Driver

DRIVER C: ( All rights reserved)

David William Kirby

Driver Copyyright David William Kirby 2009 C: The Dogbreaths Publishing

A play

[email protected] Cover Picture kindly reproduced By TRADEMARK/HEAVEN

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All characters are fictional Any resemblance to persons Living or dead is co-incidental

DRIVER. c: The Dogbreaths Publishing.weebly.com (

SCENE ONE INT NIGHT (We focus upon the face of a woman, she is gagged and tied. There is a look of terror on her face. A steel blade flashes in the light.) SCENE 2 EXT NIGHT (We are in a car heading through the back streets of the west end. The radio is on, playing some thumping techno. The driver is young, but not too young, he has a thick mop of black hair and tattoos on his neck. As he drives through the streets slowly people recognize the car occasionally and nod at him. He is our taxi driver) Narration They call this city The Big Smoke, perhaps because once it had towering smokestacks everywhere bellowing filth. Today they are gone but the filth remains, you can see it on the streets, it’s in the eyes of the people that inhabit this town. I’m not just talking about garbage and dirt either. Some people are just filthy.

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Especially at night, the darkness brings them out. There are people on the make, others looking for a good time. The bar flies, gay girls and bad boys. Boys who take it and girls who promise to give it. The promises are often empty, like the bars the unwary get sucked into. Clip joints full of hard men and harder women waiting to roll the next punter. There’s easy money on these streets. Ever since the time of Dickens people have arrived here expecting them to be made of gold, only to find the gold has been dug long ago and now the diggers want to get their greasy fingers into someone else’s pockets. If you are lucky you’ll go home skint and bruised but ready for work the following Monday. If you’re not so lucky you may never go home; you may end up walking the streets like thousands of other lost souls do every night. Looking for a scratch, a line, a fuck. It’s all out there if you are hard enough to take it. You may never go home, truly; this town has been the end of many. I try to remember that as I scratch my living from its dirty streets. What was it Mr Rama used to say, they think they are hard, they come to London and find out England has always got someone harder. My eyes see everything but only look at the road, my ears hear every last word but only notice the sound of the traffic as it saunters by. This is my town and I want it to feed me. So, I keep my mouth shut and do my own thing. That’s how you survive in this city; that’s how you keep on living… How do I make a living? Mr Rama is the guy I work for. This time of night the market in Berwick Street has closed and our office opens on the street front. He’s about fifty, smart tweeds and 3

bow tie. He just stands there recording who goes where and who’s out next; clip board clutched to his chest; not quite the fat controller. More the bored little fifty year old scratching a living in the rear end of this pig they call a city. (Our narrator smiles and parks up. Getting out the car the girl on the door of the clip-joint opposite smiles and he nods, joins Rama and a couple of other friendly drivers in the office doorway. The street is busy with people and cars even for the time of night. Loud music blares out from the bar opposite and the sound of police sirens ring out nearby.)

Mr Rama Ah, Zero Seven. Your lady friend has called for you. She has booked a car for midnight. To go home. This is okay yha? Zero 7 Fine. How are you Mr Rama? Mr Rama God has given me strength this evening. I feel that my drivers will make lots of money. Zero 7 We’ll all do a ton, will we? Mr Rama If not more. (The other drivers murmur their agreement as one is directed towards a punter looking for a lift to Dalston, Rama writes it on his clipboard and the driver leads the punter away. Later that evening Zero 7 is waiting for another job with Rama and two other drivers, Two Three 4

and One One. Two three, a quiet man, a Pakistani laughed as One One, a huge Indian, cracks a joke. A fat West Indian girl stands near the office with an uncomfortable looking man. Another West Indian girl approaches.) West Indian woman 1 What’s the problem here?

Man Look, I don’t want any trouble, Girls; I just want my money back. West Indian 2 I haven’t got your fucking money Man, so take a hike. Man Last night I gave you a hundred quid for a girl; you just ripped me off and I want it back. West Indian 2 What are you saying? That I’m a fucking prostitute are you? You slimy creep, you can fuck yourself. I wouldn’t fuck you no matter how much money you had. I don’t even know you. Who are you? Man I stood here last night and gave you a hundred quid; this very spot. I want it back. West Indian 1 She’s not got your money Man. You lost it, Okay? Do yourself a favour and go home, put it down to experience. West Indian 1 Yha, go on, fuck off you fat cunt. Fucking nasty worm, paying prostitutes like that. You should be

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ashamed of yourself. I’m off, I don’t mix with fat bastards. (Both women walk away pursued by the man.) Two Three What was all that about? One One Those two girls are down here every night. They’re what you’d call Clippers.

Rama Yes, the clippers of Berwick Street; they’re famous. One One I don’t know about that, but every night they go home with two to three hundred pounds in their purses. They think the likes of us, working men, men trying to feed their families, are mugs. Mugs for chasing about all night trying to earn a few bob. When every night there are people on this street just throwing their money away. Two Three What, men just give them money? Zero 7 No, what’s happened is this; the girls ask passing men if they want a girl. If they get a good response they’re in there. How long you want a girl for? One hour, two hours? One One As if a man can fuck a woman for two hours; it’s not even possible. Zero 7 Well say the guy thinks he is a stud or something and he orders a girl for two hours? They say it’s 6

forty pounds per hour and ask they guy if he has the money to pay. If not they’ll take him to a cash machine to get cash. Then they’ll pretend to call someone and say the girl is waiting in a nearby hotel. They take the guy to the Ritz or some other hotel and say, in reception, ask for the money for the key to the room. The man hands over the money and is given the key to one of the rooms. One One It could be on the top floor or something. Zero 7 He goes off to the elevator and the two girls are off. The key could be any old thing with a number. One One He’s been clipped. There’s no room, no girl, there are men just throwing their money away; it’s amazing. (Just then a man approaches.) Man Got a taxi, man? Rama Where are you going? Man To the Elephant. Rama Seven pounds please. Man What, you want me to pay in advance? Rama Yes please, seven pounds to the Elephant and castle. 7

One One Everyone pays in advance. Man Okay, no problem. (The man pays Rama and he is told that Zero 7 will be his driver. He follows Zero 7. As they walk to the car another man joins the passenger and they both get in the rear of the car behind him. Then the opposite door opens and a very large man gets in the car. The man in the middle shakes his head. Zero 7 starts the car and they head off taking the route to South London) Man on Left. I want my money, when the fuck are you going to sort it? Large man on right No more of you effing bullshit. Yesterday you said you’d have it last night. Then, last night you said it would be this morning, then tonight. Basically you have just fucked us around all day. Like we’re a couple of right mugs. Man on left Do I have the word ‘cunt’ stamped on my forehead or something? Man in centre It’s not like that boys, I was expecting a drop but it didn’t happen. Man on left I don’t want to know about your fucking business. It’s just not something I’m particularly interested in. I just want my money; that’s it. If this bitch of a whore doesn’t sort it out I might just start hurting people, you, your wife, your sister. I’ll do all of them.

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Man on right The last thing we need is to go all the way over there, in a cab. Me and George have got more important things to do. But you’d go on the missing list if we just let you go. Man on left I’m not letting you out of my sight till my monies in my hand. Man in centre I didn’t ask you to come. It was up to you. I could have sorted this out alone. Man on left Sure you would; fucking prick. After you fucked me over for the best part of a week. Grow up. Man in centre Well, what is she doesn’t have the money in the house. If she has to go get it? Man on right Are you taking the piss? Man on left You’re really winding me up now. I’m going to do you. This is serious now, you cunt… Man in centre Hang on George, you don’t have to do that.. Man on left No, your time’s run out old boy. Man in middle George! George… (The driver looks into his rear view mirror) Zero 7 What the fuck’s going on in the back man?

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(He pulls the car over and turns seeing the man on the left stabbing the man in the middle. The scene is in slow motion, The knife glinting, the mans sudden expression of confusion.) I don’t care about your argument man but look, the fuckers getting claret all over the leatherwork. He needs a hospital, look at him? Man on left (Panting, with a bloody knife in his hand) You’re paid to drive. Well, just drive. Zero 7 What, and end up with a stiff in the back seat; you’ve got to be fucking kidding. I’m sure you don’t want the old bill getting too interested because he bleeds to death. Do yourself a favour and let me take him to hospital. Man on right He’s right; I’m not doing life for the pussy. Don’t matter what he’s done it’s not worth doing life over.. Man on left Okay, okay. Here’s a nifty, (Hands over a fifty pound note to zero 7) take the cocksucker to a hospital and get your car cleaned. Come, we’re out of here. (Both men leave the vehicle. Zero 7 looks at the remaining man and sighs. He’s been groaning mournfully until the men leave.) Man in middle Sorry about the mess. Zero 7 Save your energy man. Phew, they really did a number on you. (Hands the man a rag)

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Put this over the cut and press hard, shit, they really have done some damage. I’ll get you to a hospital if you can hang on in there… SCENE 3 EXT NIGHT (Outside the cab office, Rama is standing with a couple of drivers when a middle aged woman stops by them,) Rama (To the passing woman) Excuse me Madam, would you like a taxi-cab?) Woman No sorry. (She looks at the office sign and the drivers before digging into her bag and pulling out a printed flyer. It has the words ‘Missing’ in large letters at the top and a small photo of a young boy in a school uniform.) I don’t suppose you could hang this in your office window for a while. Perhaps the drivers could look at it and if they know anything, ring the number. It’s here at the bottom, see? (She points to the phone number printed on the flyer) Rama What is this you have? Woman It’s a flyer from the Missing Person’s Service; we’re looking for this boy and we think he came to London a while ago. He’s only a kid, it would help if your drivers could look at the photo… Rama

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Let me see (He takes the flyer). Good looking boy, and he’s missing you say? Woman Yes. He may not be in school uniform but… Rama You know, this face is very familiar, but I can’t think where from. I see hundreds of people round here every night but I can’t remember them all. Woman Could you put it in your window please? Rama No problem. One One Thousands of kids go missing in this city every year. They just disappear, gone, not to be seen again; it’s amazing, it really is. I blame the families. Rama Enough of that. We will look out for the boy. Woman Thank you. One One I was only saying. Rama You say too much; what if this woman was boy’s mother. SCENE 4 INT A HOSPITAL CASUALTY DEPARTMENT (The swing doors open and Zero 7 enters pushing the man in a wheel chair. He parks him by a bemused nurse.)

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Zero 7 I just found this guy outside, he looks like he’s in a pretty bad way; you’d better deal with him. Nurse What’s his name? Zero 7 How would I know, he was just outside. Nurse What’s wrong with him, can he talk, have you got any details? Zero 7 Look, the guy’s got a knife sticking out his chest and you ask what’s wrong with him; I don’t think he’s got a fucking headache. I gotta go. Nurse Can you leave a phone number in case the police want to interview you? Zero 7 Sure, tell them to phone Whitehall 001, they can ask for Scottie. Nurse Scottie, okay. (A little later we find him smoking a cigarette with a collection of paper towels around him as he cleans the back seat. He cusses under his breath) Narration It isn’t every night that you get someone done with a knife in the backseat but I see everything in my rear view mirror. This city has it all violence, drink, drugs, sex. If it happens in London it’s happened in the back seat of my car…

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SCENE 5 EXT NIGHT (Zero 7 is parked outside the office leaning on his car; a loud techno track is playing on the midnight as an announcement says it is Midnight. He flicks away a cigarette as a Girl approaches from the office door.) Girl Hi, ya. Had an exciting evening have we? Zero 7 You wouldn’t believe it. How bout you? Girl Two wanks, a blow job and a spanker. No much for the day. It’s been really quiet; still, the spanker gave me an extra score for wearing a rubber glove. You should have seen the boil on his arse, I was glad I could wear the glove. Made me feel sick. Zero 7 Hmm. Still, it’s over for the day. Girl Until tomorrow, How about a kiss for your baby then? Mr Rama Zero 7, will you be returning? Zero 7 Just run little miss home and then I’ll be back.

