A devil Among Us

COPYRIGHT-David.William.Kirby-AUGUST 1998
The Dogbreaths Publishing

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David William.KirbyAll rights reserved

dwkglynrde5@yahoo.co.uk

PART ONE
SCENE ONE; INT DAY
We find ourselves in the centre of a silent prison wing. The suns rays beam through the sky lights set high in
the roof and the clutter of buckets being pulled across the floors ring out as the cleaners are unlocked by the
morning screws. One, dressed smartly in his pressed white shirt, standing with a clipboard in his hand looks
up the landings to an officer situated thirty feet above him on C landing. The Senior tweaks his moustache and
calls to the other.
SENIOR OFFICER
Are you ready for todays roll call Sir?
OFFICER ON C LANDING
Sir............
SENIOR OFFICER
Just one for today; Marks in 41.
OFFICER ON C LANDING
Right you are Sir...
He stomps across the landing in his heavy boots until he is standing outside a cell marked 41.
Marks! Get yourself ready
(He puts his key in the lock and opens the door. Inside he finds a prisoner standing with his kit
already together in his arms)
Youre going home today..
MARKS
Dont I know it...
The prisoner runs down the landing and down the stairs at the end. Then on the ground floor he approaches
the senior officer.

SENIOR OFFICER
Dont be so eager Son, youve been here
for ten years a few more minutes will not hurt.
MARKS
Do you want to bet on that?

SENIOR OFFICER
Slow down boy. (He shouts up)
Any more for any more?
OFFICER ON C LANDING
Thats your lot up here.
OFFICER ON B LANDING
No one here guv.
SENIOR OFFICER
Well lets be having you then Son,
walk this way.
MARKS does as he is told and following the man feels the stare of a thousand eyes following him across the
hall. Eyes that had burned into his back for the past ten years. Accusing eyes, eyes filled with hatred. Eyes
that would kill if they could. As the wing door closed behind him for a final time Marks could feel then
looking at him through the small, high cell windows. Voices in the wing murmured as he walked across the
courtyard, one loud voice above the rest echoed out filling him for the last time with fear, with shame, with
self loathing...
VOICE
Marks you nonce; they should have
topped you....

SCENE TWO INT DAY.

He is led into the reception area and his property box placed upon a table in front of
him. He opened the lid and looked quietly at the creased shirt and jacket that hed last
worn ten years ago. It still had the spit encrusted on it that had been his reward for
being convicted. He had to put on the shirt and trousers but the jacket could stay
there, he thought, in the box. Once he had dressed a prison officer led him to a small
room.
OFFICER
Sit in there will you Marks, the probation want to
have a word before you get discharged.
So he sat in the small room waiting for seemed like an eternity. Every now and then
an eye would cover the spy hole in the door and hed hear the muffled voices of his
persecutors as they condemned him again. The door was opened and an old woman
entered. He recognised her as the probation officer who had told him that his parole

had come through. That he was being discharged after ten years instead of the fifteen
hed been sentenced.
PROBATION OFFICER.
Now Marks, you know why I am here?
MARKS
I have a feeling yes....
PROBATION OFFICER
I dont like to push the point but we are
very concerned that you are still determined
to return to your previous address.
MARKS
Well if youre that fucking pissed about it keep
me in for a few more years.
PROBATION OFFICER
You know we cant do that, but we dont want
to set you up to fail, thats all.
MARKS
Really? Well, I own that house and I am going to
live in it weather you like it or not.
PROBATION OFFICER
With your victim living just three doors away.
MARKS
What fucking victim? The only victim around here
is me; a victim of British Justice. Do you understand
what Im saying to you?

PROBATION OFFICER
That you are still in a state of denial. Thats very
dangerous
MARKS
Oh fuck off. Look, nothing you can say is going
to prevent me from going home, not you, not this
place, not even fucking Jesus; Ive done my time,

so we might as well finish this right now.

PROBATION OFFICER
There is a lot of opposition in the community about
you returning; It could be a very big mistake. If you
get hurt no one would be responsible except yourself.
Do you remember what happened to Cook?
MARKS
Dont you compare me to that monster, he deserved
everything he got. Not me though, I have been hurt so
bad already that nothing, except death perhaps, could
be worse. So, can I go now; I have some life to catch up
on. You know....LIFE.
PROBATION OFFICER
They might kill you; they feel that strongly. The boy is older
of course, wiser, stronger. What are you going to do if you
bump into him, or his father? It could get very nasty....
MARKS
You have nothing to worry about, If I bump into that
kid again, Ill ask him why he did it.
PROBATION OFFICER
What, grass you up? I think that is obvious.
MARKS
Obvious is it? I dont think so. You lot have been
missing it for fucking ten years. Missing the fact that
his evidence was as flimsy and contradictory as you
could get and that I had been set up by the bastard.
PROBATION OFFICER
I beg your pardon. That boy was thirteen years old
when you.....
MARKS
When I what!
PROBATION OFFICER
...Is it any wonder he got confused in the witness box.
Today kids of that age are shielded from the court,

hidden from the defendant, when they give evidence.

Its not easy you know.
No, I cant believe that a kid of that age would have the
nerve to delude himself so convincingly. Hed not lie about
that...although I do believe you would.
MARKS
Well its none of your bloody business anyway now. So
if you dont mind...
PROBATION OFFICER
Heres the name and address of the office you have to
report to. They want you to go there this afternoon.
If you dont turn up theyll report you; you know what t
hat could mean.
MARKS
Just get on with it will you...
PROBATION OFFICER
Right then, sign this...
(she passes a form across the table
with an envelope)
Heres your discharge grant, thirty five
pounds and twenty nine pence. Theres also a
travel pass thatll get you home.
MARKS
Thanks for nothing...
The probation officer leaves the room and very soon a prison officer enters who calls
Marks. |He is led down a narrow dark corridor, one that looked vaguely familiar; it was
the one hed last seen ten years previously, and at the end of it a row of windows lit up a
narrow wooden door. The officer unlocked the door and sunlight filled the corridor with
a bright haze. Marks steps outside to the world hed previously been snatched from and
the guard whispered..
.YOULL BE BACK.
As the door slammed behind him.

SCENE 3 EXT DAY

A car pulls up beside him and a craggy old man looks out the drivers side window.
OLD MAN
Want a cab Sir, a taxi, to the train station, its quite
a way, no busses out here you know.
MARKS
I suppose I dont have much of a choice then do I.
OLD MAN
Not really Sir; I always come up here first thing. Theres
always one or two of you coming out around this time;
captive market I suppose you could say.
MARKS gets in the back of the vehicle and the driver pulls away. Every now and then he
looks in his rear view mirror and exchanges a kind glance.
...Been doing long have you Sir?
MARKS
Its been ten years....
OLD MAN
Oh, that is a long time, out on parole are you?
MARKS
Yes...
OLD MAN
I went away you know. When I was a young man.
That was a long time ago now but I still remember it
clearly today.
Experiences like that linger in your mind
for the rest of your life; they do.
It was before me and the misses moved down this way.
I suppose we did that to get out of the smoke.
Life was hard then and there was always the temptation
to get involved; if you know what I mean.
I got nicked with the boys from Malta.

Brothers they were and well, you see them earning a few
quid and, well you want it for yourself. It was harder then
of course and even harder in prison.
I bet you never had to live on bread and water did you?
MARKS
(Thinking of the harsh reality hed left behind. The violence,
the psychotic atmosphere, the cruelty, he could remember it all)
No, not bread and water...
OLD MAN
We did, sometimes for months, it was how they used to break
you. Its a basic need isnt it.
The need for food.
Its a basic human right.
I mean they could brainwash you by depriving you of it;
its not like that today is it?
MARKS
(He saw visions of sadistic guards wielding truncheons
and beating the red flesh of broken men. He saw other
prisoners taking roughly sculpted daggers to the eyes
of others. Blood ripping through their guts, entrails and
spittle on the ground, it all came back to him.)
No, its not like that...

OLD MAN
And you missed your family and friends. We didnt have
monthly visitors let alone radios or telephones to keep in
touch. I didnt see my Bess for ages. Oh, she wrote of
course; I suppose you had congenital visits didnt you,
getting your end away regularly, eh, I bet you was?

MARKS
( vision flashed briefly in front of his eyes. Just a fleeting
glimpse before he could squint and suppress it. Heavy

breath on the back of his neck. The bed metal bed post
banging against the cell wall. The pain and loneliness!)
Er, no.

OLD MAN
No, oh well. Here we are. You can get the train from the
platform over there and itll take you all the way into
the city. Theres one every twenty minutes.
MARKS
How much do I owe you?
OLD MAN
Thats a tenner please.
MARKS
Right....
OLD MAN
Did I ask what you went away for; I like to know. You know,
I might have someone famous in the car and not even
know about it.
MARKS
(Handing over a ten pound note and opening the car door.)
Me, Oh, I got six years for buggering a minor; oh, and another
four years for performing an indecent act in a public place,
namely a park bandstand.
Then another five for assaulting a fellow convict,
who deserved it. Bye the way, the assault was the only
one I actually admit to. The other charges were all bollocks.
Good day.
He heard the driver curse him under his breath as he drove away but, Marks thought, he
didnt mind taking the money did he?

SCENE 4 ; EXT DAY.

MARKS gets off a bus and orientates himself to his surroundings. The place looks the
same except the buildings were a little grubbier then hed remembered. He becomes
aware that he is being looked at and gazes across the road to see a group of youths
standing looking at him. MARKS walks on and finds the street he was looking for. As he
begins to walk down it a stone comes over the road and scuttles off the curb near his feet.
MARKS looks around momentarily and continues to walk. Another stone flies over and
this time catches him on the shoulder. He stops and looks around.
MARKS
Whats wrong with you cunts?
ELDER BOY.
Nonce. We dont want you around here...
MARKS
You dont know what youre talking about.
He turns and continues to walk, another stone flies over and hits him again and he starts
to walk faster. Soon he is running as fast as he can aware that the boys were only meters
behind him. Occasionally they got him with a stone and it hurt but he kept on running
until he saw the house he was looking for.
He sped up to the house and ran down the small path that led to its door. The keys were
ready as he stepped into the porch. Suddenly the door was open and he was in. Closing it
with a bang he sighed, relieved that he was home

SCENE 5 INT DAY,

MARKS looks around the house that was his home. The place was in a bit of a mess.
Someone had got in and smashed whatever they could. There was torn paper and broken
glass every where. The sofa in the lounge had been slashed and there was graffiti on the
walls.
MARKS
Oh my god...
He walked over to the window and looked out. He could see the kids there, waiting for
him to go out, waiting to follow him no doubt. MARKS looked a little harder and he saw
standing behind them a grown man, he was smiling and nodding his head towards the
house, talking to a younger man.

GROWN MAN (to younger)

I wondered when you would turn up.
(He whispered under his breath.)
Looking around the room Marks decided to tidy it up as he was going to stay there he
had work to do. The place hadnt been cleaned for ten years and it looked like the birds
and foxes had made it their home .He picks up a broken photograph frame and looks at
the torn picture.
He went to the kitchen and looked under the sink for a bucket. Then her filled it with
water and went to the lounge wall scrubbing at the graffiti as if his life depended on it. To
his surprise the paint came away; it was going to be easier then he thought and this
made him smile.

SCENE 6 INT DAY.

MARKS walks into the office of a middle aged woman who is sitting at a desk. She is in
her forties and still beautiful. He hair swept up off her face and her neat smart attire. She
looked very formal but relaxed. He sat uncomfortably on the chair facing her for a few
awkward moments before she looked up at him smiling.
MARKS
Mrs Martin is it?
JANE
Please call me Jane..
MARKS
Oh, Jane it is then...
JANE
How are you finding it so far?
MARKS
Its good, very good. I had some kids throw stones
at me earlier but it was easier then I thought it was
going to be.
JANE
Perhaps the worst is still to come.
MARKS

Perhaps.

