Episode Transcript
Quorum: The Gambler’s Tale
“All That Glitters,” Part 10
INTRODUCTION
HOST
Welcome to Jabberwocky Audio Theater.
HOST
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RATING ANNOUNCER
The following audio theater is rated AD-PG, so parental guidance is suggested.
ANNOUNCERLAND
MUSIC: THEME MUSIC BEGINS
ANNOUNCER
There has always been a gray area between the just and the unjust. The lawful and the lawless. A nebulous region where the trappings of authority share little crossover with the course of justice. And where those who attempt to shine light into the dark recesses of power are often the least expected.
(BEAT)
July 2012. Looking into the death of David Turner, an investigator with the LA County Assessor’s Office, poker player Jimmy Harmon and his ex-girlfriend Robin Freeman have unearthed a scheme to defraud the city of Los Angeles. The plot, led by film star Parker Wells, real estate speculator Glen Chambers, and venture capitalist Anton Kreitzer, hinges on exploiting an impending bridge construction project.
(THE FOLLOWING EXCERPTS ARE REPLAYS OF THE SCENES FROM PREVIOUS EPISODES)
JIMMY
They’re buying land that’ll be worthless once the bridge is built… Because it’s all land the city’ll have to seize to actually build the damn thing... They get back fair market value. Which, thanks to faked property assessments, is now — officially, in the city’s own figures — ten times what they paid.
ROBIN
They’ll make millions…
JIMMY
Millions they’re clearly willing to kill to protect.
ANNOUNCER
Pursued by a corrupt police detective and hired killer named Malone, the pair are rescued by enigmatic performance driver Eleanor Wallis, who is struggling with secrets of her own.
JIMMY
You just saved our lives. I just want to —
ELEANOR
Don’t get used to it… I don’t know how many times I can say it, but I’m not the person you think I am.
ANNOUNCER
As they continue their investigation, Harmon begins to suspect that Kreitzer — for whom he and Eleanor have been working — may not be aware of the plan’s scope.
ROBIN
So… yesterday you were trying to figure out if Anton Kreitzer was involved in all of this. What if he’s the shadow investor…? A shadow investor these other two have screwed over… They make millions off of these faked assessments…
JIMMY
And come out way ahead, while he ends up with squat… maybe he’s not aware of what’s going on.
ANNOUNCER
While Robin gathers evidence to present to the DA, Jimmy goes to a secret meeting at Griffith Observatory, where, in the midst of a freak summer thunderstorm, he takes a chance and informs Kreitzer of his suspicions. But they are confronted by the other investors, Wells and Chambers… along with the homicidal Malone, who shares an ominous revelation.
CHAMBERS
Anton, there’s a simple explanation for all this.
JIMMY
It starts with him having Malone kill the lead inspector at the Assessor’s office, David Turner.
MALONE
(LAUGHING)
Jesus Christ… call me dumb. I didn’t kill Turner. Still haven’t figured it out. Hit and run? Not my MO. Gee, whose might it be? Any hotshot drivers we know?
SOUND: GUN COCKING
SOUND: TIRES SCREECHING
SOUND: BODY CRUNCHING AGAINST METAL
SOUND: MASSIVE CRASH
ANNOUNCER
Eleanor’s timely arrival once again saves Jimmy from Malone’s lethal attack, but at an irrevocable cost.
ELEANOR
(GASPING)
I’m… I’m sorry, Jimmy… I’m so, so sorry.
JIMMY
(TEARING UP)
It’s okay, Eleanor… It’s going to be fine.
SOUND: DEAFENING GUNSHOT
MALONE
No cigar this time. I win. One down. Next up, Jimmy.
ANNOUNCER
Jabberwocky Audio Theater presents: Quorum: The Gambler’s Tale. Tonight’s presentation: “All That Glitters,” episode ten.
MUSIC: THEME MUSIC ENDS
GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY
(DISTANT CITY SOUNDS, THUNDER, RAIN)
JIMMY
(DISTRAUGHT)
Jesus… Eleanor…
SOUND: SCRAMBLING TO FEET
MALONE
Oh, have I been looking forward to this.
CHAMBERS
No, dammit! Malone, we have to get out of here!
WELLS
(PANICKED)
This is… this is… I can’t be around… this…
MALONE
Shut the hell up, Wells, you whiny little Hollywood pissant.
WELLS
Pissant? I’m the one who got this all in motion! Put Chambers and Kreitzer together. Found out about Kreitzer’s side project, convinced him to make those three stooges play an elaborate game so we could get hold of it, but you couldn’t get your part right. Only got one of the pieces, made such a goddamned mess of —
SOUND: GUNSHOT
SOUND: BODY FALLING
MALONE
Sorry, Wells. You saying something? No? Okay.
CHAMBERS
Christ, Malone! You can’t just… We needed him!
MALONE
Then he shoulda learned to keep his mouth shut.
KREITZER
Once again, you’ve overplayed your hand, Chambers.
