(Following David's angry outburst in the pub, Frank tries to calm him down.)

FRANK COX
You've been flying too much. Is it Sheila?

DAVID ASHTON
Yeah. Last time I was home, she had this fellow there.

FRANK
Same one?

DAVID
I suppose so.

FRANK
Is he living with her?

DAVID
No, not Sheila!
(suddenly unsure)
How do I know?

FRANK
Well, I wouldn't blame her. You never did try very hard, did you?

DAVID
I tried. I tried harder than you know, mate.
(pointing to his head)
In there, I tried.

FRANK
Oh, and now you wash your hands of her...and two kids?

DAVID
Look, don't push it, Frank. I love my kids.

FRANK
(doubtful)
Aah...

DAVID
Well, whatever you might think about me, I love those kids, all right?

FRANK
Your kids...

DAVID
All right. All right...Peggy. I tried to keep in touch with her.

FRANK
Like hell you did. You sent me. I'll never forget standing there, offering her your conscience money.

DAVID
Well, I knew she wouldn't take it from me, but I had to offer it, didn't I?

FRANK
No. That was not the time. She's got self-respect.

DAVID
(annoyed)
And I haven't!

FRANK
Well, you may be my mate, David, but you can be a first-class louse.

DAVID
You wouldn't understand in a million years, Frank, but I love Peg.

(Frank chuckles sarcastically.)

DAVID
I didn't want to hurt Sheila any more than I hurt her. I'm not proud of myself, you know, mate. We can't all be bloody angels.

(Frank is a bit hurt by the comment.)

DAVID
Look, I tell you something. Some nights on an op, I hear the flak over the engine noise, and I think, "Go on, Jerry. Go on. Stick one on us. Blow me to bits. Solve my bloody problems."

FRANK
(stunned)
You what?

DAVID
I'm not chucking. I could do myself in.

FRANK
And your crew? Why, you bloody Jonah! A fine crewmate you are, thinking that eight thousand feet over Germany!

(Frank storms from the table, leaving David alone in his misery.)

 

(from "Believed Killed" by Alexander Baron)