ACT TWO, SCENE SIX

SETTING: Sparta Hospital emergency area. Bubba is pacing while Lana tries to talk to him. Harriet is holding on to the Sheriff. Dr. Shephard comes out of one of the rooms.

BUBBA: (Moving to her) Doc, how's my wife?

DR. SHEPHARD: I'm not going to lie to you, Captain Skinner. It doesn't look good. (Pausing) Jhourdhaun was shot three times: once in the chest, once in the abdomen, and the other grazed her head. The head wound isn't that bad, but the others are. (Looking at everyone) The bullet in her chest has lodged in her right lung. The lung, in turn, is having trouble functioning, and we can't get to the bullet because it's too close to her heart. (Hearing Bubba moan) I know that doesn't sound promising, but she's fighting to keep it going. If she keeps on, this won't be life-threatening. (Pausing) Unfortunately, the same can't be said of the other bullet. It shattered upon contact with one of her ribs, and the fragments are causing some internal bleeding. We're going to get her into surgery as soon as she stabilizes a bit more. (Patting Bubba's arm) Even though it doesn't sound good, she is fighting and we're going to help her as much as we can. (Reassuringly)I promise to keep you informed. (She leaves)

HARRIET: (Moving to Bubba) Do you want some coffee or something? (Watching as he shakes his head) All right, but if you do, I'm right here. (Pausing) Bubba, she's strong, so much stronger than she was when she came to Sparta. She's going to pull through this. We all know it, and so do you.

BUBBA: (Hugging Harriet) Thanks.

LANA: She's right, big brother. There is no way that Jhourdhaun is going to leave you here alone. You know she wouldn't give you up without one helluva fight. Believe me; she's said it so many times.

BUBBA: I'm trying, Lana. (Running his hand through his hair) It's just that I feel like she needs me in there with her. That way I'd know she knew how much I love her and can't make it without her.

GILLESPIE: Bubba, she knows that already. You can't say anything else that she doesn't know. Why do you think she's fighting so hard?

BUBBA: I know. It's just that I feel so helpless.

ACT THREE, SCENE ONE

SETTING: The conference room at the police department. Everyone is there listening to the briefing.

HAMPTON: As you probably already know, this last incident moved our boys up to robbery and attempted murder. According to our crime team, we have definite proof that there are at least two suspects. Blood samples taken at the scene haven't been identified, so that means we're dealing with some new faces. We do have some good news, though. In their rush to leave, our people left a few partial prints and shoe marks in the blood which means that we're not as blind as we were. (Looking around) Are there any questions?

LUANN: How is Jhourdhaun? Has there been any news?

LONNIE: She's still critical. They were able to remove several of the bullet fragments, but there are still a few that are causing some major problems. (Pausing) The family's staying pretty close to her, just in case. If anyone wants to go and offer some support outside of your watch duties, it will be greatly appreciated. (Looking at the specific people) Everett, you and J.D. have first watch at the hospital. LuAnn, you and I are on second. Parker and Dee, you have third. Rotational shifts begin after that.

EVERETT: Are we supposed to do a quiet watch?

PARKER: You don't have to. In this case, the family already knows and expects the protection. Just remember that we're not just dealing with the D.A., but also the Sheriff's daughter and Bubba's wife. So, please, don't go stepping on any toes.

HAMPTON: On a related note, I've noticed that some of you have signed up for double and, though it's hard to believe, triple shifts. (Pausing) I realize that everyone here cares a great deal for Jhourdhaun and her family, and that means you want whoever did this real bad. (Shaking his head) Working these extra shifts is not the way to go about getting them because it makes you tired and even sloppy. If we really want these people, we're going to have to be fresh and on top of things. (Pausing again) Due to Captain Skinner's understandable absence, one or two doubles will be allowed, but that's all!

BUBBA: (Coming through the doorway) Even that won't be necessary.

LUANN: (Surprised) What are you doing here?

DEE: Is Jhourdhaun okay?

J.D.: Should you be here, Captain?

EVERETT: Where's the Sheriff?

BUBBA: To answer your questions, 1) I work here, 2) There's been no change, 3) I need to be here, and 4) He had to take Harriet home to check on the kids and to rest.

