LINKS FROM THE PAST
CAST:
Sheriff William Gillespie
Councilwoman Harriet DeLong-Gillespie
Jhourdhaun Michonne Ajoulais
Old Tanner
Bubba Skinner
Chief Hampton Forbes
Virgil Tibbs
Allison Campras
Charles Brantley
Lonnie Jamison
Lana Gillespie
Parker Williams
FLASHBACK CAST:
Young Harriet
Ada Ajoulais
Ashelei Ajoulais
ACT ONE, SCENE ONE
SETTING: The Gillespie home. Harriet is in the sitting room thinking and pulling on her necklace.
HARRIET: Oh, darn! Of all the stupid ...
GILLESPIE: (Walking in) Now what exactly have I done to warrant such a warm and loving greeting?
HARRIET: (Confused) What? (Noticing him) Oh, Bill, you have got to be the most paranoid person I have ever had the misfortune to love. (She holds up the now broken necklace) I was referring to the fact that I was clumsy and broke my necklace.
GILLESPIE: (Sitting beside her) Well, let's take a look and see if I can fix it. (He tries and fails) This looks like one of those old, complicated link patterns, and I just don't see how it fits together. You probably lost a few of the links as well.
HARRIET: (Forlorn) Great! That's just what I need. (She pauses) It doesn't really matter how old it is, it's just ...
GILLESPIE: What? The fact that an old beau gave it to you?
HARRIET: No, of course not. That necklace was given to me by my childhood best friend. (Remembering) She told me that no matter where we were, it would bind us together, forever. (Laughing at herself) I guess I believed her because I rarely take it off, even though I haven't seen her since that time. (Frowning) When it broke ... I don't know. I guess I felt so alone, like she had suddenly gone. (Looking at the Sheriff) Sounds silly, huh?
GILLESPIE: (Putting his arm around her) Not really. I would hope that my friends would have that type of devotion and love toward me. (He thinks for a few minutes and pulls away) I'll tell you what. Why don't you take the necklace down to Old Man Bloggs and see what he can do. I'm pretty sure he'll have it fixed up in no time. (He notices her unresponsiveness) Why don't you sit here and rest, and I'll go and fix something for the boys. (When she doesn't respond, he reaches out to her, thinks about it and then stands and heads for the kitchen)
HARRIET: If it were as simple as that, .... why do I feel like my whole world is going to change due to a few little, insignificant, lost links?
ACT ONE, SCENE TWO
SETTING: Virgil Tibbs home. The house is a typical Southern house complete with a large covered porch and a swing. A pretty medium-skinned young woman is sitting on the swing talking to Virgil.
ALLISON CAMPRAS: Virgil, will you please come over here and sit down. I promise I won't bite. (Looking around) At least not until Miss Kibbee takes the twins to bible class.
VIRGIL: (Uncomfortable) Allison, don't.
ALLISON: Why? I don't see anything wrong with us participating in a little flirting.
VIRGIL: That's probably because you're not from around here.
ALLISON: What? (Confused) What does my non-native status have to do with my expressing my feelings for you.
VIRGIL: (Throwing up his hands) You haven't known me long enough to have any feelings for me! (Seeing how he hurt her and sitting down) Look, I didn't mean that the way it came out. (Sighing) I know you feel something for me because I feel something for you, too. It's just that there are certain circumstances that make me ... wary.
ALLISON: What?
VIRGIL: Well, how about the fact that you're related to the Sheriff? If this didn't work out, he'd be very upset.
ALLISON: (Laughing) I'm a big girl, Virgil. I think he realizes that I can handle my relationships. Besides, I'm not really related to him; (Whispering) my tan's slightly more permanent. (Normal tone) I'm just his goddaughter. (Moving closer) Next.
VIRGIL: This isn't funny.
ALLISON: (Pretending to get under control) I'm sorry. Please continue.
VIRGIL: Uhh ... the twins! Think about what our having a relationship would do to the twins,
ALLISON: The twins adore me almost as much as I adore them. My biggest concern was whether or not Miss Kibbee would accept me. As you know, she gave me her recipe for cranberry cobbler, your particular favorite. I don't think she shares her recipes with just anyone. (Running her finger over his ear) She knows I make you happy and that's all she wants for you.
VIRGIL: (Moving away) Will you stop that! I'm trying to carry on a serious discussion here.
ALLISON: (Putting her hands in her lap) Sorry, again. Please proceed.
