CHARACTERS

 

GEORGE:  A prisoner of an unknown person or persons

CLARA :     An indistinct voice from a speaker sister to Lucy

THOMAS : George’s friend heard from a   mobile phone only

EMMA :      Thomas' daughter aged fifteen

 

Apearance only

LUCY, INSPECTOR BROWN,  POLICEMAN

 

 

(Lying on a bed is a middle-aged man. He is unconscious at first; when he wakes up, he is distorted and confused. GEORGE is sleeping on the bed. After a few minutes, he moves and lifts his head slightly. He sits up, unaware of what's around him. He massages his face as though he is washing it.  Now, he realises he doesn't know his surroundings. He gets up and walks straight to the walls. He goes around it several times, assuming he is looking for a way out. But he cannot find a window. On each side of the wall, we can see two security cameras.)

​

GEORGE

(shouts)

Hey, what am I doing here? Why am I here? I don't know this place. Come on, answer me. Is this a practical joke? Come off, the joke has gone too far? How did I get in here? Why are there no doors?

(Obviously, for every question he asks, he must wait for an answer)

(Stops)

(Goes to the table and looks around again. He looks at his wristwatch, goes to bed, and sits staring. Looking around him, he notices the jerry can and goes for it, lifts it, and now knows he has water to drink; he opens it, takes one cup from the stack, pours water, and downs it. He puts the empty cup on the table. He feels his trouser pocket, he is looking for his mobile, but it is not there.)

(He shouts)

 

Hello, is there anybody outside this room?

​

(As  he looks around  now, he notices the cameras)

(He talks to them)

 

You, behind the camera; I know you can see me, so stop this  fucking  joke; I  had enough of this.

 

(No reply)

 

Bastards. Who are you? What do you want from me? If you are after any money, you’re in for a big shock because I have none. I am a simple worker in a factory, and my wages are low.

Can you hear me, you fucking asshole? You’re a coward and don’t want to show yourself, eh? Very brave behind the cameras!

 

(The sound of a mobile phone ringing can be heard.  He looks around and realises the sound is coming from the bed; he goes and lifts the pillow. It is his mobile.  He picks it up and answers it.

 

THOMAS

(Voice from the mobile)

Where are you, George? You are late for work.

 

GEORGE

(Laughs out loud)

So, it’s you, after all!

 

THOMAS

(Puzzled)

What do you mean?

 

GEORGE

Oh, come on and don't play the innocent with me. Come on, get me out of here.

 

THOMAS

What are you talking about? Get you out from where?

 

GEORGE

Do you know where I am?

 

THOMAS

No, I haven't got a fucking clue!

 

GEORGE

Are you serious?

 

THOMAS

Of course,  I'm serious. What is wrong with you this morning?

 

GEORGE

I don't know; someone is playing a dirty joke on me.

 

THOMAS

Who?

 

GEORGE

I don't fucking know. I am stuck here in this room painted disgustingly 

 

THOMAS

Well, you're strong enough; break the door down!

 

GEORGE

There are no doors!

 

THOMAS

You're fucking joking, are you? I never heard of a room without doors.

 

GEORGE

No, I am not joking, and I am, too. I have never lived in a room with only walls. Come, Thomas; I won't be angry if it is you playing a joke. After all, it's a joke among friends.

 

THOMAS

I did not put you in there, wherever you fucking are. I am telling you the truth. Why don't you phone the police?

 

GEORGE

That's an excellent idea. I don't know why I didn't think of it earlier. I'll phone you later.

(George ends the conversation, and as he's about to die, a voice emerges from the speaker on the way.)

 

CLARA

If you phone the police, you will never see the sun again!

 

GEORGE

Who are you?

 

CLARA

Not too fast, George........No too fast, be patient.

 

GEORGE

How did you get me here?

 

CLARA

Easily. I carried you!

 

GEORGE   

From where?

 

CLARA

From the pub you were drinking from.

 

GEORGE

I don't remember; it's not true that I would have remembered.

 

CLARA

You were half drunk already when I put some sleeping pills in your beer.

