ACT TWO, SCENE FOUR

SETTING: Sparta Airport. Sharla and Simon are waiting for someone.

SIMON: Are you sure this was the time we were supposed to meet her?

SHARLA: You read the letter, too. She said here at three. According to the desk attendant, they're just running a little behind.

SIMON: Well, I hope it won't take much longer.

A voice over the intercom announces the arrival of a flight.

SHARLA: Finally. I hope she hasn't changed too much or I won't be able to recognize her.

They watch as several people come through the gate. Simon keeps looking at Sharla to see if she recognizes any of the women.

SIMON: Does anyone look familiar?

SHARLA: (Sarcastically) Are you kidding? Haven't you heard that old saying about they ...

MANDA CHASE: (Walking up to them) I wouldn't finish that up if I were you, Miss Sharla. Someone like me might get offended. And, with what I have to tell you. I don't think you'd want that.

SIMON: (Moving to help her) Oh I'm sure she didn't mean anything by what she said, Miss Manda. Isn't that right, Sharla? You wouldn't want to upset her and she's come so far to help us.

SHARLA: Of course not. Welcome back to Sparta, Manda.

MANDA: (Smiling) I always said that I didn't want to come back here unless I could turn this place on its ear. (Chuckling) Seems like I'm going to get just that chance.

ACT TWO, SCENE FIVE

SETTING: The Banham Mansion. Lonnie and Angela are sitting close at a candlelight table covered with food.

LONNIE: I figured you wouldn't do anything halfway, but I must say, this is impressive. (Nonchalantly) Have you done this sort of thing for your other admirers.

ANGELA: (Laughing) What other admirers? Oh, I've had a few mutual likings but they never developed to this level. If they were truly honest then they would be put off by the Banham millions; more often than not, they were after it.

LONNIE: (Putting his hand on hers) Well, rest assured, I'm interested in you. I don't care if you have ten dollars or ten million dollars. (Lifting her head) As long as you don't try to buy me the Police department, I'll be here for as long as you want me.

ANGELA: That long, huh? (Wiping her eyes, smiling, and changing the subject) I hope you like most of this? I didn't know what your favorites were, so I cooked my whole repertoire.

LONNIE: You cooked this? I thought all rich people had servants to do the menial tasks.

ANGELA: Sharla, Reese and Terry have a cook. (Giggling) Out of necessity and survival, we try not to let Hayley step foot in the kitchen. Whenever I can, I love to cook for myself and others.

LONNIE: I see. (Eating) So, where are the others? I can't believe that Hayley's not here wolfing down everything.

ANGELA: (Laughing) He would be if he wasn't trying to make up that lunch to Pamela Dianne. (Counting off) Reese and Terry are at a family counseling group, and Sharla said something about going to see an old servant of the family's.

LONNIE: Are you saying we have the house to ourselves?

ANGELA: Yes. Does that scare you?

LONNIE: (Feeding her) Not unless it bothers you?

ANGELA: Not at all.

ACT TWO, SCENE SIX

SETTING: A room in the Heart of Sparta Motel. Sharla and Simon are standing around watching Manda eat.

MANDA: The food hasn't changed, I see. I hope other things have gotten better.

SHARLA: (Growing impatient) Spare us your perceptions of Sparta life! Tell us what you came here to tell us!

SIMON: (Soothing Sharla) Calm down, sweetheart. I'm sure Miss Manda will tell us when she's good and ready.

SHARLA: Who cares about what she wants! We've been waiting and catering to her whims in hopes that she'll tell us what all this mess is about. Now, we've wasted enough time!

SIMON: (Walking to Manda) I hate to say this, but I have to agree with Sharla. I, for one, am getting a little tired of this game. So, if you don't mind, I'd like you to tell us what you know about this situation.

MANDA: (Summing up the atmosphere) Of course. I apologize for inconveniencing you. (Getting comfortable) Where should I start ...? Oh yes, I know. (Looking at the woman) Sharla, do you remember Thomasina DeLong when she worked for your daddy?

SHARLA: Barely, why?

