Jasper County: Surfacing

This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons or situations, living or dead, is unintentional and purely coincidental.




JASPER COUNTY
"Surfacing"



FADE IN:

INT. FIELDS OUTSIDE CHRISTINA BANKS’ HOUSE MORNING
CHRISTINA BANKS rides a horse through the fields. DOC LUKE WATSON drives by, slows down, watches Christina ride, smiles and laughs, and drives on. Luke then pulls into Christina’s drive, parks, and Christina rides to his vehicle. Luke gets out and examines the horse’s left front leg after Christina dismounts.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Morning.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Morning. Didn’t expect to see you this morning.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Oh, it’s time for DeWright’s dogs to be vaccinated. It’s easier and faster just to stop by there than to have them bring them in. Looks like that leg healed up nicely.

CHRISTINA BANKS
He sure loves to run. I’m so glad the Phelps decided to sell him instead of put him to sleep.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Yeah. Taste of Freedom may never barrel race again, but he’s still a beaut, still healthy enough to run around the fields.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Well, there’s some proof that just because something’s old or broken doesn’t mean it’s useless.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Oh, and the way I feel this morning, I hope that applies to me as well as the horse.

CHRISTINA BANKS
(laughs) I got some coffee if you think that’ll help.

DOC LUKE WATSON
No time. I just dropped by ‘cause I saw you riding. DeWrights are expecting me any minute now. (kisses Christina on the cheek) I’ll see you later.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Coffee’s always on if you change your mind.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Appreciate it.

Luke gets in his vehicle and drives away. Christina begins to lead the horse away.

INT. INSIDE BANKS’ HOME STAIRCASE DAY
The house is still in need of much repair, but much headway has been made. Christina Banks is on the stairs washing the walls. A bucket of cleanser sits on a step below her. A radio sits on a desk on the ground level playing classical music. As Christina washes the wall, she pushes at a part of the wall that seems weaker than the rest. She continues to wash the wall, but then the wall gently gives, breaking inwardly. As Christina tries to pull the wall back out, more breaks and she realizes there is a metal box behind the wall.

CHRISTINA BANKS
(when she feels the wall)(to herself) That’s not good. (when the wall gives) Oh, no. I can’t believe I just did that. (as she tries to pull it out) Come on. (when she sees the metal)

Christina pulls out the metal box and looks at it with curiosity and confusion. There is a clasp on the front, and the box is locked.

INT. SCHOOL FOOTBALL FIELD AFTERNOON
COACH HENRY is on the field as the JASPER COUNTY JAGUARS practice. WOODY REEVES and TOMMY HERNANDEZ are also on the field with the team. The players not in the practice plays are nearby exercising. Coach Henry blows his whistle. ADRIAN ALCOTT is also practicing.

COACH HENRY
Okay, boys, circle round and give me your attention. Now we’ve been doing well this season. I’m proud of how all of you have been pulling together as a team. And, we’ve got a few wins under our belt. That’s good. That’s real good. But, I don’t have to tell you that the Calhoun Colts have one of the best records in the region. Now we’re gonna have them on our turf this weekend, but I don’t want anybody thinking that guarantees us a win. I need everybody preparing, working hard, and then bringing in their A-game this weekend. We’re gonna make the home town proud, right fellas!

JASPER COUNTY JAGUARS (together)
(with excitement) Yes sir!/Yeah!/Sure are!

COACH HENRY
Good. Now I want you boys to give me five laps and then hit the showers. Alright. (blows whistle) Now, get to it.

Coach Henry grabs Adrian Alcott by the shoulder pads.

COACH HENRY
(continuing)
Uh, Adrian, as team captain, I’m expecting you to make sure these boys are on top of their game. That means no parties down at the river. Okay? We’ll never be able to beat the Colts if a bunch of these boys show up hung over from one of those riverside pep rallies.

ADRIAN ALCOTT
Yes, sir, Coach.

Coach Henry pats Adrian on the back and Adrian joins the others running.

INT. INSIDE MS. EDNA’S HOUSE AFTERNOON
MS. EDNA is sitting in a chair and talking on the phone.

MS. EDNA
Oh, yes, I’ve been feeling well, quite well, thank you. (pause)Yes, well you know you can always count on the Michaels family for a donation. My late husband was always fond of your organization. (pause) Yes, alright. Thank you. (hangs up phone) Everybody always wanting money for this or for that. I just don’t understand it. It’s just plain old manipulation. Manipulation, I tell you.

Three knocks are heard at the door. Ms. Edna goes to the door.

MS. EDNA
(continuing)
(grunts) Who could that be? Probably just another solicitor wanting money. Everybody always wanting money for this or for that. Just plain old manipulation.

Three knocks are heard again.

MS. EDNA
(continuing)
Hold your horses. I’m coming. Not only wanting money but can’t wait for an old woman to get to the door. Only an idiot would have no patience.

Ms. Edna opens the door. DOC LUKE WATSON stands there.

MS. EDNA
(continuing)
And, I was right.

Doc Luke Watson comes in and presents Ms. Edna with a small white box from the Lunchbox Café.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Ms. Edna, thought I’d just drop by and check on you this afternoon. How are you feeling?

MS. EDNA
(as she shuts the door) I’ve been better.

DOC LUKE WATSON
I brought you a piece of coconut cream pie from the Lunchbox Cafe.

MS. EDNA
(scoffs) She probably didn’t even use real eggs.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Elly’s been buying them from Ms. Emily Pyle and then re-selling them down at the Lunchbox, and they were especially good today.

MS. EDNA
(much more pleased) Oh, Emily made it, did she? Oh, why thank you Mr. Watson.

Ms. Edna takes the box from Luke.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Well, I also dropped by to ask you something.

MS. EDNA
And, that would be?

DOC LUKE WATSON
Well, Christina and I are going to the big game this weekend. You know, Jasper’s playing Calhoun. Home game. And, the team’s been doing so well that the whole county is gonna be there to support them and rally them on.

MS. EDNA
(doubtful) The whole county? Really?

Ms. Edna goes to the chair and sits down. Luke follows, but remains standing.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Christina and I would love for you to join us. It’ll be fun, Ms. Edna. There’s sure to be a lot of excitement. Jim DeWright’s gonna be saying the prayer like he always does and it’s all over the county that the band has something special planned for halftime. Everyone’s so excited you’d think it was a playoff game. Won’t you come?

MS. EDNA
Oh, so the pie was a lure.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Huh?

MS. EDNA
No. The answer is no. (she scowls) Do you really want me to tell you why?

Luke looks about the room in indecision, and finally shakes his head no.

INT. INSIDE THE LUNCHBOX CAFÉ AFTERNOON
A FEW CUSTOMERS are in the café as are ELLY DEWRIGHT and DONNA REEVES. Elly is refreshing everyone’s coffee while Donna is wiping off the counter. JIM DEWRIGHT walks in and sits at the counter.

JIM DEWRIGHT
Afternoon, everyone.

DONNA REEVES
Afternoon, Jim.

Donna sets an empty coffee cup in front of Jim.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Hey, dad.

Elly fills Jim’s coffee cup.

JIM DEWRIGHT
You two have this down to a science.

Donna and Elly laugh.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
We’ve gotten better at our timing.

Donna takes the coffee pot to the back area. Elly sits at the counter by Jim but facing the opposite direction.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
(continuing)
So, what brings you by the café today?

JIM DEWRIGHT
I was just out making a few home visits, checking on a few people, and thought I’d stop by and see my daughter. You have done wonderfully with this place. It always smells like home.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
That was the idea. Mom okay?

