MY MARINERS
A Murder Mystery with Traditional American Music
By Damon DiMarco and Jeffrey Harper
(Excerpt)
In desperate conditions…men are reduced by circumstances to a state where it is incongruous to think of laws applying at
all. They are in a state of nature, where there are no legal rights, duties, or crimes…Laws exist to regulate social
arrangements in normal condition, not in wholly abnormal conditions when society breaks down.
— A.W. Brian Simpson, Cannibalism and the Common Law: The Story of the Tragic Last Voyage of the Mignonette
and the Strange Legal Proceedings to Which It Gave Rise
ACT ONE
*
Scene 1
*
(Before the curtain rises, the CHORUS of three MARINERS is on-stage singing a series of sea shanties such as “Rolling Down to Old Maui,” and playing instruments such as drums, a tin whistle, and a squeezebox. At the conclusion of the pre-curtain music, the CHORUS departs from the stage. Lights go to black.)
(A few whistled bars of the chantey “Mingulay Boat Song.” Then the scream of a ship’s whistle. And then the attack of a sudden, violent thunderclap. The sound of rain and wind. More thunder. A storm ravages Staten Island as the curtain rises to reveal the office of GOVERNOR THOMAS BRACK at the Sailors Snug Harbor. BRACK, 53, is dressed impeccably in a late 19th century tailored suit. Patrician, authoritative. He stands, dictating to ENOCH FANCHER – early 40’s, focused, dutiful, and effective – who sits behind the Governor’s desk, writing correspondence.)
BRACK
“– therefore please increase the number of prepared chickens from forty to two hundred. I expect everything to reflect perfect abundance – etceteras.” Sign my name.
(Huge thunderclap.)
FANCHER
Aye, sir. Our – visitor – what kind of man is he?
BRACK
Now? From what I hear, not much of one. Quiet. Unmarried. Solitary. Lost. A shame.
FANCHER
Cooperative?
BRACK
After what I’ve done for him? Yes.
(Another huge thunderclap FANCHER and BRACK react. FANCHER, glancing out the window)
(A knock at the door. CHARLES REINBECK enters, soaking wet. Breathing heavily. Appears struggling to maintain balance. He carries a suitcase. He is a bespectacled man in his mid-thirties, dressed in a suit of markedly lesser quality than BRACK’s.)
(REINBECK stands there for a moment, dripping. FANCHER and BRACK regard him for a beat.)
REINBECK
Governor Brack.
(A beat)
Thomas.
(BRACK takes a closer look REINBECK removes and squints at his foggy glasses)
BRACK
Charles? My word, I barely recognize you –
REINBECK
Neither do I.
BRACK
Please, sit down. Enoch, take this man’s coat. Charles – my second in command, Enoch Fancher. Enoch, quickly –
REINBECK
Really – I’m all right. Though some brandy might improve me.
BRACK
No, Charles, ship’s rules here. No liquor on board – except at Christmas, of course. Let’s get you some tea. Enoch – a bit faster –
FANCHER
Aye, sir. Tea, sir? Oolong, Earl Grey, Darjeeling?
REINBECK
As long as you brew it with rum!
(FANCHER helps a reluctant REINBECK off with his overcoat. He takes the suitcase and moves it over by the fire. He hurries out of the office.)
BRACK
Charles, are you all right? Rough crossing from Manhattan?
REINBECK
(Squinting at his wet clothes)
Very…Wet. If I recall.
BRACK
Should you be sitting?
REINBECK
Yes! With a large whiskey. Thomas, “there is a tide in the affairs of men”!
BRACK
Charles –
REINBECK
I am sailing against it!
BRACK
Of course, you’re no ordinary man coasting with the tide.
REINBECK
And that unforgiving, demon sea, drawing me back, deep in her witchery.
(Recalling his recent fear)
A wall of water – coming to claim me – again –
BRACK
Nonsense, Charles. A short voyage, for men such as us – not Cape Horn, certainly not the Flemish Cap in the height of a hard Nor’easter.
REINBECK
(Something in him wrenching)
I could barely get on the boat. And when the storm – the deck wouldn’t stop moving! I –
(His voice trails off. He pulls out a flask and drinks.)
BRACK
Charles, rules be damned, but for your sake….Still haven’t got your sea legs back?
REINBECK
(Tugging on his flask)
Nor the stomach, nor the heart –
(Exploding)
What do you expect? I’M ONLY A PETTY CLERK!
