Episode Transcript
Quorum: The Gambler’s Tale
“All That Glitters,” Part 3
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 a sequence of violence in Las Vegas, leading to the death of his friend Will Archer, poker player Jimmy Harmon is slowly rebuilding his life and his bankroll. Calling in a favor from an old underworld contact, Wiktoria Sałkiewicz, Jimmy secures a seat at the most exclusive private game in Los Angeles, frequented by the likes of film star Parker Wells and venture capitalist Anton Kreitzer.
(THE FOLLOWING EXCERPTS ARE REPLAYS OF THE SCENES FROM PREVIOUS EPISODES)
WELLS
So what’s the verdict, Kreitzer?
KREITZER
I was just coming to that, Mr. Wells. James, I believe we’d be happy to have you join us… Our next game is tomorrow evening. The Beverly Palm hotel.
WELLS
Saturday night special. Unless you’ve got other plans.
JIMMY
I look forward to it.
ANNOUNCER
That same evening, Harmon meets the enigmatic Eleanor Wallis, with whom Kreitzer is conducting as-yet-unrevealed business.
ELEANOR
So tell me, Mr. Harmon. What are your expectations for the evening?
JIMMY
Oh, I don’t know. We could start with a drink, maybe some light conversation…
ELEANOR
I already have a drink.
JIMMY
I meant another drink. After.
ELEANOR
Hmmm. Let me guess. You’ve got a wife and two lovely children at home, but you’ve got a free pass for the evening and hope to make the most of it. Am I right?
JIMMY
Who, me? No, not at all. My last serious relationship ended more than a year ago. Well, more or less…
ELEANOR
Ah, that may reveal more about you than you intended.
ANNOUNCER
But Harmon’s plans are sidetracked by the reappearance of his former girlfriend, Robin Freeman, who is seeking his help after being caught up in a mystery of her own.
SOUND: NEWSPAPER RUSTLING
JIMMY
“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… I started with the County Assessor’s Office about… nine months back.
SOUND: SITTING IN CHAIR
JIMMY
Real estate appraisals, right?
ROBIN
I got this call… the number was blocked… Said to look into the White Bluff Restoration Trust… I bring this tip to the investigations team. Next day the person I give it to and the branch director and my boss get… whatever.
JIMMY
Damn… Why come to me?
ROBIN
A name the caller said, right before they hung up: Wiktoria Sałkiewicz.
(BEAT)
She’s that… woman who used to bankroll you, right?
ANNOUNCER
After ensuring Robin is not being pursued, Harmon drops her with a friend and heads to the elite poker game, where Wells introduces him to the brash Ken Ford… And where Harmon’s true motivations become clear.
WELLS
Right, right. Oh, Jimmy, this is Ken Ford. Might be working on a job with me this fall.
FORD
I’m an actor, see? Or soon to be. Life experience like mine, be a cinch. Transferable skills and all.
WELLS
Hey, looks like Anton’s here. And the rest of the evening’s crew. What say we play some poker?
SOUND: PEOPLE SITTING AT TABLE
SOUND: POKER CHIPS RATTLING
JIMMY (V.O.)
And so it began… But if I played my cards right… 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.
ANNOUNCER
Jabberwocky Audio Theater presents: Quorum: The Gambler’s Tale. Tonight’s presentation: “All That Glitters,” episode three.
BEVERLY PALM HOTEL – SUITE
(POKER CHIPS SHUFFLING, ASSORTED GAME ACTIVITY)
MUSIC: THEME MUSIC ENDS
MUSIC: QUIET JAZZ
JIMMY (V.O.)
What can I say? The game itself was… exactly what I expected. Kreitzer played tight, but straight. Came out pretty far ahead, but not aggressive enough to take it all. It was easy to spot the whales — the rich suckers whose wallets Wells and his Hollywood cronies planned to lighten, since that’s just how it went down.
PANTUSSO
Check.
JIMMY (V.O.)
Wells earned his predatory rep. Not just in his play, but how he reveled in crushing everyone in his path. Lot of players put on a show at the table — they call it Hollywooding, naturally — but Wells took it to a new level. Like this was his Oscar moment, a way to revive his stagnant career with a turn on the stage. Felt a pang of regret for the last guy he took down — Carl Pantusso, restaurant owner I hit it off with pretty well. Wells played him like a fiddle on the last hand.
