ACT THREE, SCENE ONE

SETTING: The Sparta Police Department. Lonnie, Bubba and Eugene are waiting in the Chief's office. Hampton enters the station and heads straight for his office

HAMPTON: Welcome, Mr. Glendon. I'm glad to see that you were willing to accompany these gentlemen here. Have you apprised our guest of his reason for being here?

BUBBA: No sir, we were waiting for you to do that.

HAMPTON: Well, thank you, gentlemen. Mr. Glendon, do you have any idea what's going on here?

EUGENE: No. I was minding my own business when these officers told me I had to come to the station. I assumed that it was some sort of ploy to get me to talk to Gillespie. (Standing to leave) If he wants to speak to me, tell him not to bother. I don't want to hear anything he has to say!

LONNIE: (Stopping him) Then you haven't heard.

EUGENE: Heard what?

BUBBA: The Sheriff was beaten pretty badly, yesterday. The doctors' aren't sure that he'll make it.

EUGENE: You're kidding? (Cocky) So, he finally stepped on someone's toes who stepped back.

LONNIE: (Moving to grab the boy, but Bubba stopping him) You'd better wat....

HAMPTON: That's enough! (Pointing to Lonnie) Bubba, take him out for some fresh air. (They leave) Now, Mr. Glendon, I'd be very careful of what comments I make. Especially if I had been identified at the scene.

EUGENE: (Shocked) What? What is this? (Getting angry) I don't know what you people are trying to pull, but I'm not going to be framed for it. (Again, he starts to stand) I'm getting out of here just as soon as I can.

HAMPTON: (Pushing him back down) Sit down! You won't be leaving here until I'm ready for you to. (Walking around the office) Let's get one thing straight! There is no frame. A very reliable source has placed you at the scene with a few other boys that have the general characteristics of some of your hanging buddies. (Moving to the area right in front of Eugene) Now, unless you can give me an airtight alibi, I'm inclined to arrest you.

EUGENE: You can't do that.

HAMPTON: Is that what you think? (Sitting at his desk) What were you doing around two- thirty yesterday?

EUGENE: (Getting scared) I was ... uh.... I was at home just relaxin'. A few of my friends left around one-thirty, and I decided to stay around the house. You have to believe me; I had nothing to do with what happened to him.

HAMPTON: (Ignoring him) Can anyone vouch for your being there at that time?

EUGENE: I told you; I was at home, alone.

HAMPTON: Well, now, that doesn't sound too airtight to me. What about you?

ACT THREE, SCENE TWO

SETTING: A sleek and stylish airport. Allison is sitting with the twins and a flight attendant.

ALLISON: I wonder how much longer this is going to take? I don't know how much more time I have left.

JHOURDHAUN: (Moving up behind her) Well, could I interest you in a private flight?

Allison watches as Jhourdhaun moves to take Sara's hand.

ALLISON: (Standing and smiling) I think that would be a Godsend. (Grabbing William's hand) You'll see, it'll all work out.

JHOURDHAUN: (Walking to the private sector) I don't know if I could go back if I didn't believe that.

ACT THREE, SCENE THREE

SETTING: An abandoned garage that has been fixed up with a mish-mash of furniture and posters. Several young men are talking.

DEREK HARRIS: (Laughing) He couldn't have possibly thought of catching up with us. We were just too smooth.

SCOTT LEMUEL: We probably could have beat him with both legs tied behind our backs. (He watches as another of his friends runs in) Say, Fletcher, where's the fire?

POWELL FLETCHER: (Slightly winded) Guess where I've been?

SCOTT: Oh boy! Do we get to play twenty questions?

POWELL: (Taking a seat) No, cause you could never guess. I just left from home.

RODDY HUANG: Now there's a novel idea.

POWELL: Lay off, Huang. (Taking a swig of beer Huang handed him) After our party, I headed home. When I got there, I noticed Mrs. DeLong's car in the driveway. I went through the back and listened to what she and my folks were talking about. (He drinks again) It seems that a group of five guys beat up on old man Gillespie. Beat up on him pretty bad. One of the officers got a decent look at the guys who were there and said they all looked familiar.