VIRGIL: Thank you. (Standing and facing her) Okay, let's look at the fact that you have a career and home elsewhere. Those things lead me to consider what we have as a short- term deal.
ALLISON: (Crossing her legs and sitting in a thinker pose) Is this what you do in the courtroom? Just thinking about it is making me very h...
VIRGIL: (Cutting in) Allison!
ALLISON: (Sitting up straight) Oh, I'm sorry. What were you saying? Oh, that's right, my job. (Smiling) You know that as long as I have a laptop and a modem, I can work anywhere. You also know that when I decided to come see Uncle Bill, I was in the process of selling my home. Now, I have never considered this as anything other than a serious relationship and I believed you did as well. What's caused the change? And where does Sparta fit into it?
VIRGIL: (Bending his head and steepling his fingers) I guess nothing has changed. It's just I'm not sure that I can welcome you into this house the way you want.
ALLISON: (Understanding) I see. This has to do with Althea, doesn't it? (When he doesn't respond, she continues) Virgil, I realize that you had a life before I came here. I also realize I latched on to you with the subtlety of a bulldozer. (Standing) I know you really haven't had a chance to mourn what happened to your marriage, but I just couldn't let you enshrine your life with her. (Walking to him and placing her arm on his arm) Althea left you, fell in love with someone else, divorced you and gave you sole custody of your kids. If that doesn't say, "Get on with your life!", then I don't know what does. (Looking deeply into his eyes) I'm falling for you very hard and I believe that you and I can become something spectacular but only if you're willing to let her go. (Pausing) The only barrier to this relationship isn't Althea; it's her ghost that you're refusing to get rid of.
VIRGIL: (Looking at her for a long time) I'll tell you what. Why don't we go over to the Sheriff's house to get your things so that we can move you in here, tonight. (Putting his arm around her) How's that for a little down-home exorcising?
ACT ONE, SCENE THREE
SETTING: The dark foyer of an old, but elegant, house. The furniture is covered and a dank film covers everything. A young woman unlocks the front door and walks in. She stops as if surprised at what she sees.
YOUNG WOMAN: What in the world? Mr. Tanner, why is the house looking like this?
A tiny, old man walks in behind her carrying very expensive luggage. He turns on the lights and closes the door.
OLD TANNER: This is the way the house has looked since Miss Ada passed on. I just looked after the place. I didn't touch nothing!
YOUNG WOMAN: But, I faxed you several weeks ago, told you to open up the house, and prepare it for me to take residence. That's why I can't understand why the house looks like this and you weren't waiting for me at the airport with my rental car.
OLD TANNER: I don't know who you sent that fax to, but, as God is my witness, I didn't know you was coming till you called for me an hour ago.
YOUNG WOMAN: (Confused) I don't understand any of this. (She pauses to rest) And, frankly, I'm too tired to try to figure it out. I guess you can take my things up to the most available room. I'll be up in a minute.
OLD TANNER: (Heading up the stairs) Yes, Ma'am.
YOUNG WOMAN: (Looking around) Well, house, I hope you provide me with something better than your apparent looks. If not, I guess I'll have to find other ways of getting what I came after.
As she heads up the stairs, the tinkling of the wind chimes sound almost like a woman laughing.
ACT TWO, SCENE ONE
SETTING: A day in the past. A small wood outside of town. A young Harriet sits on a log in an opening in the woods. She seems to be nervous and expecting someone.
YOUNG HARRIET: Where is she? I thought she said it was okay to ...
A beautiful, light-skinned young woman, about 17 or 18, runs into the clearing and sees her friend.
ASHELEI: (Out of breath and speaking with a slight French Accent) Goodness! I didn't think I was ever going to leave that house. Ada has been watching me like a hawk, lately. Or should I say more so lately. How long have you been waiting?
YOUNG HARRIET: Almost a half an hour. (Angrily) Do you know what my father's going to say when I get home? If he doesn't whip me good first, he'll probably launch into his preachings about the follies of youth. You may be afraid of old Witch Ada, but I fear my life where my father's concerned!
ASHELEI: I'm sorry, Harriet. I know that I should have just left, but that would have clued my sister in on our meeting. You know she barred me from seeing you.
YOUNG HARRIET: I know! I know! I guess I'm sorry, too. You are my best friend in the world, and, (Smiling) despite my better judgment, I'm here for you. (Pausing) Which brings me to the question of why we're here?
Ashelei runs over and hugs Harriet.
