Chapter 3: "Memory Lane"

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Not Like Us" – Chapter 3: "Memory Lane"

Introduction

In "Memory Lane," the third chapter of Not Like Us hosted by Nick Gregorio, tensions escalate as LaTesha, Marcus, and Karen navigate the perilous aftermath of a zombie outbreak. Stranded at a roadside bar in podunk Pennsylvania due to an unexpected snowstorm, the group grapples not only with survivability but also with trust among themselves and the questionable locals they've encountered.

Struggle for Survival

The episode opens with a grim scene set in the bar's walk-in freezer. Frank and Officer Gary Dobbs stand over the lifeless body of Fragger Whitfield. Clark Douglas enters, revealing his arm is crudely bandaged, raising suspicions about his true nature.

• Frank: "We made sure he was dead first." [02:07]

Amidst the chaos, Cheryl takes a shotgun stance towards Clark, fearing he might turn into a zombie. The group's efforts to maintain control highlight their desperation and the precariousness of their situation.

The Trust Test

To determine who among them can be trusted, Cheryl proposes a memory-based interrogation game. The idea is inspired by a scene from the movie The Thing, where blood tests reveal the true nature of individuals.

• Professor Paul Jacobs: "How many years has it been since you've seen your son? And where does he currently reside?" [07:34]

The patrons of the bar are divided into pairs, each required to answer personal questions to prove their authenticity. Tensions rise as some struggle to answer convincingly.

• Cheryl: "It's not a zombie thing. Frank and I did it." [01:55]
• John Plank: "None of us are sure who to trust. But y'all can trust me." [02:25]

The game serves as a litmus test for trust, revealing hidden facets of each character's past and sowing seeds of doubt among the group.

Rising Suspicion and Betrayal

As the memory game progresses, inconsistencies begin to surface, particularly concerning Professor Paul. His hesitant answers and evident discomfort arouse suspicion.

• Letitia: "I have to agree. Something ain't right about her." [15:45]
• Paul: "I'm still not Convinced..." [17:08]

The atmosphere thickens with paranoia, culminating in a heated confrontation. Paul's lingering doubts about Karen's true identity set the stage for impending horror.

Climactic Revelation

The climax unfolds as Karen, revealed to be a fragger—a zombie-like creature—attacks Professor Paul. The struggle leads to a brutal showdown:

• John Plank: "This is ridiculous. Paul, what the hell are you thinking?" [18:19]
• Fragger Karen: (Attacks Paul)

In a desperate bid to contain the threat, John shoots Karen, resulting in gruesome consequences. Paul's collapse and the ensuing silence underscore the gravity of their predicament.

• John Plank: "Let me tell you something. Y'all are worried about the who's, what's and the whys. But not one of us is getting out of this one. I know that for a fact." [20:51]

Resolution and Ongoing Threat

Despite the immediate threat being neutralized, the group's unity remains fragile. John’s departure adds to the uncertainty, leaving the remaining characters in a state of vulnerability.

• John Plank: "You're gonna have to shoot me, Gary. And I don't think you're gonna do that." [21:16]
• John Plank: "Let me tell you something. Y'all are worried about the who's, what's and the whys. But not one of us is getting out of this one. I know that for a fact." [20:51]

The episode concludes with an eerie calm, the group's survival no longer assured as the snowstorm continues to isolate them from the outside world.

Key Themes and Insights

1. Trust and Betrayal: The memory game symbolizes the fragile nature of trust in high-stress situations. Characters' revelations expose deep-seated fears and secrets, emphasizing how trust can be both a lifeline and a vulnerability.

2. Isolation and Paranoia: Stranded by a snowstorm, the group's isolation heightens paranoia. The fear of hidden threats within their midst mirrors real-world anxieties about the unknown and the unseen dangers lurking behind familiar faces.

3. Survival Instincts: As the situation deteriorates, survival instincts override social bonds. The group's shift from camaraderie to suspicion showcases the instinctual drive to survive at any cost.

Notable Quotes

• Frank: "We made sure he was dead first." [02:07]
• Professor Paul Jacobs: "How many years has it been since you've seen your son? And where does he currently reside?" [07:34]
• John Plank: "This is ridiculous. Paul, what the hell are you thinking?" [18:19]
• John Plank: "Let me tell you something. Y'all are worried about the who's, what's and the whys. But not one of us is getting out of this one. I know that for a fact." [20:51]

Conclusion

"Memory Lane" intricately weaves themes of trust, survival, and the human psyche under duress. As the characters confront not only external threats but also internal doubts, the episode paints a chilling portrait of humanity's fragility in the face of apocalypse. For listeners, this chapter serves as a gripping exploration of how dire circumstances can unravel even the most steadfast bonds.