CHAMBERS
Dammit, we had everything under control!
KREITZER
Until you decided to betray me.
CHAMBERS
We didn’t… betray you. You’d have been fine. Sure as hell wouldn’t have missed the money. Pocket change to you. We could have reinvested your share, you’d still have your precious little revitalization project.
KREITZER
(ANGRY)
Your scheme threatened to undermine my work!
CHAMBERS
I said, your Seventh Street Bridge project would —
KREITZER
I don’t mean that.
CHAMBERS
Oh, your side project? Diversion that brought in this poker-playing jackass, got him sniffing around, never should have been there in the first place? Distracted that bitch Wallis from work I needed her to do.
JIMMY
(EMOTIONAL)
You son of a bitch.
KREITZER
So it was you who went after my little packages.
CHAMBERS
What did you expect? Had to know what was so damned important it was jeopardizing everything we were doing.
JIMMY
(REGAINING COMPOSURE)
Only you got more than you bargained for. Thumb drive in Ford’s package was a Trojan horse. And you plugged it into one of the computers at the Assessor’s office. Probably when you were meeting with Santoro on Tuesday.
CHAMBERS
What? How did you…?
JIMMY
Kreitzer mentioned the virus at the racetrack. Said it had a tracking system — bet it’s given up its point of origin, which is what prompted this meeting. Saw you with Santoro myself, and learned from… an associate the county’s computer systems went haywire that night.
KREITZER
Astute as always, Mr. Harmon.
MALONE
Okay, enough with the talking. Time to finish this up.
SOUND: DISTANT HELICOPTER APPROACHING
CHAMBERS
Put the revolver down! Kreitzer’s the only one who can stop the… the virus, or whatever it is before it draws the attention of every law enforcement agency in the city! Expose everything!
MALONE
Jesus, think I can’t handle the damn cops? I’m a decorated Gang and Narcotics detective, for Chrissakes. Department poster boy. Untouchable. Hell, I been covering up half your stuff already. One call from me and Broughy in Commercial Crimes buries this. That’s why you brought me on in the first place, ain’t it?
CHAMBERS
I don’t mean LAPD. The Feds — FBI, SEC, IRS… Jesus, they’re all going to be after us for this.
MALONE
Fine. Guess it’s just your body we’ll be leaving for my buddies in Robbery-Homicide, Harmon.
CHAMBERS
No! He’s our best bargaining chip to use against Kreitzer, at least right now! Get them in the car.
KREITZER
That’s quite all right. I’ve arranged for my own transportation.
SOUND: HELICOPTER SOUND GETTING LOUDER
CHAMBERS
What?
KREITZER
Do you think a man in my position travels alone, into a hazardous situation, without contingencies?
CHAMBERS
What’s… what’s that?
KREITZER
Panic transmitter. Activated the moment Mr. Harmon identified this gentleman as Malone, the policeman who had accosted him prior. The device records audio and relays it to a cloud-based system. Every element of our interaction has been recorded. I believe it’s best for all of us that I take my leave now.
MALONE
Not if I take out your ride.
SOUND: GUNSHOT
SOUND: GUN HAMMER CLICK
JIMMY
Revolver, dumbass. You’ve had your six. My turn.
SOUND: GUNSHOT
SOUND: BODY FALLING ONTO WET GROUND
KREITZER
I… didn’t realize you were armed.
JIMMY
That’s… literally the first time I’ve ever fired a gun. No way in hell I’d be able to outdraw a pro like Malone. Had to wait for him to fire his last bullet.
SOUND: HELICOPTER LANDING
KREITZER
I think it best we depart quickly. Mr. Gabriel, my pilot, is skilled, but landing here is far from legal.
JIMMY
Don’t have to tell me twice. See you later, Chambers.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS RUNNING
KREITZER
(SHOUTING OVER ROTORS)
Take care. You don’t want to risk… look out!
SOUND: BODY SLAM
SOUND: STRUGGLING
MALONE
(SHOUTING)
Nice try, Jimmy. Crappy aim. Now I’ve got your gun. What say we all climb on board, go for a ride?
SOUND: HELICOPTER DOOR SLIDING OPEN
MALONE
Chambers! Get your ass over here.
JIMMY
You son of a —
SOUND: SMACK
MALONE
Shut the hell up. You just shot a cop, dumbass! Your life is officially over. Could just leave you, let my loyal friends take care of it. But apparently, we need to go. Oh, I’m gonna savor this one. Move it, Chambers!
SOUND: CLIMBING INTO HELICOPTER
KREITZER’S HELICOPTER – INSIDE
(HELICOPTER ROTORS IN BACKGROUND)
SOUND: HELICOPTER DOOR SLIDING CLOSED
MALONE
Cute little pistol, Jimmy. A P7M13, eh? Don’t think they even make these anymore. Chrome plated, too. Somebody shelled out for this baby.
