Where the Wind Blows (2025) Movie Script
1
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WOMAN 1:
Dear Nathan, I hope this letter
finds you well.
It's been three months
since I've heard from you.
Do you think of me?
I hope the herd
was easier this year
and that you travel back
home safely.
Your loving wife, Jessie.
I got a friend who's got a hell
of a spread up in Jackson.
He needs to gather his herd
before he drives 'em.
You should come up
there with me.
BARTENDER:
What'll it be?
-Uh, two whiskies.
-BARTENDER: Yes, sir.
What about your wife?
(LAUGHS)
Yeah.
She can manage just fine.
I'll get back to her eventually.
Hey, cowboy.
Well look at you, darling.
Ain't you a sight for sore eyes?
Where you been all my life?
Right here, sugar.
(NATHAN AND WOMAN LAUGHING)
DINAH:
Hey, hey.
I got a friend over there
who'd like you.
NATHAN:
He's a little shy.
(NATHAN AND WOMAN LAUGHING)
Darling, why don't you go over
to that poker table
and save me a seat
and I'll fetch us a bottle.
Sure thing, sugar.
(CHUCKLES)
(SLURPS)
Do me a favor.
Hold this for me.
MAN 1:
What's this?
$640.
And an heirloom that
means a lot to me.
So keep your eye on it.
You're a good man, Chase.
For the life of me,
I can't figure out
why you don't know that yet.
(GLASS CLUNKS)
NATHAN:
Tender, give me a bottle.
Yeah.
Come on, son, live a little bit.
(NATHAN LAUGHS)
(LAUGHING)
NATHAN:
Yeah, deal me in, boys.
Come in sweetheart.
Here you go darling.
WOMAN 2:
Ah, thank you.
(WOMAN CHUCKLING)
Another bottle.
(NATHAN LAUGHING)
NATHAN:
Wooh!
I'm gonna send you boys home
in a pine box.
(NATHAN LAUGHING)
NATHAN:
Look at you, yeah.
Oh, you're in trouble.
(SIGHS)
(KNOCKING ON THE DOOR)
(SIGHS)
(KNOCKING ON THE DOOR)
WOMAN 3:
Hey, honey,
you want some company?
Hello?
(RECEDING FOOTFALLS)
(SIGHS)
(INDISTINCT CHATTERING)
(GUNSHOTS)
(GASPS)
(PEOPLE CLAMORING)
(DOOR CREAKS)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
()
()
(HORSE NEIGHS)
(TAKES A DEEP BREATH)
(KNOCKING ON THE DOOR)
JESSIE:
Who's there?
Name's Chase Logan.
Rode with Nathan
at the Bar T.
I got a message
for Mrs. Strong.
(DOOR OPENS, CREAKS)
Think you can put that gun down
and open the door, ma'am?
I don't mean no harm.
I'm a friend of Nathan's.
(DOOR CREAKS)
You're Mrs. Strong?
Well, that's who you asked for,
ain't it?
CHASE:
Yes, ma'am, I just, uh--
Well, I expected someone
a bit more...
Mature?
(HORSE NEIGHS IN BACKGROUND)
(BIRDS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE)
Yeah, something like that.
Will a cup of hot coffee
warm your insides?
Yes, ma'am.
Thank you kindly.
(DOOR CREAKS, CLOSES)
JESSIE:
Have a seat, Mr. Logan.
Uh, no, thank you, ma'am,
I'm just-- just here to deliver
a message.
JESSIE:
What's the message?
(COFFEE POURING)
(CROCKERY CLINKING)
(APPROACHING FOOTFALLS)
JESSIE:
What's the message,
Mr. Logan?
Well, I'm sorry to be the one
to tell you, surely I am,
but, uh...
...Nathan's dead.
Let me...
Let me get this from you.
There you go.
Oh, um...
(CLEARS THROAT)
Why don't you take a seat?
(INSECTS AND BIRDS CHIRPING
IN DISTANCE)
(SIGHS)
CHASE:
What happened was, um...
When Nathan had
the night watch,
and it was real stormy,
and cattle were edgy
from all the thunder
and lightning, and, uh,
well, no one knows
what happened exactly, but...
...when Nathan was dead,
we found him in the mornin'.
(BIRDS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE)
CHASE:
Seems he died
real peaceful though.
(JESSIE SOBBING)
All right,
hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
Come on now,
these things have a way
to sort themselves out.
(JESSIE SOBBING)
(JESSIE SNIFFLES)
What's your given name,
Mrs. Strong?
JESSIE:
Jessie.
My name's Jessie.
Jessie, huh, well,
that's a real pretty name.
Why don't you come back
over here and take a seat?
You know, I've dealt you
one healthy shock.
Let me get you a cup of coffee.
(GRUNTS)
(COFFEE POURS)
CHASE:
There you go.
Thank you.
You have a friend or family
nearby I could fetch for you?
I can take care of myself,
Mr. Logan.
Just gotta get used
to the idea that
Nathan won't be comin' home
anymore.
It's already dark and Cody,
my horse, he's plumb wore out.
Think we could bed down
in your lean-to for the night?
JESSIE:
Nathan was gonna fix it,
but you're welcome to it
if you like.
CHASE:
I'm sure it will be just fine,
thank you.
(CHASE GRUNTS)
Cold in hell before
I volunteer for that again.
(TAKES A DEEP BREATH)
()
CHASE:
See that?
Sorry.
Didn't mean to scare ya.
Couldn't sleep.
I needed a little air, too.
(CODY NEIGHS IN BACKGROUND)
Shootin' star, huh?
Sometimes I pretend
all those stars
are angels watchin' over me.
Must be a million of 'em.
Yeah.
Do you suppose there are
that many angels in heaven,
Mr. Logan?
Don't believe much in heaven.
Or hell.
Do you believe in God?
CHASE:
I just put my faith in
what meets my eyes.
Seems the wind's
the sole exception.
Yet I do spy its course
in the trees when it blows.
What do you think happens
when we die?
Dust to dust, as they say.
Well, that's a sad thought.
Good night, Mr. Logan.
Good night.
()
(KNOCKS)
Mrs. Strong?
(BIRDS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE)
(KNOCKS LOUDER)
-CHASE: Mrs. Strong?
-Yes.
Mr. Logan.
I'm heading through town
on the way up north.
Wanted to know if I could, uh,
deliver a message to anyone
for you.
No one.
(BIRDS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE)
If you could get a fire goin',
I'll make us a cup of coffee.
Where you from, Mr. Logan?
Nowhere in particular.
Never knew my folks,
and heck, I don't even know
where I was born.
Tried settling down once,
even bought a small spread,
but, uh,
ranching life
just lost its appeal.
So I started riding
with different outfits.
You?
JESSIE:
Oklahoma Territory.
Grew up in an orphanage.
It was horrible, mostly.
Except for Mr. Hobbs,
who ran the place.
(SLURPS)
JESSIE:
When Nathan married me
after a long time,
he promised I could eventually
adopt the little girl
from the orphanage,
where I grew up.
They're bringing her out
right now.
But surely they won't let me
keep her
if once they find out
Nathan's dead, will they?
I don't know much about
adoption rules and such,
but I'd imagine if you, uh,
you told 'em the truth,
they'd understand.
Well, maybe.
Maybe not.
I was wonderin'
if you could see your way
to pretending to be Nathan.
(GULPS)
Just until Sarah's papers
are signed.
Nah, I don't play false like
that, even for a friend.
JESSIE:
Please, Mr. Logan.
She's the only one from
the orphanage I consider family.
(EXHALES)
Well, if you did this,
I'd never have to be alone.
CHASE:
I'm sorry, missus--
Miss Strong.
Can I get you anything else?
No, thank you, ma'am.
I truly am sorry about
what happened to Nathan.
MR. HOBBS:
Hello, the house!
Anybody home?
JESSIE:
Oh, my stars.
It's them.
(FOOTFALLS)
(DOOR OPENS)
JESSIE:
Mr. Hobbs, you made it.
MR. HOBBS:
Hey!
JESSIE:
Safe and sound.
(LAUGHS)
(JESSIE CHUCKLES)
JESSIE:
Sarah!
I don't understand.
We got along so well
on our last visit.
Well, she'll eventually
get used to you.
You know, before we left,
Mrs. Hobbs locked her
in the cellar.
She's been through a lot,
Jessie, just give her some time.
-MR. HOBBS: Gabe.
-(SIGHS)
This here is Gabe Garrison.
Only been with us a short time.
Howdy, ma'am.
Welcome.
Yeah, asked Gabe to ride
with me.
Having an extra pair
of hands and eyes
on the trail don't hurt none.
Well, it is good to finally meet
Nathan Strong.
Oh, well, uh...
I've heard good things.
Um, uh...
I'll show you your bed.
Well, you know,
any good friend of Jessie's
is a friend of mine.
(BIRDS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE)
MR. HOBBS:
You are home, Sarah.
(MR. HOBBS LAUGHS)
You wanna try your bed?
Nothin' to worry.
Don't worry about nothin'.
I'm headin' out.
Don't wait for supper.
JESSIE:
Wait!
-(DOOR CLOSES)
-Go ahead.
We'll be okay.
Ah, now you don't have
to share a bed.
JESSIE:
Please!
Mr. Logan, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean
for that to happen.
Honest.
I can't bear the thought
of Sarah going back
to that terrible place.
()
Good luck, Jessie.
JESSIE:
Please, don't go.
You're him.
Yeah, who's that?
My guardian angel.
(CHASE SCOFFS)
JESSIE:
I just know it.
Not hardly.
(THUNDER CLAPPING AND ROLLING)
-(RAIN PATTERING)
-(PANTS)
()
(DOOR SHUTS)
(DOOR CREAKS, CLOSES)
(SOBS)
()
()
(SNIFFLES, SOBS)
(DOOR CREAKS, CLOSES)
Sarah, honey.
Don't you remember me?
(MR. HOBBS CHUCKLES)
She's just shy, Jessie.
How long's Mr. Strong
gonna be gone?
(CHAIR CREAKING)
I'm not sure.
What are your plans?
I wish we could stay and visit
for a few days,
but we gotta get back.
We'll pull out first thing
in the mornin'.
Oh.
That's a shame.
(CODY TROTTING)
(PATS)
(BIRDS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE)
(GRUNTS)
()
(SIGHS)
()
(DOOR CREAKS, OPENS)
(EXHALES)
Evening, sweetheart.
You're back?
CHASE:
Of course I'm back.
Where else would I go, huh?
Evening, Mr. Hobbs.
(SNORES)
Ah, he's asleep.
Ah.
It's just that
you're back so soon.
Did you miss me?
Oh, looks like I surprised
my little wife speechless.
I'll get your supper.
(SMACKS LIPS)
Thanks, darlin'.
(SIGHS)
Oh, thank you.
Gabe will be sleeping right here
next to you.
Nothin' to worry about.
Isn't that right, Gabe?
You betcha.
You got your dolly right there.
Just hope she don't keep me up
all night with her snorin'.
(SNORES)
(GABE AND JESSIE GIGGLE)
Good night.
(GULPS)
(TAPS)
()
(COFFEE POURS)
(MUNCHES)
Thank you, darlin'.
You know, I've got a powerful
hitch in my shoulder.
And?
And I need you
to rub it, darling.
-What are you up to?
-Hey, don't get all riled.
A husband's got a right to
ask his wife for a little rub.
Fine.
(RAIN PATTERING IN BACKGROUND)
(CLEARS THROAT)
Can't feel nothin'.
Oh, yeah.
Mm-hmm.
That's the stuff.
(CHASE MOANS)
Wha--
Don't stop now.
It's just getting good.
-(BONES CRACK)
-(SCREAMS)
What's wrong?
What's wrong?
JESSIE:
Nothing, Mr. Hobbs.
Go back to sleep.
Huh.
