BARRED ENGAGEMENT

by

Steve Weissman

Copyright © 2020 Steve Weissman

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-0-6487941-8-9

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - Travis

Chapter 2 - Bob

Chapter 3 - Eddie

Chapter 4 - Janie

Chapter 5 - A better try

Chapter 6 - I'm naked!

Chapter 7 - Bryce

Chapter 8 - Frisbee

Chapter 9 - No corruption

Chapter 10 - Morgan

Chapter 11 - Gullible

Chapter 12 - Surprise

Chapter 13 - Why Travis?

Chapter 14 - No!

Chapter 15 - Safe

Chapter 16 - Gibson

Chapter 17 - I'm sorry

Chapter 18 - We're engaged

Chapter 19 - Relief

Chapter 20 - Forever

Chapter 21 - A rewarding relationship

Chapter 22 - What the shit?

Chapter 23 - Desperate Hope

Chapter 24 - Scott

Chapter 25 - Lucky Day

Chapter 26 - Jail

Chapter 27 - You don't know him

Chapter 28 - What's going on

Chapter 29 - Something's up

Chapter 30 - Tears

Chapter 31 - Alleged

Chapter 32 - Bugs Bunny

Chapter 33 - Here's your copy

Chapter 34 - They're here

Chapter 35 - Eyes cold

Chapter 36 - Closed

Chapter 37 - Be careful, Travis

Chapter 38 - Janie's broken up with Travis

Chapter 39 - Morgan's phone rings

Chapter 40 - Sick

Chapter 41 - Nan

Chapter 42 - Screw the bastards

Chapter 43 - Safer here

Chapter 44 - The Hip Woman

Chapter 45 - The Speaker & Watch

Chapter 46 - Changed

Chapter 47 - Her, pack

Chapter 48 - Stop! Police!

Chapter 49 - The Yearbook

Chapter 50 - Janie returns

Chapter 51 - Morgan prepares

Chapter 52 - Tell everyone

Chapter 53 - The Spider

Chapter 54 - Keep your mouth shut

Chapter 55 - Deep problems

Chapter 56 - With his money...

Chapter 57 - THE_TRUTH

Chapter 58 - Travis returns to the Senator

Chapter 59 - Under the Bridge

Chapter 60 - It would be convenient

Chapter 61 - A Killer's Smile

Chapter 62 - What the...

Chapter 63 - Dad... Dad?

Chapter 64 - No, no, no!

Chapter 65 - The Suitcase

Chapter 66 - The Letter

Chapter 67 - Just a favor

Chapter 68 - I'll think about it

Chapter 69 - Same job

Chapter 70 - Just some questions

Chapter 71 - Bryce gets ready

Chapter 72 - More News

Chapter 73 - A party

Chapter 74 - The Fight

Chapter 75 - So... sorry

Chapter 76 - A Red Rose

About the Author

Steve's 13 stories

* * * *

Chapter 1 - Travis

* * * * *

A large kitchen of a pleasant low-mid income home.

Photos fill a side board:

-- Rose & George Gibson, mid-20s.

-- Rose, 28, with her uncle and aunt, Mr. & Mrs. Milloy, 60s.

-- A gravestone, George Gibson, 1969-1998.

-- Rose sitting up in bed, pregnant, eyes shut, face blank.

-- Rose in a wheelchair, eyes shut, face blank, a baby, Travis, lies in her lap, supported by Mrs. Milloy sitting next to her.

-- Rose in bed, eyes shut, face blank. Travis, 2, stands next to her wearing a birthday cap. He holds her hand.

-- A gravestone, Rose Smith Gibson, 1970-2001.

-- More photos of Travis growing up, with Mr. & Mrs. Milloy.

Sitting at a table, Travis Milloy, 16, eats with his great-aunt, Mrs. Milloy (Nan), 80, frail.

He finishes his cereal, takes his plates to the sink.

His dog, Bear, barks.

Travis gives Bear some crust.

Nan, "I'll do them, Travis, you hurry off to school. By the way, you--"

Travis, "Did it again, did I?"

He looks down at his socks, one red and one brown.

He grins, shakes his head, "Thanks, Nan. I'll get the trash."

He slings on a shoulder bag, grabs a Frisbee and the trash.

He pats Bear, "Take care of Nan, Bear."

He exits the kitchen side door.

* * * * *

Chapter 2 - Bob

* * * * *

Quiet middle income suburbs.

Travis steps out of the house, deposits the trash.

He dashes to the front yard and throws the Frisbee high down the street.

He sprints and catches it, just before it hits the ground.

He spins, throws long, "Bob!"

Fifty yards down the street, Bob Waters, 16, redhead, chunky, darts off his front steps, into the street, catches the Frisbee.

Travis, "Yes!"

They alternate throwing the Frisbee long with the other racing and catching it.

Travis' skill outshines Bob's as he throws over-arm, underarm, with his fingers, with his thumb, plus catches every throw, even behind his back.

Bob throws simple and doesn't catch them all.

They arrive at school.

* * * * *

Chapter 3 - Eddie

* * * * *

Hollins High School.

Many students hang around before school begins.

Eddie Thompson, 16, thin, rich clothes, approaches Travis and Bob, "Hit me!"

Bob, "The rich dude tries again."

Bob zooms one to Eddie, who drops it.

He picks it up, throws poorly to Travis, it hits into the dirt, slides up against a small wall.

Eddie, "Sorry!"

Travis runs to it, reaches down.

A large black spider jumps off the wall, onto the Frisbee.

Travis hesitates, steps back.

He bites his bottom lip.

A chauffeured Cadillac rolls up.

Bob, "Dig the newbie."

Travis backs away from the Frisbee, looks over at the Cadillac.

Travis, "Your friends, Eddie?"

Eddie, "I'm sure my dad knows them."

Bob, "Yeah, you're sure."

Eddie, "Hey, come on, Bob, my dad's the zillionaire, I'm one of you guys."

Travis stares hard at the car, long blonde hair graces a window.

* * * * *

Chapter 4 - Janie

* * * * *

Inside the Cadillac's backseat, Janie Williams, 16, nervous, cute and independent, holds her school books, looks out.

Her older brother Morgan Williams, 20, slight build, cocky, wearing a UCLA sweater, sits next to her.

He eyes the students with disdain, "I can't believe you, after all these years."

Janie, "Morgan..."

Morgan, "You're nuts, really, you now chose public, when Dad wants to buy you another Swiss school."

She half smiles, "Which I am totally sick of. Besides Dad went here. But, what if--"

Morgan, "Yes, yes, come on, Sis, get out. I got a plane to catch."

Janie, "You really should make up with Dad."

Morgan, "Screw him."

Janie kisses Morgan on the cheek, "I'll miss you."

She takes a big breath, taps on the door.

The Chauffer stands outside ready, opens it.

* * * * *

Travis, Bob and Eddie, along with half the students watch the car.

Bob walks away so he can view the license plate.

He whistles loud.

Janie exits.

The Cadillac drives off, license plate, CASHMART 2.

All eyes on Janie as she hesitantly walks toward the school entrance, very close to where Travis and Eddie stand.

Fidgeting, she drops a book.

Eddie gets to it before Travis.

Eddie hands it to Janie.

Janie, "I'm sorry, thank you."

Eddie, "It's my pleasure."

Janie twirls a ringlet, looks over Eddie's shoulder to Travis.

Their eyes hold.

He smiles, pushes Eddie to the side, much to Eddie's dismay, "I'm Travis Milloy, Hollins High School's official new student greeter."

He takes Janie's books from her, "I'll give you a tour of the school."

Janie, "I, uh--"

Travis, "Please... I... think... you're..."

Travis whispers in her ear, "Beautiful."

Janie backs away from Travis, her eyes wide.

She pauses long, her eyes squint.

She yanks the books out of his hands, and strides off to the school door.

Bob, Eddie and everyone laugh.

Travis stares, shakes his head, watches Janie enter the school.

He darts after her, charges in the school, stops, and spots Janie through glass windows of the principal's office, getting her class schedule, school map and instructions.

Eddie strides in, brushes against Travis, "Watch, playboy."

Eddie enters the principal's office.

Travis watches him chat with the assistant serving Janie.

The assistant and Janie nod.

Janie, timid, and Eddie, smiling wide, leave the office.

Travis and Janie's eyes meet.

His plead.

Hers looks at him seriously, then drop downward.

Travis approaches her, "I... I'm sorry."

She looks up, half smiles.

Eddie, "Sorry, yes, Travis, sorry, we have to hurry or Janie will be late for her first class."

Eddie leads Janie down the hall.

She glances quickly back at Travis.

Travis, "Janie? Janie. What a beautiful name."

Travis races after her, "Janie!"

Janie turns, pulls out a small can of spray paint, aims it at Travis, who stops in his tracks.

Eddie smirks, "Go ahead, Janie."

Janie frowns at Eddie, aims the can at him.

He backs off, "Oops."

Travis, "Will you go out with me?"

She looks back at Travis like he's from outer space.

Janie, "No."

Travis, "Maybe?"

Janie, "No."

Travis, "A possible maybe?"

Janie, "No!"

She looks them both over, checks her schedule, looks at the closest room number, "Thank you, Eddie, I can find my room now."

Travis, "A possible future perhaps maybe?"

She grins, walks into her classroom.

* * * * *

Chapter 5 - A better try

* * * * *

Fifty minutes later, Travis stands in the hall, outside Janie's classroom.

Behind his back he holds a long stem red rose.

The bell rings.

Kids rush out of the room.

Travis watches intensely, checks every face.

Everyone's out.

No Janie.

He approaches the door.

The teacher, Mrs. White, 45, sits at her desk in the empty room.

Books rest on one desk.

Travis walks in, "Mrs. White?"

Mrs. White, "Yes."

Travis, "Uh, I was..."

Unseen to Travis, seen to Mrs. White, Janie walks in, holding the bathroom key.

Travis, "Looking for the new student, Janie."

Mrs. White sees Janie shake her head.

Mrs. White, "Travis, perhaps you shouldn't. Janie's just transferred here and could use some adjustment time."

Travis sighs, looks out the window.

Janie walks softly to her books.

Travis spots her.

He doesn't move.

She grabs her books, glances at him.

His eyes soft.

He holds out the rose.

She smiles.

* * * * *

A fairly busy road runs alongside the river and over the bridge.

Travis and Janie sit under the bridge and watch the river current.

Travis, "Like it?"

Janie, "It's beautiful."

Janie points at Travis' different colored socks, "Hey."

He blushes, "I'm, uh, I'm slightly color blind. Reds and browns look the same."

Janie, "Does it cause you any trouble?"

Travis, "Never."

Travis rises, climbs up the slope to just below the bridge.

He digs in the dirt as Janie watches, "Hidden treasure."

Travis pulls out a tin box with a picture of Aladdin rubbing a lamp on it.

He hands it to Janie, "It has your name on it."

Janie, "And your name is Aladdin."

She opens the can.

A fresh red rose.

She smiles at Travis.

His head moves toward hers, "If I try to kiss you, are you going to spray me with paint?"

Janie, "Try me."

Softly, they kiss.

* * * * *

Chapter 6 - I'm naked!

* * * * *

Airport passenger gate, four years later.

Travis, now 20, stands, expectantly, holding a dozen roses.

He bites his bottom lip.

His dog, Bear, nudges his leg.

Travis, "Soon, Bear, soon."

Janie, now 20, steps out.

Bear barks, dashes to Janie.

Travis holds out the roses.

They hug.

* * * * *

Bedroom.

A photo of Travis, in fireman gear, and Janie standing in front of a fire truck, graces the dresser next to an Ultimate Frisbee Championship award.

Travis and Janie stand, embraced.

Slowly their clothes come off.

They lie in bed and make love.

* * * * *

The morning light shines in as Janie sleeps.

Travis quietly gets out of bed, totally naked.

He opens a side table drawer, pulls out a ring box.

He tiptoes to Janie's side of the bed, gets down on one knee.

He rubs his head against Janie's, gives her a kiss, "Janie, love, wake-up."

Only half awake, Janie opens her eyes, "Yeah?"

Travis opens the ring box, holds it toward Janie, "Janie Williams, love of my life, will you marry me?"

Janie eyes Travis's nudity, glances under the sheets at herself.

She frowns, "No."

Travis's eyes go wide.

Janie, "You're naked! I'm naked!"

Travis drops his head.

Janie laughs, leans out of bed, hugs Travis as they both roll onto the floor, "Of course I will!"

* * * * *

Chapter 7 - Bryce

* * * * *

The Williams' estate.

A large photo of Janie with her father graces one wall of an expensive pool room.

Out the window rests a Jaguar and Cadillac amongst a large driveway, manicured gardens and a gated high fence.

Posters in the room display, "BRYCE WILLIAMS FOR GOVERNOR".

A small desk, TV and semi-office inhibit part of the large room.

Janie's father, Bryce Williams, 50, self-made billionaire, bald, mustache, average build with a bit of pot belly, casual appearance hiding his "power" mind, and Travis shoot pool.

Bryce laughs as he sinks the seven ball, "You're kidding me."

Travis smiles.

Bryce slaps him on the back, "Travis, I've liked you since we met. It's going to be great having you as my son-in-law."

Travis, "Thank you, Sir."

Bryce, "Hey."

Bryce puts down his cue stick, goes to a sideboard that displays a smaller very happy photo of Janie, Travis and Bryce.

He grabs it and points to the larger photo of him and Janie, "And we'll get this blown up, too. But..."