GABRIEL
What the hell? Mr. Kreitzer, what are these —
MALONE
Shut it, flyboy, or I ventilate your skull!
CHAMBERS
Jesus, Malone. Just… take it easy. You, pilot! I don’t know what you had planned, but… just fly. Take us… west. Toward the Hills. Fast. I need to think.
SOUND: HELICOPTER RISING
CHAMBERS
All right… Not gonna be able to follow us easy in this weather. That’s good… Roads around here probably already starting to flood… If we can get… My boat’s docked at Marina Del Rey, at the Landing… if there’s somewhere we can land this thing. Pilot, I bet you know this town. Where can we land near there?
GABRIEL
If you think I’m going to give you my professional expertise, you are sorely mistaken.
CHAMBERS
You will if you don’t want Malone here to shoot you!
GABRIEL
And crash us down into Bronson Canyon? I doubt that.
CHAMBERS
Well maybe we just kill your boss. Like that idea?
KREITZER
An empty threat, Chambers, as we both know you need me.
MALONE
Don’t matter, Chambers. There’s a hotel pad next to the marina. Private, but LAPD’s commandeered it before. I can get them to clear it for us easy enough.
CHAMBERS
You hear that, pilot? Just… keep going. Malone, just… make the call.
MALONE
Yeah, I’ll do that, Chambers. Everybody stay cool.
JIMMY
(GROANING)
Hardly one to talk about cool, you psychotic bastard!
MALONE
You just don’t know when to quit, do you, Harmon?
CHAMBERS
Jesus, Malone, we need them! You heard Kreitzer. Without him, we all take the fall for this.
JIMMY
Malone never was much of one for thinking. Little hamster running in his head gets tired.
MALONE
You know what? Someone’s taking a fall, all right.
SOUND: HELICOPTER DOOR SLIDING OPEN
(MASSSIVE RUSH OF WIND, RAIN)
GABRIEL
(CALLING OUT)
Whoa! You can’t do that! I can’t keep control if —
MALONE
Do what the hell I want, long as I’m the one with the badge and the gun. Shut up and fly. Like the man said, we need Kreitzer. Don’t mean we need him in one piece. Think at this point, I’d rather go that route.
KREITZER
Don’t think for a second that I’ll provide you with —
MALONE
Wait your turn, Kreitzer. You’ll do whatever the hell I say, once I’m through with you. And we don’t need you at all, Harmon. Whaddaya know? Hollywood Reservoir down there. Could be your lucky day. You’re a tough guy. If you push off real hard, I bet you can hit the water. Get a nice view of the Hollywood sign on your way down.
KREITZER
You can’t be serious!
MALONE
Heart attack serious. Your choice, Harmon. Take your chances, or I blow your head off right here. Hell, either way, smoke clears, bet they give me a medal.
JIMMY
You’re a real credit to the force, Malone.
KREITZER
Jimmy… “When the whole world lines up against you, desperate to rip you from your legacy…”
JIMMY
You… hold on.
KREITZER
Roll now, Mr. Gabriel!
SOUND: ROTORS SHIFTING
SOUND: METAL SCREECHING
CHAMBERS
We’re tipping over!
SOUND: SKIDDING ACROSS FLOOR
MALONE
Chambers, watch it, you idiot.
CHAMBERS
I’m falling!
SOUND: BODY IMPACT
JIMMY
Whoof! Dammit!
MALONE
Ah! You moron!
SOUND: BODIES TUMBLING
KREITZER’S HELICOPTER – OUTSIDE
(DEAFENING WIND, RAIN, HELICOPTER ROTORS)
SOUND: SCRAMBLING ON METAL
CHAMBERS
(FADING)
Aaaaaaaahhhh!
KREITZER
(CALLING)
Hold on! Mr. Gabriel, James has fallen out, clinging to the strut, as is Malone — stabilize us, quickly!
GABRIEL
(DISTANT)
Doing what I can, sir! We’re completely imbalanced!
MALONE
(STRUGGLING)
Halfwit… Chambers… had to take us out with him!
JIMMY
(STRUGGLING)
Yeah… he never was one… for consideration… Whoa!
MALONE
Tough hanging on with that busted hand I gave you? Piece of cake to knock you rest of the way off…
SOUND: BANGING ON METAL
MALONE
Quit squirming you little…
SOUND: BODY IMPACT
JIMMY
Whoof!
MALONE
Hah! About damn time to be… rid… of you!
SOUND: BANGING ON METAL
JIMMY
Forgive me if I don’t… just make it easy for you!
SOUND: BANGING ON METAL
SOUND: SCRAMBLING ON METAL
MALONE
Whoa! Dammit… losing my… grip…
JIMMY
That’s what you get for… horsing around. So… now who’s the one having a hard time hanging on?
MALONE
Dammit, Harmon… help me… help me up! Help me, you son of a bitch! I’m slipping, dammit!
JIMMY
You know what, Malone? You’re a tough guy. Why don’t you push off real hard? I bet you can hit the water.