(MR. HOBBS SNORING)
Fine.
(MOANS)
()
()
-Somethin' wrong?
-No.
Just gonna freshen up
your coffee.
It might be cold now.
()
(LIQUID POURS)
-JESSIE: There you are.
-Hmm.
Take your time.
I'll just be getting ready
for bed.
(DOOR CREAKS, CLOSES)
(GULPING)
(GRUNTS)
(HISSES)
(GRUNTS)
(MUNCHES)
()
(CUP CLUNKS)
(GRUNTS)
()
(RAIN PATTERING IN BACKGROUND)
(DOOR CREAKS, CLOSES)
JESSIE:
Come on, now.
(CHASE GRUNTS)
JESSIE:
Good boy.
CHASE:
(MUMBLES)
(DOOR CREAKS, THUDS)
(GRUNTS)
(DOOR THUDS)
()
Straddle me.
What?
Straddle my leg, girl.
(SIGHS)
CHASE:
Yeah, there you go.
Just like that.
(CHASE LAUGHS)
See if I help you with
the next one, you big galoot.
()
(GROANS)
Can I help you?
Think you' done enough.
I didn't know what else to do.
Laudnum?
Mr. Hobbs and Gabe will be
leaving shortly.
If you can put up
with the pretense
just for a few more minutes,
and I'll make you the best
breakfast you've ever had.
(SARAH HUMMING)
All right.
I'll do it.
Thank you.
Good mornin', Mr. Strong!
Morning.
MR. HOBBS:
Well, I guess it's about
that time.
Gabe, can you take that last bag
out to the wagon, please?
Yes, sir.
Um, I just gotta ask you,
if you'd be at all open
to adopting Gabriel,
along with Sarah?
I don't mean to force you
two into a quick decision,
but we're desperately
overcrowded at the orphanage,
and I'm afraid
I'm gonna have to turn him out
when we get back.
Gabe's little sister died
in the cholera,
along with his folks.
He really wants to be part
of a family.
He won't be any trouble,
I promise.
In fact, he'll be quite a help
around here, as you can see.
All loaded up, Mr. Hobbs.
(CHUCKLES)
(CLEARS THROAT)
Boy stays.
We'd be proud to have you
a part of our family.
You won't regret it, ma'am.
I will if you
keep calling me ma'am.
No, ma'am.
(CHUCKLING)
Oh, well, I think this is
about settled.
Oh, almost forgot.
The adoption papers.
JESSIE:
Yes, the papers.
Yeah.
Here.
()
(PEN SCRIBBLES)
JESSIE:
Your turn.
()
(PAPER RUSTLES)
(PEN SCRIBBLES)
Bye!
I'm goin' huntin'.
Huntin'? Now?
Yep.
You're leaving, aren't you?
Nope.
Not yet.
Well, I don't blame you
for leavin'
after what just happened.
Those kids need more to eat than
just beans and cornbread,
especially that young boy
you just adopted.
Now, there's work that needs
to be done around this
place before I leave.
It'll take me a week or so,
but I'll get it into shape.
Gabe will be able to handle
things from there.
So that's why you agreed
to adopt him?
He'll do you right.
JESSIE:
Well, I appreciate everything
you've done for us, Mr. Logan.
Yeah, well,
it ain't the first time
I had to fix up one
of Nathan's messes.
Well, it was real smart of you
to sign that X.
Yeah, smart.
(SIGHS)
(GUN COCKS)
-(GUNSHOT)
-(THUNDER ROLLS)
(CLAPPING)
GABE:
Hmm. There we go.
Now we can get him fast,
fast, fast.
I need to get some water
for the washing.
Uh, let me get it for you.
Uh, you stay put.
I need the air.
You worried about him?
Does it show that much?
Kinda.
I'll be back soon.
(DOOR CREAKS OPEN AND SHUTS)
(WATER FLOWING)
()
(HORSE NEIGHS)
(HORSE NEIGHING)
-(JESSIE PANTS)
-(DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS)
What's wrong?
Chase's horse,
down by the creek.
Who's that?
I mean, Nathan's horse,
an Indian.
He rode in on it.
Where did you get that?
It's my Pa's.
Where do you think you're goin'?
Get the horse.
Find Nathan.
It might be dangerous.
Nathan ain't the only man
in the house.
My Pa told me how to track,
and I can shoot the eye out
of a mouse 100 yards
with this thing.
Don't worry.
I'll find him.
()
Nathan.
()
(WATER SPLASHING)
()
()
-(DOOR THUDS)
-(GRUNTING)
-He's bleeding to death.
-Don't worry.
He's been shot for sure,
but it looks like
the bullet just grazed his head.
-Let's get him into the bedroom.
-All right.
(PANTS)
Nathan shot a deer.
I gutted him already,
but I need to go fetch him back
before the coyotes do.
There's no way you're bringin'
a deer back before nightfall.
I can do it. I'll be fine.
Honest.
Gabe.
I'm glad
you're part of this family.
It's okay, sweetie.
It's okay.
(WATER DRIPPING)
(CHASE GRUNTING)
Molly.
What did you say?
Molly!
-(GASPS)
-(JESSIE SHUSHING)
It's okay.
Go back to sleep.
It's okay.
It's okay.
()
WOMAN 4:
I can't believe it.
Oh, Lord Almighty!
You are a sight
for sore eyes, child.
Oh, what's it been?
Two months since you stopped by.
-Good to see you, too.
-Oh.
-You got a list for me?
-I sure do.
Okay.
Hmm.
It's kind of short, ain't it?
It'll have to do for now.
Okay.
I'm gonna get this together,
and then you and I will have
a good long conversation.
Okay.
(APPROACHING FOOTFALLS)
(DOOR OPENS)
Howdy.
(DOOR CREAKS AND SHUTS)
(WHISTLES)
You lookin' mighty fine today,
Miss Jessie.
Lonnie ain't good enough
for you?
Move out of my way.
I ain't in your way.
In your presence.
Get off me.
Nothin' a little kiss can't fix.
Get off me.
Get off me!
Get your filthy paws off her!
Get out of my store, you--
You varmint!
(GROANS)
-(LONNIE GRUNTS)
-(YELPS)
-(BROOM THUDS)
-(LONNIE LAUGHING)
-(THWACK)
-(GROANS)
(PANTING)
(LONNIE GROANING)
-LONNIE: You stupid!
-WOMAN 4: Garth!
Garth Shepard, come quick!
And bring your gun!
(PANTS)
Uh-uh, uh-uh, uh-uh, uh-uh, uh.
(LONNIE PANTING)
Get out of here.
Oh! Oh, Jessie, are you okay?
-What's wrong?
-JESSIE: Are you okay?
It was Lonnie.
()
Thank you for the ride,
Mr. Shepard.
I should stay a while.
In case that drifter comes
snoopin' around.
I'm worried he's gonna come back
and hurt Mrs. Hollyhock,
and rob her blind.
You should get back.
Well, you're all alone out here.
I should stay a while.
I'm not alone.
God has guardian angels.
...over the sparrow,
whether he rises or falls.
Amen.
Amen.
Amen.
(SIGHS)
Dig in, everyone.
(CUTLERY CLATTERS)
How do you know
it wasn't a ricochet?
'Cause a ricochet bullet
doesn't reach into a man's bag
and snatch everything out.
What?
CHASE:
Everything I had in there.
Stolen.
Did you lose anything valuable?
Yeah, I had a roll of...
(EXHALES)
...some things.
I guess that's why they didn't
take away my guns.
She's really tuckered out.
Yeah, well, she wore herself out
taking care of me
the past two days.
She got a lot on her mind, too.
I kinda dragged out myself.
(BLOWS AIR)
Night.
Night.
()
()
(GRUNTS)
What are you doing?
What do you mean?
Aren't you supposed to be
in bed with Mrs. Strong?
(SIGHS)
(TAKES A DEEP BREATH)
()
()
()
(MOANS)
(GASPS)
-Are you kissing me, Mr. Logan?
-CHASE: I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
CHASE:
It's not what you think.
It's been a while since I've
laid next to a woman in bed.
You got some nerve,
you know that?
You just reminded me
of someone.
I'm not some hussy, Mr. Logan.
I'm sorry.
I'll sleep right here.
What happened again?
Did you love her?
Who?
The woman you thought
you were kissing.
Did you love her?
Yeah.
Well, that must have been nice.
(SIGHS)
()
()
(WATER SPLASHING)
(CUTLERY CLATTERS)
(TAKING DEEP BREATHS)
What's gotten in to you,
Jessie Strong?
(GIGGLES)
CHASE:
I smell coffee?
GABE:
Oh, yes, sir.
Did you make it?
Well, it wasn't Sarah,
that's for sure.
-(CHUCKLES)
-Morning, Daddy.
Morning.
Hey, you all right tendin'
to the place for a bit?
Sure.
I've arranged some supplies
to be delivered today, and, um,
after that, I'm heading out.
(SLURPS)
GABE:
For how long?
(TAPS)
You know, I think you're man
enough to hear this,
so, you know,
I'm just gonna get to it.
Did I do something wrong?
I wanna be a part
of this family.
You are, all right?
You're a good kid.
I'm not Nathan Strong.
All right,
I've been pretending to help--
-(THWACK)
-(BOTH GRUNTING)
You ain't married
to Mrs. Strong,
and you-- you slept with her?
It ain't like that, son.
(GRUNTS)
Nathan got himself killed
by a man cheatin' at cards.
What's goin' on here?
(GRUNTING)
GABE:
I wish I knew!
(DOOR CREAKS OPEN AND CLOSES)
-Gabe!
-Let him be.
He'll sort it out.
So Nathan got himself
killed playing cards?
Yes, ma'am.
I just didn't know
how to tell you.
(TAKING DEEP BREATHS)
Honestly,
that sounds more like Nathan.
Yeah.
I suppose it does.
()
Oh, my sweet child.
You're as white as a sheet.
I bet you've not had a bite
to eat all day.
Let's have you lie down
before you fall over.
Come on, now.
-Oh.
-I'm fine.
It's just my time
of the month is all.
Make you nice and comfy there.
All right?
It must have been an awful
shock to hear about your man.
I'll be back before you have
a chance to miss me.
JESSIE:
You're a miracle worker,
Mrs. Hollyhock.
I don't know
what I'd do without you.
(MUNCHING)
Well, that tea did the trick.
She'll be asleep till morning,
for sure.
Y'all enjoying the stew?
Oh, it's better than fine,
ma'am.
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
Good.
Well, there's plenty more.
What are your plans,
Mr. Logan?
Got a family to rush off to,
I imagine.
No, no family.
Just, uh, me and my horse.
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
Hmm.
Are you and your horse
ridin' out tonight?
You can't stay here, of course.
Well, you know,
truth be told, I--
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
Because iffen you're interested,
I've got a room
to let above my mercantile.
You remind me of my son.
So it's yours,
if you're interested,
for a day or two,
or however long you need it.
Well, that'll give that bullet
wound of yours a couple more
days to heal before you
hit the trail.
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
Ooh.
You were shot, Mr. Logan.
Mm-hmm.
CHASE:
Just grazed.
I'm fine.
Well, for a while, we weren't
sure if he'd pull through,
but Mrs. Strong did a fine job
tendin' to him.
He was just about as helpless as
a frozen snake lyin' in her bed.
(CHASE GRUNTS)
Well, shortly after I arrived,
I was out hunting',
and yeah, somebody shot me.
Gabe here tracked me down,
brought me back to the cabin,
and, uh, well, Mrs. Strong
tended to me until I healed up.
You know the rest of the story.
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
When did you say
you arrived here, Mr. Logan?
I didn't.
Come on, let's-- let's go read.
Let's go.
()
My, my, my.
(DISHES CLATTER)
Just what exactly did you plan
to do, Mr. Logan,
after you tasted that
piece of pie?