(REINBECK’s fury vanishes, replaced by self-loathing. He pulls on his flask and gags. BRACK, with tact and kindness, approaches him, gently takes the flask from his hand. Screws the cap back on. Helps REINBECK to a seat. Puts a hand on his shoulder.)
BRACK
It’s all right, Charles. You’re with friends. Who know the man you are –
REINBECK
Was.
(Beat, now collecting himself)
I am so very, very sorry to arrive this way.
BRACK
And no apologies. Our short passage – you’re right. I’ve seen it devour steamships – devour them! You’re safe in our Snug. Here.
(BRACK snaps out a clean, dry handkerchief.)
Your spectacles.
(REINBECK accepts the handkerchief, takes off his specs and begins to wipe them clean. Squinting horribly at BRACK while wiping)
REINBECK
You’re very gracious. How are you?
BRACK
Never better. Enoch! Hurry up with that tea!
(FANCHER comes back in with a cup of tea, walking gingerly so as not to spill it.)
BRACK (CONT'D)
Our visitor is a most distinguished man and a dear old friend besides. Captain Charles Reinbeck –
REINBECK
I’m not a Captain anymore –
BRACK
Now the recording secretary of the Board of Trustees.
REINBECK
Doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, does it?
BRACK
Nonsense. Once at the wheel, ever at the wheel! Quickly, Enoch!
FANCHER
Sorry, sir –
(REINBECK, clumsy without his specs, turns to accept the teacup at precisely the wrong moment. He and FANCHER collide. The tea spills all over him; he drops his glasses.)
FANCHER
Oh! Pardon me!
REINBECK
I’ll get them –
FANCHER
No. Allow me – I think they –
REINBECK
Do you see them? Where did –
FANCHER
I think – where – where did –
(FANCHER steps back and we hear a crunching sound.)
BRACK
Directly under you foot. Lovely, Enoch. Within two minutes of greeting our guest, you’ve managed to scald him with a cup of Darjeeling and blind him. What’ll you do next – set him on fire?
FANCHER
I’m desperately sorry.
BRACK
As you should be. Charles. Forgive us.
REINBECK
Given my entrance, I’d say we’re even.
(FANCHER timidly hands the shattered specs to REINBECK who pockets them in his jacket.)
BRACK
Enoch, if you could fetch another cup for Charles without baptizing him –
FANCHER
Aye, sir.
(FANCHER hurries out to make another cup of tea. BRACK takes his desk chair, across from REINBECK.)
BRACK
So. Rough start but – wonderful to see you, Charles. It’s been ages. All well with the Board?
REINBECK
I’ll make a motion to ask them the next time I see them.
BRACK
Indeed! But why waste the breath?
REINBECK
And a good year at the Snug?
BRACK
One of our best. Great improvements. New trees planted. We cleared two more acres for farming.
REINBECK
I saw a wagon of hams and sides of beef being loaded at the dock.
BRACK
The men have ravenous appetites! But occasionally we have more meat than we can consume. The Board encouraged us to trade them. For linens and clothing for the men.
REINBECK
And how many are you?
BRACK
Eight hundred and four! Eight hundred and four inmates come home from the tempest at last by the Grace of God.
REINBECK
Excuse me. “Inmates?”
BRACK
Ah. The sailors. The men. I realize the term may sound abrupt. We call our retirees “inmates” because they live and work within the confines of the Harbor’s community. I thought you knew.
(FANCHER arrives with another cup and carefully places it in REINBECK’s hands. REINBECK nods his thanks, takes a hesitant but satisfying sip.)
REINBECK
And how are their spirits?
BRACK
The men? For the most part - excellent. Most of them are extraordinarily grateful for all I – “we” – this institution and – Mr. Fancher, of course – the Board – have given them. But…
REINBECK
Yes?
BRACK
We have a few malcontents. One man in particular I could do without. But, after all, these men are sailors, Charles. You remember.
REINBECK
All the time.
(A tapping sound – click clack click – is heard outside the office. A man whistles a tune: “Lowlands Away.”)
BRACK
Well, they haven’t changed.
(A knock at the door. FANCHER opens it. J. B. McEWAN is there, late 60’s, blind. Cane in hand. He is a hearty, good-humored man with an air of perpetual mischief about him.)
McEWAN
McEwan ‘ere, sir. Orders?