SCOTT: (Looking at Derek) So, we were so smooth, huh!

POWELL: Anyway, the cop felt like he could identify one of the guys, and they brought him in. When he couldn't give an alibi, they arrested him.

RODDY: (Smugly) He must not have gotten as good a look as he thought because we're all here.

POWELL: Miss DeLong said that the cop could identify five guys (Looking at each as their characteristics are called) - one Asian, two Whites, and two Blacks.

RODDY: I repeat, we're all here.

POWELL: The cop identified Gene as one of the Blacks.

SCOTT: What? That's crazy! He wasn't anywhere around.

DEREK: We know that, but the cops don't. It's a decent mistake when you consider Seth's Gene's cousin and all. They do look alike.

SCOTT: That's the least of our worries.

POWELL: What are you talking about? Gene's our friend and he's in jail for something he didn't do. I'd say we should be worried.

SCOTT: What I meant was that we should be very worried about Gene's arrest. Outside of us he's the only other person who knows what we were talking about at his house before. Don't you idiots see! He can associate us with the intent. That, plus the act equals a crime. (Irked) Didn't you guys learn anything in Rae's class?

RODDY: Gene won't tell. He's a bud. Besides, he can't stand Gillespie any more than we can.

SCOTT: Yeah, but when it's his neck against ours, who do you think is going to win?

ACT THREE, SCENE FOUR

SETTING: Sparta Airport. Jhourdhaun, Allison and the twins are disembarking. Tully and Garrett are waiting over by the limo. They walk over to meet the group.

TULLY: (Exasperated) What is going on here? You weren't supposed to be back for a while, and then we get a quick call that you're on your way to Sparta! I want you to turn right back around and get on.....

JHOURDHAUN: (At the end of her rope) ENOUGH! (At Tully's surprised look, she turns to Allison) Allison, could you and the twins wait for me at the car? I'll be with you in a minute. (Waiting until they're gone) Now, how dare you pull something like that in front of them. I have never disrespected you in front of others and I certainly don't appreciate you doing it to me. I am back here to try to help someone and I would appreciate if you get off my back until this crisis is over! (She takes a few breaths and calms down) Please, Tully, this is going to be hard enough. (Walking away)

GARRETT: (Moving towards his wife with the luggage) I don't think I have ever seen her like that. (Concerned) Are you all right, my dear?

TULLY: (Helping him) Don't worry about me; I'll be fine. (Looking at Jhourdhaun helping with the twins) Concern yourself with her; she's on the very edge.

ACT THREE, SCENE FOUR

SETTING: Sparta Hospital. Harriet, Virgil, Hampton, and Bubba are waiting outside of an ICU room.

HARRIET: What did he say?

HAMPTON: Not much. He keeps saying that he didn't have anything to do with it. We've asked him if he had any idea who might have done it, but he just closes up.

BUBBA: You know, it's almost like he's keeping quiet to protect someone.

HARRIET: Stupid fool! He's just like his father. He won't tell you anything because of his warped sense of honour. His daddy's got the same thing; that's why he's on death row.

HAMPTON: Well, whatever his reasons, if he doesn't wise up and start pointing fingers at some people, he's going to wind up with a matching chamber.

Lana walks out of the room. She looks very pale and seems to have been crying.

HARRIET: (Wrapping her arms around the girl) How is he, honey?

LANA: Not too good. He looks so frail and they have him hooked up to so many machines. I tried to talk to him, but, I don't think he heard me.

HARRIET: (Comforting her) It's okay. He'll make it, if only because I look horrible in black.

LANA: (Smiling a little) I guess. (Looking around) Has anyone been able to find Jhourdhaun?

VIRGIL: As a matter of fact, she took a detour to help Allison get to her parents. Last I heard, she was staying on in Miami for a while.

ALLISON: (Walking up with Jhourdhaun not far behind) Well, I guess you haven't heard the latest. (Walking to Virgil) How is he?

