Smithereens Press Chapbooks 'Zero at the Bone' by David Wheatley | Page 66

the whole time. I was just calling your bluff,
both of you. I stashed them under the floor [points to floorboard].
Now drop the knife, take your parcel and leave.
Quid pro quo. I’m not a violent man.
[To McAllister, suddenly penitent.]
I’m sorry. That was out of turn. Don’t take it
amiss. You’ve got to believe me. I mean, fuck it...
we can sort it all out between us, friend...
I mean... there’s nothing’s broken we can’t still mend...
MCALLISTER
So is she dead?
NEMO
[Crouching and lifting floorboard.] But with the bags... now I can
do some overdue cleaning up.
MCDONALD
[Pleading.] You’ve got
to believe me, I never laid a hand on Perdue.
Not like that –
NEMO
[Rushes at McAllister.] Starting, Paddy, with you.
MCDONALD
[Coming between them.] No! ... Stop it!... I never... not like that...
[Nemo raises his hand to stab McAllister.]
Never a hand... Stop! [McDonald grabs his wrist and is stabbed by Nemo in the
mêlée. Staggers forward. Sinks to knees.] ... to her long white throat... [Collapses.]

[Blackout. Curlews calling, five seconds. Louder, five seconds. Silence.]
CURTAIN
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