[A road outside Phoenix Arizona two cars sit at a stop sign. The driver on the right side sits in an expensive convertible with glistening red paint. The driver on the left sits in a slightly run down Ford. With him are two of his friends Jessica and Kyle. Ahead of the cars the road stretches out showing many twists and turns.]

Kyle: You sure about this man? It looks like he could take you out.

Mike: [Gives and exasperated sigh.] I already told you I can do it just calm down.

Kyle: [Gestures widely at the convertible.] But dude look at what he’s driving you don’t even know what he put into that thing!

Mike: If you cannot be quiet. [Unlocks the doors.] Then get out and watch. I wanted you along because you told me you knew short cuts. Besides I need the money.

Jessica: We already told you we would pay it for you.

Mike: No. It’s my problem I’ll fix it I will not drag my friends down just because some ass jacks up his interest on my loan.

Kyle: [Slaps his hand down on the passenger seat.] I told you not to take it dude but hey who am I to talk? Geez you think with how little advice you take you’d be in more trouble than you’re already in.

Mike: [Shrugs nonchalantly.] Look it’s no big deal I win this race, loser boy pays me, I pay off mob boss wanna-be, and we all live comfortably there after.

Jessica: [Concerned.] And if you lose?

Mike: [Groans aloud and slides halfway down in his seat.] You’re not gonna let this go are you?

Kyle: No we are not. Now there has to be a better way.

Mike: And what do you suggest?

Kyle: [Speaking quickly in a very excited manner.] Your dad of course! He’s loaded he can pay off your debt no problem!

Mike: [Shouting.] For the last time! I will not involve more people in this mess! [Calms down slightly.] I don’t want anyone to get hurt… besides I don’t want to know what dad will do to me for this.

Jessica: Then try the cops. I mean this guy dose not exactly abide by the law so if they catch him he gets arrested and the debt is gone right?

[Silence ensues for a few moments as these words are thought over.]

Mike: No I can’t do that. This is a matter of pride.

Kyle: [Loudly.] Screw your pride man! Quit being an ass and haul yourself out of this mess before they find you in a ditch on the twelve o’clock news!

Jessica: Calm down Kyle. Look Mike, there is very little we can do unless you help us so tell me. What can we do to help you?

Mike: [Quietly.] Absolutely nothing.

Kyle: You know what? You can’t listen to reason I’m gone.

[Storms out of the car slamming the door behind and walks the opposite directions the cars face stopping about twenty feet away.]

Jessica: Please. There has got to be something we are not thinking of here. Is there a loophole in the deal you can use?

Mike: Tried that.

[Silent pause.]

Jessica: And?

Mike: No dice. He threatened to collect from me the “fun way” and I didn’t want to go that route.

Jessica: You mean…

Mike: Yeah you know the fun people whom beat the crap outta you then take your cash. That kind of collecting. I got until the end of this week to get the money or disappear for a nice long while. [Looks down at his feet.] Damn this sucks.

Jessica: [Sad.] So there is no changing your mind?

Mike: I’m afraid not. Its either this or being forced to run and hide.

Jessica: I’ll support you the best I can okay?

Mike: Alright. [Signals to the doors.] Please stay here incase something happens.

[Jessica steps out of the car and joins Kyle. The engines of the vehicles roar to life as the sun begins to set. By mutual consent the drivers speed off into the distance struggling for the lead.]

Jessica: Do you think he will be alright Kyle?

Kyle: We’ll see. I just called the cops on his loaner.

Jessica: [Surprised.] You what!

Kyle: [Walking away.] Like I said. Screw his pride.

[Jessica follows Kyle as they walk back to the city. Curtains fall and play ends.]