PANTUSSO
River’s down, Wells. Just us. How you gonna play it?
WELLS
Don’t know, Carl, don’t know… Pair of tens on the board, maybe you got a third. Not to mention three clubs. Pocket clubs’d give you a flush. Pot’s… twenty-six, two fifty. Still, last hand of the night.
PANTUSSO
You gonna play? Or just keep rambling on like you’re commentating on ESPN Poker?
WELLS
Touchy… What the hell? I’m up for a gamble. I’ll lead out with… seventy-five thousand.
SOUND: POKER CHIPS INTO POT
PANTUSSO
(PLEASED)
Hah. You played right into this one, Hollywood. I’m all in. Two hundred forty thousand.
(ASSORTED GASPS, MURMURS)
SOUND: BIG POKER CHIP STACK SPLASHING INTO POT
WELLS
(SNIFFING)
Well, well, well. Wasn’t sure how that’d play. Good chance my overbet’d push you out. That is, if you were playing smart. Which you’re clearly not. Call.
SOUND: SEVERAL POKER CHIPS INTO POT
SOUND: CARDS FLIPPING
PANTUSSO
King-ten. Full house, sucker. Tens full of Kings.
SOUND: CARDS FLIPPING
WELLS
(SMUGLY)
Ooh, if only that were the nuts. But my pocket cowboys give me Kings full of tens. Beats your itty-bitty full house. Screw you, sucker.
SOUND: COLLECTING POKER CHIPS
JIMMY (V.O.)
For someone with a nigh-inscrutable poker face, in every other aspect, Wells was an open book. The ultimate narcissist — not enough to win, but had to make sure you knew just how good he was. And literally had to narrate his victory in the moment.
(BEAT)
Yeah, I see the irony. Leave me alone — I’m telling a story here.
PANTUSSO
I can’t… can’t believe… quarter-mil in one night…
FORD
Wow, really dropped a clanger there, eh, mate?
WELLS
Ford, we don’t need to rub it in. On second thought…
MARGARET
That concludes the evening. If those of you with chips remaining could proceed to the desk, we’ll square up.
SOUND: PEOPLE RISING FROM TABLE
(GENERAL MURMURING, ACTIVITY)
JIMMY (V.O.)
As planned, I played fairly tight. Up about fourteen grand by the end. Enough to keep in the mix, but not tick off the power brokers. Namely, Wells and Kreitzer.
KREITZER
James, when you have a moment, could I speak with you?
JIMMY
Of course, Mr. Kreitzer… Anton. Just let me cash out.
KREITZER
I’ll be out on the balcony. Come meet me.
JIMMY
Sure. Hey, Carl. Bad beat there. Sorry about that.
PANTUSSO
I just… I was sure… Oh, thanks, Jimmy. Remember, any time you want a table, just call me.
JIMMY
Will do. Thanks, man.
SOUND: PLACING CHIPS IN RACK
JIMMY (V.O.)
My role in their little exercise became clear early. I was the dancing monkey, the distraction. Wells made a show of pointing out my pro status. Had the whales watching me, while he snuck in and robbed them blind.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS CROSSING ROOM
MARGARET
You did well for yourself this evening, Mr. Harmon.
JIMMY
Might have gone better if more people had been willing to play against me, but it is what it is.
MARGARET
Would you like to cash out in full, or would you prefer to leave funds in escrow until the next event?
JIMMY
I take it that means I merit a return invitation?
MARGARET
Well, Anton had already approved. And Parker seems entertained. You play well, and don’t cause trouble. I think that earns you another bite at the apple. We’ll be back to our regular Thursday-night time this week.
JIMMY
I do appreciate it. But I do need to stay… liquid for the moment. If you don’t mind. Honestly, a check would be ideal. Bank’s closed until Monday, and I’ve been wary about carrying that much cash around until now.
SOUND: COLLECTING CHIP RACK
MARGARET
Of course. I understand. I’ll have a check prepared.