Not caring what was gonna
happen to Jessie?
Leaving her with two mouths
to feed--
Now, you hold on just a minute!
You should be ashamed
of yourself
at cozying up to her,
playing off of her sympathy.
That is not the way
it happened at all.
And her being a married woman
and all!
She ain't married no more.
What chances does she have
of finding a decent husband
after folks find out that
she's been living out here
with the likes of you?
Likes of me?
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
You know
what kind of a life a girl like
that has when she's ruint!
You've seen 'em entertaining
upstairs from the saloon.
Oh, I reckon you know
those types of girls real well,
Mr. Logan.
Jessie deserves
better than that,
and them young'uns, too.
So you, you saddle up
and you get on out of here!
Not until I speak to Jessie.
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
You are not
wakin' her up tonight.
Gather up your gear,
and you head out to that barn,
and you sleep with the animals
where you should be.
(INSECTS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE)
(DOOR CREAKS OPEN AND SHUTS)
()
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
I was assuming
you'd be gone by now.
But, since you ain't...
Here.
I'll be here
in the morning, too.
Hmm.
I ain't one to mince words,
Mr. Logan.
I'm hoping
you do the honorable thing
and marry the girl.
Her destiny is in your hands.
Them young'uns, too.
Well, I'll talk to Jessie
in the mornin'.
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
See that you do.
Gabe's runnin' to town
to fetch the preacher
first thing in the morning.
Sleep well, Mr. Logan.
Some guardian angel.
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
Jessie, I need to talk to you
about somethin'.
JESSIE:
What's wrong?
I know Mr. Logan has been
staying here
for quite some time.
And that you helped nurse him
back to health
after he got shot.
Yes, that's true.
And Gabe tells me that
he hasn't spent every night
in the barn neither.
It's not what you think.
I only have your best
interests at heart
when I tell you iffen this
gets out, which it will,
what, with your husband
being gone, no chaperone,
you'll be ruined for sure.
Well, he needed my help.
It was the Christian thing
to do.
Well, maybe so,
but you are in a pickle
and there is only one way out.
If what you're thinkin'--
I've already sent Gabe
into town to fetch the preacher.
You can't force me to marry him!
Calm down!
I am sure once you consider
the circumstances,
you'll see that
this is for the best.
But I don't even like him.
He's moody, and bossy,
and stubborn as an old mule.
My sweet child,
this is your choice.
Marry Mr. Logan
and keep your children.
The folks in this town
won't let you keep that girl.
Neither will a district judge.
That little girl
is goin' to be branded
for the rest of her life,
just like you.
I'd like to speak to Jessie.
Alone.
Mm-hmm.
Be my guest.
I'll be outside
with my scatter gun.
JESSIE:
You were so good
to come back and help me.
I can't let you do this.
CHASE:
Look, I know you don't wanna get
roped into this thing any more
than I do.
But I don't wanna see you
lose Sarah.
And even more,
I don't want Sarah to lose you.
But you're not
the settling down type.
You told me yourself.
Never mind what I told you.
(TAKES A DEEP BREATH)
We'll get married today.
And after making you
a respectable woman,
I'll write off to work and, uh,
well, the same thing
that happened to Nathan
can happen to me.
That's a horrible idea.
Yeah, well, there are other
ideas more horrible
than this one.
(BIRDS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE)
I'll do it.
For Sarah's sake.
And Gabe's, too.
CHASE:
Good.
I was worried you wouldn't see
the sense of it all.
But a wedding vow is sacred.
And if I say the words,
I'll mean it.
And I'll do my best to love you
as my husband,
until death do us part.
And how you treat the words
is between you and the Lord.
Well, that settles it, then.
Best get ready for your wedding.
PRIEST:
Good times and in bad,
in sickness and in health,
till death do you part?
I do.
PRIEST:
Do you, Chase,
Take this woman, Jessie,
to be your lawfully wedded wife,
in sickness and in health,
until death do you part?
I do.
In the eyes of God,
I pronounce you
husband and wife.
You may now kiss your bride,
Mr. Logan.
(PEN SCRIBBLES)
PRIEST:
Folks, you have to forgive me,
but I gotta get a move on.
Oh, you got more people
to marry today?
Oh, I'm afraid not.
There was a girl murdered up
near Clancy just a week ago.
Lord have mercy.
-PRIEST: 13 years old.
-MRS. HOLLYHOCK: Oh, dear.
She's already buried,
but the family wants to have
a proper memorial.
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
Oh, of course.
Step up.
You must be starvin'.
I wanna fix you a nice supper.
That'd be fine.
Think I'll take Cody
for a run, clear my head.
(DOOR SLAMS)
(DOOR CREAKS AND SHUTS)
(GRUNTS)
JESSIE:
Everything's ready.
Take a seat.
How's your head?
What's the rush?
I just wanna get you fed
and this mess cleaned up.
It's been a long day.
About the longest day
of my life,
and it ain't yet half over.
(LID SLAMS)
You know, someone with a lick
of sense wouldn't have gotten
themselves roped into this
stupid situation.
Stupid situation's right.
JESSIE:
I just figured
you smarter than that.
Guess I was wrong.
(SNIGGERS)
Now I see why Nathan
was working halfway across
the territory.
Couldn't stand your sassy mouth.
(CLUNK)
You know, maybe if you weren't
getting on his every nerve,
he'd been home
where he belonged,
and he'd still be alive!
(SIZZLES)
-(GROANS)
-(THUD)
CHASE:
Oh.
Oh, geez.
Oh, well, let me see.
Come on, let me see.
All right,
let's go get this cooled down.
Come on, come here.
There you go.
Let me take a look.
Oh, that's not too bad.
I'm sorry I got you
into this stupid mess.
No, I'm...
I'm really sorry
for what I said.
Thank you.
You know, sleepin' out
in the lean-to,
I've been noticing it
needs a little fixing.
Come morning,
I'll ride Cody out,
find a fallen tree
to patch it up.
All right.
How about I help you
clean up this mess?
Mrs. Logan.
(CHUCKLES)
()
()
(YELLS)
(CODY TROTTING)
(DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS)
(BIRDS CHIRPING IN BACKGROUND)
Still waitin' on that kiss,
sugar pie.
Ain't no woman ever hit me
and got away with it.
Mm-mm-mm.
(PANTS)
(WHIMPERS)
Shame the cowboy
rode out today, ain't it?
-(JESSIE SCREAMS)
-(LONNIE GROANS)
(GRUNTING)
LONNIE:
Go ahead now.
Fight me.
I like that.
(WHIMPERS)
Yeah, yeah.
(WHIMPERS)
(GRUNTING)
(PANTS)
(GRUNTING)
JESSIE:
Chase!
-(GRUNTS)
-(GROANS)
Did he hurt you?
Thank God, you're all right.
(JESSIE SOBS)
LONNIE:
I'm gonna burn this place!
I know you hear me!
You should've told me about him.
Was there anyone else with him?
No.
CHASE:
He's hollerin' blood
and fire out there.
LONNIE:
(INDISTINCT SPEECH)
You hear me?
I'll kill you for this!
Claims his brother will hunt
us down, kill us all.
Don't mean anything.
I'm gonna turn him
into the sheriff.
You best get your things
together.
It ain't safe for you
and the young'uns
around here no more.
You gotta clear out.
Where would I go?
I know of this little place.
Two weeks ride of here.
It's called Logan Meadows.
The town wasn't named after me.
I named myself after the town.
Is that where your place is?
Nothin' fancy, but it'll do
for you, and Gabe, and Sarah.
That's your place, though.
We can't take it and leave you
with nothin'.
Hey...
When I saw you today, hurt...
I'm not certain about
too many things lately
except if you hadn't been
here today...
First time in my life,
I feel like I'm doin'
somethin' important.
You know, somethin' good.
Maybe it'll make up
for all those times
I let people down.
I think you're better
than you know.
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
Oh, baby.
Look at your face.
Start talking.
Do I need to go fetch
my scatter gun?
It wasn't Chase.
It was Lonnie.
But Chase beat him good.
So where is he now?
Back at the cabin.
And Chase went to go
get the sheriff.
(SIGHS)
I've got somethin' to tell you.
Chase has a place
about two weeks' ride west.
What kinda place?
JESSIE:
A small little spread.
Good for horse and cattle.
In a town called Logan Meadows.
Oh.
I know it well.
You know, I was kinda hopin'
that you were gonna settle
down here.
I'll write you every month.
Mm.
You know, it ain't the same.
I was lookin' forward to
watching them young'uns grow up.
You could come visit.
You know, I just hadn't figured
on that, that's all.
I need to get a compress
for that face of yours.
Honey.
MRS. HOLLYHOCK: (SNIFFLES)
Oh, Jessie.
I will miss you.
JESSIE:
I'll miss you, too.
Ready?
()
CHASE:
Hup.
()
()
GABE:
I'm gonna go check up ahead.
CHASE:
All right.
JESSIE:
Be careful.
You know, he wants to be
just like you.
He could do a lot better.
He could do a lot worse.
()
You know, you never told me
how you and Nathan first met.
Maybe that's because
it's not exactly a fairy tale.
Well, you don't have to tell me
if you don't want.
(HORSES TROTTING
AND BIRDS CHIRPING)
When I was 16, Mr. Hobbs
turned me out.
It wasn't his fault.
It was the rule there.
But he said there was a woman
in another town that
had a job for me at a laundry.
And he gave me enough money
to get there.
But when I arrived,
she had just died.
And there was no job for me.
And I was broke.
(HORSES TROTTING
AND BIRDS CHIRPING)
You know there's nothing
you could tell me that
would make me think
less of you.
Well, after goin' to every
business in town
looking for a job,
I found myself at the last
place on the street.
A saloon.
The kind where men
go to meet women.
I stood out front just staring
at the door for a long time.
A woman came out
and invited me in
to have somethin' to eat.
And she was kind.
And even though
she was a whore,
she wanted to help me.
And after a hot bath and a meal,
she let me borrow
some clean clothes.
Everyone there worked
for a horrible man.
He was big, and fat, and sweaty.
He said he had a room there
if I wanted to work for him.
It's okay.
Go on.
He said I could keep half
of what I made.
I didn't think
I had any other choice.
I started that night.
That was the night I met Nathan.
He was my first customer.
And it was later that
we got married.
Nathan always was the lucky one.
()
-(FIRE CRACKLING)
-(INSECTS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE)
MAN 2:
Howdy.
(APPROACHING FOOTFALLS)
(SADDLE THUMPS)
Evening.
Mmm.
Ma'am.
Smells real good.
Say, you wouldn't mind sharin'
some vittles with me now,
would you?
We'd mind.
Well, I ain't talkin' to you.
(CHUCKLES)
I was just kiddin'.
Say, I was just
passing on through.
You wouldn't happen to know
how far it is
to Valley Springs now,
would you?
CHASE:
About a day.
Maybe two.
By horse.
Phew!
Well, it is gettin' mighty late.
So you wouldn't mind if I, uh...
You best be pushin' on.
(FIRE CRACKLING)
You ain't too friendly now,
are you?
()
(SPITS)
()
You folks have a...
...peaceful night.
Who was that?
Trouble.
SHERIFF:
Get out of the way!
(GRUNTING)
(THWACK)
That will settle ya!
(DOOR SQUEAKS AND SHUTS)
(KEYS JANGLING)
()
You're gonna die for that.
CHASE:
He crossed the tree line
about three miles back.
Good. Then we're safe.
CHASE:
Hardly.
A side-winder like that
doesn't come at you straight on.
I'll stay and watch with you.
I need you to get some shut eye,
all right?
Who knows what tomorrow might
bring?
()
GABE:
What if that drifter
knew Lonnie?
It crossed my mind, but he never
came back for us last night.
What if it's Lonnie's brother?
He could be anybody.
By the time that drifter
figures things out,
we'll be in Logan Meadows.
