He has better things to do anyway. Plus she IS his pick for the role. This makes her feel better but
watching Billy’s deteriorating situation does not.
As John convinces Gloria to just walk away before they become part of this mess, the men
are circling Billy like sharks.
“Oh no, this is not going to be good.” John knew what was coming.
Before Billy could say another word one of the men comes up on the side him and totally
sucker punches Billy, knocking him out. Billy falls to the ground really hard and his head hits the
concrete at the edge of the grass. Billy foot is twitching. Germ and his crew are picking up Billy’s
camera bags. The looky-loos are starting to gather around. People are filming Billy lying on the
ground. No one helps him. Billy is now bleeding from his ear and nose. And he looks totally
unconscious.
Stacey looks for Gloria and John. She doesn’t see them. But as she scans the area she sees
some police coming their way.
“C’mon y’all les get the fuck outta here.” Stacey follows her brother in one direction while
the other three split up.
The police get to Billy and they immediately call the paramedics. Within minutes the sound
of sirens can be heard. Gloria and John are now walking towards John’s car at the parking lot on
17th and Pacific. They see the ambulance flying by and turning up Windward.
“I hope Billy is okay. He really is a nice guy.” Gloria says.
“He may be but he’s getting his drugs from the wrong people obviously.” John says
unlocking the car.
They sit in the safe confines of the car. Gloria is watching the police cars now roaring up and
down Pacific Ave. While John touches base with Gable and tells him about the reading this weekend
and everything is a go.
“You’re all set Gloria. We’re on for tomorrow.”
“Thank you. I feel so bad about Billy though.” Gloria says in sad tone.
“I know what you mean but think of it like this. A person like that has no control. Stacey and
her crew were too much for him.” John feels bad as well but this is business and Billy’s failure has
turned into his success.
It’s been over month since that fateful day. Gloria meeting John fulfilled dreams all around.
Tomorrow they begin shooting the movie with Gloria getting that lead role, while John gets his
wish, as the casting director.
Gloria’s excitement is somewhat subdued because her thoughts are on Billy today. Gloria
gives him credit for meeting John. She credits Billy for this opportunity. She just wishes he could be
here to see all this and his dream come true. The only dream Billy had. Tonight will be the grand
opening of the photography of the late Billy Mitchum at MOCA.
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THE CONE - ISSUE #5 - SUMMER 2015