JANE
Are you ready for that?
MARKS
How can anyone be ready for anything? You just
have to deal with these things as and when they arise.
JANE
How about the boy?
MARKS
What does that have to do with it?
JANE
If you run into him., it could be a little tricky.
MARKS
Like the little bastard might say I fucked him again.
JANE
...Well, not quite...

MARKS
Im sorry. You know I didnt do this dont you?
JANE
I have been told that you are in a state of denial;
Im not interested in that, only that you do not make
the same mistakes again.
MARKS
A state of denial, thats ripe. It doesnt matter what
I say does it, you always have some stock answer to it;
some text book psychology that puts everyone in their
own little box, all neat like. It makes me sick.
What about my life eh, no one seems to care about that
do they?

JANE
Im going to try to care; if you let me.

MARKS
Thats big of you. Ill tell you what Im going to do shall I.
Im going to clear my name and when I do you lot will
all have to eat horse shit. Now can I go.
JANE
How do you anticipate doing that, you cant approach
the victim, Wayne Person, thats in youre parole papers.
In fact you cant approach him at all. So, trying to vindicate
yourself is hardly worth risking going back inside for another
five years is it?
MARKS
Are you threatening me?
JANE
Look, look lets start again eh. You have to come and spend
at least half an hour here, with me each week for the next
five years. I will eventually make it once a month and then
every six months as we get to know one another.
So, lets try to do this in a way that will benefit you.
A way that will help you fit back into society.
I do want to help.
MARKS
If thats true then when I start to find out why that kid got
me locked up youll be right there beside me?
JANE
I will do what I can to help, but you have a role in this
too by keeping out of trouble, you have to help yourself.
Is that clear?
MARKS
Dont you worry about that. I will be helping myself. I need
to get a job though, any ideas?
JANE

Let me think about that one. Are you on the phone where
you are?
MARKS
I will be.
JANE
Then let me have your number. Ill see you in one week
then. Same time, is that okay with you?
MARKS
Yes.
JANE
Good, till then , then...

SCENE 7 INT DAY.

MARKS opens his eyes hearing the sound of the telephone ringing. He rubs the sleep
from them and looks at the clock. Its 8.30. Picking up the telephone and placing it to his
ear he hears JANES voice at the end of the line.
JANE
My secretary gave me your number, Im sorry to
call so early but I may have a job for you.
MARKS
Great.
JANE
Can you come to my office later this morning?
MARKS
Sure, about eleven?
JANE
Great, see you then?
MARKS
Fine. (He hears the line go dead and hangs up.)

Getting out of bed he walks to the bathroom and has a pee. It is a brisk, cold morning
and the air freezes on his lips. The house is a little tidy although he has had to throw out
most of his belongings having found shit over a lot of it. Human shit., This made him
think about the prison toilets and how nice it was to be able to piss in private. Going
down stairs he saw that a letter had been delivered which surprised him slightly because
he expected the mail to come later. The letter aroused even more suspicion when he saw
that it did not have a stamp on it and that the address on the front was written in
scrawled handwriting. He walked into the kitchen in his underwear and placed the letter
on the side while he made a cup of tea. Then once the kettle had boiled her sat at his
table and opened the letter.
He only reads the first line before he screwed it up into tight ball and threw it across the
room.

SCENE 8 EXT DAY

Dressed in a suit and tie MARKS opens his front door and steps into the street. He
notices an old woman in the garden next door. She was watering the roses but stopped as
she saw him approaching.
OLD WOMAN
I dont know how you dare hold your head up;
shame on you.
MARKS
And what do you fucking know eh?
OLD WOMAN
I beg your pardon?
MARKS
And so you should, beg that is. You should get on your
fucking knees and beg my fucking pardon for coming
out with such crap. I mean, who the fuck are you?
OLD WOMAN
Ive lived in this street most of my life and I know all
about you my friend. I know all about you; I might be
old but my memory is fine.
MARKS
Obviously you dont know jack shit otherwise youd
keep your fucking mouth shut.

An old man teetering on two walking sticks comes up the neighbours path and stands
beside the woman.
OLD MAN
Do you mind Sir, thats my wife youre talking too.
MARKS
Well you should keep the old cow under control before
she gets you both into serious trouble.
OLD WOMAN
I speak my mind I do, its just that the truth hurts sometimes.
Some people dont want to hear it.
OLD MAN
There, there dear, Ill handle this.
MARKS
If you knew the truth youd hold your vicious tongue.
OLD MAN
We just want to live in peace. Personally I dont give a
damn what you did as long as you leave us alone. Do you hear?
MARKS
Ill leave you alone if you do the same for me, hows that?
OLD MAN
That sounds about right to me....
OLD LADY
But Percy, hes a child....
OLD MAN
...Just give it a rest will you, now go inside I think those
roses have had all the water they need, it is frosty out
here, you shouldnt even be doing it....
The woman does as she is told.
...Take no notice of her, she means no harm. Whatever
happened in the past is just that, history, I dont care if
you did or didnt do it; just leave us alone and well get
on fine.
MARKS

Well I care that I didnt do anything. I care that ten years

of my life was taken from me. I care about that all right.

OLD MAN
I am old, I understand what you are saying. Youll
have to excuse my wife though. Shes beyond sensible
reason. Its the papers you know, they influence peoples
opinion but not me; Ive got an open mind.
MARKS
Good. Thank you. Now good day...

SCENE 9 INT DAY

MARKS walks into an office and sits on a chair which is next to a desk. Shortly after a fat
man in a faded suit [MR BOWLER] walks in smoking a cigarette. He coughs and puts the
cigarette out in an already full ashtray. The form which he is holding is pushed across the
desk towards MARKS.
Mr BOWLER
Just stick your name on the bottom there and Ill tell
you a bit abut the job. How much did the probation tell you?
MARKS
Just that its six quid and hour and Id be painting and
decorating.
MR BOWLER
Thats right; Ive got a team of guys who work on various
sites around the capital, they go where ever they are
needed, now coz theyre all ex-cons its a good idea
to keep your convictions to yourself; theyre not the
brightest of people and it could be a bit tricky if they
know youre a sex pest.
MARKS
Who told you that?
MR BOWLER
I have to know, the probation wouldnt send me anyone
without giving me an indication of their little foibles.

For instance I wouldnt send someone whod been done

for poisoning to make tea for an old peoples home.
Now as I know you have a thing for kids I couldnt possible
put you somewhere you might be tempted like a....
MARKS
I do not Have a thing for kids. I wouldnt call having a
Thing for Kids a foible anyway but lets get one thing
straight right, I am not a child molester....
MR BOWLER
....Im only going by what the probation said...
MARKS
...Well theyre wrong, I was not guilty.
MR BOWLER
Thats what they all say; now dont get all shirty, do you
want this job or dont you?
MARKS
Just as long as we understand each other.
MR BOWLER
I think we do. Now Ill take you over to meet your foreman.
Youll have to report to him each morning and hell tell you
what you should be doing. He signs your time sheet every
day, I must get your timesheet here every Tuesday or you
wont get paid on the Friday. Lets get going. Youll be
working in Clapham this week...

SCENE 10 INT DAY

BOWLER and MARKS walk into a house which is being decorated. There are two young
men in the lounge painting and another on the stairs. The one on the stairs approaches
and holds out his hand to MARKS
BOWLER
Marks, this is Mr Phillips, or Joe to you, Hes your
foreman over this end. Any problems and youll see
him is that clear.

MARKS
Yha, nice to meet you.

JOE
And you son, youll be working in there with the lads,
Mike and Pete, can you use a paintbrush?
MARKS
Ive done a bit in the past.
BOWLER
Youll be okay, just throw it around a bit and dont
splash the furniture.
JOE
Pete!
PETE
Yes Guv?
JOE
This is the new boy, show him where to get some
overalls will you.
PETE
No problem, eh, follow me.
MARKS follows the man into the lounge.
JOE
He dont look like a nonce case does he?
BOWLER
Youd better keep that to yourself; we dont want
any trouble do we?
JOE
He looks like he can handle himself doesnt he?
BOWLER
Youll be all right with him wont you? I dont
want any trouble.
JOE

Sure, just leave him with me, hell be okay....

PETE
Theres your kit, grab a brush from over there and
get going with those skirting, theyre a doddle they are.
When youre finished give me a shout and Ill give
you something else to do.
MARKS
Fine.
After he is dressed in an overall MARKS begins to paint the skirting board as he was
told; shortly after MIKE approaches.
MIKE
Im a bit busy here so could you do me a
favour?
MARKS
Whats that?
MIKE
Pop upstairs and see if Joes got the tin of
striped paint for the ceiling will you?
MARKS
Striped paint?
MIKE
Yha, the blue and black one, hell know what
youre talking about?
MARKS
Are you sure?
MIKE
Yha, hell know the one.
MARKS looks a little confused but puts down his brush and leaves the room. Pete looks
at Mike and sniggers.
PETE

You little bastard?

A few seconds later they hear JOEs voice echoing out around the building.
JOE
I suppose those little cunts are trying to wind me up,
now fuck off and do some work.
MARKS enters the lounge again as Mike and Pete start sniggering .
MARKS
Very funny.
MIKE
Sorry mate, but you gotta have a laugh havent
you?
MARKS
Not at my expense you dont.
PETE
Dont take it so seriously, hes only pulling your
leg.
MARKS
Well Ill be pulling his back when the time is right.
MIKE
Lighten up a bit mate, its only a joke.
MARKS
Ha, bloody ha, ha...

SCENE 11 EXT NIGHT

MARKS is walking down the road to his house when he is aware that someone if
following him. He turns to look but just sees a shadow in the darkness. Walking on he
hears the sound of footsteps approaching and turns suddenly clenching his fist.
MARKS
What do you want?
An old woman startled by his sudden movement holds her bag to her chest.
And lets out a little start.

Oh, I am so sorry, I thought you were.....

WOMAN
You gave me a fright.
MARKS
Sorry, I dont know what came over me...
He watches her disappear into the darkness ahead and continues to walk. Suddenly he is
thumped from behind and staggers forwards, a boot comes out of the bushes at his side
and smashes into his stomach. He falls to the floor and looks up briefly to see the face of
the man he saw yesterday and that of a youth. They run off laughing.
MARKS staggers home and as he comes up his path sees the slogan NONCE in red
paint, two feet high on the side of his house. He opens his front door and goes in.

SCENE 12 INT NIGHT.

MARKS goes to the sink and runs some cold water. He puts a dishcloth in the stream and
places it on his eye. After soothing it for a while he takes of his shirt and nurses a wound
to his elbow.
A few moments later he takes the bucket from under his sink and goes outside to the front
of the house. He scrubs the paint and finds that, being still wet, it comes away easily
although it takes him into the early hours to finish.

SCENE 13 INT DAY.

MARKS walks into the lounge where the two others are painting and dons his overall,
MIKE
What time do you call this?
MARKS
I had a late night.
PETE
The guvs looking for you and he aint
very happy.
MARKS
Oh, so fucking what...

As he speaks JOE comes into the room.

JOE
I WAS WONDERING WHEN YOUD
GET IN!
MARKS
Im sorry, okay, I had a bit of bother last night.
JOE
I can see. Who did that to your eye?
MARKS
Ive got a fair idea.
JOE
Youve not been up to your funny business have
you, coz if you have Ill have to tell Mr Blower.
MARKS
You dont half come out with some crap dont you.
PETE
What does he mean by that?
MARKS
Youre just full of shit.
JOE
Dont you talk to me like that Sonny or youll be out
of here quicker then you can say boo to a goose. I can
see youve had a hard time so Ill forget it this time, but
youve been warned....
PETE
What funny business?
JOE turns and leaves the room.
What funny business?
MARKS
Hes talking a load of bollocks, now forget it.

PETE
Youre not a nonce are you?

MIKE
Just leave it will you.
MARKS
What the fuck are you going on about?
PETE
A nonce?
MIKE
Leave it for fucksake.
MARKS
No, I want to know what Im being accused of?
PETE
Calm down mate. I was only joking.
MARKS
CANT YOU SEE THAT IM IN NO MOOD
FOR JOKING?
PETE
Im sorry okay, lets just forget it.
MIKE
Come on, lets start again shall we?
MARKS
Okay, Im sorry, Its just some arseholes round where
I live, they dont want ex cons in the same street.
MIKE
Im sorry to hear that. What a bunch of cunts, still, you
wont find that sort of grief here will he Pete?
PETE
Youre not wrong. Here, Ill give you a hand with those
tins, theyre the heavy ones.