MANDA: You really should, you know, especially since you used to carry little Harriet around like she was your personal plaything. (At Sharla's snort of disgust, she continues) Anyway, Thomasina came to work for your daddy shortly after you were born. She had just gotten married to a carpenter by the name of Harrison DeLong, who did a little preaching on Sunday mornings. Your daddy liked Thomasina because she was a mighty hard worker and a very pretty woman. About two or three years after she started to work, Harrison was fired for speaking his mind on some serious matters. They had a lot of credit that suddenly became due after it was known what he said. Now, Thomasina knew that Harrison was a proud man and knew he would rather go to jail for owing money than run away, so she went and asked your daddy to help her. (She pauses to get a drink of water) Your daddy had always had a soft spot for her, and when she came to him, he seized an opportunity to try something.

SHARLA: What are you trying to say?

MANDA: Just that your daddy had been talking a lot with Jean-Philippe Ajoulais, and he was wanting to see if something was true.

SHARLA: Are you implying that my father, on the advice of some darkie-lovin' Cajun, had sex with Harriet DeLong's mother!

MANDA: (Smugly) No, your father wasn't just looking for sex. He wanted more.

SIMON: Like what?

MANDA: Like something awfully important. So important that a little money might make sure I don't forget nothing.

SHARLA: (Grabbing Manda's hair and pulling back the woman's head) If I deem it important enough, I might be persuaded to do something. But, not before!

MANDA: (Scared and trying to struggle) Yes, ma'am. (Rushing) Your daddy offered Thomasina twenty thousand dollars to have a child by him.

SHARLA: (Furious) You're lying! My father did no such thing! (Slapping the older woman) He would never degrade himself or our family like that! (Slapping her again) I want you to take back your lies!

While Sharla continues the abuse, Miss Manda tries to get away. Unfortunately, Sharla is stronger and the woman has to settle with cowering in her seat.

MANDA: (Nervously) But it ain't a lie, I promise. (Crying) At first, Thomasina didn't want no part of it, but Harrison got beat up and told that it was gonna be a lot worse if he didn't pay and went to jail. I was there the day she told Mr. Banham she'd do it. I heared her! He picked a time and told her to meet him in the boathouse. He made her swear that if it didn't work the first time, they'd do it until it did happen. They met for almost a month before Thomasina told him it happened. He walked right into the house, called up the bank, and told them to send over the money in cash.

SHARLA: (Slapping her harder) I don't believe you!

MANDA: (Really scared) It's true! Thomasina took the money home and told Harrison that Mr. Banham had loaned the money to them. He didn't want to take the money at first, but when he heared there was going to be a baby coming, he did. Once Harriet was born, Mr. Banham gave Harrison a job, and the boy started paying him back. Every cent he gave back went in a fund that paid for whatever the child needed over the years. He even paid for her to go to that fancy Colored university. If you don't believe me, ask Terrell Banks. He knows that your daddy paid the girl's way and made it seem like a scholarship.

SHARLA: Terrell knew about this?

MANDA: Not about the girl being your daddy's, but he was the one who arranged for her school money.

SHARLA: Who else knows?

MANDA: Nobody, 'cept me. Nobody else is alive that would know anything about it. The only reason your daddy told me was he knew I'd get the news back to y'all some kinda way. (Begging) So, now I done told you everything, won't you help me get away from here? All I need's a little money. I don't have to tell nobody what I told you.

SHARLA: (Knocking the woman to the floor and hitting and kicking her) Do you honestly think I would pay you for a bunch of lies! I know they're lies because he wouldn't have confided in someone like you! I'm going to teach you to hold your tongue from now on! Do you hear me?

SIMON: (Grabbing Sharla) That's enough, don't you think?

SHARLA: Not for what she said about my daddy! She deserves that and more for trying to malign him after he's gone.

SIMON: There might be a lot of truth in what she said. (Continuing after Sharla protests) Can you think of another reason why your daddy left Harriet DeLong millions?

SHARLA: Well, she probably beguiled him or something. He could never do what this woman said he did.

SIMON: What if he did? What if she is his? Instead of beating this old crow, we should be making sure that no one else knows. Even if it's nothing but lies, we still need to know if anyone else has that information.

SHARLA: (Confused) Why?

SIMON: Without proof, we can take your claim to court. I don't believe any court in Mississippi would honour that will, do you? (Seeing her nod, he points to the woman still on the floor) All we need to do is give Miss Manda a little pin money and send her on her way. No one else would have to know our secret and we could take it to court and win with no problem. Isn't that right, Miss Manda?