 

GEORGE

How did you carry me, and if you did, other customers in the pub must have seen you.

​

CLARA

Who will care if a girlfriend is helping her boyfriend out to her car?

 

GEORGE

I haven't got a girlfriend; what are you talking about?

 

CLARA

I was pretending to be your girlfriend for a while.

 

GEORGE

Were you? I am trying to remember.

 

CLARA

You did not see me; by the time I sat beside you, you were already gone with the fairies.

 

GEORGE

And?

 

CLARA

Well, I stayed for a while, drinking my double Gin and tonic while I cuddled you and pretended I was talking to you.

 

GEORGE

OK, let's say I believe you. Why did you do that and bring me here?

 

CLARA

We'll come to that later. By the way, you can phone whomever you want, but not the police. If you do, you'll pay heavily.

 

GEORGE

But if my friend Thomas......

 

CLARA

Yes, I heard you talking to him. If he phones again, warn him not to alert the police.

 

GEORGE

I don't think you are clever enough to leave my mobile with me. Are you stupid or something? You know the police can trace where I am?

 

CLARA

Of course I do.

(Angrily)

And don't call me stupid again! Understood.

 

(From the speaker comes out a supersonic sound that deafens so much that George must cover his ears with distress).

 

GEORGE

Stop it, please. I'm sorry. I won't call you stupid again.

 

(The sound stops)

​

CLARA

Is that better?

 

GEORGE

Yes, thank you. What is your name?

​

CLARA

Clara.

 

GEORGE

That's a nice name. Tell me, Clara, what have I done to you? I don't even know you.

 

CLARA

You did nothing to me personally.

 

GEORGE

Then what?

 

CLARA

I must go now. I must do some errands.

 

GEORGE

Let me out, please; I forgive you.

 

CLARA

Forgive me?  You must be joking. This is nothing compared to what's coming next for you.

 

(The speaker goes silent)

​

GEORGE

(He talks to himself)

Clara..... who the hell is Clara? I don't know anybody with that name.

(Pauses)

She gave me a fake name, and I don't even recognise her voice. It is disguised, of course, but sometimes, even with a phrase, one can guess who the person is. But I haven't got a clue.

(The mobile rings again)

Hi THOMAS!

 

THOMAS

Have you called the police?

 

GEORGE

No, and don't you dare either.

 

THOMAS

Why not?

 

GEORGE

I have been threatened. If I contact the police, the bitch will do something nasty to me.

 

THOMAS

She? Who is she?

 

GEORGE

She said her name was  CIara,  but I don’t believe her, I don’t know anyone called CIara.

 

THOMAS

Kidnapped by a woman?  I don't believe it. Did you ask her why?

 

GEORGE

If I knew why, I would tell you gladly. I must be patient, and I see what this woman is after. In the meantime, don't contact anyone about me. At work, tell them I am sick.

 

THOMAS

OK. If you say so.

 

GEORGE

Thomas, please do this for me. You're my friend, and I trust you.

 

THOMAS

Of course. Friends stick together, eh?

​

GEORGE

Indeed, we do. You did not tell your wife, did you?

 

THOMAS

No George. My wife is not at home, so she's dropping Emma off.

 

GEORGE

Of course, I forgot that.

 

THOMAS

I don't want to upset them significantly, as today is Emma's birthday, and tonight is her party.

 

GEORGE

I forgot about that. I have a present for Emma in the flat.

 

THOMAS

Don't worry about that. First, we must find a way to get you out of there.

 

GEORGE

Thanks, mate. I appreciate it.

 

THOMAS

What are mates for?

 

GEORGE

If I am still here by tonight, please act normally.

 

THOMAS

Of course, I won't. Trust me.

 

GEORGE

I do. I do.

​

THOMAS

OK then, I must go now that the shift has started. Bye.

 

GEORGE

(He puts the phone in his pocket)

 

Who is this, Clara?  She must have an accomplice. How can she manage all this by herself?

 

(He takes the phone out again and dials.)

 

(On speaker phone, it rings until a  message replies)

"We are unavailable right now; please call later or leave a message after the beep."