SCENE.14..EXT..NIGHT
MARKS is making his way home again. At the top of his road he sees a face he knows on
the other side of the road; the youth is looking at him. MARKS crosses the road and the
youth runs away so MARKS starts running too. The youth runs into an alley and MARKS
follows into it. The alley is dark and the sound of his quickening footfalls echo down it as
he pursues the youth.
Coming out the other end he looks up and down and sees the youth disappearing around
a corner at the end of the street. He runs and catches up with the youth.\
MARKS
Come here you. Its Wayne isnt it?
YOUTH
Leave me alone
MARKS
But I want to speak to you...
Just then a torch light is shone on the two and a voice echoes out of the darkness
POLICEMAN
Whats going on here then?
YOUTH
Its him, he just followed me?
MARKS
I only wanted to speak to you.
YOUTH
Let me go.
POLICEMAN
Do as the lad says please.
MARKS lets the youth go and turns to face the policeman.
MARKS

I was attacked last night....

POLICEMAN
And you think this lad has something to
do with it?
MARKS
Im not sure.
YOUTH
Ive never seen him before, honest guv,
can I go now?
POLICEMAN
Go on, off with you...
The young man runs away into the darkness.
Youre name is Marks isnt it?
MARKS
Thats right.
POLICEMAN
If I were you Id stay well away from young men.
Is that clear, Ive got your card marked.
MARKS
Is that right?
POLICEMAN
If you know whats good for you.
MARKS
Last night I had my fucking head kicked in, but you
dont care about that are you, just so long as I
stay away from the lads; thats all youre worried
about.
POLICEMAN
Thats right, now havent you got a home to go to?
MARKS
Fucking hypocrite.
POLICEMAN

Off you go, before you get yourself into more trouble.
MARKS
Oh fuck off...

SCENE..15....INT/.NIGHT
MARKS is at home watching t.v when he hears the letter box open softly. He gets up and
goes to the street door. Pulling a note through the letter box he opens the door and looks
up and down the street. There is no-one around. He closes the door and opens the note
that had been pushed through. In scrawled handwriting he read;
All the answers youre looking for are at the park.
Try looking at the track...
He screwed the paper up and went to the kitchen to make some tea.

SCENE..16..INT/.DAY
MARKS is sitting in JANES office. She becomes aware of his eyes on her legs and pulls
her skirt down.
JANE
And hows the job going?
MARKS
Its okay, the lads give me a ribbing sometimes
but its only to be expected.
JANE
And what about the boss, is he treating you okay?
MARKS
Well he wouldnt get any awards for maintaining
confidentiality; but beside s that hes okay.
JANE
How did you get the black eye?

MARKS
Just some kids locally, they thought theyd tell me
that I wasnt welcome.
JANE
Well we did expect something like that.
MARKS
Its not as bad as I thought it would be.(pause)
Are you in a relationship with anyone?
JANE
We are here to talk about you, not me, so thats
hardly relevant.
MARKS
Well I think its totally relevant. I mean, have you never
read Berns,
Im Okay, Youre not Okay.
Isnt it about being on the same level as your client,
modelling their behaviour. You can hardly do that
if you are up in some lofty ivory tower now can you?

JANE
Thats so if you are into Berns. I personally dislike
the humanistic model and prefer a
psychodynamic approach...
MARKS
Analytical eh? Just blame it on the parents. They say
Freud was into his daughter, have you read that?
Thats why he came up with his thoughts on penis envy,
he was projecting it upon her.
JANE
Youve read a great deal.
MARKS
Not much else to do when youre banged up at night;
unless youre into fucking youre cell mate that is.
Personally I never was.
JANE

Dont they call that institutional Homosexuality?

MARKS
I dont know, we always called it giving your cellie one.
Some guys got into it. Some were almost married
on the wing. Youd see it all the time with lifers;
I guess the system does it to them.
JANE
Or it is there already and the system gives it an
opportunity to come out...
MARKS
..Of the closet? No, if that was the case everyone
would be at it surely.
JANE
How about you?
MARKS
Theres nothing queer about me. Ive never taken it
up the arse or wanted to shovel shit. My sexuality is
totally straight thank you very much.
JANE
Your history does disagree of course.
MARKS
Oh of course, you would say that wouldnt you. I mean
if you, for one moment, considered the opposite youd
have to admit that the whole fucking system is crap wouldnt
you. So, just fucking carry on being blind to the fucking truth,
like the rest of them.
JANE
Im sorry, I didnt mean to upset you. (pause) Tell me about
yourself, it may help me not to make the same mistake
in future.
MARKS
What do you want to know?

JANE
Have you any siblings, what about other family, relationships,
that sort of thing?
MARKS
I was sixteen when I left home and that was the last time
I saw my folks. Theyre still in Ireland where I grew up.
It was partly the troubles and partly the violence at home
that made me run away. I came to England and never
looked back. When I was twenty I came here and started
working for a local cab firm to make some money. I used
to do a bit of this and that and earned a few quid along the
way, thats how I bought the house. Then I got involved
with a young woman. We were very close, her name
was Mary. A good catholic woman.
We lived together for a few months and then I got nicked.
I couldnt hold on to her once that had happened.
She stayed with me until the trial and then she went.
That was over ten years ago, I dont know where she is
now. What about you?
JANE
I left home when I was twenty to go to university. I got
into the Probation Service after getting my CQSW.
It was that or social work, which I didnt fancy.
My parents live in Northampton. I see them about
every six weeks.
MARKS
And your love life?
JANE
That would be telling wouldnt it. Tell me about
the offence.
MARKS
What do you want to know thats not already on file?
JANE
Thats the official version of what happened. You keep
saying its not the real version of events so what is

the truth as far as youre concerned?

MARKS
How much time have you got?
JANE
As long as it takes.
MARKS
Well, where do I start?

SCENE. 17EXT..DAY
We find MARKS walking a dog in the park.
MARKS NARRATION
Its summer time, well, the end of summer. The trees are just turning brown after a
long hot spell that turned the grass brown and the soil dry. It had been oppressively hot
and I was glad that the temperatures had dropped. It felt comfortable again. We, myself
and Mary, had a small dog called Chrispy. She was a friendly little thing and had the
habit of sniffing people out inquisitively. Getting used to their smells. Shes never
sniff a strangers crutch, just around their feet.
She enjoyed meeting strangers and sniffing their feet for some reason. Anyway, there
we were in the park, the one by the Eastbrook pub. It goes down at the back where
theres a lake and a bandstand. Chrispy liked to jump into the lake when it was hot but
this day she just wanted to sniff out some kids that were in the bandstand.
They were very friendly, two boys aged about fifteen or sixteen. They were stroking her
and giving her the sort of attention that dogs love. I asked why they werent at school
and they looked at each other as if to say, without words of course, that they were
bunking off. That was the first time Id met him;
Wayne Person, and his younger friend, Smithy.
A few days later I was walking Chrispy again in the same park but around the other
side of the lake. Theres a small play area where a play leader has a hut and he keeps
balls and nets in there for the kids to use during the summer holiday. I was just
walking past and Chrispy had just done what dogs do the best, when I heard a aloud
scream.

There was a real commotion and I went towards the hut to see what was going on.
Inside I caught this play leader guy giving one of the kids Id seen earlier in the week;
a real good hiding. He was kicking shit out of the boy.
I called for him to stop but he was a powerful, fit guy and the damage had already
been done. After I called out to him the man threw Wayne against the door and he ran
off. The play leader said after that hed caught Wayne selling drugs to a younger kid
and went on to justify his actions by saying hed lose his licence if he got caught and
that this would spoil it for all the other kids.
Well I could appreciate what he was saying but I thought he had gone over the top bit.
Even though I did not say anything else he suddenly turned on me and in the most
offensive way possible told me to fuck off.
Later that day I saw Wayne sitting on a bench crying. Well Chrispy found him and I
sort of just got involved. I made the mistake of thinking I could help the boy change his
druggy lifestyle if I befriended him.
What a fool I was.
I took him home and told Mary what had happened and we tried to counsel the lad
about the dangers of taking drugs and that. Soon, after a cup of tea, I asked if he lived
close by and this sort of freaked him out; he got up and left suddenly. He didnt even
take his coat as he was in such a rush. Mary said shed put it away as no doubt wed
see him again.
The next time I did see him was the following weekend, it was raining, the sky was
black and moody like it was going to streak with lightening at any moment. Mary had
persuaded me to take the dog out again and although it was raining heavily she had
not been out all day and she was getting pretty jumpy. We were going past the play
leaders hut when I saw a young boy smoking a cigarette outside. I thought they might
have seen Wayne so I went over to it.
Strangely the boy saw me coming and kicked heavily on the Play-leaders hut and he
came out looking really pissed off. I could see over his shoulder a group of boys were
in the hut with him and they came out to look. He went mad saying that I had no right
to be on the play ground and that I must have been a nonce or a sex beast or
something. He kept saying it over and over again
Youre into little boys arent you... and Youre a nonce case aint cha... Over and
over again, screaming loudly. It was so strange I couldnt even explain what I wanted
or who I was looking for.
I picked Chrispy up and headed away from him pretty quickly, I mean, its not the sort
of thing anyone wants to be called is it. A few minutes later I heard a whistle and when

I turned around d there was this boy Wayne. He was cold and wet and his face was
really swollen. He came running up to me and asked me to help him. Pleading for
help. I wasnt sure what I could do.
The bandstand was nearby and we ran to it to get out of the rain. Once we were there
the boy just broke down and cried uncontrollably. I tried to find out what was wrong
but he just sobbed and sobbed and it was impossible to get any sense out of him.
I said that we had his coat at home and that he was welcome to come there and then to
collect it and spend a bit of time with me and Mary till he had calmed down. He was
very paranoid looking over his shoulder the whole time and being anxious. He said he
would come eventually and as we came down the steps from the bandstand I saw the
Play-leader coming towards up. Wayne just ran.
This guy, this bloody arsehole, then came up to me and punched me in the fucking
face. I mean today Id kill the bastard but then, I was just so shocked. He said Stay
away from these kids... and then went off. The next time I saw Paul it was in court.

SCENE 17 INT DAY.

Jane sat back in her chair and sighed.
JANE
He was the boy who made the disclosure
about you?
MARKS
Lied about me, yes.
JANE
Why would he do that?
MARKS
I have thought about that every day for the past
ten years. In those days there was a lot in the
media about child abuse and the need for professionals
to listen to kids. It was around the time that there
had been a couple of sensational child murders and
neglect cases where the professionals had been criticised
for not acting quickly enough or for not listening to
the kids they were caring for. It was like this laid a

foundation for the court to listen a little too hard to

the kids and not take into account anything else. I think
today they are a bit more fair-minded about these things,
but then it was a different story.

JANE
What makes you think things have changed?
MARKS
I read the papers you know, I think the courts have got
to the stage where they accept that kids can be little
bastards if they want as well as little angels. I dont
think uncollaborated testimony would stand up in
court like it did back then.
The jury thought I was guilty before I even got into
the dock and then, there was little Wayne telling his
heart rendering story and just banging the nails home.
I was dead and buried before the defence even spoke a word.
JANE
Interesting, although I am not sure if I agree with your
views on the verdict...
MARKS
But you would say that wouldnt you. Being the
courts representative you couldnt collude with me
to doubt the jurys verdict, no, no. That wouldnt
do would it?
JANE
No, I couldnt, collude, with you. Shall we meet next
week at the same time?
MARKS
If you want, and guess what?
JANE
What?
MARKS
Its my first pay-day, how about if I take you
to dinner?

