VIVIAN: Yes, I do the hiring, you do the work. I was called to
Bethlehem to handle an emergency.
MAXINE: We sure have one. With all the travelers coming for the
census, this town is overcrowded and understaffed.
(At this moment, from around the stable, three rather road-weary
travelers appear; they carry traveling bundles; they mingle with
the crowd, but are listening intently.)
VIVIAN: And that's exactly what I've been doing today—filling
temporary jobs: bellhops at the inn, waitresses at the Falafel
House, used-dromedary salesmen at the Camel Lot. And now
there is only one job left. (Clears throat, puts on glasses that
hang from a chain around her neck. She unfolds and peers
closely at a paper in her hand.) Allow me to read the notice:
"Wanted. One certain poor shepherd …"
MAXINE: (breaking in) … make that "three shepherds." We just had
two unexpected vacancies open up.
VIVIAN: Alright. "Wanted. Three shepherds … to keep watch over
some sheep by night. Location: the hills above Bethlehem.
Hazard pay included."
RILEY: Hazard pay?!
MAXINE: Conditions can be rough. That's probably why no one has
applied.
VIVIAN: Indeed. I had to dispatch my administrative assistant,
Mackenzie, to the hills. She's watching the sheep until the
temps arrive.
RILEY: How are things up there?
VIVIAN: Deteriorating quickly. Her last message had only two words:
"Fare Well."
MAXINE: We'd better find some shepherds fast! I can't take this
anymore! All the mooing, the grunting, the squawking …
VIVIAN: Yes, those poor animals.
MAXINE: Animals? I'm talking about me!
16
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