ACT TWO, SCENE SIX

SETTING: Outside of the Asheley house. Several more days have passed. Hampton, Jhourdhaun, Harriet, Bubba and the Sheriff are standing around the front door.

HARRIET: Are you sure that Hampton and Bubba can't get the rest of your things for you? I really don't feel right about you going in there again.

JHOURDHAUN: We've already been through this. I have to go back in there, if only just to get my clothes. Besides, I have to tell Mr. Tanner how I want the house. (Patting the arm of the older woman) It'll be fine, Harriet. I have some of Sparta's finest with me, and I don't think anyone is stupid enough to tangle with them.

Everyone walks into the house and stop in amazement at the destruction all around.

BUBBA: Looks like somebody really did a number on this place. We'd better not touch anything until I can get the place dusted and photographed.

JHOURDHAUN: (Defeated) Do you think, if anything of mine is still intact, I can get my things?

HAMPTON: I don't see where there'll be a problem as long as you're very careful of what you touch. Do you need one of us to go with you?

JHOURDHAUN: No, I think I can manage. (Walking up the stairs) Could somebody try to locate Mr. Tanner. I swear that man is never where he's supposed to be!

The Officers and Harriet continue to look at the damage until they hear a scream. They race upstairs to find Jhourdhaun covering her face with her hands and crying hysterically.

HARRIET: (Grabbing the girl) Jhourdhaun, what's wrong? (Cupping the girl's face) Sweetheart, tell me!

The Sheriff and Hampton push open the door to the room Jhourdhaun is facing and look inside.

HAMPTON: Oh boy.

GILLESPIE: (Turning to his wife) Harriet, I want you to take her downstairs, now! (Seeing her lead Jhourdhaun downstairs) Bubba, you might want to call the paramedics.

HAMPTON: By the looks of this guy, tell them it's no hurry. (Motioning for the Sheriff to join him) Look at this, Bill. Can you believe ...

Neither of them notices that Harriet has returned until she gasps at the sight in the room.

GILLESPIE: (Moving to her) Harriet, I thought I told you to go downstairs! (Slightly shaking her to snap her out of her daze) There's nothing you can do up here. (Holding her) Go on back downstairs and take care of the girl. (Seeing Bubba and talking over her head) Take her down and keep an eye on the two of them.

HARRIET: (Shaking her head) I'm okay! Just give me a minute to catch my breath. (Trying to look back) Is he ...?

GILLESPIE: (Stopping her) Yes, he is. (Stepping back from her) But you don't need to worry about him because he's gone. Unfortunately, that girl's down there and she's not okay. She needs you, and I need you to make sure she's okay. All right?

HARRIET: Okay.

Harriet leaves and Bubba looks into the room. There on the floor are the dead bodies of Tanner and his dog.

BUBBA: I can understand why somebody might want to take out Old Tanner. He had his hand in just about everything dirty from here to Jackson. What I can't understand is, why did they have to kill the dog?

HAMPTON: Bubba, go check on the ladies and see what's taking the team so long!

GILLESPIE: Well, Hamp, it looks like we've got ourselves a whole 'nother ball game.

ACT TWO, SCENE SEVEN

SETTING: The same wood clearing at late afternoon. This time, Ashelei is waiting for someone. A man enters and walks to her.

ASHELEI: (Walking into his arms) I thought you'd never get here! Was it hard for you to get away?

MAN: Not really. A few of the guys owed me some favors, so they're covering for me. (Kissing her) Have I told you how much I've missed you?

ASHELEI: (Smiling) Not lately. (They kiss again until she pulls away) There's something I have to tell you, but I don't know how.

MAN: I've always found the best way to tell something is to just come right on out and say it.

ASHELEI: You're right. (Pausing as if struggling for the right words) I'm ... I'm ... (Rubbing her forehead) I'm ... leaving for New York tomorrow.

MAN: (Not expecting this) What? (Moving up behind her) What are you talking about? I don't understand.

ASHELEI: (Turning to him and caressing his face) I know, my love, (Close to tears) but I can't answer any of your questions. I wish I could. Just remember that I love you more than you could ever know. (Turning to leave and stopping) Thank you ... for ... everything you've given me.

