DUE DILIGENCE BY JEFFREY LO (DOWNLOAD PDF HERE)
VICTOR at a reading and book signing of JUNIOR MOLINA – a Latin-American novelist.
There is a long line of people in front of VICTOR, a long line of people behind VICTOR.
VICTOR watches JUNIOR MOLINA interacting with each of his fans.
He seems nice.
He shakes their hands.
He doesn’t rush them.
He has conversations with them.
He takes a bite of his steak in between people.
Makes sense, it’s been along night and he probably hasn’t had dinner yet.
VICTOR flips through the book, murmuring to himself.
VICTOR watches JUNIOR MOLINA again.
VICTOR flips through the book some more.
VICTOR nods his head.
Beat.
VICTOR is now at the front of the line.
JUNIOR MOLINA: Hey buddy, what’s your name?
VICTOR: Victor.
JUNIOR MOLINA: Vicotr….
VICTOR: Just Victor.
JUNIOR MOLINA: One name only. Alright, I’m good with that.
JUNIOR MOLINA cracks the book open and starts to sign VICTOR’S book.
JUNIOR MOLINA: Thanks for coming tonight.
VICTOR: Yeah.
JUNIOR MOLINA: I appreciate the support.
VICTOR: Actually.
JUNIOR MOLINA: Actually…?
VICTOR: I have some questions for you.
JUNIOR MOLINA: Ok.
VICTOR: Can I ask them?
JUNIOR MOLINA: I mean, there’s a lot of people behind you in line but sure.
VICTOR: Great.
VICTOR takes out a notepad with a list of questions.
JUNIOR MOLINA: Whoa!
VICTOR: If this goes well it shouldn’t take too long.
JUNIOR MOLINA: What is that?
VICTOR: My list of questions.
JUNIOR MOLINA: Alright.
VICTOR: One – have you ever murdered anyone?
JUNIOR MOLINA: WHAT!?
VICTOR: This is the easy one so…
JUNIOR MOLINA: No. Of course I haven’t murdered anyone.
VICTOR: Good.
JUNIOR MOLINA: What is this about? Are you with some Tru –
VICTOR: Two – Have you ever drugged anyone?
JUNIOR MOLINA: Who are you?
VICTOR: Answer the question.
JUNIOR MOLINA: No!
VICTOR: Good.
JUNIOR MOLINA: Are we done yet?
VICTOR: No.
JUNIOR MOLINA: I think we actually are –
VICTOR: Three –
JUNIOR MOLINA: No.
VICTOR: No to the question?
JUNIOR MOLINA: You haven’t even asked the question. No to you even asking the question.
VICTOR: Have you ever raped anyone?
JUNIOR MOLINA: No! Jesus! I have not.
VICTOR: Great.
JUNIOR MOLINA: I am done here.
VICTOR: Just one more.
JUNIOR MOLINA: What are these questions for?
VICTOR: I like you’re writing.
JUNIOR MOLINA: So?
VICTOR: I want to be a fan.
JUNIOR MOLINA: Than be a fan.
VICTOR: But before I commit –
JUNIOR MOLINA: Commit?
VICTOR: To being a fan. I need to know –
JUNIOR MOLINA: Jesus.
VICTOR: Have you ever used your fame or power to take advantage of any women?
Pause.
JUNIOR MOLINA: What are you talking about?
VICTOR: Have you ever used your fame or power to take advantage of any women?
JUNIOR MOLINA: What have you heard?
VICTOR: Nothing.
JUNIOR MOLINA: Who sent you?
VICTOR drops the book down in front of JUNIOR MOLINA.
VICTOR: No one.
JUNIOR MOLINA: Why are you here?
VICTOR: I told you. Now I know. Thanks. Keep the book. I don’t want to read it.
VICTOR exits.
JUNIOR MOLINA looks around at the line.
JUNIOR MOLINA clears his throat.
JUNIOR MOLINA looks at the event organizer.
JUNIOR MOLINA: I’m gonna, um, use the rest room.
JUNIOR MOLINA clears his throat and exits.
END OF PLAY.