Moral Support

"MORAL SUPPORT"

SCENE 1
(at a quiet cemetery, a somber crowd listens as the Priest speaks)

Priest:
Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord,
and let Perpetual Light shine upon them.
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

(one by one, those in attendance pay their final respects, placing flowers on the coffins. The last one to leave is Pamela. Ronnie was the love of her life. All their plans, all their hopes and dreams, are gone)

(a man approaches Pamela)

Reporter:
Hi, Pamela? I'm Steve Truman.

Pamela:
Oh hi...you did get my message.

Reporter:
Pamela, I want to help you but there's something you should know.

Pamela:
What's that?

Reporter:
Once we open this can of worms, there's no turning back.

Pamela:
Mr. Truman, I loved Ronnie with all my heart. I want the son of a bitches responsible for his death, to pay. I want them to feel as much pain and suffering as they've made me feel. I don't care who gets hurt in the process. I want to shine a white hot light on every last one of them. How fucking phoney they all are. I want the world to know Ronnie was a good guy. He didn't deserve to die like this....
You're not changing your mind, are you?

Reporter:
No, no...I'm ready, I just wanted to make sure you understood, once this goes public, the powers that be are going to make your life a living hell.

Pamela:
Mr Truman, the love of my life, the man I was gonna marry is gone. I can't be hurt me anymore.
(pause)
Are you ready for a Pulitzer?

Reporter:
I'm ready to tell the story.

(Pamela hands the reporter a book)

Reporter Narration:
And that's how it all began for me. I was sitting on one hell of a story. One that would break Washington D.C. into pieces. I was in possession of THE book. Until now, it's existence was merely a rumor. Though phone records had been released prior, this was different. Inside it's covers, the holy grail... 15,000 names, all clients of Deborah Lee's Manning's escort service...a who's who in D.C.politics, the movers and shakers, anyone who was anybody in the Beltway. Now while Priests, politicians and prostitutes make for good reading, what I was about to do, by making this public, could possibly alter the course of this nation.
Phew.....Well... that's what I signed up for. That's why I became a reporter.

SCENE 2
1966 (we travel back in time, we see a young girl on a swing overhearing an argument between her parents. The voices grow louder and more violent)

Reporter Narration:
Deborah Lee Manning was born in Lakeland, Florida on the 4th of July 1956, to Tom and Alice Manning. Her father was the local preacher, while Deborah Lee's mom ran the bookstore. From all appearances, they were a happy young family, a role model in their tiny community.
That just wasn't the case, and at an early age Deborah Lee found out why.

Father: (Screaming)
You will obey me! You will do as I say or I swear I will have you and the child banished from this church, from this town. So help me god!....

Mother: (Sobbing)
You're sick. You're perverted! I won't take part in this anymore. How could you do this to your daughter?

Father:
Go then if you like. You both mean nothing to me. Go! Get out!

Mother: (Sobbing)
Tom, where am I suppose to go? You allow me no money. How am I suppose to raise the child?

Father: (Calmly)
Then Alice..... go bath the child and... bring her to me.

Mother: (Sobbing)
I hate you. You will pay for this, I swear to God.

CUT TO BLACK

Reporter Narration:
As Alice dressed Deborah Lee, she tried to reassure her daughter that somehow, someway, they would find a way out of this living hell. Deborah Lee quietly obeyed for fear her mother might suffer further consequences. It was then Deborah Lee vowed to never allow herself to be manipulated by any man, ever again.

Alice:
Deborah Lee, your father loves you. He's just....I mean he would never want to.....What I'm trying to say is...

Deborah Lee:
It's ok mama. It doesn't hurt anymore.

Alice:
Child, someday we'll get far away from him, I promise.

(pause)

Deborah Lee:
Mama, does God know what daddy does to me?

Alice:
God sees everything, you know that honey.

Deborah Lee:
Then why does He allow daddy to be so mean to us?

Alice:
(silence)

Deborah Lee:
It's ok mama. Like I said, it doesn't hurt anymore

(Deborah Lee enters her father's bedroom, we see her father in bed waiting, the lights go off as she disrobes)

CUT TO BLACK

(alone in her room, she writes in her diary)

Deborah Lee:
I hate you. I hate you. I HATE YOU!
You’re not my father. I wish you would die.
I wish I had a real father. He would protect me. He would kill you.
I hate you. I hate you. I HATE YOU!