She leaves and the man can only watch her leave.

ACT TWO, SCENE EIGHT

SETTING: The Sheriff's office. Jhourdhaun, the Sheriff, Hampton, and Harriet are together.

JHOURDHAUN: Will someone tell me what's going on here? (Shakily) Please, I have to know why this is happening to me. (Breaking down)

GILLESPIE: (Watching Harriet comfort the girl) You're right. You do need to know what's going on, and I'm going to tell you. (Pausing) All this started when your aunt began collecting information on certain prominent people. She used that information to blackmail favors from them. It's said she collected something on just about everyone in town. One day, Old Tanner went into the house and found Ada dead at the foot of the stairs. She supposedly wrote everything down in log books, but, they were never found. (Pausing) I think that someone believes you are here to follow in Ada's footsteps, and they are trying to get you before you can get them. (Moving to sit on the front of the desk) It's the most obvious reason behind these problems, especially since you were pretty evasive about the main reason you were here.

JHOURDHAUN: (Looking at everyone) I didn't know anything about this. (Rubbing her temples) I know I wasn't completely open about why I came here, but that was because it was so personal. (Taking a deep and steadying breath) I just wanted to know ... who my father was. I never knew him, and since we were from here, I felt this would be the best place to start. If I had known that all of this had gone on, I never would have come to Sparta. (In despair) Please believe me. I'd never deliberately destroy anyone's life like that!

GILLESPIE: I believe you.

HAMPTON: Unfortunately, someone out there doesn't and that's who we've got to worry about.

Hampton leaves and Harriet looks at the Sheriff, strangely.

ACT TWO, SCENE NINE

SETTING: The park in the center of town. Jhourdhaun is sitting on one of the benches when Lana walks up.

LANA: Hi, Jhourdhaun. How are you today? (She looks pointedly at the dressing on the woman's head) I heard you ran into a little trouble.

JHOURDHAUN: I guess I'm all right. (Noticing that Lana wants more of a response) Sorry, I'm not great company right now. I just received a shock.

LANA: (Sitting down) Need someone to talk to. I know when I was going through a hard time, it helped when I talked things over with Harriet. If I try real hard, and you use your imagination, I think I can handle her job.

JHOURDHAUN: (Laughing) I suppose so. (Sighing and looking around the park) I came to this town in hope of finding my father. My mom used to tell me great stories about him and how much they loved each other. I guess after all I'd been through lately, I needed to find him and learn all I could. (Pausing) So, I came here. (Another pause) And what do I get? A bunch of crazy townspeople who are afraid that I'll act like my aunt. (At Lana's confused look, she explains) My aunt kept some sort of running tally on the wrongs of Sparta's elite, and someone thinks I'll use it. (Turning to the other girl) How's that for a story?

LANA: (Raising an eyebrow) Sounds interesting. You could probably sell it to a network or something. (Looking around) You know, you and I have a lot in common. I lost my mother, too, and I ended up finding my father. There were a few people out there who didn't want me around, but I survived. You will too.

JHOURDHAUN: Yeah, and if wishes were horses beggars would ride. (Laughing) Even with that, I wish my life would work out like yours.

LANA: Don't worry about it. (Hugging her) It will. Just give it time.

ACT THREE, SCENE ONE

SETTING: The wood clearing at early morning. Ashelei and Harriet are talking.

YOUNG HARRIET:(Upset) Why do you have to leave today? Is Witch Ada making you go? Is she kicking you out? Come on, Ashelei, tell me something!

ASHELEI: There isn't really anything to tell. I'm going to New York to stay with a cousin until I know what I want to do with the rest of my life. Ada was involved in this, but the final decision was mine.

YOUNG HARRIET: Well, I still don't understand. I ....

ASHELEI: (Losing her temper) I'm sick of people saying that? It's not for you to understand! It's not for you, or Ada, or Wil .... It's not your place, okay! (Seeing how hurt Harriet is) Oh, I'm sorry, Harri. I've just been under so much stress, and I'm lashing out at anyone who gets in my way. (Lifting the other girl's chin) Just because I won't be in Sparta, doesn't mean I won't be close to you. (Touching Harriet's necklace) Always remember, you and I are as close as our necklaces.

