They Hang Negroes In Settus County A Play By Michael Oatman, Playwright-In-Residence at Karamu Theater Setting Farming Supply Office

Characters Mitch Corbin Jerry Ed

ACT ONE/SCENE ONE (The spotlight come up and Ed is sitting at his desk which is turned facing stage left. He is a pudgy aging man in a cheap, ill-fitting undersized suit. Ed is eating a Pastrami on Rye and reading the daily newspaper. As Ed speaks his lines he never looks up from his newspaper and Pastrami on Rye. Seated at an identical desk, which is facing toward the audience, is Mitch who has a file folder in front of him and a black phone on his desk. The man is wearing a rumpled white shirt and a tie that has been clearly loosened. There is an ashtray on the desk with a smoldering cigarette it. Mitch is also reading his newspaper. He looks up suddenly.) Mitch You heard anything about Settus County? Ed Nope. Mitch So Jerry hasnt said anything? Ed Not a word. Mitch This is bullshit. Ed Yep. Mitch I mean if I dont get it then who? Seriously, who? Ed Dont know.

Mitch I mean come on, whos top salesman every quarter? Ed You. Mitch Who is the productivity king, in this whole damn region? Ed That would be you. Mitch Damn straight its me. Ed Yep. Mitch [The phone on Mitchs desk rings and he answers it.] Marshall, Sanderson and Williams, we sell tractor parts. [Beat] Yeah, no. [Mitch looks at this watch.] Bout twelve oclock Ill be there. [Beat] Yep. [Beat] Catch ya later. [Mitch hangs up the phone.] I mean cmon Ed, how long have I been carrying water for Jerry? How fucking long? Huh? Ed Dont know, pretty long. Mitch Too long. You know what I could do with Settus Country under my belt? I mean just look what I did with Portis. They hand me some podunk county and what do I do with it? Huh, what do I do? I hit a home fucking run. Ed Out the park. Mitch Exactly, right out of the fucking park. Ed Yep.

Mitch I mean shit, we both been on a bit of a bad streak lately, but thats not our fault. Ed Nope. Mitch The fucking economy is in the shitter, thats not on us. Besides, a couple of months dont mean a damn thing when you think about how long the two of us have owned that fucking tote board. Ed More you than me. Mitch Settus could put me right back up on the top of that board, right on the top. And best believe that I would kick you some love as well. Shit, Settus is big enough for me to squeeze you out a couple of good turns. You deserve it too, you been rib-banging in the trenches longer than me. Ed Yep. [Beat] You got mustard? Mitch What? Ed Mustard, you got mustard? [Mitch reaches into his drawer and pulls out a packet and slings it over to Ed.] Thanks. Mitch I mean dont get me wrong, Vaughn was great, he worked Settus like a whore on prom night . . . he was the top of the food chain. I respect that. But the mans been dead for what . . . Ed . . . Four days. Mitch

Exactly, two days, what are we gonna do build a monument to the fucking man. [There is a knock on the door. Mitch ignores it.] I mean Vaughn is a goddamned legend, but come on, Settus fucking County is waiting for me. Ed [Ed looks up from his newspaper at the audience.] So are they, I think. [By looking up Ed draws Mitchs attention to the audience.] Mitch What the hell? I thought you guys were not due here until . . . [Mitch looks at his watch.] No matter, no matter . . . [Mitch stands up and walks out to the edge of the stage and begins to wave people inside.] . . . come in, come in, take a seat, take a seat. [Beat] So you young people are interested in being sales professionals, huh? Splendid. Jerry tells me youre a fine collection of prospects. You must be good if youve come this far. [Beat] So, hello, hello, hello. Nice to meet you, folks. [The phone rings.] Excuse me. [Mitch answers the phone and begins to speak.] Yes. The newbies are here. [Mitch leans into the phone.] You coulda given me a bit more warning they were coming . . . but thats okay, I got your back, buddy. [Beat] Yes. Their right in front of me, Jerry. [Beat] Yes. [Beat] I know, I know . . . look I gotta go. Ill call you later, later. [Beat] Sorry folks. If one thing is certain, its the fact that everybody has a boss. [Beat] Now, where was I, oh, yeah. At least one of you folks is going to be hired by this fine establishment. [Beat] Either way I want to congratulate you folks for making it this far in the process. [Beat]

Now where do I begin? I guess I bess start where every good salesman should. [Mitch straightens his tie and perfects a more professional tone to his voice.] Hello, my name is Mitch Smocha and I am a salesman. That is to say that we are salesman. I say that with a certain amount of pride. We are the middlemen between good folks and the things that they really want. We are brokers. Brokers of dreams . . . a little corny? Yeah, I know, I get that way when it comes to our God-given responsibility to serve people. [Beat] Some people can throw a football fifty yards, some can figure complex math equations in their head and some people . . . people like us . . . can sell. Right Ed? 5

Ed [Ed does not look up from his newspaper.] Sell, Yeah, yeah, sell. Mitch I could sell an ice cream sandwich to an Eskimo, salt to a slug and convince Superman to gulp down a Kryptonite smoothie. You know why? Because I know the basics; what all great salesman throughout time have known: Its never about the product; its always about the salesman. Now, I know that sounds clich, because it is. But, its the truth. Sometimes there is a good reason that a thing becomes clich. A good salesman could sell a customer dog shit and make em think its chocolate . . . thats if hes good. And a bad salesman could have a briefcase full of blow jobs and not sell a solitary one. Cause its never the product, its always, always, always about the salesman, the man inside of the suit. Right Ed? Ed Man, yeah, yeah . . . suit, yeah. Mitch Its the pitch. The hitch. The give and go, the gift of gab. The power to appeal. The art of the convo, the art of the deal. The melding of the mind. The God-given ability to make em sign on the dotted line. Cause thats what its about, brother, the bottom line. That random set of dots that forms a straight line at the end of the page. For us salesman types that is the Alpha and Omega. Do you have any clue what it takes to mentally transport a mind to a place it does not care to go? Shit, I do more psychology in one sales pitch then most of those hundred-dollar an hour head-shrinkers do in a month. Ive sold everything from medical supplies to automobiles and everything in-between. [Long Beat as he straightens his shirt.] See, I have always had the ability to almost forcefully impose my will upon a person, the ability to make them crave a thing that they do not even realize that they want. If you pay attention, listen and watch some of the fine sales professionals in this office, youll learn the this skill . . . no, this art. Now my boss Jerry, the sweaty fella who youve spent the better part of the morning with . . . he would rather that I talk to you our product line; hed have me launch into some long winded diatribe about tractor wheels, converters and wheel bushings. Give some canned speech about 6

how the tractor parts that we sling are more superior than the ones our competitor sells. [Mitch leans over as is he is about to whisper to the audience.] Well Im here to tell you that thats complete bullshit. One tractor wheel is pretty much as good as another. One thrasher bushing no different than the next. Yeah in a practical sense tractor parts is what we sell. But I would like to think that we sell a bit more then that. The difference is not in the product. Thats not where the difference lies. The different lies in . . . [Mitch points to the audience, as if to solicit an answer.] . . . Exactly, the salesman. [The phone rings.] Scuse me. [Mitch slightly angles his face away from the audience.] Bill, as I live and breathe, how in the hell are you doing? [Beat] Sure do. I dont know. Im thinking maybe, Wednesday? [Beat] Shit, yeah, thats one of our best sellers. Last quarter we had to back order the damn things from Shuster, can you believe that? [Beat] So Wednesday, works for you? [Beat] What time? [Mitch fingers his address book.] Oooh . . . I have a 2 oclock on Wednesday what about three? [Beat] Beautiful. Ill stop over your place three on Wednesday. Simonson, no, I havent seen him in months, not since Kansas City . . . Hey, Bill, I got someone in my office, let me give you a jingle later. Alright, say hello to Kay for me . . . alright now, bye. [Mitch hangs up the phone.]

