5.11.20
NORMAN 2
A middle-aged/elderly man sits on a park bench. He is wearing a tracksuit and trainers and a baseball cap, pulled down. A scarf almost covers the lower-half of his face. He seems a little furtive/nervous and the audience may draw the conclusion that he does not wish to be identified. He looks at his watch, checks his surroundings. A shabbily dressed old man wanders by, muttering. He has an almost empty half bottle of whisky in his hand. He stops in front of the man on the bench. Looks at him. The man on the bench looks away. The old man shrugs and wanders off. The man on the bench follows him with his eyes. More nervous/jumpy than ever. After a while he takes a newspaper out of a plastic bag and settles down to read it. The old man returns. He looks at the younger man. Who notices him and flinches.
Norman: I'm sorry, may I help you?Bopper: (Chuckles) I know you.
Norman: No, I don't think so.
Bopper: I do. I know you.
Norman: Look, I'm sorry, I don't think we've met.
Bopper: We were at school together.
Norman: What?
Bopper: You and me. We were at school together.
Norman: No, I don't think so.
Bopper: I never forget a face. And you've been on the telly. I've been watching you.
Norman: Watching me? What do you mean?
Bopper: On the telly. Following your career.
Norman: Look, I'm sorry, I have to go.
Bopper: No you don't. You've got all the time in the world. This your dinner hour. (Chuckles) And your meeting somebody, aren't you?
Norman: What? Look I don't know you. You've made a mistake. (He puts his paper in a bag and makes to leave. The stranger eases him back onto the bench and sits down beside him) What are you doing?
Bopper: You're Nasty, you are. Nasty Norman. Nasty Norman Braithwaite. (He chuckles) High up in His Majesty's Civil Service now. I always thought you'd do well. (The younger man is stunned and does not respond) Call yourself Jeremy now, don't you? Jeremy. (Titters) Sir Jeremy. Changed your name, didn't you? Crafty that. You always were a crafty lad, weren't you? Crafty and nasty. You all right? You look like you've seen a ghost! (Chuckles)
Norman: Who are you?
Bopper: I know I look a bit different now. Hard life, you see. Interesting, but, you know, a bit tricky here and there. But you, I would've known you anywhere. You've still got that sneaky, horrible way about you that you used to have. Snooty and sneaky and nasty and crafty all rolled into one. (Chuckles)
Norman: Look, I have to go. (Makes to rise, the old man puts his hand on his shoulder and eases him back) What are you doing? I have an appointment!
Bopper: Oh, I know you do. You're here to meet a friend.
Norman: What?
Bopper: Your brown-eyed boy. What is he? African? He's not Ukrainian, is he? Like them male models that set fire to Starmer's bins.
Norman: Pardon? I'm sorry, I don't know what you mean.
Bopper: Sir Two-Tier's best pals were a bit more mature than your little lad, I'm thinking.
Norman: Look, I don't know what game you think you're playing but I'm warning you, one phone call from me and you'll be sorry.
Bopper: You think I'm playing a game? Maybe you're right. Maybe I am. It is quite funny, isn't it?
Norman: What is?
Bopper: You and me. After all this time. And bum boy makes three. (Chuckles) How old is he by the way? Doesn't look a day over thirteen. 'Hang on. (Old man reaches into his pocket - takes out a sheaf of what appears to be photographs) This him? Him and you? Together? On this same park bench? Night time? Nobody about? (He passes a photo across) Turned on, were you? You look it, don't you? (Chuckles)
Bopper: Who are you? What do you want?
Bopper: He turning up in short trousers? School uniform? Bet he is, you dirty dog! (Chuckles) Get away wi' owt, you lot. Quiet spot this, isn't it? Just right for doing rude things to a schoolboy in the bushes.
Norman: Tell me who you are. How do you know me?
Bopper: You still don't know who I am? Come on. Have a good look. Close up. Go on. Who am I? Come on, you're supposed to be brainy. Who am I?
