A Conversation with George Malloy
Act Two
Scene One: Alexandra Cabot's office, third floor, Laurel Recorded Music, 5:27 P.M., Saturday, May 23.
We see Josie and Alexandra in the office; Josie is wearing a black t-shirt with the front cover photo from the "Abbey Road" album, by the Beatles, on the front, white denim trousers and white New Balance shoes; Alexandra is wearing an ice blue, short sleeve t-shirt, dark gray, pinstripe vest, black dress trousers and black ballet flats; the two of them are reviewing possible substitute drummers.
Josie: This candidate looks to be the best, based on longevity - this–would appear to be good.
Alexandra: Well, Josie, this candidate looks just a little bit better – based on his experience; this makes Liberty DeVito the best candidate.
Josie: Yes, Alexandra – Liberty is just perfect; we notify him by e-mail as soon as possible.
Alexandra: Very well, Josie.
Josie pauses, then looks toward Alexandra.
Josie: Alexandra, you used to be a rather vicious individual – but these past six months have brought significant changes in you; what brought this about?
Alexandra: Well, Josie, these changes came to pass after Sebastian passed on; he was my henchman, if you will, doing my dirty work to sabotage your band, not to mention your relationship with Alan; to be honest with you, I thought it would last forever.
Josie: And it didn't.
Alexandra: No, Josie, not by a long shot; it was six months ago that I heard Sebastian caterwauling in the dead of night – when I placed one hand on him, he just yowled in what I took to be very serious pain; I took him to Midvale Veterinary Hospital – the veterinarian on duty checked him out, including an MRI – and it turned out that Sebastian had a very large tumor in his stomach, which was inoperable and terminal. (Alexandra starts to tear up.) He only had a few hours left in this life – so I comforted him as best I could; we made our farewells and I left – I wept all the way home; how I avoided wrecking the car on the way home, I'll never know – but I made it home; three nights later, I had a frightening dream.
Josie: What was the dream about, if I may ask?
Alexandra: Well, Josie, in this dream, I was walking along a barren plain, when I came to a bridge – the Rainbow Bridge; you were on the other side, as were Valerie, Melody, Alan, my brother – and Sebastian; on my side of the bridge, there was a golden gate, and there was a man clothed in white at the gate; he asked me for my name, and I gave it to him, wherein he checked an online registry; this man came to me and said, "You will have to reconcile your differences and, as such, correct your misdeeds before you can cross the Rainbow Bridge"; I was then shown what would be my fate if I were not to reconcile – to roam the Earth as a lost soul – then, I saw a flaming hand coming toward me; it was then I awoke, and I asked Providence to have mercy on me.
Josie: That's quite a dream, Alexandra, and I want you to know that I forgive you for what you've done to me, and to the band.
Alexandra: Such a simple act. Thank you, Josie.
Alexandra embraces Josie – and breaks down, sobbing.
Josie: The road is long, Alexandra, and we will travel that road together.
Josie begins to weep.
Scene Two: Press Briefing Room, Third Floor, Laurel Recorded Music, 2:37 P.M., Monday, May 25.
We see Josie, Valerie, Alan, Alexander and Alexandra facing a gathering of journalists in a large room – there are video and still cameras, audio devices, what have you; our team is seated at a long table; Josie is wearing a green pullover blouse, white denim trousers and tan sandals; Valerie is wearing a navy blue, short sleeve button-up shirt, navy blue trousers and white ballet flats; Alan is wearing his replica Easton High School baseball jersey, faded blue denim trousers and white New Balance shoes; Alexander is wearing his white linen suit, lavender t-shirt and white loafers with no socks; Alexandra is wearing a beige dress to knee length and black pumps; she rises to face the press at the table podium.
Alexandra: Good afternoon, all members of the press, lords, ladies and gedderbong. Last Friday, I announced that we were carrying out a search for a substitute drummer for our top band, Josie and the Pussycats; I am pleased to announce that the substitute drummer has been selected; the drummer is Mr. Liberty DeVito; we've been in contact with Mr. DeVito – he'll be here to sign the contract within the next seventy two hours. Now, if there are any questions, we will answer them right here and now.