VIRGIL: Bill seems to be holding his own. The Doctors are doing as much as they can for him. (Looking around her) Hello, Jhourdhaun. Nice to see you again.

JHOURDHAUN: Hello. (Her voice shaking) Has anyone been in to see him?

LANA: Harriet and I have. (Moving to her sister's side) He hasn't responded to us, but maybe he'll hear you.

JHOURDHAUN: (Nervously) Oh, I don't know. I doubt if I would have any effect on him. I'm probably the last person he'd want to hear from.

HARRIET: That's not true. One of the last things he did before he was .... hurt was to try and speak with you. Ask Tully. She was there.

LANA: Come on, Jhourdhaun. You certainly can't hurt him any worse, and this might just help him. (Pleading) Please, Jhourdhaun.

JHOURDHAUN: All right, I'll go. (She slowly turns and heads into the room. Once inside, she slowly walks to the bed) Oh God, what do they have you hooked up to? (Moving closer) Hello. Can you hear me? (Smoothing his hair) Do you know who this is? Bet you didn't think you'd be hearing my voice. I really didn't think I'd be talking to you, at least not this soon. Everybody's worried about you. Most of them are gathered outside of the door waiting on word of how you are. I wish you could get up and tell them you were going to be fine. (Pausing) I wish you could get up and tell me everything was going to be okay. (Getting frustrated) Who am I trying to kid? You can't hear me! (She leaves)

HARRIET: Well, did he respond?

JHOURDHAUN: He didn't even bat an eyelash. It was probably a waste of time.

LANA: I doubt that. At least he knows that you care enough to be here. That means a lot.

VIRGIL: (Moving towards them with Allison) Ladies, we hate to leave, but we want to tuck the twins in. Harriet, I'll stop by the station tomorrow and offer my services to Gene as his counselor-of-record. I'll do my best to get him to consider all of his options.

HARRIET: (Moving to kiss him and Allison) Thank you, both of you. Kiss the twins for me.

ALLISON: We will. If there is anything you need, don't hesitate to call. Take care. (Pausing) Jhourdhaun, are you going to need a lift?

JHOURDHAUN: No, you go on. I think I'll stay.

HAMPTON: I think we'd better be leaving as well. I'll contact you if there are any changes or new developments, Harriet. See you later.

Everyone leaves except for Harriet, Jhourdhaun and Lana.

LANA: I guess we might as well get comfortable. I have a feeling we're going to be here for a while.

ACT THREE, SCENE FIVE

SETTING: The police station. Scott and Powell are waiting in the visitation area. An officer escorts Gene into the room and waits outside the door.

SCOTT: Hiya, Bud. How're they treating you?

EUGENE: (Warily) I guess okay considering.

POWELL: Considering what?

EUGENE: Considering they believe that I had something to do with the Sheriff getting beat up. He's looked at as some sort of god around here. A few of the guys have mentioned it might go easier on me if I let them in on what happened. I keep telling them that I had nothing to do with it, but they won't listen. They even have my Mom convinced; she came by and told me she was hiring Tibbs to advise and, if needed, to represent me.

SCOTT: (Sitting forward) And what did you say to that?

EUGENE: What do you mean, what did I say? I told her the same thing I told everyone else; I don't know anything! (He sighs and shifts in his seat) I admit I hate him for coming between my Mom and me, but I wouldn't beat up on him. That's not my style. You guys know that.

POWELL: Yeah, you did mention how you'd like to show your mom the real Gillespie, but you never mentioned anything about hurting him. I don't know where the cops are coming from.

EUGENE: Neither do I. (Thinking) They keep saying that the descriptions of the other guys match a few of my friends that I used to hang out with before I went off to school, but you guys are the only ones I was around that much. Have the cops tried to hassle any of you?

SCOTT: No way, man. They haven't said anything to us. (Sneakily) Have you told them anything about us?

EUGENE: Like what?

POWELL: (Nervously) Like maybe some of the things we talked about?

