Home Screenwriting Products Screenwriter Community Screenwriting Store
ScriptBuddy - Screenwriting Software for the Web

Screenwriter Community

Back to List of Published Screenplays
View/Leave Feedback

With Thomas Wolfe Whispering in My Head
by D Presley (dpresley52@gmail.com)

Rated: R   Genre: Drama   User Review: ***1/2
A man takes a long overdue journey back to the place he grew up, to see a few old friends and relive a few memories, only to find out that more than he has bargained for has changed in the years he's been gone.


This screenplay is copyrighted to its author. All rights reserved. This screenplay may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the author.



WITH THOMAS WOLFE WHISPERING IN MY HEAD

FADE IN:

EXT. OUTSIDE THE SPRING HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
The openness of the Texas Panhandle is broken up by a
cluster of small buildings and a few trees along a creek
bed.
                                                            
A lone cowboy, PETE SIMPSON, is saddling his horse, DOLLAR.
Pete is 50, average height and build.
                                                            
The horse alerts, raising its head with a jerk. In the
distance, we can see thunderheads building over the hills.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (to Dollar)
You tryin' to tell me they're
headed this way?
(beat)
Then I reckon we picked the right
time to head home, didn't we? But
I'm bettin' Maggie and Kate ain't
gonna like it if it rains.
                                                            
Pete lifts himself into the saddle and wheels Dollar around
and follows the trail along the creek.
                                                            
 
EXT. MAIN HOUSE AT BEND IN THE RIVER RANCH - DAY
                                                            
A redheaded woman holds her hand flat above her eyes to
shield them from the sun as she looks toward the river about
100 yard away. This is MAGGIE RUSSELL, about 40.
                                                            
                       KATE (O.S.)
Stop worrying. he won't be able
to see anything 'til he gets right
up to the house.
                                                            
Maggie turns as KATE WALLACE approaches. Kate is a
brunette, also about 40yo. They are at a corner of the wide,
covered porch.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
I know, I just want this to be a
surprise.
                                                            
                       KATE
      (smiling)
Don't worry, it will be.
                                                            

2.

Then, as she turns to walk away she looks back over her
shoulder.
                                                            
                       KATE
At least until he catches a whiff
of the barbeque.
                                                            
 
EXT. CANADIAN RIVER/GOODWATER CREEK - DAY
                                                            
At the spot where Goodwater Creek flows into the Canadian
River. Pete pauses for a second when the ranch comes into
view.
                                                            
He pauses for a second when the ranch comes into view.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (softly, to
       himself as much
       as to Dollar)
Yeah, Bud, They're up to
something.
                                                            
 
EXT. BEND IN THE RIVER RANCH - STABLES - DAY
                                                            
Pete approaches the stable. There is a young cowboy, BLAS
AVALOS, standing near the stable door. He is about 20.
                                                            
Pete dismounts as Blas walks over and takes Dollar's reins.
                                                            
                       BLAS
Hey Pete. How was the fishin'
today?
                                                            
Pete appears a bit stiff and is favoring his right leg. He
stamps it lightly a few times.
                                                            
                       PETE
Thanks, Blas. The fishin' wasn't
too bad, not too bad at
all.
                                                            
                       BLAS
Well how come I don't see any
fish?
                                                            
                       PETE
'Cause I threw 'em all back
                                                            

3.

                       BLAS
      (puzzled)
Why fish if you ain't gonna keep
'em?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (smiling)
Oh, sometimes the point is just
in the fishin'. Don't always
matter whether you catch anything
or not
                                                            
                       BLAS
Not sure I understand that.
                                                            
                       PETE
You will one of these days.
There's an old sayin, 'The gods
don't take away from a man's life
the time he spends fishin''
                                                            
                       BLAS
      (shrugs)
If you say so.
      (beat)
Oh, by the way, Boss left word
that you was to git up to the big
house just as soon as you got
back. I'll take care of Dollar for
you.
                                                            
                       PETE
Gracias, amigo. I'll wash a
little of this dust off and get on
up there. I can see they're up to
something
                                                            
 
INT. BEND IN THE RIVER RANCH - BUNKHOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Pete has showered and is sitting on his bed pulling on his
boots. He is wearing jeans but his chest is bare and we can
make out several irregular scars that almost make a line
from the top of his right shoulder, down along the edge of
his chest and then down his right side before disappearing
into the waistband of his jeans.
                                                            
Pete stands up, facing a mirror. The camera shows his
reflection in the mirror from his right as he buttons the
front of his shirt and then buttons the sleeves. There is
another scar on the right side of his face, that is
partially hidden by his neatly trimmed beard.
                                                            

4.

After buttoning the shirt he puts on his best hat and heads
toward the door.
                                                            
 
EXT. BEND IN THE RIVER RANCH - OUTSIDE THE BUNKHOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Pete as he walks up the hill toward the main house, which
dominates the top of the hill. To the left we can see a
number of cars and trucks parked at the base of the hill.

As Pete nears the top of the hill he can see the
extent of the crowd waiting on him. The porch is crowded, as
is the yard around the barbeque pit. A small band is working
on a lively tune above the din of people talking.
                                                            
Pete balks for a moment.
                                                            
 
EXT. BEND OF THE RIVER RANCH. MAIN RANCH HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Maggie makes her way through the crowd and stands at the
railing. Momentarily Kate is standing beside her. Maggie
notices Pete hesitating and walks over quickly and takes him
by the arm. Kate is just behind her and takes Pete's other
arm.
                                                            
By this time BOSS WALLACE has made his way to top of the
porch steps, with JOHN WALLACE right behind him. BOSS is
the patriarch of the Wallace family, big and solid, looking
much younger than his 72 years, and JOHN is his only son,
late 40s and as solidly built as his father.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Hey folks, here comes the
guest of honor!
                                                            
The little band breaks into an enthusiastic version of
'Happy Birthday', an enthusiasm undoubtedly meant to
cover up the fact they are more than a little off key and
out of synch.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Come on, Pete. You don't wanna
run out on your own party.
                                                            
People start crowding around the top of the steps as Pete,
Maggie and Kate walk slowly toward the steps.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (softly to Maggie)
Now I can see why you didn't want
to go with me today.
                                                            

5.

                       MAGGIE
      (smiling)
I couldn't. I wanted this to be a
surprise. If I'd gone with you I'd
been bustin' to get back here and
you would have guessed somethin'
was up. Besides, Kate needed my
help.
                                                            
As they walk up the porch steps, Boss makes an exaggerated
sweep with his arms toward the crowd of people.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (trying to sound
       gruff)
Dammit, now move! Moses parted
the waters easier than he could
make a path through you people.
                                                            
Boss leads Pete through the crowd. All of them are
congratulating him. Boss leads him to a stool.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (to Pete)
Get up here boy. It's your turn
in the boiler. Get up there and
give these folks a good look at
you.
                                                            
Pete tries not to stumble over the stool as Boss more or
less pulls him along. Finally, Boss puts up both hands and
the crowd slowly gets quiet.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (loud so everyone
       can hear)
Folks, you know what this man
right here means to me. He just as
well be one of my own, and in some
ways he is. Now, I ain't one to
waste a lot of time with speeches,
so I think John should do
this one.
                                                            
Everyone laughs. They all know that Boss likes talking more
than almost everything else.
                                                            
John stands in front of Pete, nervously shuffling from foot
to foot.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (Humbly)
Folks, I don't have to tell you
what this man means to me either.
            (MORE)

6.

                       JOHN (cont'd)
To me, they just don't come any
better. He's so much more than
just my friend. He's part of this
family, a big part. I didn't know
30 years ago what I was getting
myself into when I grabbed him off
a street corner in Amarillo, and
I'm not completely sure if Dad has
forgiven me to this day.
      (everyone chuckles)
But there's no way this family. or
Bend in the River, would be the
same without him.
                                                            
Maggie holds Pete's hand and smiles up at him.
                                                            
                       JOHN
And since he is family, and since
he's such a big part of this
place, today, on his 50th
birthday, we want to give him a
part of it.
                                                            
John takes an envelope from Boss and hands it to Pete.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (continuing)
Pete, Dad, Kate, the kids and me
want to give you this deed to a
piece of Bend in the River. It's
the quarter section that contains
the spring house and that fishing
hole you like so much.
                                                            
Pete is in shock, not believing his ears.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (stammering)
Wait a minute. John! Boss! You
can't do this. That's part of
the original ranch. It's been in
your family for over a hundred
years.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Oh, hell, don't tell me what we
can and can't do. We just did it.
                                                            
                       PETE
But what about Alex and Elizabeth?
One day this will be theirs. They
should have a say in it, too
                                                            

7.

John smacks Pete on the back.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (laughing)
Who's idea do you think this was?
They knew they couldn't be here
for the party, so they suggested
it. Besides, who knows if they'll
come back here after college or
not.
                                                            
Pete is dumbfounded as people pat him on the back and give
him their best wishes. For a time he looks like he's nearly
in tears. Maggie moves in beside him and slips an arm around
his waist.
                                                            
 
EXT. BEND IN THE RIVER RANCH - MAIN HOUSE PORCH - NIGHT
                                                            
Pete sits in the porch swing, swinging slowly back and
forth. Most of the people are gone, but there are a few
still out in the yard, cleaning up the leftover mess from
the party.
                                                            
Boss walks through the screen door out onto the porch.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (laughing)
We did you up right tonight didn't
we boy?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (smiling)
Yes sir. I have to admit you did.
Still not so sure I deserve it
though.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (laughs louder)
We didn't do you any favors. Hell,
you're goin' to be the one payin'
the taxes on it and keepin' it up.
Givin' it to you was the easy
part.
                                                            
John walks up on the porch and stops at the screen door.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (to those in the
       yard)
Anybody want a nightcap?
                                                            

8.

                       KATE
      (walking up the
       steps from the
       yard)
I'll take one
      (turns toward the
       yard)
Hey everybody, just leave that
stuff 'til mornin'. There's no
reason to bother with the rest of
it tonight. It ain't gonna hurt
what's left if it rains.
                                                            
Kate walks over near Peta and leans against the porch
railing.
                                                            
                       KATE
Quite a turn out. We really
surprised you, didn't we?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (smiling softly)
Yeah, you did.
                                                            
Maggie walks up the steps and moves over to sit beside Pete.
The people who had been helping with the clean up say their
good-byes as they walk down the hill toward their vehicles.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
We wanted it to be special
sweetie, you only turn fifty once
                                                            
                       PETE
      (teasingly)
Well yeah, you're right, but you
only get one shot at all of 'em
don't you?
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
      (slaps him
       playfully on the
       arm)
You know what I mean.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (smiles)
Yeah, I know, and I gotta admit
that this one is a little
different. Feels like it anyway.
                                                            
John walks back out on the porch and hands Kate her drink,
then he leans against the railing with her.
                                                            

9.

                       KATE
I think the big ones always do
make you feel different.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (shrugs)
I guess. I know this one's
different enough that it's got me
thinkin' about things I ain't
thought about in years.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Human nature to run things over in
your mind as you get older. You
get to a point where you start
wonderin' 'bout things, rethinkin'
them. Not that it does you any
good. You can't change anything.
                                                            
                       PETE
Maybe, but it got me thinkin'
about takin' a little trip. That
is Boss, if you don't mind.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Why should I mind? Unless you're
talkin' about bein' gone for six
months or somethin' like that.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (chuckling)
No, nothin' like that. Just a few
days, maybe or a week or two at
the most.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Where you goin'? Mexico?
California?
                                                            
                       PETE
No, I've been thinkin' 'bout goin'
back home
                                                            
Maggie reacts immediately
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
Home? I thought this was home.
                                                            
                       PETE
Well, yeah, this is home now, but
I was talkin' 'bout Tennessee. I
ain't been back in thirty years.
Thought maybe it was time I did.
                                                            

10.

                       BOSS
Sure you can go. Take one of the
pickups if you want to. That way
you can come and go as you please.
You won't have to waste your time
waitin' on buses or planes or
whatever. There's nothin' worse
than waitin' when you want to
get some place.
                                                            
                       KATE
You know, in all this time you've
never told us very much about it.
Who all's back there? Any
relatives?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (becoming reserved)
Not many, if any. My Uncle
Jimmy's the only kin I know of
that might be left, and heck, he
could be gone by now.
      (beat)
I'd just like to look the place
over. No doubt there is an old
friend or two still around, and
I'd like to pay my respects to my
Mom and Dad and grandparents.
                                                            
Maggie moves a little closer to him. Pete had never talked
much to anyone about his life before coming to the ranch,
and this seemed to be a good time to get him to open up
about it.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
What were they all like?
                                                            
Pete takes a deep breath. These people had become like
family to him over the years. Maybe it is time to talk
about it. After all, it had been consuming him for the past
several months.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (looking down at
       the floor)
I don't remember all that much
about my folks, I was four when
they passed. Just spotty little
memories are about all there is. I
remember Mama always smelled so
sweet and pretty all the time.
Whenever she came to mind, I'd
close my eyes and smell her just
like she was right there with me.
            (MORE)

11.

                       PETE (cont'd)
I still can.
      (pause)
The only thing I can remember
about my Dad was he always
whistled. Whether he was workin'
or just sittin' on the porch, he
whistled. Most of the times it was
one of the hymns Grandma was
always singin' and at other times
it was just a whistle, didn't seem
like there was any real tune to it
at all.
                                                            
Pete gets up from the swing and walks slowly toward the
steps going to the yard. He leans against a post and stares
out into the darkness.
                                                            
                       PETE
Pretty much everything else I
remember is from the pictures
Grandma had. Grandma loved
pictures. She had 'em everywhere.
Pictures and knick-knacks. She was
just an ol' mountain woman, and in
her whole life I doubt she was
ever more'n fifty miles away from
the spot she was born. She was my
Dad's mom. Uncle Jimmy's too. When
my folks died in the car wreck I
went to live with her. Grandpa had
passed by then so it was just me,
her and Uncle Jimmy. She raised me
and when she started getting'
older I felt like it was my turn
to take care of her, and I was
gonna do it too, 'til I had to go
to Vietnam.
      (beat)
You know, in the end I didn't do
her right, not like I wanted to. I
didn't even say good-bye to her
the way I should have. She was the
whole world to me and I wasn't
there when she needed me most.
                                                            
                       KATE
It's not like you had a choice
                                                            
                       PETE
      (his eyes tearing
       up)
I know. But I felt like I was all
she had. Uncle Jimmy lived there,
            (MORE)

12.

                       PETE (cont'd)
but he wasn't around much. He was
always drinkin' and runnin'
around, worryin' the life out of
her. I was afraid of goin' to
Vietnam and maybe dyin', but I
was more afraid of leavin' her
alone. I didn't think Uncle
Jimmy would look after her. Not
like he should.
      (after a sigh)
So, I got Preacher Rainwater from
the church to go with me to the
draft board to try and get 'em to
let me stay and take care of her,
but they wouldn't listen. They
said Uncle Jimmy was her nearest
blood kin and should be able to
watch after her.
                                                            
                       JOHN
So you were drafted?
                                                            
                       PETE
Yep, sure was. It was even on
television. They pulled my
number out of that big jar and I
knew I was gone. I didn't have
a choice. If I didn't go they
would have come and got me and
she'd have still ended up by
herself.
                                                            
                       JOHN
I was lucky I guess. When my turn
came around they didn't pull my
number.
                                                            
                       PETE
Good for you, bud. Me, you nor
anybody else had any good reason
for being over there. Funny thing
is I don't remember that much
about it. I didn't shoot anybody.
I didn't even shoot AT anybody.
When I got there the unit I was
assigned to had just come in off
patrol, so we had a little time
'til we went out again, and then I
was wounded in the first fight we
were in. That's about as far as my
Vietnam experience went. All that
time and effort put into worryin'
about it, and it was over in no
            (MORE)

13.

                       PETE (cont'd)
time.
                                                            
Pete stares off into the darkness, his mind drifting back
to a time that was so long ago. A time he's tried equally
hard to forget and remember.
                                                            
 
EXT. OPEN HIGHWAY IN TENNESSEE - DAY
                                                            
                                         SLOW FADE IN
                                                            
PETE FLASHES BACK TO THAT TIME.
                                                            
A Trailways bus makes its way along a two lane road In the
front seat opposite the drive is a young man in an Army
uniform. It's a younger Pete.
                                                            
                       PETE (VO)
I couldn't believe that in the
time I had been gone that things
could change so much. Nothing was
new, it just looked so much
different. Nothing looked as
sharp as I remembered, it seemed
dull and grey, the road looked
impossibly narrow, and distances
seems so much shorter.
                                                            
The bus tops a small hill and we can see a river. There are
homes and businesses on both sides of the river, but the far
side is more heavily populated. A bridge spans the river,
it's blue steel beams dominate the view.
                                                            
                       PETE (VO)
That old bridge was the real sign
I was home. It was more than just
a landmark; it was an old friend
welcomin' me home.
                                                            
 
EXT. DOWNTOWN LOUDON - OUTSIDE THE DRUG STORE - DAY
                                                            
The bus pulls to a stop at the curb, the airbrakes mark
the stop and the door swings open.

Inside the bus, the BUS DRIVER speaks into a microphone.
                                                            
                       BUS DRIVER
Loudon, folks, this is Loudon.
We'll be here 'bout ten or fifteen
minutes
                                                            

14.

Pete steps off the bus behind the driver and stretches.
                                                            
                       MR. ROBINSON
      (coming out of the
       drug store)
Hey Frank, how's things goin'?
                                                            
                       BUS DRIVER
Oh, not too bad so far. Anything
goin' out today?
                                                            
                       MR. ROBINSON
      (handing the
       driver a small
       box)
Just this one goin' to
Chatt'nooga.
                                                            
Pete stands patiently waiting for the BUS DRIVER to get his
duffel bag from under the bus.
                                                            
                       CASEY (O.S.)
Well, I'll be damned. I thought we
got rid of your ass.
                                                            
Pete turns around and sees CASEY GOODMAN sitting in a black
sedan that is idling in the middle of the street. Casey is
leaning part way out of the open window. He is the same age
as Pete, but has a larger build. His black hair is long and
shaggy.
                                                            
                       CASEY
You look sharp there, hero. Come
home to give us one last look at
you?
                                                            
                       PETE
I'm on leave, Casey. I'm gonna be
here about a month and then I'll
be gone again. So don't worry
about it, okay?
                                                            
                       CASEY
Oh, believe me, General, I ain't
worried 'bout you or anything to
do with you. It makes no
difference to me whether
you're here or not.
                                                            
                       PETE
I didn't come home to argue with
you Casey. Like I said, I'm just
passin' through. When I do come
back to stay though I'll make sure
            (MORE)

15.

                       PETE (cont'd)
you're the first to
know.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (laughing)
Skip it, hero. I don't care and
I'm sure Loudon can learn
to do without you.
                                                            
Casey revs the motor of the car and goes speeding away. Pete
watches after him for a moment and turns back toward the bus
as the bus driver hands him the duffel bag.
                                                            
                       BUS DRIVER
      (smiling)
Here's your bag, son. Enjoy
your time home.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (taking the bag)
Thank you, sir, I'm sure gonna
try.
                                                            
Pete walks across the street to the Taxi Stand. MR. KEY, the
taxi driver gets up from a bench when he sees Pete coming.
He is an older man with thinning grey hair who has been
driving a taxi in Loudon for a lot of years.
                                                            
                       MR. KEY
Well look who's comin' in their
bright shiny uniform!
                                                            
Pete smiles and shakes the older man's hand.
                                                            
                       MR. KEY
      (laughing and
       shaking Pete's
       hand vigorously)
Heck, boy, I swear I didn't even
know you was gone. Your granny's
gonna be tickled to see you that's
for sure.
                                                            
Mr. Key opens the trunk of the car and Pete put his duffel
bag inside.

Pete then gets into the front seat.
                                                            
 

16.

INT. INSIDE THE TAXI - LOUDON - DAY
                                                            
Pete is silent as the taxi moves along. Mr. Key tries to
start a conversation, but when he realizes Pete is lost in
thought, he becomes silent too.

Pete stares out the window at the countryside.
                                                            
                       PETE (V.O.)
There was a time Casey and me were
good friends. As kids we were
inseparable, but that all changed
in high school. That's when we
met Debbie.
                                                            
 
EXT. OUTSIDE THE SIMPSON FARM - DAY
                                                            
Mr. Key slows the taxi to pull into the driveway that leads
to the farm house. Pete stops him.
                                                            
                       PETE
Don't drive up to the house, Mr.
Key. I want to walk up.
                                                            
                       MR. KEY
      (laughing again)
Gonna surprise her, huh boy? I
wish you'd let me drive you on up
there so's I can see it.
                                                            
                       PETE
I want to stretch my legs a
little. I've been sittin' all day.
                                                            
                       MR. KEY
      (stops the car)
Not a problem, son.
                                                            
Mr. Key gets out of the car and opens the trunk. Pete pulls
out his wallet to pay.
                                                            
                       MR. KEY
      (smiling)
Keep it. I'm proud to do it.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (shaking the old
       man's hand again)
Thank you
                                                            
Pete takes the duffel bag and starts walking up the dirt
driveway.
                                                            
 

17.

EXT. OUTSIDE THE SIMPSON FARM HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
The screen door slowly opens and an elderly woman walks out
onto the porch. She is a short, plump woman wearing a worn
cotton dress and apron. The dress goes down well past her
knees. Her grey hair is pulled back in a tight bun. She is
Pete's GRANDMA
                                                            
She smiles at Pete.
                                                            
                       GRANDMA
Just look at you, Don't you look
pretty.
                                                            
Pete takes her in his arms and hugs her tightly.
                                                            
                       PETE
Grandma, soldiers ain't supposed
to be pretty.
                                                            
                       GRANDMA
Well the one I'm huggin' at is.
      (she breaks the
       hug and pats his
       belly)
Now, come on in here'n eat. Looks
like they ain't been feedin' you
a'tall.
                                                            
 
INT. SIMPSON FARM HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Pete and his grandmother enter the living room. It's a neat,
clean room and although sparsely furnished there are a lot
of pictures on the wall.
                                                            
                       GRANDMA
Your room is ready. Just like you
left it.
                                                            
                       PETE
Good. I want to get into some
regular clothes. I ain't been able
to wear anything but a uniform
since I left.
                                                            
                       GRANDMA
      (turning toward
       the kitchen)
Well hurry, I've saved some dinner
for you.
                                                            
 

18.

INT. SIMPSON FARM HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
It's later and Pete enters the kitchen and sits down at the
table. He is dressed in blue jeans and a t-shirt. There is
a full plate of food in front of him.
                                                            
                       GRANDMA
Oh, that girl called here this
mornin' for you
                                                            
                       PETE
      (smiling)
Her name is Debbie, Grandma, She'd
like it if you called her that.
                                                            
                       GRANDMA
She's your friend, not mine. What
difference does it make what I
call her?
                                                            
                       PETE
Well, it would be nice for one
thing. And besides, what would you
do if I ask her to marry me
someday?
                                                            
                       GRANDMA
You ain't already asked her have
you? I thought you and her split
up.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (teasing)
We did, But I could still ask
her.
      (looks down at his
       plate)
I'm starved, and this smells
so good.
                                                            
 
EXT. SIMPSON FARM HOUSE PORCH - DAY
                                                            
Pete walks out onto the porch and lets the screen door close
slowly behind him. His grandmother is sitting on the porch
swing, fanning herself with a newspaper.
                                                            
Pete is frustrated.
                                                            
                       PETE
Nobody's at home.
                                                            

19.

                       GRANDMA
Did you call that girl?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (a little
       irritated)
Debbie, Grandma, Debbie. Her name
is Debbie. And no, I didn't call
her. I guess I'll bump into her
later.
                                                            
The both get quiet. Pete is sorry for the tone he used and
she is always quiet when she's upset
                                                            
                       PETE
      (suddenly)
I'm gonna mow the yard
                                                            
                       GRANDMA
You just got home. There's plenty
of time for that later
                                                            
                       PETE
      (still frustrated)
It needs it, look at it, Uncle
Jimmy's let it grow up too high
already
                                                            
                       GRANDMA
Then at least wait 'til after the
sun goes down. It's too hot to do
that now.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (stepping down off
       the porch)
I have to do something. Keep the
tea cold. If it gets too hot I'll
just do part of it.
                                                            
 
EXT. SIMPSON FARM HOUSE YARD - DAY
                                                            
As Pete mows he begins to feel better. He has taken
off his shirt and the sun feels good on his back and
shoulders.
                                                            
He doesn't notice a car pull up to the side of the road.
DEBBIE WARD gets out of the car and walks around to the side
nearest Pete. She is an attractive blonde in Bermuda shorts
and matching top. She leans back against the car and waits
until he is close to her.
                                                            

20.