Scene Three: Room 524, Midvale Community Hospital, 6:37 P.M., Monday, May 25.
We see Josie, Alexandra and George in the room; Josie and Alexandra are dressed as before; George is wearing his white hospital gown; Josie is seated, Alexandra is standing, George is seated in his hospital bed; the television is tuned to WMCT; the station is airing highlights of the press conference.
Journalist (offscreen): What makes you think Mr. DeVito will accept your request?
Alexandra (onscreen): We believe that he will accept, because his experience is vast, having played for the "Piano Man" in a storied career that has lasted many years; we believe he is up to the challenge.
George switches off the television, then turns to face Josie and Alexandra.
George: Well, that didn't take too long, now, did it?
Josie: Apparently not, George – Liberty will be contacting us soon, we hope.
Alexandra: Seventy two hours is our window here, George – and we're hoping for the best. (She turns to face Josie.) Tell me, Josie, who's going to take George home tomorrow?
Josie: I believe Alexander said he would do the honors.
Alexandra: Fine then, Josie. (She looks over to George.) What's your discharge time for tomorrow, George?
George: Dr. Kelley said I'll be discharged at 9:45 A.M. tomorrow.
Alexandra: Good, very good; you can't miss my brother's car – it's a red Dodge Aspen two-door hardtop with a padded white vinyl half-top; the license plate reads, "ALEX C 3".
George: I'll be sure to remember that, Alexandra.
Alexandra: Fine, George, we're all set.
Josie: It looks like things are getting better, George – you'll be released tomorrow, we've notified Kenny Aronoff; things are looking up all around.
George: Yes, Josie, things are looking up, for all of us.
Scene Four: Room 819, Midvale Community Hospital, 7:46 P.M., Monday, May 25.
We see Valerie, Alan and Melody in the room; Valerie and Alan are dressed as in Scene Two; Melody is wearing her white hospital gown; Valerie is standing, Alan is seated in a nearby chair, and Melody is seated in her bed.
Valerie: So, Melody, we're expecting to hear from Liberty within the next three days; with him as our substitute, we should do well.
Alan: In addition, we've got passes lined up for you and George, so the two of you will be in attendance.
Melody: Thanks, everyone; I just hope George will be alright; after all, he's a new man at Laurel, and I just hope he'll do his job as best he can.
Alan: We're all hoping for that Melody – we've just got to be strong, for both you and George.
Valerie: Melody, you and George will be there, and the both of you will be in fine form.
Melody: Very well.
Scene Five: Front entrance, Midvale Community Hospital, 9:46 A.M., Tuesday, May 26.
We see George standing outside the main entrance of the hospital; he is dressed as in Act One, Scene Three; he looks around the parking area – then, to the front entrance.
George: I hope Alexander gets here soon.
Just then, a red 1976 Dodge Aspen Special Edition two-door hardtop, with a padded white vinyl half-top, with New York state license plate, "ALEX C 3", pulls up to the entrance; Alexander is at the wheel; he is dressed as in Scene Two.
Alexander: Here I am, George.
George: Thanks, Alexander.
George gets in the car, then fastens his seat belt; Alexander then steers the car out of the entrance and parking area, then out onto Gloversville Street.
Alexander: George, before I take you home, I'm taking you to the studio – we have a surprise waiting for you.
George: You have a surprise, do you?
Alexander: Yes, indeed, George – and you were the influence for it.
George: I was?
Alexander: Yes, George – you are, indeed, the inspiration.
George: I had no idea; very well; thanks, Alexander.
Scene Six: Alan Mayberry's office, Third Floor, Laurel Recorded Music, 10:4 A.M., Tuesday, May 26.