Just in case, huh?
()
()
-SARAH: What was that?
-JESSIE: It's okay, It's okay.
It's just a nightmare.
Go back to sleep.
I don't see anybody.
I'll keep watch, just the same.
Hush, little baby,
don't say a word
Momma's gonna buy you
a mockingbird
And if that mockingbird
don't sing
Momma's gonna buy you
a diamond ring
(KEYS JANGLE, DOOR UNLOCKS)
JESSIE:
And if that diamond ring
is brass
SHERIFF:
Mr. Shepard here says
they found this in your pocket.
JESSIE:
Papa's gonna buy you
a looking glass
Where'd you get it from?
And if that looking glass
gets broke
(SPITS)
JESSIE:
Papa's gonna buy you
a billy goat
La, la, la, la, la,
la, la, la
MAN 3:
You're in my custody now.
You're gonna hang in Clancy.
La, la, la, la, la,
la, la, la
(GUNSHOTS)
(THUDDING)
(APPROACHING FOOTFALLS)
You ain't saved no fun for me.
Yours is out on the trail,
brother.
(HORSES GALLOPING)
()
()
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
So classic.
()
Oh.
(DOOR OPENS)
-Frank.
-Chase!
(SIGHS)
FRANK:
Oh.
You look wonderful, my friend.
It's good to see you, Frank.
Real good.
I was worried about you.
Your telegram said that
you'd be here a few days ago.
Well, you move a bit slower
with a family, I suppose.
FRANK:
Oh, you look good, my friend.
Marriage really agrees with you.
(CHUCKLES)
Chase, I have something for you.
(FOOTFALLS, LETTER RUSTLES)
I don't want to give this
to you,
but I know
it's the right thing to do.
It's from Molly.
It fell between the boards
of the post office.
By the time it turned up,
you were long gone.
I've been savin' it
for your return.
(SIGHS)
What's it say?
Chase, I just suggest
that you burn this
and live your life.
What does it say, Frank?
This letter does not change
the fact
that you have a family now.
(LETTER RUSTLES)
-(BANG)
-Read it.
(CLAPPING, GIGGLING)
Jessie, I'd like you to meet
a good friend of mine.
This is Frank Llyod.
Pleased to meet you,
Mr. Lloyd.
Oh, believe me,
the pleasure is all mine.
I finally get to meet
the only woman
this side of the Pecos
who could possibly tame
Chase Logan.
And who's this lovely
young woman?
CHASE:
Well, this here is Sarah.
Hello, Sarah.
CHASE:
And that hombre there is Gabe.
Gabe, how was your trip?
Fine.
Well, that's a very
lovely dress.
She's a bit shy.
(CHUCKLES)
Well, I can't wait to show you
all your new home.
I'd plumb wore myself out
fixin' it up
since your telegram.
I hope you like
what I've done with it.
I have no doubts, Frank.
Well, Mrs. Logan, are you ready
to see your new home?
Yes.
()
FRANK:
Well, come on.
Frank, we don't have time
for a social call.
Uh, we just, uh,
we wanna go home.
This is no social call, Chase.
This is your home.
What?
Um, go on.
(FOOTFALLS THUDDING)
How?
Well, Hollister was
a degenerate gambler.
He lost this place to the bank.
I tried to help him,
but he didn't wanna help
himself,
so I turned to the only man
in town who had the money
to buy up the mortgage.
You.
Uh, it doesn't hurt that
this property borders up against
yours over at Shady Creek.
I guess that makes you kind of
a land baron now, doesn't it?
-(FOOTFALLS THUDDING)
-(CHUCKLES)
GABE:
Sarah, come outside!
There's a swing!
-(SARAH GIGGLES)
-Uh.
()
I've never seen such a sight.
(DOOR OPENS, CREAKS)
(CLEARS THROAT)
Go on, woman.
It's yours.
()
Something wrong, Mrs. Logan?
You don't like it?
It's like a dream.
Well, I'll leave you two
for a spell.
CHASE:
Hey.
What's wrong?
I'm leaving.
Tonight.
What do you mean you're leaving?
The children and I
will go to Shady Creek,
stay the night there,
till I have a chance
to think things through.
Are you touched
in the head, huh?
Look at this place.
CHASE:
Yeah.
This is the chance
of a lifetime.
I can't take this from you.
Jess, it's gonna be fine.
All right?
Come morning, you'll wonder
what you got all
worked up about.
No.
If I stick to our plan,
you'll leave,
and that's not fair to you.
()
(SIGHS)
()
()
()
-CHASE: Jess!
-(GASPS)
You gave me a fright.
You shouldn't be out here
alone at night, it ain't safe.
Please don't be mad at me.
I can't bear it when you're mad.
I'm afraid you're gonna ride off
and never come back.
I just don't know
what you want anymore.
I want you to be happy.
I don't want you to feel bound
because of Nathan, or Sarah,
or me, and Gabe.
You've done more for us
than any six people could have.
I do what I do
because you make me happy.
Your smile, your touch,
everything about you.
Now we've been riding this
wide circle around each other.
How do you feel about me?
I'm afraid that
what I say will trap you.
Hey.
You couldn't trap me
if you tried.
I love you.
()
Oh, wait.
Please.
I don't wanna surprise you,
but I have to show you
something.
What is it?
()
JESSIE:
It's disgusting.
I know.
-I'm sorry.
-No, no, no, no, no.
That's not that at all. I...
I'm just thinkin' how bad
that must have hurt.
How did that happen?
JESSIE:
There was a fire
at the orphanage.
Sarah was trapped in a room,
and I couldn't leave her there.
Oh, so that's why...
That hurt?
No.
(PECKS)
Does that hurt?
No.
()
So you gonna tell me?
Tell you what?
How a girl
who became a saloon girl,
and married her first John,
could still be a virgin?
Until last night, you mean.
(CHUCKLES)
Yeah.
Until last night.
(BIRDS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE)
(GROANS)
I never finished my story.
Nathan was my first customer,
but he took one look at me
and started cryin'.
Hmm.
It made me feel terrible.
He said I looked
just like his sister,
and that his sister
was ruint by a drifter,
and that he wouldn't have
any part of ruinin' me.
That sounds like Nathan.
JESSIE:
But I told him that
if he didn't,
the next cowhand would.
Instead,
he took me over
to the next town.
He figured that I should
at least be married,
so I agreed.
After we got married,
I offered myself to him.
He said I still looked just
like his sister,
and he couldn't do
the deed.
CHASE:
Well, Nathan was a good man.
In his own way.
So while we have our cards
out on the table...
Mm-hmm.
...you wanna tell me
about Molly.
Was she beautiful?
Very.
What happened to her?
Well, she was at
the Logan Meadows bank
makin' a deposit on my behalf
when it was robbed.
She disappeared with the outlaw.
Sheriff looked for her.
I tried to pick up the trail,
but no luck.
I let her down.
I-- I let Nathan down.
And my biggest worry now
is that, uh,
I'll let you down, too.
You never have,
and you never will.
()
(MUFFLED SCREAMS IN DISTANCE)
(DOOR SHUTS)
(HORSES GALLOPING IN DISTANCE)
Sarah?
Sarah?
(FOOTFALLS THUDDING)
JESSIE:
Sarah!
(PANTING)
Chase!
(PANTS)
JESSIE:
Gabe!
(QUICK FOOTFALLS)
-What happened?
-I don't know.
And Sarah, she's gone.
I can't find her.
All right, let's get him
inside first.
Let's go. Come on, buddy.
All right.
Get something for his head.
(GRUNTS)
There you go.
Chase, I'm comin' with you.
You stay here in case Sarah
or anyone else comes back.
JESSIE:
I found this around Gabe's neck.
I gave this to Nathan
when we got married.
He had it with him always.
I had that on me
the day I got shot.
I was supposed to
give it to you,
but whoever shot me
must have stolen it.
-Well, then that means...
-It was Lonnie.
JESSIE:
Chase, you get Sarah back,
and you kill the man
that took her if you have to.
(CODY NEIGHING, GALLOPING)
()
()
JESSIE:
My dearest Chase,
I know you were looking for me.
I didn't wanna be found.
But I wonder now if we can
share this new exciting life.
If you can accept me this way,
come and find me.
I love you as much as ever.
SARAH:
Take me home!
LONNIE:
Quit your whining!
You understand me?
(GABE GROANS)
Where am I?
You're safe.
That drifter.
He's got Sarah.
JESSIE:
You need to get some rest.
GABE:
I came upon him,
told him to let her go,
but then--
I-- I don't know what happened.
Chase will find her,
and Lord help Lonnie
when he does.
Let her go, Lonnie.
GABE:
Lonnie?
That means there's two of 'em.
They're gonna ambush Chase!
(GASPS)
(GUN COCKS)
Time's up, cowboy.
Why don't you go on
and, uh, drop that pistol?
(SPITS)
MAN 2:
Go on.
(THUMP)
Run, Sarah!
No, let go!
(BOTH GRUNTING)
(PANTING)
(GUNSHOTS)
(GRUNTING)
(THWACK)
(GUN COCKS)
(GUNSHOTS)
(THUD)
CHASE:
Sarah!
Sarah!
(SARAH PANTING)
-CHASE: Sarah! You all right?
-(GASPS)
(GUN COCKS)
Uh-uh, oh, cowboy.
You still ain't friendly.
(GUNSHOT FIRES)
(TAKING DEEP BREATHS)
SARAH:
Mommy!
(BOTH PANTING)
JESSIE:
Are you okay?
(SARAH SOBS)
You tracked us?
Yes, sir.
Good work, son.
()
FRANK:
Oh.
Well, there you are.
Frank, what brings you here?
I brought you all a visitor.
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
Well, well, well.
I hope you all have an appetite.
I made roasted chicken
and mashed potatoes.
-Oh, so good to see you, honey.
-Oh.
Mm.
And how long you visiting for?
Oh, I'm not visiting.
I'm Logan Meadow's
newest resident.
Hmm.
Welcome home, Miss Hollyhock.
Oh.
Oh, thank you, Chase.
FRANK:
She just bought
the Red Rooster Inn today.
Mm-hmm.
As soon as she signed the deed,
she insisted that I bring
her out here to see y'all.
Why would you move
all the way out here?
Oh, Jessie,
do you even have to ask?
Come here, you two.
Oh, I missed you.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Chase.
We need to talk.
I found your letter from Molly.
She asked you to come find her,
and I think you have to.
It's your unfinished business,
and I can't expect to be
more important than that.
You want me to leave?
JESSIE:
I don't want you leave.
But I feel you have to.
Truth is,
you don't love me anyway.
Now, that ain't true.
That night in the barn,
when I told you I loved you,
you never said it back.
You never said it at all.
()
You're the only woman
for me, Jessie.
I love you,
Mrs. Logan.
I love you,
Mr. Logan.
()
()
()
I'm lying on the floor
Hard to breathe
I need something bigger
Bigger than just me
Oh, desperate desperation
Fighting not to feel
Waves of my emotions
Amplify my fears
Save me, save me
Come into this room
right now
Help me see
a clear way, oh
Save me, save me
Come into this space
right now
'Cause I don't see
a clear way out
()
Can you hear the voices
Speaking death to me
Eyes can't see the faces
Tears can't drown the sound
Oh, desolate desolation
Feeling more alone
I don't have the answers
So I shout
Save me, save me
Come into this room
right now
Help me see
a clear way out
Save me, save me
Come into this space
right now
'Cause I don't see
a clear way out
Oh, yeah
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh,
Who can change the hurtin'
Who can get me out
I scream the name of Jesus
And He heard me shout
Save me, save me
He came into the room
somehow
Broke the chains
and let me out
He saved me,
He saved me
Trace the voices
all the way
Surely He could
hear me say
Save me, He saved me
I become
the living proof
That Jesus, He saved me
()
()
()
()
()
WOMAN 1:
Dear Nathan, I hope this letter
finds you well.