Transcript

[Frank]

Not like us. Written by Nick Gregorio and Ben Davidow Sound Design Wes Dewberry and Nick Gregorio fade in on walk in freezer Moments later Frank and Dob standing over the corpse of Fragger Whitfield. They look at Whitfield, then back to each other.

[Clark]

Jesus, I've been hunting deer since I was 11. I mean, we've gone hunting together.

[Frank]

Dob shakes his head.

[Clark]

Nah, now is not the time to.

[Frank]

Get squeamish, Gare Dobbs pulls a knife from his belt. He hands it to Frank.

[Cheryl]

How about you do the honors?

[Frank]

Frank shrugs and drives the knife into Fragger Whitfield's chest. Clark arm, crudely bandaged, sits in a booth on the other side of the bar. Cheryl trains the shotgun on him. Paul stands by for moral support.

[Paul]

If this is a zombie outbreak and he's gonna turn, it should happen any minute now.

[Frank]

Cheryl sturdies herself.

[Letitia]

I'm not a fucking zombie. My arm is killing me.

[Marcus]

Clark, I don't mean nothing by this. Just wait for Dobbs and Frank to get back and I'm sure we'll let you go. Maybe.

[Frank]

Marcus and Letitia attend to the unconscious Karen who's laying in the booth.

[Dobbs]

I'm saw this shit but damn. She hit her in the head hard as fuck.

[Frank]

Blood drips from Marcus sweatpants.

[John]

We were talking to him and he just snapped. Poor. Look at Karen. I think she's okay. I hope she's okay.

[Frank]

Officer Dobbs and Frank re enter from the kitchen doors.

[Clark]

Yeah, we locked Whitfield in the walk in freezer, but there was no sign of that other Fragger.

[Cheryl]

We also Officer Gary, little help.

[Frank]

Dobbs rushes over to the scene. He pushes the barrel of the shotgun down.

[Cheryl]

What are you two doing? Clark's hurt. I I told you to tend to his wounds.

[Paul]

Due to our current circumstances, we thought there was a very real possibility that Clark could turn into a zombie.

[Frank]

Cheryl passes the shotgun to Frank, who shelves it behind the bar.

[Cheryl]

It's not a zombie thing. Frank and I did it.

[Clark]

An informal autopsy of Corporal Whitfield.

[Frank]

The room stares, shocked. Cheryl is shocked.

[Clark]

We made sure he was dead first.

[Frank]

That doesn't help, Frank.

[Clark]

It had to be done.

[Paul]

And what did you find?

[Cheryl]

Whitfield wasn't human. There were no organs, no bones. Just dense gray meat.

[Paul]

Pod people.

[Frank]

John Plank grabs a bottle of bourbon off the bar. He takes a swig.

[John Plank]

You know what I know? None of us are sure who to trust. But y'all can trust me. I'm John Marshall Plank. I got arrested when I was 18 for stealing a tractor and joined the army to get out of jail. First sergeant, two tours, Vietnam War veteran, prison guard. Jesus is I play mahjong by the pool with the old Jewish ladies in the summer. I like baloney sandwiches with American cheese, thank you very much. I love Maharly and the Buffalo fucking Bills. I'm John Plank. I know who I am. Do you?

[Frank]

The patrons look around the bar, each one eyeing each other.

[Paul]

I'm author of fiction and Professor Paul Jacobs.

[John Plank]

It was a rhetorical question, Paul. Jesus.

[Frank]

Frank walks out from behind the bar.

[Clark]

Hold up, John. You know who you are? It sounds like Paul does too, but we all know each other real fucking well. Shit, some of us. Our whole fucking lives.

[Frank]

Clark nods. Paul all but pats himself on the back.

[Cheryl]

I think I get what you're saying.

[Marcus]

Yeah, we all know some things about each other.

[Letitia]

Yeah, too much.

[Frank]

Letitia and Marcus look on, then look to each other, then back to this odd white person bonding ritual.

[Clark]

What if we like quizzed each other about our lives?

[Frank]

Professor Paul shoots up.