JANE
Im not sure about that, after all, we do not really
know each other yet. Lets spend a little more time
in this office first; Im not turning you down forever,
just for now. It will give you something to
work towards...
MARKS
You should have been a Social Worker. Okay, point
taken, Ill work towards buying you a meal if
you work towards trusting me more; agreed?
JANE
Agreed.........

SCENE 18 INT NIGHT.

MARKS is at home watching the six PM news. The main story was about prison riots in
London and there was footage of men on rooftops throwing tiles at screws down below.
MARKS shook his head remembering the savagery of the prison wing. He remembered
walking across a landing one day and seeing a screw getting boiling water thrown in his
face. The way his skin blistered and started to peal, the screams of agony, then the bells
sounding and a huge mob of them running into the wing. They were smashing truncheons
into the faces of any cons that were within reach and the whole place was like Bedlam or
Hell...Suddenly he heard the door bell.
MARKS gets up and goes to the front door. Looking through the spyhole he saw no one in
the evening light. Gingerly he opened the door and found a young red haired boy on a
bicycle looking at him. The boy was dressed in tight fitting top and looked no more then
twelve years old.
MARKS
Yes, can I help you?
BOY
Can I come in, like?
MARKS
Come in, what for?
BOY
Well, just come in like, if you want?

MARKS
I dont understand? Do you want to use the
toilet or something?
BOY
No.
MARKS
Well what then?
BOY
I thought youd want me to come in.
Keep you company like. I know
youre on your own.
MARKS
Look, if this is some sort of joke I dont
find it very funny?
BOY
Dont you like me then?
MARKS
What?
BOY
Dont you fancy me ? I thought youd fancy me;
being a batty boy and that...
MARKS
I dont know who sent you here but you had
better fuck off before I lose my temper.
BOY
Okay then, if you dont want it, Ill go away..
MARKS
Yes, why dont you do that you little fucking
moron. Go on, turn your little fucking bike
around and bugger off. Bye...
The boy turns and rides away.
...Prick. Whatever next?

MARKS goes back to the lounge and continues to watch the news. Lighting a cigarette he
thinks about what had just happened and flicks through the channels. Just then another
ring at the doorbell disturbs him.
..I dont believe this.
He gets up and goes to the door. Looking through the spyhole he is surprised to see a
policeman standing outside with a man in a raincoat. MARKS opens the door.
MAN IN RAINCOAT
My name is DC Pointer; this is constable
James; we believe that you have a young
boy in there and we want to know what
you are doing?
MARKS
You fucking cunts, youre trying to set me
up arent you?
DC POINTER
Do you mind telling us what you are doing?
MARKS
Im sticking a carrot up his arse while
balancing on his fucking bicycle, what do
you think I am doing?
DC POINTER
You do know thats illegal dont you?
MARKS
What balancing on a bicycle, sorry, I must tell
my auntie, she does it all the time.
DC POINTER
Step aside and let us in please.
MARKS
Yes, why not, and bring the uniformed officer
with you; thats right, in you come...
The step inside and MARKS closes the door after them. POINTER looks around and tells
the officer to go upstairs to search the bedroom.
POINTER

Where is he then?
MARKS
Who, where is who?
POINTER
The young boy, where is he?

MARKS
He...He is exactly where you have sent him next.
POINTER
Look Marks, I dont know what your game is but I
am finding it very un- funny.
Now, did you or did you not just confess to having
a young boy in here...
UNIFORMED OFFICER
...A boy who you were sexually assaulting with a carrot?
POINTER
.If there is a boy in here, where is he?
MARKS
Im glad that you are not finding it at all funny,
because I am not finding it funny either.
First of all you send a young kid around here...
POINTER
...We did what?
MARKS
...Then you bang on my door accusing me of
Doing things with him..
POINTER
..Now look here...

MARKS
Then you barge your way in here and accuse me
of secreting him somewhere as if Im playing some

bloody awful game. Now what am I,

a fucking cunt or something?
POINTER
Im sorry but you have it all wrong. We were called
by an anxious parent who said they saw you dragging
a kid in here no less then half an hour ago.
We were just investigating that report as we would...
MARKS
Who said they saw me dragging a kid in here?
POINTER
...As we would with any report of that nature..
MARKS
WHO SAID THEY SAW ME!
POINTER
Im sorry, I cant divulge that information.
MARKS
Who said they saw me?
UNIFORMED OFFICER
You heard the officer. We are not at liberty to
divulge that information...
MARKS
RIGHT THEN! Out, go on, theres the door,
get out of my house...
POINTER
Now Sir, we are only doing our job, theres no
need to take that tone...
MARKS
No need? What the fuck are you on. Now get the
fuck out of my fucking house before I really loose it.
UNIFORMED OFFICER
Youd want us to do it if it was one of your children;
wouldnt you?

MARKS
OUT, out, out...
UNIFORMED OFFICER
His own kids, thats a laugh. Hes not fit to be a
parent Guv...
POINTER
Come on officer, before we have to nick him for
breach of the peace.
MARKS
You are not fit to be a police officer; if you were
youd know when someone was using you to get
at me. Is that clear; youre nothing but a pawn in
someones sick game...
POINTER
Whats that youre saying?
marks
You heard, youre just being used like they were
the first time; manipulated to get at me; some kid
strings you a line and you fall for it every time...
POINTER
Only time will tell if thats the case, good night to you...
MARKS
Good night, piss off...

SCENE 21 INT/.DAY
MARKS Is in the house painting with his two companions. They have done the emulsions
and the woodwork, They are all concentrating on the window frames.
PETE
Its really coming along now isnt it? Even with
Paddy on board weve managed to get the job done.
MIKE
Dont know about that, it does look wicked.,

what do you think Mate?

MARKS
Great, just fucking great, now what did you
mean by that...?
PETE
Oh, some ones in a bad mood, cant take a joke.
MARKS
Oh fuck off...
PETE
Dont get stroppy with me mate or Ill empty this
fucking tin of pain over your fucking head.
MARKS
Well come on then, you stupid cunt, come on. Ive
had it up to here with you lot. Im fucking sick of it...
PETE
Come on you fucking thick, Irish bastard. Dont just
say it, giving it the mouth all the time, lets see
some action.
JOE {Coming into the room}
Whats all the noise about?
PETE
Ask that silly bastard. The thick, Irish knob cant
take a joke
MARKS
You fucking arsehole, thats all you are. A fucking,
stupid arsehole and I dont have to take this
type of crap of you or anyone.
PETE
If I was a kid youd take it though wouldnt you.
Ive heard you like to take it off kids..
MIKE
Come off it Pete...

MARKS
What do you mean by that, eh, what do you
fucking mean by that?
PETE
Look in the paper if you can read; they say that
youre not only a Thick Mick, youre also a
nonce as well.
JOE
Shut up you! Does someone mind telling me
whats going on here?
MARKS
Ill tell you shall I. Im sick of him, Im sick of
doing this and Im fucking sick to the teeth of
the papers? Do you know what? If I had a gun
Id either rob a bank or blow my fucking brains out.

PETE
Know the I.R.A as well do you mate? If you did
blow your brains out youd be doing us all a favour.
JOE
Shut the fuck up will you man! Now I can see
you need to chill out a bit Marks , do you want
to go outside for a break.
MARKS
Chill out, youre fucking right there...
JOE
Where are you going?
MARKS
To fucking chill out...
PETE
Let him go..
JOE
What about the job?

MIKE
Just leave him, hell come back when hes
calmed down..
JOE
What have I said about you boys winding him up!
MIKE
And coming out with that shit about the papers;
thats wasnt very nice.
PETE
Its fucking true I tell you, I saw it in the local newspaper.
JOE
Well you should have kept it to yourself, I never
had you down as one who believed everything
he saw in the bloody local rag. I dont think hell
ever come back you know what its like when
you come out the can, you just cant take it...
PETE
Except if its up the arse, eh Mike?
MIKE
Leave it out man.
PETE
...Seriously, hell come back, you wait and see...
JOE
He fucking better or the guys at NACRO will have
our grant; you wait and see...

SCENE 22 EXT DAY.

We find MARKS looking frantically through a local newspaper, being watched cautiously
by the newspaper stand keeper. until he finds the story on page four. Accompanied by an
old photograph, there it was, raking the past up like a bad memory. He read the headline
and gritted his teeth. The first few lines gave him the gist of the whole piece; Sex
monster returns to haunt his victims
MARKS
Bastards.

He screws the paper up.

NEWSPAPER STAND OWNER
Are you going to buy that?
MARKS
I wouldnt wipe my arse with it...
He throws the paper back down upon a pile of others and walks off.
SCENE 24 EXT DAY
MARKS steps into his street and slows down as he looks ahead and sees a police car.
Then looking further along the road he sees a group of people standing opposite his
home. He knew they were there waiting for him and for a second he stood wondering if
he should go any further. Part of him wanted to turn around and run but the other, fuelled
by determination and anger forced him to walk forwards and face the mob.
They saw him coming and a group of very young kids ran down towards him screaming
obscenities frantically called back by fat slags pushing yet more children in tatty
pushchairs. The group were mainly women but the odd man was scattered in their mists,
Beer bellied and unshaven they loitered with snarls on their faces and clenched fists. An
older teenager here and there spat across the road as MARKS got closer and the few
policemen in attendance held the mob back.,
Nonce they cried, Sex case, shirt lifter.....
One, buried deep in the mob, threw a milk bottle which smashed at MARKS heel. The
glass shattered around his feet and he kicked a fragment that then flew through the ai.r
Go back to prison you Bastard. A woman shouted as MARKS turned slightly and stuck
two defiant fingers up to the crowd.
He fumbled for his door keys and as he slide the Yale key home an old tomato splattered
against the door covering him in stale tomato. He wiped his face and got in as fast as
possible before slamming the door behind him.
Stepping into the lounge he peered outside the window before pulling the curtains closed.
Before the last bit of light was stopped from invading the room MARKS noticed the
unmistakable yellow plastic jacket of a policeman coming up his path.
MARKS
What now....
He went to the street door upon hearing the sharp rapping on the door knocker.

..What do you want?

POLICEMAN
Can you open the door please sir.
MARKS
Can I what?
POLICEMAN
Can you open the door please?
MARKS sighs and pulls the door open slightly.
POLICEMAN
Is your name Nial Marks?
MARKS
Of course it is, what do you want?
POLICEMAN
Ive been told to come and offer you
protective custody.
MARKS
Protective what?
POLICEMAN
Protective custody, You can come with me to
stay in a police cell. For your own protection.
MARKS
Is this a fucking joke?
POLICEMAN
I dont think so sir, look at them
(gestures to the crowd)
They really want your blood.
Youll be safe with us.
MARKS
Ive just spent ten years behind bars and now
youre wanting me to go and do more
voluntarily?
Youre fucking having a laugh aint ya?

POLICEMAN
No sir, its something we can offer all sex offenders now.
MARKS
So you can keep your beady eyes on them I bet,
well Id rather be eaten by that lot then volunteer
to go with you thank you very much.
Oh, and Im not a sex offender.
POLICEMAN
Yha, thats right . We cannot guarantee your
safety out here you know?
MARKS
So fucking what? Do you think I really give a shit,
now piss off before I really get angry.

The policeman walks away shaking his head as MARKS steps outside.
...And you can tell those cunts that if any of them,
any of them, come near me or my property
Ill not be responsible for their fucking safety;
is that clear?
He slams the door and goes back into the lounge to peer out of the window again.
NARRATION
The fucking arseholes, with their shitty clothes and their shitty kids, their shitty
language and their fucking shit filled brains. Thats right, smirk at me, call me names,
tell me that Im a fucking monster because while youre doing it you dont have to
think about the misery that exists in your shallow little lives.
Thats right, you in the blue, you, the one with the fag hanging out your mouth and the
screaming brat at your knee. What gives you the right to stand outside my house and
condemn me. What gives you the right to snarl and spit, kiss your teeth with snotty
contempt and teach your kids the same behaviour.
Because at the end of the day, when judgement comes, itll be you thats accused of
fucking kids heads up, not me. Itll be you whos said to be the monster, the destroyer
of kiddie heaven.