Rama No problem. (Zero 7 and the girl get into the car and he starts the engine)

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Girl Have you got to come back? Zero 7 Yha, I’ll drop you off and get back here to make some money. I’ve only done one job so I’ll stick around till around five.

Girl Well try not to wake me up; will you be coming in for a coffee? Zero 7 I have to change my shirt so yha.

Girl Is that blood? Zero 7 Yha, some silly bugger was playing with a knife earlier. I got his claret all over my best shirt.

SCENE 6 INT NIGHT (Later in the girl’s flat they are drinking coffee. Zero 7 is taking off his shirt while the girl relaxes on a sofa) Girl What the fuck? What was he doing, slashing his wrists or something? Zero 7

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Hmm, I’d better have a wash before I put another one on. Girl (Pulling the wig from her head.) This wig has been giving me a headache all day; I’ve got through about twenty asprin today and my head is still throbbing. When I was wanking this geezer off earlier the bloody thing started to fall forwards. I’ll have to get some clips; terrible isn’t it, I come home from work covered in body fluids and you come back dripping with blood; what a pair? (He joins her wiping a towel though his hair.) Zero 7 I’m not home for the evening yet, have you seen my mobile? Girl Still, at least I’m my own boss. I couldn’t imagine working for anyone else. No get them in and get the bastards out again; that’s what you call earning a living. Can you see me in an office? Zero 7 Not in that get up; mind you… Girl Come, give your baby a kiss. Zero 7 I’m going to be late again… SCENE 7 EXT NIGHT (Zero 7 is driving down the Highway toward the West End, the radio is on loud and he leans forwards to turn it down as he picks up the phone and dials) Zero 7

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Hi ‘F’. Yha, it’s me, mini-cab. I’m on my way through to you, where are you now? Right, I’ll be there in 5, get half a 6th ready for me? Just jump in when I pull over. (He drives further and into Windmill St, Halfway down he pulls the car to a halt and the passenger door opens. A large Blackman gets into the car making that side sag into the gutter. Zero 7 hands over the 50 pound note he was given earlier. The man hands back a wrap of plastic nods and gets back out.) Have a good night man. (The Blackman just smiles fillings and tucks the 50 pocket before closing the to drive and soon is back

a mouthful of gold pound note into a door. Zero 7 continues outside the office)

Rama Zero 7, these three people to Brixton please. Ten pounds. (Three girls get into the back of his car, two white and one black, he starts to pull away.) Back girl You know Brixton Hill love, by the lights? Zero 7 No problem. White girl 1 Er, this seats all wet, back here. Zero 7 Sorry about that but the last passenger was a bit old, you know, pissed himself. White girl 1 Oh no, you are fucking joking. I’m not sitting in piss all the way to Brixton. 17

Black girl He’s having a laugh, take no notice, look he’s smiling. Zero 7 Yha, I’m only joking. White girl You’d better be. Zero 7 Yha, he puked up right there. (The three girls all squeal and laugh as the car journeys on.) SCENE 8 (Zero 7 office. talking

EXT NIGHT joins Rama later that night outside the A couple of other drivers stand there about business.)

Zero 7 It’s quiet, there’s normally a queue this time of night, I wonder what’s going on. One One It’s those bastards down there. (He indicates another cab office just a little further up Berwick Street. Outside stands several drivers and a large Turkish controller. They have a large coffee urn and the controller is making a big show of giving free Turkish coffee for the waiting customers.) They are taking all our trade down there; the fat Turkish bastard. You see that urn, they put that in the street all night and call it an office. The fuckers stand around it and as the trade come by they say hay, here’s the mini-cab, want some coffee while you wait.

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One night I’m going to pick up that urn and throw it down the fucking street; see how the fuckers like that. Rama Violence will not solve this problem. Zero 7 He’s right though, look at the amount of drivers he has brought to this street. No wonder we are all standing around doing nothing. (A man approaches the office) Man How much for a car to Woodford please? Rama Woodford, fifteen pounds Sir, here’s your car. Money up front please. Man Upfront, fifteen pounds? Rama Please. One-one? (He indicates One-one and the man follows him to the car after handing over the money.) You see Zero 7, God is not with those people. Because God has not blessed his business his drivers will leave quickly and the business will fold. Violence is never necessary when God is looking after you; look. Here comes your fare. (Two women approach the office)_ Woman 1 Evening Mr, Rama, who is our driver tonight? Rama 19

Zero 7, take these ladies to Peck ham. Woman 2 Oh, we like him. Come on Darling I want to get home. (They follow him to his car and climb into the back. During the journey he listens to their faint conversation.) Woman 1 It’s been so fucking quiet tonight, I’ve been a maid for twenty two years in the West End and I can’t remember it being so quiet. My girl’s done twenty quid all day. Woman 2 Really, we were well busy in Peter Street, the doorbell didn’t stop ringing.

Woman 1 Really, it must be those bloody crack dealers that hang about outside our flat all night and day. The bastards; I even caught one trying to charge a punter for coming up the stairs last week. Charging him for using the stairs… Woman 2 I ask you. Woman 1 Well if Irish hadn’t been around the girl wouldn’t have carried on working. If they’re not selling the stuff then they are on the stairs smoking it. Woman 2 I can’t see Irish putting up with that. Woman 1

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Too right; he wants his rent doesn’t he. If the girl’s ain't making money, then he’s not making money. He sorted them out once already, done one with a crow bar only last week. Woman 2# No? Woman 2 Really, but the slags were back the following night. He only came up tonight to get his money, just before he came some German walked in. He took a seat and I told the girl. While he waited I was looking at him and I got a funny feeling. Don’t ask me what it was because I don’t know. It was just a funny feeling, In my bones. So after he goes in, nothing. Then after a few minutes I heard the girl shouting, shouting for her life. I went in the room and the bastard has only tied the girl up with a coat hanger. You know, he’s undone the bloody wire, and wrapped it around her wrists; then he was strangling her. I started to have a go at him when Irish arrived. He clocked this German so hard I thought he was gong to kill him. Woman 2 You poor cow. Are you okay? Woman 1 I got a bit of a knock, in the rumpus but the German came off worse. Irish threw him down the whole flight of stairs. The bastard. Woman 2 See, you never know. Did the German bloke have have a mark under one eye and a bump, like a mole between his eye brows? Woman 1 A cyst perhaps, yes, just between his eyebrows. Why, do you know him? 21

Woman 2 Short, cropped hair? Woman 1 That’s him. Woman 2 The slimy bastard came to see my girl last week. He wanted really kinky sex, you know, asphyxiation. He actually asked if the girl would be interested for some extra money but she was only eighteen so I said no. There aren’t many who would take a risk doing that sort of stuff in this city. Sounds like he’s not even asking anymore. Just doing it. Woman 1 Fucking men. Present company accepted. They’re all bastards. (Later that night the sun is coming over the horizon as Zero 7 goes back home. The music is playing in the car and he can see the first burst of life on the streets as the paper men come out with their parcels of newspapers. Cleaners going to early morning jobs and dustmen doing their dawn rounds. Pulling up outside his flat he rubs his eyes, collects his phone and money and goes up to the flat) SCENE 9 INT DAY (he enters the flat and sits down on the sofa flicking a switch to put the TV on in the background. There is an ornate box on the glass coffee table which he opens and removes a small glass pipe and a razor blade. He then takes the small wrap that he paid for earlier from his pocket and opens it with the blade. Hard white lumps the size of peanuts fall onto the table.

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He cuts one of the glassy stones and puts a little in his pipe and takes a drawer while holding the lighter to the it. A curl of white smoke rises before he exhales another cloud of white smoke. His pupils glaze over and he sinks back into the sofa. As he opens his cigarette packet and removes a cigarette the bedroom door opens a the girl from earlier enters the room. She is dressed in a vest and knickers.) Girl Don’t you want to come in; you can smoke that shit later. Zero 7 Hi babe, I’m sorry if I woke you. (He lights the cigarette as she sits on the arm of the sofa and plays gently with his hair. He places the cigarette in the ash tray and takes another blast from the pipe.) Girl You didn’t. I’ve been waiting for you all night, come on in, I’ve been dreaming about you. Come to bed with me. I’ll do what you like? Zero 7 Oh yha, and what’s that? Girl You know, that thing. (He curls her up in his arms and pulls her onto the sofa) Zero 7 Well if you put it like that, how could I refuse. Hmm, you do feel warm. Girl I told you I’d been thinking about you. 23

Zero 7 And hard. Girl Less of that; come on tattooed lover boy; let me entertain you. (She stands and leads him to the bedroom.) SCENE 11 EXT NIGHT Zero 7 is driving through the west end on his way to work. There’s a traffic update on the radio which tells him the streets are busy. He turns down the radio and picks up his mobile phone. Zero 7 Hi yah, what time are you working till tonight? I’ll pick you up about 5 past 1 then, okay? I slept like a baby today and I didn’t hear you leave; especially after being fucked rotten last night (He laughs). I’ll speak to you later, love you. (He drives into Brewer Street and sees his crack dealer standing on the corner talking to one of the clippers. They nod at each other. Soon he is pulling up outside the office. Rama and a couple of drivers are having an altercation with the Turkish controller. Zero 7 steps from the car and treads on a newspaper sitting in the gutter, the headline reads ‘Number 3’ for the Cavendish Sq Killer.) Turkish Controller You think this is your pavement don’t you. Well I’ll tell you what; go fuck yourselves; go fuck your mother’s pussy. This pavement is for anybody to use and if I want to stand down there giving free coffee to pull in some customers then that’s my prerogative.

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I’m in bloody bastard England now mate. I’m free to stand wherever I bloody well want. One One No, my friend. This is a business venture here; we’re trying to earn a few bob for our families. I’m sure this is what you want also? Your office operates from down that end of the street and we operate at this end. Okay, so now you fuck off. Rama Please One one, I’d rather him be there without a fuss, all this unpleasantness will frighten the customers away… Zero 7 Having problems are we? RAMA Nothing that God and a little patience cannot deal with… One one Look, see the bastard has gone. You have to be aggressive with this man. Zero 7, my friend, he came from down there up to our doorway and when a lady asked for a cab he said to her ‘here is your cab, it’s down here’. Bold as brass monkeys. It’s true. Rama I understand how frustrating this may be. It was One one who was next out when the very nice lady came along. She was a regular you see, it was very embarrassing to her. I just rather he take her if they need the money that bad, just take her rather then upset the lady. One one But Mr Rama, how would he like it if I took the bread from his children’s mouths, how would he like that?

