Post by bdc on Sept 25, 2012 23:30:01 GMT -5
As the night comes to a close in a sleepy little traveling circus, we see a tall, thin figure strolling casually in the shadows. At times, he looks to be dancing; much like in SINGING IN THE RAIN. As he nears his traveling camper, he’s whistling a happy tune. Opening the door, he looks back as lights signal the closing down of the day’s business.
The figure smiles: AH! There truly is NO PLACE LIKE HOME!
He turns and clicks the chain hanging from the light. As the light comes on, it swings back and forth. Also back and forth in and out of the shadows is that very large figure of a very large man in a clown mask sitting patiently at the table.
Large Man: About time, Cracks…
The smile quickly fades off the face of the gentlemen born Winston Issac Cracks, owner of the Cracks and Shadder travelling circus and known to all of his business associates as simply WISECRACK.
Wisecrack feigns a smile: Ah, yes, BANG. I guess you know why I called you here, right?
BANG doesn’t have to feign a smile. The mask he wears always projects the pearlies. Unfortunately, that usually masks his actual manner.
BANG: I suppose it has to do with chasing those kids with an ax through the big top…
Wisecrack: Bingo! Come on, man! What were you thinking?
Bang sits back and kicks his feet onto the table: I was thinking the little shits were annoying. Anyway, kids are naturally afraid of clowns. I’m just playin’ the stereotype.
Wisecrack scowls at the masked clown: Unfortunately, the local peace keepers don’t take too kindly to that kind of behavior from their visiting clowns.
The circus manager plops down exasperated: Oh, come on, Bang! Who are we kidding? This is the third time in just as many months that we’ve had to have this kind of talk. There was the missing cattle in Kansas and that town you burned down in Idaho!
Bang sits up and bangs his fist on the table: HEY! They never proved a thing!!
Wisecrack sits back: True enough. But I’m afraid this one made the news. They want you put in the looney bin.
Bang pulls out a cigar and sniffs it: Burned that down too…
Wisecrack lets out a hearty sigh: I’m afraid it’s worst than that. The authorities want you out, BANG. In fact, the next six towns threaten to cancel if you’re there.
Bang lights up the cigar: Ah, to HELL with’em! There’s other towns. The world’s full of’em!!
Wisecrack leans forward and looks sternly at the clown: Have you ever considered that the big top isn’t the best place for you?
Bang laughs loudly: A clown!!! Not in a big top! Nah, I get it! I should go work in the bank or the police department!! Nah, there’s not much for a clown to do in this world.
Wisecrack, trying to make sense of the situation: Well, ya ever consider ditching the mask? It has been YEARS…
Bang stops laughing and stares at Wisecrack: Ever consider wiping the damned face paint off?
Wisecrack: Oh, I see your point. Anyway, what if I told you that you could beat the hell out of people on a weekly basis and that people would pay you and you wouldn’t go to jail as long as you don’t kill anybody or burn something down?
Bang looks intrigued: I’m listening.
Wisecrack: Well, I know a guy who knows a guy who knows a guy….well, point is, I think I know JUST the place for a man like you.