A BEGINNING TO THE PRESENT
CAST:
Sheriff William Gillespie
Councilwoman Harriet DeLong-Gillespie
Chief Hampton Forbes
Jhourdhaun Ajoulais
Virgil Tibbs
Allison Campras
Lana Gillespie
Bubba Skinner
Lonnie Jamison
Parker Williams
Scott Lemuel
Derek Harris
Roddy Huang
Powell Fletcher
Eugene Glendon
Tully
Garrett
SECONDARY CAST:
Miss Etta Mae Kibbee
Everett
LuAnn
Dee
J.D.
Nedra
ACT ONE, SCENE ONE
SETTING: The Tibbs home. In the midday sun, the house looks very inviting. A van is parked outside of the house. Virgil, Allison, and Miss Kibbee are moving around the house in preparation of a trip.
ALLISON: Now, let me get this straight. Jhourdhaun found out, quite accidentally, that the Sheriff is her father.
VIRGIL: From what I understand, she located some sort of diary of her mother's that cleared up a lot of mysteries. It really shook her up. So much that she hasn't returned any of the Sheriff's, Harriet's or Lana's calls. All of the officers on patrol have been driving by there to make sure she's okay, but she won't let them in the house. No one knows if she's going to stay locked in there or if she's going to leave.
ALLISON: It just all seems so unreal. I remember being shocked when Uncle Bill explained about Lana, but this Jhourdhaun thing has really thrown me for a loop. (Looking around the room) I was kind of hoping that he was finally going to find some happiness, but it doesn't seem like it's meant for him. (Thinking for a minute) Wait a minute, you said that the big blow-up happened a few days ago.
VIRGIL: (Nodding) It did. Remember that day I came home early in shock. That was when she confronted him. I had to leave the office because it was just too hard to believe.
ALLISON: Well, if that happened several days ago, why am I only hearing the rest of the story now?
VIRGIL: (Putting his arms around her) I was waiting until you were almost ready to visit your parents. You know how you are, and, if I'd let you in on everything, you would have gotten in something that wasn't your business.
ALLISON: I can accept that, but I can't believe I didn't get even an inkling of what was going on from Miss Etta.
VIRGIL: Not even a small bit? (He seems confused when Allison nods no) That is strange. (Miss Kibbee enters the room with a child on each arm) Aunt Etta, why haven't you said anything about what's been going on with the Ajoulais thing? I can't believe you didn't know about it.
MISS KIBBEE: Oh, I knew. I just didn't want to get into all of that. (At their puzzled looks, she continues) Ada was always a mean one. The Black folks 'round here knew that if she could terrify the White folks, she could probably do worse to us. So we left her to her business. When that girl showed up, I knew that she was going to be just like her aunt.
ALLISON: How can you say that? From what I understand, Jhourdhaun is nothing like her aunt.
MISS KIBBEE: Not in her spirit, no. But, she sure has gotten Sparta to jumping. And that, shows they're kin more than any blood.
ACT ONE, SCENE TWO
SETTING: A nicely Southern house, warm and sunny and set away from the street. The Sheriff watches as two boys run and wrestle in the yard.
HARRIET: (Moving up behind the Sheriff and wrapping her arms around him) Dollar for your thoughts.
GILLESPIE: (Turning to her) I've heard of inflation, but that's ridiculous.
HARRIET: Don't blame me. I was corrected, by Eric, that in today's market, original thoughts are very valuable. (Looking around) Can you believe that things are finally working out? We were right in not caring what others might think.
GILLESPIE: I believe it took us long enough. But, I guess with the way I'm feeling now, the time was well worth it. (Frowning slightly) Some of the time anyway.
HARRIET: You're thinking about the girls. Lana seems to be handling all of this rather well. Her feelings for you haven't changed.
GILLESPIE: You don't know what that means to me, but I keep remembering the look on Jhourdhaun's face when she walked out that door.
HARRIET: Has anyone been able to talk to her? I know she won't pick up the phone when I call.