They both look at the woman cowering on the floor, but she doesn't answer or move.

SHARLA: (Kneeling) Did you hear him, you old crone? (Nudging the older woman) You can answer. I won't hit you.

SIMON: (Worriedly) Get up, Miss Manda. I won't let Sharla do anything else to you.

When Manda doesn't move, Simon motions to Sharla to turn the woman over. Sharla does and falls back. Manda has a frozen expression on her face, an expression of death.

SHARLA: Omigod!

SIMON: (Kneeling to check for a pulse) She's dead.

SHARLA: (Shaking her head in disbelief) But that can't be. All I did was hit her a few times. No one dies from that!

SIMON: Just in case you hadn't noticed, Miss Manda was old! At her age, going to the restroom was a life or death situation. (Angrily) And you just had to knock her around a bit.

SHARLA: (Pacing) What should we do? (Stopping) Maybe we should call the police. I can explain that we were arguing, and she just keeled over. They'll believe me. They have to. I mean, why would I want to hurt some old lady?

SIMON: (Standing and shaking his wife) Can't you pay attention for one minute? That expression on her face and those bruises don't add up to a friendly little discussion. All it would take was one person, maybe even the DeLong woman, to say that she used to work for your father, and the cops would have you up on charges faster than you could say I didn't do it!

SHARLA: But we've got to do something!

SIMON: I know. Let me think about it. (He sits and looks out the window for a moment) Sharla, did she say anything about telling anyone else she was here?

SHARLA: (Disgusted) She said that she wanted to meet with us before she talked to anyone else. I guess she expected us to give her enough money so that she wouldn't have to talk to the others.

SIMON: You're probably right. Which means no one knows that she met with us. All we have to do is a simple illusion and we're free and clear. Get me her coat and the phone book.

ACT THREE, SCENE ONE

SETTING: The Police Station. Bubba and Lonnie are in Chief Forbes' office. Parker is filling out paperwork at the front desk.

HAMPTON: So, Lonnie, I hear you had a rather intimate dinner with a certain young lady last night.

LONNIE: (Looking out at Parker rather disgustedly) I guess I don't have to ask who you heard that piece of gossip from. I swear he knows more about what's going on in this town than the Sparta Herald.

BUBBA: (Laughing) You're probably right. So, um, did you and Angela have a nice time?

LONNIE: I don't kiss and tell.

BUBBA: (Pouncing) Then you did kiss her?

LONNIE: (Shrewdly) When I was leaving her place, I passed by your house and saw Jhourdhaun's car out front. Care to elaborate on that?

BUBBA: We are just friends. I don't try to hide the fact that I would love something more from her, but she's not ready for it and I'm not pushing. Now, can you say the same?

Just as Lonnie is about to give his reply, Parker and Terrell Banks walk in.

PARKER: 'Scuse me, Chief, but Mr. Banks has something he would like to speak to you about.

HAMPTON: Thank you, Parker. (When Parker doesn't leave, Hampton motions to Bubba to close the door on him) Now, what can we do for you, Mr. Banks?

TERRELL: I really hate to bother you, Chief, but I received a letter that has left me a little puzzled.

BUBBA: Puzzled in what way?

TERRELL: Well, a few days ago, I received this letter from a Miss Manda Chase. (He hands the letter to Hampton) As you can see, she wrote that she would be coming to Sparta to discuss the Banham thing. She said that she would clear up the whole mess in my office, at an appointed time. Mr. Banham had given me instructions to expect the answer to his strange will bequeaths on the day that Miss Chase was supposed to see me. She never showed up and that was yesterday.

HAMPTON: Do you believe that she actually knows what's behind the will?

TERRELL: Well, she did used to work for the man.

BUBBA: Terrell, do you think that she might have gotten herself in trouble because of what she knew?

TERRELL: I can't say that exactly. But, I will tell you that for as long as I've known her, she has been known to turn from the right path if the right amount of money were offered.

HAMPTON: Well now, if that's the case, there's nothing we could do about that. There's no law that says she would have to turn over her information to you.

TERRELL: I realize that, Chief Forbes, but I just can't shake the feeling that something's happened to her. She said that she would contact me as soon as she could.

LONNIE: Chief, when I was over Angela's, she mentioned something about Sharla going to see an old servant of the family's.