MALONE
You… you son of a —
SOUND: SLIPPING
MALONE
(FURIOUS, FADING)
Aaaaaaaaaaaah!
SOUND: MULTIPLE GUNSHOTS, DIMINISHING
KREITZER
James… here. Grab my hand, let me pull you up!
SOUND: CLIMBING ON METAL
JIMMY
Ow… hand, hand, hand…
KREITZER
Apologies.
KREITZER’S HELICOPTER – INSIDE
SOUND: HELICOPTER DOOR CLOSING
JIMMY
Damn. Malone didn’t make the water after all. Hate losing a bet. Though in this case, can’t say I’m gonna lose a lot of sleep over it. Anton, are you all right?
KREITZER
Me? I’m not the one who just fell out the side of a moving helicopter. I’m just pleased you remembered our conversation back on the bridge.
JIMMY
When the world lines up against you, hold on like your life depends on it… Really are pretty good words to live by. Just wish I’d held on a bit tighter, and with my good hand, but I didn’t plan on being body-checked by a panicked fraudster. Besides, “Put your seat belt on” is another lesson I should have learned by now.
KREITZER
And I’m similarly pleased Mr. Gabriel has been at this long enough to deduce my intent.
GABRIEL
Glad to be of service, sir. Redirecting to the airport.
KREITZER
Let’s make haste. I’ve a feeling we must move quickly.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
BOB HOPE AIRPORT
(AIRPORT NOISES, RAIN, PLANES IN BACKGROUND)
JIMMY (V.O.)
Blood was pounding behind my eyes, a sledgehammer banging a bitter anvil, my swollen hand pulsing with each beat. By the time I could think straight, or close to it, we were on the tarmac at Bob Hope Airport, next to what I figured was Kreitzer’s private jet.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES OUT
SOUND: HELICOPTER LANDING, WINDING DOWN
SOUND: HELICOPTER DOOR OPENING
FARAH
(SHOUTING OVER NOISE)
I’ve arranged for our departure. We are cleared to take off, but will have to do so immediately. The helicopter tail number was called in from the observatory — with its distinct UK registry, G-FRED, it will likely be identified any minute. You’ll want to be on your way before anyone begins asking questions.
KREITZER
Of course. Thank you, Farah. You and Mr. Gabriel go ahead and board. I’ll be with you momentarily.
FARAH
Of course, sir.
GABRIEL
I’ll help Schroeder with preflight, have us in the air as soon as possible.
KREITZER
Thank you, Alphonse.
SOUND: FOOSTEPS LEAVING
JIMMY
All happening so fast… Where… where are you going?
KREITZER
A small island, approximately seven hours by air. Sort of a retirement plan. I’d planned on making the journey in the fall, perhaps for the holidays, not quite so… expeditiously. However, under the circumstances…
JIMMY
Yeah, I see. I get it. Circumstances did scream out for a little improvisation.
KREITZER
I would be pleased if you would accompany us.
JIMMY
What, you mean go with you? Now?
KREITZER
I’d hate to think our preliminary work would come to nought. Moreover, after recent events, I imagine there will be… difficulties for you, of the legal variety. Nothing that cannot be weathered, of course, but… best weathered from a distance.
JIMMY
But… I can’t just… up and leave everything. And hell, I think I need to get to a doctor again.
KREITZER
Our facility is fully equipped. Do you have a passport?
JIMMY
I did, in my bag, but I lost that at the hotel, when Boyd crashed what was supposed to be the poker game. Along with pretty much my entire bankroll. In cash.
KREITZER
I can arrange for a replacement passport. We won’t have to concern ourselves with that immediately. And there will be ample opportunity to restore your finances.
JIMMY
This is… this is all…
KREITZER
Jimmy, you’ve built a career making split-second decisions with incomplete information and deducing the rest. This is one such moment. There’s little more I can say, other than that I value your services, and will have need for them in the future.
JIMMY (V.O.)
This was crazy. Up and leave at the drop of a hat? But… justified though it may have been, I had just killed a cop. Or at least let him die. Psycho killer, but still a cop, so the LAPD would be out for blood. Robin was safe, or at least the people after her were out of the picture. And pleasant as our reunion was, I clearly wasn’t a stabilizing factor in her life. Other than that… what did I have to keep me here?
JIMMY
All right, Anton. What the hell? I’m all in.
KREITZER
Good man. Let’s get aboard. We’ll elaborate en route.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS UP METAL STAIRS
SOUND: JET ENGINE SPINNING UP
KREITZER’S PLANE
(ENGINE WARMUP INCREASING IN BACKGROUND)
SOUND: AIRCRAFT BULKHEAD DOOR CLOSING
KREITZER
Please sit. I’m going to check on our status, make sure the wind’s died down enough for us to take off. You mentioned your phone had lost power. There are charging cables next to your seat if you’d like to recharge.
