Drug Bust

this is my first play ever...i have yet to write another

 

Jill - 22 year old college senior with full time job

Don - 20 year old college sophomore Jill’s boyfriend

Nolan- Jill’s uncle, up-and-coming drug dealer, who’s also a fake Jamaican

Sylvia - Jill’s mom.

The Cops- Sgt Jackson, Sgt Harris, Detective Parks, The Narcotic Unit

Nolan’s Boys- Ben, Johnson, Nuzzi

Therapist

Waitress

 

Scene 1

Scene opens with bright jarring lights and a loud crashing sound that resembles a head-on collision. Bob Marley’s Could You Be Loved is playing in the background, but the record is stuck on the line “and the darkness it must come out to light; stayin’ alive.” The music stops. The lights fade. A spotlight is spotted on a young girl dressed like a waitress she’s knocking on the window of a 2004 Nissan Maxima. She speaks.

 

Waitress

Hello, are you ok? Umm…can you get out of your car?

 

Jill

D****t. Why the f**k…I’m so f*****g…S**t my f*****g car…Oh my God, my mom’s gonna kill me.

 

Waitress

Hello? Oh my god are you ok? Can you get out of your car, it looks pretty bad, you might want to get out?

 

Jill

(Nastily) I’m ok, considering this frigging setback…(she grabs her cell and dials 911) Hello…Yes, I was just in a car accident. No, a drunk driver just totaled me car though. What? Can you send an ambulance?...Well their car is flipped over the curb it looks pretty bad, I never saw anything like that. My name is Jill. Jill Malone. Five minutes? Okay. Yes. Yes I think I can move…(Steps out of the car, still in shock). F**K me in the a*****e. This totally sucks. My vacation’s supposed to start tomorrow and this bullshit. Jeez!

 

Waitress

Miss you’re bleeding.

 

Jill

I’m sorry what?

 

 

Waitress

You’re bleeding. There’s blood going down the side of you face.

 

Jill

Great! That would explain the massive headache I have right now. ( She starts to collapse)

 

Waitress

Oh my god! This girl is really hurt can someone help me.

 

Two ambulances pull up. They immediately rush to the drunk driver’s overturned Toyota 4-Runner. He’s wailing as he crawls out of his vehicle without help. The EMT workers over-look Jill and rush to the drunk driver’s side. The waitress is horrified.

 

Waitress

Hello! This girl is hurt. Those a******s ran the light, and almost killed her. Can somebody help her? Can anyone help her? I think she’s unconscious…

 

Black out. End scene.

 

Scene 2

We’re in the therapist’s office. Jill is laying on a large red-velvet couch, and the therapist is sitting in a camouflage arm-chair. Jill is sobbing as she re-lives the car accident for what she thinks will be her last time. It’s been three months accident.

 

Jill

I can’t even get behind the wheel anymore.

 

Therapist

Why do you think so Jill?

 

Jill

I keep thinking some a*****e will total the car I’m in and this time I won’t survive the trauma.

 

Therapist

And how does that make you feel Jill?

 

Jill

It makes me feel really s****y, cause I’ve been driving since I was 16 and this crap doesn’t make any sense. I can’t f*****g function.

 

Therapist

 We talked about your foul language remember?

 

 

Jill

 

Are you f*****g kidding? Did that seriously just come out of your face? What the f**k is my mother paying you for? Oh my God. I’m having a freaking crisis and all you can think about is your (changes to a smug tone) absolute distaste for obscenities. D****t!

 

Therapist

 

Jill it’s obvious that you’re still very traumatized from the accident. You’ve been seeing me along with the neurologist, chiropractor and massage therapist. And it seems like you’ve made progress, but it almost seems like it…

 

Jill

 

Okay Doc. I gotta go. I’ll be back on Friday. I’ll tell you which car I decide on buying, if I don’t decide to move to Brooklyn with my uncle.

 

Therapist

 

See you then Jill. And don’t forget to…

 

Jill hustles out of the room before he can finish his sentence. He doesn’t bother to finish, instead he jots a note and sighs. He speaks.

 

Therapist

 

I can’t believe how traumatized Jill was from the accident. People get in car crashes almost every 20 minutes. I think that’s what the statistic says at least. So why is this girl so terrified? She was barely hurt…I wish I could get through to her. (He sighs and shakes his head)

Lights fade. End Scene.