Bopper: We were at school together?
Bopper: Well, not in the same year but, you know, a few years apart. You were in 3A, I think, I'd be in 5C with all the jailbirds and loonies. (Chuckles) You know, when I got kicked out?
Norman: You were expelled?
Bopper: Yep. They got the wrong bloke. It wasn't me who did you. I was just listening in.
Norman: Richardson?
Bopper: Got it in one! I knew you'd get it in the end! (He slaps him on the back, chuckling) Mr. Richardson. Big Bopper! That's me. Like the pop star! (He sings) "Chantilly Lace and a pretty face and a pony tail, hangin' down"... He were named after me that Giles Richardson. Anyway, how've you been all these years?
Norman: Look, tell me what you're doing here. I really do have to go. What is it that you want?
Bopper: What do I want? Don't worry about me, Norman, I've got what I want. Rolling in clover, me.
Norman: Yes, but what do you want from me?
Bopper: It's not what I want, Norman, it's what THEY want, that's what matters.
Norman: Look, my sexuality really has nothing to do with you. It's a private matter. Now, really, I have to be off. (Bopper restrains him again)
Bopper: Well, it's not that private, is it? If it was private, you wouldn't be out here waiting for a little lad in short trousers, would you? And I wouldn't have these! (Waves the photos under his nose)
Norman: He doesn't wear short trousers. And I help him with his homework. His mother is an acquaintance of mine.
Bopper: His mother?
Norman: Yes, she's a work colleague.
Bopper: Oh. Only I had this picture in my mind. You know, after seeing these. (He rifles through the photographs)
Norman: Can I have them, please? Come on, hand them over.
Bopper: What?
Norman: The photographs.
Bopper: Oh, I don't think so, Norman? I don't want you playing with yourself in public, you know. I've got my standards, I have. (Chuckles) That'd be a bit of giveaway that, you know. Top Civil servant caught pleasuring himself in park, looking at dirty pictures of a little lad! And look, it's you, plain as day, doing the dirty with him! Couldn't be anybody else, could it? Nope, that's definitely you. Not A.I. at all. These are real. Very real. You are definitely the pervert in the pictures. No question about it. (Norman makes a grab for them) Oy, oy! You a thief now as well? You'll get yourself arrested, you will. Oy, oy, that lady's looking at us. (He waves) All right, are you? Don't worry about it. Haven't seen him in donkey's years and he's a bit overcome by it all. He always was an emotional type.
Norman: It's all right. (To the same lady) Thank you. I'm all right. We're good. There's no problem. He's a friend!
Bopper: (He watches her retreat) Nosy effing parker! If there's 'owt I can't stand it's nosy parkers! I don't hate 'em like I hate paedos and tell-tale-tits and politicians but I never been keen on them as sticks their noses in. Look at her. She's still looking. I know, I'll show her my behind, that'll give her something to talk about at the Bingo!
Norman: Please don't.
Bopper: What?
Norman: Please don't expose yourself.
Bopper: Hey, do you remember that time, your eyes nearly popped out of your head, you know, when I waggled it in front of your face. Made you sniff it. Do you remember? I bet you do. Dirty dog. (Chuckles) Oh, yes, I was quite the rude boy back then, when I was a teenager. Everybody's rude when they're a teenager, aren't they? I'm not rude any more now. I wouldn't wave me Willy in front of anybody now. Mind you, thinking about it, I suppose a lad like you would be more interested in tight little bumholes than a huge, great one eyed trouser snakes like mine, eh? Eh? (Chuckles)
Norman: Please, what do you want? Tell me what you want. Why are you here? Tell me! For fuck's sake, tell me! Jesus!
Bopper: Calm down, calm down! (Chuckles) Harry Enfield. Scousers. I was always good at impersonating, wasn't I? 'Ere. Who's this? "Muslims are the face of modern Britain!"
Norman: I'm sorry...