We see Josie, Valerie, Alan and Alexandra in the office; Josie is wearing a blue, short sleeve sport shirt with the Laurel Recorded Music logo on the top left front, white denim trousers and white New Balance shoes; Valerie is wearing an orange, short sleeve t-shirt, dark grey vest, navy blue trousers and black ballet flats; Alan is wearing a navy blue t-shirt, his now-familiar replica Easton High School baseball jersey over the t-shirt, dark grey trousers and black basketball shoes; Alexandra is wearing a white, short sleeve sport shirt with the Laurel logo on the top left front, red capri trousers and white pumps; the team has some items on Alan's desk.
Alan: I can hear them coming down the hall – let's give him the welcome he deserves.
Alexandra: Right!
Alexander and George enter the office; the team are ready.
All: Surprise!
George steps back by one step.
George: This is great, this is great!
Josie: George, we want you to know that you matter to us – as such, we have some items for you.
Valerie: We've been concerned for you, George; you're someone who is humble – and that's good, that's very good.
Alan: That's why you're here, George; we want you to be one of us.
George: I thought I was already one of you.
Alexander: Not quite, George – what we're presenting will truly enter you into our team.
Alexandra (Picking up a Number 10 envelope from the desk): This is your first item. (She hands it to George.)
George: Thanks, Alexandra. (He takes the envelope, then he opens it.) Well, what do we have here?
Alan: That, George, is a special onstage pass for the upcoming benefit show at Midvale Arena this coming June 6th. You get to be onstage for the entire show, not just with us, but also with all the other acts on the bill.
George: Even the Soggy Bottom Boys?
Alexander: Yes, indeed, George – even the Soggy Bottom Boys!
George: Fantastic – fantastic!
Alexandra: But wait – there's more!
George: There is?
Josie: Indeed, there is, George. (She picks up a small parcel from the desk and hands it to George.) Here's another item for you.
George: Gee, thanks, Josie. (He places the pass on the desk, then takes the parcel and opens it, revealing it to be a coffee mug.) A coffee mug?
Josie: Not just any coffee mug, George – take a look at the logo on the side.
George (Turns the mug around.): KACL, AM 780, Seattle, Washington; oh, but of course, from the television series, "Frasier".
Alan: Precisely, George. That should come in handy on the radio – specifically, at WMCR.
George: How so, Alan?
Alan: Quite so, George – I've been speaking with Gordon Smith, and he's willing to give you your own radio program; all you need to do is talk to him – he'll give you a chance.
Alexandra: This will all work out for you in the end, George – trust us, it will.
George: Very well, Alexandra, I'll give this a chance.
Valerie: We have one item remaining, George; (She takes a larger parcel from the desk and hands it to George.) Here it is, my friend.
George: Thanks, Valerie. (He places the coffee mug on the desk, then accepts the parcel and proceeds to open it – and then finds himself surprised – it is a purple football jersey in his size.) Ah, a decent football jersey, purple in color – number seventeen on your program; if my memory serves me correctly, these are the colors of the Milwaukee Mustangs of the Arena Football League from many years ago.
Josie: That's right, George – you described the Mustang colors to a tee; these are also the colors of the new Midvale Mustangs of the Empire State Indoor Football League, who will play their home games at Midvale Arena, starting next month.
Alan: That's true, George – the Borough of Midvale owns the franchise through eminent domain, and operates the team under the borough charter; we're getting season tickets for personnel here at the studio – and you're included.
George: Gee, thanks, everybody – I don't know just what to say.
Alexandra: George, we've grown fond of you; when you came into our lives, you brought with you an element of hope – an element which we haven't seen for some time here in Midvale; by your humility and continual hope, which you embody, even now, you make things much better for everyone – including us.
Alan: That's why we're doing this for you, George – you have become part of our team, and we know that you'll be doing your part in making up the fabric of this borough.
Josie: Welcome to the Borough of Midvale, George; we love you.
George (Stunned.): Thanks, everyone.