 

Scene 3

 

The scene opens in Sylvia’s house. Jill is in the living room on a couch that looks identical to the one in the therapist’s office, she’s dialing. The audience can hear the dial tone, the ringing, and the therapist answer.

 

Jill

 

Hey Doc, I just want you to know I won’t be coming by this Friday or anytime after that…

 

Therapist

 

Why is that? Will you be seeking other help?

 

Jill

 

I’m actually moving to Brooklyn with my uncle, so I’m gonna try to see a therapist near my school or even work, just cause it’ll be easier. I’m changing the neurologist and chiropractor as well…

 

Therapist

 

Okay Jill, I wish you the best. And if you’re ever in town…(she hangs up before he can finish)The lights dim on Jill; a spotlight lights up the therapist at his desk in his office.

 

Therapist

Seems like every time I start to get through to these patients some kind of relocation always f***s up their treatment. (He sighs and writes in his notebook from the session)

 

Scene 4

 

Play opens in a run down Brooklyn apartment. It’s been almost 14 months since Jill’s car accident. She’s moved in with her uncle to be closer to school and work. She’s trying to make the best of her life, finish school, and become the lawyer she’s always wanted to be. She’s dealing with everyday issues, boyfriend, family trouble, balancing school and work, and her uncle has taken on a new hobby that she dreads. Scene opens with Jill returning from a full day of Wednesday classes. It’s 10 p.m. As she unlocks the door to her uncle’s apartment her phone rings and Jill answers.

 

 

Jill

 

Hey Mom. Yea I just got in from class. What? Okay I’ll take the day off. The 13^th? What are you doing for her birthday this year? Two Broadway plays, and a hotel room on Time’s Square for the weekend? Damn, I never got that. Huh? Okay. Okay mom, I gotta go, I gotta write a paper. Yea mom. Yea I’ll take it off. (Hangs up) Oh my f*****g God. I can’t believe I gotta take a day off for Ronell’s birthday. Eek. (To anyone in the apartment) Hey anybody home. Guess not. (She notices 2 leafy branches of hemp hanging from the hallway closet. She sighs, but quickly shuffles to her dingy room at the front of the apartment).

 

Moments later Jill makes her way back to the little kitchenette to prepare something for dinner. She flicks the light on.

 

Jill

 

(Roaches cover the countertops) Ah! F**k man. I can’t get used to this f*****g crap. Cleaning every freaking day, and for what? These f*****g roaches enjoy this place more than I ever will. (To uncle) Uncle Nolan, are you home?

 

Nolan

 

Gyal me dey ya. Dem roaches really creeping all ova this bombo cloth apartment. Me ha fi call de landlord. This man gotta bomb this blood cloth house. (Notices a sad look in Jill’s face) Whay wrong wid you so?

 

 

Jill

 

I’m just tired, not in the mood for this cleaning right now. What’s up with the frigging dishes man? Your guests really need to clean up when they’re done. It’s getting too much…Man what the hell is that stuff in the hallway hanging on the closet.

 

Nolan

 

Yea, da’s right. But me ain’t know how dis place does geh so messy gyal. Me always see you cleaning, but is like de roach and them just hide when yo fixin’ and then when yo done dey fly back out or something. (Avoids her question about the weed) Anyway, way Don dey? Me ain’t see this boy since he move in.

 

Jill

 

I dunno probably working, or skateboarding. Yea I’m thinking skateboarding.

 

Nolan

 

Gyurl yo must let dis boy help you around de place. I see you tryin ah cook fo’ dis negga man an’ he ain’t even wah help out wit little things in de place. You gotta do something gyurl. You going school, tryin ah mek de best fo yoself, you can’t let him bring you down Jill. You too smart fo dat.

 

Jill

 

Yea. Thanks, I’ll talk to him. I’m just so tired. Anyway. Good night. (Goes back to her room, shuts the door)

 

Lights out.End scene

 

Scene 5

 

Jill’s cell phone rings. She awakes unwillingly and is very cranky. It’s 1am and Don’s just getting in. She answers.

 

Jill

(Half asleep) Hello?

 

Don

 

Baby I’m outside. The door’s locked. Let me in.