ASHELEI: I have the most glorious news! I'm in love, just like the way we dreamed! He's my own special Dream Man.
YOUNG HARRIET: (Incredulously) Who is it?
ASHELEI: I can't tell you that, but I can tell you that it is the best feeling. I just want to stay in his arms forever. He and I ....
YOUNG HARRIET: (Interrupting) You and he what? (She waits for an answer and when none comes, she goes on, hesitatingly) Ashelei, you haven't been doing anything a, I mean ... well, you know ... anything that a good Christian girl shouldn't?
ASHELEI: Would it make a difference if I had? I mean, to us?
YOUNG HARRIET: (Taking her time to answer) Noooo, ... I guess not? It would just take a little getting used to. (Pleadingly) You have to understand that it's not the way I was brought up to believe. I'm going to have to deal with a lot of years of moral teachings on the subject. But, I will.
ASHELEI: (Happy again) Good. For a moment there I thought you wouldn't be happy about my news.
YOUNG HARRIET: Well, ... when are you getting married? If I know Witch Ada, she's probably polishing her broomstick so she can ride it down the aisle. Do you think she'll let me be a bridesmaid? That ...
ASHELEI: (Interrupting her) There isn't going to be a wedding, Harri.
YOUNG HARRIET: What? I don't understand. You said that you were sleeping together. That must mean you're going to get married!
ASHELEI: He can't ... I mean ... we can't. It just isn't possible, not with the things he wants to do. There are unusual circumstances.
YOUNG HARRIET: (Needing to be reassured) But you will, some day?
ASHELEI: (Avoiding the question by reaching into her pocket and pulling something out) Look at what I have! Aren't they beautiful. (Rushing on) I saw these in Mr. Bloggs' store window, and I knew I had to get them for us. (She holds them up)
YOUNG HARRIET: These must have cost a fortune. (She holds one up to herself) I bet they'll look great on us ... but, I can't take it. Daddy would spot it a mile away and think I had some boy after me. (Handing the necklace back reluctantly) Thanks for thinking of me, but, I can't accept it.
ASHELEI: Oh no you don't! Do you think I am just going to take it back for no other reason than your father's problems? You know me better than that. I didn't just pick these necklaces for their beauty. These links are thought of as lifetime links because they're supposed to tie the wearers together forever. I'm willing to take on Ada's wrath for our friendship. Are you?
YOUNG HARRIET: (Torn) Well, .... since you put it like that. Sure! Put it on me, please.
Ashelei puts a necklace on Harriet and Harriet reciprocates. The scene takes on an ethereal quality.
ASHELEI: Now, nothing can ever separate us! Our lives are bound, forever.
As the last word is spoken, it seems to expand and echo.
ACT TWO, SCENE TWO
SETTING: The Asheley estate. The young woman is sleeping on the settee.
YOUNG WOMAN: (Waking suddenly) Forever! What in the world does forever have to do with anything? (Looking around) Okay, Jhourdy, now that you've totally flipped, this would be the perfect time to clean up the house from Hell! (She looks around for the gardener) Mr. Tanner! Mr. Tanner! Now, where is that man when you need him? (She looks over and sees his dog) Spice, do you know where your master is? (Pausing) No, I guess not. (Pausing) Well, methinks the lady doth not protest enough, or he'd be here. Soooo, ... that leaves you and me to clean this place. (Standing) First thing is to tackle that garden outside.
She walks out the front door. A few minutes pass, and she suddenly runs back in and picks up the phone.
YOUNG WOMAN: Where did he leave that number? Oh, here it is! (She dials a number and waits) Hello, Sparta Police Department, I'd like an officer to be sent over to the Asheley Estate, a.s.a.p.!
ACT TWO, SCENE THREE
SETTING: The immediate grounds around the mansion. There are several policemen walking around and one is questioning Jhourdhaun.
BUBBA: (Writing in a police notebook) All right. Let me make sure I have this correct. You said you were inside taking a nap, and you awakened to work on the house. You searched for Old Man Tanner but couldn't find him. You decided to do the work yourself, beginning with the garden. When you went out, you noticed the vandalism of the outer wall and called us. Is this correct?
YOUNG WOMAN: Yes. (Looking around her) I couldn't believe how much damage was done.
BUBBA: I understand. Umm, .... do you feel that Tanner might have done this?
YOUNG WOMAN: (Getting frustrated) What reason would he have had? This man has taken care of this place for a long time, and I can't see any reason why he'd suddenly change and try to destroy it.
