CLAIRE:
(Whispers)
You might want to keep an eye on him. He’s been by the same rack for ten minutes.
EMPLOYEE:
(Confused)
Ma’am, he hasn’t done anything.
CLAIRE:
Exactly. That’s how they do it—waiting for the moment. Just… watch him.
(The employee reluctantly approaches Marcus.)
EMPLOYEE:
Excuse me, sir. Can I help you find something?
MARCUS:
(Smiles)
No thanks, I’m just looking. Great selection, though.
EMPLOYEE:
We’ve had some… concerns.
MARCUS:
(Beat. Realizing)
Let me guess. The woman over there? Blonde, pearl necklace, eyes like a hawk?
(EMPLOYEE is silent. Claire pretends to keep browsing but listens.)
MARCUS:
Would it help if I told you I’m a lawyer? Just finished court and needed a new suit for next week’s hearing?
EMPLOYEE:
(Sincerely)
I’m sorry, sir. You’re welcome to stay and shop.
CLAIRE:
(Stepping in, fake smile)
I wasn’t accusing you. I was just being cautious. You know, with everything going on.
MARCUS:
No, you were accusing me — silently. Like a lot of people do. You saw my skin, not my character.
CLAIRE:
It’s not personal. I just—
MARCUS:
It is personal when you assume I’m a thief before I speak a word.
(Beat. She has no comeback.)
MARCUS:
You don’t have to like me. But don’t pretend your fear is concern. It’s prejudice dressed in pearls.
