INTERIOR: Jim Tough's office. It is tattily furnished and atmospherically lighted. The title "J and J Tough, Private Investigator" is visible backwards on the glass pane in the office door. There are a kettle, coffee, matches and cigarettes on a table.

VOICE OVER: JIM TOUGH

Ever since I painted my own name on the office door and set up as a private investigator, I've wondered whether I'd have made a better living if I spent my working days selling prefabricated pig-sties in a synagogue. The morning post brought another round of bills, and apart from worrying about which ones to pay and which ones to throw away unopened, we'd had precious little else to do. The diary was empty. The knock on the door didn't sound too promising, but it held the promise of some income. I was glad I let the dame come in and talk because she was as attractive as a medium rare fillet steak in a vegetarian cafe. Like everyone else who comes into my office, she had a story to tell.

JIM

Come in!

MARLENE COMES INTO THE OFFICE AND TAKES A SEAT

JIM

Hi.

MARLENE

Hi, you're Jim Tough, right? I always wondered whether I'd ever have a good enough reason to meet the great man. I'm Marlene. Hi. I'm sorry it's so late in the evening. You know how it is.

JIM

Yeah, I know how it is. Pleased to meet you. Don't worry about the clock. Great man, huh?

THEY SHAKE HANDS

JIM

Coffee?

MARLENE

Thank you.

HE POURS COFFEE FOR THEM BOTH.

JIM

Cigarette?

THEY LIGHT UP

What brings you here?

MARLENE

I'm Marlene, by the way. I work at the Old Raj Casino. That's the big casino with the bright lights on Main Street.

JIM

I've lived here my whole life. I know the Old Raj. What happened there?

MARLENE

Something strange, something not quite right. I've been working there long enough to know some of the punters by sight.

JIM

What's your job?

MARLENE

Barmaid. Nothing special, just taking orders, bringing drinks, clearing empty glasses.

JIM

What happened?

MARLENE

Onions was in.

JIM

Onions?