Bopper: "Muslims are the face of modern Britain!" Who's that then? "Muslims are the face of modern Britain!" Come on! It's obvious. "Muslims are the face of modern Britain!" "My dad was a toolmaker!" "I have prosecuted very serious criminals!" But not Jimmy Savile, he never prosecuted him, did he? Hey, Norman, did you ever meet Jimmy Savile, you know, on your travels?
Norman: Please, I can't stand this, I have to go.
Bopper: No, you don't. Sit down. We've got things to discuss.
Norman: Well, please, tell me what they are. What do you want?
Bopper: I want you to tell me who I was impersonating. We'll start with that.
Norman: God, this can't be happening.
Bopper: It is though, Norman. Funny how weird stuff just materialises out of thin air. You know, when you least expect it. (Chuckles)
Norman: The Prime Minister. You were impersonating the Prime Minister
Bopper: Correct! You see, I've still got it. Still got the talent. God given, you see. God gave me that talent. Some of us have got it and some of us haven't. Hey, what about this one. "I ate his liver with some Fava beans a nice Chianti!" Who's that then? (Laughs) Oh, yes, I can do posh voices as well! Could've been another Lawrence Oliver, me. And I think you know it. I never got to be a big success, though, did I? You know, like you.
Norman: I don't remember that.
Bopper: 'Course you do. The whole school was watching.
Norman: No, I saw it, everyone did. But you weren't in it.
Bopper: What do you mean?
Norman: The school used to take us to the Nottingham playhouse every year to watch a Shakespeare play. But that one time they brought a touring production of Albee's play to the school. The girls from the High School came to see as well. It was packed out.
Bopper: That's what I'm saying, I was in it. I played the nutcase. (Silence) I enjoyed that play. I watched it all the way though. Only play, I ever watched from beginning to end. I could've been off with some likely lass. Bit of fish finger, know what I mean. (Chuckles) But no, I sat through it, from beginning to end. Yeah. I was really good in it, you know, for a young lad. Or, you know, I felt like I was in it. I can't remember now. Didn't get bored once. Zoo Story, you know. Funny, isn't it?
Norman: What is?
Bopper: How we ended up here. Like this. Just like Zoo Story.
Norman: Will you tell me now?
Bopper: Tell you what?
Norman: What you're doing here. (Bopper grins) How much?
Bopper: How much what?
Norman: For the photographs. To keep quiet.
Bopper: You think I want your money?
Norman: Well, don't you?
Bopper: I don't want your money. I've got all the money I'll ever need, me.
Norman: Well, tell me, please. Tell me what it is that you DO want? I can't stand this.
Bopper: Well, for a start I'd like to you to tell me why you were so horrible at school. I know you had a horrible dad, with his Hitler moustache. What did he teach, Latin was it? Anyway, like father like son, so that couldn't have helped, but, I mean, you were extra-horrible, weren't you? A tell-tale tit, snooty, always sneering at people, a squealer. No friends, and you didn't seem to want any either. You were the first squealer in the whole 400 year history of that school. Did you know that? Nobody had ever squealed on anybody before, no matter what they'd done, until you did.
Norman: I'm sorry, but that can't be true. I can't have been the first to point out who the bullies were.
Bopper: Yeah, but YOU did it time and time again, didn't you? Never learned your lesson. Couldn't keep you mouth shut. You just had to go crying to daddy. Has he still got that Hitler moustache?
Norman: My father has been gone for more than 40 years.
Bopper: Yeah? I thought blokes like him lived forever. I remember when he gave the whole school a detention. Just because his baby boy got his head stuffed down the bog. The other masters were sniggering behind him, behind his back. Remember that?
Norman: I wasn't there.
Bopper: Right. Well, they were. They didn't like him either. Gesticulating with his arms and frothing at the mouth. Just like Father Ted in that Chinese episode. Right weirdo. And then you got bummed. And that was the end, not of you, oh no, but of me. Why did you do it?