YOUNG HARRIET: I'll try, but don't expect too much. Promise me you'll write.

ASHELEI: I promise I'll write as much as I can.

A woman, several years older than the girls, walks into the clearing. She, too, has an accent.

ADA: Are you ready yet? That train isn't going to wait forever, and neither am I.

ASHELEI: All right! (Hugging Harriet and turning to leave) Take care of everything for me, okay.

HARRIET: (Crying) Okay! I promise ....

As before, the last word seems to echo and carry.

ACT THREE, SCENE TWO

SETTING: The Gillespie home. Harriet and the Sheriff are seated at a table. Harriet seems to be in another world.

HARRIET: I promise!

GILLESPIE: (Looking at her) You promise what?

HARRIET: I was remembering how I promised Ashelei I would watch over everything. Looks like yet another promise broken.

GILLESPIE: (Putting his hand on hers) Stop being so hard on yourself. She wouldn't have wanted you to tear yourself apart like this.

HARRIET: (Standing and walking around) You're the man Ashelei was involved with. You're Jhourdhaun's father.

GILLESPIE: (Nodding) Yes, I was Ashelei's "Dream Man" or so she called me. But, I had no idea about Jhourdhaun. Unlike Lana's mother, Ashelei never told me.

HARRIET: I see. (Pacing) Well, at least that explains why you couldn't marry. You could enjoy the benefits without the burdens.

GILLESPIE: Harriet, you know that's not true. I cared a great deal for her. I was devastated when she left, but there was just no way I could have married her. Knowing about Jhourdhaun would have complicated matters, but, with what I wanted to do, things probably would have turned out the same way. I know that sounds horrible, but it was the way things were. The only reason it worked for Ashelei's parents was because he did own a large part of Sparta. We wouldn't have had that type of support back then.

HARRIET: I suppose. (Moving behind him and putting her arms around him) This must be hard on you. Somehow, you've managed to come into contact with yet another of these unknown daughters. (Shaking her head) So, when are you going to tell them?

GILLESPIE: I'm not.

HARRIET: (Pulling away from him) What do you mean you're not?

GILLESPIE: Just what I said, I'm not. I don't know what this new relationship would do to Lana's newer feelings toward me and our situation. Plus, I don't think Jhourdhaun would really want to know me. I wasn't there for her mother or her. I'm a coward. I'd rather go through life with one daughter than no daughter.

HARRIET: But they should know! It's not fair for you to make this type of decision for them. Not only would you be denying Jhourdhaun the chance to know her father, you would also be keeping them from each other.

GILLESPIE: I don't deny that, but for now that's the way it has to be. First things first, I have to make sure that Jhourdhaun has the chance to live before I can even think about our future.

HARRIET: You know something. What's going on, Bill?

The phone rings and the Sheriff answers it. He speaks to someone for a few minutes and hangs up.

GILLESPIE: That was the final piece I needed.

HARRIET: For what? Is something wrong with Jhourdhaun? Was that call about the case?

GILLESPIE: Hampton sent Jhourdhaun back to the house with Parker to see if we could sniff anyone out. That call confirmed a suspect, and I have a feeling our man is going over to Asheley. Now, if you don't want to help me bury my daughter, I'd advise you to get a move on! (Helping her out of the house)

HARRIET: (Confused) But I thought you said Parker was guarding her?

GILLESPIE: (Getting into the car) I did. But, you, I and everyone else knows that Parker couldn't guard a tree from a dog.

ACT THREE, SCENE FOUR

SETTING: Inside of the Asheley mansion. A nervous Jhourdhaun is cooking in the kitchen. Parker walks in and sits down.

PARKER: It sure was nice of you to offer to fix me breakfast. You can get awfully hungry when you're on protective duty.

JHOURDHAUN: It really isn't anything. It's more for me than you. I needed something to concentrate on, so I wouldn't think about what happened in that room upstairs. (Wrapping her arms around herself) It still gives me the creeps.

PARKER: Well, there's nothing to worry about because I've checked the whole house, twice. No signs of anyone.