 

Jill

(Grunts) Uhh. Aright I’m coming gimme a sec. (She stays wrapped in the covers and begins to doze again. Her phone rings again. She answers, again half asleep). Hello?

 

Don

 

Come on Jill. Just let me in.

 

Jill

 

Okay, okay I’m coming. Gimme a sec. (She gets up, puts on his boxers and t-shirt, and shuffles quickly out the apartment and down the stairs. She lets him in. He has a mysterious grin).

 

Don

 

Night baby. Gimme a kiss.

 

Jill

 

(kisses Don on the cheek) Why are you so late?

 

Don

 

I was uptown. On the block with the boys. You know how I do.

 

Jill

 

(She glares at him and sighs) Fine.

 

Don

 

Are you mad baby?

 

Jill

 

No. I’m not mad, just tired. (Under her breath as she treks back to the apartment) So tired of this f*****g bullshit. I should move back home, cause between you and my f*****g uncle I’ll catch a f*****g stroke.

 

 

Don

 

(They both enter her room) Baby? Did you cook today?

 

Jill

 

No, I got home at 10. Have cereal. I’m going back to bed.

 

Don

 

(as Jill crawls back into bed) You don’t even show me no love Jill. What’s really good with that?

 

Jill

 

(Half asleep) It’s in the cupboard baby. Or you can make yourself a sandwich…(she dozes off mid-sentence)

 

Lights out. End Scene

 

Scene 6

 

The scene opens in the hallway of the apartment. Nolan has a shocked expression on his face. He can’t believe it’s only been a week since he brought the hemp into the apartment and the cops are already breaking his door down and rushing in groups of two with their guns at attention. For the first time in 20 years he’s completely terrified. His boys share his horror.

 

 

Cops

 

(In unison) Nobody move! Nobody move! Get up Get up slowly! Let’s see those hands guys! Come on come on slowly, slowly (notices one of the men reaching for something)

 

Sgt Jackson

 

I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Just move towards us into the light. Anyone of us can shoot to kill, before you can reach for whatever it is you’re trying to get. Just relax. We’re bringing all of you in for question

 

(Meanwhile Jill and Don are too scared to come out of the room. They speak in whispers.)

 

Don

 

Jill what’s going on out there. Why are the cops here doing what sounds like a bust of some sort?

 

Jill

 

I guess someone tipped them on the hemp in the hallway.

 

Don

 

Hemp? What’s that?

 

Jill

 

Weed Don, are you retarded?

 

Don

 

I dunno code names and s**t

 

Jill

 

It’s not a cod name retard, just shut up, hopefully the cops just keep it moving and

(her door swings open, they both jump out of the bed)

 

Don and Jill

 

What’s going on officers?

 

Sgt Harris

 

We need to bring everyone on the premises in for questioning

 

Jill

 

(Being the brave one) What’s the questioning about? Why can’t you ask us what you need to here, off the record?

 

Sgt Harris

 

I’m sure you’re familiar with the Miranda rights…

 

Jill

 

Where’s your warrant for search and arrest?

 

 

 

Sgt Harris

 

Boys I found two teenagers no more than seventeen in the room!

 

Jill

 

I guess you don’t have a warrant then?

 

Sgt Harris

 

Listen kid this isn’t television. This is not an episode of Law and Order or CSI. This is real life. Shut up and come outside, and stop trying to be a smart a*s.

 

Jill

 

Are you familiar with the laws regarding search and seizure? Do you realize anything you find in this house without a warrant will be thrown out of the evidence that you accumulate. Look officer, I don’t know who you think you are but I’m not going anywhere with you and neither are the men out there, since it’s obvious you don’t have a warrant to search and/or arrest any of us.

 

Sgt Harris

 

There’s no way you could know all of that at 17.

 

Jill

 

I guess I‘m some kind of prodigy. Get out of my house before I call a lawyer and sue the police the department for coming into my house and invading my and the other tenants’ privacy.

 

Sgt Harris

 

Detective Parks? I’m gonna need you over here.

 

Jill

 

(Under her breath) Parks? Oh my God, I interned for his wife’s firm last year…

 

Detective Parks

 

(Quickly recognizes her) Jill Malone? Jill what are you doing in the house?

