Angel and May
Angel and May are two worn-out private investigators from LA. Events take a turn and they embark on a journey which will take them across time and space to the asteroid colony "New London". They hole up in a dodgy pub run by a crazy drag queen. What could possibly go wrong! They say the skies are the limit, but here they're just the beginning!
Angel and May
G02-E13 - Four of Pentacles
The inn is burnt, with terrible consequences, but it creates an opportunity that Momo exploits.
Angel and May is an audio-only podcast, produced by a not-for-profit group of community theatre supporters.
See more on our website: www.angelandmay.com
Please support us through our Patreon page as we have no other source of income.
THE TAROT INTERVENTION - G02-E13-FOUR OF PENTACLES
JACINTA-ELIPAS in her exo-skeleton carry's GANDER
ETTEILLA through a burning Retrograde Inn, saving her
from certain death.
The Four of Pentacles shows a man sitting on a stool,
beyond the boundaries of his hometown. His arms are
wrapped tightly around a coin as if he fears he may lose
it if he loosens his grip. He balances another pentacle
on his head, impeding his connection with spirit, and two
more sit securely underneath his feet. He clearly doesn't
want anyone to take his coins. However, because he is so
attached to his money, he can't move or go anywhere. He
has no one to speak to, not even the friends and family
members in the community behind him. The man finds
himself stuck in one place with a singular fixation:
wealth.
INT. RETROGRADE - PRIVATE CARD ROOM - CRIMSON KIN
CARNAGE
(BLACK BEAR, GANDER-DAVID, GIOVANNI "THE ENFORCER" ROMANO,
JACINTA, VINCENT GAMBINO, VITTORIO "DON LEONE" GAMBINO)
This is the scene where VINCENT GAMBINO is arguing with
his father about needing to sell the Retrograde because
its haunted. VINCENT GAMBINO kills his father in this
scene and gets shot in return.
The room is dimly lit, filled with the opulence of
wealth: expensive art, plush leather furniture. At the
head of a massive mahogany table sits VITTORIO "DON
LEONE" GAMBINO, a middle-aged mafia don dressed in a
finely tailored suit, his face etched with authority and
wisdom. Opposite him, his son VINCENT GAMBINO, a young
man in his late twenties, impatiently taps his fingers on
the table.
VITTORIO "DON LEONE" GAMBINO takes a slow sip of his
whiskey, his eyes piercing through VINCENT GAMBINO.
VITTORIO "DON LEONE" GAMBINO
VINCENT, you need to understand.
Selling the Retrograde property is
not a decision to be taken
lightly.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Father, we've had this argument
before. I tell you this place is
poisoned and its haunted. We
should get out now, we could clear
our debts, expand our
territory...it's a no-brainer!
VITTORIO "DON LEONE" GAMBINO narrows his eyes, his voice
dropping to a steely tone.
VITTORIO "DON LEONE" GAMBINO
You're so eager to jump into my
world, aren't you? You think it's
just about money and power? It's
about legacy, VINCENT. Your
grandfather built this empire from
nothing, and I've spent my life
protecting it.
GIOVANNI "THE ENFORCER" ROMANO
Excuse me Sir!
VINCENT GAMBINO
What do you want, I said no
interruptions.
GIOVANNI "THE ENFORCER" ROMANO
The Clowns, they set fire to the
place, the main bar is completely
alight.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Oh shit! Deal with them and put it
out.
GIOVANNI "THE ENFORCER" ROMANO
Their all dead, I've called
emergency services, the fire
waters not working.
VINCENT GAMBINO
This place, does nothing work!
VINCENT GAMBINO leans forward, frustration in his voice.
VINCENT GAMBINO
This is what I mean, we have bad
luck, it just keeps coming. This
is the last straw!
VITTORIO "DON LEONE" GAMBINO
Bad luck or bad management?
VINCENT GAMBINO
Bad luck, this place is haunted!
VITTORIO "DON LEONE" GAMBINO
Have you gone fucking soft in the
head?
VINCENT GAMBINO
What do you know, you only come
here to eat the food!
VITTORIO "DON LEONE" GAMBINO
I'm going to slap you so hard.
VINCENT GAMBINO
Just you try! This place is so
full of bad vibes, nothing works!