Cant stand that cocksucker, but hes a steady ticket. Anyways . . . where was I . . . [The phone rings. Mitch peers down at the ID caller.] Oh, its just my youngest. Like to bother me to death that one. My wife spoils that boy something terrible. [Beat as the phone continues to ring then stops.] Anyway, like I was saying . . . [Mitch answers the phone.] Yeah. Hes here? Jerry, he shouldnt be here for another hour or so. [Beat] Well, hells bells. [Beat] Im still talking to the new recruits. I was about to give them the ten cent tour. [Beat] Yeah, I know hes a big fish. [Mitch looks at this watch.] Okay. Okay. Okay. [Mitch hangs up the phone.] Im sorry folks but we just got a whale in and that sonofabitch just beached himself downstairs in our conference room. So, I gotta go and do what we do. Jerry is going to come up and finishing giving you the speech, the ten cent tour and if your really good he might squeeze out a boxed lunch for you guys. Its been a pleasure talking to you, but I have to go. I am sure that I will see at least one of you folks tomorrow. [Mitch gathers a few file folders under his arms and he

exits the stage.] Oh, yeah, almost forgot, Ed, Jerry wants to see you for a minute downstairs. [Mitch exits the stage. The stage fades to black.]

ACT ONE/SCENE TWO (The scene opens and Mitch at his desk writing. Eds desk is empty. Mitch phone rings he stops writing and answers the phone. Jerry enters.) Mitch I dont know what you want me to say. [Beat] Look, goddamit, hes my son too. [Beat] I just want to see him . . . before. Look, we agreed that this little break would just be . . . temporary. I just think that we can work this whole deal out. I told you, I am willing to go to counseling . . . the question is why arent you. [Beat] This is our family. [Beat] I just want to see him for a few . . . okay, okay. I will give you . . . okay. [Jerry enters and sits down in the chair on the other side of Mitchs desk. Mitch looks up.] I have to go. [Beat] Yeah, I will. [Beat] Yes. [Beat] I will. [Beat] I will call you later. Sorry, a business meeting for later. Jerry Yeah, sure. Stella called. Talk to me about Hannigan Mitch Hes in for his usual. Jerry Did he bite on upping his buy-in? Mitch Hes kind of shaky on a five percent increase. I think if I tickle his ass with a feather I might be able to squeeze two or three percent out of him. Jerry We might be able to work with that. [Beat] Im gonna need your help on something.

Mitch I heard you hired one of the newbies . . . you need me to train em? Jerry I did hire one, the Latin, kid. Mitch The one with all the mouth; with the shit stain under his lip? Jerry Yeah, I told him to shave the soul patch. Mitch He got potential? Jerry I think so. Mitch Hes got big shoes to fill. Jerry I dont think anybodys gonna fill Vaughns shoes. Mitch I agree. Jerry Thing is, it seems that my new hire has not quite passed muster with the higher ups. Mitch What was the problem? Jerry I guess they were hoping that the new hire fit more of a diversity-type mode, you know. Mitch The guy has a Taco up his ass for Christs sake. Jerry Not that kind of diversity. Mitch 9

[Beat] The bosses are looking for a chick. Jerry Yep. Mitch So, what are you going to do with the new guy? Jerry Nothing, hes staying, firing a Hispanic after a couple days on the job. Might as well stick your dick in a blender, you know what I mean. some new blood, and since youre my top guy . . . Mitch . . . This is bullshit. Jerry This comes straight from upstairs. Straight from Stella Mitch What is this about? Like, I got time to carry some half-educated nitwit whose here because she has a set of tits. Come on Jerry. This isnt the fuckin minors, this is full press, face-to-face warfare . . . dont come at me with this Affirmative Action bullshit. Jerry You didnt object when we had to bring a black salesman in here. Mitch Thats different and you know it. Other than Jacksons love of fat woman and anything fried in grease the guy is a fucking guy. No different than any of us. Plus he was qualified out the ass. Jerry The point is we brought him in to help us after we picked up that urban territory by Soggby Hills. Mitch Were going to be bringing in

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Race and gender: two different animals and you know it. As soon as we pick up a territory full of housewives that dabble in farm equipment in their spare time come talk to me. Jerry Mitch this is a done deal. Mitch Besides we dont have the room for a new operator in this region. Jerry We do now. Mitch Come again. Jerry Im sorry, but . . . Mitch . . . But what. Jerry Ed sleeps with the fishes, my friend. Mitch What? You fired Ed? Jerry Gave that fucker two in the head and pushed him out of the boat. Mitch A couple of bad months . . . Jerry . . . More than a couple of bad months. Mitch So the guy was drowning in a bad streak . . . Jerry

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It was more than a streak; for that guy it had become a lifestyle . . . the old days are gone, we cant carry any dead weight anymore, chief. Hes lucky we carried him as long as we did. If it wasnt for that retarded kid of his, he wouldve hit the skids weeks ago. Just wanted to let him slurp up a nice fat check before I adiosed his ass. Mitch Eds a good man. Jerry Were all good men. Mitch Just like that. Jerry Just like that? Mitch Hes been here . . . Jerry . . . Hes history my friend. You want some companionship get a fucking dog. Mitch What woman is going to be able to go in the field and sell in this region, Cmon. Wont happen. Jerry Stella says different. Mitch Fuck Stella Jerry If I was doing that I wouldnt be stuck in this shit hole with you. [Beat] I have to sort out that mess they have over at Sillar City, Im gonna basically be tied up with that all week. So I need for you to hire this chick. We lined up a bunch of candidates. A couple of them is a woman. Hire one. I need for you to get this done. Mitch

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Why me? Jerry Because shit roles down hill, my friend. [Beat] Look, get this done. When applicants come in, smile nice at the men and shit can their resumes. Mitch I still think . . . Jerry . . . I just want Stella off my ass. She wants a broad, guess what, she gets a broad. Capece? If she can string a sentence together and doesnt have horns growing out of her head, hire her. Mitch Youre the boss. Jerry You bet your sweet ass, chief. [Jerry stands up and grabs a hand full of folders and begins to exit the stage.] Mitch Hey, you figured out whose gonna get Settus County yet? Jerry Cmon you know their not gonna let me within a mile of that decision. The partners will decide when they decide. Mitch Yeah. Jerry Alright, my friend. [Jerry exits the stage.] Mitch [Mitch walks over and flops down in his chair.] Cocksucker. [Spins around in his chair. The lights fade to black.]