SCENE 3
FAST FORWARD
(we see Deborah Lee sitting at the campus bar with a few girlfriends)

Reporter Narration:
As Deborah Lee entered her senior year at Maryland State, she realized it was more lucrative arranging dates between her sorority sisters and the well healed shy boys from the rich part of town, than it was for any career path she might choose with a college degree.

Deborah Lee: (to a girlfriend)
You see that boy over there? Look at him. He's so shy and uptight. I'll bet he would pay anything to sleep with one of you girls.

Sorority Sister:
What are you going to do?

(Deborah Lee walks over and whispers in his ear...the boy didn't stand a chance...with a large grin and a fat wallet, a fool and his money are soon parted. Deborah Lee returns to the table with $300)

Sorority Sister:
He just gave you that?

Deborah Lee:
Well, no love. Actually he just gave us that. Now take some of this and go have some fun with him. It's my guess there's plenty more where that came from.

Sorority Sister:
You're amazing. I mean I can't believe this.
(pause)
Alright...I will.

SCENE 4
FAST FORWARD
(Deborah Lee's 50th birthday celebration)

Reporter Narration:
Deborah Lee would continue arranging dates and soon ran a six figure a year escort service. As the years progressed, the stakes grew higher as the clientele became more upscale and powerful.

(celebrating with a group of her girls, as they dine at an exclusive club in Georgetown)

Deborah Lee:
Oh ladies, thank you so much for this. It has been a great year, hasn't it? Maybe it's time I retire. Quit while I'm ahead. What do you girls think?

Colette:
I think you need to go on holiday.

Deborah Lee:
I love the way that sounds when you say it.
Colette, honey you're so right. I haven't seen my mom in a while and there are some old friends in Palm Beach I'd love to catch up with....(sigh) But there's just no time right now.

Ria:
Collette's right you know.

Jasmine:
No time like the right time DL.
I could look after the store for you.

Deborah Lee: (under her breath)
That'd be the day.

Colette:
Blue skies, a warm gentle breeze. Sand between your toes.

Deborah Lee:
Well....

SCENE 5
TWO YEARS LATER

(at a Florida beach side hotel, Deborah Lee's on the phone with her mother....there's a knock at the door)

Deborah Lee:
Come in....!

(a bellboy enters the suite, she hands him a large envelope and a $50 tip....the phone conversation continues)

Deborah Lee:
Mom, please honey don't concern yourself with what they're saying on the news. You know it's all bullshit, right?
(pause)
Mom I don't want to argue about my career choice right now, my head is pounding from the flight.
Everything will be ok, I promise. I've got the best lawyers money can buy.
(pause)
I know what they said on TV!
(pause)
Mom, honey....you didn't raise any dummies....I'm not going to prison again. Honey please don't worry, you don't want to get frown lines on that beautiful face of yours, now do you? Trust me, this will all blow over as soon as there's something more titillating in the news than me. Now you get a good night sleep and I'll see you in the morning, ok?..... I love you too mom.

(as she breathes in the salt air and admires the view)

Deborah Lee:
We'll see who goes to prison. I'll drag everyone one of those righteous sob's into court. We'll see who goes to prison.

(hearing a noise from inside the room)

Hello....was there a problem?

(turning to see it's not the bellboy)

You're not the bellboy. Who are you? What do you want?

CUT TO BLACK

SCENE 6
Ria and Jasmine
(a parked car plays the radio while we see a girl jogging off in the distance)

News Reporter VO:
The body of Deborah Lee Manning, also known as the DC Madam, was found in a West Palm Beach hotel this morning. The 52 year old Manning was scheduled to make her first court appearance on Monday to answer charges she ran a high scale escort service catering to the Washington DC elite. Last week Manning told reporters that she wouldn't be going to prison any time soon and to sharpen their pencils because they're in for a ride. Police would not comment any further.

CUT TO BLACK

(Jasmine talks on the phone while racing an exotic car through downtown)

Jasmine:
Nikolai....ever the impatient one. I'll be there soon honey.
(pause)
Yes love, I'm wearing your favorite dress.
(pause)
What? No silly, you know I don't wear underwear....

(jogging the last few blocks home, Ria thinks about the day ahead)

Ria VO:
Maybe I could say... Daddy why won't you let me help you?
You were there when I needed you.
Consider it a loan. You can pay me back a little each month.

(shaking her head)

That's not going to work.

(across town, Jasmine screeches into an underground parking facility, quickly buzzed in by security...she has arrived for an early afternoon date with Nikolai)

(as Ria jogs up the driveway, she finds a large envelope at her front door step, in it, a book)

Ria:
I know this book....Holy.....Deborah Lee, why did you send this to me?