                       DEBBIE
      (over the mower)
Hi. I heard you was back.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (turning the mower
       off)
Word gets around, huh?
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Your grandma told me this morning
when I called. You didn't say
much in your last letter, so I
called and asked her.
                                                            
                       PETE
I'm sorry. I thought I did tell
you since I had a welcomin'
committee.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Who?
                                                            
                       PETE
Casey Goodman. So you might say it
was an unwelcomin' committee.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Didn't exactly make you feel at
home, huh?
                                                            
                       PETE
You could say that. He seemed to
be more than a little put out by
me bein' back.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
He gets that way sometimes.
                                                            
                       PETE
You wouldn't be givin' him cause
to feel that way would you?
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (irritated)
Oh please. I've seen him a couple
of times down at the cabin, and
once when he invited himself to my
table down at the café, but that's
it. The truth is he don't need
much cause to get mad when it
comes to you.
                                                            

21.

                       PETE
      (half smiling)
Yeah, I know. I stole you from
him, did you know that?
      (beat)
Well, it beats you bein' alone I
guess.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (looking down at
       the ground)
Well you ain't interested no more.
You made that plain enough.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (a bit loud)
And I tried to tell you why!
      (lowering his
       voice)
It's not that I don't want you. I
do. But 'til this is all over I
just think the fewer the worries,
the better it'll be for all of us.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (getting emotional)
Sometimes you're so dumb! It
makes it easier for you but not
for me. I hate this whole damn
mess. I wish you didn't have to
go.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (shrugs)
Me too, but I ain't got no choice.
There ain't no way out of it.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (close to tears)
Casey should be goin', not you.
                                                            
They stand for a few moments in silence, neither knowing
what else to say.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (finally breaking
       the silence)
Well, I guess I'd better get this
yard done. It ain't gettin' no
cooler.
                                                            
Debbie walks around the car and slowly opens the door.
                                                            

22.

                       DEBBIE
Will I see you again before you
leave?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (starting the
       mower)
You know you will.
                                                            
 
EXT. SWIMMING AREA AT THE RIVER - DAY
                                                            
A dilapidated old cabin sits beside a rutted dirt road. Some
parts of it are propped up by wooden poles. Directly in
front of the cabin is a small grassy patch that serves as a
yard before the bank slopes down into the river.

Several kids/teens are splashing in the water. Pete is
sitting on the edge of the cabin porch with two others,
BILLY and WAYNE. The three boys are sipping beer.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
It's a bitch, man. I wish you
didn't have to go.
                                                            
                       BILLY
      (full of bravado)
You know what? Sometimes I wish I
could go. I'd go in a heartbeat if
they'd let me.
                                                            
                       PETE
Hey, feel free to take my place.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
Hell, man, run off to Canada or
something.
                                                            
                       PETE
Now why would I go to Canada? I
don't know anybody up there.
Besides, they'd probably just send
me back down here. Then what?
                                                            
The teens stop talking and sip their beer while they watch
the swimmers.
                                                            
                       CASEY (O.S.)
Hey dipshits, don't you know you
guys ain't supposed to have beer?
Especially down here.
                                                            
Casey is in bathing trunks and carrying a towel.
                                                            

23.

                       BILLY
Screw you, Goodman
                                                            
                       WAYNE
And that goes double for me.
                                                            
                       CASEY
Both of you can bite me. Anyway,
if you get caught they could close
this place down and then we all
lose. Tell 'em General.
                                                            
                       PETE
Nobody's botherin' you Casey
                                                            
Casey walks a few steps closer and talks directly to Pete.
                                                            
                       CASEY
Well if they are, they won't be
much longer.
                                                            
                       BILLY
Goodman, was you born this big of
an asshole or do you just work
hard at it?
                                                            
Casey smacks Billy on the top of the head.
Billy jumps up and lunges at Casey, but Casey sidesteps and
Billy stumbles to the ground. As Billy gets to his knees,
Casey punches him in the back of the head, sending him
sprawling in the dirt.

Pete moves behind Casey and grabs him by the shoulder,
keeping him from throwing another punch.
                                                            
                       PETE
Leave him alone.
                                                            
Casey jerks his arm out of Pete's grasp and throws a punch
at Pete. Pete blocks the swing with his left forearm and
throws a right jab. Casey pulls back to avoid the punch, but
loses his balance, and his feet slip on the wet, stubby
grass, causing him to fall backward, tumbling down the
sloping riverbank and into the water.

Casey comes up thrashing and spitting water. Everyone
gathers around and laughs at the sight of Casey in the
water. He stands there for a moment looking around at the
laughing kids and back at Pete, who is still poised and
ready to fight.
                                                            
Wayne steps between them.
                                                            

24.

                       WAYNE
Stay there and cool off a
minute Casey.
                                                            
Casey glares at him and wades out of the water and up the
bank. There is a mixture of rage and embarrassment on his
face.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (glaring at Pete)
It ain't worth it anyway. I'm
gonna let Vietnam take care of
you for me.
                                                            
Casey storms up the dirt road. Wayne and Pete watch him
walk away.
                                                            
                       WAYNE
Hey man, don't worry about him.
He's just pissed. He'll cool off.
                                                            
 
EXT. A HILL OVERLOOKING THE RIVER - EVENING
                                                            
Pete is sitting in a clearing on a hill overlooking the
river. It is late in the day just before sunset. The next
day he will be leaving.
                                                            
He reacts to rustling in the bushes on one side of the
clearing. It is Debbie.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
So there you are. I was beginning
to wonder if I was going to find
you.
                                                            
                       PETE
I'm just sittin' here thinkin'.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
I'll leave you alone if you want.
                                                            
                       PETE
No, no. Stay. Please.
                                                            
Debbie walks over and sits beside him.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Okay.
                                                            
The two of them are quiet for a moment, watching the river
below them.
                                                            

25.

                       PETE
This has always been one of my
favorite spots.
      (pointing to a low
       limb in a tree)
When I was a kid, there was a
swing on that limb.
      (pointing to a
       limb further up
       in the tree)
And I bet you can still see the
marks right up there where we
tried to build a tree house.
      (chuckles)
All we ever got built was the
floor, and it was just a few
boards. It was so crooked that
everything rolled off of it and
ended up down here on the ground.
The bunch of us would just hang
out up here, or go down to the
river and fish. Just us guys. No
grown-ups or girls allowed.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (smiling)
So am I breakin' the rules by
being here?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (laughs)
From the looks of it, nobody comes
around here much anyway. We can
probably let that rule slide.
                                                            
They are silent again, as if each of them want to talk but
can't think of what to say.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (almost a whisper)
Pete, I can be afraid for you if
you need me to.
                                                            
                       PETE
Oh, believe me, I don't have a
problem with that. I'm scared as
hell.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
You don't show it.
                                                            

26.

                       PETE
Well I am. It feels like my
stomach is twisted into a million
knots. Sometimes my head tells my
legs I should run, but my legs are
so scared they don't know how to
work.
                                                            
Debbie leans over and puts an arm around his shoulders.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
I'm sorry that you have to go
through this.
                                                            
                       PETE
I do love you, you know.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Then why are you closing me out?
Why are you pushin' me away?
                                                            
                       PETE
I've tried to tell you. There's
just so much goin' on and I'm so
mixed up I don't even know what
I'm doing. If I come back, and
all this war stuff is behind me,
then we can be together again.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Then you are asking me to wait on
you.
                                                            
                       PETE
I'm asking you to wait on
everything, not just me. If I come
back, then everything will be
fine. And if I don't, well, then
you can go on.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (louder)
I don't even want to think about
you not coming back, Pete Simpson.
You'd better come back here to
me!
                                                            
Pete leans forward and takes her into his arms and kisses
her. A close up shows tears on her cheek.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (after breaking
       the kiss)
I know things have been rough the
            (MORE)

27.

                       PETE (cont'd)
past year, but it's gonna be even
harder bein' half a world away
from you.
                                                            
Debbie kisses him again. There is a determination in her
now. They lay back on the grass.
                                                            
 
EXT. SIMPSON FARM HOUSE PORCH - MORNING
                                                            
It's early the next morning and PETE, his grandmother and
his UNCLE JIMMY are standing together on the front porch.
Uncle Jimmy is a little behind Grandma.
                                                            
                       GRANDMA
I don't think I'm gonna be able to
sleep a single, solitary night
you're gone
                                                            
                       PETE
      (hugging her)
Oh, Grandma. You'll be fine. I'll
be back before you know it. You
just wait and see.
                                                            
Pete tries not to show his own tears as he kisses her on the
forehead.
                                                            
                       PETE
I'll write you every chance I get.
I promise.
                                                            
                       GRANDMA
      (sobbing)
You'd better.
                                                            
Pete finally looks at his uncle.
                                                            
                       PETE
You look after her. And keep
yourself straight. I'm countin' on
you.
                                                            
Uncle Jimmy nods but doesn't say anything.
                                                            
Pete hurries to Mr. Key's taxi. He doesn't want to look
back because he will start crying, and he doesn't want
Grandma to see him cry.
                                                            
 

28.

EXT. ARMY TRAINING - FT ORD - DAY
                                                            
A collage of shots of Pete in training:
Marching in formation with other soldiers.
Training on the firing range.
Crawling through brush and sand.
Moving rapidly through a forest, going from tree to tree
                                                            
 
EXT. PACIFIC COAST NEAR FT. ORD - DAY
                                                            
Pete is sitting atop a group large rock along the coastline.
Waves crash around him and sea birds seem to hover in the
ocean breeze, crying loudly.

Pete looks solemn. His mind is hundreds of miles away,
thinking about his grandmother and the others back home.
Especially Debbie.
                                                            
                       PETE (V.O.)
Every day, almost all day long,
I thought of Grandma. I wrote her
as much as I could and sometimes I
called. I thought of Debbie too,
of course. I couldn't help it.
                                                            
 
EXT. AIRPORT TARMAC - VIETNAM - DAY
                                                            
                       PETE (VO)
The first thing I noticed about
Vietnam was how hot it was. It
can get hot and humid in Tennessee
but this was worse than anything I
had felt before.
                                                            
Pete and the other new arrivals exit an airplane and walk
down a gangway to the tarmac. There is a lot of activity
around them. Planes are taxing or taking off while
helicopters are flying in and out of the airspace overhead.
Other soldiers service the planes or performing some other
detail, and some are standing around watching the new guys.
A stack of boxes that are obviously caskets draw the
most attention from the new soldiers.
                                                            
                       PETE (V.O.)
The second thing I noticed was the
boxes. Nobody had to tell us what
was in 'em.
                                                            
Pete follows the slow moving gaggle of new arrivals as they
walk into the terminal building.
                                                            
 

29.

INT. AIRPORT TERMINAL - VIETNAM - DAY
                                                            
As Pete shuffles through the door a soldier stops him. Pete
hands him a copy of his orders and the soldier points to an
NCO standing against a far wall. Pete walks over and gives
a nod to the NCO, but the NCO doesn't acknowledge him.

After a few more soldiers join Pete, the NCO finally speaks.
                                                            
                       WAGNER
Follow me.
                                                            
 
EXT. OUTSIDE TERMINAL - VIETNAM - DAY
                                                            
The NCO stops just outside the building.
                                                            
                       WAGNER
Gather around me here for a
second.
      (waits to make
       sure everyone is
       listening)
I'm Sergeant Jack Wagner, First
Platoon of Bravo Company. I'm
going to take you to headquarters
and get you squared away. Don't
get too used to any of the
luxuries you see around here.
We're in and out of the bush a
lot. Now, follow me.
                                                            
Wagner leads them to a cluster of tents and bunkers. There
are soldiers scattered around watching the new arrivals.
After a short period of time Wagner stops.
                                                            
                       WAGNER
Simpson!
                                                            
                       PETE
      (moving through
       the other
       soldiers)
Yes, sir.
                                                            
                       WAGNER
Save the sir stuff for the CO.
It's Sarge or Jack or Wagner or
whatever, but don't call me
sir.
      (beat)
You're in my platoon. You stand
tight right here 'til I show these
boys where they go and I'll
            (MORE)

30.

                       WAGNER (cont'd)
be back to show you around.
                                                            
As Pete stands there, the sun gets hotter and hotter. He is
aware of other soldiers watching him. They are talking
almost loud enough for him to hear, and they laugh even
louder, so he knows they are talking about him.
                                                            
Finally Wagner comes back and waves his arm.
                                                            
                       WAGNER
Come on. Let's go.
                                                            
 
INT. TENT - VIETNAM - DAY
                                                            
Pete follows Wagner into a tent. It is dark and cool inside
and it takes a few seconds for Pete's eyes to adjust. There
are three men lounging in the other end of the tent.
                                                            
                       HOUSEY (O.S.)
Hey look at the FNG!
                                                            
                       WAGNER
At ease, Housey.
      (to Pete)
Simpson, this is going to be home
while we're not in the bush. Grab
an empty cot, the CO will want to
talk to you later.
      (indicating the
       other 3 soldiers)
This is Woodall, Housey and Nunez.
They're not a bad bunch as long
as you sleep with one eye open.
Guys, this is Pete Simpson.
                                                            
The soldier closest to Pete steps forward and offers Pete
his hand.
                                                            
                       WOODALL
      (smiling)
Don't listen to him, we do our
dirty work when you're awake. I'm
Max, Max Woodall.
                                                            
The tall thin soldier who yelled when he walked into the
tent leans forward to shake Pete's hand.
                                                            
                       HOUSEY
I'm Housey, Mario Housey, but
everybody just calls me Housey.
                                                            

31.

The third soldier steps foward.
                                                            
                       NUNEZ
I'm Roberto Nunez, but they call
me Bob. Where are you from?
                                                            
                       PETE
Tennessee.
                                                            
                       HOUSEY
Damn! Another damn hillbilly.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (ignoring the
       remark)
Where are you guys from?
                                                            
                       WOODALL
Little Rock, Arkansas.
                                                            
                       NUNEZ
Lubbock, Texas
                                                            
                       WAGNER
Covington, Kentucky.
                                                            
                       HOUSEY
      (smiling)
See? Nothin' but fuckin'
hillbillies.
      (beat)
I'm from Riverside, California
                                                            
                       WAGNER
      (Slapping Pete on
       the back)
Don't mind him, his bark is worse
than his bite. Grab you a beer.
I'll be back later to take you to
see the CO.
                                                            
Housey hands Pete a beer.
                                                            
                       HOUSEY
Here man, have a cold one on me.
First thing you gotta learn is how
to stay cool, and this helps. Just
get thru your time here, that's
the name of the game. We all just
wanna get through with this shit
and get back to the world.
                                                            

32.

                       WOODALL
Yeah, and we'll be going back to
the bush soon enough.
                                                            
 
EXT. AIRFIELD TARMAC - VIETNAM - MORNING
                                                            
The men are getting on helicopters. Pete looks very
nervous and he tries hard not to let it show.

The helicopters take off with a rush of wind and noise. The
doors of the helicopter are open and it adds to Pete's
nervousness.

Housey sees how nervous Pete is.
                                                            
                       HOUSEY
      (above the noise
       of the helicopter)
Don't sweat this stuff, man. We're
goin' to a cold LZ, but just the
same, when we hit the ground stick
with me. Clear the chopper fast.
If any shootin' does start these
things draw a lot of fire.
                                                            
Pete nods to show he understands and tries looking at the
scenery to help calm his nerves. It is amazing how such
lush beauty could be a place where men were dying.
                                                            
 
EXT. LANDING ZONE - VIETNAM - DAY
                                                            
As the helicopters land in the LZ, Wagner jumps off and
hurries to a cluster of other soldiers gathered near the
center of the compound. Pete follows Housey and the others
into an open bunker.
                                                            
Wagner comes to the bunker.
                                                            
                       WAGNER
Okay, listen up. Looks like
we're going to be here for a
little while. There's VC activity
between here and our patrol area.
                                                            
                       NUNEZ
So what are we gonna do here?
                                                            
                       WAGNER
Rest up while we can. There's a
couple of gunships comin' in to
see about clearin' a way for us,
so it shouldn't be long. Just hang
            (MORE)

33.

                       WAGNER (cont'd)
tight and keep your eyes and ears
open.
                                                            
Housey moves over to Pete and starts checking his gear.
                                                            
                       HOUSEY
Stay close to me. If I make a
move I want you in my shadow. The
rules are simple; keep your eyes
and ears open, your weapon clean
and ready, and your ass outta
trouble. And above all, don't get
dead. Scared?
                                                            
Pete nods, almost too nervous to talk.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (stuttering)
Yes-s-s. Some.
                                                            
                       HOUSEY
      (Smacks Pete's
       shoulder)
Get used to it Bro. I get so
nervous my mouth dries up. I ain't
spit since I got here.
                                                            
 
EXT. LANDING ZONE - VIETNAM - DAY
                                                            
Pete and the others are standing outside the bunker looking
at the jungle. In the distance is the thumping of the
gunships attacking the pockets of enemy soldiers.
                                                            
                       WAGNER
Heads up guys. If the gunships
flush anybody out they might come
this way.
                                                            
                       NUNEZ
      (pointing)
Here comes another chopper.
                                                            
Pete and the others watch it as it moves slowly toward the
LZ. When it is only a few feet off the ground it
disintegrates into a fireball. Pieces of burning metal rain
down on the LZ.
                                                            
                       WAGNER
      (screaming)
INCOMING!!! INCOMING!!!
                                                            

34.

Suddenly, mortars shells are bursting everywhere. Pete
scurries back to the bunker and jumps in. Everywhere he
looks is pandemonium. He no sooner gets into the bunker
when there is a tremendous explosion near him. He is picked
up and dropped to the ground outside the bunker.

Pete lays there, dazed and confused.
                                                            
                                         FROM PETE'S POV
                                                            
His vision is blurred and dim. His ears are ringing.
Everything seems like a dream. He can see the shadow of
men rushing past him and he can feel the ground shake
with each new explosion.

Then there's a figure over him. Almost face to face with
him. He realizes it's Housey and he's yelling, but Pete can
barely hear what he's saying.
                                                            
                       HOUSEY
      (Screaming)
MEDIC!!! MEDIC!!!
      (to Pete)
Lay still man, don't move. Don't
even try to move. Hang in there,
man! Help is comin'! Remember the
rules. No dyin'. No dyin'!
                                                            
Pete feels himself receding. Things are getting darker. He
can barely see Housey. He tries to hang on, but can't. The
darkness is pulling him in, he no longer hears Housey or the
sounds around him. Then, everything is dark.
                                                            
                       PETE (VO)
I remember grabbin' for Housey and
holdin' on as hard as I could. I
didn't know if I was dyin' or
what. I knew I was hit but I
didn't hurt. I didn't feel
anything.
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL - VIETNAM - DAY
                                                            
                                         FROM PETE'S POV
                                                            
Everything slowly gets lighter. He can see images but
nothing too clearly,
                                                            

35.

                       PETE (V.O.)
I have no idea how long I was out.
It was almost like I went from
lookin' at Housey to lookin' at a
ceiling.
                                                            
Eventually things come into focus. He is inside a long room
with lights and fans along the ceiling. He can only move his
head from side to side and that doesn't allow him to see
very much. He can see other beds in the room, but he doesn't
know how many. His mind is foggy and he tries to sit up but
can't.
                                                            
                       NURSE DAVIS (O.S.)
Well, look who's awake.
                                                            
The face of a nurse moves into his line of sight. This is
NURSE DAVIS.
                                                            
                       NURSE DAVIS
Welcome back. We were wondering
when you were going to wake up.
Can you hear me?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (groggy)
Where, where am I?
                                                            
                       NURSE DAVIS
      (smiling)
You're in a hospital, so don't
worry. We'll take good care of
you.
                                                            
                                         LEAVING PETE'S POV
                                                            
Pete has bandages around his head, his right arm is in a
sling and his right leg is elevated and heavily bandaged.

Pete tries to move again and is straining to sit up.
                                                            
                       NURSE DAVIS
      (putting her hands
       on Pete's
       shoulders)
Hey there! You watch yourself. If
you loosen any of these bandages,
I'm going to tie you down to this
bed permanently. Just wait right
there and I'll let the doctor know
you are awake.
                                                            

36.

After she walks away, Pete tries once again to sit up.
He grabs the ring over his bed with his good arm and pulls.
After struggling with it for several minutes he falls
back on the bed, breathing heavy and nearly exhausted.
                                                            
                       NURSE DAVIS (O.S.)
Did you try to get up again? Now
don't you make me get after you.
      (wiping Pete's
       face with a cloth)
If you pop any of those stitches
open soldier we may never get you
out of here.
                                                            
She looks down at him and smiles. When she moves aside,
Pete can see a man dressed in a white coat standing by his
bed, flipping through pages on a clipboard. It's the DOCTOR.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
Hello, Private Simpson, I'm Major
King. Good to see you are alert.
How do you feel?
                                                            
                       PETE
Not bad. Sorta funny.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
You're still pretty groggy from
the Medication. Can you feel any
discomfort?
                                                            
                       PETE
No sir. Nothin' I can feel right
now. Just sorta funny. Dizzy.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
      (continuing to
       flip through the
       papers on the
       clipboard)
You're a very lucky young man.
You have wounds to your right
side, hip and leg. You have a
fractured hip and your arm and
three ribs were broken. They put
pins in your right thigh, and
removed a piece of your large
intestine..
                                                            
                       PETE
How long was I out?
                                                            

37.

                       DOCTOR
      (starting to
       examine Pete's
       bandages.)
All told, several weeks. More
than enough time to give us some
concern. What time you weren't
unconscious you were sedated.
It took a while for you to
stabilize enough to patch things
up properly. If you were another
half hour away from the field
hospital we wouldn't be talking
now. Some medic did a damn fine
job on you. Now that you're alert,
we will give you another once over
to see how things are healing. If
everything looks good enough,
we'll start you on physical
therapy. The good news there is
most of the therapy will be in the
states.
      (turning to the
       nurse)
You can untie the arm and lower
his leg. And elevate the head of
the bed. Let's let him sit up for
a while.
                                                            
                       NURSE DAVIS
Yes, doctor
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
      (to Pete)
Private Simpson, you let us know
right away if there's any pain or
discomfort
                                                            
                       PETE
Yes, sir.
                                                            
The Doctor walks away.
                                                            
                       NURSE DAVIS
I'll be back in a little bit
unless you need something now.
                                                            
                       PETE
Do you know what happened to my
unit?
                                                            

38.

                       NURSE DAVIS
That was a while ago. I'm not
sure. As I remember there were
several casualties, half a dozen
or so, I think, and three times
that many were wounded.
                                                            
                       PETE
Do you know any of their names?
                                                            
                       NURSE DAVIS
No, I'm sorry but I don't.
                                                            
                       PETE
Thank you, ma'am.
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL - VIETNAM - DAY
                                                            
Even though the nurse was only gone a few minutes, Pete is
dozing when she comes back. He is startled when she drops a
stack of papers on the table by his bed.
                                                            
                       NURSE DAVIS
Here's your mail. If you need
help opening any of it just let me
know. And there's also somebody
here to see you.
                                                            
                       PETE
Who would be coming here to see
me?
                                                            
                       NURSE DAVIS
      (busying herself
       with untying his
       arm and lowering
       his leg)
One of the chaplains. They
come by and visit with every
patient. Looks like it's your
turn.
      (she turns the
       crank at the base
       of the bed)
I don't know how much you're going
to like what you're about to see,
but here goes.
                                                            
Pete's upper body lifts as she cranks the bed up. He can see
the entire room. There are about 20 beds. Some of the
soldiers are sitting up looking about the room or reading,
while others are still lying down. Some look like they could

39.

spring up out of bed right now, while others are bandaged
from head to toe.
                                                            
                       NURSE DAVIS
      (turning to leave)
There you go. Now you and some of
these other guys can get
acquainted.
                                                            
                       PETE
Thank you, ma'am.
                                                            
                       FATHER JOE (O.S.)
Well, I see Private Simpson
decided to join us.
                                                            
Pete turns to see the tall, grey haired man standing near
his bed.
                                                            
                       FATHER JOE
Hi. I'm Father Joseph McCown, one
of the Chaplains around here. It's
good to finally see you are awake
Private Simpson. You had us
worried there for a while.
                                                            
                       PETE
Thank you, sir.
                                                            
                       FATHER JOE
      (with a wave of
       his hand)
I'm not a sir. That sounds too
stuffy. Father Joe is good enough
with me.
                                                            
                       PETE
Okay, Father Joe it is then. I'm
Pete, Is there something I can do
for you Father? I mean, I'm not
Catholic.
                                                            
                       FATHER JOE
Oh, that doesn't really matter.
Just between me and you I don't
think God really cares so much
about where we choose to go to
church, as long as we go and try
our best.
                                                            
                       PETE
There sure are a lot of them.
                                                            

40.