It's been three months
since I've heard from you.
Do you think of me?
I hope the herd
was easier this year
and that you travel back
home safely.
Your loving wife, Jessie.
I got a friend who's got a hell
of a spread up in Jackson.
He needs to gather his herd
before he drives 'em.
You should come up
there with me.
BARTENDER:
What'll it be?
-Uh, two whiskies.
-BARTENDER: Yes, sir.
What about your wife?
(LAUGHS)
Yeah.
She can manage just fine.
I'll get back to her eventually.
Hey, cowboy.
Well look at you, darling.
Ain't you a sight for sore eyes?
Where you been all my life?
Right here, sugar.
(NATHAN AND WOMAN LAUGHING)
DINAH:
Hey, hey.
I got a friend over there
who'd like you.
NATHAN:
He's a little shy.
(NATHAN AND WOMAN LAUGHING)
Darling, why don't you go over
to that poker table
and save me a seat
and I'll fetch us a bottle.
Sure thing, sugar.
(CHUCKLES)
(SLURPS)
Do me a favor.
Hold this for me.
MAN 1:
What's this?
$640.
And an heirloom that
means a lot to me.
So keep your eye on it.
You're a good man, Chase.
For the life of me,
I can't figure out
why you don't know that yet.
(GLASS CLUNKS)
NATHAN:
Tender, give me a bottle.
Yeah.
Come on, son, live a little bit.
(NATHAN LAUGHS)
(LAUGHING)
NATHAN:
Yeah, deal me in, boys.
Come in sweetheart.
Here you go darling.
WOMAN 2:
Ah, thank you.
(WOMAN CHUCKLING)
Another bottle.
(NATHAN LAUGHING)
NATHAN:
Wooh!
I'm gonna send you boys home
in a pine box.
(NATHAN LAUGHING)
NATHAN:
Look at you, yeah.
Oh, you're in trouble.
(SIGHS)
(KNOCKING ON THE DOOR)
(SIGHS)
(KNOCKING ON THE DOOR)
WOMAN 3:
Hey, honey,
you want some company?
Hello?
(RECEDING FOOTFALLS)
(SIGHS)
(INDISTINCT CHATTERING)
(GUNSHOTS)
(GASPS)
(PEOPLE CLAMORING)
(DOOR CREAKS)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
()
()
(HORSE NEIGHS)
(TAKES A DEEP BREATH)
(KNOCKING ON THE DOOR)
JESSIE:
Who's there?
Name's Chase Logan.
Rode with Nathan
at the Bar T.
I got a message
for Mrs. Strong.
(DOOR OPENS, CREAKS)
Think you can put that gun down
and open the door, ma'am?
I don't mean no harm.
I'm a friend of Nathan's.
(DOOR CREAKS)
You're Mrs. Strong?
Well, that's who you asked for,
ain't it?
CHASE:
Yes, ma'am, I just, uh--
Well, I expected someone
a bit more...
Mature?
(HORSE NEIGHS IN BACKGROUND)
(BIRDS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE)
Yeah, something like that.
Will a cup of hot coffee
warm your insides?
Yes, ma'am.
Thank you kindly.
(DOOR CREAKS, CLOSES)
JESSIE:
Have a seat, Mr. Logan.
Uh, no, thank you, ma'am,
I'm just-- just here to deliver
a message.
JESSIE:
What's the message?
(COFFEE POURING)
(CROCKERY CLINKING)
(APPROACHING FOOTFALLS)
JESSIE:
What's the message,
Mr. Logan?
Well, I'm sorry to be the one
to tell you, surely I am,
but, uh...
...Nathan's dead.
Let me...
Let me get this from you.
There you go.
Oh, um...
(CLEARS THROAT)
Why don't you take a seat?
(INSECTS AND BIRDS CHIRPING
IN DISTANCE)
(SIGHS)
CHASE:
What happened was, um...
When Nathan had
the night watch,
and it was real stormy,
and cattle were edgy
from all the thunder
and lightning, and, uh,
well, no one knows
what happened exactly, but...
...when Nathan was dead,
we found him in the mornin'.
(BIRDS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE)
CHASE:
Seems he died
real peaceful though.
(JESSIE SOBBING)
All right,
hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
Come on now,
these things have a way
to sort themselves out.
(JESSIE SOBBING)
(JESSIE SNIFFLES)
What's your given name,
Mrs. Strong?
JESSIE:
Jessie.
My name's Jessie.
Jessie, huh, well,
that's a real pretty name.
Why don't you come back
over here and take a seat?
You know, I've dealt you
one healthy shock.
Let me get you a cup of coffee.
(GRUNTS)
(COFFEE POURS)
CHASE:
There you go.
Thank you.
You have a friend or family
nearby I could fetch for you?
I can take care of myself,
Mr. Logan.
Just gotta get used
to the idea that
Nathan won't be comin' home
anymore.
It's already dark and Cody,
my horse, he's plumb wore out.
Think we could bed down
in your lean-to for the night?
JESSIE:
Nathan was gonna fix it,
but you're welcome to it
if you like.
CHASE:
I'm sure it will be just fine,
thank you.
(CHASE GRUNTS)
Cold in hell before
I volunteer for that again.
(TAKES A DEEP BREATH)
()
CHASE:
See that?
Sorry.
Didn't mean to scare ya.
Couldn't sleep.
I needed a little air, too.
(CODY NEIGHS IN BACKGROUND)
Shootin' star, huh?
Sometimes I pretend
all those stars
are angels watchin' over me.
Must be a million of 'em.
Yeah.
Do you suppose there are
that many angels in heaven,
Mr. Logan?
Don't believe much in heaven.
Or hell.
Do you believe in God?
CHASE:
I just put my faith in
what meets my eyes.
Seems the wind's
the sole exception.
Yet I do spy its course
in the trees when it blows.
What do you think happens
when we die?
Dust to dust, as they say.
Well, that's a sad thought.
Good night, Mr. Logan.
Good night.
()
(KNOCKS)
Mrs. Strong?
(BIRDS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE)
(KNOCKS LOUDER)
-CHASE: Mrs. Strong?
-Yes.
Mr. Logan.
I'm heading through town
on the way up north.
Wanted to know if I could, uh,
deliver a message to anyone
for you.
No one.
(BIRDS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE)
If you could get a fire goin',
I'll make us a cup of coffee.
Where you from, Mr. Logan?
Nowhere in particular.
Never knew my folks,
and heck, I don't even know
where I was born.
Tried settling down once,
even bought a small spread,
but, uh,
ranching life
just lost its appeal.
So I started riding
with different outfits.
You?
JESSIE:
Oklahoma Territory.
Grew up in an orphanage.
It was horrible, mostly.
Except for Mr. Hobbs,
who ran the place.
(SLURPS)
JESSIE:
When Nathan married me
after a long time,
he promised I could eventually
adopt the little girl
from the orphanage,
where I grew up.
They're bringing her out
right now.
But surely they won't let me
keep her
if once they find out
Nathan's dead, will they?
I don't know much about
adoption rules and such,
but I'd imagine if you, uh,
you told 'em the truth,
they'd understand.
Well, maybe.
Maybe not.
I was wonderin'
if you could see your way
to pretending to be Nathan.
(GULPS)
Just until Sarah's papers
are signed.
Nah, I don't play false like
that, even for a friend.
JESSIE:
Please, Mr. Logan.
She's the only one from
the orphanage I consider family.
(EXHALES)
Well, if you did this,
I'd never have to be alone.
CHASE:
I'm sorry, missus--
Miss Strong.
Can I get you anything else?
No, thank you, ma'am.
I truly am sorry about
what happened to Nathan.
MR. HOBBS:
Hello, the house!
Anybody home?
JESSIE:
Oh, my stars.
It's them.
(FOOTFALLS)
(DOOR OPENS)
JESSIE:
Mr. Hobbs, you made it.
MR. HOBBS:
Hey!
JESSIE:
Safe and sound.
(LAUGHS)
(JESSIE CHUCKLES)
JESSIE:
Sarah!
I don't understand.
We got along so well
on our last visit.
Well, she'll eventually
get used to you.
You know, before we left,
Mrs. Hobbs locked her
in the cellar.
She's been through a lot,
Jessie, just give her some time.
-MR. HOBBS: Gabe.
-(SIGHS)
This here is Gabe Garrison.
Only been with us a short time.
Howdy, ma'am.
Welcome.
Yeah, asked Gabe to ride
with me.
Having an extra pair
of hands and eyes
on the trail don't hurt none.
Well, it is good to finally meet
Nathan Strong.
Oh, well, uh...
I've heard good things.
Um, uh...
I'll show you your bed.
Well, you know,
any good friend of Jessie's
is a friend of mine.
(BIRDS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE)
MR. HOBBS:
You are home, Sarah.
(MR. HOBBS LAUGHS)
You wanna try your bed?
Nothin' to worry.
Don't worry about nothin'.
I'm headin' out.
Don't wait for supper.
JESSIE:
Wait!
-(DOOR CLOSES)
-Go ahead.
We'll be okay.
Ah, now you don't have
to share a bed.
JESSIE:
Please!
Mr. Logan, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean
for that to happen.
Honest.
I can't bear the thought
of Sarah going back
to that terrible place.
()
Good luck, Jessie.
JESSIE:
Please, don't go.
You're him.
Yeah, who's that?
My guardian angel.
(CHASE SCOFFS)
JESSIE:
I just know it.
Not hardly.
(THUNDER CLAPPING AND ROLLING)
-(RAIN PATTERING)
-(PANTS)
()
(DOOR SHUTS)
(DOOR CREAKS, CLOSES)
(SOBS)
()
()
(SNIFFLES, SOBS)
(DOOR CREAKS, CLOSES)
Sarah, honey.
Don't you remember me?
(MR. HOBBS CHUCKLES)
She's just shy, Jessie.
How long's Mr. Strong
gonna be gone?
(CHAIR CREAKING)
I'm not sure.
What are your plans?
I wish we could stay and visit
for a few days,
but we gotta get back.
We'll pull out first thing
in the mornin'.
Oh.
That's a shame.
(CODY TROTTING)
(PATS)
(BIRDS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE)
(GRUNTS)
()
(SIGHS)
()
(DOOR CREAKS, OPENS)
(EXHALES)
Evening, sweetheart.
You're back?
CHASE:
Of course I'm back.
Where else would I go, huh?
Evening, Mr. Hobbs.
(SNORES)
Ah, he's asleep.
Ah.
It's just that
you're back so soon.
Did you miss me?
Oh, looks like I surprised
my little wife speechless.
I'll get your supper.
(SMACKS LIPS)
Thanks, darlin'.
(SIGHS)
Oh, thank you.
Gabe will be sleeping right here
next to you.
Nothin' to worry about.
Isn't that right, Gabe?
You betcha.
You got your dolly right there.
Just hope she don't keep me up
all night with her snorin'.
(SNORES)
(GABE AND JESSIE GIGGLE)
Good night.
(GULPS)
(TAPS)
()
(COFFEE POURS)
(MUNCHES)
Thank you, darlin'.
You know, I've got a powerful
hitch in my shoulder.
And?
And I need you
to rub it, darling.
-What are you up to?
-Hey, don't get all riled.
A husband's got a right to
ask his wife for a little rub.
Fine.
(RAIN PATTERING IN BACKGROUND)
(CLEARS THROAT)
Can't feel nothin'.
Oh, yeah.
Mm-hmm.
That's the stuff.
(CHASE MOANS)
Wha--
Don't stop now.
It's just getting good.
-(BONES CRACK)
-(SCREAMS)
What's wrong?
What's wrong?
JESSIE:
Nothing, Mr. Hobbs.
Go back to sleep.
Huh.
(MR. HOBBS SNORING)
Fine.
