THE ANSWER

CAST:

Sheriff Bill Gillespie

Councilwoman Harriet DeLong-Gillespie

Chief Hampton Forbes

Sharla Banham

Hayley Banham

Reese Banham-Scott

Angela Banham

Captain Bubba Skinner

Lt. Lonnie Jamison

Lana Gillespie

Jhourdhaun Ajoulais

Simon Harris

SECONDARY CAST:

Terrell Banks

Parker

LuAnn

Dee

Bobby Johnson

Eric DeLong

Manda Chase

Airline Attendant

ACT ONE, SCENE ONE

SETTING: An elegant office with oak accents. A distinguished man sits behind a large desk and reads a document to the assembled group in the room.

TERRELL BANKS: ... To my son, Hayley, I leave my extensive art collection for his enjoyment. I know that he will truly look at this as a rare and wonderful gift. To ensure that he and the collection are well taken care of, I also leave him his trust and all of the profits from the textile mills. To my daughter, Angela, I leave the London and Paris houses, the pharmaceutical companies and all of their profits, and the sum of two million dollars to be distributed by her to all of the children's charities she holds dear. (At this two of the women start murmuring and shaking their heads. The distinguished man eyes them and clears his throat.) As I was saying, "To my daughters, Sharla and Reese, I leave the mining interests, seats on our financial boards, various properties around the world, and part shares in Banham International."

REESE: What? What do you mean part shares of Banham International?

SHARLA: Yes, I'm a little confused about that as well. Since we are our father's remaining heirs, we should receive the rest of the estate.

HAYLEY: Instead of jumping on the man before he's finished, why don't you sit back and listen to what he has to say. I, for one, am finding this very interesting.

ANGELA: I agree with Hayley. (She looks around at the other occupant in the room) Besides, we are not behaving at all like a proper family in front of our guest.

REESE: And, that's something else. Since when has a non-family member been invited to a family only will reading?

TERRELL: If you would allow me to finish, I was just coming to that. (Obviously uncomfortable, he continues) Finally, I come to my last bequeath. To Ms. Harriet DeLong, I leave the remainder of my estate in its entirety, including the main house, under the stipulation that if any of the children would care to stay there, they could.

At this statement, outraged exclamations can be heard from the older siblings, while the younger ones stare at Harriet.

SHARLA: (Angrily) There has to be some type of mistake. My father could not have possibly left all of that to ... her! She is not even a member of the family!

TERRELL : I can assure you that there is no mistake. Your father was very clear- headed and of sound mind when he dictated the new will a few weeks ago. He stated his request without even pausing.

HARRIET: (Confused) But I don't understand. I barely knew the man. Why on earth would he leave me the bulk of his estate?

TERRELL: I'm afraid Mr. Banham did not give an explanation for his actions. He never did. All I can say is that he did say that all of everyone's questions would be answered a few weeks after his death. (Shuffling some papers) I realize that all of this is going to take some time to digest, but I do have other clients to see before this afternoon is over. (Looking at each one) I will be contacting all of you so that you can sign the necessary papers to claim your inheritances. Thank you and good day. (He leaves)

SHARLA: (Turning to Harriet) I wouldn't be preparing for the return trip, if I were you. There is no way you're going to get your hands on our birthright. (She leaves)

REESE: I don't know what kind of witchery you used on our father to get him to change his will this way, but I can assure you that no court in Mississippi will uphold it. (She turns to leave) Come along Hayley, Angela. Let's leave Ms. DeLong to her ... thinking.

The others follow her out of the room and leave Harriet staring at the wall. Gillespie sticks his head into the office.

GILLESPIE: Is everything all right?

HARRIET: It is if you call the world turning upside down all right.

GILLESPIE: (Coming all of the way into the room) What happened to the Banhams? They left out of here like the Devil himself was after them.

HARRIET: (Smiling and walking into his arms) I don't really consider myself the devil, but I will say that my part in all of this is going to bring about some revelations. (Arm in arm, they leave the office)

ACT ONE, SCENE TWO

SETTING: The Gillespie home. The Sheriff, Harriet, Jhourdhaun, Lana, Bobby, and Eric are sitting around a table.