                       FATHER JOE
Yes there are. Which one do you
practice, Pete?
                                                            
                       PETE
Southern Baptist I reckon. That's
all I know to be.
                                                            
                       FATHER JOE
      (chuckling)
Baptists have been around almost
as long as we have. Have you ever
been to a Catholic church?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (laughing)
Once in basic training I went to
the wrong service by mistake. It
never occurred to me that there
was gonna be anybody there but
Baptists, but it was a Catholic
service. I saw right away it was
different, nothing like what I'm
used to back home. I stayed
through it all because I was too
embarrassed to get up and leave.
It really wasn't all that bad.
                                                            
                       FATHER JOE
Good. I'm glad it was a pleasant
experience.
                                                            
Father Joe moves over and sits on the side of Pete's bed,
his mood noticeably more serious.
                                                            
                       FATHER JOE
      (slowly)
Listen, Pete, Like you, I have my
duties here, and some of them are
not very pleasant. I'm afraid
it has fallen on my shoulders to
give you some very distressing
news.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (apprehensive)
What is it?
                                                            
                       FATHER JOE
Well Pete, there is no easy way to
say this, so I'm just going to say
it. I'm afraid your grandmother
has passed away.
                                                            

41.

Pete is shocked. He searches the priest's face, looking for
some sign that maybe he had heard wrong, but the sadness in
the man's eyes echo his words.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (almost crying)
When? How?
                                                            
                       FATHER JOE
That's the saddest part Pete. It
was some time ago, while you were
still unconscious. The Red Cross
alerted the hospital but there
was nothing that could be done.
                                                            
Pete lowers his eyes, not trying to hide the tears running
down his face.
                                                            
                       FATHER JOE
I am so sorry, I really am. Is
there anything I can do, anyone I
can contact for you?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (sniffing)
No. I'm the only one she had that
she could depend on, and I wasn't
there
                                                            
                       FATHER JOE
It couldn't be helped, Pete.
                                                            
                       PETE
She was always there for me. After
my folks died, she took me in and
raised me. She didn't deserve to
die alone like that.
                                                            
                       FATHER JOE
If it's any consolation, she died
peacefully in her sleep,
                                                            
                       PETE
I guess that's something.
                                                            
                       FATHER JOE
And God is looking after her now.
She'll have no more suffering.
                                                            
                       PETE
I don't mean any disrespect
Father, but right now that's not
much comfort. She looked so scared
when I left. It's almost like she
            (MORE)

42.

                       PETE (cont'd)
knew we wouldn't see each other
again.
      (beat)
If you don't mind Father, I think
I'd like to be alone.
                                                            
                       FATHER JOE
      (patting Pete on
       the shoulder)
Certainly, Pete, certainly.
      (stands to leave)
And please remember, if you need
to talk about it, or need
anything, anything at all, just
let me know. Ask one of the
nurses to come and get me, and
I'll be right here.
                                                            
                       PETE
Thanks
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL - VIETNAM - MORNING
                                                            
Pete wakes up and rubs his eyes. It had taken several hours
for him to fall asleep the night before. He still looks sad
and distant..

He picks up the stack of mail from the table beside the bed
and starts to look through it. One of the letters is from
his grandmother and he tosses it aside, since he is not
ready to read anything from her just yet. The only other
letter is from Debbie. He rips the envelope open and scans
through it quickly. There is nothing in it to get him out of
the doldrums.

The other pieces of mail are small home town newspapers. He
picks up one and starts thumbing through it.

He suddenly stops and stares at the headline of the story
in front of him: 'GOODMAN AND WARD WED'.

Below the headline is a picture of Debbie and Casey smiling
with the story: 'Mr. Casey Goodman and Miss Deborah Ward
were married Saturday in a private ceremony at the home of
the bride's parents'.

Pete lets the paper crumple on his lap as he stares at the
ceiling.
                                                            

43.

                       PETE
      (muttering)
Well, so much for waitin' 'til I
get back home.
                                                            
                       NURSE DAVIS (O.S.)
Someone you know?
                                                            
Pete realized he was crying again but didn't care. He
didn't try to hide it.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (softly)
Just someone I thought I knew.
                                                            
                       NURSE DAVIS
You've had a rough few months,
Private Simpson
                                                            
                       PETE
      (his eyes still
       teary)
I'll get over it.
                                                            
                       NURSE DAVIS
I'm afraid I can't give you
anything for what you're feeling
now.
                                                            
Pete is silent. The nurse looks at him for a few moments and
then moves toward the bed.
                                                            
                       NURSE DAVIS
      (softly)
I know I'm not your grandmother,
or whoever the girl in the
picture is, but I can try to help.
                                                            
She reaches out and takes Pete's shoulders in her hands. She
pulls him to her and wrapped her arms around him, her hand
softly patting his back. She sits there, holding him, for
several minutes, rocking gently back and forth as he cries,
trying her best to take some of the hurt away. When the
sobbing has almost stopped, she eases him back on the
pillow.
                                                            
                       PETE
Ma'am?
                                                            
                       NURSE DAVIS
Yes?
                                                            

44.

                       PETE
Thank you. Can I ask your name?
                                                            
                       NURSE DAVIS
Lieutenant Davis. Ann Davis.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (trying to smile)
Thank you, Lieutenant Ann Davis.
                                                            
                       NURSE DAVIS
      (smiling as she
       turns to leave)
Glad I could help
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL - VIETNAM - AFTERNOON
                                                            
It's several days later and Pete is sitting up in bed,
flipping through a magazine.

The doctor comes into view, leafing through the papers on
his clipboard again.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
Well, Private Simpson, it looks
like we have done just about all
we can do for you here. Tomorrow
we are going to be transferring
you to another hospital to begin
physical therapy.
                                                            
                       PETE
Where Sir?
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
San Francisco. You're going back
to the states, son.
                                                            
                       PETE
How long will I be there?
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
A few weeks, a month or two, it's
hard to say. It depends on how
you respond to the treatment.
      (beat)
I can tell you that you will most
likely always have a limp and that
at the end of your rehabilitation
you will be medically discharged.
It's more than a bit ironic that
the Army puts young men in the
position to get injuries like
            (MORE)

45.

                       DOCTOR (cont'd)
yours, that will no doubt bother
them for the rest of their lives,
and then turns them loose to deal
with it more or less on their own.
                                                            
Pete doesn't say anything. He sits there staring off into
space, looking as some unseen image that seems to be holding
him in its grasp.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
      (as he turns to
       leave.)
Anyway, good luck Private Simpson.
                                                            
                       PETE
Thank you, Sir
                                                            
As the doctor leaves, Father Joe walks up.
                                                            
                       FATHER JOE
Well, Pete. I hear you're leaving
us.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (smiling)
Yes, Father, I guess I am.
                                                            
                       FATHER JOE
You know, the name Peter means a
lot in our church. The apostle
Peter was our founder.
                                                            
                       PETE
I didn't know that.
                                                            
                       FATHER JOE
It's true. And like you, he had
his share of rough times too. I
guess what I'm trying to say is
things will get better
                                                            
                       PETE
I know you mean well Father, and I
do appreciate it, but I'm just not
sure which way to turn right now.
                                                            
                       FATHER JOE
Going home is a positive first
step isn't it?
                                                            
                       PETE
Home to what? To who?
                                                            

46.

                       FATHER JOE
      (putting his hand
       on Pete's
       shoulder)
It will work out. Don't forget you
have a guardian angel watching
over you now. She will help you
work your way through this.
                                                            
                       PETE
I'll try my best, Father.
                                                            
                       FATHER JOE
Good. Keep in touch and let me
know how things work out for you.
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL - SAN FRANCISCO - DAY
                                                            
                       PETE (V.O.)
It helped that I was so busy
tryin' to get myself workin' again
that I didn't spend too much time
thinking about Grandma. I still
cried at times. I couldn't believe
I was never goin' to see her
again. I thought of Debbie too,
and couldn't keep myself from
feelin' more and more bitter.
                                                            
With the V.O. is a collage of clips showing Pete undergoing
physical therapy. At first, he moves slowly and carefully
with a cane. Then he is working with a therapist on a slow
moving treadmill. Then a clip of him walking fast without
any support, not even his cane. Finally he is jogging
slowly. He has a pronounced limp, especially when he jogs,
but he is much stronger than when he started.
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL - SAN FRANCISCO - DAY
                                                            
Pete has finished running and is leaning over with his hands
on his knees, catching his breath. A hospital orderly walks
up to him.
                                                            
                       ORDERLY
      (handing Pete a
       folder)
Private Simpson, this is your out
processing packet. Take it to
each clinic in the hospital that
has worked with you. It will take
you a couple of days to get it
complete. Your final out
            (MORE)

47.

                       ORDERLY (cont'd)
processing appointment will be
Thursday at 0900 hours. That's in
the packet too.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (looking at the
       packet, and
       speaking to
       himself)
Hmmm, only 3 days. And I thought
it would last forever.
                                                            
 
INT. HOSPITAL - SAN FRANCISCO - DAY
                                                            
Pete enters a small narrow room. There is a wide double door
frame with no doors in the center of one wall. Just outside
the doors, a CLERK sits at a desk. The wall opposite the
desk is lined with chairs. There is a closed door at the far
end of the room. Pete walks over to the desk and hands the
Clerk his processing folder.
                                                            
                       CLERK
      (taking the folder)
Please have a seat. Someone will
call your name when it's your
turn.
                                                            
Pete takes a seat.

Presently he hears his name called.
                                                            
                       CORPORAL (O.S.)
Private Simpson!
                                                            
Pete walks through the double door frame. This room has a
number of desks down each side of the room. A soldier is
behind each desk and there is a straight backed chair beside
each desk that faces the wall.

A CORPORAL is standing, looking toward Pete. He waves for
Pete to come to his desk.
                                                            
                       CORPORAL
Right over here, Private Simpson.
      (as Pete
       approaches he
       points to the
       chair beside his
       desk)
Have a seat.
                                                            

48.

The corporal thumbs through Pete's folder.
                                                            
                       CORPORAL
Looks like tomorrow is going to be
a big day. You're going to be a
civilian again.
                                                            
Pete nods as the corporal keeps thumbing through the papers.
After another minute, he puts a small stack of papers down
in front of Pete.
                                                            
                       CORPORAL
These are your discharge papers.
As you can see it's a medical
discharge based on your condition.
Be sure to file a copy with the
local veteran's office ASAP after
you get to your home of record.
The Army has decided you should
receive thirty five percent
disability. That's not much, but
it's something. As soon as you
register at your home of record
they will re-evaluate the
percentage and you will start
receiving the monthly checks.
                                                            
Pete nods and glances over the papers before he begins
signing them. As he is signing the papers, the corporal
tosses a small box down on the table in front of him.
                                                            
                       CORPORAL
This is yours too.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (picking up the
       box)
What is it?
                                                            
                       CORPORAL
      (still shuffling
       papers)
That's your Purple Heart. Looks
like you were still out when they
wanted to give it to you the first
time.
                                                            
Pete opens the box and looks at the shiny medal. He
strokes the pad of his thumb across it, feeling its cool
surface, then he puts the top back on the box and puts the
box in his pocket.
                                                            

49.

                       CORPORAL
      (laying down
       another stack of
       papers)
This is your travel voucher. Go
back out into the entry way and
through the door to your right.
Take this to the first window
through that door and they will
give you your travel pay and any
back pay you have coming to you.
Then, take that money to the next
window you see and they will get
your airline ticket for you.
                                                            
                       PETE
What if I want to take the bus?
                                                            
                       CORPORAL
No problem. The shuttle that
leaves here at 0600 tomorrow
morning goes by Greyhound on the
way to the airport. I would also
advise you that while you're
traveling to wear something other
than your uniform.
                                                            
                       PETE
Why?
                                                            
The corporal stops shuffling papers and looks intently at
Pete.
                                                            
                       CORPORAL
Because not everybody outside
these gates loves the Army or the
fact we're in 'Nam. The Army feels
there's no need in you drawing any
unnecessary attention to yourself.
                                                            
                       PETE
Can't I wear what I want?
                                                            
                       CORPORAL
Look. All the Army's trying to do
is save you some grief, man. There
are people out there who will do
anything, up to and including,
kicking your ass if they see you
in that uniform.
                                                            
                       PETE
I'll think about it.
                                                            

50.

The corporal glares at Pete for several seconds, and then
after sizing up the stubbornness in him, throws up his
hands.
                                                            
                       CORPORAL
      (slamming his
       hands down on the
       top of the desk)
Okay fine, Private Simpson. You
do that.
      (hands Pete a
       large envelope)
These are yours. I'm done with
you. You're free to go.
                                                            
 
EXT. HOSPITAL - SAN FRANCISCO - MORNING
                                                            
Pete stands outside the hospital waiting for the shuttle. It
is a cold, foggy morning. He is wearing his Army dress
uniform.

A green Army station wagon stops at the curb in front of the
hospital. A small man gets out of the vehicle and gives Pete
a smile as he walks up the steps and into the hospital.

After a few minutes, he comes back out.
                                                            
                       VIC
Mornin' to you. I'm Victor, you
can call me Vic. They tell me
inside you're my only rider this
morning.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (shaking Vic's
       hand)
I'm Pete.
                                                            
                       VIC
      (smiling)
Well, come on Pete. We'll get you
loaded up here and on your way.
                                                            
Pete starts to bend over to get his duffel bag but Vic stops
him.
                                                            
                       VIC
You let me worry about that.
                                                            
Pete limps along behind him to the station wagon, and
stands to one side while Vic puts the bag in the back and
closes the door.
                                                            

51.

                       VIC
You can ride up front with me if
you want.
                                                            
The two men get in the station wagon and Vic slowly pulls
away from the curb.
                                                            
 
INT. SHUTTLE - SAN FRANCISCO - MORNING
                                                            
                       VIC
I'll have you to the airport in no
time.
                                                            
                       PETE
I don't want to go to the airport.
The bus station will be fine.
                                                            
                       VIC
Aren't you in a hurry to get home?
                                                            
                       PETE
Not really. There are some things
I need to think over before I get
there.
      (Pause)
Besides, it'll be good to let
things slow down for a while.
                                                            
                       VIC
Okay. You're the boss. The bus
station it is then.
                                                            
The two men drive along in silence for a while, Vic paying
attention to the traffic and Pete staring out at the fog.
                                                            
                       VIC
      (breaking the
       silence)
So Pete, you strike me as being a
smart enough guy, so I guess I can
assume you're a little bit on the
stubborn side.
                                                            
                       PETE
Meanin' what?
                                                            
                       VIC
Well, I know they gave you the
same no uniform speech they give
everybody else. So since you're
wearing your uniform I can only
guess that you're just stubborn
            (MORE)

52.

                       VIC (cont'd)
enough to do what you want.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (smiling)
It just didn't make any sense to
me, that's all.
                                                            
                       VIC
You know they do that for a
reason, right?
                                                            
                       PETE
I know the reason they gave me.
But it's my uniform, and as much
as I hated havin' to go through
what I went through, I still think
I earned the right to wear
whatever I want to.
                                                            
                       VIC
I agree.
      (beat)
It's a shame that it's come to
this. My generation was treated a
lot better. I did my time. Twenty
years in fact, forty two to sixty
two. When we came home, we were
heroes. The country was a lot
different then. Now, people just
want us out of there and they want
us out now. They want to yell at
somebody, but they can't yell at
the ones responsible, so, they
take it out on the ones they can
see. I'm not making excuses for
them, you understand. Just telling
you the way it is.
                                                            
Vic doesn't say anymore and they ride along in silence. When
he turns the corner near the bus station he can see the
sidewalks are already crowded with people, several of which
are young panhandlers.
                                                            
                       VIC
Pete, do me a favor. Walk right
in, get your ticket, and find a
nice quiet place in a corner to
sit until your bus leaves.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (eyeing the crowd)
I'll be fine.
                                                            

53.

There are more people on the sidewalk than he had seen in
one place in a long time, and it makes him nervous.
                                                            
 
EXT. OUTSIDE THE BUS STATION - SAN FRANCISCO - MORNING
                                                            
Pete gets out and waits for his bag. After months of being
in a quiet hospital, the noise of the city puts his nerves
on edge. He looks up and down the street, trying to take it
all in. The street noise is deafening and the sidewalk is
teeming with people hurrying this way and that. Something
bump his leg and realizes Vic is standing there holding his
duffel bag.
                                                            
                       VIC
      (seeing Pete
       hesitate)
You want me to help you?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (reaching for the
       bag)
No. I'll take that, I want to do
this myself.
                                                            
                       VIC
Are you sure?
                                                            
                       PETE
Yeah. I've got to do this myself.
                                                            
                       VIC
      (handing the
       duffle bag)
You're the boss.
      (offering his hand
       to PETE)
It's been a pleasure, Pete.
Welcome home and have a safe trip.
                                                            
                       PETE
Thanks Vic, I will.
      (noting the
       concern on Vic's
       face)
You go on and get back. I'll be
fine.
                                                            
Pete stands on the sidewalk and watches as Vic gets back in
the station wagon and pulls away from the curb. After a
brief wave, he turns toward the station.
                                                            

54.

                       TEENAGE GIRL (O.S.)
Hey, got any change?
                                                            
Pete turns when he hears the voice. For a moment his mind is
playing tricks and he thinks he is seeing Debbie. He stares
at the young girl in front of him.
                                                            
                       TEENAGE GIRL
Well, do ya?
                                                            
                       FIRST TEENAGE BOY (O.S.)
Hey man, give her some change.
                                                            
Pete snaps out of the confusion, he realizes she is not
Debbie, and that only puzzles him more. He is tongue-tied.
                                                            
                       FIRST TEENAGE BOY
I said give her the money, man.
                                                            
Pete turns slightly. A scruffy teenage boy is yelling at
him. His hair is almost as long as the girl's hair and there
are the thin, wispy beginnings of a beard on his face.
                                                            
                       FIRST TEENAGE BOY
Is something wrong with your
hearing. soldier boy?
                                                            
Pete is trying to say something, anything, but can't. The
words just wouldn't come, and the young boy keeps
interrupting.
                                                            
                       SECOND TEENAGE BOY (O.S.)
Hey, what's with the baby killer?
                                                            
Another boy comes up on the other side of the young girl.
Now all three of them talk loudly, their voices combine with
the already noisy street. One of them steps toward Pete,
swears at him and then spits. Pete fumbles in his pockets
but he can't remember where he put his money. Then, other
young people begin to join the three already yelling at him,
and the crowd grows larger,
                                                            
                       VIC (O.S.)
Get back in the wagon
                                                            
Vic tosses several bills at the crowd and picks up Pete's
duffel bag.
                                                            
                       VIC
      (to Pete)
Hurry up! Get back in the wagon
and let's get out of here.
                                                            

55.

Pete ducks inside the station wagon as several of the kids
scuffle for the money. For the time being they have lost
interest in Pete, and Vic quickly jumps back behind the
wheel and pulls away from the curb.
                                                            
 
INT. SHUTTLE - SAN FRANCISCO - MORNING
                                                            
Pete is still flustered and is trying to calm down.
                                                            
                       PETE
I'm sorry. Too many things
happened at once I guess. I got
confused.
                                                            
                       VIC
Don't worry about it. I don't
think they would have hurt you.
They're not bad kids, not really.
They're just a little mixed up,
and can you blame them when they
have to live off the street like
that?
                                                            
                       PETE
Well, thanks for comin' back for
me
                                                            
                       VIC
I thought you were going to have
some trouble so I circled the
block. The problem now is how are
we going to get you home? We can't
go back there so it's got to be a
plane, right?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (quickly)
No, no plane.
                                                            
                       VIC
Train?
                                                            
                       PETE
Maybe.
      (beat)
Wait! A truck!
                                                            
                       VIC
Truck?
                                                            

56.

                       PETE
      (getting excited)
Yeah! Big trucks, eighteen
wheelers. Billy's dad drove one
back home. Me and Billy went all
over the place with him. Those
guys will give me a lift. I know
they will. Is there a truck
terminal near here?
                                                            
                       VIC
      (shrugs)
Beats me, Pete. I'm sure there
is, but I've never noticed one.
                                                            
                       PETE
There has to be. This is a port.
Boats bring the stuff in and
trucks haul it out.
                                                            
                       VIC
Might be one in Oakland
                                                            
                       PETE
      (hopefully)
Mind goin' to see?
                                                            
                       VIC
      (smiling)
No sir. I'll get you a ride out
of here if it's the last thing I
do.
                                                            
 
EXT. TRUCK TERMINAL - OAKLAND - AFTERNOON
                                                            
It had taken them awhile, but they finally found a terminal
in the foothills east of Oakland. Vic rolls the station
wagon to a stop next to the truck terminal.
                                                            
                       VIC
I'm not leaving until you find out
if you can get a ride.
                                                            
                       PETE
Thanks, Vic. I'll be right back.
If this don't work out we can go
to the airport.
                                                            
                       VIC
      (smiling)
It's a deal
                                                            
 

57.

EXT. TRUCK TERMINAL - OAKLAND - AFTERNOON
                                                            
The parking lot surrounding the building is full of trucks.
Some are idling and some are being refueled while mechanics
work on some others. To Pete there are too many trucks not
to have some of them going east.

One part of the terminal building is a garage and the
other part is a convenience store. Pete steps inside the
store.
                                                            
 
INT. TRUCK TERMINAL - OAKLAND - AFTERNOON
                                                            
The inside of the store is stocked with almost everything a
truck driver could want. There are shelves of books, maps,
tools, snacks, even clothing. A WOMAN is standing behind the
counter, watching Pete as he walks in.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
      (smiling)
We don't get many soldier boys in
here.
                                                            
Pete smiles and walks to the counter.
                                                            
                       PETE
Ma'am. I was wonderin' if I could
ask a question.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Sure, honey.
      (she notices the
       scars on Pete's
       face)
You've been through some kind of
hell, haven't you
                                                            
                       PETE
      (uneasy)
Yes ma'am, I guess I have. What I
was wonderin' is if maybe you know
of a driver who might let me ride
along with him.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Where to?
                                                            
                       PETE
I want to get to Tennessee but
I'll take anything that'll get me
goin' in that direction.
                                                            

58.

                       WOMAN
Well, there are trucks leaving
here all the time headed south.
You could probably hitch a ride
down to Bakersfield or Barstow.
There's bound to be trucks through
there headed east.
                                                            
                       PETE
Great. I'll get my stuff.
                                                            
 
EXT. TRUCK TERMINAL - OAKLAND - AFTERNOON
                                                            
When Pete goes back outside, Vic is leaning against the
station wagon watching the trucks move around the terminal.
                                                            
                       VIC
Find anything?
                                                            
                       PETE
Yeah. The lady inside said they
leave outta here all the time.
                                                            
Vic takes Pete's duffel bag out of the back of the station
wagon.
                                                            
                       VIC
Good.
      (offers his hand
       to Pete one more
       time)
Well, this is it then I guess.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (shaking Vic's
       hand vigorously)
I don't know how to say thank you
enough.
                                                            
                       VIC
Don't worry about it, brother.
Glad I could help. We vets have
to stick together.
                                                            
Vic gets in the station wagon and Pete stands in the shadow
of the building and watches him pull away from the terminal,
before turning back toward the store.
                                                            
 

59.

