The B.C.

Episode 3 - "Under the Gun"

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TEASER

Tony enters the kitchen.  Mario is at the table reading the newspaper and eating.  Tony starts to fix himself some cereal. 

Mario:  You’re up early again. 

Tony:  Well I’ll leave the sleeping to Frankie.  That way he can be used to resting when he’s on the bench. 

Mario:  Hey, if you snooze, you lose.  So what have you got planned for the day?

Tony:  I’ll do some lifting, go for a run; maybe throw around with Starks this afternoon. 

Mario:  You know you might be taking Labor Day a little too literally. 

Tony:  Got no choice.  First game’s in three days, and coach still hasn’t named the starter.  I want to make it an easy decision for him. 

Mario:  Well don’t push yourself too hard.  You want to have some gas in the tank for Thursday. 

Tony:  How’s Mom doing?

Mario:  She’ll be alright.  Nothing that a good night’s sleep won’t fix.  So what did you end up doing last night?

Tony:  Nothing.  I just went for a walk. 

Mario:  With Amy?

Tony:  Yeah. 

Mario:  How are things going with you two?

Tony:  (Gives Mario a look and shrugs)

Mario:  That good, huh?  Well don’t worry too much about it, being the starting quarterback tends to fix a lot of women problems. 

Maria:  (Entering) Morning you two. 

Mario:  Feeling any better, honey?

Maria:  Eh, still got a headache, but otherwise better.

Mario:  Maybe some coffee will help.  I just brewed a fresh pot. 

Maria:  Thanks.  So are you going to be ready in a few minutes to head over to Angela’s office with me?

Mario:  You’re going too?

Maria:  Yeah.  I, uh, my blood pressure was a little high the other day and Angela wanted to make sure it’s gone down. 

Mario:  Well hopefully it’s nothing to worry about.  I don’t even want to think about there being anything seriously wrong with you.   (Awkward silence.  It is interrupted by the phone ringing.)  Now I wonder who that could be.  (Picks up the phone.)  Hello?  Oh, Martha.  What’s going on?  No!  Alright, alright.  Yeah, sure, we’ll be right there.  Alright, bye. 

Maria:  Was that Martha Starks?

Mario:  Yeah, it was.  Call Angela and cancel our appointment…  Wayne’s been shot.

OPENING CREDITS 

Scene 1

Rob is at the table eating breakfast and reading Sports Illustated when Tim enters. 

Tim:  Good morning, buddy.

Rob:  I don’t know how “good” it is.  It appears the end is upon us.

Tim:  What are you talking about? 

Rob:  Sports Illustrated.  This week’s sign of the Apocalypse; “A Kentucky little league team is being sponsored by Hooters.” 

Tim:  Well I don’t see what the big deal is.  I thought everybody just went there for the wings. 

Rob:  Don’t forget the breasts and thighs. 

Tim:  Are we still talking about chicken? 

Beth: (Entering) I don’t even want to know. 

Rob:  Hey Mom. 

Beth:  So this is it, huh? The last day before school starts.

Rob:  Thanks for reminding me.

Beth:  Any big plans?

Rob:  When do I ever have big plans?

Beth:  Oh I don’t know.  I just thought you might want to do something fun.  Hang out with Amy, maybe. 

Rob:  Yeah… That’s alright.

Tim:  What’s the matter?  I thought you two were getting along great. 

Rob:  Well I don’t know about “great”, but it’s not that.  I just – she’s not – into me like that. 

Beth:  I’m not so sure about that.  I thought she was flirting with you in Pastor’s office yesterday. 

Rob:  Look, it’s not gonna happen. 

Beth:  Well it sure won’t with an attitude like that. 

Rob:  She likes Tony, or Frankie - or both.  I don’t know.  Didn’t you see her last night?  She completely ignored me the whole time. 

Tim:  Well did you try to get her attention?

Rob:  Well…no, but…

Tim:  That’s your problem right there.  You have to put forth some effort.  Women want to be pursued. 

Beth:  Exactly.  So why don’t you go over there today and ask her to do something? 

Rob:  Yeah, I don’t know. 

Tim:  Come on, Rob.  Are you just going to let her slip through your fingers and end up with some other guy, or are you going to put up a fight?

Rob:  Alright, fine.  So let’s say I theoretically ask her to do something.  Where would I take her?

Tim:  Well, there’s always Hooters. 

Scene 2

Carmine grabs his keys off of a table and starts to open his front door. 