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Three three Someone should tell the police; surely there is a law against it. Some byelaw? (A man approaches the office) Man Can I have a taxi to Brixton please? Rama Here is your taxi, Sir (indicating Three three), take him to Brixton. (He faces the man) Ten pounds please, always to Brixton, 10 pounds only, pay in advance. (The man pays Rama and follows Three three to his vehicle.) Zero 7 I thought One one was out next? One one No, I have been out and back again. The lady they pouched was going to Mill Hill, a fifteen pound job, the one I got next, Bond St, five pound only. See, this would make any man angry. Muslim or not. Zero 7 Sure, that would get you going wouldn’t it. He better not come up here when it’s my turn to go out, I’ll put him on his fat arse in front of the customer; you see if I don’t. (A woman approaches) Rama Mini-cab lady? Woman How much to Ilford in Essex? Rama 26

16 pounds love, in advance. Woman Fine, who shall I pay? Rama I’ll take your money here and this is your driver, (He indicates One one and the woman follows him after paying Rama. A short while later, Rama smokes a cigarette and looks hard at Zero 7) You know Zero 7, you would make a fine Muslim, have you ever thought about praising the glory of Allah, blessed be his name. Zero 7 Do what? Your God would not want me, Mr Rama Sahib. Rama Why do you say that; God loves anyone who turns to face him. Zero 7 Let’s just say my lifestyle hasn’t any room for deities. It’s different. Rama Oh, yes different. I have met your girlfriend and we see she likes the Jiggi-jiggie, we Muslims like the jiggie-jiggie too. Serious, you can still be a good Muslim my friend and have jiggiejiggie. (They both laugh when a young girl approaches the office, a man hangs back in the shadows but is obviously with her) Girl How long for a cab?

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Rama Your cab is right here, (he indicates Zero 7) Where are you going? Girl Local. Rama Local is it, well flat fee five pounds, in advance. (The girl approaches the man and he gives her five pounds which she hands to Rama, then they both follow Zero 7 to his car.) Zero 7 Where too, locally? Girl (Getting into backseat with man) Just around the block. Zero 7 Just around the block? Girl That’s right, just drive and I’ll tell you when to stop. Narration I’d heard this number before, just look straight ahead and take no notice of what goes on in the back. I could see from the wide look on her face and the wrinkles on his that this wasn’t a brother and sister act. No, he’d probably picked her up somewhere, a bar, a café, a pub, then the conversation had turned around to money. He had it and she needed it, he could think of one way she could earn it. It happens every night on these streets, girls realise they’re sitting on a fortune and the only difference is, some realise earlier then others. Girl (whispering)

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I said up front darling; that’s how we do it round this way, every thing’s upfront. Man I’ll pay you after, thank you, it’s nothing personal but I’ve lost my money enough times around here, it’s after or nothing. Girl Forty quid, you did agree? Man Yes, that’s right. Girl Half now, half later. Man Just get on with it. (Zero 7 hears the sigh of resignation from the girl and looks into his rear view mirror in time to see her head go down. He sees a flash of light cross the old man’s face and his eyes flicker lustily.) Narration That’s it darling, earn your bread and butter. Make the ole boy happy. He’s had a night at the theatre and now it’s followed by a tasty tit-bit on the way home. Well, if this bitch is getting 40 quid for giving him a blow job she’s not getting away with just paying a fiver, it’s got to be worth an extra tenna just to put up with the stink of his sweaty dick filling the cab; let alone the noises… Girl Happy now? I’ll have me money please. Man No problem, I always keep my word, there you are, forty pounds; I’ll get out here. 29

(Zero 7 stops the car and the man gets out the vehicle) Girl Hang on, I’ll get out here too. (Zero 7 turns swiftly and grabs the girls arm, he pulls her back into the cab and takes a ten pound note from her) Zero 7 For the cleaning. Girl What do you mean, there’s nothing to clean. Zero 7 I’ve just had that geezers sweaty old arse on my chairs, I need to have then cleaned. You understand don’t you? Girl Oh, cleaned, Okay yha. You fucking shit, I won’t be using your car again. Zero 7]# That’s fine by me. (Later he pulls up outside the office and finds a queue forming for cabs) SCENE 12 EXT NIGHT (The scene outside the cab office is confused, it’s late and people are drunk, the shops are still open and people huddle in their doorways to keep out the cold. Rama walks straight to Zero 7 as he pulls up) Rama Take this lady and her friend to the Oval please.

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(He opens the door and allows a young girl and another elder man to get in the back seat, Rama closes the door for them and Zero 7 pulls away) Lady I don’t usually go to my flat; not with punters. Man You will say nothing. (Zero 7 hears a slap and looks in his rear view mirror to see he lady holding her face) Man Nothing. Zero 7] Is there a problem in the back? Man Just drive please. Zero 7 I was talking to the lady. Lady It’s nothing, please do as he says and drive, it is none of your business. Zero 7 Fine. Narration Sometimes you have to just put it down to experience, some people like to be dominated, for all I know these two are married and are trying to put a spark back into the bedroom. Playing roles in a piece they wrote earlier. Still if adults want to play their own games who am I to interfere, say what’s right and what’s wrong. Lady Will you pay the driver please.

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Man I have paid at the office. Is this it? Lady Yes. (Zero 7 turns to see her exit the car, catching a glimpse of a silver evening shoe and expensive dress. The man she is with stops to leer at Zero 7 before getting out. He had a lump between his eyes. Once the couple have left he notices a ladies purse in the back seat. # He opens it and sees a flash of money and the photo driving license of the young lady. The name says Miss M. Rossini, he looks out but the couple are gone. He puts the notes in his pocket and the purse in the car’s cabbie hold)

SCENE 13 EXT NIGHT (Zero 7 pulls up outside the cab office and Rama approaches the car) RAMA Please, Zero 7, go to 16 Peter Street. You know the flats there, one of the girls has requested a car to take her and a dog to Hampstead Heath; 12 pounds on account Okay? Zero 7 It’s a bit late to go walkies on the heath isn’t it? Rama We don’t ask questions, do we? If she wants to walk a dog at midnight it’s up to her. (He drives to Peter St and pulls up outside a doorway with a sign posted on the wall that proclaims ‘Specialist Model, 1st floor. There is a girl standing there dressed in a leather cat suit 32

and a leather mask, her hair is pulled tightly off her face and hangs in a long pony-tail down her black leather back.) Girl You the cab? Zero 7 That’s right babe, Hampstead is it? Girl That’s right, I’ll just get him. Zero 7 You want the dog in the back seat? Girl The boot will do, can you open it for me? (She turns and goes into the doorway. Zero 7 exits the car and opens the boot. He looks towards the door and sees another girl, this one in a red rubber cat suit with a full head mask peer out at him. She looks cautiously up and down the streets before nodding into the doorway.) Girl 2 Bring him out. (The first girl exits the doorway tugging on a leather and chain strap, On the end of this is tethered a man dressed in a full, one piece rubber suit. He stumbles from the flat almost on all fours and is lead by the first girl to the back of the car.) Girl 1 Come on boy, in you get. (The man climbs into the boot of the car and Zer0 7 shuts it closed, the two girls then get into the back seat and Zero 7 climbs behind the wheel and begins to drive. He looks at the girls in his

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rear view mirror and makes eye contact with the young one in red.) Girl 2 Can I smoke? Zero 7 Go ahead. (She lights up a cigarette and adjusts the zip over her mouth so that she can smoke comfortably.) Girl 1 You know where Jack’s Straw’s Castle is on the Heath? Zero 7 Yha, I know it. Girl 1 We’ll be taking the road beside it and you’ll find a track that leads into the trees. Zero 7 I think I know it. The ash trey is between the seats. Girl 2 Ta. How long does he normally go there? Girl 1 This is the first time love. Normally I leave him in the box for a few hours but tonight he wanted to be out in the open; god know why. I suppose this might be a little strange to you? Zero 7 There’s nothing that would surprise me in this town. Girl 1 He’s paying us £600.00 quid for this. Amazing isn’t it; six hundred quid to be tied to a tree. 34

Zero 7 Whatever floats your boat. Girl 1 Me and Melissa are going to chill for a while and collect him later. Girl 2 Around 2.00 A.M. Girl 1 You will remember won’t you? Zero 7 I guess so, you want me to come back at 2.00? Girl 2 If that’s okay, someone else may not remember where we left him. Zero 7 No problem. (A few moments later the car pulls into the track the girl had indicated. It’s dark away from the streetlights and only the headlights illuminate the trees.) Girl1 Turn your lights out please dear. (He does as she asks and the scene falls into a eerie silence. The girls get out of the vehicle and walk to the rear of the car, they open the boot and the man inside gasps for air. The rubber around his mouth vibrates as he sucks air into his lungs. Girl 1 pulls on his leash and he climbs out of the boot sinking to his hunches by her feet. She

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tugs at the lead and Zero 7 watch as the two girls disappear into the trees with him. A few moments later they come back to the car. Once they get into the back seat the girl in red undoes the poppers on her hood and removes it revealing long blond hair over a childlike face.) Girl 2 That’s better, I can breath now. Girl 1 Right, let’s go. Please remember where we left him, driver, I’d hate to loose the bastard. (He backs the vehicle out of the lane and onto the main road.)

SCENE 14 EXT NIGHT (Zero 7 pulls his car up outside the office and his girlfriend comes up to the driver side window) Girl I was just going to call your mobile. (She leans in and kisses him gently) How are you? |Zero 7 Fine thanks, and you? Girl I’m okay I suppose, had three wankers all in a row before one o’clock. My right arm feels like its got cramp. The last one just couldn’t come either… Rama Are you taking the girl home? Zero 7 36

Yes, then I’ve got to return to Peter Street, they have booked me again in an hour. (Rama makes a note on his clipboard and Zero 7’s girl gets into the passenger seat.) Girl Will you be late? Only I was going to cook some food. Zero 7 I won’t be back before dawn, you may as well get the bed warm and we’ll eat when we get up. (She is reading a leaflet and quickly stuffs it into her bag when he glances at her.) What’s that? Girl Nothing. (They drive home in silence.) SCENE 15 INT NIGHT (Zero z presses a buzzer and the lock on an interior door snaps back. He pushes open the door and enters a room with two long sofas arranged around a T.V; there is a S and M video playing, a girl is being whipped by a bare chested man. Her screams echo around the room. Melissa is seated on one of the sofas smoking a cigarette, her long blond hair frames her face in the flickering light. She calls out) Melissa That driver is here. (She looks at him coyly) Come in, don’t be shy. (A door opens and Zero 7 sees the other girl enter the room, behind her a man is strapped to a frame on the wall, he is dressed in a pair of 37

leather shorts and leather hood, his back faces them. She notices Zero 7’s interest and closes the door sharply.) Girl 1 Thanks for coming back, want a line of coke? Zero 7 Sure. (She sits on the sofa next to the younger girl and opens a box, inside is a pile of crystals and a blade. She uses the blade to construct three thin white lines and sniffs one with a silver tube which was also in the box. She offers the tube to him.)