 

(Mobile Beeps)

 

(He doesn't leave a message. He sits on the bed  and covers his head with both hands.)

(He tries to  call again  this time, and Emma answers)

 

EMMA

(Oblivious to anything that is happening)

Hiya George, having a good morning, are we?

 

GEORGE

Yes,  baby,  I am having a great time.  And you?

 

EMMA

What are you doing? Getting ready for work?

 

GEORGE

No, not today. I am not feeling well and will stay home.

 

EMMA

But will you come tonight?

 

GEORGE

Yes, I will try my best.

 

EMMA

Will you only try?

 

GEORGE

I will come then.

 

EMMA

That's better. Afterwards, I can come to you and stay the night.

 

GEORGE

That's not a great idea today.

 

EMMA

Why not? We did it before.

 

GEORGE

What if they find out?

 

EMMA

How can they? They never come to my room, so there is no need to worry. I want you, especially tonight. Don't you want to make love to me on my special day?

​

GEORGE

Of course, I do......But

 

EMMA

But what? You don't want me anymore? Or have you found another teenage girl?

 

GEORGE

No, it's not like that.

 

EMMA

How is it, then? Today is my birthday, and you have doubts?

 

GEORGE

I know, baby, I even got a beautiful present, something you have always wanted.

 

EMMA

Do you mean?

 

GEORGE

Yes, but I have another one to open for your parents.

 

EMMA

You are marvellous. I won't fear them anymore one year from today, and we can live together.

 

GEORGE

That's right, love; if they don't like it, they have to shove it.

​

EMMA

Now you're talking like a true Iover, babe. Tell me something nice and sexy.

 

GEORGE

It is not the time for that!

 

EMMA

Why not? You always talk dirty to me when we talk.

 

GEORGE

Yes, but not today; I have a splitting headache.

 

EMMA

You'll are full of excuses this morning. Just tell one thing only, just one thing.

 

GEORGE

Ok. I love you, and I like to devour you. Is that enough?

 

EMMA

Thank you, lover; I'll see you tonight then. I am so horny that I can make love to you now online.

 

GEORGE

Behave yourself. See you tonight.  

(From the speaker comes out a supersonic sound that deafens so much that George must cover his ears with distress).

What the hell! Stop it, stop it.....

 

CLARA

(From the speaker)

I wanted to remind you of the punishment if you don't do as I say.

 

GEORGE

I know that, please don't do it again.

(No answer)

(Pleading)

Can you please release me now?

 

CLARA

Are you still waiting to be George? Not yet, I'm afraid.

 

GEORGE

(shouts in anger)

Why not you piece of sh............!

 

CLARA

Calling me names will help you get out of there. Anyway, how are you, George?

 

GEORGE

What do you think?

 

CLARA

Now I want you to tell me truthfully, who was that girl you were talking to just now?

 

GEORGE

What girl?

 

CLARA

 

Don't take the piss, George; I heard you; I never went away; I told you I was going away so that you could talk freely, and you did. Now tell me, who is that girl?

 

GEORGE

She is not important.

 

CLARA

It doesn't matter, I want to know.

 

GEORGE

She's only a girl I know.

 

CLARA

Friend? How old is she?

 

GEORGE

Fifteen, I think?

 

CLARA

Don't you know for sure? Are you not invited to her party tonight? Do you think she's too young for you? How old are you, George?

​

GEORGE

Thirty-five, but it's not what you think......

 

CLARA

No? So how is it then?

 

GEORGE

She's only a friend.

 

CLARA

Do you always make love to your friends?

 

GEORGE

Of course not!

 

CLARA No?

(From the speaker, we  hear  a  recording  of Emma's voice to George)

 

"How can they? They never come to my room. So, there is no need to worry.  I want you, especially tonight.  Don't  you want to  make love to me on my special day?"

 

So, do you want to change your mind and tell me the truth?

 

GEORGE

(Stunned)

I know what you mean. OK, I made love to her, but it was a mistake.

 

CLARA

No, it's not a mistake. You have been with her for a long time, have you?

 

GEORGE

No, only recently....

(From the speaker comes out a supersonic sound that deafens so much that George reacts).