JIM DEWRIGHT
Oh, yeah. She’s been busy with that quilting group of hers. They are determined to have that quilt finished by fair time.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Oh, are they planning on entering it in the contest?

JIM DEWRIGHT
That’s all she’s been talking about is how special this quilt is. It’s a quilt with a theme: the history of Jasper County. Supposed to be quite the thing, but I’ve not seen it yet. You know how secretive those quilting ladies can be about their projects. (smiles)

ELLY DEWRIGHT
(quietly) Yeah.

JIM DEWRIGHT
We sure would like to see you at church this Sunday, El.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Please, dad, not again.

JIM DEWRIGHT
I’m not trying to push you. Just letting you know you’re welcome.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
(looks for another topic) I hear you’re saying the prayer at the game this weekend.

JIM DEWRIGHT
(sensing the change in topic, nods yes) I’ve visited people in the hospital this morning who are determined to get out in time to go see that game. You going?

ELLY DEWRIGHT
No, I need to stay here and cover the café. Just in case there’s anybody in the tri-state area who won’t be going to that game.

JIM DEWRIGHT
(chuckles) You’re likely to be bored to tears. But, I admire the dedication you’ve put into this place. It’s not easy running a business, especially a restaurant. You’ve done good, El. Real good.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Thanks dad.

JIM DEWRIGHT
Well, I should be going. Your mother will be wondering what happened to me.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
(hesitantly) Let her know she’s welcome here anytime.

JIM DEWRIGHT
I will.

Jim begins to pull out his wallet, but Elly nods for him that it’s on the house. Jim pats Elly on the shoulder and exits. Elly looks a bit saddened.

INT. INSIDE CHRISTINA’S HOUSE STAIRCASE NIGHT
Christina and Luke are on the stairs as Luke pulls out more of the wall.

CHRISTINA BANKS
So what did she say?

DOC LUKE WATSON
Before or after she gave me a piece of her mind?

CHRISTINA BANKS
Um. That must’ve hurt.

DOC LUKE WATSON
This is all going to have to come out.

CHRISTINA BANKS
See anything else back there.

DOC LUKE WATSON
No. (takes a knife and cuts out a square around the hole) This really won’t be too hard to fix. Just need to get some plaster board, cut it out to match the missing area, then nail the new piece to the boards.

Luke removes the square with the hole in the middle, looks through the hole at Christina, joking.

DOC LUKE WATSON
(continuing)
Mirror, Mirror. (he puts the plaster down)

CHRISTINA BANKS
Yeah, then putty and sanding and paint. I’ll put that on my list of things to do. I’m becoming quite the fix-it-person.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Well I keep telling you I’ll help you around here. (sits on the stairs)

CHRISTINA BANKS
This house is not your responsibility. Besides, you have enough to do and I like taking care of this house myself. I shouldn’t have said it like I did. I’m just dying to know what’s in that box.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Are you sure it’s locked?

CHRISTINA BANKS
Uh, yeah, I’ve been trying to open it all day. I’m taking it over to the Sheriff’s Department tomorrow. Seems like they should know how to get it open. Have you heard anything about this house? Any ideas why a box might be hidden in the wall?

DOC LUKE WATSON
No. But, I can tell you this much. That box had to be put there deliberately. There’s no way that thing could have accidentally ended up back there.

CHRISTINA BANKS
I guess there won’t be any solving this mystery tonight. How about some of that chili?

DOC LUKE WATSON
Sounds good to me.

INT. INSIDE JASPER COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPT. DAY
Christina Banks shows the box to SHERIFF COOPER MICHAELS and DEPUTY BAILEY PHELPS. Bailey is holding the box and examining it.

SHERIFF
And you found it in the wall?

CHRISTINA BANKS
Yeah. It was hidden back there. I’ve got a hole to patch up now but finding this box was worth it. Ever since I found it I’ve been wondering what else is hidden around that place.

SHERIFF
Hum. Finders, keepers.

CHRISTINA BANKS
You saying that as my uncle or my sheriff?

Sheriff chuckles.

SHERIFF
What do you think, Bailey?

DEPUTY BAILEY PHELPS
My dad may be able to get it open without a key. He’s the civil war expert, but it sure looks like some of the boxes he’s collected from that era. See this stamp on the back.

Bailey shows them a stamp on the bottom corner of the box for the KEEPSAKE COMPANY.

DEPUTY BAILEY PHELPS
(continuing)
No date on it, but I think my dad has boxes from the same company. Name sure sounds familiar anyway.

SHERIFF
Of course, just because the box is from that era doesn’t mean whatever’s inside of it is too.

CHRISTINA BANKS
House was built in 1850. So, it could have been. Right now I just really want to see what, if anything, is inside it. I just don’t want to damage the box to find out.

DEPUTY BAILY PHELPS
Nobody can pick an old lock like dad.

INT. INSIDE FARMHOUSE OF BEN PHELPS DAY
Bailey Phelps, BEN PHELPS, Christina Banks, and Sheriff Cooper Michaels are in Ben’s living room which is decorated with war memorabilia. Ben studies the box as he sits in a chair. The other parties stand.

SHERIFF
You see one like that before, Ben?

BEN PHELPS
Well, it’s got all the signs of being from the late 1800’s. That Keepsake Company sold a lot of boxes just like this. Heard of some of them being found on old battlefields and buried around old houses, but this is the first time I’ve ever heard of one being found in a wall. Well (he takes a pick from a nearby drawer) let’s see here. (begins to pick the box)

SHERIFF
Ben, where does a retired deputy learn to pick a lock anyway? I don’t remember any classes in picking locks at the academy.

BEN PHELPS
(laughs) Oh, Coop, I wasn’t always a law enforcement officer. And, Jasper County kids need something to keep them busy. Aw, but I never got into any trouble. Well, not any big trouble anyway. (opens the box) There we are.

DEPUTY BAILEY PHELPS
What’s in there, dad?

Before everyone’s curious expressions, Ben pulls open the box lid and pulls out folded blueprints, some documents in a thick envelope, and a small leather purse with a string tie. Ben opens up the blueprints.

BEN PHELPS
These look like the original blueprints to the house.

SHERIFF
(to Christina) I thought you had those?

CHRISTINA BANKS
So did I.

Christina goes to kneel beside Ben’s chair.

CHRISTINA BANKS
(continuing)
And, why hide blueprints in a wall? It’s not like you couldn’t walk through the house and see where the rooms are.

Ben and Christina study the maps momentarily.

DEPUTY BAILEY PHELPS
What else is in there?

BEN PHELPS
(refolds the maps, puts them back in the box) Hum. These probably deserve some close attention.

Ben pulls out the small purse, loosens the tie, and opens it. He pours out the contents into his hand and finds a diamond and sapphire necklace.
Christina’s eyes widen.

SHERIFF
Whoa.

DEPUTY BAILEY PHELPS
(whistles with awe) That’d sure be worth hiding.

BEN PHELPS
Is it real?

SHERIFF
I’m no jewelry expert but I don’t think I’d be going to the trouble of hiding a fake necklace.

Christina pulls out the thick envelope and opens it up.

BEN PHELPS
Hummm. Clasp is broken.

SHERIFF
What you got, Christina?

CHRISTINA BANKS
Looks like a will, some bills of sale, uh, maybe some bookkeeping paperwork for the property. There’s lists of prices of seed and flour and such.