JIMMY
Um… sure. Thanks.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS MOVING AWAY
SOUND: SITTING IN CHAIR
SOUND: CABIN DOOR OPENING, CLOSING
SOUND: PLUGGING PHONE INTO CABLE
SOUND: PHONE CHARGING SOUND
JIMMY (V.O.)
This was… unexpected would be understatement. When I grabbed my bolt bag, didn’t think it’d be the last time I saw my apartment. Or LA. Or the States. Now I didn’t even have that bag. Last attachment to my old life.
SOUND: CELL PHONE PING
JIMMY
Text message… Huh, just an attachment… Voice mail from before, must have missed… from… Oh, Jesus.
SOUND: CELL PHONE CLICK
ELEANOR
(FILTERED, ON PHONE)
Jimmy, I was hoping to catch you before… whatever. Maybe this is easier. I just… had to tell you. Only I don’t know how. I tried to live in the moment, and last night… I almost did. But this morning… It’s gotten out of control. Like a flat world’s been slowly tilting, and I couldn’t keep my grip. Last fall, in DC, then… last week. Here. When Glen Chambers had me… run down David Turner. Inspector for the Assessor’s office. Had Malone and his partner go after some other people. I didn’t know who Malone was at that point, but… I didn’t ask questions. Not the important ones.
JIMMY
Jesus…
ELEANOR
Then eventually, Chambers sent me and Malone to find you. I kept on Malone instead, and… couldn’t just watch. Knew it was over then, how it’d end. I’ll… send you a file. Have to text it, don’t have your email. May take a while to come through. It’ll have… everything. Give it to that girl Robin or whoever. Chambers is off to meet with Kreitzer. A confrontation. I don’t have a good feeling about it. But… I’m sorry, Jimmy. Sorry I couldn’t be who you wanted me to be. Who I wished I could have been. Who you almost made me.
JIMMY
(TEARING UP)
Jesus… Eleanor. I’m so… so sorry.
SOUND: CELL PHONE TYPING
SOUND: TEXT FORWARDING WHOOSH
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
KREITZER’S PLANE
(AIRCRAFT HUM UNDERNEATH)
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES OUT
SOUND: CABIN DOOR OPENING
KREITZER
We have cleared US airspace. The rest of our flight should be smooth. James… Jimmy. Are you all right?
JIMMY
Some news I needed to send before we went out of range. Hard news. But… nothing you need to worry about.
KREITZER
I realize how… unsettling this must be. I do apologize for the necessity of our sudden departure. It’s fair to say my Los Angeles plans are scuttled.
JIMMY
Yeah… I’m sorry about your bridge project. The Seventh Street one, not the… other one. Sounded like it would have been nice.
KREITZER
(SIGHS)
It would have made for a more satisfying departure, knowing I had left something positive behind. But I think it’s time the City of Angels and I parted ways. The lawyers can handle the… unfinished business.
JIMMY
So… any idea when it might be safe to head back? Not that I’m in a rush, but…
KREITZER
It may be some time before the… legal landscape makes your return entirely secure. My attorneys will expedite things, of course. In the meantime, I do hope you will make the most of our time together. I prize loyalty, and you’ve more than proven that this evening. But more important is ability. Perception. Aptitude.
JIMMY
Well… thanks. Don’t know that I’ve always been able to translate those skills in other areas. I hope I live up to your expectations. Assuming you have work for me.
KREITZER
The venture I am currently engaged in is of substantial scope. Certainly beyond these childish real-estate games. But as my timetable has accelerated, I will require skilled assistance. Curiously, you may actually cross paths with your old associate, Ms. Sałkiewicz.
JIMMY
Wiktoria? Really?
KREITZER
She has been vital in facilitating certain exchanges. Arranging contacts outside my normal circles.
JIMMY
I see… Anton, about Wiktoria… I’d be very careful.
KREITZER
I gather you’ve more than a general admonition in mind.
JIMMY
This may sound like it’s coming out of nowhere but… when she first recommended me to you, she made some… implications. Been in the back of my mind a while. Too tired to dance around it anymore, so I’ll just ask. Do you know anything about someone named Emil Watson?
KREITZER
Watson… it doesn’t sound familiar offhand. In what context might I be associated with him?
JIMMY
He’s… or was, likely dead now… a sort of enforcer. Worked for Wiktoria, but was a kind of double agent. Killed a friend of mine, named Will Archer. So he… never worked for you? Or for someone you know, maybe?
KREITZER
I don’t often deal with people of that nature, and those I do employ I most certainly remember. Please don’t take offense, but your own less-than-straight-and-narrow history was part of what intrigued me about you.
JIMMY
I picked up on that. Believe me, no offense taken.