[Paul]

Just like that scene in the thing where they test the blood.

[Marcus]

I never saw it.

[John Plank]

What?

[Letitia]

That's a good movie.

[Cheryl]

Yeah, this might work and then we'll at least have an idea.

[Frank]

Frank turns to the table of strangers.

[Clark]

Hey, you too gotta play along, okay?

[Frank]

Letitia and Marcus nod.

[Dobbs]

We know each other, but it's since we were little.

[John]

Oh, we know each other.

[Frank]

Marcus catches himself and nods along in agreement.

[Cheryl]

All right, everyone's gotta pair up. Frank, you got Cheryl, John with Paul and I don't want to hear shit.

[Frank]

John nods.

[Paul]

Well, it was technically my idea.

[Frank]

Dobbs looks to Clark.

[Cheryl]

Looks like you and me.

[Letitia]

Let's do this shit.

[Frank]

Marcus leans over the table towards Letitia.

[Cheryl]

What the fuck?

[John]

Just play their game. Because when white people get on the same page like this, who do you think they're gonna gang up on?

[Frank]

Professor Paul gives them a look. Dobbs and Frank clear the tables from the center of the bar.

[Cheryl]

Let's do this as an open forum, one pair at a time. Cheryl, can you pass around some checks and pens?

[Frank]

She tears a check from the book in apron on the bar. She grabs some pens, come up with.

[Cheryl]

A question that the other person should know and write the answer on a piece of paper.

[Frank]

Cheryl passes the paper and pens to John and Paul by the bar. She heads over to Frank and Dobbs in the center of the room, then Clark standing near the far side booth. Letitia stands up and takes a pen and paper while Marcus scoots to the edge of the booth. Karen is still unconscious. Everyone is writing. Dobbs walks around the room and collects the scraps of paper. He he settles near Clark.

[Cheryl]

Frank, it's your bar. Your idea. You want to do the honors?

[Frank]

Frank nods.

[John]

We'll go first. We're the strangers, right? So we got the most to prove. I know I'm straight and I know Marcus is.

[Dobbs]

Yes and all.

[Frank]

Dobbs raises his eyebrows. He looks to Frank.

[Clark]

Yeah, knock yourself out.

[Frank]

The room is deadly silent. All that can be heard is the whirring of the generator, the flicker of the lights and the howl of wind outside.

[John]

Then back in high school, why was I suspended for two weeks junior year?

[Frank]

Marcus tries his best to sit up. He takes a deep breath.

[Dobbs]

Girl, you gonna bring that bullshit up, huh?

[Frank]

Paul looks to John with a half smile. Cheryl starts to laugh.

[John]

You got an answer, fragger?

[Dobbs]

Watch your mouth. Yes, I got an answer. You were suspended because you beat the shit out of that bitch Kelly Davis. She been talking all that shit on me.

[John]

That's right.

[Frank]

Dobbs opens the fold of paper. He nods. Dobbs holds the paper up. It reads Fist fight. The tension breaks from the room. The group is smiling. Some are even laughing.

[Cheryl]

Okay Marcus, your turn.

[Dobbs]

I'm not gonna take us all the way back to Southern High School like some people. But who is the bartender at Locust Bar? The one who hooks it up?

[Frank]

Letecia smiles.

[John]

You know I hate Locust Bar.

[Dobbs]

That's why I find you there three times a week.

[John]

Stop. Find Juan. He hooks it up every single time.

[Frank]

Letecia rolls her eyes and he bumps me.

[John]

Cigarettes.

[Dobbs]

Ew girl. I thought you didn't smoke. That's a nasty habit, Marcus.

[John]

I don't care if you're shot, I'll.

[Cheryl]

Alright, we get it.

[Frank]

Dobbs looks to Frank. Frank nods. He looks to John and Paul. Then Cheryl nods all around. Dobbs ignores Clark.

[Letitia]

Yeah, I think they're all right too, Gar.

[John]

Thanks a lot, hillbilly pink mother.

[Cheryl]

John, Paul, your turn.

[Frank]

Paul readies himself. John raises a finger.

[John Plank]

So if I could ask for a change of partner.

[Frank]

Dobbs throws up his hands. Cheryl laughs. Frank screws up his face.

[Paul]

Cut the crap, John. This is serious and I'm glad that my plan is working and I look forward to clearing my good name.

[John Plank]

Like I was saying, if I could change my partner.