BEN PHELPS
Now, when you say you found this behind the wall, what do you mean exactly?

CHRISTINA BANKS
I was trying to clean the walls and punched through some plaster. There was nothing near that part of the wall to make it any different than any other. Wasn’t near a corner. No walls seams or anything. Just a plaster wall.

BEN PHELPS
Now, that is interesting. Why hide something somewhere where you’ll have to do obvious damage to the wall just to get to it?

INT. INSIDE LUNCHBOX CAFÉ NIGHT
Elly DeWright and Emily Pyle sit alone at the counter drinking coffee and listening to the RADIO ANNOUNCER # 1 and 2.

RADIO ANNOUNCER # 1
Folks, we’re probably looking at the last play of the game. Either Jasper County is going to get that ball across the line and steal the game from Calhoun or Calhoun is going to continue their winning streak.

RADIO ANNOUNCER #2
But, either way it goes, this has been an incredible game.

RADIO ANNOUNCER # 1
That it has.

RADIO ANNOUNCER # 2
No one has had such a close game with the state champs as Jasper has tonight. Coach Henry sure has got a good team going this season.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Thanks for helping me out here tonight Emily. I had to stay open in case of customers but it looks like you could have gone to the game with Jesse after all.

EMILY PYLE
It’s been nice to sit here and chat with you, Elly. There’ll be other games. Besides it sounds like Jasper might even make the playoffs this year.

RADIO ANNOUNCER # 1
And, Alcott has thrown the ball to Hernandez. And, yes, there’s been a solid catch.

RADIO ANNOUNCER # 2
Will he make the touchdown before Calhoun gets to him? Ten. Five. It’s good! The Jasper County Jaguars have taken the game and put an end to the winning streak of the Calhoun County Colts. What a game!

EMILY AND ELLY (together)
They won!

ELLY DEWRIGHT
I can’t believe it.

EMILY PYLE
Good thing I’m here now, Elly. This place is gonna be flooded with hungry Jasper County fans in about thirty minutes!

ELLY DEWRIGHT
I’ll start a fresh pot of coffee.

INT. OUTSIDE SCHOOL NIGHT
Sheriff Cooper Michaels is directing traffic when his radio sounds. He goes to his squad car.

DEPUTY CHARLES MASON
(filtered)
Hey, Coop. You there?

SHERIFF
Yeah, I’m here, Charles. Did you catch the game on the radio?

DEPUTY CHARLES MASON
(filtered)
Sure did. That was a great game. Uh, listen, Coop, how long you want me to give those kids to celebrate before I rush in and ruin all their fun?

SHERIFF
(chuckles) Aw, Charles, give ‘em a couple hours or so. Just stand by in the usual spot and make sure none of it get into too much trouble.

INT. TWIN FORKS NIGHT
TEENAGERS are having a party by the river. They are drinking alcohol and up-tempo country music is playing loudly from a truck radio. Bonfires are flaming. Adrian Alcott (Teen # 1 from Ties That Bind) is walking along the riverbank with a beer in his hand. CHEERLEADER # 1 is walking with him. PARKER RANDOLPH and MARK MOYER and MILL MOYER are swimming in the river and acting crazy along with THREE TEEN GIRLS. Some of the teens are in football jerseys, including Adrian, while some of the girls are still in cheerleader uniforms. Tommy Hernandez and Woody Reeves are also present, sitting on a tailgate near the river. Woody is drinking a beer but Tommy drinks nothing.

WOODY REEVES
It was that final run you made, Tommy, that pushed us over the top. Let’s hear it for Tommy.

TEENS (together)
Tommy! Tommy! Tommy!

TOMMY HERNANDEZ
It was teamwork, really. We never would have won if it hadn’t been for a bunch of other plays and a few other touchdowns and field goals.

CHEERLEADER # 1
Oh, and he’s humble too.

ADRIAN ALCOTT
(yelling to everyone) Jasper County Jaguars, number one!

The teenagers agree with Adrian by yelling and cheering.

In the river, Parker Randolph pushes Mark Moyer in a playful manner while they’re in the water. Everyone is laughing.

MILL MOYER
(laughing) Knock it off, you guys.

MARK MOYER
I once held my breath under water for over sixty seconds.

PARKER RANDOLPH
That’s nothing Moyer. Watch this. (takes a big breath and goes under the water)

TEEN GIRL #3 IN WATER
Hey, Mark, let’s get out of here and get a beer.

Mark and Teen girl # 3 in water swim to shore. There they meet up with Adrian and Cheerleader # 1.

MARK MOYER
(to the girls in the water and looking at his watch) I’m timing him.

Parker Randolph comes up for air.

MARK MOYER
(continuing)
That wasn’t very long.

PARKER RANDOLPH
I scratched my arm. Some idiot’s drove their pick-up in to the river.

Adrian Alcott hears Parker Randolph and pays close attention. Adrian looks worried.

TEEN GIRL #2 IN WATER
There wasn’t a body down there was there. Oh, I’m getting out of here. (swims toward shore)

PARKER RANDOLPH
No, there wasn’t no body down there. Truck must have run up against an old tree or debris or something. It should have sunk a lot deeper in this part of the river.

ADRIAN ALCOTT
Well just leave it be, Parker. You know how farmers around here been known to just abandon old trucks. It’s nothing. Have a beer. We’ve got a win to celebrate!

The teens in the river swim to shore to where Adrian and the others are located.

PARKER RANDOLPH
(to Adrian) You know the sheriff’s been all over the county trying to find the truck that killed Tommy’s mom. Maybe we should tell the sheriff about this.

ADRIAN ALCOTT
Don’t be stupid, Parker. You’ll just get the law out here for no reason and mess up our place to party. It’s just some dumb old truck. Let it be.

PARKER RANDOLPH
I don’t know, Adrian. We’re talking about Tommy’s mom here. My dad said it was a hit and run. They’re looking at murder charges or something.

ADRIAN ALCOTT
It’s just an old truck nobody wanted. There’s no reason to go telling the sheriff about it. I’m telling you as team Captain. (leaning in to Parker threateningly) And, if you know what’s good for you, you’ll let it be.

INT. INSIDE LUNCHBOX CAFÉ NIGHT
The café is crowded with Jasper County residents including Emily Pyle, Elly DeWright, JESSE PYLE, EARL REEVES, TOBY REEVES. Ben Phelps, Jim DeWright and LILLY DEWRIGHT come into the café as Elly is refilling everyone’s coffee cups and Emily is serving up large pieces of pie. The place is loud with chatter about the game.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
(hands Ben a cup of coffee) Deputy Phelps!

Donna Reeves hands Toby to Earl.

DONNA REEVES
Elly, let me help you with that coffee.

Donna retrieves another pot of coffee and helps to refill cups and hand out mugs of fresh coffee.

BEN PHELPS
No, Elly. I’m retired now. Remember? It’s just Ben.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Well, it’s always gonna be Deputy Phelps to me. Here have a cup of coffee. Free coffee tonight for all the Jasper County football fans.

BEN PHELPS
Thanks.

JESSE PYLE
(to Emily) You missed a good game, Emily.

EMILY PYLE
Caught it on the radio.

Jesse goes to speak to Earl Reeves.

JESSE PYLE
Earl! (fading) Did you see that catch?

Emily hands a piece of apple pie to SMITHY JONES who sits at the counter by the register.

EMILY PYLE
Now, I’ve played with some seasoning Smithy, just for a different flavor. Now, you tell me what you think. And, be honest now!

Smithy Jones tastes the pie carefully and makes an expression of delight.