Even the security guys are
leaving.
VITTORIO "DON LEONE" GAMBINO slams his hand on the table,
causing their glasses to clink.
VITTORIO "DON LEONE" GAMBINO
Ma che cazzo!, Pull yourself
together, we had this place for
years, with no issues, then you
take over, and now this. You
mother said you were weak!
VINCENT GAMBINO
She did not!
DISTANT FIRE SIRENS
VITTORIO "DON LEONE" GAMBINO
Sei un debole figlio di puttana e
non sei adatto a far parte della
famiglia
VINCENT GAMBINO
I'm putting this shit hole on the
market, it's a liability!
VITTORIO "DON LEONE" GAMBINO
Over my dead body. It's not just
about money, it's about history
and loyalty.
VINCENT GAMBINO looks down, his voice slightly unhinged
VINCENT GAMBINO
You killed Mother, well your not
getting me. I have seen her in a
vision and she told me what you
did!
VITTORIO "Don Leone" GAMBINO's gaze hardens.
VITTORIO "DON LEONE" GAMBINO
You're not fit to run this casino,
you've gone mad.
VINCENT GAMBINO throws back his chair, incensed.
TWO HAND GUN SHOTS
Shots ring out and VITTORIO "DON LEONE" GAMBINO slumps in
his chair
VINCENT GAMBINO
You got your wish, you fucker.
VITTORIO "DON LEONE" GAMBINO has his hand on a gun he had
secreted in an ankle holster, the bullet hits VINCENT
GAMBINO in the head.
VITTORIO "DON LEONE" GAMBINO
You always were the weak one!
SMALL HAND GUN SHOTS
VINCENT GAMBINO nods, and then falls forwards to the
floor.
VINCENT GAMBINO
(Gasp of last breath) Mother!
BODY SLUMPS ON FLOOR
Smoke starts to enter under the door which suddenly opens
with a coughing GANDER-ETTEILLA.
GANDER-DAVID
What's happening, is he coming
back?
JACINTA
Hrrmph, (spitting sound as mouth
mute is spat out) somethings going
down, I thought I heard gun fire.
Look smoke by the door!
GANDER-DAVID
Oh, shit, lets get out of here,
now!
JACINTA
No fourth reading then.
GANDER-DAVID
No, somethings on fire and its not
me!
JACINTA
Up or down?
GANDER-DAVID
Down, smoke rises
Fire alarm goes off and the door start closing.
JACINTA
My cloak, its caught in the door!
GANDER-DAVID
Rip it out! Use the exo suit.
SERVO NOISES THEN RIPPING OF WOOD
GANDER-DAVID activates the emergency radio.
GANDER-DAVID
CODE 10, CODE 10, do you read, we
need immediate evacution, the
Retrograde is on fire!
BLACK BEAR
Roger, get through the main bar,
I'm out front, the whole place is
alight. Car park shutters are
down. Front door is open.
JACINTA
(Coughing) BEAR, we have an
internal door situation, alarms
are activated! If we go down we
enter the lock section, the doors
are solid steel.
BLACK BEAR
Don't go down, you have to get
through the main bar, its the only
way out. I'll come in from the
front.
GANDER-DAVID
So, you're saying the only way out
is through that inferno?
JACINTA
Yes. Pull your cloak over your
head. I'll carry you, the suit
will protect me.
GANDER-DAVID
Are you fucking crazy?
JACINTA
Yes, but we have no choice do we!
INT. RETROGRADE - MAIN BAR - FIRE SITUATION
(BLACK BEAR, GANDER-DAVID, JACINTA)
GANDER-ETTEILLA & JACINTA-ELLIPAS make their way down the
stairs towards the lower ground floor. They await just
outside the door to the main bar.
ROARING SOUND OF A MAJOR FIRE
GANDER-DAVID
JACINTA just get on with, we are
going to have a flash over and
that will be us buggered.
JACINTA
OK, get ready
CRASH as the exoskeleton smashes through the doors.
SERVOS AND THUMPING AND FIRE, COUGHING
GANDER-DAVID
Arghhh! (Coughing)
JACINTA
Nearly out. I see BEAR.
BLACK BEAR
Over here!
