Episode Transcript
Quorum: The Gambler’s Tale
“All That Glitters,” Part 7
INTRODUCTION
HOST
Welcome to Jabberwocky Audio Theater.
HOST
This program is made possible in part by Dan Rasmussen, a listener like you who’s backing us on Patreon — 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. Professional poker player Jimmy Harmon is desperate to unravel the plans of a mysterious real estate investment group, the White Bluff Restoration Trust, after his ex-girlfriend, Robin Freeman, working in the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office, is swept up in their nefarious schemes.
(THE FOLLOWING EXCERPTS ARE REPLAYS OF THE SCENES FROM PREVIOUS EPISODES)
JIMMY
Robin… The head of the investigations branch is dead… It does look like they haven’t connected anything to you, which is good. I hate to say it out loud, but that could change…
ANNOUNCER
Infiltrating the secure land registry office using forged credentials from Robin’s supervisor, the pair unearth records of the people behind the secretive group, only to be pursued by a vicious killer who’s crossed paths with Jimmy before.
SOUND: FLIPPING THROUGH FILES
ROBIN
Here it is! Yes, White Bluff Restoration Trust. Trustees, shareholders… looks like they’ve amended the file with property purchases. Everything.
SOUND: ELECTRONIC BEEP
SOUND: DOOR OPENING
JIMMY
(WHISPERING)
Quick! Get down!
ROBIN
(WHISPERING)
What is it?
JIMMY
His name’s Malone. He kills people.
ANNOUNCER
Narrowly escaping with the files and seeing Robin to safety, Jimmy pays a visit to venture capitalist Anton Kreitzer, for whom he has been performing a seemingly unrelated assignment: safeguarding a cryptic puzzle box containing a small USB drive — a task which led to Harmon’s earlier encounter with the vicious Malone.
JIMMY
How’d I do?
KREITZER
As I had hoped… And most importantly, you completed the assignment… In this world, people are all too eager to reward effort over accomplishment. In my experience, effort is meaningless without achievement. A convenient excuse for failure.
ANNOUNCER
While there, Jimmy once again encounters the enigmatic Eleanor Wallis, a performance driver to whom he finds himself inexorably drawn.
ELEANOR
Jimmy, there’s a lot you don’t know about me.
JIMMY
I’ve caught the veiled references to your oh-so-mysterious past, Ms. Wallis. I’d be lying if I said that didn’t add to your appeal.
ELEANOR
The veil’s… there for a reason. There are… things in that past. Too many things. Things a little obscurity can make easier to not think about too much. So they don’t overshadow everything else. Pretend it’s all… maybe not normal, but at least… pardonable.
ANNOUNCER
Following their meeting, Kreitzer takes Jimmy to witness a pet project he’s planning with real estate speculator Glen Chambers: A revitalization of the Seventh Street Viaduct, whose geography provides one coincidence too many for Jimmy’s comfort.
KREITZER
This is about giving back. Bridging the neighborhoods on either side of the span. The Arts District to the west, or the southern end of it, and Boyle Heights to the east… Paredón Blanco, as it was originally known, before the Mexican-American War… White Bluff.
JIMMY
You said… White Bluff?
ANNOUNCER
Jabberwocky Audio Theater presents: Quorum: The Gambler’s Tale. Tonight’s presentation: “All That Glitters,” episode seven.
MUSIC: THEME MUSIC ENDS
LOS ANGELES STREETS – JIMMY’S CAR
(HIGHWAY DRIVING SOUNDS)
JIMMY (V.O.)
Just when I start thinking I’m out of the woods — or at least starting to see daylight between the branches, I step right into a tiger pit.
SOUND: CELL PHONE DIALING
JIMMY (V.O.)
Now I’d call it a win if I could just avoid the spikes and claw my way back out.
SOUND: PHONE PICKUP
ROBIN
(FILTERED, ON PHONE)
Jimmy? How did your meeting go?
JIMMY
Thought it was going well, until… it took a turn. Now I’m afraid things might be even worse.