(MOANS)
()
()
-Somethin' wrong?
-No.
Just gonna freshen up
your coffee.
It might be cold now.
()
(LIQUID POURS)
-JESSIE: There you are.
-Hmm.
Take your time.
I'll just be getting ready
for bed.
(DOOR CREAKS, CLOSES)
(GULPING)
(GRUNTS)
(HISSES)
(GRUNTS)
(MUNCHES)
()
(CUP CLUNKS)
(GRUNTS)
()
(RAIN PATTERING IN BACKGROUND)
(DOOR CREAKS, CLOSES)
JESSIE:
Come on, now.
(CHASE GRUNTS)
JESSIE:
Good boy.
CHASE:
(MUMBLES)
(DOOR CREAKS, THUDS)
(GRUNTS)
(DOOR THUDS)
()
Straddle me.
What?
Straddle my leg, girl.
(SIGHS)
CHASE:
Yeah, there you go.
Just like that.
(CHASE LAUGHS)
See if I help you with
the next one, you big galoot.
()
(GROANS)
Can I help you?
Think you' done enough.
I didn't know what else to do.
Laudnum?
Mr. Hobbs and Gabe will be
leaving shortly.
If you can put up
with the pretense
just for a few more minutes,
and I'll make you the best
breakfast you've ever had.
(SARAH HUMMING)
All right.
I'll do it.
Thank you.
Good mornin', Mr. Strong!
Morning.
MR. HOBBS:
Well, I guess it's about
that time.
Gabe, can you take that last bag
out to the wagon, please?
Yes, sir.
Um, I just gotta ask you,
if you'd be at all open
to adopting Gabriel,
along with Sarah?
I don't mean to force you
two into a quick decision,
but we're desperately
overcrowded at the orphanage,
and I'm afraid
I'm gonna have to turn him out
when we get back.
Gabe's little sister died
in the cholera,
along with his folks.
He really wants to be part
of a family.
He won't be any trouble,
I promise.
In fact, he'll be quite a help
around here, as you can see.
All loaded up, Mr. Hobbs.
(CHUCKLES)
(CLEARS THROAT)
Boy stays.
We'd be proud to have you
a part of our family.
You won't regret it, ma'am.
I will if you
keep calling me ma'am.
No, ma'am.
(CHUCKLING)
Oh, well, I think this is
about settled.
Oh, almost forgot.
The adoption papers.
JESSIE:
Yes, the papers.
Yeah.
Here.
()
(PEN SCRIBBLES)
JESSIE:
Your turn.
()
(PAPER RUSTLES)
(PEN SCRIBBLES)
Bye!
I'm goin' huntin'.
Huntin'? Now?
Yep.
You're leaving, aren't you?
Nope.
Not yet.
Well, I don't blame you
for leavin'
after what just happened.
Those kids need more to eat than
just beans and cornbread,
especially that young boy
you just adopted.
Now, there's work that needs
to be done around this
place before I leave.
It'll take me a week or so,
but I'll get it into shape.
Gabe will be able to handle
things from there.
So that's why you agreed
to adopt him?
He'll do you right.
JESSIE:
Well, I appreciate everything
you've done for us, Mr. Logan.
Yeah, well,
it ain't the first time
I had to fix up one
of Nathan's messes.
Well, it was real smart of you
to sign that X.
Yeah, smart.
(SIGHS)
(GUN COCKS)
-(GUNSHOT)
-(THUNDER ROLLS)
(CLAPPING)
GABE:
Hmm. There we go.
Now we can get him fast,
fast, fast.
I need to get some water
for the washing.
Uh, let me get it for you.
Uh, you stay put.
I need the air.
You worried about him?
Does it show that much?
Kinda.
I'll be back soon.
(DOOR CREAKS OPEN AND SHUTS)
(WATER FLOWING)
()
(HORSE NEIGHS)
(HORSE NEIGHING)
-(JESSIE PANTS)
-(DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS)
What's wrong?
Chase's horse,
down by the creek.
Who's that?
I mean, Nathan's horse,
an Indian.
He rode in on it.
Where did you get that?
It's my Pa's.
Where do you think you're goin'?
Get the horse.
Find Nathan.
It might be dangerous.
Nathan ain't the only man
in the house.
My Pa told me how to track,
and I can shoot the eye out
of a mouse 100 yards
with this thing.
Don't worry.
I'll find him.
()
Nathan.
()
(WATER SPLASHING)
()
()
-(DOOR THUDS)
-(GRUNTING)
-He's bleeding to death.
-Don't worry.
He's been shot for sure,
but it looks like
the bullet just grazed his head.
-Let's get him into the bedroom.
-All right.
(PANTS)
Nathan shot a deer.
I gutted him already,
but I need to go fetch him back
before the coyotes do.
There's no way you're bringin'
a deer back before nightfall.
I can do it. I'll be fine.
Honest.
Gabe.
I'm glad
you're part of this family.
It's okay, sweetie.
It's okay.
(WATER DRIPPING)
(CHASE GRUNTING)
Molly.
What did you say?
Molly!
-(GASPS)
-(JESSIE SHUSHING)
It's okay.
Go back to sleep.
It's okay.
It's okay.
()
WOMAN 4:
I can't believe it.
Oh, Lord Almighty!
You are a sight
for sore eyes, child.
Oh, what's it been?
Two months since you stopped by.
-Good to see you, too.
-Oh.
-You got a list for me?
-I sure do.
Okay.
Hmm.
It's kind of short, ain't it?
It'll have to do for now.
Okay.
I'm gonna get this together,
and then you and I will have
a good long conversation.
Okay.
(APPROACHING FOOTFALLS)
(DOOR OPENS)
Howdy.
(DOOR CREAKS AND SHUTS)
(WHISTLES)
You lookin' mighty fine today,
Miss Jessie.
Lonnie ain't good enough
for you?
Move out of my way.
I ain't in your way.
In your presence.
Get off me.
Nothin' a little kiss can't fix.
Get off me.
Get off me!
Get your filthy paws off her!
Get out of my store, you--
You varmint!
(GROANS)
-(LONNIE GRUNTS)
-(YELPS)
-(BROOM THUDS)
-(LONNIE LAUGHING)
-(THWACK)
-(GROANS)
(PANTING)
(LONNIE GROANING)
-LONNIE: You stupid!
-WOMAN 4: Garth!
Garth Shepard, come quick!
And bring your gun!
(PANTS)
Uh-uh, uh-uh, uh-uh, uh-uh, uh.
(LONNIE PANTING)
Get out of here.
Oh! Oh, Jessie, are you okay?
-What's wrong?
-JESSIE: Are you okay?
It was Lonnie.
()
Thank you for the ride,
Mr. Shepard.
I should stay a while.
In case that drifter comes
snoopin' around.
I'm worried he's gonna come back
and hurt Mrs. Hollyhock,
and rob her blind.
You should get back.
Well, you're all alone out here.
I should stay a while.
I'm not alone.
God has guardian angels.
...over the sparrow,
whether he rises or falls.
Amen.
Amen.
Amen.
(SIGHS)
Dig in, everyone.
(CUTLERY CLATTERS)
How do you know
it wasn't a ricochet?
'Cause a ricochet bullet
doesn't reach into a man's bag
and snatch everything out.
What?
CHASE:
Everything I had in there.
Stolen.
Did you lose anything valuable?
Yeah, I had a roll of...
(EXHALES)
...some things.
I guess that's why they didn't
take away my guns.
She's really tuckered out.
Yeah, well, she wore herself out
taking care of me
the past two days.
She got a lot on her mind, too.
I kinda dragged out myself.
(BLOWS AIR)
Night.
Night.
()
()
(GRUNTS)
What are you doing?
What do you mean?
Aren't you supposed to be
in bed with Mrs. Strong?
(SIGHS)
(TAKES A DEEP BREATH)
()
()
()
(MOANS)
(GASPS)
-Are you kissing me, Mr. Logan?
-CHASE: I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
CHASE:
It's not what you think.
It's been a while since I've
laid next to a woman in bed.
You got some nerve,
you know that?
You just reminded me
of someone.
I'm not some hussy, Mr. Logan.
I'm sorry.
I'll sleep right here.
What happened again?
Did you love her?
Who?
The woman you thought
you were kissing.
Did you love her?
Yeah.
Well, that must have been nice.
(SIGHS)
()
()
(WATER SPLASHING)
(CUTLERY CLATTERS)
(TAKING DEEP BREATHS)
What's gotten in to you,
Jessie Strong?
(GIGGLES)
CHASE:
I smell coffee?
GABE:
Oh, yes, sir.
Did you make it?
Well, it wasn't Sarah,
that's for sure.
-(CHUCKLES)
-Morning, Daddy.
Morning.
Hey, you all right tendin'
to the place for a bit?
Sure.
I've arranged some supplies
to be delivered today, and, um,
after that, I'm heading out.
(SLURPS)
GABE:
For how long?
(TAPS)
You know, I think you're man
enough to hear this,
so, you know,
I'm just gonna get to it.
Did I do something wrong?
I wanna be a part
of this family.
You are, all right?
You're a good kid.
I'm not Nathan Strong.
All right,
I've been pretending to help--
-(THWACK)
-(BOTH GRUNTING)
You ain't married
to Mrs. Strong,
and you-- you slept with her?
It ain't like that, son.
(GRUNTS)
Nathan got himself killed
by a man cheatin' at cards.
What's goin' on here?
(GRUNTING)
GABE:
I wish I knew!
(DOOR CREAKS OPEN AND CLOSES)
-Gabe!
-Let him be.
He'll sort it out.
So Nathan got himself
killed playing cards?
Yes, ma'am.
I just didn't know
how to tell you.
(TAKING DEEP BREATHS)
Honestly,
that sounds more like Nathan.
Yeah.
I suppose it does.
()
Oh, my sweet child.
You're as white as a sheet.
I bet you've not had a bite
to eat all day.
Let's have you lie down
before you fall over.
Come on, now.
-Oh.
-I'm fine.
It's just my time
of the month is all.
Make you nice and comfy there.
All right?
It must have been an awful
shock to hear about your man.
I'll be back before you have
a chance to miss me.
JESSIE:
You're a miracle worker,
Mrs. Hollyhock.
I don't know
what I'd do without you.
(MUNCHING)
Well, that tea did the trick.
She'll be asleep till morning,
for sure.
Y'all enjoying the stew?
Oh, it's better than fine,
ma'am.
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
Good.
Well, there's plenty more.
What are your plans,
Mr. Logan?
Got a family to rush off to,
I imagine.
No, no family.
Just, uh, me and my horse.
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
Hmm.
Are you and your horse
ridin' out tonight?
You can't stay here, of course.
Well, you know,
truth be told, I--
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
Because iffen you're interested,
I've got a room
to let above my mercantile.
You remind me of my son.
So it's yours,
if you're interested,
for a day or two,
or however long you need it.
Well, that'll give that bullet
wound of yours a couple more
days to heal before you
hit the trail.
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
Ooh.
You were shot, Mr. Logan.
Mm-hmm.
CHASE:
Just grazed.
I'm fine.
Well, for a while, we weren't
sure if he'd pull through,
but Mrs. Strong did a fine job
tendin' to him.
He was just about as helpless as
a frozen snake lyin' in her bed.
(CHASE GRUNTS)
Well, shortly after I arrived,
I was out hunting',
and yeah, somebody shot me.
Gabe here tracked me down,
brought me back to the cabin,
and, uh, well, Mrs. Strong
tended to me until I healed up.
You know the rest of the story.
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
When did you say
you arrived here, Mr. Logan?
I didn't.
Come on, let's-- let's go read.
Let's go.
()
My, my, my.
(DISHES CLATTER)
Just what exactly did you plan
to do, Mr. Logan,
after you tasted that
piece of pie?
Not caring what was gonna
happen to Jessie?