HAMPTON: Something it looks like you need plenty of, my friend. (Turning to the others) You're dismissed. (Watching them leave and turning back to Bubba) Who's at the hospital?

BUBBA: Lana, Allison, and Angela.

LONNIE: (Coming back into the room) J.D. and Everett are on their way to the hospital for first watch, so everything should be okay over there. Now, what was your reason for being here again?

BUBBA: (Running his hand through his hair) I felt so helpless at the hospital. Jhourdhaun was fighting for her life and all I was doing was pacing the floor. (Pausing) You know, her heart stopped several times during surgery, and they almost couldn't get it .... (Shaking himself) Anyway, I felt that I could do more here. (Pounding his fist into his hand) Nobody could want to find those guys more than me.

HAMPTON: (Trying to calm Bubba) I know. I mean, I can't say I know what you're feeling, but I do know how I'd feel in your place. Just remember that we're here to make sure you don't do anything drastic.

BUBBA: Thanks. (Looking around) I think I'm going to call the hospital and check on Jhourdhaun, then, I'll be ready to find the guys who did this.

HAMPTON: (Looking at Lonnie after Bubba leaves) We're really going to have to watch him. He's too close to the edge.

ACT THREE, SCENE TWO

SETTING: The emergency room at Sparta Hospital. A man and woman wait outside of a room. Dr. Shephard comes out .

DR. SHEPHARD: Dr. and Mrs. Davies? (The couple moves to her) Liase is going to be fine. I fixed up the wound, and it looks clean. He'll be on crutches for a couple of weeks, but he'll survive.

DR. DAVIES: Did the wound ...? I mean, ... will he be able to still compete? He has a very bright future if he can run.

DR. SHEPHARD: Of course. As far as I can tell, there wasn't any permanent damage. I know the graze looked deep, but it was basically superficial.

MRS. DAVIES: Thank you. (Relieved) You don't know how good that sounds.

DR. SHEPHARD: (Smiling) I think I have an idea. (Chagrined) I just wish I could bring that type of good news to all of my patients' families.

MRS. DAVIES: You're talking about Jhourdhaun Skinner, aren't you? We heard about what happened to her. It just terrifies me to think that something as terrible as this could happen to good people.

DR. SHEPHARD: I know. Well, I'd better get back and sign those release forms. (She heads back but turns around) Do me a favor. Tell your son not to ... run through the house when there is broken glass around.

DR. DAVIES: We will. (Watching as the other doctor leaves) I believe she bought into the story.

MRS. DAVIES: (Nervous) Will you keep quiet! I happen to believe what Liase told us.

DR. DAVIES: Then you are a fool. I'm a psychologist, and even I noticed that supposed "glass scraping" wound had burned flesh. You know, the kind you get when you've been shot.

MRS. DAVIES: Well if you knew, why didn't you say something about it?

DR. DAVIES: You really are stupid! I have big plans for that boy, and no stupid prank is going to mess that up.

MRS. DAVIES: (Appalled) Stupid prank! That woman could die, and you're calling it a prank!

DR. DAVIES: That's an excellent case of righteousness you have, Patty. I didn't notice you running to the police with your suspicions.

MRS. DAVIES: I couldn't. You see him as way to make your name famous, but I see him as my only child. With her being the District Attorney and the Sheriff's daughter, they would throw the book at him. (Panicked) I couldn't handle that.

DR. DAVIES: You know, none of this would have happened if he didn't hang out with that Peterson boy. I knew that boy was trouble, and I tried to keep Liase away from him. (Ruefully) Obviously, it didn't work.

Liase walks out of the emergency room leaning heavily on some crutches. As his father signs the papers that Dr. Shephard hands him, Liase leans on his mother.

LIASE: Sorry about this, Mom. I promise I won't worry you again.

MRS. DAVIES: I know.

They leave. Dr. Shephard stands waiting for someone. Lonnie and Angela turn a corner and head straight to her.

LONNIE: Okay, Doc, what's going on?

DR. SHEPHARD: Did you see the Davies leave?

LONNIE: Yeah, and I noticed the boy was on crutches.