JIMMY
Thanks. You really do run a top-notch operation here.
MARGARET
Now it’s my turn to be appreciative.
FORD
(APPROACHING)
Wotcher, china plate! One hell of a show. Hell of a show. Once you snag your bees and honey from the old rattle-and-clank, what say we hit a near and far, go a little gay and hearty ’fore day’s-a-dawning?
JIMMY
Um… it’s two in the morning. That’s when they stop serving in LA.
FORD
What a load of old pony. Kind of weep and wail’s that?
JIMMY
Sorry, I don’t make the rules. Anyway, I have… things I need to take care of later. But sometime soon.
FORD
Aw, all crackered, eh? All right, all right.
(WALKING AWAY)
Hey, Parker, what’s the skinny?
MARGARET
Your check, Mr. Harmon.
JIMMY
Thanks. And this is for you.
MARGARET
Much appreciated.
WELLS
(APPROACHING)
Maggie, we need to talk about the tipping situation…
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS
SOUND: BALCONY DOOR OPENING
(EXCHANGE CONTINUES DISTANTLY UNDERNEATH JIMMY AND KREITZER’S FOLLOWING CONVERSATION)
WELLS
I mean, get right down to it, your tips are my tips, no? You wouldn’t have this game if not for me.
MARGARET
Parker, do we really need to discuss this now? I’m trying to get everything finished up.
WELLS
Just thought you’d wanna do something to earn your tips. So… here’s a thousand-dollar chip. Bark for it.
MARGARET
Excuse me?
WELLS
Show me how much you want the tip. Climb on the table. Bark like a dog. Come on, just like you’re back at the Adder Club, right? Unless you don’t really want it.
MARGARET
I’m not playing this game, Parker. I have work to do.
WELLS
Yeah, I knew you didn’t need the tips. Or you’d be willing to work for ’em. Proves my point exactly.
BEVERLY PALM HOTEL – BALCONY
(DISTANT CITY SOUNDS, BREEZE THROUGH TREES)
JIMMY
Anton. Whoa… heat really hasn’t let up, has it?
KREITZER
I fear we may be in for some dangerous brush fires if it doesn’t rain soon. Not likely this far into summer.
JIMMY
So… what was it you wanted to speak to me about?
KREITZER
I have a… service I was hoping you could perform for me. Rest assured, this isn’t of the “auditioning” variety… well, not precisely… but a task for which someone of your… abilities might prove suitably apt.
JIMMY
I’m… well, flattered, to be sure. Don’t know exactly what you’re driving at, but I’m open to discussion.
KREITZER
It isn’t something I feel quite comfortable going into here and now, but perhaps you could come to my office tomorrow evening. Well, technically, this evening.
JIMMY
So… Sunday night? Not exactly business hours.
KREITZER
Ah, but neither of our chosen careers really operate within such strictures, do they?
JIMMY
No, I guess not. Okay, I can do that. What time?
KREITZER
I have a dinner function. One of those charity events that will likely run longer than it has any right to. Perhaps we could meet before that. Say six o’clock? The Wolf building in Century City — Farah will send you the specifics.
JIMMY
That’s fine. I’ll see you then.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
COFFEE SHOP
(COFFEE SHOP AMBIENT, CROWDS MILLING)
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES OUT
BARISTA
(CALLING OUT)
Venti iced cappuccino, Harmon?
JIMMY
That’s me. Thanks. Here you go.
SOUND: PAPER MONEY IN JAR
BARISTA
Thank you.
(CALLING OUT)
Grande Americano, Kelso?
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS
JIMMY (V.O.)
Didn’t know what Kreitzer had in mind, but best I stay in his good graces. Especially since I still hadn’t found out what I’d been after from the start.
SOUND: DOOR BELL JINGLING
LOS ANGELES STREETS
(BUSY DAYTIME CITY ACTIVITY)
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS ON CONCRETE
JIMMY (V.O.)
Didn’t expect I’d get answers out of the gate, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping. Maybe I’d learn more working with Kreitzer directly. Any case, time to get answers from one person who definitely knew more than she let on. Could have called from the coffee shop, enjoyed the AC. Shoes were melting on the sidewalk out here. But some calls needed… discretion.