He searches through some drawers in a sideboard, "I have something here... for you... if you want... bit old fashioned... southern old fashioned... old, but... what do you think?"

He pulls out two black shoe tassels and tosses them to Travis.

Frightened, Travis jumps away from the tassels.

Bryce, "Hey, just tassels, did you think they were spiders?"

Travis, "I, uh--"

Travis quickly picks up the tassels, "I'm sorry, Sir."

Bryce, "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."

Travis, "No, it's..."

Travis looks out the window, "I'm working on it."

Bryce shrugs but takes it all in, "My father gave me these tassels. He wore them at his wedding. So I wore them at mine."

Travis perks up, "I'd be honored, Sir."

Bryce grabs his cue stick, "Good, good. Eight ball, corner pocket."

He sinks the ball.

* * * * *

Chapter 8 - Frisbee

* * * * *

A football field lies next to the Fire Station.

Bear sleeps near a bench.

Travis holds a Frisbee as he teaches Ultimate Frisbee to eight underprivileged young boys.

Scott Carter, 12, makes a catch.

Travis, "Nice catch, Scott."

Scott beams.

Travis, "Now, when you're playing Ultimate Frisbee, you have to throw where you think your teammate will be, not where he is, but where he will be. Watch.-- Scott, take off along the sideline and hang a left at the fifty yard line."

Scott runs, makes it to the forty yard line.

Travis aims long, "It's like hitting a moving target. Now."

Travis throws toward the center of the field.

Scott cuts left at the fifty, arrives at the center just as the Frisbee comes down.

He catches it.

Travis, "Great catch, Scott, very good."

Scott throws it back.

Another kid catches it as Scott jogs in.

Scott, "Travis, when are you going to be in the Olympics?"

Travis, "Hey, it's not in the Olympics yet."

Scott, "Should be, so you can get a gold medal. What about the pros? You're better than all those guys."

Travis laughs, checks his watch, "Okay, guys, same time, same place, next week."

All the kids split, except Scott.

He hangs near Travis, "Going to the Williams' place?"

Travis smiles, walks toward his old Dodge van.

Bear races over.

Scott, "My mom works there now."

Travis, "Yeah? Hop in."

* * * * *

Chapter 9 - No corruption

* * * * *

A political rally is underway at a CASHmart (K-Mart type super store) parking lot.

A few hundred people listen to Bryce give a charged speech, ending it with an anti-corruption pledge.

Mr. Baker, 75, shrewd Democrat Party Boss, sits on one side of the stage next to his assistant, Mr. Kane, 60, eyes with daggers.

Bryce, "And when I'm in office, there will be no corruption. Mark my words. That's what career politicians are all about. Not me. And I pledge to you, just like my CASHmart stores give you the best, I will give you the best state government you've ever had! No crime in my office!"

Cheers!

Kane talks softly to Baker, who replies but keeps his eyes on Bryce, "I said it before, Mr. Baker, but you're the boss."

Baker, "Williams gave a good speech."

Kane, "Full of bullshit. He's not a politician. Easier to control a tornado."

Baker, "His polls are good."

Kane, "What about his ties to the Gonzo syndicate?"

Baker, "So they're friends. Nothing's ever been proven."

Kane, "No wife, hates his son. The only plus is a pretty daughter."

Janie sits on the other side of the stage.

Baker, "With a fiancé who's a fireman. Good image."

Kane, "Not his image."

Baker, "He's putting his money into the party."

Kane, "He's going to blow it, I just know."

Baker, "It's a lot of money."

Baker stands, approaches Bryce as he moves away from the podium, "Well done, Bryce, well done."

Kane's eyes zero in on Bryce.

* * * * *

Chapter 10 - Morgan

* * * * *

Janie pulls out a bottle of juice from the refrigerator.

Morgan, now 24, enters the back door.

Janie, "Morgan!"

She greets him with a big hug.

Morgan, "Hey, Sis."

Janie, "What are you home for? What about exams?"

Morgan, offhand, "Your birthday."

Janie, "Not for two weeks."

Morgan, "Mom's letter the lawyer has for you."

Janie, "Same, not for two weeks. Come on, tell me."

Morgan looks off, "I have to talk with him."

Janie, "Oh..."

She kisses him on the cheek, "Good luck."

* * * * *

Bryce sits at his large desk in the pool room, watching a TV news program, NewsTube, showing his speech.

Bryce, "I will give you the best legislative government you've ever had! No crime in my office!"

Cheers!

Knock on the door.

Bryce clicks off the TV, "Come in."

Despondent, Morgan enters.

Bryce frowns, "When I went to university, I didn't miss a single class. Even sick."

Morgan, "Dad--"

Bryce, "What a useless piece of shit."

Morgan, "I--"

Bryce, "Listen, you ungrateful ass. You go away to a far off big name college for four years, produce mediocre report cards and barely graduate. Then I use my influence to get you into law school. And more connections to keep you in. Now, you cut classes for three weeks and show up here with your head up your ass. Do you think I didn't know what you were doing?"

Morgan straightens himself, "Dad, I'm sorry but I'm not you. And I can't be your little lawyer son. I want to be a reporter."

Bryce spins his chair to face a window opposite Morgan, sarcastic, "My son."

Morgan's face tightens.

Bryce lights a cigar, "Your credit cards have been cancelled. Get your own instead of using mine. Your bank account, full of my money, has been reduced to five thousand dollars. Be thankful I don't take it all. There are three suitcases in your room for you to pack whatever you want to take. There's a used VW in the driveway - my gift. Come back when you're a man."

Morgan, "Fuck you."

Morgan stomps out, slams the door.

Bryce shakes his head, picks up his phone, dials, "He just left."

* * * * *

Chapter 11 - Gullible

* * * * *

Travis walks alongside the river, spinning a Frisbee.

He spots Morgan sitting on a bench, pen in his shirt pocket, an expensive camera around his neck, "Hey, big reporter. Got a job with Channel Nine, eh?"

Morgan squints his eyes up at Travis, then looks away, "Reporter, yes. Big, my dreams."

Travis, "And your first Pulitzer Prize story will be how a billionaire gets disappointed by a son who--"

Morgan, "Lives his own life... He can't wait until you're his son-in-law. Then he'll disown me."

Travis tosses the Frisbee up high, does a 360 degree spin, catches the Frisbee behind his back.

Unseen to Travis, Morgan shoots an envious look at Travis.

Travis, "He'll get over it."

Morgan turns his face away from Travis, "You're a gullible ass."

Travis stops fondling the Frisbee, stares at it, thoughtful.

* * * * *

Morgan films a huge blaze that roars from the back of an old widow's house.

Fire trucks sit in the street, lights spinning.

Hoses spray water across the house.

Firefighters and volunteers hurry here and there.

Morgan speaks to his mic, "This is Morgan Williams for Channel Nine News, reporting live. The blaze started in the back of the house, but it's spreading to the front."

Out the front door steps Travis, in fireman gear, carrying a middle-aged woman, Sylvia Brown.

Morgan, "There's fireman Travis Milloy saving the carer, Sylvia Brown."

Travis, "Take her, take her!"

Men, including the Fire Chief, 55, grab Sylvia, rest her down.

Travis, "Sylvia, where's Mrs. Hemmings? Where!"

Sylvia, "The bathroom, I was washing her."

Travis tears back to the house.

Fire Chief, "Travis! Stop!"

Travis doesn't hesitate, speeds toward the savage inferno.

Fire Chief, "Shit, Travis, stop!"

Travis disappears inside.

Fire Chief, "Damn it, that young fellow. Damn it."

Morgan, "Yes, you just saw Travis Milloy race back in a second time."

Huge blazes erupt out the front door.

Fire Chief, "Ambulance! Where's that ambulance!"

Travis, holding aged Mrs. Hemmings, falls out a ground window, onto bushes.

Many men speed over to help him.

Morgan, "Ladies and Gentlemen, that Travis Milloy is one heck of a hero. You've seen it live with Morgan Williams on Channel Nine News."

Morgan frowns, mouths the word "fuck".

* * * * *

Chapter 12 - Surprise

* * * * *

In a large shopping mall, Travis and Janie walk past an electrical shop with TVs in the window.

One shows Morgan with Channel Nine News.

They stop at a real estate's shop window.

Travis points to one house for sale, "That one's smaller, but I think we can put an addition on it."

Janie, "Dad will help us with the bigger one."

Travis half smiles.

Janie, "He loves you. You know he does. He even says how you're like another son."

Travis, "Even better than his own."

Janie, "Travis..."

He kisses her.

They stroll.

Travis, "I'm sorry, honey. Morgan's acting so odd lately and it's just hard for me to see how your dad treats him, and tells me I'm so much better. Maybe one day he'll do the same to--"

Janie, "No, he won't. He'll always love you."

They walk past a travel agent.

They stop, admire a poster for Thailand.

Janie, "Did Nan find your birth certificate yet?"

Travis, "She's checking all her papers. Still want Thailand for our honeymoon?"

They kiss.

* * * * *

Travis stands in the kitchen, looks at the photos on the sideboard.

He picks up the one with his mother in bed, face blank with him standing next to her wearing a birthday cap, holding her hand.

His great-aunt enters slowly, holding a certificate, "Your mother was a beautiful woman."

Travis nods, puts down the photo.

Nan, "She would be proud of you. Your father, too."

Travis, "Nan, did she never come out of the coma?"

Nan sits, shakes her head, "I, I can't remember the first few months, but nothing that I know of. Three long years."

Travis, "You've been great to me. Pops was, too."

Nan smiles.

Travis, "So you found my birth certificate?"

She hands him the certificate, "You can get your passport now."

Travis looks at it perplexingly, "It, it shows Gibson, "Travis East Gibson". I, uh, I thought I was--"

Nan, "We never legally changed it to Milloy."

Travis, "But I got a driver's license."

Nan giggles, "My good friend, Betty. Her son..."

Travis, "And my fireman background check?"

Nan smiles wide, "Travis, as a kid we felt you shouldn't use your real name nor your mother's maiden name. Other kids might have reacted badly if they found out your father committed suicide. But you're an adult now."

Travis shakes his head, "Surprise."

* * * * *

Chapter 13 - Why Travis?

* * * * *

Janie bounces excitedly as she eats dinner with Bryce, "I had a very interesting day."

Bryce, "Really?"

Janie, "Very, very, very."

Bryce puts down his fork, laughs, "I can't eat."

Janie, "No longer do I want to be Mrs. Milloy."

She giggles.

Bryce, "You and Travis fight?"

Janie, "I want to be Mrs. Gibson."

Bryce, "Gibson? Okay, pull my leg harder. Who is Mr. Gibson?"

Janie, "Travis! He found out today that his great-aunt and uncle never legally changed his last name."

Bryce's face goes pale.

He slowly shakes his head.

Janie, "His Nan said--"

Bryce shuts his eyes.

Janie notices, "Dad? You okay?"

He doesn't reply.

Janie, "Dad?"

Bryce, "Excuse me, honey, I, uh, I have a migraine."

He leaves the room.

* * * * *

Bryce finishes a phone call in his bedroom.

Bryce, "Thank you, Doctor."

He dials again.

Bryce, "Find out everything about the old lady who lives with Travis."

* * * * *

At the fire station, all the firemen rub cotton swabs in their mouths.

Fireman, "What is it with this DNA stuff?"

Fire Chief, "One of you guys is a father and you don't know it, or some lady is lying like mad."

Travis, "Can't be me, Janie's my one and only."

* * * * *

Semi-inebriated, Bryce braces himself against his pool table and stares at a drink.

He downs it.

Grabs the whiskey bottle, pours another.

He holds the bottle in one hand, the glass in the other.

A long moment passes.

He screams, "Shit!"

He hurls the glass across the room.

It hits the photo of him, Janie and Travis, knocking it on the floor.

He walks slowly to the photo, swigs the bottle.

His eyes water, "Why?"

He picks up the photo, shakes his head, "Why Travis?"

He cries.

He hugs the photo, "Shit... why... Travis..."

* * * * *

Chapter 14 - No!

* * * * *

Bryce sits at his outdoor patio.

Untouched breakfast eggs rest in front of him as he throws bread to birds.

A servant, Tony, 40, stands near the door.

Janie exits.

Bryce, "Hi, honey, breakfast?"

Janie, "Yes."

She turns to Tony, "Eggs up, Tony, thank you."

The servant nods, enters the house.

Janie, "Feeling better today?"

Bryce, "Sometimes we can't have what we want."

Janie, "Are they out of eggs?"

Bryce, "It's a general statement of life."

Janie, "I can have cereal."

Bryce looks off at the gardens, "Janie."

He pauses long.

Bryce, "I need to ask you to do something for me. It's very important."

Janie, "We're not talking about eggs, are we?"

Bryce looks back at Janie, "I wish we were."

Janie, "Dad, what's going on?"

Bryce, "You know I've liked Travis. In many ways he's a bit like me. But--"

Janie, "Dad?"

Bryce, "When you told me his true last name, I'm sorry, sometimes you can't have what you want."

Janie, "What!"

Bryce, "I'm going to ask you to do something for me. It's probably the most important thing I will ever ask of you - ever."

Janie shakes her head, "No, no."

Bryce, "I don't expect you will understand now, but in time, I'll explain."

The servant brings Janie's eggs.

She looks at them, backs her chair away from the table.

The servant leaves.

Bryce, "I love you, Janie, I love you very much."