Alexander: George, you'll be here on Monday – you can count on it; (he places a hand on George's shoulder.) Come on, George – time to head home.
George: Very well, Alexander. I thank you all for what you've done.
Valerie: We thank you, George, just for being you.
Scene Seven: Alexandra Cabot's office, third floor, Laurel Recorded Music, 2:29 P.M., Thursday, May 28.
We now see Alexandra in her office; she is wearing a maroon, short sleeved sport shirt, black dress trousers and black ballet flats; he is wearing denim trousers, a checkered short sleeve shirt and white athletic shoes; he is of muscular build, has thinning black hair and wears glasses.
Alexandra: So, Liberty, I hope you'll find the contracts satisfactory. We should be able to find common ground.
Muscular Man: Miss Cabot, I think this contract will do just fine.
Alexandra: Very Well, Liberty, you may now sign the contract.
Muscular Man (Now known as Liberty.): Very well, Alexandra.
Alexandra: Okay, then – you may sign your contract. (Liberty signs his contract, then hands said contract to her.) Alright, then, I'll notarize this and copy it. (She notarizes the contract, then makes the copy.)
At that moment, there's a tapping at the door.
Alexandra: Come on in.
Josie and Valerie enter the office; Josie is wearing a Kelly green short sleeve blouse, white Capri trousers and white athletic shoes; Valerie is wearing a burnt orange short sleeve button up shirt, white Capri trousers and navy blue athletic shoes.
Alexandra: Ah, Josie, Valerie – I want you to meet our backup drummer, Liberty.
The duo shakes hands with Liberty.
Alexandra: I hope the rehearsals go well for all of you; June 6th is rapidly approaching.
Josie: That's true, Alexandra; we should start the rehearsals later today, if not tomorrow.
Valerie: I think tomorrow will be right for commencing the rehearsals.
Alexandra: Very well, everyone – we begin rehearsals tomorrow at 10:30 A.M.; this should be appropriate for preparation.
Liberty: Let's do this, everyone – this is where we rock!
Alexandra: I'd say this set of rehearsals will be going just fine.
Josie and Valerie smile in acknowledgement.
Scene Eight: Kitchen, Josie McCoy's House, 10:03 A.M., Saturday, May 30.
We see Josie seated at her kitchen table; she is wearing a navy blue, short sleeve, button-up shirt, faded blue denim trousers and white ballet flats; she is sipping orange juice while browsing the web site of the Midvale Banner.
Josie: So, there are some interesting situations which could transpire at the show. (She switches off her laptop computer.) I'd better get over to the studio, the rehearsals will be more important now.
At that moment, her cell phone activates – she answers.
Josie: Josie McCoy, speaking.
Alexander (On the other end of the line.): Josie, it's Alex – listen, I'm at Sutton's Auto Repair on Waverley Street; the brakes failed on the Aspen – I had to steer into a parking area on Sherman Drive and then steer into a spinout.
Josie: That sounds dangerous, Alex; I'll be there in five to ten minutes, then we'll head to rehearsal.
Alexander: I'll be waiting, Josie – thanks.
Josie: Thank you, Alex. (She then switches her cell phone off, places it in her purse, then takes her purse and leaves.)
Scene Nine: Sutton's Auto Repair Shop, 622 Waverley Street, Midvale, N.Y., 10:09 A.M., Saturday, May 30.
We see a large, brick facility with somewhat large windows; Josie arrives in her 1958 Meteor Rideau 500 four-door hardtop, pulls up into a parking space, shifts into park, then shuts off the engine, removes the key and exits the car; she is dressed as before; she walks into the waiting area office, where Alexander is seated; he is wearing his now-familiar white linen suit, lavender t-shirts and white loafers with no socks. He turns to see Josie enter the waiting area office.
Josie: Alexander, all you all right?
Alexander: I don't know, Josie – I was driving to the studio, and I tried to slow down near Webster Street – that's when I found the brakes were dead; I pumped the brakes, then tried the emergency brake – neither of which worked; I even tried to shift into neutral, and that failed! I had to drive into a parking area on Sherman Drive and spinout!
