Episode Transcript
Quorum: The Gambler’s Tale
“All That Glitters,” Part 2
INTRODUCTION
HOST
Welcome to Jabberwocky Audio Theater.
HOST
This podcast is made possible by listeners like you — thank you. Visit our website at JabberAudio.com/support to learn more, or go to Patreon.com/TeamJabberwocky.
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. After dealing with Las Vegas mobsters and other ambitious criminal elements, former online poker pro Jimmy Harmon has returned to his old haunts in Los Angeles. Having kept a low profile for months, Harmon at last has the opportunity to gain a seat at an exclusive high-stakes game — but only after meeting the approval of player and venture capitalist Anton Kreitzer, as well as film star Parker Wells.
(THE FOLLOWING EXCERPTS ARE REPLAYS OF THE SCENES FROM THE PREVIOUS EPISODE)
KREITZER
James, this is —
JIMMY
Parker Wells. I’m familiar with your work.
WELLS
So what’s the verdict, Kreitzer?
KREITZER
From what I understand, this will be a level of play somewhat above your usual fare, either at the casinos or online… To be clear, I don’t imagine our group would take offense at poor play. But we can… afford to be a little careless from time to time.
JIMMY
I… take your meaning… But I have spent the better part of the past year rebuilding my bankroll, and what good is money if you don’t put it to use?
KREITZER
Spoken like a fellow capitalist at heart… Our next game is tomorrow evening. The Beverly Palm hotel. I’ll have Farah send you the details.
ANNOUNCER
With his invitation to the exclusive game secured, Jimmy returns home just before sunrise, only to find an unexpected visitor awaiting him: his former girlfriend Robin, pointing a pistol straight at him.
SOUND: GUN HAMMER COCKING
ROBIN
Jimmy… don’t move.
JIMMY
Who… Robin? What… what the hell is —
ROBIN
Shut up! Just… shut up. Let me do the talking. I need to know… why the hell you’re trying to kill me!
ANNOUNCER
Jabberwocky Audio Theater presents: Quorum: The Gambler’s Tale. Tonight’s presentation: “All That Glitters,” episode two.
JIMMY’S APARTMENT – OUTSIDE
(SOUNDS OF EVENING CITY ACTIVITY)
MUSIC: THEME MUSIC ENDS
ROBIN
(UNSTEADILY, INTOXICATED)
You heard me, Jimmy. Lemme be the one… talking.
JIMMY
No problem. This is me, letting you talk.
ROBIN
Okay, I just… I just… Why, Jimmy?
JIMMY
Why what?
ROBIN
Why… why how come you want to kill me?
JIMMY
What? I don’t. Can’t imagine why you’d think that. This isn’t… isn’t you. Sounds like you’ve been drinking…
ROBIN
So what if I have? It’s a free… free Friday… I don’t… I don’t know…
JIMMY
(CALMING)
That’s it… gun down… easy.
SOUND: PASSING GUN
ROBIN
I’m sorry… Just don’t know who to…
JIMMY
I know the feeling. Come on. Let’s get inside before the neighbors get the wrong idea. Or the right idea. Probably best they stay away from ideas altogether.
JIMMY’S APARTMENT – INSIDE
(EARLY-MORNING CITY SOUNDS, MUFFLED)
JIMMY (V.O.)
Robin Freeman. My ex. Big part of the reason I moved to LA in the first place, be with her after college. Level-headed, whip-smart, and one of the sweetest, most gentle people I’d ever known. Way out of my league. What she saw in someone like me was a riddle for the ages. But that enigma was dwarfed by the absolute stumper of what could possibly prompt her to pistol-wielding at dawn. Alcohol can definitely change people, but this was a full-on personality transplant.
SOUND: DOOR OPENING
JIMMY (V.O.)
Any other time I’d be thrilled to see her. Today? Still more thrilled than I cared to admit, but offset by my complete inability to fathom why she’d want to see me. Let alone think I’d hurt her. Well, physically, I mean. Our breakup, if you can call it that, wasn’t great, but it wasn’t… hostile. Wasn’t anything, tell the truth.
JIMMY
If I’d known you were coming… anyone was coming…
ROBIN
Been worse. I mean the old place… back in San Pedro.
JIMMY
Right. Let me clear some space. Sit. You’re exhausted.
SOUND: MOVING PAPERS, CLOTH RUSTLING
ROBIN
I’ve… I’ve been up all… all night.