A beam from the ceiling crashes down and takes out BEAR
BLACK BEAR
Arghh!
GANDER-DAVID
Shit, JACINTA, don't stop, we
can't help him, it's too late.
JACINTA
Fuck, fuck, arghhh!
SERVO'S AND SKELTON THUMPING
AIRLOCK DOOR THEN STREET NOISES
JACINTA
Fuck (weeping) BEAR
STREET NOISES
JACINTA
(Coughing) I have to go back. Oh
Shit DAVID you've been barbecued.
Medic, we need a medic!
GANDER-DAVID
(mumbling) JACINTA don't go back.
It's too late! Arghhh!
GANDER-ETTEILLA passes out from smoke inhalation!
JACINTA_ELLIPAS moves to the main bar door, but the
servos in her exo suit are nearly exhausted and it
freezes up.
JACINTA
God, dam this Nanofragging suit.
Help, get me out.
The sounds of distant sirens are getting louder.
INT. DENBIES AUCTION HOUSE - THE AUCTION
(AUCTIONEER, CHEN, MILTON COBO, MOMO, RUDI)
MILTON COBO and RUDI attend the auction of the now burnt
out ruin of the Retrograde. A literal fire-sale! MILTON
COBO is desolate that he just can't raise sufficient
funds. With BLACK BEAR dead, his money is gone and with
DAVID in a coma, he has no access to his money, and
therefore cannot bid! However MOMO secretly has arranged
for her solicitors to act on her behalf in the auction
and instructed them to do 'Whatever it takes' to obtain
the property. MILTON COBO is completely unaware of this!
The main auction room is an opulent space, featuring
soaring ceilings adorned with intricate mouldings and
murals depicting scenes of historic significance. Rows of
plush velvet chairs with brass nameplates are arranged
before a raised podium at the front. This is where the
auctioneer, clad in formal attire, commands attention
with eloquence and authority.
At the heart of the room, the auctioneer's podium stands
as a symbol of authority and drama. It's equipped with an
array of buttons and screens for tracking bids and a
gavel poised for moments of decision. Above, a giant
screen displays the current bid and the name of the
bidder.
At the heart of the room, the auctioneer's podium stands
as a symbol of authority and drama. It's equipped with an
array of buttons and screens for tracking bids and a
gavel poised for moments of decision. Above, a giant
screen displays the current bid and the name of the
bidder.
The audience is a mix of elegantly dressed bidders,
collectors, and spectators. Some sit with focused intent,
while others observe with keen interest, all sharing in
the anticipation of acquiring a prized possession or
witnessing a historic sale.
The auctioneer takes their place at the podium, and the
room falls into a hush.
AUCTIONEER
Ladies and gentlemen,
distinguished guests, and
prospective buyers, welcome to the
Retrograde Inn Commercial Property
Auction! We are thrilled to have
you here today for this exciting
opportunity.
Before we begin, I'd like to
acknowledge the presence of our
esteemed guests, including
representative's of the seller.
Thank you for joining us.
MILTON COBO
(Whispered) What are they doing
here?
MOMO
(Whispered) Relax, its normal
practice, they're just checking
that one of the other families
doesn't get their property. Did
you get your bidding paddle?
MILTON COBO
I did but I don't think its going
to get much use!
AUCTIONEER
Let's dive right into the details
of this incredible property. The
Retrograde Inn is a heritage
listed, prime location, located in
the Bencubbin district, on the
corner of Dunfermline and
Widmanstaten passages. It boasts
an impressive frontage, and
presents an exceptional investment
opportunity, in a prime location.
MOMO
(Whispered) I note they carefully
fail to mention that Dunfermline
Street is less than optimal and
the also the fire, which gutted
the place!
MILTON COBO
Good, because I only have one
hundred kilo credits and thats
with some of BEAR's estate, I
nicked from his safe.
MOMO
MILTON, thats less than stellar.
Is that all, even with DAVID's
funds?
MILTON COBO
I don't have his money, he's
unconscious and I don't have
access to his bank account! It's a
serious setback!
MOMO
MILTON? It appears your setbacks
are having setbacks of their own.
This is all rather vexatious!
MILTON COBO
Vexatious, MOMO, it's disastrous,
the reserve is 200k with a 50k
deposit. What I'm I going to say
to DAVID when he wakes up?