LANA: You mean he left you over half of what he had?

HARRIET: That's what Terrell read from the will. At first I thought that I was hearing things, but when Reese and Sharla started spitting fire, I knew I had heard correctly.

ERIC: Does this mean we're rich, Aunt Harriet?

BOBBY: (Punching the younger boy in the arm) Not hardly. This is Mississippi, and no rich white folks are going to let one of us get a hold of their money.

HARRIET: Bobby, I won't have you talking like that in this house. No matter what goes on out there, in here things are different. (Looking at the Sheriff) You've been pretty quiet tonight, Bill. Don't you have anything to say about my interesting new status?

GILLESPIE: What would you like to hear? (Pausing) Yes, I am very surprised that Zacchariah Banham deemed to make you an heiress. No, I can't guess why he would do such a thing. Yes, I do believe that Reese and Sharla Banham are going to put up a fight. And, no, I don't think the will can be legally contested. (Looking directly at Harriet) Did I cover everything?

HARRIET: (Laughing and kissing him on the head) Yes, you did. (Turning to Jhourdhaun) Well, Madame Lawyer, what do you think?

JHOURDHAUN: I have to agree with Dad. (Pausing) Mr. Banks did stress that Mr. Banham was competent at the time the new will was written. The older daughters really don't have a leg to stand on if they try to contest it. (Shrugging) Of course, as Bobby pointed out, this is Mississippi and Sparta to boot, so anything could happen.

HARRIET: (Glaring at her) Jhourdhaun! Did you not just hear me correcting Bobby about the things he said? I'd appreciate if you wouldn't encourage that type of talk.

JHOURDHAUN: Yes, ma'am! (Looking at her watch and standing) I hate to leave just when this conversation is getting so interesting, but I have plans for the rest of the night.

GILLESPIE: May we inquire as to what type of plans and with whom?

JHOURDHAUN: (Moving to him and kissing his cheek) You may inquire, but I don't have to answer.

HARRIET: I've noticed you've been going out a lot lately. Is it safe to assume that romance may be in the air?

JHOURDHAUN: (Withdrawing) It may be in the air, but I'm not inhaling. I'm not ready for that yet. I'm just going out with a friend - nothing more, nothing less. (Leaving) See ya!

HARRIET: (Worriedly) Did you see how she withdrew? I hit that sore spot and it was like a turtle hiding in its shell. We really do need to know why she does that. (Looking at Lana) Has she said anything to you?

LANA: Are you kidding? I may be staying with her, but she hasn't really let me completely into her trust. All I know is what I picked up from Allison. I figure Jhourdhaun's still mourning her dead fiancé.

HARRIET: Well, I wish she'd let us help her.

GILLESPIE: She will in her own time, if we give her enough space. In the meantime, we need to concern ourselves with getting a couple of hooligans in bed. (Bobby groans) How about a little less groaning and a little more moving, young man.

ERIC: (Walking to his Aunt's side) Aunt Harriet, what's a hooligan?

HARRIET: Why don't you go ask Mr. Webster. I'm sure his book will tell you all about it. (Eric leaves the room)

BOBBY: I still can't see why you don't just tell him what the word means instead of all of that other stuff.

HARRIET: I like to cater to his imagination. It adds a sense of adventure to his search for answers. Wait until you grow up, then you'll find out that the best answers are those you have to work to find.

ACT ONE, SCENE THREE

SETTING: Harriet's office. Harriet is sitting behind her desk when the buzzer on her phone sounds.

HARRIET: (Picking up the receiver) Yes, Penny .... Sure, send her on in. (Standing as Angela Banham enters) Hello, Miss Banham, nice to see you again.

ANGELA: Same to you, and please call me Angela.

HARRIET: All right, Angela. (Sitting behind her desk) What brings you here?

ANGELA: Several things, actually. First, I would really like to offer my sincerest apologies for my sisters' behavior. My brother, Hayley, and I would like you to know that not all of the Banhams are like that.

HARRIET: You don't have to apologize. It was an incredible shock, and, if the situation were reversed, I would probably react in much the same way.