Zero 7 This is cosy, isn’t it? Melissa Just you believe it, honey. (He snorts a line of cocaine and passes on the tube to Mellisa, as she sniffs her hand goes onto his thigh and he leans back into the sofa.) Girl 1 You ever had coke blow down your dick? Zero 7 Can’t say I’ve had that experience, I’ll try anything once. Melissa Really, let me get my strap-on. Zero 7 Within reason. (The girl in black reaches over and unzips his fly as the blond reaches for his head and kisses 38

him gently. He reclines further and kicks his trainers off. The clock ticks by and the music and screaming merge into a psychedelic haze. The room gradually gets lighter before Girl 1 sits up.) Girl1 Shit, what’s the time? Zero 7 (Scratches his bare chest and wipes the sleep out of his eyes before glancing at his watch.) Its six thirty. Girl 1 The fucking dog. SCENE 16 EXT DAWN (zero 7 is driving home as the sun gets into the morning sky. People are just getting on their way to work and as he drives out of the city people are driving into it. The queues at the bus stops are long, full of smartly dressed people and children in school uniforms. He sees the newspaper vans making their deliveries and the late milkman doing the last of his rounds. In some shop doorways there are people sleeping, wrapped in blankets and dirty quilts, some peer out at him as his car speeds past. Zero 7 turns on the radio and hears the end of a news broadcast.) Newscaster …Police in South East London today are looking for the killer of a thirty five year old woman. The woman’s body was found stripped and bound early this morning in a flat near the Oval cricket ground. The woman’s room mate returned early this morning to find the body and alert the police. The women are believed to be Italian nationals who were

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working in London; the dead woman cannot be named until relatives are contacted in Italy. Police declined to say if they believed this to be another in the series of murders that have plagued the capital in the last few months. The Cavendish Square Killer, known because the first of the series was in Cavendish Square, is thought to have killed at least three other women. This could be the forth; if anyone has any information could they contact the police at.. (Zero 7 turns off the radio and pulls the car up outside his flat. He wipes his eyes and reaches across to the hold in front of the passenger seat. Opening it he removes the wallet he found earlier and takes out the driving license. Rossini is typed in the bracket for surname. He places the wallet and driving license in his breast pocket and gets out the car.) SCENE 17 INT DUSK (We see a montage of Zero 7 getting up in the morning, finding a note from his girl saying she didn’t want to wake him. He shaves while on the TV in the room a newscaster broadcasts from outside a flat in South London. He can’t hear what’s being said from the bathroom. Then he is driving into the West End, it is dark again and the streets are busy; people going home from work stare at him blankly as he passes slowly, almost at a snails pace. When he arrives outside the office One one is talking loudly to another driver while Rama stands between them clutching his clipboard.) SCENE 18 EXT NIGHT One one 40

Good evening Zero 7, you’re just in time to solve an argument we Pakistanis were having… Rama No, One one, you have been arguing and we have been listening to your argument. He’s very upset because look, the office down there has now put up this sign, see? (Zero 7 looks down the street at a huge sign put up beside the coffee urn.) Zero 7 Wow, are they allowed to do that; I thought signs that big needed planning permission. Rama The business is probably not even paying tax, I don’t understand English people sometimes. If you pay your taxes, the police are always poking around and if you don’t pay, they leave you alone; see, there’s proof at the end of the road. One one The fuckers don’t care. Touts, that’s all they are and no-body does a thing to stop them. You mark my word, having cowboys like that on the block will screw it up for all of us. Take the bread from our baby’s mouths. Bastards; how the fuck do they get into the country anyway? Zero 7 We’re in the European Empire now you know. One one Fuck Europe, what has Europe ever done for my country; Pakistan doesn’t even exist to most Europeans… Rama Britain’s your country now. One one

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Yes, hmm, of course. If that big fucker down there poaches just one of our customers tonight, I’ll split his head open, that’s what I’ll do, just see if I don’t. Rama Think, is that what God wants you to do? Zero 7 I got a Stun Gun if you want to borrow it; you could zapp the fat cunt. One one You have a Stun Gun; what, in your car? Zero 7 Yha, One one I think this might be illegal you know; you may get into serious trouble if the police find a Stun Gun in your car… Rama Especially if you are working as a mini-cab. Zero 7 The Old Bill would never find it, not where it is. I’ve been robbed in the past and now I couldn’t do this job without some protection. I used to carry a can of C.S gas but I tried it one night and it didn’t seem to work quickly enough. You need something that will drop them, quick like. One One Nerve gas now, hear that; bloody nerve gas? Zero 7, the bloody mercenary. Zero 7 Someone fucks with me in that car they’re gonna get fucked back. (He laughs)

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One one Oh, Zero 7, you are such a comedian, I nearly believed you; nerve gas and stun guns; You really had me. (Two girls walk past hand in hand, they see the drivers and snigger) Three three Pretty girls eh, just ripe for the jiggi-jiggie eh Zero 7? Zero 7 They were gay, you can tell lesbians a mile off. One one Lesbians, really, oh wow. (He looks at the girls wide-eyed) Rama Yes, lesbians. They have these things in this godless country; it’s true. Zero 7 Nothing wrong with that. One one Of course not, but if it was my wife or my daughter I’d kill them. A man could not tolerate such a thing under his own roof. Three three Unless he could watch. (They all laugh) One one Well of course. You know, I’ve often wondered what they do, you know, these lesbians. Three three

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Without a man they cannot be satisfied. Their bed is lacking a little something. One one Or in my case, a big something. Zero 7 Don’t you be so sure of that. They get by; have you never seen a woman go down upon another woman? Three three Go down, what do you mean? Zero 7 You know, suck pussy. (Rama, One one and three three cough in unison) Pha, that’s disgusting. One one You mean they suck that thing down there; no, I can’t believe it. Rama No, that thing is not for the sucking, it’s for the jiggie jiggie only.

Zero 7 Are you telling me that you lot, all married men with children, have never gone down on your woman’s pussy before? Rama We do not do such things; in our culture it’s considered dirty. Three three The woman’s pee pee comes out there you know.

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Zero 7 Well thank the lord for lesbians, at least some women are getting orgasms. (A man approaches the office) man Can I have a car to Stockwell please? Rama Ten pounds in advance please. Three three, take this man please. (The man pays Rama and heads off with Three three) One one Zero 7, I don’t know about the lesbians but in some parts of Pakistan a man would give a house to have a young boy to fuck. It’s true. These gay boys can be treated like kings. Zero 7 Like queens you mean? One one Oh, yes, queens, that’s funny. Rama In other parts of Pakistan these gay boys have their bollocks cut off. Our religion does not allow such abominations. One one That’s true; but they have to find out you know. I am aware of it as a fact. Gay boys can live very well in Pakistan if they do not bring attention to themselves. Especially if they speak English, because, that is the language of the middle classes. It’s only in the villages that they would be persecuted, where the ignorant people are. In the city’s they can do very well. (A woman approaches the office) 45

Woman Hi Rama, who have I got tonight? Rama One one, take this very nice lady to Brixton please. One one I know this lady very well; don’t I love? (They leave the office) Rama You know Zero 7, he is one of my best drivers. He is here on time every night and stays until dawn. Very reliable and fast which is most important when mini-cabbing. And he works all day in his brother’s shop; it’s amazing isn’t it. Zero 7 Certainly is. (A woman and two men approach the office) Woman Got a car for Heathrow? Rama Of course, Twenty pounds please, in advance. Woman Fine, in advance? Rama In advance, Zero 7, here is your fare. (All three follow Zero 7 to his car and get in the back seat while he climbs in the front and starts the engine. He looks into his rear view mirror.) Zero 7 46

Where are we going, which terminal? Woman Terminal 4, the international thank you. Zero 7 You’re Dutch aren’t you? Woman This is true, we are Dutch, well done. Zero 7 I love the Netherlands, I was in Amsterdam last year; blinding. (The men speak anxiously to the woman in Dutch and he understands that they do not want to make chit chat. After a little while he catches one of the men’s eye in the mirror.) You have been here in London for pleasure? Man Business only. Zero 7 I hope that turned out okay for you? Woman Very good. Ere, blinding, as you say. Man (To the woman under his breath) Did you leave the sample there with them? Woman Shyser, it’s still in my bag. Shall I throw it out the window? Man No, we can’t have it being found by some children. Woman 47

I’ll leave it here, on the back seat. Man We can’t risk getting on the flight with it. (When they reach terminal 4 the woman and one man get out of the car. The second man leans forwards and taps Zero 7 on the shoulder.) Man Here is a tip, (He hand over a fifty pound note) Zero 7 Thank you. Man Have a good night. (He watches them dash into the building and pulls away. Just before hitting the motorway he pulls to one side and peers into the backseat. To his surprise he finds a small bottle containing a clear liquid, he puts it in his breast pocket.

SCENE 19 EXT NIGHT (In a chilly and dark part of the city, near by Aldgate station a group of whores ply their trade. Some are young, some are old all are marked by their white skin and bags under their eyes, typical heroin users who earn their next hit by sucking the passing trade off. One young girl who is new to the game and is working alone approaches a passing man.) Girl Do you want a girl mister? Man Yes, but I am looking for a special girl.

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Girl I’m special, we can go down here if you want, no one will see. Man And get jumped by your pimp,(He replies in a thick Germanic accent.) I don’t think so. Girl I haven’t got a pimp; you’ll be okay, I’ll look after you. Man Haven’t you got a flat or something, I’ll pay extra. Girl It’s me kids, see. They’re back at home asleep. I wouldn’t want to wake them. Man I’ll be quiet, you can trust me. Girl You’ll pay extra? Man That’s right. Girl Okay then, follow me. It’s not far. Man Good, now say nothing on our journey.

SCENE 20. EXT NIGHT (Zero 7 is driving to Stockwell with the female passenger) Zero 7 So you been out tonight?

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Woman Please, I’m not in the mood to talk. Zero 7 Sure, if that’s the way you want it. (Cut to the prostitute and her punter as she leads him through a doorway into a dark foyer of a small block of apartments.) Prostitute It’s just up here. Man Shut your fucking mouth. (Cut back to Zero 7 in the car driving his passenger to Stockwell.) Zero 7 Where do you want to go from here? Woman See that ally. Down there. Zero 7 That narrow little ally across the road there? Woman Are you deaf? Zero 7 Okay, I get the picture. (Cut back to the prostitute, she opens the door of her apartment and the man follows her in, as he closes the door he locks it. She is looking worried but takes him into the lounge. She turns the light on and he immediately closes the curtains.) Prostitute My kids are sleeping in the next room, so let’s be quick about… 50

Man I told you to shut up. Now, take your clothes off. (She begins to undress) Prostitute Don’t you want to undress? Man There’s time for that, Now, lay on the floor. (The girl does as she is told.) Open your legs, let me see your pussy.(He pulls a chair between her feet and sits with his arms on the back) Further, open them further. (He uses his feet to push her legs apart and his breathing changes. She looks frightened. Back in the car Zero 7 also thinks he’s made a mistake. He looks in his rear view mirror at the woman in the back seat.) Zero 7 Down here. Woman That’s right, down to the end. (Back in the prostitute’s apartment the man stands and throws the chair against the wall. He is masturbating. He falls on the woman and in one hand is a blade. His other hand goes around the woman’s throat. She starts to squirm and wriggle which makes him more frenzied cutting a thick gash under her chin. Blood pumps in a stream over his fingers clasped around her neck. His breathing becomes frantic and her drops the blade to continue masturbating. Her struggling subsides, he sighs loudly and the woman is limp.

