Paul rolls his eyes.
PAUL: Is that a serious question?
NIGEL: What about the theory that Stephen King was the one who really killed John Lennon?
PAUL: What? I've never heard that before. Who would even believe that?
Nigel laughs a zany laugh.
NIGEL (CONT'D): Just checking to make sure you're not a loony. I can't stand nutters.
Paul casts him a look then goes back to his book.
Nigel looks around the room. None of the other patrons are reading books.
NIGEL (CONT'D): So few novel enthusiasts these days. I'm actually writing an article right now 'bout how the popular novel has died as an art form.
Paul reluctantly takes an interest.
PAUL: Let me guess. The internet killed it?
NIGEL: Internet, shorter attention spans, smart-phones, you name it. It's a bloody disgrace.
April passes by their table.
APRIL: (to Paul) Made a new friend?
PAUL: I wouldn't say that.
APRIL: You gentlemen need anything?
PAUL: No, thank you.
Nigel answers her with a perfect American accent.
NIGEL: Ma'am, I would definitely like some more Earl Gray Tea, if you don't mind.
APRIL: Coming right up.
She exits.
Paul stares at Nigel in surprise.
NIGEL: What?
PAUL: Do you always randomly pretend to be American?
NIGEL: Who says I'm pretending? Maybe this is my real accent and I just like to pretend to be a limey?
PAUL: Why would you do that?
NIGEL: In my line of work, it pays to be able to hide your true self.
PAUL: Really? A book critic?
NIGEL: Or maybe I just have a lot of gambling debts and I don't want people to find me.
He holds his bandaged hand up.
NIGEL (CONT'D): They said they would take my thumbs but I cut one of them off before they had a chance. (grins) I showed them.
Nigel's grin turns to a mad smile.
Paul is speechless.
NIGEL (CONT'D): You like the casinos?
PAUL: Not really.
NIGEL: I love them. Palaces of peccancy. They're so beautifully... human.
Paul eyes him curiously before speaking.
PAUL: You're one of the strangest people I've ever met.
NIGEL: A bit early to make such a grand assumption, I think. (smiles) Maybe not far off though.
They share a long silence before Nigel moves. He takes off his gold watch and places it on the table.
NIGEL (CONT'D): Well, let's get to it then.
He starts a stopwatch counting down from ten minutes.
NIGEL (CONT'D): You have ten minutes. Ten minutes to make a choice. After that, I'll be gone and it will be made for you.
YOU ARE READING
Coffee: a Hitman Story (Screenplay)
Mystery / ThrillerWhile scouting his latest mark in a small town coffee shop, a hitman engages in four seemingly random conversations as he contemplates a life-or-death decision. Paul is a man of many secrets; an interrogative hitman nearing the end of his career. A...
Scene 5: Nigel
Start from the beginning