GILLESPIE: No. I asked Hampton if they could patrol over there when they can, and a few of them have seen the lights go on when it gets dark. Unfortunately, whenever any of them go to the door, she won't speak to them. (He sighs) I knew that by keeping my secret I could possibly push her away, but I never really believed it could happen.
HARRIET: Maybe she's just taking some time to think things over. Who knows. She might show up at the door ready to talk.
While they have been talking, Eugene Glendon walks up. When he sees them in an embrace, he sighs in disgust. The Sheriff tries to pull out of the embrace, but Harriet keeps her arm around him.
HARRIET: Hello, Eugene, how are you today? What brings you to this neck of the woods? I really wasn't expecting you back in Sparta any time soon. Is there some kind of break at Ole Miss?
EUGENE: I'm recruiting for the track team. (Looking around) So, when are you coming back to your real home?
HARRIET: (Trying to smile) Last time I checked, this was my real home. I gave you the house over there because you said that you couldn't live here. Now, if you would like me to visit, just say so.
GILLESPIE: Harriet, I'll wait for you over with the boys.
HARRIET: No, (She looks straight at her husband) this is just as much your house as it is mine, and he has no right to run you away. I want you with me.
Eugene looks very disgusted but continues to push.
EUGENE: (Angrily) This isn't your home! He's confusing you; making you go against everything you've ever believed in. We're in Sparta, not some big city. The people here don't really accept this. When you realize that they aren't smiling behind your back, you'll come home.
Eugene turns away. Harriet softly pulls away from the Sheriff and moves to the railing of the porch.
HARRIET: You just wait one minute! You sit around and do exactly what you please when you please, and then you have the nerve to condemn me. (Calming down) All my life, I've done what everyone else wanted me to do. First it was my father, next it was Vic, then my constituents, and then you. I tried living my life for others, but now I've got to live it for me! I love you, there's no denying that. But I will not give up the best thing that has happened to me in a long time. If you can't accept that, then we really don't have anything else to say.
EUGENE: (Looking out at the street) Then I guess that's it.
Eugene leaves and Harriet turns back into the comfort of the Sheriff's arms.
GILLESPIE: I wish that you didn't have to give up anything because of us, but I do love you so.
HARRIET: (Smiling up at him and crying) Just don't ever stop.
ACT TWO, SCENE ONE
SETTING: The Asheley mansion. The house looks abandoned as a black limousine pulls up in front of the steps. When the car stops, a man and woman both get out. The man starts to remove luggage from the back.
WOMAN: (Hurrying up the stairs) This place looks dead. I sure hope that she's still all right. (Ringing the doorbell and waits for several minutes until it is answered) Blessed saints! You look awful! (Pushing Jhourdhaun inside) What have these small-town hicks been doing to you?
JHOURDHAUN: (Hugging the woman) Hello, and how are you too, Tully?
TULLY: I'm fine, but it's not me we need to be worrying about! (The man brings in the luggage and Tully calls him over) Garrett, love, look at her. Doesn't she look like they've been raking her over the coals? Didn't we tell her not to come here, didn't we?
GARRETT: (With a very refined and distinguished British accent) Yes, my love, we did indeed. But, you know Mistress Jhourdhaun as well as I do, and you know she doesn't take well to others trying to control her life.
JHOURDHAUN: (Moving to hug him) And you should also recall how much Mistress Jhourdhaun hates being talked about like she wasn't even here. (Smiling at him) How are you, Garrett?
GARRETT: As well as any man who fears he has let his charge down. You don't look well, Miss.
JHOURDHAUN: (Moving away from both of them) Funny, I can't say that I feel all that well, either.
TULLY: Has anything changed since you called us?
JHOURDHAUN: No, at least not on my end. The phone keeps ringing off the hook, and people keep coming by, but I haven't felt like making contact. (Starting to cry) I just don't know what I want to do.
TULLY: (Moving to comfort the girl) I know, I know. You feel like there's too much of a burden on you to make a decision. Here, there probably is. (She looks to her husband and he nods in encouragement) But, if you went somewhere else, just long enough for you to think things through, everything would fall into place.