SOUND: DIALING CELL PHONE
SOUND: PHONE CONNECTING
(CRICK’S TONE IS BRUSQUE, BORDERING ON HOSTILE)
CRICK
(FILTERED, OVER PHONE)
Yeah, whaddaya want, poker boy?
JIMMY
Crick? What, Wiktoria has you answering her phone now?
CRICK
I do what needs getting done. Today that includes screening calls from deadbeat ferrets. Lucky me.
JIMMY
Well, look, can you put her on?
CRICK
Which part of “screening calls” did you not get?
JIMMY
Dammit, Crick, this is important.
CRICK
So’s checking my prostate. Don’t mean I’m rushing to go have a white-coat introduce me to his finger. Tell me what you need, I decide if it’s worth Wiktoria’s time.
JIMMY
Dammit… Okay, listen. One, I finally got into the poker game Wiktoria put me in for. So first of all, I wanted to thank her for that.
CRICK
She’ll be thrilled. Get back to paying what you owe.
JIMMY
Relax, the game went fine. But I wasn’t able to find out who your old buddy Watson was really working for. You know, your bestie. Guy who killed my friend Will.
CRICK
Yeah, whatever. What else you got?
JIMMY
I need to see if Wiktoria knows about a White Bluff Restoration Trust. Some local real estate investing group, but I think there’s something more to it. Dangerous something. Wiktoria’s name got dropped in relation to it. But far as I knew, she didn’t have anything to do with the LA gentrification movement.
CRICK
What you don’t know’d fill a city bus. That it?
JIMMY
For now, yeah. Just… have her call me back.
CRICK
No promises.
SOUND: PHONE CLICK
JIMMY
Dammit, Crick, can you just… I have another call coming in. I have to take this.
SOUND: PHONE SWITCHING
JIMMY
Asshat.
ROBIN
(FILTERED, OVER PHONE)
Excuse me?
JIMMY
No, not you, Robin, I just… sorry. How are you doing?
ROBIN
Better, I think. Still freaked out, but… numb, I guess. Not sure about what I’ll do tomorrow.
JIMMY
It’s safest to head back to work. Act like nothing’s going on, or at least you don’t know about it. The only way to find anything out is with you in that office.
ROBIN
Jimmy, I don’t want to find out what’s going on! I just want it to be done.
JIMMY
Robin, it’s not going to go away by itself. We have to make it go away. And that means finding out what’s behind this White Bluff group. Only… carefully.
ROBIN
That’s easy for you to say.
JIMMY
I’m not trying to make it sound easy. Just… relax, go in as usual in the morning. We can meet for lunch, once you get the lay of the land. Stay public, in the open.
ROBIN
Will that be suspicious?
JIMMY
We’re just two… well… friends getting together.
ROBIN
Is that what we are?
JIMMY
It’s… sure, that’s what it is. Just… look, maybe it really is nothing. Maybe this Turner guy’s death really is a coincidence. Maybe your friend Karen and your boss Jesse will be back in, business as usual. But if not…
ROBIN
If not?
JIMMY
See if you can figure out how we might be able to find those records. Anyone you trust who might have access. Then when we meet, we’ll figure out next steps. And if things are too… hairy, then we get you out of there.
ROBIN
Okay, I guess…
JIMMY
All right. You can do it. So… where do you work?
ROBIN
The Kenneth Hahn HOA. North part of Civic Center, at Temple and Hill. Can you meet me at noon? The Hill Street entrance.
SOUND: CAR DOOR OPENING
JIMMY
I will be there with bells on. You’ve got this.
SOUND: SITTING IN CAR
ROBIN
I hope so. I really do. See you tomorrow.
SOUND: PHONE DISCONNECTING
SOUND: CAR DOOR CLOSING
JIMMY (V.O.)
Robin’s nerves were justified. I really did think this was the best course, but worried I was being overly cavalier. I’d been in scrapes before, so on the one hand I was probably more accepting of danger. But on the other, I really did know how bad things could get.
SOUND: CAR STARTING, DRIVING
JIMMY (V.O.)