 

Jill

 

Adam this is my home. I don’t know what the scoop is, but I’m renting a room in this joint while I finish off my senior year because the commute was too much.

 

Detective Parks

 

Oh my God. This is so crazy. How do you know those men outside?

 

 

 

Jill

 

I’m sorry Adam but I really don’t think this is a good time for a chit chat session. Do you and your men have a warrant to be here right now?

 

Detective Parks

 

We came on a tip…

 

Jill

 

Tips aren’t the same as warrants under state or federal laws right?

 

Detective Parks

 

Jill I know you know the laws. I know you’re going into law school next fall. I know you know your rights. But Jill, we know what’s been going on in this house…

 

Jill

 

Adam, I’m sorry I can’t let anyone in this house cooperate because you and your men came here unprepared, expecting some kind of easy arrest of people who don’t know their rights. And the fact of the matter is there’s not enough of anything in plain sight that you can say is grounds for arrest. The fact is you’d have to search. And you don’t have a warrant. I’m gonna have to ask you to leave my property.

 

Detective Parks

 

(Very irritated) You know what Jill you’re right. We’ll be back tomorrow with a warrant and you’ll all be coming to the precinct for question. You, him (points to Don who’s been standing behind Jill), and the rest of those people who are outside.

 

Sgt Harris

 

I thought this kid was a minor Adam

 

 

 

Detective Parks

 

She’s pre-Law at NYU. Let’s get out of here before anything else gets touched. She knows her rights, and she knows my wife. That firm would eat the department alive.

 

Jill

 

Adam, let Theresa know I’ll be back this year for the program. You guys have a good night okay?

 

Don

 

Baby how’d you know all that stuff? (He tries to hold her)

 

Jill

 

Don get off me. You’re like a scared puppy. Grow some balls man! I’m tired of your crap.

 

Don

 

Baby I wanna be strong like you. Jill you gotta help me be strong like you.

 

Jill

 

Let’s check on Uncle Nolan. (She walks out behind the two officers to check on her uncle. Don stays in the room.)

 

Jill

 

They’re leaving okay?

 

Nolan

 

Wey you mean they leaving?

 

Jill

 

They’re gonna come back with the right paperwork probably tomorrow. You should get those guys outta here.

 

(By then the cops have retreated and she’s shut the door behind them. Her uncle’s friends leave one by one each says his piece as he leaves)

 

 

 

Nuzzi

 

Nolan am out, we’ll talk later aight?

 

Johnson

 

Man Nolan your niece saved our fake Jamaican asses tonight. I’m a call you man!

 

Ben

 

I f*****g s**t my pants. I was so f*****g scared. I got butt-fucked the last time I went to jail man. Thank god for your niece Nolan. I’m sorry I’m not coming back up here. I can’t go back to jail. I can’t get raped again man. I’m f*****g done with this crap. I’m done.

 

Nolan

 

Alright man. See all yo. Me niece look like she wah talk now. I ain’t know how this is going to pan out.

 

(Everyone leaves, Jill and Nolan sit in the kitchenette, the lights fade. End scene)

 

Scene 5

 

Nolan and Jill are still in the kitchenette. They both speak very softly.

 

Nolan

 

Jill I’m so sorry.

 

Jill

 

Uncle Nolan, we gotta get outta here or you gotta get that s**t outta here. I hid it earlier cause something wasn’t right when I got here today. But Uncle Nolan we gotta get this done fast.

 

Nolan

 

Jill, I’m gonna bury it outside.

 

Jill

 

Okay in the park 10 blocks from us has a good spot. I’m gonna get dressed.

 

Nolan

 

No Jill. I’m gonna do it. I’m gonna get it done. I can’t let you mess up your future for this bullshit.

 

Jill

 

Uncle Nolan, I’m coming with you. I’ll be your look out. It’s still early. It’s not like we’ve never gone for a jog at this time before. Come on let’s go.

 

Nolan

 

Where did you put the stuff?

 

Jill

 

I put it in a trash bag and stuffed it in the recycle can outside.

 

Nolan

 

Oh Lord Jill, it’s probably gone by now.

 

 

Jill

 

No way. The bag’s exactly the way I left it I bet. I mixed it with paper.

 

Nolan

 

Okay. Get dressed.