ROBIN
Worse? Dammit, Jimmy, that’s not what I need to be hearing right now.
JIMMY
(SNAPPING)
Don’t you think I know that?
ROBIN
Maybe you should have thought of that before you decided to roll the dice with our lives.
JIMMY
I decided? Robin, you came to me, remember? All this started because…
(BEAT)
I’m sorry. I’m getting defensive again.
ROBIN
No, I’m just… frustrated. Don’t know how much more I can take. I said before it wasn’t your fault, but…
JIMMY
Stress makes the mind jump to some strange places.
ROBIN
I think you said that before.
JIMMY
Still no excuse to lash at you. I just… tend to do that when someone calls me on something I know’s true.
ROBIN
Jimmy, I really didn’t mean to call you out on —
JIMMY
No, listen. You have every right to be mad. I’ve got a history of making bad decisions, risky decisions, and the past couple days have proven that. I was so convinced we had to get to the truth I didn’t stop to think maybe our best course would be to let things go.
ROBIN
I don’t know if that would have been better.
JIMMY
Maybe not, but I didn’t even consider it. When you weren’t sure what to do, I went into full take-charge mode, when I really didn’t have any right to. Took advantage of the fact — even if I didn’t know I was doing it — that you weren’t ready to make your own decision about what was best. Not an informed choice.
ROBIN
Jimmy, I’m not some helpless kid. Not anymore.
JIMMY
No, that’s not what I mean. You’ve never been helpless. We all have times when we’re… overwhelmed. When it’s easy to get swept up in someone else’s agenda. Heh…
ROBIN
What? What’s funny?
JIMMY
Oh, I was just thinking about your dad.
ROBIN
Really? You do that a lot?
JIMMY
It’s just… I think that’s a big part of why I butted heads with him. He wasn’t afraid to call me out on my BS, and I went straight into combat mode.
ROBIN
Maybe. Still…
JIMMY
Yeah, still… Your father is a jerk, though.
ROBIN
He… yeah. That’s… there’s… never mind.
JIMMY
Fair enough. So… how’s it going with the papers? Anything make sense yet?
ROBIN
A lot of it’s pretty complicated…
JIMMY
Which is why you’re the best person for the job.
ROBIN
Appreciate the vote of confidence. But some’s just cryptic. Plot numbers and such. I need time to decipher those into actual addresses, which is taking a lot longer than it should. I logged into the office network remotely, but it’s all… the system’s way more sluggish than normal. I don’t know, maybe it’s my connection, but the whole thing’s moving at a snail’s pace. Anyway, I think I’ll have something by the time you get here. Assuming… you are coming here?
JIMMY
Yeah. Just left the casino, soon as Kreitzer dropped me back off, but… I don’t want to risk putting your friend in danger. We need to find somewhere to meet.
ROBIN
I don’t want anyone to find us…
JIMMY
No, I know. Public is good, but not somewhere they’re likely to just bump into us… Wait, I have an idea. Do you know that place Serenity? It’s up near where you’re staying, in Studio City. On Ventura.
ROBIN
That’s the one with all the ivy in front, right? You really think we can get in there? I know it’s just a Tuesday night, but I heard it’s pretty busy.
JIMMY
I met the owner, Carl Pantusso, the other night. Promised me a table whenever I wanted. I’ll give him a call and see if he can fit us in. Somewhere we can work, but won’t draw attention. But… it’s your call. I don’t want to push you into anything.
ROBIN
No, that’s fine. How long will it take you to get here?
JIMMY
I’m on the 405 now. So another… half hour or so?
ROBIN
All right, I’ll meet you there. I’ll wear my disguise. Sweat pants and everything. Look’s growing on me.
JIMMY
Actually, sweat pants might not fit the dress code…
SOUND: PHONE CLICK
JIMMY
Hey, I have another call coming in. Unknown number. Should probably take it in case… well, in case it’s something critical. I’ll call you back, okay?
ROBIN
Okay. See you soon. Sure I’ll find something to wear.
SOUND: PHONE SWITCHING
JIMMY
Hello, Jimmy Harmon.