Janie, "If you love me, why are you doing this?"

Bryce, "I have to."

Janie, "Why!"

Bryce, "It has to be."

Janie stands, tears run down her face, "What are you doing? Why! I'll be twenty-one, I don't need your permission. Why are you saying I can't marry Travis?"

Bryce, "I'm sorry, Janie, but accidents do happen."

Janie stares, horrified, "You... you'll kill... Travis?"

Bryce, "Of course not. So you will tell him, the wedding's off. Janie, there's something bigger going on here. I just can't tell you now what it is. You have to call off the wedding."

Janie, "I can't believe this. I can't believe this!"

She grabs her plate, throws it at Bryce.

He stays still, allows the eggs to splatter on his shirt.

Bryce, "Janie, please, I wish there was another way."

Janie, "No!"

Janie races into the house.

Bryce looks off to the garden.

* * * * *

Chapter 15 - Safe

* * * * *

Under the bridge, in Travis and Janie's favorite spot, he holds her in his arms as they sit and watch the river current.

Two pigeons do a mating dance.

Janie, "Travis..."

She wraps his arms tighter around her.

Travis, "Uh-huh."

Janie, "I love being here with you. I feel so safe."

Travis, "Yes."

She turns to face him, "I really do."

He looks seriously at her and takes her face in his hands.

They kiss.

* * * * *

Chapter 16 - Gibson

* * * * *

In his apartment, Morgan sings with a Neil Young song, OLD MAN, gyrates with the music as he walks to the fridge, grabs a beer.

Morgan, "Old man look at my life, twenty four and there's so much more. Live alone in a--"

Bang, bang, bang on the door.

Morgan breaks out of the music spell, turns off the audio player, heads to the door, "Hey, I like my door. Chill."

Bang, bang, bang.

Janie screams, "Morgan!"

Morgan opens the door.

Red-eyed Janie barges in, hugs Morgan.

Janie, "Morgan..."

He consoles her, "Hey, hey."

* * * * *

Later Janie and Morgan sit at his dinner table, drinking coffee.

Morgan, "So he'll kill Travis or to be more politically correct, he'll have someone kill Travis rather than let you marry him. What the shit is this?"

Janie, "He liked Travis, super. But the moment he found out Travis' real name is Gibson, he flipped."

Morgan, "Okay, why does he like Gibson so little?"

Morgan walks over to his computer, "George and Rose, eh?"

Janie, "Yes."

Morgan, "Lived here in Hollins?"

Janie, "Yes."

Morgan types in +George +Rose +Gibson.

Over one hundred results.

He adds +Hollins.

Three.

He opens an obituary:

"George Gibson, fireman, committed suicide September 17, 1994. He is survived by his wife, Rose. Service at Mt. Hope, Saturday, 12:00."

Morgan, "Suicide, shit, does Travis know?"

Janie, "Never told me."

He clicks on the other two.

Similar.

He types +Gibson +"September 17, 1994".

Morgan, "Shit, eighteen thousand."

Janie, "But look."

Janie points to the fourth one:

"A dark day for Hollins, George Gibson's suicide and Rose Gibson's beating..."

Morgan, "Beating?"

Morgan opens the site:

"CASHmart owner, Bryce Williams was a close friend of George and Rose. He broke down when he heard of the suicide and beating. His words echo Hollins' pain, "I knew George and Rose from high school. You would never know a more loving couple. How George could have beaten Rose and killed himself is beyond belief. No one knew the pain George must have had. And we can only pray that Rose will come out of her coma."

Morgan, "So Travis' dad flipped out, big time."

Janie, "But why should Dad hate Travis?"

Morgan, "Guess he reckons Travis will follow in his dad's footsteps. Trying to protect you."

Janie, "But Travis would never--"

Morgan thoughtfully leans back, "Let's go for a walk."

* * * * *

Morgan and Janie stroll up to their mother's grave.

Morgan carefully picks a yellow rose off a bush, "Think you can get the letter from Hawkins earlier?"

Janie, "He said I have to wait."

Morgan places the rose on their mother's grave, "Maybe it has some answers."

Janie looks at Morgan, questioningly.

He stands, sees her perplexed face, shrugs, "Reporter blood, I guess."

* * * * *

Chapter 17 - I'm sorry

* * * * *

Bryce cuts himself shaving.

Blood spurts.

Bryce, "Fuck!"

He grabs a towel and wipes the blood.

He looks in the mirror with sad, bloodshot eyes.

He stares at a lovely photo of Janie in the reflection.

Bryce, "I'm sorry, Janie. I'm sorry, Travis. I'm so sorry."

* * * * *

Chapter 18 - We're engaged

* * * * *

Travis examines necklaces in a jewelry shop.

A sales clerk stands on the other side of the display.

Travis, "Yes, her twenty-first... and we're engaged."

The clerk points to a particular distinctive necklace, "Perhaps this one, Sir?"

Travis nods.

* * * * *

Chapter 19 - Relief

* * * * *

Bryce sits at the outdoor patio.

A half-drunk cup of coffee on the table in front of him.

He holds a bowl of bread crumbs, but just stares vacantly at birds waiting to be fed.

A servant stands near the door.

Janie exits the house.

Bryce looks up.

She walks close to the table but stays standing, "I'm going to the river with Travis."

Her face blank, but intensely serious, "For a few days."

She tries hard to fight back the raging emotions, "I'll tell him the marriage is off."

She turns, walks back inside.

Bryce shuts his eyes, breathes a sigh of relief.

* * * * *

Chapter 20 - Forever

* * * * *

Travis and Janie camp out in Travis's Dodge van near a creek.

Bear "on guard" sits on top of a large six-foot high rock, looks down the dirt road.

Janie holds a camera.

Travis makes funny poses near the van with a Frisbee, "How's this?"

Janie, "Cute."

Travis, "This?"

Janie, "Sexy."

Travis, "This?"

They laugh.

Janie, "Dumb, dumb and dumber."

Travis, "Janie, we really should sort out the arrangements, our wedding's only two months off."

Janie, "Travis, smile."

Travis, "Another and another, you've taken five hundred this week."

Janie giggles, smiles sexually.

Travis, "What about the house? Both are nice. Which one do you want to buy?"

Janie slides up to Travis, slips her hands under his shirt, seductively.

Silenced, Travis smiles.

He cocks his head toward the van.

They go in.

The curtains shut.

* * * * *

Travis and Janie make love.

* * * * *

Moonlight shines on their faces.

Lovingly, Travis nudges Janie.

She opens her eyes.

They kiss.

* * * * *

Hugging, Travis and Janie watch the sunrise.

Janie, "I wish the sun didn't rise today, I wish this night would never end."

Travis, "Me, too. But we'll have more nights just like this."

Janie, "Hold me tight, honey... and, and don't you ever forget, I'll love you forever and ever and ever. Don't you forget, okay?"

* * * * *

Chapter 21 - A rewarding relationship

* * * * *

Six State Troopers enter Bryce's pool room.

Bryce welcomes them, "Please, men, make yourselves comfortable."

All men, "Yes, Sir."

They sit down.

Bryce, "Talley?"

Talley, "Yes, Sir."

Bryce, "You're senior, right?"

Talley, "Yes, Sir."

Bryce, "I'd just like to say that as much as our current governor has assigned you all to protect me and my family, and state funding pays your salaries, I intend to help you with your personal expenses."

Bryce hands them all checks.

Their eyes widen.

Talley, "Sir, this is--"

Bryce, "Talley, I believe this will be the start of a very rewarding relationship."

* * * * *

Chapter 22 - What the shit?

* * * * *

Travis pulls up his van in front of the Williams' estate.

Janie looks out the window, twirls a ringlet.

Bob Waters, now 21, works as a security guard, he sits in a gate house, opens the metal gate.

Travis, "We never sorted out the wedding stuff. We better do it soon."

Janie opens the door.

She faces outward, "Travis, we're not getting married."

Travis is stunned.

Janie turns.

Tears run down her face, "I love you, Travis, I'll love you forever."

Travis, "What?!"

Janie, "My father... shit... but Travis... Travis, listen, I love you, I'll love you forever."

Janie races away, crying.

Travis stares in shock.

She passes the gatehouse.

* * * * *

Travis jumps out of his van, speeds after Janie, "Janie!"

Barking, Bear dashes out behind Travis.

The metal gate slams shut.

Travis, "Let me in, damn it."

Bob, "You're not welcome here anymore, Mr. Milloy."

Travis grabs the gate, shakes it violently, "Mr. Milloy? Bob, what the shit?"

Bob appears embarrassed, "I'm sorry, Travis. Mr. Williams has given us orders."

Hands on the gate, Travis stares as Janie barges in her home.

Out the door steps Bryce, hardened face.

Travis, "Fuck this."

Travis climbs the twelve foot gate.

Bob, "Travis, stop!"

Travis, "You going to shoot me, Bob?"

Bryce motions to inside the open door.

Four State Troopers with automatic rifles walk out.

Travis stops almost on the top of the gate.

Bob, "No, but running for governor gives him State Troopers. And he's made sure they are his."

Travis screams, "Mr. Williams, Sir, what the shit is this!"

Bryce, "Go home, Travis."

Travis, "I want to talk with Janie."

Bryce, "You're trespassing on my gate."

Travis, "I'm unarmed."

Travis raises himself onto the top.

Bear barks.

Bob, "Travis, don't do it."

Bryce, "You're testing my patience, Travis."

Travis, "Troopers, I'm unarmed."

Travis jumps down on the inside, holds his hands up high, "I just want to talk."

Bryce, "Get rid of him."

Bryce turns, enters his home.

The Troopers approach Travis.

Talley, "Mr. Travis Milloy, under the authority I hold, you have two choices. You can leave peacefully right now, or you will be arrested for trespassing."

The gate opens.

Bear joins Travis and barks at the Troopers.

Travis, "Bear, stop."

Bear quiets, sits.

Bob, "I can't do anything, Travis."

Travis stares at Bob.

Travis, "Come and get her suitcase?"

Bob, "Sure."

Bob follows Travis to the van.

Bear tags along.

Travis hands Bob a suitcase as Bear jumps in.

Travis, "Tell Janie I love her?"

Bob has a tear in one eye, "I'm sorry, Travis. I, I don't know what's going on."

Travis watches Bob walk back and shut the gate.

* * * * *

Chapter 23 - Desperate Hope

* * * * *

Travis hops in his van, grabs his distinctive, blue cell phone, dials.

Travis, "Morgan?"

One hundred yards away, Morgan sits on the grass, his video camera aimed at Travis's van and the Williams' estate.

He glances at his watch and smirks, "Anyone ever tell you that you're a naive bastard?"

Travis pauses, looks over at the house front door.

One trooper stands guard.

Travis, "Well, that's changing."

Morgan, "Wouldn't have anything to do with my lovely father, would it?"

Travis, "You ass."

Morgan pulls out the camera's digital memory card, slides in another.

He puts the card in his socks, "She's my sister, but I'm not my sister's keeper."

Travis, "Where are you?"

Morgan, "Up in heaven."

Travis, "You double ass."

Travis turns on his van, zooms up to the corner, takes a left.

Drives up a rise, takes another left.

Morgan waits for him on the curb.

Travis stops, Morgan hops in.

Bear licks him.

Morgan, "So?"

Travis, "You just get that camera rolling and don't stop."

Morgan glances out the window, smiles, "My pleasure."

Travis U-turns, heads back to the Williams' estate.

A TV van passes them going the other way.

Morgan, "Been in jail before?"

Travis drives right up to the Williams' estate gate.

Travis turns to Bear, "Stay."

Travis and Morgan exit the van, climb up on top.

Bear hops on the driver's seat, watches.

No trooper at the front door.

Bob, "Fuck, Travis, please."

Travis, "Bob, give me a break, don't push any buttons."

Travis hoists himself over the gate, down to the ground.

He holds his hands up high.

Twenty yards away, Scott kicks rocks along the sidewalk toward Travis' van.

Bob, "It's not me, damn it!"

Morgan sits on the van, filming and narrating, "Yes, folks, here's local fireman hero Travis Milloy scaling the Williams' estate gate in a desperate hope to win back his fiancé."

Morgan shakes his head.

Scott stops five yards from the van, peers up at Morgan.

He looks over at Travis.

Two Troopers appear on the roof, aim their rifles at Travis.

Morgan, "And Billionaire Bryce Williams' has paid off state troopers ready to kill an unarmed man."

Travis runs towards the front door.

Bam, bam.

Bullets hit the ground.

Travis stops, screams at the Troopers, "I'm unarmed! I'm unarmed! You going to kill me? I just want to talk to my fiancé! Damn it, you going to kill me for it?"

Wide-eyed, Scott stares at Travis.

Two maids' worried faces appear in a window.

One is Scott's mother, Mrs. Carter, 35, pleasant looking.

She doesn't see Scott, "Oh my gosh, what's going on?"

Older maid, "Don't ask."

Travis darts up the steps, bangs on the door, rings the bell.

Morgan, "That's our man, ladies and gentlemen. Big town hero. Our own Travis Milloy."

A helicopter takes off from behind the mansion.

Travis bangs harder.

Talley opens it, "Mr. Milloy, you're under arrest."

Travis, "I just want to talk with Janie."

Talley, "How loud can you yell?"

He looks up at the helicopter.

A crying Janie and Bryce fly off.

Travis sprints back toward the van.

He spots Scott, "Scott, get out of here."