INT. TRUCK TERMINAL - OAKLAND - AFTERNOON
                                                            
As Pete re-enters the building the woman behind the counter
smiles at him again.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Sweetie, it's up to you, but I
don't think I'd wear that pretty
uniform in one of these dirty old
trucks. You'll get grease and dirt
all over it.
                                                            
                       PETE
None of my other clothes fit
right. I've been laid up a while.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
      (points toward the
       back of the store)
I have racks of clothes over
there. It's just jeans and work
pants. That's all a trucker will
wear. There are shirts over there
too.
                                                            
                       PETE
Thank you.
                                                            
Pete walks to the back of the store and looks through the
racks until he finds a shirt and a pair of jeans that look
like they will fit. He also gets a belt and a pair of cowboy
boots.

He then goes to the men's room and changes, putting his
uniform into the duffel bag as neatly as he can.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
      (as Pete reappears)
You look like a whole new man,
right down to the boots.
                                                            
                       PETE
Yeah, I figured that would be
easier than bending over and
fooling with laces.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Smart man.
      (beat)
Oh, I got you a ride!
                                                            

60.

                       PETE
      (excited)
Really? Do you know where he's
goin'?
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Barstow. It's right on sixty-six
and a lot of trucks come
through there going east.
                                                            
Pete takes out his wallet to pay for the clothes
                                                            
                       PETE
I sure do appreciate your help.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Glad to do it. Oh wait a minute.
      (she takes a
       cowboy hat from a
       rack on the
       counter and hands
       it to Pete)
You're going to need something to
keep the sun off that scar
      (as Pete tries it
       on)
That's on me. You just take care
of yourself. Oh, here comes
Woodrow, he's the ride I was
telling you about.
                                                            
PETE turns to see an older man walking toward the counter.
This is WOODROW.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Woodrow, this is the soldier I was
telling you about.
                                                            
                       WOODROW
      (looking Pete up
       and down)
Don't look like one to me, except
that is one helluva reminder you
got there on your jaw. Mortar?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (shyly)
Yeah, I guess so. To tell you the
truth I was too busy duckin' for
cover to figure out what it was.
                                                            

61.

                       WOODROW
      (chuckling)
Yeah, I guess you would be. Well,
come on, I have to get this load
to Barstow.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (to the woman)
Thanks again.
                                                            
                       WOMAN
Don't worry about it, hon.
      (louder)
Now Woodrow, you stop in next time
you're up this way and let me know
how he makes out.
                                                            
                       WOODROW
      (as he's walking
       out the door)
We'll do it.
                                                            
 
INT. TRUCK CAB - CALIFORNIA - AFTERNOON
                                                            
The two men don't talk much. The exhaust pipe that extends
up behind the cab is loud and occasionally slaps the side of
the cab just behind Pete. It makes talking difficult.

After a time the truck moves out of the coastal hills and
into a long valley. The inside of the truck gets hot and
Pete rolls down his window, trying his best to disregard the
noise.

He watches the scenery go by. There is one cultivated
field after another that is only broken up by an occasional
town. He has never seen so much farm land or the constant
activity in the fields.

After an hour or more, Woodrow yells out above the noise of
the truck.
                                                            
                       WOODROW
      (loud)
I'm gonna stop down here in
Bakersfield and fill up and give
the truck a chance to cool off a
little before we start up the
grade. Get yourself a cold drink
and find a shady spot.
                                                            
 

62.

EXT. BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIA - LATER
                                                            
Pete sits in a chair behind a gas station under the shade of
several trees. He sips a soft drink and watches the traffic
on the highway.
                                                            
 
INT. TRUCK CAB - CALIFORNIA - LATER
                                                            
The two men are back in the truck as it climbs up a fairly
steep grade. Pete leans his head out the window a little and
tries to lookbehind the truck at the long valley
disappearing behind them.

An hour later the road bobs and twists through small rolling
hills. This part of the ride is still hot and looks more and
more like a desert instead of the cultivated fields in the
valley they were in earlier.
                                                            
                       PETE (VO)
The desert was givin' me second
thoughts about tryin' to hitch a
ride. I didn't want to get stuck
in a place like this.
                                                            
 
EXT. TRUCK TERMINAL - BARSTOW - NIGHT
                                                            
The truck pulls into a well lit truck terminal. They had
dropped off their load only moments before. Woodrow parks
the truck and both men get out and stretch.
                                                            
                       WOODROW
It's too late to start back north.
I've got a friend a few blocks
from here that I visit when I'm in
town. You feel free to sleep here
in the cab if you want to, but I'm
taken off bright and early in the
morning.
                                                            
 
INT. TRUCK CAB - BARSTOW - NIGHT
                                                            
The noise of the trucks makes it hard for Pete to go sleep.
For a time he sits there looking through the windshield at
the stars. After what seems like hours, he finally falls
asleep.
                                                            
 

63.

EXT. TRUCK TERMINAL - BARSTOW - MORNING
                                                            
It's barely daylight and Pete stands beside the terminal,
waving to Woodrow as he pulls the truck back out on the
highway.

There are several shots of Pete hanging around the terminal.
Occasionally he approaches a driver but is always turned
away. Nobody is going east. The more he tries to get a ride,
the more frustrated he becomes.

It is almost noon and Pete is hungry and hot and decides to
go into the terminal for something to eat and chance to cool
off.
                                                            
 
INT. TERMINAL CAFE - BARSTOW - LATER
                                                            
Pete walks into the diner and sits on a stool at the
counter. The COOK who runs the diner hands Pete a menu.
                                                            
                       COOK
Hell, boy, I thought you left this
mornin' with Woodrow.
                                                            
                       PETE
No, Sir. I'm headin' east as soon
as I can get a ride.
                                                            
                       COOK
East? What's east?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (looking over the
       menu)
Home.
                                                            
                       COOK
So you're tryin' to hitch a ride
from one of these truckers?
                                                            
                       PETE
That's what I'm hopin'.
                                                            
                       COOK
You don't look like you're in any
shape to be hitchin' anywhere.
Where did you get cut up so bad?
                                                            
Pete doesn't answer.
                                                            

64.

                       COOK
      (persisting)
Car wreck?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (quietly)
No, sir. I was wounded in the
Army.
                                                            
                       COOK
From the looks of it, you're lucky
to be alive.
                                                            
                       PETE
I guess I am. Now I'm just tryin'
to get back home.
                                                            
                       COOK
You should have taken a plane. You
would have been there by now.
                                                            
                       PETE
I know. Believe me, that thought
has crossed my mind a lot today.
                                                            
                       COOK
      (seeing the
       sadness in Pete's
       eyes)
Well hell, boy, if you want a ride
you have to know how to ask for
one.
                                                            
The Cook turns around, facing the other men in the cafe.
                                                            
                       COOK
Who in here's a vet?
                                                            
Several men raise their hands.
                                                            
                       COOK
      (indicating Pete)
This boy here's a vet too. Look
at him. He did his duty and got
all banged up doin' it. Now he's
just trying to go home back east.
Any of you boys goin' in that
direction want to give him a lift?
                                                            
One of the truckers raises his hand. This is ED.
                                                            

65.

                       ED
As soon as I'm finished eatin'
I've got a load going to Amarillo
                                                            
                       COOK
      (turns to the
       smiling Pete)
There you go. I'll get you a
hamburger, and if you don't get a
chance to finish it before he's
ready you can take it along with
you.
                                                            
 
INT. TRUCK CAB - ARIZONA - AFTERNOON
                                                            
This truck is a lot different than Woodrow's had been. It is
almost brand new. The cab is higher and roomier, and best
of all its air conditioned. There is also a sleeping
compartment behind the seats.

Ed proves to be no more of a talker than Woodrow. He
listens to his CB radio and sometimes talks to other
truckers, but mostly he is quiet, so once again Pete spends
his time watching the countryside zip by.
                                                            
                       PETE (V.O.)
Western Arizona looked worse than
California. Once we got past the
Colorado River there was hardly
anything to look at but hard baked
dirt and rocks. We drove over
dozens of small bridges but I
didn't see any water, just dry
creek beds.
                                                            
After a time they start to climb up into the Arizona high
country.
                                                            
                       PETE (V.O.)
Then, before I knew it, everything
changed. It wasn't desert anymore,
just lots and lots of pine trees.
                                                            
They ride on through the pines where it is cool and shady
and the air smells good and fresh.

But then, after a few minutes, they start their descent on
the east side of the mountains.
                                                            
                       PETE (V.O.)
Then, just as I got used to the
everything bein' so nice, we
started back down the mountain
            (MORE)

66.

                       PETE (cont'd)
again and in no time we were right
back in the ugly desert.
                                                            
                       ED
      (breaking up
       Pete's day
       dreaming)
There's a rest area up here a bit.
I'm gonna pull in there for a few
hours' sleep. I'm gonna crawl back
there into the sleeper, but you're
welcome to sleep here in the cab
if you want to. I've got a
sleeping bag and extra blankets
you can use if you need 'em.
                                                            
 
EXT. ARIZONA REST AREA - EVENING
                                                            
The rest area is crowded with other trucks and cars. Some
of the trucks are idling with their marker lights turned on.
Ed finds a place to park and the two men get out to stretch
their legs. After walking around for a few minutes, Ed
climbs into the sleeping compartment and tosses Pete a
blanket.
                                                            
                       PETE
It's such a nice night, so if it's
all the same to you I'm gonna go
lay out on one these picnic
tables. Don't run off in the
mornin' without me.
                                                            
Ed doesn't say anything and closes the door. Pete spreads
the blanket out on the table, lays down on one part of it
and pulls the rest of the blanket over him.
                                                            
Sleep is slow in coming.
                                                            
 
EXT. ARIZONA REST AREA - MORNING
                                                            
                       ED
      (slapping the top
       of the table)
Time to rise and shine. Gonna
stop up here in Gallup to gas up
and grab a bite to eat. We should
be in Amarillo shortly past noon.
                                                            
Pete is snapped out of a deep sleep and crawls slowly into
the truck.
                                                            
 

67.

INT. TRUCK CAB - NEW MEXICO - MORNING
                                                            
Pete dozes for the first hour or so after they eat. The
scenery is getting better. There is more plant life and the
green brush and trees were starting to mingle with the brown
ones. He notices the 'Welcome to Texas' sign.
                                                            
                       ED
      (as they near
       Amarillo)
Listen, I'm gonna have to drop you
off before I drop this load.
They've got their own loaders at
this place and they don't like
nobody being in the truck but the
driver.
                                                            
                       PETE
Okay. I understand.
                                                            
                       ED
I'll drop you on the corner where
there's other trucks comin' and
goin'. If you get another ride,
that's good, but if you don't I'll
pick you up on my way out and take
you over to the truck stop. You'll
be able to get somethin' there.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (nods and shakes
       Ed's hand)
Okay, and if for some reason I
don't see you again, I appreciate
all you've done for me.
                                                            
                       ED
      (smiles)
Glad I could help.
                                                            
 
EXT. STREET CORNER - AMARILLO - DAY
                                                            
Ed pulls over to the curb at the first intersection he comes
to. Pete tosses his duffel bag out onto the sidewalk and
hops down behind it.
                                                            
                       PETE
You're welcome at my place
anytime.
                                                            
Ed waves and Pete closes the door, then steps back as Ed
pulls away from the curb. Pete watches him go.
                                                            

68.

                       JOHN (O.S.)
Hey cowboy, you interested in
pickin' up a little bit of work?
                                                            
Pete turns to see a young cowboy partially out of his truck.
He has the truck door open, his left arm hooked over the top
of the door and his right hand still on the steering wheel.
The truck is loaded down with what looks like fence posts.
The load is so heavy the truck bed is almost resting on the
rear axle.
                                                            
                       PETE
Well, I don't know. I was just
passin' through. What kind of
work?
                                                            
                       JOHN
I'm takin' these posts out to my
ranch and I'm gonna need help
unloadin' 'em. The ranch is about
an hour north of here. I can get
you right back to this same spot
tomorrow. Next day at the latest.
                                                            
                       PETE
Why not? Right now it sounds
better than standin' here on this
corner.
                                                            
He picks up the duffel back and carries it to the truck. He
puts it on the seat between him and the cowboy. The young
cowboy closes his door and offers his hand to Pete.
                                                            
                       JOHN
My name's John, John Wallace.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (shaking John's
       hand)
Pete Simpson. Good to meet you.
                                                            
 
EXT. BEND IN THE RIVER RANCH - MAIN HOUSE PORCH - EVENING
                                                            
THE FLASHBACK ENDS
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (laughing)
I remember. I had you figured for
a regular cow hand 'til I got you
out here and found out you didn't
know one end of a horse from the
other.
                                                            

69.

Everyone sitting around the porch laughs.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Dad had most of the hands out on a
round up, and I had gone to town
to pick up a few things. When I
went by Watts' Hardware the posts
had come in early, so I had them
load them on the truck and then
swung over by the truck terminals
to see if anybody over that way
would help me. That's when I run
into you.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (chuckling)
It was the most impulsive thing
I've ever done, besides I felt
sorry for the truck. The bed
was ridin' on the axle, and it
looked like it was gonna break
down any minute.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
I thought you were still hurt.
                                                            
                       KATE
He was. It scared me to death
when I looked out there and the
two of them was unloadin' that
truck. He was so thin and pale. He
didn't look much bigger than one
of them fence posts.
                                                            
                       PETE
Well, they said I was to get
plenty of exercise, I just to
start slow. I figured a fence
post didn't weigh all that much.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
You're lucky you didn't open
something back up.
                                                            
                       JOHN
We did alright. We unloaded the
truck and put up most of the fence
posts for the new corral by the
time Dad and the men got back.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (laughing)
Yeah, I came back and asked John
who in the hell that scarecrow was
            (MORE)

70.

                       BOSS (cont'd)
workin' on the corral. He had to
be the saddest lookin' excuse for
a cowboy I ever saw.
                                                            
                       KATE
It worried me, just watchin' him.
I thought he was gonna end up
gettin' hurt again. For the first
week he was here I made him sleep
in the guest room. I'd never
forgive myself if somethin'
happened at the bunkhouse and
nobody was there to help him.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (holding up a hand)
Now wait a minute. It wasn't all
that bad. It's not like I was an
invalid.
                                                            
                       JOHN
You sure looked like one. Dad and
Kate both kept tellin' me we
couldn't let you leave here until
you were stronger. The thing is I
didn't know it was gonna take
thirty years.
                                                            
Maggie gets up and walks over to where Pete is standing and
puts her arm around his waist.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
      (smiling up at him)
I'm glad you stayed.
                                                            
Boss gets up and walks toward the door. As he walks past
Pete he slaps him on the back.
                                                            
                       BOSS
I've made a lot of mistakes in my
time, but hirin' this man ain't
one of 'em.
      (beat)
I'm gonna go to bed. If you still
want to go, get one of the pickups
and go. We can do without you for
a while.
                                                            
                       PETE
Thanks, Boss.
                                                            
Kate and John walk toward the door too.
                                                            

71.

                       KATE
We're goin' to bed too. Maggie,
use the guest room. It's too late
for you to be drivin' home.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
I will, thanks.
                                                            
                       KATE
      (gives Pete a kiss
       on the cheek.)
You can do what you want with
birthday boy here, but if it was
me I'd send him down to the
bunkhouse where he belongs.
                                                            
Pete and Maggie laugh.
                                                            
                       JOHN
G'night you two.
                                                            
                       PETE
G'night John
                                                            
After everyone else goes inside Pete and Maggie stand arm in
arm looking out at the dark.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
They love you a lot.
                                                            
                       PETE
They're good people. I don't know
where I'd be without them.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
      (softly)
You'd better come back.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (taken by surprise)
Hey now, I ain't plannin'
anything. There are no secrets.
Couple of days there and I'm
comin' right back here.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
You never told me about her.
                                                            
                       PETE
Debbie? Nothin' to tell really.
Not anymore.
                                                            

72.

                       MAGGIE
But you obviously loved her. Why
didn't you try to get in touch
with her again?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (sighs)
I did, once. It was three or four
years after I got here. Me and
John and some of the boys was down
at Lefty's one Saturday drinkin'
beer and swappin' lies. When we
came back to the ranch I got to
feelin' pretty lonesome, so I got
Casey's number from the operator
and called. Debbie answered and
she was laughin' at somethin'. It
sounded almost like she was
playin'. She said hello a couple
of times, but I didn't say
anything. I felt like I was
intrudin', so I hung up.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
You let that stop you? You know
as well as I do there could have
been lots of reasons why she was
laughin'.
                                                            
                       JOHN
I know that, but she sounded
happy, and I didn't think I had
the right to stir things up again,
even if I could. Anyway, that was
the last time I tried.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
Look, go back and look her up. Say
hi. Just don't get any ideas
about not coming back here.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (pulling her into
       his arms)
Never had any ideas like that to
begin with.
                                                            
 
EXT. INTERSTATE - MORNING
                                                            
A pickup truck turns onto an onramp to the interstate.
Pete is driving the pickup truck. Then....


73.

.... the pickup truck passes a 'Welcome to Oklahoma' sign.

.....the pickup truck driving in the rain as Pete munches on
a hamburger.

... a large bridge looms up in front of the truck. Memphis
is just across the Mississippi River.
                                                            
 
EXT. HOTEL - MEMPHIS - EVENING
                                                            
The pickup truck turning into a motel parking lot. Pete
gets out slowly and stretches and then stamps his right foot
a couple of times before he goes into the motel.
                                                            
 
INT. MOTEL - MEMPHIS - EVENING
                                                            
Pete is reclined on the bed talking to Maggie on the phone.
Shots switch between Pete and Maggie as they talk.
                                                            
                       PETE
Just letting you know I'm in
Memphis.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
Are you excited? You sound tired.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (chuckles)
I'll admit to be a little of both.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
How much farther do you have to
go?
                                                            
                       PETE
Six or seven hours. I'll get up
early and be there by noon I hope.
Not really sure what I'm going to
do first. Go out to the graveyard
most likely.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
Keep an open mind. There will be
some things that will be
different, but I'll bet you're
gonna see a lot that's the same.
                                                            
                       PETE
Yeah, I guess. Well, I'm gonna
take a shower and hit the sack.
I'll call you again tomorrow.
                                                            

74.

                       MAGGIE
Okay. Have fun. Love you.
                                                            
                       PETE
I love you too. Sweet dreams.
                                                            
Pete hangs up the phone.
                                                            
 
EXT. INTERSTATE - DAY
                                                            
Another shot of Pete entering the interstate, then...

... the pickup truck traveling the interstate through
Nashville. It has started to rain again.

... an interstate sign showing the ramp to Interstate 75.
Pete takes the ramp.

... Pete exiting the interstate at a sign reading "Loudon".
                                                            
 
INT. PICK UP TRUCK - AFTERNOON
                                                            
Pete pulls to the side of the road. He looks around, trying
to get his bearings. The road he is on is a newer road, one
he doesn't remember.
                                                            
He decides he is going the right direction and pulls back
out on the highway.
                                                            
A mile or so down the road, he turns off the new road onto a
smaller two-lane road.

The truck follows the twisting, turning road. When he
starts to recognize more and more, he speeds up, anxious to
get there.
                                                            
The truck tops a rise in the road at a good rate of speed.

Suddenly, Pete slams on the brakes and the truck skids to a
stop as dust boils up around it.

Pete stares through the windshield at something in front of
him. He slowly opens the door and gets out, still focusing
on the sight in front of him. It is a large lake, and about
50 yards out in the lake, a silo sticks up out of the water.
                                                            
                       OLD MAN (O.S.)
You look lost.
                                                            
Pete is startled. An OLD MAN is walking up from the lake
shore, carrying his fishing gear
                                                            

75.

                       PETE
      (still puzzled)
Well, I'm not sure anymore, maybe
I am. I thought this road went on
through. Looks like I was wrong.
                                                            
                       OLD MAN
Must be a helluva long time since
you used it then. That water's
been there more'n twenty years
now.
                                                            
Pete continues to stare out at the water.
                                                            
                       OLD MAN
You headed someplace in
particular?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (flustered)
Well, yeah. Yeah, I was. There
used to be a little graveyard
over there on that hill.
                                                            
                       OLD MAN
Still is, but you ain't gonna get
to it goin' that way
                                                            
                       PETE
How then?
                                                            
                       OLD MAN
Back the way you came in. Turn
left on the new road. Go down
about 5 miles and you'll see a
little store on your left. You
can't miss it. Turn on the road
beside that store. Then you can
turn back this way when you reach
the hills.
                                                            
                       PETE
Thank you.
                                                            
                       OLD MAN
Who do you know buried up there?
Family?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (warily)
Just some people I used to know.
                                                            
 

76.

EXT. GRAVE YARD - AFTERNOON
                                                            
Pete turns off the paved road onto a narrow dirt road that
goes up a hill at a fairly steep angle.

At the top of the hill, he turns off the motor and steps out
of the truck. The sky is dark and storm clouds are moving
in.

He looks around the grave yard. When he gets his bearings,
he walks over to a set of head stones.

The wind picks up leaves and debris and blows them
around the ground. The trees above him are beginning to whip
in the wind.

The first headstone is his grandfather, the next one is his
grandmother and then next to her are his Mom and Dad.

He takes his hat off and brings his hand up to his face as
he sobs. His shoulders are shaking as he cries hard.

Suddenly, a very loud crack of thunder splits the air as
lightning flashes across the sky and the clouds open up
with heavy rain.

He stands there for a moment, consumed with sorrow, but then
decides he had better leave. He isn't used to being around
trees during a storm like this.

He runs over to the truck and climbs in. He starts the
truck, turns it around and eases back down the hill. It is
raining so hard that water is rushing along the dirt road,
filling the gullies on each side of it and spilling over
onto the road.

Part way down the hill the truck slides slightly to one side
and when he tries to correct it, the truck slides the other
way. Within seconds he has lost almost all control of
the truck as it half rolls, half slides, down the slick,
muddy road.

When the truck hits the bottom of the hill, he tries to jerk
it onto the paved road, but cannot. The truck goes across
the road and down an embankment, stopping several feet off
the pavement.

Pete collects himself and tries to back up to the road, but
the truck tires spin in the water and mud.

Suddenly, the cab of the truck is filled with light.
                                                            
 

77.

EXT. BELOW THE GRAVE YARD - AFTERNOON
                                                            
It is still raining hard and combines with the thick clouds
to make the day almost as dark as midnight. When the light
shines on the cab of the truck, Pete opens the door and
looks back up the hill.
                                                            
                       DEPUTY (O.S.)
You alright down there?
                                                            
Pete steps out of the truck and sees a figure approaching
him through the rain. As the man gets closer, Pete
recognizes the DEPUTY Sheriff's uniform.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (still a little
       dazed)
I missed the road. I was comin'
down out of the graveyard and went
into a skid. Ended up over here.
                                                            
                       DEPUTY
Are you hurt, sir?
                                                            
                       PETE
No. Nothin' more than my pride.
                                                            
                       DEPUTY
Think you can pull it out?
                                                            
                       PETE
I tried once. Let me try it
again.
                                                            
Pete gets back in the truck and starts it up. Again, his
tires spin in the mud and the truck does not move.
                                                            
                       DEPUTY
You're not gonna get anywhere that
way. I've got a winch. Let me
pull you out.
                                                            
The Deputy walks back to his patrol car and releases the
cable on the winch attached to his front bumper. He pulls
the cable back down the hill and hooks it underneath the
rear end of the truck.
                                                            
                       DEPUTY
When I flash my lights you try
backin' up. When I flash them
again, stop. We don't want to hurt
anything or anybody if we can help
it.
                                                            

78.

The deputy gets in his car and flashes his lights. Pete
tries to back up. At first the tires slip again but then
catch hold and the truck backs up the hill. The deputy
flashes his lights again and Pete stops.

The deputy gets out of his car, unhooks the cable from the
truck and reels it back into the winch. He then turns to
Pete.
                                                            
                       DEPUTY
I'm sorry, sir, but I called this
stop in so I'm gonna have to write
up a report. Can I see your
driver's license and registration
please?
                                                            
Pete fishes around in the glove box for the registration and
then hands it to the deputy along with his license.
                                                            
                       DEPUTY
This will only take a minute. I'll
be right back.
                                                            
Pete sits back in the truck to wait on the deputy who comes
back almost immediately.
                                                            
                       DEPUTY
Sir, there's a little problem
here. This registration has
expired and it ain't registered to
you. It's registered to Isaac
Wallace in Texas.
                                                            
                       PETE
Yeah, that's Boss. He owns the
ranch where I work. He knows I
have his truck.
                                                            
                       DEPUTY
I'm sure he does, sir, but I'm
gonna have to check it. Just sit
tight, and I'll be right back.
                                                            
 
INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE - LOUDON - AFTERNOON
                                                            
Casey Goodman walks down a hallway to the lobby. He is busy
looking down at a stack of papers he is carrying. When he
gets to the lobby he puts the papers down on a counter.