(WIKTORIA SPEAKS WITH AN EASTERN-EUROPEAN ACCENT, EXUDING AN EASY CONFIDENCE)
WIKTORIA
(FILTERED, ON PHONE)
Cześć, James. It has been some time since last we spoke directly, no?
JIMMY
Wiktoria? So Crick did pass along my message.
WIKTORIA
Of course. Mr. Crick is most reliable. He knows I would look forward to hearing from you. He is not one to let personal concerns get in the way of his duties.
JIMMY
I’m sure. So how’s life back in Las Vegas?
WIKTORIA
Quite well indeed. I have just ensured that a certain… kłopotliwy individual in the Las Vegas Police Department will no longer be of concern.
JIMMY
No longer be… Wiktoria, you don’t mean…
WIKTORIA
James! I am shocked that you would leap to such… unsavory conclusions. After all that we have been through. No, he has just taken… an early retirement.
JIMMY
Sorry, sorry. Old habits, I guess. Yours and mine.
WIKTORIA
Mr. Crick informs me you have questions about a certain… real estate group in Los Angeles, no?
JIMMY
Right. The White Bluff Restoration Trust. Long story, but someone mentioned your name in connection with it.
WIKTORIA
And what someone would this be?
JIMMY
I don’t know, it was… well, an anonymous tip.
WIKTORIA
Anonymous… I can imagine several individuals who would be eager to place me into a… compromising situation. Once again, as you no doubt remember from your… experiences here last year. But I can assure you, I know nothing of such a group.
JIMMY
Nothing? Nothing at all?
WIKTORIA
James, I am not in the habit of repeating myself. But no, I have my properties here in Las Vegas, as well as a few… side businesses. But nothing in Los Angeles.
JIMMY
Okay… Then again, would you tell me if you did?
WIKTORIA
Of course. Ours is a relationship built on trust.
JIMMY
Sure it is.
WIKTORIA
I am curious, James. How are things with Mr. Kreitzer?
JIMMY
It’s… complicated. I’m not any closer to finding out who in his circle hired Watson. Who killed Will Archer.
WIKTORIA
Watson? I am not following.
JIMMY
That… that’s why you put me in with Kreitzer in the first place? Someone in his circle was tied to the people who sent Watson to kill me, got Will instead…
WIKTORIA
Ah, yes. Of course. Mr. Crick informed me of your lack of progress. I merely thought you were speaking of some nowy rozwój… new development.
JIMMY
Wiktoria… is there something you’re not telling me?
WIKTORIA
Of course not, James. As I informed you before, there are times when my… contacts might allow me to provide you assistance. This was one of those times.
JIMMY
Right…
WIKTORIA
In return… Anton Kreitzer is a valuable individual to befriend. Should you become privy to any… promising ventures during your association, you would be well advised to pay close attention. And I trust you understand I am willing to continue to assist you in… navigating such a situation.
JIMMY
Of… of course, Wiktoria. I understand. Completely.
WIKTORIA
Then we are good. Rozumiemy się nawzajem. Good day, James. I am sure we will be speaking again soon.
SOUND: PHONE DISCONNECTING
JIMMY (V.O.)
One minor mystery solved. Wiktoria had recommended me to Kreitzer so she could get something out of it, not because she wanted to help me find Will’s killer. At least not entirely. Can’t say I was all that surprised. Most likely something to do with Kreitzer’s stake in the Inglewood Park Casino, unless… unless she knew about this new venture Kreitzer had going on, the thing with the puzzle boxes, whatever it was. Hadn’t mentioned anything about it to Crick, but who knew where else a shady character like Wiktoria Sałkiewicz might be getting her information?
SOUND: PHONE DIALING
JIMMY (V.O.)
Still, best to concentrate on one crisis at a time.
SOUND: PHONE PICKUP
PANTUSSO
Carl Pantusso.
JIMMY
Carl? Jimmy Harmon, from the game Saturday?
PANTUSSO
Jimmy! Great to hear from you.
JIMMY
Listen, I hope my calling’s not bringing up… unpleasant memories. Recovered at all?