JHOURDHAUN: But where would I go? (Looking around) I came here to get away from New York and ....... Greg's memory, and I don't want to be alone so the other houses are out. I have to stay here.
GARRETT: Not necessarily, Miss. Tully and I took the liberty of calling your Granmere and asking if you could spend some time with her. She was delighted since she hasn't seen you in a while. As soon as we touched down, I told Nivens to begin preparations for you to travel to Quebec. He promised that you would be in the air before the end of the day. So, you see, you do have somewhere to go.
JHOURDHAUN: So it seems. (She looks around the room and sighs) You know you're right. I do need to get away from here to think. (Brightening a little) Thank you.
TULLY: Forget the thanks. We made a promise to your Mama that we'd watch over you, and that's what we're doing. Now, show me where you're sleeping and I'll pack for you.
Tully and Jhourdhaun head upstairs while Garrett begins to fix up the place.
ACT TWO, SCENE TWO
SETTING: Sparta Airport. Allison and the twins are waiting in a lounge area. Jhourdhaun walks by on her way to another area. Allison sees her and gestures for her to join them.
ALLISON: Hi. How you doing?
JHOURDHAUN: (Warily) Haven't your friends in high places told you?
ALLISON: (Moving to stand next to her) I believe your sarcasm is going to be wasted on me. (Pretending to share a secret) I'm not really the enemy.
JHOURDHAUN: (Moving away) Are you sure? Recently, my enemies have been cloaked as my friends. (She sighs) So, who filled you in on the situation? Don't deny that you know, I can see the pity glistening your eyes.
ALLISON: (Moving to catch Sara) It's not pity, I'm leaving that up to you since you're so good at it. (Pausing) Virgil clued me in. I was just wanting to tell you that I have a sympathetic ear if you need one, ... and if you can wait until I get back from visiting my parents in Miami.
JHOURDHAUN: (Thawing towards her) I'm sorry. I've been so on edge lately, that I've been snapping at everything. I appreciate your offer, and I might just take you up on it .... if and when I get back.
ALLISON: (Grabbing for William while Jhourdhaun holds Sara) Everyone's been wondering if you were going to stay or leave. I guess this answers that question.
JHOURDHAUN: I'm not sure if this is for good. Right now I'm just getting away to think. My adopted grandmother has asked me to join her, so I'm off to Quebec. My pilot informed me that the refueling and ground check were going to take a little more time, so I was heading to the snack bar for something hot and spicy that's not offered on the jet.
ALLISON: The jet, as in your own jet.
JHOURDHAUN: (Smiling) Without trying to sound immodest, yes. Whenever I feel like just getting away, I find it's the only way to travel.
Over the intercom a voice makes an announcement " We're sorry for the inconvenience, but dc to some unavoidable mechanical difficulties, Flight 178 has been delayed until further notice. Accommodations will be made for those passengers that have been thrown off schedule. Please speak with a desk attendant. Again, we apologize for the inconvenience. "
ALLISON: I don't believe this! (Angrily) Do you know that this is the third time they've delayed our flight and this time they don't know for how long. They don't realize how much time and effort it took to get two toddlers ready for a trip like this! (Frustrated) This is the first trip that I've felt comfortable taking Virgil's kids with me and this happens. (Preparing for a fight) Just wait until I talk to them, then they'll understand the meaning of inconvenience! (Turning to Jhourdhaun) Can you watch the twins while I go and try to make some type of arrangements?
JHOURDHAUN: I have a better idea. Why don't you and the twins just ride along with me. It won't be too much of a problem to stop in Miami, it'll be easier on you and I'll enjoy the company.
ALLISON: Are you sure? I mean they can be handful, and they don't give a person any time to quietly think. (Shaking her head) I don't see where Althea had the energy to keep up with them.
JHOURDHAUN: I'm sure. Besides, I'll have plenty of time to think when I get to my grandmother's. Now, go see about cashing in those tickets and getting your luggage transferred while the twins and I inform Nivens of the change in plans.
ALLISON: Thank you.