(entering her apartment)

I've got to call Jasmine. She would have her number in Florida.

(as she looks at her clock radio)

Damn it. She's still on her date. I’ll take a shower. That will relax me.

(Ria turns on the radio and begins taking a shower....she screams as she hears the news)

Once again, out top story. The body of Deborah Lee Manning, also known as the DC Madam, was found in a West Palm Beach hotel this morning. The 52 year old Manning was scheduled to make her first court appearance on Monday to answer charges she ran a high scale escort service catering to the Washington DC elite. The cause of death has not been disclosed. We are told, there will be a press conference sometime later today.

(Ria is in a state of shock. Deborah Lee was not only her employer, she was a friend....Ria quickly picks up the phone)

Ria:
Jasmine, it's Ria. Did you hear the news?

Jasmine:
I'm working girl.

Ria:
You've got to come home right now!
Something terrible has happened, and you're not going to believe what just came in the mail.

Jasmine:
Ria, I can't right now. Just tell me what happened.

Ria:
Jasmine, Deborah Lee is dead. I heard it on the news.

Jasmine:
What?! Oh my God....Alright, alright, let me finish up with Mr. Envoy. The things I do for my country. (laughs)

Reporter Narration:
Ria Morena was Deborah Lee's favorite girl. The girl next door. Beautiful, innocent and trusting to a fault. Ria never caused trouble. The clients loved her. She enjoyed what she did, while using the money to help her ailing father through hard times. Ria's best friend and roommate was Jasmine Ferre. Unlike Ria, trouble seemed to follow Jasmine and her brother Ronnie everywhere. Drugs, lawyers and an unquenchable thirst for the high life consumed them. Deborah Lee knew they were not to be trusted. But Ria only saw the good in others, and if ever she needed a friend, it was now. Jasmine was as tough as nails and Ria was too shook up to comprehend all this by herself.
Why would one of Deborah Lee's final acts be to mail this tell all book to her.

Ria: (drying her tears, she begins reading)
Damn Deborah Lee you sure were organized.
Names, dates, cell numbers, address'.
How much they tipped, were they married, were they Democrats or Republicans.
What they liked....were they rough?
This book could be worth a fortune in the wrong hands.

(talking aloud to Deborah Lee)

What am I suppose to do with this? Why didn't you leave me a note or something?

(the sound of keys in the door....Jasmine is home)

Jasmine:
You wouldn't believe my day. I was with this Russian envoy.
He was so excited he wouldn't relax.
It was like he never had a hooker before....you know, come on?
(pause)
I'm sorry honey, I know how much you liked Deborah Lee.
(pause)
So what came in the mail?

(Ria motions to the book)

What's that?
That looks like Deborah Lee's book.
(pause)
What are you doing with Deborah Lee's book?

(discovering it's contents....eyes wide open)

Holy shit! Do you know what the fuck is in here?
This is like finding the holy grail....look at all these names.
Anyone who's anybody in Washington DC, is in this book...
(pause)
Do you know what this shit is worth?
(pause)
What are you gonna do with it?

Ria:
I don't know.....I do know this, if anyone finds out I have this, I'm dead.
Jasmine, promise me you won't say a word to anyone, especially that asshole brother of yours.

Jasmine:
Ronnie's not gonna say anything, Ria, why would I tell my brother?

Ria:
Jasmine!

Jasmine:
Ok! I promise
(pause)
Ria, I don't get it. Deborah Lee could have used this in court.
Sang like a bird...
Instead she sends her get out of jail card to you.
No offense sugar but... It just doesn't make sense.
Did she leave you a note?

Ria:
No...the only thing in the envelope was the book.
(pause)
I'm so stressed right now, I can't think straight. What's going to happen now?

Jasmine:
Don't worry, we'll figure it out.
Why don't you go upstairs and close your eyes for a little while.

Ria:
Thanks Jasmine. I knew I could count on you.
Wake me up if you hear anything new.

Jasmine:
Ok sugar I will. Now go get some rest.

(Ria exits...pause...Jasmine grabs her cell)

Jasmine: (in a whisper)
Ronnie, it's me, listen...our troubles are over.
Trust me, I just found a way to raise all the cash we need, and then some.
(pause)
No, I'm not fucked up. Ronnie, this is for real!

Reporter Narration:
Ria understood how powerful and dangerous this book could be. Trusting to a fault, she would never think to question her best friend's sincerity nor her promise to keep possession of the book a secret.
In the end... that would prove to be a big mistake.