Gina:  And just where are you sneaking off to?

Carmine: I’m not sneaking. 

Gina:  Then where are you going?

Carmine:  I’m going to the hospital – to visit Wayne. 

Gina:  You mean the morgue right? 

Carmine:  Look, Gina…

Gina:  I don’t want to hear it, Carmine.  You were supposed to take care of him. 

Carmine:  I did.  I showed him that I mean business.  Now he’ll listen to me and keep his mouth shut. 

Gina:  You really are pathetic, you know that?  I can’t believe you didn’t have the stones to finish this. 

Carmine:  It is finished!

Gina:  If you believe that, then you’re stupid too.  Wayne’s not scared of you.  He showed you that when he didn’t back down the first time.  And when you go there and he still refuses to keep quiet, what are you going to do then?  How do you plan on rubbing him out in the middle of a hospital?  If he hasn’t changed his mind, you’re done. 

Carmine:  Well, let’s hope he’s changed his mind then. 

Gina:  No, I don’t think so.  You’re not pinning the future of this family on a hope. 

Carmine:  Well what do you expect me to do? 

Gina:  To stop acting like a coward, and start acting like a mob boss.  Get a backbone.  Be ruthless.  Start acting like your father. 

Carmine:  My father wouldn’t have gotten himself into this mess in the first place. 

Gina:  No, he wouldn’t have.  But when your father did have his back to the wall, he’d find a way to turn his weakness into a strength. 

Carmine:  How am I supposed to do that?

Gina:  You’ll figure it out.  You’re a Romano. 

Scene 3

Amy is lying on her bed listening to music and flipping through a magazine, when Rob knocks on the door. 

Amy:  Come in.

Rob:  Hey Amy.  What’s happening?

Amy:  Ah, nothing. 

Rob:  Sooooo, whatcha reading? 

Amy:  Seventeen. 

Rob:  Oh, uh, any good articles?

Amy:  Yeah, you should take a look at this when I’m finished.  It could really help you out. 

Rob:  What would I possibly want to read in that?

Amy:  Oh, there’s lots of stuff; (Hands him the magazine) like this one for instance, “Eight Ways to Drive Your Man Wild”. 

Rob:  You know, those jokes just keep getting funnier. 

Amy:  Yeah, well I’ve got such a great source of material.  So what do you want?

Rob:  Who said I wanted anything?

Amy:  Well aside from your nervous twitches and the pointless small talk to help you build up the courage to say what’s actually on your mind, you are in my room at 9:30 in the morning.  There’s got to be a reason.

Rob:  Man, you sure do pick up on things.   

Amy:  How do you think I uncovered your alternative lifestyle so quickly?

Rob:  See, now why do you…

Amy:  Just cut to the chase Rob.

Rob:  Fine.  I – I wanted to know if you would like to go see a movie with me later. 

Amy:  Are you asking me on a date?

Rob:  Um, well, I mean, did you want…

Amy:  (Now she starts to feel bad) Look, Rob…

Michael:  (Enters the room) Hey Amy, something’s happened.  Officer Starks has been shot and we need to get over to the hospital right away. 

Amy:  Oh, Is he going to be alright?

Michael:  Yeah, he’ll be ok.  But we’ve got to leave now. 

Amy:  Sorry Rob.  Hey, maybe we can talk about this later, if you want. 

Rob: Uh, yeah. 

Amy:  Alright, we gotta go.  (They start to go, and she turns to him)  Leave the magazine Rob. 

Scene 4

The Romano’s are in Wayne’s hospital room, circled around his bed.  Wayne is awake, and his wife Martha is sitting next to him. 

Wayne:  No, I really don’t remember what happened next.  After that shot went off, everything went black.  Next thing I know, I’m in this bed. 

Martha:  When I heard the bang, I jumped out of bed and ran outside, but whoever it was, was already gone.  I just can’t believe something like this happened…

Maria:  I know.  We’re all in shock.  But we’re going to help the two of you get through this. 

Martha:  Thank you. That means a lot.  And I’m sure John could use you right now, Tony. 

Tony:  Hey, anything he needs.

Martha:  Maybe when he gets back from feeding the dog, you two can go do something to help him get his mind off this. 

Tony:  Yeah, sure. 

Maria:  Well, speaking of food, have you had anything to eat Martha?  

Martha:  Oh, no I haven’t.  But come to think of it, I am a little hungry. 

