NO FAULTS
Written by Jameela Shabazz
jameela.shabazz@loop.colum.edu
Tall, athletic ROOSEVELT REYNOLDS (42) enters the elevators just as the doors are closing. He looks at his watch four times as he taps his foot. The doors open and Roosevelt exits. ROOSEVELT What is it Boss? TOM I’m sorry we have to let you go ROOSEVELT Let me go? I’m the best manager you’ve had in five years. TOM I may entertain that, but a good manager gets to work on time. ROOSEVELT Boss I know about the other times, but today really wasn’t my fault. TOM Here’s a box for your things. Roosevelt pushes the box to the floor. ROOSEVELT Really? After seven years? Just like that? TOM District ordered me to can you four occurrences ago. I stuck my neck out for your mercy because you are one of my best employees. But-ROOSEVELT But today really wasn’t my fault. TOM Hey, I’m almost sixty, so I’ve been in both positions. There were times I thought life was so unfair to me, and there were times I felt life was forcing me to be unfair to others. Either way, I don’t make the rules. ROOSEVELT I had a situation, ended up sleeping in my car, woke up, and drove straight here.
2. TOM That explains the repeat clothing, I thought it was the liquor. Roosevelt turns his head to abruptly snap out of a silent gaze and quickly cuts his eyes at his boss. TOM (CONT’D) My brain stays home some days, but my nose is always with me. Roosevelt blinks, exhales deeply, and swallows. TOM (CONT’D) I have no idea what’s changed lately, but I have no more strings I can pull for you. But boss--
ROOSEVELT
TOM Hey! Attendance-based terminations are without bias. Clean yourself up, I’ll hire you back in ninety days. ROOSEVELT No! That’s B.S. If you can hire me back in three months, then there’s no need to interrupt my paycheck. Tom waves his hand in front of his own face. TOM Whoa! The liquor must have spent the night in your car and came straight here too. ROOSEVELT Don’t mock me clever boy. TOM Oh would you leave already? Roosevelt grabs Tom by the shirt collar and begins to shake him forcefully. ROOSEVELT That whore did this to me. Tom stretches around Roosevelt’s tight embrace to hit the security pager.
3. Security guards enter and pull Roosevelt away from Tim. Tom readjusts his tie. TOM Get this heathen out of here. Roosevelt is pulled out of the office kicking, tussling, and yelling. ROOSEVELT After I get her, I’ll be back for you.