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Reverend Banks: Simon, glad you made it. I wasn’t sure I could get through an evening without spilling the beans, if you know what I mean!
Simon: Thanks, I appreciate it. Chester. You’re looking a bit less green than when we last met.
Chester: And you’re a bit more pink. Been sunbathing have we?
Doug: Simon? THE Simon? I’m Doug Wood. Ann’s friend. Great to meet you!
Simon: Yeah, hi Doug.
Ann: And this is Myrna and Byron Richards. Myrna’s an archivist on St. Kitts. She’s been helping me with researching Fanny.
Simon: Nice to meet you.
Ann: And you remember Amy and James?
Simon: Right. Good to see you both. And that must be Mande?
Amy: Yes. She’s actually sleeping.
Simon: Congratulations. She’s lovely.
James: She’s great.
Simon: And you’re looking good, Amy. Motherhood suits you.
Amy: Yeah, well, it suits fine when she’s sleeping. It’s been hard work.
Doug: So, Simon, where are you staying? Sorry we can’t put you up, but Ann and I have only got the one bedroom between us. My house is unliveable right now. They’re replastering it.
Simon: No problem. I’m at the Four Seasons. It’s quite comfortable. I’ll probably stay for awhile. Money being no object, you know.
Ann: Um, can I get you a drink? [Follow Ann to the kitchen]
Reverend Banks: Seems a bit stuffy in here. Chester, why don’t we step outside to the patio for a breath of fresh air?
Byron: Yeah, it’s nice outside.
[Follow the Mr. Richards, Chester and the Reverend Banks to the patio]
James: Oh, man. A busy couple of months.
Simon: Are you and Amy going to get married?
James: Don’t let her hear you asking me that!
Simon: She doesn’t fancy a walk down the aisle?
James: We’re not in England, Simon. Everything moves a little slower. You’ve gotta learn to cool out.
Amy: Well, that was subtle, Doug.
Doug: What? The bedroom thing? We can’t put him up. I just wanted him to know that.
Amy: Cut the crap, you were just thumping your chest and saying "she’s mine."
Doug: No, it’s not like that with Ann and me. You know that. We’re just hanging out together. No strings.
Amy: So how come the first words out of your mouth are, "We’re sleeping together?"
Doug: Thought he might be interested. I bet Ann didn’t tell him.
[Follow Amy into the kitchen]
Doug: So what are you planning to do on Nevis?
Simon: Well, I was planning on having sex with Ann on the beach, but you’ve dashed that hope. At least I think you have. Don't suppose she'd sleep with both of us at once. I guess I’ll lounge around on my own. Maybe do some fishing.
Doug: I like honesty, Simon. It’s easier to deal with. The fishing is great here. I have a sailboat. Maybe we could go out one day.
Simon: Sounds fun. So what do you do here? Do you work?
Doug: Sometimes. Nothing too demanding. I made my money in real estate in the 80s. Now I mostly sail and snorkel and take it easy. I’d say we’re kindred spirits, you and I.
Simon: I don’t know. I’ve been really busy lately, trying to get the house opened up.
Doug: Yeah, Ann mentioned it. I don’t really get it. Why would you want complete strangers wandering through your house?
Simon: Weirdest thing. When I had a job I wanted to quit, when I was rich I didn’t know what to do with myself. So the house is giving me something to do. It’s exciting.
Doug: So if you’re so busy, what brings you to Nevis?
Simon: Well, Ann invited me.
Doug: She did?
Simon: Yeah, she did.
Doug: That’s funny. She told me she was finished with "the England thing" and was going to sell her part of the house.
Simon: That’s bullshit.
Doug: Ask her.
Simon: I will. If you see her, tell her I’ve stepped outside.
[follow Simon out to the patio, follow Doug to the kitchen]
Chester: Can you put the music on? I’d like to dance. These rum and cokes are a bit stiff, aren’t they?
Doug: Yeah, well the rum’s cheaper than the coke. What’s your musical pleasure?
Chester: Reggae, I guess. When in Rome…
Doug: Let me see what we’ve got here.
Chester (singing): "Buffalo soldier, dreadlock Rasta. My little Buffalo Soldier, in the heart of America…"
Ann: Oh, God. This night is getting worse and worse.
Amy: You’re safe. You’ve got Doug AND Simon to fend him off.
Ann: He doesn’t take a hint. Believe me.
Chester: Ann, fancy a dance?
Amy: I’ll dance with you Chester!
Doug: Ann?
Ann: I think I’ll sit this one out.
Reverend Banks: Mrs. Richards, can I lead you out on the floor?
Myrna: Let’s go!
Reverend Banks: "Let’s get together and feel all right…"
Myna: You need to loosen up. Slow it down. That’s better.
Reverend Banks: It’s all in the hips, isn’t it?
(follow Ann back to the patio)