Scott backs away, semi-hides at the corner of the gate.

He watches, intently.

Mrs. Carter freaks out as she spots Scott, "Oh my god, my son!"

The older maid grabs her arm, "Stay here. He'll be okay."

Five Troopers block Travis.

Talley, "I said you're under arrest."

Travis, "You're kidding me."

Scott notices Trooper Hayes's shirt is open in the back.

Something bulges beneath it.

Travis tries to break through the Troopers.

They tackle him to the ground.

Hayes stays out of the tackle.

He reaches under his shirt, pulls out the barrel end of a gun as he pushes into the group.

Travis, "Shit, I've come here for five years. Since when am I a trespasser?"

Bam.

A gunshot.

Trooper Barns holds his bloody leg, rolls on the ground, "Shit, the bastard shot me!"

Trooper Hayes, "I got his gun!"

Hayes pulls away from the group, holding a gun by the barrel end.

The other three beat up Travis.

Travis, "Stop, no!"

They beat Travis unconscious.

Hayes grins, jogs to the home with the gun.

Talley nods his approval, as he strides toward Travis' van.

Scott, "Holy hell..."

Scott speeds off.

Morgan, "Yes, you've seen it here, live. Bryce Williams is getting rid of his daughter's fiancé."

Morgan nods, slides out the memory card, inserts another.

Puts the card in his other sock.

The gate opens, Troopers surround Travis's van.

Talley, "Get his phone."

A Trooper approaches the driver's door.

Bear barks violently.

The Trooper points his gun at Bear.

Trooper, "Sit! Back!"

Bear stops barking, hops off the driver's seat into the back.

The Trooper keeps his gun pointed at Bear, opens the door, grabs Travis' cell phone.

Talley, "Come down, Mr. Williams."

Morgan, "It's better air up here."

The Trooper hands Talley the phone.

He takes the SIM card out, hands the phone back.

Talley, "Put it back.-- Mr. Williams, you can hand me that camera and drive this van away, or you can join Mr. Milloy."

Morgan, "Guess I'd lose my job if I wasn't nice."

Morgan climbs down and hands over the camera, "I'd like a receipt, it's worth nine hundred dollars."

Talley, "Get out of here."

Morgan stares down Talley, "You do know who I am."

Morgan motions across the way.

On the grassy hill, a CHANNEL NINE TV van sits, camera crew filming everything.

Talley yells at other men, "Fuck, get them."

Morgan, "Fuck them all you want, their filming goes directly to the station."

Talley's eyes widen.

He turns to his men, "Forget it. Tell Mr. Williams."

Morgan, "I'll take that receipt."

* * * * *

In the helicopter, Janie cries.

Bryce looks out the window, "You'll thank me one day."

Bryce's phone rings.

He answers.

Bryce, "Damn!"

(pause)

No, I'll take care of them."

He hangs up, dials.

Bryce, "This is Bryce Williams, I want that film destroyed."

(pause)

You want your TV station?"

(pause)

How nice you understand the overview."

He lowers his phone, breathes deep.

* * * * *

Chapter 24 - Scott

* * * * *

Scott tears up the walk to his low income home and bursts through the door.

He slides double bolt locks on the door, and dashes to his room.

He zips behind the bed, and crouches down in fear.

* * * * *

Mrs. Carter races up the walk to the front door.

She tries the keys but it won't open.

She darts around the back and unlocks the door.

She yells as she dashes through the kitchen, "Scott! Scott?!"

She gets to Scott's bedroom door, "Scott!"

She opens the door and runs to him on the floor, "Scott, oh Scott, what did you see, dear?"

* * * * *

Chapter 25 - Lucky Day

* * * * *

Above a campaign office, a sign reads, "REPUBLICAN HEADQUARTERS, STATE SENATOR ROBERT HIGGINS FOR GOVERNOR."

Morgan drives up in a beat up Toyota.

Bear sits next to him as he talks to himself, "Well, my lucky day, the old man fucks Travis, fine, and I'm going to fuck the old man."

He hops out, strolls inside to a receptionist who nods and hits a buzzer, "Senator Higgins will be with you shortly, Mr. Williams. Please take a seat."

Morgan, "Thanks."

He glances out the window and whistles a tune.

* * * * *

Chapter 26 - Jail

* * * * *

Bloody and unconscious, Travis lies on the floor in a jail cell.

A shocked Police guard, Roger, 30, locks the cell door and stares at Travis.

He turns to Talley, "What do you mean, no doctor?"

Talley, "He'll survive."

Roger frowns, "And what do I do when he wakes? What if he wants a phone call."

Talley, "Tell him the phone is temporarily out of service."

Roger, "Shit, Sir, I know this guy."

Talley, "Your friend? Really? He tried to kill one of us today. He still your friend?"

* * * * *

Chapter 27 - You don't know him

* * * * *

Morgan stands in the receptionist's office.

A door opens.

Senator Higgins, 60, calm and stately, steps out with Doctor Herpert, 50.

Morgan shakes their hands.

Senator Higgins, "Nice to see you, Morgan. You know Dr. Herpert?"

Morgan, "He held my hand when I had my tonsils out."

Senator Higgins, "Good. Now since Travis hasn't any criminal history, bail will either be waived or a few thousand. We can easily handle this."

Morgan, "You may be running against my father, but you don't know him very well."

The phone rings.

The Receptionist answers it, "Yes, I'll tell him.-- Senator, Sir."

They all turn to the Receptionist.

She shakes her head, "They set bail at five million dollars, Sir."

* * * * *

Chapter 28 - What's going on

* * * * *

In the jail, Dr. Herpert cleans Travis' face, and puts bandages on.

The guard, Roger watches, "Something's going on, Sir."

Dr. Herpert nods, "Travis, do you know what?"

Travis, "Doc, one moment I'm with my love and the next moment I'm mincemeat. Someone put a gun in my hand.-- Can you get me out?"

Dr. Herpert, "The Senator's working on it."

Travis, "Do you know where Janie is?"

Dr. Herpert shakes his head.

* * * * *

Chapter 29 - Something's up

* * * * *

In his office, Baker stands near a window, looking out.

Kane enters, "Something's up, Sir."

Baker, "Yes. Tell Williams I want to see him."

Kane exits.

Baker sighs.

* * * * *

Chapter 30 - Tears

* * * * *

Janie packs a suitcase in her bedroom.

Tears fall.

She grabs a happy photo of her and Travis.

* * * * *

Chapter 31 - Alleged

* * * * *

Judge's office.

Senator Higgins sits in front of Judge Banks, 70, stern but fair.

Senator Higgins, "Come on, Judge, what's going on?"

Judge Banks, "He shot a policeman."

Senator Higgins, "Alledged. Five million dollars worth?"

Judge Banks, "My hands are tied. You know what Williams can do."

The Judge looks away, "Robert, help me out."

Senator Higgins, "Fifty thousand and he's in my custody. Just tell people there was a computer mistake, too many zeros."

Judge Banks, "It should be so easy."

Senator Higgins, "Otherwise I'll request the FBI to investigate."

The Judge nods, "Did I ever tell you, that you were the best student I ever taught."

The Judge signs a paper, smiles, "You'll make a great governor."

* * * * *

Chapter 32 - Bugs Bunny

* * * * *

Police computer office.

Talley talks on his cell phone as he watches the computer expert open Morgan's camera, take out the memory card, and slide it into a computer.

Talley, "Yes, Mr. Williams, we're checking Morgan's camera files right now."

The expert opens a folder, clicks on the latest dated file.

A Rock concert, "Save my Soul".

Expert, "That was the last file, Sir."

Talley's face frowns.

Another file opens, Gospel singing, "Praise the Lord".

Another, cartoon showing Bugs Bunny laughing.

Bugs Bunny, "That's all, folks."

Talley, "Fucking little ass.-- We'll get him, Sir."

Talley storms out.

* * * * *

Chapter 33 - Here's your copy

* * * * *

Morgan drives with Travis, his head bandaged, sitting next to him.

Travis, "So what is this shit?"

Morgan, "My Dad's a prick."

Travis, "C'mon, you must know."

Morgan, "Did Janie tell you why?"

Travis, "Just quickly mentioned your Dad."

Morgan, "She didn't tell me either."

Travis looks outside as they pass by the cemetery.

Travis, "What on earth did I do, that he's turned on me?"

They arrive at Morgan's home, park behind Travis' van.

They get out.

Morgan dashes to the apartment as Travis opens his van's door, grabs his phone, and races after Morgan.

Bear waits inside Morgan's apartment.

Morgan and Travis enter.

Bear jumps on Travis.

Travis, "Good, Bear, good dog."

Morgan zips to his computer.

Travis grabs another chair, slides up behind Morgan.

Bear barks.

Travis, "Yeah, us, too."

Travis dials on his cell phone.

Nothing.

Travis, "Hey."

Morgan, "Troopers borrowed your SIM card."

Travis, "So if Janie calls me, they answer."

Morgan, "Nice to have such good friends."

Travis, "I'm thrilled."

Travis pockets the phone, grabs a Frisbee, spins it in his hands.

Morgan pulls out one of the memory cards from his sock, slides it in the computer.

He opens the video, showing Travis climbing the gate the first time.

-- Video

Travis grabs the gate, shakes it violently.

Travis, "Bob, what the shit?"

Travis' voice, "Go forward, go forward."

Morgan zips the video forward.

Travis climbs the twelve foot gate.

Travis' voice, "More."

-- Video end

Morgan stops the video.

He pulls out another memory card from his sock, slides it in the computer, opens the video.

-- Video

Two Troopers appear on the roof, aim their rifles at Travis.

Travis' voice, "More, more."

Morgan zips the video forward.

Five Troopers block Travis.

Talley, "I said you're under arrest."

Travis, "You're kidding me."

Travis tries to break through the Troopers.

They tackle him to the ground.

Hayes stays out of the tackle.

He reaches under his shirt, pulls out the barrel end of a gun as he pushes into the group.

Travis, "Shit, I've come here for five years. Since when am I a trespasser?"

Bam.

A gunshot.

Trooper Barns holds his bloody leg, rolls on the ground.

Trooper Barns, "Shit, the bastard shot me!"

Trooper Hayes, "I got his gun!"

Hayes pulls away from the group, holding a gun by the barrel end.

The other three beat up Travis.

Travis, "Something's there somewhere. Give me a copy."

Morgan freezes the scene.

Morgan, "My wonderful father."

Morgan grabs a USB stick, slides it in the computer.

Morgan, "And one in cloud."

He clicks on his email program.

Morgan, "We'll have to get out of here. Get a quick beer, okay?"

Travis, "Sure."

Morgan watches as Travis turns around, goes to the fridge.

He quickly pulls the USB stick out without copying on it.

He pulls out his memory card, shuts down the computer.

He stands as Travis hands him a beer.

He gives Travis the empty USB stick.

Morgan, "Here's your copy."

Travis, "Great."

* * * * *

Chapter 34 - They're here

* * * * *

Morgan's apartment complex.

Two police cars pull up in front and behind of Morgan's car and Travis' van.

Talley and eight Troopers get out.

Talley, "They're here, go!"

Five barge into the complex.

Two go to the right, two to the left.

* * * * *

A Trooper bangs on Morgan's door.

Talley, "Go."

They break in, guns out.

The entire apartment is overturned, nearly everything is smashed.

Talley grabs and crashes an un-smashed vase.

Talley, "Shit."

* * * * *

Chapter 35 - Eyes cold

* * * * *

Travis, Morgan and Bear speed down an alley.

Travis carries the Frisbee.

They come to a T-crossroad.

Morgan, "Now, listen, don't contact your other friends. They could end up in my dad's radar. Stick with Senator Higgins."

Travis, "Right."

They tear off in different directions.

Morgan stops, looks back, eyes cold.

* * * * *

Chapter 36 - Closed

* * * * *

Janie's bedroom.

Her suitcase lies on her bed, closed.

Janie curls up in a large chair, hugging the photo of her and Travis.

* * * * *

Chapter 37 - Be careful, Travis

* * * * *

Travis and Bear run down the road toward Scott's home.

He stops in front, looks over his shoulder and around.

He spots Mrs. Carter through the front window.

He and Bear dart around to the back.

He bangs on the door, "Mrs. Carter! Scott!"

Mrs. Carter opens the door, "Oh, Travis, what's going on?"

Scott appears, hugs Travis, "Travis!"

Travis, "I don't know, I really don't know. But I need someone to take care of Bear. I don't want to worry my Nan. Can you do it?"

Mrs. Carter, "Of course. But what are you going to do? Why has Mr. Williams--"

Travis, "Yes, why? Good question."

Travis bends down to Bear, strokes him, "Good dog, Bear, you stay with Scott and Mrs. Carter, okay?"

Bear whines.

Travis, "Stay."

He stands, "Mrs. Carter, if you find out anything, please let Senator Higgins know."

Mrs. Carter, "Of course. And don't worry about Bear, he'll be fine here."

Travis, "Thanks."

Scott, "Want me to keep your Frisbee?"

Travis starts to hand it to Scott.

Stops.

He stares at it.

Spins it once.

He bites his bottom lip, "No."

Travis dashes off.

Scott, "Be careful, Travis."

* * * * *

Chapter 38 - Janie's broken up with Travis

* * * * *

Bryce's pool room.

The balls are racked, ready to play.

Bryce sits, smokes a cigar, looks out the window.

Eddie Thompson, now 21, enters.

Eddie, "Mr. Williams, Sir."