[Paul]

John Plank. I've known you for 15 years. Not all good and not all bad. We shared a pint. We shared a shot. There have been holidays.

[Marcus]

Christ, Paul, will you get to it? It's not a fucking wedding toast.

[Frank]

Letitia bursts out laughing. Dobbs shrugs Clark lights a cigarette. He winces at his bandaged arm. Fine.

[Paul]

How many years has it been since you've seen your son? And where does he currently reside?

[Frank]

John slowly nods his head. He runs his hand through his mustache. The room stares on.

[John Plank]

I haven't seen my boy in 23 years. October 30, 1996. Mischief Night. And he currently resides in a plot next to his mother at the Mount Sinai Cemetery.

[Frank]

Dobbs checks the paper. He nods.

[John Plank]

Not bad, Paul. Christmas 2010. You were tipsy but, you know, not plowed.

[Frank]

Eyes go wide in the room.

[John Plank]

You'd been going on and on about a new book idea. Probably some of that hard fantasy you love so much.

[Frank]

Paul starts to shrink. He's red in the face.

[John Plank]

And partway through your long winded pitch, something happened. What was that one thing, Paul?

[Frank]

Cheryl starts to snicker. Dobbs shakes his head. Clark laughs. Paul, now beet red, swallows hard.

[Paul]

I I that night it's really fuzzy.

[John Plank]

I don't.

[Paul]

I don't remember.

[Letitia]

Uh oh, Gare, we got a fragger.

[Marcus]

Yeah, that is definitely an alien freak.

[Paul]

My memory is coming back. I believe I fell ill and I may have thrown up in the room.

[Frank]

Erupts.

[John Plank]

That's right, Paul. You puked all over that nice part time waitress. What was her name? Ended up moving to Mechanicsburg.

[Frank]

Dobbs checks the paper.

[Clark]

Oh yeah, I remember her. What was her name?

[Marcus]

I want to say Tina, but that's not it.

[Letitia]

Not Sam. Are we talking about Sam?

[Cheryl]

No, it wasn't Samantha. She started working here a year later.

[Dobbs]

I'm sorry, did y'all forget we're dealing with some alien body snatcher or some shit? That's why we're playing this fun little game.

[Frank]

Paul pipes up.

[Paul]

It was Nicole, okay? I puked on Nicole. She worked here part time and she was in one of my lectures that previous semester and none of you or my students ever let me hear the end of it.

[John Plank]

Yep, Nicole. She moved to Mechanicsburg with that AAA hockey player. Guy was a winger. Fast as hell.

[Frank]

Dobbs holds back a smile.

[Cheryl]

That's enough you two. Pass.

[Frank]

Cheryl leans against the bar.

[Marcus]

Four down, four to go.

[Letitia]

That's halftime. Fol I need a drink.

[Frank]

Frank grabs Clark by the wounded arm.

[Cheryl]

Ow.

[Clark]

Hey, Clark, we're not done here.

[Frank]

Clark pulls away. He grabs a bottle of beer off the counter. Dobbs steps up.

[Cheryl]

We're next. You ready?

[Letitia]

Ready as I'll ever be, Officer Gary.

[Frank]

Clark takes a swig of the beer. Clark spits the beer out.

[John Plank]

Yeah, I've been spitting into that bottle all night. You're welcome.

[Frank]

The room erupts.

[Letitia]

Fuck this.

[Frank]

Let's go.

[Cheryl]

Okay, okay, let's settle down.

[Frank]

Officer Dobbs hands two scraps of paper to Sheryl.

[Cheryl]

All right, Clark. Now I was probably like fifth or sixth grade or I was probably in fifth or sixth. You were a few grades younger.

[Frank]

Clark throws his hands up.

[Letitia]

Yeah, okay, I was in third or fourth grade. God damn, Gary, I've drank a shit ton since then. You want me to remember the fourth grade?

[Cheryl]

Just hold on. It was summer. Your father was. Well, he was away.

[Letitia]

He was locked up. Gare, you don't get to sugarcoat this. End of the world and all.

[Frank]

Clark almost sips from the dirty beer bottle again.

[Cheryl]

That summer I saved up like $200 from cutting lawns, doing odd jobs and shit and I was planning to go buy a Game Boy on the way to Toys R Us. I ran into Clark straightens up.

[Letitia]

Me and Nikki, you. You took us to Friendly's and we were real hungry as shit that day. And yeah, you hooked it up.