JHOURDHAUN: Don't mention it. (Smiling) It's just another of the many services provided for a friend.
ACT TWO, SCENE THREE
SETTING: The Asheley mansion. The house no longer seems so abandoned as a 4x4 pulls up. The Sheriff and Harriet get out and head for the front door.
GILLESPIE: I'm not sure this is a good idea. What happens if she refuses to see us?
HARRIET: Then we politely, but forcefully, push our way in. This mess has gone on far too long, and I think we should put an end to it here and now. (Ringing the doorbell) I know that once she sees that you're trying to make an effort, she'll mellow.
TULLY: (Answering the door) May I help you?
GILLESPIE: (Pulling Harriet behind him) Only if you can tell me what you're doing in my daughter's house.
TULLY: (Icing over) I happen to work for Mistress Jhourdhaun which gives me every right to be here. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for you.
HARRIET: (Stepping between the two) You must be Tully. Jhourdhaun spoke of you often and very fondly. I'm so pleased to meet you. (She offers her hand but soon drops it when Tully makes no move to shake) I'm Harriet DeLong and this is William Gill....
TULLY: I know who you are. Jhourdhaun also spoke of you, though not quite as fondly. May I ask what your business is here?
GILLESPIE: We would like to speak with her. If it's not too much trouble, could you please show us in and tell her we're here.
TULLY: No.
HARRIET: I beg your pardon. Don't you think that's your Mistress's decision?
TULLY: Ordinarily, it would be. But since she's not here, I'm calling the shots, and I'm not letting you in.
GILLESPIE: What do you mean she's not here?
TULLY: Well, after what you people put her through, my husband and I made arrangements for her to travel to the first Madame Ajoulais' home in Quebec. We felt that she needed some time to think things through, privately.
HARRIET: Do you have any idea how long she'll be?
TULLY: (Growing impatient) No, I can't say that I do. And, even if I did, I would not tell you. Now if you would excuse me, I must help my husband in making the place a bit more livable for Jhourdhaun's return.
HARRIET: (Becoming quite angry) Now you just wait right there. I don't appreciate this treatment, and I will not tol...
GILLESPIE: (Calming her) It's okay, Harriet. She's only doing her job. (Turning back to Tully) Could you please tell her that we did stop by to talk?
TULLY: If you insist.
GILLESPIE: (As he and Harriet return to the car) And, tell her.... I'm ready and waiting to talk.... just as soon as she is.
TULLY: (Closing the door) I'll do that.
The car quietly moves along the driveway and pulls out on the road heading for downtown Sparta.
HARRIET: Can you believe the nerve of that woman?
GILLESPIE: Now, Harriet, she was just trying to protect someone that she cares a lot about. If we were in her place, we'd have done the same thing.
HARRIET: I know. (Calming down) Why do you think I'm so angry. She shouldn't need to be protected from us; we should be the ones protecting her.
GILLESPIE: Sad thought, isn't it? (Looking around the downtown area) Do you want me to drop you off at your office?
HARRIET: Please. Bobby's bringing my car here so that I can take him to the dentist later on.
GILLESPIE: You really trust him with your car, alone?
HARRIET: You trusted him enough to make him your son. What's some old car to that?
GILLESPIE: I guess not a lot. (He moves to kiss her goodbye) I'm going to stop by the police station for a while. I should be home in enough time to help you with supper.
HARRIET: (Getting out) See that you do. (Watching until he turns the corner) Oh, darn! I forgot to tell him to be careful! (Shrugging) Oh well, he knows he'd better do that too.. (She goes inside)
The Sheriff pulls into a parking space. He gets out and heads for the station door when someone calls him from the side of the building.
GILLESPIE: Is someone back there?
VOICE: Sheriff, I need your help. Could you please come here a sec?
The Sheriff moves into the alley and sounds of a struggle and beating can be heard. Bubba and LuAnn walk outside of the station.
BUBBA: I hate patrols. Policework would be so much better if we didn't have to do them.
LUANN: There wouldn't be much to policework without them, Captain. (She looks around) Say, isn't that the Sheriff's car? I didn't see him around, did you?