OK, I lied…

(The sound stops)

I have been seeing her for quite a few weeks now.

 

CLARA  

Weeks?

 

GEORGE

Yes, weeks?

 

CLARA

Shall I use the sound again?

 

GEORGE

No, please, no.

​

CLARA

Tell me the truth, then?

 

GEORGE

About two years?

 

CLARA

You made love to her when she was only thirteen years old?

(George doesn't answer)

Answer me,

 

GEORGE

Why are you asking me all these questions? Why are you so interested in my love and life?

 

CLARA

Love life! Paedophilia is not love, George.

 

GEORGE

I am not a paedophile!

 

CLARA

Making love to a thirteen-year-old? What is that then?

 

GEORGE

It wasn't my fault. She came on to me first. I couldn't resist.

 

CLARA

It wasn't your fault, then?

 

GEORGE

Partly, yes, maybe  I was.

 

CLARA

And you're seeing her tonight?

 

GEORGE

How can I from here?

 

CLARA

If I let you go, then you go and see her?

 

GEORGE

No, I won't.…

 

CLARA

Why not? You will go to her party, have a merry time drinking with her parents and then she will come to your flat after the party? Will she?

 

GEORGE

It's not like that.…

 

CLARA

I don't think so.

(She plays a bit of the conversation)

​

GEORGE

Yes, but I have got another one to open for your parents in case.

 

EMMA

You are marvellous. One year from today l won’t be afraid of them anymore, and we can live together.

 

GEORGE

That’s right, love, and if they don’t like they have to shove it.

You’re planning to run away with her....

 

GEORGE

That’s only talk. Talk is cheap.

​

CLARA

In other words, you’re using her?

 

GEORGE

In a way, yes. I can’t get out of her clutches now. If I break our relationship, she tells her parents.

 

CLARA

You’re in a predicament now!

​

GEORGE

Yes. Her parents are my best friends; they’re like family.

​

CLARA

And still, you abuse their daughter.

 

GEORGE

In a way, yes, but I have already explained that aIready.

 

CLARA

Yes, you did.

(There's a long silence)  

(George  paces  up and down, anxious and frightened)

 

GEORGE

Hello, CIara! Are you there?

(No answer)

Hello, please tell me what you want, and I will do it. I wiII honestIy.

 

CLARA

I want you to confess to their parents.

 

GEORGE

I cannot do that!

 

CLARA

Why not?

​

GEORGE

What do you think will happen if I tell them?

 

CLARA

Exactly.

 

GEORGE

You're mad.......

 

CLARA

No, I am not.  I am a parent, like your best friend.

 

GEORGE

Please, Clara, I make a deal with you.

 

CLARA  

No deal!

 

GEORGE

Please listen to me. I haven't got much, but what I have is yours. I have the flat that is mine; I signed it for you. All I need is enough money to move away somewhere far away and never see them again.

 

CLARA

That's an easy way out, isn't it, George? Why should I agree? Besides the fact that it is generous of you, why do I want to deal with scum like you? So that you find another vulnerable teenager and abuse her, too?

 

GEORGE

No, I promise I will change my ways.

(Again, there is a long silence)

 

CLARA

George, I can only agree if you tell me who the girl and her parents are!

 

GEORGE

No, that has nothing to do with you.

 

CLARA

Are you sure?

(She turns on the supersonic sound)

​

GEORGE

Ok, Ok, I tell you whatever you want to do!

 

CLARA

Who is the girl?

 

GEORGE

Emma! Emma McFarland.

 

CLARA

That's better......Nice name, Emma, and her parents are?

 

GEORGE

(After a pause, nearly whispering) 

 

Thomas and Lucy McFarland.

 

CLARA

That is all,l George. You are free to go.

 

GEORGE

(Jumps with elation)

Really, oh, thank you, thank you.

 

CLARA

By the way, George, I forgot to mention. I am Lucy’s sister!

 

(As he is overcome, the  wall is dismounted to reveal Thomas, Lucy,  Clara, A Police Inspector, and a Constable)

 

THOMAS

How could you, George?

 

 

 

THE END