Bryce stands and stretches out his hand for a good shake, "Wonderful to see you, Eddie. How's pre-law going?"

Eddie, "Good, Sir, nothing but A's."

Bryce, "Well done. I always knew you're going to go far. A chip off your dad's shoulder, so the saying should be."

Bryce grabs a cue stick, hands one to Eddie, "Let's play some."

Eddie, "Okay, Sir."

Bryce, "Holidays for two more weeks, right?"

Eddie, "Yes, Sir."

They both chauk their cues.

Bryce, "I'd like to ask you a personal question. I'm sure it will be okay. You've always liked Janie, haven't you? And if Travis and her weren't together, you'd jump at the chance, right?"

Eddie, "Sir, I've loved Janie since picking up her school book. But there's no way. And, well, Travis is a good friend, and they're great together."

Bryce, "Fine, how about the beach with your dad, me and Janie?"

Eddie, "Sir, I don't know if my father--"

Bryce, "He already booked two rooms next to us."

Bryce lines up, ready to break the rack, "And, by the way, Janie's broken up with Travis."

Eddie looks amazed.

Bryce breaks the rack, sending four balls into pockets.

* * * * *

Chapter 39 - Morgan's phone rings

* * * * *

Senator Higgins sits at his desk, answers the intercom, "Of course."

Tired, breathing heavy, Travis enters, "Morgan here?"

Senator Higgins, "No."

Travis, "He should be soon."

Senator Higgins, "Good, do you have a video?"

Travis, "Yes, he made me a copy. Here."

Travis pulls out his USB stick.

The Senator takes it, inserts it in his laptop.

Click opens a folder.

Empty.

The Senator shakes his head, "Didn't copy."

Travis walks around the desk to look at the screen, "No way."

He breathes deep, "Check the trash."

The Senator opens the trash.

Empty.

Travis, "Give him a call."

Travis writes Morgan's phone number.

Higgins calls.

* * * * *

Morgan sits in a bar, downing a drink.

His cell phone rings.

Rings.

Rings.

He glances at the number.

Mutes the sound.

Drinks.

* * * * *

Senator Higgins hangs up his phone, "No answer."

Travis, "He'll be here soon."

Travis sits, spins his Frisbee.

He glances at the wall clock which shows eleven o'clock.

* * * * *

Chapter 40 - Sick

* * * * *

Inside Bryce's private jet, two bodyguards stand at each end of the interior.

Janie, dressed nice, sits, holding a glass of water and staring out the window.

Bryce rests next to the opposite window, sipping a martini, reading a newspaper.

His phone rings.

He answers.

Talley's voice, "I'm sorry, Sir, they--"

Bryce, "Judge Banks already called."

Talley's voice, "We'll get them, Sir, both of them."

Bryce, "I look forward to only that option."

He hangs up.

Bryce, "The beach is gorgeous this time of the year."

Janie says nothing.

Bryce, "A good break from all the stress."

Janie turns, looks at him with daggers in her eyes.

Bryce, "Someday, you'll thank--"

She stands, hurls her glass at him, "You belong in hell."

Her glass shatters on the window.

A piece cuts Bryce's face.

He jumps up.

The guards rush forward.

Bryce waves them off, "No."

He wipes the blood, looks hard at Janie, "We'll talk at the beach."

Janie, "You're sick."

Janie heads to the bathroom.

A guard blocks her.

Janie, "Should I piss on the floor?"

Bryce yells, "Let her go, let her go!"

* * * * *

Chapter 41 - Nan

* * * * *

Talley and a partner drive up to Travis' home, get out, look around, head to the door, and ring the buzzer.

Nan opens the door, but keeps the screen door locked.

Talley flashes his police badge, "Mrs. Milloy, I'm Officer Talley. Is Travis here?"

Confused, Nan shakes her head, "What? Why? Uh, no, he's not. What do you want him for?"

Talley, "Ma'am, now that he's been arrested for shooting one of my officers..."

Nan stares, in shock.

Talley, "Didn't know, eh, Ma'am?"

Talley slides his card under her door, "Well, Ma'am, if he does come home, please call me. I have to talk with him."

They leave.

Nan shuts the door and looks down at Talley's card.

She staggers to the phone, picks up the receiver.

Her whole body shakes, her eyes roll.

She grabs for her emergency call button necklace.

Squeezes hard as she collapses.

* * * * *

Chapter 42 - Screw the bastards

* * * * *

Morgan walks around a street filled with many shops.

He glances up and down the road.

He looks over at an electronics shop across the street, "Screw the bastards."

He sprints across the street and enters the shop.

* * * * *

Chapter 43 - Safer here

* * * * *

Inside the senator's office, the clock shows twelve o'clock.

Travis paces.

His Frisbee rests on a chair.

Travis, "He should have been here. Something's--"

The phone rings.

The Senator answers, "Yes."

(pause)

"Thank you, I'll tell him."

He hangs up, "Travis, I'm sorry, your aunt's suffered a stroke."

Travis rushes to the door.

Senator Higgins, "Travis..."

Travis stops, looks back at the Senator.

Senator Higgins, "Better come back after you see her. You'll be safer here."

Travis nods.

* * * * *

Chapter 44 - The Hip Woman

* * * * *

Bryce and Janie, with six bodyguards around them, make their way through a busy airport hallway.

Janie stops in front of bathrooms.

Men's and women's entrances are next to each other.

Janie, "I need to go."

Bryce, "Sure."

He motions to the guards, it's okay, "No windows."

The guards nod, stand close to the woman's entrance.

* * * * *

Janie looks everywhere inside for an escape.

No way out.

She turns on the water, splashes her tearing eyes.

* * * * *

In the hallway, a hip looking, blonde woman, 30, with scarf and hat approaches the bathrooms.

A guard blocks her, "Closed."

She eyes the guard over, looks around at the others.

She backs off, pulls out her cell phone.

Bryce approaches her quickly, "I'm sorry, my assistant was being over protective, my daughter's inside. Please, go ahead."

He motions to the guard to move off.

She enters the bathrooms.

* * * * *

The Hip woman enters, spots Janie.

Hip woman, "Hey."

Janie doesn't look up.

Hip woman, "Weirdo's at the door. Your friends?"

Janie looks up, tears fall, "I can't do it, I can't. I love him."

The Hip woman hugs Janie, "Hey, honey."

* * * * *

Bryce and the guards wait.

Guard, "What's the odds, she'll change clothes with that hippy."

Bryce nods, "Good. Spread out ten yards, three to the left, three to the right."

The guards spread.

The Hip woman, still in her own clothes, face down, exits the toilets, walks normally to the left, past Bryce, then dashes down the hallway.

The three guards there grab her as the other three and Bryce race over.

Hip woman, "Help! Help!"

She wrestles.

People stop, watch.

A guard shows them his security badge.

Guard, "It's okay, we're security."

Unseen, Janie, in her own clothes, exits quickly, and slides into the men's toilets.

The guards remove the Hip woman's scarf.

Hip woman, "Police! Police!"

Bryce, "Fuck."

They all turn back to the woman's toilets.

Hip woman, "Call the real police! Call the real police!"

Bryce, "Get in there. Get her!"

The guards rush in and check every booth.

Totally empty.

* * * * *

Bryce and guards tear off to the right, searching for Janie.

* * * * *

Chapter 45 - The Speaker & Watch

* * * * *

Inside an electronics shop, a small speaker lays on the counter.

A shop assistant shows Morgan a heartbeat monitor watch.

He points at the speaker.

* * * * *

Chapter 46 - Changed

* * * * *

In the airport, Janie, wearing the Hip woman's clothes, twirls a ringlet as she stands at a ATM machine.

* * * * *

Chapter 47 - Her, pack

* * * * *

Hospital parking lot.

Travis bites his bottom lip as he weaves his way through parked cars, looking everywhere.

He spots Talley, at the hospital front door, instructing three officers.

Talley gets in his car, drives away.

The officers enter the hospital.

Travis heads to the emergency entrance.

The fire ambulance truck is parked there.

He darts in, bumps into the Fire Chief.

Fire Chief, "Hey!"

Travis, "Chief, great, help me out. I have to see my Nan."

The Chief looks at Travis questioningly.

Travis, "I don't know, I really don't know what's going on. Bryce has gone mad."

The Chief nods, "Come."

* * * * *

Travis lies on a hospital bed with his face mostly covered by a sheet over his body.

The Fire Chief wears an orderly uniform and pushes the bed past one of Talley's men.

Into Nan's room.

Nan sits in her bed.

Travis gets off while the Chief stands by the door.

Nan, "Travis? What--"

Travis, "Nan!"

They hug.

Nan, "Travis, not so tight."

Travis, "Sorry."

Nan, "What's all this? And jail? How did you hurt your head? What--"

Travis, "Nothing for you to worry about. I'm fine, there's just been a misunderstanding, Senator Higgins is helping me out. I'm so glad you're okay. I thought--"

Travis drops his head.

Nan, "Travis... Travis."

He looks up.

Teary.

Nan, "I remember something. About your mother."

His eyes widen.

Nan, "She did mumble in the coma, in the beginning. Maybe for a week. The same words, over and over."

Travis, "What words, Nan?"

Nan, "Her, pack... her, pack... her, pack... that's all I can remember she said."

Travis, "Her-pack. What the heck does that mean? Her-pack. Herpert? Could it mean Dr. Herpert?"

Nan, "Travis, we never told you about the attic."

Travis, "Attic?"

Nan, "The trapdoor is in my robe closet. Pops put your mom's personal things in a big brown suitcase."

* * * * *

Chapter 48 - Stop! Police!

* * * * *

Bryce stares out the window of an expensive hotel penthouse room.

A block away is the Pine Shopping Mall.

A Guard bursts in, with a cell phone to his ear, "Sir! She's still here, using her credit card, buying clothes at the Pine Mall."

Bryce, "Pine Mall?"

Guard, "Yes. Wait... She just bought two movie tickets."

Bryce, "Let's go."

They rush out.

* * * * *

In the Pine Mall, the Hip woman, wearing Janie's clothes and a head scarf, talks with Police.

Hip woman, "Yes, two, sometimes more men. They're in the Mall somewhere. In normal clothes and claim to be police. An older man claims he's my father. I'm so afraid."

Policeman, "Okay, go ahead in the theater, sit near the emergency exit on the right side. We'll watch. If you see them, go out the exit."

* * * * *

Bryce, the Guard and two other men enter the theatre's darkness and search for Janie.

The Hip woman spots them, runs to the exit.

She trips, falls.

They chase after her.

She gets out the door only inches ahead of the Guard's hand.

The Guard bursts through the exit, and grabs the Hip woman.

Bryce is right behind them.

Hip woman, "Help!"

Bryce, "Janie!"

He grabs the woman's scarf.

Hip woman, "Help!"

Policeman, "Stop! Police! You're under arrest!"

Four policemen with guns out surround them.

Policeman, "Arms up!"

Bryce, "No, wait, she's my daughter."

Policeman, "Arms up!"

Guard, "We're security."

Policeman, "Arms up!"

Bryce and his men raise their arms.

Bryce, with daggers in his eyes, takes a long look at the Hip woman.

* * * * *

Chapter 49 - The Yearbook

* * * * *

Travis climbs over his back fence from the neighbor's yard.

He looks around.

Races up to his back door.

* * * * *

He hoists himself up through the trapdoor in Nan's closet.

* * * * *

In the attic, Travis finds the light cord, turns it on, and searches for the brown suitcase.

He finds a dark red one.

A mirror hangs close by.

He opens the suitcase.

Many items of his great-uncle.

He pulls everything out.

One high school yearbook.

Travis, "Mom's yearbook? Is that all he kept?"

He opens the yearbook.

Reads.

Travis, "Okay, Herpack, are you an old friend?"

He flips through the pages.

Cheerleading squad captain, Rose Smith.

Travis, "You look beautiful, Mom."

Football quarterback, Bryce Williams.

Travis, "You're kidding me."

He turns to the Homecoming dance.

His mother with George Gibson.

Travis, "Well, Bryce, you didn't score my mother."

The individual photos with nicknames and predictions.

Rose Smith, "Rosie", first woman president.

George Gibson, "Jeep", first "first man" of the White House.

Bryce Williams, "Packer", Green Bay's greatest quarterback.

Travis, "They sure got those all wrong.-- Hey, nicknames."

He reads through nicknames of all the men.

Travis, "Turf, Axel, Bonaparte, Texas, Cap, Beanie. Herpack, are you here? Herpack, herpack, herpack-- shit, herpackherpack-- her... pack, her... pack, her-- Packer!"

He turns back to Bryce's photo.

Stares long.

Travis, "He found out my real name... The next day was the DNA test... Then he forced Janie to dump me."

He holds the yearbook next to the mirror.

Bryce's photo looks like Travis.

Travis, "Shit... He's my father... Janie's my sister."

* * * * *

Chapter 50 - Janie returns

* * * * *

Janie sits in an airplane near the window, eyes closed, tears flowing.

Her hands rub her stomach.

An elderly woman sits next to her.

She takes out a handkerchief, puts it in Janie's hand.

Janie opens her red eyes, half smiles, takes the handkerchief, rests her head on the woman's shoulder.

* * * * *

Janie stands across the street from Hollins Family Planning Center, one hand on her stomach.

She stares blankly toward the center.

She pulls out her cell phone.

Dials.

Nothing.

Janie, "Come on, come on."

She dials again.

Nothing.