SOUND: GUN ON TABLE
JIMMY
And passing the time with more than a few drinks. Let me guess… your usual Bacardi and Coke? Though… probably a bit light on the mixer. Now look… I know you didn’t mean to point that at me.
ROBIN
Maybe I did. How do you… how do…?
SOUND: SITTING ON SOFA
JIMMY
I know you. Just like you know me… No matter how we left things, I’d never hurt you. Not… well, you know. Let alone kill you. I know last time we talked was…
ROBIN
Last spring. You called, middle of the night, from Vegas, where you all-a-sudden went. All… sad. I call back, don’t know why. You go off when I mention Dad, don’t let me finish. Then… pfft! Ghost!
JIMMY
That… okay, yeah, that pretty much sums it up. I’d have called back, but things got… out of hand. And after it all wound down, it just felt…
ROBIN
(SIGHING)
I know you prob… probly don’t want to kill me. I think. Wait, is that the paper? Lemme take a look.
SOUND: NEWSPAPER RUSTLING
ROBIN
Nothing… nothing… no, wait. Here.
SOUND: NEWSPAPER RUSTLING
ROBIN
At the bottom. Of the page. Dead man story.
JIMMY
What, this? “David Turner, Los Angeles County Office of the Assessor, killed outside his home in what appears to be a hit-and-run accident. Police have no suspects.”
ROBIN
That’s my boss. No, not my boss… a boss.
(YAWNING)
It’s… compli… cated. Don’t know where to start…
JIMMY
Let’s… take a step back. Hit pause. You’re exhausted.
ROBIN
But I have to tell you —
JIMMY
You will. But you’re clearly not… at your best.
ROBIN
How come you’re so calm? I mean, I just… gun…
JIMMY
Not the first time I’ve had a friend point a gun at me. At least this time it didn’t go off.
(BEAT)
Long story. It can wait. It can all wait. Here, I’m gonna get some clean sheets.
ROBIN
I don’t want to… I can just…
JIMMY
You’ll feel a lot better after some sleep. Believe me, I’m fine on the sofa here. And you can tell me all about it in the morning. Or… later in the morning.
ROBIN
Thanks. Jimmy. You’re nice. When you’re not mean.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
JIMMY’S APARTMENT – INSIDE
(MUTED DAYTIME CITY SOUNDS)
JIMMY (V.O.)
Despite what I said, no way I’d sleep after that bombshell. But Robin was dead on her feet, and had enough rum in her to blind a pirate. My curiosity had reached foolhardy feline levels, but a few hours wouldn’t make much difference. If someone was following her, they’d have jumped her while she was waiting outside for me. Still, spent the better part of the night looking for ghosts out between the window slats.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES OUT
SOUND: COFFEE MAKER BEEP
JIMMY (V.O.)
Went online to try and find more about this Turner guy in the article. County site said he headed something called Roll Services. Investigations. For any more, I’d just have to wait for a hopefully more sober Robin.
ROBIN
(MUFFLED, IN THE NEXT ROOM)
Where the… oh, crap. No. No.
SOUND: DOOR OPENING
JIMMY
Yes, I’m afraid. But… no judgment. Feeling better?
ROBIN
(NOW SOBER, BUT PAINED)
More rested. Not better. Definitely not better. Oh, ow… my head is killing me. What… what time is it?
SOUND: POURING COFFEE
JIMMY
Almost ten. Here you go. Figure you could use a cup of the black stuff. Two creams, two sugars, splash of caramel, right? And here… ibuprofen.
SOUND: PILL BOTTLE RATTLING
JIMMY
So… one hell of a reunion. You up to elaborating?
SOUND: KITCHEN CHAIR PULLING OUT, SITTING
ROBIN
Really? Just like that? Not even a good morning? Nice to see you? Sorry I ghosted you last year?
JIMMY
By then we’d already… I’m sorry. Got wrapped up in my own stuff again, and… didn’t want to bring it on you.
ROBIN
You know I can always tell when you’re lying.
JIMMY
It’s not… Okay, maybe a little. Just… I’m sorry.
ROBIN
This was a mistake. I think I should go.
JIMMY
You’re the one who came here.
ROBIN
Well, this morning I’m figuring out coming to see you was a really bad idea.
JIMMY
Since you came pointing a gun straight at me, maybe you weren’t too sure last night either.