[Cheryl]

Yeah, upside down. Ice cream cone sundae and all.

[Frank]

Cheryl checks the paper.

[Marcus]

That's right.

[Frank]

Clark drags hard on his cigarette. He smiles. He exhales through his nose.

[Letitia]

Officer Gary. Model fucking citizen looking out for the white trash Douglas brothers. All right, here's one for you. You know, fuck if I remember the year. Fuck if I remember the season. But me, you, Nicky and Tommy were in the city.

[Frank]

Officer Dobbs takes a deep breath. Letecia leans over to Marcus.

[John]

Shit's about to go down and we.

[Letitia]

Needed a ride home.

[Frank]

So the room is locked on Officer Dobbs. Dobbs fidgets.

[Letitia]

Come on, Gare. I thought we were making a trip down memory lane.

[Cheryl]

We stole a car.

[Frank]

Cheryl checks the paper. Letecia and Marcus are wide eyed. Cheryl nods to Frank, John and Paul cheers a beer.

[Letitia]

Then when we got home, you took the car to Ralphie's.

[Frank]

Frank bangs a chair down like a gavel.

[Clark]

Shut up, Clark. I think we've heard enough.

[Frank]

Clark takes a last drag from his smoke. He drops the butt into the dirty beer bottle.

[Letitia]

I guess we aced it.

[Frank]

Cheryl walks out from behind the bar.

[Marcus]

I leaves us.

[Frank]

Frank nods. The room is silent.

[Clark]

Okay. About seven years ago, we got an upgrade for the house. It was a big. It was a big purchase.

[Dobbs]

What was it?

[Frank]

Letitia rolls her eyes. Clark shakes his head. Cheryl takes a step closer.

[Marcus]

That's it? That's your question? People are shot, bit passed out, dead monsters pouring their hearts out. And that's your question?

[Frank]

Frank throws up his hands.

[Clark]

I Love you. I don't know. It's the best I got. You think I don't care? I'm scared too. Christ, I just want to make sure we're both who we are. Because? Because I don't know what I would do if you were.

[Marcus]

Cheryl softens 7 years ish. We added a new deck to the house. I love that deck. And you added it for me so I could set up outside and paint.

[Frank]

Frank smiles.

[Clark]

Yeah, Dobbs. That's right. That's Cheryl.

[Frank]

Dobbs smiles and nods. The room is relieved. She's a fan favorite, of course.

[John Plank]

That's Cheryl.

[Cheryl]

Okay, Frankie, last one. You ready? Cheryl Mm.

[Marcus]

Why did I drop out of college to work at Frank's Bar and Grill?

[Frank]

Letitia and Marcus lean in. Clark, still trying to find a drink, perks up.

[Clark]

You wanted to help me run the joint, that's why. Because you love me.

[Marcus]

I do love you. But that is not why. Come on, Frank.

[Clark]

Because I couldn't have done it without you.

[Marcus]

Getting warmer. But not quite right, Frank.

[Frank]

Cheryl steps closer.

[Marcus]

Before we freeze to death or get eaten alive, I want to hear you say it out loud in front of them.

[Frank]

Frank surveys the room.

[Clark]

My father, Big Frank, he wouldn't give me the bar.

[Frank]

Cheryl gives Frank a look.

[Clark]

He wouldn't give me the bar if you weren't here to run it with me. Your name is on the deed. You co own the place.

[Frank]

Looks are exchanged around the dimly lit room. Dobbs reads the paper.

[Cheryl]

Yep.

[John]

So this place should be called Frank and Cheryl's.

[Cheryl]

Mm.

[Frank]

Cheryl gives Frank a hug. Frank takes a deep exhale. Clark pops up from the bar.

[Letitia]

Okay, great.

[John Plank]

We did it.

[Letitia]

No one's a fragger. So what the fuck do we do next?

[Cheryl]

We come up with a plan. Together.

[Frank]

There's a commotion down at the end of the bar. John and Paul are having a whispered argument.

[Paul]

I don't mean to be accusatory or judgmental, but these three people show up.

[John Plank]

And we have to stop yammering and make your point. Paul so I can tell you to shut up.

[Frank]

Professor Paul breaks off from John and heads over to Officer Dobbs.

[Paul]

Dobbs, we gotta talk.

[Frank]

Dobbs pulls Paul aside. Clark watches intently. Cheryl and Frank are still enjoying their embrace. Letecia perks up.