ANGELA: Yes, well, Hayley and I didn't have a reaction if you recall.

HARRIET: (Thinking back) That's true, you didn't. It's almost like you were expecting the announcement.

ANGELA: We were. (Noticing Harriet's look of surprise) You have to understand Hayley's and my relationship with our father. We were the youngest and with my mother's death at our births, our father adored us. He told us everything that was going on, including your being the main recipient in his will.

HARRIET: I see. So, does that mean he told you why he made me his main beneficiary?

ANGELA: My father was a very private man on some things. (Pausing) As you know, he was also a very wealthy man as well. This meant that when he was ready for something to be revealed, he would pick the time and place. I'm sure that this is the same situation. As Mr. Banks said, all would be revealed later.

HARRIET: So, in other words, I'll just have to wait and see.

ANGELA: Don't you just love surprises?

ACT ONE, SCENE FOUR

SETTING: A restaurant filled with people. Lana, Harriet, and Jhourdhaun are discussing things at a middle table.

JHOURDHAUN: Why did I volunteer to co-host this ball tomorrow night? Was I crazy?

HARRIET: No, you just accepted the role of landed gentry more readily than others.

LANA: (Munching on a breadstick) What did you say?

JHOURDHAUN: Basically, she implied that my wealth made me feel a certain obligation to co- sponsor this ball to help those less fortunate.

LANA: You picked up all of that just from her little sentence.

JHOURDHAUN: (Laughing) That and the fact that she and I had already discussed this before you arrived.

LANA: I heard that you're working with Angela Banham on this project. She's been saying that you both planned this to be a night to remember.

JHOURDHAUN: I'm not going to say that, but I will say that people will be getting their money's worth in entertainment and interesting things to see. Too bad you can't be there.

LANA: I know. (Morosely) Unfortunately, in order for me to get the lab hours for this class, I have to work with my group so many hours a week.

HARRIET: Your hard work will pay off in the long run, just wait and see.

LANA: Yeah right! I was kind of hoping to use this ball as a chance to straighten out my relationship with Lonnie.

JHOURDHAUN: What relationship with Lonnie?

LANA: (Smiling) The one I was hoping to straighten out at the ball.

HARRIET: (Chuckling) Ok, you two, let's cut the mind games and order. I'm starved.

ACT ONE, SCENE FIVE

SETTING: An elegantly decorated ballroom. Several couples are dancing in all of their finery. Jhourdhaun, Bubba, Angela and Hayley are standing around talking.

ANGELA: It seems we already have a pretty good turnout. Sunshine's Garden will be getting a lot of support tonight.

JHOURDHAUN: It does seem that Sparta has put on its finest to help.

HAYLEY: (Admiring her) But, I'd have to say that you are looking the finest of them all, Miss Jhourdhaun. Could I interest you in a dance a little later on?

BUBBA: (Putting his arm around Jhourdhaun) I believe her dance card is pretty well filled up already. Excuse us. (Gently maneuvering her to a quiet spot) I can't believe that speckled peacock just tried to make a move on you.

JHOURDHAUN: (Angry) I can't believe you took it upon yourself to answer for me.

BUBBA: Did you not invite me here to be your escort?

JHOURDHAUN: Yes, but that doesn't mean I'm saying you have exclusive rights. It just means that I enjoy your company enough to be with you. (Seeing her family enter) There's Harriet and my Dad. I better go over and greet them.

BUBBA: (Sarcastically) Do you want me to stand over here and wait for your return?

JHOURDHAUN: (Brushing the statement off) Of course not, I do need you with me. (She turns and heads toward the others)

BUBBA: (Smiling) I wonder if you realized you just said you needed me? (Happily) Doesn't matter if you don't. Before long, you'll know exactly how much you really need me. (He joins the others)

ANGELA: Well, Harriet, what do you think?

HARRIET: I think it's quite nice. (Including Jhourdhaun as she walks up) I'd say you both make an excellent team. (Several others join them) Here you are. We thought you might have gotten lost.

HAMPTON: Yeah, in Sparta.

HARRIET: Angela, I'd like to introduce you to Chief Hampton Forbes, Sgt. LuAnn Corbin, and Lt. Lonnie Jamison. Everyone, this is Angela and Hayley Banham.