Norman: Do what?
Bopper: Say it was me?
Norman: Is that what this is all about? Revenge, 50 years later.
Bopper: 56, as it happens, Norman. Accuracy is important.
Norman: For goodness sake, tell me what you want! What do you want me to do? Tell me!
Bopper: I've got what I want. Don't worry about me, Norman. I'm being paid for this, you know. Cash in the bank. I'm well in. And I get to see you pay for doing what you've done. I get to see a horrible person get his! First hand. For all the horrible crimes he's committed.
Norman: Look, I never knew for certain who did it until later. But when they'd gone, I heard you. You had a very distinctive laugh. You said, 'enjoy that, did you?' And then you said, 'Does it sting? I bet it stings. Serves you right, for being a squealer!' And then you laughed. I knew it was you straightaway. I remember it like it was yesterday.
Bopper: But it wasn't me that did it.
Norman: Yes, but you were there. Watching. Sniggering.
Bopper: You got that right. Except I wasn't watching. I was listening though. But I could see what was happening in my mind's eye. I had to put my hand over my mouth to stop whoever it was from hearing me. I was in the end stall, doing what comes naturally, as it happens. You must've known it wasn't me.
Norman: I knew.
Bopper: So, why did you say it was?
Norman: I didn't. I just told my father what I'd heard you say.
Bopper: And you didn't bother to put him straight?
Norman: I told him it wasn't you. But he didn't care. To be honest, neither did I. You were a vicious and unpleasant bully. And you thought what happened to me was funny.
Bopper: It was. It was hilarious.
Norman: Not to me, it wasn't.
Bopper: It opened your eyes to the fact that you're a bum bandit, Norman. Set you off on the road to pervy paradise! That's why you're here now? Bit of bum with a picaninny. Get away with murder you lot. Hey, did you ever meet Jeffrey Epstein? I bet you did. Dirty little tart. Did you ever bump into Trump or Peter Mandelson, or the Clintons? You know, big shots? I bet you did. Have you ever eaten a child?
Norman: What?
Bopper: A kid. A little boy. Have you eaten one? They're at it all the time, apparently. You know, sucking juice out of them, Andrenochrome? I wouldn't eat a baby or a child ever. Not even if I was starving hungry. I'd probably eat you, you know, if we were on a desert island and we'd run out of pineapples. (Laughs) Not in that way, you dirty dog! Dirty mind you've got! I know what you were thinking, you cheeky monkey. Same old Norman!
Norman: I never met Jeffrey Epstein, I didn't know him.
Bopper: Getout! All you pervs had big Jeff in your Filofax. You must have met him.
Norman: I never met him. Different social circles.
Bopper: I know who did it, you know. Had their wicked way with you. Prefects. Prefects they were. Not 5C like me. Even the prefects hated you.
Norman: I know.
Bopper: Eh? What do you know?
Norman: I know who did it.
Bopper: Was it you who bumped 'em off? I bet it was. They're all gone now. In suspicious circumstances. All in the same car after some reunion or other. It was you, wasn't it?
Norman: It wasn't me. And if it was, I couldn't possibly comment.
Bopper: It WAS you! Unbelievable. (Chortles) Vengeance is mine, sayeth the elite paedo. Bloody hell, Norman, you grew a pair, didn't you? Have you ever done anybody face to face?
Norman: No.
Bopper: When did you start?
Norman: None of your business. Look, what do you want from me? I have to get back.
Bopper: Don't you worry about me, Norman, I've got what I want. It's what THEY want that matters.
Norman: You said that before. Who are these people? THEY, THEY, who are THEY?
Bopper: Your lot. MI5, Special Branch. Whatever. Your best mates. THEM!
Norman: They want you gone, Norman. You've been a bad lad, haven't you?
Norman: What do you mean?
Bopper: You've been passing secrets to Ivan, apparently. And Abdul in Iran. Chinese for all I know.
Norman: What?