ROBIN
I… what? Oh, Jesus… that’s… that’s…
JIMMY
Yeah. But… it’s done. Don’t worry about it. Just… why don’t you tell me what made you entertain what you freely admit was otherwise a bad idea.
ROBIN
(SIPPING)
Jesus, where to start… okay… I started working at the County Assessor’s Office about… nine months back. Around that, anyway. After I left the studio job.
SOUND: SITTING IN CHAIR
JIMMY
I looked them up online. Real estate appraisals, right? Taxes, record-keeping. Sounds thrilling.
ROBIN
Better than being a d-girl for that lech Peter Devin anymore. Anyway, branch I work for, Major Appraisals, we do high-end properties. Hotels, offices, apartments, commercial buildings… that sort of stuff. Job’s mostly filing, analysis. Same kind of thing I did at Devin’s, but way less unbridled misogyny. But I know it’s not like I’m… important. Anyway, I get this call. Me directly — not just to the department number.
JIMMY
And that’s… unusual? I get calls all the time.
ROBIN
Yeah, from all your friends. ’Cause you treat everyone so great… But this was… The number was blocked. And the voice sounded weird. Distorted, maybe? Said to look into the White Bluff Restoration Trust. And before you ask, no, that name didn’t mean anything, at least not to me. And why call me anyway? I don’t work in investigations, that’s Roll Services. Different branch.
JIMMY
Where this Turner worked.
ROBIN
Right. Except… they said it’d be in my father’s best interests if I took care of it. Quietly.
(BEAT)
Look, I know you and he don’t… Anyway, I don’t have anything to do with his work, so what was the point?
JIMMY
Hoping to blackmail him? Use you to get to him? I mean, not like you’d be motivated to help him politically, so if that’s their plan, it’s not very well thought out.
ROBIN
Maybe. But he’s mostly in DC, or back home. Not in LA, in any case. Why would he care about local assessments? Anyway, thought I’d at least check, find out what they’re on about. If this White Bluff group has commercial property, I can look them up in the land registry database. The call was kind of… creepy, but not like they made actual threats or anything.
JIMMY
Sounds like a safe first step.
ROBIN
Had to use my boss’s login, but that’s not unusual. We do it all the time — faster than dealing with government bureaucracy. Their official file says they’re some… revitalization group, reclaiming distressed properties. But nothing on who they are, investors, ties to specific property… nothing. Could be one person, or a whole group. But it’s hidden.
JIMMY
Hidden? Is that usual? Aren’t these public records?
ROBIN
If there’s some privacy issue, maybe. We’d still have the records, but they’d be secured. Not something someone at my level… or my boss’s level can look up.
JIMMY
So let me guess… you brought it to this Turner guy.
ROBIN
To a friend, Kathy, works in Roll Services, yesterday. Two days ago now, I guess. She’s a couple levels below Turner, but they work on investigations together, so it seemed like a good enough in. And then… that.
SOUND: PAPER RUSTLING
JIMMY
The newspaper article? That… could be coincidence.
ROBIN
Except Kathy didn’t come into work yesterday either. No call-in, just didn’t show. I tried to call her, a few times, but no answer. Nothing. Then after lunch, my boss, Jesse… he doesn’t come back to the office.
(BEAT)
Maybe it’s paranoid, but… I bring this tip to the investigations team. Next day, the person I give it to and the branch director and my boss, whose login I used, get… whatever. What… if Turner was poking around the confidential records… From him, they learn who told him: Kathy. From there…
JIMMY
Damn. Okay, okay. That is serious.
ROBIN
I left work early. Went home, poured a rum and Coke, but was afraid maybe they’d follow me. So I grabbed the… gun, and ran. Okay, gun and the bottle. I was… all over the place a while, then… tracked you down.
JIMMY
Why come to me? Why not… I don’t know, the police?
ROBIN
Oh sure, the cops in this town are so known for being helpful. And just what am I going to them with? A weird phone call and a couple unconnected events? In this town, that amounts to your average day. Besides, there was… something else. A name the caller said, right before they hung up: Wiktoria Sałkiewicz.
(BEAT)
She’s that… woman who used to bankroll you, right?
JIMMY
Um… yeah. She was… is… well, let’s just say not a nice person. But we came to an… understanding.
ROBIN
Not a common name. I figured whoever this caller was, they had to know I’d connect you two, right? By the time it all happened, I wasn’t thinking clearly, started getting… panicked, maybe. Drinks didn’t help. Started thinking you were… that you had…
JIMMY
It’s all right. Mind jumps to some bizarre conclusions under stress. No harm done. We can move past it. Hey, remember Pat and Grace? Used to scream at each other night after night, and they’re married two years now.