PANTUSSO
My wallet will recover. My ego, on the other hand…
JIMMY
I know the feeling. Hey, I do have a favor to ask.
PANTUSSO
Long as it doesn’t put me out another quarter mil. What do you need?
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
SERENITY RESTAURANT – PATIO
(PEOPLE EATING, SOCIALIZING, LAUGHING)
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES OUT
MUSIC: EASY POP MUSIC
JIMMY (V.O.)
Serenity was perfect for a clandestine meeting. Public, but not screaming for attention. With its ivy-covered façade, if you didn’t know it was there, it’d be easy to pass it by entirely. Carl got us a back table out on the patio, away from prying eyes. Even on a Tuesday night, it’d normally take hours for a spot like this. You’d think dining al fresco in this heat would be unbearable, but it actually felt cooler back here than on the street.
PANTUSSO
Anyway, hope you two have a great evening. Gotta say, you two do make a nice-looking couple.
JIMMY
(AWKWARDLY)
No, it’s not like… or, well… um… Thanks, Carl.
PANTUSSO
My pleasure. Enjoy. Let me know if you need anything.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS WALKING AWAY
ROBIN
Maybe he sees something we don’t.
JIMMY
Um… maybe he does. It’s just been… Anyway, are these… are these the originals?
SOUND: PAPERS SHUFFLING
ROBIN
I made scans back at Anna’s, so those are on my laptop. Didn’t have time to print copies. So yeah, this is the actual file. Which… now I don’t know how I’m going to return. Anyway… The list of shareholders and trustees is fairly straightforward, only…
JIMMY
Only what?
ROBIN
I figured some of them would look familiar. One, even. Something to tie into what we already know, what little that is. I’m worried we have all our eggs in one basket, and we’ve dropped the basket.
JIMMY
So nothing familiar? Nothing at all?
ROBIN
No. Thought your Wiktoria Sałkiewicz might be on the list, after what the original caller said. Anton Kreitzer isn’t there… No joy there, either.
JIMMY
Damn. Felt sure he’d be on there. Project in a neighborhood used to be called White Bluff, the White Bluff Restoration Trust… Too much of a coincidence, least under these circumstances. So who is on the list?
ROBIN
Really just a few names. Trustees are Howard Becks and Charlie Crane… Shareholders are a Peter Norman, these Howard Becks and Charlie Crane guys, a Walter Evans, but that’s getting down into minor shareholders…
JIMMY
And no Kreitzer or Sałkiewicz.
ROBIN
Nope. Nowhere on the list.
JIMMY
Something’s not… Charlie Crane. That sounds familiar.
ROBIN
Somebody you’ve met here?
JIMMY
No, I don’t think so. Crane… Crane. Wait, that’s it!
ROBIN
What’s it?
JIMMY
Charlie Crane. It’s a character. Parker Wells’s first lead role. The Cabin Precepts, a little indie film. Before he went on to those superhero flicks.
ROBIN
For once your obscure movie knowledge pays off. That can’t be a coincidence.
JIMMY
I agree. So maybe… maybe these are all aliases. Any way to identify them directly? Tax IDs, social security numbers, anything?
ROBIN
Not on here. There are addresses, but they’re all PO boxes or lawyers’ offices.
JIMMY
Doubt their lawyers are likely to help us. And I don’t think we’re up for more breaking and entering. Not yet, anyway. So… what about the properties?
ROBIN
Took a hell of a lot longer than it should have. System was running crazy slow. But eventually, I was able to cross-reference the lot numbers with street addresses.
JIMMY
Let me guess: Boyle Heights. White Bluff.
ROBIN
Right on the first try. Of course, that’s right there in their name, so it’s not that much of a surprise.
JIMMY
And that does line up with what Kreitzer said about buying properties near the Seventh Street Viaduct.
ROBIN
Well… sort of.
JIMMY
What do you mean, sort of?
ROBIN
I mean… okay, look here. All of these locations are in Boyle Heights, and near the river. But they’re not really near Seventh Street. They’re further north.