Leaving her with two mouths
to feed--
Now, you hold on just a minute!
You should be ashamed
of yourself
at cozying up to her,
playing off of her sympathy.
That is not the way
it happened at all.
And her being a married woman
and all!
She ain't married no more.
What chances does she have
of finding a decent husband
after folks find out that
she's been living out here
with the likes of you?
Likes of me?
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
You know
what kind of a life a girl like
that has when she's ruint!
You've seen 'em entertaining
upstairs from the saloon.
Oh, I reckon you know
those types of girls real well,
Mr. Logan.
Jessie deserves
better than that,
and them young'uns, too.
So you, you saddle up
and you get on out of here!
Not until I speak to Jessie.
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
You are not
wakin' her up tonight.
Gather up your gear,
and you head out to that barn,
and you sleep with the animals
where you should be.
(INSECTS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE)
(DOOR CREAKS OPEN AND SHUTS)
()
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
I was assuming
you'd be gone by now.
But, since you ain't...
Here.
I'll be here
in the morning, too.
Hmm.
I ain't one to mince words,
Mr. Logan.
I'm hoping
you do the honorable thing
and marry the girl.
Her destiny is in your hands.
Them young'uns, too.
Well, I'll talk to Jessie
in the mornin'.
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
See that you do.
Gabe's runnin' to town
to fetch the preacher
first thing in the morning.
Sleep well, Mr. Logan.
Some guardian angel.
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
Jessie, I need to talk to you
about somethin'.
JESSIE:
What's wrong?
I know Mr. Logan has been
staying here
for quite some time.
And that you helped nurse him
back to health
after he got shot.
Yes, that's true.
And Gabe tells me that
he hasn't spent every night
in the barn neither.
It's not what you think.
I only have your best
interests at heart
when I tell you iffen this
gets out, which it will,
what, with your husband
being gone, no chaperone,
you'll be ruined for sure.
Well, he needed my help.
It was the Christian thing
to do.
Well, maybe so,
but you are in a pickle
and there is only one way out.
If what you're thinkin'--
I've already sent Gabe
into town to fetch the preacher.
You can't force me to marry him!
Calm down!
I am sure once you consider
the circumstances,
you'll see that
this is for the best.
But I don't even like him.
He's moody, and bossy,
and stubborn as an old mule.
My sweet child,
this is your choice.
Marry Mr. Logan
and keep your children.
The folks in this town
won't let you keep that girl.
Neither will a district judge.
That little girl
is goin' to be branded
for the rest of her life,
just like you.
I'd like to speak to Jessie.
Alone.
Mm-hmm.
Be my guest.
I'll be outside
with my scatter gun.
JESSIE:
You were so good
to come back and help me.
I can't let you do this.
CHASE:
Look, I know you don't wanna get
roped into this thing any more
than I do.
But I don't wanna see you
lose Sarah.
And even more,
I don't want Sarah to lose you.
But you're not
the settling down type.
You told me yourself.
Never mind what I told you.
(TAKES A DEEP BREATH)
We'll get married today.
And after making you
a respectable woman,
I'll write off to work and, uh,
well, the same thing
that happened to Nathan
can happen to me.
That's a horrible idea.
Yeah, well, there are other
ideas more horrible
than this one.
(BIRDS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE)
I'll do it.
For Sarah's sake.
And Gabe's, too.
CHASE:
Good.
I was worried you wouldn't see
the sense of it all.
But a wedding vow is sacred.
And if I say the words,
I'll mean it.
And I'll do my best to love you
as my husband,
until death do us part.
And how you treat the words
is between you and the Lord.
Well, that settles it, then.
Best get ready for your wedding.
PRIEST:
Good times and in bad,
in sickness and in health,
till death do you part?
I do.
PRIEST:
Do you, Chase,
Take this woman, Jessie,
to be your lawfully wedded wife,
in sickness and in health,
until death do you part?
I do.
In the eyes of God,
I pronounce you
husband and wife.
You may now kiss your bride,
Mr. Logan.
(PEN SCRIBBLES)
PRIEST:
Folks, you have to forgive me,
but I gotta get a move on.
Oh, you got more people
to marry today?
Oh, I'm afraid not.
There was a girl murdered up
near Clancy just a week ago.
Lord have mercy.
-PRIEST: 13 years old.
-MRS. HOLLYHOCK: Oh, dear.
She's already buried,
but the family wants to have
a proper memorial.
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
Oh, of course.
Step up.
You must be starvin'.
I wanna fix you a nice supper.
That'd be fine.
Think I'll take Cody
for a run, clear my head.
(DOOR SLAMS)
(DOOR CREAKS AND SHUTS)
(GRUNTS)
JESSIE:
Everything's ready.
Take a seat.
How's your head?
What's the rush?
I just wanna get you fed
and this mess cleaned up.
It's been a long day.
About the longest day
of my life,
and it ain't yet half over.
(LID SLAMS)
You know, someone with a lick
of sense wouldn't have gotten
themselves roped into this
stupid situation.
Stupid situation's right.
JESSIE:
I just figured
you smarter than that.
Guess I was wrong.
(SNIGGERS)
Now I see why Nathan
was working halfway across
the territory.
Couldn't stand your sassy mouth.
(CLUNK)
You know, maybe if you weren't
getting on his every nerve,
he'd been home
where he belonged,
and he'd still be alive!
(SIZZLES)
-(GROANS)
-(THUD)
CHASE:
Oh.
Oh, geez.
Oh, well, let me see.
Come on, let me see.
All right,
let's go get this cooled down.
Come on, come here.
There you go.
Let me take a look.
Oh, that's not too bad.
I'm sorry I got you
into this stupid mess.
No, I'm...
I'm really sorry
for what I said.
Thank you.
You know, sleepin' out
in the lean-to,
I've been noticing it
needs a little fixing.
Come morning,
I'll ride Cody out,
find a fallen tree
to patch it up.
All right.
How about I help you
clean up this mess?
Mrs. Logan.
(CHUCKLES)
()
()
(YELLS)
(CODY TROTTING)
(DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS)
(BIRDS CHIRPING IN BACKGROUND)
Still waitin' on that kiss,
sugar pie.
Ain't no woman ever hit me
and got away with it.
Mm-mm-mm.
(PANTS)
(WHIMPERS)
Shame the cowboy
rode out today, ain't it?
-(JESSIE SCREAMS)
-(LONNIE GROANS)
(GRUNTING)
LONNIE:
Go ahead now.
Fight me.
I like that.
(WHIMPERS)
Yeah, yeah.
(WHIMPERS)
(GRUNTING)
(PANTS)
(GRUNTING)
JESSIE:
Chase!
-(GRUNTS)
-(GROANS)
Did he hurt you?
Thank God, you're all right.
(JESSIE SOBS)
LONNIE:
I'm gonna burn this place!
I know you hear me!
You should've told me about him.
Was there anyone else with him?
No.
CHASE:
He's hollerin' blood
and fire out there.
LONNIE:
(INDISTINCT SPEECH)
You hear me?
I'll kill you for this!
Claims his brother will hunt
us down, kill us all.
Don't mean anything.
I'm gonna turn him
into the sheriff.
You best get your things
together.
It ain't safe for you
and the young'uns
around here no more.
You gotta clear out.
Where would I go?
I know of this little place.
Two weeks ride of here.
It's called Logan Meadows.
The town wasn't named after me.
I named myself after the town.
Is that where your place is?
Nothin' fancy, but it'll do
for you, and Gabe, and Sarah.
That's your place, though.
We can't take it and leave you
with nothin'.
Hey...
When I saw you today, hurt...
I'm not certain about
too many things lately
except if you hadn't been
here today...
First time in my life,
I feel like I'm doin'
somethin' important.
You know, somethin' good.
Maybe it'll make up
for all those times
I let people down.
I think you're better
than you know.
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
Oh, baby.
Look at your face.
Start talking.
Do I need to go fetch
my scatter gun?
It wasn't Chase.
It was Lonnie.
But Chase beat him good.
So where is he now?
Back at the cabin.
And Chase went to go
get the sheriff.
(SIGHS)
I've got somethin' to tell you.
Chase has a place
about two weeks' ride west.
What kinda place?
JESSIE:
A small little spread.
Good for horse and cattle.
In a town called Logan Meadows.
Oh.
I know it well.
You know, I was kinda hopin'
that you were gonna settle
down here.
I'll write you every month.
Mm.
You know, it ain't the same.
I was lookin' forward to
watching them young'uns grow up.
You could come visit.
You know, I just hadn't figured
on that, that's all.
I need to get a compress
for that face of yours.
Honey.
MRS. HOLLYHOCK: (SNIFFLES)
Oh, Jessie.
I will miss you.
JESSIE:
I'll miss you, too.
Ready?
()
CHASE:
Hup.
()
()
GABE:
I'm gonna go check up ahead.
CHASE:
All right.
JESSIE:
Be careful.
You know, he wants to be
just like you.
He could do a lot better.
He could do a lot worse.
()
You know, you never told me
how you and Nathan first met.
Maybe that's because
it's not exactly a fairy tale.
Well, you don't have to tell me
if you don't want.
(HORSES TROTTING
AND BIRDS CHIRPING)
When I was 16, Mr. Hobbs
turned me out.
It wasn't his fault.
It was the rule there.
But he said there was a woman
in another town that
had a job for me at a laundry.
And he gave me enough money
to get there.
But when I arrived,
she had just died.
And there was no job for me.
And I was broke.
(HORSES TROTTING
AND BIRDS CHIRPING)
You know there's nothing
you could tell me that
would make me think
less of you.
Well, after goin' to every
business in town
looking for a job,
I found myself at the last
place on the street.
A saloon.
The kind where men
go to meet women.
I stood out front just staring
at the door for a long time.
A woman came out
and invited me in
to have somethin' to eat.
And she was kind.
And even though
she was a whore,
she wanted to help me.
And after a hot bath and a meal,
she let me borrow
some clean clothes.
Everyone there worked
for a horrible man.
He was big, and fat, and sweaty.
He said he had a room there
if I wanted to work for him.
It's okay.
Go on.
He said I could keep half
of what I made.
I didn't think
I had any other choice.
I started that night.
That was the night I met Nathan.
He was my first customer.
And it was later that
we got married.
Nathan always was the lucky one.
()
-(FIRE CRACKLING)
-(INSECTS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE)
MAN 2:
Howdy.
(APPROACHING FOOTFALLS)
(SADDLE THUMPS)
Evening.
Mmm.
Ma'am.
Smells real good.
Say, you wouldn't mind sharin'
some vittles with me now,
would you?
We'd mind.
Well, I ain't talkin' to you.
(CHUCKLES)
I was just kiddin'.
Say, I was just
passing on through.
You wouldn't happen to know
how far it is
to Valley Springs now,
would you?
CHASE:
About a day.
Maybe two.
By horse.
Phew!
Well, it is gettin' mighty late.
So you wouldn't mind if I, uh...
You best be pushin' on.
(FIRE CRACKLING)
You ain't too friendly now,
are you?
()
(SPITS)
()
You folks have a...
...peaceful night.
Who was that?
Trouble.
SHERIFF:
Get out of the way!
(GRUNTING)
(THWACK)
That will settle ya!
(DOOR SQUEAKS AND SHUTS)
(KEYS JANGLING)
()
You're gonna die for that.
CHASE:
He crossed the tree line
about three miles back.
Good. Then we're safe.
CHASE:
Hardly.
A side-winder like that
doesn't come at you straight on.
I'll stay and watch with you.
I need you to get some shut eye,
all right?
Who knows what tomorrow might
bring?
()
GABE:
What if that drifter
knew Lonnie?
It crossed my mind, but he never
came back for us last night.
What if it's Lonnie's brother?
He could be anybody.
By the time that drifter
figures things out,
we'll be in Logan Meadows.