Maria:  Well, why don’t we go down to the cafeteria?  Mario can stay here with Wayne. 

Martha:  That would be wonderful.  Will you be ok, while I’m gone dear? 

Wayne:  Of course.  Go on.  (They begin to leave.)

Tony:  I think I’ll stay up here and wait for John to get back.

Wayne:  Hey, Tony.  Are you going to be ready for Thursday night?  From what I’ve heard, you’re the favorite to start at quarterback.

Tony:  I don’t know about favorite, but I’m in the running, at least.

Wayne:  Well I think you’d make a fine quarterback.  You’ve got a good head on your shoulders… And good chemistry with your best receiver. 

Tony:  Yeah, John’s been real good to work out with me so much.  I know he’d rather be playing basketball. 

Mario:  Hey Tony, would you mind waiting for John outside.  I’d like to speak with Mr. Starks alone for a minute. 

Tony:  Yeah, sure thing.  (Leaves)

Wayne:  Well, I gotta congratulate you on the fine acting job, Mario.  You actually seemed surprised about all of this.  Martha didn’t suspect a thing. 

Mario:  Even when you know it’s coming, things like this aren’t easy to handle.  I’m so sorry, Wayne. 

Wayne:  You’ve got nothing to apologize for.  I know this isn’t something you wanted.  You did everything you could to stop this from happening. 

Mario:  I just wish it never came to this. 

Wayne:  Don’t beat yourself up.  The doctor says I’ll be up and about in no time.  The way I see it, I can be thankful the guy missed and only clipped my leg. 

Mario:  He didn’t miss, Wayne. 

Wayne:  What?

Mario:  The guys who carry out assignments like that – they don’t miss. 

Wayne:  What do you mean?

Mario:  You’re alive because that’s how Carmine wanted you. 

Wayne:  Well why would he want that? I thought the point of this was to keep me from talking?

Mario:  Now you know why I was so surprised when Martha called. 

Wayne:  You have no idea what he’s up to? 

Mario:  None whatsoever.  But I can tell you this for certain; whatever it is, it’s not good. 

Scene 5

Tony is sitting on a chair outside of Wayne’s hospital room when Starks approaches. 

Starks:  What up, bro?

Tony:  Hey man. 

Starks:  This is pretty crazy, huh? 

Tony:  Yeah, it is.  So how are you doing, man?

Starks:  Shoot, you know me.  I’m fine, just angry.  I wanna bust the head of the punk who did this.

Tony: Yeah, I bet.

Starks:  But I’m all good.  You know.  What doesn’t kill you…

Tony: Yeah. 

Starks:  I just… (Shakes his head and doesn’t finish)

Tony:  What?

Starks:  Na, it’s nothing. 

Tony:  No, come on, man.  What?

Starks:  It’s no big deal, dude. 

Tony:  Starks, come on.  It’s me.  What’s the deal?

Starks:  Man, it’s just… This is all my fault. 

Tony:  What do you mean?

Starks:  It should be me in there, not my dad.  He got shot taking the trash I was supposed to put out an hour before.  That’s why he’s here.   

Tony:  You can’t think like that, man.  This had nothing to do with you.    

Starks:  No, bra.  If I had just done what I was supposed to, we’d all be fine.  This one, this is on me. 

Tony:  Did you ever think that whoever shot your dad was intentionally going after him?  I mean, he is a cop.  And it’s not like we have drive-by’s going down everyday in Paramus. 

Starks:  You really think so, man?

Tony: Well, it makes a little more sense than some random dude showing up and popping a guy holding a bag of garbage. 

Starks:  Yeah, maybe.  But my dad’s just a local cop.  Who would want to take him out?

Carmine:  (Has come up to them without them noticing) Hey boys.  How’s your father doing, John? 

Starks:  Uh, he’s doing good.  It’s just his leg.  Doctors say he should be fine. 

Carmine:  Well, that’s good news at least.  Is it alright if I go in and see him?

Starks:  Yeah, sure.  He’s just talking with your brother. 

Carmine:  Sounds good.  Listen, Frankie’s down in the car with his mother looking for a parking spot.  They’ll be up in a minute.  Would you just keep an eye out for them?

Starks:  No problem. 

Carmine:  Thanks.  And John, I hope you’re doing alright.  I know that this is a lot to deal with. 

Starks:  Thanks.  But, yeah, I’m doing alright.  I just hope we can take down the sleaze bag that did this. 