(FANCHER goes to BRACK’s desk.)
BRACK
Yes, yes. John. Come in.
(McEWAN enters, expertly navigating his way into the office. He nears REINBECK’s chair and stops. Cocks his head as if listening.)
McEWAN
I smell Mr. Fancher.
BRACK
John –
McEWAN
His soap, Gov’nor.
(Beat. McEWAN pans his head, as if listening.)
Oh! Y‘ave a vis’tor. A wet one!
BRACK
To your right, John. Charles Reinbeck from the Board of Trustees.
McEWAN
The Board a’ Trustees, izzit?
(He extends his hand. REINBECK rises and accepts it.)
REINBECK
Very pleased.
McEWAN
Pleasure’s mine.
(They shake.)
REINBECK
A firm hand, Mr. McEwan!
McEWAN
From a life a’ hard labor, Mr. Reinbeck. Are ye here for business or pleasure, then, sir?
FANCHER
John, please –
(FANCHER has found the letter he wants and takes it to McEWAN, handing it to him.)
FANCHER
Instructions for the kitchen, John.
McEWAN
Aye, sir. Thank ye. Cookie tol’ me we’re due fer quite a feast tonight, izzat right, sir?
FANCHER
As always, John. As always. Thank you.
(McEWAN turns to go.)
McEWAN
Enjoy yer stay, Mr. Reinbeck.
(McEWAN exits closing the door behind him.)
REINBECK
He navigates well.
BRACK
A model inmate. The very sort of man this institution was designed to serve.
REINBECK
You must feel very proud.
BRACK
(Wryly)
As much as a good Christian can permit himself.
(Beat.)
Charles – if I may. Despite my past differences with the Board – I trust they recognize the course I’ve chosen for this institution is the right one.
REINBECK
We’re all very impressed.
BRACK
Excellent, Charles! Then – to what do we owe this pleasure?
REINBECK
You have an inmate here named Amos Parker.
(BRACK and FANCHER glance at each other.)
BRACK
Yes, of course.
REINBECK
You know this man?
(Another glance between BRACK AND FANCHER )
BRACK
Yes. One of our finest crewmen. A great help to Enoch and me here in the office.
REINBECK
Excellent. I should like very much to interview him.
BRACK
Parker?
REINBECK
Yes.
BRACK
What for?
REINBECK
Is that a problem?
(BRACK and FANCHER glance at each other.)
BRACK
I’m afraid it is.
(Beat.)
Amos Parker is dead.
REINBECK
What?
BRACK
Enoch, the door, please.
(FANCHER rises and closes the door. Takes his seat again.)
Charles, now I see why you’re here. Thank you for coming.
REINBECK
I beg your pardon?
BRACK
You heard the news.
REINBECK
No.
BRACK
(Takes in a long, tired breath.)
Amos Parker was murdered.
REINBECK
When?
BRACK
Last week. I thought you – well. It makes no difference now, I suppose. You’re here.
REINBECK
How –
BRACK
(A glance at FANCHER.)
He was found one morning in the apple orchard.
REINBECK
Yes?
BRACK
Gutted like a fish.
(Beat.)
Split with a knife from stem to stern. With his eyes gouged out.
REINBECK
Good lord. You’ve called the authorities?
(A beat)
BRACK
No. And I won’t
REINBECK
There’s been a murder in your institution –
BRACK
Precisely. My institution. My ship. One of my men – under my command – committed an atrocity. The local constables know neither the men nor this place – and in any event are too stupid to find the badges on their coats. And I will not have this institution publicly dragged through the gutter by the newspapers. We’re a closed ship. Enoch and I are near an answer. And I assure you – when we find the wretch who did this terrible thing – then we will summon the authorities. And punishment will be quick and severe.
(Beat.)
But, Charles, why did you come looking for Amos?
REINBECK
When was Parker killed?
BRACK
Wednesday? No. Thursday – Thursday before last.
FANCHER
Thursday, the 28th.
BRACK
There you are. Why?
REINBECK
I received a letter last week in the mail. Dated the 26th. From Amos Parker.
BRACK
Really. What did it say?
REINBECK
“I am in danger. I fear for my life.” Needless to say, I was curious.
BRACK
This letter. You have it with you?
REINBECK
I left it at the Trustees office on Greene Street in Manhattan.