DR. SHEPHARD: They brought him in saying he had run into some broken glass and gotten a nasty scrape, but I know that wasn't true. (Leading them to a small room) That wound had the markings of gunshot. I knew you were looking for a possible match to the blood found at the Asheley house, so I saved you a sample.

ANGELA: Isn't that against your code or something?

DR. SHEPHARD: Not when it's a part of an on-going police investigation. (Handing over the sample) Besides, I'm obligated to report any gunshot wound to the police. I hope this offers some answers.

LONNIE: So do we, Doc. So do we.

ACT THREE, SCENE THREE

SETTING: The Police department. Bubba, Lonnie, Hampton and the Sheriff are sitting in the office.

BUBBA: Have the results come in yet?

PARKER: (Walking through the door) Here they are. (He stands around waiting to hear what's going on, but Hampton just stares at him until he prepares to leave) Well, I'll just go finish my shift with the phones.

HAMPTON: Well, I guess that's a good idea, and see that you close the door behind you. (After Parker leaves, he opens the folder) Lonnie, I need you to go to Judge Olson and ask for a warrant, then I want you to personally escort the Davies family down here.

GILLESPIE: Then we have a match?

HAMPTON: According to this report, the blood samples taken at the scene, and the samples we received from Dr. Shephard are a 98.9% match. Now, in deference to the scholars here, does anyone want to question that 1.1%? (The phone rings and he picks it up) Hello. ... Yes, Harriet. ...Uh huh. ... Okay. ... I'll tell them right away. ... Bye.

BUBBA: What I can't understand is why are you sending Lonnie to get the boy? I would think this would be my collar.

HAMPTON: I know, but I want that boy here in one piece and without a harassment charge on you, so that he will identify his partner. (Grinning) Besides, you and Bill are on your way to the hospital.

GILLESPIE: (Rising) What did Harriet say?

BUBBA: (Leaping up) Has something happened to Jhourdhaun?

HAMPTON: I would say waking up is something.

BUBBA: (Practically running out of the room) Lonnie, you get him and get him good. I don't want him slipping through the cracks on some technicality. We'll call and tell you what's going on.

ACT THREE, SCENE FOUR

SETTING: The I.C.U. Ward at the hospital. Harriet, Baby Zachary, Allison and Lana are there when the Sheriff and Bubba arrive.

BUBBA: (Running to Harriet) How is she?

HARRIET: Slow down, Bubba. The doctor's in with her right now. (Hugging the Sheriff) She did say this was a good sign.

BUBBA: Did she say when we could go in and see her?

DR. SHEPHARD: (Coming out of Jhourdhaun's room) You can go in right now. She's expecting you, but she's still very weak so don't overtire her.

BUBBA: This means that she's going to make it, right Doc?

DR. SHEPHARD: I want to be as honest as possible. (Pausing) She's still critical. I know I said that her awakening was a good sign, but you still have to keep in mind that at this point we're hoping for the best. That's the only guarantee I can give you.

BUBBA: For right now, that's enough to get us through. Thank you. (He heads for his wife's room)

LANA: (Placing her little brother back into Harriet's arms) That is one happy man.

ALLISON: I know he's not the only one. (Turning to the Sheriff) Now, what is this I hear about Liase Davies and the possibility of his blood matching the blood at the Asheley house?

ANGELA: Is he really involved in this?

GILLESPIE: It looks that way.

ALLISON: (Shaking her head) I can't believe that he could possibly have done this, especially with what his mother's always saying about him. He sounded like such a good kid.

ANGELA: I feel for his poor mother. Can you imagine what she's going through at the thought she might lose her child?

GILLESPIE: I can sympathize with her on that, but I will not feel sorry for the boy. If he did do this, I want him to pay for what he's caused. (Kissing his youngest son's head) I'm not trying to be cold-hearted, but all of my children are precious to me. His actions almost took one away from me. So, if someone told me I had a choice of his spending the rest of his young, promising life in prison and Jhourdhaun coming out of this with nothing wrong, my choice would be clear.

In the room, Bubba has just been standing near the door staring at the very still form of his wife. He almost leaves until he sees her move and then he walks to the bed and lightly touches her face.