ROBIN
They split six months ago. Over Christmas.
JIMMY
Oh… okay, bad example. But… we’re fine.
ROBIN
You don’t think… Wiktoria’s behind this, do you?
JIMMY
The killing? Wow. Couple years ago, I’d have said no way. Then last spring… I’d say yeah, definitely. Now…? Honestly, I don’t think so. Don’t get me wrong. Definitely sketchy. Not above roughing people up to get what she wants. My ribs have firsthand experience. But out-and-out murder? No. Not anymore.
ROBIN
Anymore? That’s not exactly comforting.
JIMMY
It’s… she’s mostly legit. Mostly. I still owe her, but almost paid off. We don’t so much talk, but she’s been helping me with this… you don’t care about that.
ROBIN
About what?
JIMMY
Just… poker stuff. Game she’s been helping me get a seat in. Tonight, in fact. Leftover Vegas business.
ROBIN
You think maybe that’s what the caller was trying to get me to find? This poker game of hers?
JIMMY
It’s not her game. She just… has some connections.
ROBIN
Sketchy connections…
SOUND: GETTING UP FROM CHAIR
JIMMY
Tell you what. Let’s get cleaned up, eat something, then swing over by your place, take a look.
ROBIN
No way. That’s crazy!
JIMMY
I’ve got some experience with this kind of thing. Trust me. It’ll be fine. We’ll get you a cool disguise.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
ROBIN’S APARTMENT – OUTSIDE
(BUSIER CITY SOUNDS, TRAFFIC, CAR DRIVING)
JIMMY (V.O.)
Apparently, Robin was living down in Palms now. We drove around the block three times. Didn’t see anyone waiting parked, perched on a rooftop. No maintenance workers, trash guys, black flower vans… Eventually, we had to call it, take our chances, hope for the best.
SOUND: CAR PULLING OVER, STOPPING
JIMMY
I think we’re clear. You can sit up straight.
ROBIN
You sure? This… doesn’t seem like much of a disguise.
JIMMY
That’s good. Used to think the best disguise was elaborate. Distracting details to mess up descriptions later. Better nobody notices you in the first place. Hide the obvious features, tuck your hair under the cap, but otherwise… ordinary. T-shirt, sweat pants…
ROBIN
Sounds like you’ve done this before.
JIMMY
I’ve learned from my mistakes. Remind me to show off my Australian accent some time. Or… maybe not.
SOUND: CAR DOORS OPENING
SOUND: EXITING CAR
JIMMY
Damn, it’s hot. Must be ninety out here. All right. The stairs there, that’s the only way up?
SOUND: CAR DOORS CLOSING
ROBIN
Yeah. Two apartments up there. Mine’s on the left.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS ON CONCRETE
JIMMY
So if anyone is watching, we could be the neighbors.
ROBIN
I guess…
SOUND: CLIMBING STAIRS
JIMMY
Get your keys ready. We head right first, then turn around and hop quickly back to your door. Just in case.
SOUND: KEYS JINGLING
JIMMY
(SOFTLY)
Just us neighbors, coming home after a day braving the heat in the park, or at the pool, or whatever neighbors do… Now, quick, turn around and open your door.
SOUND: KEYS TURNING, DOOR OPENING
JIMMY
And… in we go… close the door.
SOUND: DOOR CLOSING
ROBIN’S APARTMENT – INSIDE
(CITY SOUNDS MUFFLED, DISTANT)
JIMMY
Okay… you go grab a few things. Enough to get through a couple of days, just in case.
ROBIN
You keep saying “just in case.”
JIMMY
Sorry. And make sure to pack your laptop, or whatever. Might need it to keep… investigating.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS CROSSING
JIMMY
I’ll keep an eye out the window.
SOUND: WINDOW BLINDS MOVING
JIMMY
Nothing moving. Good sign. Still, best pack quickly.
(PACKING SOUNDS CONTINUE THROUGHOUT FOLLOWING)
ROBIN
(DISTANT)
I’m trying, I just… hadn’t planned on going away.
JIMMY
I forget not everyone keeps a bolt bag handy.
ROBIN
A what?
JIMMY
Just my little… I mean, I keep a small go bag prepped if I ever need to run out at a moment’s notice.