 

They both get ready in mere seconds. Don is in shock. He locks the door behind them. The land line rings. The answering machine picks up. It’s Jill’s mother.

 

Sylvia

 

Jill? (Sighs) Jill it’s your mother please call me as soon as possible. I’m gonna need you to come to the house this weekend. Just call me when you get the message. Give Don and Nolan my love okay honey? Goodnight.

 

Lights out

End scene

 

Scene 6

Don is pacing in the house while he waits for Jill and Nolan to get back.

 

Don

 

I wonder if Nolan suspects. Jill’s totally gonna figure it out. I’m so screwed. I gotta think of something fast, cause she’s good at that questioning s**t. I love her, and I know she loves me, but I dunno if she’ll ever forgive me for this one… (His cell phone rings, he answers. It’s Detective Parks)

 

Don

 

Man I’m so sorry Adam. I didn’t know they were gonna move the hemp. The s**t was hanging there for weeks. I was like what the f**k this guy is bold. I just wanted to protect Jill. I didn’t realize…

 

Detective Parks

 

Stop rambling like a lunatic Don. Nolan doesn’t suspect anything right?

 

Don

 

Nah!

 

Detective Parks

 

Just keep a look out, and take pictures, so I can convince the DA to get me a warrant. You know Jill really knows her stuff. She’s gonna make a great district attorney when her time comes.

 

Don

 

Yea, I know. Anyway I was so shook man! I thought your frigging back-up was gonna shoot me man. Damn Adam, this s**t is so crazy.

 

Parks

 

I know son. Just lay low, play dumb, and they’ll never suspect. Maybe you and Jill should work on moving out of that dump, before it gets raided again.

 

Don

 

Okay I gotta go. I think I hear footsteps… ( he hangs up before Parks can respond)

 

The sound that Don hears is a branch hitting against a window. 

He starts to clean up while Nolan and Jill are out

Lights fade

End scene

 

 

 

 

Scene 7

 

A few hours later Jill and Nolan return. They were successful in hiding the stash. Jill notices the red light flashing on her answering machine. She pushes the button. It’s her mother again…

 

Sylvia

 

Jill? (Sighs) Jill it’s your mother please call me as soon as possible. I’m gonna need you to come to the house this weekend. Just call me when you get the message. Give Don and Nolan my love okay honey? Goodnight.

 

Jill

 

What could this woman possibly want from me at this hour?

 

Nolan

 

You think she tell de cops and dem?

 

Jill

 

How could she? She never comes here Nolan, and I definitely didn’t tell her anything.

 

Nolan

 

You think Don would?

 

Jill

 

You know Don has his head in his a*s. He didn’t even know what the stuff was.

 

Nolan

 

You serious gyurl?

 

Jill

 

Yea man. I’m just happy those cops left. I was so scared I thought for sure we would all be going in.

 

Nolan

 

Jill I’m so sorry to put you at risk like that. I don’t know what I think sometimes. It’s like I have my head in my a*s like Don you know?

 

Jill

 

Uncle Nolan, I really am just happy this turned out the way it did. Because I don’t know if I’d be able to cope with being arrested for something I had nothing to do with. The past year has been hell for me. Between mom and dad’s separation, the accident, moving into this dump with you, and now this…S**t I don’t know how I’d be able to cope if it turned out for the worst.

 

Nolan

 

You think them coming back today?

 

Jill

 

There’s no telling with the cops Nolan. But at least there’s nothing to find. And anything we have here doesn’t give them enough grounds for arrest.

 

Nolan

 

Call your mother to see what she wants. I know she may be annoying sometimes to you, but she probably just misses you.

 

Jill

 

Yea you’re right.

 

Nolan

 

I’m really proud of you Jill.

 

Jill

 

Thanks Uncle Nolan. I’m gonna call my mom now, to see what she wanted.

 

Jill dials, her mom picks up after two rings

Sylvia

 

Jill?

 

Jill

 

Hey mom

 

Sylvia

 

Jill I need you to sit down; I have something to tell you.

 

Jill

 

What happened now mom?

 

Sylvia

 

It’s your father Jill.

 

Jill

 

What happened to dad, mom?

 

Sylvia

 

(She sighs)

 

Jill

 

What happened to dad?