Carmine:  (Avoiding eye contact) Me too, John.  Me too.  (He pats him on the shoulder, and as Carmine walks away, he has a determined look on his face.)

Scene 6

Mario is sitting next to Wayne’s bed when Carmine enters the room and leans against the doorway.  It takes a moment before Mario and Wayne notice him. 

Wayne:  And don’t forget the time that we stole Joey’s clothes while he was in the shower. 

Mario:  Oh, that’s right.  He unhooked the shower curtain and wrapped it around his waist. 

Wayne:  He was so mad; he went running up and down the hall yelling…

Carmine: ...And everyone ended up coming out of their classrooms to see what all the noise was.  Those sure were good times.  (Dead silence)  How ya feel’n pal?  (Wayne just stares him down)  What?  You don’t feel like visitors? 

Mario:  Why don’t you let Wayne get some rest?

Carmine:  Well, I would love to.  Unfortunately, there’s a pressing issue that Wayne and I need to discuss. 

Mario:  Look Carmine…

Wayne:  It’s ok, Mario. 

Carmine:  Listen bro, since I know that you don’t care for this sort of thing, why don’t you keep everyone occupied, while the two of us chat?  Gina and Frankie will be up in just a minute.  Why don’t you take them and the boys to the cafeteria?

Mario:  You gonna be alright Wayne? 

Carmine:  It’s just a friendly chat Mario. 

Wayne:  I’ll be fine. 

Mario:  (Gets up and starts heading to the door, as he passes by Carmine he he stops to look him in the eye disapprovingly.  He then proceeds to leave.)

Scene 7

Mario approaches Tony and Starks who are sitting in a waiting area. 

Mario:  Hey, you two!  What do you say we head down to the cafeteria and grab a bite?

Starks:  Is anyone going to stay with my dad?

Mario:  Your father’s resting.  Carmine said he sit with him.  He said that Gina and Frankie will be up here any minute.  We can wait for them and then go down.  

Tony:  Here they come. 

Mario:  Oh yeah.  And the Carson’s are right behind them.

Tony:  Well, at least lunch won’t be awkward. 

Gina:  Mario!  How’s Wayne doing? 

Mario:  He’s going to be fine.  He’s sleeping now. 

Michael:  Oh, then we’d better just let him rest. 

Mario:  Why don’t we grab something at the cafeteria while we wait for him to wake up? 

Frankie:  Sounds good to me.  I’m starving. 

Mario:  Then let’s head down. 

Michael:  (Everyone’s walking) Does anybody know what happened?

Mario:  Not really.  Wayne was caught off guard and then black out after the shot hit him. 

Gina:  It’s just awful.  I mean, you think we’d be safe from people like that in our neighborhoods. 

Mario:  (Taking a jab at Gina for her false concern) Well, I guess you can never be completely safe.  Not with monsters like that running around. 

Scene 8

Wayne’s hospital room. 

Carmine:  You know, you sure were lucky, only getting hit in the leg and all. 

Wayne:  I’d hardly consider myself fortunate, seeing as I’m lying in a hospital bed.

Carmine:  Now this is exactly why we aren’t seeing eye to eye lately.  Where you see a negative, I spot an opportunity. 

Wayne:  So how’s this gonna play out, Carmine? 

Carmine:  The way this ends is entirely up to you.

Wayne:  If you even think for a moment that I’m going to keep my mouth shut, you’ve got another thing coming.  You can threaten me all you want. I’d gladly give my life to protect this community. 

Carmine:  Wayne, Wayne.  I would never try to kill you, buddy.  I couldn’t do it.  We’ve been friends for too long. 

Wayne:  That’s real touching, Carmine. 

Carmine:  Besides, I know you’re far too selfless to be broken by a threat like that. 

Wayne:  What’s that supposed to mean?

Carmine:  It means that if you decide to open your mouth about our little incident on Saturday, you won’t be the one that ends up in a casket. 

Wayne:  You wouldn’t. 

Carmine:  I don’t think now is the time to start questioning what I’m capable of. 

Wayne:  I won’t stand for this Carmine. 

Carmine:  Oh you will - unless you feel like being a widower.  Of course, it might be fun to start playing the field again. 

Wayne:  You really are scum.  You know that? 

Carmine:  Of course being a single father could really put a damper on your night life.  But we could always solve that by opting for a double funeral. 