ROBIN
Ah, in case you need to bolt.
JIMMY
Right.
(BEAT)
Hey, something I forgot to ask earlier.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS CROSSING
JIMMY
I know why you didn’t go to the police, between a general lack of trustworthiness and not having anything real to go on, but… why didn’t you call your father?
ROBIN
We’re not… not exactly in regular… contact.
JIMMY
No? Hey, that’s not because of —
ROBIN
Don’t flatter yourself.
(BEAT)
Jimmy… why are you helping me out? I know because I asked, but… why? Why, really?
JIMMY
Fair question. Um… I guess a lot’s changed this past year. Yeah, sounds cliché, but I’m not the same person I was. I’ve got… a lot to make up for. Then seeing you again… Doing right by you’s the least I owe.
(BEAT)
Hey, looks like your phone’s voice mail light is on. Might be a good idea to check.
ROBIN
Just in case, right?
SOUND: VOICE MAIL BUTTON CLICK
VOICE MAIL ANNOUNCER
(FILTERED, DIGITAL)
One new message. Friday, eleven thirty-eight AM.
PHONE OPERATOR
(FILTERED, ON PHONE)
If you’d like to make a call, please hang up and —
SOUND: BUTTON CLICK
VOICE MAIL ANNOUNCER
Message… deleted. End of messages.
JIMMY
Hangup. Robocall, probably. No messages from your friend Karen. That’s a good thing.
ROBIN
How is that good?
JIMMY
Doesn’t tell us anything about her, no. But if anyone’s checking who she called, you’re probably in the clear.
SOUND: BAG RUSTLING
ROBIN
Okay, I think I’ve got what I need.
JIMMY
All right. We’ll head back to my place. I’ve got the big game tonight, but after that we can —
SOUND: KNOCK ON DOOR
ROBIN
(PANICKED)
Who… who’s that? I thought you were watching!
JIMMY
I was, I just… they must have walked up while I was —
SOUND: GUN MAGAZINE SLIDING
JIMMY
Whoa, don’t panic. Don’t need the gun. Give it to me.
ROBIN
What? Why?
JIMMY
Probably just the neighbor. Don’t want to overreact.
SOUND: KNOCK ON DOOR
ROBIN
Okay… here.
SOUND: PASSING GUN
JIMMY
I’ll look through the peephole first…
(BEAT)
Just a guy. Normal. You look. See if you know him.
ROBIN
All right… Oh, crap… stand back. Put the gun away.
SOUND: DOOR OPENING
ROBIN
Um… Hi, Loren. I… I forgot you were coming by.
(LOREN IS STRAIGHTFORWARD, UNASSUMING)
LOREN
You said this afternoon was good to drop off your jacket. And that Swanky Modes CD I borrowed. Not usually a classic R&B guy, but you’re right, this is catchy. And I was able to get tickets for the Exciting Escapade Show at the Lento theater next… Oh, hello.
JIMMY
Um… hi. I’m Jimmy.
ROBIN
Jimmy, Loren, Loren… this is Jimmy.
LOREN
I… I didn’t mean to intrude…
ROBIN
Oh, no. It’s not… Jimmy’s just… The other night was great, really, it’s just… Now’s not really a good time. Something’s come up. Can I… call you later?
LOREN
Um… sure. I just thought we were… you know…
ROBIN
Seriously, Loren. I’ll call.
LOREN
Yeah, yeah, of course. I get it. I’ll… I’ll wait to hear from you. And just… let me know about the tickets. Ah… nice to meet you… Jimmy.
SOUND: DOOR CLOSING
JIMMY
Um… so… Loren?
ROBIN
He’s a reader at… Dammit, Jimmy, don’t screw this up.
JIMMY
No, I know. But… his name’s Loren?
ROBIN
L-o-r… Know what? It’s none of your business. I don’t want to be rude, but it’s been more than a year, Jimmy.
JIMMY
You’re right. It’s none of my business. Just… I don’t know, trying to make things a little less awkward.
ROBIN
So… now what do I do?
JIMMY
Honestly…? I think you should go back to work. Just… hear me out. Today’s Saturday, so you’ve got the weekend. But on Monday, go back, business as usual.
ROBIN
That’s insane!
JIMMY
We don’t know there’s anything to connect this to you, not directly. Assuming it’s not all coincidence anyway. But if there is something to it, you up and disappear, that tips them off. Best to just act like nothing’s out of the ordinary. I’ll be with you the whole time.