Bopper: Don't deny it, Norman. They've got you bang to rights. You're a dead man walking.
Norman: What are you talking about? You're insane.
Bopper: (Chuckles) It has been said, Norman. You look worried, son.
Norman: Of course, I'm worried, I'm being held against my will by a madman. You have to let me go. Now.
Bopper: Take it easy, Norman. No point in getting all agitated.
Norman: No point? No point? (He tries to escape. He is easily restrained by Bopper)
Bopper: Calm down, calm down! I'm only saying there's no point in you trying to pretend you haven't done what you've done. They know, Norman. You're a busted flush. Kaput. Up the creek without a paddle. They want you gone. (He is restraining Norman at this point) Hey, Norman, remember this? (Starts to give Norman a 'monkey scrub' as he intones the William Tell overture - Norman screams and begs him to stop. He does so eventually) Remember that Norman? Lone Ranger theme - 'Hi yo, Silver, away!' We had a lot of fun with that, didn't we?
Norman: Ironic? What is?
Bopper: Well, right at the end of you life, after a lifetime of behaving like the worst person inn the world all your life, you go and do something half-decent, and that's what you're going down for. All the bad things you've done - No problemo. One good thing, and it's 'Goodbye, Yellow Brick Road!' You've had your chips, Norman. Decision's been made. Too late to do anything about it now.
Norman: A decision's been made? By whom? By whom? Explain yourself, please!
Bopper: THEY, capital T, capital H, capital E, capital Y, THEY, the big lads, have made a decision. And, as you well know, you being one of them, what THEY say goes.
Norman: And that's why you're here? To kill me?
Bopper: Oh, no, I'm not going to kill you. THEY are. You know, some lad from the SAS or MI5, like I said. Sniper, SWAT team, you know. That's how you get yours.
Bopper: From the Dear Leader?
Norman: Who?
Bopper: Tony Blair.
Norman: I was a very junior clerk back then. I did as I was told.
Bopper: You've been a top tier turd, turd's not swearing by the way. It's in the dictionary. So, is 'fart'. At least it used to be. I looked it up when I was eleven. 'An explosion between the legs'. (Chuckles) Unbelieveable. Yeah, anyway, you've been a big shot now for more than 30 years. Council houses and 5-star hotels for invaders as our ex-army lads are dying in doorways. Freezing to death on the streets. Yeah, everything for Abdul, sweet FA for the soldier who got put through hell by Blair and Brown and Jack Straw and Harriet effing Harman. When did you change your mind?
Norman: I didn't sell anything. I wanted to prevent a nuclear holocaust.
Bopper: Ah, right. You did it because, all of a sudden, you're a nice person you and want to save the world. Sounds really likely, that does.
Norman: Look, if it makes you feel any better, just say I did it to save my own skin. If everything goes nuclear, we're all gone, aren't we?
Norman: How do you know all of this?
Bopper: My lips are sealed.
Norman: Humour me. What are you doing in the middle of all this. I can't make sense of it.
Bopper: You're not supposed to. They've got you in the crosshairs, that's all you need to know.
Norman: If you're not going to do it, how is it going to happen, at least tell me that.
Bopper: I'm not supposed to tell you anything, you do realise that? They could stop the second half of my fee. Anyway, I've already said. Some SWAT team sniper will do the business, be my guess.
Norman: So, someone has given you $200,000?
Norman: So, who exactly gave you the 200,000? If I'm to be targeted, I won't be telling anyone, will I? (SILENCE) Come on, please, what does it matter now?
Bopper: "It's now or never, come hold me tight, kiss me, my darling"... No, no, no, forget that last bit, Norman, dirty dog! (Chuckles) I was supposed to be wired up. They gave me a recorder and a microphone. Put it on back at the hotel. But it was giving me electric shocks. So I ditched it. Too bad. I put it in that bin over there. See that bin? Right over there. If they want it back they'll have to root around in chicken nuggets and dog turds won't they? (Chuckles)
Bopper: So, what's in it for you? If your daughter's already got the money, why not just let me go?