JIMMY
By Sixth Street. That’s weird. How would that work as a staging area for working on the Seventh Street Bridge?
ROBIN
I don’t know. They’re also not all on the river. All within a couple of blocks, sure, but not all next to it. But that’s not the strangest thing. Look here, at the assessed property values. Notice anything?
JIMMY
Um… not offhand. What am I looking for?
ROBIN
Oh, sorry… Here. Check these assessments against comparables, other properties in the area.
JIMMY
Wow. Those are easily… triple, no quadruple anything else around there. More, even.
ROBIN
Right. Now look at the assessments against the original listed purchase prices.
JIMMY
These are… holy cow. Assessments are easily ten times the purchase prices. Someone accidentally add a zero?
ROBIN
No, there are addendums here documenting everything. Major property improvements, new businesses on the lots. A big shipping fulfillment center, a nightclub…
JIMMY
A nightclub?
ROBIN
Yeah. Cabana 10 West. Never heard of it.
JIMMY
Me neither. Not that I’d expect to, not being a regular raver. Wait, hang on… look at the time frame. These jumps in property value, the improvements. All in the past few months.
ROBIN
Yeah, I guess you’re right.
JIMMY
When was the last time you saw a whole bunch of major construction projects get done that fast?
ROBIN
That would be… unheard of. And if we’re talking about commercial assessments, which is literally my department, it’s not just new construction. For assessments that high, they’d have to show new regular business, sustained impact on the community.
JIMMY
So they’re faked.
ROBIN
The documentation all looks legitimate, but… yeah. I’d say they have to be. So… you think this is enough for us to take to the authorities?
JIMMY
Oh, yeah. Well, almost. We’d also need to tie at least one of those aliases to a real person.
ROBIN
But you said Charlie Crane was Parker Wells.
JIMMY
Yeah, but that’s a conclusion. Not evidence. And then we have to be sure the assessments aren’t legit.
ROBIN
You mean we have to see for ourselves. Let’s go, then.
JIMMY
Whoa, slow down. It’s past eleven. Not to sound… well, privileged… but that’s not exactly a safe neighborhood to be driving around at night.
ROBIN
Oh… right.
JIMMY
Besides, we need to be able to see these places. Tends to work better by daylight.
ROBIN
So morning it is. So… what do we do in the meantime?
JIMMY
Well, sleep for one.
ROBIN
Oh… I didn’t mean that to sound like I was…
JIMMY
No, it’s fine. I didn’t take it like that. Unless… I mean, it’s been… well…
ROBIN
Yeah, it’s been. But maybe… one thing at a time, I guess. Then… we’ll see.
JIMMY
Um… yeah. That’s… that’s good.
(BEAT)
Anyway, let’s at least get something to eat while we’re here. I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. Didn’t really get a chance to eat at the track.
ROBIN
Yeah, I can go for that.
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES IN
JIMMY (V.O.)
We stayed at Serenity until past one. Not the safest plan, maybe, but it was… nice. I think we both needed it. In that setting, forget about everything going on, just… talk. And not even big stuff, but just our lives. Turns out Robin’s been getting into local theater. Told her I’d been taking a couple of finance classes at USC, maybe finally finish my degree. And that I’d finally quit smoking, occasional cigar aside. She’d never been a fan. Guess I finally came around to seeing it, too.
BOYLE HEIGHTS COLD STORAGE – OUTSIDE
(MORNING NEIGHBORHOOD ACTIVITY, DISTANT SIRENS)
MUSIC: TRANSITION MUSIC FADES OUT
MUSIC: LATINO POP
JIMMY (V.O.)
Had to end sometime. Can only put the world on hold so long. If this all hadn’t been hanging over us, I think we could have kept at it all night. But… it was. In the end, I dropped Robin at her friend Anna’s place — and made sure we weren’t followed. I found an out-of-the-way motel and crashed, but didn’t sleep much. Too much to think about… but not all of it bad this time. I got up and met Robin at eleven, we grabbed a quick bite and took the 101 down to Boyle Heights to try and dig up at least some semblance of the truth.