ROBIN
Jimmy… I do appreciate what you’ve done, really I do. But… maybe it’s best if I stay with someone else.
JIMMY
(DEFENSIVELY)
What, this Loren guy?
ROBIN
No, we just… I have a friend, Anna, lives in Studio City. You don’t have to take me all the way there…
JIMMY
No, I… I can drop you. Not a work friend, is she?
ROBIN
No, why?
JIMMY
I just… think it might be best not to mix with work people until you go back. Just… call it a hunch.
ROBIN
I’ll call tomorrow. Check in, make sure everything’s… I don’t know, safe. I’ll think about going back Monday.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
BEVERLY PALM HOTEL – LOBBY
(BUSY BUT SUBDUED CROWD NOISES, HEAVY REVERB)
JIMMY (V.O.)
Didn’t take too long to drop Robin off. The 405 was bad, but easier on a Saturday. Took the time to tell Robin the whole Vegas story. The highlights anyway.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES OUT
MUSIC: EASY JAZZ PIANO
JIMMY (V.O.)
Surprised me how much came flooding back. About Robin, I mean. Like I’d totally forgotten how damned stunning she was… least when she was sober, and not pointing a gun at me. Now… the thought of her with this Loren character nagged at me way more than it should have.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS ON MARBLE FLOORING
JIMMY (V.O.)
By the time I left, she was calmer. Still nervous — she’d have to spend the whole weekend just… waiting. At least I had the big game to distract me. No turning back, in any case. Had a job to do, at least part of which I was halfway decent at, if I do say so myself.
SOUND: ELEVATOR DOOR BUTTON
JIMMY (V.O.)
Kreitzer’s assistant Farah had sent me the details. Never been to the Beverly Palm hotel. Not in my budget range, even in my best days. Kind of elegance Las Vegas desperately tries to fake. But no time to sight-see.
SOUND: ELEVATOR BELL PING
SOUND: ELEVATOR DOOR OPENING, CLOSING
BEVERLY PALM HOTEL – ELEVATOR
MUSIC: SMOOTH JAZZ
JIMMY (V.O.)
I was stepping into the biggest private cash game in LA. A-list Hollywood stars and the rich whales who wanted to be around them. And tonight, a very much out-of-his-element former online poker pro.
SOUND: ELEVATOR DOOR OPENING
BEVERLY PALM HOTEL – HALLWAY
SOUND: SOFT FOOTSTEPS ON CARPETING
JIMMY (V.O.)
Tonight wasn’t about winning. That’d be a nice bonus, but no, this was laying groundwork. Just had to stay even, more or less. Get to know the players, not tick anyone off taking too much of their bankroll my first night. First of many, if things went to plan.
SOUND: KNOCKING ON DOOR
SOUND: DOOR OPENING
MARGARET
Ah, James Harmon, I presume?
JIMMY
Um, yes. How did you —
MARGARET
Margaret Florian. I operate this game series. I’d be remiss if I didn’t vet my participants. Do come in.
BEVERLY PALM HOTEL – SUITE
(QUIET ATMOSPHERE, POKER CHIPS SHUFFLING, ASSORTED ACTIVITY)
MUSIC: QUIET JAZZ
JIMMY
Of course. I… know of you, but that’s about it.
SOUND: DOOR CLOSING
MARGARET
Ms. Boyd here will bring you any refreshment you’d like. We have a fully stocked bar.
JIMMY
Um… just a Coke for now. Want to keep my wits about me with this crowd. Thanks.
BOYD
I understand completely. Margaret did mention we had a professional coming in tonight. It shows. I’ll get that for you right away, sir.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS LEAVING
JIMMY
So, the other players tonight —
MARGARET
Should be arriving soon, at which point we can make any introductions. Well, as far as those introductions go. Several of the players in our circle have a penchant for using aliases to protect their anonymity. Particularly those in certain public-facing roles. Though I do believe you’ve met Mr. Wells there.
JIMMY
Briefly, yes. Is the guy with him another player?
(FORD IS AGGRESSIVE, COCKNEY-ACCENTED, MAKING A SHOW OF IMPATIENCE)
FORD
(DISTANT)
Who’s a bloke got to kill to cop a King Lear in this rub-a-dub, ya berk?
BOYD
(DISTANT)
My sincerest apologies. Didn’t mean to keep you waiting. What can I get for you, sir?