Bopper: I'm not a politician, Norman! I'm not a civil servant. I'm not bought-and-paid-for. I give my word, I keep it. I'm not like you people, I make a promise, I keep it.
Norman: Even if you know that those you give your word to, don't intend to keep their half of the bargain?
Bopper: Stop trying to squirm out of it, Norman. You're a dead man walking. Tough. You get what you deserve in this life.
Norman: Look, I could give you 200,000. I could put it in your hand, right now.
Bopper: Imagine my shock, eh? (Chuckles)
Norman: No, I mean it. I've got cash in my safe at home, and gold bars, gold coins. I could give you whatever you want.
Bopper: Gonna shoot me in the crown jewels as soon as we get back there? You always were a tricky lad, Norman? Nutty effing Norman, still slithering after all these years.
Norman: What have you got to lose? Come on, let's go. You could tie me up and open the safe yourself, I'll give you the combination.
Bopper: You after one last bit if fun, Norman? With a real man? You dirty dog. I'd rather do Angela bleeding Rayner's mile-wide manhole than your skinny old derriere! Besides they're here now. Look. (He waves) All right, lads? He's here. Laughing boy! (Norman tries to escape again - Bopper subdues him) I'm not supposed to let on that I know them. Screw up the narrative. 'Cause they'll be filming all of this. Look, over there. See that bloke with the big camera. (He twists Norman's face in the direction he is pointing to) Tough, they'll have edit out the bits that don't fit the narrative.
Norman: If what you say is true, they'll shoot you as well.
Bopper: You reckon?
Norman: Of course. They can't possibly leave you alive. Knowing what you know.
Bopper: They know I won't talk. They know a deal's a deal with me.
Norman: You can't possibly be that naive. Why would they trust you when they don't have to?
Bopper: It's not about trust, Norman. I wouldn't trust your lot as far as I could throw 'em. No. I'm useful, you see. An asset! I'm an asset. Like an old James Bond type of guy. They could slot me in anywhere. Hundred grand, another enemy of the state goes pop. Who'd suspect an old fart like me? Fart's not swearing. It's in the dictionary!
Norman: So all this virtue-signalling about Covid and the climate and immigration, it all goes out the window, if they pay you enough. Have I got that right?
Bopper: Listen, I've been battling for the common man most of my life. Can't say he ever did much for me. 'Bout time I got my share, I reckon. My little bit. Besides, I've already told you, I wouldn't top a nice guy. Or a kid. I've got my standards. They can get somebody else for that.
Norman: You're living in dreamland, Giles. They're setting us both up.
Bopper: Don't call me that?
Norman: What?
Bopper: Don't call me that namby-pamby name. Giles. I always hated it. Call me Bopper, like everybody else does. Big Bopper. Giles Richardson was Big Bopper's real name. "Chantilly Lace, and a pretty face, and a pony tail, hanging down, and a wiggle in her walk and a giggle"... See, I've still got it, I've always had it! Know what I mean? I should be on 'Britain's Got Talent,' really. I'd go down a bomb! How does somebody with as much talent as I've got not become somebody like John Wayne or Mick Jagger? I mean, what Lenny Henry got that I haven't got? I can do everything me. Singin', dancin', comedy, I mean I'm always laughing, aren't I? All sorts. I go down a bomb online, me. Well, I used to, 'fore I got locked away that last time. But my fan base is still there, just waiting for me to rise up, you know, like Jesus, eh? Or Arnold, you know 'I'll be back!' (Chortles) Yeah, I mean, when you think about it. A nutcase who sings and dances and makes everybody laugh, it stands to reason, why aren't I famous? It's because people like you, behind the scenes, corridors of power, you get your rubbers out and rub out the chances and opportunities of people like me. Don't think I don't know what you and your lot do to the truly talented ones. He got killed with Buddy Holly, you know, Big Bopper. And Richie Valens, 'Lalallala Bamba, la la la, la Bamba la la la.' In an aircrash. He was only young, Buddy Holly. 22 years old and he wrote all them great songs. What were you saying? I've forgotten.