Behind the counter, a woman is talking into a headset and
typing into a console as she speaks. She is BETTY JO, she
works the desk and radio for the Sheriff's Office.
                                                            

79.

                       CASEY
      (without looking
       up)
Betty Jo, I need the
logbooks from last week.
                                                            
                       BETTY JO
      (holds up a finger)
Hold on just one second.
      (then into her
       microphone)
Say again, four.
      (beat)
Roger four, wants and warrants for
Peter Simpson. Is that right?
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (looks up as if he
       misheard)
What was that?
                                                            
                       BETTY JO
It's a traffic stop. Expired
registration.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (snappy)
The name, what was that name
again?
                                                            
                       BETTY JO
      (reading from the
       screen in front
       of her)
Peter Simpson, He's outta Texas,
driving a truck that don't belong
to him and has an expired
registration. I'm checking with
Texas now.
                                                            
                       CASEY
Get a description from four.
                                                            
                       BETTY JO
Sheriff, it's just a traffic stop.
                                                            
                       CASEY
Just do it, Betty Jo.
                                                            
                       BETTY JO
      (into the headset)
Four, give me a description
on the driver.
      (turns to Casey
            (MORE)

80.

                       BETTY JO (cont'd)
       and repeats the
       description as
       she receives it)
White male. Fifty years of
age. Six feet. Brown and brown.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (hurriedly)
Bring him in. And while you're at
it, run his name and numbers and
see what else you can find out
about him.
                                                            
                       BETTY JO
But Sheriff, it's just a traffic
stop.
                                                            
                       CASEY
I don't give a damn. Call it what
you want to, but get him in here.
The vehicle could be stolen. If
nothing else, we can bring him in
on that.
                                                            
                       BETTY JO
Okay.
      (into the headset)
Four. Detain the driver and
bring him in for questioning.
Sheriff's orders.
      (beat)
Roger four. Sheriff's orders.
                                                            
 
EXT. BELOW THE GRAVE YARD - AFTERNOON
                                                            
Pete sees the deputy returning and rolls down the window.
                                                            
                       DEPUTY
I'm sorry, sir, but the Sheriff
has ordered me to bring you back
to the jail.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (bewildered)
What for. I ain't done nothin'.
                                                            
                       DEPUTY
I'm sure it's just routine, sir.
Now, if you'll just step out of
the truck please.
                                                            

81.

Pete sighs and gets out of the truck.
                                                            
                       DEPUTY
Sorry, sir, but I have to handcuff
you. It's regulation.
                                                            
Pete reluctantly turns around and the deputy handcuffs his
hands behind him.
                                                            
                       PETE
What about the truck?
                                                            
                       DEPUTY
It'll be towed to the jail.
                                                            
The deputy leads Pete to the car and opens the back door. As
Pete gets in, his hat falls to the ground. The deputy leans
down and picks up the hat and puts it on Pete's lap.
                                                            
 
INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE - LOUDON - DAY
                                                            
The deputy leads Pete into the jail's lobby.
                                                            
                       BETTY JO
The Sheriff wants to see him in
his office.
                                                            
The deputy leads him down the hall and knocks on a door.
Beside the door is a sign, "Sheriff Goodman".
                                                            
Pete sees the name on the sign and frowns.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (from inside)
Come in.
                                                            
The deputy opens the door. Even though Casey is looking
down at some papers, Pete recognizes him right away.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (muttering)
Damn.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (without looking
       up)
Take the cuffs off of him Curt,
and then there won't be no
reason for you to hang around. I
can handle this one by myself.
                                                            

82.

The deputy does as instructed then walks out the door. When
the door closes, Casey looks up at Pete for the first time.
Casey looks angry.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (sarcastically)
Well, look here. You leave a war
hero and come back lookin' like
John Wayne.
      (blunt)
What in the hell are you up to?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (uncomfortable)
I ain't up to nothin'. Just
decided it was time to pay a
visit. I got a little home sick to
see the old place I guess.
                                                            
                       CASEY
Home sick my ass. After thirty
years?
                                                            
                       PETE
Well, yeah. That's a long time I
admit, but it's true. I wanted to
see how the place looked, see if
Uncle Jimmy was still around,
things like that. A middle age
thing I reckon.
                                                            
                       CASEY
What were you doin' out there when
they found you?
                                                            
                       PETE
I was up at the graveyard, payin'
my respects to my folks.
                                                            
                       CASEY
See anything surprisin'?
                                                            
                       PETE
Surprisin'? Surprisin' how?
                                                            
                       CASEY
Never mind. Just a question.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (fumbling with his
       hat)
Look Casey, whatever it is that
bothers you about my bein' here,
don't worry, I'll be in and out in
            (MORE)

83.

                       PETE (cont'd)
a week at the most.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (changing the
       subject)
Where you been all these years,
cowboy?
                                                            
                       PETE
I settled down in Texas. I'm the
foreman on a ranch out there. Been
there since I got outta the Army.
                                                            
                       CASEY
The Army give you that scar?
                                                            
                       PETE
Yeah, I wasn't even there a month
before I got hurt. Took 'em a
while to put me back together, but
they did a good job.
      (slaps his right
       thigh)
Sometimes this gives me a little
trouble, but I can manage.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (more to himself
       than to PETE)
Startin' to make sense now.
                                                            
                       PETE
What's that?
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (ignoring Pete's
       question)
Listen Tex, you'd make my life a
whole lot easier all the way
'round if you'd just go back to
whatever rock it was you've been
hidin' under. You bein' here is
just gonna cause problems.
                                                            
                       PETE
Look, Casey, like I said, I just
got an urge to see home, that's
all. I don't see how my bein' here
could cause trouble for anybody.
I'll go back to Texas after I look
around a few days.
                                                            

84.

Casey spins his chair around and stares at the wall. He
doesn't speak for a few moments, but it seems to be a long
time to Pete.
                                                            
                       CASEY
I married Debbie.
                                                            
                       PETE
I know.
                                                            
Casey spins back around and looks quizzically at Pete.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (in answer to
       Casey's look)
I read about it in the Loudon
paper while I was in the
hospital. The same time they told
me about Grandma.
                                                            
                       CASEY
Oh.
      (beat)
Look, I can hold you seventy two
hours on this registration
business and nobody would say a
word. Now, I know you didn't
drive all this way to spend time
in my jail, so we can just settle
it all if you'll jump in that
truck and head back the way you
came.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (irritated)
Dammit Casey! I didn't come all
this way just to turn right around
and go back. I don't know why you
don't want me here, but you do
what you feel like you gotta do,
and I'm gonna do what I came here
to do. I ain't botherin' you or
anybody else.
                                                            
                       CASEY
You got no idea how wrong you are.
Come with me, there's somethin' I
wanna show you.
                                                            
Casey grabs his hat and raincoat and starts toward the door.
                                                            

85.

                       PETE
      (following)
What is it?
                                                            
                       CASEY
Just come on and see for yourself.
                                                            
 
EXT. LOUDON - EVENING
                                                            
It's after sunset and still raining so the night is even
darker. Casey pulls out onto the highway and turns south
while Pete looks around.

When they top the hill that overlooks the river, Pete
notices the old narrow bridge has been replaced by a newer,
wider bridge, but this one has no steel structure over it.
                                                            
                       PETE
When did they tear down the old
bridge?
                                                            
                       CASEY
A couple of years ago, and it was
about time too. It felt like it
was going to fall apart every time
I drove across it.
                                                            
After crossing the bridge, Casey turns down the street in
front of the court house and parks in front of the walkway
leading to the front steps. Pete follows along behind him.

Casey gets out of the car and walks down the walkway,
stopping in front of a monument with a small ornamental
fence around it. Pete follows along behind him.

A statue of a soldier tops the monument. The rain is
creating small wisps of steam on the floodlights that
illuminate the soldier.

Casey points to a plaque recessed into the stone base of the
monument.

Pete steps closer and looks at the plaque.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE BRAVE SONS OF LOUDON COUNTY
WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES DURING THE VIETNAM WAR

GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS,
THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS

GARY HENDERSON
PAUL RALSTON

86.

WILLARD MCKEY
CRAIG SCOTT
PETER SIMPSON
                                                            
Pete feels his knees start to buckle. He stumbles backward
as he tries to keep from falling. His foot slips off the
edge of the walk and he loses his footing completely,
landing with a thud on the wet grass. He sits there, his
eyes wide in disbelieve, staring at his name on the statue.
                                                            
Casey remains quiet, letting the impact of what Pete is
looking at sink in.

When he thinks he has made his point, Casey bends down and
helps Pete to his feet. Casey half carries, half guides
him back toward the car.

When they get to the car, Pete jerks his arm out of Casey's
grip. Casey grabs for him again but stops when Pete holds up
his hand.
                                                            
                       PETE
Leave me alone, Casey. I need a
minute.
                                                            
Pete walks to the corner and stands in the rain as he stares
up into the dark night sky.
                                                            
 
INT. CASEY'S OFFICE - EVENING
                                                            
After they walk back into his office, Casey gets a towel
from the closet and hands it to Pete.
                                                            
                       CASEY
Better get yourself dried off.
                                                            
Pete dries his face and hair as much as he can.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (still dazed)
Everybody really think I'm dead?
                                                            
                       CASEY
Sure do. The Army sent home a
fancy box and everything. 'Course
nobody opened it. According to the
Army, there was just bits and
pieces in there anyway, or at
least nothing we would recognize.
      (beat)
They had a great big funeral with
guns and flags and a honor guard.
The whole bit. Lots of people
            (MORE)

87.

                       CASEY (cont'd)
showed up. You would have been
proud.
                                                            
Pete sits down in a chair.
                                                            
                       CASEY
They planted you out there in that
graveyard right next to your Mama
and Daddy. I'm surprised you
missed it.
                                                            
                       PETE
A thunderstorm came up, so I had
to leave.
      (beat)
What happened to Uncle Jimmy?
                                                            
                       CASEY
Nothing. Nothing bad anyway. He's
doin' great. He's a member of the
city council. Has been for years.
He's got a successful business.
Pillar of the community I think
is what they call it.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (smiling for the
       first time)
That's great. Here I was worried
about him for nothin' I guess. How
'bout everybody else? Billy?
Wayne?
                                                            
                       CASEY
Billy's dead. Just a couple of
years after we graduated. He got
him an old car, and you know
Billy, he had to do everything
fast and hard. Always trying to
prove something. Anyway, one
Saturday night he wrapped it
around a tree not far from your
old house.
                                                            
                       PETE
Damn.
                                                            
                       CASEY
Wayne, on the other hand, is doing
real good. He's a contractor. His
company built most of the houses
over on the lake, and from the
looks of it he's going to keep
            (MORE)

88.

                       CASEY (cont'd)
right on buildin'
      (beat)
We run into each other every now
and again. We're as friendly as we
can be considerin' we don't move
in the same circles.
                                                            
                       PETE
Speakin' of that lake, what is all
that? It's not easy comin' back
home and findin' your old house
under water.
                                                            
                       CASEY
The TVA built a dam on the little
river about twenty five years ago
and it backed up water all through
that area. Everybody got paid for
any land they lost. Like most
things, some made out better than
others, your Uncle Jimmy for one,
Anyway, no sooner did the water
level off when developers bought
up all the land around the lake
and started sellin' retirement
homes, mostly to folks from up
north. There's been a rough spot
or two, but overall it ain't been
too bad. It kept Loudon from
dryin' up, that's for sure.
                                                            
                       PETE
How's Debbie?
                                                            
Casey scowls, not liking the question.
                                                            
                       PETE
Casey, come on. I'm just askin'
how she's doin'. It ain't like
I'm here to take her back to Texas
with me.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (still frowning)
She's fine. We've been together a
long time, and I've done
everything I can to make her
happy. There's not been one time
-- not one -- that I didn't put
what she wanted in front of what I
wanted.
      (beat)
That's all I'm gonna say 'bout
            (MORE)

89.

                       CASEY (cont'd)
that.
                                                            
                       PETE
She could have done a lot worse.
I'm sure she appreciates you.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (shrugs)
Sometimes I wonder.
                                                            
Both men grow silent. The only noise is the sound of the
rain falling outside.
                                                            
                       CASEY
You know, none of 'em are gonna be
prepared to see you, not after all
these years of thinkin' you're
dead.
                                                            
                       PETE
Yeah, I know. Helluva thing. I've
been thinkin' 'bout this trip for
a long time, and nobody was more
excited to be anyplace than I was
to see these hills again. Now,
it's just a big mess.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (facetiously)
I thought you cowboy types just
rode off into the sunset. Which is
exactly what I think you should
do. Pack it up and head back to
Texas.
                                                            
Pete is silent. Deep in thought. Casey stays quiet,
letting everything sink in.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (finally)
Who said anybody's gonna recognize
me.
                                                            
                       CASEY
What in the hell are you talkin'
'bout?
                                                            
                       PETE
Well, I just don't see how it
would hurt if I looked around for
a few days. It's not like I'm
going to walk up and knock on
            (MORE)

90.

                       PETE (cont'd)
somebody's door.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (louder)
Pete, dammit, you are still as
stubborn as a mule. You'll never
change. Don't you see this ain't
just about you?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (equally loud)
I didn't come all this way just to
turn right around and go back.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (threatening)
You're gonna force me to lock you
up!
                                                            
                       PETE
No I ain't, and you ain't goin'
to. If you did you'd have to write
it down somewhere that I was here.
Then where would you be? You'd be
lettin' people know I was here,
and that's the very thing you
don't want to happen.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (slamming his fist
       on the desk)
Damn you, Pete!
                                                            
                       PETE
Now, I'm gonna find the truck and
then find me a place to stay the
night. I'm wet and I'm tired. It's
been a long day, and it's not been
a particularly good one at that.
In the mornin' I'm gonna look
around Loudon. I'm at least goin'
back to the graveyard and finish
payin' my respects. Then maybe the
next day, or the day after that,
I'll be satisfied with what I've
seen and head back to Texas.
                                                            
Casey slumps back in his chair, staring at Pete. He is
trying to find a clean way out of this.
                                                            

91.

                       CASEY
      (leaning forward
       and pointing his
       finger at Pete)
I'm givin' you forty eight hours.
If you're still here Saturday
mornin' you're gonna have to deal
with me. I mean it. And, if I hear
of you so much as sayin' hello to
anybody, or if I find you within a
mile of my house, I'm gonna break
you in half. You understand me?
                                                            
                       PETE
I understand a threat when I hear
one. And I'll let you know when
I'm ready to leave. Right now, I
don't plan to knock on many doors
besides maybe Uncle Jimmy's. In
light of what I've seen tonight
I'm not even sure I'm gonna do
that. I'll have to think about it
some more.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (picks up the
       phone and speaks
       into it)
Send Curt back in here
                                                            
After a few seconds there is a knock at the door.
                                                            
                       CASEY
Come in.
                                                            
The deputy walks in.
                                                            
                       DEPUTY
You wanted somethin', Sheriff?
                                                            
                       CASEY
I want to know when his truck gets
here.
                                                            
                       DEPUTY
They're droppin' it in the lot
now.
                                                            
                       CASEY
Good.
      (turning to Pete)
Get it and get out of here. I'm
gonna be keepin' an eye on you.
Step outta line once and I'll be
            (MORE)

92.

                       CASEY (cont'd)
all over you.
                                                            
Pete takes another look a Casey, almost as if he is going to
say something but changes his mind. He takes the keys from
the deputy and walks out the door.
                                                            
 
INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE - LOUDON - EVENING
                                                            
Betty Jo stands up and watches Pete walk out the front door
of the jail. The deputy comes out of the hallway and stops
just inside the lobby, watching after Pete too. The deputy
is not aware that Casey is behind him and is startled when
Casey starts talking.
                                                            
                       CASEY
Follow him. Don't worry about
whether he sees you or not. I want
him to see you. I want him to know
we're watching him.
                                                            
The seputy nods and walks toward the door. Casey turns to
Betty Jo.
                                                            
                       CASEY
Betty Jo, Tell the city boys to be
lookin' for him too. No need to
give 'em a name, just tell 'em to
be lookin' for that truck.
                                                            
                       DEPUTY
      (stopping at the
       door)
Anything else, Sheriff?
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (softly)
Yes. I would appreciate it if
both of you didn't mention this to
anybody. This is personal.
                                                            
                       DEPUTY
You got it, Sheriff.
                                                            
                       BETTY JO
I won't tell a soul.
                                                            
 
INT. GOODMAN HOME - LOUDON - EVENING
                                                            
Casey walks into the kitchen. Debbie is sitting at the
kitchen table reading the newspaper.
                                                            

93.

                       CASEY
      (hanging up his
       jacket)
I think you should stick close to
the house the next few days.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Why? What's wrong?
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (lying)
A couple of guys broke out of
Brushy Mountain Prison today. They
might be heading this way.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
That's happened before. What's so
different about this time?
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (snappy)
Just stay close to home!
                                                            
Debbie stares at Casey as he walks out the back door to the
deck, wondering what has made him so upset.
                                                            
 
EXT. BEND IN THE RIVER RANCH - EVENING
                                                            
Boss walks out onto the porch and sits in his favorite
rocking chair. It is almost dark. After a couple of
seconds Kate walks out on the porch too, her attention drawn
to something off screen.
                                                            
From the POV of Boss and Kate we can see the headlights of a
car making its way to the ranch from the main road. As the
car gets closer we can see it's a sheriff's patrol car.
SHERIFF FRANKS gets out of the car.
                                                            
 
INT. BEND IN THE RIVER RANCH - MAIN HOUSE PORCH - EVENING
                                                            
Boss walks out onto the porch and sits in his favorite
rocking chair. It is almost dark. After a couple of
seconds Kate walks out on the porch too, her attention drawn
to something off screen.
                                                            
From the POV of Boss and Kate as they see the headlights of
a car making its way to the ranch from the main road. As
the car gets closer we can see it's a sheriff's patrol car
and SHERIFF FRANKS is the driver.
                                                            

94.

                       BOSS
      (as the Sheriff
       gets out of the
       car)
Bob, what in Sam Hill are you
doin' out here this time of day?
                                                            
Sheriff Franks walks over to the porch steps.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF FRANKS
I was on my way home and thought
I'd stop in for a minute.
                                                            
                       KATE
Would you like something cold to
drink, Sheriff?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF FRANKS
      (wiping the back
       of his neck with
       a kerchief)
Ice water would be good if you got
it.
                                                            
                       BOSS
This a business call or a social
call?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF FRANKS
A little of both.
                                                            
Kate comes back out on the porch and hands the Sheriff a
glass of ice water. The Sheriff takes the glass and drinks
most of it at once.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF FRANKS
Much obliged.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (after giving him
       time to drink)
Well, what part of it's business?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF FRANKS
We got a call today on Pete.
                                                            
                       KATE
What is it?
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (almost at the
       same time as KATE)
What kind of call?
                                                            

95.

                       SHERIFF FRANKS
Some county people from Tennessee
was callin' here checkin' on him.
Seems they got him in a traffic
stop.
                                                            
At this point John walks out on the porch.
                                                            
                       BOSS
They called all the way out here
for just a traffic stop?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF FRANKS
They said the registration on the
truck he was drivin' had expired.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Damn. I didn't bother to look at
which truck he took. One of them
was overdue.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Well, just tell 'em we're good for
the fine or whatever it is, and
that'll be the end of it.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF FRANKS
I'm not so sure, Boss. There was
somethin' in there about puttin'
him in jail.
                                                            
                       KATE
Jail!
                                                            
                       BOSS
What in the hell would they put
him in jail for?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF FRANKS
Laws are different all over so I
can't really say. I just thought
I'd better let you know.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Thanks Bob, we appreciate it.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Did they say where in Tennessee?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF FRANKS
Loudon County I think is what they
said.
                                                            

96.

                       BOSS
Is that where he was goin'?
                                                            
                       KATE
Yes it is.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Well why in the devil would his
own people do that to him?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Nobody did anything to him, Dad.
It sounds like they were just
doin' their job.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Job hell. You don't throw
somebody in jail for a traffic
ticket.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF FRANKS
I can't say for sure that's what
they did. They probably just
wanted to make sure he didn't
steal it. If they thought he had,
they could certainly put him in
jail 'til they got it cleared up.
                                                            
Boss gets out of the rocking chair as Kate goes into the
house.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Well, whatever the cause, nobody
throws one of my men in jail
without a damned good reason. Get
me an airplane ticket. I want the
earliest one I can get.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Now, Dad, the chances are that
it's all over and Pete ain't in
jail. There's no need for you to
go flyin' back there over
something that's probably nothin'
to worry about.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Well, if nothin' is wrong, I'll
just hitch a ride back here with
him. Besides, I could use a day
or two off myself, and I ain't
seen that part of the country, so
get me a ticket.
                                                            

97.

Kate comes back out onto the porch.
                                                            
                       KATE
I called Maggie and told her. She
wants to go with you.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (laughing)
There then, it's settled. Looks
like she's as big a fool as I am,
don't it?
                                                            
                       SHERIFF FRANKS
Well, I gotta git. If I hear
anything else I'll let y'all know.
                                                            
                       BOSS
You do that Bob. Thanks for
watchin' out for one of ours.
                                                            
                       KATE
      (and John)
Thanks, Sheriff.
                                                            
                       SHERIFF FRANKS
I'm happy to do it. Y'all take
care.
                                                            
 
EXT. LOUDON MOTEL - MORNING
                                                            
Pete walks out of his room to the truck. Before he gets in
he looks around. The motel sits on a hill, overlooking the
interstate exit for Loudon. As he looks out across the
roadway he sees a small cafe and is reminded of how hungry
he is.
                                                            
 
INT. LOUDON CAFE - MORNING
                                                            
Pete enters the cafe. It is about half full. He stands
near the cash register, waiting to be seated. A waitress
hurries past him with an order. This is MARY ANN.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Sit wherever you can find room.
The menu is on the table.
                                                            
Pete keeps his head down as he walks across the room, not
looking directly at anyone. He sits down in the last booth
by a window and puts his hat on the table in front of him.
He glances back at the room to see if anyone noticed him

98.

coming in, but no one is looking his way. He picks up a
menu and starts looking through it.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE (O.S.)
Hey mister, are you a real cowboy?
                                                            
Pete looks up to see two little boys standing beside the
booth. They are looking back and forth from him to his hat.
The one in front is CHARLIE. He is the bigger and braver
of the two, while the smaller stands quietly behind his
bigger brother. He is DAVID.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (smiling)
Well, yeah, I reckon I am.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
You got a horse and everything?
                                                            
                       PETE
Yep, I sure do.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Wow, I wished I had me a horse.
                                                            
The little one is grinning and shaking his head. Clearly, he
wants a horse too.
                                                            
                       PETE
Maybe one of these days you'll get
one. What's your name?
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
I'm Charlie.
      (indicating the
       smaller one
       behind him)
And this is David. He's my
brother. He's three but don't talk
much.
                                                            
                       PETE
How old are you, Charlie?
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
      (holding up his
       hand with his
       fingers spread to
       emphasize the
       number)
I'm five. What's your name?
                                                            

99.

                       PETE
I'm Pete.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
What's your horse's name? Is he
outside?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (chuckling)
You mean Ol' Dollar? No. He's
back home in Texas, most likely
eatin' too many oats.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN (O.S.)
You boys get out of here and leave
this man alone so's he can eat.
      (beat)
Now git!
                                                            
The two boys scurry off to the back corner of the cafe where
they have several toys spread out on the floor.
                                                            
                       PETE
They weren't any bother.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Old Dollar?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (not fully
       understanding
       what she said)
Ma'am?
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
What kind of a name is Ol' Dollar?
Is that anything like Ol' Yeller
                                                            
Mary Ann chuckles at her own joke.
                                                            
                       PETE
No ma'am, that's my horse back
home in Texas. Boss named him
Dollar when he was foaled. Said he
was so skinny we'd be lucky if
anybody would give a dollar for
him.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (a little
       embarrassed)
Wait. You're bein' serious
                                                            

100.