SMITHY JONES
A piece of heaven, Ms. Emily.

Jim and Lilly DeWright walk in.

SMITHY JONES
(continuing)
Preacher Jim! It was nice to see you and Ms. Lilly at the game. Fine prayer you led tonight, Preacher Jim.

JIM DEWRIGHT
Thank you, Smithy. I still can’t believe that last quarter.

SMITHY JONES
Ol’ Henry done put himself together a real good team this season.

Donna goes to Elly who is on the opposite side of the café.

DONNA REEVES
(whispering) Elly, your parents just came in.

Elly turns to see Jim and Lilly and is somewhat surprised. She walks to them, excusing herself as she passes people.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Oh, excuse me. (pause) Oh, didn’t see you here, Maggie. I’ll talk to you in just a minute. (pause)(to Jim and Lilly) Well, this is a nice surprise. (hesitantly) Hi, mom.

Donna comes by long enough to hand Jim and Lilly each a coffee mug. Elly fills their cups. Elly’s relationship with Jim and Lilly is somewhat strained and weak.

LILLY DEWRIGHT
Hi dear. How are you?

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Good. I’m doing good. Looks like the whole town showed up to celebrate the win, huh?

JIM DEWRIGHT
Amazing game. They’ve come a long way.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Yeah. (looking for something to say) Uh, why don’t you have a seat. If you can find one. Whatever you want, it’s on the house.

JIM DEWRIGHT
We can’t stay long.

LILLY DEWRIGHT
We just wanted to say hi. (pause) We can see your busy, Elly. We know you need to tend to your customers.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Yeah. Yeah, I do. If you’ll excuse me. (walks away and continues refilling coffee cups)

INT. INSIDE MS. EDNA’S HOUSE NIGHT
Doc Luke Watson holds open the door as Christina helps Ms. Edna in the house.

MS. EDNA
It’s about time someone taught that team how to play. (excited) And, did you see the way those Moyers boys just stopped the Colts in their tracks. Like running into a brick wall. And, the way they threw that ball, well (teasing, quietly to Christina), dear, I haven’t seen passes like that since I was in high school.

CHRISTINA BANKS
(smiling) Oh, it’s nice and warm in here.

MS. EDNA
Yes, I turned the heater on before we left. A home is meant to be warm, you know. If I wanted it to be cold, I’d stay outside in the elements.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Well, I hope it wasn’t too cold for you at the game, Ms. Edna.

Christina responds quickly before Ms. Edna has an opportunity to insult Luke.

CHRISTINA BANKS
And that sure was some game! I’m glad you decided to join us, Ms. Edna. It would have been a shame to miss this game. This is the game everybody’s gonna be talking about for years to come.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Absolutely. The night we broke the Colts streak. Can’t wait to see what the papers have to say about all this in the morning.

Ms. Edna, Luke and Christina sit.

MS. EDNA
Why on earth would you care about reading about the game in the newspapers tomorrow? You saw the game tonight, didn’t you? You were there, weren’t you? Didn’t go to sleep and miss some part of it, did you?

DOC LUKE WATSON
Just want to see what spin they put on it. I think I’ll also get a Calhoun County newspaper tomorrow and see what they have to say about it all.

CHRISTINA BANKS
I doubt there’s any celebrating over that way tonight.

DOC LUKE WATSON
If I were on their team, I think I’d be in tears about now. Coach Williams probably tearing them up one side and down the other.

CHRISTINA BANKS
You sure you won’t come to the café with us, Ms. Edna? Everybody’s gonna be there. You’ll get to see everybody, maybe even some people you haven’t see in a while.

MS. EDNA
No, thank you, dear. I’ve had enough entertainment for one evening. But, I’m so glad you invited me, Christina.

Christina and Luke look to each other with amusement.

INT. INSIDE LUNCHBOX CAFÉ NIGHT
The celebration continues. Sheriff Cooper Michaels walks in. He is greeted by ROY ALCOTT who is walking toward Donna who has a coffee pot. Doc Luke Watson and Christina walk in. Smithy Jones still sits by the register eating pie.

ROY ALCOTT
Sheriff! You and Henry sure did good by this team.

SMITHY JONES
Roy Alcott! Well I ain’t seen you in ages. How you doing you ol’ dog?

ROY ALCOTT
Smithy!

SMITHY JONES
That ol’ tractor still doing its job?

ROY ALCOTT
You fixed it to last, Smithy.

Maggie is now standing by Sheriff who is drinking coffee.

SHERIFF
Oh, can’t stay long, Maggie. Got something I gotta do.

MAGGIE JONES
Something you gotta do?

DOC LUKE WATSON
Did you say something you gotta do?

SHERIFF
Um-hum.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Now, Coop don’t you feel the slightest bit guilty going out there and crashing those kids’ party?

SHERIFF
Why should I? Ol’ Sheriff Graves never felt guilty when he broke up the parties I was at.

Roy Alcott and BRENDA ALCOTT (his wife) are now standing near Jim DeWright and Smithy at the counter.

JIM DEWRIGHT
Roy, that boy of yours sure is doing a good job quarterbacking for the team.

ROY ALCOTT
Yeah, well, he better. He knows what’s in for him if he don’t. (raises his fist while he laughs)

Brenda is very quiet and withdrawn, and looks away in concern as Roy speaks.

ROY ALCOTT
(continuing)
Nah. I told him he’s gonna have to use football if he wants to get in to college. That’s the only way he’s gonna go. But, he’s team captain this year, you know! Team Captain! He’s already done better than I did. I never made team captain when I was on the team. But, Sheriff did. (calling over) Didn’t you Coop?

Sheriff is a few people away.

SHERIFF
What?

ROY ALCOTT
Make team captain?

SHERIFF
Oh, yeah, yeah. (to Elly who is about to pour more coffee) No, I really gotta go. It’s been long enough.

The folks around him both laugh and sigh with disappointment.

ROY ALCOTT
Come on, Coop. Be a sport. We just won the biggest game of the season. Everybody knows ain’t no trouble ever happens out there at the river anyway.

Earl Reeves looks a bit guilty, but tries to laugh.

SHERIFF
Yeah, I remember some of that no-trouble that I used to get in to.

Jesse leans over to Earl. Toby is asleep in Earl’s arms.

JESSE PYLE
I agree the kids need their fun, but we all know what kind of trouble can come about out there at the river. Ain’t never no good.

Jesse shakes his head in quiet frustration and then walks to Emily. Earl’s expression of guilt worsens. Donna then comes to Earl and brushes her hand over Toby’s hair.

DONNA REEVES
Looks like one of us has already called it a night. Well, this place will probably empty out pretty soon. And, it’s been a long day. You ready to go?

EARL REEVES
Yeah. Ready whenever you are.

INT. INSIDE CHRISTINA’S HOUSE DAY
Christina Banks, Ben Phelps, and Doc Luke Watson have blueprints spread out across the kitchen island. On the counter nearby are three glasses of iced tea and an assortment of papers.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Okay. Now the blueprints I got copies of when I bought the house are different from the ones found in the box. (she points) See how the newer ones use common blueprint guidelines, solid lines, dotted lines, that little V-shape symbol for a door.

DOC LUKE WATSON and BEN PHELPS
Yeah.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Look at the older ones. Specifically, here, (she points) by the staircase.

DOC LUKE WATSON
What? Somebody just messed up, put the symbol in the wrong place. That’s all. They tried to erase the original. See, you can see where it used to be.