JHOURDHAUN: I appreciate all that you've done. And, to prove it, here's your breakfast. (She watches him eat for a while, then turns to leave) I think I'm going to check to make sure I didn't forget any of my things.

PARKER: Okay. Just holler if you need anything.

Jhourdhaun doesn't hear him as she heads for the stairs. She takes the stairs slowly, dreading every step, and suddenly stumbles.

JHOURDHAUN: What in the world! (Bending over) What is a hole doing here? I guess I'll have to have Mr. Tan ... (Pausing to get herself under control) No, Jhourdy, it's up to you. (She goes upstairs and returns with a hammer and a cup of nails) Now, where is that covering? (She sticks her hand into the hole) Here it is. Oh ... no... it's ... not! (Pulling out several books and reading the names on them) Rhonda M. Cullen, James Scott, Charles Brantley, Zacchariah Banham? (Thinking) These must be the log books. (Snorting) The old hag had everyone walking on their sins. I just bet she got a kick out of that. (Yelling to Parker) Parker, come here! I found the log books!

Parker runs in and watches in amazement as Jhourdhaun hands him book after book.

ACT THREE, SCENE FIVE

SETTING: An upstairs room in the house. Jhourdhaun and Parker are putting down the last of the books on the bed.

JHOURDHAUN: I counted at least fifty-five in my group. What about you?

PARKER: I had about sixty-eight or nine. That woman sure did like to write!

JHOURDHAUN: Yeah, and I wonder what she did write in these things. (Awed) Do you realize that we have about 120 lives in this room?

PARKER: Well, I better go and call the Chief. He'll be so surprised that we found this stuff. (He leaves)

She walks around the room touching the books in awe.

JHOURDHAUN: All of this pain and suffering just so you could control people's lives. I hope that wherever you are, you're getting exactly what you deserve. (Hearing a noise) Parker, what did the Chief say? (Turning around) Parker?

A movement catches her eye. She turns to see Charles Brantley standing in the doorway with a gun.

JHOURDHAUN: What are you doing here?

BRANTLEY: Oh please, spare me that cliched line from every television show around. Use your common sense and figure it out. (Using a singsong voice) I have a gun; it's pointed at you; you have what I want; you give it to me, and I kill you anyway! Is that simple enough?

Jhourdhaun notices Gillespie, Hampton and several of the other officers are standing around the door in the hall.

JHOURDHAUN: Since you put it like that, I'm sure I saw your book in this pile. Since I'm not going to survive this little encounter, could you possibly tell me why it's so important?

BRANTLEY: You have a sense of humour. I hate that. Did you know that most bankers don't have them? (Thinking for a moment) I guess I can tell you the story. (Remembering) Quite some time ago, I was involved in a drunk driving accident. I had one too many and paid for it with my wife's life. I thought I had covered up pretty well, but somehow Ada found out. She took great pleasure in threatening me every time she could. Finally, I got sick and tired of it and came to see her.

JHOURDHAUN: Did you kill her?

BRANTLEY: Oh no. Someone else beat me to that particular honour. She was already dead when I got here. I tried to look for the book then, but I couldn't find it. Now, you've done my work for me. I would just love to show you my appreciation but, you are going to have to come to the same conclusion as Tanner.

JHOURDHAUN: (Shocked) You killed Mr. Tanner? Why? He was harmless.

BRANTLEY: Harmless! Who do you think your aunt had digging up all of her information? That man was involved in everything dirty in a thirty-mile radius. After I killed him, the dumb dog attacked me, so I had to kill it, too. (Matter-of-factly) I felt bad about the dog. (Changing the subject) Well, now you know everything, which means it's time for us to part company. Good-bye, Miss Ajoulais, pity we couldn't do business together.

GILLESPIE: (Stepping into the room) The only business you need to concern yourself with is how it's going to feel being plaything of the month down at the state correctional facility. To quote another TV. cliché, drop the gun. (Brantley looks around frantically and waves the gun between the two) Don't make me shoot you!

Brantley drops the gun and Gillespie rushes over to Jhourdhaun.