BRACK
Has anyone -
REINBECK
(On "anyone")
No one else has seen it. You see why I’ve come. On my own initiative. Out of respect for you.
BRACK
I appreciate your discretion.
(Beat.)
Did the letter say anything else?
REINBECK
No. Not at all…You say Parker helped in this office.
BRACK
Yes. He was tireless, industrious, cheerful, generous of spirit – unhappy if he weren’t contributing to the good of the Snug – and the men. At his funeral, there wasn’t a dry eye.
REINBECK
Beloved by all –
BRACK
So we thought. Charles, Amos was a model inmate. I admit, he was a favorite. I allowed him certain privileges for his contributions to the Harbor. Low men resented him. Persecuted him. Harmless stuff for the most part. Pranks. Name calling. But then – a month ago. Amos’s arm was broken.
REINBECK
By whom?
BRACK
Amos said it was an accident, but – I had my suspicions. Roughhousing is not unheard of, but I don’t tolerate it. I put the incident down in my monthly report. Enoch can show you.
REINBECK
No, that’s fine. So Parker was an exemplary inmate.
BRACK
He was.
REINBECK
You trusted him with important responsibilities.
BRACK
He assisted Mr. Fancher with my correspondence. And some…bookkeeping.
(REINBECK looks at FANCHER. FANCHER nods.)
REINBECK
You trusted him – and he must’ve trusted you. I wonder, why didn’t he come to you if he feared for his safety?
BRACK
I really can’t say.
REINBECK
He must’ve been very afraid.
(Beat. REINBECK studies each man for a moment.)
You know, I’ve never toured this facility before. I’d enjoy the opportunity to see it.
BRACK
It would be our pleasure. Mr. Fancher can put you in a private room in the dormitory. If you need anything –
REINBECK
Thank you, Thomas. First of all, I’d like to change my clothes,
BRACK
Of course.
(All rise.)
Good to see you, Charles. After all these years. But regrettably it’s never under very favorable circumstances…is it?
(REINBECK and BRACK regard each other.)
A shame.
REINBECK
Indeed. The very word.
(They look at each other. Blackout.)
***
[END OF EXCERPT]
© Damon DiMarco and Jeffrey Harper. May not be reproduced or transmitted without authors' permission.
A Murder Mystery with Traditional American Music
By Damon DiMarco and Jeffrey Harper
(Excerpt)
In desperate conditions…men are reduced by circumstances to a state where it is incongruous to think of laws applying at
all. They are in a state of nature, where there are no legal rights, duties, or crimes…Laws exist to regulate social
arrangements in normal condition, not in wholly abnormal conditions when society breaks down.
— A.W. Brian Simpson, Cannibalism and the Common Law: The Story of the Tragic Last Voyage of the Mignonette
and the Strange Legal Proceedings to Which It Gave Rise
ACT ONE
*
Scene 1
*
(Before the curtain rises, the CHORUS of three MARINERS is on-stage singing a series of sea shanties such as “Rolling Down to Old Maui,” and playing instruments such as drums, a tin whistle, and a squeezebox. At the conclusion of the pre-curtain music, the CHORUS departs from the stage. Lights go to black.)
(A few whistled bars of the chantey “Mingulay Boat Song.” Then the scream of a ship’s whistle. And then the attack of a sudden, violent thunderclap. The sound of rain and wind. More thunder. A storm ravages Staten Island as the curtain rises to reveal the office of GOVERNOR THOMAS BRACK at the Sailors Snug Harbor. BRACK, 53, is dressed impeccably in a late 19th century tailored suit. Patrician, authoritative. He stands, dictating to ENOCH FANCHER – early 40’s, focused, dutiful, and effective – who sits behind the Governor’s desk, writing correspondence.)
BRACK
“– therefore please increase the number of prepared chickens from forty to two hundred. I expect everything to reflect perfect abundance – etceteras.” Sign my name.
(Huge thunderclap.)
FANCHER
Aye, sir. Our – visitor – what kind of man is he?
BRACK
Now? From what I hear, not much of one. Quiet. Unmarried. Solitary. Lost. A shame.
FANCHER
Cooperative?
BRACK
After what I’ve done for him? Yes.
(Another huge thunderclap FANCHER and BRACK react. FANCHER, glancing out the window)
(A knock at the door. CHARLES REINBECK enters, soaking wet. Breathing heavily. Appears struggling to maintain balance. He carries a suitcase. He is a bespectacled man in his mid-thirties, dressed in a suit of markedly lesser quality than BRACK’s.)