EUGENE: Yeah, Fletcher, like the cops would really be interested in our comparisons of the senior girls breast sizes. (Shrugging) The only discussion they might want to hear about is that day we were spouting off about getting back at some of the people around here. (Laughing) Man, we must have targeted everyone in town, especially Gillespie. I remember when he busted several of you for drunk swinging and turned you over to your folks instead of the judge. You guys hat.... (He stops and looks at his friends)

SCOTT: (Smiling menacingly) We what?

EUGENE: (Controlling what he says) Uh, nothing. I was just running off at the mouth. You know how my mouth always gets ahead of my brain and gets me in trouble.

SCOTT: (Rising) Yeah, I know. You should really be careful about that. You never know when you might say something that might be dangerous to you or someone you care about. (He looks pointedly at Eugene) Get my meaning?

EUGENE: (Also rising) Loud and clear.

SCOTT: I knew you would. Well, old buddy, looks like Fletcher and I need to be going. Take care, Gene. Call if you need anything.

EUGENE: (Watching as they leave) It's just great having friends like you guys.

ACT THREE, SCENE SIX

SETTING: Outside of Gillespie's hospital room. Tully and Jhourdhaun are standing off to one side while Lonnie converses with Lana and Harriet.

HARRIET: So you're saying Powell Fletcher and Scott Lemuel visited Gene earlier. Do you know why?

LONNIE: He still won't say anything. Bubba's really been trying to remember those other guys. He's even been trying to figure out if maybe he was mistaken about Eugene.

LANA: Does he really think that might be an option?

LONNIE: Chief Forbes wants us to consider everything. (Looking over at the others) How are things going here?

HARRIET: We all seem to be holding up fairly well. Jhourdhaun was pretty quiet until Tully showed up. I think Tully's trying to get her boss to go home and rest. (Nodding at them) As you can see, she isn't gone.

LANA: Yeah, but she does look like one more straw and she's down for the count.

LONNIE: I hate to tell you this, but none of you look like you could win any pageants.

HARRIET: (Smiling) Well thank you, Mr. Tactful. (Gesturing for the others to join them) Why don't ya'll come on over here. Lt. Jamison might as well insult all of us together.

JHOURDHAUN: Did we miss something?

LANA: Just our beauty being questioned. (Looking at the woman beside her sister) I don't think we've been introduced. I'm Lana Gillespie, the Sheriff's youngest daughter.

JHOURDHAUN: I'm sorry. I don't know where my manners are. Lana, this is Tully, my right hand. Tully, this is Lana, my..... my .....

TULLY: (Saving her) I'm pleased to meet you. (Looking at her closely) How long have you been here?

LANA: (At a loss for words) What?

JHOURDHAUN: (Laughing) You have to excuse Tully; she doesn't often bother with the conventions of politeness when she wants to get to an answer.

TULLY: I was simply trying to find out how long you had been at this hospital?

LANA: I guess pretty much since they brought him in. Why?

TULLY: I was trying to determine if it was stubbornness or stupidity that ran in your family. (At the gasps of surprise, Tully continues) Here you both are looking like a strong wind might blow you over, and yet, you both insist on staying. I figured it had to be something that ran in the family.

HARRIET: (Laughing) I guess that's one way of looking at it.

TULLY: Have you even eaten?

JHOURDHAUN: (Looking at Lana for help) Sure. I think we had something earlier, right Lana?

LANA: (Agreeing) Something.

TULLY: That's what I thought. (Taking control) Now, Lieutenant isn't it?

LONNIE: Yes, ma'am.

TULLY: I want you to take the girls down to the cafeteria and watch as they select something nutritious and strengthening. You can either allow them to eat it down there or bring it back here. (Watching as he doesn't move) Is there a problem?

LONNIE: I can't do that, ma'am. I'm supposed to stand watch over the Sheriff. I can't leave.

HARRIET: (Stepping in before an explosion can occur) I really don't think you have anything to worry about, Lonnie. Tully and I will be here, and I personally don't think anyone would be willing to take her on. (Chuckling) Do you?

LONNIE: Now that you mention it, the food down there was smelling pretty good. I think I will escort the ladies there.

TULLY: I thought you would. (She watches as they head off) Bring something up for Mrs. DeLong, also.