HAMPTON: I'm very pleased to meet you. (Speaking to Angela) I've been hearing a lot about your charity work.

ANGELA: I don't look at it as charity work. I look at it as more of a way I can benefit people. That way I can take as much enjoyment out of doing these things as the people who I do them for.

HAYLEY: You'd better watch out. My sister is the type to have you reciting her credo and volunteering on projects before you know it. Isn't that right, Miss Jhourdhaun?

JHOURDHAUN: (Embarrassed) If you say so, Hayley. (Turning to Lonnie and Hampton) Are you entering the Bachelor Bid? I've already convinced Bubba and Hayley and several of the others. I'm sure we'd get some pretty high bids for you.

LONNIE: (Talking to Bubba) You agreed to this?

BUBBA: (Turning red) I thought it might be fun.

GILLESPIE: (Smiling) Besides, it's all for a good cause.

HARRIET: I hope that doesn't mean you plan on offering yourself.

GILLESPIE: Now why would I do something like that? This is for ladies to bid on available men. I am happily unavailable.

LUANN: If you two are worried about someone not bidding on you, I'll sacrifice my pin money so you won't die of shame.

HAMPTON: (Affronted) That thought never crossed my mind. I just felt that it might be a little intimidating for someone to offer money for the police chief.

LONNIE: (Shaking his head) You'd better just agree before you back yourself into more of a corner, Hamp. (Turning to Angela) What do I need to do?

ANGELA: (Linking arms with both men) I'll take you to the emcee and show you everything. (They leave)

HAYLEY: (Looking around) Uh-oh, here comes the derisive duo.

Everyone turns as Sharla and Reese make their way to the group.

SHARLA: Hello everyone. I'm so glad to see you all turned out for the big event. It certainly looks like its going well.

REESE: (Drunkenly) Doesn't this make a pretty picture? Everyone looks like you don't have a care in the world, but we all know that's not the case.

HAYLEY: Be quiet, Reese. You're letting the alcohol talk for you again.

REESE: You really think so? I don't. (Getting louder) I just think that I have the ability to say what everyone is thinking. Isn't that right, Sharla dear?

SHARLA: Get control of yourself. (Looking around) You're making a scene!

REESE: Oh please, everyone here knows what happened the other day. They know that she made us look like fools. They are probably wondering what she had to do to get Father to leave her almost everything.

GILLESPIE: Now see here ...

REESE: Funny you should say something. Why don't you tell us if she used that Old Black Magic to get you into her trap?

SHARLA: (Enraged) Enough! Do you see what you're doing? You're making a fool of yourself and embarrassing the rest of us. These discussions are best left to private quarters. (Pausing) Now, I don't want to see you for the rest of the night. Do I make myself clear?

REESE: (Sobering) But, Sharla ....

SHARLA: Do I make myself clear? (When no answer comes she prepares to leave) Good. Excuse me, everyone. I must be leaving.

REESE: (Embarrassed and looking at the others) I'm really so .... (Shakily) I don't know what came over me. Excuse me.

Reese runs from the room. Hampton, Lonnie and Angela walk back to the group.

ANGELA: What happened?

HAYLEY: Reese was plastered again, and she decided to broadcast the family business. She said some pretty awful things about Harriet.

ANGELA: Oh no. I want to apologize yet again for my sister's behavior. Reese doesn't really mean what she says, it's just that she's hurting and it's easier to lash out than to deal with it. I'd better go and check on her.

HARRIET: (Stopping her) No, Angela, let me.

GILLESPIE: Are you sure about that?

HARRIET: Don't worry. I'll be fine. It probably can't get any worse than it just was. (She heads for the terrace. Once there, she moves to Reese's side) Are you okay?

REESE: (Crying) Why'd you come out here? Did you want to see if the drunk was all right?

HARRIET: No, I wanted to see if you were all right.

REESE: After what I said to you, I'd think you could care less.

HARRIET: Since I'm out here, that obviously isn't how I feel. (Sitting beside her) It doesn't take a genius to see that something is really upsetting you. (Placing her hand on the other woman's) I'd like to help if I could.