BUBBA: No, I can't say that I did. (Listening for a moment and heading for the alley) Shush! I think I hear something! (Moving into the alley) What's going on here? What are you boys doing back there?
When Bubba starts yelling, five boys take off around another building. Bubba tries to chase them until he notices the Sheriff lying on the ground, beaten.
BUBBA: Omigod! LuAnn call an ambulance, quick! Somebody's beat the Sheriff pretty badly. (While he feels for a pulse, LuAnn goes for help) Hold on, Sheriff. Just hold on.
ACT TWO, SCENE FOUR
SETTING: The passenger area of a limousine. Jhourdhaun and Allison watch the twins as they sleep.
JHOURDHAUN: I can't believe they can quiet down like that. I mean, they weren't still any of the flight, and now this.
ALLISON: That's the way with small children. (Shaking her head) I never realized that getting involved with a divorced father would entail my having to invest in track shoes, but I'm willing to do it especially when I know they'll quiet down enough so that he and I can snuggle. (Pausing) I can tell you haven't been around many children; you seem so in awe of everything they do.
JHOURDHAUN: Is it that obvious? With the exception of a few of my employee's kids and some of .... um.... Greg's friends, I really haven't come into much contact with them.
ALLISON: I've noticed you've mentioned his name before. (Curious) Who's Greg, a boyfriend back in New York?
JHOURDHAUN: (Growing quiet) No, .... um .... he is .... I mean.... was .... my ... um ..... fiancé.
ALLISON: Your fiancé? I didn't know you were getting married. (Noticing how quiet Jhourdhaun has become) Oh, I'm sorry. You're always so private that I guess I got carried away with the moment. (Embarrassed) You're not, I mean, you said was. (Shrugging) Would you mind telling me what happened, unless, it's something really painful.
JHOURDHAUN: No, it wasn't anything I can't talk about . He ... um ... just .... died. (Turning away to compose herself) Miami does look pretty at this time of year. How much further until we reach your parents?
ALLISON: (Understanding) Not too much. (Helping her friend) So, other than a jet, a Porsche, and houses here, Sparta, and New York, what else do you own to send my envy meter skyrocketing?
JHOURDHAUN: (Laughing) A few more houses here and there, maybe a few boats, a couple of companies, a smidgen of cars, and I think a theme park. My family had very diverse interests.
ALLISON: Of course. (Noticing that they have stopped) Oh, we're here. We must have been enjoying ourselves too much!
JHOURDHAUN: I'll help you with the twins while Sachs brings in your luggage.
ALLISON: Thanks. I would have thought my parents would have been out here by now. They must have had to run some errands. (Moving to the door) Luckily, I have a key. (Unlocking the door and they walk in) Mom? Dad? (Listening) Yep, they're not here. Could you help me take these guys into our room?
JHOURDHAUN: Sure, no problem. (They take the twins into a side room) Let me guess. Your parents haven't changed your room since you were younger. I mean, with the exception of a few things for the twins, it looks like a typical teenager's dream room.
ALLISON: Can you imagine how Virgil felt when we stayed here. (Chagrined) Needless to say, it did dampen the mood I wanted. That's probably why he didn't come here with us this time. (Pausing) All of this has been an adjustment. Luckily, my parents accept that Virgil is trying to make me as happy as he can, and that the twins are a part of that. (Changing the subject) Would you like some tea? I can't possibly thank you enough for all of your help.
JHOURDHAUN: Like I said, don't mention it, and no, thank you. I really don't drink a lot when I'm traveling.
ALLISON: (Sitting) Are you sure? It wouldn't be any problem. What's this? (Noticing a note on the nearby table) I was right. My parents did have to do a few things. Let's see. Some food's in the fridge; there are clean sheets on the beds; and, a tip for the taxi is on the mantle. Leave it to my dad. Here I am responsible for a whole department at a major publishing firm, two babies and their father and he still doesn't recognize the fact that I can travel responsibly.
JHOURDHAUN: (Picking up a piece of paper that had fallen) You dropped the rest.