Josie: Did you call the police?
Alexander: Within five minutes, I called the police, then – with the blessing of the police – I called Mr. Sutton; the police took my statement, then Mr. Sutton towed the car to the shop; all I'm doing now is waiting for the State Police and the insurance claim adjuster to arrive.
Josie: Okay, Alex, I'll get word to everyone at the studio – Alexandra, especially!
Alexander: Okay, Josie, please do.
Scene Ten: Studio One, Laurel Recorded Music, 10:38 A.M., Saturday, May 30.
We see the musicians rehearsing in the studio; Josie and Valerie are in stage wardrobe, while Kenny, Toby, Mike, Larry and Sarah are in street clothes; we also see Alan and Alexandra in the producer's booth; Alan is wearing a replica Hoboken Zephyrs baseball jersey, maroon short sleeve t-shirt under the jersey, black denim trousers and white sneakers; Alexandra is wearing a Knoxville Knights t-shirt, navy blue dress trousers and white pumps. Both are wearing headphones.
Alan: the sound mix does work on this take, Alexandra; this may be the ideal take, should there be a benefit album.
Alexandra: This will be a great take, Alan; we'll use this take – Gordon will enjoy this.
At that moment, the musicians strike the last note in the song; the musicians discuss among themselves.
Alan (He hits the talk back switch.): That was one fantastic take, everyone! It's a good thing we got that on tape, because should there be requests for a benefit album, this track could receive airplay.
The musicians give their approval; Valerie gives a thumbs up to Alan.
Alexandra: If I may, Alan. (Alan consents, then hits the talk back switch.) Josie, did Alex tell you when he would be finished at Mr. Sutton's shop?
Josie: He didn't say, Alexandra; when I checked with him earlier this morning, he and Vince were waiting for the State Police inspectors and the insurance claims adjuster to arrive.
At that moment, the phone rings in the producer's booth – as signaled by a flashing red light; Alan removes his headphones, then answers the phone.
Alan: Laurel Studio One, Alan Mayberry speaking – okay, Alex. (He points to Alexandra, who removes her headphones, then accepts the receiver from Alan.)
Alexandra: Thanks, Alan. (She turns to the receiver.) Alexandra Cabot speaking.
Alexander (On the other end of the line.): Sis, I've been speaking with the State Police inspectors and the claims adjuster from the insurance company – and the condition of what were a restored set of brakes is what has resulted in the inspectors and the adjuster failing the car.
Alexandra: That's pretty bad, Alex; will the car be parted out?
Alexander: Well, sis, based on my discussion with the inspectors and the adjuster, the price of the car is twenty two thousand, seven hundred and fifty eight dollars; as such, I've decided to transfer the money – as well as the title of the car – to the Borough of Midvale, and I will present this plan to the borough council at the next council meeting.
Alexandra: Alex, what would the borough do with this?
Alexander: I'll make my presentation of my plan for this at the next council meeting on June 2nd.
Alexandra: That's good, Alex, but, how are you going to get from Point A to Point B without a car?
Alexander: Well, Sis, I'll find some means of transit – maybe even carpool with someone.
Alexandra: Okay, Alex, we'll discuss this at home tonight.
Alexander: Fine, sis – thanks.
Alexandra: Be seeing you. (She hands the receiver back to Alan, who returns it to the base; he then triggers the talk-back switch.) Well, everyone, Alex is without transit at the moment; who's going to help him out?
Alan: I suppose I could help, Alexandra; the 503 still runs – and it's one powerful vehicle.
Alexandra: Good, Alan – that's alright.
The musicians look onward. Josie turns to the rest of them.
Josie: It looks like Mr. Cabot's transit problem has been remedied.
Valerie: How so, Josie?
Josie: Alan will offer to bring Alex to the studio using the 503; this won't present any problems for either of them.