Ben continues to study the blueprints, doubting what Luke says.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Yeah. Except I got (teasing) curious-er and curious-er (walks toward the staircase) last night and kept thinking. Now, why would they bother keeping the blueprints if they had so many errors? And, then, I realized, well, if I had been the Jacksons, there is one reason why I would have kept such documents: Those marks aren’t errors at all. They’re more like a map to the real house.

DOC LUKE WATSON
The real house?

CHRISTINA BANKS
Um-hum.

From the floor, Christina reaches up and pulls down on a decorate rose situated at the bottom of one of the railings half-way along the staircase. When she does, a panel beneath the stairs gives way slightly. She pushes to open the door.

CHRISTINA BANKS
The real house.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Whoa. All this time and you never knew?

CHRISTINA BANKS
Not a clue. But, according to those old blueprints, these are all over the house. This is just the only one I’ve found so far. Of course, it’s also the only one I’ve looked for. I haven’t been down there yet, though. Up for some exploring, gentlemen?

Luke grins a yes. Ben appears intrigued.

INT. OUTSIDE OF JASPER CHURCH DAY
Elly DeWright drives up to the church, parks, and gets out. She is carrying a basket of cornbread covered with a white towel. She walks around the outside of the church to the little house that sits behind it, and knocks on the door. Lilly DeWright answers the door.

LILLY DEWRIGHT
Elly!

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Hi, mom. Um, I made too much cornbread for the restaurant. Thought you might like some. It’s still hot. Really good with butter. I, uh, well, I thought maybe we could talk.

LILLY DEWRIGHT
(near tears, swallows) That sounds wonderful. Come on in.

Elly enters the house. Lilly shuts the door.

INT. FOOTBALL FIELD OF HIGH SCHOOL DAY
The Jaguars are being instructed through their calisthenics by Coach Henry. Sheriff Cooper Michaels walks onto the field and talks to Coach Henry.

COACH HENRY
One and two and three and four. Come on boys, just because we beat the Colts doesn’t mean we can rest on our laurels now. One and two and… hey Cooper.

SHERIFF
Hey, Coach. Not easing up a bit, are you?

COACH HENRY
No. We’ve still got a long ways to go for a chance at the playoffs.

ADRIAN ALCOTT
(yelling) And, we’re gonna make it there too!

The team agrees with Adrian by yelling and hooting. Coach Henry and Sheriff laugh.

COACH HENRY
They got good spirit this year, Coop.

SHERIFF
They sure do. Listen, can I talk to you a minute.

Sheriff ushers Coach Henry off to the side.

COACH HENRY
Okay, you boys keep it up. You know what to do.

Sheriff and Coach Henry mouth a conversation that appears somewhat serious. Adrian Alcott continues to exercise, but watches their conversation intensely. Sheriff then slaps Coach Henry on the shoulder and walks away. Coach Henry walks back to the team.

COACH HENRY
Alright, fellas. Now, let’s divide up into our usual groups so we can practice some plays.

The team stands and begins to divide up.

COACH HENRY
We may have won that last game, but we also made some errors. There’s always room for improvement. Okay, teams one and three, I want on the sidelines for these first few plays, and then we’re gonna swap. I want all of you on the sidelines to watch the teams on the field carefully. I want you to tell me where the errors are. Understand? Teams two and four, get into position. Two, you’re on offense.

Adrian Alcott walks over to Parker Randolph.

ADRIAN ALCOTT
(quietly) I hope you remember what I told you.

Parker says nothing but looks confused.

INT. INSIDE OF CHRISTINA’S HOUSE DAY
Ben Phelps, Christina Banks, and Doc Luke Watson have two flashlights each as they duck and enter into the hidden room beneath the stairs. Christina leads, followed by Luke, and then Ben.

BEN PHELPS
I don’t think I’ve been this excited since I was a little kid and used to go exploring the caves down by the river.

There is a small dark room that leads to a downward staircase. Christina sets one flashlight on top of the stairs so that it illuminates the staircase.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Watch these steps, now, Ben.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Whoever built this had tiny feet.

At the bottom of the staircase is a larger room, made of concrete and completely empty. However, at one side of the room is a tunnel. Christina uses a flashlight to illuminate the tunnel before walking down it.

CHRISTINA BANKS
I’ve seen too many gangster movies ‘cause my first thought is that someone needed a fast and secret getaway.

Luke sets down a flashlight at the entrance to the tunnel to illuminate the tunnel.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Well we won’t find out where it goes just by standing here.

They follow the tunnel. Along part of the tunnel, Ben sets down one of his lights to illuminate the tunnel.

INT. OUTSIDE OF CHURCH HOUSE DAY
Elly DeWright and Lilly DeWright sit on the back porch swing, eating cornbread and drinking tea. Their relationship is strained, but easing.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
What about forgiveness, mama? Doesn’t the bible talk about forgiveness? Doesn’t daddy preach nearly ever Sunday about forgiveness? Or, does forgiveness apply to everyone except the preacher’s daughter?

LILLY DEWRIGHT
Forgiveness is for everyone, Elly. You know that. And, it applies to everyone. But, this isn’t about forgiveness. That’s not what I’m trying to say.

Elly and Lilly sit in awkward silence for a moment.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Mama, it was all so long ago. I was a kid. I just don’t understand why we can’t forget the past. I’ve changed. I’ve got a good man now, a steady man. I’ve got the café. I’m not who I used to be. I’m not who you always remember.

LILLY DEWRIGHT
I know, Elly. And, I’m real proud of you. I am. The way you’ve turned your life around. I know how hard you’ve worked to build up that café. But, you can’t change the past

ELLY DEWRIGHT
I know, mama, so why do you keep reminding me of it. I swear, sometimes I think you’re just waiting for me to go back to the way I used to be, do something that’s gonna embarrass you or daddy. It’s like you’re just waiting for me to end up in jail or passed out drunk and naked somewhere or dead in the river like… (doesn’t want to say the name)

LILLY DEWRIGHT
I spent a lot of nights and days, Elly DeWright, wondering if someone was gonna call and tell me you were dead, that your body had washed up down there near the river or the boondocks; If you had overdosed on some drug or been murdered by one of those men you used to sell yourself to.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Is that what this is about, mama? Are you still mad at me for what I put you through? ‘Cause I’m sorry for all that, mama. But, I’m getting a little tired of repeating myself. What do I have to do to prove to you that I’ve changed?

LILLY DEWRIGHT
I know you’ve changed, Elly. Really, I do. But, Jasper is a small town, El. And, just cause people don’t talk about something publicly doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten about and it sure doesn’t mean they don’t whisper about it behind closed doors. (pause) Do you understand what I’m saying, Elly?

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Oh, yeah. I understand perfectly, mama.

Elly leaves abruptly, setting her cornbread on the porch swing before leaving.

INT. INSIDE THE TUNNEL OF BANKS HOUSE DAY
The tunnel goes beneath the house, across the property.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Maybe this is how Jackson snuck stolen jewelry in and out of the house.

CHRISTINA BANKS
No proof. I found the bill of sale for the necklace.

BEN PHELPS
So it’s real?

CHRISTINA BANKS
According to Gold’s Jewelry over in Calhoun County, it is. (pause) Feels like we’ve walked over a good part of the property.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Yeah. We passed the edge of the house quite a while ago. Feels like about half-a-mile of tunnel down here.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Yeah, but why?

BEN PHELPS
That question may be answered when we find out where it leads to. (pause) Hum. Now this is interesting.