                       PETE
Well sure I am. Why wouldn't I
be?
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
I thought you were just pullin'
their leg.
                                                            
                       PETE
Heck no. Dollar's a fine horse.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Then I'm sorry. I wasn't laughin'
at you.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (smiling)
I didn't think you were.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
What's a cowboy from Texas doin'
around here?
                                                            
                       PETE
Just passin' through mostly. I
used to know some folks who lived
around here. Thought I'd look the
place over a little bit.
                                                            
                       FRANKLIN (O.S.)
      (loud)
Will somebody please do somethin'
about these damn kids?
                                                            
Pete looks over toward where the two little boys are
playing. At one of tables near them sits a large bearded
man. There are two other men sitting with him who are trying
to keep him quiet. The big man is FRANKLIN.
                                                            
                       FRANKLIN
Can't a man eat his breakfast
around here in a little peace and
quiet? Where the hell is JB?
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
You hush, Franklin. They ain't
gonna be here much longer. Mama's
on her way now to pick 'em up.
                                                            
                       FRANKLIN
Why don't you get your ass over
here and take care of 'em? You're
their damned mama.
                                                            

101.

                       MARY ANN
      (to Pete)
I'll be right back.
                                                            
                       PETE
Bring 'em back over here.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (not sure she
       understands)
What?
                                                            
                       PETE
Bring 'em over here by me. They
won't bother me. I'd appreciate
the company.
                                                            
She smiles at him and then walks over and gets the two
boys. She carries a few toys and sets them on the floor by
Pete's booth. The boys follow along behind her, smiling at
Pete.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (to Pete)
Thank you.
      (beat)
Now, what can I get you?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (smiling at the
       two boys)
You two want something?
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
They've already ate.
                                                            
                       PETE
I hate eatin' by myself.
      (reading from the
       menu)
I'll have scrambled eggs with
bacon, toast and a cup of coffee.
And bring both of my partners here
a doughnut.
                                                            
Both boys squeal with delight.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Oh boy!
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (smiles as she
       turns toward the
       kitchen)
            (MORE)

102.

                       MARY ANN (cont'd)
You two be good.
                                                            
                       PETE
They will. Ain't that right boys?
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Yes sir!
                                                            
David shakes his head up and down with a big smile on his
face.
                                                            
The boys begin to play again and Pete looks around the room.
The big man is still glaring at Pete and the boys while
talking to the other men at his table.

Mary Ann brings the food and Pete begins to eat. The big man
gets up from his table and walks toward Pete and the boys
The two men with him walk toward the front of the café.

The two little boys see him coming and move away, their eyes
wide with fright.
                                                            
                       FRANKLIN
You ain't from around here are
you?
                                                            
                       PETE
No. Just passin' through.
                                                            
                       FRANKLIN
You should learn to mind you own
damn business. Nobody around here
likes nosey strangers.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Grandma!
                                                            
Franklin is blocking Pete's view of the front of the cafe.
Both little boys run in that direction. Pete leans forward a
little to see them, but the big man moves too and blocks his
view again.
                                                            
                       FRANKLIN
      (almost a growl)
You best leave.
                                                            
Pete doesn't want to push the issue. He knows that if
anything happens he will have to deal with Casey, so he
tries to stay calm as long as he can. Then, he glances out
the window at a van heading back toward Loudon with the top
of Charlie's head barely visible through the window.
                                                            

103.

                       FRANKLIN
You gonna leave, or do I have to
help you make up your mind?
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Franklin, you leave him alone, He
ain't done nothin' to you.
                                                            
Pete stands up. If the big man expects Pete to back down,
he is mistaken. Pete will only be pushed so far, even if he
does have to face Casey.
                                                            
                       CASEY (O.S.)
Franklin!
                                                            
Pete freezes in place and Franklin backs up a step as Casey
steps up beside them.
                                                            
                       CASEY
What's goin' on here?
                                                            
                       FRANKLIN
This guy is meddlin' where he
ain't got no business.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN (O.S)
He's lyin'. Franklin was yellin'
at Charlie and David and this man
was just tryin' to help. Nobody
else would.
                                                            
                       CASEY
Get outta here, Franklin.
                                                            
                       FRANKLIN
I ain't done nothin'.
      (glaring at Pete)
Not yet anyway.
                                                            
Pete glances back and forth from Casey to Franklin, not
really sure how to respond but at this point is okay with
Casey handling the matter. Out of the corner of his eye,
Pete notices an older man leaning against the counter. The
old man is staring directly at Pete. It is his Uncle Jimmy.
He looks older than he actually is, almost feeble.
                                                            
                       FRANKLIN
      (still glaring at
       Pete)
JB, you're gonna have to have a
separate section in here for these
outsiders. Keep 'em outta in here
where decent folks are tryin' to
            (MORE)

104.

                       FRANKLIN (cont'd)
eat.
                                                            
The old man leaning against the counter says nothing,
continuing to stare at Pete.
                                                            
                       CASEY
This is the last time I'm sayin'
it Franklin, get outta here.
                                                            
                       FRANKLIN
      (turns to Casey)
You know what Casey, you ain't
gonna be sheriff around here
forever. One of these days I might
just have to beat the shit outta
you too.
                                                            
Casey doesn't flinch.
                                                            
                       CASEY
Maybe, but it ain't gonna be
today. Leave now or I'm gonna
throw you in jail.
                                                            
                       FRANKLIN
What are you gonna do with this
bird?
                                                            
                       CASEY
Leave him to me. Now git.
                                                            
Franklin gives Pete one last scowl, then turns and walks
past Casey and Uncle Jimmy and out the front door. Casey
moves closer to Pete.
                                                            
                       CASEY
I warned you.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN (O.S.)
Don't start on him, Casey. I told
you he didn't do anything wrong.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (not taking his
       eyes off Pete)
You stay out of this, Mary Ann.
      (lower to Pete)
You were supposed to keep away
from people who might know you.
                                                            

105.

                       PETE
I thought I was, Casey. I picked
the only spot I know of. It ain't
like there's a sign out in front
of these places that says who's
inside.
                                                            
                       CASEY
I still think the best thing for
you to do is to get on back out
to that graveyard and say your
goodbyes so you can get out of
here. And do it soon.
                                                            
Pete glances again at Uncle Jimmy. He is leaning heavily
against the counter, supporting himself.
                                                            
                       PETE
Like I said, Casey, I'll be gone
when I've done what I came here to
do.
                                                            
                       CASEY
Don't get any squirrelly ideas.
Take a good hard look at him. Does
he look like he could handle
findin' out who you are? He's
barely able to stand up as it is.
                                                            
                       PETE
You're askin' me to leave without
talkin' to my only livin'
relative?
                                                            
                       CASEY
I'm askin' you to consider
somebody besides yourself.
                                                            
                       PETE
I'm beginnin' to think you're more
worried about yourself than you
are about him or me.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (whispering)
Get your hat and get out.
                                                            
Pete hesitates for a moment, unsure of what to do, then puts
his hat on and walks toward the door. He can feel uncle
Jimmy's eyes follow him as he walks past the old man. Pete
fights the urge to stop and say something.

Jimmy watches him go then turns to Casey.
                                                            

106.

                       UNCLE JIMMY
      (in a soft whisper)
Casey, do you know that man? He
looked an awful lot like Pete.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (bowing his head)
He's just somebody passin'
through. I had a run in with him
last night and I thought he was
gone. Don't let it bother you
none.
      (steadying the old
       man)
Let's get you back to your office.
      (over his shoulder)
Mary Ann, get him some water.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (defiantly)
You had no right to run him off,
Casey. He wasn't hurtin' nobody.
                                                            
                       CASEY
He's a vagrant. When I'm finished
here, I'm gonna make sure he's
gone.
                                                            
Mary Ann grabs her purse and hurries out the door. Casey
watches through the window as she jumps into her car and
pulls out on the highway heading back toward Loudon. Casey
shakes his head. Things were starting to fall apart quicker
than he thought.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (to himself)
Damn you Pete Simpson!
                                                            
 
INT. SHERIFF'S OFFICE - LOUDON - DAY
                                                            
Debbie walks into the Sheriff's office with the two little
boys trailing behind her.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Betty Jo, this is Casey's lunch if
he wants it. I'm gonna put it in
his office.
                                                            
                       BETTY JO
      (Without looking
       up)
Okay, I'll tell him.
                                                            

107.

Debbie walks down the hallway toward Casey's office with the
two little boys at her heels.

As Debbie disappears into the hallway, the front door opens
and Boss and Maggie walk in.
                                                            
                       BETTY JO
May I help you?
                                                            
                       BOSS
I'm Boss Wallace, outta Hutchinson
County Texas. I come here to see
the Sheriff.
                                                            
                       BETTY JO
I'm sorry, sir. Sheriff Goodman
ain't in right now. Is there
something I can do for you?
                                                            
Boss and Maggie look at each other, both recognizing the
name.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Maybe you can, I don't really
know. I got word that you have
one of my men locked up here in
your jail, and I've come to get
him out.
                                                            
                       BETTY JO
When was he jailed?
                                                            
                       BOSS
It would have been yesterday.
                                                            
                       BETTY JO
I'm sorry, sir, but nobody was
jailed yesterday.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Well, you'd better look on your
book there or something, 'cause
Sheriff Franks of Hutchinson
County told me just last night
that he got word from somebody
here that they had my foreman,
Pete.
                                                            
                       BETTY JO
Sir, I think you'd better wait for
Sheriff Goodman.
                                                            
Boss moves closer and tries to look at the book.
                                                            

108.

                       BOSS
Can you at least look him up in
your book there? His name is
Pete, Pete Simpson.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE (O.S.)
Whose name is Pete Simpson?
                                                            
Debbie is standing just inside the room, listening to them
talk.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (Turns to Debbie)
My foreman, ma'am. I come all the
way from Texas to get him.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
What did you say his name was?
                                                            
                       BOSS
It's Pete, ma'am. Pete Simpson. He
was raised up around here.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Looking
       bewildered)
That can't be. That Pete Simpson
is dead.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Dead!
                                                            
Boss and Maggie echo the same shock and surprise.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Near tears)
Yes. He was killed in Vietnam. We
buried him a long time ago.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Ma'am, I don't know who you
buried, but the Pete Simpson
I'm talkin' about has lived on my
ranch in Texas for the last
thirty years.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
But that can't be.
                                                            
Debbie tries to steady herself. She walks slowly to a chair
and sits down. Her eyes reflect her bewilderment. They well
up with tears that seem to plead with Boss and Maggie to
stop saying these things.
                                                            

109.

                       DEBBIE
Are we talkin' about the same Pete
Simpson?
                                                            
Maggie walks quickly over to Debbie and takes a seat beside
her. She reaches out and takes Debbie's hands in hers.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
      (Softly)
Now, this is only a guess, but are
you Debbie?
                                                            
Debbie's eyes searched Maggies's face for some sign of
recognition.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Yes I am. Who are you?
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
My name is Maggie. I'm a friend of
Pete. Boss and I are here looking
for him.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Crying,
       stuttering)
But how? There has to be some
kind of mistake. We buried him.
How can he be with you? We can't
be talkin' about the same man. If
it is our Pete, why didn't he ever
call or write somebody? Anybody?
Why didn't he ever come home?
Anything besides lettin' us think
he was dead.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
If we are talkin' about the same
Pete, I'm sure he didn't know
anything about what happened here,
He was very confused for long
time and was deeply torn about
where he should be.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
He told you that?
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
Yes, he did.
                                                            
As Debbie sits and sobs quietly, the two little boys have
moved closer to Boss.
                                                            

110.

                       CHARLIE
      (Indicating Boss's
       hat)
My friend has a hat like that.
                                                            
Boss is trying to concentrate on what the two women are
saying and thinks the little boys are a distraction.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (Responding
       absentmindedly)
Is that so?
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Yeah. He's a real cowboy. Are you
are real cowboy too mister?
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (Still not wanting
       to be bothered)
Yeah, yeah. I'm a cowboy.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
My friend said he was from Texas.
Are you from Texas too, mister?
                                                            
It takes a moment for what Charlie is saying to register
with the adults, but when it does, all three of them looked
at him.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
What friend, sweetie?
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
My friend from this mornin'. He
had a hat and a horse named Ol'
Dollar.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
      (Excited)
Dollar? Are you sure?
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
Yep, I'm sure. And we ate with
him too. Didn't we David?
                                                            
                       DAVID
      (Nodding his head)
Yep. Doughnuts.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
He was at the restaurant?
                                                            

111.

                       CHARLIE
Yes Grandma, when you came and got
us.
                                                            
Debbie stares ahead with her mouth open, her eyes wide. She
had been that close to him and didn't know it. Maggie sees
the shock on her face.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
      (Trying to calm
       Debbie)
Just take it easy and catch your
breath.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (After a moment)
Betty Jo, where's Casey?
                                                            
Betty Jo has been leaning over the counter, trying to
follow the conversation. It surprises her when Debbie speaks
directly to her.
                                                            
                       BETTY JO
I don't really know. He hasn't
checked in for over an hour.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Was there a man here last night?
                                                            
                       BETTY JO
      (Hesitantly)
They stopped a man last night for
expired plates. Casey had Curt
bring him in, and then Casey took
him back yonder to the office. You
could hear 'em yellin' and
screamin' way out here. The man
left after about an hour. Casey
was pretty upset.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (Chuckling)
That sounds like Pete.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Where did he go?
                                                            
                       BETTY JO
I don't know. Really I don't.
Casey had him followed and he got
a call this mornin' that the man
was down at JB's restaurant.
                                                            

112.

                       DEBBIE
      (Suddenly
       remembering Mary
       Ann)
Mary Ann was there!
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
Who?
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Mary Ann. My daughter. And
probably Pete's uncle Jimmy too.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
      (Almost to herself)
Uncle Jimmy? Pete mentioned him.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Pete might not recognize him. He's
a lot different now than when Pete
left.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Betty Jo, do you know where either
of them are right now? Has anybody
called in?
                                                            
                       BETTY JO
Curt called in a little bit ago.
He said he saw that fella headin'
out toward the lake. That's the
last I've heard.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
The graveyard!
      (Turning to Boss
       and Maggie)
Come on, you can ride with me, it
will save some time.
      (Then to the
       little ones)
Come on boys.
                                                            
 
EXT. DEBBIE'S VAN - DAY
                                                            
Debbie puts the boys into the car seats in the back of the
van. Boss opens the front door and starts to get just as
Maggie catches his eye. The look on her face tells him that
the two women should ride in front so they can talk. He
holds the door open for Maggie with a sheepish grin on his
face.
                                                            

113.

                       MAGGIE
Thanks, Boss.
                                                            
Boss slips into one of the middle seats as Debbie finishes
with the boys.
                                                            
                       BOSS
How far?
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Getting into the
       van)
Thirty minutes if we're lucky.
                                                            
 
INT. DEBBIE'S VAN - DAY
                                                            
Debbie is deep in thought as she beings to drive toward the
grave yard. She is still nervous and feels the need to
talk.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Listen. I'm not really sure what
we are gonna run into when we get
there, so I guess I should tell
you all of it, since you may be
findin' out sooner than later.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
What is it?
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Pete is Mary Ann's father.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
      (Shocked)
What? He didn't say anything
about that.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
He don't know.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Damn. How much cow shit can a man
step in all in one day?
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
      (Sharply)
Boss! There are little kids in
the back of this van!
                                                            

114.

                       BOSS
      (Beginning to
       laugh)
I'm sorry.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
What's so funny?
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (Still laughing)
Nothin' really. I was just
thinkin' 'bout how he came back
here to pay his respects and
remember a good memory or two, but
instead everybody thinks he's dead
and now he's a daddy. I'm tellin'
you, the man ain't got any luck.
                                                            
Maggie scowls at Boss.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
      (Turning to Debbie)
Go on.
                                                            
As Debbie starts to talk she starts crying again.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Granny Simpson didn't last much
more than a couple of months after
Pete left, and by then I knew I
was pregnant. I was gonna tell
Pete the first chance I got, but I
didn't get the chance. It wasn't
but a couple of days after Granny
died that we heard Pete was
killed. It's hard to really know
which happened first.
                                                            
Maggie reaches over and lightly squeezes Debbie's arm.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
They sent the casket home and said
there was no need to open it. They
said he was messed up so bad that
there wasn't anything in it we
would recognize. So, nobody opened
it, not at the viewin' and not at
the funeral. We had no reason to
doubt it, 'cause the Army said it.
Who would have thought the Army
was wrong about who they put in a
casket?
                                                            

115.

By now Maggie is crying too, and Boss is silently looking
out the window at the passing scenery so nobody will notice
his watery eyes.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
If poor ol' Granny hadn't died
first, she would have died anyway
when she heard about Pete. As for
me, well, I was sort of like the
odd man out I guess. I was
pregnant and the father of my baby
was dead.
      (Trying to laugh)
Or at least at the time I thought
he was dead.
                                                            
Debbie cries so hard she has to pull over to the side of the
road for a moment. None of the others say anything as she
cries.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
      (After a moment)
Does Mary Ann know about Pete?
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Trying to shake
       away the tears)
No. And believe me, it's for the
best. Her and Casey fight and
argue all the time as it is. If
she knew he wasn't her real Daddy
she would have run off a long time
ago. She's as stubborn as they
come, just like Pete was.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Still is.
                                                            
Maggie glares at Boss again.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Anyway, they fight constantly. I
prayed that she would grow out of
it, but she never has.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
That makes it bad for all of you.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
At times it does.
      (Shrugs)
Sometimes it seems like the hard
part never changes. Especially in
the beginning when I was left with
            (MORE)

116.

                       DEBBIE (cont'd)
nowhere to turn. Casey ended up
bein' the only one I could turn
to. He was always right there,
you know, meanin' well, but almost
like a kid, underfoot all the
time. I had nowhere else to go,
nothing else I could do, and so
one day I told him everything. I
just blurted it out. It was like
once it got started, I couldn't
stop it. And do you know what he
did?
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
No, what?
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
He told me not to worry about a
thing, that he would fix it, and
he proposed. He said he'd take the
baby and raise it as his own, and
nobody would have to know any
different. I was shocked and so
scared I couldn't think of
anything else to do but to say
yes.
      (Pause)
A couple of weeks later we were
married. It was odd at first, but
he's been good to me, and to the
kids, especially Mary Ann. But as
hard as he tried, Casey was never
cut out to be a Daddy. He tried.
Lord, there ain't been nobody try
harder. It was just something he
wasn't good at and Mary Ann, as
hard headed as she can be at
times, sure didn't make things any
easier for him.
                                                            
 
INT. PETE'S TRUCK - DAY
                                                            
Pete knew almost immediately that he was being followed, and
it wasn't the law this time. Someone takes all the turns he
does.

He wonders if it might be Franklin, looking to finish what
they started earlier.

He drives up the hill to the grave yard as fast as he can.

117.

He jerks the truck to a stop and jumps out, waiting for
whoever is behind him.
                                                            
 
EXT. GRAVE YARD - DAY
                                                            
Pete is leaning against the rear bumper of the truck,
looking at the road as the car that has been following him
pulls to a stop and the waitress from the cafe gets out.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Hi. Hope I'm not interrupting
you.
                                                            
                       PETE
No, you're not. I was just goin'
to pay my respects to some people
I knew.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
I'm sorry. Somebody close?
                                                            
                       PETE
Close enough.
      (Changing the
       subject)
By the way, I'm Pete.
      (Shaking her hand)
Those sure are two fine boys
you've got
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (Smiles as she
       shakes his hand)
Thank you. I'm Mary Ann. Those
two can be a handful sometimes.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (Chuckles)
That just means they're bein'
boys. You and their Daddy sure
must be proud.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Well, it's just me. Their Daddy's
dead.
                                                            
                       PETE
Oh. I'm sorry to hear that.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
No, it's okay. You didn't know. We
split up just after I got pregnant
with David. I guess he didn't want
            (MORE)

118.

                       MARY ANN (cont'd)
anything to do with another baby.
Not long after he left, he got
drunk one night in Florida and
drove his car into a lake.
                                                            
                       PETE
Makes it tough on you, raisin' the
boys by yourself.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
My mom helps, and so does JB.
                                                            
                       PETE
That was the name on the
restaurant. He your boss?
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Yes, we call him JB, but his real
name is Jimmy. Jimmy Simpson.
                                                            
Mary Ann searches Pete's face for any sign that he knew
Uncle Jimmy since Jimmy had asked Casey about him.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (Trying to mask
       any signs of
       recognition)
He must be a really nice fella.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
He is. He's always been good to
me.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (Nods)
Pays to have friends.
                                                            
As they chat Mary Ann keeps looking back through the trees.
There are some breaks in the trees that lets her catch
glimpses of any cars that might be coming.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Oh, damn. Here comes Casey. I
almost forgot to tell you he's
comin' here lookin' for you.
                                                            
PETE glances back in the direction she is looking.
                                                            
                       PETE
Where?
                                                            

119.

                       MARY ANN
I saw him comin' this way. He'll
be here in a few minutes.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (Moving toward the
       truck)
Well, I just as soon not be here
when he gets here, I'd appreciate
it if you moved your car and let
me get by.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
That won't do you any good. He'll
be here before you got to the
bottom of the hill.
      (Pause, trying to
       think of an
       alternative)
Tell you what, straight ahead of
you is an old trail down the other
side of the hill. It's not much
but it's wide enough for the
truck. You can follow it down to
the lake and catch the paved road
at the boat ramp. I'll try to
stall him here for awhile.
                                                            
                       PETE
What about you?
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
He ain't after me. Besides, I can
handle him. I have been all my
life.
                                                            
Pete looks at her quizzically.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (Smiling)
He's my Daddy.
                                                            
Pete looks for signs of Debbie in her face and starts to say
something.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
You'd better go, if you're goin'!
                                                            
Pete gets in the truck and starts it up. Mary Ann watches
as the truck disappears beyond the crest of the hill and
down into the tree line. Within seconds of Pete leaving,
Casey rolls to a stop beside her car.
                                                            

120.

                       CASEY
      (Getting out of
       the car)
Okay, where is he?
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Who?
                                                            
                       CASEY
You know damn well who.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
He's gone Casey. Left just before
you got here.
                                                            
Casey instinctively looks over his shoulder, back down the
hill.
                                                            
                       CASEY
I didn't pass him on the road.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
I don't know about that, all I
know is he's gone.
                                                            
Casey walks around the crest of the hill, looking at the
tree line in every direction.
                                                            
                       CASEY
He's hidin' here somewhere.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Who is he, Casey?
                                                            
                       CASEY
He ain't nobody. Just a damn
drifter who's been hangin' around
here way too long as it is.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
I don't believe you. When I told
him you were comin' he knew
exactly who I was talkin' about.
Now who is he? He knows you and JB
both, you ain't foolin' me.
                                                            
Casey starts to argue with her when Debbie's van pulls up
beside Casey's car. She gets the boys out of their seats
and starts walking toward Casey and Mary Ann as Boss and
Maggie fall in beside her.
                                                            

121.

                       DAVID
      (Running to Mary
       Ann)
Mommy!
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (Laughing as she
       picks up David)
Hey you little stinker. What are
you doin' out here?
                                                            
Charlie walks over and hugs his mother's leg, his eyes never
leaving the grown ups.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Didn't expect to see you two here.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (As he eyes Boss
       and Maggie)
She's helpin' me find somebody.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Sarcastically)
Those convicts you were tellin' me
about?
      (Then to Boss and
       Maggiefore CASEY
       has time to
       respond)
This is my husband Casey, and my
daughter, Mary Ann.
      (Pause)
And this is Maggie Russell and
Boss Wallace. They're here
lookin' for Pete.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (Smiling)
Hi. Now maybe I get to find
out who this guy is that everybody
is pretendin' they don't know.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
It's not a secret. He used to
live here. He went to school with
me and Casey.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (Looking directly
       at Casey)
Oh, is that all? Everybody is
actin' like there's some deep dark
            (MORE)

122.

                       MARY ANN (cont'd)
secret.
                                                            
                       BOSS
And now he lives on my ranch in
Texas. He's my foreman.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (To Maggie)
And what about you? Where do you
fit into all this?
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
      (Suddenly not sure
       how to answer)
I'm his friend.
                                                            
                       BOSS
She's a lot more'n that. If he
had any sense at all he'd have
married her a long time ago.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
It's not a secret, sweetie, but
there is somethin' I think we need
to keep to ourselves. At least
for now.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Like what?
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Let me show you somethin'.
                                                            
As the others follow Debbie toward a cedar tree on the lower
side of the cemetery, Casey balks.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (Walking toward
       his car)
I got some things I gotta do.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Casey.
                                                            
Casey stops without turning around. Debbie walks a few
steps in his direction.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Softly)
You don't have to protect me from
Pete.
                                                            

123.