Liberty: The 503?
Josie: Yes, Liberty, the 503 – a vintage 1971 Ford Custom 500 four-door hardtop in the colors of the Midvale Police; the engine is rather powerful in its own right – the legendary 429 Super Cobra Jet V-8.
Valerie: That sounds good, Josie – I just hope Alex can chip in on the gas.
Liberty: This calls for one more take of "I Go to Extremes", wouldn't you say?
Josie: I think so, Liberty – one more take is appropriate.
Alan (He hits the talk back switch.): Very well, Josie, I'll roll the tape. (He starts the recording equipment.) Josie and the Pussycats, "I Go to Extremes", take four!
Liberty counts off – and the musicians start recording their performance.
Alan and Alexandra view this session from the producer's booth.
Alexandra: This benefit show will succeed yet.
Scene Eleven: Room 819, Midvale Community Hospital, 2:17 P.M., Sunday, May 31.
We see Josie, Alexandra and Melody in the hospital room; Josie is wearing a purple, pullover blouse, faded denim trousers and white New Balance shoes; Alexandra is wearing a green, short sleeve button-up shirt, blue denim trousers and orange ballet flats; Melody is wearing her white hospital gown; Josie is seated in a chair, Melody is in her hospital bed and Alexandra is standing.
Josie: So, the doctors have cleared you to be discharged tomorrow, Melody.
Melody: Yes, Josie, the doctors have told me that I'll be free to go at 9:35 A.M.; I just hope that someone will come to pick me up and take me home.
Alexandra: No need to worry, Melody – Josie and I will be here to take you home; you should have time enough to rest before rejoining the band.
Melody: Thanks, you two – I just hope George is okay.
Josie: He's okay, Melody; he's back at his apartment, getting some rest; when we perform at the benefit show on Saturday, he'll be there with us.
Alexandra: We'll see that you'll have a stage pass, Melody – so you can take in the show from stage level, as well.
Josie: The two of you will be just fine, Melody – you have our word on it.
Melody: Thanks, you two; I really feel good about this. I really do.
Scene Twelve: Front Entrance, Midvale Community Hospital, 9:44 A.M., Monday, June 1.
We see Melody at the front entrance to the hospital; she is wearing a black sleeveless jersey with a red sash running from the left shoulder down to the right side – the colors of the Essendon Bombers, navy blue trousers and white ballet flats.
Melody: I hope they get here soon.
Just then, Josie and Alexandra arrive; the car is Josie's blue-and-white 1958 Meteor Rideau 500 four-door hardtop; Josie is driving, while Alexandra is in the front passenger seat; Josie is wearing a blue-and-white striped, button-up short sleeve shirt, blue denim trousers and brown sandals; Alexandra is wearing her light blue, button-up short sleeve shirt, faded blue denim trousers and brown boots up to the knees.
Alexandra (She unfastens her seat belt, then steps out of the car.): Just in time, Melody. (She opens the left rear passenger door.)
Melody: It was a good wait, Alexandra – I was thinking in regard to the rhythms in our music.
Melody enters the car, then Alexandra shuts the door and re-enters the front of the car; seat belts are fastened.
Josie: Time to head home, Melody.
Josie steers the car through the parking are, then out onto Gloversville Street.
Alexandra: Tell me, Melody – will you be attending the borough council meeting tomorrow night?
Melody: Should I, Alexandra?
Alexandra: I think you should, Melody – Alex will be making his offer presentation to the council in regard to his car; what that proposal may be, I can't say that I know, but it should be good, and I'm hoping for the best.
Josie: I'll be there to provide moral support, Alexandra – and I know that the rest of the band will be there, too.
Alexandra: How about it, Melody?
Melody: Okay, Alexandra. I'll be there for Alex.
Josie: Then it's all settled, we'll be there when Alex makes his offer to the Borough of Midvale.
Alexandra: You'll be bringing George, I take it?
Josie: Indeed, I will – George promised he'll be there; I'll be bringing him to the council meeting.