They come to the end of the tunnel which has a staircase leading up to a trap door. Ben follows the staircase to the top where a trap door sits and pushes on it with his hands to no avail. He also tries pulling on the ring.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Ben, look for a lock.

Ben examines the part of the trap door that has a ring to pull on, but finds no lock.

BEN PHELPS
Not finding one.

CHRISTINA BANKS
And, there’s no way of knowing from here if there’s something on top of that door on the other side.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Let me give it a try, Ben.

Ben comes down the stairs. Luke goes up. Luke pushes with his hands to no avail but then turns and pushes with his back. There is a slight budge revealing daylight.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Don’t hurt yourself, Luke.

Luke continues to push until the door finally opens. Luke lifts up the door.

BEN PHELPS
Where is it, Luke?

Luke climbs out through the trap door.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Come see for yourself.

INT. OUTSIDE BANKS PROPERTY DAY
Luke climbs out of the trap door and helps Ben out.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Looks like the old barn.

Ben climbs out of the trap door. Luke then assists Christina out the trap door. They find themselves standing just outside an old, fallen-in barn. The trap door was just inside a part of the barn that is still standing. The house cannot be seen, and there are only mowed fields and trees.

DOC LUKE WATSON
We know it’s still on your property.

CHRISTINA BANKS
How do you know that?

DOC LUKE WATSON
You’re the only one around here who mows their fields.

INT. OUTSIDE JASPER HIGH SCHOOL EVENING
Football practice is over. Some of the team heads toward the cars they drive; others are headed toward their rides picking them up. They are saying goodbye as they leave.

JASPER COUNTY JAGUARS
Bye/See you later/See you tomorrow

Adrian Alcott walks toward an old, small compact car. Parked beside him is the old Reeves truck.

WOODY REEVES
Hey, Alcott, where’s your truck.

ADRIAN ALCOTT
Engine trouble. I’m doing a little shade-tree mechanic work in my free time.

WOODY REEVES
Give me a call if you need any help. I’ve gotten pretty good at that myself lately.

ADRIAN ALCOTT
(laughs) Thanks, Wood. Will do.

INT. INSIDE CHRISTINA’S HOUSE NIGHT
Christina Banks and Doc Luke Watson are in the kitchen. Luke stirs a pot, replaces the lid, and then returns to the island. Christina is reading some documents. Paperwork is scattered across the table. Two place setting are set, but have been pushed to the edge of the table so they’re out of the way. There are two glasses of wine amongst the paper.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Building a tunnel back in the 1800’s. That was no easy task. And, one that long. This spaghetti sauce should be ready soon. They had to have a really good reason for it. Not to mention a reason for leaving it off the public blueprints.

CHRISTINA BANKS
(focused on the papers) Um-hum.

DOC LUKE WATSON
What do you have there that’s so interesting?

CHRISTINA BANKS
Last will and testament.

Luke begins also sorting through and looking over papers.

DOC LUKE WATSON
That was in the wall, too?

CHRISTINA BANKS
Um-hum. But, it’s different from the public one too. Little bit anyway.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Jackson still left everything to his son, didn’t he?

CHRISTINA BANKS
Yeah, it’s not who gets what that different. The necklace is mentioned in here, though, and it’s not in the public will. But, Luke, it’s mentioned more like a sidebar or something. It’s labeled Last Will and Testament of Levi Jackson, and they tried to make it look official. But, the will in the wall was hand-written and it’s more like a letter than an official document. (reading) Dear son, the necklace I purchased in London for your mother is in the safe. (looks to Luke) Something else to find. I didn’t even know there was a safe. (reading) Use it wisely and only as necessary so as to continue our work. I trust in your decisions. (to Luke) What’s that supposed to mean?

DOC LUKE WATSON
(looking over some papers) (shrugs) Did you know you could buy a twenty-five pound sack of flour for less than a dollar back then?

CHRISTINA BANKS
Twenty-five pounds of flour? You could feed an army with that. (continues reading the will)

DOC LUKE WATSON
And, you could plant the fields of this entire property for less than five dollars in seed. Wow. Prices for goods sure changed.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Looks like everything was left to the son, the first-born. According to this the daughter was married and living elsewhere, but she was left a considerable amount of money. At least for that time anyway. (flips the page) Looks like Jackson even listed out just about everything he owned and it’s value or maybe it’s cost. I can’t really tell. Property, house, horses, cattle, chickens…

Christina becomes quiet, begins tearing and getting upset. Luke is distracted by his papers.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Horse liniment. I wonder how different it was then than it is today. Which reminds me, Christina, Taste of Freedom… (looks up to see Christina) What’s wrong?

Christina says nothing but continues looking at the paper. Luke comes around and looks over her shoulder.

DOC LUKE WATSON
(continuing)
(reading) One family, man, woman, two babies—New Orleans. One teenage girl—St. Louis. Two young men, brothers, question mark—Jackson. Names, dates, cost. This thing reads like a guest registry or something.

CHRISTINA BANKS
People. Slaves. He must have been buying and selling slaves. He was putting a value on someone’s life like they were nothing more than a chair or mule.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Well, that’s the way it was for a lot of folks back then. (looks at the papers) What are these initials though at the end of each line? Look at this one. Martha, female, eighteen, December 4, 1872, Jackson, and then these initials: OC, PP, NWT. Every line has its own initials at the end.

CHRISTINA BANKS
I don’t know. There’s no key in here to explain what they mean.

DOC LUKE WATSON
I know someone who might know.

INT. JASPER TOWN COURTYARD/GAZEBO NIGHT
Elly DeWright and Sheriff Cooper Michaels are walking through the town courtyard, near the gazebo.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
I don’t know what to say to her, Coop. It’s like she’s stuck in time and completely unwilling to look at me in a different light.

SHERIFF
Well, El, you know some people are just never able to see past rumor or innuendo. They’re just gonna believe whatever they want to believe, true or not.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
But, she’s my mother. Not to mention the wife of the local preacher. You’d think she’d have a little more, I don’t know, faith.

SHERIFF
She’ll come around. She did come to the Lunchbox the other night, you know.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Yeah.

SHERIFF
Well, that’s a start. The important thing is that you don’t let this derail you. You should be proud of yourself and all you’ve accomplished. Whatever anyone else thinks about you, well, just don’t worry about them. Enjoy proving them wrong. It works both ways you know. They gotta give you a chance to prove you’ve changed, but you gotta give them one too.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Yeah, I guess you’re right.

SHERIFF
The way I look at it is this. I think people find it so hard to forgive and forget ‘cause they got their own secrets. And, everybody’s always afraid that their secrets will end up a topic of conversation just like everybody’s else’s.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
(laughs) Maybe you’re right.

INT. INSIDE REEVES HOME NIGHT
Earl Reeves comes in and washes his hands in the mudroom just off the kitchen. Woody Reeves is washing dishes. Earl then goes to Woody.

EARL REEVES
Your night for dish duty, huh?

WOODY REEVES
Yeah. Mom left you a plate of food in the oven. Did you and Smithy get the tractor fixed?

EARL REEVES
Yeah. He’s headed over to your grandma’s to check on everybody there.

Tommy Hernandez, Allison Reeves, and Toby Reeves are heard laughing from the living room.

EARL REEVES
(continuing)
What’s going on in there?

WOODY REEVES
Allison is tutoring Tommy in algebra. Tommy is trying to tutor Allison in French. So, they’re trying to do algebra in French. With Toby’s help.

EARL REEVES
Where’s your mom?