BUBBA: Well, there's probably a lot you don't know about him, Miss ... um ... Could you repeat your name for me again?
YOUNG WOMAN: Jhourdhaun Michonne Ajoulais (as you lay).
BUBBA: Uh, yes Ma'am. (Looking at her) Since you've ruled out Old Tanner, can you think of anyone else you might have riled since you've been here?
JHOURDHAUN: (Losing her temper) Someone that I might have riled! Look here, Captain Whatever-your-name-is, since I have been in this ... town, my phone has been disconnected; my house has been vandalized; my tires have been slashed; I've been followed, and , I have not been able to walk down that main street of yours without a band of people looking at me like they wish I was dead! I don't know what this town's problem is, (Jabbing her finger at him) but I certainly did not start it!
Sheriff Gillespie drives up just as Hampton moves toward the rising voices.
HAMPTON: (Waiting for the Sheriff to catch up) Hi, Bill. What brings you to this neck of the woods?
GILLESPIE: I was just coming from dropping Eric off at Mrs. Trundle's when I saw a police car pull in. I couldn't resist the urge to stop, especially since I thought this house was vacant. So, what's going on here?
HAMPTON: I was just about to find out all of the details when you drove up. (Hearing more raised voices from Jhourdhaun and Bubba) I think we'd better get over there before they tear each other apart.
The Sheriff and Chief Forbes walk to the couple.
HAMPTON: Excuse me. Is there a problem here?
JHOURDHAUN: (Turning to them) I'll say there is! Your Captain Skintight is trying to patronize me and I don't like to be patronized!
GILLESPIE: Now, I don't believe that Bubba would deliberately do anything like that. You see you're in the South, and it just comes out that way. I'm sure he didn't mean any harm.
HAMPTON: Captain Skinner, may I ask what has been concluded?
BUBBA: She's been talking about some of the other things that have been happening to her. She seems to believe that someone is out to get her. (Whispering) I believe she's just had a run of bad luck.
JHOURDHAUN: (Jumping in) And I believe that he is a backwoods Neanderthal with a sex- based mentality (Looking in a certain direction) totally disproportionate to his obvious attributes.
Several snickers can be heard from the other officers. The Sheriff, Lonnie, and Hampton all try to conceal their laughter. Bubba glares at the other officers until they stop laughing,
GILLESPIE: I see. Umm, Hampton, would you like to take over the questioning of this young lady? I'm sure your insights would be helpful.
HAMPTON: (Snickering) I don't know, Bill. I think Captain Skinner has the situation pretty much under control. (This seems to alleviate the tension in the situation) Now, would you like to tell us about your problems here?
JHOURDHAUN: Well, I haven't been here that long, and, yet I know I've been followed. I just can't understand the animosity that's been directed at me. If it were just a few mean stares, it probably wouldn't bother me. But, these people are coming to my house. I just can't feel safe like this!
While she has been talking, a huge, black car has pulled up. A tall, distinguished White man gets out of the car and hurries over.
BRANTLEY: (Talking very fast) Good heavens, what's happened here? Ms. Ajoulais, are you all right? When I heard about this, I just had to come over. How are you holding up? Chief Forbes, what are you doing about this? It seems like no one is safe at home any more! (Turning back to Jhourdhaun) The bank and I will do everything in our power to find out who did this, and I hope that it will not turn you against our special, little town. (Looking at his watch) Well, if you will excuse me, I must be getting back to the bank. With the people I have working there right now, anyone could just walk off with everything. Good day! (Just as quickly as he arrived, he leaves. The small group watches in shock)
GILLESPIE: Nice to know some things never change. Charles Brantley always could out-talk the best of them. (He and Hampton discuss something in low tones)
HAMPTON: (Turning back to her) Ms. Ajoulais, ....
JHOURDHAUN: Please, call me Jhourdhaun. Under the circumstances, I think first names are acceptable.
HAMPTON: All right, Jhourdhaun. I was just talking to the Sheriff, and we think it would be better if you didn't stay here for a couple of days. It seems that it would be better if you were somewhere we could keep a protective eye on you.
GILLESPIE: I have some friends that I believe would be able to put you up and I know you couldn't be any safer because he's an ex-cop turned lawyer. If you don't mind a couple of toddlers underfoot, I could call them to see if it's okay.
JHOURDHAUN: I don't think I could impose on total strangers like that.
HAMPTON: Believe me, these people wouldn't look at it as an imposition.