KREITZER
There was Mr. Ford, at Parker Wells’s recommendation, though his qualifications were more pretense than fact. And our unfortunate Ms. Wallis, though my work with her was also limited to our puzzle-box exercise, after her referral from Chambers… I am truly sorry about her…
JIMMY
Yeah… thanks. Anyway, Wiktoria hinted at a connection between you and Watson, or someone in your circle, maybe even in Margaret Florian’s poker game. Hell, Chambers’d be a damned likely candidate. But now I’m thinking it was all a smokescreen. An excuse. That she hoped I’d pass along info on the project you’ve got her doing legwork for, even if inadvertently. Give her a chance to get a piece of the action.
KREITZER
That does seem in keeping with her character.
JIMMY
Some things don’t change. Hell, this crazy cop back in Vegas, Marshall, tried to warn me. Wanted me to turn on her. At that point I thought she was trying to kill me, so can’t say I wasn’t tempted. Maybe part of me knew even then she was using me. And after all this, I’m feeling a bit more fatalistic. It’s her nature.
KREITZER
If there is any information I am able to uncover about this Watson character, I will do so. You have my word. Now… we should arrive at our destination in… a bit over six hours. Would you care to join me in a drink?
JIMMY
You know what? That sounds like a splendid idea. Hey, after a couple, maybe the hand won’t bother me so much.
KREITZER
Scotch? I believe I have a bottle of MacCutcheon.
JIMMY
Man after my own heart.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
KREITZER’S ISLAND – PRIVATE VILLA
(BEACH SOUNDS THROUGHOUT)
JIMMY (V.O.)
Gotta hand it to Kreitzer. The place was unbelievable. Entire private island somewhere in… don’t know exactly where. He said something about it only being accessible by plane, but caught a glimpse of a shipping and receiving area on the way in. Not to mention the biggest yacht I’ve ever seen just offshore. Lot of activity going on. Construction, looks like. Must be why he hadn’t planned on coming here quite yet.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES OUT
SOUND: DOOR OPENING
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS ENTERING
MUSIC: EASY TROPICAL MUSIC
(DRAKE SPEAKS WITH A POLISHED ENGLISH ACCENT)
DRAKE
Here we are, sir. As you did not have much in the way of baggage, Mr. Kreitzer asked us to provide a suitable wardrobe. You’ll find that in your closet. If there is anything missing, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
JIMMY
I’m sure I’ll manage. So… which room is mine?
DRAKE
Apologies for any misunderstanding, sir. This villa is yours. In its entirety.
JIMMY
Oh… well, then.
DRAKE
The island’s communications system is not compatible with American mobiles, but we will procure a suitable replacement. We do have wireless Internet service, so you should be able to download any messages in the meantime. The password is Arcadia.
JIMMY
Sounds appropriate.
DRAKE
Our doctor is en route as we speak, to tend to your hand. You’ll find our capabilities are excellent. Mr. Kreitzer has several guests arriving over the course of the day, and has asked if you would join them for a game of poker in the main building this evening.
JIMMY
I’d be happy to. Poker I can handle. Like old times.
DRAKE
In the meantime, I can be reached at any time via either the telephone or intercom systems. My name is Drake, and I will gladly provide for your every need.
JIMMY
My every need?
DRAKE
Within reason, of course. Though rest assured, I suspect that would include most of them.
JIMMY
Thanks, Drake.
SOUND: MONEY RUSTLING
DRAKE
Ah, that won’t be necessary, sir. My compensation is quite comprehensive.
JIMMY
Oh, okay. Sorry, I didn’t mean any insult.
DRAKE
No insult whatsoever, sir. Enjoy your time with us.
SOUND: DOOR CLOSING
JIMMY (V.O.)
As prisons go, this had to rank near the top. Not to be too dramatic, but one thing that came clear was once I agreed to come, I wasn’t exactly free to go. Even if I did have my passport, no way to get back to the real world, not yet. For now, have to make the most of it, see what I could learn. Still didn’t know anything about this big plan Kreitzer had. And if there was some connection between him and the people who killed Will, this might the best place to find it.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS WALKING
JIMMY (V.O.)
Maybe give Will Archer some closure. Or let’s be honest: give me closure for getting him killed. If this got me nearer to finding that, I’d be able to hang on.
SOUND: PAPER RUSTLING
JIMMY
(MUMBLING)
Huh. A welcome gift…? “A little something to indulge your curiosity and exercise your particular skills.”
SOUND: UNWRAPPING PAPER
JIMMY (V.O.)
Another of Kreitzer’s infamous puzzle boxes. Looked like mahogany. Nice. Had my name engraved on top, Harmon. Not just engraved, but a fancy script — one of those designs that reads the same right-side-up or upside-down. All the more impressive when you think he probably had this put together while we were on the flight down. Wondered what was inside this one.
SOUND: SITTING ON BED
SOUND: CELL PHONE KEYS
JIMMY
A-R-C… A-D… I-A…
JIMMY (V.O.)
It’d wait. Now, just one open mystery I cared about.
VOICE MAIL ANNOUNCER
(FILTERED, DIGITAL)
You have… two new messages. First message.