MOMO
No monies from BEAR?
MILTON COBO
Same, its in probate.
MOMO
So it would appear to be
problematic all around. MILTON I'm
going to miss Mr BEAR, he was a
rouge, but I liked him!
MILTON COBO
He had a heart of gold, MOMO,
black gold! What I'm I going to
do, I don't think I can face the
boy and tell him I lost the inn,
not after all we went through?
AUCTIONEER
Some of the key highlights of this
property include extensive
kitchens and under lock space,
making it ideal for a mixed use
facility.
MILTON COBO
Not to mention, that, even if by
some miracle, I can get it, its a
burn't out old wreck, I can't
serve drinks in an old bar-b-cue?
MOMO
It's going to need a refit, that
will take more cash on top of
purchase dear boy! I was hoping
that we were finally going to
restore some dignity to that
haunted establishment.
MILTON COBO
It's a bottomless pit of repairs
and renovations. Its not funny
MOMO, I won't be able to acquire
the Retrograde or do anything to
restore it.
I really wanted to help the boy,
it's really upsetting and I have
failed totally!
AUCTIONEER
The property sits on approximately
two cubics, it's zoned for a hotel
or public house, providing
flexibility for a variety of
business models and comes with a
potential liqueur license to
approved buyers.
MOMO
How were you planning to acquire
the alcohol license? Any new owner
must reapply, and with your track
record, well I could see that as a
potential problem!
MILTON COBO
I was going to worry about that if
I managed to acquire the property,
I was thinking a few well placed
bribes might help.
MOMO
Looks like we are just sitting in
then? For observation purposes.
MILTON COBO
At least I can claim I tried.
AUCTIONEER
Please note that all relevant
legal documents, including the
title deed, survey, and any
pertinent permits, are available
for your review at the front of
house.
MILTON COBO
MOMO, did you see the deeds, do
they include the lower lock
levels?
MOMO
Yes, I had my lawyer look over
them, just out of curiosity, the
deed is down to the outer hull,
its actually the biggest asset,
forget the shitty building on the
surface.
AUCTIONEER
Many of you have had the
opportunity to inspect the
property, and for those who
haven't, we've arranged multiple
viewing sessions over the past few
weeks to ensure transparency in
this auction process.
Unfortunately the recent fire
makes viewing of all area's
impossible for safety reasons, so
its sold as is!
MOMO
It really breaks my heart to see
the bar area's, so many good
memories!
MILTON COBO
MOMO, I think this is the first
time I've failed with a caper,
well apart from when I have been
nabbed by the cops. What's worse
is it's actually a Pyrrhic
victory, we had them, if those
bloody clown's hadn't torched it!
AUCTIONEER
Let's go over the rules for
today's auction. Bidding will be
in increments of one thousand
credits. The highest bid
acknowledged by the auctioneer
shall be the winning bid. We
require a deposit of fifty
thousand credits at the time of
the winning bid. Please have this
ready if you plan to participate.
Those that have paid there
deposits have their boards.
The winning bidder will sign the
purchase agreement immediately
following the auction. We have the
right to withdraw the property
from auction if the reserve price
is not met.
MILTON COBO
MOMO I can't watch, its too
painful?
MOMO
Stay, just see what happens, see
who actually purchases the inn.
You've come this far.
AUCTIONEER
The reserve price for this
property is set at two hundred
thousand credits. This is the
minimum price at which the
property will be sold. If this
amount is not met, the property
will be withdrawn from the
auction.
MILTON COBO
Oh jeez, I can't watch!
MOMO
MILTON, what in the name of all
that's sensible are you doing with
your eyes shut?
MILTON COBO
I can't watch it's to painful.
AUCTIONEER
Lets proceed. (Hammer bang) To
place a bid, simply raise your
bidder's card or signal to one of
our staff members. The auctioneer
will acknowledge your bid and
continue to call for higher offers
until we reach a winning bid.
SNAP OF HAMMER
AUCTIONEER
To get things started, we will
begin with an opening bid of 210
kilo credits from number 23.
MOMO
MILTON, do you see that chap over
there, bidding with an air of
supreme confidence? Number twenty
three I believe?