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ACT ONE/SCENE THREE (The scene opens and Ed is standing at his desk. On top of the desk if a large white, generic box. Ed is casually loading items from his desk into the box. Mitch is pensively pacing back and forth by his own desk.) Mitch I dont know what to say. Ed Yep. Mitch This is just wrong. Ed Yep. Mitch You know this could have just as easily been me as you. Ive been on a bad one for the last month or two. Ed

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Yep. Mitch I mean fucking luck of the draw. Ed Yep Mitch And I just want you to know . . . Ed . . . Know? Mitch Yeah, know. I just want you to know that I fought. I mean, fought . . . and Im talking tooth and nail for ya, buddy. Locked in a room, me and Jerry, going at it to try to get them to see that your the real deal. A salesmans salesman. I tried to tell em bringing in some new jack to work your zone was just fucking stupid. [Beat] And impractical if you ask me. Ed Yep. Mitch [Beat] Any idea on what your going to do for work? Ed Nope. Mitch Heard there was work over at Carsons. Ed Never liked farm implements. Mitch Hey, buddy I feel you. If I wanted to sell hoes I just pimp my wife, right buddy? Get it sell hoes? Ed

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Yep. Mitch But, seriously, I know Carsons is not exactly big bucks, but you gotta think, low pressure, built in clientele . . . Ed . . . And less money. Mitch Yeah, but it might help get you through til something better pops up . . . and something will pop up, my friend. Old war-horses like us are worth their weight in gold. Ed [Ed gathers his belongings and begins to exit.] Yep. Mitch Good luck, Ed. [Mitch places his hand on Eds shoulders and shakes his hand. Ed begins to exit the stage, then he stops and turns toward Mitch.] Ed Mitch. Mitch Yeah buddy. Ed You do know that I never liked you, right? Mitch Yeah? Ed Yep. Mitch [Pats Ed on the shoulder and laughs.] Get the fuck out of here. Ed Seriously. I never liked you. Mitch

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Seriously? Ed Yep. Mitch But weve shared an office for, what thirteen, fourteen years? Ed Yep. Mitch And all these years youve disliked me? Ed Yeah. Mitch I mean when you say dislike, you mean like how, people who share a space as close as an office sometimes gets on each others nerves, right? Ed Nope. Mitch When you say dislike; how deep we talking? Ed Pretty deep. Mitch All this time. Ed Why do you think I never invited you to the house? Mitch I just thought that you were, you know . . . like private. Ed Nope. [Ed reaches into his box and hands Mitch a black stapler.] Thats yours. [Ed exits the stage. Mitch ambles over to his desk and reaches into his desk and grabs a 17

bottle of pills, he pulls out four or five pills palms them and then swallows them all down. The lights fade to black.]

ACT ONE SCENE FOUR (When the spotlight comes up on stage a well-dressed, handsome young man has a spotlight focused on him [special].) Wilson For me this sales thing is not just some dodge that I use to make money. I am a pretty sharp guy. I could work a lot of places, do a lot of things. I am in this game cause sir, it tis a calling, a calling upon my soul. I swear it. When a look upon this country and stare in to the face of these people I know that I was the one put upon this Earth to serve them with, quality, reasonably priced products. The things that we sell . . . or shall I say, what I hope to sell is the kind of products that helps farmers and keeps this country running. You will have many candidates stumble through that door Mr. Smocha , but no of them will have the drive and abilities that I possess. I am a hard-worker and a quick-learner and I sir, am your man. You have to understand something, Mr. Smocha . . . I was born to do this . . . I swear by God, its in the blood. But I speckt you know that already 18

dontcha [The spotlight widens to incorporate the entire stages. The young man sits down in the chair by Mitchs desk. Mitch is sitting at this desk with a file folder in front of him. He is perusing the young mans resume.] Mitch I must admit, this is a rather impressive resume, young man. Wilson Thank you, sir. Mitch Almost too impressive. How come a young man with your obvious experience is not employed at some other company making yourself through the ranks? I see you been out of school for almost three years now. Wilson Sir? Mitch Why is Harmon Mechanical so blessed to have an opportunity to employ your services? I see, that there is a six-month gap between when you left Chiltons and started at LTG International. Hell of a gap for a man with your obvious ability. Wilson Well sir, when I left Chiltons I wanted to make sure that I landed in the perfect situation. Ya, see . . . Mitch . . . Dont try to sell me son, what happened in those six months. Wilson I had some issues I needed to put in order. Mitch Issues . . . we talking in riddles. Cause I dont like riddles, Mr. Wilson. Wilson [Long pause . . . I uhh . . . you know when the pressure comes on you . . . you have to . . . Mitch

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. . . Spit it out Mr. Wilson. Wilson I decided that I need to get some help for some personal issues. Mitch Personal issues. Wilson Yes, personal issues. Mitch More riddles? Wilson No, sir . . . I just dont feel like . . . Mitch Didnt exactly ask you what you felt like. Wilson That does any of this have to do with . . . Mitch . . . Son as long as I sit in this side of the desk and your on the other, I m the one gets to ask the questions. Wilson Yes, sir. Mitch Was it drugs? Wilson Pills. I uh . . . Mitch [He closes the file folder in front of him.] Thatll be all Mr. Wilson. Well contact you if we are interested in employing you. Wilson Thats it? 20

Mitch Yep. Wilson You dont even wanna hear me out? Mitch Nope. Wilson Youre not gonna consider me because of that? Mitch Because of what? Wilson Because of what you think you know. Mitch No, think about, I know all I need to. Wilson You dont know a damned thing. You dont know about that Ive gone through, how far I have had to travel. I needed help and I had the courage to get off my ass and get it. And your going to use that against me? So, what youre perfect, you never stumble Mr. Smocha? Mitch So, young. Son, I stumble so much its a miracle I can stand up right most days. You think I care about you being a hop head? Half the men in this office is addicted to something, booze, pills, pussy, . . . its all the same damned thing. Thats not the problem. The problem is that I asked you a directed question about something that did not put you in the best light and your gut reaction was to tell the truth; spill your guts like this was the fuckin Oprah Winfrey Show. In the field thats death. In the field you gotta own every conversation, turn every word so that it points toward the place you want it to go. Wilson I told the truth.