She opens the phone.

The SIM is gone.

She screams, "Damn him!"

She dashes into a hotel.

Janie looks around, finds the public phone.

Dials.

Ring, ring.

* * * * *

Police office.

Talley stands amongst other officers working phone tapping machines.

Ring.

Ring.

He answers a cell phone.

Talley, "Uh-huh."

Janie, "Travis, oh Travis, I'm so scared. I don't know what to do. He's terrible, it's all been terrible. I need you, Travis, I love you."

Talley, "Excuse me, is that Janie?"

Janie's eyes widen.

Talley, "Janie? Janie, this is Chuck from the fire station. Travis is still in jail, I have his phone. Tell me where you are?"

Janie, "Jail?"

Talley, "Didn't you know?"

Janie, "Why?"

Talley, "They say he shot a policeman."

Janie, "What?"

Talley, "Tell me where you are, we'll send a car to get you."

Janie, "I don't know you."

Talley, "Not to worry, I'm just one of the guys. We're taking turns holding his phone, expecting your call."

Janie, "Expecting?"

Janie shakes her head.

Talley, "Janie, tell me where you are."

Janie hangs up, runs off.

Talley turns to his officers, "Get that?"

Officer, "Too short, Sir."

* * * * *

Chapter 51 - Morgan prepares

* * * * *

Morgan stands in a motel room, wearing the heartbeat monitor watch.

A half drunk bottle of whiskey rests near the speaker on a table.

He takes the watch off.

His voice comes from the speaker, "Too bad, you big shit."

He breathes deep, nods, switches the speaker off.

* * * * *

Chapter 52 - Tell everyone

* * * * *

At home, Scott watches a video, "12 ANGRY MEN".

Foreman, "Number Four?"

Juror four, "Guilty."

Foreman, "Number five?"

Juror five, "Not guilty."

Foreman, "Number six?"

Juror six, "Guilty."

His mom enters, sits down next to him, mutes the sound, "Scott, honey, we should tell someone."

Scott, "But, Mom, they were cops - bad cops. We tell them, they will kill us."

Mrs. Carter, "Then we don't tell the police, we tell everyone."

Scott looks at her questioningly.

* * * * *

In a busy office, twenty workers sit at their computers.

One fellow calls out, "Hey, check the latest NewsTube."

Many come over.

His computer shows Scott with a full head covering.

His voice is muffled.

Scott, "I saw police beat up my friend, Travis Milloy at the Williams' estate."

* * * * *

In a university library, many students watch a computer.

Scott, "He wasn't doing anything wrong. One cop had a gun and put it in Travis' hand."

* * * * *

Senator Higgins and his staff watch.

Scott, "He made the gun shoot another policeman. Then they really beat up Travis."

* * * * *

Bob watches a TV in his Williams' estate gate house.

Scott, "I can't show you my face. I'm scared they will kill me."

Bob tears off his cap and security badge.

* * * * *

Chapter 53 - The Spider

* * * * *

Travis hurries along the riverbank to under the bridge.

He sits up on the ledge, and catches his breath.

He scratches in the upper dirt, pulls out the small box.

Paper and pens rest inside.

He writes, "JANIE, I LOVE YOU.

I LOVE YOU.

I'LL COME BACK HERE AGAIN SOON.

TRAVIS."

A large Huntsman spider drops down on his paper.

Travis jerks away.

He stops, looks closer at the spider.

He nods.

He gently encourages the spider to get off his paper, puts the paper in the box and hides the box in the dirt.

He runs off.

* * * * *

Chapter 54 - Keep your mouth shut

* * * * *

Talley examines the Williams' estate security videos, which show the beating of Travis from the angle of the home.

He watches Bear barking at the police.

He winds forward, spots Scott near the gate.

Holds the frame.

Zeros in on Scott.

* * * * *

In a quiet field, Scott throws a ball for Bear.

Talley drives up.

Bear stops halfway to the ball, turns and barks.

Talley, "Hey, Scott."

Scott stops, horrified.

Bear races back to Scott.

He barks and charges at the car.

Talley pulls out his gun and points it at Bear.

Bear stops barking, backs off.

Talley, "I have a message for your friend, Travis."

He shoots Bear dead, "Keep your mouth shut, kid."

He drives off.

* * * * *

Chapter 55 - Deep problems

* * * * *

News reporters clamor around Bryce as he exits a police station.

Reporter one, "What was it like being fingerprinted, Sir?"

Reporter two, "Can you tell us what happened in the movie theatre?"

Bryce ignores them.

His guards try to push the reporters away.

Reporter one, "Sir, what about the NewsTube kid?"

Reporter two, "Did your men really do it?"

Bryce decides to speak, but downplays everything, "There was a bit of misunderstanding today. The police were kind enough to sort the matter. As to Mr. Milloy, I was not there and I have not talked to any of those men. So I cannot comment on this kid's story."

Reporter one, "But Sir, Travis Milloy was going to be your son-in-law. What's up with your daughter and him?"

Bryce, "I believe my daughter found out that Mr. Milloy has some deep problems. She has cancelled the wedding. Thank you."

He gets into a limousine.

* * * * *

Chapter 56 - With his money...

* * * * *

At the Fire Station, a reporter interviews Firemen, "What do you think about your co-worker, Travis Milloy?"

Fireman, "No way, he had no gun."

Fire Chief, "Wouldn't hurt a fly."

Reporter, "But the gun is registered in his name."

Fireman, "Sure, Bryce Williams can frame anyone he wants."

Fire Chief, "With his money..."

The Fire Chief shakes his head.

* * * * *

Chapter 57 - THE_TRUTH

* * * * *

NewsTube website.

Morgan types on a laptop, "THE_TRUTH_OF_BRYCE_WILLIAMS.doc".

He clicks "Upload".

* * * * *

Chapter 58 - Travis returns to the Senator

* * * * *

Travis appears around a corner, heading toward the Senator's office thirty yards ahead, on the other side of the street.

He stops, spots an unmarked police car with two men inside, further up the street, facing the office.

He focuses on the driver, recognizes Talley.

Travis looks up at the building next to him.

A three story apartments with a fire escape facing the Senator's office.

The sun shines on the third floor.

He dashes in the apartment and tears up the stairs.

* * * * *

Travis exits the stairway onto the rooftop.

He pulls out his cell phone as he walks to the edge of the building, facing the street.

He uses the back of his cell phone to ricochet the sun so light flashes into the Senator's office.

The Receptionist spots the light zipping back and forth on the floor, "Senator, Sir!"

She gets up as the Senator opens his door.

Receptionist, "Look!"

They both go to the window, and spot Travis.

Travis points to the car.

* * * * *

Senator Higgins walks out of his office, heads to the Troopers.

They look the other way.

The Senator knocks on the driver's window, "You guys have a problem?"

Talley turns to face Senator Higgins.

He rolls down the window, "Are you talking to us?"

The Senator stares him down.

Talley, "Hmmm."

Talley starts the car, drives off.

Senator Higgins walks back to his office.

He waves to Travis.

Travis zips down the fire escape, runs across the road and joins the Senator.

* * * * *

Chapter 59 - Under the Bridge

* * * * *

Under the bridge, Janie arrives, exhausted, tears running down her face.

She digs out the hidden box, opens it, and reads Travis' note.

She curls up on the ledge.

* * * * *

Chapter 60 - It would be convenient

* * * * *

Democrat party office.

Baker sits behind his desk, lights his cigar.

Kane stands near a window.

They watch the TV.

Travis and Bryce's photos appear.

Announcer, "In an odd twist to the strange Travis Milloy/Bryce Williams story, all of CASHmart's five hundred thousand, nation-wide employees have left their jobs today, claiming to be sick. Yes, all CASHmart stores are currently closed. How long this will be for is anyone's guess."

Kane, "We can dump him now."

Baker, "Not that easy with his money."

Knock on the door.

Baker mutes the TV.

Kane opens the door to reveal Bryce.

Kane's eyes burn into Bryce's who returns the look with his own cold eyes.

Bryce walks past Kane to speak to Baker, "Mr. Baker, I have everything under control."

Kane, "The shit you do."

Bryce holds his gaze at Baker, who blows some smoke, takes another drag, "Your assistant exaggerates. It's nothing, really."

Kane, "Your stores have a problem."

Bryce, "A bit of over-reaction. My staff will be back to work soon."

Baker picks up a pair of scissors, holds the burning end of the cigar close.

He stares at the cigar, "If not, we will have to replace you on the ballot."

He cuts the end of the cigar as if cutting off a head.

He looks up at Bryce, "Bryce, you have really screwed up."

Bryce, "Mr. Baker, I built CASHmart from a five thousand dollar investment. I don't need you as much as you need me."

He turns, walks out.

Baker reaches for his lighter, "It would be convenient if he had a fatal accident."

* * * * *

Chapter 61 - A Killer's Smile

* * * * *

The Senator finishes showing Travis Scott's video as Travis fidgets with the Frisbee near the window.

Senator Higgins, "Brave kid."

Travis, "A wonderful kid. What about Morgan?"

Senator Higgins, "Nothing yet."

Travis, "I don't know, this just isn't--"

Senator Higgins, "Travis, things are happening, you have to--"

Travis turns to face the Senator, "Morgan's in trouble."

Senator Higgins, "Best to wait here. Those troopers will be around somewhere."

Travis, "I can't."

Travis rushes out with his Frisbee.

Senator Higgins, "Travis!"

* * * * *

Travis exits the building, looks around.

Up the road, Talley's car pulls out of an alley.

Driver's side facing Travis, window open, Talley's face smiles a killer's smile.

Travis speeds off in the other direction.

He darts down a narrow side road.

He hides behind a huge garbage container.

Nails lay scattered amongst bricks.

He grabs a brick, grabs a nail, bangs it into the side of his Frisbee so the nail points outward.

He looks up the road, no one.

He bangs another nail in the Frisbee.

Looks.

Bangs another.

Looks.

Bangs another.

Looks.

Talley's car turns into the road.

Travis stops banging, crotches low.

The car glides past Travis.

Five yards away.

Ten yards away.

Twenty yards away.

Travis pushes the garbage container to block the road.

He sprints off.

Talley glances in his rearview mirror, "Fuck."

He speeds up to an intersection, U-turns, drives to the garbage container, "Fast."

They both get out, push the container aside.

* * * * *

Highway.

An open field lies next to the busy road.

Along the edge of the field, perpendicular to the highway, a slope drops away into a cluster of trees.

Travis tries to flag down a car.

No one stops.

He spots Talley's speeding car approaching, half a mile away.

He runs into the field, looks back.

Talley drives off the highway, onto the field.

Travis aims the Frisbee toward Talley, throws.

The Frisbee sails high.

It swings down toward Talley's car as they approach Travis.

The Frisbee flies right into Talley's open window.

The nails cut deep into Talley's face.

He screams and grabs his bloody face.

The car swerves, off the field.

It flips down the slope, crashes into a tree, and bursts into flames.

Travis looks around, races off.

* * * * *

Chapter 62 - What the...

* * * * *

Travis hurries up to a stop light at a busy interception.

He spots Morgan driving a rental, going by.

Travis waves, "Morgan! Morgan!"

Morgan sees Travis, and flips his middle finger.

Travis stands, shocked, "Shit, what the..."

He watches Morgan drive away.

His eyes squint, "Gullible ass, that's what he called me. I've been a gullible ass. Like father, like son."

The light turns green.

Travis, "Fuck!"

He tears across the street.

* * * * *

Chapter 63 - Dad... Dad?

* * * * *

Bryce eats at his outdoor patio.

Morgan strides around from the side of the house.

He wears the heartbeat monitor watch.

Morgan, "Fast trip to the beach."

Bryce, "Well, if it isn't the little shit."

Morgan, "If I'm the little shit, you're the big shit."

Bryce's eyes narrow in on Morgan, "You're in trouble."

Morgan, "I was going to say the same to you."

Morgan looks around, "Let's go inside."

* * * * *

Bryce sits at his desk as Morgan shuts the door.

Morgan, "I want one hundred million dollars and a written guarantee that Janie and I, equally, are and will be the only heirs to your will."

Bryce opens his drawer halfway, pulls out a cigar.

A revolver can be seen further up the drawer.

Morgan does not see the gun.

Bryce, "And if you don't get your little wish?"

Morgan, "You already know."

Bryce lights his cigar.

Unseen to Bryce, Morgan puts his small electronic speaker on the book shelves.

Morgan, "The video goes live."

Bryce, "Why should I pay so much money for your video that shows a cop perhaps not quite doing his proper duty?"

Bryce blows smoke toward Morgan.

Morgan, "And I'll explain to the world how you killed George Gibson, and then beat and raped Rose Gibson."

Bryce, "You were present, were you?"

Morgan, "I'm a reporter now."

Morgan's eyes squint, "And I'm sure people won't mind finding out that Travis is your son."

Bryce, "Interesting, Morgan, for the first time in your life, I see some spunk in you."

Bryce taps his fingers on his desk, close to the drawer with the gun in it, "Give me two hours. Go have a hamburger or something."

Morgan, "Or something."

Morgan leaves.

Bryce picks up his phone, "Get rid of the shit."

* * * * *

Morgan gets in his car.

Drives off.

Two men drive after Morgan.

* * * * *

Bryce sits at his desk, smugly enjoying his cigar.

Morgan's voice comes from the little speaker, "Too bad, you big shit."

Bryce springs up, looks around.

