Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Law and Order, not of any sort. I do defend artistic license. It's like the whole 'keep the musicians in the T-stations' thing, you know?
The second half, with excessive stage directions so you know what's going on. If this annoys you, or whatever, I have the original version sitting around, just drop me a line.
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SCENE 3
(Lights up. They're in a library, it's a crime scene. Beginnings of shelves are SL. Tables are SR. A woman is collapsed over one of the table edges, one arm hanging down. She is surrounded by folders and books and photocopied pages. BOBBY and ALEX enter SR. ALEX goes to the body, BOBBY starts to walk around, investigating.)
ALEX
Oh no.
BOBBY
What?
ALEX
It's Devon Walker.
BOBBY
(Continues walking in a slow circle.)
ALEX
I'm going to find the responding officer. He must have stepped out for some air. You're all right here?
BOBBY
(Nods. Periodically he'll find something, craning his neck or poking it with his knife. He makes his way to the table, sniffs a coffee cup. Dips his knife in and tastes the beverage. Then kneels next to Devon, peering particularly at her hand and face.)
ALEX
(Reenters)
Gloves are in my bag.
BOBBY
Look at this.
ALEX
What?
BOBBY
Her blood is settling already. But she can't have been dead for more than an hour.
ALEX
A drug? (She takes out gloves, handing a pair of large ones to him and pulling on a smaller pair herself.)
BOBBY
Likely. Maybe something that thinned her blood- or rather, dilated her blood vessels. Hopefully it shows up in the tox screen. But look at this.
(Leads her to the other side of the table.)
ALEX
Her coffee?
BOBBY
Smell it.
ALEX
(Leans down.) Espresso?
BOBBY
Yes.
ALEX
I don't understand.
BOBBY
She didn't drink caffeinated beverages. (He's making connections as he's talking.)
ALEX
She told you?
BOBBY
After a fashion… She refused coffee when she came to see me earlier, didn't even think about it, even though she was tired. There was water in her bottle- most kids, if they aren't drinking coffee, their drinking tea… And she was on the pistol team. That's probably why.
ALEX
(Understanding.) She couldn't be jittery. How did you know she was on the team?
BOBBY
It came up once in class. (Notices gloves and starts putting them on.)
ALEX
She was working on my assignment. (Carefully looking through the materials.)
BOBBY
Could it have put her in danger?
ALEX
I don't think so. This is school, these cases were all closed years ago. It's ironic, but I think she was a randomly chosen victim.
BOBBY
Not an ex?
ALEX
It looks like he killed her and left. Didn't touch anything, didn't hang around- he would have been seen by someone. This area is pretty sheltered, but not safe.
BOBBY
Maybe he's showing off, trying to commit the perfect crime that his teachers can't solve. (Grim.)
ALEX
A student?
BOBBY
Possible. Get a list of everyone who checked out a book from this library within the last 2 hours.
ALEX
(Nods, as the task goes on her mental checklist, then indicates the cup.) The coffee? An accident?
BOBBY
Not if he took my class. First day- I told them: look for anything that doesn't belong, anything added, or anything subtracted from the scene. If the coffee was important, he'd make sure it was right, her regular drink from her regular shop.
ALEX
DNA?
BOBBY
It's a public place, he may have felt safe being sloppy.
(They fall into a rhythm, one string of thoughts bouncing between them.)
ALEX
Or he chose the location because he didn't know enough to pull it off anywhere else.
BOBBY
He's a freshman or sophomore.
ALEX
He's hasty. He might rush into something stupid, especially if we push.
BOBBY
How do you know?
ALEX
Why not wait until he's completed schooling? This is a trial by fire, he's making sure he's good.
BOBBY
He can't expect to lose.
ALEX
Suffers from hubris.
BOBBY
Thinks he's stumped us… Thinks he knows more than us.
ALEX
Not very smart then.
BOBBY
No, I'd say he's very intelligent.
ALEX
Then he'll be getting his PhD from behind bars.
BOBBY
I'm done here, let tech at it.
(He removes his gloves. They both exit SL to continue their investigation. Lights fade out.)
SCENE 4
(Work lights come up at front of stage, BOBBY enters, bringing a chair, placing on spike marks. Behind him, scene change.)