[John]

What's going on now?

[Frank]

Officer Dobbs turns to Professor Paul.

[Paul]

My idea worked and I feel safe with all of you. You being the friends and neighbors that I know and trust.

[Cheryl]

Okay.

[Frank]

But Paul leans in. He's whispering the strangers.

[Paul]

I feel terrible for saying this, but.

[Frank]

I'm still not Convinced, John Plank leans back on his stool.

[John Plank]

Damn it, Paul, Leave Dobbs alone.

[Frank]

Clark steps closer to their conversation and so does Leticia. Cheryl takes notice.

[Cheryl]

They seem fine. Marcus is shot. And Leticia.

[Paul]

But what about the other girl? Karen, I think her name was. She's been unconscious for a while now.

[Frank]

And Dobbs leans in.

[Cheryl]

What do you want me to do? Shake her awake?

[Paul]

No, but what if she's a fragger lying in wait? Okay, I agree that Marcus is probably not one. Judging by how the creatures start to break down and reveal their true selves under pressure, stress from his wound would have triggered something.

[Frank]

Officer Dobbs raises his eyebrows.

[Cheryl]

And Letitia.

[Frank]

Paul looks around the room. Every party is interested.

[Paul]

The jury is still out. I don't think her and Marcus know each other as well as they say they do.

[Letitia]

I have to agree. Something ain't right about her.

[Marcus]

I thought we were in this together.

[Cheryl]

We are. I just need a second.

[Frank]

John Plank heads over to the group.

[John Plank]

What shit are you stirring up over here?

[Letitia]

I'm figuring out what we should do with our unwelcome guests.

[Cheryl]

Whoa, no one is saying that.

[Frank]

Leticia marches over to the group.

[John]

Excuse me. Y'all got something to say?

[Frank]

Marcus shakes his head in the booth. He clutches his leg.

[Cheryl]

We're just sorting things out.

[Letitia]

We don't trust yas.

[John]

Well, what the fuck? We played your stupid game and we passed. I have one unconscious friend and another one who's bleeding to death. So please tell me, how are we in a position of power, Professor?

[Frank]

Paul shakes his head.

[Paul]

You've endeared yourselves to us.

[John]

Oh, and that's a bad thing?

[Frank]

The group spreads apart?

[Paul]

Normally, no. But in the case of an invasion, yeah.

[John Plank]

Couple of real monsters. That girl was so terrified she cracked her head open.

[Marcus]

Enough. We need to put together a plan.

[Frank]

Cheryl walks away from the group. She's not entertaining any more bullshit. Frank hangs back.

[Clark]

These three people show up at my bar and all hell breaks loose. That's all I know.

[Frank]

Cheryl shoots Frank. Daggers. Leticia is hurt. Marcus drops his head in his hands.

[Cheryl]

No, Cheryl's right. We can't get distracted. We have to.

[Paul]

I don't know. These strangers have been at the center of every terrible thing that has happened here tonight.

[Dobbs]

Stop calling us the Strangers like we're some British rock band or some shit.

[Frank]

Professor Paul paces to the center of the room.

[John Plank]

Paul, Leave it.

[Frank]

Clark lights a smoke.

[Letitia]

Nah, nah, I'm with him.

[Frank]

Letitia turns to Marcus, then back to Dobbs.

[John]

You have to do something.

[Cheryl]

Don't worry. Nothing will happen to you. PAUL Stop it.

[Letitia]

Officer Gary Are you protecting them? Cuz that's great. You lock up your friends, you risk your life for monsters.

[Dobbs]

What the hell is happening?

[Paul]

Think about it, Dobbs. They show up, fight with Clark. The gunshot, not my gun.

[Frank]

Leticia is wide eyed and panicked.

[Paul]

Then Leticia and Karen were there when Whitfield turned.

[Frank]

John Plank scoffs.

[John Plank]

You're no Columbo. These people are scared. They need our help.

[Marcus]

PAUL I'm about two seconds away from throwing you out.

[Clark]

Cheryl we don't know these people.

[Cheryl]

Christ.

[Frank]

Frank Dobbs steps in front of Letitia.

[Cheryl]

PAUL none of us expected any of this would happen. I know you're a writer and the circumstances.

[Frank]

Clark points at Letitia with his cigarette.