Ill be with the blessed soul who lived this hell called life to appreciate the wonders of
the next Death. What about you? The fat bastard in the ill fitting shirt. The gormless
twat of a man standing over a pram occupied by the fruit of your loins. What a sour
lemon thatll be.
Rock that little baby with your thick tattooed fingers and smile your toothless smile,
rock that small child with your violent fists and show it what a horrible life it is
growing into. A life filled with hate, a life filled with racism, with homophobia; hate
against women and anything else that stands out.
Show it what a dog you are and what a bitch life can be.
Howling in the wind like a brute on a leash. What sort of induction is that to a child.
What does it teach it about compassion, friendliness, what will it tell that child about
mankind, about human relationships? FUCK ALL, itll just creat another generation
of psychopaths.
Yha, you can scream your abuse; you can point your criminal fingers my way. You can
hiss my name behind cupped hands or shout it loud in the street of shame. You can
wish me dead for all I care and still not know my truth. For behind these shallow eyes,
behind the wrinkled skin; behind the hate fuelled gossip lives a proud man.
Me, I have nothing to feel ashamed about. I will meet my god with the same pride that
I have today. It is you who should be condemned, not I....

SCENE. 25 INT...DAY
MARKS looks across the table and lights a cigarette. JANE waves her hand in front of
her face as he puffs smoke in her direction.
JANE
I didnt know you smoked.
MARKS
Well, now you do...
There followed a long pause as MARKS smokes the cigarette down to the tip and pushes
it out in the ashtray.
JANE
Are you upset about loosing the job?
MARKS
Not particularly....

JANE
I have spoken to Joe, he is prepared to give
you another chance.
MARKS
Thats big of him.
He takes another cigarette and sparks it up. The smoke hangs in the air like the thick
silence between the two. JANE is uncomfortable with the silence which MARKS enjoys.
He maintains it just to see her looking de-skilled; suddenly she cant stand it any more.
JANE
You seem to be smoking a lot today.
MARKS
Havent you heard, it steadies the nerves.
JANE
Look, are you going to tell me what is bothering
you or are you going to carry on like this until
I have no choice but.....
MARKS
...But what! Throw me back in jail, parade me in
front of the magistrate and revoke my license?
Is that what youll do. And you wonder why I
dont trust you. How can I when youre prepared
to flush me down the bog at the first sign of trouble.

JANE
...To end this interview, I was going to say. I have
no power to put you back in jail and I dont think I
want to. All I know is that during the time we have
been meeting I have been taken by your honesty.
I thought you did trust me and it saddens me to hear
that you dont. Now I know something is on your mind
and perhaps if you share it with me it might help.
Help you to get it off your chest and help me develop
some insight into what bothers you.

MARKS
Im sorry, I didnt mean to be so unkind; if its any
consolation I didnt mean it.
JANE
It is. Now what is bothering you?
MARKS
Only if you promise to have dinner with me next week.
JANE
Im not sure.
MARKS
Please, come on, Ill open my heart right now if you
just give me that pleasure? Quid pro quo.
JANE
Oh, go on then. How can I refuse when its put like that?
Quid pro quo.
MARKS
Right then, great. I feel better already.
JANE
Come on, open your heart. I want my moneys
worth you know.
MARKS
It was nothing really, just an article I saw in the
newspaper last week. It said I was a monster or
something, coming back to haunt my victims.
That really hurt you know, seeing that in print.
Well I can just about put up with verbal abuse
but when its in the paper it kinda gets under
your skin.
JANE
That must have been horrible.
MARKS
Yha, and you know what, since then Ive had this
24 hour vigil outside my house like Im some sort
of werewolf or something. First of all it was a large

crowd of mothers and fathers with their babies in prams.

Then it was just the fathers and the older teenagers
and now it the bloody church. Religious nutters who
throw holy water over me whenever I go to put
the rubbish out.
JANE
Im so sorry, I didnt know, you should have told
me earlier. Do you want me to see if I can get you
into temporary accommodation?
MARKS
No I do not.
JANE
I guess were not having dinner at your place?
MARKS
Yha, youll have to take me somewhere Ive never
been to before.
JANE
Okay, Ill think about that one. Let me phone you
next week.
MARKS
Great. Thats great. You wont forget will you?
JANE
No, I wont forget.
MARKS
Excellent, well, till next week?
JANE
Right you are. If youre sure I cant do anything to
relieve the problems at home?
MARKS
Youve done enough; thank you....

SCENE.27EXT.DAY
MARKS is carrying some milk and a newspaper towards his home. He looks ahead and
sees the small crowd on the other side of the road to his house. They consist of two
women and a man who is holding a bible. The man sees MARKS coming and suddenly
starts to sing a hymn about evil in the world. MARKS finds the scene bizarre and crosses
the road to speak to them. The man recoils in horror as he approaches and holds the
bible up for protection. One of the women crosses herself.
MARKS
If only you knew how stupid you look.
MAN
Get behind me Satan..
WOMAN # 1
OUR FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN...
MARKS
Cant you just go home now, I mean, no
one is interested.
MAN
HALLOWED BE THY NAME..
MARKS
Its not as if anyone else gives a shit except you lot...
WOMAN # 2
GOD is interested; he is always interested
when EVIL manifests its self.
MARKS
Youre talking out your arse...
WOMAN
Holy mother of Mary, hes wallowing in profanity.
MARKS
Shut up, you silly cow. I mean, whats all this
supposed to prove? We all get it that you
believe in God.
MAN
GOD will not tolerate your EVIL. Were here to
ram the message home.

WOMAN # 1
And show the local kiddies that we will
protect them.
MARKS
Really, I think it just makes you look like a bunch
of prats. Still, at least I wont get burgled with you
lot out here, keep up the good work.
MAN
We will not go until you have been banished from
this God fearing community.
MARKS
Youll be here a long time then, youd better get
some sandwiches...

As he crosses the road a milk bottle crashes at his feet, the glass sprays everywhere as
MARKS looks around. The god squad are looking down the road and he does the same to
see a young man running away laughing.
...You think thats funny do you?
He puts down his pint of milk and chases the man. He puts up a good speed and it does
not take long before hes over a fence chasing the man across a nearby playing field. The
young man is laughing all the time even as MARKS is right behind him as the two run
behind some old out-buildings on the other side of the field. MARKS trips the man up and
they both fall to the ground.
...So you thought that was funny did you...
He turns the man over onto his back, the two look each other in the eyes but MARKS is
intrigued when he sees the young man peers over MARKS shoulder. He looks around and
finds the shadow of three men falling across him...
...Oh shit.
SCENE..29.INT/.NIGHT.
JANE is looking over a table towards MARKS. The table has a white cloth on it and a
single rose in a glass stand. The silver cutlery has been placed in readiness for the meal.
JANE

Do you want to tell me how you got your black eye?

MARKS
Not really.
JANE
How about the cut on your nose, oh, that does
look sore. I bet you werent bashed by the
god squad?
MARKS
Not unless theyve taken to wearing steel toe
capped boots.
JANE
If Im not mistaken thats the second time youve
been beaten up since your release.
MARKS
You are not mistaken...
A waiter arrives and gives both a menu.
WATER
Would Sir like some wine perhaps?
MARKS
Ill have a cold beer if you have any..
WAITER
Only bottled.
MARKS
Thatll do nicely.
JANE
Ill have a glass of wine. Mmmm, the lamb looks good.
MARKS
Im not sure.
JANE
How long are you going to put up with it, I mean, next
time it could be serious.

MARKS
I am not going to be frightened away. If I had anything
to be guilty about I would, but as I havent they
can go and fuck themselves.
WAITER
Sir, your beer, and a glass of wine for you madam.
Have you decided on your starters?
JANE
Ill just have the lamb please.
MARKS
Can I have the beef please {looking at Jane}
Its not all Nuevo Cuisine is it?
The portions are too small for my liking.
WAITER
All the meals are served with a variety of vegetables Sir.
MARKS
Good, thank you.
JANE
So how long will you have to put up with this punishment?
MARKS
Im not sure although it has occurred to me that its
not all incidental. You see a couple of things have
happened recently which seem orchestrated.
Like someone is writing a plan and Im the main
character in it. Last week a young boy arrived on
my doorstep and invited himself in, just as I told
him to fuck off two old bill arrived expecting to
find me screwing the bastard.
It was weird. And the story in the papers, I dont think
that was the result of intrepid reporting, no, someone
gave them that story and wanted to set up the aggro
that occurred since. Its not all come together yet but
Im sure Im on to something..
JANE
Being paranoid perhaps?

MARKS
Who me? I gave up paranoia the day I came out of rule
43. Lifes too short. Did anyone ever tell you that you
have beautiful eyes?
JANE
Yes, my father.
MARKS
Have you got a man in your life, except me?
JANE
No. I am foot loose and fancy free. I guess it was because
I spent a lot of time studying and then I put a lot of energy
into my career. No time for men Im afraid..
MARKS
Thats sad. I guess were both the same in that respect,
having been tied up for a good few years. Missing out on life...
JANE
..And love.
MARKS
Ive not been with a woman for a long time; when I was
inside I thought itll only be a couple of days before I met
someone and fell into bed with them but lifes not like that.
JANE
Making relationships is the hardest thing. Surely Nial,
you have some girls you can look up dont you, a good
looking fellow like you?
MARKS
No one wants to get involved with a jail bird; particularly
a sex case. Its worse then being found guilty of murder.
Do you really think Im good looking?
JANE
Very good looking, and sweet with it. I cant imagine you
doing what they said.
MARKS
Thank you. I didnt you know. Oh you dont believe me
now but you will. Ill find out one day...

JANE
But surely the truth would have come out during your trial,
they just dont lock people up with out going into it first?
MARKS
Dont they. Well Im living proof that they do. In my case
they just wanted to hang someone and I was the best target
they had; it was all based on the evidence of one person.
Thats British Justice for you. I guess if Id been British
it may have been different but back then all Irish
people were monsters.
Killers and Rapists, it fitted in with the medias view of
the world. I would never have been convicted if I was
tried in Ireland or Eire.
WAITER
Madame, your lamb, and Sir, the beef. Would you like
your potatoes roasted or boiled?
MARKS
Boiled
JANE
Roasted....
They both giggle...
..This wine is going to my head.
{She reaches out for her glass and knocks it over. MARKS stands suddenly
and mops up the wine with his napkin but the waiter gestures for him to sit
again as he mops the last up with a small towel}
Im sorry. Im dropping everything tonight.
MARKS
Really, you better invite me back to your place.
JANE
Hmm, not everything.
MARKS
Come on, what have you got to loose, were two adults,

two lonely adults.

JANE
Speak for yourself; besides, I could get into trouble.
MARKS
I wont tell anyone.
JANE
Please stop it, please?
MARKS
Couldnt you pretend that were friends just for once; instead
of client and probation officer?
JANE
We are friends but I must have some boundaries; it
wouldnt be fair otherwise.
MARKS
Fair to who?
JANE
To you of course...
MARKS
Please?
JANE
No.
MARKS
Please?
JANE
No, no...

SCENE.30..INT/.NIGHT
We find them in bed making love.
JANE
...No...No...Ahhhh no. Oh YES. Please.
Yes..yes..yes.

They roll over and she looks out of the window as the sun rises. He curls up beside her
and kisses her gently on the cheek.
MARKS
Are you okay?
JANE
I feel really guilty, I should never had done this.
MARKS
Please, dont say that. It wasnt that bad was it?
JANE
Of course not, you were the most considerate lover
Ive ever known. I just think my job should
have come first.
MARKS
Instead we both came together...
JANE
Ha ha, very funny. (Throws pillow at him.)
Look, Ive got to go to work.
You can stay here if you want.
MARKS
No, Ill go with you. I have some things to do
today. Can I see you again?
JANE
I guess this is going to get in the way of our
Professional Relationship.
Ill need to think about it.
MARKS
Thanks.
JANE
For what?
MARKS
For not blowing me out. Owe you one.
JANE

Yes, I think that you do.