BOBBY
Devon Tonya Walker, 19 year old Caucasian female. Born July 23, 1984. Parents Judy and Tristan Walker. One brother, Trevor, 15. Home address 983 Bethlehem Street, Pittsburg Pennsylvania. Born in Denver Colorado, moved to Orlando when she was two, then to her current address when she was twelve. Two cats, three fish, and a German Shepard. In high school she was described as outgoing, caring and talented. She ran track and played tennis, worked on the school year book, paper, was on the debate team and was vice president of the student council. Summers she volunteered at Summer camps for underprivileged youth and liked to travel. In college she was on the pistol team, debate team, and ran track. Her coaches and teachers described her as bright and hardworking. She and her roommate were best friends, her circle of friends was wide and close. The funeral service was held in her hometown, but the memorial at the school was attended by upwards of 300 people. In her honor over 2000 dollars was raised for the summer camps she had devoted so much time to. As noted in the closing of her eulogy, she will be greatly missed.
(He is sitting in one of two chairs in front of a metal desk (SL of him). Behind the desk is a man in his early 40s, Captain Jake Matthews.)
ALEX
(Enters SR)
We have our suspect. Timothy Sutton, 20, he's a sophomore majoring in criminology. I've had him in class. He's smart, but quiet. Described as a loner by kids in his hall.
JAKE
Do we know where he is?
ALEX
In his room. The campus police are going to pick him up now.
JAKE
We trust them with this? (Skeptical.)
BOBBY
They are fully trained officers of the law.
(There's some tension in the room. They try for the old professional routine, but it's been years and they are all aware of this.)
ALEX
They can handle it sir. It's possible Sutton has a contingency plan, but we don't think he ever expected to get caught.
JAKE
So now we wait?
ALEX
Now we wait.
(There is a pause, after which ALEX exits and BOBBY moves to get up and follow. Jake motions for him to stop.)
JAKE
It's been a few years since you've sat in that chair. How does it feel?
BOBBY
Like the city doesn't want to pay for comfortable chairs. (They both know he's dodging the question.)
JAKE
I'm being serious.
BOBBY
So am I. Look, Jake, I'm out of the game. That's it.
JAKE
The department needs you. Alex needs you. So you want to teach. She's doing both.
BOBBY
Rawlings is doing fine.
JAKE
(He sighs, and leans forward, lowering his voice.)
Rawlings not doing fine. Eighteen months on the job and he can't find evidence when it falls on his head. Literally. I haven't told Alex yet, but he's asked for a transfer to narcotics.
BOBBY
He was there before?
JAKE
Yea. He says he can make a contribution. I agreed because hell, he's not doing me any good.
BOBBY
There are people in line for it. Get someone with more experience. Pete Friday has been wanting to transfer here for a couple years. He'd do a good job.
JAKE
(Pause.)
I'll look into him. Thanks.
BOBBY
Is there anything else? (Ready to be dismissed, almost ready to forgo dismissal and leave anyway.)
JAKE
You never did tell me why you left. (When tact doesn't work, be direct!)
BOBBY
Reasons of my own. It was time.
JAKE
(He won't push the issue. He has a theory though.) Yea, ok. Think about it.
BOBBY
I will. (Pause.) I should get out there.
JAKE
One more question.
BOBBY
Hmm?
JAKE
(Lightly)
It wasn't because of me was it?
BOBBY
(Also Lightly.)
No captain. You're doing as good a job as Panelli ever did. He'd be proud.
JAKE
Thanks. Now solve this case for me! I'll be damned if I don't use you while I've got you.
BOBBY
(Smiles and exits SR.)
JAKE
(Hesitates, then picks up the phone.)
Max? This is Jake… Yeah… They're pretty good, Kit got MVP in soccer. How are Mary and the kids? …Glad to hear it… I'm calling about Rawlings. I think he's struggling here… Ok, he's struggling here… I'm sure he's good. In a few more years… …He doesn't have the experience yet. Even you admitted that if the mayor hadn't pushed for it… …I'm not going to fire him. I was wondering if maybe you could talk with him, make narcotics look appealing… …Maybe not. He has to know he isn't cutting it here… …I appreciated it… Good-Oh. Are we still on for Saturday?... …Good. Melissa wants to know if Missy is still vegan... …I'll tell her. Goodbye.
(Lights fade down. Desk pushed offstage, small table is brought on. Chairs are rearranged about this, SR. This is the interrogation room. Timothy is sitting in the chair. He is calm, quizzical. ALEX and BOBBY enter together.)
ALEX
Timothy Sutton.
(Flips through a file she'd holding.)
Nice record. 3.92, already have a grad course under your belt.