Norman: We should get up and walk off, arm-in-arm. Like lovers. Pretty difficult to explain why they assassinated two old friends from school. Come on, Bopper. We can get out of this if we act like we care for each other.
Bopper: You'd like that, wouldn't you? 'Like lovers,' unbelievable! Did you fancy me back then? I bet you did, you dirty dog. Everybody fancied me. Belle of the ball I was. Top dog. Golden lad. Arm-in-arm, eh? You trying to ruin my reputation, are you. Before you go?
Norman: Gile... Bopper, please. Let's wave at them, like we're happy. Like this. (He waves) "He's my friend, an old friend. There's no problem. It's OK! We're good!"
Bopper: They'll cut that bit out, Norman. They're not daft. Nasty, but not daft. You're a dead man walking, son. They're just waiting till they've cleared the area then it's pop goes the weasel time for Sir Jeremy! You're done for, my son.
Norman: If I'm dead so are you! Why don't you see that? What's wrong with you?
Bopper: What's wrong with me? I'm an effing nutcase, Norman! (Chortles) I don't do what other people do. I'm out there with the fairies! Well, not the fairies. That'd be more your cup of tea. But, you know, axe murderers, Hannibal Lechters, Boston stranglers, Jack the Rippers, people like that. I do what I want, Norman. And, right now, I'm here to see you die. And, trust me, that's OK by me.
Norman: And what if they shoot you first. You don't get to see me die then, do you?
Bopper: They won't shoot me, Norman. I'm too valuable. I'm an asset, remember. They said that. Exactly that. Their words, not mine. A valuable asset.
Norman: And you believe them? You stupid idiot! I know the way they work, for crying out loud, I'm one of them!
Bopper: An idiot, am I? Well, this idiot just set you right up, Mr Christ-all-bleeding-mighty-big shot! What kind of an idiot can do that? You don't get to call me names. I'm a better person than you, always have been. You lot. You're the real nut jobs, not me. You kill millions, you do. I'm just a now and again type of guy!
Norman: Idiot! Idiot. Idiot! Idiot. I'm going to be dead soon, who cares what I call you? Idiot!
Bopper: (Bopper laughs, has a drink) You want some of this? (Offers him some of his liquor - He shakes his head) Calm you down, Norman. What's the matter, you don't want to drink from the same bottle as a mad, old loony? Ha-ha. In case you get germs. Ha-ha. You were always a big girl's blouse, Norman. (Norman snatches the bottle and takes a hefty swig)
Norman: What do you care? You can always buy some more with your blood money!
Bopper: Temper, temper. There's no need to go all girlie on me! Come on, let's have it. Share and share alike, that's what my dear old mam used to say. Bloody hell, there's none left. Typical politician, give 'em an inch and they'll take a mile. Good Samaritan offers you a final drink and what do you do? Scoff the chuffing lot. That'll teach me to be so generous. Chuffing's not swearing, by the way. Chuffer train, you know. Little kids say it.
Norman: Look, just tell me how you came to be here. Why are you involved in this? It doesn't make sense. Why did the authorities involve you?
Bopper: Why should I tell you anything?
Norman: What difference, at this point, does it make?
Bopper: Hillary said that.
Norman: What?
Bopper: 'What difference, at this point, does it make?' Hillary Clinton said that. Exact same words. Spooky that. After that Ambassador and his crew got done in Benghazi. Yeah, she really freaked out. More loony than me. Her fault. Hers and Obama's. She had a fit when they started asking the right questions.
Norman: Are you going to tell me?
Bopper: Get me a another bottle of this and I'll tell you.