SCENE.31EXT..DAY
We find MARKS walking through the street with a smile on his cut and bruised face. He
appears to be a man without troubles today. Thinking of how they left each other that
morning.....
JANE
Ive got to go now.... Thank you for last night.
MARKS
It was nothing. So....
JANE
So....
MARKS
Ill phone you later in the week?
JANE
Yha, Id like that. I would have....
MARKS
...Thought about things?
JANE
...You got it. Its not you, its me. I just have to decide
if I can handle this....
MARKS
I understand. Youll miss your train.
JANE
Oh, yha. Look I....
MARKS
...What?
JANE
....Er, just phone me please. See you.
MARKS
No problem. Bye.

JANE
Bye.....
He stops thinking and concentrates on his journey again.
He turns into the street not far from his house where a couple of shops are situated.
Going inside the newsagent to buy some cigarettes and a paper something catches his
eye.
SHOPKEEPER
That will be three fifty please.
MARKS
Do what.
SHOPKEEPER
Three fifty, for the fags and paper.
MARKS takes a five pound note from his wallet and throws it down on the counter before
leaving the shop.
....Your change Sir. Ah. Ignorant Bastard.
He leaves the shop and looks across the road. He sees the young boy that came to his
house less than a week ago who was trying to set him up. The boy was on a bicycle and
chatting with another boy across the road. MARKS crosses it and approaches them, they
do not see him coming and ride off slowly.
MARKS does not call out but follows them swiftly. He has a feeling that they are heading
towards the park.

NARRATION
It was him, the lad that had tried to set me up the other night just before Hinge and
Bracket arrived expecting me to be elbow deep in Vaseline. Expecting to find the boy
spread like Marmite across my bed sheets. There he was confirming that the incident
was not a dream but actually happened, Id doubted my sanity such was the unreal
quality of the incident.
Now he appears to be heading to the park as if butter wouldnt melt in his mouth. If
anyone were to see him theyd think Hes a nice boy Theyd say Doesnt he look
sweet, ah bless him. Theyd see his shiny combed hair and his spotless skin and the
neat and cleanly pressed clothes and theyd say What a smashing lad.

They wouldnt know that this kid would send me to prison, charged with the most
hideous of crimes to be beaten every day and have spit in my food at every meal.
Theyd not see the mind full of spite and the rock hard heart that would sell a man for
the price of a packet of cigarettes.
Theyd not know his selfishness. And there he was, no more then a hundred yards
away, casually enjoying his world; with no thought of the horror he could have created
for me.
I was unsure what to do. I could have picked up a club and beaten the bastard within
an inch of his life but then I thought, hes a kid and WE DONT HIT KIDS DO WE? I
could have grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him until his eye- balls rattled in
their spheres. Until his tongue turned blue and tears rolled across those rosy red
cheeks of his.
Then I thought, No, not even I, the local bogey man; me the dream monster; could do
that.
He was heading for the B.M.X track n the park that I used to know when I walked the
dog all those years ago. I got to the park and it held dark memories of those days and
even my quarry faded into the background as those vivid pictures returned to haunt
me. Not since my first night in prison had they been so clear, as I lay there in the
darkness wondering how Id got in that mess.
Then my boy was alone and I hid behind a tree so not to alert him. Over the hills his
bike went and down the other side. His laughter echoing out around me. Over the
bump and down the other until I heard the wheels coming closer and he was there in
my clenched fist.
BOY
Oyez. What are you fucking doing.
MARKS
Dont you remember me laddie? Dont you
remember these craggie eyes , these pursed lips;
dont you remember the face you tried to have
incarcerated last week?
Look harder then, itll soon come back.
BOY
Are you mad or something?
HELP, A NUTTERS GOT HOLD OF ME?

MARKS
Youll have to shout louder then that if you want
someone to help you. This is a big, lonely park and
right now theres just you and me here.
BOY
Oh God, youre going to hurt me arent you, please
dont, please mister.
MARKS
Havent you remembered my face yet, LOOK BOY,
its me. You came to my house last week.
BOY
Fucking hell, youre going to kill me aint ya? HELP!
MARKS
Kill you?
BOY
Help, please HELP ME PLEASE....
MARKS
Kill you, I wouldnt waste my energy.
I dont want to kill you...
BOY
Really {Gulp} what do you want then?
MARKS
I want to know who sent you to my house last week.
I mean you didnt just think to yourself I know,
lets go and wind that poor bastard up and while
were at it try to get the fucker ten years in the can...
did you. You werent just hanging around bored, with
nothing to do before suddenly having a craic at my
fucking expense. No, of course you werent.
So, who was it who sent you?
BOY
I dont know.

MARKS
Dont give me that SHIT. You either tell me now or
I will KILL YOU. You got that, Im a ruthless paedophile
remember; I could tear your arse so wide youd
shit yourself every time you sat down.
There, think about that, now...Who told you to go to my
house and what you should say, who was it?
BOY
Serious, I dont know his name but Ill show you who
he is. It was one of the elder kids from over there,
by the play centre. Theres always a group of kids there
and one of them gave me a fiver for doing it.
He said it was for a joke. I didnt mean it...
MARKS
A FUCKING JOKE? Now, youll show me which
one it was before I get really angry.
BOY
What, you want me to show you now?
MARKS
Thats right, now. Come on.
He drags the boy across the park towards the area where the kids hung out by the play
scheme. From behind a tree they look and indeed, find a ground of kids hanging around.
..Is he there?
MARKS demands but the boy shakes his head.
BOY
He might be inside, he knows the play leader
really well and they sometimes hangout inside
the hut.
They continue to watch and to MARKS surprise the hut door opened and out stepped a
young man. He lit up a cigarette and blew the smoke into the wind. MARKS knew his face
immediately.
...Thats him.
The boy said excitedly.

...Thats the boy who gave me a fiver. Can I go now, please?

MARKS relaxed his grip and the boy was gone. Running as fast as he could towards
where hed left his bike; leaving MARKS mesmerised by the sight he saw.
NARRATION
There he was, looking as if he had not a care in the world. Yes, his eyes were a little
older, he was taller but I could not mistake that face. It was the face that looked at me
from the evidence dock cross the hungry court house. The face that sent me to jail. Still
trying to put me away after all this time. But he is no longer a confused little boy, hes
now a fully grown man.

SCENE.32.INT/.NIGHT.
MARKS and JANE are laying in bed. The lights are low and the radio is on in the
background; she is laying across his chest playing with the hair on his belly; both are
deep in thought.
JANE
Are you going to tell me whats
bothering you?
MARKS
Sorry, Ive not been very good company
tonight.
JANE
I just wish there was something I could do
that would help.
MARKS
No one can help me now, I have to sort
this out alone.
JANE
Couldnt you just give me a little clue;
I might be able to help. You wont know
unless you say.
MARKS
I wish you could help; but you cant.

JANE
Well what ever it is good luck. I hope you
find a solution and can start to enjoy life..

SCENE.33/EXT..NIGHT..
Were in the park after the sun has gone down. A group of boys are larking around in the
shadows when one falls from his bike and lets out a small scream.
BOY # 1
Right, Im going home, you cant see
a thing in here...
BOY # 2
Scaredy Cat, Scaredy Cat, Thinks his tough
but hes just fat.
BOY # 3
First one to the gates is the winner.
BOY # 2
My bikes faster then the speed of sound...
BOY # 1
Hang on....
BOY # 3
My bikes faster then a speeding bullet..
BOY #1
Oyez, come back...
The other two go speeding off in the darkness leaving the other on his own.
...The chains come off mi bike. Oyez,
Come back......Bloody bastards.
He begins to push his bike in the direction from which his friends went. It is dark and his
feet get caught in the dead blades of a shrub making him stumble forwards.
...Shit.

Suddenly he hears the crack of a dry branch being snapped underfoot. He looks up
momentarily before shrugging and pulling his foot loose from the shrub. Walking on he
stops thinking that he heard the sound of the same shrub being trodden underfoot behind
him. He looks over his shoulder and strains his eyes.
...Is any one there?
Hearing no sound in the darkness he continues to walk and yet with every step he feels
someone behind him breathing softly. His pace quickens and in the darkness he feels the
hot breath of some one close on his shoulder. He peers around and gasps...
...Oh, its you...
The two other boys are by the park gates laughing that their friend had not caught up
with them yet. Thinking that it was a hoot that his chain had broken and so he had to
follow them on foot. Suddenly a cry rings out, a blood curdling scream that makes their
blood run cold through their veins. They both look at each other and gulp back their
terrified breath.
They both ride off down the road, leaving the park and its frightening darkness behind
them.

SCENE..34./EXT. DAY
MARKS is walking home in the rain. He calls into the shop near the end of his road and
buys a pint of milk. The shop keeper looks at him strangely as he passes over the change.
MARKS goes back into the street and quickens his step approaching the top of his road.
He looks down and sees a group of people on the pavement outside his house.
MARKS
Fucking shit! What is it now?
He quickens his pace and is surprised when he gets closer that the crowd of around
twenty people features no children. Just angry looking adults. There were about ten
weeping women who were howling into hankies and beside them a group of men mostly
old pensioners but a couple of young thugs. They approached MARKS as he got closer.
WOMAN
Thats him; thats the bastard.
THUG # 1
Oy Mate; I want a word with you.
WOMAN #2
TERRY, DONT, HES NOT WORTH IT.

THUG # 2
Why did you do it mate,
why did you touch him?
MARKS
Look, whats going on here?
WOMAN # 1
Terry, please?
THUG # 1
So you think its okay to have sex with
children do you mate?
MARKS
I dont know what this is about but youd
better just fuck off and leave me alone.
THUG # 2
What did you say mate?
He reaches out and smashes MARKS in the face. The other kicks him in the stomach and
MARKS falls forwards.
WOMAN # 1
OH NO, TERRY, YOULL GET INTO
TROUBLE, LET THE POLICE DEAL
WITH THE BASTARD. Terry!
The other thug kicks MARKS in the face forcing him upright and his friend lunges
forwards. Instinctively MARKS lifts the milk bottle and smashes it in the first thugs face.
The women scream as blood rushes out the gaping cut that result.
MARKS
There, you fucking asked for that.
The other thug goes mad and screams out a hysterical cry as he lunges his head towards
MARKS nose; it smashes as his forehead ploughs through the bridge in an ear piercing
bone splitting crunch.
THUG # 2
You bastard. Why did you take him?

MARKS
What are you talking about?
The thug kicks MARKS in the stomach again and throws him through his neighbours
gate. The punching him in the eye causes MARKS to fallback against the front door of the
old man who lives in the next house. The Thug cries out again and looks up to the rain
soaked sky before preparing to go in for the kill. Suddenly the door opens and MARKS
falls into the neighbours hall. The door closes behind him.

SCENE.35.INT/.DAY
MARKS is shocked, bleeding over the old mans tiled hall. Suddenly there is a frantic
banging on the door and the letter box opens.
THUG # 2
Open this fucking door before I kick it in.
OLD MAN
Go away you, the police will be here soon
and youll be in big trouble.
THUG # 2
Open this fucking door?
OLD MAN
I said go away.
THUG # 2
Open up you bastard.
There are several loud kicks on the door but it hold its strength. They hear the women
calling the thug away as thunder claps through the sky beyond the door and suddenly
there is silence; except for the steady tap of rain against the solid wooden door.
OLD MAN
I think they have gone now.
MARKS
Thanks, I think you saved my life.
OLD MAN
I never did like violence. You look like you need
a drink, come, let me help you.

The old man leads MARKS into the kitchen where his wife is waiting. She looks at him
with contempt as he enters and leaves the room by another door.
...Take no notice of her. She is old and set in
her ways.
MARKS
Im sorry, Ill go if itll be easier for you.
OLD MAN
In time. Now do you see why people didnt think it
was a good idea that you returned. Theres a lot of
hatred around and you, well,
youll get blamed for everything.
MARKS
It was all a long time ago. Those men, they were
just babies when I left before.
I dont understand why they would want to hurt me?
OLD MAN
Perhaps this?
{He slides over a copy of that days newspaper, on the front cover he sees a photograph
of a young boy. The boy he had caught the previous day. The headline above the picture
shouted
BOY FOUND STRANGLED IN PARK}
Now do you see?
MARKS
Oh no.
{He reads on and the sub heading proclaimed Body found half naked and sexually
assaulted}
Oh god..
MARKS begins to sob uncontrollably and the old man places his hand on his shoulder as
the tears flood the newspaper.
...They think I did this. Its too terrible...OH GOD!