[Letitia]

I say we throw him out. Black girl, black guy and passed out bitch. Hit the road.

[Frank]

Clark takes a step towards Letitia. Officer Dobbs unclips his firearm. He keeps his hand at his waist. Clark steps back.

[Cheryl]

CLARK don't do this.

[Letitia]

Wow, you're gonna shoot me, Gary? You're gonna protect some dumb bitch you barely know?

[John]

Yo, fuck you.

[Dobbs]

Officer, please shoot that racist clown.

[Frank]

John Plank gives Paul a look.

[John Plank]

This is. This is ridiculous. Paul what the hell are you thinking?

[Frank]

Paul slackjawed looks around the room.

[Paul]

Or maybe I'm way off base.

[Frank]

Fragger Karen pops up from the booth, eyes blood red and foaming at the mouth. She charges at Professor Paul. The room reacts, but not fast enough. Fragger Karen claws at Paul's neck and throat. He struggles to get her off of him. She tears at his jugular. John Plank reaches down and pulls up his pant leg. John comes up with a two shooter from an ankle holster. John levels the gun at Fragger Karen's back. Paul is bleeding from his neck. Fragger Karen is dragging him down by torn flesh. Dobbs spins around before the other patrons can do anything.

[Clark]

Bang.

[Frank]

John Plank shoots Fragger Cairn in the back of the head. Blood and gore spray onto Professor Paul's face. Paul falls backward onto the floor with a thud. Officer Dobbs pulls his gun. Fragor Cairn whips around. She has a giant gaping gunshot exit wound through her face.

[Clark]

Bang.

[Frank]

John Plank fires his last shot. It tears through what's left of Fragger Karen's head shot. She drops to the ground. Dobbs stands there with his gun drawn. Letitia is in stunned shock. Marcus is repeatedly shaking his head. Cheryl has her hands to her face. Frank rushes over to Professor Paul.

[Paul]

But maybe I was right.

[Frank]

Frank puts pressure on Paul's neck with a bar towel. Cheryl comes from behind the bar with an Armful of towels. Dobbs, guns still drawn, motions for Letecia to go back to her booth.

[John]

DOBBS we didn't know.

[Cheryl]

Go sit in the booth.

[Frank]

Letitia backs up into the booth.

[Dobbs]

They're gonna kill us.

[Frank]

Clark motions towards Professor Paul. Dobbs trains his gun on him. Clark throws up his hands.

[Letitia]

I just want to check on Paul.

[Cheryl]

Sit down in that booth over there, Clark.

[Frank]

Dobbs points to the empty booth with his gun. Clark sits. John Plank still has his gun leveled, frozen. Finally he lowers his arm. He turns to the bar. John pours himself a shot. Barely any liquor left.

[Marcus]

Paul.

[Frank]

Paul. The towels are soaked through with blood. Paul's eyes are vacant.

[Clark]

Oh Christ. Paul Come on.

[Frank]

Officer Dobbs walks over. He pushes Fragger Karen over with his foot dead. Dobbs looks over to Paul's lifeless body. Cheryl and Frank have given up. John Plank brushes by Dobbs. He looks down at his slain comrade. He looks away, teary eyed. John Plank walks to the coat rack and grabs his large heavy coat. He calmly puts on his gloves, scarf, hat and coat as he talks.

[John Plank]

Let me tell you something. Y'all are worried about the who's, what's and the whys. But not one of us is getting out of this one. I know that for a fact.

[Frank]

Officer Dobbs still has his gun in hand. Cheryl and Frank kneel by Paul's corpse. Letitia and Marcus are planted and so is Clark.

[Cheryl]

John stop, please. I know how much you love Paul, but we need you. We have to stay together.

[John Plank]

You're gonna have to shoot me, Gary. And I don't think you're gonna do that.

[Frank]

John drags the table and chairs out from in front of the door.

[John Plank]

Not much of a barricade we made here. Just saying. I'm an old man. I got right through it.

[Frank]

Frank gives a little smile.

[John Plank]

All right then. I'm going out there. Time to catch up with the wife and kid. Peace, love. Be good. Tip your waitresses goodbye, Cheryl.

[Frank]

Cheryl runs to John and hugs him tight.

[Marcus]

Bye John.

[Frank]

John pries Cheryl off of him. John waves goodbye to everyone. The patrons look on in stunned, bloody silence. Through the tiny diamond shaped window you can see John Plank disappearing into the infinite.