ROBIN
(FILTERED, ON PHONE)
Hey, Jimmy. Robin. I don’t know where you are, when you’ll get this, but I wanted to tell you I’m okay. I got your message, brought everything to that guy Allen Hill at the DA’s office first thing this morning. It’s actually right across the street from my office, the Hall of Records, where we… you know. Anyway, I laid it out, and I swear he was drooling. Sent out for a warrant for Santoro, the Assessor, straight away…
JIMMY
Good for you.
ROBIN
News said they found two bodies at the Observatory. Parker Wells was one, and… Eleanor. I’m so sorry. I know I was… upset, angry. Don’t get me wrong, I think I had every right to be, but still… Hill said there were two others, didn’t make the news, but apparently one of them was a cop. Malone, I bet. All I know about the other is it’s not you. Deflates the murder case if their suspects are all dead, but Hill’s still excited. Wants to find Kreitzer, but pretty sure he’s left the country. If you’re with him, I hope you’re at least… I won’t say “safe,” since that’s not your style, but… out of immediate danger. They have me secure here. And I think… it’ll be okay. I just wanted to say… thanks. For everything. I hope you’re doing okay. And that you find what you’re looking for. Goodbye, Jimmy.
JIMMY (V.O.)
For a few hours, I’d almost forgotten about Eleanor. Now it came flooding back. Right when I started hoping again, life went in for one last kick. She never had a chance. Whatever set her on her course, there was no way for her to get back off. In the end, she knew it.
SOUND: CELL PHONE KEY CLICK
JIMMY (V.O.)
Knowing Robin was safe was one load off. Especially after everything I put her through. But honestly, don’t know that I had to worry. She can take care of herself.
VOICE MAIL ANNOUNCER
Next message.
JIMMY (V.O.)
But that small solace was undone in one fell swoop, by a voice I never expected to hear again. Two voices.
MARSHALL
(FILTERED, ON PHONE)
Jimmy! Jimmy Harmon! Long time, no speak. Ben Marshall, in case you didn’t recognize my charming voice. Well, I think it’s charming, but some find it off-putting. Mostly a certain Wiktoria Sałkiewicz, who you may have heard — or not, depends how much you’ve kept up with life in Las Vegas — has managed to see to my removal from the hallowed halls of the Las Vegas Metro PD.
JIMMY
Ben Marshall… Wow…
MARSHALL
Silver lining: don’t have to put up with that crappy station coffee anymore. And I’m a free agent. Devil-may-care. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Or not, but I don’t have to pay attention to my boss anymore. Or his boss. Any bosses. Until I get another full-time job, which I am looking into. Meantime, got a friendly voice I thought you might want to hear from.
SOUND: MOVEMENT ON PHONE
WILL
Jimmy. It’s… it’s Will. There’s… something I guess we need to talk about.
JIMMY
Jesus… Will, you’re… alive?
MUSIC: CLIFFHANGER MUSIC CUE
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
QUORUM COUNCIL CHAMBER
(THE SAME HEAVY REVERB AND MECHANICAL HUM WE’VE COME TO EXPECT FROM QUORUM HQ)
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES OUT
MR. KING
Mr. Queen, this sequence of events is not what we expected, nor the timetable you led us to anticipate.
MR. QUEEN
I understand, Mr. King. I… I will confess to being surprised at the degree of synchronicity this stage of the operation has elicited.
MS. ROOK
You were warned about deviating from plans during the Las Vegas phase. Alterations have consequences.
MR. QUEEN
Ms. Rook, I do not accept as given the unsupported allegation that my actions resulted in any substantive change in the course of events. I worked explicitly with Mr. Bishop to ensure that our larger predictions remained unaltered. Mr. Bishop?
SOUND: ASSORTED COMPUTER BEEPS AND CLICKS
MR. BISHOP
I cannot assert definitively there were no significant alterations. But as you all can see, our models show developments should not have proceeded this quickly.
MR. QUEEN
Not without some unforeseen factor at play.
MR. BISHOP
The model is limited by the information available.
MS. ROOK
Factors such as those you introduced in Las Vegas.
MR. QUEEN
Or yours in Washington. Do you continue to deny the Lucas campaign was prematurely apprised of our plans?
MS. ROOK
Now it is you who are making unsubstantiated claims.
MR. KING
Enough. There will be time for assessment later. Regardless of underlying causes, the fact remains that we must adapt. This is a critical juncture, now more than ever. Mr. Queen, are you able to make adjustments?
MR. QUEEN
I can accelerate preparation of our Pacific facility, though it will incur significant additional costs.
MR. KING
Ms. Knight, can you redirect funds accordingly?
MS. KNIGHT
Quorum accounts will support additional expenditures, though such unplanned activity opens the possibility of unwelcome scrutiny. Particularly if European theater operations must be similarly accelerated.
MR. KING
Ah, of course. Ms. Rook, how will the extraction process be altered?
MS. ROOK
Substantially. The standing plan called for a gradual persuasion-based campaign. If we are to accelerate, we will need to take a more… direct approach.