FORD
Sir? I work for a living, doll. So… how ’bout a screaming viking? Cucumber bruised, slightly.
BOYD
I’m… I’m sorry, I’m a bit new here. But I can ask the bartender. I’ve heard of a laughing Swede, but I’m not sure if that’s quite the same thing…
FORD
Ah, just taking the piss, doll. Just get me a pig’s ear. Spot if you can dig up a Chango.
BOYD
Ah, very well. I’ll… I’ll see what we have, sir… um… Mr. Ford. Be back in just a minute.
FORD
Five gets you ten ain’t a Chango inside ten miles o’ this place.
MARGARET
Mr. Ford is an acquaintance of Mr. Wells’s. Here as a… courtesy, but won’t be playing. Now, there is the matter of your buy-in. As you have not established a line of credit, I must insist on —
JIMMY
Cash, right. That’s what I expected.
SOUND: BAG RUSTLING
SOUND: ZIPPER OPENING
JIMMY
One hundred thousand. Wrapped and bundled. Don’t normally carry this much around, but I wanted to make sure I was following the rules.
MARGARET
Thank you. We’ll bring your chips to the table before we begin. This is a cash game, so you are free to rebuy at any point between rounds.
JIMMY
Gotcha.
MARGARET
I do hope you enjoy your evening, and best of luck.
JIMMY
Thank you very much. Fingers crossed.
JIMMY (V.O.)
Margaret Florian was the reason this gathering was so well regarded. Parker Wells started her managing his regular game back when she was a barmaid at the Adder Club. Didn’t know a thing about poker at the time, but she learned fast. Had a head for both the money and the players, treated the games like catered events. Thanks to her, it had graduated from a seedy basement room at the club to private homes and posh hotel suites. And the Beverly Palm was definitely posh. Elegant decor, marble accents, balcony views over tropical gardens.
WELLS
(CALLING OUT)
Ah, Jimmy. Good to see you found the place.
JIMMY
Yeah, well, it was a bit out of the way.
WELLS
Right, right. Oh, Jimmy, this is Ken Ford. Might be working on a picture with me this fall. Jimmy’s a skill player. Table dealer at big man Kreitzer’s last night.
(BACKGROUND ACTION CONTINUES THROUGHOUT, OCCASIONAL DOOR OPENING, CONVERSATION)
BOYD
(STEPPING UP)
Your soda, Mr. Harmon. And your Chango, Mr. Ford. I do hope you like it ice cold.
FORD
Well, well, well. Wonders never cease.
BOYD
We do our best to please. Margaret makes a habit of preparing for her clientele. And, of course, we all want to make your experience as enjoyable as possible.
FORD
(DRINKS)
Bang-up job. ’Preciate the cuff link. Could stand to see a bit more o’ you, darlin’. What’s your name?
BOYD
Boyd. And you are most welcome, Mr. Ford. I’ll be here all evening. Don’t hesitate to let me know if there’s anything else I can get for you. Anything at all.
SOUND: WALKING OFF
FORD
She’s a fit twist, eh? Bit Torvill on me, I’d wager.
JIMMY
Wouldn’t have anything to do with the requirements of working in a service role, now, would it?
FORD
No, I can tell. She was… Oh, I get it. You’re downstairs folk, like her. Whistle and flute and all.
JIMMY
Ah, Mr. Wells’s note about my being a dealer. You are quite observant, my good sir. Kudos.
FORD
Righto. Yeah, I’ve a keen eye. Er… ear. Not a lot of blokes notice things better’n me. Helps in my line. I’m an actor, see? Or soon to be. Life experience like mine, be a cinch. Transferable skills and all.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING
WELLS
Ah, Carl. Nice to see you tonight. Carl Pantusso, Jimmy Harmon. Carl owns Serenity, restaurant in Studio City. Jimmy’s a pro player. Be careful’s all I’m saying.
PANTUSSO
A pro, eh? Have to keep my eye on you.
JIMMY
I’m sure there’s a lot of quality play to go around.
PANTUSSO
We’ll see, we’ll see.
FORD
Kenny Ford. Just part of the colorful atmosphere.
SOUND: CELL PHONE RINGING
WELLS
(STEPPING AWAY)
Excuse me… Dammit, what is it? Game’s about to start.
FORD
So, Jimmy, Carl… how bout a John Major while we wait? Friendly game of chance. You lot are into that, right?
JIMMY
I have been known to participate in the occasional proposition bet.