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He looks up and sees a child in the doorway clutching a teddy bear.) Child Is Mummy alright? (Zero 7 is driving down the darkened ally.) Zero 7 Is this it? Woman Yes, I guess it is. (She pulls a knife from her coat and puts it to his throat.) Now. Don’t try to be a hero or I’ll use this. Zero 7 I’m not going to be a hero or nothing, just be cool, okay? Woman I swear, I’ll cut your fucking throat you bastard, just see if I don’t. Zero 7 Okay baby, be cool. I’m not going to do anything. Woman You’d better not, fucker, I’ve used this before and I’m not afraid to use it again. Zero 7 No problem. Now, just calm down and tell me what you want. Woman Money, I want your money. If you don’t give me your money I’m going to kill you, understand, I’m going to cut your fucking throat. Zero 7 52

I understand baby, now just calm down. Are you cool. Woman What? Zero 7 Are you cool? Woman Just give me your fucking money and then I’ll be cool. Zero 7 I’d love to give you my money babe, but you got a blade to my throat so it’s pretty hard to reach down and get it. If you are cool and I am cool maybe you’ll let me reach under my seat and get it for you. So are you cool? Woman I’m cool, Zero 7 Good, you’re cool and I’m cool, we’re just two cool for school, okay? Woman Okay. Zero 7 So, now you’re going to relax your grip and let me reach under so I can get my money; okay? Woman It’s under your seat? Zero 7 That’s right baby, under my seat. Woman You’re not pulling any stunts are you, because I’ll cut your fucking…

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Zero 7 Throat, yha, you said. But we are cool, right, too cool for school. Woman Too cool for school.

Okay.

(She relaxes her grip and he takes her wrist and pulls the knife from his throat gently, then reaching under his seat he grips his stun gun and with a quick flip turns her wrist so her arm locks, then he lifts himself from his seat and in a flash has her arm behind her back and his stun gun to her forehead.) Zero 7 Now, you see what we have here? Woman What? Zero 7 We have here a Marconi 75 thousand. That means baby, that it’s capable of zapping you with seventy five thousand volts of electricity. You know this is illegal in this country don’t you? Woman Is it? Zero 7 It sure is, you see the police did do a trial using them to control drunken thugs and psychos, see. What they found though is that people generally don’t respond very well to seventy five thousand volts running through their bodies. In fact, most of the time the people they tried it on ended up dead, which wasn’t the aim of using them in the first place. So guess what? Woman What?

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Zero 7 They stopped using them and made them illegal. Illegal for them to use and certainly illegal for me to use. So, would you like to know what it feels like to have seventy five thousand volts of electricity running through your body? Woman What? Zero 7 I said, would you like 75 thousand volts of electricity running though your body? Woman No, no I wouldn’t. Zero 7 I thought you’d say that. So you are going to give me that knife and we are both going to be cool, okay? Woman I’m going to give you the knife and… Zero 7 We are both going to be cool. Woman Okay. (She relaxes her grip and he takes the knife and tosses it on the front seat.) I’m sorry, I just needed the money… Zero 7 Stop squirming baby, okay, we’re cool, yes, too cool for school. Woman I have bills to pay and.. 55

Zero 7 Stop squirming. Now, I’m going to let your arm go and you are going to turn around nice and slowly and face me, okay. Woman Okay. (She turns to face him. He notices that she has a black eye.) Zero 7 Who did that? Woman Just some guy, that’s why I needed some money, I need to get away from him. I thought if I could get the train fare I’d go to my mothers. I’ve never done this before. Zero 7 I kinda guessed that. How much do you need? Woman What? Zero 7 I’m asking you how much you need. Now if you’re going to put a knife to someone’s throat I think you must need the money pretty damn badly, is that a fact? Woman Yes. Zero 7 Well how much do you need? Woman About fifty quid should do it. Zero 7 (Taking his wallet from his breast pocket) Here’s one hundred; will that be enough? 56

Woman You’re not going to call the police? Zero 7 Is it going to be enough? Woman Yes, thank you. Zero 7 Take it, if I was you I’d give up the life of crime, next time you might not be so lucky. I guess you don’t want to be dropped off here, shall I take you to a station? Woman Thank you. SCENE 21 EXT NIGHT (Zero 7 is walking along Compton St, he glances at his watch, it says 2.00am. There are people everywhere, drag queens in tall wigs, leather men cruising from doorways, people spilling into the street from the late nite bars and loud music blaring from parked up cars. He gets to the corner of Frith Street and a familiar face steps up to him.) F Hi buddy, let’s go down here away from the snoopers and cameras. You never know who’s watching round here; how’s your night been? Zero 7 It’s been eventful. F Like that is it? Zero 7 I’ve had enough of the West End tonight; I’ll do another job then get home. 57

F How your bird? Zero 7 She’s cool. F Still doing the whips and spanks? Zero 7 Everyone’s got to earn a crust. F Yes, I had a girl working for me down here, she could turn round a ton in a couple of hours; in the end she decided she didn’t need a partner and blew me out, bitch. Still it was a good little earner while it lasted. What was it you wanted, half a sixteenth? Zero 7 Yha, here’s a nifty. (He passes over a folded note and F spits a wrap into his hand.) F Go, enjoy. Give me a call sometime. (With that he faded into the crowd.) SCENE 22 INT NIGHT Zero 7 is at home sitting at the coffee table. He unwraps the rock that he just bought and takes his pipe from the small box on the table. Then he feels in his breast pocket and takes out the small bottle he found in the rear of the car earlier. He brakes of a small piece of the rock and places it on the pipe before igniting it with a lighter and sucking in the fumes. Then he lifts his mobile phone and makes a call.) Zero 7 58

Hi babe, yha I’m at home. You never guess what, some chick tried to turn me over tonight. Yes, rob me. Only a ton, it turned out okay in the end. What time you coming back. Right. Don’t wake me. Bye, love you. (He places the phone down and smokes some more of the rock before taking the lid from the bottle and dipping his finger in and tasting a little. It’s bitter and he quickly puts the lid back on. He rubs his eyes and lays back upon the sofa then he realises the TV, which is on in the background, sounds strange. He rubs his eyes again and the colours in the room appear to be brighter, the sounds from the TV echo and he laughs.) What the fuck? (He takes up the bottle and looks at it again, the contents appear to be swirling around like fire opal. Colours stream from his fingers and he lays back lost in a field of visions. Time passes and he realises he is not alone, he opens his eyes and his girl is in the room. She approaches him and sits on the sofa stroking his hair.) Girl Are you okay, I thought you would be in bed. Zero 7 What time is it? Girl It’s 7.30 in the morning, have you been there all night? Zero 7 Shit, yes. I’ve been on the most amazing trip.

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Girl What smoking that shit? Zero 7 No, see that bottle. I found it in the car. I don’t know what’s in it but I have been fucked since two in the morning. It’s fucking heavy shit. Girl I was worried about you, I didn’t know if you were hurt of anything. Zero 7 Really, why? Girl You said someone tried to rob you. Zero 7 Oh yha, was that last night, fuck, seems like ages ago.

Girl You’d better have some coffee, here. What’s so funny? Zero 7 Last night I was talking to the guys I work with and two dikes walked past. They just couldn’t believe that two women could get enjoyment from each other. Don’t you think that’s weird? Girl Most guys have a fantasy about two women getting it together. Still, Asian women generally are pretty stuck in their roles; I guess they never really see anything different at home. It probable does them good to see a strong woman in the street, shows them that they do exist. Especially after all the other women that parade past that office each day. 60

Zero 7 What, the clippers and the whores? Girl I was thinking, a man can go to any European city and pick up a woman for sex and not worry about being ripped off but here in London they stand more chance off getting ripped then getting fucked; that’s amazing isn’t it. We supposed to be so trendy and fashionable and yet London is the only place in Europe where ripping punters off is acceptable. Zero 7 What can you do. Come here and give me a cuddle. Girl What are you like? If the government regulated prostitution there would be no clippers, no clip joints and tourists would get what they pay for. Zero 7 They do sometimes. Girl But you have to know where to go. All my regulars are local, it’s rare for me to service someone who is just passing through. (Pause) Zero 7 I saw that flyer in your bag the other day. Girl Well? Zero 7 Don’t you think you should do something about it? Girl I don’t want to have to deal with this at the moment. 61

Zero 7 It won’t just go away. Girl Not at the moment. Okay, leave it. Zero 7 Snappy, okay relax. I’ll change the subject. SCENE 23 EXT NIGHT (They are standing beside his car and it is dented in the front.) Zero 7 Fuck, fuck, fuck. This is a pissing joke, I mean. Look at the space they had. You’d think that they could get through there without taking out my lights? Girl It’s only the wing and headlight. Zero 7 But I can’t taxi with it looking like that. I’ll have to take it to my brothers tomorrow. Come on let’s get going. Girl How you feeling today? Zero 7 Better, I can’t believe how strong that stuff is. If I can sell it to the right person I might make some dough; that’ll pay for the car; unless? (He smiles and throws her a wink.) (They drive up to a Cash and Carry warehouse and see two old ladies struggling with a trolley full

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of boxes. Zero 7 pulls his car over across the road from them.) I’m just going to chat up those two old girls. (He gets out the car and, before crossing the road, drags another trolley over and places it in the road near his car.) Afternoon ladies, want a hand? Old lady 1 Oh that’s very kind of you. Zero 7 It’s not a problems, is this your car? Old lady 2 Yes, if you could lift the boxes into the back seat and boot, it would help us a great deal. Old lady 1 The staff just take your money and leave you. No help at all. Zero 7 Tell me about it. You’d think they’d collect these trolleys wouldn’t you. Me and my girlfriend were just driving past when the wind blew one straight into our car. Smashed up the wing and headlight; did you hear it? Old lady 2 Oh dear, was that you. Old lady 1 We heard a crash, I think. Are you okay? Old lady 2 Is your girlfriend okay, it’s terrible isn’t it. I hope you sue them. Zero 7 63

I would, but they’d only pay up if we had witnesses. Old lady 1 We saw everything, didn’t we? Old lady 2 Everything, the wind blew the trolley right into your passenger side wing. Zero 7 Driver’s side. Old lady 2 Yes, that’s right, into the driver’s side wing. Go inside and bring the manager out. We’ll tell him what happened. Zero 7 Really, you are a godsend. There, that’s your boxes loaded. Wait here while I get the manager. Old lady 1 Yes, we saw everything. You would think they would be more careful wouldn’t you… (Some time later Zero 7 gets in the car with his girl again. He hands her a form for making a claim against their insurance that he got from the manager and gives her another crafty wink.) Zero 7 Sorted. SCENE 24 EXT NIGHT (They pull up outside a garage and a mechanic comes out to greet them) Paul (The mechanic) Alright brov. How are you? Zero 7 Things have been better, you?