REESE: (Surprised) You really mean that.

HARRIET: I wouldn't have offered if I didn't. If you want to talk, I'm here. I might not know what you're going through, but I will try to understand.

Reese looks at Harriet, and then, like a small child, lays her head on her shoulder.

ACT TWO, SCENE ONE

SETTING: Sparta Country Club. The surroundings are very elegant without being to overstated. Hayley and Angela are seated at a table.

HAYLEY: Ten thousand dollars! I can't believe you paid ten thousand dollars for a date with this guy.

ANGELA: Money's not really an issue in situations like this. I liked him so I bought him.

HAYLEY: You mean you bought him for the day.

ANGELA: I bought his time and that's all I need to get his side of this relationship going.

HAYLEY: What relationship? As far as I know, you just met the guy last night. You showed him how to enter the Bachelor Bid, and afterwards, you told him where to meet you today. I may be a novice at this kind of thing, but that does not seem like it constitutes a relationship!

ANGELA: Ah, but you weren't around when our hands touched. I can tell you right now, there is going to be a relationship.

LONNIE: (Walking up) Hello. I hope I haven't kept you waiting for long.

ANGELA: No, you're right on time. Please excuse Hayley. He was just leaving for his Bid date.

HAYLEY: (Taking the hint) That's right! I really shouldn't keep her waiting, even though she only paid five hundred dollars for my time. (Laughing as he leaves) Ta, love. Enjoy!

ANGELA: Sorry about that. Hayley really enjoys embarrassing me. I think it has something to do with the twin thing.

LONNIE: (Sitting) Oh really. I thought after your little escapade last night, you didn't embarrass easily.

ANGELA: (Uncomfortably) Judging from the censure in your voice, I take it you didn't like what I did.

LONNIE: (Sarcastically) How can you say that? What man in his right mind wouldn't enjoy having a beautiful woman start a bidding war over him? And to top it all off, have her make a final bid twice the amount of the last bid.

ANGELA: (Smiling) Do you really think I'm beautiful?

LONNIE: (Exasperated) Angela, that's beside the point! Do you realize what I had to go through after your little stunt? Everyone just loved teasing me about what that meant. I'm sure when I go back to work, no one is going to let me forget it.

ANGELA: What are you so upset about? Jhourdhaun bid five thousand for Bubba.

LONNIE: Yeah, but the last bid from her competition was thirty five hundred. You DOUBLED the last bid!

ANGELA: I guess I did go a little over the top. I just wanted to let you know that I was interested, and that seemed like the best way.

LONNIE: (Taking her hand) We are really going to have to work on your perceptions. (Smiling) I didn't need a billboard to drop on me to know you were interested. I really would have preferred a nice letter or even you pulling me out to the garden. That way I would have felt that your interest was as genuine as mine.

ANGELA: (Dazed) As yours? (Catching on) Then you would like to explore a possible relationship?

LONNIE: Yes, (Laughing) if I'm asked very nicely.

ANGELA: (Excited) Oh, you will be.

ACT TWO, SCENE TWO

SETTING: A tacky room at the Heart of Sparta Motel. Sharla is laying in bed with a man.

SHARLA: We're pretty good together.

SIMON HARRIS: Why? Are you fishing for compliments?

SHARLA: (Shrugging) Would it be so hard to give one?

SIMON: (Sighing) If that's what you want to hear, then I guess not. (Kissing the side of her neck) Yes, Baby, we are very good together. (Standing and pulling on his clothes) Now, what's going on with the will thing?

SHARLA: Nothing. I talked to a lawyer in Jackson and he said that our hands are tied until my father's big secret is revealed.

SIMON: And you have no idea what that is?

SHARLA: I already told you I don't!

SIMON: Well, do you have any idea how it's going to be told? I mean if there is some way that we could, say, influence the circumstances, we'd have it made!

SHARLA: No, I have no ..... Wait. The other day I received a letter from one of our old servants, Manda Chase. She said that she had heard about my father's death and was heading to Sparta to talk with me.

SIMON: Did she say what about?

SHARLA: No, but she did say it was very important. Do you think she's the key?