In the meantime, it was about time for me to head downtown. See just what this mysterious assignment Kreitzer had for me was.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
KREITZER’S OFFICE – FOYER
(THE ECHO OF MARBLE FLOORS)
SOUND: ELEVATOR DOOR PING, ELEVATOR DOORS OPENING
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS ON MARBLE
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES OUT
JIMMY
Farah. I see he has you working Sunday night as well.
FARAH
I work when needed. The hours are irregular, but reasonable. Mr. Kreitzer had to step out for a call, but you can go in. The others have already arrived.
JIMMY
The… others?
FARAH
I’ll let Mr. Kreitzer explain. But you have met them both already.
SOUND: DOOR OPENING
KREITZER’S OFFICE
(QUIETER, THE REVERB OF OFFICE MAHOGANY)
FORD
Ah, Jimmy! Fancy us mates together again so soon!
JIMMY
Ford, and… Ms. Wallis. This is a… surprise. Didn’t realize you two were acquainted.
ELEANOR
We weren’t. Though Mr. Ford would seem to be… very determined to change that.
JIMMY
Yeah, Ken’s the poster child for… persistence.
FORD
Sit down, china. Take a load off.
SOUND: SITTING DOWN
SOUND: FEET SCRAPING ON TABLE
FORD
So, what’s Guvnor K got on you lads, eh?
JIMMY
Excuse me?
FORD
Come on, right, rainbow’s gotta have something good.
ELEANOR
And I think we just learned something substantial about our associate here…
FORD
Call me Kenny. Though you can call me whatever tickles your fancy, so long as you give me a tickle.
ELEANOR
Ah, but that would imply a modicum of interest in social engagement.
FORD
Um… what?
SOUND: DOOR OPENING, CLOSING
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS CROSSING ROOM
KREITZER
Ah, Mr. Harmon, Ms. Wallis… Mr. Ford. Glad to see you all here. Sorry to keep you waiting.
FORD
No worries. Just got here myself, ahead of Jimmy here. Took a tad longer than I’d figured, but no Barney.
JIMMY
Mr. Kreitzer… um, should we talk… separately?
KREITZER
No concerns there, James. Ms. Wallis and I have an existing business arrangement, to which this relates. Mr. Ford comes into my service through our mutual acquaintance Mr. Wells. So I have engaged both of their services on a… contractual basis.
JIMMY
I see. So does Mr. Ford have a mysterious past as well?
FORD
My life’s an open book. Seriously, I hear there’s a book. Required reading down at the shovel and pick.
KREITZER
Perhaps a tale best left for a later date. As I believe I mentioned, I do have an engagement shortly, so I suppose I should get to the point.
JIMMY
Your time is valuable.
KREITZER
Less so than you may suspect, but thank you.
SOUND: INTERCOM SWITCH
KREITZER
Farah, would you bring the packages for our guests?
FARAH
(FILTERED)
Right away, sir.
JIMMY
Packages, huh?
ELEANOR
And it’s not even my birthday.
FORD
What say we play twenty questions? Bigger’n a breadbox?
SOUND: DOOR OPENING, CLOSING
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS CROSSING ROOM
KREITZER
Here we are. One apiece. Please, take your pick.
SOUND: HANDLING ITEMS
SOUND: PACKAGES SLIDING ACROSS FABRIC
JIMMY
Our choice… so are they all identical?
KREITZER
Strictly speaking, no. But which you choose makes no difference to me.
FORD
Huh. Lemme take a stab. It’s a breadbox.
ELEANOR
Have you ever seen a breadbox?
FORD
Truly? No. So this is… smaller?
ELEANOR
Ten points for Mr. Ford.
JIMMY
Um… So what do the symbols on the boxes mean?
KREITZER
That would be cheating. Ultimately, this is the reason I asked each of you here this evening. That will be all for now, Farah. I’ll see you in the morning.
FARAH
Of course, sir.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS CROSSING ROOM
SOUND: DOOR OPENING, CLOSING
KREITZER
Now… for reasons I cannot go into, I need you each to carry these… items of interest for me.
JIMMY
Items?