JHOURDHAUN: All right. Let me just get some things and tell Mr. Tanner where I'll be. Excuse me, gentlemen. (She goes back into the house)
The officers gather at the front entrance. Lonnie moves toward them.
LONNIE: Chief, she's telling the truth about the tires. All four are flat and not one by glass.
HAMPTON: Slashed? (Watching Lonnie nod) Now, who would want to do that to her, and why?
GILLESPIE: Well, there are one or two possibilities. (Pausing)Either, someone is playing some horrible pranks, or the sins of the past are trying to find a new victim. I wonder if she's closely related to the Ajoulais' from here? She really does favor ....
JHOURDHAUN: (Coming out with a small case) I'm ready!
GILLESPIE: Your chariot awaits.
JHOURDHAUN: (Stopping and turning back to them) Thank you, Sheriff Gillespie; Chief Forbes. I hope this sort of thing won't become a habit.
HAMPTON: I'm sure it won't. Especially, since we're leaving you in the excellent care of Virgil Tibbs and his wonderful aunt. As for what's already happened, I guarantee we'll get to the bottom of these problems.
Everyone heads to their separate cars.
BUBBA: I can't believe she called me a Neanderthal. Say, Lonnie, you don't think I'm as bad as all that?
LONNIE: Of course not. I would have said you're at least a Cro-magnon man, myself.
ACT TWO, SCENE FOUR
SETTING: The Tibbs home. It is several days later. Allison, Virgil, Lana, Lonnie, the Sheriff, Harriet and Jhourdhaun are enjoying drinks after dinner.
LANA: I'm not meaning to pry, but where exactly are you from, Jhourdhaun? You don't have any noticeable accent that I can tell.
JHOURDHAUN: My diction professor at law school thanks you. (Using a Bronx accent) Can you really tell a difference? (Laughing) No, seriously, I was born in Quebec, Canada and raised in a little suburb of New York called Keller Heights. I still have a house there.
LONNIE: Did you ever spend any long amount of time in New York City?
JHOURDHAUN: Plenty. It's one of my favorite places in the world. So much so that the main office of my law practice is located there.
HARRIET: I noticed you mentioned law school, but I thought I misunderstood what you said. You can't be older than twenty-five.
JHOURDHAUN: I'm twenty-six, and I've been practicing since I was twenty-one. I went through my schooling pretty fast and just continued until I received my law degree.
ALLISON: (Serving coffee) Virgil's a pretty good lawyer.
VIRGIL: (Helping her) I'm okay, but I wish I could have "breezed" through my time like you did. (Changing the subject) What brings you to our neck of the woods?
JHOURDHAUN: (Evasively) I wanted to see where my mother was born and raised. I had never been to Sparta, and circumstances worked out so that I could come. My mom told me how beautiful the house and land were, so I decided to see it first hand.
VIRGIL: I didn't know that African Americans owned that estate.
JHOURDHAUN: Technically, they didn't.
ALLISON: (Confused) I don't understand.
JHOURDHAUN: My grandfather was Jean-Philippe Ajoulais. He moved here from New Orleans and bought up a large part of the town, including the Asheley Estate. He and his wife lived here for about ten years when he divorced her. She couldn't have children, and he really wanted heirs. Supposedly, he fell in love with my grandmother, and, against everything Southern, he married her. I think the only reason the marriage was tolerated was because he was very influential, and he did own most of the town. They had two daughters before they were killed in a fire. My aunt Ada raised my mother.
During the story, Harriet has gone pale, and the Sheriff has grown quiet.
LANA: Wow, what a legacy! (Looking over at Harriet) Are you okay? You look ill.
HARRIET: (Not hearing Lana) Your mother, ... her name .... it wouldn't have been Ashelei?
JHOURDHAUN: Yes, it was. She was named after the estate only with an ...
HARRIET: "I" instead of a "y"! (Moving to the girl) Let me look at you. (Pausing) I can't believe you're Ashelei's daughter! After she left, she wrote me a few times, but she never mentioned anything about you!
JHOURDHAUN: (Slightly dazed) Judging by your excitement, I take it you were close to my mother?
HARRIET: Close! (Thinking about it) Close! We were closer to each other than we were to our own blood relatives. We were friends from the time we were in Miss Macie C's piano class till she was seventeen and left for New York. She gave me this necklace to make us friends for life. (Reaching for the necklace, but remembering it's not there) Oh, I forgot, it's being repaired. (Pausing) Well, how is your mother? I haven't heard from her in such a long time.