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Mitch I know. Thats a flaw that will cost in this field. But youre a good, kid. Maybe go be a teacher of something. Wilson So you wanted me to lie to you? Mitch Now your learning. Im surprised those boys at Chilton didnt teach you that. I suppose that explains why their always eating our dust. Wilson How sick is that? I being penalized because I was straight with you. Mitch A good salesman is a good liar, and a good liar is born not made. Besides another thing going against you is the fact that you dont have a pair of tits. Wilson Huh? Mitch Heres your resume, son. See ya in the funny papers. [He hands him the file folder. Puzzled, Wilson gets up and begins to exit.] Do me a favor son, ask the next applicant downstairs to come on up. Wilson [Beat] Yes, sir. [Wilson exits the stage. Mitch gets up out of his chair and begins to stretch. He ambles toward stage right and turns his back to stage left.. As he is stretching he begins to hum and sing, It Had To Be You. Corbin silently enters.] Mitch It had to be you. It had to be you. I wondered around and I finally found that somebody who could make me feel true, make me feel blue . . . [Mitch turns around and he and Corbin lock eyes.] Corbin

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[The folders that are in her arms fall as the two are clearly shocked to see one another.] . . . You. Mitch Kansas City. [She runs from the room. The scene fades to black.]

ACT ONE/SCENE FIVE (Mitch is sitting at this desk leaning backward in his desk chair and he is rubbing this eyes. He is clearly tired and frustrated. Jerry enters the room.) Jerry You know I really appreciate you taking one for the team like this. Mitch Why do I have to bother with a bunch of guys we know that we are never going to hire? Jerry Come on man the last thing we need is some reverse lawsuit type deal. We gotta make it look good. Keep everybody in the loop. Mitch

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I guess Jerry Got one more for you. I think she could be the one. Mitch A woman? Jerry Yeah. Mitch Good. Dont care what she looks like the skirt is hired. Jerry I agree. Plus I hear where she comes from this one could be a comer. Worked with a tool and die outfit in Cleveland. Gets pretty high marks from what I here. Shes right out side, allow me to show her in. [He stands and begins to walk over to the door.] She was actually here yesterday. Said she had to leave; wasnt feeling well. Right this way Ms. Slice. [Corbin enters.] Corbin Jerry, please call me, Corbin. I insist. Jerry Corbin it tis then young lady. [Mitch stands up and begins to intently stare at the young woman.] Well, I will turn you over to one of my finest sales associates, he will be conducting the interview. Got to go now, sweetheart . . . I mean, Ms. Slice . . .er . . . Corbin. [She smiles politely.] Corbin Sweetheart will do just find coming from such a gentlemanly man such as you, Jerry. [He looks at Mitch and smiles awkwardly and points at Corbin.] Jerry I like this, Mitch. Yes, I do. Gotta go. [He exits the stage. Corbin and Jerry stand in their prospective spots on the stage and stare at one another for several moments.] Corbin

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Shall I take a seat? Mitch What is this? Corbin Its a job interview. Mitch Why are here? Corbin For a salesman you seem a bit slow on the uptake. I am here for a job. May I take a seat? [He stands there and does not respond.] Corbin I will take that for a yes. [She sits down.] My resume and references. [She hands over a manila folder and allows it to fall onto his desk. He sits down.] Mitch Its been . . . Corbin . . . Three years since Kansas City, yeah I know . . . Mitch I thought you lived in Pittsburgh . . . Corbin . . . Cleveland, I lived in Cleveland. Moved to this state two years ago; upstate. Decided to come down and see what this region had to offer. Heard it was fertile ground for building a customer base. Mitch So this is just . . . Corbin . . . A coincidence, yes. That world is that big, what can I tell you. Mitch And this is not some kind of revenge thing?

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Corbin No, this is a I need a job thing. Mitch You ran out of here yesterday. Corbin Yes. Mitch But you came back. Corbin I thought about it and realized that I didnt do anything I needed to be ashamed for. Mitch Neither did I. Corbin Whatever you need to tell yourself. Mitch That night, you never let me explain. Corbin How do you explain something like that. Mitch We were both drunk . . . Corbin . . . You gonna sell me . . . [She looks at this name tag on the desk.] . . . Mr. Smocha? That would have to be one hell of a sales pitch. Mitch I dont think this would work out. Corbin I think that Jerry would disagree, dont you? Mitch Jerry said I get to make the call. 26

Corbin You must be a good salesman I almost believed that. [Beat] So what are you going to tell Jerry, what is the reason that you are going to give him for not hiring me? And you never know, maybe I will plant a thought or two about the real reason I wasnt hired. Mitch Why do you want to work here.? Corbin Because this place is the best and brightest in our field. And I want in, its my time. [Beat] Have you looked it? Mitch Looked at it? Corbin Have you looked at my resume? Mitch I... Corbin . . . Because its pretty good? Worked at Hartford and Sims for three years . . . Mitch Lady, what is your fuckin deal? [Jerry suddenly bursts in.] Jerry Hows it going in here? Corbin Great I think. Right Mr. Smocha? Jerry [He grabs Corbins file folder, opens it and begin to peruse her resume.] Nice. Jesus, you worked at Hartford and Sims? Corbin Yes, I did. Jerry

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Two years. Corbin Yes. Jerry Why did you leave? Corbin They changed the production line. And I got a promotion. They moved to small replacement parts. I can sell anything, but I like working on the high end stuff. Thats where the money is. So, I politely declined my promotion, and set out for more futile ground. Jerry Well, I think youve landed, young lady. [Beat. He extends his hand.] The positions yours if you want it. We could use some new blood around here, right, Mitch. Mitch Yeah, Jer. Sure. Corbin We need to talk money Jerry, but short of that, Im your girl. Jerry Beautiful. Jerry is one of our best guys, were gonna pair you guys up. And this man is going to teach you everything you need to know about this region. I will go call Stella and Friedman and tell em we got a new member of the team. Be right back. [Jerry excitedly exits the stage.] Corbin You get to choose, huh? Jerry Fuck you. Corbin All ready had the pleasure remember? Mitch

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What do you want from me? Corbin To stay the hell out of my way. Mitch Dont fuck with me. Corbin When I decide to fuck with you, believe me youll know. Mitch [Long pause] How is this going to work. Corbin What do you mean? Mitch I mean, how is this going to work. The two of us, in an office. Corbin You do your job and Ill do mine. Mitch Its not that simple. Corbin It is. Mitch We have to look at each other everyday. Corbin You looking for ground rules? Okay, If you promise not to brutally violate me again, I will promise not to borrow your stapler, deal? Mitch Look lady, I know things went wrong that night in . . . Corbin Went wrong? Your kidding right? Mitch 29

Look Im just saying I know that it ended . . . that we left things, you know, on a an awkward note. Corbin An awkward note? Mitch You know what Im saying. Can you let me off the hook here? Corbin [Long Beat] No. I wont. Mitch That night, when we . . . you know . . . Corbin After all this time you cant say it can you? Cant speak the words, can you Mitch There is nothing to say. Corbin I agree. There is no audience here, and Im not a client, you cant sell me. I know who you are, I know what you are, and more importantly I know what you did. And everyday that you see me standing across from the water cooler you will know, that I know. [She turns and begins to exit the room.] Mitch Ms. Slice . . . .[She stops and turns around.] You didnt list your references on your application. [She stares at Mitch for a moment, turns and exits the stage. The stage fades to black.] ACT ONE/SCENE SIX (The spotlight comes up and Jerry is sitting next to Mitchs desk) Jerry Alright so talk to me. Mitch What?