SOUND: CAR PULLING UP, STOPPING
SOUND: CAR DOORS OPENING
ROBIN
Let’s see… four boarded-up storefronts, an empty lot full of trash. If that’s a fulfillment center, I weep for the online shopping industry. Not getting my hopes up on this one.
JIMMY
Oh, chin up. Saved the best for last. This one’s supposed to be that nightclub, Cabana 10 West. Should be… there. Across from that boarded-up Video Aces shop front. Closed, like half the businesses here.
ROBIN
Who says you never take me out to the hot spots? At least there’s an actual physical building here. Hang on, let me get a picture of this one, too.
SOUND: PHONE CAMERA SHUTTER
ROBIN
Sure it’s safe to leave your car out on the street?
JIMMY
Probably safer than off the street. At least here it’s visible. And my car’s not exactly a prime theft target. But… okay. Let’s bring our stuff with us. I’ll grab my bolt bag.
ROBIN
Here… why don’t you put my pistol in there, too?
JIMMY
Honestly, I doubt anyone would look twice if we just brandished it openly. But… better safe than sorry.
SOUND: FABRIC RUSTLING
SOUND: CAR DOOR CLOSING
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS ON CONCRETE
ROBIN
Doesn’t look like anyone’s been here in years.
JIMMY
There’s a sign… More a collection of rust in the vague outline of a sign. Boyle Heights Cold Storage.
ROBIN
What, you mean it’s not a hopping nightclub? And here I got all dolled up for nothing.
JIMMY
Dolled up?
ROBIN
This is my best T-shirt.
JIMMY
I see. Setting up clubs in old industrial buildings is pretty standard practice, but… I’m thinking no. Looks like a loading dock there, over on the alley side.
ROBIN
Maybe we should have just driven inside, then.
SOUND: CHAIN RATTLING
JIMMY
Padlocked. Though rotten as this wood looks, bet we could’ve knocked our way through. Well, maybe not my car, but a real car could.
SOUND: DOOR RATTLING
ROBIN
I think we can get in through this side door. Lock looks busted, and the door’s barely holding on.
JIMMY
Really think we need to go inside? I mean, look…
ROBIN
You said it yourself. We have to be sure. Take more pictures. We’ve got to have enough evidence to prove our case. Airtight.
JIMMY
That… makes enough sense. Wow, you’re getting bold. All this time I thought I was the careless one.
ROBIN
Some of your adventurous spirit must have rubbed off.
JIMMY
Lead the way, fearless adventurer. Or did you need —
SOUND: DOOR SMASHING OPEN
ROBIN
No, I’ve got it.
JIMMY
Damn. You’ve got Hulk strength. Remind me not to make you angry. Want to keep liking you.
BOYLE HEIGHTS COLD STORAGE – INSIDE
(HEAVY REVERB, OPEN INTERIOR, SMALL ANIMAL SKITTERING NOISES)
JIMMY
Definitely not a nightclub. Not for humans, anyway. Watch your step. Think tetanus might be lying in wait.
ROBIN
Nobody dancing in here. Even the ravers aren’t that self-destructive. Jeez, it’s even hotter in here.
JIMMY
“Cold storage,” definitely a misnomer. Remind me to take this off the list of potential date-night spots.
ROBIN
Hmm… so you’ve got a list now? I’m intrigued.
SOUND: PHONE CAMERA SHUTTER
ROBIN
Just like the sign says. Or the rust says. Cold storage. Ironic. Still has old refrigeration chambers over there. And… Jesus, are those… meat hooks?
JIMMY
I don’t think the safety inspector would approve. Here, let me move some of this crap out of the way.
SOUND: BAG ON FLOOR
SOUND: MOVING HEAVY DEBRIS
SOUND: PHONE CAMERA SHUTTER
ROBIN
It just… doesn’t make sense. I mean… these places clearly aren’t what they claim to be. Probably the least valuable properties in the area. So why fake the assessments to make them seem more valuable?
JIMMY
Drive up sale prices, maybe? Lex Luthor one-oh-one.
