knew her schedule.
JEROME
Right. I’m telling you, it smelled like shit in there – the feces –
TIMOTHY
Whose?
JEROME
Uh – the perp’s.
TIMOTHY
Typical calling card. The lady who found the body opened both locks—top and bottom.
JEROME
The place is ransacked, the guy’s in a hurry to get out.
TIMOTHY
So, would you stand in the hallway, covered in blood, look for the keys and lock both locks?
JEROME
Unless you didn't leave by the door. Then I learned this kid was seen delivering groceries to the old lady the previous afternoon.
TIMOTHY
Right. Our perp—what's his name again?
JEROME
Daniel Judgeson.
(Lights out on JEROME and TIMOTHY. Lights up on TOM and ALLISON.)
ALLISON
Who are your clients?
TOM
They vary. I do some civil work, some personal injury stuff and I also represent a certain number of drug dealers and violent criminals who pay very high fees to pay for my very fine hand-sewn suits like this one. Gorgeous, isn’t it? A blend of silk and –
ALLISON
Grandiosity and pretension.
TOM
Exactly – perfect for my clientele. See, even if I lose a case, it always looks like my clients had the best lawyer money could buy. And usually, frankly, they do.
ALLISON
And did you buy those diplomas from Princeton and Colombia Law?
TOM
Yes, but I had to go to Princeton for four years and Columbia for three years before I could take them home.
ALLISON
Your brother said you worked in Family Court. Why did you stop?
TOM
Because I don't like children. They make lousy defendants, lousy witnesses, they contradict themselves, they're unreliable, they're easily confused, they don't know what they want, and, being children, they can't be responsible for what they do or say. Which is the only way they differ from my criminal clients now. They may not like it, but they accept it. If it's not too inconvenient, I'd like you to interview Daniel this week.
ALLISON
But I haven't agreed to work on the case.
TOM
Are you disagreeing to work on the case?
ALLISON
Not exactly--
TOM
Look, this kid needs your help, and my brother says you're a good psychologist, and the fact that you're black helps—I think. I think Daniel would trust you more than a white shrink. Black patients generally prefer black psychologists, right?
ALLISON
Well--
TOM
Isn't that so?
ALLISON
In some cases, but I--
TOM
I think it's insane, but we're definitely going to trial—the kid insists he's innocent but--but—I think I can probably get us a predominantly black jury.
ALLISON
You're saying he's guilty.
TOM
Ninety-nine percent of my clients are.
ALLISON
You're sending me down as a formality.
TOM
Listen, the kid’s already done a year, waiting for his trial to come up. He needs your help.
ALLISON
Why mine? Because of the color of my skin?
TOM
It couldn't hurt. It's an opportunity in your life when being black is an advantage. By the way, what do you prefer to be called: black or African-American?
ALLISON
My patients call me Doctor Powell.
TOM
I’m sure they’re afraid not to.
ALLISON
Correct me if I'm wrong, Mr. Harrison--
TOM
My clients call me Tom. My white enemies call me Uncle Tom. Because I do such nice things for black people.
ALLISON
Yes, well, correct me if I'm wrong, but are you suggesting that I should feel responsible for this boy Daniel because we're members of the same race?
TOM
I certainly wouldn't object if you do. I'm sure I'm not telling you anything new--
ALLISON
But you're going to tell me anyway.
TOM
Yes. Listen: I'm the kid’s third lawyer. He was turned down by one, because Daniel wanted to plead innocent and the lawyer didn't want it to go to trial. The second lawyer didn't like the case. We’re not dealing with some honors student framed by corrupt cops, all right? This kid doesn’t just come from the bottom of the barrel. He is the bottom. He’s got nothing. Except me and, I hope, you. By the way, you're a Yale psychologist, tell me, when did the word "nigger" become a litmus test for racists?
ALLISON
Your brother's told me about you, but, I just don't think this is going to work out--
TOM
Why? Because I'm not nice? You want nice? Go to fucking Sesame Street! My clients needed nice when they were born! Now they need me!
ALLISON
Guess what—I'm not your client.
TOM
Too bad, I could teach you some things. Because when you go to Family Court, they'll feast on you for lunch and dinner. 'Cause it ain't Yale down there—it’s New Haven. So, will you see Mr. Judgeson?
