The Pacific2010

Tom Smee:
[at the newspaper office] You made quite an entrance, Bob. The whole room is buzzing.

Robert Leckie:
Hope they meet their deadlines.

Tom Smee:
We're all mighty proud of you. Proud of all you soldiers.

Robert Leckie:
[with a slight smile] I was a marine.

Tom Smee:
Proud of all of you. [pause] So, now you're back. I'm guessing you're here for a job.

Robert Leckie:
[confidently] That's why they made you the editor. I'll take my former position.

Tom Smee:
You still want to cover local sports?

Robert Leckie:
Yep. To start with. [Smee raises his eyebrows] Here's why: that guy you got writing the column right now... he's got no snap, no style. The prose just lays there like spilled ink on newsprint. You need to send him to obits and give me his desk.

Tom Smee:
I do?

Robert Leckie:
For the sake of the paper.

Tom Smee:
[humoring him somewhat] And when did you see me demoting him and hiring you?

Robert Leckie:
Today's good.

Tom Smee:
Today?

Robert Leckie:
Urban Catholic plays Dombosco Prep this afternoon. Kick-off is at three, so... [picks up a pad and pen from the desk] I'd better get goin'. [gets up and goes to the door]

Tom Smee:
Shouldn't we talk about salary?

Robert Leckie:
Ten dollar a week raise'll do it.

Tom Smee:
I will give you seven.

Robert Leckie:
[cockily] I'd have taken five. [he leaves]