The Big Sleep Page #2

- You write his checks?

- I have that privilege.

Good for you.

I don't need any money now...

...but when I do, I get

$ 25 a day and expenses.

- How did she know I was here?

- She saw you through the window.

I was obliged to tell her

who you were.

I don't know as I like that.

Are you attempting

to tell me my duties, sir?

Just having fun trying

to guess what they are.

This way, sir.

- Go right in. Say you're expected.

- Thanks.

You wanted to see me?

So you're a private detective?

I didn't know they existed,

except in books.

Or else they were greasy men

snooping around hotel corridors.

You're a mess, aren't you?

I'm not very tall either.

Next time I'll come on stilts, wear

a white tie and carry a tennis racket.

I doubt if even that would help.

Now, this business of Dad's,

think you can handle it for him?

It shouldn't be too tough.

I'd have thought

it took a little effort.

Not too much.

What will your first step be?

- The usual one.

- There's a usual one?

Sure there is.

It comes with diagrams...

...on page 47 of How to be a

Detective in Ten Easy Lessons...

...and your father

offered me a drink.

You must've read one

on being a comedian.

- Hear what I said about the drink?

- I'm serious. My father's...

- I said your father...

- Help yourself!

Now, look, Mr. Marlowe,

my father's not well.

I want this case handled with

the least worry to him.

That's the way

I was going to handle it.

I see. No professional secrets?

- I thought you wanted a drink.

- I changed my mind.

Then what...

How'd you like Dad?

I liked him.

He liked Shawn. Shawn Regan.

I suppose you know who he is.

You don't have to play poker with me.

- Doesn't Dad want to find him?

- Do you?

Of course. It wasn't right

for him to go off like that.

Broke Dad's heart,

although he won't say much.

- Or did he?

- Why don't you ask him?

I don't see what there is

to be cagey about.

I don't like your manners!

I'm not crazy about yours.

I didn't ask to see you.

I don't mind if you don't

like my manners. I don't either.

I grieve over them evenings.

I don't mind your drinking

your lunch out of a bottle.

But don't waste your time

cross-examining me.

People don't talk to me like that!

Do you always think

you can handle people...

...like trained seals?

I usually get away with it too.

How nice for you!

Just what is it you're afraid of?

Dad didn't see you

about Shawn, did he?

Didn't he?

Could you find him

if Dad wanted you to?

Maybe. When did he go?

About a month back.

Drove off one afternoon

without saying a word.

They found his car parked

in some private garage.

They? Who's they?

Dad didn't tell you.

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes