Crooked Panacea : Scene 2

CROOKED PANACEA 2

SCENE 2

(The next day : Juliana’s apartment)

JULIANA : Why don’t you make yourself comfortable, Simon?

(They sit down)

SIMON : I was so glad to meet you in Mario’s. I don’t see many women. I’m divorced.

JULIANA : I’m here on holiday, Simon. I’d like to see a lot more of you. What do you do?

SIMON : I work for Fisal’s Pharmaceuticals. I’m one of the bosses.

JULIANA : Oh that’s a very successful firm, isn’t it?

SIMON : Yes, we are doing well.

JULIANA : It is a firm with international interests, isn’t it?

SIMON : Yes, we have expanded all over Europe. The offices here in Rome are splendid. But the truth is I’m worried. We are almost doing too well. That can attract a lot of hatred.

JULIANA : Surely not.

SIMON : You’d be surprised, Juliana. A lot of our competitors are spreading ugly rumours.

JULIANA : Concerning what?

SIMON : They say our drugs aren’t all they should be. Of course it is poppycock.

JULIANA : You should ignore such things, Simon.

SIMON : I wish I could.

(Just then the phone rings. It is Gordon Havisham with bad news. Juliana picks up the phone)

JULIANA : Hello.

(Pause)

What, Gordon? That is terrible. Is there anything I can do?

(Pause)

Please, just call me if you need anything.

(Juliana rings off)

JULIANA : That was Gordon Havisham, a friend I have met here in Rome. His wife has had a bad fall. Her arthritis is bad and she’s collapsed in agony.

SIMON : Oh I am sorry. She wasn’t taking Opex, was she?

JULIANA : Yes, I’m afraid so.

SIMON : That’s funny, Juliana, I can’t understand it.

(Lights fade)

(Juliana and Simon exit)

(Lights come up)

(Juliana enters, goes to drinks cabinet and pours herself a tequila sunrise)

(There is a knock at the door. Juliana opens the door, Gordon enters)

GORDON : So pleased to see you.

JULIANA : I was shocked to hear the bad news, Gordon.

GORDON : Yes, I’ve left old Petra in bed. She’s in agony. All her pain came back; that Opex isn’t working properly.

JULIANA : Do you take Fisal’s spa water too?

GORDON : Yes, we are hooked on it.

JULIANA : That’s what I’ve heard, Gordon, the spa water is addictive. Unscrupulous companies put something in the water to make you go back for more and keep going back.

GORDON : That’s right. We’ve been buying Fisal’s spa water for months. It’s the only thing which quenches our thirst.

JULIANA : I’ll try to call on you and Petra tomorrow, Gordon. I’ll do anything I can.

GORDON : Thanks, Juliana, it’s appreciated. I’ll see you tomorrow then. Bye.

(Gordon exits)

(As Gordon goes he bumps into Gianni who is coming to the door)

GIANNI : Oh I am sorry, is Juliana in?

GORDON : Yes, she is.

(Gianni enters)

JULIANA : Hi, Gianni. I seem so busy for a holidaymaker, don’t I?

GIANNI : Yes you do. You are an unknown quantity, Juliana. What do they say in English? A dark horse.

JULIANA : Yes, that’s right.

GIANNI : I long to be with you, Juliana.

JULIANA : You have such hot blood. You are a real latin lover.

GIANNI : Don’t tease me, Juliana.

JULIANA : Sorry, I didn’t mean to.

(There is a knock at the door. Juliana opens the door)

JULIANA : Oh, Zena, I am busy at the moment.

GIANNI : Who is this?

JULIANA : Oh nobody.

GIANNI : (looking at Zena) This is not nobody. This is another beautiful woman.

ZENA : I’ll come back later, Juliana.

JULIANA : No really, Gianni is going.

GIANNI : I am going am I? I didn’t know that.

JULIANA : Look, Gianni, I am sorry. Zena is my cousin and she is helping me sort out my personal difficulties.

GIANNI : Oh don’t mind me.

JULIANA : I’m sorry, Gianni, I’ll see you later.

(Gianni goes recalcitrantly)

GIANNI : Such a busy bee, Juliana, isn’t that what you English say? The language is full of idioms. Does that make you idiots?

JULIANA : Really, Gianni, you are going too far.

(Gianni exits)

JULIANA : Oh, Zena, I am sorry, Idon’t have time for all of my commitments.

ZENA : He is a commitment worth having.

JULIANA : If he knew about Simon he would go mad.

ZENA : But surely Simon is only part of our investigating, Juliana.

JULIANA : No, I rather like him.

ZENA : Whatever the situation you are right to use passport difficulties as a cover, Juliana. We must not let anyone know what is going on.

JULIANA : Of course not, Zena. Gianni does not have a clue I am trying to uncover Fisal’s operations here in Rome. Neither does Simon Palmer of course, or there would be trouble.

ZENA : Has Simon said anything yet?

JULIANA : No, he’s told me nothing. He seems relatively innocent, as if he knows nothing about what’s going on at head office. I know from Gordon that they are producing addictive spa water.

ZENA : Good, I am learning things too. Whilst I was hanging around Fisal’s foyer I heard someone is coming to Rome with samples for a new counterfeiting scam. The drug is called Zygofen and I want to get some evidence. At least your Simon isn’t heavily involved himself, Juliana. He sounds nice.

JULIANA : He isn’t my Simon, but yes it’s true he seems to be ignorant of what is going on.

ZENA : He’ll be alright, Juliana, I wouldn’t worry too much.

JULIANA : I’m more worried about Gianni. I don’t want him knowing what I’m really up to.

ZENA : No, your real mission must remain a secret. If you can get any more details from Simon Palmer it will all help.

JULIANA : Yes, of course, Zena. I’ll do my best.

ZENA : Till next time then, Juliana. Text me on 01820279 if you need to communicate. Ciao.

JULIANA : Goodbye.

(Zena exits. Lights dim)