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Paul Keeping my head above water, you know how it is? You have had a bump haven’t you. Zero 7 Yha, still, the Cash and Carry reckon they’re going to pay for the damage so had a result really. Any chance of sorting it tonight or tomorrow? Paul What we talking about, a wing, headlamp. Any damage to the engine? Zero 7 No the engine’s okay but the radiator may need replacing. Have a look at it for me. Paul Anything else? Zero 7 Well Paul, I could do with a couple of nice fog lamps and perhaps a chrome grill; what’d reckon? Paul No probs. It’ll be really sorted by the time you get it back. Say tomorrow night, you’d better phone first Zero 7 Got anything I can borrow while you have it? Paul Well some geezer left that Merc with me. I’ve given it a service and he wants it back day after tomorrow; will that do? Zero 7 Lovely jubly. Paul

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You can take it but only if you promise to look after it. Zero 7 No problem. Girl (Shouting from window of car) Are you going to be much longer, I got to get to work. Zero 7 Just getting the keys for that Merc.(He passes his keys to Paul) Here’s the keys for the b.m.w. You’re a diamond. Paul That’s what families are for. Just look after that Merc. Your girl’s getting impatient. Zero 7 She’s alright. Paul She sure is a pretty girl, is she a good fuck? Zero 7 She’s alright. Paul I bet she sucks your dick and everything eh? You know Mary, my wife, god bless her, she’s a good woman and a brilliant mother but this religion thing of hers, man. It really gets in the way of our sex life. She won’t do nothing unless it’s in the bible. Zero 7 Well everything’s in the bible isn’t it. I mean it’s a pretty racy book so I’ve heard. Paul

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Not as far as she’s concerned. If you could find the passage that says Jesus had his cock sucked I’d buy you that Merc, serious. Zero 7 You should broaden her horizons, take her to a swingers club or something. Paul Swingers club. If I mentioned that, the only thing that would be swinging is me, from the nearest tree. You’re a lucky bastard. Here’s the keys to the Merc, don’t break it. Zero 7 You can rely on me. Paul That’s what I’m worried about. SCENE 25 EXT NIGHT (Zero 7 pulls up outside the office, Rama and Three three are standing in the doorway) Rama A new car, Zero 7? Very nice, are you expecting executive clients tonight? Zero 7 Someone ran into my B.M.W and drove off. I’ve put it in to be fixed. Three three Bastards, this happens all the time in this country. I bet they never left a note or anything. Bastards. Zero 7 How’s business? Rama Ticking over. Quiet though. It’s because of this nasty business that’s happening. 67

Zero 7 What nasty business? Two three The girls, you know. They found another one this morning. Killed in front of her baby. It’s not right I tell you. Zero 7 Well you know that girl I took to Stockwell last night? Rama About one am? Zero 7 That’s right, she put a knife to my throat. So you can never tell. Three three What tried to rob you? Zero 7 It’s true. Put a knife clean to my throat. Rama Lord above. What did you do? Zero 7 I zapped her with my stun gun. Three three Oh, that again. It’s a joke, yes? Zero 7 No seriously. She got it between the eyes. Two Three He’s joking, look, if he was robbed he wouldn’t be smiling. Zero 7 It’s true, I’m telling you. 68

(They hear a commotion behind them and turn to see a young man arguing with a woman.) Young man Two hours you had me waiting there, now I want my money back. Woman If the girl didn’t show that’s not my problem, she probably forgot. If you go back there I’ll call her now and get her to meet you. Man I want my money back; I’m not going to wait any longer. Woman So you don’t want to meet this girl. Make up your mind, either you do or you don’t. Man Of course I do. But it’s not going to happen is it? Woman Of course it is babe, you know these girls are very busy. She probably forgot. If you wait over there by that lamppost I’ll call her now and get her to come; okay love? Man You want me to wait over there? Woman That’s right love, by that post. Now don’t move. I’ll come back as soon as I’ve spoken to her. (The young man goes to the lamp post and waits as the girl scarpers down a nearby alley.) Zero 7 That boy will still be there at midnight.

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Rama While she’s at home with his money in her pocket. It’s early, perhaps she’ll have time to do another before she goes home. Zero 7 There’s always another mug waiting to get robbed on these streets. (A man approaches the office) Man How much to Green ford? Rama Greenford. That would be fifteen pounds sir, upfront. Man Have you got a car to take me now? Rama Three three, you have a booking. Zero 7, can you take this man to Greenford? Zero 7 No problem. (The man pays Rama and follows Zero 7 to the car Man What a splendid car, you cabbies must be making an absolute fortune. SCENE 26 EXT NIGHT (Zero 7 pulls up outside the office. As he gets out the car he notices a man getting into One one’s car. He climbs from the Merc and approaches Rama.) Zero 7 Was that guy a German? Rama 70

What guy? Zero 7 The one who has just gone with One-one. Rama Oh, Whitechapel, I didn’t notice. Zero 7 Can you tell One-one that I would like to speak to him when he gets back. Rama Yes, of course. (A commotion up Brewer Street catches their attention. Suddenly the sound of police sirens fill the air and the road becomes full of uniformed men.) Something must be up. You never see so many policemen unless there’s a serious incident. F Got-cha! Zero 7 Shit, you made me jump. How’s it buddy? F It’s cool mate. What’s going on up there? Zero 7 I don’t know. F Probably another girl got her throat cut. It seems a popular sport these days. Look at those cunts running around like headless chickens; he’s probably no-where near by now. Still as long as they’re looking for him, they’re not looking for me. Zero 7 71

I’ve got something for you. Let’s take a walk; Rama, I’m just getting a coffee. Rama Take your time, there are two drivers to go before your turn next. F What’s this, an early Christmas present? Zero 7 I want you to get something tested and let me know if you can get a buyer. F Sounds interesting, what is it? Zero 7 I’ve got a fluid ounce of this. (He hands over a small square of blotting paper.) It’s a liquid and so I’ve just put a few drops on this blotter. If you need more to get it analysed let me know. F What. Is it acid? Zero 7 I don’t know. Perhaps you can hand it round the brothers and see if anyone has an idea. F Does it smell? You can tell a lot about stuff if you know what it smells like. Zero 7 I would have thought you were taking the piss but now you come to mention it I did notice. What was it, Hmm. Yes, it smelt of liquorice. I’ll tell you this bro, it’s fucking strong. I got a small dab on my finger and I was tripped out, loved up, smashed and totally wasted for about six hours. It’s got to be worth something. F 72

I may not get a result but leave it with me. I know some guy who works with a gas spectrograph, they use it in labs to test the composition of chemicals. I’ll see if he can look at it. If there’s a charge for the analysis I’ll give you a shout. Zero 7 Okay, I knew I could rely on you. See you soon. F I’ll call you. (Zero 7 walks back to the office and goes past the young man who is still waiting under the lamp post) Zero 7 She’s gone mate. Go home, put it down to experience. Man Do you know her? Zero 7 No mate, but there’s a group of them down here every night pulling that stunt. Serious, you’ll never get your money back. Go home. Man Fuck you. Zero 7 Please yourself. Rama I’ve just heard, that man, the Cavendish killer, he may have been seen up there. That’s what the fuss is. Zero 7 They’re not sure then, the cunts wouldn’t know him if he had a sign round his neck. Where am I on the plot? 73

Rama You and your very nice car are next out. SCENE 27 INT NIGHT (Across town, Zero quiet night so far drinking coffee in have in the foyer. answers it.)

7’s girl is working. It’s a and she and another girl are front of the TV, which they The telephone rings and she

Girl Hello, can I help you? Voice I would like to speak to Charlie? Girl Who is this? Voice I’m phoning from the Salvation Army. We are a small agency which helps families find missing children. At the present time I’m engaged on a case of a missing boy, his name’s Charles Hanter. Have you hear of him? Girl Who gave you this phone number? Voice We have several sources.. Girl There’s no-one here called that. Voice Please don’t hang up. Girl I can’t help you.

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Voice You do know him though, don’t you? I want to let him know that his family miss him a great deal. Girl If that was the case he would not have left home would he? Voice People make mistakes. Sometimes they think that too much has happened to turn the clock back. Before you know it years have gone by. Girl Some things are better left as they are. Voice Not all the time. Things change. Girl What things? Voice People become ill. People die. Life is too short to hold grudges. Girl Is someone ill, has someone died? Voice I need to speak to Charlie, could you ask him to call me. Girl I don’t know. Voice If you see him? Girl I’ll try. Okay. I can’t be any more definite then that.

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Voice Thank you… You could make someone very happy. SCENE 28 EXT NIGHT (Rama, Zero 7 and a couple of other drivers are standing outside the office when a woman approaches.) Woman Can you tell me how much a cab to Dagenham would cost? Rama Where too in Dagenham? Woman The Romford end. Rama That will be twenty pounds please, here is your driver. (He indicates Zero 7) (Suddenly the Turkish controller approaches and grabs the woman’s arm.) Turk Here is your cab lady, down here. Rama No this is your driver, here. Turk Yes, down here. How much is he charging you? Woman Twenty pounds. Turk The thieving bastards, we’ll do it for fifteen, come. Zero 7 Get your hands off the lady, she’s our customer. 76

Woman Can you do it for fifteen? Zero 7 Yes. Turk Then we’ll take you for twelve. Come with me. Zero 7 What the fuck do you think you are playing at. One one He did this before; it’s not right I tell you. Turk Take no notice, look here is your car. Zero 7 Take your fucking fat fingers off the woman. Woman Come on boys, play nice. Turk Look here little man, you do not own this street. Zero 7 Neither do you, you fat piece of shit. Rama Leave it Zero 7, if they can do it for twelve, let them. Turk You heard your boss, little man, (He smiles at the woman a row of stained teeth.) follow me to your car. Rama Let them go, I don’t want to worry the regulars.

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One one This isn’t right. He’s taking the bread from our children’s mouths. Rama But you see, the people hear a load of foreigners Arguing and they think we are all the same. I’d rather let him go and not sink to that level. Zero 7 But then they will take us for a bunch of cunts. Rama God knows the truth Zero 7; you see, he will be judged one day. (A man approaches the office.) Man Can I have a taxi to Kings Cross please? Rama Zero 7, take this man to Kings Cross, five pounds. Zero 7 Great!

SCENE 29 EXT NIGHT Narration This is typical of this fucking shithole. You think for one moment that things are going okay and then life takes a dump on you from a great height. So, I lose a twenty quid fare and get a fiver, fucking brilliant. Still, fuck face in the back looks like he’s had a good time tonight. He’s either been getting his end away while wifely waits over a slowly steaming dinner or he’s been promoted, okay for some. Still perhaps F will come across with that gear and I might make some dough for a change. No more 78

worrying about the credit crunch, global warming, terrorist, bad drugs and violence. No more driving these shit faced cunts around like a fucking Joey. I might even get ahead of the game for once. Get out of this fucking shithole. Look at it, gleaming like a two-bill whore. Gleaming, yet under the surface there is nothing but pain and heartache. People only get to know this town late at night, when vomit fills the gutters and the stench of piss fills the air. During the day the city sleeps it’s only now at night that it comes out and you see the real place. The drunken idiots fighting in the alleys. The vermin rotted slags selling their crusty bits in shop doorways, the kids trying to earn a buck to keep their arses off the street. I hate this fucking place, shit, but I love it too. Where else can you score the best rock you ever smoked at four in the morning. Where else can you get the best ecstasy and listen to the best hardcore in Europe. Where else can you meet a stranger at midnight and have sex in a side street. It’s cheap and it’s nasty but it’s my cheap and nasty. Zero 7 Hay, Fuck face, we’re here. Man Did you say something? Zero 7 Kings Cross mate, we are here. (Soon he is pulling up back outside the office, Rama is talking to One one as he approaches them.)