                       CASEY
      (Muttering as he
       gets in his car)
Fine.
                                                            
Debbie watches Casey turn the car around in the clearing and
go back down the hill. When he is out of sight, she turns
back to the others.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Walking past the
       others)
It's right over here.
                                                            
The others fall in behind her. Eventually she stops in front
of a row of headstones. Five of them stand out from the
others. They are neat despite the storm from the night
before, and each of them are modestly decorated with fresh
flowers.
                                                            
Maggie steps closer to look at the headstone. Her breath
catches in her throat when she sees Pete's name.

Boss holds his hat in his hands and bows his head somberly.
He is unable to speak around the lump in his throat.

Mary Ann expects her mother to explain what she is supposed
to be looking for, but Debbie isn't talking either, she is
silently sobbing.

Then it occurs to Mary Ann what she is looking at. The name
on the headstone is 'Peter Simpson', and the stranger's name
is Pete.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (Shakily)
Mom, this ain't funny. What is
goin' on here? Is this what I
think it is?
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Putting her arm
       around Mary Ann's
       shoulder)
Yes. This is Pete, the man you
met this morning. He's also JB's
nephew. I think it's just a couple
of mistakes that add up to a whole
lot of confusion.
      (Pause)
It looks like the Army was wrong
when they said he was killed, and
for some reason he decided to stay
away 'til now. I don't really know
            (MORE)

124.

                       DEBBIE (cont'd)
all the answers yet myself.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (Without taking
       his eyes off the
       headstone)
He was banged up over there pretty
bad. I think he was meanin' to
come back here sooner or later,
but one thing led to another
and he ended up stayin' on at the
ranch.
      (Pause)
When he first got there, he looked
like he could barely walk. To tell
you the truth, we all kinda felt
sorry for him. He had to learn
everythin'. Why, he couldn't even
ride a horse. More than that
though, he needed a chance to heal
up. I told him I was hirin' him
'cause I needed another hand, but
I didn't. I just couldn't see
turnin' him loose in the shape he
was in.
      (Beginning to
       sound like the
       old Boss)
But I tell you what, God didn't
make many men better'n Pete. He
turned out to be tough as nails,
just like he was a Wallace
through and through. He didn't
just learn what he had to know,
he learned to do it better'n any
other hand I had. If a horse
throwed him, or a bull turned on
him, he would get right up and
do it again. He never backed down
from nothin' or nobody.
                                                            
Maggie stands closer to Boss and grips his arm with both
hands. She needs some comfort and Boss's old familiar
boasting is like a piece of home to her.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
So, what are we gonna do now?
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
We're gonna find him and let him
know that all of us don't object
to him bein' here. But Casey is
right about one thing, we have to
            (MORE)

125.

                       DEBBIE (cont'd)
be careful how we let some people
know he's here.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Why?
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Think about it, sweetie. Can't
you see how hard it would be on
JB?
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Actually Mom, I think JB might
already know?
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
How?
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
JB was at the restaurant this
morning when Casey had to get
between Pete and Franklin.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Franklin Knox?
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Yes, he was yellin' at the boys
and Pete stood up to him.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Franklin is a jerk. Hopefully
he'll keep his distance until this
is all over.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
And he was here too. Just a few
minutes before you got here.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Pete?
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Yes. He left just before Casey
got here.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Looking around
       the graveyard)
Where did he go?
                                                            

126.

                       MARY ANN
      (Pointing to the
       opposite side of
       the hill)
I told him to go down that old
trail over there so he could get
by Casey.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Disappointed that
       she missed him so
       closely again)
We didn't see him on our way here.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (Shrugs)
I don't know. He could have gone
by after you turned up the hill
and ahead of Casey.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Looking worried)
I hope Casey didn't run into him?
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
Wait. I don't mean to interrupt,
but this goose chase is startin'
to give me a headache. If it's all
the same to you, I think I'd like
to get a room somewhere so I can
get into somethin' a little more
comfortable before we start
runnin' all over the place.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Both of you can stay at the house.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
We couldn't do that.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
It's okay. It's just me and Casey
in that big house. The kid's rooms
are not being used and there's a
guest room too, so there's plenty
of room for everybody.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
Well, okay.
      (Turning to Boss)
Is that okay with you?
                                                            

127.

                       BOSS
Sure, but how 'bout you two go on.
I'd like to see if this young
lady here would be willin' to
drive me around a little. Maybe I
can spot that old truck somewhere.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (Smiling)
I don't mind. I'm not sure I know
where to start though.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Hell, looks to me like we just
start. No offense, ma'am, but this
ain't exactly like we have to look
all over Dallas or someplace like
that. Can't be too many places he
could go.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
I guess you're right. Okay
Mom, I'll call you if we find
anything
                                                            
 
INT. PETE'S TRUCK - AFTERNOON
                                                            
Pete is sitting in his truck. He is still on the old trail,
just above the tree line and can see people using the boat
ramp. Through the trees he can also see the old silo that
used to be attached to their barn. After about 10 minutes,
when no one follows him down the trail, he figures it is
save to leave.
                                                            
He starts the truck and pulls down to the boat ramp and
turns back toward town on the paved road.
                                                            
He stays off the main road and uses his fuzzy memory to take
some of the back roads to the highway south of Loudon.
                                                            
It takes him over a half hour, but he finally finds the old
highway and turns south. He soon sees a tavern, with a neon
sign flashing "Hank's". Pete pulls around to the rear of
the building and parks the truck.
                                                            
 
INT. HANK'S BAR - AFTERNOON
                                                            
The bar is one large room partially divided by a half wall
that starts from the back of the room and comes midway to
the front. On the side closest to the door is an area of
tables and chairs toward the front, with several pool tables

128.

along the back wall. The other half of the room has a small
dance floor in the front with more tables and chairs behind
it. In the front corner, near the dance floor is a small,
raised stage.
                                                            
Pete walks toward the tables behind the little dance floor
and sits with his back to the far wall. There is only one
other person on this side of the bar and he doesn't look up
as Pete walks by.

As Pete sits down he drops his hat in the chair beside him.
It is a bit darker on this side of the room and someone
would have to look close to recognize him.
                                                            
As he sits down a WAITRESS comes to his table.
                                                            
                       WAITRESS
What'll it be, hon?
                                                            
                       PETE
I'll have a beer and a burger with
everything you can get on it,
please.
                                                            
She scratches out his order on a note pad and walks away.
                                                            
Pete sits and looks about the bar. The smoke is thick and
the country music coming from the jukebox is loud. If
anyone noticed him walking in, they had forgotten all about
him now since the few people that are in the bar are either
sitting at tables talking or playing pool.

The waitress brings his order and he settles into his seat,
starting to relax a little. The bar fills up with more
people as he eats, but that is okay with him. The more
people there are when he leaves, the less conspicuous he
will be.

As he finishes eating he hears the loud, booming voice of
the big man he had words with earlier. He instinctively
leans back against the wall, using the shadows to stay out
of sight.
                                                            
 
INT. MARY ANN'S CAR - AFTERNOON
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (Looking out the
       window of the car)
I'll tell you one thing. I wish I
could take some of these hills and
trees and put 'em on my ranch. It
sure is pretty country you got
            (MORE)

129.

                       BOSS (cont'd)
here.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
What's your ranch like.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Nothin' like this. It's a lot
flatter, not near as many hills,
but we do have a few trees, but
nothing like these. Nothin' much
to block that old blue norther
that seems to blow all winter, or
the dust that boils up in the
summer.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
So it's a windy place?
                                                            
                       BOSS
Wind blows almost all the time,
day and night. Thunder, hail and a
few tornadoes in the spring and
summer and snowstorms in the
winter. Let me tell you, nothin'
can get as cold or as hot as a
saddle when you gotta sit it all
day.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
You sound like you don't like it.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (Smiling)
I love it. It's home, and it's
pretty. In its own way of course.
My people have lived there for six
generations, and my son will carry
on after I'm gone and his kids
will carry on after him.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
So Pete lives with you?
                                                            
                       BOSS
Not in my house, no. He's got his
own room in the bunkhouse when
he's not with Maggie. Then on his
birthday we gave him a little
piece of the ranch and it's got a
house on it that he can move into
whenever he wants to.
                                                            

130.

                       MARY ANN
Wow! That's a nice gift.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Well, it's not exactly a palace,
but he's part of the family. I'm
by him almost like I am my own
boy, John. Besides, it will be
good to know he'll always be
close.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
So Maggie is his girlfriend?
                                                            
                       BOSS
Yeah, and she has been for a good
long time. I don't know why he
just don't go ahead and marry her.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Maybe he don't want to.
                                                            
                       BOSS
It ain't that, or at least I don't
think it is. He's as crazy about
her as a man can be about a woman.
He's waitin' on something, I just
don't know what it is, and I'm not
real sure he does either.
                                                            
They are silent for a few moments.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Any ideas how we should be doin'
this?
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
No. I guess we just start on one
end of town and work our way
through. He's got to be hungry,
but he won't go back to JB's to
eat. Hopefully he'll stay here
close and not go up by Knoxville.
                                                            
                       BOSS
You're right. So you do the
drivin' and I'll look for the
truck
                                                            
They drive in silence for a few minutes, closely watching
the parking lots around restaurants and hotels.
                                                            

131.

They check a hotel and two small cafes south of town. Mary
Ann drives through the parking lots slowly and glances in
the windows while Boss looks for his truck. As they enter
the south side of town, Mary Ann pulls into a convenience
store parking lot.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (Turning back out
       onto the highway
       and heading south)
I forgot one place. It's further
down the road.
                                                            
In a few minutes they see the flashing neon sign of Hank's
and Mary Ann eases the car into the parking lot.
                                                            
                       BOSS
My God, this is a rough lookin'
place.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (Laughing)
It just looks that way from the
outside. Inside it's even worse.
                                                            
                       BOSS
You've been in this place?
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (Still laughing)
A few times.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (Suddenly)
Wait! There's the truck.
                                                            
The truck is hard to see at first. It is pulled far up
between the vehicles on either side of it.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Are you sure?
                                                            
                       BOSS
I know my own damned truck when I
see it.
                                                            
Mary Ann pulls the car into a parking space.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
You want to stay out here in the
car? This ain't the safest place
around here. Especially if you
don't know anybody.
                                                            

132.

                       BOSS
      (Already getting
       out of the car)
I've been in my share of rough
bars. Texas has one or two.
                                                            
 
INT. HANK'S BAR - AFTERNOON
                                                            
Mary Ann and Boss enter the bar. Franklin sees Mary Ann
almost immediately.
                                                            
                       FRANKLIN
Well, look who's slummin' tonight.
                                                            
Mary Ann ignores him and looks around the smoky room, trying
to see Pete.
                                                            
                       FRANKLIN
      (Yelling louder)
What's the matter, bitch? You too
good to speak?
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (To Mary Ann)
Who is that?
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (Still looking for
       Pete)
Just the local asshole.
                                                            
Franklin starts walking toward the front of the room. Two
other men leave their seats and fall in behind him.
                                                            
                       FRANKLIN
I think you need a lesson in
manners like your friend did
this mornin'.
                                                            
                       POOL PLAYER
C'mon Franklin, let's finish the
game.
                                                            
                       FRANKLIN
      (Without looking
       back)
Later. This is more important.
                                                            
Half way to the front of the room a man stands up and steps
in front of Franklin and starts to say something. Without
breaking stride, Franklin shoves the man hard and sends him
crashing over a table and sliding almost to the dance floor.
                                                            

133.

                       WAITRESS
Franklin, don't start anything.
I'm gonna call the law!
                                                            
                       FRANKLIN
      (Without taking
       his eyes off Mary
       Ann)
I don't give a damn. This is only
gonna take a minute.
                                                            
The big man is now within reach of Mary Ann and is flanked
on each side by his friends.
                                                            
                       FRANKLIN
Now, Are you gonna come back there
with me or am I gonna have to
carry you back there?
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Franklin, just leave me alone. I
ain't stayin'. I'll be gone in a
minute.
                                                            
                       FRANKLIN
      (Reaching for her)
Not if I don't want you to, you
ain't. Stay here and you and me
can have some fun.
                                                            
Boss steps between Franklin and Mary Ann.
                                                            
                       BOSS
If she says she ain't goin' with
you, then she ain't goin' with
you.
                                                            
                       FRANKLIN
Who the hell are you?
                                                            
                       BOSS
That don't matter. What matters
is you leavin' her alone.
                                                            
                       FRANKLIN
And who's gonna stop me?
                                                            
A man stands up behind Franklin.
                                                            
                       MAN IN BAR
Leave 'em alone. That's just a
woman and an old man.
                                                            

134.

The man starts to walk around to the left of Franklin but
the big man's friend on that side turns suddenly and hits
the man, knocking him against the wall.

At that same moment, the first deputy comes walking in the
door and the big man's friend swings again, knocking the
deputy out cold.

Franklin grabs for Mary Ann.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (Yelling)
Leave her alone!
                                                            
Boss tries to grab the big man's arm, but Franklin pushes
him aside with very little effort.
                                                            
Pete hears the old man's bark and stands up, looking toward
the front of the bar.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (To himself)
Boss?
                                                            
He sees the old man trying to protect Mary Ann, as Franklin
pushes him aside. Pete hurries toward the front of the room.
                                                            
Just as Pete gets to the front of the bar, he sees Casey
coming in the front door. The big man sees Casey too and
momentarily stops.
                                                            
                       CASEY
What's goin' on here? Franklin!
Let her go!
                                                            
Casey ducks as Franklin's friend swings at him and throws
his own punch, knocking the man to the floor. Franklin sees
an opening, steps away from Mary Ann and Boss and slams a
big fist into Casey's jaw, sending the Sheriff sprawling
over one of the tables.
                                                            
                       PETE
Boss!
                                                            
Franklin's other friend sees Pete coming and rushes toward
him. Pete waits until the man gets close, sidesteps him and
hits him hard behind the ear.

As the man goes down, another man who has been standing near
the door rushes Pete too. The man doesn't consider Boss a
threat and it is a big mistake. As the man brushes past
Mary Ann, Boss swings his foot around and hooks the running
man's feet, tripping him. The man goes down hard on his chin

135.

and lays there dazed for a moment. He starts to get back up
just as Boss swings his other foot, this time catching the
man hard on the side of the head, knocking him out
                                                            
On the other side of the room, Casey is scooting across the
floor, trying to get far enough away from Franklin in order
to get to his feet. Franklin stays after him, pushing tables
aside as he chases after the scurrying Sheriff until he
finally gets him trapped against the wall.

Pete rushes across the room just as Franklin reaches down
and picks Casey up by the neck. The big man pulls his fist
back to hit Casey but Pete grabs his wrist. Franklin turns
to see who has grabbed him as Pete's fist hits the big man
hard under the eye.

Franklin staggers a little and releases his grip on Casey.
He turns and starts toward Pete, but Casey has recovered
enough to swing and hit the big man hard on the jaw.

Franklin staggers again, not sure which of the men to go
after first. Pete takes the opportunity to drive his fist
hard into Franklin's chest, knocking the air from the big
man's lungs.

The fight is almost gone from him now, and Franklin grabs
wildly at Pete and Casey, but both of them manage to stay
just out of his reach. Finally, the big man goes to his
knees and Casey hits him hard behind the head, knocking him
forward onto the floor. As Franklin lays there, Casey kneels
down and puts a knee in the middle of his back. He takes out
his handcuffs and secured the big man's hands behind him.
                                                            
Pete limps a little more than usual as he walked toward
Boss and Mary Ann.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (Throwing his arm
       around Boss's
       shoulder)
What in the hell are you doin'
here?
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (Laughing)
Come to get you. Damn, I ain't
had this much fun in years.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (Looking worried)
What do you mean you come to get
me? What's wrong?
                                                            

136.

                       BOSS
Bob Franks stopped by the ranch
and said they had you back here in
jail, so we come to get you out.
                                                            
                       PETE
Who's we?
                                                            
                       BOSS
Me and Maggie.
                                                            
Pete actually laughs out loud.
                                                            
                       PETE
Where is she?
                                                            
                       BOSS
She went home with Debbie.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (Laughing more)
You're kiddin'!
                                                            
As the three of them talk, more deputies arrive and join
Casey and the others in getting Franklin and his friends
into the patrol cars. Casey finishes giving instructions to
the deputies and walks over.
                                                            
                       CASEY
I want to tell you two how much I
appreciate what you did.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (Laughing)
Wasn't nothin'. I was just
tellin' Pete here how much fun it
was.
                                                            
                       PETE
Don't worry about it, Casey. It
was sorta like playin' football
again.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (Smiling and
       smacking Pete on
       the back)
Well, what say we head for the
house. I know somebody there
who's gonna want to see you. I
have to swing by the jail for a
minute. You all can stop in with
me or go on to the house, it's up
            (MORE)

137.

                       CASEY (cont'd)
to you.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
I'll take them to the house,
Casey.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (As they leave)
If it's all the same to you Mary
Ann, I'll just ride along with
your Daddy.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
That's fine.
                                                            
 
INT. GOODMAN HOME - EVENING
                                                            
DEBBIE busies herself around the kitchen while MAGGIE
settles into the spare room. There is a knock at the door
and DEBBIE moves to answer it.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Moving aside to
       let him in)
Hi, Uncle Jimmy. Come on in.
                                                            
The older man steps inside the room.
                                                            
                       UNCLE JIMMY
Debbie, I hate to bother you, but
I was wonderin' if maybe Casey was
home.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
No he's not. I guess he will be
soon though. Can I help?
                                                            
                       UNCLE JIMMY
I don't know. It's just that,
well, there was some trouble at
the restaurant this mornin'.
Franklin Knox and this stranger
almost got into it and Casey had
to break it up. The thing is the
other fella looked a lot like Pete
to me, and it's been troublin' me
all day. I was hopin' Casey could
tell me who that man was.
                                                            

138.

                       DEBBIE
I don't know, Jimmy. I saw Casey
earlier today but he didn't say
anthing about that.
                                                            
                       UNCLE JIMMY
But Casey acted like he knew him.
He tried to tell me he was a
drifter or something, but I think
there was more to it than that.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Well, Casey knows a lot of people.
      (Pause)
Would you like some coffee while
you wait?
                                                            
                       UNCLE JIMMY
That would be good. I appreciate
it.
                                                            
He follows her into the kitchen and she pours them both a
cup of coffee.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Jimmy, You shouldn't let yourself
get so worked up.
                                                            
                       UNCLE JIMMY
I can't help it. All day long
I've been thinkin' of Mama and
Pete. When he left he didn't think
I could take care of her, I could
see it in his eyes, and then he
ain't gone no time before she
died.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
That wasn't your fault, Jimmy. It
was her time, that's all. There's
nothin' you or anybody else did
that caused it. Pete wouldn't have
been able to stop it either.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE (O.S.)
Oh, excuse me, I didn't know you
had company.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
No, it's okay. This is a good
friend of ours, Jimmy Simpson.
Jimmy, this is Maggie.
                                                            

139.

                       UNCLE JIMMY
      (Standing up and
       nodding his head)
Pleased to meet you.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
I'm pleased to meet you too,
Mister Simpson.
                                                            
                       UNCLE JIMMY
      (Almost blushing)
Oh, none of that mister stuff.
      (Then to Debbie)
If I knew you had company I would
have dropped by another time.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
It's not a problem, Jimmy, really
it's not.
                                                            
The phone rings
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (To Uncle Jimmy
       and Maggie as she
       picks up the
       phone)
Excuse me.
      (Into the phone)
Hello.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (Heard over the
       phone)
Mom, we found him and we're on our
way home. All of us.
                                                            
Debbie stands there silently, deep in thought as her
memories fly back many years to the last time she saw Pete.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Mom? Mom? Are you still there?
Mom? Are you even listenin' to me?
                                                            
DEBBIE is jolted back to reality.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Trying to find
       her voice)
Oh, uh, I'm sorry, Mary Ann. What
did you say?
                                                            

140.

                       MARY ANN
You haven't been listenin'? I
said they're followin' me now. All
except Casey. We'll be there in a
few minutes.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (A bit shaky)
Okay.
                                                            
Debbie quickly clears her mind. She knows she has to deal
with Uncle Jimmy before everyone gets there. She doesn't
have many options since Pete will be walking through the
door soon. She decides to be direct.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Starting slowly)
Jimmy, there is somethin' I have
to tell you, and I ain't got a lot
of time to say it. Believe me,
it's not goin' to be any easier
for me to say than it is for you
to hear it.
                                                            
Uncle Jimmy looks at her intently.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
You know that man you saw this
mornin' in the restaurant, the one
you said looked like Pete?
                                                            
Uncle Jimmy shakes his head slowly, his eyes wide with a
mixture of fear, joy and excitement.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Well.
      (Pause)
It was Pete.
                                                            
There is an audible gasp from Uncle Jimmy and she realizes
he has been holding his breath while he was waiting.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Quicker)
And that's not all. He's on his
way here, right now.
                                                            
                       UNCLE JIMMY
      (Stunned)
But how? We buried him. Where has
he been for so long?
                                                            

141.

                       DEBBIE
He's been livin' in Texas. Maggie
here is one of his friends from
out there.
                                                            
Jimmy turns and looks at Maggie as if he was seeing her for
the first time.
                                                            
 
INT. LOUDON JAIL - EVENING
                                                            
Casey is talking to a couple of deputies as Franklin and the
others are being booked into jail.
                                                            
                       FRANKLIN
Casey, I'm sorry I hit you.
                                                            
                       CASEY
It's okay Franklin, just go on in
there and sleep it off.
                                                            
                       FRANKLIN
Who was that other fella, Casey?
                                                            
                       CASEY
Just a guy I used to know. He's
here payin' us a visit. He'll most
likely be gone a long time before
you get outta here.
                                                            
Franklin huffs at Casey's joke, not thinking it was so
funny, then disappears down the hallway with the deputy.
                                                            
 
EXT. GOODMAN HOME - EVENING
                                                            
Pete pulls the truck up a small gravel driveway and stops
behind Mary Ann's car. The house is on a small wooded bluff
overlooking the river. The trees directly behind the house
have been thinned out to provide a better view of the water.
The front yard has one colorful flowerbed after another and
the bright colors and shade trees give everything a quiet,
peaceful feel, the kind of place you would look forward to
after a long hard day. But Pete isn't so sure he wants to be
here now.
                                                            
Mary Ann steps out of her car and waits for the two men to
get out of the truck.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Jimmy's in there too.
                                                            

142.

                       BOSS
      (Smacking Pete on
       the back as he
       walks past)
Too late to back out now. Besides,
it's better to kill two birds with
one stone.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (Perplexed, to
       Boss)
Where did you come from? I
thought you was ridin' with Casey.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Don't know what gave you that
idea.
      (Turning to Pete)
Come on, I wanna cup of coffee.
                                                            
Pete hesitates again at the bottom of the porch steps.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (Standing at the
       door, waiting on
       him)
You're gonna have to come in
sooner or later. I doubt anybody
in here will bite you.
                                                            
Mary Ann lags behind, watching the two men. She has a
nagging feeling that there is more here than meets the eye.
Her mother is always a very calm person, not easily worked
up about much, but she is very nervous about seeing this
man, and he is just as nervous about seeing her. And why did
Boss say he was going to ride with Casey but ended up in
Pete's truck?
                                                            
 
INT. GOODMAN HOME - EVENING
                                                            
As Pete enters the house he sees Maggie and smiles. He
reaches out his hand and she grasps it tightly.
                                                            
Uncle Jimmy stands a few feet in front of him, nervously
fidgeting from one foot to the other. The older man looks
amazed. His eyes sweep Pete up and down as if he can't
believe what he's seeing.
                                                            
                       UNCLE JIMMY
      (Softly, his eyes
       tearing up)
Pete. Is it really you?
                                                            

143.