JHOURDHAUN: (Her smile fades) She's dead. (Suppressing tears) Um, .... she died ... rather um ... suddenly two ... two years ago.
HARRIET: Ashelei's dead? (Walking around the room) I can't believe it! Beautiful, vital Ashelei, gone. (Regaining control) Oh. I'm sorry, Jhourdhaun. I didn't mean ...
It's just too hard to believe!
JHOURDHAUN: (Hugging her) Tell me about it. But, it is good to know that someone else out there loved her, too. (Taking a deep breath) I still miss her a lot.
The room grows silent as a strong sense of loss fills it.
HARRIET: Well, I think this is our cue to go home. (Moving away from Jhourdhaun) Allison, do you need any help cleaning?
ALLISON: No, I can handle everything. You go on and get some rest.
HARRIET: All right. (Walking to Jhourdhaun) You take it easy, and don't get into anything. (Kissing the girl's cheek) We'll be seeing all of you later. (Turning to her husband) Come on, Sir William.
After all of the assorted good-byes are given, Harriet, the Sheriff, Lana and Lonnie leave.
HARRIET: You sure are quiet, Bill. I noticed you didn't say much after the little revelation.
LANA: Yea, Papa. What's going on? You usually have something to say about everything.
GILLESPIE: Well, it was a lot to take in. (Pausing) You have to admit, it was a shock to hear that Ashelei was dead. Not to mention the information about Jhourdhaun.
LANA: (Shocked) I didn't know you knew Jhourdhaun's mother.
HARRIET: (Looking at him strangely) Neither did I.
As they drive off, Jhourdhaun sits in the house staring into the fireplace.
JHOURDHAUN: (Noticing Virgil and Allison's return) You know, I think Harriet had the right idea. (Standing) I really should go back home.
ALLISON: Do you think it's safe to go back?
JHOURDHAUN: Nothing has happened since I've been staying here, so I suspect the pranks are over.
VIRGIL: (Sitting beside Allison) Is that what you believe was happening? Someone was playing a few pranks.
JHOURDHAUN: What else could it have been? I probably looked like an easy mark to someone out for a few kicks.
VIRGIL: Well, if you feel comfortable about returning, we can run you home.
JHOURDHAUN: Thanks. (Smiling at both of them) I'm glad I had a chance to get to know you. I have definitely enjoyed myself. All of your kindness has certainly made up for everything else that happened.
ACT TWO, SCENE FIVE
SETTING: Outside of the Asheley mansion. Jhourdhaun is stepping out of the Tibbs car.
VIRGIL: Are you sure you don't want me to walk you inside? It looks pretty dark in there. I promise, it wouldn't be a problem.
JHOURDHAUN: Of course I'm sure. I can't have you nurse-maiding me just because of a few pranks. (Pausing) Besides, Mr. Tanner should be here. I'll be perfectly safe.
ALLISON: Okay. But call if you need anything.
JHOURDHAUN: I will; I promise. Now go!
Virgil and Allison drive down the long driveway while Jhourdhaun walks to the door.
JHOURDHAUN: (Walking into the house) Man! (Looking around) House, you haven't gotten any more welcoming since I've been gone. (Trying the lights) Oh great! I have to come into Amityville Central without any lights! (Angrily) Where is Tanner when I need him? I guess I'll have to ... ooh.
The rest of her sentence is cut off as she slumps to the floor, unconscious. Meanwhile, Virgil has turned the car around and is heading back to the house.
VIRGIL: How could you have mixed up your purses?
ALLISON: Can I help she has the exact same exquisite taste in handbags as I do? (Looking up at the house) Virgil, why aren't there any lights on in the house?
VIRGIL: (Stopping the car) Probably for the same reason the door's wide open. Call the emergency number and tell them I need help at the Asheley place now! (He pulls out a gun and races to the door)
ALLISON: Be careful! (Dialing the phone) This is Allison Campras. I'm with Virgil Tibbs and something appears to be wrong. He requests help at the Asheley home, immediately. I repeat, immediately.
VIRGIL: (Slowly entering the house) Jhourdhaun, can you hear me? Are you all right? (Hearing a noise from the back of the house, he turns in that direction and sees Jhourdhaun on the floor) Oh my God! (Checking her pulse) Alli, tell them I need an ambulance!
In the background, sirens can be heard. Allison comes into the house and helps Virgil with the still unconscious Jhourdhaun.