Hey everyone,
We are getting into the Christmas spirit with the prequel story, with a long-distance call from Benoit, Ms. We hope you are enjoying the story so far and are keeping an eye out for clues - with Call of the Sea releasing soon (Dec. 8, 2020) you may need them!
December 12, 1933. 9.11 p.m. Long distance call from Benoit, MS to Englewood, CO.
NORAH
Hello?
HARRY
(singing, really happy)
ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME... Come on, Norah! …A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE!
NORAH:
(amused)
Oh my goodness, Harry Scrooge is embodied by the spirit of Christmas!… Two weeks in advance. Where are you, old pal?
HARRY:
Our car engine was faulty, so we had to stop. I took the chance to have a coffee because I was falling asleep at the wheel. I'm not sure what state we're in…. Err, Mississippi or Arkansas. Doesn’t matter, it still is the middle of nowhere.
NORAH:
(sarcastic)
Hey, city slicker! Show some respect for those of us who grew up in rural hard-working America
HARRY:
(funny, sings again)
Oh, excuse me! ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME...
NORAH:
(sarcastic)
You didn’t take advantage of the prohibition ending a week ago, didn’t you?
HARRY:
(really funny)
You know I don't drink, ma’am. It's just my natural joy de vivre... Or maybe the coffee is kicking in. Or maybe there is some other thing...
HARRY:
(serious but still happy)
We have the money, Norah. The Boston Herald is funding the expedition!
NORAH:
(thrilled)
Really?
HARRY:
Yes. That journalist really earned her place in the expedition. She is a really resourceful woman. Kinda reminds me of you.
NORAH:
(funny, playing Harry for a fool)
Oh! Should I be worried, Casanova Everhart?
HARRY:
(following the joke)
Not at all, ma’am. Mainly for two reasons: First, I prefer blondes.
NORAH:
(amused)
That’s a good reason. And the second one?
HARRY:
The second is that I am an antisocial curmudgeon and I hate dealing with people.
NORAH:
(amused)
Ha! You've got that one right, Harry the Hermit
HARRY:
(yells to someone on his side of the line)
Really? You did manage to make it work? That fast?
NORAH:
Harry, who are you talking to?
HARRY:
I’m sorry, sweetheart. It's the mechanic. Just a second.
HARRY:
(to the person in his side of the line)
You’re a whiz, mister! Wouldn’t you be interested, by any chance, in an exciting job opportunity in the Pacific?
HARRY:
Well, that was quick! I… I have to go now, Norah. I’ll call you again as soon as I get to the West Coast.
NORAH:
I’ll be waiting for your call, handsome. Drive with care!
HARRY:
Don’t worry, I’ll take care. Merry Christmas, gorgeous. I love you.
NORAH:
(funny / sweet)
You’re still two weeks ahead, but...Merry Christmas, my love.