ROSS sulks. There is a long pause.
What d’you think of Ross’s potential, Carter? Think he’s going to make a good cop? Got what it takes?
KENNY remains silent.
Well. What d’you think?
KENNY: [quietly] Look, how about undoing these cuffs?
SIMMONDS: I asked you a question, Carter. Do you think Ross’s going to be any great shakes as a policeman?
KENNY: I’ve got me doubts.
SIMMONDS: So have I. What d’you think are his main weaknesses?
KENNY: Bit hard to know where to start.
SIMMONDS: Take your time.
KENNY: [trying to pass it off] It’s a bit hard to say on the spur of the moment.
SIMMONDS: [feigning irritation] I only want an opinion, Carter. I’m not asking for your balls, now am I? What do you think it is that Ross is lacking?
KENNY: He seems a bit slow up top.
SIMMONDS: Initiative, perhaps. Do you think he’s lacking in initiative?
KENNY: Yeah. I had noticed that.
SIMMONDS: [to ROSS] Do you think we should beat the shit out of this bastard, Ross?
ROSS doesn’t answer.
[Loudly] For Christ’s sake, Ross. Show a bit of initiative. Should we beat the shit out of this bastard?
ROSS: [loudly] No!
SIMMONDS gives a mock sigh of relief at ROSS’s display of initiative.
SIMMONDS: Very good, Ross.
Without warning SIMMONDS hits KENNY savagely in the groin with his knee. KENNY doubles up in pain.
I think you’re right, Ross. We shouldn’t beat him up. He’s not worth the effort. [He adjusts his hat.] Get your handcuffs.
ROSS unlocks KENNY, avoiding his eye.
All right, Ross. Let’s go.
They turn to go. As they walk towards the door, KENNY raises himself on his elbow and yells venomously after SIMMONDS.
KENNY: [still in pain] You dead cunt!
SIMMONDS: We don’t want any more trouble from you, Carter.
KENNY: I’ll get you one day, boy. I’ll get you, you animal. I’ve got a lot of mates.
SIMMONDS: Think yourself lucky I didn’t charge you, Carter. Don’t push your luck.
KENNY: Get out! Go on. Get out, you animal. You’ll step out of your house one dark night and you’ll get it, boy. Kenny Carter doesn’t forget somethin’ like this. Now, piss off to your police station and crawl back into the woodwork!
SIMMONDS: [coolly, after a pause] Book him, Ross. Abusive and threatening language.
ROSS hesitates.
Book him!
ROSS walks over towards KENNY, who picks up a chair and threatens him.
KENNY: [menacing] Don’t you come any closer, shithead!
ROSS: I’m placing you under arrest for abusive and threatening language, Carter. I must warn you—
KENNY: [advancing on him] Get out of my house, you bloody great halfwit. You’ve had your fun, now get out!
ROSS: [backing away] I would advise you that any attempt—
SIMMONDS: Add deliberate obstruction and menacing behaviour, Ross.
ROSS: In addition to the earlier charges I am… [backing away as KENNY advances] charging you with deliberate—
KENNY: [steamed up and sensing ROSS’s fear] Do you think that uniform makes you a big man or something? Eh? Christ. A hundred bloody uniforms wouldn’t do anything for you, boy. You’re the bloody dregs. There’s no bloody doubt about it. I’ve seen some cowardly fuckwits hiding behind their uniforms in my time, but without a doubt you’re the bottom of the bloody barrel.