JHOURDHAUN: Here are the books that Ada had on everyone. Brantley's should be in there. If it's not too much trouble, could you please see that they get to their owners. (Looking around) Where's Parker?

GILLESPIE: He's sleeping off a very nasty knock on the head. (Seeing her sway and trying to hold her up) I'm a little more concerned with you at the moment. Are you all right?

JHOURDHAUN: About as well as someone who's gone through all of this and still doesn't have the answers that she needs. (Dazed) I just can't believe this is happening.

With that Jhourdhaun faints and the Sheriff calls to the others to clear the bed.

ACT FOUR, SCENE ONE

SETTING: The house at Asheley. Jhourdhaun is walking around the house as if searching for answers.

JHOURDHAUN: Well House, it looks like you won. You're going to keep a lot of your secrets. I tried so hard, but there were just some answers that you didn't want to give up. (She looks up at the portrait of her grandparents, aunt and mother above the mantel. When she reaches up to touch it, her hand brushes one of the candlesticks and a panel opens) What in the world! Not another hidden nook! (Sighing) House, you are starting to get a little corny. (Reaching in and pulling out two books) Okay, let's see who we forgot. (Reading) William O. Gillespie. Him, too, huh? (Looking at the other book) This one looks a little different. It's initialized and hard-covered. A.... A.... A.... Ashelei Alyssa Ajoulais. This is my mother's! (She opens it and begins to read aloud) "My dearest, darling Jhourdhaun. There are so many things I want to tell you, but I fear that I won't have time. So, I have written down everything in these pages. The most important thing to happen to me was your coming into my life. It was at a time when I felt so unworthy, yet I was blessed with your innocence, beauty and perfection. As I write this and think of you so far away, again, I feel so unworthy. I pray that you will be able to forgive me for what I have done and for the fact that I will never be quite the way I was before. I know that I will never be able to forgive myself, but, in you I seek some redemption. I ... " (She continues to read)

ACT FOUR, SCENE TWO

SETTING: Hampton's office at the police station. Harriet and the Sheriff are explaining things to Hampton.

GILLESPIE: So, that's everything.

HAMPTON: I suspected something like that, especially when you got so involved with the case. (Pausing) Where do you go from here?

HARRIET: He won't tell either of the girls. Even with me nagging him about their right to know.

GILLESPIE: I told you my reasons. I have definitely decided not to say anything because I don't think any of us could handle the problems telling would cause. (Virgil enters the office and the Sheriff changes the subject) Virgil, what brings you over here?

HAMPTON: (Smiling) Yeah. (Sitting forward) Don't tell me you're taking Patrick Devereaux's case?

VIRGIL: (Holding up his hands) Don't panic! I'm only here to talk with Bill. (Turning to the Sheriff) Allison wanted me to tell you that she's going to visit her parents in a few days. She wanted to know if you had anything for them.

GILLESPIE: So, she's finally going home. Frye had called me complaining about kidnapping his only daughter and I had to explain that she had become entangled with you to the exclusion of everyone else. I take it, he called over to your house with the same thing.

VIRGIL:(Laughing) I didn't remember him being so manipulative when we were there last time. Within a few minutes, he had Alli promising him that she would come back to Miami for a visit, bringing the twins with her, I might add.

HARRIET: You're letting the twins go?

VIRGIL: I thought it would be a great way to see how she does with them. Unfortunately, the house is going to be pretty quiet without them. (Changing the subject) Speaking of traveling, Allison tells me that Jhourdhaun is leaving today. I guess all of this was just too much for her.

HARRIET: That's what she said.

HAMPTON: What I can't believe is she's leaving without finding out who murdered her aunt.

JHOURDHAUN: (Walking quietly into the office) But I do know who killed her.

GILLESPIE: What?

JHOURDHAUN: (Ignoring him) My mother killed my aunt.

HARRIET: (Upset) I don't believe that. Ashelei could never hurt a fly. I don't know where you got your information, but ...

JHOURDHAUN: I read it straight from her journal and in her own handwriting. (Pausing) It was written to me shortly after she killed Ada. (Looking at the woman) You were right, Harriet, my mother was very gentle. That's why I believe she started dying the moment she realized what she had done.