BUBBA: Jhourdhaun? Honey, I'm here.

Jhourdhaun painfully turns her head and slowly opens her eyes. When she recognizes Bubba, she tries to smile.

JHOURDHAUN: (Breathing in gasps) Hi. Where ... ya' ... been?

BUBBA: Oh, God. Even sick you sound just like a Yankee. (Kissing her hand) I thought we got that out of you.

JHOURDHAUN: You can ... take ... the girl out ... of the .... north ... but, ....

BUBBA: Yeah, I know. I know. How are you feeling?

JHOURDHAUN: Not too good. (Pausing from the pain) What ... happened? ... How ... did I ... get ... here?

BUBBA: You don't remember?

JHOURDHAUN: No, ... I ... I ...

BUBBA: Don't tire yourself. It's not important right now. All I want you to be concerned with is getting stronger and better, and then we'll talk as much as you want. How does that sound?

JHOURDHAUN: (Drifting off to sleep) That ... sounds ... fine

BUBBA: Okay. I'm going to go now, but I'll be back later. (Bending over to kiss her) I love you.

JHOURDHAUN: I ... love ... you ...

Bubba waits until she is sound asleep, and then he leaves.

ALLISON: So, you really believe Liase is involved up to his neck with Jhourdhaun's shooting.

ANGELA: His poor mom probably doesn't know what to do.

ALLISON: I can bet who she's blaming for all of these problems though. (Pausing) He didn't start getting into trouble until he started to hang out with Kale Peterson.

ANGELA: I remember how shaken she was when they started being friends.

HARRIET: Isn't that Hank Peterson's boy, the one who's always in trouble?

ANGELA: That's the one. Mrs. Davies was always talking about how bad of an influence he was on Liase, especially after he almost got him expelled. But I don't think she expected this.

Bubba moves to the group.

GILLESPIE: (Turning to his son-in-law) How is she, Bubba? Was she able to talk to you?

BUBBA: (Grinning from ear to ear) I'll say she talked. She even smarted off a little. (Looking at everyone) I do believe Jhourdhaun's going to be just fine.

HARRIET: Thank God.

ACT FOUR, SCENE ONE

SETTING: The Chief's office. Hampton and the Sheriff are there. Dr. Davies is pacing the floor while Liase and Mrs. Davies sit.

DR. DAVIES: (Yelling) This is an outrage! We will not stand for this treatment! How dare you drag us down here like common criminals. (Pointing at Hampton) I'll have your job, Forbes!

HAMPTON: (Waiting patiently until the tirade finishes) Are you finished? (Watching as Dr. Davies sits) Good, cause I have a few things to say. (Pausing) We have a positive match of your son's blood with the blood found at the Asheley house. We also have a bullet, found in the wall at the house, with fragments of your son's skin on it. Now, those things add up up to some major evidence against your boy that could send him away for a very long time. (Looking at Liase) Since you have waived the right to have your attorney present, do you have anything to say, Liase?

LIASE: (Looking at his parents) No sir, I don't.

HAMPTON: (Shaking his head) All right. (Shrugging) I guess it's time to bring in Captain Skinner.

MRS. DAVIES: Why do you have to bring in anyone else? You heard him say he had nothing to do with the shooting.

GILLESPIE: I hate to tell you this, Mrs. Davies, but Liase only said he had nothing to say, ... not that he didn't do it.

DR. DAVIES: Don't you think you're splitting hairs to harass my son?

GILLESPIE: No, I do not. (Looking directly at Liase) As the Chief was saying, Capt. Skinner has been waiting to speak with you ever since the results came in. The Chief had convinced him to wait on this discussion in case you decided to tell us something. Now that it seems that won't happen, we're going to be hard pressed to keep him from questioning you.

DR. DAVIES: ARE YOU THREATENING MY SON!

GILLESPIE: (Angrily) No. I'm just informing him that the Captain of this station has the right to question anyone, .... no matter what the circumstances. The Captain has chosen to exert his right considering that the woman who was almost killed is his wife.

During this discussion, Liase looks out the partitioned window. When he notices how Bubba is staring at him, he blanches and quickly interrupts.