(REINBECK stands there for a moment, dripping. FANCHER and BRACK regard him for a beat.)
REINBECK
Governor Brack.
(A beat)
Thomas.
(BRACK takes a closer look REINBECK removes and squints at his foggy glasses)
BRACK
Charles? My word, I barely recognize you –
REINBECK
Neither do I.
BRACK
Please, sit down. Enoch, take this man’s coat. Charles – my second in command, Enoch Fancher. Enoch, quickly –
REINBECK
Really – I’m all right. Though some brandy might improve me.
BRACK
No, Charles, ship’s rules here. No liquor on board – except at Christmas, of course. Let’s get you some tea. Enoch – a bit faster –
FANCHER
Aye, sir. Tea, sir? Oolong, Earl Grey, Darjeeling?
REINBECK
As long as you brew it with rum!
(FANCHER helps a reluctant REINBECK off with his overcoat. He takes the suitcase and moves it over by the fire. He hurries out of the office.)
BRACK
Charles, are you all right? Rough crossing from Manhattan?
REINBECK
(Squinting at his wet clothes)
Very…Wet. If I recall.
BRACK
Should you be sitting?
REINBECK
Yes! With a large whiskey. Thomas, “there is a tide in the affairs of men”!
BRACK
Charles –
REINBECK
I am sailing against it!
BRACK
Of course, you’re no ordinary man coasting with the tide.
REINBECK
And that unforgiving, demon sea, drawing me back, deep in her witchery.
(Recalling his recent fear)
A wall of water – coming to claim me – again –
BRACK
Nonsense, Charles. A short voyage, for men such as us – not Cape Horn, certainly not the Flemish Cap in the height of a hard Nor’easter.
REINBECK
(Something in him wrenching)
I could barely get on the boat. And when the storm – the deck wouldn’t stop moving! I –
(His voice trails off. He pulls out a flask and drinks.)
BRACK
Charles, rules be damned, but for your sake….Still haven’t got your sea legs back?
REINBECK
(Tugging on his flask)
Nor the stomach, nor the heart –
(Exploding)
What do you expect? I’M ONLY A PETTY CLERK!
(REINBECK’s fury vanishes, replaced by self-loathing. He pulls on his flask and gags. BRACK, with tact and kindness, approaches him, gently takes the flask from his hand. Screws the cap back on. Helps REINBECK to a seat. Puts a hand on his shoulder.)
BRACK
It’s all right, Charles. You’re with friends. Who know the man you are –
REINBECK
Was.
(Beat, now collecting himself)
I am so very, very sorry to arrive this way.
BRACK
And no apologies. Our short passage – you’re right. I’ve seen it devour steamships – devour them! You’re safe in our Snug. Here.
(BRACK snaps out a clean, dry handkerchief.)
Your spectacles.
(REINBECK accepts the handkerchief, takes off his specs and begins to wipe them clean. Squinting horribly at BRACK while wiping)
REINBECK
You’re very gracious. How are you?
BRACK
Never better. Enoch! Hurry up with that tea!
(FANCHER comes back in with a cup of tea, walking gingerly so as not to spill it.)
BRACK (CONT'D)
Our visitor is a most distinguished man and a dear old friend besides. Captain Charles Reinbeck –
REINBECK
I’m not a Captain anymore –
BRACK
Now the recording secretary of the Board of Trustees.
REINBECK
Doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, does it?
BRACK
Nonsense. Once at the wheel, ever at the wheel! Quickly, Enoch!
FANCHER
Sorry, sir –
(REINBECK, clumsy without his specs, turns to accept the teacup at precisely the wrong moment. He and FANCHER collide. The tea spills all over him; he drops his glasses.)
FANCHER
Oh! Pardon me!
REINBECK
I’ll get them –
FANCHER
No. Allow me – I think they –
REINBECK
Do you see them? Where did –
FANCHER
I think – where – where did –
(FANCHER steps back and we hear a crunching sound.)
BRACK
Directly under you foot. Lovely, Enoch. Within two minutes of greeting our guest, you’ve managed to scald him with a cup of Darjeeling and blind him. What’ll you do next – set him on fire?
FANCHER
I’m desperately sorry.
BRACK
As you should be. Charles. Forgive us.
REINBECK
Given my entrance, I’d say we’re even.