OLD MAN
First you have to fight with them, next youll be
fighting with the police. Im sure theyll want
to speak to you.
MARKS
This is terrible. I know this boy.
OLD MAN
Really, when did you see him last?
MARKS
Yesterday, it was yesterday. He was fine then.
My God, I cant believe it?
OLD MAN
Youll have to ask yourself if any one saw you
together, this would be very interesting to the police.
Dont you think?
MARKS
Youre right, I cant go home, theyll come for me
again and this time Ill be put away for life.
You must believe me; I had nothing to do with this.
OLD MAN
You do not appear to by a killer. Still, it would be
best if you spoke to the police,
no matter how difficult it could be....
MARKS
I couldnt do that, you dont understand but I wouldnt
be given a fair chance, not with my history...
OLD MAN
...If you are innocent youll have nothing to worry about....
MARKS
...They said that last time and look what happened then.
Ten years of my life just wiped out.
I cant afford another ten years..
Just then they hear a crash and both men go to the window overlooking the street.

OLD MAN
I think they are in your house...
They hear things being smashed up and the cracking of plaster and wood. The two
women are across the road smoking cigarettes and looking anxious. MARKS sees that
they are not alone, a couple of other people had joined them. MARKS looked at them and
was amazed to see the older boy that the kid from yesterday pointed out. He was standing
behind the women; a little further back; there but not really involved.
...They are definitely in your house, I am sorry.
More banging rang out and the shattering of glass split the air but MARKS attention was
miles away,he was examining outside the house, on the other side of the road looking into
that young mans eyes
.
Then the young man stepped to one side and MARKS saw standing behind him a face he
recognised....
MARKS
See across the road Old Man, there is a young
guy standing?
OLD MAN
Do you mean the boy in the blue shirt and jeans,
the one looking so casual he could be waiting for a bus?
Im sure thats Wayne Pearson.
MARKS {Looking pleased with himself}
Yes, thats the one; now do you see a fellow
standing behind him, a fellow in a rugby shirt?
OLD MAN
My eyesight is not very good these days and I
can only just make out the boy. I do see someone
standing behind him but he isnt very clear.
If he came a little closer perhaps I would know
his face but at this moment I dont; sorry.
MARKS rubbed his chin and thought very hard for a moment before his attention was
caught by the OLD MAN.
...I can tell who these two chaps are?

{Two uniformed policemen are coming up the garden path being directed by the women}
MARKS
So can I, have you got a back door, quick show me?
OLD MAN
Oh, please speak to them, dont run.
MARKS
No, Ill never trust them again. Now, where is the back door?
He stands and runs to the back of the house. As he enters the kitchen, pursued by the old
man, the Police knock loudly on the street door.
...Oh Ill find it.
OLD MAN
Please, youll only get into more trouble.
MARKS
Never.
{He opens the back door and peers out side at the trees that lined both sides of the
garden.
OLDMAN
...If nothing I say can will stop you then please
watch the stream at the end of the garden.
If you go that way it is narrow enough to cross.
Then you are in Digby Street. Turn left and youll have
the choice of the railway lines or the park.
Youll find shelter there. Now go, quickly.
The rapping on the street door becomes more and more intense before the letter box
opens and a beady pair of eyes peers through. The OLD MAN makes as if he had not
heard the knock and peers up the hall towards the street door vacantly.

SCENE..36.EXT..DAY
MARKS is running as fast as he could through the streets beyond the garden and down
beside the railwaytracks. He comes across a disused railway out house and breaks the

door to get in. He sees a small attic room which he climbs up a step ladder to get into
and then he pulls the ladder up towards him before closing the attic door. The attic has a
small window through which MARKS peers feeding into his paranoia, making sure he
wasnt pursued. Suddenly a train rushes by only inches from the window and he jumps
with fright although this quickly dissolves in the all invading roar of the engine.
NARRATION
Peering outside at that noisy world full of steam and smoke, blasting noises and train
whistles made me feel insane. Like Id really lost my head this time. What a head to
loose. Puffy and bleeding, cut and bruised. This face told stories. I thought about the
thugs red knuckles as they smashed into my eye earlier and the wailing of the women
as he gritted his teeth and kick my bollocks. To think, they were wailing and crying for
him, like it was him who was getting the pasting.
The I thought of Jane and the kindness in her smile, the soft touch of her fingers
against my face. I loved her smell, the way she breathed, I loved her wonkey eyebrow
and that twitch she sometimes had which made her look cute. Exposed her
nervousness; So frail and feminine and yet strong and determined. What would she
say if she could see me now. If she could see me hiding like this, a frightened, cowering
animal. What would she say about that!
I wont let them do this to us. If I just think, think very hard about this. Let me think
about all that has gone on. Ten years in a nutshell, let me put it in perspective and
somewhere, just somewhere, I might find an answer.
Now what is the thread that runs through it all, what thing or person is at the centre of
each one of those ten, hard years? Of course its him. Hes been there from the
beginning. Everywhere I look its bloody Pearson. He was there when I got beat up, he
was there when the story was in the paper, he was the one who bribed the poor bastard
who copped it yesterday and he was there today before the old bill arrived. Ive got to
speak to him and thats not going to happen if I spend all my time in here; hiding like a
dog is it; IS IT FUCK!

SCENE..36EXT.DAY
MARKS steps out of the railway out house just as it begins to rain, the soft water washes
the blood from his hair and face and makes him look less battered; just wet.
He crosses the road between the tracks and the park and enters through the big iron
gates. He slips through the trees and down towards the Play-leaders hut. When it is in
sight he hides behind a tree to spy on the place. As expected he finds Wayne Pearson and
a couple of older boys outside the hut smoking cigarettes.
After a while PEARSON says goodbye and walks away flicking his cigarette cockily as he
strolls into the rain. MARKS goes after him. The two move along the path back towards

the gates when the Play-leaders hut door opens and the play leader stand in the
doorway shadowed by the frame. He sees MARKS creeping up on PEARSON and
gestures for the other two boys to follow him.
MARKS
Hay, YOU! Wait....
PEARSON turns around and sees MARKS approaching him. He looks surprised and
strangely calm. MARKS looks a pitiful sight as he hobbles towards the young man.
...I need to speak to you...
PEARSON is about to say something when his look turns to horror and his hand goes out
and up. He turns his palm towards his face and stifles a scream. MARKS turns vaguely
startled and then his eyes glazed over; falling to the ground in slow motion. Behind him
stands the Play-leader holding a hammer. Blood streaked across the handle.

SCENE..37 INT/NIGHT.
We find an ambulance man pulling MARKS along on a stretcher. He is peering through
his bloated eyes towards the ceiling and the bright lights above him. They pull the
stretcher into the Resus room and cut off his clothing. He blacks out.
Some time later he opens his eyes and sees Jane looking down at him. He blacks out.
Then she appears again, the sun is flowing into the ward and it is busy with nurses and
auxiliary staff.
JANE
Are you with us now?
MARKS
I think so. Where am I?
JANE
Youre in St Marys. Youve been here
for three days.
MARKS
No!

JANE
Yes, you are very lucky to have made it.
It was touch and go for a while.
Can you remember what happened?
MARKS
I was jumped, I think I was jumped from behind.
JANE
Thats not what they think...
{She nods towards the door and Marks sees a uniformed policeman standing there}
Theyre only letting me stay here because Im
your probation officer. As soon as they know you
have come around theyll want to speak to you
about what happened.
MARKS
Well youd better get them then...
JANE
No, be quiet. The have been told that you were about
to kill another boy. That you were seen stalking a boy
in the park and that you were stopped from attacking him.
There are witnesses...
MARKS
What fucking witnesses, and that so called boy is
twenty two years old. Wayne bloody Pearson.
Dont you see that he is the key to all this,
I have to speak to him...
JANE
Creeping up behind him in the middle of the park isnt
the right way to go about it. Now youll have to slow
down a bit Nial or youll end up seriously hurt.
Dead even. Are you listening to me?
MARKS
Ill have to get out of here. Have you got your
car keys on you?
JANE
What?

MARKS
Your keys woman, have you got them on you?
JANE
Yes, of course Ive got my keys. Why?
MARKS
Give them to me. Ill need your car if I get out
of here later.
JANE
But how will I get home?
MARKS
Get a bloody bus. I need it if Im to get out of here.
JANE
Oh Nial, why are you doing this to me, to yourself.
I cant just give you my ....
MARKS
Stop, please, Ill come to your flat tonight, as soon
as I can get away; they dont suspect that weve
been together do they?
JANE
No, I dont think so.
MARKS
Good, slip them under my blanket. Come on woman.
She does as she is told and then shudders as a voice comes from behind her.
POLICEMAN
Is he with us yet?
JANE
No, hes not with us at all.
POLICEMAN
Well is there much point to you staying.
If he comes round Ill call your office and you
can interview him in the station.

JANE
Youll be here for the rest of the night will you?
POLICEMAN
Well theres a hand over at ten PM and Ill be
off then. Ill pass your details on to the
P.C who takes over.
JANE
Okay officer, Ill get going. Good bye.
POLICEMAN
Ill come to the door with you and leave him to the
nurses. Ive never liked hospitals myself, they give
me the creeps.
JANE
Wait, let me pull this curtain around a little,
I want to preserve his confidentiality.
(She pulls the curtain which is hanging on a rail that circles the bed around so the bed is
completely enclosed)
I think its important especially with a uniformed
constable on the ward.
POLICEMAN
Youre too conscientious you are; I bet it doesnt
matter to him.
JANE
Yes, Im sure youre right.
POLICEMAN
Nothing matters to him in his condition.

They walk off towards the door and MARKS opens one eye to see the clock in the ward
through the crack in the curtain. It read 6.00 PM.
He must have dozed off but when he looks at the clock again it is ten too eleven. He can
hear the voices of nurses in the next room and the sound of footfalls approaching. A voice
said hello to the policeman who was at his position by the door and the policeman
returned the greeting.

POLICEMAN #1
Ive been waiting for you.
POLICEMAN # 2
What do you mean, Im early.
Blimy, where is every body?
POLICEMAN # 1
You wouldnt believe that people are dyeing
to get into this place would you?
POLICEMAN # 2
Ha, Ha very funny. Seriously,
where are the nursing staff?
POLICEMAN # 1
The little beauties are in there, and thats
just the fellas, Ive not seen any female staff.
Youre in for a long night.
POLICEMAN #2
Is that him, in there?
POLICEMAN 1
It certainly is. Out for the count he is, weve not
heard a whisper for three days.
Apparently he was caught messing about with
a young lad and the bloke that caught him gave
him a dig.
Who can blame him really, any man would do
the same. The officer who was doing the night
watch, the one youre covering for, couldnt
come tonight so hence youre here?
I suppose youll want more of a handover wont you?
POLICEMAN # 2
Ill want a cup of tea. Can we go in there with the
crumpet, I might be on the pull tonight
if Im lucky?
POLICEMAN # 1
The only thing youll pull is your plonker when
youre having a piss in the morning.
The staff in here are either bull dike lesbians or

camp little fairies; you dont look like you bat at the
other wicket so youll best bring a book in to read?
Come on Ill introduce you to matron and sister.
MARKS hears them walk across the wards and tap on the door to an adjacent room.
..Can we join you for a couple of minutes, my
replacement wants a cuppa?
He hears them enter and the door close behind them. He slips out of bed and crouched on
his haunches. He looks in the bed side locker to see if any of his clothes are there. He
finds only a pair of trousers and a pair of socks which he puts on. MARKS pulls himself
under the beds towards the door and then runs out of the ward. Between the two entrance
doors he sees a couple of white doctors coats and helps himself to one. Then he rushes
through the hospital, bare footed looking for an exit

SCENE.38.INT.NIGHT.
Jane is in her flat pacing up and down. Suddenly she hears a rap on the door and steels
herself before pulling it open. She is relieved to find him outside and she pulls MARKS in
helping him to the lounge sofa.
JANE
My god, youve lost a lot of blood, you should
never have done this.
MARKS
Ill be okay, really, all I need is a hug. A good
strong hug.
She does as she is asked and looks towards the window as he falls to sleep in her arms. It
is raining outside the streaks of rainwater flowing down the window creates smooth
patterns. The patter of raindrops flow into a soft hum and she falls to sleep in his arms.