BOBBY
(Looks over her shoulder, pointing to a section of the file.)
And it says here you want to become a homicide detective. Is that right?
TIMOTHY
Yea.
ALEX
Ambitious. Most people just join the force, work their way up the ladder.
BOBBY
A lot of people go to college first. It's really not that big of a deal, is it? Plus, this is a new age. With a college degree, you have options.
(As he talks, he walks around, finally sitting on the edge of the table. His tone is light, encouraging.)
TIMOTHY
I want to start off as a forensic pathologist. (Cautious.)
BOBBY
You're taking the right courses for that. I have a few friends in forensics. They really enjoy it. How they receive all the components of a case, and can explain them, then go back later and see how all the pieces were put together.
TIMOTHY
Yea. It would be experience. Or I might like it better, who knows?
BOBBY
Who knows? That's a great attitude to take. So many kids today, they come into school knowing what they want to do. Then most of them get there and hate it, but changing jobs would upset their plans so… (Shrugs.)
TIMOTHY
(Silent.)
ALEX
They're two very different jobs though. Forensics is all science. I know I couldn't do it.
BOBBY
Me either. The long days and nights cooped up in a small lab…
ALEX
…Stopped over a microscope for hours at a time…
BOBBY
…Running a test over and over until you are bored to tears of it…
ALEX
…Always knowing that there's something you should know more about… It's pretty high stress. Do you think you can hack it?
(She's playing bad cop, clipping her words and adding an edge to her voice.)
TIMOTHY
(Silent.)
BOBBY
Now that isn't fair. I'm sure Timothy here has thought a lot about it. And being a homicide detective isn't exactly low stress either. Odd hours…
ALEX
…You're right. All the paperwork that piles up…
BOBBY
…It's not the guts and glory job the public seems to think it is…
ALEX
…More like accounting, with the occasional scene of grisly death…
BOBBY
…But Timothy's a smart guy, aren't you? I'm sure you have no delusions about this job. You're realistic. Because yea, it's nowhere near as good as television says it is, but someone's got to do it. (He leans over Timothy's shoulder.) And between you and me, this is a good job, if you can hack it. And I think maybe you can. You've got the grades. And the drive. If you keep your head straight I'm sure you can go anywhere. You've got promise Timothy. Everyone says so.
ALEX
I'm not so sure he can help us with this, actually.
(Suddenly, she isn't so confrontational, as she flips through the papers.)
BOBBY
Why's that?
ALEX
Well, there's that coffee cup.
BOBBY
Oh, right. I'd forgotten about that. Yea, if we can't figure out why that's there…
TIMOTHY
Figure out what?
BOBBY
Devon Walker was murdered earlier tonight. It was a perfect scene, no leads, nothing. But there's this coffee cup sitting next to her.
(He's acting now, trying to pull TIMOTHY into this story, where maybe their asking him for some help, because their stuck.)
TIMOTHY
Lots of students drink coffee.
(Wary, but he plays along.)
ALEX
True, but not Devon.
BOBBY
See, it turns out Devon shot pistol. Caffeine would make her all jittery, she wouldn't be able to shoot straight. She stayed away from the stuff.
TIMOTHY
Finals are coming up. Maybe she was back on caffeine until they were over.
BOBBY
Didn't I tell you he was smart?
(He sounds delighted.)
ALEX
We thought of that. Unfortunately, sports weren't the real reason she stayed away from it. Devon was diabetic, she monitored her diet very carefully.
(Ignores Bobby, who continues being buddy-buddy.)
BOBBY
So you see, she wouldn't have the coffee anyway. Which is why we can't seem to figure out why it would be there.
TIMOTHY
Maybe she was desperate. Or someone else left it there.
BOBBY
We thought of that too. No one at the coffee shops remembers seeing her. None of her friends saw her that night, and she had-her papers were all over the table. If had been there before, she would have moved it.
TIMOTHY
She was using it as a paperweight.
BOBBY
(Slight pause. When he speaks, it's a bit quieter, more intense.) Or maybe someone left it there as a false lead. One clue that we wouldn't be able to understand. A message, as you will, telling us that the killer is smarter—
ALEX
--better--
BOBBY
--than us.
TIMOTHY
What do you mean?
ALEX
We never told you the cup was on top of her papers.
TIMOTHY
I just assumed…
BOBBY
We never told you it was still full.
(All humor and goodwill is gone from his voice.)