ROBIN
What?
JIMMY
Make the land more valuable between the time you buy it and the time you sell it. Lex Luthor… Superman… My dad and I watched that movie a bunch when I was a kid.
ROBIN
You made me watch enough old movies when we were together. I think I can afford to pass on a few. But that plan doesn’t work. Any sale would mean an on-site inspection, and it falls apart soon as the buyer sees. Maybe trying to raise neighborhood property values…? But the assessments were locked up. Secret.
SOUND: PHONE CAMERA SHUTTER
JIMMY
Some kind of tax dodge, maybe?
ROBIN
Then they’d want to lower the assessments, not raise them. And never to the degree they did here. Honestly, they’d probably be able to get away with this. Nobody’d look twice at assessments above their actual value.
SOUND: GUN HAMMER COCKING
MALONE
Well, well, well. Fancy meeting you here.
ROBIN
Aah!
JIMMY (V.O.)
Damn, this guy was quiet. Gotten the jump on me twice now. And with my bag over on the floor, no way I could get Robin’s pistol out in time. Even if I weren’t wary of shooting a cop, even a bent one, I wouldn’t have a prayer against a pro killer like Malone anyway.
JIMMY
Malone. How nice to see you again. And here I was thinking our encounter was just a one-off thing.
MALONE
Ah, ah. Not one step closer.
JIMMY
Malone, buddy… are you still pissed at me?
MALONE
Hitting me with a cheap shot? That I can live with. Tossing my Desert Eagle in the sewer? That one stings. But not for much longer. Both of you. Back that way.
ROBIN
Jimmy?
JIMMY
Do what he says. It’ll be okay.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS
MALONE
Heh. Yeah, go ahead. Lie to her.
JIMMY
She’s got nothing to do with this, Malone. Let her go, and then you and me, we can talk.
MALONE
What makes you think I want to talk to you?
JIMMY
Fact you haven’t shot me with that giant revolver of yours yet… Wait, what’s that in your left —
SOUND: ELECTRICAL CURRENT FIRING
JIMMY
(STUTTERING IN PAIN)
Gggggggg!
SOUND: BODY FALLING
MALONE
Taser, dumbass. X26, standard issue. Who’s the smart one now? Okay, lady. Robin, right? Into the fridge.
ROBIN
Wha… What?
MALONE
I said get in there. Now! Don’t worry, won’t be in there long. Plenty to chat about soon. Nice big window in the door. Gotta make sure you got a clear view.
(LAUGHING)
I said don’t worry. I’ll make sure to get you out before you suffocate. What’s the point in that?
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS
SOUND: HEAVY DOOR CLOSING
MALONE
All right there, Jimmy. What say we get started? This should do nicely.
SOUND: METAL CHAIR DRAGGING ACROSS FLOOR
SOUND: MOVING BODY INTO CHAIR
SOUND: ZIP TIE
MALONE
Get you in nice and tight, eh, Jimmy? Wouldn’t want you leaving before the party starts, miss all the fun.
SOUND: ZIP TIE
MALONE
Now, I know Miss Robin in there, she’s really looking forward to the show. Gonna be a good one.
SOUND: SLAPPING
MALONE
Come on, wakey wakey. Didn’t zap you that hard. Big strong guy like you.
JIMMY
Wha… what do you want?
MALONE
There we go! Can’t do this if you’re not at your best.
ROBIN
(MUFFLED)
What are you doing?
JIMMY
You think… putting Robin in there will make me talk?
MALONE
What? No! See, thing is, nothing you can say I care about. But her… ah, her, that’s another story.
ROBIN
What do you mean? I don’t know anything!
MALONE
Wish I could believe that. Really do. Make my job here oh so much easier. But I don’t. See, guys I work for, they want to know all about who you been talking to.
JIMMY
Don’t… don’t say anything, Robin.
MALONE
Think you will. See, I’m gonna provide with the incentive. Unlike Jimmy, I won’t lie, say it’s gonna be all right. I will say things can get a whole lot worse.