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Jerry How is she doing? Mitch Bout what you would expect, I guess. Jerry She picking up on our product line? Mitch Cmon a black chick and tractor parts? Jerry What about her field work? Mitch Like, I said about what you would expect. Jerry I need to know if I can put this chick in the field. Stella wants us to get her up and running. Mitch I dont know. Jerry Maybe, I will give her a couple of starter accounts. Mitch Low end stuff? Jerry Yeah, keep her out of trouble and keep Stella off my nuts. Mitch Good deal. [Corbin enters the room.] Jerry Well, if it isnt our new star salesman. We were just talking about you. I hear that your doing very well young lady. I think that your going to have a very bright future here.

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According to Mitch here, your ready to start tackling accounts. I think I got a couple of high flyers that might suit your fancy. [Mitch stand-up.] Mitch I got a two oclock. [Looks at Corbin.] Good luck, remember what I taught you. Corbin Believe me, Mitch, I remember everything. [Awkward pause.] Corbin Yeah. [Mitch exits.] Jerry Yeah, we have a new accessory line for the cab . . . Corbin Huh? Jerry Yeah it pretty sweet . . . Corbin You want me to push knobs, leather seating, lever handle grips . . .. Jerry . . . Exactly. The LTD line Corbin Accessories. Jerry Yeah. I know that the LTD line at first glance might no seem like a glamour line . . . you know because it doesnt have any big ticket items, but I truly feel . . . Corbin . . . There is this saying . . . Im sure uttered by some old dead white man . . . it goes, I do not propose to be buried before Im dead. [Beat] Give me a chance to work or give me the boot, but dont shit in my mouth and tell me its chocolate ice cream. The LTD line is handled out of the cold sales office, bunch of retired house wives blind ballin low rate farms one penny at a time. What do I look like to you?

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Jerry Cor . . . Corbin . . . Dont answer so quickly, I really want you to look . . . close. I want you to peer deeper than this black skin and this amazing set of pumps and look at me. Im a fucking salesman not janitor. Not either give me a chance or give the boot, show me the fucking money, or show me the door. But Im not interested in getting finger-banged, I want the Full Monty. Jerry Usually when a salesman, er . . . salesperson comes in here we give them a few . . . Corbin . . . First of all there is nothing usual about me. And second of all, you need to know if I can sink or swim. So throw me in the deep end and lets see. Jerry Its my ass on the line if you tank. Corbin And what the hell do you think I have on the line; not a person in the company thinks Im gonna make past orientation. You think I dont know why Im here? I was born all in; and I looking for an ace on the river. Its coming Jerry, I can feel it. Jerry I think that we got a letter if inquiry from some new company out of Newton, looking for high end gear wheels for a 7-40 retractable. Corbin Now, thats what Im talking about. Lets make some money. Jerry And you think you can handle this? Corbin All in Jer. All in. Jerry

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Ill go get the file. [Jerry exits the room. Corbin walks over to her desk and sits down and begins looking through manual on her desk.] Corbin A 7-40 retractable. [The phone on Mitchs desk begins to ring. Corbin looks up from the manual and stares at the phone. She begins to ponder. She walks over to Mitchs desk. She stops and ponders again and then answers the phone.] Marshall, Sanderson and Williams, we sell tractor parts. [Beat] Who referred you? [Beat] Really. [Beat] Well I dont know but maybe I could help you. How much did you get quoted at Sanderson? [Beat] What? Were they wearing a mask when they quoted you that price? Yeah, I know for a fact that I can put you package that can help you keep a few nickels in your pocket. Corbin, the name is Corbin. [Beat] Yeah, hold on. [She grabs pen and paper off of Mitchs desk and begins to right down a number.] Id like to meet and come out and check out your farm and see if we cant help you out. Yeah, sure them Mr. Frank. [Beat] Yeah, sure. Bye bye now. [She hangs up the phone. And walks back over to her desk and sits down. She picks up a newspaper and begins to read it. Mitch enters the stage. He walks over to his desk and sits down. He fiddles with a pencil on his desk, tapping it. He looks over at Corbin who does not acknowledge him.] Mitch Slow day. Corbin Looks like. Mitch Yeah, slow day, slow day. Corbin Yep. Mitch So, uhh . . . whats with the box? Corbin Huh?

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Mitch Whats with the box? Corbin What do you mean? Mitch The box, whats in the box? Corbin What box? Mitch What box? The one sitting on your desk. The black box there. Corbin Oh, that box. Nothing really. Mitch It has a lock on it. Corbin So it does. Mitch So then something must be in it. Corbin Yep. Mitch Well? Corbin Well what? Mitch Well, whats in the goddamned thing? Corbin What do you care? Mitch 35

Cause I do is why. Corbin I really dont know why its any of your business. Mitch Because its in my office. Corbin Yeah, but its not on your desk. Mitch I now know what drives a man to suck a cock. Women. Corbin Well, if you must know . . . freedom. Freedom is in the box. Mitch Freedom? Thats whats in the box, freedom? Corbin Yep. Mitch You have a locked box worth of freedom on your desk? Corbin Yep. [Mitch just stares at her.] You asked. [Beat] Its just a metaphor. Mitch A metaphor? Corbin Yep. Mitch Why do you have a lock on it. Corbin Freedom is like any other commodity; it has to protected, safeguarded. Mitch So the lock, thats a metaphor too? 36

Corbin Yeah, metaphor, you know something that represents something . . . Mitch . . . I know what a metaphor is. I may be a dirt floor cracker but I did pick up a little bit of that fancy book learner in between picking my toes and twiddling wheat in my teeth. Corbin Hey, like I said you asked. Mitch Freedom my ass. Corbin I seriously think that you are starting to drink too much coffee. Mitch What are you reading? Corbin The newspaper? Mitch Were you born a smart ass or did you acquire that talent later in life? Corbin Im reading about the war. Mitch Damn shame, getting to the point I cant even read those death tolls anymore. A fucking tragedy is what it is. If it wasnt for such a necessary cause I would scarcely be able to stand it. Corbin Oh, your one of those. Should have known. Mitch One of those? Corbin

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Yeah, a Bushie. You fuckers are more brainwashed then that group of yes men in the White House who sit around all day blowing the President. At least they get paid good money to be idiots. Mitch Someone has a different opinion then yours and their an idiot? Corbin Pretty much. Mitch Nuance lives on the head of a pin. Corbin And many of the mangled remains that are returning home from Iraq arent living at all. Mitch You dont know what the hell your talking about. In fact, I used to work for good old Uncle Sam. Corbin I heard. Mitch One of the best times of my life. Corbin Really. Mitch Yeah. Loved it. Serving your country is the thing I ever did. I love liberty, I love freedom. Corbin Then you should appreciate my box. Mitch Your freedom box. Corbin Thats one way to put it. A freedom box, yeah. My freedom box.