WOODY REEVES
Oh, she’s in there too.

EARL REEVES
Uh, Wood, uh, look, son, I’ve been meaning to talk to you.

Woody looks uneasy and doesn’t give in easily.

EARL REEVES
(continuing)
I just, well, I just wanted to tell you that I’m sorry for, well, for, you know, that day. I, well, it just came out all wrong. I didn’t mean to sound like I was accusing you. I know you better than that. You’re a good kid. I don’t give you enough credit for that sometimes. I just, well, I just, well, I mean I understand how, you know… (searches for something to say) well, I know how some things can just eat you up inside. Well, I just wanted you to know that you could talk to me about anything if you needed to.

Earl scratches his head, not knowing what to do. Woody then eases up as Earl is about to walk out of the room.

WOODY REEVES
Dad. Thanks.

Earl pats Woody on the shoulder with appreciation and understanding.

INT. INSIDE BEN PHELPS HOME DAY
Ben Phelps, Christina Banks, and Doc Luke Watson sit around Ben’s living room. Ben is looking at the paperwork.

BEN PHELPS
(smiling) Well, what do you know? I think that our beloved Levi Jackson was a Shepherd.

CHRISTINA BANKS
What’s that?

BEN PHELPS
Oh, a shepherd, sometimes ran a station, a place where runaway slaves could rest, get a bite to eat. The station was just a term they used for a house or barn, whatever place that was used. The Shepherd was what they sometimes called anyone who helped. Oh, there were other names, too. They had a code, basically, so the slaves would know where to go, when it was safe. These initials at the end of the lines. I’d say they stood for Ontario, Canada, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and I’m guessing NWT stands, maybe, for northwest territory. They were common destinations for the underground railroad.

DOC LUKE WATSON
But, Jackson had slaves working his land and in his house. Everybody in Jasper knows that.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Maybe everything isn’t as it seems.

BEN PHELPS
With that note in the will about the necklace, I kind of wonder if maybe old Jackson was buying slaves and setting them free. Or maybe the necklace was just to ensure that there’d be money to supply food. Buying slaves makes more sense to me because considering all the slaves there were back then, very few of them actually made it out of the south, underground railroad or otherwise.

CHRISTINA BANKS
So maybe the tunnel was a way to deliver food or blankets or other necessities out to the old barn without anyone being the wiser.

BEN PHELPS
Could have been. Any of the Jackson family still living?

CHRISTINA BANKS
There’s a few. They don’t live near here anymore. They’ve been arguing about the house for decades. That’s why it’s been sitting empty.

BEN PHELPS
Levi Jackson seems like a man who kept documentation on everything. So anyone in his employ would have been paid a wage. Try to find out if any of his kin have any old payroll books of his. It could shed a lot of light on things.

INT. OUTSIDE MS. EDNA’S HOUSE (BACK YARD) DAY
Ms. Edna slowly makes her way to a family cemetery plot enclosed in a gate at the back of the property using her walker and carrying two bouquets of flowers. There are two very ornate stones, one for Daniel Wilson Michaels and another for Opal Michaels. Ms. Edna reaches the stones, putting a bouquet in a stone vase by each stone. Ms. Edna is reflective and somewhat sad. There is a chair between the graves where Ms. Edna sits.

MS. EDNA
Well, it sure turned out to be a beautiful day, didn’t it? You two wouldn’t believe what that granddaughter of mine is up to now. Seems she’s digging up the Jackson property and tearing up the house. Don’t know what it is she thinks she’s gonna find. Some things are best left buried, I think. (brushes off the top of Opal’s stone) My dear, dear Opal. I miss you so much. I thought that was the prettiest name in the world. Still do. Of course, I put the Michaels name on there because you don’t need to spend eternity being reminded of that no-good-for-nothing piece of trash you married. Oh, but I suppose you’re not bothered by that now. (pause) In some ways she’s a lot like both of you. Christina, you know. She’s got that little spark of curiosity about her. (laughs) Opal, I remember when you were a little girl. I just couldn’t keep you out of everything you wanted to get in to. And, Daniel, sometimes I can really see that determination of yours in her. I tell her about you both, you know. But only the good things. She shouldn’t be weighted down by the other. Besides, I don’t want her thinking poorly of you. (long, slow sigh)

INT. OUTSIDE OF SHADY WILLOWS DAY
A sign is seen for the Shady Willows Retirement Home. There are lush green lawns surrounding the hospital-like building and the RESIDENTS are walking about with canes and walkers or being pushed in wheelchairs. Some sit on benches in the shade or in the sun.

DOC LUKE WATSON
(voice over)
You sure she’s even able to carry on a conversation? Let alone remember any of this stuff?

CHRISTINA BANKS
(voice over)
Luke! According to the nurse she is perfectly capable of carrying on a conversation. Furthermore, she’s expecting us.

INT. YARD SWING AT SHADY WILLOWS DAY
ABIGAIL RAWLS sits beside Christina Banks in a yard swing on the property. Doc Luke Watson sits on a porch swing facing the females. Christina shows Abigail pictures of the necklace and the house as it is today. Christina also has copies of the will.

ABIGAIL RAWLS
So the necklace really exists! Oh, my. All these years I thought it was nothing more than a bedtime story my mother told me.

CHISTINA BANKS
You’re related to the Jackson family through your mother, aren’t you Ms. Abigail?

ABIGAIL RAWLS
Oh, yes. Mother was quite proud of the bloodline, too, although neither she nor I ever lived in Jasper. I’ve never even seen the house. But, Mother did. She spoke of spending an entire summer there once when she was a young woman. She always described Four Willows like it was the most grand house she’d ever seen. Her father had done well for himself, but not nearly as well as Levi Jackson.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Four Willows. I saw that on some of the documents. That’s what the Jacksons called the property, wasn’t it?

ABIGAIL RAWLS
That’s right. Named for four willow trees that had grown together into one mighty tree down by the river. Or, so I was told.

DOC LUKE WATSON
And, it’s still there, Ms. Abigail. A lot of storms and floods have come over the years, but that tree has survived them all.

ABIGAIL RAWLS
Oh, I’m so glad you came. I feel so much closer to my ancestors than I ever have before. I just didn’t realize how much of what Mother was telling me was truth. Oh, I thought part of it might be true, but I thought it surely much have been tainted by exaggeration. To my knowledge, Mother was only at Four Willows that one summer. Most of what she knew about the house and the generations before her came from stories that her Mother told her.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Were any of the stories ever about tunnels? Tunnels, beneath the house?

ABIGAIL RAWLS.
No, Luke. I don’t recall any stories of tunnels. Of course, that was quite a long time ago. Levi Jackson was my Great, great, great grandfather. He built that house as a wedding gift for his wife before they were married. And, that was back before the civil war.

CHRISTINA BANKS
The house is filled with tunnels and secret passageways and hidden rooms. The tunnel goes from the house, out along the property to an old barn that fell in a long time ago. But, beneath the kitchen floor, there’s a cellar. I guess most houses back then had one of those. But, then there’s another hidden door that goes beneath the house to a wine cellar. And, the racks are still filled with wine. And, the most interesting room we’ve found so was wedged in-between the two floors somehow, and it was filled with paintings of the Jacksons, fine china and serving bowls, and that’s where we found the safe that had more paperwork in it.

ABIGAIL RAWLS
Hummm. I should think that no one’s seen those rooms for generations. If Mother ever saw any of them, she never mentioned them. And, Mother loved talking about that house.