Wayne:  If you think you can…

Carmine:  I – can do whatever I want.  And if you’re smart, you’ll learn to accept that fact rather quickly.  So it’s your choice. Are you going to fall in line, or start cashing in on Martha and John’s life insurance policies? 

Wayne:  (Silence.  He turns away from Carmine)

Carmine:  (Starting to get mad) What’s it gonna be, Wayne? 

Wayne:  Alright Carmine.  You forced my hand. 

Carmine:  See, I knew you’d make the reasonable decision.  Now why don’t you get some rest?  (Starts to leave)

Wayne:  I won’t ever rest until somebody finally takes you down. 

Carmine:  Get well soon, pal. 

Scene 9

Tony is at the counter in the cafeteria picking out something to eat, when Amy sneaks up on him from behind. 

Amy:  I’d go with the Turkey if I were you.  That egg salad looks a little green.

Tony:  I’ll take my chances.  (Grabs the sandwich and starts to walk away from her) 

Amy:  Did I do something?

Tony: (Stops and then turns to face her)

Amy:  What’s going on with you?

Tony:  Noth…

Amy:  Don’t tell me “nothing.”  First you run off on me last night, now you won’t even look at me, let alone have a conversation. 

Tony:  Look, it’s not you.  I - I’ve got some stuff I need to figure out.

Amy:  Like what?  Whether or not to acknowledge my existence?

Tony:  It’s not…  I just need some time. 

Amy:  Yeah?  Well you better not take too much of it.  I’m not going to sit around and wait while you ignore me.  (Storms away)

Tony:  Amy, wait! (She keeps walking) Should’ve gone with the turkey.

Scene 10

Amy sits down at a table with Frankie, Juliet, and Starks. She’s obviously upset.

Starks:  Hey Amy, you alright?

Amy:  I’m fine. 

Frankie:  You sure? 

Amy:  Can we just drop this, please. 

Frankie:  If you say so.  But is there anything we can do to help? 

Juliet:  She said to drop it, Frankie. 

Frankie:  Sorry for being concerned. 

Amy:  Really, I’ll be fine. 

Frankie:  Well are you sure that there’s nothing we can do to cheer you up? You wanna go to the fireworks tonight?    

Amy:  Fireworks? 

Starks:  Yeah, down by the high school.  I’d be up for it, but I should probably stay with my dad. 

Juliet:  And Tony and I are going to a barbeque with our parents. 

Amy:  Oh, too bad you all have stuff.  That sounded like fun. 

Frankie:  Well, I could still go with you.  (Juliet gives him a dirty look)

Amy:  Really?

Frankie: Yeah.  I mean, I was supposed to go to this party with my parents, but they won’t care if ditch it. 

Amy:  That’s awesome. 

Frankie:  Cool, I’ll be at your house around five.  We can grab something to eat and then head over to the school.    

Amy:  You know, I’m feeling better already. 

Juliet:  (Sarcastically) Yeah, isn’t Frankie great? 

Maria:  (Approaching) Juliet, are you almost finished?  We’re going to head home. 

Juliet:  Yeah, I don’t think I can eat anymore. 

Frankie: Would you mind dropping me off home on the way?  My mom still has to see Officer Starks. 

Maria: That’s fine.  I’ll go find Tony and meet you by the car. 

Frankie:  Sounds good.  See ya guys.  (Gets up and starts to walk away)

Starks:  Peace. 

Amy:  See you later, Frankie. 

Frankie:  Five o’clock.  I’ll be there.  (As they walk down the hallways of the hospital to the car, Juliet shakes her head and looks furious)  You mad or something? 

Juliet:  (Starts to walk faster away from him) You’re unbelievable!

Frankie:  (Grabs her arm to keep her from leaving) Hold on.  Are you upset about tonight?

Juliet:  Try furious.  I can’t believe… I mean, after last night…

Frankie:  I’m sorry.  I was just trying to make her feel better. 

Juliet:  Just trying to make a move on her is more like it. 

Frankie:  I told you, it’s not like that. 

Juliet:  Well then how is it?  Because from where I was sitting, it sure looked like you were asking her out on a date. 

Frankie:  It’s not a date.  You and Tony could come if…

Juliet:  If what?  You knew we had that barbeque.  We go to it every year. 

Frankie:  How many times do I have to tell you, Jules?  You’re the one I want. 

Juliet:  Well how about you quit telling me, and start acting like it?

Frankie:  What do you want me to do? 

Juliet:  Tell Amy that tonight’s off. 