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Mitch Freedom dont live in no damn box. Freedom is something you fight for . . . and if necessary kill for. Corbin Never figured you for the war monger-type. Mitch Im not a war-monger Im a patriot. Look lady, we are at war. A war from within, we got so many Arabs running around here . . . and most of em hate us. This war, it must be fought; it must be won and won by us. Why not fight it over there? Corbin Next your gonna start blabbing about weapons of mass destruction. Mitch [Beat] Were the weapons of mass destruction bullshit, well, yeah of course it was, only a jackass would say different. Is Bush a horses ass who was born on third base but thought he hit a triple? Maybe. But that aint the point. No matter how badly Bush stumbles through this mess were in, at least he understands that business as usual wont do. He acted. He didnt hesitate or wait for Congress to convene a joint session. He acted. He hit em where they lived.

There is an enemy in our midst and now more then ever we can not shirk our duties. Shit, if we left it to the goddamned liberals, Muhammad would be fucking my wife in the ass and we would be speaking that tongue-twisting, gobbly-gook them towel head muthafuckas spew out. [Beat] Now dont get me wrong I dont think that all Muslims are bad. Corbin Of course not. Mitch But there are too many bad apples to suit me, and we just let em flow in here like a river. The enemy is here, and for all we know the sonofabitch is working down at the

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goddamned 7/11. Think about that the next time Hajji serves you up a pack of smokes. The enemy is here and he dont look like us. The enemy is here. And as painful as it is to lose our boys over there in that shit hole, it is absolutely necessary . . . not just for us, but for the safety of the world and democracy in general. Who else is going to stand up and make the world free; those pussy as Franchise, the Germans? Give me a fucking break. Its just us, facing down the barbarians at the gate. One country; Katie fuckin bar the door. And our boys . . . our treasure, is the fuckin price of the ticket. I know . . . Ive looked into those boys eyes and . . . [The phone rings. He looks at the ID caller.] Hold on. [He answers the phone.] Hey, Stella, how you doing? [Beat] Oh, yeah. Im doing just fine. Yes, indeed. [Beat] Oh, yeah. Well glad to hear. [Beat] Yeah, shes doing just fine. Yeah, really getting her feet wet. Yes, indeed. [Beat] Will do, yeah. [Beat] yeah. [Beat] See ya later, Stella. Bye. [He hangs up the phone.]. Where was I? . . . Oh, yeah. I have seen a shit load of kids in my time and after awhile they all start blending together. The next one no different then the last. The second they signed on that dotted line they sort of pass through me like warm beer. I know what their facing . . . I know that out of every ten I recruit at least one is not coming home. I know that. Thats why you have to let go a little. Let em blend a little. Blur into your memory a little. [Long Beat] But there was this one . . . [The stage goes dark other than a special on Mitch. A spotlight comes up behind Mitch and shines on Wilmer. A young gangly young man.] Wilmer My name is Wilmer. Wilmer Ervin, Mr. Smocha . . . Mitch . . . It was December and I was down at Kent. I had set up a small table inside of the activity center. It was almost before spring break and there wasnt much traffic. Then in walks this serious faced black kid lugging a set of books underneath his arm. [He leans forward and talks in a blunted voice.] I could tell he was one of those super patriot types. Wilmer I just want to serve my country, Mr. Smocha . Mitch 40

Tall, slender kid, all knees and elbows. How those rail thin legs didnt just snap from his own body weight I will never know. Wilmer I want to join the military. I want to serve my country. Mitch Is that so, young man I says to him. Well I wish I was 63 and looked like a movie star. Wishing dont make it so. Wilmer Yes, sir. But I want to serve. Mitch. No need for that Sir shit, boy. You aint in the service yet son. Call me Mitch. Mr. Smocha is my father. [Sticks his hand out toward the audience to shake and shakes a mock hand.] Wilmer I want to do it Mr. Smocha , I want to sign up and defend my country. Mitch Well sit down and let me tell you what this Marine thing is all about. Wilmer With all do respect Mr. Smocha , my father and my grandfather were both Marines. I know exactly what it is about. And I am ready to take that step. Mitch They alive? [Lights slowly fade and the spotlight is left on Wilmer.] Wilmer No sir. Its just my mama and me. We live on a big ole house on Busch Avenue, 3447 Busch Avenue, off Houston Street. We live in a big yellow house. Mama, she is a wonderful woman, one of the best I have ever known. She aint too happy with me right now. She feels its a mistake to drop-out of school and join up. She just worried about me I guess. I left her few hours ago. She was crying. Said she would never forgive me for leaving her alone.

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See for the longest time we have been the only thing each other got. Our Christmas were the best. Just me and my mama. We would lug in one of those big ole pine trees from down in Wittson Creek. We would put it up and spend hours decorating it. We would sit it in that large picture window in the living room for all the neighborhood to see. She was so proud of that damn tree. And so was I. She was crying when I left. She said she would have to put the tree up by herself this year since I will be gone. Said that she was not going to take it down until I come home to see its pretty she made it up. [Long Beat]. Mitch [Beat] Nice Story kid. You ready to sign on the dotted line. Wilmer [Wilmer walks over to the Mitchs desk, picks up the pin and signs on the dotted line.] God and country, Mr. Smocha , God and country. [The spotlight on Wilmer goes black.] Mitch One day last June I was doing a swing through southern Ohio hitting some of the colleges down that way, Central, Wilberforce and I decided to stop by and see old Wilmer. Unless he had re-ed up I knew he would be home by now. So I went to see how he was doing. Felt it was the least I could do. So I found that great big house on Houston Avenue, parked my car in front. It was a typical June day in Ohio, hot as hell, humidity unrelenting. Got out my car and walked up to the gate. First thing I spose I noticed was the fact that the lawn appeared as if it hadnt been tended to in months. As I ambled up the walk way I noticed that the small flower garden in the front was in a terrible state of disrepair. The pots were cracked, and the flowers had died, most likely from lack of watering . . . I drew my eyes up from the garden, and I saw it. through that large, oversized picture window . . . Standing in that large picture window was a lonely and neglected Christmas tree, all withered and dead. [Long Beat] I didnt have the courage to ring the bell, already had my answer. So I turned and walked away. Never made it to those colleges. I quit my recruiting job shortly after. I spend my days selling tractor parts and other farm equipment. Havent been able to look at a Christmas tree since, hell 42

I dont even like the smell of Evergreen Pinesol. Dont get me wrong I still support war . . . I guess, but I . . . I cant be the one to sell them the dream. It sholl nuff is a dirty job, and someones got to do it. [Beat] Right? [The stage fades to black.] Corbin Were salesmen. People dont pay us to care. They pay us to move product. You did your job . . . dont cry about. I swear I think I liked you better when you hurting me . . . at least then you werent so damned, gabby. [She stands up.] Mitch I never meant to hurt you . . . it just got out of hand. Corbin [She walks out to the audience and lights a cigarette. She smiles] Yeah. Sorry I hurt you, it got out of hand, sorry I enslaved your people, it got out of hand. Sorry I invaded your country and ass fucked your entire civilization . . . it just got out of hand. If I had a If I had a nickel every time a white man said that . . . [He turns and looks at Mitch.] I would be a one rich black bitch. [She drops the cigarette and stubs it out on the floor. She turns and goes to exit the stage.] Ive got a sit in Columbia Station . . . gotta go live in the world you white boys made. [She strolls off the stage. The scene fades to black.]

