THROUGH THE FOG

(The next day. Foggy. A street cleaner is clearing up.)

Street Cleaner
What a bloody mess!
Got to be cleaned up.
I’m the poor ol’ joe
Who always gets the rotten jobs!
Won’t find anything to sell.
Stick it in the bag,
Fill it to the top.
Place is overrun by rats;
They’re worse than bloody hell.
And more, on top of that they smell!

But someone’s got to sort it out, you know,
Bottles smashed and broken,
Banners lying on the ground,
Someone needs to take the bull by the horns,
And try to turn this place round.

(Connor, having returned home, arrives on the scene)

What have I found here?
Bottle full of beer!
Most of them are empty.
This one didn’t break somehow.
Little things make help the day.
Tuck it in my coat,
Have a little gloat.
I’ll drink it with my dinner
Rather have it then than now.

And what else might come my way!
But someone’s got to sort it out, you know,
Before we see the scroungers
Reappear onto the street.
Someone needs to take the bull by the horns
As the day turns up the heat.

It is hard to find good through the fog,
I would kill to find something nice.
But as luck would have it
It’s just not my day.
And don’t ask, as I wouldn’t come twice!
I think I’ve had enough for now,
It’s time for a cup of tea
A good old cup of tea!

(He leaves. Connor is surveying the scene when Travers shows his face.)

Connor
Good day, Travers.
I thought that I might see you here.
The chief inspector sizing up the scene!
So is it now clear,
As who was really to blame?

Travers
I warned the strikers not to march.
They took no heed.

Connor
Apart from that,
When is the press
Going to use your lead?

Travers
Look, show me mercy
I’ll retract, and you’ll have justice.

Connor
Look, what you did was wrong,
And so, my friend
You’re going to have to pay.
You have to quit,
And that’s my final say.

Travers
It’s goodbye then,
And I won’t change my mind.
You’ll suffer also
Connor Blake, the con!
(Connor departs)