ALLISON
I'll see him once. Then I'll decide. If I see him and don't want to continue, then you find another psychologist. And if you subpoena me and my report, I can assure you that you won't appreciate my testimony.
(Exploding in a controlled rage)
But do not screw with me again! I'm not intimidated by some preppy punk in a hand-sewn suit! You understand?
TOM
That's more than fair, Doctor. My secretary will arrange your visit to see Daniel at Riker's Island and send over his school records. Thank you for your time, Doctor Powell. I think you're--
ALLISON
Please don't tell me I'm a credit to my race.
TOM
I wouldn't. I haven't seen your work. Or your S.A.T.'s. I think you're going to be interesting to work with.
ALLISON
You think you beat me, don't you?
TOM
No—I think we're partners—in crime.
(ALLISON exits. TOM goes to the confessional. The confessional screen open.)
PRIEST
Yes, my son?
TOM
Father, forgive me, for I have sinned. It's been twenty-five years since my last confession.
PRIEST
Well, I hope you brought camping equipment; you could be here for a while.
TOM
Father?
PRIEST
Yes, my son?
TOM
Blow me.
(Pause. TOM takes out a cigarette, puts it in his mouth.)
PRIEST
For Gods sakes, you can't smoke in here--
TOM
They'll think it's incense. Virginia incense.
(Pauses.)
How are Mom and Dad?
PETER
Why don’t you come and visit? No word from you in months. Last time I saw you was here—for what? Thirty seconds?
TOM
This is where I like to see priests—behind bars.
PETER
Look, there are other people I've got to see. Wait until I'm done, and we'll go to Aqueduct and bet the quinella.
TOM
No time.
PETER
So, what do you want? Not confession--
TOM
Pete, I'm not one of your lost sheep. Or sacrificial lambs.
PETER
Okay, so let’s just watch the ponies run, get some dinner—you can still hate me later--
TOM
Not you, Pete—what you're a part of. You take any good people find in themselves and make them give it up and then be grateful to God for it. The only thing you leave them with is their stinking sin and evil, and then you get to pardon them for it.
PETER
Another atheist who's an expert on the Church. You know, seeking love and reconciliation never seemed like such a terrible idea to me.
TOM
I’m sorry, is there an air sick bag in here so I can vomit?
PETER
Get out of my church. Your time's up.
TOM
You haven't absolved me.
PETER
You haven't confessed. You do stink—you stink of hate. Now get out. There are people waiting to worship.
TOM
I know what you guys worship.
(Shoves a twenty-dollar bill through the confessional screen.)
I can't buy an entire mass, but maybe it'll pay for a minute of your God's love.
PETER
Right—we should do what you do—charge by the hour.
TOM
Thanks for sending me Allison. Black psychologist. Nice touch. And nice ass. Try not to screw the altar boys – dickhead.
(TOM crosses to his office, picks up the phone. Lights up on ADA TIMOTHY CRANE—played by the same actor who portrays PETER – who answers phone.)
TIMOTHY
ADA Crane.
TOM
It's your old buddy and colleague Tom Harrison.
TIMOTHY
Thanks for calling me back. Why are you going to trial on this piece of shit?
TOM
Because you're prosecuting.
TIMOTHY
I'm shaking. Don't you make more money defending drug dealers?
TOM
I'm glad you're head's still stuck up your ass so you have a good view of the shit that's about to come down on your head.
TIMOTHY
Tom, I know the kid canned his first two lawyers, but tell him he's made a mistake. It's murder-two. Go to trial on this and I got very little room to negotiate sentence. He'll do hard time in the state system--
TOM
Listen, Tim: I'm not only coming downtown, I'm going downtown on you.
TIMOTHY
Tom, cut the crap. He can plead down to ten to fifteen, maybe, I'll work it out, but do not betray this kid's interests to put a show on in court. Like you said, he's poor and black: he can’t afford a great lawyer—he’s got you. Don't fuck with his life, Tom, because we will. That's our job, not yours. Bye.
(Hangs up.)
TOM
Okay, now what?
***
[END OF EXCERPT]
© Jeffrey Harper. May not be reproduced or transmitted without author's permission.