MILTON COBO
You mean the fellow in the tweed
jacket? He seems to know something
the rest of us don't.
MOMO
That's precisely what I was
thinking.
MILTON COBO
CHEN's still trying to hack the
register. CHEN number twenty
three, quick!
CHEN
(Radio voice) Its a company,
Pagliaccio Enterprises,
RUDI
That's the clown's company.
MOMO
Really, well thats interesting,
they were all killed.
MILTON COBO
It means someone else was a dark
partner.
MOMO
That's extremely interesting. Our
intelligence is obviously lacking!
One should always strive to be the
most well-informed in the room.
MILTON COBO
MOMO, that's why they set fire to
it, trying to push the price down.
It was a Mexican standoff.
MOMO
I had my suspicions when they
first intercepted our cart, it all
seemed too easy, getting off
without damage.
AUCTIONEER
We have a bid of 220 thousand
credits from bidder 45. Do we have
any higher offers?
TENSION MUSIC
AUCTIONEER
Two hundred and thirty from bidder
twenty three
TENSION MUSIC
AUCTIONEER
Do I see, two hundred and thirty
five, bidder forty five.
TENSION MUSIC
AUCTIONEER
Three hundred from twenty three.
GASP FROM ROOM, TENSION MUSIC
AUCTIONEER
Is that three hundred and fifty
from forty five.
MILTON COBO
CHEN, for heavens sake who is
bidder forty five?
MOMO
(Discrete cough) Be a dear and
hand me that snifter.
MILTON COBO
Really, now?
MOMO
I need to calm my nerves!
CHEN
(Radio voice) It's a
representative from Taylor &
Thompson solicitors.
MILTON COBO
But who are they representing.
CHEN
(Radio voice) It doesn't say, as
legal representative, they don't
have to register their client
details!
TENSION MUSIC
AUCTIONEER
Four hundred from bidder twenty
three.
MILTON COBO
That's way above market, what's
going on.
MOMO
Perhaps someone knows something we
don't. Do you think there is
something valuable under the inn?
MILTON COBO
It's a burn't out wreck and no,
there is no secret treasure,
besides we took the jewels!
TENSION MUSIC
AUCTIONEER
Four hundred and fifty from forty
five.
MOMO smiles very slightly at ANDREW THOMPSON managing
partner.
MILTON COBO
Are you making eye contact, with
those bastards?
MOMO
He seems a charming man! I do
believe that chiseled jawline
could give even the most exquisite
Ming vase a run for its money!
MILTON COBO
He's stealing the Inn, probably
for another crime syndicate.
MOMO
Yes, but he's still charming!
TENSION MUSIC
AUCTIONEER
Five hundred from twenty three
TENSION MUSIC
Pause and silence in room as crowd absorbs the huge
amount
AUCTIONEER
Going once, going twice.
TENSION MUSIC
AUCTIONEER
Five hundred and fifty from forty
five
GASP from CROWD and murmuring around the room.
GASP FROM CROWD, TENSION MUSIC
AUCTIONER looks over to twenty three and receives a
subtle shake of head!
TENSION MUSIC
AUCTIONEER
Going once, going twice.
SNAP OF HAMMER
AUCTIONEER
Sold! To Messrs Taylor & Thompson
for five hundred and fifty
thousand credits. Congratulations!
MILTON COBO
Nanofrag! Thats buggered that!
Thanks MOMO, at least for the
moral support. (Sigh) I will break
the news to DAVID, I got his hope
up, so its my sad duty to give the
bad news.
MOMO
MILTON, I need to collect
something before we go.
AUCTIONEER
Messrs Taylor & Thompson, please
proceed to the registration desk
and provide your deposit.
MOMO
MILTON, do have a look at that
young fellow. Quite the dashing
figure, I must say!
MILTON COBO
You know him don't you?
MOMO
I might have a passing
acquaintance.
MILTON COBO
You sneaky predator!
MOMO
Oh look, its my solicitor! Now
MILTON if you look in my bag, I
believe you will find, a small
bottle of Moet and two plastic
glasses! Be a dear and open it for
me!
MILTON COBO
I don't believe it, I'm lost for
words!
MOMO
Well thats an improvement then!
CHAMPAIGN CORK
MILTON COBO
I need to sit down! So you have
the Retrograde!