HARRIET: That was very thoughtful of you. Thank you.

TULLY: It was the least I could do after the other day. (Sitting) I really want to apologize for my behavior. My husband informed me that I was much more abrasive than I intended to be.

HARRIET: (Sitting beside her) Apology accepted. In fact, I forgave you shortly after we left. Bill pointed out that you were just protecting Jhourdhaun. Once I looked at it that way, I had to admit I would have done the same thing.

TULLY: Thank you. (Looking off) I was very close to Ashelei when she moved to New York. She took me in when I had no one. I guess I took her and the little one on as my lifelong duty. (Smiling) She encouraged me to go after Garrett and marry him. (Proudly) I practically helped her raise Jhourdhaun. (Sadly) I was there to pick up the pieces when she came home from Sparta that last time. I gave her support during ever one of Jhourdhaun's low times. (Almost whispering) I was there at her deathbed when she made me promise to take care of her baby. (Voice shaking with unshed tears) I held Jhourdhaun up at her funeral. (Pausing) I guess it just came natural to try to shield Jhourdhaun from the pain.

HARRIET: (Comforting her) I wish I had been there to help, but she never contacted me.

TULLY: She was like that. Very private in everything she did. I guess her upbringing and her life here made her like that. (Remembering) The first few times Jhourdhaun was ill, she tried to shut me out and take all the burden herself. I, of course, set her straight.

HARRIET: You said Jhourdhaun was ill?

TULLY: Most of her life, she's been battling something or other. She's a lot like her mother: strong willed but a weakness in her body. The doctors have a fancy name for it, but I never bother with it. I just try to take care of her as best I can.

HARRIET: No wonder you wanted her to get away from here. This can't be doing her much good. Maybe you and I can convince her to go ahead and leave. (Thinking) Bill would never forgive himself if she made herself sick over this.

TULLY: That's an idea, but like I said, she's strong willed. When she wants to do something, she's going to do it - unfortunately, no matter what the cost to herself.

HARRIET: Do we need to warn the doctors here? If something should happen, I'd want them to be prepared.

TULLY: She'd be very angry if you did. That privacy thing was passed down. If you made a move like that, she'd erect some pretty impenetrable walls, and you'd never get close to her. (Patting her hand) Go slow and let her tell you what she needs from you.

HARRIET: (Surprised) I never thought you would be helping me out where Jhourdhaun was concerned.

TULLY: You love her too, so I don't see why not. (Looking toward Gillespie's room) If he cares for her half as much as you do, Jhourdhaun won't have any reason to run from here.

ACT THREE, SCENE SEVEN

SETTING: The warehouse. Scott, Derek, Roddy, Powell and Seth are standing around talking.

POWELL: So, what do you think we should do?

SCOTT: I think Gene got our message. He won't be talking about us.

RODDY: What did you say to him?

SCOTT: (Smugly) I just let him know that we wouldn't appreciate his bringing us in on this unfortunate incident. He assumed that I was reminding him about his family and what could happen to them.

RODDY: He assumed or did you help him in his assumption?

SCOTT: (Pretending shock) Now would I do something like that?

DEREK: Good work, but he's not our only problem. Have you forgotten Gillespie can identify us?

POWELL: But he's still unconscious.

DEREK: Yeah, but with each day he survives, there's a big chance he'll wake up and finger us.

SCOTT: What are you suggesting?

DEREK: Maybe we should finish what we started.

RODDY: That's impossible. He's being guarded 24/7. We couldn't get close to him if we tried.

SCOTT: Now come on, guys. Are we not the creme of Sparta High? With a little thought, we can remove Gillespie with no problem.

ACT THREE, SCENE EIGHT

SETTING: Gillespie's hospital room. Jhourdhaun is talking to her father.

