PANEL 1
DR. KHALIL talks with AUGUSTIN. Dr. Khalil is a bearded Indian man, exuding an awkward professorial dress and manner. Augustin could have walked out of a Mexican soap opera playing the crime boss or corrupt politician. His corpulent figure, habitually ensconced in a white suit and white hat, dominates any space in which he stands.
DR. KHALIL
You knew the family?
AUGUSTIN
Merely paying respects. I know the man that owns their building. And the boy…
DR. KHALIL
Roberto.
PANEL 2
Different angle.
AUGUSTIN
Roberto. He’s different. He distinguishes himself.
DR. KHALIL
I agree entirely. He’s an excellent student. And writer, too. In fact –
PANEL 3
Closer in on Augustin. He waves his hand as if brushing off the entire populace of the bar.
AUGUSTIN
Yes. He strives for something better than this… muck.
PANEL 4
Both of them. Augustin looks away, as if something mildly more interesting has caught his attention.
DR. KHALIL
I see. Um…
AUGUSTIN
Excuse me.
PANEL 5
Augustin exits right. Dr. Khalil stands center, a little confused, watching him go. Desiree, Angel, and Silvia enter left.
SILVIA
That is some nerve! Some nerve he has to… to come in here and act like… like he belongs!
DESIREE
Hi.
DR. KHALIL
Hi.
PANEL 6
Dr. Khalil has turned towards Desiree, and become suddenly very uncomfortable. Desiree eyes him hungrily. Silvia blocks Angel from the others.
DESIREE
I’m Desiree. Are you a friend of the family, Mister…?
DR. KHALIL
Doctor Khalil. Uh, Ishmael.
DESIREE
Doc-tor? Oh, my.
SILVIA
(to Angel)
Can you believe…