Situation Normal. Atmosphere Breathable. Brainstem Injected. Dialogue Engaged.
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Friday, August 19, 2005

Bear Trap Beatdown Part One



"You've got two choices, Harry. Bibles or metal detectors. If you can't quote scripture and spit out a convincing 'Praise the Lord,' you better choose the metal detectors."

Harry Lipscomb was a miserable failure. During his tenure on the road, he'd tried selling vacuums, encyclopedias, and detergent. Most folks who answered the door shut him down with a curt "No thank you, I'm not interested, have a nice day." They were always polite. Harry's tendencies to sweat and stammer didn't aid his cause. Like many travelling salesmen before him, Harry was a dedicated alcoholic. Pronounced veins of red and purple crosshatched his nose. A stink of mint Listerine wafted from his mouth in humid gusts each time he spoke.

"Shit, Roy. I guess I'll take the metal detectors. You know I never held no truck with Jesus or his frothing legion. They give me the creeps."

"Tough titty, Harry, 'cause you're going to Arkansas. Lots a thumpers there. Nobody's gonna buy these in the city. You know that. You're takin' the trailer tour. You know the pitch?"

"Yeah, sure I do. Do I look like some kinda nitwit?"

"You sure as shit didn't sell many vacuums, and people need vacuums. That shoulda been easy! So forgive me for expressing a sliver a doubt."

"Those vacuums were crap and you know it. How can I sell a product I wouldn't use myself?"

"You're a salesman! Lie! Jesus Christ! Harry, Harry, Harry. Okay, okay. Spit it out. What're you gonna say? Let's hear your best metal detector spiel."

"Ahem... Okay. Greetings, fine sir, my name is Harry Lipscomb. I'm here today to share my wonderful invention with you. This Viking metal detector is the latest creation from my scientific laboratory. All you gotta do is wave it over the ground and listen for the electronic sensors to squeak! Easy as pie! With this sleek machine you can unearth buried treasures like antiques, old coins, Indian arrowheads, and possibly even silver or gold. You might be walking over a fortune everyday and never know it. This miracle of science will provide you a wonderful new hobby that's both relaxing and lucrative. Have you ever wondered what lies below your own backyard? Now you can find out without tearing up your whole lawn. Here's the best part: It only costs $49.95! They also make great gifts for family members like uncles or grandsons. How many would you like?"

"Harry, you gotta slow down. Rope 'em in a bit. Make a connection with 'em first. Say something nice about their home, or their dog, or whateverthefuck. You need to make 'em like you so they'll feel guilty if they turn you down. The way you approach it, you look sound like a auctioneer who needs to shit real bad. Way too goddamned fast. Look, Harry. This is a waste of my time. I ain't a coach. Take a couple boxes and hit the road. Even you can't fuck this one up. They're easy marks, Harry, easy marks. Don't come back until you sold 'em all."

"You're an asshole, Roy, you know that? I'll sell 'em alright. You'll see."

There's a few directions I can take this. I don't know what happens next (yet) but I might take this story into surreal territory, or I might use it poke fun at rural folk, or I might make it a nasty little horror tale. I guess it depends on my mood when I continue it next Monday. Have a nice weekend. Sorry about the sparse content this week.
12:59 PM - Bottle Rocket Fire Alarm

8 Comments:

August 19, 2005 2:24 PM, Blogger Kerouaced said...

I just can't imagine you poking fun at rural folk. Do you stuff like that? And BTW I really liked this dialogue...

 
August 19, 2005 2:36 PM, Blogger OldHorsetailSnake said...

Aw, go ahead. I don't know nobody in Pine Bluff since Lum and Abner kicked off.

 
August 19, 2005 4:52 PM, Blogger Lance Manion said...

Have you considered taking it in the direction of hardcore gay porn? I mean, the bible/metal detector angle, it pretty much writes itself... Or is that just me? It's just me, isn't it?

 
August 19, 2005 11:10 PM, Blogger ... said...

I can't wait for the continuation...great start, you had me at the first sentence.

 
August 19, 2005 11:39 PM, Blogger Angel said...

Treasures in my own back yard? I'll take one!

I like the sales pitch lol.

 
August 21, 2005 8:38 AM, Blogger Blake said...

Make it a surreal, rural, horror tale. I'll be back Monday to find out.

Blake

 
August 21, 2005 7:49 PM, Blogger Latigo Flint said...

Howdy Steve. I liked this an awful lot, Kerouaced was right, the dialogue just friggen flows!

Unfortunately I don't think I'll have much time to read the next installment... I'm way too busy these days reading and commenting on shoddy weblogs gratuitously promoted in the comment section of writers I actually like.

 
August 22, 2005 11:30 AM, Blogger Dave Morris said...

Steve, I'm with Lance. This is definitely a freaky trip-into-the-world-of-rump-humping-unsuspecting-door-to-door-salesmen in the making.

 

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