ROBIN
What… what are you going to do?
MALONE
Ain’t no big trick making people talk. Got plenty of on-the-job experience in that regard. Only… start hurting ’em too much, they go and say anything, to make it stop. They get… irrational. All fine and dandy if all I need’s to beat a confession out of ’em, but if I want actual information, it does me no good, see?
JIMMY
Malone, don’t…
MALONE
So, Miss Robin. Here’s what’s gonna happen. You are gonna tell me everybody you seen this past week, and how I find ’em. Then I promise — I mean it, it’s a promise — I kill them quick. Painless. You too.
SOUND: FINGER SNAPPING
MALONE
Other hand, you hold out, I get less… merciful. You’ll talk eventually. Just a question of time.
ROBIN
You’re a monster!
MALONE
May be, may be. So… Jimmy, you right-handed?
JIMMY
What? Why the hell should I tell you?
MALONE
This is what I’m talking about. Defiance. Don’t do well for any of us. But it’s okay. Just getting started, don’t think you’re clear on the rules yet. We’ll go ahead and assume you’re a righty, Jimmy. So let’s see that left hand. I want to start us off easy.
SOUND: STRUGGLING
MALONE
So Miss Robin, here’s how this is gonna play out. I break Jimmy’s fingers here. Start with his little pinky and work my way on up. Do his left hand first, so we got something to move up to. Build suspense, see?
ROBIN
No — don’t hurt him!
MALONE
Now, since we just met and all, you probably don’t believe me. So I’m gonna show you.
SOUND: BONE BREAKING
JIMMY
(SCREAMING)
Aaagh!
ROBIN
(SHOUTING)
Jimmy!
MALONE
Now I think we understand each other. All on the same page. Robin… Listen carefully now, plenty of time to get blubbery later. Robin, who you been talking to?
ROBIN
(CRYING)
Nobody. It’s… it’s just us… We haven’t —
SOUND: BONE BREAKING
JIMMY
(SCREAMING)
Aaagh!
ROBIN
(SHOUTING)
No!
MALONE
See, I thought I was clear. Three more fingers on that left hand, and I haven’t started on his right. Not to mention toes, and a lot more… sensitive body parts.
SOUND: METAL SCRAPING
MALONE
And then there’s these beautiful old meat hooks just lying around. Really curious to see what I can do with these. So… you ready to start getting serious?
SOUND: MASSIVE CRASH
SOUND: MUSCLE CAR REVVING
SOUND: BODY CRUNCHING AGAINST METAL
SOUND: CAR BRAKING
SOUND: CAR DOOR OPENING
ELEANOR
Jesus, Jimmy. Come on, we’ve got to move, fast.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS RUNNING
SOUND: HEAVY DOOR OPENING
ELEANOR
Gather you two are together? Give me a hand with him.
ROBIN
Who… who are…?
SOUND: CUTTING ZIP TIES
JIMMY
El… Eleanor? How did…? Where did you come from?
SOUND: BODY MOVING
ELEANOR
Never mind that. Right now we have to get you the hell out of here. Don’t know how much time we have left.
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 seven 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, Lydia Kraniotis as Wiktoria Sałkiewicz, Kevin Murray as Carl Pantusso, Ricardo Padilla as Malone, Tom Kramer as Tom, James Whalen as Paul, Bob Hurley as the racing announcer, and Ariana Almajan as Eleanor Wallis.
(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, with special thanks to Pete Papageorge for providing supplemental music for this episode. 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.
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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 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)
Next post time will be at the bottom of the hour. Be sure to get in on all the racing action!
SOUND: PAPER SHUFFLING
TOM
So what are we looking at, Paul?
PAUL
Keeping it easy, but act fast, Tommy. Bet four and two in the quinella. It’s paying more than the exacta right now. Ask me, that’s the way to go.
TOM
All right. Here’s hoping the ponies pay off. Got a rent payment coming up.
PAUL
Got a feeling. Really got a feeling here.
CONCLUSION
HOST
Hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Text © William R. Coughlan, under license to Jabberwocky Audio Theater. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.