(FANCHER timidly hands the shattered specs to REINBECK who pockets them in his jacket.)
BRACK
Enoch, if you could fetch another cup for Charles without baptizing him –
FANCHER
Aye, sir.
(FANCHER hurries out to make another cup of tea. BRACK takes his desk chair, across from REINBECK.)
BRACK
So. Rough start but – wonderful to see you, Charles. It’s been ages. All well with the Board?
REINBECK
I’ll make a motion to ask them the next time I see them.
BRACK
Indeed! But why waste the breath?
REINBECK
And a good year at the Snug?
BRACK
One of our best. Great improvements. New trees planted. We cleared two more acres for farming.
REINBECK
I saw a wagon of hams and sides of beef being loaded at the dock.
BRACK
The men have ravenous appetites! But occasionally we have more meat than we can consume. The Board encouraged us to trade them. For linens and clothing for the men.
REINBECK
And how many are you?
BRACK
Eight hundred and four! Eight hundred and four inmates come home from the tempest at last by the Grace of God.
REINBECK
Excuse me. “Inmates?”
BRACK
Ah. The sailors. The men. I realize the term may sound abrupt. We call our retirees “inmates” because they live and work within the confines of the Harbor’s community. I thought you knew.
(FANCHER arrives with another cup and carefully places it in REINBECK’s hands. REINBECK nods his thanks, takes a hesitant but satisfying sip.)
REINBECK
And how are their spirits?
BRACK
The men? For the most part - excellent. Most of them are extraordinarily grateful for all I – “we” – this institution and – Mr. Fancher, of course – the Board – have given them. But…
REINBECK
Yes?
BRACK
We have a few malcontents. One man in particular I could do without. But, after all, these men are sailors, Charles. You remember.
REINBECK
All the time.
(A tapping sound – click clack click – is heard outside the office. A man whistles a tune: “Lowlands Away.”)
BRACK
Well, they haven’t changed.
(A knock at the door. FANCHER opens it. J. B. McEWAN is there, late 60’s, blind. Cane in hand. He is a hearty, good-humored man with an air of perpetual mischief about him.)
McEWAN
McEwan ‘ere, sir. Orders?
(FANCHER goes to BRACK’s desk.)
BRACK
Yes, yes. John. Come in.
(McEWAN enters, expertly navigating his way into the office. He nears REINBECK’s chair and stops. Cocks his head as if listening.)
McEWAN
I smell Mr. Fancher.
BRACK
John –
McEWAN
His soap, Gov’nor.
(Beat. McEWAN pans his head, as if listening.)
Oh! Y‘ave a vis’tor. A wet one!
BRACK
To your right, John. Charles Reinbeck from the Board of Trustees.
McEWAN
The Board a’ Trustees, izzit?
(He extends his hand. REINBECK rises and accepts it.)
REINBECK
Very pleased.
McEWAN
Pleasure’s mine.
(They shake.)
REINBECK
A firm hand, Mr. McEwan!
McEWAN
From a life a’ hard labor, Mr. Reinbeck. Are ye here for business or pleasure, then, sir?
FANCHER
John, please –
(FANCHER has found the letter he wants and takes it to McEWAN, handing it to him.)
FANCHER
Instructions for the kitchen, John.
McEWAN
Aye, sir. Thank ye. Cookie tol’ me we’re due fer quite a feast tonight, izzat right, sir?
FANCHER
As always, John. As always. Thank you.
(McEWAN turns to go.)
McEWAN
Enjoy yer stay, Mr. Reinbeck.
(McEWAN exits closing the door behind him.)
REINBECK
He navigates well.
BRACK
A model inmate. The very sort of man this institution was designed to serve.
REINBECK
You must feel very proud.
BRACK
(Wryly)
As much as a good Christian can permit himself.
(Beat.)
Charles – if I may. Despite my past differences with the Board – I trust they recognize the course I’ve chosen for this institution is the right one.
REINBECK
We’re all very impressed.
BRACK
Excellent, Charles! Then – to what do we owe this pleasure?
REINBECK
You have an inmate here named Amos Parker.
(BRACK and FANCHER glance at each other.)
BRACK
Yes, of course.
REINBECK
You know this man?
(Another glance between BRACK AND FANCHER )
BRACK
Yes. One of our finest crewmen. A great help to Enoch and me here in the office.