KREITZER
Do forgive my obscurity, but the reasons prohibiting elaboration on the need bar discussion of the items themselves. I assure you while they are valuable, they are neither illegal nor dangerous in themselves. That said, there may be… parties who seek to obtain them.
FORD
What, you running some kind of game or something?
KREITZER
I suppose you could call this a game, in a manner of speaking. Though this one’s not for you to play.
ELEANOR
And… how long did you need these items… carried?
KREITZER
A few days, Ms. Wallis. Perhaps a week, God willing. At which point you will return the items and, if all goes well, I provide each of you fifteen thousand dollars by way of compensation. Plus any reasonable expenses you may incur in ensuring their security, naturally.
ELEANOR
Naturally.
KREITZER
Furthermore, upon successful completion I expect I will have… other assignments, of a similar degree of difficulty, if not precisely the same scope.
JIMMY
I see. Well, I don’t really, but… I get the drift.
KREITZER
(LAUGHING)
It sounds very… Delphic, I know. Not my usual style, but this isn’t business as usual. Now that I think on it, would you care to use your observational skills to reveal any details I may have omitted, Mr. Harmon? Not a requirement, just a… request. And be honest.
JIMMY
All right. The boxes are intricate, but not heavy. The symbols and such would appear to be some kind of code, indicating that there is a solution to opening them, though it’s not apparent to me just yet. The fact you have three of them would indicate either three copies of a single object, or parts of a whole. Venturing a guess, I’d say the latter, but that is just a guess.
KREITZER
All accurate, as far as it goes.
JIMMY
Honestly, I’m more interested in your presentation than the items themselves. You took pains to present them to us all at once versus individually. Wanted us each to know we all had the same assignment. Belies something you said last night. That tonight wasn’t an audition.
KREITZER
I will confess to a taste for the theatrical. But the assignment is genuine.
JIMMY
I believe you, or have no reason not to. But combined with what you said before, basing future assignments on successfully completing this one, that’d indicate at least some testing aspect to this. How am I doing?
KREITZER
(AMUSED)
You do impress, Mr. Harmon. I could counter that future engagements are always predicated on reliability.
JIMMY
But in this instance, from what I’ve observed of my fellow assignees, limited though it may be… I’d say you expect we’ll approach the assignment differently. Each to our strengths, whatever those are. And you’re curious to see how that plays out.
KREITZER
Very astute. In light of Mr. Harmon’s observations, I should note none of you has committed to anything as yet. If you are uncomfortable, you are free to depart.
JIMMY
(BEAT)
I’ve got nothing better to do. That’s not true, I’ve got plenty to do, but nothing to conflict with this.
ELEANOR
In for a penny, as they say.
FORD
Dench. Money’s good, I’m on it like a car bonnet. Way you splashed out for these fine office digs, I expect fifteen grand for a doddle like this ain’t an issue.
KREITZER
I pay for services rendered. In making this offer, I hope I am clear that the reward is commensurate with the task. Let there be no misconceptions there. These are hardly Fabergé eggs you’re guarding, Mr. Ford, but this is not a risk-free endeavor.
FORD
But whatever we’re doing, long as it don’t go pear-shaped, you’ll be quids in.
JIMMY
You’ve made your intentions plain, Mr. Kreitzer.
KREITZER
Excellent. Reach out to Farah with any questions. I’ll see you at the completion of your assignment. Farah will contact you with the specifics. That’s not my being cryptic — I still have to work out a few details.
ELEANOR
Very well.
FORD
Tickety-boo. I’ll be by the dog and bone.
JIMMY
Um, sure thing.
FORD
So, Ms. Wallis. Jimmy here said we’d each play our strengths. Where exactly do you keep your strengths?
JIMMY
I think it’s a fair bet her strengths outweigh yours.
ELEANOR
Oh, Jimmy, so glad there’s such a big strong man here to defend poor helpless little old me.
JIMMY
What? I didn’t…
FORD
No need to get shirty. Just taking the Mickey Bliss, guv. Always a bit of a wind-up merchant. You know your onions, Jimmy. Pulled quite the blinder back there.
JIMMY
Um… I’ll… cherish that.
FORD
Come on, let’s hit the rub-a-dub. Grab a pig’s ear, eh?