Intermission

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ACT TWO/SCENE ONE (Corbin is sitting at Eds old desk and is eating a sandwich. Mitch rushes into the room.) Mitch The fuck. Corbin Problem. Mitch Problem? Problem? You bet your sweet ass I got a problem. [He slings a piece of paper onto Corbins desk. She picks it up and begins to read it.] Corbin Oh, they already announced it. I didnt think that this would be announced until Tuesday. You here to congratulate me? Mitch Congratulate you? Fuck you. How the fuck . . . what did you do, or who did you fuck to get Settus Fucking County. Corbin Wouldnt you like know. Mitch This is fucking bullshit. Do you know how long I been at or around the top of that sales board. Me and Vaughn switching back and forth at the top at that fuckin board. The top lady. Corbin And I am sure that you will remain there. [Beat] You just wont do it from Settus County.

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Mitch How? Corbin Why are you asking me? Ask Jerry. Mitch I did ask Jerry. Corbin And what did he say. Mitch He said that it wasnt his decision. He said that the call was made above his head. He said that all of a sudden, Stella has become your fuckin patron saint. All the years I put in stuffing her fuckin pockets and you come in and because the two of you happen to both have a uterus and share make-up tips, Im on the fuckinouts? This is bullshit. Corbin Would you like half of my tuna fish? Mitch Fuck you. Corbin Think of it as a consolation prize. [He shakes his finger at Corbin as if he is about to say something, but because of his level of frustration he can not get out the words.] Oh, cheer up. You men are so emotional. Youd think I was screwing your wife or something. [Mitch sits at his desk.] Mitch Your not going to last ten minutes in Settus, you know that right? Corbin You think? Mitch I know. Corbin

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Really? Mitch Really. Settus County is fucking Klan country. Cant stand the blacks. Do you know they used to lynch Negroes in Settus County? And oh, by the by, they arent all that crazy about the professional women-types either, so your double winner. So, those backward farm fucks are going to love you, honey. Corbin Damn, shame really. People always under estimate me. You dont have a clue of what Im capable of. Mitch I think they set a few blacks on fire back in the day in Settus if memory serves. In fact in North Settus by Portage, I think there was a cross burning. Corbin I dont care what happened a hundred years ago. Mitch This was last year honey. [He stands up and buttons his jacket.] Congratulations. [He begins to exit the stage.] Corbin You sure you dont want half of my tuna fish. [Mitch he walks over to Corbins desk and she is holding out the sandwich half. He grabs the sandwich and takes a bite, turns and walks away. The stage fades to black.]

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ACT TWO/SCENE TWO (When the spotlight comes up Corbin and Mitch are sitting at their desk eating lunch.)

Corbin Was that good or what? Mitch I guess. Corbin I mean I was so on a roll. I could feel the blood pumping Mitch It was okay. Corbin It was okay? Come one give it up. It was fucking wonderful. I got him. Mitch Probably. Corbin Probably, my ass, the whale is on the hook. Mitch You were supposed to lay back and watch me work him. Corbin You were losing him.

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Mitch I was not losing him. Corbin You were. Mitch Fuck that, I had him. Corbin I cfould see it in his eyes, you were losing the guy. What was all that blather about helping him compete with the big boys. Mitch I was building him up. Corbin How you climbed to the top of tote board amazes me. How can a guy who has the touch and feel of a man wearing cement gloves have become one of the top salesman around here. didnt you see it in his eyes. You insulted him. You were sitting there telling him that you could help him compete with the big boys and in his mind, he was one of the big boys you jag-off. Mitch You dont know what your talking about. Corbin That is the third sale that Ive racked up in the last month. Mitch You havent racked that sale up yet. Corbin I looked into the guys eyes, it is as good as done. Mitch Well see. Corbin

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Look, didnt ask to work with you on this. It was Jerrys idea. I you dont want to work this thing, feel free to hit the exits, and dont let the door knob hit you. Mitch You wouldnt have clue how to handle a deal this big. Even I need help with a agricultural firm of this size. Corbin Fine, but if you want to work with me your gonna have to get your head out of your ass. [The phone rings.] Mitch Marshall, Sanderson and Williams, we sell tractor parts. [Beat] Yeah. [Mitch grabs a pencil and began to jot down information onto a pad on his desk.] A, huh. [Beat] Yeah. [Beat] Got chu. Yeah I think I might be able to do something for ya. Were running lone on the 760s, but we have a 740 that might be able to work for you. [Beat] Yeah, its a smaller wheel, but the wheel well is so wide it handles roughly the same amount of weight and gives you a better turn threshold. [Beat] Yeah, I would be happy to work the numbers with you. [Beat] Tomorrow, yeah. I will give you a ring. Corbin What part of the presentation do you want to handle. Mitch Doesnt matter. Corbin [She begins to leaf through a folder in front of her.] Says here that Hudson needs

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ACT TWO/SCENE THREE (Jerry is sitting at the desk of Corbin and he is talking in a very exited manner. The scene is very tense.) Jerry Come on now dont fuck with me, I want to know? Corbin I dont know what you want me to say. Jerry I want you to tell me the truth. Corbin Jerry . . . Jerry Im serious . . . I need you to tell me how the fuck you pulled this thing off. Corbin I dont know what to tell you Jerry Im a bad bitch. Jerry Fuck yeah. We havent seen numbers like this out of one zone since . . . shit, since in dont know when. Not only that . . . Corbin

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. . . Not only that, I make you look like a fucking genius for hiring me. Jerry You better believe it. Corbin Thanks Jerry. Jerry I cant believe that Im doing this after only two months . . . but here you go. [He hands over an envelop.] Usually we give new sales associates at least a three month pass to make productivity and after a couple months youre already in the fucking bonus. [Mitch leisurely enters the scene and walks over to his desk. He sits down. Jerry turns and looks at Mitch.] Jerry Where the hell you been? Steinbachs been burning up the phone looking for you? Said you havent been returning his calls. Did you close him or what? Mitch Its coming along. Jerry And what the fuck does that mean? Mitch It means its coming along. Jerry My hand to God, Ill shove this clip board a mile up your ass if you dont give. What the fuck is the deal? Did you close that prick or not? Mitch . . . Well, umm . . . Corbin Sounds like a no to me. Mitch I just dont know if the guy has the capital to move product.

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Corbin Either that or you dont have the stones to move the guy our way. Mitch [Points to his crotch.] Right here, honey. Corbin Been there didnt much like the scenery. Jerry Cut the bullshit. This guy is a whale, hes been drinking the Kool-Aid since St. Swibens day, what the fuck happen. Mitch Couldnt say. Jerry Then why is he calling. Mitch Dont know. Jerry Find out. And at least see if you can move him on some of the second tier stuff from the STD line. Mitch I dont need you to teach me how to sell. Jerry Okay. Mitch Seriously Jerry. Jerry Okay. You say your okay, fine. Your okay. Just as long as you keep the sales rolling Im fine, but I that tote board up there comes up short by the end of the month. Were gonna have this conversation again. And I guarantee that a simple okay aint gonna get it my friend. [Jerry exits the stage.]