Pete steps closer and takes his uncle's shoulders in his
hands, smiling into the tear filled eyes.
                                                            
                       PETE
Yeah, Uncle Jimmy, it's me.
                                                            
                       UNCLE JIMMY
      (Still shaky)
I don't understand. Where have
you been? We buried you.
                                                            
                       PETE
I am so sorry Uncle Jimmy.
Somebody somewhere made a bad
mistake. If I had known about it,
I would have been back here a long
time ago.
                                                            
                       UNCLE JIMMY
But why didn't you come back
anyway? Why did you wait so long?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (Shaking his head)
I ain't got an answer, Uncle
Jimmy. I wish I did, but I
don't. Everything was so mixed up
back then. I was mixed up. I
meant to come back, I really did.
But everything was so strange.
Including me. I still hurt from
the war and from Grandma dying and
I didn't have any idea what I was
going to do with myself.
                                                            
                       UNCLE JIMMY
      (His voice
       beginning to
       crack)
I was still here. Wasn't I worth
comin' back to?
                                                            
Pete wraps his arms around his uncle's shoulders.
                                                            
                       PETE
Oh, Uncle Jimmy, I wasn't tryin'
to stay away from here because of
you. You're the only family I got
left. I just didn't know what was
back here and I was afraid to find
out.
                                                            

144.

                       BOSS (O.S.)
Mister Simpson, that ain't exactly
all there is to it.
                                                            
Uncle Jimmy looks away from Pete for the first time.
                                                            
                       UNCLE JIMMY
Who are you?
                                                            
                       PETE
I'm sorry, Uncle Jimmy, this is
Boss Wallace. He owns the ranch
where I work.
                                                            
                       UNCLE JIMMY
      (Stepping over to
       shake Boss's hand)
Pleased to meet you, Mister
Wallace. What were you sayin'?
                                                            
                       BOSS
Well, it ain't my way to jump into
other folk's business, but there's
a little bit more to it than what
Pete here is telling you
                                                            
                       UNCLE JIMMY
Go on.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Well, sir, what he ain't sayin' is
when he first showed up at my
place he was messed up pretty bad
from the war. He had scars from
head to toe. Kate, that's my
daughter-in-law, has some nurse
trainin' and she said he should be
looked over by a doctor. So I took
him to ol' Doc Blair.
      (To Pete)
I lied to you then, Pete. I told
you it was somethin' I made all
the new hands do, but it wasn't.
You was the first. Oh, they all do
it now, but you was the one
who got it started.
                                                            
Pete smiles and lightly slaps Boss on the shoulder.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Anyway, Doc said whatever we did,
we should do it slow and easy or
he might rip something open again,
and if that happened he could die
            (MORE)

145.

                       BOSS (cont'd)
on us. So that's what we did.
      (Pause)
The truth is Kate wouldn't have
let me let him go even if I wanted
to. She said I wouldn't have done
it to a calf, and she was right.
If he had left back then to come
here he might have ended up dead
on the side of the road somewhere.
So it was as much us keepin' him
there as it was him stayin'. At
least to start with.
                                                            
Uncle Jimmy stands silently for a few moments and then
smiles.
                                                            
                       UNCLE JIMMY
I guess everything has a reason
for happenin'. Who am I to
question anybody? What's done is
done and there ain't no goin'
back. Maybe it's best that it
worked out this way.
                                                            
Pete wraps an arm around his uncle's shoulders again.
                                                            
                       UNCLE JIMMY
You also have an aunt and two
cousins you don't know about.
Mildred would be tickled pink to
see you. I think I'll run home
and get her and bring her back.
over here if that's alright.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (Smiling)
That would be great. Please do.
I'd love to meet her.
                                                            
Debbie has been leaning against the kitchen door frame
during the entire exchange between Pete and Uncle Jimmy, but
her eyes never leave Pete.
                                                            
After Uncle Jimmy leaves, Pete turns to Debbie and smiles.
She hesitates at first but then walks over to him, reaches
up and lightly touches his scarred cheeks and wraps her arms
around his middle. He pats her back and feels her begin to
shake and sob.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Suddenly
       embarrassed and
       wiping her eyes)
            (MORE)

146.

                       DEBBIE (cont'd)
Goodness. Just look at the way
I'm actin'. I must be a sight.
                                                            
                       PETE
Don't worry about it, you look
fine to me.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
I can't believe my manners. Let me
at least make you people some
coffee.
                                                            
                       BOSS
I could sure use some.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
      (To BOoss as she
       walks over to
       Pete and Debbie)
You hush.
      (Then to Pete and
       Debbie)
You two go on out on the deck.
Mary Ann and me can get the
coffee. Go on now. You got a lot
of catchin' up to do.
                                                            
Pete smiles at her to let her know he appreciates what she's
doing. Then Maggie and Mary Ann walk into the kitchen as
Pete and Debbie go out on the deck.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
Your mama seems very excited.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
She's a little spooky if you ask
me.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
Spooky?
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Yeah. She's never this emotional,
except maybe with the little ones.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
Well, she went a long time
thinkin' he was dead.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Maybe. But I know I wouldn't get
that worked up over a guy unless
he meant something to me, whether
            (MORE)

147.

                       MARY ANN (cont'd)
I thought he was dead or not.
                                                            
 
EXT. GOODMAN HOME - DECK - EVENING
                                                            
Pete and Debbie stand for a time and look out over the
river.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (Breaking the
       silence)
This is a nice place.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Why didn't you come on home?
                                                            
                       PETE
There was nothin' to come home to.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Softly)
There was me.
                                                            
                       PETE
And Casey.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
There wouldn't have been if I knew
you were still alive.
                                                            
They fall into silence again. Neither of them knowing how
to get past it all.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Pointing into the
       darkness)
I talked Casey into building this
house here because of you. That
hill of yours is right over there.
The one where I met you the night
before you left.
      (Pauses to sniffle)
The night I heard you were killed,
I went up on that hill and laid
down under that tree and cried
till my eyes hurt. It was the
worst day of my life.
                                                            
                       PETE
Believe me, there were many times
I felt hurt of my own.
                                                            

148.

                       DEBBIE
I guess you ended up bein' right
after all. You tried to tell me
you might not be comin' home, and
I wouldn't listen.
                                                            
                       PETE
Maybe, but I didn't mean the way
it turned out.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
I know you didn't. We worried so
much about the war we didn't think
there might be other reasons.
                                                            
                       PETE
Look, I know I could have done
things better, or different, and I
would have if I knew folks back
here thought I was dead.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Beginning to cry
       again)
I used to dream you weren't dead.
That you'd come walkin' up the
walkway one day. I'd give anything
if that would have happened. Now
that it has, it just makes me
wonder why you didn't even so much
as try to call anybody in thirty
years.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (Slowing shaking
       his head)
If I had come back, we couldn't
have just picked up where we left
off. I don't know how else to say
it. You got your reasons for
bein' mad at me, and I had my
reasons for stayin' gone.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
We're no better at this than we
were before you left, when you
kept trying to push me away. I
guess we're destined to always
struggle with things when it comes
to us.
                                                            
 

149.

INT. GOODMAN HOME - EVENING
                                                            
Mary Ann watches them through the window. She was going to
offer them coffee, but when she caught sight of them she
stopped. It is obvious from the way they act that whatever
they are talking about is upsetting them both.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE (O.S.)
You want me to go check on him?
                                                            
It takes Mary Ann a moment to realize Maggie is talking to
her and she can hear David crying downstairs.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
No. I'll, uh, I'll go.
                                                            
Mary Ann hurries from the kitchen to attend to David. Boss
walks into the kitchen as she leaves.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Things sure are a mess ain't they?
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
Yeah they are.
                                                            
They stand for a minute watching Pete and Debbie outside.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (After a moment)
You reckon she'll tell him about
Mary Ann bein' his?
                                                            
                       MARY ANN (O.S.)
What did you just say?
                                                            
Neither of them had heard Mary Ann come back into the room.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (Trying to cover
       his blunder)
Uh, nothing.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (Pushing past Boss
       and Maggie)
Don't try to tell me that.
                                                            
Boss and Maggie both try to catch Mary Ann before she bolts
outside, but can't.
                                                            
 

150.

EXT. GOODMAN HOME - DECK - EVENING
                                                            
Debbie sees Mary Ann out of the corner of her eye and starts
to smile. Pete can see Debbie is distracted by something
behind him and starts to turn to see what it is. He hasn't
turned completely around when Mary Ann smacks him hard.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (Livid)
You son of a bitch. Just who do
you think you are?
                                                            
She moves closer to him, pounding against his chest with her
fists. Debboe finally works her way between them.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Yelling)
Mary Ann! Stop!
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (Yelling)
How could you?
      (Then looking at
       DEBBIE)
Both of you!
                                                            
Before Debbie can stop her, Mary Ann bounds down the deck
steps and into the yard.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Yelling after her)
Mary Ann!
                                                            
Debbie runs after Mary Ann. Pete is dazed, more by the
attack than any of the blows.
                                                            
 
EXT. GOODMAN HOME - FRONT YARD - DAY
                                                            
Casey is getting out of his car and sees Mary Ann running
around the corner of the house. She is looking back at
Debbie and has not seen him yet. She stops with a jerk when
she does see him, almost running into him. She is in shock.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (Beginning to cry)
How could everybody keep this a
secret from me so long? Why
didn't somebody tell me?
                                                            
Debbie finally catches up to Mary Ann.
                                                            

151.

                       DEBBIE
      (Reaching for her
       daughter)
Don't sweetie. Don't run. Let me
explain.
                                                            
Mary Ann backs away from her, ready to run again until
Casey grabs her arm. She turns to smack him but he catches
her wrist.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (Through clinched
       teeth as she
       struggles)
Now hold on! What's going on
here? What's got you so upset?
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Pleading)
Please, sweetie. Please let me
explain. Pete doesn't know
either.
                                                            
Casey now understands why she's upset.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
      (Staring blankly
       at her mother)
He doesn't?
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
No, he doesn't. Now come on, it's
about time everyone knew the whole
story.
                                                            
Casey lets go of her when he sees she isn't resisting
anymore. Mary Ann's chest heaves in the wake of the exertion
and anxiety, but she allows Debbie to lead her back toward
the house.
                                                            
 
EXT. GOODMAN HOME - DECK - EVENING
                                                            
Pete is still on the deck and watches through the windows as
Debbie comes through the front door, her arm around Mary
Ann's shoulder and Casey is right behind them.

Casey steps out onto the deck while Debbie and Mary Ann sit
down at the kitchen table. Debbie is still trying to calm
the younger woman, as Maggie and Boss watch everything going
on around them.
                                                            

152.

                       CASEY
      (Holding open the
       door.)
Pete, it's time we all had a long
talk. That includes you. Could
you come in here, please?
                                                            
 
INT. GOODMAN HOME - KITCHEN - DAY
                                                            
Pete is still on the deck and watches through the windows as
Debbie comes through the front door, her arm around Mary
Ann's shoulder. Casey is right behind them.
                                                            
Casey steps aside and holds the door open as Pete steps into
the kitchen. Debbie and Mary Ann sit at the table, looking
up at him with teary eyes. Maggie and Boss stand behind the
table, watching everyone else.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Half whispering)
Pete, please sit down. There is
something we have to talk about.
                                                            
Pete sits opposite Debbie and Casey sits opposite Mary Ann,
but the younger woman doesn't take her eyes off Pete. Debbie
reaches out and takes hold of Casey's hand. Maggie moves
behind Pete and puts her hands on his shoulders.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Pete, it's getting' to be a habit
sayin' this, but this ain't gonna
be easy, no easier than it was for
us to see you again. So I guess
the best thing to do is start
at the beginning.
                                                            
Debbie tenses and squeezes Casey's hand harder.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (Softly)
Just take your time.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
      (Taking a deep
       breath)
Pete, after you left, and Grannie
Simpson died I thought I was going
to go crazy. It hurt me so much
when she passed, but it hurt me
more 'cause I knew how bad it must
be on you to be half a world
away with nobody to share your
hurt with. It was like I was
            (MORE)

153.

                       DEBBIE (cont'd)
carryin' the weight of everything
for both of us.
      (Pause)
Then, we got the word about you.
                                                            
Debbie starts to cry. Casey holds her hand in his, softly
stroking it, trying to help her get through the ordeal.
Maggie squeezes Pete's shoulders since she knows what's
coming.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
I thought my world was gone
forever. All I could think about
was that you tried to tell me
before you left that something
might happen to you, and it
did, or at least we had been told
it had.
      (Another deep
       breath)
But what made it worse was knowin'
I… was… pregnant.
                                                            
Mary Ann whimpers and sobs as Debbie looks into Pete's eyes,
trying to find some sign that he understand what she is
trying to tell him.
                                                            
Pete sits silently listening to everything she says, until
suddenly the full meaning of what she has said sinks in. He
sits stunned, looking back and forth between Debbie and Mary
Ann. His shoulders slip from Maggie's grip and he slumps
down as if someone had let the air out of him. He doesn't
cry, although his eyes fill with tears.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (Searching for
       words)
I'm sorry. If I had known I would
have come back a long, long time
ago.
                                                            
Mary Ann leans and looks deeply into his eyes. Pete leans
closer and wraps his arms around her shoulders, nearly
pulling her into his lap. He holds her tightly, patting her
back, and sobs.
                                                            
                       PETE
I'm very sorry. It looks like all
of this is my fault.
                                                            

154.

                       CASEY
It's nobody's fault. Not really.
Things just worked out the way
they did. You can't always lay
fault for that. If you had known,
you would have come back. Even I
know that.
                                                            
                       PETE
But I was the one who made the
decision not to come back
here.
                                                            
                       BOSS
You can't change a thing that's
happened, no more than you can
stop the turnin' of the earth.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
He's right. If you had decided to
come back here you would have
missed the life you have now and
wouldn't know these good people.
You've had a good life, Pete.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
Have you, Mama?
                                                            
Debbie looks at her daughter and then into the anxious face
of Casey and smiles.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Yes I have. It's not the life I
thought I wanted at one time, but
things change. People change. So
you have to adjust as you go
along.
                                                            
Debbie squeezes Casey's hand and looks at Mary Ann.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
I need to tell you something else.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
You don't have to tell me
anything, Mama
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
Yes I do. You need to hear it and
Casey deserves for you to know
just what kind of a man he is.
      (She smiles up at
       Casey)
When I found out I was pregnant I
            (MORE)

155.

                       DEBBIE (cont'd)
hopelessly lost. I wasn't even
sure how Mama and Daddy were gonna
take it. People were different
back then. Loudon was different.
People didn't have much to do with
a woman who had kids and had never
been married. They didn't treat
her or the kids good at all.
Always lookin' down their noses at
her, sayin' mean and hateful
things, it was awful.
      (Pause)
I thought about leavin'. I
thought about a lot of things. I
thought about so many things it
just about drove me crazy. Well,
one night when I was with Casey I
just let it all bust out.
                                                            
Debbie smiles and squeezes Casey's hand harder.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
He didn't even blink. He told me
he would take care of everything,
and he did. He said he would
marry me and stay with me until
you were born and then if I wanted
him to leave he would. He was
willin' to give up whatever he was
plannin' on doin' to help me.
                                                            
Casey almost blushes, and Mary Ann laughs, but then started
to cry again.
                                                            
                       DEBBIE
I didn't love him at first, and he
he knew that, but after a while I
did. He never put any conditions
on me or you kids and he's always
been right there whenever we
needed him. He always put our
needs and wants in front of his
own. What more could a woman ask
for in a husband?
                                                            
Casey stands up and pulls Debbie into his arms, as Pete hugs
Mary Ann tightly. After a moment he pulls Maggie into the
hug with them.

Behind him he hears Boss's booming laughter. He looks and
Boss has picked up Debbie, as soon as Casey let her go, and
has her in a bear hug.
                                                            

156.

                       BOSS
      (Laughing)
With all this huggin' goin' on
around here, I'd better get in on
it too.
                                                            
                       UNCLE JIMMY (O.S.)
Well it's no wonder nobody
answered the door.
                                                            
They all turn to see Uncle Jimmy standing in the doorway and
beside him is his wife, MILDRED.
                                                            
                       UNCLE JIMMY
We let ourselves in. My Lord, you
people are makin' so much racket!
                                                            
Uncle Jimmy walks over and puts his hand on Pete's shoulder
and pulls him toward the woman.
                                                            
                       UNCLE JIMMY
Pete, this is your aunt Mildred.
                                                            
Pete steps closer and put his arms around her shoulders,
draws her to him and hugs her warmly.
                                                            
                       PETE
I sure am glad to meet you. Thank
you for takin' care of Uncle Jimmy
                                                            
                       MILDRED
      (Smiling)
We take care of each other.
Welcome home.
                                                            
 
EXT. GOODMAN HOME - DECK - MORNING
                                                            
Pete and Maggie sit on the deck watching the sun rise.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
It sure is pretty here.
                                                            
                       PETE
I almost forgot just how pretty it
is.
                                                            
Casey comes through the door with a cup of coffee in his
hand.
                                                            
                       CASEY
Mind if I join you?
                                                            

157.

                       MAGGIE
We were enjoyin' the view. You
have a really nice home.
                                                            
                       CASEY
Thank you. This is my hidin'
place. When I want to get away
and unwind, this deck is the place
I want to be.
                                                            
                       PETE
Casey, I'm gonna need your help on
somethin'.
                                                            
                       CASEY
What's that?
                                                            
                       PETE
I need to find out who's in that
box.
                                                            
                       CASEY
Not sure I follow you.
                                                            
                       PETE
The casket y'all buried. Since
it's not me in there, then who is?
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (With a bit of a
       frown)
I'm not sure anybody knows. Why
don't we just leave it at that.
                                                            
                       PETE
I can't do that. I thought about
it almost all night, and since it
ain't me it might be one of the
guys from my unit. Either way,
somebody somewhere needs to know
who it is.
                                                            
Casey looks out across the river for a moment and then opens
his cell phone and dials a number.
                                                            
                       CASEY
Jake? When Betty Jo gets in, tell
her I need her to contact the Army
and find me somebody in the
mortuary affairs group. I either
need a number to call them or she
can have them call me here at the
house.
      (Pause)
            (MORE)

158.

                       CASEY (cont'd)
Oh, and tell her I won't be in
today. Got it? Good. Thanks Jake
      (Then to Pete)
Well, I guess we'll see what we
can find out.
                                                            
 
INT. GOODMAN HOME - MORNING
                                                            
There is a collage of scenes with everyone chatting or
playing with the kids. Pete spends a lot of time with the
little ones and Mary Ann enjoys watching him with them.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (To Pete)
You should bring them boys out to
the ranch.
                                                            
                       PETE
That's not entirely my call.
                                                            
                       BOSS
I think they'd like it. Let 'em
summer out there if they want to.
Not many things in this world
beats growin' up on a ranch.
                                                            
                       PETE
I know that, but that would be up
to Mary Ann.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (To Mary Ann)
What do you think?
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
I have no objections.
                                                            
                       BOSS
Good, then it's settled.
                                                            
                       PETE
      (Laughing)
Hey, that's awfully quick ain't
it?
                                                            
                       BOSS
Maybe, but it would do 'em good.
They could learn some things while
they were there; hang out with you
and help out, do a little work as
they get older. Besides, it would
be good to have some little ones
            (MORE)

159.

                       BOSS (cont'd)
around the place.
                                                            
                       PETE
You're right about that part.
                                                            
                       BOSS
      (Leaning down
       toward the boys)
How would you two boys like to
come out to th' ranch and spend
some time with your Grandpa here?
                                                            
Both boys squeal their approval.
                                                            
                       CHARLIE
      (To Pete)
You're our Grandpa too?!
                                                            
                       PETE
      (Beaming)
Yeah, I guess I am.
                                                            
A few minutes later the phone rings and Casey answers it.
                                                            
                       CASEY
Mornin' Betty Jo. You did? Good.
Put him on.
                                                            
Casey pushes the speaker button on the phone.
                                                            
                       CASEY
      (To the others)
It's the call from the Army.
                                                            
                       BETTY JO
Go ahead, Sheriff. I've got Major
Williams from Fort Lee, Virginia
on the line.
                                                            
                       CASEY
Yes sir, Major Williams, this is
Sheriff Goodman from Loudon
County, Tennessee. How are you
today?
                                                            
                       MAJOR WILLIAMS
I'm fine, Sheriff. What can I do
for you?
                                                            

160.

                       CASEY
Well, sir, we've got a problem
down here we're gonna need your
help with.
                                                            
                       MAJOR WILLIAMS
And what is that, Sheriff?
                                                            
                       CASEY
Thirty years ago the Army sent
home what they said was the body
of one of our local boys killed in
Vietnam.
                                                            
                       MAJOR WILLIAMS
      (Interupting)
So now you sound like you doubt
that for some reason. Let me
assure you Sheriff, the Army goes
to great lengths to make sure we
don't make that kind of mistake.
Everything is checked and double
checked.
                                                            
                       CASEY
Well Major, this time your
checklist didn't work.
                                                            
                       MAJOR WILLIAMS
May I ask how you are so sure the
Army has made a mistake, Sheriff?
                                                            
                       CASEY
Well, sir, the fella that's
supposed to be in the casket is
standin' right here in my livin'
room.
                                                            
There is silence on the other end of the phone.
                                                            
                       MAJOR WILLIAMS
I assume then that you can prove
this is really that man?
                                                            
                       CASEY
I've known him all my life Major,
and there ain't another one like
him in the world.
                                                            

161.

                       MAJOR WILLIAMS
Okay. That's enough to start the
process, I suppose, but the Army
is going to have to verify that
this man is who he says he is.
                                                            
                       CASEY
He is, Major, and there are a lot
of folks around here that would
swear to it if they have to.
                                                            
                       MAJOR WILLIAMS
Could I have the man's name
please?
                                                            
                       PETE
      (Answering for
       himself)
Peter Simpson, sir.
                                                            
                       MAJOR WILLIAMS
Well, Mr. Simpson, what's taken so
long for this to come up?
                                                            
                       PETE
The first I heard about it was
yesterday, sir. I haven't been
back here in a long, long time.
                                                            
                       MAJOR WILLIAMS
      (A touch of
       sarcasm)
Obviously. We're going to have to
talk to you more in depth. Where
can we get in touch with you?
                                                            
                       PETE
You can find me at the Bend in the
River Ranch in Hutchinson County,
Texas. Everybody there knows
where it is. I won't be hard to
find.
                                                            
                       MAJOR WILLIAMS
Okay, Mr. Simpson. You will be
hearing from us.
                                                            
 
EXT. OUTSIDE THE SPRING HOUSE - AFTERNOON
                                                            
Pete leads Dollar around the open flats across from the
spring house. Charlie and David sit atop the horse, laughing
and squealing. They are both able to sit in the saddle with

162.

Charlie in front, and they are both decked out like little
cowboys in jeans, boots and cowboy hats. Pete is laughing as
much as they are.
                                                            
Across the creek, Maggie, Kate and Mary Ann are standing on
the spring house porch, watching the three of them play.
                                                            
                       MARY ANN
They love it here.
                                                            
                       KATE
He loves having them here. I've
never seen him laugh so much in
all the time I've known him.
                                                            
                       MAGGIE
      (Almost to herself)
Last night he asked me to marry
him.
                                                            
Kate and Mary Ann scream with delight and hug Maggie.
                                                            
                       KATE
      (Laughing)
Well it's about time.
                                                            
Pete leads Dollar and the boys back toward the spring house.
He can guess by the way the ladies are acting that Maggie
has told them he finally popped the question.
                                                            
 
EXT. OUTSIDE THE SPRING HOUSE - AFTERNOON
                                                            
As the credits begin to roll, we get a tight close up of the
back of the horse, Dollar, angled from the front left
shoulder. A stirrup is thrown across the saddle as it gets
uncinched and we can see Pete's hands and forearms as he
unsaddles the horse.

Then the saddle is pulled off the horse's back, leaving the
saddle blanket, and in the back ground we can see Pete swing
the saddle over a saddle rack.

Next he grabs the saddle blanket and lays it atop the
saddle.

Then he moves to the front of Dollar and removes the bridle.
When he is finished he stands aside and the horse ambles
into his stall and starts to feed.
                                                            


THE END


Back to Top of Page
Leave Feedback
Feedback
From Shawn Smith Date 8/11/2012 ***1/2
Good screenplay, I like the characters, and the dialogue. Let me tell you that you don't have to write camera directions unless your the one thats going to direct it. If its a spec script, just let the director handle it.


Back to Top of Page
Leave Feedback
You must be logged in to leave feedback.
Home    My Account    Products    Screenwriter Community    Screenwriter's Corner    Help
Forgot Your Password?    Privacy Policy    Copyright 2024, ScriptBuddy LLC.    Email help@scriptbuddy.com