SCENE 39...EXT...DAY
WAYNE PEARSON is walking through the street after the rain had stopped smoking a
cigarette. He is unwashed and dazed. He stands across the road to a house and looks
blankly across the road. The house has no front door and the windows are smashed. The
nicely hung net curtain in the lounge is billowing in the wind through the shattered
frame. Across the wall at the front of the house is the word NONCE in foot high letters.

PEARSON spits and looks along the road. He sees someone and turns the other way
suddenly.
His pace quickens and he tries to get to the nearest corner as soon as he can when a
voice calls out to him.
VOICE
Come here you! I want a word.....
This puts a fearful expression on his face and he speeds up almost coming to a run as he
turns the corner. He realises that the end of the road he is in leads to the park and he
stops dead in his tracks seeing the gates looming ahead of him. The sound of foot falls
approaching behind makes him dart forwards into the park and towards the trees.
...Come back Wayne, you cant get away from me.
The voice echoes out around him but he continues to run. The sky is cold and grey as he
tramps into a wooded area and shadows fall across the shrubs which he tramples
underfoot. Finding a large tree to hide behind the young man stops to take in breath.
Although it is not cold he sees the condensation on his panting breath and a shiver snaps
through his spine. A crack, wood splitting underfoot, makes him start and he rushes out
of his hiding place through a clearing in the trees. Over a Verge he sees the Play-leaders
hut ahead, shadowed and in partial darkness PEARSON runs towards it.

SCENE..40...INT/.NIGHT.
PEARSON pushes open the door and enters the hut. He looks around for somewhere to
hide and takes his chance leaning up against a bookcase where he cant be seen from the
door. In the silence of night he hears the door creak open. He is so frightened his breath
becomes laboured and the more he tries to stay silent the louder his breath becomes as if
it is filling the room. Suddenly a face comes out the darkness.
MARKS
You must have known that Id come for you.
All that was debatable was how long youd have to wait.
PEARSON
No, listen....
MARKS
No, you listen. I have waited ten years for this.
Ive spent every night for ten bloody years dreaming
of this evening. This hour, Ive spent ten fucking
years thinking about this precise second and what

Id do to you . Have you ever wondered what that is like?

PEARSON
I want....
MARKS
...HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED what its been
like spending everyday of my life like the worst
sort of animal on Earth. Have You?
Well?
No you bloody well havent. Do you know what
they do to child molesters in prison? Have a look at
my face why dont you.
Go on, have a good bloody look because this is
only the half of it. See the blood and the scars and the
missing teeth.
Can you see the dents in my skull where my heads
been banged against the bloody wall so many times its
flat on one side. Can you bloody see that?
Well let me tell you what you cant see, let me try to
put into the words the hurt in my soul.
The pain I have in my heart when I think about the
hatred I have experienced. Me!
You see in there, {Bangs on chest} In there, my feeling
and emotions have been shot to pieces.
I dont exist, I just grin and bare it Me; the grin
and bear it man, thats what I am. Thats me.
So, I sat in my cell, having gob in my food and
piss in my water for ten years waiting for this
moment and you know what.
Its a bloody anti-climax. I mean, what am I going
to do, come on, you know me so well,
what am I going to do?
PEARSON
Im sorry okay.

MARKS
Youre sorry, thats a pissing laugh that is. Youre sorry.
Well how the fuck do you think I feel?
Eh. Now what do you think I am going to do to you?
PEARSON
I dont know, okay, I dont know.
MARKS
Thats right, you dont know, because really, inside you
dont know me at all. You stood in the dock and told
those cunts that I was a monster.
That I was a beast. Ill tell you what Im going to do shall I?
PEARSON
Yha, what?
MARKS
Im going to ask you some questions and you know what?
Youre going to answer them honestly.
PEARSON
I dont know...
MARKS
I beg your pardon, did you say you didnt know?
Surely you cant mean that for once you are afraid
of telling the truth, after all, it wasnt a problem when
you were in the dock.
Even though at that time your truth was really
a pack of shit.
PEARSON
Look Im sorry you went to prison,
I really am but it wasnt me...
MARKS
I know, Son.
PEARSON
I tried to tell you but you wouldnt listen
would you. You just kept poking your nose in and

so you had to go. That was it, you had to go...

MARKS
What, like that kid the other day, I had to go?
PEARSON
That had nothing to do with me, I tried to tell you....
MARKS
How did you do that then, running away every time
I came to speak to you, come on Im all ears...
Hang on, did you write that note?
Suddenly the light went on in the hut.
PLAY LEADER
What note was that Wayne?
MARKS turns around and sees the Play-leader enter the room and close the door behind
him.
..Come on WAYNE, Im waiting and Im sure
Mr Marks here is interested...
MARKS
I knew it was you, all along. You got him to lie about
me didnt you?
PLAY LEADER
Youre a danger to kids. Its the only way to get filth
like you off our streets. Youre the scum of the earth you
are; nothing but filth.
I wouldnt spit on you if you
were on fire.
MARKS
Oh very convincing, do you know what,
even Id be fooled by you if I didnt know...
PLAY-LEADER
You, you know nothing.
MARKS
I know enough my friend.

PLAY LEADER
Pearson, HERE!
(He slaps his palm against the side of his leg and Pearson crosses the room to stand at
his side. The play-leader reaches up and starts to stroke the back of the young mans
head}
Come on then, Mr Know it all; whats the story,
Morning glory?
MARKS
Youve got him well under control havent you.
It occurred to me the other night, when I was laying
in hospital. I was thinking about Him
{Points at Pearson}
what role he played in all this.
After all, it was his testimony that put me away.
Then I realised that he wasnt the only one who
featured heavily in all this.
I got thinking about my experience of you.
How every time I saw you, it was your violence
which stood out. Youre bully-boy attitude.
You, with your access to young boys and
the control you have over them.
The way you treat them. Its all too sexual,
its all domination isnt it?
Thats why you had to get rid of me?
Thats why that poor kid was got rid off a couple
of days ago. You were afraid that hed tell about you.
Tell people about your need for sexual violence;
youre the real beast around here arent you?
PLAY LEADER
You think that youre so clever dont you.

Me, use violence to control these kids?

Youre really are quite stupid, the truth is they want
to be used.
They all want me to beat up on them, to make them
cry, they want me to give them the occasional thick
ear and fat ;lip. Boys WANT that attention.
In turn it gives them rank and power so
that they can use the younger ones.
Its the law of the jungle,
the smaller ones get eaten by the bigger animals
and guess what; Im the biggest animal in the zoo.
The sex is just an added bonus, all these teenage boys
Have so many hormones streaming through their veins
That they walk around with continued fucking hard ons.
The want people like me to explore the world of sex for
The, to open it up, to show them what they want and
How to take it from others. So, I fuck with their brains
And their arses; and they beg me for it.
MARKS
Youre really sick.
PLAY LEADER
You want to see, watch it with your own eyes; do you.
Do you want to see how much they love it\\\\\\\/
(He pulls PEARSONS hair and pushes his face down to his crutch)
Thats why you have been poking your nose into my
business isnt it?
Because you envy me; you want to be me but
you dont have the balls.
MARKS
Wayne, you dont have to do that, Wayne?
PLAY LEADER
Come on, show our friend how good a teacher I am.
Show him what he is missing out on.

You can have it too Marks

if you come and join us.
I know you want to.
MARKS
Wayne?
PLAY LEADER
You see, they all love it. I can get this one to do any thing
I want; hes been one of my most loyal little workers.
Bringing me lots of new little friends to play with.
MARKS
You fucking despicable cunt! I swear youll go down
for this.
PLAY LEADER.
Im afraid not
(He pulls PEARSONS head up and places the cold steel blade of a knife against his
neck)
You see Im the good guy. Its you whos the monster
round here and when I take this blade and cut your throat
they will give me a medal for it.
(He pushes Pearson towards a bundle of ropes on the floor)
Tie him up!
MARKS
So thats it? You thought I was going to suss out what you
were up to and had me nicked and thrown in jail to
divert the attention from yourself.
Okay I can understand that. But why did you kill
that kid? What was the sense in that; I just dont
understand why you did that?
PEARSON
He was going to tell you that...

PLAY LEADER
..Id fucked his arse for the past two years.
Thats what. The kid was too stupid to know what was
good for him. Still, its all theoretical now.
Have you tied him up yet.
PEARSON
I think so...
PLAY LEADER
Get out the way, lets look at this. Yha, thatll do.
I bet you feel really vulnerable now?
You fucking looser.
Its all you deserve.
MARKS
You will smile on the other side of your face when
you get life.
PLAY LEADER
Me, Im getting the Victoria Cross I am, for bravery.
Ive got it all planned out. I m going to rescue this
poor bastard from you.
A dirty old nonce case. Here?
{He passes the knife to PARSON}
PEARSON
What do I want with that?
PLAY LEADER
Were going to play a game. Here take it.
He passes the long steel blade to PEARSON and tells him to stand slightly behind
MARKS who is tied securely to a chair.
...Now go on, slit his throat.
PEARSON
I cant.

PLAY LEADER
Come on, be a good boy. You know what happens to
bad boys dont you?
PEARSON
Yes...
PLAY LEADER
Well DO IT!
PEARSON
I cant, please dont make me...
The play leader stands close to him and lifts PEARSONS elbow a little making the
blade come level with MARKS neck.
PLAY LEADER
Do it. On the count of three. Okay?
Put the cunt out of his misery.
PEARSON
Okay...
PLAY LEADER
One.......Two......Three....
The blade jerks forwards and blood splashes across the huts floor. The play leader falls
forwards and crashes to the floor. Pearson drops the knife and starts to cry.

MARKS
Come on Son, you can untie me now, its all over.
The young man does what he is told and they both hug each other tightly in the centre of
the hut. The twitching body of the play leader still in a pool of blood at their feet.
PEARSON
Im sorry, I really am.
MARKS
Dont you worry Son, its all over now, for both
of us.
PEARSON

No it isnt, Ill be tried for his murder and then itll

be me in prison.
MARKS
Not after they hear this you wont.
{He reaches into his breast pocket and pulls out a small tape recorder. He switches the
tape off and places it back in his pocket}
I always wondered when Id need that. Come on, we need
to phone the police.
They both step out of the hut and into the night air. MARKS pulls the door closed after
switching off the light.
...I think this place will need to be closed.
PEARSON
Thank god. Its been so long.

SCENE..41..INT/.NIGHT..
JANE and MARKS are laying on the bed and sun light is streaming through the window
illuminating the whole room.
JANE
I always knew that there had to be an explanation,
you didnt seem the type.
MARKS
Is there a type. I mean look at him. An active member
of the community. A man with a good reputation and
community kudos.
He was the last person anyone would expect to have a
penchant for young boys?
Yet he was at it all the time I was in jail, generations
of kids fell into his clutches and never told anyone.
It amazes me how perverted some people can get
and how a system evolves that helps them continue.
Year after year until..

JANE
..A hero comes along to sort it out.
MARKS
No, Im not a hero. I was a victim of that
Bastard, like the kids he used. But not now
Today Im a winner.
JANE
Careful you, being big headed isnt cool.
All I know is that the first time I saw you
I knew you were innocent.
MARKS
But youd say that about any one you fancied.
Still, one good thing has come out of this.
JANE
Whats that then?
MARKS
Im not your bloody client any more. Hip, Hip, Horrah.

The END

Copyright:The Dogbreaths Publishing1998

David William Kirby Hackney2010