Alexandra: Good. With our support and backing, my brother should find success in his presentation.
Melody: I haven't been to the council meeting yet, and already I'm enjoying it!
Scene Thirteen: Front Entrance, Midvale Towers Apartments, 6:32 P.M., Tuesday, June 2.
We see George standing at the entrance; he is wearing a dark blue, short sleeve tee shirt with the logo of the Montreal Alouettes - circa 1971 to 1981 – on the upper left front body, blue denim trousers and white New Balance shoes. He looks toward the entrance to the parking area.
George: Ah, here they are now.
At that moment, the familiar two-tone blue-and-white 1958 Meteor Rideau 500 four-door hardtop enters the parking area; Josie is at the wheel, while Valerie and Melody are seated in the rear passenger area; Josie is wearing a navy blue, short sleeve pullover blouse, khaki trousers and brown sandals; Valerie is wearing a beige, short sleeve button-up shirt, faded denim trousers and white ballet flats; Melody is wearing a lavender, short sleeve pullover blouse, white Capri trousers and white basketball shoes.
Valerie unfastens her seat belt, exits the car and opens the front passenger door for George.
Valerie: Here we are, George.
George: Thanks, ladies.
George gets in the front passenger seat, then Valerie enters the rear passenger seat; both doors close, then both passengers fasten seat belts; Josie steers the car through the parking area, then onto Front Street.
Josie: So, George, do you think Alex's proposal will be accepted at the council meeting tonight?
George: Well, Josie, it will depend on how the council reacts to his proposal – in addition, the audience reaction to his proposal will also be a key element; still, there should come some good from tonight's meeting.
Valerie: You can count on some fireworks at the council meetings, George; no matter what the issue, there can be some heated reactions.
Melody: From what I recall, Valerie, two members of the council got into a fistfight at a meeting seven months ago – both of them ended up serving jail time, then received sentences of community service.
George: Sounds like someone let their tempers get the best of them, Melody.
Josie: Hopefully, there won't be any fights tonight, George.
Scene Fourteen: Council Chamber, Midvale Borough Hall, 732 Durango Street, Midvale, N.Y., 7:03 P.M., Tuesday, June 2.
We see a council meeting hall, somewhat along the lines of an auditorium, with a long desk on the stage; there are seven seats along the line – six seats for the council members, and the remaining seat for the mayor; all council members, and the mayor, are seated at the desk; all are in street clothes; the audience are seated in the facility – all are in street clothes; our team are seated here – Josie, Valerie, Melody and George are dressed as before; Alan is wearing his replica Hoboken Zephyrs baseball jersey, maroon short sleeve t-shirt underneath the jersey, black denim trousers and white basketball shoes; Alexander is wearing his now-familiar white linen jacket and trousers, lavender t-shirt and white loafers with no socks; Alexandra is wearing a maroon short sleeve button-up shirt, dark gray trousers and black ballet flats.
One member of the council, David Bexley, rises to speak; he is black, medium build, with black hair; he is wearing a light blue, short sleeve button up shirt, white trousers and light blue loafers.
Bexley: Ladies and Gentlemen, we now open the floor to presentations by and from the community.
George rises to speak.
George: Members of the council, ladies and gentlemen; Mister Alex Cabot the Third wishes to address the council, the mayor and this august company gathered here.
At that moment, another member of the council, Olivia Page, rises to speak; she is of Asian descent, medium-to-heavy build, with black hair; she is wearing a mauve, short sleeve, button-up blouse, white Capri pants and white pumps.
Page: What is the reason for this man's wish to present to the council?
George: If it pleases the council, Mr. Cabot wishes to present to the council an offer to place on display within the corporate limits of the borough three automobiles, manufactured in this country during the nineteen seventies which serve – in the eyes of Mr. Cabot – as prime evidence of the downfall of the American automobile industry – three American autos that should have gone from the showroom to the junkyard.
