Gone in a Flash

Chapter 4: Like Mother Like Son

A low-volume Bee Gees song scratches in over the radio.

We are now in a 24-hour diner back in Long Beach.

Three plates are scooped up by a woman, only known as Tamara Sentry, Flash's mother.

A college kid table requests another couple rounds of coffee, as a character in the back comes through the door over Flash's shoulder.

Flash Sentry: "Who does a guy have to know to get a decent sandwich in this place?"

Tamara turns around to see her son in the doorway.

Flash Sentry: "Hey Ma."

Tamara, completing her quick round, goes over to Flash and embraces him, squeezing the life out of him.

Others take notice, even the cook behind the order wheel.

Tamara Sentry: "Oh, Bradley..."

Cook: "What's the word on the block there, Flash?"

Flash Sentry: "How are ya, Rube?"

Tamara Sentry: "Here, come here..."

Ms. Sentry sits her son in a booth, barking to the cook.

Tamara Sentry: "Grilled chicken on Kaiser, only lettuce an' mayo, *Now looks to Flash* Right?"

Flash Sentry: "Spot on, Ma."

She sits back down with her son.

Tamara Sentry: "You look great."

Flash Sentry: "You too."

Tamara Sentry: "What are you doing back?"

Flash Sentry: "How's Bo?"

His mother flushes, maybe of embarrassment.

Tamara Sentry: "Have you seen him?"

Flash Sentry: "No."

Tamara Sentry: "Oh."

Flash Sentry: "Shining Armor came to me."

Tamara Sentry: "Shining Armor? How's that one? How's his leg?"

He looks to Tamara, tired and beat.

Flash Sentry: "Why didn't you tell me?"

Tamara Sentry: "I couldn't. I didn't want you to worry. I thought he'd sort himself out. I hardly ever see him, and he just comes and goes. He's in trouble, isn't he?"

Flash Sentry: "He's in some trouble, yeah."

Tamara Sentry: "I knew it. He's changed, Bradley. He's a different boy. He's lost that...that sweetness...it's gone. And I don't know what to do."

Flash Sentry: "Are you getting my checks?"

Tamara Sentry: "Of course."

Cut to the kitchen, Reuben is on the phone, eyes on Tamara and Flash.

Reuben: "Hey, Sarge, you'll never believe who just came in to visit his mother."

*Back in the dining room...*

Tamara Sentry: "You haven't spoken to him in a while, I guess."

Flash Sentry: "He doesn't return my calls, or even the letters..."

Tamara Sentry: "Beauregard was fifteen when you left, baby. I don't know what you remember of him, but you better brace yourself..."

On Tamara's exhausted, saddened face, Young Lust by Pink Floyd begins playing over speakers.