 

Sylvia

 

Jill your father is dating. I saw him with a woman tonight when I was out with…

 

Jill

 

Mom this really needs to stop. I mean you and dad have been doing this since I was 4. Nothing’s changed. He’s cheated. You’ve cheated. You left him, finally, you left him, and now you’re calling at this hour to tell me he’s dating.

 

Sylvia

 

But Jill you don’t…

 

Jill

 

Come on mom. Just let it go. Dad’s a jerk. And he’s been jerking you around, and I’m tired of it, of you, of him, of all the crap that’s gone on. I don’t wanna be a part of it anymore. You seriously need to move on, and I know you have already, so I don’t understand why his dating is even affecting you.

 

Sylvia

 

It’s not so simple Jill. Everything doesn’t work like your shows that you watch on TV…

 

Jill

 

Mom. I know you and dad love each other. But I really believe that this is one of those cases where you just can’t be together…you know? I really believe that.

 

 

Sylvia

 

You’re right Jill. I’m sorry. I know you’ve been through a lot in the last couple years especially, and this isn’t making it any easier. I love you Jill. I’m sorry. Good night. I love you.

 

Jill

 

I love you too mom. I love both of you. But you guys need to really work on getting along in a more civil way. Anyway I gotta go I’m tired.

 

She hangs up the phone before her mom can reply. Sighs and goes to her room. Don’s still awake. He speaks.

 

Scene 8

 

Don is waiting up for Jill. She begins to undress, and crawls into bed. She looks exhausted. Don still speaks.

 

Don

 

Jill I know I rely on you for a lot…

 

Jill

 

Don it’s okay. I know, I know, you’re gonna be better. You wanna be better for me. I know you do Don. I know you love me. And I know you really wanna try. I know what you really want to do. I love you Don. I love you so much and I don’t wanna fight about nonsense anymore. I just want us to be happy.

 

Don

 

I love you so much Jill and I’m gonna try. I’m really gonna try.

 

Jill

 

And I’m gonna try too…

 

 

 

Don

 

Baby you were so brave…how’d you get so brave

 

Jill

 

When that drunk driver smashed into my car last year I was really scared. I thought I was gonna die. I didn’t though. So I guess I must’ve had a guardian angel watching over me that night. Honestly, I really don’t know how I do it. I think if it wasn’t for God, I’d be terrified of life and living, especially after that accident. And nothing scares me more than that. Nothing.

 

Don

 

I wanna marry you Jill. (He gets down on one knee and takes out a small box and opens it Jill’s in shock. It’s the ring she always wanted) Jill I want you to be my wife. I’ve been listening to you. I’ve been hearing you day and night. And I wanna be the one to make you happy. Marry me Jill. Marry me…

 

Jill

 

Oh Don, how could you afford this ring. How did you ever get the money for a ring like this?

 

Don

 

Marry me Jill. Pick me Jill. Marry me. (he slips the ring on her finger)

 

Jill

 

I can’t marry you Don. I want to, but I can’t. Where did you find this ring? How could you possibly afford it? (She starts to take it off, but hesitates as he speaks)

 

Don

 

Jill, I saved every paycheck for the past 8 months, ‘cause I wanted to surprise you with the ring. You know I love you…

 

Jill

 

Don, I know you’re freaked about what happened tonight, but that’s no reason to ask me to marry you…I just need you to pick your s**t up off the floor, and throw the garbage out, the rest is history. I don’t wanna get married, I gotta focus on school. I gotta…

 

 

 

Don

 

Baby, every time I try to do right by you, you always shot me down. Why won’t you just…

 

Jill

 

I love you Don, but we both have to work on a lot before we try getting engaged, married, or anything of the sort. I need some time. Besides, we have our whole lives ahead of us…

 

Don

 

You’re right Jill, but will you wear the ring?

 

Jill

 

I will, if that’s what you want but don’t go telling your boys we’re getting married. I’m exhausted, let’s get some rest. What a night? Eek!

 

Don

 

I know.

 

He pulls her close; they begin to kiss. Lights fade. End Play

 

Author's Note

this play is outta control

Reviews

[mR668]

WOW! Gotta keep an eye on you! Don't want to miss your premiers! This is the first piece of your i have read. I must say "I AM HOOKED". You are extremely gifted! ****Props & Mad Respect****