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HARLEY
I don't conduct business that way.
TAYOR
Then you won't get very far. I suggest you consider my proposal very carefully. There's a very good reason why your boss sent you here. If you're going to succeed, you'd better learn to play all your cards.
Harley stares at him a moment in silence. He smiles smugly and leans back in his chair. Harley casually stands and glares at him.
HARLEY
I think this meeting is over. Good night, Mr. Underwood.
Harley casually turns and leaves the dining room.
EXT. DECK -- EVENING
Harley walks along the deck, pauses near the railing, and leans on it while holding her head in trembling hands. She sniffs softly.
LONI
You too, huh?
Harley looks several feet down the deck. We see a woman close to Harley's age wearing a stunning red gown. She's Loni Dancheck. She smiles and approaches Harley.
HARLEY
Excuse me?
LONI
I know the anguish of an encounter with an insensitive man.
Harley laughs softly and appears to relax considerably.
HARLEY
Not so much insensitive as indecent.
LONI
It's all the same in the end. Anger, rage, hostility--
(pause)
Mine broke up with me two days before the cruise. Apparently his girlfriend on the side had more to offer.
(pause)
Thankfully the tickets were booked under my name. So I'm planning a drunken gambling spree.
HARLEY
I'll join you on the first part.
LONI
I think I have a healthy head start over you. You'll need to do a couple of shots to catch up with me.
INT. DINING ROOM
We see Ford sitting at the Captain's table with Captain Reeves and the ship's doctor, Dr. Jenkins.
FORD
It must be a real honor to be at the helm of such a fine ship.
REEVES
It was always a passion of mine. I suppose that's why I never had time to take a wife. The sea is my one true love.
Carlton, another passenger, chuckles softly.
CARLTON
More opportunities for romance on the high seas. I'm sure a man in your position has plenty of fine women hanging about.
REEVES
Considering my position, I'm required to respond respectfully toward that question.
CARLTON
I'll take that as a confession, Captain.
There's a round of laughter. A lanky waiter, Benson, approaches their table and refills their water glasses. Ford casually leans toward Benson and slips him a napkin and a twenty dollar bill.
FORD
Would you see that the young lady at that table gets this? |
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