HAMPTON: Did she say anything else?

LONNIE: Not about that, but, later on, she did say that Sharla had been on edge over something.

HAMPTON: (Thinking for a minute) Mr. Banks, officially, I can't start an investigation over her disappearance until she's been missing for seventy-two hours. Unofficially, I can assign Lonnie and Bubba to look into the situation starting now.

TERRELL: (Rising) I'd appreciate that, Chief Forbes. You just don't know how much. (Turning to walk out the door) That family is going to want some answers really soon, and I'd just hate not being able to give them any.

ACT THREE, SCENE TWO

SETTING: Sunshine's Gardens County Children's Home. Angela is showing Lonnie, Bubba, and Jhourdhaun around.

ANGELA: As you can see, the facilities have been updated to meet most of the current state- wide standards. (Sighing) Unfortunately, these kids need more and the state can't really provide for those needs with the limited resources it has. That's where we come in. The auction and ball raised a substantial amount of funds that will be used to fulfill those needs. (Turning to the others) So, what do you think?

JHOURDHAUN: I am impressed. You've done a commendable job.

ANGELA: Thank you, but a lot of people contributed to this project. I was just the mouthpiece. (Smiling at Lonnie) Now, do you have any other questions?

JHOURDHAUN: Yeah. When's the next project and how do I sign on?

BUBBA: What? This from the lady who was complaining that there weren't enough hours in the day to get everything done for the ball.

JHOURDHAUN: (Punching him) What can I say? I thrive under pressure.

A group of children walk by and Angela grabs for one of the older boys.

ANGELA: This is one of our finest. (Proudly) His name is Greg Nickum and he was just awarded the highest honor in his Jr. ROTC program. He's also received several awards for his academic excellence. Eventually, he hopes to be a police officer either here or in Jackson. Tell the people your plans, Greg.

While the boy speaks, Jhourdhaun grows more and more pale. Bubba pulls her aside.

BUBBA: Jhourdy, are you okay?

JHOURDHAUN: (Trembling) What?

BUBBA: I asked if you were okay? You went pale and I thought you were going to pass out on me?

JHOURDHAUN: (Dazed and confused) I'm sorry. I... um... don't know (Seeing the boy still talking) Excuse me. I've got to get away from here?

Jhourdhaun runs in the opposite direction. Bubba tries to follow but Lonnie grabs him.

LONNIE: What's up with Jhourdhaun? Did you two fight?

BUBBA: I don't know. One minute she was fine then the next she was looking sick and running off.

LONNIE: I've heard the Sheriff and Ms. DeLong talk about how she sometimes does that kind of thing, but they said something usually sets her off. Do you have any idea what it was this time?

BUBBA: Not a clue.

LONNIE: Well, I guess we should get back over there. Angela and Greg are probably getting pretty uptight.

BUBBA: Yeah. (He starts to walk but stops) Wait a minute. The kid's name is Greg!

LONNIE: What? (Shaking his head) Maybe it was something you guys ate because neither one of you is making any sense.

BUBBA: From the bits she told me, she was engaged to some guy named Greg or Gregory. He was a cop and he died in the line of duty. (Shaking his head) It didn't click until you said the boy's name! She doesn't say much about the guy, but I can still see how much it hurts her. (Thinking out loud) Tully and I have figured that's why she won't get any closer to me. (Looking in the direction she went) She doesn't want to lose another cop. (Pausing) I'd better go find her and see if she's okay. (Turning to leave) Tell them everything's going to be fine.

LONNIE: (Walking back to the others) Sorry about that.

ANGELA: It's okay. (Turning to the boy) Why don't you go and catch up with your group. I'll talk with you later. (The boy leaves) Okay, Jamison. What's going on?

LONNIE: It's a long story, and I'm not even sure I know all of the pieces. All I can say is Jhourdhaun went through a pretty bad time not too long ago and sometimes things make her relive it. Bubba's trying to help her, (Putting his arm around her) so we've got to hope he can reach her.

ANGELA: I see why you guys are considered Sparta's finest. I can't think of anyone else I'd want to protect and care for me, and I think that's the same for Jhourdhaun.

LONNIE: Speaking of my job, I need to ask you a couple of questions.

ANGELA: Okay. Ask me anything.