MOMO
Possibly.
MILTON COBO
You wily old fox, you had five
hundred grand! Nanofarg, I'm in
the wrong business!
MOMO
Enough, I have papers to sign.
MILTON COBO
(Cough as MILTON gets some
champers up his nose) Argh!
MOMO
MILTON, would you please shut your
mouth, you're looking like a fish
having breathing difficulties!
INT. BENCUBBIN CENTRAL MEDICAL CENTRE - TIRESIAS
OPENS LIKE A FLOWER
(DR REYNOLDS, JACINTA, MILTON COBO, MOMO, RUDI)
RUDI visit a very badly burnt GANDER-DAVID in BENCUBBIN
Central medical centre
A dimly lit hospital room with medical equipment and
monitors. A bed in the centre holds their friend, GANDER,
in critical condition. The four friends are standing
around the bed, deep in thought. MILTON COBO paces
nervously, hands in pockets.
MILTON COBO
This was not the outcome I
expected, those fucking Clowns
ruined everything.
RUDI clutches a photo of GANDER, tears in her eyes.
RUDI
It wasn't worth it, its too high a
price, look at the poor boys face!
BEAR as well, We went too far this
time MILTON.
MOMO
MILTON I'm so sorry about BEAR, I
know he was a very dear friend.
MILTON COBO
I will miss him MOMO, thats for
sure.
MOMO
You had to do something MILTON,
the boy needed closure.
MILTON COBO
I know, but at what price.
JACINTA
The doctors say, he'll recover,
with scars to the face, but other
than that.
MILTON COBO turns away with tears in his eye.
MILTON COBO
Shit, (Pause whilst he collects
himself) At least those GAMBINO
Nanofrackers died as well. If
they had survived and BEAR had
gone. I wouldn't be able to
contain myself.
RUDI
(crying) BEAR wanted us to have
the Retrograde, and change the
Bencubbin for the better. My
memorial to him, will be, that I
will get the inn restored, and we
will make a difference, to this
place, and his friends.
MILTON COBO
I remember when DAVID first
arrived and we planned the diamond
heist? BEAR was so excited about
it.
JACINTA
Well, I am going to do my utmost
to make that inn a success too. We
can't lose hope, guys. DAVID's may
be a nanofragging Earthworm, but
he's fighter, always has been
since the first day.
A solemn silence fills the room. Dr. REYNOLD enters,
checking the monitors.
DR REYNOLDS
I've done all I can for now. We'll
have to wait and see how she
responds.
The friends nod, acknowledging the doctor, he checks the
machines and then leaves the room.
MILTON COBO
She?
JACINTA
(Whispered) She was dressed as
ETTEILLA when she was admitted,
look at the chart.
MILTON COBO
Oh yeah, don't they check biology?
RUDI
Obviously not, but he does look
female.
JACINTA
I think the thick robes saved him.
RUDI
Ironic that, an ugly shit robe
saved him, but you played a part
too JACINTA, that and the exo
skeleton.
JACINTA
If BEAR hadn't intercepted that
beam, DAVID and I would be toast.
I'll not forget your sacrifice
BEAR (Jacinta has a quiet sob)
MILTON COBO
I think we should dedicate the bar
to BLACK BEAR. Put up a plaque.
DR REYNOLDS
(Entering the room again) The A.I.
Says there is a small improvement
in Ms ETTEILLA's's condition. It's
a positive sign, but we're not out
of the woods yet.
MILTON COBO
Thank you, Doctor.
They all look at each other.
MILTON COBO
Ms ETTEILLA?
Suddenly the nervous tension is released and they burst
into laughter.
LAUGHTER
RUDI
Well MILTON I did say in the
Shadowplay Lounge, what's good for
the goose is good for the GANDER.
THEY BURST INTO MORE LAUGHTER.
JACINTA
You know that's going to be her
permanent moniker from now on.
MILTON COBO
Don't you mean him!
JACINTA
Whatever, he or she's is
definitely going to be called
GANDER from now on.
RUDI
Shouldn't that be roast GANDER.
LAUGHTER
MILTON COBO
You can't roast a gander it's to
bloody tough to eat!
RUDI
That'd be about right!
END