Morgan's voice, "This recording plays if my heart beat stops. The video and more goes online, if I die."

Bryce spots the speaker.

Morgan's voice, "You have no idea how long I've wanted to bring you down... If only you had been a loving father."

(long pause)

"But I guess I played my cards wrong."

(long pause)

"As much as I prepared this, I never... never... never really believed you would kill me..."

(long pause)

"Dad... Dad?"

The speaker bursts apart.

Bryce stares long.

* * * * *

Chapter 64 - No, no, no!

* * * * *

Scott's home.

Soft rain.

Travis looks around, bangs on the back door.

Scott answers, "Oh Travis, Travis, they killed Bear!"

Travis looks down, "It'll be okay, Scott, don't be scared. You were wonderful, brave, to make the video. I'm proud of you.-- Your mom here?"

Scott dashes away, "Mom, Mom!"

Mrs. Carter appears.

Travis, "What's happening at the estate? Any word on Janie?"

Mrs. Carter, "She disappeared. Mr. Williams tried to take her away, but she got free. No one knows where she is."

Travis, "I do. Thanks."

He races off.

* * * * *

Under the bridge, the strong wind blows rain in on Janie as she lies, curled up, asleep.

Travis arrives, soaked.

He looks long at Janie.

His tight shoulders drop.

He takes off his jacket, places it on Janie.

She stirs, "Travis! Travis!"

Travis, "Janie, honey."

They embrace.

Janie cries.

Travis, "Are you okay? What did he do to you?"

Janie, "Travis, you, did they beat you?"

Travis, "It's okay, it's okay. Senator Higgins is helping me."

Janie, "I'm so worried."

Travis, "They killed Bear."

Janie, "Oh, Travis! I'm scared."

Travis, "Tell me."

Janie, "It's terrible, it's so terrible."

Travis, "What do you know?"

Janie, "My dad hates you. I don't know why."

Travis, "Janie."

Janie, "Oh, Travis."

Travis, "Janie."

Janie, "What? Do you know something?"

Travis, "Yes."

Travis looks away.

Janie, "Tell me."

Travis, "Janie... your father..."

He bites his lip, "Your father had sex with my mother. I'm your brother."

She grabs him tight, "No!"

Travis, "Look."

Travis pulls out the yearbook page showing Bryce.

He holds it next to his face.

Janie collapses, "No, no, no!"

Travis, "I have to beat the shit out of him."

Janie, "Travis, no, he'll kill you. He told me he'll kill you. He will."

Travis, "Then I'll kill him first."

Janie, "No!"

Travis, "I love you, Janie, sister or not. Go to Senator Higgins, you'll be safe there."

Travis kisses her, leads her up to the road.

He waves down a taxi.

Janie clutches Travis tight, "But Travis, you--"

Travis shakes his head.

A long pause as they look into each others' eyes.

Travis, "I'll be okay. My eyes are open."

He helps her into the taxi, turns to the driver.

Travis, "Senator Higgins' campaign office."

Janie, "Travis..."

They kiss.

She hugs him tight.

Janie, "I'll love you forever and ever."

* * * * *

Janie watches Travis wave as they drive off.

Janie, "Change that. Please take me to the Hawkins Law firm."

Driver, "Sure."

* * * * *

Chapter 65 - The Suitcase

* * * * *

Travis watches the taxi disappear.

He takes a step, falters on an untied shoelace.

He bends down to tie it.

He notices the sock is ridged.

He touches the other.

It's smooth.

One is brown, the other is red.

Travis, "Did it again, did I?-- Shit! The wrong suitcase."

He sprints up the road.

* * * * *

Chapter 66 - The Letter

* * * * *

Red-eyed, tired, wet, Janie sits in the Hawkins Law Firm waiting room, hugging Travis' jacket.

A door opens, lawyer Mr. Hawkins, 65, greets her, "My dear, Janie, you don't look--"

Janie, "Mr. Hawkins, please, I need my mother's letter."

Hawkins, "But your birthday is not until--"

Janie beseeches him, "I need it! I need it now. Please!"

Hawkins, "I'm sorry, Janie, your mother's instruct--"

She screams, "Please!"

Her whole body shakes.

He looks her up and down, "Okay... okay."

Mr. Hawkins leads Janie into his office, "Can I get you some coffee or--"

Janie, "Please. Just the letter."

He pulls out an envelope addressed to "Janie Williams", hands it to her, "She said you should read it when you're alone."

Janie stares at the envelope, "Thank you, Mr. Hawkins."

Janie leaves.

* * * * *

Chapter 67 - Just a favor

* * * * *

Travis scrambles through more storage in the attic.

He finds the brown suitcase.

Opens it.

His mother's things.

Jewelry, scarfs, a hat, an extra large music box.

Glass top with dancing figures.

Wooden base, 10 x 10 x 5 inches.

No letters or any papers.

Travis, "Shit, what am I looking for now?"

He pulls out the yearbook photo of Bryce.

Travis, "What?"

Travis fondles the music box, winds it, music plays.

He screams, "Damn him!"

He hurls the music box across the room.

It smashes on a beam.

Cracks open.

A small diary.

Travis, "Shit!"

He grabs the diary, flips through to the last page, turns back one: September 14, 1998.

He reads his mother's words, "I think it's time we told Packer, but how do we tell him that Morgan is not his son.

September 15, 1998.

Why did I ever let Paula talk us into this??"

Travis, "Damn."

* * * * *

Janie sits on a park bench across from some shops.

She opens her mother's letter, "My dearest Janie, How I wish I was with you right now. I'm sure you're as beautiful as ever. I need to tell you something important. I never told Morgan either, so please show him this letter. I hope and pray you and Morgan will forgive me for any difficulties this may give you."

Janie stops reading.

Tears fall.

* * * * *

Travis reads, "September 16, 1998.

Just a favor, she said. But this time I'm scared. Once was enough."

Final entry: "September 17, 1998.

Help her get pregnant. What if Packer finds them together?? He'll never understand. We should tell him!!"

Travis stares, "I'm so sorry, Mom. You waited too long."

Travis closes the diary.

Thinks.

* * * * *

Janie breathes deep.

She reads more, "For some reason, Bryce and I have not been able to get pregnant. We are both fertile, but it just hasn't happened. My good friend, Rose Gibson asked her husband to help me. No affair, just a favor. I never told Bryce... so he would think you and Morgan were his own."

Janie, "Oh, my god!"

* * * * *

Travis opens the diary, reads, "'Morgan is not his son.' 'Morgan is not his son.' Once is Morgan. Twice is..."

Travis closes it.

Travis, "Twice is Janie."

* * * * *

Janie reads, "Yes, Bryce Williams is not your biological father. George Gibson was. I should have told Bryce. I should have told Bryce. I should have told Bryce! I am truly sorry, my dears. Please forgive me. Bryce has been a good father for you. Please remember that. It was my fault George died. It was my fault Rose was in a coma. I am glad I have cancer and I'm dying. I can't live with these thoughts anymore. I'm so, so sorry. Please, please Janie, please Morgan, forgive me. I wish Bryce could forgive me, too. All my love, Mom."

Dazed, Janie stares at two pigeons mating.

She whispers to herself, "Travis... Travis..."

She wipes her tears, "Travis is not my brother."

* * * * *

Travis smiles, "Janie's not my sister. She's George Gibson's daughter."

* * * * *

Janie smiles, "Travis... is... not... my... brother!"

She jumps and screams with joy, "Travis is not my brother!"

She stops, frozen, "No! No!"

She runs to the road, flags a taxi, "The Williams' estate. Please hurry."

* * * * *

Chapter 68 - I'll think about it

* * * * *

Police station.

A policeman steps away from a computer, showing Morgan's face, "Chief! Guys! Have a look at this NewsTube statement."

The Police Chief, 50, the top Detective, 45, and other police come over.

An official statement reads:

"Our apologies to Mr. Morgan Williams. We have tried to contact you but you do not answer. So we have posted this notice to you here. We are not allowed to put your video with your claims about your father, Bryce Williams online. Mr. Bryce Williams has told us that your claims are lies and that you are attempting to libel him."

Chief, "Shit."

Detective, "I said after the kid's video, we should have started rolling."

Chief, "I'll think about it."

The Chief goes in his office, shuts the door.

An innocent policeman speaks, "Damn. Is he going to protect that bastard?"

A second policeman "friend" of Bryce Williams challenges, "Watch it."

The Detective eyes the two rivals, "Let him have a cup of coffee."

The Detective sits, "I'll have one, too, thanks."

A policeman goes to the Coffee maker.

* * * * *

Chapter 69 - Same job

* * * * *

Kane talks to two thugs in a bar.

One has a scar on his chin.

The other is bald.

Scar points at the TV, which shows Bryce's face.

Scar, "That guy?"

Baldie, "Hey, didn't we do a job for him? About twenty years ago."

Scar, "Justice."

Kane, "Make it look like suicide."

Baldie laughs, "Same job."

Scar nods.

* * * * *

Chapter 70 - Just some questions

* * * * *

The Police Chief finishes his coffee as the Detective enters.

Detective, "Chief?"

Chief, "Hell, Bob, it's Bryce Williams we're talking about, not some Joe Blow."

The Detective challenges the Chief, "Tom, I was a rookie when we covered those jobs. What happened? What was it we weren't told?"

The Chief looks out a window at the rain.

Detective, "Or what was it I wasn't told?"

Chief, "Take a couple of men. Don't make a big deal about it. Just ask Williams to come in for some questions."

The Detective shakes his head, "Sure, some questions. What about Morgan?"

Chief, "Yes... send some men to his apartment."

Thunder cracks.

* * * * *

The Detective and two other policemen get in a police car.

Detective, "No sirens."

Policeman, "Yes, Sir."

* * * * *

Chapter 71 - Bryce gets ready

* * * * *

Bryce shoots pool, misses, misses.

He wears a glove on one hand.

The servant, Tony enters, "Sir, we'll be out now for the evening. Is there anything you need before we go?"

Bryce, "No, Tony, you have a good time."

Tony, "Thank you, Sir. But I am concerned. We don't have a new night gate guard."

Bryce, "Don't worry, Tony, the security cameras are on, alarms all functioning fine, and I'm sure nothing will happen here tonight."

Tony, "As you wish, Sir. My phone will be on if you need us."

Tony leaves.

Bryce walks over to a security cameras' panel with six switches and one video screen showing six different views of the driveway and grounds.

He turns off every switch.

The screen goes black.

He opens a cupboard, pulls our a jar with a huge eight-inch, brown and black, furry Tarantula spider inside.

Sets it on the pool table.

He takes his gun out of his desk, puts it on a book shelf near the pool table.

* * * * *

Chapter 72 - More News

* * * * *

Bryce clicks on the TV, showing a reporter talking to Bob.

Announcer, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we have more news on the Bryce Williams' story. Following the NewsTube statement concerning Morgan Williams' claims, three people have come forth with evidence against Bryce Williams. Due to the possibility that some police have been working for Mr. Williams, they have come to us instead of the police. First we have Mr. Williams' ex-gatekeeper, Bob Waters, who was an eyewitness."

Bryce moves closer to the TV.

Unseen to Bryce, Travis enters.

Bob, "I'm sorry I didn't say anything earlier. I was scared. But now I want to say that I saw Trooper Hayes pull the gun from his back and force it into the group tackling Travis. And then after the shot, I could see Trooper Hayes smile as he walked away with the gun."

The TV shows a reporter holding a mic up to the prison guard, Roger.

Announcer, "Second is the prison guard, where Travis Milloy was held."

Roger, "Travis was beaten badly and unconscious when they brought him to the jail. They forbid me to call a doctor and they refused to allow him a phone call if he woke."

* * * * *

Chapter 73 - A party

* * * * *

Janie twirls a ringlet in a taxi, "Please! Can't you go any faster? Someone might be killed."

The driver floors it, "Shit, lady. Buckle up."

They pass by Scar and Baldie's car.

* * * * *

Scar and Baldie watch the taxi zip by.

Scar, "Someone's having a party."

* * * * *

Chapter 74 - The Fight

* * * * *

Bryce watches the TV showing a reporter holding a mic up to Channel Nine News owner, Sam Thompson.

Announcer, "And third is Channel Nine News owner, Sam Thompson."

Thompson, "Yes, we did film the incident, but I was threatened by Bryce Williams to delete the filming or else. At that time, I felt I had no other choice. I am glad now that I can speak the truth."

Bryce, "Bastards!"

Travis, "So you beat my mother, raped her and killed her husband."

Bryce calmly turns off the TV, walks to the pool table.

Bryce, "I've been expecting you... Son."

He picks up a jar with the Tarantula spider.

Reaches in with his gloved hand.

Travis walks toward Bryce.

Travis, "You killed him because he fucked your wife. You fucked her because you never had her. But why did you beat her?"

Bryce, "Another little shit."

He throws the spider onto Travis' shoulder.

Travis doesn't move, "I worked on it."

The spider crawls up Travis' neck.

He slowly reaches for it.

Grabs it, throws it off.

Bryce heads to the gun.

Travis reaches for a plate on a side table, throws it at Bryce like a Frisbee.

The plate clips Bryce's head.

He stumbles.

Travis lunges for Bryce.

Bryce swings his cue stick, hits Travis in the head, knocks Travis down.

Blood spurts.

Travis gets up, just as Bryce swings again.

Travis dodges, charges.

He throws Bryce against the wall.

A fierce battle ensues, both become bloody until Travis has Bryce pinned on the floor.