ALLISON: (Reading) "Call Virgil, ASAP." I hope nothing's horribly wrong. (To herself) This number is for his cellular line. (Reaching for the phone) I better call. (Dialing the number) It's busy. I wonder what's going on.
JHOURDHAUN: I wouldn't worry. It's probably something simple, like the phone lines were too bogged down and he wanted to make sure that you guys were here okay. He probably heard about the delays and wanted to see about you.
ALLISON: You're probably right. (Thinking) Ever since his breakup with Althea, he's been a bit overprotective without trying to be too confining. I'm almost surprised that he let me bring the twins. He really hasn't let them out of his sight since she gave him custody.(She sighs and stands) So, how about that tea?
JHOURDHAUN: (Also standing) I'm sorry, no. I really need to be getting to the house. I'm sure Sachs is anxious to get home, and Nedra's probably starting to worry. Whenever I take too long, she always calls the car and fusses. Thanks for the company. (Hugging her)
ALLISON: I'm the one who should be thankful. You saved me a lot of time and problems. (Walking her to the door) How long do you think you'll be staying here?
JHOURDHAUN: I guess a couple of days. I told Granmere that I was going to check on some business interests before I made it up there. I'll call you and tell you what's up, okay?
ALLISON: Okay. Take care. (She stands and watches the limo drive out of sight) I wonder if Uncle William knew about her fiancé. Well, if he didn't, this might be something that he can use to bridge the gap. (Looking at her watch) I guess I better start dinner.
ACT TWO, SCENE FIVE
SETTING: Sparta hospital. Harriet, Bubba, Virgil, Hampton and Dee are waiting outside of the emergency room. Lana and Lonnie hurry to them.
LANA: What's going on? Lonnie told me there was some sort of emergency. (Looking around) Where's my father?
HARRIET: (Moving beside her) Lana, someone hurt your daddy pretty bad.
LANA: But he's going to be all right? (Looking for confirmation from someone in the group) Isn't he?
HARRIET: (On the verge of tears) The doctors don't know. The damage was pretty extensive, and, as hard as he denies it, he's not a young man anymore.
LANA: (Upset) But, he's strong. He's stronger than anyone else I know. This isn't anything to him. I know it isn't!
DEE: That's right, honey. The Sheriff's pretty tough, ..... but the doctors feel like he's used a lot of that strength to make it this far. They don't know how much more he can take.
LANA: Can we see him?
HARRIET: Not until they get him moved to ICU.
While the women have been talking, Bubba, Lonnie, Virgil and Hampton have moved away.
HAMPTON: Okay, what happened Bubba?
BUBBA: LuAnn and I were leaving for patrol when I heard what sounded like a fight. When I rounded the corner, I noticed several boys kicking something. I called out to them and they ran. When I proceeded to give chase, I found the Sheriff, unconscious and badly beaten, lying in the space where the boys had left. (Bubba turns away and looks at Harriet comforting Lana) He looked pretty bad when they brought him in here.
VIRGIL: (Noticing Bubba's withdrawal) Is there something else? You almost seem like you don't want to talk about something.
BUBBA: (Uncomfortable) It's just that .... those boys looked pretty familiar.
LONNIE: Familiar like what?
BUBBA: Familiar like I might know a couple of them.
HAMPTON: (His voice rising) Are you telling me that you can identify the boys who beat up the Sheriff?
HARRIET: (Moving to them after hearing Hampton) Is this true, Bubba?
BUBBA: (Very uncomfortable) I said that I might know a couple of them. (He looks apologetically at her) The boys looked like some of the guys on the track team. And, I ... uh ... think one of them might have been ... uh... Eugene.
HARRIET: (Blanching) Oh my God! Are you sure?
BUBBA: Like I said, I can't be absolutely sure. I saw five boys- two Black, two White, and one Asian. One of the guys turned towards me for a split second, and it looked like Gene. That, plus the fact that his old group fits those characteristics lead me to want to question him.
HAMPTON: (Looking at Harriet) I know, but....