PANTUSSO
So, what’s your proposition?
FORD
Got me a century — dollars, not merry-go-rounds. Game’s serials. You put up your own dosh opposite. Peg three digits in a row, this baby’s yours.
PANTUSSO
So… you’re saying if I guess three of the digits in that bill’s serial number —
FORD
No misses.
PANTUSSO
Right. I guess three correctly, I win the C-note.
FORD
Ready for a poke? Three out of eight, better’n even.
PANTUSSO
Seems… about right…
JIMMY
Sure… except that’s not how odds work. If each of those digits is unique, we’re looking at… three thirty-six out of seven-twenty. Just under one in two.
FORD
Well, you want to get technical…
JIMMY
But chances are not all those digits are unique. With one duplicate, it’s… about two in seven. Two… one in six. Three… one in twelve.
FORD
Aw, be a sport.
JIMMY
The clincher is you proposed the wager. Picked the bill. I’ll bet there’s actually zero chance of winning.
FORD
There’s always a chance.
JIMMY
Not with only two digits on that particular bill.
FORD
(LAUGHING)
Ah, ya got me. Can’t fault me for trying a little penny-come quick. Been hanging onto this one for donkey’s ears. One-five-five, one-one-five, one-five.
JIMMY
I’m sure it’s made you very… popular.
PANTUSSO
(CHUCKLING)
That was… damned impressive, Jimmy, is it? Definitely gonna keep an eye on you.
WELLS
So, how you boys getting along?
JIMMY
We understand each other. So… bad news? The call?
WELLS
Ah, just this associate producer on a picture I did last year, has me in on one of his other… projects. Panties in a bunch about something, but not my problem.
(BEAT)
Hey, looks like Anton’s here. And the rest of the evening’s crew. What say we play some poker?
JIMMY
That’s what I’m here for.
SOUND: PEOPLE SITTING AT TABLE
SOUND: POKER CHIPS RATTLING
MARGARET
Your chips, Mr. Harmon.
JIMMY (V.O.)
And so it began. Just a friendly high-stakes poker game. But if I played my cards right — yeah, I know that’s cheesy, but give me that one — I might finally find out who really tried to blow me up me back in Las Vegas… killing my friend Will Archer in the process.
MUSIC: CLIFFHANGER 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 two of ten. Produced by Jabberwocky Audio Theater, in association with WERA-LP: Radio Arlington, ninety-six point seven FM, Arlington, Virginia.
(BEAT)
Featured in the cast were Cameron McNary as Jimmy Harmon, Emily H. Gilson as Robin Freeman, John Glasfeld as Loren, Laura Rocklyn as Margaret Florian, Kevin Murray as Carl Pantusso, Patrick Kirchner as Ken Ford, Daniel Rylee Bush as Parker Wells, Tara Garwood as Boyd, Tom Kramer as Tom, Bob Hurley as the racing announcer, and Lydia Kraniotis as the betting window clerk, with additional voices by Liz Christmas and Tom Kramer.
(BEAT)
Recorded at Tulgey Wood Studios in Springfield, Virginia, with supplemental recording at a variety of independent studios across the region.
(BEAT)
Music by Brooks Tegler. For specific music information, see our show notes at jabber audio dot com.
(BEAT)
This week’s episode was produced by Bjorn Munson, and written and directed by William R. Coughlan.
(BEAT)
For all the latest episodes and information on Jabberwocky Audio Theater, visit jabber audio dot com.
(BEAT)
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 tune in next week for the next episode of Quorum: The Gambler’s Tale!
MUSIC: CLOSING MUSIC ENDS
INGLEWOOD PARK CASINO – RACETRACK
(RACETRACK AMBIENCE, BUSY CROWDS)
RACING ANNOUNCER
(FILTERED, OVER LOUDSPEAKER)
Today’s opening post is coming up. Don’t miss any of the action at Fairwager Inglewood Park!
BETTING WINDOW CLERK
Next… okay, what’ll it be?
SOUND: MONEY RUSTLING
TOM
Two dollars on the four to win, Baby Danger. Then… let me think, let me think… Okay, in race two, four-dollar trifecta wheel… five, one… three with three… four with four… two, one.
BETTING WINDOW CLERK
That it?
TOM
For now, yeah. But I’ll be back.
CONCLUSION
HOST
Hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Text © William R. Coughlan, under license to Jabberwocky Audio Theater. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.