WELCH
: That’s right. Anyone down there?
EMMA
: What?
WELCH
: In the basement. Anyone down there now in the basement?
EMMA
: No—why would there be?
WELCH
: Well, it’s not my house, Emma. How am I supposed to know who’s down there in your basement or why they would be?
EMMA
: There’s nobody down in my basement and how do you know my name?
(WELCH moves toward basement stairs.)
WELCH
: You’re sure there’s no one down there? Right now, as we speak?
EMMA
: I would like you to leave, please! I would like you to get the heck out of my house! You’re making me very nervous.
(WELCH stops abruptly, turns to her, and smiles.)
WELCH
: Of course.
EMMA
: Now!
(WELCH goes quickly to counter, grabs his case, and heads for door. EMMA stops him.)
Wait a second. Do you have a card or something? Some kind of identification? A name?
(WELCH stops with his back to her.)
WELCH
: I couldn’t help noticing your flagpole out front.
EMMA
: What?
WELCH
: Your flagpole.
EMMA
: What about it?
WELCH
: (
turning to her with a smile
) It’s empty. Barren. Just the raw wind slapping the naked ropes around. Sickening sound.
EMMA
: So what?
WELCH
: Well, Emma, this is Wisconsin, isn’t it? I’m not in Bulgaria or Turkistan or somewhere lost in the Balkans. I’m in Wisconsin. Taxidermy and cheese! Part of the U.S. of A. You told me that yourself.
EMMA
: What are you driving at?
WELCH
: You’d think there would be a flag up or something to that effect. Some sign. Some indication of loyalty and pride.
EMMA
: Loyalty? To Wisconsin?
WELCH
: (