LIASE: Wait! I'll talk. (Sighing) A couple of months ago, my partner and I decided we wanted to do something different. He was able to find out information about these houses and when the people were going to be away. We would break in and take the stuff that we could sell with no hassle.

DR.DAVIES: (Angrily) But why? I gave you everything you could want. You didn't need the money.

LIASE: We didn't do it because we needed anything; we did it because we wanted to. It gave us something to do when we had to plan and commit the burglaries.

HAMPTON: What about the Asheley house robbery?

LIASE: My partner found out no one was going to be at the house. He stayed upstairs while I went downstairs to clean out those rooms. I was really surprised when I saw the lady there, so I started talking loud to warn him someone was at home. She had a gun on me, and the next thing I knew, he was coming down the stairs shooting her. (Rubbing his injured leg) Before she fell, she was able to shoot and nick me. (Pleading) That's all. I swear. I didn't know he had a gun, let alone that he was going to use it. (Looking at everyone) You have to believe me!

HAMPTON: It might go easier on you if you identify your partner.

LIASE: I can't snitch.

HAMPTON: Liase, do you realize that you have just confessed to the fact that you were at the scene and involved in a crime? And, with that coupled with the evidence and the fact that you are seventeen and in this state can be tried as an adult, you will be going down for a long time, or possibly worse if she doesn't make it. All of this could happen to you for something you claim you were only an accessory.

LIASE: Yes sir, but I can't give his name.

DR. DAVIES: (Disgusted) So, now you decide to be honourable. A little late don't you think?

MRS. DAVIES: Shut up Rod! (Turning to her son) Liase, please. If not for your sake, do it for me. (Pleading) I don't think I could handle any of that happening to you.

GILLESPIE: (Rising) May I add something? (Pausing) I believe I have behaved very well considering that Mrs. Skinner is my daughter. But, I can honestly say that I will advise the state prosecutor to throw the book at you for the harm you have caused her and the rest of my family, whether you pulled the trigger or not. (Pausing) Now, you need to think if that person you're protecting is worth the agony you'll be putting your mama and yourself through.

LIASE: (Looking at everyone in the office) All right. .... It was Kale Peterson. He got the information from his dad, one of the security patrolmen, whenever he was drunk.

HAMPTON: Thank you. Now, I will instruct Lt. Jamison to take you into the conference room so that you can call your lawyer.

DR. DAVIES: I can't believe all of those plans are down the drain. How could you do this to me? (He leaves with his family and Lonnie)

HAMPTON: (On the intercom) Bubba, could you come in here? (Picking up his phone, dialing and talking to someone)

BUBBA: (Walking in) Well, did we get them?

HAMPTON: (Hanging the phone up) We have one, and just as soon as we pick up the warrant, we can get the other one. (Looking at his friend long and hard) I guess I don't have to ask if you're ready.

BUBBA: No, you don't. Just say the word and I'm gone.

HAMPTON: Okay. But remember. We want a clean bust, so don't go in there like some renegade cop.

BUBBA: I won't. There is nothing that could make me blow this one.

ACT FOUR, SCENE TWO

SETTING: Outside of Jhourdhaun's hospital room. Bubba, Lonnie, Angela, and Virgil are about to walk in when three older people walk up to them.

MRS. WINN: Andrew Skinner? Is that you, boy?

BUBBA: (Freezing in his tracks as he hears that voice) Uhhh, no ma'am.

MRS. STALWORTH: (Putting on her glasses) Wait just a minute. That is you. (Beaming) Andrew Jefferson Jackson Skinner. One of my best students after Bill Gillespie got hold of you.

MRS. WINN: I thought it was you. Nobody else is big like you around here. (Hitting his arm) Stand up straight, boy! You act like you carrying the world on your shoulders! (Muttering) You always were such a big boy with horrible posture.

Everyone else is cracking up with laughter. Virgil moves to his friend's side and places his arm on his shoulder.

VIRGIL: Um, ... (Snickering) Andrew, shouldn't you introduce your friends to us?

BUBBA: (Glaring at Virgil at the same time he's turning red with embarrassment) Uhh, yeah. Mrs. Stalworth, Mrs. Winn and Coach Mattox .... umm .... these are my friends. (Rushing) Friends, these are some of my high school teachers.

MRS. WINN: (Hitting him again) I see all of these years haven't helped your manners, Andrew Jefferson, and definitely not your use of those horrid uhhs and umms.

COACH MATTOX: Don't listen to Mrs. Winn. We came up here to see why she was so grumpy and found out it wasn't anything medical. (Looking at Bubba and grinning) So, how is my star athlete? You know, after you left, Andrew Jefferson, the old teams just weren't the same.

BUBBA: Sure, Coach. (Lowering his voice) But, do you remember that I like being called Bubba?

MRS. WINN: (Shocked) Bubba? (Angrily) What kind of horrible little name is that? Why, you have an absolutely beautiful Christian name, and one that has ties to several of our late presidents. You should be proud you use it! (Hearing the laughs from the others and pointing her cane at them) And you should be proud every time you hear it!

BUBBA: Yes, ma'am. (Looking around for help but noticing he's not going to get any) Uhh, ... I really hate to run, but I promised my wife I'd be in to check on her about this time. (Hurrying inside) It was nice seeing you all.

MRS. STALWORTH: It sure was. (Calling after him) You take care, and tell that wife of yours our prayers are with you and her.

MRS. WINN: Why someone like that would marry someone like him just goes to show it takes

all kinds. (Hobbling off and grumbling) A pitiful shame .... Bubba .... Can you believe that?

Surrounded by the laughter of his friends, Bubba moves to his wife's side. The Sheriff, Harriet, Lana, Allison, and baby Zachary are there. Jhourdhaun is sitting up in bed and smiles as her husband bends and kisses her.

JHOURDHAUN: What's so funny?

ANGELA: Your husband, my dear. We were just allowed to get the scoop on that cousin of Bubba's. You know, Andrew Jefferson Jackson Skinner. (Laughing with the others) Lonnie had to hold me or I would have rolled myself on down the hallway when I heard.

JHOURDHAUN: (Puzzled) How did you find out? (Pointing at her husband) He has gone to great lengths to keep his name private. Remember when we had to go through two wedding ceremonies. One so that the minister would feel it was legal and sanctioned and the other for everyone else. Bubba was that stubborn about his given name being used.

VIRGIL: (Still laughing) Well, thanks to a few of his old teachers, we all know. (Pausing to catch his breath) You should have seen his face!

ALLISON: Honey, it's not nice to tease. (Moving to his side) Look at how red he is, Virgil Aurelius Tibbs.

VIRGIL: (Quickly sobering) I guess this means the honeymoon is over.

Everyone laughs. Bubba gently sits behind Jhourdhaun so that she can lean on him.

BUBBA: Enough about that. (Pausing) Dr. Shephard tells me that State Attorney Calhoun dropped by. What did she have to say?

JHOURDHAUN: Just to tell me that I won't be needed to testify. Liase Davies has turned state's witness for a lighter sentence, so, they're trying Peterson as an adult.

HARRIET: (Shaking her head) What a waste. (Kissing her son's head) Those boys could have done so much.

JHOURDHAUN: I know. (Pausing) I guess it wouldn't have seemed so bad if they hadn't been doing the burglaries for a lark. (Sighing) I'm just glad I won't have to testify. I still don't remember anything about what happened that whole day. (Shrugging as best as she can) The doctors' said I probably won't ever remember.

BUBBA: (Noticing how much that bothers her) Well, I have some good news for you.

GILLESPIE: Better than everything else?

BUBBA: Yep. (Pausing for effect) The good doctor told me that if no other complications occur. Jhourdhaun will be going home by the end of next week.

JHOURDHAUN: (Kissing him) That is good news.

GILLESPIE: (Taking Zachary from his mother) I do believe we need to celebrate this momentous occasion.

LANA: Are you talking about another party, Papa?

GILLESPIE: Of course I am. (Smiling at everyone in the room) We came close to losing so much, but we didn't. (Pausing) For that, we need to show how thankful we are. What better way to show it than a celebratory party when Jhourdhaun feels up to it.

HARRIET: (Kissing her husband) By George, I think you're on to something.

THE END