SCENE 7
The Senator
(a man dresses while a woman lie in bed)

Colette:
Will I see you tomorrow?

Senator:
I don't know, I'll call you.

Colette:
You're not still mad at me are you?

Senator:
Colette I don't have time for this now, I'm late as it is.

Colette:
I told you I was sorry. It won't happen again.

Senator:
Colette please....the appropriations committee is busting my balls. My wife's shrink wants more money. I have to meet with the party boss in the morning and explain why the Washington Post editorial staff thinks he's an asshole.
Honey, I don't have time for you right now.

(his cell rings)

Senator:
Yeah.

Ronnie:
Senator, I have something that might interest you.

Senator:
Who is this? How did you get this number?

Ronnie:
First I would need your guarantee of immunity.

Senator:
I don't have time for games pal.

Ronnie:
The DC Madam.
(silence)
Are you still there Senator?

Senator:
What about her?

Ronnie:
You see, there's this book. Quite an interesting list of clients. Wouldn't you say?

Senator:
I wouldn't know.

Ronnie:
Like a who's who in politics.

Senator:
What do you want?

Ronnie:
Now that's a really good question Senator.
But don't worry... I voted for you.
I'm sure you and I can come to some kind of agreement.
I'll be in touch.

(the call ends)

Collette:
Who was that?

Senator:
Another happy constituent.

Collette:
Come back to bed.

Senator:
Not now love. I've got to go to the office and make a few calls.

Collette:
You always do this to me!

(angered, the Senator grabs Colette)

Senator:
Now is that anyway to speak to your best client?
Remember who and what you are young lady. You're here to serve me.

(slowly regaining his composure)

Now....I'll call you later.

(as the Senator is about to be driven to his office in the Capital, he makes a call)

Senator:
I need you to find someone for me.
(pause)
What's it worth? Let's just say you won't have any problems next week when you go to court.
(pause)
Good, now listen carefully.

SCENE 8
Aunt Mary

(a woman shops at an outdoor market, carefully selecting tonight's dinner)

(with groceries in hand, she walks down a well manicured suburb street....arriving at her destination, she knocks on the front door)

Aunt Mary:
Jasmine, honey...it's Aunt Mary.
Ronnie, sweetie, come help me with the grocery bags.

(the door is unlocked...as Aunt Mary enters Jasmines apartment, she drops the bags)

Oh my God! Help! Someone help me!

(she entered to find three lifeless bodies...Jasmine and Ria lie bloody on the couch....Ronnie, on the floor)

News Reporter VO:
The DC Madam story grows more bizarre, as today Metro police discovered three bodies in an apartment on the 1200 block of Virginia Ave. The two female victims are believed to be former employees of the late Deborah Lee Manning, also known as the DC Madam...a third male victim's identity is unknown. The bodies were discovered around 3PM by the aunt of one of the female victims. Police will not comment further as this continues to be an ongoing investigation.

SCENE 9
New Jersey

(sitting by the pool, Pamela tries yet again to reach her boyfriend Ronnie, once again, it goes to voicemail)

Pamela:
Hi it's me. Why haven't you answered my calls?
(pause)
You know I'm no good at waiting to open presents.
(pause)
I'm calling to tell you that I'm opening it.
Don't be mad at me....and thanks baby.
Call me! I love you.
Bye.

(Pamela excitedly opens the big red box with a pink bow, feeling her way through a fair amount of tissue paper, she finds a book and a letter)

Pamela: (reading aloud)
Dear Pamela, I'm sorry I couldn't be there for your birthday. I would have if I could have, you know that.
I know you're saying to yourself, "What kinda gift is this?"
(Pamela reacts..."Pfff yeah?)
Trust me baby, when I get done with that book...
Everything we've ever dreamed of is gonna happen, I promise.
Now put that book under your little pillow and I'll see you on Sunday...xoxo, Ronnie

(pause)

Oh Ronnie....you know how I hate to read.

(Pamela places the book back in the box, gesturing "Oh well."
then dives in the pool)

Reporter Narration:
This story has always been about the book, the evidence....the proof....the truth.
What if something came into your possession, something so powerful, it could destroy careers, control politics, shape the future of a nation...
What would you do?
Would it solve all your problems or just create new ones?
You could hand it over to the authorities, but then you have to ask yourself...
What would they do with it?

THE END

WRITTEN BY JOE PISCIOTTA
COPYRIGHT 2008 selfdefensefreepress