HAMPTON: How did it happen?

JHOURDHAUN: They were fighting, and my mother accidentally pushed Ada down the stairs. (Sighing and retreating more into her shell) You know what they were fighting about? My father. After all of those years, she still loved him. She loved him so much and he probably never even thought twice about her. (Getting back to the story) Ada was threatening to expose him and clue everyone in on my existence. My mother couldn't let that happen.

GILLESPIE: Now we know.

JHOURDHAUN: (Turning cold eyes toward him) Yes , we know.

Harriet and the Sheriff both pale at the statement, but Virgil continues.

VIRGIL: Well, that leaves us with only one question unanswered.

JHOURDHAUN: For some, not for all.

VIRGIL: Then you know who it is?

HARRIET: Virgil, will you stop pushing her. If she wanted to let you know, she'd tell you.

HAMPTON: Yeah, Virgil, she's not on trial.

JHOURDHAUN: (Turning accusing eyes on Harriet and Hampton) You know, don't you? (Shaking her head) Why am I surprised?

VIRGIL: Will someone tell me what's going on? I feel like odd man out.

JHOURDHAUN: Let's see. Where do I begin? (Pausing) My mother was involved with a White man during a time when that wasn't really good. Ada found out about the relationship about the time my mother found out about me. My dear, sweet aunt applied a little pressure, and we were sent away without him knowing. It wasn't until later that Ada decided that my mother and my ... him were having too much success, so she felt that a little blackmail was in order. What she hadn't bargained on was my mother had developed something of a roar and was willing to fight to protect the two people she loved the most. It was never her intention to hurt Ada; it just ended up that way.

VIRGIL: I'm sure you're right, but didn't you say that your dad didn't know about you? I'm sure if you contacted him, he'd welcome you.

JHOURDHAUN: You don't get it. He may not have known then, but he has known for a while. In fact, he's had some idea of who I was almost the whole time I've been here. If I hadn't found out on my own, I would have never known. He would have just let me walk right out of his life.

HARRIET: Maybe he was frightened that you wouldn't be able to accept him and what he didn't do for your mother.

JHOURDHAUN: (Bitterly) Yeah and maybe he felt he had enough family with his daughter who was born on the right side of the color line.

GILLESPIE: You know that's not true!

JHOURDHAUN: (Close to tears) How do I know that? It keeps going over and over in my mind that my mother killed her own sister for him, and he didn't even have the decency to tell me his suspicions. Do you know what the only thing I could come up with to explain why I wasn't worthy to be claimed by him? (Looking straight at the Sheriff) I'm a little darker than my luckier sibling. Besides, it's okay to marry one just not to father one.

GILLESPIE: No! You have it all wrong.

JHOURDHAUN: (Yelling) Then tell me how it's supposed to be! I'm listening! I want to know! (When he says nothing, she sags against the wall in defeat) Just what I thought.

VIRGIL: (Trying to ease the tension) I almost feel like I should leave. This sounds awfully close to a family arg .... Oh my God. (Turning to the Sheriff) I ... I can't ... Umm, I'm going to .... umm ... leave you to it. If you want Allison to tell her parents anything, ... um, ... just call.

JHOURDHAUN: You might as well wait. I'll go with you. It seems like I don't have anything keeping me here after all.

GILLESPIE: (Snapping out of it) Jhourdhaun, wait. I want to explain things to you. Give me a chance to tell you everything!

JHOURDHAUN: (Tired and drained) What would you say? What could you possibly say now that you couldn't have said three weeks or three days or even three hours ago?

She turns to leave, but the Sheriff grabs her arm.

GILLESPIE: Give us a chance and maybe we can figure this out. (Pleading with her) Please, don't close the door on what we can become.

JHOURDHAUN: (In a whisper) How can I close a door that I never had the key to in the first place?

Jhourdhaun hesitates for the briefest of moments at the door and then she pulls her arm free and resumes her walk out of the station, ... and, ... out of their lives.

GILLESPIE: (Looking at the people left in the office) She's gone and something tells me she isn't coming back. (Sitting shakily in a chair) Come to think of it, I really don't think I blame her.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

(If possible)