HARRIET: (Resolved) No, Hamp. If Bubba feels that Gene was involved then I want you to do what you have to. (Suddenly looking frail) If he was involved, I want him to be brought to justice with the others.
HAMPTON: Okay. Lonnie, you and Bubba go pick up the boy and bring him in for questioning.
As Lonnie and Bubba leave, Hampton helps Harriet back to the others.
DEE: They should be moving the Sheriff to ICU soon. Maybe we should go on up and be waiting for him.
LANA: Yeah, we should. (They start to walk away, but Lana stops) Wait, has anyone called Jhourdhaun? I mean, I know they aren't on the best of terms, but she does have a right to know and be here.
DEE: I'll send someone over to get her.
HARRIET: You can't.
LANA: (Shocked) Harriet! I know things are tense between you, but I think she would want to be here.
HARRIET: That wasn't what I meant. Your father and I went by her place earlier and were told that she had gone out of the country. It would probably be almost impossible to locate her.
HAMPTON: Well, we can try. Dee, could you go and start looking for .... um.... Harriet do you know where she was headed?
HARRIET: Tully said she was going to Quebec to stay with the first Madame Ajoulais.
DEE: Well, that's a start. I'll get on it just as soon as I get to the station. (She turns to leave but turns back) Everything's going to be okay. I know it. (She leaves)
HARRIET: From your mouth to God's ears. (They head to another part of the hospital)
ACT TWO, SCENE SIX
SETTING: A very elegant, but modern, home. Jhourdhaun is being met at the door by a servant.
JHOURDHAUN: Hello, Nedra. Did I receive any calls?
NEDRA: (Taking her coat and a few of the packages from the chauffeur)Yes, Miss. A Miss Campras called twice. She said it was urgent that you get back to her. Her number is on the endtable.
JHOURDHAUN: (Looking worried) Thank you, Nedra. (Nedra leaves) I wonder what's wrong? (She picks up the phone and dials the number on the paper) Hello. Yes, this is Jhourdhaun Ajoulais. Is Allison there? ....She's left. Do you know to where? ...... Back to Sparta! Do you know what was wrong?..... I see, ..... and she didn't say what friend was injured? ..... Well, if she should call you, could you tell her I'm back home. .... Thank you. (Hanging up the phone) I wonder what's going on?
At that time, the doorbell chimes and Jhourdhaun moves to answer it.
JHOURDHAUN: It's okay, Nedra, I'll get it. (Opening the door to find Allison) Hi. I just called your house. What's going on? Your mother said that someone had been injured back in Sparta. It wasn't Virgil, was it?
ALLISON: No, it wasn't. I finally got in touch with Virgil, and he said that Uncle Bill's been hurt pretty bad. I didn't want to worry my parents, so I just said a friend. They aren't sure if he's going to make it, so Virgil thought that I wanted to come home to see him. (Pausing) I was in shock, so I forgot to tell him you were in town, but I'm sure they're looking for you. I thought maybe we could go back together.
JHOURDHAUN: (As Allison has been talking, she has gone steadily pale) When did it happen?
ALLISON: Some time yesterday. (She looks at her watch) Look, I have the twins outside waiting for me in a cab. I can bring them inside while you pack and then we can leave together.
JHOURDHAUN: (Getting herself under control) That won't be necessary.
ALLISON: (Surprised) What?
JHOURDHAUN: I'm not going to Sparta. I know you can't understand, but I left Sparta for some time to think and to get my life together. I certainly haven't had time to do that yet. I can't go back there right now. I mean, I'm sorry about what has happened, and I hope that he will be okay. But, if I go back, I can't guarantee my sanity.
ALLISON: (Icing over) I see. Well, I'd better get back out there. (She turns to leave and stops) Jhourdhaun, tell me something. What's it going to do to your sanity if he dies, and you might have been able to help, or, at the least, have a chance to say goodbye? (Pausing) Think on that, .... my friend.
Allison leaves. Jhourdhaun moves to one of the chairs in the room and curls into a ball.
JHOURDHAUN: (Crying) Oh, God! This can't be happening!