REINBECK
Excellent. I should like very much to interview him.
BRACK
Parker?
REINBECK
Yes.
BRACK
What for?
REINBECK
Is that a problem?
(BRACK and FANCHER glance at each other.)
BRACK
I’m afraid it is.
(Beat.)
Amos Parker is dead.
REINBECK
What?
BRACK
Enoch, the door, please.
(FANCHER rises and closes the door. Takes his seat again.)
Charles, now I see why you’re here. Thank you for coming.
REINBECK
I beg your pardon?
BRACK
You heard the news.
REINBECK
No.
BRACK
(Takes in a long, tired breath.)
Amos Parker was murdered.
REINBECK
When?
BRACK
Last week. I thought you – well. It makes no difference now, I suppose. You’re here.
REINBECK
How –
BRACK
(A glance at FANCHER.)
He was found one morning in the apple orchard.
REINBECK
Yes?
BRACK
Gutted like a fish.
(Beat.)
Split with a knife from stem to stern. With his eyes gouged out.
REINBECK
Good lord. You’ve called the authorities?
(A beat)
BRACK
No. And I won’t
REINBECK
There’s been a murder in your institution –
BRACK
Precisely. My institution. My ship. One of my men – under my command – committed an atrocity. The local constables know neither the men nor this place – and in any event are too stupid to find the badges on their coats. And I will not have this institution publicly dragged through the gutter by the newspapers. We’re a closed ship. Enoch and I are near an answer. And I assure you – when we find the wretch who did this terrible thing – then we will summon the authorities. And punishment will be quick and severe.
(Beat.)
But, Charles, why did you come looking for Amos?
REINBECK
When was Parker killed?
BRACK
Wednesday? No. Thursday – Thursday before last.
FANCHER
Thursday, the 28th.
BRACK
There you are. Why?
REINBECK
I received a letter last week in the mail. Dated the 26th. From Amos Parker.
BRACK
Really. What did it say?
REINBECK
“I am in danger. I fear for my life.” Needless to say, I was curious.
BRACK
This letter. You have it with you?
REINBECK
I left it at the Trustees office on Greene Street in Manhattan.
BRACK
Has anyone -
REINBECK
(On "anyone")
No one else has seen it. You see why I’ve come. On my own initiative. Out of respect for you.
BRACK
I appreciate your discretion.
(Beat.)
Did the letter say anything else?
REINBECK
No. Not at all…You say Parker helped in this office.
BRACK
Yes. He was tireless, industrious, cheerful, generous of spirit – unhappy if he weren’t contributing to the good of the Snug – and the men. At his funeral, there wasn’t a dry eye.
REINBECK
Beloved by all –
BRACK
So we thought. Charles, Amos was a model inmate. I admit, he was a favorite. I allowed him certain privileges for his contributions to the Harbor. Low men resented him. Persecuted him. Harmless stuff for the most part. Pranks. Name calling. But then – a month ago. Amos’s arm was broken.
REINBECK
By whom?
BRACK
Amos said it was an accident, but – I had my suspicions. Roughhousing is not unheard of, but I don’t tolerate it. I put the incident down in my monthly report. Enoch can show you.
REINBECK
No, that’s fine. So Parker was an exemplary inmate.
BRACK
He was.
REINBECK
You trusted him with important responsibilities.
BRACK
He assisted Mr. Fancher with my correspondence. And some…bookkeeping.
(REINBECK looks at FANCHER. FANCHER nods.)
REINBECK
You trusted him – and he must’ve trusted you. I wonder, why didn’t he come to you if he feared for his safety?
BRACK
I really can’t say.
REINBECK
He must’ve been very afraid.
(Beat. REINBECK studies each man for a moment.)
You know, I’ve never toured this facility before. I’d enjoy the opportunity to see it.
BRACK
It would be our pleasure. Mr. Fancher can put you in a private room in the dormitory. If you need anything –
REINBECK
Thank you, Thomas. First of all, I’d like to change my clothes,
BRACK
Of course.
(All rise.)
Good to see you, Charles. After all these years. But regrettably it’s never under very favorable circumstances…is it?
(REINBECK and BRACK regard each other.)
A shame.
REINBECK
Indeed. The very word.
(They look at each other. Blackout.)
***
[END OF EXCERPT]
© Damon DiMarco and Jeffrey Harper. May not be reproduced or transmitted without authors' permission.