LONNIE: When I was over your house, you mentioned that Sharla went to see an old servant of yours.

ANGELA: That's what she said.

LONNIE: Did she say who it was or where she was meeting her?

ANGELA: (Avoiding his eyes) No. She didn't come in that night, and, when I saw her the next day, I didn't think to ask her. Why? What's going on?

LONNIE: We're not sure. Terrell came to us yesterday about an old servant of yours that was supposed to be talking with him about this will business. The servant never showed up. So, as of today, we're starting a full-fledged investigation.

ANGELA: (Nervous) Did Terrell have some idea what might have happened to her?

LONNIE: Not really, but he did say she was not against taking money from others if they didn't want her to talk.

ANGELA: (Upset) She couldn't do that! Not with her knowing what this would mean for the family! She knew he was going to compensate her for what she told. I just don't understand!

LONNIE: (Confused) Neither do I. What's this about compensation for telling? Telling what? (Remembering) Wait a minute. How did you know the servant was a woman? (Grabbing her arms) What's going on?

ANGELA: I ... I... um ... (Seeing the others) Here's Jhourdhaun and Bubba. (Pulling away) Is everything okay?

JHOURDHAUN: Everything's fine. I'm really sorry about my disappearing act. Sometimes, I just have to get away. (Putting her arm around Bubba) Luckily for me, lately I've had a great tracker who won't let me stay lost.

ANGELA: That's funny. I was just thinking about these guys and what they could find if they really wanted to.

LONNIE: (Looking hard at Angela) Rest assured, we'd find everything that we needed to know.

ACT THREE, SCENE THREE

SETTING: The Asheley home. The surroundings are very lush but seem to have an almost comfortable feel. Everyone is dressed in Sunday-best attire. Lana is angrily talking to the Sheriff, Harriet, Jhourdhaun and Bubba.

LANA: The guy was the ultimate bore! He put our waiter to sleep. I couldn't believe that Angela fixed me up with someone like him. She told me we'd have a lot in common!

HARRIET: You make it sound like she was deliberately setting you up.

LANA: That's probably because I believe she did. She told me that he was an old friend of the family, but, when I asked him, he said that they were only casual acquaintances. He told me he was very surprised when she called and set the date up.

JHOURDHAUN: (Imitating a Brooklyn accent) I don't know what that sounds like where you come from, but where I'm from that's a set-up.

LANA: See, even she thinks so. (Shaking her head) Barry said Angela presented me like I was some type of project that he would be interested in.

HARRIET: (Stunned) Project! (To herself) This couldn't have been what she meant!

GILLESPIE: Did you say something, Harriet?

HARRIET: Just that I need to talk to Angela when she gets here.

LANA: You and me both. I can't wait to confront her in front of Lonnie. He's probably the reason she did it. I've noticed how close they've gotten lately.

JHOURDHAUN: I'd hold off on that, little sister, if I were you. Angela only suggested you go on a date with the guy; she didn't force you. If you bring this up in front of Lonnie, he might question your loyalty to him.

LANA: So, she's just going to get away with it?

GILLESPIE: It's not like she committed a crime. (Smiling at Harriet) They say all's fair in love and war.

HARRIET: (Laughing and turning to the other couple) How was the tour of the children's home?

BUBBA: Very interesting. I always thought that those places didn't give much hope to the kids who were stuck there, but that place isn't like that. They have done some pretty remarkable things with it.

ANGELA: (Walking up) Sunshine's Gardens thanks you for your high praise.

Lonnie, Hayley, Hampton, and Reese join the group as Angela moves to kiss Harriet on the cheek. Lana moves away from the new group and closer to Jhourdhaun.

HARRIET: (Whispering to the younger woman) Was that the kiss, Judas?

ANGELA: (Moving to Lonnie's side with a confused smile) What?

HARRIET: Never mind. I'll talk to you later. (Looking at the other woman) Reese, where's Terry?

REESE: There was some trouble at one of the plants in Farley, so he had to go up there. Luckily, Hampton was available.

At the curious glances of the others, Hampton shifts from one foot to the other.

HAMPTON: Terry's dad used to work at my old station. We go a long way back.

BUBBA: (Laughing) Good save, Chief.