KREITZER
Ah… not to impose undue restrictions, but I would suggest the three of you remain… apart until our reunion. Not out of personal concern, but in the interests of keeping the packages separated. Safer.
ELEANOR
Not a problem, Mr. Kreitzer. I work well alone.
FORD
Eh, whatever you say, guv. I can stand a little Jack. Another time, Jimmy.
KREITZER
Mr. Harmon. Ms. Wallis. Mr. Ford. Thank you for your assistance. I trust you can see yourselves out.
JIMMY
Until next time.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS CROSSING ROOM
SOUND: DOOR OPENING, CLOSING
KREITZER’S OFFICE – FOYER
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS ON MARBLE
FORD
On that, I’ll leg it, take the apples and pairs down. Catch you Christian Slater. Maybe get a Scooby on what it’s about. Or not. Long as I get my bread and honey.
SOUND: DOOR OPENING, CLOSING
JIMMY
That was… unusual.
SOUND: ELEVATOR DOOR BUTTON PRESS
SOUND: ELEVATOR DOOR PING
SOUND: ELEVATOR DOORS OPENING
ELEANOR
I tend to avoid making assumptions about what’s usual. But there’s a wide gulf between a touch of theatricality and… Mr. Ford’s performance.
SOUND: ELEVATOR DOORS CLOSING
JIMMY
I’m sorry if I was out of line back there. I didn’t mean to imply you needed me to stick up for you.
ELEANOR
No long-term damage done. But to be clear, I am more than capable of taking care of my own interests.
JIMMY
Duly noted. So… at our last meeting I seem to recall some discussion about our having a drink…
ELEANOR
We spoke about having drinks in our hands at the time. I don’t recall anything about a future commitment.
JIMMY
Well, I think it was kind of an… unspoken thing.
ELEANOR
Not to mention our current separation mandate.
JIMMY
Ah, that. Curses. It seems the fates are determined to spoil our plans.
SOUND: ELEVATOR DOORS OPENING
ELEANOR
I’ll… see you soon, Mr. Harmon. Jimmy.
JIMMY
Ms. Wallis. Eleanor.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
LOS ANGELES STREETS – JIMMY’S CAR
(GENERALLY QUIET CITY AT NIGHT; CAR DRIVING SOUNDS THROUGHOUT)
JIMMY (V.O.)
Drove a bit before heading home, trying to figure how best to keep my package safe. Banks were closed, so no stashing it in a safe deposit box. Got the feeling that wasn’t what Kreitzer wanted anyway, or he’d have done it himself. Inglewood Park might be able to hold it, but it’s not like the Vegas casinos. There I’d feel safer than even a bank, but here…? And I didn’t want to hit there tonight. Figured I’d earned a night off.
SOUND: CAR TURNING, ACCELERATING
JIMMY (V.O.)
One thing was nagging at me. The fifteen grand. Not chump change, to be sure — but the way everyone jumped at it felt… off. Too easy. My motives were simple enough: a chance to prove myself to Kreitzer directly. He knew that. Ford implied Kreitzer had something on him, maybe something he hoped our benefactor would… take care of. But leverage only goes so far. One observation I hadn’t shared with Kreitzer was Ford was like as not to betray him at first hint of a better offer. Held my tongue not just because Ford was in the room, but because it’s generally not wise to question the new boss’s decision making off the bat.
JIMMY’S APARTMENT – OUTSIDE
(SOUNDS OF EVENING CITY ACTIVITY)
SOUND: CAR STOPPING, EMERGENCY BRAKE PULLING
SOUND: CAR DOOR OPENING, CLOSING
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES OUT
JIMMY (V.O.)
Then there was… Eleanor. She was harder to figure. Something had me captivated from the start, a feeling our second encounter had only solidified. Kind of a… disconnect between expectation and observation. Like my initial impression — which was, to be honest, heavy on visual impact — kept getting confounded the more I learned. She hadn’t even said much, it was more her tone, her demeanor. And her smile… not so much come-hither as see-you-later. A cat toying with mice.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS WALKING UP STAIRS
JIMMY (V.O.)