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Zero 7 Alright One one I am sorry to hear about your lost fare earlier. You see this cunt, he needs to be fucked up good and proper. Zero 7 You know it, I’ll abide my time and wait. Sooner or later he’ll get what’s coming to him. I wanted to ask you something. One one What’s that? Zero 7 That fare you took to Whitechapel earlier, was the guy a German? One one You know him? Zero 7 Not really. One one He owes you money? Zero 7 No, I just want to know. One one I know he’s a foreigner because I pick him up from the airport every couple of weeks. I think he comes here on business. He always asks me to collect him and take him to this guest house in Whitechapel, the same one every time. The guest house opposite the hospital, you know the one. Zero 7 The one near the blind beggar? 80

One one You got it. I don’t know the name of the place but he always wants to go there. Zero 7 Thanks, that’s very interesting. (Two women approach the office) Woman Hello Mr Rama, who is our driver tonight? Rama One-one, take these ladies home please, on account. (They watch the women go with One-one) How is your girl treating you? Zero 7 She’s okay. Rama Getting plenty of the jiggi-jiggi; ho, look at this. (An elaborately dressed transvestite approaches the office.) Transvestite Hello love, can I have a car to Pimlico. Rama Seven pounds please, in advance. Zero 7, this lady is for you. (They walk to the car and climb in.|) Transvestite This is nice car, you must be a drug dealer. Zero 7 81

Why do you say that? Transvestite Well, only drug dealers can afford cars like this; you haven’t bought a brand new Merc from your earnings as a cab driver have you? Zero 7 My sugar daddy got it for me. Transvestite Dear, your arse must be red raw paying for this. Come on, you are a drug dealer aren’t you? Zero 7 No really, why? Transvestite Well, I want something, you know, a stone. Zero 7 Oh, I’ll get you one of those, what do you want, a thirty of fifty? Transvestite Your not worried that I’m a cop. Zero 7 Come on, dressed like that love, I don’t think C.I.D are that eager to get a nicking. Do you want one or not? Transvestite Are they okay? Zero 7 The best crack you can get in London. Transvestite Well I’ll have a thirty, can we get it now? Zero 7 Let me just make a call.

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SCENE 30 EXT NIGHT (Zero 7 and F are in an alley.) Zero 7 Give me a twenty and a fifty, F Seventy quid please mate. I gave your sample to a mate of mine. He recons it might be free-base e. Apparently if it smells like liquorish that’s the precursor. He’s going to test if for impurities. Zero 7 What, to see if it’s crap? F No man, apparently that’s how you can tell what it is. He was telling me, when they cook ecstasy up they have to mix the precursor with other stuff, like metals and what have you, that’s what causes the reaction to turn one thing into another. He says that each time they cook it a trace gets left in the gear as an impurity. By finding out what impurities are they can tell you exactly what you got. Zero 7 Blinding, when will you know? F I should get back to you tomorrow. I’ll call you man. (He walks back to the car and climbs in) Zero 7 One thirty pound stone. Transvestite That’s a nice size, I’ll keep that in my mouth. (Pops it in) What’s so funny?

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Zero 7 Well, you keep it in your mouth, he keeps it up his arse. Transvestite (Cough) Ohhhhh! Thanks for telling me. SCENE 31 INT Day (Zero 7 opens his eyes to find his girl shouting at him. He’s sprawled on the sofa in his boxer shorts a pipe and white ash on the table in front of him.) Girl Do you have to make such a mess when you are doing that shit. Zero 7 Sorry, what time is it? Girl It’s time you stopped messing with that crap. I don’t even use the shit and every morning it’s everywhere, all over the table and the ash, it’s a filthy habit. Zero 7 Can I have some coffee please?

Girl Don’t take the piss out of me; get yourself up and clean that shit away. What would happen if the old bill came round; I’ll tell you what, we’d both get nicked. Not you, both of us. I’d loose the lease to this place and be out on the streets. If you want to smoke it, do it somewhere else. Zero 7 Give it a rest, you love me really.

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Girl You give it a rest. You’ve already fucked your car up, now you are going to fuck your body and your mind up. Who will pick up the pieces when you start falling apart, eh? I’ve had all this before… Zero 7 With Brian… Girl Yes, with Brian. Look at him now, in jail. Is that what you want? Zero 7 Look, shut the fuck up, I’m not Brian. Fucking comparing me to that cunt, you’re really getting on my nerves now. Girl Good, I may get through to you at last. I’m only saying it for your own good. Zero 7 Well whenever you want to give me a lecture you bring up your ex. Girl I’m worried about you; (She turns to face him) what do you think about this lipstick, is it too bright? Zero 7 Sparkly. I like sparkly, give me a kiss and we’ll make up. (She leans forward and he smears the lipstick across her face) That’s better. Girl You fucking shit.

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Zero 7 What do you expect, I work all night, all night mind you to keep you in sparkly lipstick and what do I get, a load of abuse and comparisons with Brian. Girl Leave Brian out of it. Zero 7 You fucking brought him up. Come here and give me a kiss you little raver. Girl I buy my own lipstick, you spend all yours on that shit. Now, if you don’t mind one of us has got to go to work. Zero 7 Go on, fuck off then. Girl Yha, don’t be here when I get back, from now on I want to see you by prior arrangement only. Zero 7 Prior fucking arrangement, what am I, one of your fucking punters?

Girl No, if you were a punter we’d have some sort of sex life. Zero 7 Oh, that’s nice, kick a man while he’s down. What’s up, wrong time of the month? Girl Very funny. I just don’t want that shit in my life, you either choose it or me. It’s that simple.

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(She puts her coat on and leaves. He bites his lip and looks at the pipe on the table. The TV is on in the background and there’s an old black and white film. The actress is being given a ring by a suitor, Zero 7 opens the foil wrap on the table and a white lump falls out just as the girl says ‘Jesus, look at the size of the rock’. He smiles and loads a pipe. The phone rings and he answers it finding F on the other end of the line.) Zero 7 Hello? F It’s me man, you owe me forty quid. Zero 7 Yha, what’s the story? F That’s what the analysis cost. Zero 7 Oh, right. F Yes, they found traces of Safrole, tin oxide, mercury chloride and aluminium. Zero 7 What’s does that mean, good or bad? F Like I said. Apparently the Safrole is the precursor; that gets cooked up with tin to turn it into an intermediate called P.2.P… Zero 7 87

P to p, right. What’s that then? F It’s what they cook up with mercury and aluminium to turn it into X. He reckons if you have an ounce of free-base that works out to about an ounce of pure crystal. He says all you got to do is gas it up. Zero 7 Gas it up, what’s that then? F Apparently they mix salt, sulphuric acid and some other acid together and it creates a gas. They run this gas through the free-base and it crystallizes. The cook I know wants you to bring the ounce to him and he’ll gas it up. Providing they get the result they are expecting there could be seven grand in it for you, that’s after I take my cut of course. Zero 7 Sounds good. Arrange it for me. As soon as they’re ready I’ll bring the bottle over. Bye. (He turns the TV over and a news report is on about another stabbing in the city, more death and carnage, then a story attracts his attention, a killing in the West End last night, a man was killed in a club brawl just down Brewer St.) Ahh, so that’s what all the fuss was about. (He turns off the T.V) SCENE 32 EXT NIGHT (He pulls up outside the office, as he approaches the doorway a man approaches him) Man Want a girl Sir? Nice sexy girl, out-of-hour drinks club? 88

Zero 7 Not tonight mate. Man Well, fuck you, cocksucker. Zero 7 Charming. Three three It’s quiet tonight, all the fuss with that guy last night, it’s keeping the punters away. Zero 7 Tell Rama I’m just going to see my girl, I’ll be back soon. Three three Right you are, mate. (Zero 7 walks up Brewer St into the arcade where the Raymond Review bar is. A girl is in the doorway, she winks at him and he smiles back. Further on he sees a couple bartering the price of sex in a doorway. He crosses Rupert St and enters a doorway with the legend Colt Cinema above the door.) SCENE 33 INT NIGHT. (Inside the doorway is an empty room except for a table that a man sits behind. Hanging on the wall behind him is a selection of rubber and leatherwear. The man’s name is Jimmy, a thickset Irish man.) Jimmy Hi Mr Cabman, how are you tonight? Zero 7 Could be better. How’s business? Jimmy 89

Not bad, a couple of nice boys downstairs and the usual crowd; you want a snort? Zero 7 You offering? Jimmy Of course, my friend. Anything to get me a cheaper ride home. No only kidding, how’s the girl? (He lifts a small mirror from behind the table and on it is a rolled twenty pound note and a couple lines of cocaine. Zero 7 takes a sniff and hands back the mirror) Zero 7 Oh, we had a tiff. She’s okay though. Jimmy I was talking to her the other day, I saw her in Mickey’s spieler, when was that, Tuesday I think. The girls got a lot on her mind at present. Has she not said anything? Zero 7 No, not a dicky. Jimmy Oh, give her time. Zero 7 What’s going on? Jimmy Come on, it’s not like me to break a confidence. You speak to her. Don’t take her moods too personally, get her to open up; okay my friend. Zero 7 Okay, in the meantime… Jimmy 90

Feel free… (He nods toward a doorway at the back and Zero 7 enters a second room. It is dark, a porn film is flickering on a far wall and loud techno is blaring out through huge speakers. Zero 7 finds a dark corner where he can see the action. A cigarette glows nearby and in the brief light he sees a pair of eyes glare at him. Over by the screen a couple are engaged in a lewd act, their bodies sometime get in the way of the picture and grunting bodies are projected on their bare skin. He is aware of a person glide up to him and there is an exchange of silent glances. Zero 7 takes a cigarette from a packet and lights it up, in the flicker of the lighter flame he sees a young boy looking into his eyes, the boy reaches out and strokes his hair. Zero 7 takes a drag from the cigarette and the boy goes down on to his knees. Zero 7 exhales and undoes his trousers. Then his eyes close and he rocks to the rhythm of the music for a moment as he feels the cocaine reach his brain cells. The music fills his head ands he breaths deeply; almost in a rhythmic trance. Then, with a gasp and sigh, he takes another suck from his cigarette and leans back against the wall. The boy comes up, smiles and gently kisses him on the lips.) SCENE 34 EXT NIGHT (Zero 7 approaches the office, Rama is standing outside with his clipboard) Rama How are you, ready for work now? Zero 7 Yha, and you? 91

Rama I’m always ready for work, it’s quiet now but I think tonight my drivers are all going to make money; what you say Three three? Three three We’ll all do a ton. Hay Zero 7, isn’t that your black friend there? (He turns and sees F approaching, Zero 7 goes to meet him.) Zero 7 How are you mate? F Things are good. I realised I still had your sample in my pocket, I only needed a swipe for the test; you can add what that cost to the money we get weighed out. Zero 7 When will that be? F Well, they want to gas up the free base tomorrow afternoon, if all goes well the dough will be there. Here, take this. (He passes over a small plastic bag) That stuff if so potent I could feel it even though I never took any internally, only touched the blotter. It seeped through the pours in my fingers; so be careful with that. What will you do with it? Zero 7 I have some ideas. Give me a call when you are ready tomorrow then.