TIMOTHY
So? (Nervous now.) It was implied…
BOBBY
You know what I think? I think you're the one who killed Devon.
ALEX
And the cup of coffee? Didn't work. Next time you might not want to underestimate your professors.
TIMOTHY
I didn't—
BOBBY
We don't really care if you confess or not. See, we already have enough to pin this on you. (Stands, walks over to Alex.)
ALEX
We just thought you'd appreciate this formality. Get some hands on experience in an interrogation room, see some real detectives at work.
BOBBY
Are you impressed?
TIMOTHY
I want my lawyer.
BOBBY
He wants his lawyer.
ALEX
Finally he says something intelligent.
BOBBY
We'll send someone in. We're done here.
(Lights on SR fade down as the move to stand SL.)
ALEX
We got him. (The old triumphant feeling.)
BOBBY
Yes we did. That'll teach him a lesson about pride, though perhaps a bit late.
ALEX
There was a moment when I was scared.
BOBBY
Of that little rat? (Incredulous.)
ALEX
That it was a perfect crime.
BOBBY
You would have solved it. (Dismissively, but she won't dismiss it.)
ALEX
Maybe.
BOBBY
You're a good detective. Maybe the best I know.
ALEX
Thanks, but… Bobby.
BOBBY
Yea?
ALEX
I miss you. (Partial realization that her current partner can't fill baby shoes, partial realization that the old days were good, and they had something then that their current relationship doesn't afford opportunity for.)
BOBBY
I can't come back. (Dead serious.)
ALEX
Why not? Didn't it feel good to be out there again? Solving crimes that hadn't already been solved? Catching the bad guy?
BOBBY
Honestly?
ALEX
Yea.
BOBBY
No.
ALEX
What do you mean?
BOBBY
All the time, under time pressure… What if I miss something, what if I don't figure it out until it's too late. It's like Motel 8. Would I have noticed those notches? I didn't, not in all the years I was looking at that case. (A little agitated by the end. This is something he's admitted to himself, but not aloud to anyone else.)
ALEX
No one noticed that.
BOBBY
I should have.
ALEX
I didn't.
BOBBY
(Doesn't really have a good response.)
It's different. No one's perfect. But I… I could feel something was wrong, but I couldn't find it.
ALEX
That's why you quit- after the Parker case?
BOBBY
Yea. It was- I couldn't get them to be quiet. They were trying to tell me something, but I couldn't… I couldn't understand them, and I couldn't stop listening. It was- I couldn't handle it. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to- In here, I'd never get them quiet.
ALEX
You didn't—
BOBBY
--I didn't want to.
ALEX
I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. (She puts her hand on his arm.)
BOBBY
I'm sorry I didn't come to you. (Meets her eyes with a soft smile of apology.)
ALEX
Maybe you just needed a break.
BOBBY
I don't think so. (Shakes his head. He will share, but his mind hasn't been changed.)
ALEX
But you'll think about it.
BOBBY
I'll think about it.
ALEX
I should get started on the paperwork.
BOBBY
I'll help.
ALEX
No need. You finally have a good excuse for not doing it: why make today the first?
BOBBY
I don't have anything better to do. And who knows, it always pays to keep in practice.
ALEX
It's your hand.
BOBBY
That it is. And I do have an ulterior motive. If I help you can leave sooner, and I'll be nicely placed to escort you to dinner. (An attempt to lighten the mood, his voice is teasing.)
ALEX
I do love dinner.
BOBBY
We can talk. About… Other things.
ALEX
I'd like that.
(They
smile, ALEX starts walking SL. Lights
dim SL, work lights up front of stage.
BOBBY looks after her, moves DSC.
Timothy, table and chairs are removed.)
BOBBY
Even Devon, so loved in life, died alone. I can tell you all about her- things I've found out from friends and family, from her room and her journal. It won't bring her back and it won't help any of us to understand who she was, only what sort of a person we'll never know. And reading her journal, sifting through her belongings, it strikes home what a lonely girl she was, regardless of appearances. How much she wanted the respect of her teachers, wanted someone to understand what drove her and why. She wanted to understand herself. Get to know the real Devon, afterwards, and she starts looking like the Little Matchstick Girl, like Charlie Brown's Christmas tree, like that small decorated shrub I passed in the middle of the road, on my way to work this morning. I didn't cry for the shrub, but I will cry for Devon. And thank her. Because while I know we all die alone, I don't want to live alone.
(Lights down.)