Frankie:  How am I going to do that? 

Juliet:  It’s not that hard, genius.  Come up with an excuse.  Tell her your parents are making you go with them. 

Frankie:  Alright, alright.  I’ll tell Amy that I can’t go.  You happy now? 

Juliet:  (Softening)  Just start thinking of my feelings a little more, Frankie.  I don’t like having to be this way. 

Frankie:  I know.  I know.  I’m not trying to hurt you, Jules.  I just gotta be more careful.  Think before I open my mouth, ya know.  (Puts his arms around her)  Do you forgive me, now? 

Juliet:  Yeah, I guess.  (He pulls her closer.  As they walk down the hallway with his arm around her, Frankie looks back and sees Amy, who is walking in the opposite direction.  A devious smile appears on Frankie’s face.)

Scene 11

The Romano’s are in their kitchen. 

Tony:  What time are we leaving for the barbeque?

Maria:  We’re supposed to be over there at five. 

Tony:  Alright.  I’m gonna go work out for a little bit.  (Leaves)

Juliet:  Do you need any help making the dessert for tonight, Mom?

Maria:  I think I got it covered.  You don’t have to spend this gorgeous day inside.  Go out and enjoy yourself.

Juliet:  Ok.  But if you need anything, let me know.  (Leaves)

Mario:  (Looking in the refrigerator) Honey, are we out of milk? 

Maria:  Maybe.  We were running low. 

Mario:  Well, I guess OJ will have to suffice for now.  (Grabs it out of the fridge)

Maria:  Shoot. I need milk for the dessert.

Mario:  (Pouring himself a glass) Alright, I’ll run out to the seven eleven in a minute. 

Maria:  You know, I’m still in shock about Wayne.  It just doesn’t seem real.  I mean, I can’t believe something like that happened in our neighborhood. 

Mario:  (Giving it away with his tone, because he won’t lie to Maria) Yeah, who would’ve seen that coming?

Maria:  (It takes a moment for her to get it) Don’t tell me…

Mario:  Alright, I won’t. 

Maria:  You knew this was going to happen? 

Mario:  Look, I’d better get that milk.  (Starts to leave)

Maria:  Mario!

Mario:  I did all I could.  But there was no stopping it. 

Maria:  Well, what did Wayne do that would get him shot? 

Mario:  It’s nothing you need to worry about.  (Goes over to her) I didn’t tell you this to get you upset.  I just didn’t want there to be any secrets between us. 

Maria:  Is he going to be ok?

Mario:  I’ll get the milk.  (As Mario leaves, the doorbell rings.  He goes over to the door and opens it.)  Angela? 

Angela:  Hello, Mario.

Mario:  I didn’t know you made house calls. 

Angela:  Well, I normally don’t, but this is a special situation.  There’s something we need to talk about. 

Mario:  Is everything alright? 

Angela:  Why don’t you get your wife, and we’ll discuss it. 

Mario:  (Puzzled, and concerned) Yeah, ok.  (Turns to get Maria, but she is already standing right behind him.)

Maria:  Mario, there’s a secret that I need to tell you, too. 

Scene 12

Rob is in his room, sitting at his computer, when Beth opens the door.

Beth:  Is it ok if I come in? 

Rob:  Just a second.  I have to finish this hand of Texas hold ‘em and say goodbye to the stripper I met in the Jersey singles chat. 

Beth:  You’re so funny. 

Rob:  Bambi seems to think so. 

Beth:  So Pastor Carson just gave me an update on Officer Starks. 

Rob:  Oh yeah? 

Beth:  Apparently he’s doing very well.  The doctors think he’ll make a full recovery. 

Rob:  Well that’s good.  Any idea who shot him?

Beth:  There’s no lead at the moment.  Makes me nervous.  I can’t say I’m happy to think there’s someone like that roaming our town. 

Rob:  I assume this means I’m exempt from my trash duties for a while? 

Beth:  We’ll see about that.  So how did things go with Amy this morning?  You never said anything. 

Rob:  You know, some people may have taken that as a clue that I really don’t want to discuss it. 

Beth:  Rob, I’m your mother.  There’s nothing you can’t tell me. 

Rob:  What are the chances of you dropping this subject?

Beth:  Oh, probably about the same as you getting out of trash duty for the next month. 

Rob:  Then we have a deal.  And to be completely honest, I have no idea how things went. 

Beth:  Well, what happened?

Rob: