ACT TWO, SCENE FOUR

SETTING: An upstairs bedroom. Jhourdhaun is resting while Harriet and Tully talk.

TULLY: (Looking at the resting woman) I was hoping she would have an easier time of it.

HARRIET: (Sighing) I'm sure this isn't helping matters.

TULLY: Before she fell asleep, she was having a little discomfort that had me a bit concerned. But, thank God, she seems to be over it. (Looking at Harriet) What was all the racket about when your brother came?

HARRIET: Angela finally broke down. When Hayley showed up, her defenses all crumbled. I was almost afraid the tears wouldn't stop. (Thinking) It was almost as if she was mourning something.

TULLY: That definitely wasn't something any of you should have heard. (Hearing Jhourdhaun moan and moving closer to her) Jhourdhaun, love, it's all right. Everything's fine.

JHOURDHAUN: (Wincing) Has there been any news?

HARRIET: Not yet, but it shouldn't be too much longer. (Moving a strand of hair from the girl's face) How are you doing, Baby?

JHOURDHAUN: (Wincing again) Not too good. I can't seem to get comfortable.

HARRIET: (Smiling) Maybe you should have thought of that before you got pregnant. You knew how much discomfort I had with Zachary. (Hearing noises from downstairs) I wonder what all that noise is about down there?

LANA: (Running up the stairs) It's over, Mom. It's over!

HARRIET: (Incredulous) What?

LANA: Parker just called with the news. (Hugging Harriet) He said everything looked good and it would probably be okay if we were there when they came out. (Joyous) He said he talked to one of the prisoners who confirmed that Papa was alive and helping to coordinate things. (Tearfully) He's coming home!

HARRIET: (Crying) Oh, thank heavens!

JHOURDHAUN: (Biting back a scream) Ohhh!

TULLY: Jhourdhaun, what's wrong?

JHOURDHAUN: (Panting) I think a few of us might be ... heading somewhere else!

HARRIET: (Moving to help Jhourdhaun) I guess this is what Allison meant by an unforgettable night!

ACT THREE, SCENE ONE

SETTING: Outside of the courthouse. It is almost the same situation as before with the exception of Hayley and Angela standing away from the action.

VIRGIL: (Emerging from the building) We need some stretchers here. (Looking back) Hurry!

PARKER: (Running up) What's the situation, Virgil?

VIRGIL: We've got a lot of injuries, some of them pretty bad. (Watching as several people are carried out) We counted at least five dead, including Scobie and his head guy. Several of us took hits.

PARKER: We were really worried that it would be a lot worse. (Looking around) I'm glad Terry was able to convince the SWAT guys to hold off or it probably would have been worse.

VIRGIL: (Attempting not to cry) Parker, when I said we took hits, ... one ... (Clearing his throat) one of us took a bad one.

PARKER: (Stricken) How bad?

VIRGIL: Real bad.

PARKER: (Whispering) Omigod. (Clearing his throat) Who ... who is it?

Hearing a noise, Virgil turns back to the doorway. With the help of a medic, the Sheriff emerges first. He is closely followed by an injured Bubba and Hampton carrying someone on a makeshift stretcher. When a couple of paramedics try to help take the burden, both of the men ignore them and keep walking. In the background, a solemn Angela and Hayley are moving toward the ambulnce the men are walking to.

PARKER: Oh, God, no.

ALLISON: (Running up and hugging Virgil) Thank God! Are you o.k.? (Not getting a response) Virgil? (Turning to look at what he's watching and gasping) Lonnie!

DR. SHEPHARD: (Moving away from examining the still form) I'm sorry. (Looking at them all) The damage is too extensive. There's nothing I can do for him.

ANGELA: (Walking closer to her husband) Thank you, Doctor. (Looking at Lonnie) I'd like to ride with my husband.

DR. SHEPHARD: Of course.

As Angela gets into the ambulance and they leave, several paramedics move in to help the injured.

GILLESPIE: (Looking around) Where's everyone else? I thought they would have been here waiting.

ANGELA: (Still shaken) They would have been here. (Looking up at Virgil and touching his face) We were all so frantic! (Looking back) Umm, they're at the hospital.

HAMPTON: Waiting for us to get there?

HAYLEY: No, they're with Jhourdhaun. She went into labour.

ACT THREE, SCENE TWO

SETTING: A large church. A funeral is in progress and the church is overflowing. At the front, a casket rests with the picture of a smiling officer sitting on it.

MINISTER: A few of Lieutenant Jamison's friends and family would like to say a few words about him.

GILLESPIE: (Walking up to the pulpit) When Lonnie Jamison first walked into our little office, he was grass green and eager to help the people of Sparta. Over the years, I watched him mature into a great man and a fine officer. And, though he lost that greenness, he never lost that unfailing compassion and love for Sparta and its people. (Clearing his throat) In my heart, I feel that I am not only saying goodbye to a good friend but also a man so close to my heart to be thought of as a son. (Touching the casket) Safe journey, ... Son.

He places a yellow rose on the casket and then steps down to guide Harriet to the pulpit.

HARRIET: (Crying) I knew Lonnie most of his life. I, too, watched him grow into an exceptional young man. (Pausing) Our paths crossed infrequently, but I knew his strong, quiet presence was always there. (Wiping the tears with a hankerchief) But, then, something wonderful happened. (Smiling at Angela) Lonnie and my sister, Angela, discovered each other and their love. Though they only had a very short time together, that love brought them a great happiness and a beautiful son, Lonnie Jr. (Pausing) In a short amount of time, I grew to love Lonnie as a brother, and I ... (Weeping) will truly miss him. (Touching the casket) Safe journey, ... Brother.

She also places a yellow rose on the casket and walks into her husband's arms as they move to sit.

HAMPTON: (Walking up) First thing, I would like to inform everyone here that Lt. Jamison was given a commendation for meritorious service above and beyond the call of duty. (Reading from a sheet) Secondly, his name has been placed on the roster for the State of Mississippi's Officer's Honour List. In a presentation scheduled for two weeks from now, his and other fallen officers' names will be read and placed on the state monument for their acts of courage. (Putting down the paper) That was the easy part of getting up here, today. (Pausing) Everyone here knows the courage that Lonnie Jamison showed. Not everyone here actually saw that courage. (Clearing his throat) In the little while that I knew Lonnie, I realized what a fine officer he was; I also realized what a fine person he was. In so many ways I feel his loss, ... as an officer, but mainly ... as a friend. (Touching the casket) Safe journey, my friend.

After placing his yellow rose on the casket, he too walks back to his seat. Virgil and Allison go up together.

VIRGIL: Even though Lonnie saw a lot in his job that showed the cruelty of man, he never lost that innocence of his. That's what made him such a terrific police officer. (Pausing) He knew in his mind that people could and did do horrible things, but ... (Touching his chest) in his heart, he could never really see the bad in them. (Pausing to take a deep breath) The world has lost a remarkable soul, and it mourns its loss. (Both he and Allison touching the casket and speaking together) Safe journey, our friend.

They place their yellow roses on the casket and return to their seats. Parker walks up.

PARKER: My first thought when Angela asked me to say a few things was how could I say words that were going to say goodbye to one of my oldest friends. Then I got to thinking about how could I not. (Pausing) Along with Bubba, I grew up with Lonnie. We played cops and robbers up and down Frawley street everyday; he always was the bad guy because he said I couldn't act well enough to be the villain. When we got older, we trained together so that we could protect our home and our friends. And, though he and I didn't always see eye to eye, we always knew that the other was there as backup. (Looking up) Thanks, old buddy. (Touching the casket) Safe journey, old friend.

He places his yellow rose on the casket and walks to sit beside Lana. Bubba walks up.

BUBBA: When Lonnie and I first started, we used to joke about who would get on Gillespie's good side. A few weeks ago, we were talking about how things had changed. (Chuckling) Somehow, that was brought up and I said he had gone a long way in marrying Angela because she helped him score points with the Councilwoman which of course put him in the Sheriff's favor. He came straight back with the fact that I, too, had found a way into his good graces by actually marrying his daughter. (Smiling) We laughed a lot and a few times we even shed a few tears. (Looking down at Angela and L.J.) I was there when his son entered the world and ... (Pausing) I know, if he could, he would have been there when mine were born. (Pausing again) I always believed that we would retire together and swap old war stories down at Campbell's store. (Shaking his head) I never thought that we'd ever end up like this. (Trying to control himself) We did a lot together, Lonnie. I hope you get a chance to prepare them for when both of us are together again. (Touching the casket) Safe journey, dear friend.

He places two yellow roses on the casket and moves to help Reese and Angela. Angela thanks him and kisses his cheek. When Reese moves to walk up with her, Angela shakes her head and walks up alone.

ANGELA: (Smiling) I was told that if I didn't feel up to speaking, I didn't have to. My sisters, Reese and Harriet, offered to walk up with me and say the words that I wanted to but couldn't. (Looking around) When I heard everyone else speak of how Lonnie had touched their lives, I knew I had to say something. (Pausing) You all knew a side of Lonnie that came naturally to him. I was able to see the side that wasn't as natural but just as integral to him as a person. In our time together, I learned that the outside world is not always as perfect as you're led to believe, but I also learned that if you're in it with someone special, it can be as wonderful as you make it. (Smiling again) I was so lucky to have found him and, though our time was short, it was happy. (Touching the casket) Safe journey, my love. (Looking out at everyone) Thank all of you for coming and sharing this time with me and my family. I know Lonnie would have been very grateful for your outpouring of support and love.

ACT FOUR, SCENE ONE

SETTING: The hospital. A much smaller Jhourdhaun is resting in bed in a brightly coloured room when Bubba comes in and sits in the chair beside her bed.

JHOURDHAUN: (Waking up) Hiya, Daddy.

BUBBA: (Taking her hand) Hi, yourself, Beautiful.

JHOURDHAUN: I don't know about the beautiful part, but I can attest to being a lot more comfortable. (Noticing his withdrawn attitude and pushing a lock of hair back) Was it that bad?

BUBBA: Yes and no.

JHOURDHAUN: (Puzzled) I don't understand.

BUBBA: There were tears and everyone really felt the loss, but when we all said our piece, it was like we weren't really saying goodbye.

JHOURDHAUN: What was it like?

BUBBA: (Shrugging) I don't know. (Shaking his head) It was almost like we were telling him see you later. Almost like he was going on an extended trip where we wouldn't see him for awhile, but we would see him.

JHOURDHAUN: I think that's what Angela wanted. (Smiling as she leans closer to him) That's why she had everyone say safe journey and not goodbye. And also, why she had you put yellow roses on the casket. For remembrance.

BUBBA: (Moving behind her) I guess so.

JHOURDHAUN: You know this is going to sound selfish, but I am so very thankful, I wasn't having to bury you. (Sighing) I know I wouldn't have been as strong as she was.

BUBBA: (Hugging her) You might have been surprised. You are a lot stronger than you think.

JHOURDHAUN: (Shaking her head) Not where you're concerned. (Shifting in his arms to look at him) You're my anchor. You're what keeps me whole. (Snuggling closer to him) Everything I do is that much better because you're there with me.

BUBBA: Man, you do have a way of saying just the right thing to keep me your slave. (Sighing) I don't know if I've said this enough, but I feel the same about you. (Pulling her even closer) Everytime I think about the risk you took by becoming pregnant, I feel like my insides are just gonna shrivel up. Knowing the sacrifices you made to bring those little people into this world almost makes me question what I did to deserve you. (Pausing) You bring me to my knees, Jhourdhaun. But, as long as you're with me, I feel like I'm the strongest man alive, ... or at least the luckiest.

JHOURDHAUN: (Awed) Wow. Talking about making someone your slave. (Turning more toward him) Now that we've done our bits for our mutual admiration societies, how's about you and I do a little more kissing and snuggling.

BUBBA: (Grinning) I do like how you think, Counselor.

They begin to do just that, but are soon interrupted by two nurses pushing three baby cots.

NURSE ONE: (Loudly clearing her throat) I think we have some people who would like to speak with you.

JHOURDHAUN: (Moving away from her husband) We were only trying to sneak in a few minutes for ourselves before the mad rush begins. (Looking happily at her babies) How long are they here for?

NURSE TWO: Dr. Griggs said that they're doing so well, they can stay in here with Mama until they go home.

BUBBA: (Smiling) Did she say when that would be?

NURSE ONE: (Moving to place a baby in Jhourdhaun's arms) Just as soon as everything is fine with their mama.

BUBBA: (Sitting back in his chair as first one then another baby is placed in his arms) Good, that shouldn't be too long. Being in that huge house alone can make a fellow lonesome.

JHOURDHAUN: (Nuzzling the baby as the nurses leave) Oh, you poor thing. (Talking to the baby) I think that was your daddy's big, manly way of saying he misses us terribly.

BUBBA: That's what I said. (Kissing the heads of the two he has) So, have you thought of the names we're going to bless our children with.

JHOURDHAUN: (Grinning) Well, of course I have, Andrew Jefferson.

BUBBA: Shhh. Not in front of the children. (Giving her a sly look) Do you care to enlighten me, Darlin'?

JHOURDHAUN: (Laughing) Why, yes, I would. (Thinking) I've been putting a lot of thought into this and ...

ACT FOUR, SCENE TWO

SETTING: The Gillespie home. Harriet is sitting on the porch swing cradling Zachary when her husband walks up.

GILLESPIE: (Smiling) Now, this is a lovely picture. (Walking up and sitting next to them) What has you sitting out here on one of your busiest days?

HARRIET: Your son and I decided to have a time-out together and then he fell asleep in my arms, so I decided to stay here for a little while.

GILLESPIE: A time-out, huh. So, what did he do today?

HARRIET: You remember that vase that Karras Landry gave us?

GILLESPIE: Yes, how could I forget it?

HARRIET: (Shifting the little boy) Well, I hope you have a fantastic memory of it because it is now no more.

GILLESPIE: (Frowning) As I recall, you hated the hideous thing.

HARRIET: (Laughing) You're right. That's why he and I are taking this time-out together. (Pausing) Him, because he broke the darn thing, and me, because I didn't want my leap of joy to make him think that he could break other more loved pieces.

GILLESPIE: (Chuckling) I see.

HARRIET: (Looking at his hands) What's that?

GILLESPIE: Oh, Bubba dropped this off at the office.

HARRIET: How was he looking?

GILLESPIE: Tired. The same as Jhourdhaun sounded when I talked to her this morning. (Chuckling) I don't think they realized what they were getting into.

HARRIET: (Really laughing) They know now. (Shaking her head) You know what a madhouse this place was when we brought Zachary home. Can you imagine what it must be like over there with three little darlings?

GILLESPIE: I can't, but I think Virgil has been commiserating with them.

HARRIET: At least they have Tully, Garrett, and Lana over there. They should be okay. (Sobering) I just hope Angela will be.

GILLESPIE: I couldn't believe she moved to Paris. (Putting his arm around her) I thought she would have wanted to stay close to her family.

HARRIET: (Shrugging) So did we, but I could understand why she did it. (Pausing) Everytime she would look at you and me, Jhourdhaun and Bubba, or Virgil and Allison, she would probably question why Lonnie and not one of you. (Quietly) I don't think she could have even looked at the Hodges boy without having some resentment of him being the reason Lonnie took the bullet. So, she chose to leave instead of bearing with the resentment.

GILLESPIE: At least she has Hayley with her and the boy. (Shaking his head) You know Hayley really shaped up after Lonnie's death. I was really proud of him and how he took the burden off of her. (Pausing and smiling) I do believe that boy is going to be all right.

HARRIET: (Proudly) Of course, he is. After all, he is my brother. (Curiosity getting the best of her) What's in the envelope?

GILLESPIE: Well, let's see. (Opening the envelope and putting his glasses on) Bubba and Jhourdhaun Skinner are pleased to announce the birth of their children, Harrison Geoffrey Willis Skinner, 5 lbs 10 ozs, Joshua Evan Nicholas Skinner, 5 lbs 7 ozs, and Meaghann Alyssa Shelby Skinner, 5 lbs. (Looking at his wife) It would seem they finally chose names for them.

