NINEVEH

Clementine Jenkins stops for a drink on her way out of town to begin a new life when she runs into a strange man.

CLEMMIE

You were so repulsive at the parade today in town. Oh, I'm sorry.... I didn't mean—

TOM

(Filling the glasses with expensive whiskey) No, I completely understand a lady like yourself would be offended by my behavior. The young woman you might have seen who I was concerning myself with at the parade -- that young lady had earlier in the day.... She had—(stops) No.

(HE sets down the whiskey bottle and takes a bill from HIS wallet, places it on the bar.)

This should cover everything. Happy fourth, ma'am. (HE starts out)

CLEMMIE

Wait—you needn't leave-- I never meant...I was listening - did you think I wasn't listening? Some folks don't listen at all I know but I assure you, I always make a point—

TOM

It wasn't that.

CLEMMIE

Then what is it? Is it money? There's nothing to be ashamed of - I have enough, I mean, I— (Calling) Madge? Please another two drinks please for—?

(SHE turns to HIM. HE seems to be weighing HIS options.)

TOM

"Tom Brophy," ma'am. But I can't allow that. It isn't the money, it's only that I am reluctant to divulge anything that might in it's content soil the reputation of another person.

CLEMMIE

What do you mean?

TOM

Merely that the young lady whom I was concerning myself with at the parade had come to my rooming house the evening before and...well... told me that she had bought a new lipstick. On my account. And that she wanted to try it out. On me.

CLEMMIE

(Astonished) Katie Marie Cassidy?

TOM

Well, there, now you know. Katie Marie Cassidy. She was angry when I refused her so she stuck her nose in the air at the parade and laughed at me. That wasn’t right, laughing at me. I don’t let people laugh at me and I...well, I will grant you I did get a little high.

CLEMMIE

It's terrible to be ignored.

TOM

I know you're a lady and it won't go any further than this room, otherwise I wouldn't say a word. See, I try to leave each individual whom God sends my way with an impression of kindness.

(CLEMMIE regards HIS smile, trying to read it.)

CLEMMIE

I don't believe you.

TOM

No? Then why didn't she press charges? You see me here free, don't you? Don't you?

CLEMMIE

Well....

TOM

She's just young. Young girls think I'm a man of mystery. See it's my features. I have fine features.

CLEMMIE

Yes, you do.

TOM

I favor my Momma. And I got very strong hands. Feel. (Strengthening HIS grip) One night, I swear to God– a young woman, an artist, told me once she wanted to make a mold outta my hands.

(CLEMMIE's mouth drops. HE is hurting HER but it excites HER and SHE cannot decide which feeling is stronger, which one HE actually means.)

Young girls say things though. Young girls are protected. They're a protected class of individuals don't got to account to any body just because they're young girls. They're not like.....

CLEMMIE

....you and me....

TOM

Forgive me, I didn't mean to-- do that.

CLEMMIE

She hurt you? Katie Marie hurt you? She wounded a man I knew once. Wounded him bad so he never got over it. She don't mean it - she's just young but—

TOM

No. Don’t you fret. She didn't hurt me none, that little girl. Say. Ma’am. I should get going but..... I can't .... can’t seem to move. You feelin’ that?

(CLEMMIE's hand flies to HER throat. Softly HE takes it and kisses HER palm, HIS eyes remaining on HERS. Then HE carries THEIR drinks to a table, pulls out a chair. CLEMMIE automatically crosses and takes the seat. TOM turns to the juke box and drops in a few coins. A sentimental song is heard. HE returns to the table and sits across from CLEMMIE. HE reaches for HER hand and stares into HER eyes.)

TOM

The whole Pacific rim is active with volcanos. I think that means a new age is being ushered in.

CLEMMIE

Do you? I feel that. I do feel that.