Before the Fall

$14.50

thanks, hon.

Everyday.

Lee, I'm gonna step out of the car.

I guess you have heard the nature foundation finally hired

an executive director.

So?

So. So...

He's 35 and never been married.

So?

So, he's 35 and never been married.

He's gotta be gay. Oh, he's gay.

Don't you think you're jumping to conclusions?

I bet I'm his type.

You're not his type, I'm his type.

I'm his type.

Aren't you on their board?

Whose board?

The nature foundation.

Yes, you can introduce us.

Yes.

No.

You can throw a party for him. Why would I do that?

You love parties. You have parties for everyone.

We're not going to have a party just so that you two can...

Act like idiots.

You know what?

Screw this.

Come on, Lyle.

Don't need your stupid parties.

Hey.

I've already agreed to have a party for him in two weeks.

Damn. That was easy.

Later, loser.

Hey.

Looks a lot like work.

It's not that bad.

So...

I know this is...

Really none of my business.

But, I was talking to Cathy

and she happened to mention that...

You've been drinking a lot, lately.

Hey, I'm sorry I'm late.

I just stopped by the store.

Did you get to sleep?

No.

Got to talk to Tina, though.

Really?

You told her I drank too much?

You do drink too much.

You get drunk everyday.

What am I supposed to do?

Just act like everything's all right, while you crawl

into a beer every night, is that it?

You don't even know I exist,

I have to talk to someone every now and then.

Why can't you keep your mouth shut?

You've been talking to her about our sex life.

What sex life?

We haven't had sex in months.

Why are you so miserable, Lee?

Why do you drink so much?

I am sick of it.

Is it because you lost your job?

Or is it because you dropped out of school?

Is it because your daddy left you?

Your mommy put you in day care?

Keep quiet. Is that it?

Why don't you get over it?

Why can't you have sex with me?

You know what I think?

I don't think it's me at all.

You know what I think? I think you're a...

Shut up! Just shut up!

I'm not sure,

I saw the man grab her,

and then he pushed her,

and she fell.

Did he say anything?

No.

Um, actually...

Yes, he said...

"I'll kill you."

Are you sure about that?

Yes, he said he would kill her.

Well, that makes this a felony.

A felony?

Yeah.

Aggravated malicious wounding.

Well, thank you very much for your time.

She was lucky you were around.

Hey, Ben.

Hey, Jeb.

This is going to be another 20 minutes.

Uh, the judge has worked in another hearing.

God.

Some drunk beat up his girlfriend.

Thanks. Yeah.

George Wickham.

Ben. Ben Bennett.

It's my first time here. Any advice?

Uh, well...

What kind of case do you have?

Criminal defense.

Then you're sitting at the wrong table.

Uh, the prosecutor sits over there.

Right, thanks.

Where do you practice?

Knoxville, mostly in northeast Tennessee.

Where'd you go to school?

Uh, Richmond.

You?

Uh, Yale.

Well, excuse me.

Here's that case you asked for.

Great.

So, what's the hold up?

Uh, judge is working in a hearing.

Some drunk beat up his girlfriend.

All rise.

Don't cut... Hey.

Everything looks great.

I've planned on sending a couple of servers out with trays around seven.

That be all right?

That's great. Good.

Glass of wine?

Yes.

Thank you. You're welcome.

There's nobody here. Let's go.

Yes?

Good afternoon.

We got some hot meals for you.

We're from community in action.

What is it?

Roast beef, uh, mashed potatoes, some green beans.

God bless you.

So, who's this party for anyway?

Chuck Bingley, the new executive director for the nature foundation.

So, I'm guessing he's gay?

I'm pretty sure he's straight,

I've only met him once.

What's he like?

Well, he's good-looking.

He's into nature.

A little rough around the edges.

Awkward around people, I'm afraid he won't impress some of the bigger donors.

Well, do they want someone that knows land preservation or looks good on a golf course?

Oh, both.

It started at four o'clock.

You did not. Four o'clock, for a party? Yes, he did.

Lyle, really?

Oh.

Is he here yet?

No.

He's straight.

Shit.

Really?

Let's get a drink.

Here it is.

You sure it's all right if I tag along?

Yeah.

I don't think I'm ready for this.

Do you want me to take you home?

Yeah.

Okay.

No.

Can't keep avoiding people.

Look.

Just let me know if you wanna leave, it's no big deal, really.

You've only been in recovery a month.

Don't be so hard on yourself.

Thanks.

Oh, perfect timing.

Um, excuse me.

Um, hi.

Uh, you must be Chuck.

I'm Chuck.

And I'm Jane Gardiner.

Uh, um, this is Lee.

Hello.

Well, come on inside.

There's the guest of honor.

Sorry, we're late.

Don't worry about it.

Everybody's looking forward to meeting you.

Oh, uh...

This is my friend, Lee Darcy.

Lee works at Eastgate.

We did volunteer work together.

Lee, this is Ben Bennett.

Ben's in the board of the nature foundation.

Nice to meet you.

Glad you were able to make it.

I've met you before, haven't I?

Eastgate, do you work with Jon Ross?

He and I have done a bunch of deals together.

I know Mr. Ross, but I don't think he knows me.

I work in the machine shop.

All right, well, come on, have a drink.