MR. KING
How quickly can we mobilize a reliable support crew?
MS. ROOK
As always, I have contingencies prepared. The team can be activated imminently. There will be substantial costs, of course. More significantly, I will require Ms. Knight’s Mediterranean contacts. And Mr. Bishop’s assistance in reassessing projections.
MR. KING
Ms. Knight, Mr. Bishop. Can you both make yourselves available to Ms. Rook?
MS. KNIGHT
I will begin preparations immediately. I have a particular shipping operation in mind that I can divert for our purposes, but will have to move quickly.
MR. BISHOP
And I will ensure that I am available as soon as we have specifics about the operational parameters.
MR. KING
Very well. I would ask that everyone proceed accordingly. And I would also caution all of you to remain alert. While the nature of our work necessarily results in… unforeseen elements, the frequency of those events of late does give me cause for alarm. Should there be further such occurrences, I fear for the security of this Quorum. Am I clear?
FULL QUORUM
Clear.
MR. KING
It pleases me to hear. We can afford no missteps, lest the course of history truly be rendered beyond repair.
MUSIC: DRAMATIC MUSIC CUE
ANNOUNCERLAND
MUSIC: CLOSING MUSIC BEGINS
ANNOUNCER
You’ve been listening to Jabberwocky Audio Theater. Tonight’s production: Quorum: The Gambler’s Tale — “All That Glitters,” episode ten of ten. Produced by Jabberwocky Audio Theater, in association with WERA-LP: Radio Arlington, ninety-six point seven FM, Arlington, Virginia.
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Featured in the cast were Cameron McNary as Jimmy Harmon, Pete Papageorge as Anton Kreitzer, Ariana Almajan as Eleanor Wallis, Kevin Murray as Glen Chambers, Daniel Rylee Bush as Parker Wells, Ricardo Padilla as Malone, Emily H. Gilson as Robin Freeman, Greg Jones Ellis as Gabriel, Liz Christmas as Farah, Brooks Tegler as Drake, Nick DePinto as Ben Marshall, Tom Kramer as Tom, James Whalen as Paul, Bob Hurley as the racing announcer, and James E. Lewis as Will Archer — with Pete Papageorge as Mr. King, Joel Snyder as Mr. Queen, Faith Potts as Ms. Rook, Anna Fitzgerald as Ms. Knight, Brian Crane as Mr. Bishop, and additional voices by Tom Kramer.
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Recorded at Tulgey Wood Studios in Springfield, Virginia, with supplemental recording at a variety of independent studios across the region.
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Music by Brooks Tegler. For specific music information, see our show notes at jabber audio dot com.
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Dialogue and sound effects editing, mastering and final mixing by William R. Coughlan. Dialogue editing support by Maurice Malde. Casting services provided by Stonehenge Casting. Postproduction services provided by Tohubohu Productions, LLC. Special thanks to A Squared Adventures for providing game-mechanic consultation, and to Bill Stockton and Mike Weneta for research assistance.
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This week’s episode was produced by Bjorn Munson, and written and directed by William R. Coughlan.
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This recording is the property of Team Jabberwocky, LLC, and may not be rebroadcast, retransmitted, or redistributed without express permission from Team J. The underlying content, including the script, story, and characters, remain the exclusive property of their owners and are used with permission.
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For all the latest episodes and information on Jabberwocky Audio Theater, visit jabber audio dot com.
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If you’re enjoying Quorum and the other yarns we spin at Jabberwocky Audio Theater, be sure to subscribe, rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or your podcast provider of choice. Check out our Patreon page at Patreon dot com slash Team Jabberwocky for exclusive content, and to help us continue to bring you further tales of mysterious suspense and high adventure.
(BEAT)
Until next time, this is Marsha Rehns, saying thanks for listening… and stay tuned for news on what’s coming up from Jabberwocky Audio Theater, including a special Quorum interlude: The Harbor Pilot’s Tale!
MUSIC: CLOSING MUSIC ENDS
INGLEWOOD PARK CASINO – RACETRACK
(RACETRACK AMBIENCE, BUSY CROWDS)
RACING ANNOUNCER
(FILTERED, OVER LOUDSPEAKER)
The racing action continues at Fairwager Inglewood Park. The season may be coming to a close, but it’s not over yet!
SOUND: PAPER SHUFFLING
TOM
Not been doing so great, Paul. Give me some good news.
PAUL
Do what I can, Tom. But this is it. The grand finale. One-dollar exacta bet in race one… take three, then one. And then in race four, a four-dollar exacta wheel… four, three… with two, four.
TOM
All right. Got everything riding on this one, Paul. This doesn’t come in, I’m not gonna be able to make my next tuition payment. Bye-bye, law school.
PAUL
Trust me, Tom. Can’t lose with this layout. No chance.
CONCLUSION
HOST
Hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Text © William R. Coughlan, under license to Jabberwocky Audio Theater. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.