Sunday, July 7, 2024

scene 11

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EXT. ROADSIDE CAFE - DAY

BARBARA, mid-40s and JOHN and JAN, 70-somethings, at one of three outside tables. Glass doors show OTHER PATRONS inside the rustic establishment off the two-lane road lined on both sides by oak trees. Five cars, two motorcycles in the dirt lot fenced by split-rail.   

Barbara in running shoes, jeans, long-sleeve tee with SWIM SLO on the front. Jan in casual Martha Stewart would give a thumbs-up. John's loafers the color of the belt around the waist of his khaki slacks. Forest-green polo shirt. His wedding band is wide gold. Jan's diamond on silver ring would catch and keep a high-end jeweler's eye. Two similar-in-style name-brand bags hang from the back of the unoccupied chair. Remnants of their lunch on plates and in bowls, each with a bottled mineral water. 

RUMBLE OF MOTORYCLES NEARING before they arrive, a pack of several that pass and disappear around a bend down the road.

JAN: So...tell me again about you know of the specifics of Olivia and Tom Walker. My recollection is that it was, well, a fling? A fleeting encounter and she could not find him to tell him about Hunter.

BARB: Mom, that's pretty much an accurate description of what I know.

JAN: Olivia was in Reno for theatre, Tom was in town for the rodeo.

BARB: Olivia was there to audition for a play at what was then called the Pioneer Theatre. Tom had finished a job at a ranch and was in town for the rodeo on his way to Mexico for his next job. They met in at the slot machines in a casino, hit it off, went for a drive around Lake Tahoe the next day. A fire changed their route back to Reno through Carson City, where they had dinner and continued hitting it off to the degree that they spent the night at what was called the Pony Express Hotel.  

JOHN: I wonder how he found out about Hunter.

BARBARA: He said that's his first question. 

JAN: It would be good to get a picture.

BARBARA: I strongly made the same suggestion. 

JOHN: I wonder if Chloe knows.

BARBARA: He told her when she called from Phoenix. I'll give you a full report when she calls tonight.

MURMUR OF PATRONS when the WAITRESS, 20-something, comes out.

WAITRESS: Looks like those plates want to be taken away.

JOHN: Thank you very much. Lunch was delicious and we appreciate your help.

WAITRESS: Thank you, my pleasure. Coffee before you go?

Jan, John and Barbara look at each other. Barbara and Jan nod.

JOHN: Yes, please. And make mine a doppio.

WAITRESS: Coming up. And plates away in a jiffy.

MURMUR OF PATRONS when she goes back in.

JOHN: A middle name would be helpful, if possible.

BARBARA: Check.

MURMUR OF PATRONS when BUSBOY, 20-something, comes out.

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