Bexley: Very well – all those who wish to hear Mr. Cabot's presentation signify by saying aye.
In unison, the council says "aye".
Bexley: All opposed? (He pauses.) The motion carries unanimously. You may now make your presentation, Mr. Cabot.
Alexander: Thank you. Mr. Mayor, members of the council, ladies and gentlemen. As some of you are aware, I currently own a 1976 Dodge Aspen Special Edition two-door hardtop, red with a padded white vinyl half top; I purchased this car two years ago, and I had it restored to full operating condition including a new set of brakes; this past May Thirtieth, I was driving said car to a rehearsal at Laurel Recorded Music, and I tried to slow down near Webster Street – that's when I found out that the brakes were dead; I pumped the brakes, then tried the emergency brake, then I tried to shift the car into neutral – and none of these means worked! I had to drive into a parking area on Sherman Drive and spin the car out! After a three minute wait, I notified the police, and I gave the officers a statement, then, with police blessing, I notified Vince Sutton at his auto repair shop on Waverley Street; I have submitted to all of you copies of the police report, the bill from Mr. Sutton, the State Police report and the statement from the claims adjuster from the insurance company.
Right then, another member of the council, Floyd Montgomery, rises to speak; he is an older white man, looking rather stout; he wears glasses and has a moustache; he is wearing a white dress shirt, dark gray dress trousers and brown dress shoes.
Montgomery: If I may ask, Mr. Cabot, why are you bringing this matter to the council?
Alexander: Well, sir, I bring this matter to the council because the car in question has been failed by State Police inspectors, not to mention the adjuster from the insurance company – on authorization from the company, the adjuster wrote and presented to me a check to me for close to twenty three thousand dollars; rather than spend this money on another car, I have chosen to present a check for just a little more than the double the amount paid me by the insurance company – along with the title to the car – to the Borough of Midvale, with the express desire to see the borough construct, within the corporate limits of Midvale, a sheltered structure wherein these cars could be put on display; at one side of the displays, we could place a decently-sized sign, reading as follows: "Here stands a prime example of the downfall of the American auto industry in the Seventies", and then, bearing the name of the car in question.
Page: Mr. Cabot, why would you want this display within the corporate limits of the borough?
Alexander: Councilor Page, I want these to serve as reminders of what happened to the American auto industry back in the Seventies, so that the state of the industry never falls into such a state of decay ever again.
Bexley: In other words, you want to hold the American auto industry to account – right here in Midvale.
Alexander: That's right, Councilor Bexley. What I'm proposing should attract people to Midvale; as an added bonus, I'll start a search for the two other such cars – specifically, a Chevrolet Vega and a Ford Pinto.
Montgomery: Do you mean to say, Mr. Cabot, that you're willing to contribute some of your own money to this display – to be operated by the Borough of Midvale as a public service?
Alexander: Yes Councilor Montgomery, I'm donating some of my own money to serve as the seed money for this display; a sort of museum, as it were.
At that point, the Mayor of Midvale, Benjamin "Benny" Shoopman, rises to speak; he is a somewhat stout man of medium height; he has short black hair and a moustace; he is wearing a dark gray short sleeve, button-up shirt and dark gray trousers.
Shoopman: If I may, Alexander, how much money are you contributing for this museum?
Alexander: Mayor Shoopman, I'm contributing ninety thousand dollars – this should make a significant contribution for this museum; as for location of the museum, I suggest we contact the heirs of Bill McKeever, who, I believe, still own the building where the McKeever AMC/Jeep dealership was located.
Shoopman: I take it you're referring to the building at 253 Locust Street?
Alexander: That's correct, Mayor Shoopman; this would make a prime site for this museum.
Shoopman: Very well, Alexander; all those in favor say aye. (The council says "aye" in unison.) All those opposed? (There are no objections.) The motion is approved.
There is applause from the audience.
George: Well, Alexander, your idea has been approved by the borough council; let us hope that your idea comes to fruition.