HARRIET: Well, it was about time. It was ridiculous having to go around calling them Baby 1, Baby 2, and Baby 3. (Thinking) Do you think they honoured enough of us in their choices of names?

GILLESPIE: Well, let's see here. (Looking at the paper) Harrison, you. Willis, me. Evan, Lonnie. And Alyssa, Ashelei. (Pausing and nodding) Yes, I say they hit everybody.

HARRIET: You forgot Lana, with Shelby.

GILLESPIE: (Moving to kiss her) That's why we make such a wonderful team (Seeing his son awaken) Well, hello there, young man. And, how are you this afternoon?

ZACHARY: (Moving into his father's arms) Daddy, hug!

HARRIET: (Laughing) Now that's a beautiful picture. Two of my favorite men bonding. I ... (Seeing Eugene walk up) Gene!

As Eugene walks up, Harriet moves toward him. Bill stops playing with Zachary and moves to the edge of the porch.

GILLESPIE: Hello, Gene.

EUGENE: (Nervously) Sheriff. (Hugging his mother) Hi, Mama.

HARRIET: (Surprised but hugging him back) I was wondering if you had gone back. Especially when you didn't come back by here that evening.

EUGENE: When I heard what was going on, I didn't really think I'd be welcome.

GILLESPIE: (Coming down the stairs) That's nonsense! You are always welcome here and you know it.

EUGENE: (Shaking his head) I don't believe you.

HARRIET: (Shocked) Gene!

EUGENE: (Puzzled) What? (Realizing how it sounded) Oh, not that! I mean, (Pausing) I can't believe after all of the things I said to you, ya'll are still wanting to have anything to do with me.

HARRIET: Why? (Focusing on him) Gene, there are some things about being a parent that you don't understand. One of those is that you will always be my son, no matter what. No amount of hurting will ever change that.

EUGENE: Well, that explains you, but what's your story?

GILLESPIE: I'm not going to lie to you. I hated what you put your mother through. It hurt me because I felt like she was having to give up something important to be with me. (Pausing) That tore me up because I wanted her to have the same amount of happiness she had given me.

HARRIET: (Taking his hand) Gene, I did hurt because you weren't sharing my happiness, but I want to get it straight, I was happy without you being here. I didn't want you away, but if it meant peace and unconditional love in my home, then I could live with your being gone. (Raising his chin) Do you understand what I'm saying? If you can't come into this house without malice or ill-will toward any and all who come here, then I will let you go again. (Teary) No matter how much it feels like a part of me is being ripped away.

EUGENE: (Thinking for a long time) So, (Pointing at the little boy) is this Zacharriah?

HARRIET: (Smiling and crying) No, actually, it's Zachary. We couldn't see saddling him with that name in these times.

EUGENE: (Nodding and swallowing) I'm not going to say this is going to be smooth sailing, but if you won't give up on me, I'll really try to make it. (Looking at Bill) May I hold my little brother?

GILLESPIE: (Smiling) It's all right with me, but Zach does tend to have a will of steel of his own.

EUGENE: (Raising his arms for the boy) What you say, little brother? (Nervously) Come here, Zach.

ZACHARY: (Looking at him for a while and then launching at him) Dene!

HARRIET: (Laughing) Well, that's close enough! I'll go and see what Eric and Bobby are doing while you three get to know each other better. (Kissing her oldest son) I love you, Gene.

EUGENE: I love you too, Mom.

GILLESPIE: (Watching his wife leave and turning back to the others) Thank you.

EUGENE: (Puzzled) What for?

GILLEPSIE: (Walking him toward the house) You probably don't realize how much of my happiness is tied up in her happiness. And she is definitely so very happy right now indeed.

EUGENE: (Stopping) Then, thank you.

Eugene puts his hand out for the other man to shake. It seems he holds his breath until Bill takes it and proudly pats him on the back.

As they walk into the house, the beautiful neighborhood can be seen, and, all is it right with the world.

THE END