SIMON: (Pacing) I don't think that it's just coincidence that she's showing up here right on the schedule set by the will. (Moving toward her on the bed) You know, this could be the very thing we're looking for. (Kissing her) When did she say she'd be in?

SHARLA: (Reciprocating) Tomorrow at three.

SIMON: Well, I think we should meet Miss Manda Chase cause I have a feeling that she may know how to get around everyone and help us find our golden goose.

SHARLA: You know, sometimes I really believe you only married me for my money.

SIMON: (Really getting into it) Oh really? I thought you knew that was why.

ACT TWO, SCENE THREE

SETTING: An expensive and extravagant home. The sitting room is filled with French antiques. Harriet is enjoying tea with Hayley, Reese, and Angela.

HARRIET: This place hasn't changed much from when I was young.

REESE: I didn't know you'd been here before?

HARRIET: Oh yes. My mother used to work here before I was born and for some time after. When I was a baby she would always bring me with her. (Laughing) Supposedly, Sharla liked to pretend I was her own personal baby doll.

HAYLEY: You're lucky your mother took you away when she did. All the rest of Sharla's dolls ended up slightly ... (Drawing a finger across his neck) decapitated.

HARRIET: Why am I not surprised? (Looking around) Speaking of the dev .. I mean, Sharla, where is she?

HAYLEY: Is it absolutely necessary for her to even be brought up at this little get-together?

I personally was enjoying myself in her absence.

HARRIET: (Laughing harder) Sorry. (Turning to Angela)You've been very quiet. I thought that after your little bidding date you would be bursting with details. How did things go?

ANGELA: Things were fine.

REESE: Did Lonnie enjoy lunch at the country club? (Nudging Hayley and smiling) I heard that Pamela Dianne Simmons became ill on her date with Hayley.

HAYLEY: (Getting angry) Hey! That wasn't my fault. How I was supposed to know she was allergic to shellfish!

Everyone laughs.

ANGELA: Luckily for me, Lonnie did enjoy everything about our lunch. In fact, we enjoyed ourselves so much that he and I will be seeing one another in the near future.

HARRIET: That's my girl! Since this is going on, I take it he wasn't angry about your bidding.

ANGELA: (Slightly uncomfortable) I didn't say that. He tore into me at first, but my charms soon soothed him.

REESE: (Grabbing Hayley) We're going to the kitchen before the lightning starts striking. Is there anything we can get for you?

HARRIET: (Looking at Angela and shrugging) No, I think we're fine.

ANGELA: Don't forget to call Terry. He wants to make sure you're okay.

REESE: (Smiling while Hayley struggles to free himself) I won't. (They leave)

ANGELA: I'm sure Terry will be relieved that she seems okay. (Putting her hand on Harriet's) Thank you for whatever you did for her the other night. Since your talk, she's seemed like a different person.

HARRIET: I really didn't do anything other than listen. She had a lot of pain inside and I just helped her release it.

ANGELA: You make it seem so simple, but it wasn't. We all tried to help her, but we couldn't get through to her. (Sadly) The drinking got worse, and she kept on shutting everyone out, even Terry.

HARRIET: Losing a baby is never easy, especially when it's finally beginning to feel like a reality. Having two miscarriages must have been devastating for her. All I did was tell her I understood and I was there for her.

ANGELA: Well, in this family, that means a lot. It's like I was telling Hayley. We need you.

HARRIET: (Smiling) I'm honoured.

ANGELA: (Moving closer) So honoured that you might help me out with a problem?

HARRIET: Shoot.

ANGELA: Okay. (Thinking for a minute) I've just started working on this project that I'm really interested in. Someone else was working on it before me but really didn't take care of it the way it should have been. I really want to work with this project, but I'm afraid that the person will put up a fight for it. What should I do?

HARRIET: (Thinking it over) Well, it seems that the other person didn't appreciate the importance of the project when he/she had it, so you're within your rights to take it over. Since you're concerned with the other person's feelings, why don't you get him/her interested in another project. That way, you both win.

ANGELA: (Happily) You're absolutely right! I knew you'd be perfect for this family!