Good Things Come In Small Packages
Setting: The atrium at the Capwell mansion.
Characters: Mason, Kelly and Ginger Jones.
Kelly: (Enters the area to find Mason standing at the table
where C.C.'s birthday gifts are being collected. He's holding the
deed to the beachfront property, which is rolled up and tied with
a ribbon.) You're certainly spending a lot of time around the gift
pile.
Kelly: (She takes the deed out of his hands) Is this the special present you were telling
me about? (She holds it up and looks through the center.) Doesn't look like much.
Mason: Good things come in small packages. (He takes the deed back from Kelly.)
Kelly: Oh, we're going to do charades? Look Mason, I've got a better idea. Why don't
you save us both the time and tell me what it is?
Mason: (Laughs.) No, I don't think so.
Kelly: Why not?
Mason: (He finally puts the deed down on the table with the other gifts.) Because dad
is going to be the first person to see it. It's his birthday. I want it to be a surprise. I'm
going to be there right by his side ready and willing to graciously soak up all his praise.
Watch his face, Kelly. Watch it light up.
Kelly: You were never one for small intimate gifts.
Mason: Memorable gifts, they're the only ones that matter, but you and I Kelly, still have
other things to discuss.
Kelly: Oh, we do?
Mason: Joe Perkins. We've barely scratched the surface.
Kelly: I told you yesterday, Mason, I'm not going to give you any information on him or
where he went. (She turns and starts to walk away.)
Mason: Anchorage. (Kelly suddenly stops and turns back to face
Mason.) I'm sorry. Did I startle you?
Kelly: How did you find out?
Mason: Well actually, I've known for quite some time, from the
beginning. I was hoping, I guess wishfully, that you would volunteer the
information.
Kelly: Well, wishful is right.
Kelly: You're the man with all the answers.
Mason: I just want to have a simple conversation with him, a
private conversation. I don't think that is too much to ask, Kelly.
Kelly: First I have to know why, Mason, and what you're up to.
Mason: Does he still live in the Perkins' house? Can't see him
affording an apartment. What about transportation? Does he still
drive that motorcycle? (No response from Kelly.) I can check with
DMV you know, one quick call.
Kelly: Yes, he has the motorcycle. What's it to you?
Mason: Just curious.
Kelly: You know, it sounds to me like you want to put him back in prison.
Mason: There was a time when you and I wanted the same thing.
Kelly: Well, not anymore because I've found some things out, things that you don't
know, and I believe Joe's innocent, just like he's been claiming.
Mason: Is that right?
Kelly: I don't need your approval and I'm not asking for it.
Mason: (He grabs her shoulders.) Listen, Kelly, I don't know what
kind of lies he's been filling your head with. I don't really care. You're
wrong. Joe's guilty, a convicted killer. (He lets go of her.)
Kelly: He was wrongfully convicted!
Mason: Your brother's killer. Remember Channing, Kelly?
Remember how he used to tickle you, Sunday morning
rides.
Kelly: Will you stop it?
Mason: You loved him. We all did. Dear God, how could you not love
someone that perfect. (A bit of a sarcasm coming through in that last
part.)
Kelly: Joe did not kill him! He has proof.
Mason: They're lies, Kelly. Wake up! You're right in
the middle of a very dangerous situation.
Kelly: I don't believe that.
Mason: Well you better believe it. This isn't make believe, Kelly. No more never never
land, and happy endings. This is reality.
(The phone starts ringing and Kelly looks very tense and anxious but doesn't make a
move to answer it.)
Mason: (Watching Kelly's reaction.) It's Joe, isn't it? (She doesn't respond.)
Isn't it?
(Kelly makes a break for the phone, and Mason chases after her).
Mason: Let me get it!
Kelly: (She reaches the phone first, and Mason grabs her from
behind.) Take your hands off of me. (He lets go.)
Kelly: (Speaks into the phone receiver) Hello.
Ginger: (On the other end.) Hello, I'm looking for Peter Flint.
Kelly: I'm sorry he's not in. May I ask who's calling?
Ginger: A friend of his. An old friend.
Kelly: You might try his apartment or his office.
Ginger: Would you take a message?
Kelly: Yeah, all right.
Ginger: Tell him Ginger called and tell him
that he now has one less day.
Kelly: Will he know what this is all about?
Ginger: Just give him the message.
Kelly: Okay, hang on, what is it? (Ginger hangs up.)
Mason: Vested interest.
Mason: Anchorage is a long ways away and an expensive plane
ticket. I wonder where Joe got the money?