Almost nine by the time I got home. Figured I’d clean the place up, after Robin’s surprise visit. Not likely she’d be back after the other night, but… always a possibility someone might. At some point. Never know.
SOUND: KEYS JINGLING, TURNING
SOUND: DOOR OPENING
JIMMY’S APARTMENT – INSIDE
(AMBIENT CITY SOUNDS FADE)
JIMMY (V.O.)
But the mess that greeted me wasn’t of my own making. The place had been tossed.
JIMMY
(SOFTLY)
Home again, home again… What the hell…?
SOUND: ASSORTED RUMMAGING
JIMMY (V.O.)
First thought was someone traced Robin to me. But other than this afternoon’s call, we hadn’t been in contact since yesterday. More likely tied to Kreitzer’s box.
JIMMY
Jesus, did they have to tear the whole place apart? Wait a… oh, damn…
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS TURNING, RUNNING OUT
JIMMY’S APARTMENT – OUTSIDE
(AMBIENT CITY SOUNDS RETURN)
SOUND: DOOR CLOSING
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS RUNNING DOWN STAIRS
JIMMY (V.O.)
Whoever did this didn’t care about a cover story, looking like a random break-in — no forced entry, which meant they didn’t have a problem getting in clean.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS RUNNING ACROSS STREET
JIMMY (V.O.)
Could’ve used a pick, or hell, just a basic bump key. Even I knew how to use those, at least in theory. But they wanted it to look innocuous from the street. Even went to the trouble of locking the door when they left. In any case, I couldn’t waste time waiting around.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS RUNNING, SLOWING TO A JOG
JIMMY (V.O.)
One thing being a pro player taught me was carrying cash and other negotiables was risky. I’d generally keep a roll of at least a few grand on hand, in case an impromptu cash game came up, tucked away someplace inconspicuous. Other than that, safest to keep valuables locked up at home. But if you’ve got a real concern, find somewhere off site, but accessible.
SOUND: METAL CASE OPENING
JIMMY (V.O.)
When I moved in, I found an old junction box on a lamp post nearby. Lock was busted — door normally hung loose. But I found I could stick something in, jam the door back tight. Wouldn’t keep out anyone bent on getting in, but safe from casual snoopers. Couldn’t use it long, in case Water and Power came calling, but my little dead drop had indulged my paranoia a few times.
SOUND: SLIDING BOX INTO CASE
SOUND: GUN HAMMER COCKING
(MALONE’S VOICE IS HARSH, GRAVELLY, MENACING)
MALONE
So what ya got there?
JIMMY (V.O.)
Course, it helps to make sure nobody’s watching when you use it. Proving despite my supposed observational skills, I’m a way better poker player than spy.
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 three 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, Patrick Kirchner as Ken Ford, Daniel Rylee Bush as Parker Wells, Laura Rocklyn as Margaret Florian, Kevin Murray as Carl Pantusso, Emily H. Gilson as Robin Freeman, Christopher Walker as Wilmer Crick, Liz Christmas as Farah, Tom Kramer as Tom, James Whalen as Paul, Bob Hurley as the racing announcer, and Ricardo Padilla as the mysterious gunman, with additional voices by Lydia Kraniotis.
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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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This week’s episode was produced by Bjorn Munson, and written and directed by William R. Coughlan.
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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.
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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)
The spring-summer meeting may be coming to a close, but there’s still more racing action to come. You won’t want to miss out!
SOUND: PAPER SHUFFLING
TOM
Paul, I’m just not feeling it today. Tell me something to turn my mood around.
PAUL
Relax, Tom old boy. I’ve got you. Tip of the day: Lightning in a Bottle could be a steal at five-to-one. Trust me on this.
TOM
Ah, that feels like small potatoes. I want something with potential. Know what I mean?
PAUL
High risk, high reward, eh? Feeling hot? All right, this pays out, it’ll make you a happy man. Say you put a three-dollar bet on the Pick Three… five, with one… You writing this down? With one. Hell, a two-dollar bet would pay off huge!
TOM
Now that’s what I’m talking about. I swear, you’re gonna help put me through law school.
CONCLUSION
HOST
Hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Text © William R. Coughlan, under license to Jabberwocky Audio Theater. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.