Just in case, huh?
()
()
-SARAH: What was that?
-JESSIE: It's okay, It's okay.
It's just a nightmare.
Go back to sleep.
I don't see anybody.
I'll keep watch, just the same.
Hush, little baby,
don't say a word
Momma's gonna buy you
a mockingbird
And if that mockingbird
don't sing
Momma's gonna buy you
a diamond ring
(KEYS JANGLE, DOOR UNLOCKS)
JESSIE:
And if that diamond ring
is brass
SHERIFF:
Mr. Shepard here says
they found this in your pocket.
JESSIE:
Papa's gonna buy you
a looking glass
Where'd you get it from?
And if that looking glass
gets broke
(SPITS)
JESSIE:
Papa's gonna buy you
a billy goat
La, la, la, la, la,
la, la, la
MAN 3:
You're in my custody now.
You're gonna hang in Clancy.
La, la, la, la, la,
la, la, la
(GUNSHOTS)
(THUDDING)
(APPROACHING FOOTFALLS)
You ain't saved no fun for me.
Yours is out on the trail,
brother.
(HORSES GALLOPING)
()
()
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
So classic.
()
Oh.
(DOOR OPENS)
-Frank.
-Chase!
(SIGHS)
FRANK:
Oh.
You look wonderful, my friend.
It's good to see you, Frank.
Real good.
I was worried about you.
Your telegram said that
you'd be here a few days ago.
Well, you move a bit slower
with a family, I suppose.
FRANK:
Oh, you look good, my friend.
Marriage really agrees with you.
(CHUCKLES)
Chase, I have something for you.
(FOOTFALLS, LETTER RUSTLES)
I don't want to give this
to you,
but I know
it's the right thing to do.
It's from Molly.
It fell between the boards
of the post office.
By the time it turned up,
you were long gone.
I've been savin' it
for your return.
(SIGHS)
What's it say?
Chase, I just suggest
that you burn this
and live your life.
What does it say, Frank?
This letter does not change
the fact
that you have a family now.
(LETTER RUSTLES)
-(BANG)
-Read it.
(CLAPPING, GIGGLING)
Jessie, I'd like you to meet
a good friend of mine.
This is Frank Llyod.
Pleased to meet you,
Mr. Lloyd.
Oh, believe me,
the pleasure is all mine.
I finally get to meet
the only woman
this side of the Pecos
who could possibly tame
Chase Logan.
And who's this lovely
young woman?
CHASE:
Well, this here is Sarah.
Hello, Sarah.
CHASE:
And that hombre there is Gabe.
Gabe, how was your trip?
Fine.
Well, that's a very
lovely dress.
She's a bit shy.
(CHUCKLES)
Well, I can't wait to show you
all your new home.
I'd plumb wore myself out
fixin' it up
since your telegram.
I hope you like
what I've done with it.
I have no doubts, Frank.
Well, Mrs. Logan, are you ready
to see your new home?
Yes.
()
FRANK:
Well, come on.
Frank, we don't have time
for a social call.
Uh, we just, uh,
we wanna go home.
This is no social call, Chase.
This is your home.
What?
Um, go on.
(FOOTFALLS THUDDING)
How?
Well, Hollister was
a degenerate gambler.
He lost this place to the bank.
I tried to help him,
but he didn't wanna help
himself,
so I turned to the only man
in town who had the money
to buy up the mortgage.
You.
Uh, it doesn't hurt that
this property borders up against
yours over at Shady Creek.
I guess that makes you kind of
a land baron now, doesn't it?
-(FOOTFALLS THUDDING)
-(CHUCKLES)
GABE:
Sarah, come outside!
There's a swing!
-(SARAH GIGGLES)
-Uh.
()
I've never seen such a sight.
(DOOR OPENS, CREAKS)
(CLEARS THROAT)
Go on, woman.
It's yours.
()
Something wrong, Mrs. Logan?
You don't like it?
It's like a dream.
Well, I'll leave you two
for a spell.
CHASE:
Hey.
What's wrong?
I'm leaving.
Tonight.
What do you mean you're leaving?
The children and I
will go to Shady Creek,
stay the night there,
till I have a chance
to think things through.
Are you touched
in the head, huh?
Look at this place.
CHASE:
Yeah.
This is the chance
of a lifetime.
I can't take this from you.
Jess, it's gonna be fine.
All right?
Come morning, you'll wonder
what you got all
worked up about.
No.
If I stick to our plan,
you'll leave,
and that's not fair to you.
()
(SIGHS)
()
()
()
-CHASE: Jess!
-(GASPS)
You gave me a fright.
You shouldn't be out here
alone at night, it ain't safe.
Please don't be mad at me.
I can't bear it when you're mad.
I'm afraid you're gonna ride off
and never come back.
I just don't know
what you want anymore.
I want you to be happy.
I don't want you to feel bound
because of Nathan, or Sarah,
or me, and Gabe.
You've done more for us
than any six people could have.
I do what I do
because you make me happy.
Your smile, your touch,
everything about you.
Now we've been riding this
wide circle around each other.
How do you feel about me?
I'm afraid that
what I say will trap you.
Hey.
You couldn't trap me
if you tried.
I love you.
()
Oh, wait.
Please.
I don't wanna surprise you,
but I have to show you
something.
What is it?
()
JESSIE:
It's disgusting.
I know.
-I'm sorry.
-No, no, no, no, no.
That's not that at all. I...
I'm just thinkin' how bad
that must have hurt.
How did that happen?
JESSIE:
There was a fire
at the orphanage.
Sarah was trapped in a room,
and I couldn't leave her there.
Oh, so that's why...
That hurt?
No.
(PECKS)
Does that hurt?
No.
()
So you gonna tell me?
Tell you what?
How a girl
who became a saloon girl,
and married her first John,
could still be a virgin?
Until last night, you mean.
(CHUCKLES)
Yeah.
Until last night.
(BIRDS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE)
(GROANS)
I never finished my story.
Nathan was my first customer,
but he took one look at me
and started cryin'.
Hmm.
It made me feel terrible.
He said I looked
just like his sister,
and that his sister
was ruint by a drifter,
and that he wouldn't have
any part of ruinin' me.
That sounds like Nathan.
JESSIE:
But I told him that
if he didn't,
the next cowhand would.
Instead,
he took me over
to the next town.
He figured that I should
at least be married,
so I agreed.
After we got married,
I offered myself to him.
He said I still looked just
like his sister,
and he couldn't do
the deed.
CHASE:
Well, Nathan was a good man.
In his own way.
So while we have our cards
out on the table...
Mm-hmm.
...you wanna tell me
about Molly.
Was she beautiful?
Very.
What happened to her?
Well, she was at
the Logan Meadows bank
makin' a deposit on my behalf
when it was robbed.
She disappeared with the outlaw.
Sheriff looked for her.
I tried to pick up the trail,
but no luck.
I let her down.
I-- I let Nathan down.
And my biggest worry now
is that, uh,
I'll let you down, too.
You never have,
and you never will.
()
(MUFFLED SCREAMS IN DISTANCE)
(DOOR SHUTS)
(HORSES GALLOPING IN DISTANCE)
Sarah?
Sarah?
(FOOTFALLS THUDDING)
JESSIE:
Sarah!
(PANTING)
Chase!
(PANTS)
JESSIE:
Gabe!
(QUICK FOOTFALLS)
-What happened?
-I don't know.
And Sarah, she's gone.
I can't find her.
All right, let's get him
inside first.
Let's go. Come on, buddy.
All right.
Get something for his head.
(GRUNTS)
There you go.
Chase, I'm comin' with you.
You stay here in case Sarah
or anyone else comes back.
JESSIE:
I found this around Gabe's neck.
I gave this to Nathan
when we got married.
He had it with him always.
I had that on me
the day I got shot.
I was supposed to
give it to you,
but whoever shot me
must have stolen it.
-Well, then that means...
-It was Lonnie.
JESSIE:
Chase, you get Sarah back,
and you kill the man
that took her if you have to.
(CODY NEIGHING, GALLOPING)
()
()
JESSIE:
My dearest Chase,
I know you were looking for me.
I didn't wanna be found.
But I wonder now if we can
share this new exciting life.
If you can accept me this way,
come and find me.
I love you as much as ever.
SARAH:
Take me home!
LONNIE:
Quit your whining!
You understand me?
(GABE GROANS)
Where am I?
You're safe.
That drifter.
He's got Sarah.
JESSIE:
You need to get some rest.
GABE:
I came upon him,
told him to let her go,
but then--
I-- I don't know what happened.
Chase will find her,
and Lord help Lonnie
when he does.
Let her go, Lonnie.
GABE:
Lonnie?
That means there's two of 'em.
They're gonna ambush Chase!
(GASPS)
(GUN COCKS)
Time's up, cowboy.
Why don't you go on
and, uh, drop that pistol?
(SPITS)
MAN 2:
Go on.
(THUMP)
Run, Sarah!
No, let go!
(BOTH GRUNTING)
(PANTING)
(GUNSHOTS)
(GRUNTING)
(THWACK)
(GUN COCKS)
(GUNSHOTS)
(THUD)
CHASE:
Sarah!
Sarah!
(SARAH PANTING)
-CHASE: Sarah! You all right?
-(GASPS)
(GUN COCKS)
Uh-uh, oh, cowboy.
You still ain't friendly.
(GUNSHOT FIRES)
(TAKING DEEP BREATHS)
SARAH:
Mommy!
(BOTH PANTING)
JESSIE:
Are you okay?
(SARAH SOBS)
You tracked us?
Yes, sir.
Good work, son.
()
FRANK:
Oh.
Well, there you are.
Frank, what brings you here?
I brought you all a visitor.
MRS. HOLLYHOCK:
Well, well, well.
I hope you all have an appetite.
I made roasted chicken
and mashed potatoes.
-Oh, so good to see you, honey.
-Oh.
Mm.
And how long you visiting for?
Oh, I'm not visiting.
I'm Logan Meadow's
newest resident.
Hmm.
Welcome home, Miss Hollyhock.
Oh.
Oh, thank you, Chase.
FRANK:
She just bought
the Red Rooster Inn today.
Mm-hmm.
As soon as she signed the deed,
she insisted that I bring
her out here to see y'all.
Why would you move
all the way out here?
Oh, Jessie,
do you even have to ask?
Come here, you two.
Oh, I missed you.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Chase.
We need to talk.
I found your letter from Molly.
She asked you to come find her,
and I think you have to.
It's your unfinished business,
and I can't expect to be
more important than that.
You want me to leave?
JESSIE:
I don't want you leave.
But I feel you have to.
Truth is,
you don't love me anyway.
Now, that ain't true.
That night in the barn,
when I told you I loved you,
you never said it back.
You never said it at all.
()
You're the only woman
for me, Jessie.
I love you,
Mrs. Logan.
I love you,
Mr. Logan.
()
()
()
I'm lying on the floor
Hard to breathe
I need something bigger
Bigger than just me
Oh, desperate desperation
Fighting not to feel
Waves of my emotions
Amplify my fears
Save me, save me
Come into this room
right now
Help me see
a clear way, oh
Save me, save me
Come into this space
right now
'Cause I don't see
a clear way out
()
Can you hear the voices
Speaking death to me
Eyes can't see the faces
Tears can't drown the sound
Oh, desolate desolation
Feeling more alone
I don't have the answers
So I shout
Save me, save me
Come into this room
right now
Help me see
a clear way out
Save me, save me
Come into this space
right now
'Cause I don't see
a clear way out
Oh, yeah
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh,
Who can change the hurtin'
Who can get me out
I scream the name of Jesus
And He heard me shout
Save me, save me
He came into the room
somehow
Broke the chains
and let me out
He saved me,
He saved me
Trace the voices
all the way
Surely He could
hear me say
Save me, He saved me
I become
the living proof
That Jesus, He saved me
()