JHOURDHAUN: I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw them talking civil to each other. I knew that Tully wanted to speak with Harriet, so I wasn't expecting them to come out of it without bruises. (Pausing) Can you really hear me? The doctors and nurses seem to think you can.(Another pause) Well, if you can hear me, I want to tell you how I feel, without having to be interrupted. (Pause) When you first started helping me with my problem, I thought about how I wished my father was like you. I envied Lana the closeness and dedication to each other that you had. My mother had raised me to believe that my father was a great man with a great heart, and that horrible circumstances had prevented them from being together. I believed her and set him up to be this fair, down-to-earth, honest knight, everything I considered you to be. (Starting to cry) When I read her diary and found out who you were and the circumstances behind my existence, I thought my whole world was caving in on me. The knight was human and flawed. It kept running over in my mind that you had to know who and what I was, but you weren't going to tell me. (Sighing) I remembered how you looked at Lana with so much pride and love and wondered why you didn't want to share that with me. I felt that maybe you didn't feel like I was worthy of your love, and the only reason I could come up with for that was I was different. (Looking away) That day at the station, I wanted to lash out at you for denying me the chance to be every much your daughter as Lana. Part of me still hoped that as soon as you saw me, you would drop everything and tell me you were my father. (Hurt) When you just sat there, something died inside of me and I just wanted to get as far away from you as I could. (Pausing) Once this happened, I felt like I had to be here. (Shaking her head) No, I wanted to be here. I couldn't let you go without you knowing how much I want to get to know you and.... (Almost in a whisper) how much I want to love you, no matter what. (Wiping the tears away) So, if you want to get to know me, the ball's in your court. (Hearing a noise behind her and turning) We're okay, J.D., I'll let you.... Excuse me, I think you have the wrong room.

SCOTT: (Walking inside with Powell behind him) No, I believe this is the right place. This is a very touching scene, but I must break it up. You see, we have business with old man Gillespie. Unfortunately, you just had to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

JHOURDHAUN: (Realizing what's going on) Not necessarily. This could all be some sort of mist....

Jhourdhaun tries to run out, but Scott slams her into the wall. When she doesn't get up, he picks up one of the extra pillows and moves to place it on the Sheriff's face.

POWELL: (Looking out the door) Hurry up, Scott. That fire won't hold that cop for long! How much longer do you think it's going to ... (CLANG!) uh.....

Scott looks up and sees Jhourdhaun standing over an unconscious Powell with a bedpan in her hand. He firmly presses the pillow over Gillespie's face.

JHOURDHAUN: (Moving towards him) Get that pillow off of him now!

SCOTT: (Taking some of the pressure off) Or what? You'll club me with your bedpan. (Laughing) I'm not afraid.

JHOURDHAUN: (Pulling a knife out of her purse) Get it off of him or I will separate your head from your body!

Scott realizes what Jhourdhaun has and promptly removes the pillow. Jhourdhaun moves behind him and puts the knife to his throat just as J.D. and Everett rush in. Everett carefully takes the knife from the woman.

EVERETT: (Moving to take Scott) Are you and the Sheriff okay?

JHOURDHAUN: I'm fine. (She moves to her father's side and checks to see if he's breathing) He seems to be okay.

J.D.:(Coming back after removing Powell) The doctor will be here shortly.

EVERETT: I'm going to take this guy outside to wait for backup. J.D., you go and call the Chief.

They leave. Jhourdhaun grabs her father's hand and begins to cry.

JHOURDHAUN: Please be all right. I can't lose you, Daddy, not yet.

She lays her head on his chest. For a moment nothing happens, then slowly Gillespie moves his hand and places it on her head.

GILLESPIE: (With slurred speech) I'm not .... going.... any....where.

JHOURDHAUN: (Raising her head) You're awake. Are you okay? Did he hurt you again?

GILLESPIE: I'm fine. Wh.... What ..... happened to your..... head.

JHOURDHAUN: (Touching her temple and finding blood) I guess I must have hit it on something when I hit the wall. But, it's nothing compared to thinking I lost you!

GILLESPIE: Same here.

ACT FOUR, SCENE ONE

SETTING: A different hospital room without all of the hardware. Gillespie is sitting up talking to Jhourdhaun.

GILLESPIE: Now, what did the doctor say?