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Corbin Your fucking up. Mitch I need you to tell me this. Corbin Shame. Mitch Your loving this. Corbin Loving what? Mitch That Im in a bit of hot water. Corbin I didnt make you drunk. I didnt make you a violator. Mitch [His phone begins to ring.] See, its comments like that . . . Im so fuckin sick of little cheap shots like that. I am not . . . Corbin Yes you are. And you always will be. You what you are and you can never free yourself from that skin. [Beat] Your phone is ringing. Mitch [He angrily snatches up the phone.] What? [Beat] Mr. Steinbach. [Beat] . . .Yeah, yeah, oh, shit. We had a meeting today. Oh, my goodness, thats right . . . Ive just been so [Beat] Im sorry . . . maybe be we could . . . [Beat] . . . Well I dont think you have to do that Mr. Steinbach . . . [Beat] . . . Im sorry that . . . [Beat] . . . Well if you think that [Beat] Well okay I . . . [Beat] . . . Mr. Steinbach, Mr. Steinbach . . . [He hangs up the phone.] Corbin He swings and strike.

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Mitch I did not . . . Corbin Yes you did. Mitch I did not fucking rape you . . . I didnt, you know I didnt you fuckin cunt, bitch . . . I didnt fuckin rape you, I didnt . . . I didnt. Corbin [She stands up and walks over to Mitchs desk and leans over.] We really need to work on your sales pitching skills. Cause Im not sold. [Beat] I have a two oclock. [She exits the stage. The lights fade to black.]

ACT TWO/SCENE FOUR (Mitch is sitting at his desk sitting in his chair twisting back and forth with a bottle of Jack Daniels on his desk.) Corbin Where in the hell were you? Hudson was on fire. I spent the first ten minutes of the meeting bullshit that windbag as to why you werent there. What the fuck? Mitch [Long Beat] I cant ever make it right again can I? Corbin No. No you cant. Mitch That is the awful truth aint it? Corbin Yes. Mitch

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[He sits up and has tears in his eyes.] Then what do I do now? Tell, me. You seem to be holding all the cards, tucking away all the answers in your hemline. Corbin I dont know. Mitch You dont know. You come her and in a New York minute this house of bullshit Ive built has come tumbling down. And you dont know. Corbin All I know is that we got a client that is waiting . . . Mitch . . . damned the goddamned client . . . we got a problem here lady. Corbin No, you have a problem, I have a client that need to close.

Mitch You know there was a time when they lynched Negroes in Settus County. Corbin They still do. Just cant see the rope sall. Mitch Im serious. Corbin

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You think I need you teach me history? I know what they did to black men. Just imagine what they did to the women. The women always get it worse, they never let us off as easy as just killing us. We have to live with our scars.

Corbin I swear hearing you babble on about nothing is worse then being raped by you. At least while your raping you keep the chatter down.

ACT TWO/SCENE SIX (Corbin enters the scene and Mitch is waiting by his desk.) Mitch He slaps her and she falls over the desk. Mitch You fuckin bitch. [He grabs her by the arms and pulls her face to face.] Corbin I know how you like it. I know how you fucking like it you, sick fucking twist. [She starts unbuttoning her blouse.] Huh? Is this how you like it, Mitch? Huh? Is this how you like it? [Beat] Noooo. This is too easy isnt it? No. You dont like it this way. You like to hunt your meat, dontchu. You like the challenge. You want it to fight back. You dont want it given, do ya. Fresh meat dont taste the same if its given. You need take it, dontchu, Mitch. [He pulls back hard as if he has been struck with a physical blow. 56

Corbin begins to follow him and he shrinks away.] Come on big men. Take it from me, take it. [She rips open her blouse to reveal a blood red bra.] Come on take it from me. Its here. Where alone, no one to save me, not one to stop you take it from me, like you took it that night. [He continues to shrink way. He slinks to the ground and cowers in front of her desk. She is standing over him. She rubs her lip which is bleeding. She wipes the blood on her hand and then leans over and wipes the blood on his shirt.] Take it. Take all that I am. I wrote a poem about you Mitch did you know that. When I was in Hallston Mental Facility, I wrote a poem. Just about you. About us. About our love. You fuck. Do you want to here it, Mitch. Do you want to hear, the love, the hate that you birth inside of me, huh? Mitch Nooo. [Said sobbing.] Corbin Whats that you say, [Cups her hand to her ear.] Yes, Corbin I would love to hear your beautiful words. Why thank you Mitch I would be happy to share.

rape me, reshape me teach me to be unclean beat me, defeat me strip me of my name deny me, despise me and the woman from which i came chain me in iron locks bind my wrists in wooden stocks woman against woman, a complete and utter defeat rape me, rape me give it to me hard, fast and rough rape me, rape me until i've had enough and then there are my fellow woman don't forget to rape them too 57

take me, take me take me and rape me true It is freedom, freedom from pain, from hurt, from trouble, from everything. Its freedom, you want it, you need it, you yearn for it. You dont have to wait, you dont have to deny the pain anymore. Its there for you take it. [Mitch puts the gun this his head. His hands are trembling. He pulls the trigger. And the gun clicks. Corbin looks up and smiles. He pulls the trigger again and again and it simply clicks.] Like I said. Its a metaphor. [Mitch lets the his hand and the gun fall listlessly to his side. Corbin continues to stare out into the audience.] Corbin [Long Beat] I might need your help tomorrow. Im opening a new account in North Settus. A new outfit. Might help to have you along for that first meeting. Just to you know, break the ice. [Mitch sits up and begins to straighten himself out.] Never know how a new vendor is going to respond to a black woman strolling through the door. You know there was a time, when they lynched Negroes in Settus country. Mitch So, Ive heard. Corbin Say 8 oclock. Mitch Sounds like a plan. Corbin [She turns and looks at Mitch, there is a long beat.] Ill bring the doughnuts. [The exits the stage. He begins to amble over to his desk while he sings, It had to be You. He sits down, reaches into pocket and produces a cigar. He lights it and begins to smoke. The phone rings.] Mitch Marshall, Sanderson and Williams, we sell tractor parts. [The lights fade to black.]

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FIN.

Word Count 12, 642 Axles Filters Sprayer Bearing and Seals Fuel Systems Spro !ets Belts "round #ngagement $ools Steering %omponents Boo!s &it ' and (in!age $illage Bra!es &u)s

$ools and &ard*are %'emi als and (u)ri ates &ydrauli s %lut 'es +anuals %ooling Systems +er 'andising %utting ,aint -e als and #m)lems -ri.eline ,ulleys #le tri al and /gnition 0oller %'ain #ngine %omponents Seats #x'aust Systems S'eet +et

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