HAYLEY: You think that was funny; you should have seen them a few nights ago when they came to the house after a night of reminiscing. They were several sheets to the wind and singing all about it.

HARRIET: (Surprised) Hampton! I don't believe it; not our debonair and society-minded police chief!

HAMPTON: (Uncomfortable) We were happy to see each other. Besides, we were very sensible with our drinking. We took a cab back to the house.

Everyone laughs and continues to talk. Lonnie casually pulls Angela off to one side.

ANGELA: What's up?

LONNIE: I wanted to continue our discussion on the missing servant topic.

ANGELA: Now? Couldn't this wait until some other time? We're supposed to be spending quality time with our friends and family.

LONNIE: If I didn't think this was important, I wouldn't be bringing it up. Now, earlier you mentioned something about this servant being paid for information that your father wanted publicized. How did you know about this?

ANGELA: Is this an official request for information?

LONNIE: If it has to be to get what I need, then yes.

ANGELA: (Upset) All I can say is Sharla mentioned that the servant was a she, and that tied in with something my dad had once said. I can't tell you anything more. (Pleading) Please, don't try to make me, Lonnie. There are things that I know that I can't talk about now.

LONNIE: (Holding her) Okay. I won't push. (Looking down at her) But, sooner or later we're going to have to bring it up. (Sighing) Nothing can stay hidden forever.

ACT THREE, SCENE FOUR

SETTING: Sparta Airport. Hampton, Lonnie, and Bubba are standing to one side talking.

LONNIE: I talked with the ticket agent and he verified Manda Chase did purchase and use a ticket to Taos, New Mexico a few days ago.

HAMPTON: How did he remember her?

LONNIE: He said that he kept her in mind because she seemed really old and had to be helped on the plane by this guy who was with her.

BUBBA: Was he able to give you a description of the guy?

LONNIE: A very extensive description, as a matter of fact.

While the guys have been talking, Dee has walked up with an airline attendant.

DEE: Chief, this is Lacey Conroy. She's the flight attendant on the Taos run. She thinks she remembers Miss Chase.

HAMPTON: (Shaking the woman's hand) Thank you for speaking with us, Miss Conroy. Can you tell us what you remember?

LACEY: Well, the announcer had just made the call for women with small children and passengers that needed assistance to board the plane. I first took notice of them when the guy refused to let her get on the plane alone. I told him it was against procedures for a non-passenger to board, but he pitched such a fit that I let him take her to her seat.

HAMPTON: Did you notice anything out of the ordinary from the encounter.

LACEY: (Thinking back) Not reall.... Wait a minute! Right before I told him he had to leave, I saw him give her a long kiss on the mouth. I thought it was weird with her obvious age, but then I just chalked it up to the fact that this was Mississippi.

LONNIE: You saw this White man bend over and kiss this older Black woman full on the lips?

LACEY: (Confused) Black woman? What are you talking about? Miss Chase was White.

ACT THREE, SCENE FIVE

SETTING: Sparta Square. Harriet and Angela are enjoying sandwiches as they sit on a park bench.

ANGELA: I'm sorry about the thing with Lana. I really didn't mean any harm.

HARRIET: I couldn't believe when she started going on about you setting her up to get to Lonnie. But, when she said she felt like some type of project, my friendly little advice seemed to rear its ugly head. (Laughing) You are something else, Miss Banham.

ANGELA: I'll take that as a compliment, Mrs. DeLong. (Finishing her sandwich) I have an idea. Why don't you and I go and visit the kids. Since there's no school today, they'll probably be overjoyed to have company.

HARRIET: I wish I could, but I have a full docket this afternoon. (Looking at her watch) In fact, my first will be here in ten minutes. (Standing to leave) Thank you for the wonderful lunch; I really enjoyed it.

ANGELA: It was my pleasure. (Watching Harriet move toward the street in front of her office) As long as it's up to me, I'm going to make you love this family.

As Harriet walks out into the street, a car moves from its parking space. It moves slowly forward until Harriet is halfway in the street. The driver hits the gas and plows straight into Harriet. Angela screams and runs toward the still form laying in the road.

ANGELA: (Feeling for a pulse) Oh my God! Harriet! ... (Looking around) Somebody help me! (Screaming) Please, somebody, call an ambulance. (Smoothing Harriet's hair) Hold on, Harriet. For the love of God, please hold on!