JHOURDHAUN: Apart from almost total exhaustion, which I might add Harriet and Lana also have, I acquired a mild concussion and a few bruised ribs. Funny thing is, I didn't feel any of this until the next day. Tully seems to think my heroics were pure adrenaline.

GILLESPIE: Well, whatever it was, it certainly saved the day. (He really looks at his daughter)I want to talk to you about your speech to me.

JHOURDHAUN: (Surprised) You really heard that?

GILLESPIE: Every word. I wanted to tell you the real reason I didn't say anything.

JHOURDHAUN: (Avoiding the issue) Look, you don't have to. As far as I'm concerned, our relationship started that day at the hospital. Nothing else really matters.

GILLESPIE: I appreciate that, but I want to tell you what was behind my decision to keep quiet. (Pausing) I was scared, pure and simple. I was too much of a coward to face up to my feelings for your mother all those years ago. I knew that I couldn't reach my goals if I stayed with Ashelei, so I let her go - not even considering the fact that she could have been taking our child with her. (Sighing) Not that I'm saying things would have been different, but who knows. (Looking at her) When you showed up, I was terrified that you would hate me for not being what Ashelei had told you and scared of losing both you and Lana. (Taking her hand) But, I realize now how close I came to losing someone that in a short amount of time had come to mean so much to me.

JHOURDHAUN: (Smiling) Well, I'm still here.

TULLY: (Walking in) At least until Nivens can get the plane ready.

JHOURDHAUN: I really don't need to go. I'll be fine right here.

TULLY: You need a rest. (Looking at her intensely) You asked me to allow you to help someone you cared about and I did. But, now I'm putting my foot down. You are going to Quebec, and you are going to enjoy the comforts of your Granmere's loving care.

GILLESPIE: Tully's right. Once you're stronger, we'll have all the time in the world.

JHOURDHAUN: All right, I'll go, but I'm giving you fair warning. As soon as I get back, we're going to really get to know one another.

GILLESPIE: (Smiling) I would expect nothing less.

TULLY: Well, we'd better be leaving. (She looks at the two) I'll wait for you outside, Jhourdhaun.

GILLESPIE: Don't take too long up there. We have an awful lot of celebrating to make up.

JHOURDHAUN: (Hugging him) Yessir! (She heads for the door) Take care and ... I love you.

GILLESPIE: (Smiling wider) Those have got to be the best words to hear. Almost as good as I love you, too. (He watches her leave)

ACT FOUR, SCENE TWO

SETTING: The backyard at the Gillespie house. The Sheriff is sitting in a lounger surrounded by Harriet, Lana, Lonnie, Virgil and Allison.

GILLESPIE: It seems like forever since I was here last.

HARRIET: At your age, it should.

GILLESPIE: What is this thing you now have about my age? It never bothered you before.

HARRIET: That was before you tried to take on five teenage boys all by yourself.

LANA: Speaking of those boys, what's going on with their case?

LONNIE: Powell Fletcher decided to talk, so it seems that three of them will be spending time in the State penitentiary. The others are getting probation and few months in Juvy.

ALLISON: It still blows my mind about it being Gene's cousin that Bubba saw.

HARRIET: I guess I should have known that Gene wasn't involved, but I let how he felt about Bill cloud my belief in my son. (Sighing) He accepted my apology, but I have a feeling that we're never going to get past it.

VIRGIL: Do you think he knew what was going to happen?

HARRIET: Honestly, yes I do. But we won't ever know for sure because none of them are ever going to tell.

GILLESPIE: Enough with the gloom and doom! We're supposed to be celebrating.

LANA: I wish that Jhourdhaun was here, then this would be a real party.

ALLISON: When is she supposed to be back?

HARRIET: She said in about a week. I suggested that we should postpone this little fiesta for then, but someone here wouldn't listen.

GILLESPIE: That's because when she does get back, we're going to be concentrating on getting to know each other better. Once we've taken care of that, then we can celebrate the best thing of all - our family.

While everyone toasts, Eugene pulls up in front of the house. He starts to get out, but hesitates. When he sees another car coming down the road, he quietly restarts his car and drives away.

THE END