Norman: Oh, right. I'll get another bottle. Happy to. (He tries to stand)
Bopper: Not so fast, sneaky! Haven't you got something in your bag? You know, for if your schoolboy changes his mind.
Norman: Shuttup! Shuttup Shuttup! Shuttup! (Grabs Bopper by the lapels) I hate you! I hate you!
Bopper: Calm down, calm down! Dear me, you'll have the lads thinking I'm the bad guy if you're not careful! (He chuckles) So, you want to know what went on?
Norman: Yes!
Bopper: And you'll calm down if I tell you?
Norman: Yes! Yes!
Norman: I don't get it. This isn't how it's done. Why would they involve you?
Bopper: Well, all I can tell you is what they told me.
Norman: What was that?
Bopper: They wanted to make it seem like a nutcase, I don't mind being called a nutcase, 'cause I am one. If it's true, say it, even if you're talking to a nutcase. Anyway, they wanted to make it look like a nutcase from your past had been stalking you, so they could get the SWAT lads to accidentally shoot you, as they were trying to save you from yours truly. Make sense now?
Norman: No.
Bopper: I can't help that. Talk to them if you don't believe me. Oh, wait a minute. You can't do that can't you. Cause you'll be dead. (He chuckles)
Norman: There's no way you're getting out of this alive, you know. If I go, so do you.
Bopper: I've told you about that. They'll be using me for other stuff once they've done you.
Norman: And you believe that?
Bopper: Why wouldn't I? Makes perfect sense. How many old fogies do you know that would make top notch assassins? Who'd suspect a poor old, mad loser of ever being the next 007? Nobody! And if I ever did get caught and they used some truth drug on me, cause torture wouldn't work, me being hard as nails, and I started to blab about the government and MI5 and the secret service and my top secret missions, well, the government can always say, 'he's nuts, don't listen to him! He's been in and out of the nuthouse for the last 50 years!' Perfect. See? They can't lose, can they?
Norman: And you fell for that? You're even dumber than you look.
Bopper: Excuse me, you're the one that's definitely going to die, not me. So you can eff right off with your nasty comments. All right?
Norman: How is it going to happen? How am I going to be killed?
Bopper: I've told you, sniper. Bullet in the nut. Night, night, Norman.
Norman: So, why do they need you? Why are you here?
Bopper: I keep telling you. You just don't listen, do you? Look, see this? (He draws back his coat secretively, in such a way that no one but Norman can see) Just in case there's any more nosey Parkers, nosing about. You're not supposed to see this until the last minute. Watch this. (He makes stabbing motions behind his coat) See? It's plastic. It's just a toy, blade goes in and out. But when I take it out and do this (makes a stabbing motion towards Norman, without the knife) and then I draw back when they say, 'Oy you, stop thief, stop your stabbing of that nice English gentleman,' that's when they shoot you.
Norman: Stop! Stop! Don't shoot! It's a set up! The government wants me dead! It's the gov... (Bopper gets his hand over Norman's mouth)
Bopper: Come on, Norman, you're interfering with the narrative! Stop being a pain in the rear end! Show a bit of decorum in these, the last moments of your horrible, little life! Sorry lads, (He says this to the police/audience as Norman struggles) We're gonna have to bring the turkey shoot forward a tad! Norman's being a naughty boy! You ready? Here we go then! (He takes the toy knife out of his waistband and displays it, smiling and chuckling, to the police/audience. Norman screams, he grabs his arm and manages to keep the knife at a distance - Before he fake-stabs Norman we hear a policeman yell 'put down the knife, put down the knife!') It's only a fucking toy, Norman, what's up with you? (To the cops) It's all right, lads, they can edit that bit out. A.I. these days. Artificial Insemination, you know. There's some marvellous stuff out there.
Bopper: He's here, lads! He's... (Shots ring out. His body jerks. He slumps, dead. Norman is left alive. (Lights fade on Bopper - Spotlight on Norman - Lights fade on him)
THE END
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