Travis lays into him.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Bryce moans.

Travis hits him again.

Unconscious.

Travis falls back, exhausted.

He struggles to get up, staggers toward a phone.

He grabs it.

Dials 911.

* * * * *

The Detective receives word on the radio, "911 at Williams' estate."

Detective, "Sirens! Go!"

Sirens blare.

They speed.

Pass Scar's car.

* * * * *

Scar and Baldie watch the police race by.

Scar, "Hey."

Baldie, "Yeah."

Scar turns the car around.

* * * * *

Chapter 75 - So... sorry

* * * * *

Travis talks on the phone, "I might have killed him."

Bryce, "Put it down."

Travis spins around.

Bryce stands, pointing his gun at Travis.

Janie's voice, "Travis! Travis!"

Bryce, "Fuck."

Janie bursts into the room.

She spots the gun and screams, "Stop!"

Bryce turns his gun toward her, "You stop. And you stop thinking you can marry Travis. Damn it - he's your brother."

Travis, "No, I'm not."

Bryce waves the gun at Travis, "Fuck you."

Janie looks at Travis, "You know."

Travis, "Janie's not your daughter and never was. She's George Gibson's daughter."

Bryce's whole body shakes, "The hell with you."

Janie, "Dad! He's telling the truth. You don't understand!"

Bryce waves his gun back and forth, "Understand? What's to understand? Your mother was a bitch and now you're a bitch."

Janie waves her mother's letter, "Mom loved you. She deeply loved you. She wrote me this letter for my birthday."

Bryce's face twitches.

Travis, "George Gibson wasn't her lover."

Bryce, "Fuck you!"

Janie, "Mom only did it so you could have kids! She couldn't get pregnant from you. She knew you wanted kids. She and George did it for you!"

Bryce, "No!"

Travis, "Yes! George Gibson risked his life so you could think you had your own kids!"

Bryce shakes his head.

Janie, "Yes, you killed him because he was helping you!"

Bryce staggers, reaches for the side of his desk to brace himself.

Travis, "You raped and beat my mother because she was helping you!"

Bryce's whole body shakes, "I..."

Travis, "Janie's not your real daughter. And I'm not her brother."

Janie puts the letter on his desk.

Bryce's eyes flash on parts:

"important... Bryce and I... not... pregnant... Rose... husband... No affair... favor... Bryce... not your... father. George... was... I should have told Bryce!... my fault George died... Rose... coma... can't live with these thoughts... I'm so, so sorry. Please, please Janie... I wish Bryce could forgive me, too. All my love, Mom."

Bryce, "I... I'm... I'm so..."

Police car sirens outside.

Bryce looks up, "So sorry, too... Travis... I, I didn't mean to... I really didn't mean to... hit Rose... so hard."

He turns his gun toward his head.

Janie, "No!"

Travis, "Bryce!"

Bryce pulls the trigger.

Bam!

Janie and Travis hug.

Police barge in the room.

They spot Bryce's body.

The Detective puts his hand on Travis' shoulder.

Travis nods.

* * * * *

Chapter 76 - A Red Rose

* * * * *

Travis waits at the church alter.

He nods as a hand pats his shoulder.

He turns to Eddie, both in tuxedos.

They smile at each other.

Bob stands next to Eddie.

A wedding march song begins.

They look up the aisle to see one hundred friends.

Janie, in a beautiful wedding dress, steps into the light.

She wears Travis' necklace.

She walks past the Fire Chief and Firemen, dressed in their uniforms.

Past Senator Higgins, his Receptionist and Dr. Herpert.

Past Scott and his mother, Mrs. Carter.

Past Nan and lawyer, Mr. Hawkins.

She steps up the platform to her two bridesmaids.

She turns to Travis.

Their eyes lock.

Travis swings his arm from behind his back.

He holds out a single red rose to Janie.

They smile.

* * * * *

The end

About the Author

Thank you for reading "Barred Engagement", one of Steve Weissman's 13 stories now available worldwide. We hope you enjoyed the "journey" with Travis, Janie and the other characters.

Steve has been an international Buddhist meditation teacher since 1987. He was a resident teacher at a meditation center in Thailand for 25 years, teaching over 8,000 students from more than 85 countries. He currently lives in Australia, and continues teaching at various centers worldwide.

It was in his early years of teaching that Steve started weaving in entertaining short stories. One of his students commented on how they thought Steve could successfully write a screenplay. At the time Steve had far too much work to consider such a project, and dropped the thought.

Several years later, Steve was contemplating the Buddhist philosophy concerning death in different realms of existence, particularly the higher realms. In those realms, beings are thought to live an extremely long time and may come to believe their existence is permanent. He wondered what it would be like to explain what death is to someone, who had absolutely no knowledge about the aging process or death. These thoughts sparked more thoughts, and three days later, Steve finished his first screenplay draft.

After polishing that script and experimenting with a few more, Steve realized that no one has yet produced a dramatic movie of the Buddha's life for Western audiences. Yes, there are many biographies of the Buddha, but a biography is a biography, and very difficult to create the excitement that movie audiences want.

So, why not write a semi-fictious biography, with the dimension and character of a true "Hero's journey"?

Steve's movie script, "The Great Quest" is that story, which has the potential to become the first Hollywood-level, dramatic movie of the Buddha's life produced for both Western and worldwide audiences. <http://thegreatquest.net>

But although "The Great Quest" has made 22 script contest finals, Steve's many attempts to attract producers, directors, actors, agents and managers, has not yet produced fruit.

Understanding more about the film industry, Steve realized that a film of this magnitude - with good directing & acting - could be Oscar-worthy, but it would be very expensive. So he decided to write more scripts that were lower budget, thinking that if one of these would sell, he might get a better response for "The Great Quest". These scripts have made another 36 finals, and he has now won 7 contests, with dozens more semi & quarterfinals.

But, again, Steve's attempts to attract Hollywood interest, has not yet produced fruit.

So now his thought is - turn the scripts into inexpensive short stories, and see what happens.

Do you have any possible connections with film personnel? If so, would you please pass "Barred Engagement" on to them. Steve will also gladly send all 13 of his stories to anyone who has a genuine interest in turning one or more of these into a film.

And, if you did enjoy this story and would like to help in even a small way, would you please take a few moments to leave a good review at your favorite retailer? More positive reviews will encourage others to read and enjoy it, too.

Thank you very much. You might be that special person who can help "Barred Engagement" and "The Great Quest" become wonderful movies.

More information about Steve's teaching can be found at <https://rosemary-steve.org>. And specific film/stories information can be found at <http://thegreatquest.net/stories.htm>.

* * * * *

Steve's 13 stories

The Great Quest

Drama Biopic

Based on the true story of the Buddha: The battles of a Prince who rejects riches and power, risks insanity and death, in a quest to find ultimate freedom.

Imprisoned in the Palace by his father, the time fruits when a naïve Siddhartha awakens to the realities of the world, and escapes in search of a deeper meaning to life. His devious, look-alike, unrelenting alter ego, Mara, presents the greatest obstacle, thwarting Siddhartha at every possible opportunity. Siddhartha also confronts barbaric Brahmin Priests, a war-raging King and evil spirits before he attempts harsh austerities and starvation. Barely escaping madness and death, Siddhartha strengthens himself for his illustrious battle with Mara, when only one will survive.

ISBN 978-0-6487941-0-3

Open Your Eyes, Dude

Romantic Comedy

Relaxing at the beach before a seminar with the world's most renown, yet reclusive eye surgeon, playboy doctor Tom has been given an ultimative - stay a bachelor stuck in his boring job or join an elite group of doctors keen to be in the Senate. However, he has just one week to find a wife who will enhance his public image. When he meets secretive, gentle new-ager Tricia in the surf, she intrigues him and then escapes his advances before he can discover more. He follows her but confronts the scheming tricks of a jealous neurosurgeon, and his own selfish ways. Finally he seduces her for one night, and actually finds that he is falling in love with her. But what happens when she discovers his original motivation?

ISBN 978-0-6488482-5-7

Barred Engagement

Crime Thriller, Romance

Travis and Janie are lovers from high school, engaged to be married, with her father welcoming Travis more than his own son. But when they find out Travis has a different real last name, all hell breaks loose. With her father threatening to kill Travis if they tried to marry, Janie cancels the marriage to save Travis, but he won't give up that easily. Despite the danger, a resolute Travis must fight not only for his love, but for his life. And little did he expect to find out how Janie's father was connected to his parent's deaths.

ISBN 978-0-6487941-8-9

Love, Mysterious

Fantasy Romantic Comedy

Cupid's top marriage agent from who-knows-where, Kolby has a massive problem. His job – and Cupid's life - are on the line unless Kolby can fulfill the hardest of all assignments! Rumor has it the couple were Romeo & Juliet, Anthony & Cleopatra, plus believe it or not - Adam & Eve. But when there's a time limit on the love arrow's potion, things don't always work out the way you'd like. He shot the greatest two soul mates as little kids, but the girl was born to the wrong parents and moved halfway around the world. Kolby must get them back together and make sure they stay that way. He's in a race against time to save Cupid and Love on Earth. And if that wasn't enough, he also struggles with another love agenda of his own.

ISBN 978-0-6487941-6-5

Mick, a kid who fought

Coming-of-age Drama

Brought up by a immigrant Polish father who never "stirs a tiger", quiet Mick shies away from any confrontation, even when he's denied his well earned High School award with a desperately needed scholarship by a jealous teacher. Yet after the girl he loves calls him a loser, Mick chooses to identify with his freedom fighting grandfather who died rocking too many boats. Will Mick learn to fight against bullies and win back his love, or will his father prevent him?

ISBN 978-0-6488482-3-3

Vicki in Viewland

Fantasy Adventure Animation Comedy Spoof

ALICE IN WONDERLAND meets THE WIZARD OF OZ in the land of foolish views.

A 13-year-old's crush on the paper boy has her falling head over heels, landing in the fantasy world of Viewland where the vicious President labels her a terrorist and tries to annihilate her. Aided by a five foot tall Bluejay and Count Alf the Fourteenth, she confronts foolish view after view until she must defeat the President in order to return home. Yet is the President the only one she must battle? Or is there someone more ominous who awaits her?

ISBN 978-0-6488482-7-1

For Life

Drama

For years Taylor, the president of a leading euthanasia group, has pumped all his energy and drive into his "mission". But now he must confront the reality of his own mother's illness and face-off with his estranged anti-euthanasia daughter, who holds power of attorney and medical decisions for her grandmother. Fearing the worst of her hated father, she does what she can to stop Taylor, yet his buddies also come knocking on her grandmother's door. Meanwhile Taylor's incestuous sister-in-law plays her sexual games and plans what to do with her share of the inheritance.

ISBN 978-0-6487941-7-2

Security Act 2070

Thriller Drama Sci-fi

Sixty years in the future, materialism reigns supreme in America, "One nation under Money". Those who protest the accepted creed are declared fanatical enemies of the State. After losing his parents and his love, the death of his brother tips Buddy over the edge into the "disease" which pits him against the culture. Swiftly suppressing his protest, the authorities commit him to a mental hospital where a doctor seeks a live specimen for research.

ISBN 978-0-6488482-1-9

Get Updated, System's Archaic

Coming-of-age Dramedy

Ken and Aaron's childhood sibling rivalry continues as adults. Though Aaron tries to make it good, even saving Ken's life, Ken's hatred stays. When Aaron shows up for a family reunion with Rahula, a half-Asian adopted son, Ken's prejudice grows, and multiplies a hundred-fold when Rahula and Ken's daughter fall for each other. Can the past be healed or will the reunion tear the family further apart?

ISBN 978-0-6488482-0-2

The Kalama Awakening

Cult Drama

On a spiritual quest, young naive Julie's longing for freedom and devotion makes her an easy target for a cult Guru's lust and her boyfriend's willingness to trade her for power and fame. Isolated and drugged, she ends up in a nightmare of betrayal and manipulation, yet resists being brainwashed into submission and becoming the Guru's sex slave. Sage, an ex-devotee, knows the evils that await and risks his life to rescue her. Yet he also becomes caught in the Guru's web and it's up to Julie whether she can save both of them.

ISBN 978-0-6488482-6-4

Leaves fall

Fantasy Dramedy

In a world where soulmates meet, an inept fellow has failed constantly for over 300 years. Even when his true love appears, rather than being ecstatic to see him, she yearns for her past life as a celibate nun. Clever, quick and breaking the rules, she outfoxes mating attempts, not realizing that they are an eternal pair. So what happens when a ninety year old nun, celibate all her life, dies and is spontaneously reborn as a young beautiful woman in a world where everyone meets their true mate?

ISBN 978-0-6488482-2-6

Another Chance

Drama Thriller

Brad, a star High School quarterback/Valedictorian, turns bad, becoming a local drug lord. Despite his wrong ways, he longs for the approval of his virtuous father. When Brad finally entices his father into his nightmare world, a surprised and shocked Brad watches his Dad out perform his own evil ways. When he awakens from his hell, he tries to reform and plans to marry a homely, innocent Librarian whom he truly loves - but will his fate allow this?

ISBN 978-0-6488482-4-0

The Burden of Angels

Fantasy Comedy Short

God warns goofy Humphrey, he's on the verge of failing Angel School when an elite class of angels head to earth to help major catastrophes, yet poor Humphrey plans to aid just one man who lost a piece of paper.

ISBN 978-0-6488482-9-5