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(They walk to the end of the street and see a man and woman arguing with a black guy, the woman shouts:) Woman Irish, John, calm down. Irish, please… F She works in one of the flats doesn’t she? Zero 7 Yes, that guy is her, er, landlord. I don’t know who the black guy is. F I just sold him a rock; he was probably smoking it in their doorway, they don’t look too pleased about something, do they? I’d better go. (They part company as the black guy and the Irish man start to wrestle in the street, the girl is screaming for them to stop as a siren goes off in the distance.) Rama That man fighting there, he’s the one they call The Irish, yes? Zer0 7 That’s right, I wouldn’t like to tangle with him. Rama You English, you call the Irish Paddies don’t you? Zero 7 Some English do, I personally don’t. Rama And the Scots, what do you call them. Zero 7 I told you, I don’t go for all that stereotyping. 93

Rama Oh come on. It’s funny. Three three They call Scots people Jocks, Irish are paddies Welsh are taffies… Zero 7 French are froggies, Spaniards are spicks, Italians are I-ties and Germans are called krauts.. Rama And what about us? Zero 7 I don’t know about that. Three three They call us pakis. It doesn’t matter to an Englishman if you come from Pakistan or not, any Asian is called this thing. It’s funny isn’t it. If you are white they are particular about what country you are from before they call you these things, but an Asian; he could be from India, Suri Lanka, Malaysia, Turkey; they are always pakis. Rama It’s true; why is this Zero 7? Zero 7 Come on boys, don’t blame me for the fucking ignorance of Mr Little Englander. I don’t give a shit for all those shitty boxes people want to put other people into. As far as I’m concerned we are all people trying to get through life without complications. Still, talking about Turkish people, excuse me a moment, I have something to say to the fat controller down there.

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Rama I don’t want no trouble… (Zero 7 walks towards the other drivers gathered around their coffee urn on the pavement. As he gets nearer he takes the plastic baggie that ‘F’ had given him out of his pocket and Palms it. He approaches the fat Turk.) Zero 7 Sorry mate, have you got any vacancies for drivers. I’ve had it with that lot up there. Turk Well, I don’t know. Zero 7 That coffee smells good, it is coffee isn’t it? (He lifts the lid on the urn and peers inside before cautiously dropping the plastic baggie in the urn.) Turk Little man, get away from there. Zero 7 Jesus, that shit smells disgusting. Sorry mate, I couldn’t work for a place that gives its drivers such poor quality coffee, sorry. Turk That’s Turkish coffee, the best in the world. You are talking through your arse. Go on fuck off back to your office Zero 7 Well, it’s just not my cup of tea… Turk You don’t know real coffee till you’ve tasted Turkish.

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Rama Zero 7 come back, you have a customer. Quickly please, take this man to Victoria. SCENE 35 EXT NIGHT (Zero 7’s girl comes from her room and lights a cigarette while locking the door. She becomes aware of a man standing behind her.) Girl Hi, sorry we’re closed. Man You look like the special girl I am looking for tonight. Girl I am closing up, this room has to be vacated at midnight so I’m sorry you’ll have to come back tomorrow. Man I am leaving the country in the morning. I have somewhere we can go. Girl I don’t know about that. Man I’ll make it worth your while. Girl Oh yha, what are we talking about here? I usually charge fifty quid an hour for spanks and wanks, no full sex. Man That’s right, I heard. How about three hundred for an hour. Girl Three hundred? 96

Man And I’ll pay your cab fare back to wherever you want to go after. Girl You must be desperate? Man Like I said, I am leaving London in the morning; please. You really look like my kind of girl; special. Girl I am special. Man Come I know where we can get a taxi. Girl So do I, just up Brewer St. Man Yes, but I don’t like a lot of small talk, my English is not so good. Girl Whatever you say. SCENE 36 EXT NIGHT (Zero 7 pulls up and joins Rama and One one at the office.) Rama Hay Zero 7, look down there. (There is a commotion outside the Turkish office. One of their drivers has collided with another driver and they are shouting loudly at one another in Turkish. The fat controller is trying to calm things down but doesn’t seem to have a handle on reality.) One one 97

What do you think is going on with that lot? Zero 7 I think they might be meeting their god. Rama You have a fare Zero 7, this lady and her man friend would like to go locally, they have paid. (Zero 7 notices the woman and man waiting to one side and he leads them to his car. They climb in the back as he slips behind the wheel.) Zero 7 Where to? Woman Just drive around, you know left then left again and left, I’ll tell you when we’re through. Zero 7 Oh, it’s like that is it. (He starts the car engine as Rama comes to his open window.) Rama You just missed your girl Zero 7. Zero 7 Oh yha, did she get a cab home? Rama No, three three took her and a man to whitechapel. Zero 7 Okay . It’s like that is it? (He looks into his rear view mirror and sees the woman getting into some serious tongue action with the man. He shakes his head and starts to

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think about what Rama had said. He picks up his mobile and rings the office.) Zero 7 Hi Mr Rama, can you give me Three three’s phone number? He hasn’t got a mobile tonight, right, can you remember if the man who was with my girl was German. German? You’re not sure but he was a foreigner. How long did they leave? About ten fifteen minutes yes. Just get Three three to call me as soon as he gets back to the office. It’s very important, thankyou. Man in rear seat (To his woman) That’s right put your leg there. (Zero 7 drives his car through the Raymond Review Arcade making people jump out of his way, then up through Berwick St. He does a sharp left at the top of Berwick Street scraping the right wing off the Merc on the side of a shop as he turns towards Wardore Street. Racing up to Marlebone Rd he rips off a side mirror as he crashes onto Marlebone heading towards Kings cross.) Woman in back That’s the way, faster. (Zero 7 puts his foot down and races through a red light at Kings Cross station almost colliding with another car as he heads eastbound towards the connection of Upper St and City Rd.) Faster, you fucking bastard, faster. (He crashes into a car coming onto City Rd from Islington and forces it into a spin ripping the front passenger side wing from the car)

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That’s the point,(The woman squeals with delight) harder, you cunt… SCENE 37 INT NIGHT (The German leads the girl up a narrow flight of stairs towards a door at the top. She looks uncomfortable.) Girl Is it up here? German Be quiet. (He unlocks the door and pushes her into the sparsely furnished room locking the door behind them.) Lay on the bed. Girl Don’t you want me to undress? German I will not warn you again, silence. (He places a finger to his lips. Then gentle lays her down. Gently he takes one wrist and lifts it to the top of the bed before deftly clicking on a handcuff.) Girl I did not agree to that. German Silence. (He slaps her face) Open your legs. Girl I don’t fuck, I told you that. German (Slapping her again.) Silence bitch, do you want me to tape your mouth, I will you know.

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Girl No, it’s okay. German Open your legs, let me see your pussy. (He starts to rip off her clothing) Girl You’re hurting me. Stop that. (Slap. She sees a glint of a blade in the half light of the room and becomes aware of him cutting at her clothing, exposing her chest.) German Very smooth, like a boy. Let me smell your fear. (He sniffs her armpits and she realises that she is in a very vulnerable position with someone who is not quite right in the head.) Girl You like that, take this cuff off and let me play with you. I will… (Slap) German Silence bitch.

SCENE 38 EXT NIGHT (Zero 7 pulls up outside the guest house in Whitechapel Rd Three three had mentioned. The car is looking like a wreak.) Woman in back seat That was the best fuck I’ve ever had, I need a cigarette. (Zero 7 reaches under his seat and collects his stun gun and mace as his phone rings.) 101

Zero 7 Thanks for phoning me back, that German guy, do you know what room he is in? Three three No, but there is a warden at night, he may know. You have to buzz room one for him, you okay? Zero 7 Not really, could you call the old bill and tell them to come to the guest house, say there’s a disturbance. Three three Is there a disturbance? Zero 7 Not yet, but there is going to be, just get the Old bill here pronto. (He climbs from the car and goes to the door of the guest house pressing the buzzer for room one. In a short while the door is opened by an old man. Zero 7 walks past him) Old man What do you want, you can’t just barge in here it’s not right. Zero 7 I am a police officer, have you a German tourist staying here? Old man Where’s your identity badge. Zero 7 Look I haven’t got the time for this, have you got one or not? Old man A German, I don’t think so.

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Zero 7 Middle aged, cropped greying hair, European accent. Old man That sounds like the man in the top room. Up there. Where’s your I.D? (Zero 7 dashes up the stairs) SCENE 39 INT NIGHT (The girl is almost naked, the German reaches out with the knife and cuts through her panties. He recoils.) German Sie sind nicht eine frau, sie sind en mann. (He scratches his head) This is most interesting. You British are a strange lot. Ich kamhier zu toten eine frau habe ich mich nunn zu toten zwie idiot manner, did you understand that. I’ll translate, I came to kill a woman but found only two idiot men, yes, now you must die for this… (He places the blade at her throat) Girl Please, no… (Suddenly the door is knocked upon, the German covers the girl with a blanket and opens the door gently) German What do you want? Zero 7 I need to check something, can you let me in? German Do I know you? You don’t work here…

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Zero 7 No, but you have something of mine. I want it back. German I can assure you I have nothing of yours here. (The door is forced and a stun gun goes into the Germans chest. He recoils as the volts shoot through his body.) Zero 7 Wanna bet. (He enters the room and sees the blanket on the bed, pulling it to one side he comes face to face with his girl.) Are you okay. Girl Watch out. (Her eyes say it all, he turns just in time to see the blade come down and enter his shoulder. The two men start to wrestle on the floor, the stun gun falls into the German’s hands and he zaps Zero 7 making his writhe in agony on the floor. The German climbs on top of him and pins his arms down.) German This is interesting isn’t it? You realise I’ll never be able to use this guest house again, and I did so like the view from my window. Zero 7 Just let us go, no one has to know about this. German I came here to kill a woman, now because of your friend’s silly games I am going to have to kill two men, where is the fun in that?

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(Zero 7 looks up to see his girl, behind the man, raise from the bed with the blade in her free hand. It swoops down and enters the German’s neck making him drop instantaneously. He pushes the body from him and goes to her taking the bloody knife from her hand. He undoes the cuff on her wrist.) Girl Can we get out of here? (He leads the girl down to the street door with a blanket wrapped around her. The old man is still waiting at the bottom of the stairs) Old man What was all that noise about? Zero 7 The uniformed branch are heading here, when they arrive, give them this.(He hands the old man the purse he found on the Rossini girl) Tell then that I found it in his room.

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SCENE 40 INT DAY (Zero 7 and a young boy, his girl without her drag on, walk into a coffee shop. They see the old woman from the Salvation Army sitting at a table with a man and a woman.) Zero 7 Are you ready for this? His girl (Charlie) I should have called them ages ago. Come on, how bad can it be? (As they approach the table the old man raises and holds out his hands) Old man Charlie, is that you? Charlie Yes dad, hello. This is my friend Stephen. Old man Come, sit down with me and your mother, and of course, this woman who found you….

The End C: The DogBreathes

2009 (all rights reserved) David William Kirby

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