CHRISTINA BANKS
The portraits of the Jacksons, in particular. I can’t imagine why anyone would hide them away. They’re beautiful. I can’t see why anyone ever took them off the walls. But, someone had to actually put them there. Someone had to know the room was there. And, out of all the rooms, that one is the only one that has any signs of anybody entering in to it for the last hundred years. And, it’s the only room that the house staff would have needed access to so that they could get to the china for special occasions or what ever.

ABIGAIL RAWLS
Christina, the Jackson family history is no different than any other. Every family has problems, rebels, if you want to call them that. There was one story that I remembering Mother telling, a story that was told to her by her grandmother, I believe, that the eldest son of that generation who inherited the house was not a big fan of Levi Jackson. Bartholomew, I think was his name. Anyway, as the story goes, Bartholomew wanted to change the family business. Forget about farming and ranching and invest in the banking industry and the railroad, I think it was. Bartholomew’s younger sister, Julian, had ideals that were more in alignment with Levi. It could have been Julian who hid the necklace and Bartholomew who took down the paintings, but I can’t say for sure. Julian was, or so I’ve been told, accused of stealing the necklace at one point. But, only within the family, you know. No charges were brought. No one would have ever wanted to bring that kind of shame upon the family. But, the necklace went mysteriously disappearing about that time.

DOC LUKE WATSON
But, why?

ABIGAIL RAWLS
The necklace was to remain in the possession of the owner of the house, the next descendant to live on the property. And, if you found the original blueprints to the house with the necklace, then I imagine that they, too, were to be handed down. Something of a living family secret to be shared only with those who reigned over Four Willows.

DOC LUKE WATSON
So, maybe Julian was trying to protect the family history by hiding a good bit of it in the wall. And, if no one had told him before hand because they weren’t sure of his alliances, Bartholomew never would have known about the tunnel or anything.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Abigail, what about these possibilities about slaves? Did you ever hear anything?

ABIGAIL RAWLS
I’m afraid I won’t be much help to you there, Christina. I’ve had questions about that myself. Mother used to tell me stories about how Levi Jackson had slaves, but always made it a point to treat them well. Whatever that means. If you’re a slave, by definition, how could you have been treated well? And, Mother also had stories about Levi buying slaves so that he could simply set them free. And, there were even a few stories of Levi working for the underground railroad. I don’t really know what the truth was. That was long before my time, and the reputations of those who have gone on long before often become either completely spotless or as black as tar. Human nature I guess. We’ll either idolize or demonize anybody that’s worth talking about at all.

HENRY RAWLS, using a walker, edges closer to Abigail, Luke, and Christina.

ABIGAIL RAWLS
Oh, Henry, is it that time already?

HENRY RAWLS
Yes, Abigail, ‘tis afternoon already. I’ve had my medicine and I’m ready to sit in the sunshine and ponder the questions of life for a bit. (smiling)

DOC LUKE WATSON
Oh, here, sir.

Luke scoots over and Henry sits across from Abigail.

ABIGAIL RAWLS
That’s an interesting way to describe your afternoon nap, Henry. Christina, Luke, this is my twin brother, Henry Rawls.

HENRY RAWLS
Afternoon, everyone.

ABIGAIL RAWLS
Henry, these are the people who came to talk to me about Four Willows. Look at these pictures. Isn’t it just as beautiful as Mother described.

HENRY RAWLS
(looking at the photos) Why yes, it is. I never got to go there myself. But, oh, how Mother used to talk about it. (yawns)

ABIGAIL RAWLS
I certainly am glad the two of your came by today. I wish I could help you more with information, but it was long before my time.

CHRISTINA BANKS
It’s alright. It’s been wonderful just to be able to talk to you. Please keep the photographs.

ABIGAIL RAWLS
Thank you, dear. And, please let me know if you find anything else out at the house. I’m quite the curious type.

Luke and Christina stand to leave.

CHRISTINA BANKS
I sure will. Maybe you can both come and see the house for yourself sometime soon.

DOC LUKE WATSON
It was nice to meet you Abigail.

Luke turns to Henry, but Henry is already asleep. Luke shrugs with a smile.

CHRISTINA BANKS
(quietly) Good day.

Luke and Christina walk away.
There is a lengthy pause.
Henry opens his eyes suspiciously toward Abigail.

ABIGAIL RAWLS
Good timing, Henry.

HENRY RAWLS
So?

ABIGAIL RAWLS
They found the necklace and the original will. That house has started pouring out its secrets to them and they’re not going to stop until they know it all.

HENRY RAWLS
What did you tell them, Abby?

ABIGAIL RAWLS
Nothing. I didn’t even tell them about when we lived in the house. Just gave them the run around and added a few more stories to confuse them.

HENRY RAWLS
Um, yes, and I imagine you did well, just as you have before.

INT. OUTSIDE INSIDE RENTAL CAR DAY
Doc Luke Watson and Christina Banks approach and then enter the rental car.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Well, didn’t really get the answers we wanted.

INT. INSIDE RENTAL CAR DAY
Doc Luke Watson and Christina Banks sit inside the rental car.

CHRISTINA BANKS
No, but maybe Abigail is right. It has really been a long time. Who could possibly know what the truth really is. The only people who could know for sure are dead.

DOC LUKE WATSON
And, they ain’t talking.

CHRISTINA BANKS
It’s still interesting, whether we have any solid answers or not. Still more leads we could follow to try and find some answers. (pause) There is one thing I keep wondering about. But, it probably means nothing. I’m probably making something out of nothing.

DOC LUKE WATSON
And what might that nothing be?

CHRISTINA BANKS
When Ben Phelps picked the lock and opened the box. When he took out the blueprints. He said they were the original blueprints. How would he know?

DOC LUKE WATSON
(shrugs it off) I don’t know. He probably just misspoke. Besides, why would anyone hide copies?

CHRISTINA BANKS
Yeah. You’re right. Of course you’re right.

DOC LUKE WATSON
How come you didn’t mention Abigail had a twin brother?

CHRISTINA BANKS
Because I didn’t know.

Luke looks to Christina with confusion, but Christina shrugs without an answer.

INT. YARD SWING AT SHADY WILLOWS DAY
Henry Rawls and Abigail Rawls sit in the yard swing. Abigail now sits beside Henry.

HENRY RAWLS
Some things, people just don’t need to know.

ABIGAIL RAWLS
No right to know.

HENRY RAWLS
They always got something else to talk about anyways. People flock to rumors like flies to honey.

ABIGAIL RAWLS
And, they don’t seem to matter if its truth or not. Just as long as it’s juicy.

HENRY RAWLS
Well, it’s been my experience that folks eventually get bored with the rumors and find the truth is actually more interesting. It’s that other ninety-nine percent of the iceberg, you know.

ABIGAIL RAWLS
Well, tell me about it when people start gossiping about the real truth without seasoning it up with some lies. No, some secrets are meant to remain just that—-secret. Out of the public eye and not fodder for the rumor mill. And, you know there’s a good reason.

Henry nods in serious agreement.

INT. TWIN FORKS AFTERNOON
Adrian Alcott drives the old, small compact car to the riverside. He then gets out of the car, goes to the water, looks about, and then wades in and then swims out. Several times he comes up for air and then dives down again. He then gets out of the water, goes back to the car, and pulls a car jack from the trunk. He tests it on the open ground. Then, carries it into the water, wades out with it, and then swims out with it. Adrian takes a deep breath, and then goes under the water.

THE END



Written by Debra Phillips


This is a work of fiction.